《Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster’s Power》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    I woke up in a daze after hearing a series of loud knocks at the door. My head was pounding, I shouldn''t have stayed up sotest night readingics. It''s a bad habit of mine.


    "Jay! Rent is due."


    Ahhhh man, is it the first of the month already?? I grab my ck jeans with rips in the knees off the foot of my bed and put them on. I couldn''t find the shirt I was wearingst night so decided I''d look for itter.


    "I''ll be right there Mr. Winser, give me a minute."


    I open my bedside table. There''s 2 silver coins, 36 bronze coins, my iron dagger, and a half empty bottle of water I bought on the way back from dungeon divingst night. With a sigh of relief, I grabbed the 2 silver coins and walked over to my door.


    "Here you go sir, have a nice day."


    Mr. Winser grabbed the coins and nodded at me.


    "See ya next month kid."


    I close the door and mentally rx myself a bit.


    Rent is paid, life is good... Out of nowhere I started to feel lightheaded and my vision started going blurry. Luckily I caught myself on the door, shook my head a bit, and straightened up. I walked over to my bed again to grab that left over bottle of water.


    As a chugged it my head started feeling better and I almost heard my younger sister''s voice yelling at me.


    "Jayyy you have to remember to drink your water when you wake up!"


    It''s more like I need to drink more water in general. I get so sucked into my fantasy worlds sometimes, I forget the real world is moving on around me. I start muttering to myself.


    "Sighhhh, alright time to get up."


    I find a new shirt from the closet in the corner of the room, throw on my boots, tuck the iron dagger into a small sheath in my jeans and grab 3 bronze coins before I walk out the door so I can buy some breakfast on my way to the dungeon.


    "Morning Jay, are you going out to hunt today?"


    My neighbor Maria was sitting outside her apartment waiting for me toe out.


    "Yes Maria, just like everyday."


    "You know, I''m going to be a hunter soon too! My first college term starts next week. I''ll get to see my status and be a great hunter just like you ya know."


    "Oh really? Looking forward to it!"


    I really wasn''t taking in all the words she was saying, I was just making small talk and zoning out in my head like usual. She is really pretty though, that was at least half of what I was thinking about during most of our interactions.


    Maria has short blond hair that barely touches her shoulders and bright blue eyes. Plus she says good morning to me pretty much every day since I moved in here a few months ago. She''s my daily dose of dopamine before I go to work in the dungeon everyday.


    After a few more smiles and meaningless conjecture I walk down one flight of stairs to the street to make my way towards my team''s usual meeting spot. I became a hunter myself 2 months ago but not in the conventional way, plus I''m only a porter.. my team''s weakest link. I''m really not as great as she thinks...


    Most people be hunters when they turn 18 or 19 right after they enter college. It''s pretty normal in society for students to pursue a hunter''s career. Over half of the poption is, or was a full time hunter at some point in their life. There''s good money in selling mana crystals for the energy inside them, and also many other magical items for various reasons.


    Most people hunt for 2-4 years while they''re studying in school. It never hurts to get some experience in the dungeons even if you''re going to work in the corporate world.


    My family situation is a bitplicated. I wasn''t able to go to college after high school so I never had the opportunity to open my status early. On my 20th birthday I decided to open my status on my own.


    [2 Months Ago - shback Story]


    Opening your status is what some call "awakening" or "bing a hunter". It''s pretty straight forward. All you have to do is kill a monster in a dungeon and your status will be revealed.


    If you''re not awakened yet it''smon practice to go with an experienced party the first time.


    I woke up on my 20th birthday and decided to do just that. I walked to a dungeon about 3km from my old apartment and paid a party of five 10 bronze each to help me out. Out of pocket it was 50 bronze in total. Half a silver coin is a lot for me, but i thought of it as an investment worth while.


    Other than the money.... I camepletely unprepared, thankfully the party leader lent me his old dagger.


    I went to a dungeon called the "Alpine Square Dungeon", it got the nickname "Starter Dungeon" or the "Alpine Square Starter Dungeon" because it only has goblins. Goblins are some of the weakest monsters. They can be defeated by most normal people without awakened abilities if they have a good weapon.


    The team of five lead me through the dungeon portal. It was a big blue glowing circle standing straight up at a perfect 90 degree angle to the ground. As we walked through, I saw a whole new world i had only read about in the news and inics...


    Dungeons aren''t always as dark and dreadful as the word itself sounds. "Dungeons" are just the name the government decided to give to the urrence of "pocket worlds" popping up. The first urrence was over 80 years ago. The current world and economy is built around the idea of dungeons and hunters as a whole.


    This particr dungeon is a grasnd dungeon. It has a bright blue sky, minimal trees, and thin light green grass that came up to about my knees. The party leader let me admire the new world for a moment before we ventured in.


    We walked in a straight line for about 5 minutes, then I started hearing shuffling and loud grunts.


    A small creature that looked something like a deformed child standing about a meter tall started charging towards me. Its skin was dark green with a face simr to a 90 year old man. It was covered in wrinkles and scars from head to toe.


    The worst part was that I could smell its stench from over 5 meters away. The goblin was holding a dark ck object that looked like a stone sharpened into some kind of makeshift knife.


    "All right boy, we have your back but it''s up to you to take down this goblin. Wee to the dungeon! Hahaha"


    They all startedughing a bit, but the leader seemed very supportive so I felt safe. I held the dagger in my right hand and watched the goblin as it charged towards me. I mumbled...


    "5 meters... 3 meters.... It''s here..."


    With my eyes wide I decided to strike it''s disgusting looking face and quickly lunged in towards the opposite side of its knife hand. It let out a loud squeal as my dagger pierced its right eye and the monster started gushing blood. It came at me again without hesitation. The same move, just a simple charge. I went for its face a second time and had a direct hit followed by quickly jumping out of the way.


    With two sessful attacks I felt confident that I could defeat this goblin without a scratch. I looked at the little green creature as it started sprinting towards me again. To my surprise, this time it grabbed its knife with two hands in the middle of its body. I was thrown off guard so I just jumped out of the way as fast as I could and fell on the ground tripping over my own feet.


    The goblin turned and gave a menacing stare. It sprinted towards me again while I had nowhere to go. I couldn''t get up in time so I decided to take his attack full on. I braced my left arm and took on his attack while positioning myself to counter.


    It was painful, but surprisingly the goblin was not as strong as I expected. It made a small gash in my arm but at the same time I managed to stab it in the neck. It squealed a bit, but within seconds it went limp and fell to the floor.


    "Ayeee, nice job kid. 3 hits, that''s not bad for your first time!"


    He pped a few times and walked over to me.


    I then heard a loud sound ring from inside my head.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 1


    Hp: 7/10


    Mp: 10/10


    Strength: 10


    Speed: 11


    Agility: 12


    Defense: 10


    Mental Strength: 10


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    I looked at the light blue holographic screen in front of my eyes for a full minute in awe with the biggest grin across my face.


    "Hey let me take a look kid, I can tell you what it all means."


    I showed the party leader my status screen.


    "Alright, so now that you''ve awakened you''ve gained a few new abilities normal people don''t have. First of all, you''ve be about 3 times stronger just from awakening. Each of your stats will grow stronger every time you level up. The base level for everyone''s stats is 10, but it looks like your speed and agility have a few extra points. This is pretty normal, it just means you''re going to be more of a speed type fighter than anything else. Your speed and agility will level up a bit faster than your other stats. Not too bad, looks like you''ll be on the front line kid!"


    "T-Thanks! And what about my skill, I research hunters a lot but I''ve never seen this one. Have you?"


    "Hmm absorption, I haven''t seen that exact one. Maybe you got a unique or a rare skill, you''re lucky kid. I''d assume it absorbs HP or MP from your opponent. There''s some gear and magic items that can do that too, but it''s nice you have a skill for it so you wont have to spend any money for those abilities. I''d be happy to have a skill like that, I''m sure guilds will be all over you in a few months."


    "True. Well, thank you again."


    For another 5 minutes I kept staring at my status screen until I heard the grass moving. Right in front of my eyes was another goblin, I went into full attack mode immediately. I lunged at it before it could even react and i cut it down in two shes.


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 2


    Hp: 12/15


    Mp: 15/15


    Strength: 12


    Speed: 13


    Agility: 15


    Defense: 12


    Mental Strength: 12


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    "I leveled up?"


    I muttered as I stared at my status screen again. The team leaderughed a bit.


    "Ahh the good old days, I remember when it was that easy to level up."


    I looked at him with a confused look.


    "What do you mean? What level are you guys?"


    They each showed me their status screens. The leader was a level 37, all the other members were between level 30 and 35.


    "We have been hunting consistently for a little over a year now, mostly just to make a living. This dungeon is a safe and easy way for us to get a good workout in everyday and enjoy our lives."


    As he said that the goblin I just killed started to disappear in front of my eyes. I heard stories that the dungeons absorb monsters once they''ve died, even hunters too. Apparently anything that dies in the dungeon will disappear in a matter of minutes.


    As the goblin disappeared it dropped a small pink crystal behind, it looked about the size of a bronze coin. The team leader picked it up and threw it to me.


    "Catch, it was your kill so it''s your crystal. This one too!"


    He threw me a second crystal, I must have been so focused on my new status that I missed the first goblin that disappeared.


    "Alright, congrats kid. We''re taking you back now, this is what you paid us for."


    We all turned around and trekked back to the dungeon exit.


    10 minutester, we were outside the dungeon standing in Alpine Square Park.


    "Keep the dagger, you''ll need it."


    "Oh really? thanks! A-and thank you for today!"


    They all waved and went back inside the dungeon. I looked down at the dagger and the two small crystals in my hands with a grin on my face.


    "Best birthday ever!"


    I finally achieved a status. I can be a hunter for real now.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    About 500 meters from the starter dungeon is a vige market. It''s where hunters can buy and sell item drops.


    I walked up to an older looking man and asked if he''d buy my mana crystals. The going price is about 1 bronze coin per unit of mana energy. Goblin crystals coincidentally have about 1 unit of mana in them.


    The man took my two crystals and threw them on a small silver dish connected to a machine by the cash register. ck letters on the blue screen read "2.1MU" he handed me two bronze coins and asked for my hunters card.


    "I don''t have one yet, I was awakened today."


    "Oh alright, it''s not going to be problem with this quantity of mana but you should stop by the hunters association and get a card before diving back into the dungeon."


    "You''re right sir, thank you!"


    With my 2 newly earned bronze coins I half skipped my way back to my apartment.


    Right on the corner less than 50 meters from my home is a bakery. I decided to buy myself a cake to celebrate. When I finally got back, I ate the whole thing within a few hours.


    With a full stomach and the added fatigued of fighting my first monster today I drifted off to sleep dreaming of my adventures toe.


    The next morning I took the first train straight to the hunters association. As I watched the houses fly by out the window I opened up my status and saw that my HP had fully recovered overnight as well as the sh on my arm. I smiled and just stared at my status the whole trip.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 2


    Hp: 15/15


    Mp: 15/15


    Strength: 12


    Speed: 13


    Agility: 15


    Defense: 12


    Mental Strength: 12


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    When I walked inside a middle aged women with long ck hair and a blinding white smile greeted me.


    "Hi wee to the hunters association, how can we help you today?"


    "U-Uhh I need to register. I was awakened yesterday."


    "Alright perfecte this way."


    I followed her to a small booth area where she immediately said "smile" and took my picture. She said asked me to open my status so I showed her. She nced at it quickly and wrote my name followed by my level in a notepad with many other names in it.


    "Alright, thank you foring in today. Please wait 5 minutes for me."


    "Okay."


    She went into a back room for a few minutes. I waited patiently. The woman came back out with that same blinding white smile on her face and gave me a small card.


    It looked just like a driver''s license. It had my name, my picture, the association''s logo, and arge letter "E" on the top right side of the card.


    There is a ss system for hunters. Once you''re awakened you are automatically given the "E ss" appraisal. It''s the most basic hunters ID you can acquire. I looked at it bright eyed.


    "Thank you very much!"


    "My pleasure, have a nice day sir. You''re wee toe back anytime."


    I walked out the front door and took the train straight to "Alpine Square Park" , the stop right in front of the Alpine Square Dungeon. I got off the train and made my way over to the glowing blue portal. I muttered to myself.


    "It''s time."


    I jumped through the portal and found myself in the very familiar grasnd. I trekked forward full of confidence with my dagger drawn. I came across a goblin within minutes of my march.


    It was a quick battle. The monster came at me but I''m much faster and agile than I was in myst battle. I swiftly shed and dodged, then on its second charge I did it again.


    "Easy, bring it on"


    I waited about a minute and a half catching my breath while waiting for the mana crystal to appear. I grabbed the crystal and shoved it in my back pocket. By then I heard another goblin sound 20 meters to my left. I sprinted over and saw two goblins together looking up at me.


    One charged forward making it much easier to focus on that one first. I sprinted straight as well, taking it down in two swift strikes. The second had begun its charge just like the first. Again, an easy victory. These goblins aren''t the brightest are they...?


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 3


    Hp: 20/20


    Mp: 20/20


    Strength: 15


    Speed: 16


    Agility: 18


    Defense: 14


    Mental Strength: 15


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    Although my health was full, my body isn''t used to this kind of battle situation. So after just 3 goblins I''ve be pretty fatigued. I decided to make my way back to the portal before I venture in too far. On my way back I confronted one more goblin, but it was not a problem. In two shes the pest was taken care of, but I was definitely nearing my limit.


    I made it out and decided to go to the market to sell my mana and eat something. After about an hour I was feeling a bit better. I was able to go back in the dungeon and defeat 3 more goblins. I didn''t level up again, but I gained a lot of experience towards my future levels and fighting in the field. I got home that day and sprawled out on my bed in exhaustion. I didn''t realize hunting was so tiring.


    I decided my goal for tomorrow as I drifted off into blissful sleep. I need to figure out how to use my skill.


    The next morning I woke up feeling as good as new. I also just remembered rent on my apartment is due in a week and a half. I either have to pay rent here or find a new ce to live. It may not be a bad idea to find a ce closer to the dungeon. It takes me almost an hour to walk there. I''ll make sure to take a look around when I have the time. Today I''m focusing on my skill.


    When I finally made my way to the Alpine Square Dungeon entrance I took a deep breath and dove in for my second day of solo exploring.


    I took it easy at first, defeating 2 goblins pretty quickly as a warm up. Then again, I heard the voice ring in my head.


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 4


    Hp: 25/25


    Mp: 25/25


    Strength: 17


    Speed: 18


    Agility: 21


    Defense: 16


    Mental Strength: 17


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    I noticed that certain stats have been leveling up at different rates. They have been growing about 2-3 points per level. It seems fighting just goblins will make it harder and harder to level up because it takes much more experience each time.


    While deep in thought I decided to do a little test. The next goblin that appeared came charging towards me, I let it cut my arm. My HP fell to 23/25. I wanted to see if while fighting this goblin I could use my skill to absorb HP for myself.


    I locked my eyes on the goblin and tried to use my skill. Repeating "absorption" in my mind over and over.


    I have gone to many events where famous hunters exin their skills, this is how they all say they use them. So it must be the same for me.


    Nothing happened. I tried over and over, dodging attacks and repeating "absorption" again and again in my mind until I just started yelling it out loud too. I tried making contact with the goblin as well, I thought maybe I needed to be touching the target to absorb HP. Again, nothing.


    Lastly, I repeated my skills name as I shed the goblin 2 times. Nothing. My HP was still at 23/25, and my MP was staying still at 25/25. I was beginning to get a little tired and pretty annoyed. I made my way back to the dungeon exit gate and fought 2 more goblins trying all kinds of possible variations. Still, no luck.


    I stepped out of the gate with 5 goblin mana crystals and all of a sudden realized what the problem may be... I said in a hushed voice.


    "What if it''s MP absorption..?"


    As it dawned on me I was pretty disappointed, but it also wasn''t the end of the world.


    MP is used up when a skill is used. If my skill is for MP absorption it can only be used when my MP isn''t full. The only way to deplete my MP is to use a skill.... So there lies my problem. I basically don''t have a skill.


    I slowly walked to the vige center and cashed in my 5 mana crystals for 5 bronze coins. I bought a big sandwich at one of the local shops to replenish some energy and really think about my situation.


    When people are awakened about half of them receive a skill(1/2 people). Some of the mostmon skills are body hardening, swordsmanship, and Speed Boosts. These are all basic traits that will boost a stat or help inbat. There are also rare skills like healing magic, HP/MP recovery, and various types ofbat magic(fire,water,wind,earth,ice,ect...). These rare skills awaken in about 1/20 people.


    Then there are unique skills, it''s rather rare but not impossible. About 1/1000 people have a unique skill, one that has never been reported before.


    There have also been cases of hunters having more than one skill. About 1/100 hunters have 2 skills. Having 2 skills is rare, but not to unheard of in the huntingmunity. Usually hunters with 2 skills rise up through the ranks much quicker, so a higher percent of the top hunters have 2 skills. It''s rumored that a hunter could have more than 2, but there''s nobody in the public eye with 3 or more skills so It''s still just a rumor.


    My skill would have been perfect if I had a good second skill. I could replenish my MP and use another skill unlimited times. What a waste.


    I decided to do a bit more testing the second half of the day but had no luck. I defeated 5 more goblins and stayed at level 4. I traded my 5 mana for bronze coins and walked home. I was kind of bummed out that my skill was a bust but there''s nothing I can do about it.


    I just have to level up and get stronger. For the rest of the week I dove into the dungeon every day. After 7 days straight of grinding goblins I was able to level up 4 more times.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 8


    Hp: 45/45


    Mp: 45/45


    Strength: 26


    Speed: 29


    Agility: 33


    Defense: 24


    Mental Strength: 25


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    Thatst level up took me over 25 goblins to achieve. I am definitely getting stronger, and I''m able to stay in the dungeon to fight for much longer as well. I can defeat most goblins in 1 sh, but it''s getting harder and harder to level up each time. Also my walk to and from the dungeon every morning and night is really starting to get to be a hassle. I think it''s a good idea to move in to an apartment closer to the dungeon and the vige center.


    Over the next week I continued hunting everyday and moved into a new apartment managed by an old man named Mr. Winser. He seemed nice, but for some reason was never in a good mood. Rent here is 2 silver coins a month. If I hunt and and save about 7 bronze coins a day(210 in 30 days), everything over that will be profit. It''s a bit more pricey than my old ce, but it''s definitely worth it. I can easily survive on 5-10 bronze a day for meals, I just hope I don''t need much new gear. If I can make 15-20 bronze a day on average I should be fine.


    Now that I live close to the dungeon life is a bit easier, but my level has only gone up by 2 during this full week of hunting.


    [Open Status]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 10


    Hp: 55/55


    Mp: 55/55


    Strength: 31


    Speed: 34


    Agility: 38


    Defense: 29


    Mental Strength: 30


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    I finally hit double digits. I''m happy but also a bit concerned. It took well over 100 goblins for me to level up 2 times. Goblins are a good source of money, but I won''t be getting much stronger while fighting them anymore. I have to find a new strategy.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    There are 3 types of dungeons in this world.


    The first being the "stable dungeons". Alpine Square Dungeon is a stable dungeon. It has arge open environment where monsters are spawned in very regrly. There is a boss in stable dungeons, a party can challenge this boss as many times as they''d like and the dungeon will remain exactly the same. Hunters are able to enter and leave the dungeon as they wish, monsters are not.


    The second type is called a "dungeon break", it''s simr to a stable dungeon because it has a wide open environment where many monsters spawn but the difference is the boss can only be fought once. After the boss is defeated the dungeon will disappear. There are two ways a dungeon break can happen. The mostmon way is a dungeon will appear in our world as they do from time to time, but the portal will be red. This indicates it is a different type of dungeon. Once hunters enter, both hunters and monsters are able to enter and leave as they wish. Keeping the safety of citizens in mind, it is a top priority to defeat the boss and clear these dungeons as fast as possible. A lessmon urrence is when a stable dungeon turns into a dungeon break. When this happens the monsters are able to wander out into our world, the same urgency applies here. Hunters swarm to defeat the final boss during dungeon breaks because often there are much better item drops.


    Lastly, the third dungeon is called abyrinth dungeon. It appears as a green portal. Only hunters are able to move in and out of this dungeon. Labyrinth dungeons are a series of stable dungeons "stacked" together to create a maze of dungeons. Once you start abyrinth dungeon, the only way to the next "floor" or next "dungeon" is by defeating the one before it. After each boss battle you are allowed to enter white portals that bring you to the next "floor". The only way back is by following your foot steps. You''re able to retreat, and on the way back you do not have to re-fight the boss battles. They do spawn in, but if you can avoid them it''s simple to make it back to the outside world in one piece. Somebyrinth dungeons have been said to have over 100 floors. Others have been reported having 10-15. They are really a mystery, all we know is the difficulty of monster gets higher the farther you travel in. If you can defeat the final floor, thebyrinth dungeon is cleared and disappears. This is the rarest dungeon type.


    _____________


    Today I decided to try and find a party that would let me be a porter for their boss raid. The rmended level to subjugate the boss at Alpine Square Dungeon was a team of 5 at level 20, or solo at level 30. I am not strong enough to fight the boss myself, but as a porter I''ll be able to gain some exp and also study the bosses movements for future battles.


    After standing around in the vige market for about 30 minutes I finally found a team looking for a porter.


    "Yeah we''ll do 25 bronze for the day. Carry our bag, and stay out of the way. We''re going in for 6 hours, we''ll fight the boss twice. You up for it?"


    "Y-Yes I''m in."


    I followed the leader out of the market with the rest of the team, he didn''t look much older than me. We looked about the same height too, around 180cm. He carried a long silver sword and walked very confidently.


    "Ya know, I hit level 26st night. One of these days I think I''ll face the boss solo, my swordsmanship skill is getting pretty refined."


    Some of the other team members grinned a bit. A bigger guy in the back of the party that looked like their tank said:


    "Yeah yeah boss. We''re all over level 20 as well, we could take a crack at the boss solo too pretty soon, I bet we would gain a lot more Exp instead of splitting it 5 ways each time. With my body hardening I''m able to take more hits than all of you, the boss will be a piece of cake once I gain a few more levels."


    Then a thin women with long brown hair standing next to the tank said:


    "Maybe in a few months, we need more levels before we can try anything that stupid. Leader, I don''t know why we have to hire a porter every time though. They just leach off our exp every battle. We would level up much faster without one."


    "Well, would you like to carry our gear?"


    The team leader pointed at me carrying their oversized bag filled with food and random gear they probably will never use. The women just rolled her eyes. Thest member of the party chuckled a bit but didn''t say a word. He was about 160cm with short messy blond hair. He carried two silver daggers. He must be their speed type, he looks like a skilled fighter. They fight in a team of 4, plus me the porter so 5. One tank, one swordsman, one speed type that uses daggers, and a mage. I overheard the women talking about magic before we left, but I don''t know her skill exactly. I''m going to assume she has a rare magic skill. This will be my first time witnessing a team fight, also it''s my first time raiding a final boss. I''m both excited and nervous.


    After we entered the dungeon we followed the team leader with the sword deep into the dungeon. We have been walking for well over an hour. Whenever goblinse anywhere near our team someone finishes them off in one blow. I was caught off guard when the woman raised both her hands in front of herself and let out a massive st of fire. It was a huge fireball around a meter in diameter that shot out 3 meters in front of her and fried a goblin to ashes in seconds. I was shocked but impressed as well.


    After a little over 2 hours we made it to the boss room. It was a very light grey portal. The leader turned to all of us.


    "Alright let''s make this quick. Porter,e in and stay out of our way. The usual formation, let''s go."


    We all nodded in agreement and jumped through.


    It was a cave like room about 30 meters long, 20 meters wide, and no more than 10 meters high. I quickly got to the side of the cave and took out my dagger. I was on guard, but out of the way as the leader requested.


    A huge looking green man walked out from the back of the room. He must have been over 2.5 meters tall carrying a huge axe. Easily twice my weight. It had dark green skin, a disgusting looking face, and a stench simr to abination of body odor and feces.


    About 10 regr goblins came from the back of the room as well, it looked like they had all just spawned out of nowhere. The leader yelled.


    "The hobgoblin appeared, attack!!!"


    He charged at it, right past all the goblins paying them no mind and shed sword to axe. As this was happening the speed type moved in from behind him and shed the monsters legs. It squealed in pain. Meanwhile the tank was pulling up the rear with arge wooden shield looking like he would charge the monster head on. The women stayed back and began lighting up the room with fire incinerating all of the goblins that appeared.


    As the hobgoblin writhed in pain the swordsman jumped back and let the tank charge at the monster. It swung its axe down and hit the shield dead in the center. The wood splintered but held steady and the swordsman made his move. With the hobgoblin distracted he went for a fatal blow andnded a perfect hit right through the neck. Simultaneously, on the opposite side of the monster the speed type came from underneath andnded two clean shots deep in its back. The hobgoblin let out ast grunt as it fell to the floor.


    That was incredible, they made it look so easy. I have a long way to go until I''m at that level. I stared at them all in awe as they celebrated a bit and collected therge mana crystal after the hobgoblinpletely disappeared. Then all of a sudden... all I could see was a blinding white light. Before I knew it, we were all back in the tall grass right back by the exit gate. The team leader looked at us.


    "All right good fight, let''s do one more and call it a day."


    Everyone just nodded and we made our way through the grasnds again. I rewatched the fight in my head like a day dream over and over as we walked.


    asionally they asked for random items like food and gear from the bag. Gear-wise they had healing potions, all the mana crystals collected, a few explosive devices that were rated for level 40+ use(so honestly too heavy duty for a starter dungeon, but I never asked about them), plus some extra swords and daggers.


    Once we got to the gate again we entered the room and I witnessed a simr battle. The hobgoblin appeared, the leader charged in while the speed type took out its legs. The leader jumps into position while the tank distracts it. The leader goes for a fatal blow and the speed type makes sure the job is finished with a few extra hits. Meanwhile the woman takes out all the surrounding threats. A polished strategy, I was thoroughly impressed.


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 11


    Hp: 60/60


    Mp: 60/60


    Strength: 33


    Speed: 37


    Agility: 40


    Defense: 31


    Mental Strength: 33


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    "I leveled up again??? Already?"


    The leader looked at me smirking.


    "Yeah it''ll be like that until about level 15 or 16, even with 1/5 exp the boss still gives out a lot of exp. Everyone in the room shares it when a boss is killed, if you want to be our porter for a while I''d be happy to have you. You don''tin and you get out of the way and let us handle our business, couldn''t ask for more."


    "Yes I''d like that a lot, when ever you need me I''lle as a porter."


    As I said that the team finished grabbing the mana crystal as well as an axe. It looks like the boss has a drop sometimes. I''ve heard even the starter dungeon boss drops can sell for over a good amount of coins sometimes. That axe must has some kind of stat boost. I was curious but decided not to pry.


    We were transported back to the dungeon exit. As Istepped out of the portal the team leader handed me 25 bronze coins.


    "25 a day work for you? We can keep it at that rate."


    "Yes perfect."


    "Great. We''ll meet you at the vige market around 8am tomorrow. Wee to the team porter."


    We parted ways and I made my way home for the day. I didn''t do much fighting, but I was exhausted.


    I thought to myself with a grin on my face as I walked up the steps to my apartment. The boss room gives so much exp. I''ll be a level 20 like them in no time.


    I heard a soft high pitch voice.


    "Did you have a good hunt today?"


    It was a young girl, maybe 18 years old. With really bright blue eyes.


    "My name is Maria, I saw you just moved in next door. Wee to the block!"


    She smiled and bobbed her head back and forth with closed eyes.


    "T-Thanks, yeah it''s was a good hunt. My name is Jay, thanks for the wee."


    She blushed a bit, but I hardly noticed. I was really exhausted to my limit.


    "Looks like you''re tired from a long day at work, well.. rest up. I''ll see you tomorrow!"


    "Yeah uhh you''re right. okay, see ya."


    With that pleasant but awkward greeting over with I opened my door, took off my boots, threw my shirt on the ground, and took a shower before going to bed early.


    I woke up the next morning refreshed and pretty excited for my second day of work as a porter. I met the team at the market around 8am and we ventured off to the dungeon to do it all again.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    [Present Day]


    It''s been 6 weeks since I took the job as porter on a team of 4 diving into the Alpine Square Starter Dungeon. I''ve learned a lot, gained a good amount of exp, but the one thing I''mcking is money. I just paid my rent, two 2 silver coins and took 3 bronze coins to grab breakfast on the way to work. All I have left in my drawer back home in 33 bronze coins.


    I''m living a simple life, eating good food, diving into the dungeon, sleeping, and doing it all over again every day. My only goal at the moment is to learn more and get stronger, but to be honest I''ve teaued.


    [Open Status]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 21


    Hp: 110/110


    Mp: 110/110


    Strength: 56


    Speed: 63


    Agility: 67


    Defense: 52


    Mental Strength: 57


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    Like the team leader said, getting to level 15 was fast. From level 10 to 15, it took about a week. 15 to 17 was another week. Week 3 I made it to 19 and on week 4 I hit 20. Unfortunately, it was followed by a depressing two weeks of slow growth. At the end of week 6 I hit level 21.


    I''ve been standing in the back watching the party fight the boss this whole time. asionally I''ve been helping to defeat the goblins in the boss room while the team takes care of the real threat. I feel like I''ve learned everything I can from this team and it''s time to move on soon. I just need to find the right time to tell the leader.


    As I walk down the stairs of my apartment to the ground floor I wave to Maria one more time and make my way towards the vige market. Another day as a porter diving into the dungeon.


    We all grouped up like usual and entered the dungeon no more than 10 minutester. We made our usual trek through the tall grass today fighting off the asional goblin. Today we made pretty good time, under 2 hours for sure. The leader looked pretty happy with us.


    "Let''s get this done quick today, it''s the first of the month. I''m feeling lucky."


    The woman spoke up.


    "Hey boss, isn''t the portal a little darker than usual today?"


    I noticed that as well, but decided not toment. It was a couple shades of grey darker than usual. The leaderughed.


    "Looks fine to me, what are we going to do about it anyway?"


    We all just shrugged and entered the boss room.


    It felt a bit eerie today, almost like we were being watched from all sides. From the back of the room a huge dark green figure appeared. It was so dark it almost looked ck. The stench was worse than anything I''d ever smelled and its eyes were a deep red color. It felt like with each re it was slicing into our souls. It towered over us, this hobgoblin was over 4 meters tall. It carried a long silver swords and grinned at us like we were its prey.


    "IT''S A MUTANTTTT!"


    The leader yelled, and the whole team got in formation. My usual duties were to eliminate any smaller threats, but there were none today. It was just us and this demonic creature. I stood by the wall and kept my eyes locked on the mutant.


    I''ve heard stories about mutant monsters before, but never saw one for myself until now. It''s said that very rarely a mutant monster can spawn in a dungeon, or even as a boss monster. All of their stats are increased considerably, but the loot drop is also much more valuable.


    In our case the only thing that mattered right now was survival. The mutant let out a loud battle cry and charged towards the team of 4. The leader yelled and they all split off into their usual attack formation. The leader shed swords with the mutant but was overpowered instantly. His sword was flung from his hands and he fell to the floor in front of the boss. This gave the speed type enough time to sh both the monster''s legs.


    It barely reacted. The dagger''s cuts were not deep enough to do any significant damage. The mutant was still focused on the swordsman. It raised it sword and made a mighty thrust down towards the leader. The tank jumped in at thest moment and threw his shield and himself in front of the attack. The massive sword broke the shield right down the center and the tank was sliced clean in half as well... right in front of our eyes.


    Time stopped for a moment. The whole team froze, realizing the situation we were all actually in right now.


    The mutant didn''t flinch, it used its right foot to step on the leader''s legs and finished him off with one slice of the sword before our eyes. The woman screamed and ran at the mutant with fists full of fire. The monster took 4 consecutive sts of fire from her before it unexpectedly attacking directly through the mes and impaled her on the spot with no remorse. She was killed almost instantly.


    Lastly the speed type was in mid air going for a double dagger attack on the mutants neck. His attacknded, the mutant screeched a bit and started bleeding but it was far from a fatal blow. With unexpected speed and force, the mutant shook off thest fighter leaving the two daggers deep in its neck.


    The mutant took up its sword and faced off with the remaining fighter. He was weaponless and wide open for attack. The mutant lunged at him, he dodged and jumped high out of the way. Within a split second, the mutant lunged even further forward to use the wall in front of it to switch directions quick enough that the fighter was still in mid air. There was no where for him to run. Against a sword wielding demon like this, it was over in a sh.


    Then there was me. Witnessing all of this I was shocked beyond belief. The team that I had watched for over a month defeat boss after boss with a wless strategy was destroyed in front of my eyes in a matter of seconds.


    The mutant turned its head towards me. I was petrified, but I knew I had to think fast. I muttered...


    "Think Jay... think... think..."


    Then I yelled to myself


    "THINK OF SOMETHING, YOU CANT DIE LIKE THIS!"


    The mutant reacted to my big mouth and drew its sword. I threw the big team bag on the ground in front of me and ripped it open with my dagger. Mana crystals fell out, swords nged on the ground, an extra dagger rolled to my left foot, then 3 rectangr explosive charges fell next to my right.


    This is it... my only chance. I set my dagger on my waist and grabbed all 3 charges, 2 in my left hand one in my right.


    I remember back to one time our team leader talked about these charges. If you throw them at a target hard enough, it''s enough to set them off. They''re rated for Lv40. Meaning it can kill a monster that an average level 40 hunter would have an even fight with. In theory it was pretty dangerous carrying them around, but apparently they''re pretty hard to set off by ident.


    The mutant was still just ring at me with its sword drawn waiting for me to make the first move. It was about 20 meters in front of me, I decided to make my move and sprinted to the right. I did not want to get pinned against the wall, I decided fighting out in the open would be a much better move.


    The mutant reacted and followed my movements with its deep red eyes while quickly moving towards me. I locked my eyes on its torso while tracking the sword trying to guess its trajectory. The beast was 10 meters away now and not showing any signs of slowing down. Again, time felt like it had slowed down almost to a halt. The mutant was just over 5 meters from me, this is the only chance i''ll get.


    I threw the charge directly at the mutant, it recognized my attack and almost stopped in its tracks. My eyes went wide as it swerved to my left almost instantly. The charge exploded the moment it made impact with the ground and blew chunks of rocks everywhere. I was hit by a huge chunk of stone in the gut, and another sliced open my right leg. It hurt, but I couldn''t think about it because in my peripherals I saw the mutanting towards me on the left. Avoiding the st as best it could and wielding its sword angrily the mutant stared me down. The only thing I could think of was to throw the two remaining charges with my left hand, that''s all I had time to do...


    If I threw them directly at the monster it would dodge again and Im as good at dead. The next half a second felt like hours had gone by, my brain was working harder right now than it ever had in my life. Every moment of thest two months shed before my eyes, I needed to find the answer...


    Then... All of a sudden it seemed so clear.


    I turned my head to look the mutant in the eyes. I threw the two charges at the the ceiling above me while making a full 180 degree turn to sprint away from the danger zone. The mutant followed after me eyes locked on its prey just under 5 meters behind me. 1 secondter I heard it.


    "BOOOOM"


    The two charges went off destroying a massive stctite cluster hanging from the ceiling. I turned my head one more time as I ran, watching over a dozen 2-3 meter rock spears fall directly onto the mutant. One perfectly pierced its skull, it fell to the ground as 6 others pierced its back.


    "GRUUUAHHHHH"


    I heard it cry from under the rubble. Then silence...


    After about 10 seconds the rubble started to move again, my heart skipped a beat... but then its stopped momentster.


    I heard a familiar ringing in my head.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I went to open my status, but a simr blue light was floating over the rubble where the monster fell. In light blue letters a message that looked like my status window read:


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Swordsmanship


    [YES][NO]


    Exhausted and dazed from the trial I just went through I clicked [YES] without hesitation not thinking much of it. The letters disappeared and I almost dropped to my knees.


    The mutant disappeared and arge mana crystal popped up out of the rubble along with a long shining silver sword. I thought to myself, "i''ll have to get this checked out at the market" as a white light transported me back to the dungeon entrance.


    I stood there covered in blood admiring the mana crystal in my left hand and a long silver sword in my right.


    I took a deep breath in and out, then checked my status.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 26


    Hp: 81/135


    Mp: 85/135


    Strength: 67 [+50]


    Speed: 75


    Agility: 80


    Defense: 62


    Mental Strength: 68


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    I slowly walked home thinking about thest few hours in my head over and over like it was a dream. When I got to my apartment building I walked up the small staircase to my door, twisted the key, and went inside.


    I threw the mana crystal onto my desk, put the long sword up against the wall next to my closet, took off my clothes and boots, then turned on a steaming hot shower. I scrubbed everyst speck of dirt and blood until my skin hurt, then I just stood there and let the hot water roll down my back.


    Once I was content I turned the water off, dried myself with a new towel, threw on some boxers and jumped in bed.


    It was about noon, but I was too exhausted to care. Within a few minutes I was fast asleep.


    Around 8 or 9 at night I finally woke up with my stomach growling, I needed some good food asap. I put on my other pair of ck jeans with no holes in the knees and a random ck tee from my closet, threw on my boots then stood and stretched a bit. I grabbed the mana crystal on my desk and walked out the door to the vige market, it was Friday night so there was bound to be something good open tonight.


    I walked up to the old merchant I used to sell my mana crystals to. I toss him the crystal I had acquired earlier in the day.


    "How much can I get for this one?"


    He looked at me with his right eyebrow raised a bit and ced the crystal on the measuring dish. In big ck numbers I saw "41.3MU".


    "Now that''s quite a rock you brought in today, I''ll give ya 40 bronze coins for it."


    "Deal."


    He took the crystal and ced it in a drawer under the shop counter. Then he pulled out 40 bronze coins.


    "U-uhh I didn''t think this through."


    I said as I awkwardly shoved all the coins into my left pocket. The merchantughed a little.


    "Pleasure doing business with you, hope I see you again soon!"


    I turned and smiled.


    "You too, I''ll drop by tomorrow morning I have a sword I''d like you to look at."


    "Alright, I''m looking forward to it."


    I went straight to the bar, ordered a huge te of wings and a draft beer. I needed a full belly, and an empty mind.


    I stayed for a few more hours and drank a few more beers. Nothing crazy, just enough to have a good time and rx a bit. Around midnight I went back home and managed to fall asleep again for a few hours.


    I woke up very early the next morning with a few things on my mind. I needed to get this sword checked out, and I needed to report what happened in the dungeon to the Hunters Association.


    If it were up to me I''d keep it a secret, but it was known in some circles that I was the porter on this particr squad of 5 for quite a while now. The fact that they were all just missing and I was still walking around would slowly be rather suspicious. It''s better that I file a report ASAP. There may still be some bacsh because I was a lone survivor. People will have their theories, but at least I won''t get in trouble with the Hunters Association if I just report it today.


    Afterst night I had about 26 bronze coins left over from the mana crystal I sold, add that to the 33 I had in my bedside table and that''s 59 bronze coins on total.


    I''m broke... and out of a job.


    I guess I''ll have to go back to hunting goblins, especially after this news gets out, no one will want to party with me.


    I grab my sword and 15 bronze coins for breakfast plus whatever else I''ll need to buy today. I head out the door and towards the vige market.


    I saw the old merchant and give him a smile and wave from a distance.


    "Hey boy, wee back so soon. What can I do for you today?"


    I hand him the sword with a satisfied smile.


    "Can you tell me anything about this sword? I received it in a boss fight as an item drop I''m trying to see what it''s worth."


    "Sure thing, I have the [inspect] skill. I can see any magical item''s true value and purpose at a nce."


    He looked at the sword for a moment and his eyes widened a bit.


    "This is a nice piece of art you''ve got here. It''s a stainless steel long sword with a strength buff built in. Whenever you use this sword in battle you will receive a +50 boost in your strength stat. Not a bad find. I''ll buy it off you for 6 silver coins."


    "6 silver coins???"


    That''s 3 months rent in one drop. I''d have to be crazy not to ept this offer... Then again, it''s a pretty valuable sword that I could use to get much stronger in the future.


    I just paid rent, I''ll have plenty of time to make money this month. When else will I get the chance to get my hands on a magical item like this?


    The shop keeper repeated himself.


    "Yes, i can offer you 6 silver coins. I''ll still be able to make a small profit, I''m sure I can find the right buyer for a sword like that."


    I gripped the sword and thought to myself for a few more seconds, then I shook my head.


    "I''m going to have to refuse to sell today, I''m sorry. I''d like to use this sword myself. Maybe you have a sheath that''d fit a sword this size? I''d like to be able to easily carry it around on my back."


    The merchant looked a bit disappointed, but carried on without hesitation to make his next sale.


    "Sure thing, here''s a ck leather sheath that will match your sword and appearance quite nicely. "


    "I like it, how much?"


    "10 bronze coins for you."


    After breakfast I have 12 bronze left in my left pocket, just enough. I ce 10 on the counter leaving 2 in my left pocket. I take the sheath, ce my sword inside, and sling the strap over my right shoulder and under my left arm.


    "This will definitely do. Thanks again. I''ll be seeing you soon old man."


    "Always a pleasure, see you soon."


    I hop on the next train out to the hunters association. While watching the houses fly by outside the window I pop up my status and take a look...


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 26


    Hp: 135/135


    Mp: 135/135


    Strength: 67 [+50]


    Speed: 75


    Agility: 80


    Defense: 62


    Mental Strength: 68


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    Alright. So that [+50] makes sense now. It''s thanks to my new sword... but this new skill...


    This new skill..?!? Wait... It really wasn''t a dream... My absorption skill... It...


    It really allows me to absorb a monster''s skill once I defeat it. I just didn''t realize until now because I''d been fighting goblins with no skills to take.


    All my tests were useless because I was just testing for the wrong thing. I shook with excitement but also some nerves. This whole situation has its ups and downs.


    It''s good, because I finally have a skill that''ll be useful for fighting: "Swordsmanship". I''ve read its like intuition that takes over and the user bes one with his sword in battle. The user grows in experience as he fights more battles. A skill''s power is very dependent on the users level. Swordsmanship is one of the mostmon skills, but still it''s one of the most useful. I''m excited to try this skill out, maybe I''ll get a chanceter today.


    There is a downside here. I have a very odd unique skill. Not many people acquire unique skills, and on top of that a skill with this much potential... I could be targeted by a number of groups for too many reasons to count. It''s best I keep this a secret for as long as I possibly can.


    "Screeeeeechhh"


    The train finally came to a halt at my stop. I stepped out onto the open tform and make my way towards the Hunters Association building.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    I walk through the front door of the Hunters Association to be greeted again with that same blinding white smile of the woman in the lobby.


    "Hello Jay, wee back so soon! What can I do for you today?"


    I was a bit flustered with the abrupt greeting. How''d she remember my name?? I guess that''s what she''s paid to do...


    "U-uhh I''d uh. I''d like to report a dungeon incident that happened to my team and me yesterday."


    With no change in expression the woman nodded.


    "Sure thing, right this way."


    She walked me further back into the building this time It looks like we''ll be in a private room. A few momentster after walking down a rather narrow hallway she opened a door on the left and motioned for me to enter. I took a step inside.


    "Please wait one moment, I have to grab a representative. We will be right with you."


    "O-Okay sure. I''ll wait, take your time."


    I walked into the small room. It had soft white walls, not too futuristic to the point where it would be ominous. There were two half oval beige couches in the center of the room surrounding a small rectangr table. I sat down in the middle of the couch on my left side and patiently waited.


    About 3 minutester two figures showed up at the door. There was a tall man at least 190cm with a tan olive color skin tone. He had short ck hair that he managed to gel up a little bit. He wore a ck suit, with a white undershirt, no tie, and rather shiny ck shoes. He pushed his thin framed ck sses up to his eyes and greeted me with a weak smile.


    His partner was a small woman, no more than 150cm tall with a cool white skin tone. She had bright green hair and green eyes to match it. The hair was very thick and wavy. It was put up in two ponytails that made right angles basically shooting straight off either side of her head. It must be the contrast from the white walls, or just the unique shape... but her hair was like nothing I''d ever seen. It really caught me off guard. She was wearing a small ck suit and white undershirt as well to match the man, but it looked a little silly on her. The man opened his mouth to speak.


    "Wee to the Hunters Association Jay, E ss Hunter. My name is Mr. Raynard, and this is my partner Ms. Sotoro."


    She immediately interjected.


    "You can call me Abby, it''s short for Abigail. Abigail Sotoro, nice to meet you."


    She smiled wide, closed her eyes and bobbed her head back and forth and swung her legs a bit hitting the couch a few times until the man spoke again.


    "We are D ss Hunters, representatives at the Hunters Association to file a report you''ve requested. Please exin to us what happened."


    He looked at me with a bored look on his face and took out a notepad with a pen. Abby just sat there staring at me bobbing her head a little.


    "O-oh uh yes I..."


    I nervously retold the entire story as well as I could remember. I intentionally left out the part about my skill. I just hope they don''t end up asking about my skills in the end because I didn''t mention using anything but those explosive charges... plus I walked in here with a huge sword on my back.


    The man''s expression did not change at all as he noted everything he could on his pad. The woman was a bit more serious now, and looked up at her partner and back at me a few times.


    It was silent in the room aside from a few pen straches and Abby''s feet hitting the bottom of the couch every once and a while with the erratic swinging of the legs.


    My mind raced a bit, just going over everything that happened in thest 5 minutes then I got stuck to one sentence the man said when he entered the room. "We''re D ss Hunters". They must be really strong...


    The ss system works in a pretty interesting way.


    There are 5 main hunter sses:


    The first is E ss. The ss I''m currently a part of. When you''re first awakened you are assigned an "E ss" rating. You''re stronger than the average human, but still weak if the eyes of top ss monsters and hunters alike. The first stage of E ss is making it past level 20, once you do that you''re a "real" E ss hunter because you''re able to take on the weakest bosses with a team. Even if you''re not going to pursue a career in hunting and go the corporate route... (which over 50% of people do) It''s still rmended to get a few months in the field while studying or working to get to that level 20 status.


    Then once you''re a "real" E ss hunter there''s a few routes you can take. The first is just farming low level monsters and bosses to make a living. It''s basically the same pay and work load of a regr construction job once you get to a certain skill level.


    The second route you can take is joining a guild or the hunters association itself(the government, basically a huge guild). Around level 20-30 guild scouts start looking to recruit hunters with promising talent. Guilds find up anding hunters and build teams to raid higher level dungeons. They will usually pay you a monthly wage and supply you with basic gear. All mana and unique drops are property of the guild that sends you out on the mission, unless you''ve made a special contract. Most Hunter''s goal is to be recruited by a top guild, its stable pay and a more reliable way to slowly level up over time.


    Thest path to take, is to build your own party, or dive into dungeons solo. This is the high risk high reward route. You get to choose your own hours, keep your own drops, and challenge which ever dungeons you please. It''s much more dangerous without a guilds "professional" guidance, but some hunters always choose this route.


    The first step between an E ss Hunter and a D ss Hunter is a pretty big one. To get your Hunters License Renewed to a D ss certification your level must surpass 100. There are no other requirements, you just have to reach level 100.


    In the first 5 years of a hunters career, about 10% of them make it to level 100. Most quit to work a corporate job, stay at the lower difficulty E ss Starter Dungeon, or get killed trying to push their limits too fast.


    Making it to a D ss Ranking is a pretty big deal, but not too umon for senior hunters to achieve. It just takes time and patience. If you can achieve a D ss Status before the age of 25, most of the bigger guilds will try to recruit you without hesitation. It''s every beginner Hunter''s ultimate goal.


    It''s also a big deal to achieve this rank because in front of all D ss or higher dungeons there is a Hunters Association run gate. You are forbidden to enter, it is highly illegal to enter a gate over your rating. You will be fined heavily or potentially imprisoned depending on the event. It sounds harsh at first, but it''s really just for the safety of the lower ss hunters. Rules and regtions are usually made for a good reason.


    The next ss is "C ss". Every 4 months the Hunters Association holds a C ss advancement test. The requirement to enter is level 250. The hunters are put through a series of tests to make sure they are ready for C ss ratedbat in the field. This is mostly for senior hunters that have been working in guilds for decades, but there are always a few prodigies that enter every year. They make the news paper. Up anding C ss Hunters are very exciting to follow.


    There are basically two types of C ss hunters. The first kind is the retired C ss hunters. These are older men and women who have made their fortune diving into dungeons and decide to buildpanies with their riches and connections, or just buy a home out in the middle of no where and no one hears of them again. The second type are the active C ss Hunters. A counties Military power relies fully on how many C ss and above hunters they can produce every year. Although there hasn''t been a war in over 50 years, countries still like to flex on each other and boast military power.


    C ss hunters will be sent on special missions and often raid unique dungeons for their guilds and home country. They are usually paid a sry, but basically all C ss hunters have special contracts so it''s hard to know. C ss is pretty much the pinnacle of a hunters dream career.


    Once a year the Hunters Association hosts a B ss Advancement Exam. It is pretty secretive, not many people know what goes on at that exam. All the public knows is that the minimum level to enter is 500. Only a few dozen people in the country challenge that exam every year. Mostly very old senior hunters and prodigies that have dared make it to that level. One in a million hunters ever make it to the B ss rating. It''s a dream within a dream for most.


    The Hunters Association has 90% of B ss hunters in special contracts with the government. They''re rarely seen out, usually raiding special high ss dungeons for the government to collect resources. The remaining 10% are either retiredpany owners or run some of the private big guilds. The life of a B ss Hunter is a mystery to most.


    Lastly A ss Hunters. There is no exam to reach A ss. In the 80 year history of the dungeons in our world there have been under 100 reported A ss Hunters. About 40 of them are alive today. Split between 78 Nations, you''re a huge military power if your country even posses 1. The country I live in posses 4 A ss Hunters. We have arge poption, and we are said to be in the "Great 10 Military Powers". Which is a nickname given to any country that has over 2 A ss Hunters.


    The only "requirement" to be an A ss Hunter is to surpass level 1000.


    They are all like real life super heros to the world. Manyics and books are written about them. Everyone follows them in the daily paper. Every young kid''s dream is to meet an A ss hunter once in their life, it''s like meeting a mega celebrity.


    50 years ago, after the Great War there was said to be rumors of "S ss" Hunters. There are no records of any individuals with this rank even to this day, but people like to dream. In the Hunters Association Archives a Rating for "S ss" is avable for Hunters that reach level 10000. Most people brush it off as rumors, and some write fiction stories about "S ss Heros"....


    "HELLLOOOOO??"


    "....."


    "HEEEEEELLLLLOOOOOO????"


    I saw Abby''s wide green eyes less than a meter away from my face waving her hand in front of my face while leaning over the table.


    "S-Sorry, it''s a bad habit. I tend to day dream in the worst situations."


    She giggled.


    "Hehehe"


    The man stood up.


    "Well thank you for your time Jay, we will report this to the association. idents happen in the dungeons, there''s nothing we can do right now but take your word on the matter and let time take its course."


    "Yes sir, thank you for listening."


    He walks to the door but hesitates for a moment and turns back.


    "May I see your status window? We may need to report this as well. Better to have as much information on the matter as possible."


    I nervously open up my status.


    "S-Sure."


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 26


    Hp: 135/135


    Mp: 135/135


    Strength: 67 [+50]


    Speed: 75


    Agility: 80


    Defense: 62


    Mental Strength: 68


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    The man looked for a moment and Abby stretched her neck to take a look too. Her eyes went wide.


    "Ouuuhhhh you have two skills too?? Swordsmanship is a good one, what''s the first one do?"


    My heart stopped for a second, it felt like my stomach was about toe out of my mouth.


    "O-oh It-It''s..."


    "...."


    She stared at me with a nk but curious look on her face.


    "It''s It.. it''s"


    I was panicking in my head, I didn''t prepare for this. I''m a dumbass. How could I walk into a government building the day I found out a secret that decided to keep from the world... I have to think of something..... Then I thought of that first party I paid to help me awaken my status and what the leader said when he saw my skill. Of course...


    "It''s... an MP absorption skill. Whenever I fight monsters I can replenish MP to continue using my swordsmanship skill at full power... it''s a neatbination right?"


    Abby grinned.


    "Ouuuhhh I like it, I like it, I likeeeee it. Jay you should join the association, they treat double skill hunters like you and me really well here."


    "I uhh, I''ll think about it."


    She pouted a bit, but still looked happy as could be.


    "Hmmph okay. Here''s a card."


    She handed me a ck card with the representative branch number on it and a big "HA" logo.


    "Call us anytime, good talk Jayy."


    She smiled and bobbed as she turned to the door and walked out in front of the man. He nodded at me.


    "Thanks Jay, that''s all for today. You may go home."


    He left the room as well.


    I sat there with my heart racing. I think they bought it. I just lied straight in the government''s face... There''s no way I can join the association now.


    After a few more minutes thedy with the bright smile knocked on the door and escorted me out of the building while making corporate small talk.


    I walked to the nearby train tform down the street and took a one way route to Alpine Square Dungeon.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    I arrived at Alpine Square and walked over to the dungeon entrance. I jumped through without another thought.


    I''m back already. I breathed in through my nose and took in the view of the familiar tall green grass, the bright blue sky, and the asional tree out on the vast ne. I unsheathed my sword with my right hand and marched forward, it''s time to kill some monsters.


    After a few minutes of walking I came across my first goblin. It snarled and came running towards me. I gripped my new sword with both hands and raised it above my head. For a moment I locked my eyes on the target, took a deep breath in and out, then swung with all my might.


    It felt so natural, like I had been training with a sword for years. It was a very heavy sword, close to 10kg if I had to guess but the added strength stat made using it feel as light as my old dagger.


    The silver de sliced through the goblin from the top of its head and all the way through its torso like I was slicing warm butter. Goblins are weakpared to my current skill level, but I was astonished at my newfound jump up in sword handling.


    I just stood there and grinned ear to ear admiring my work.


    For the few hours I made my way through the dungeon getting used to my new sword and swordsmanship skill. With my natural advanced speed and agility plus the swords added strength stat I felt invincible. After hours of skill use and running around the dungeon like a madman swinging my sword, I was getting a bit fatigued.


    I had collected about 20 mana crystals and my pockets were getting full. It was mid afternoon and I was also getting pretty hungry. I walked back the way I''d came to the gate and decided to open my status.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 26


    Hp: 135/135


    Mp: 45/135


    Strength: 67 [+50]


    Speed: 75


    Agility: 80


    Defense: 62


    Mental Strength: 68


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    "My MP dropped that much???"


    I didn''t realize it at the time but even just from fighting goblins, it looks like using my swordsmanship skill for long periods of time drains my MP. Noted, I''ll have to get used to my MP usage and keep a closer eye on it.


    Swordsmanship is basically a passive skill that the hunter is constantly using in battle. Some skills like Battle Magic use a certain amount of MP per attack. Other skills like body hardening or swordsmanship will consume MP at a lower rate, but constantly drain MP as long as you''re in battle. Of course, the more intense the battle be the more you will have to rely on your skill and hence, the more MP you will consume.


    I made it to the vige market in no time and walked over to the general store with the old merchant.


    "Wee back so soon Jay, what are you looking for this evening?"


    I dug into my back pockets and dumped a small pile of mana crystals onto the counter.


    "Looking to sell all of these. This sword is a beauty, d I decided to keep it for myself."


    I grinned and turned to the side a bit so the setting sun could reflect a bit of light off the handle of the sword at the old man.


    "d you''re having a good time kid, i remember my first couple years as a hunter haha. Just don''t get into too much trouble, stay safe out there."


    He took the crystals and ced them on the measuring dish, the screen read: 20.6MU. We both nodded at each other. He took the crystals and put them under the counter, then started counting out bronze coins.


    "20 bronze work for you kid?"


    I smiled and nodded again.


    "Yep, perfect. By the way, do you have any MP recovery potions?"


    He handed me my bronze, then started looking around under the counter.


    "Of course, one moment."


    He pulled out 3 small ss bottles with light brown corks in the tops. They were no more than 200ml each and were filled with a light pink liquid that seemed to glow very dimly.


    "Here''s a couple E ss MP recovery potions, I''ll sell them to you for a silver coin each. 2 silver and 75 bronze for all 3, what do ya say?"


    My eyes widened.


    "1 silver each?? I didn''t realize they were so pricey. I''ll pass for today, maybe I''ll buy some next week. Thanks though old man."


    "It''s alright, see ya around Jay. Always a pleasure."


    I turned and walked away slowly. That was embarrassing... i couldn''t have even bought one if I wanted too. Looks like I have 2 main goals thising week. Make money and master my sword.


    I walked home and bought a sandwich at the corner store for 1 bronze coin on the way. I walk up my apartment building steps and see a pair of familiar blue eyes.


    "Ouuuah, you got a sword???"


    Maria eyed the sword on my back as I got to the top of the stairs. She was on her tippy toes and turning her neck to get as full a view of my weapon as possible.


    "Can I hold it??? Please Jayyy."


    I was a little thrown off guard.


    "U-Uh I mean, sure."


    I took the sword out of its sheath. Its silver body glimmered inst night of the setting sun. Maria grabbed the handle.


    "Thuddddd"


    As I let go to let her handle the de, it instantly hit the hard flooring. Maria looked up at me with a slightly red face trying to pry the weapon off the floor.


    "Ooops"


    Iughed at little and picked the sword off the ground.


    "I forgot how heavy my own sword was, maybe someday you''ll be able to handle it. Haha, when is your awakening date with your school anyways?"


    Looking a little disappointed at first, the mention of her own awakening brought a smile back to Maria''s face.


    "You are really strong... that''s so amazing Jay. I''m going to be a strong hunter like you soon! My exam is on Wednesday, just 4 more days!! I can''t wait to get an ability!!"


    She started punching the air and making sounds like she was fighting off imaginary monsters.


    I just watched for a few seconds and smiled a bit until she got red faced again and stopped abruptly. She looked up at me.


    "Hey um Jay. Are you free on Wednesday?"


    ".... I- Yeah I am, why?"


    "Well everyone in my ss is allowed to bring one chaperone to our awakening. I don''t really know anyone else here, I moved in here a month before you.. straight from my old high school in Vatarian City. It''s been pretty hard to meet people, especially new hunters when I don''t even have a status yet. Soooooo, would youe with me as a chaperone?"


    Her expression became more serious as she started pressing her index fingers together and looking at the ground.


    I had no idea she was new to the city. I don''t really have any friends my age here either... much less any friends that are hunters. I''ve just been staying inside readingics and "preparing" to be a hunter for thest year and a half after I graduated high school. This would be a good opportunity to meet some new hunters, and get to know the only neighbor in my building that''s around my age.


    "Sure thing, what time on Wednesday?"


    I smiled and gave a thumbs up.


    Maria gave out a mini sigh of relief and rxed before looking up at me again.


    "Great, see you here at 8am on Wednesday Jay!!"


    She giggled a bit as she turned with a half skipped back inside her apartment.


    "See ya."


    I hardly got the words out of my mouth before she was inside. I walked over to my own apartment across the hall, turned my key, opened the door, and flopped onto my bed with a smile on my face.


    Before I knew it I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    I woke up the next morning with a headache and hobbled over to my fridge to grab a cold bottle of water.


    "Glugggluggglugg"


    I chugged about half of it and sat in my desk chair. I quickly checked my status and was pleasantly greeted with a full 135/135 MP stat.


    I got dressed, grabbed my sword, took 3 bronze coins from my bedside table, and made my way out the door. On the ground was a little yellow note with an apple next to it. It read:


    "Good luck hunting today Jay:) -M"


    I smiled, put the note in my back pocket, took a bite out of the apple, and walked down the stairs in a half jumping manner.


    My walk to the dungeon takes no more than 5 minutes now. It gives me a brief moment to collect my thoughts before I go to battle. I''m used to making this walk with my team mates, this is the first time I''m doing it alone in a while... The morning silence is a bit erie.


    I went over yesterday''s hunt in my head, I made about 20 bronze, but used up all my MP in a matter of hours. It wasn''t hard work, I just activated my skill too many times for weak opponents. It wasn''t as efficient as I''d like.


    I think it''s time I take a risk... I made up my mind. Today, I''ll be facing the boss solo.


    I approached the blue portal confidently, unsheathed my sword, and jumped through.


    I made a straight shot for the end of the dungeon, any goblins that obstructed my path I kicked to the side. I decided they were not worth using my sword, or even collecting their crystals. Today I was on a mission.


    In about an hour and a half I made it to the boss room entrance. The light grey portal was swirling in front of me. It was a familiar safe color, nothing like that mutants portal in my previous battle. I grinned and jumped through.


    I entered the boss room with both hands gripping my sword''s handle holding it towards the back of the dungeon.


    I quickly disposed of the approaching goblins with a few kicks and a wide swing of my sword.


    Momentster the familiar hobgoblin boss appeared.


    "Gruuuahhh!!!"


    The monster screeched as it sprinted towards me with its axe.


    I had been watching this boss for 6 weeks straight, never getting a chance to take a crack at it myself. It was strong, but I''ve been leeching off my teams exp as a porter for a while. I knew I could handle the boss on my own if I needed to.


    The hobgoblin lifted its axe as it approached me at a rather quick pace. Once it was roughly 5 meters away I braced myself, readied my sword, and charged at it.


    A momentter sparks began to fly. I brought my sword down to the bottom right side of my body and swung up to meet the monster''s axe. He was strong, but I could tell I had an edge on him strength-wise and definitely speed.


    I thrusted my sword up with a push from my legs, the creature let out a loud grunt as the axe was pushed up by my swing. It stumbled back a step, visibly surprised that a smaller being was so strong.


    Before the monster could even tell what was going on I shifted my weight to the right side of its body with a lunge. I could see my old team leaders movements vividly in my head. Without hesitation I jumped forward with all my might holding my sword directly in front of my body.


    The silver de pierced the tough neck of the hobgoblin as it let out a muffled cry.


    "Grugggauahhhh"


    I ripped my de from its throat and quickly jumped behind it. The monster was still iling about, it was critically injured but definitely not dead yet.


    It managed to turn its body slowly tracking my movements. I sped up and continued to run around it, trying my best to stay in its blind spot as the monster let out loud grunts and gushed blood from its neck.


    It was slowing down a bit, clearly having a harder and harder time with my quick movements.


    A momentter I lined up the perfect shot, I was right behind the beast with my sword drawn. I dove in for the final blow and yelled.


    "THIIS IS THE END FOR YOU!!!"


    I got a clear shot through the left side of its back, it''s heart was pierced and it let out a final weak grunt as it copsed.


    I stood over the boss with a grin admiring my work as the boss disappeared. It left behind a mana crystal about 5x the size of goblin crystals. I tossed it up and down in my left hand as I held my sword in the right. The blinding light came and I was back at the dungeons starting point again.


    I opened up my status to check on my MP. To my surprise... it''s was at 105/135. I epted it with a grin on my face, that means I can challenge the boss 3 more times today...


    I made the trek back to the boss room and faced off with the monster a second time. It was a very simr fight. The bosses don''t remember previous fights because a new one is spawned in every time it''s killed. Only hunters have the advantage of learning its movements. After a brief but exhrating fight I picked up the mana crystal and was transported back to the dungeons mouth.


    "Guuuurgle"


    I was hungry as fuck. Walking 5km through tall grass and fighting a 2.5m hobgoblin twice was actually pretty hard work. I slipped out of the dungeon and grabbed a bite to eat at a local shop and yed with the two mana crystals as I ate my meal. I was so happy with myself, i couldn''t stop grinning.


    After a well needed meal I jumped back into the dungeon and crushed the boss a 3rd time. I was getting used to its movements in real time now, it made total sense how my old team could just use the same n every time and defeat the boss like it was nothing.


    The fourth and final run was no different, I had to think fast but was in no immediate danger as I was faster and stronger than the boss. If I had to guess, it had the stats of and average level 20 hunter. Tough for any noobs, but light work for anyone with battle experience and enough levels on their side.


    As thest hobgoblin of the day was defeated I heard a ringing in my head.


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 27


    Hp: 140/140


    Mp: 20/140


    Strength: 70 [+50]


    Speed: 78


    Agility: 83


    Defense: 64


    Mental Strength: 70


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    Thest hobgoblin dropped a light pink mana crystal, and to my surprise arge axe. It had a sturdy wooden handle with arge metal de. As I threw the mana crystal in my back left pocket I sheathed my sword and picked up the axe. The white light came and I walked out of the dungeon with a satisfied look on my face.


    "I leveled up and got an item drop today, can''tin."


    I walked towards the vige market with a smile on my face as the sun began to set behind me. A sessful day of solo hunting hase to an end.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    "Hey old man, I have some loot to sell ya today. What do you think about these?"


    I set my 4 mana crystals on the counter along with therge axe with a satisfied look on my face.


    "Looks like you were fighting the Boss today. Solo?"


    "Yep solo, it''s the new sword. Definitely a good thing I didn''t sell it yesterday."


    The merchantughed and nodded as he ced the mana on the measuring te and started examining the axe. The bold numbers on the mana screen read: 39.8MU.


    "This is a nice drop kid, it''s a +15 strength axe. It drops from the Apline boss about 1/10 encounters, looks like you challenged him 4 times today. You got lucky."


    He gave me a smirk and started typing in his calctor.


    "I''ll give you a silver coin for the whole haul today. What do ya say?"


    My eyes lit up.


    "Y-Yes, deal!"


    I shook the mans hand as he threw me a silver coin.


    "Thanks old man, I''ll see you again soon."


    As I turned he smiled and waved.


    "No prob kid, hope I see ya tomorrow!"


    Today couldn''t have gone any better. I grabbed a sandwich from my corner store with the 1 bronze left in my pocket on the way home because I couldn''t bare to part with my new silver coin just yet.


    I walked up the stairs to my apartment, opened the door, set my sword next to my closet, and flopped back onto the bed admiring the shiny silver coin I just acquired.


    I threw it in my dresser drawer a few minutester and ate half my sandwich in a matter of seconds. Iyed back on my bed and looked at my ceiling.


    A full silver coin... in just one day of hunting. This is my new life. That grin came back on my face, I couldn''t help it.


    Over the next 2 days I honed my sword skills even further. Diving into the dungeon repeatedly and using the boss as my training partner. I wasn''t fortunate enough to get any more axe drops from my 8 total fights with the boss. However, I did manage to collect 80 bronze worth of mana crystals and level up 1 time.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 28


    Hp: 145/145


    Mp: 25/145


    Strength: 72 [+50]


    Speed: 81


    Agility: 85


    Defense: 66


    Mental Strength: 73


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    I made my familiar leisurely stroll back to my apartment. When I got up the stairs and went to open my door I saw a small yellow note stuck to the door that read:


    "See you at 8 tmr morning:)) - M"


    I hadn''t forgotten, it just wasn''t at the forefront of my mind after a long day of training. I would be attending Maria''s college awakening event as her chaperone tomorrow. I was looking forward to it, but also a little nervous.


    It was also a bit odd that Maria had been leaving me notes instead of her usual greetings. For the past 3 mornings I received a note and an apple in the morning... I was thankful, but a bit thrown off guard as well. I guess I''ll see her tomorrow, no use over thinking it now.


    I grab the note, twist my key in the door, throw my sword up against the wall, and do my daily dolphin dive onto the bed.


    I threw my newly earned bronze into my bedside table drawer. I already have over 2 silver saved, and it''s only the first week of the month!! I read someics and drifted off into a deep andfortable sleep.


    At the first light I woke up with a ton of energy. Today I''m going to Maria''s awakening. I hope she gets a good skill, but more importantly I hope I make a good impression on her and any other potential new hunters my age that show up to the event. That''s my main goal, make some friends.


    Ized around for a bit, I woke up too early and didn''t know what to do with myself. I started ying with my old dagger, admiring my sword, bouncing bronze coins off the ceiling whileying in bed and trying to catch them perfectly in the palm of my hand.


    Eventually I got dressed, put my sword on my back, and at thest minute decided to grab my old dagger and throw it on my waistband. I unlocked my door and took at step out.


    Sitting in front of the door across the hall was Maria. Arms and legs crossed with a serious look on her face. She looked up at me, got to her feet, and threw two air punches. They were actually pretty decent, nothing tough at but I couldn''t help myself but grin a bit.


    "I''ve been training hard the past few days just like you have Jay. I''m ready for my exam, these monsters don''t know what''sing for them."


    She stared at me with another determined look on her face while she pointed her right fist in the direction of the dungeon.


    I decided to go along with her shenanigans. It''s probably for the better.


    "That''s what I like to see, let''s go show em'' who''s boss."


    I lifted my sword out of my sheath from my back and posed with her for a few seconds then we proceeded to walk down the steps of our apartment building.


    "We''re going to the Alpine Square Dungeon right Maria?"


    "Yepp, I''m pretty excited. I wonder which skill I''ll get. Maybe I''ll be a sword user like you, or maybe I''ll get a cool defense skill, or... orrr or maybeee!"


    "Haha we''ll just have to wait and see. What weapon did you bring to fight your first monster with?"


    She froze a bit and went red in the face.


    "WAIT Ipletely forgot about that part, I was totally focused on training my punches I didn''t think about what I''d actually use to fight real monster.. JAY what am I going to do??"


    With a flustered and worried look on her face I just chuckled a bit and remembered my first day in the dungeon. I was exactly the same, I didn''t even bring a weapon myself. It''s only right to pass on the tradition. I had a suspicion it''d be a good idea to grab my dagger this morning.


    "I brought you something, I thought this might happen."


    I pulled the dagger with the small sheath off my waist and handed it to Maria. Eyes wide she epted it with both hands.


    "Ouuuh, this is so coool! Thank you Jay! Thank you thank you thank you thank youuu."


    "It''s no problem, keep it. You''re going to need a strong weapon to fight off your first monster. I''m here to help!"


    She bobbed her head a bit and we kept walking towards the dungeon.


    When we finally arrived there was a ratherrge crowd gathered in the square. From what I could make out there was about 20 students. Standing behind over half of them were older looking hunters with much more gear equipped than they needed in a dungeon like this.


    They must all be parents or close friends of the student. They were mostly senior or retired hunters that wanted to help out and brought all their gear to impress the other chaperones. I felt a bit underdressed, but wasn''t trying to impress 50 year olds so I didn''t think much of it.


    We walked closer and I couldn''t believe my eyes. Standing at the front of the crowd checking everyone in were two very familiar people.


    The petite woman with bright green hair looked up and saw us from about 5 meters away and a huge smile came across her face.


    "What a surprise, it''s youuuu! Can I check you guys in?"


    My eyes went wide, I was just thrown off guard a bit at her sudden appearance. I never expected to see her of all people this morning. Then again, schools do partner with the Hunters Association to have events. They are the closest representatives in the area, and perfectly ranked for a job like this. It makes sense.


    "Abby?? You''re here??" And u-uhh yeah, Maria here needs to check in. I''ll be her chaperone today."


    Maria looked up at me with a puzzled look on her face.


    "How do you know her?? Who is this?"


    "Oh this is Abby, I-I mean Ms. Sotoro. A representative from the Hunters Association. My guess is she''s our guide today."


    Abby smiled and exchanged papers with Maria as she checked her in and noted me as the chaperone.


    "That''s right, Mr, Raynard and I will be leading the ss today to make sure everyone awakens their status properly and safely."


    Mr. Raynard was close behind her, he walked over.


    "Please get in line, we will be entering the dungeon shortly."


    He''s always a mood killer, I half rolled my eyes but Abby saw and giggled at me. I didn''t mean to, it was more of a reflex but I''m d she got a kick out of it.


    Maria and I made our way back over to the group of students and chaperones to wait patiently before entering the dungeon.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    "Alright everyone, it''s time to enter the dungeon! All students without a chaperone please stay close to Mr. Raynard and me. Those of you with chaperones please stay nearby as we enter the dungeon and wait for our instructions before venturing off on your own."


    We all got in line in pairs of 2 and hopped through the blue twisting portal. Right before it was our turn I noticed Maria''s nervous eyes and grabbed her hand moments before jumping through. She didn''t say a word, just grabbed my hand back a bit tighter. Her eyes shifted, looking more determined as she stared down the portal and jumped through with me.


    When we made it to the other side. There was amon reaction from all the students. They all started feeling the grass, looking at the sky, and turning around in circles. With wide eyes Maria was doing the same.


    "Wuaaaaw it''s really pretty in here."


    I had a simr reaction my first time seeing it, so I can''t judge much. The two Reps let us admire the new world for about a full minute then Abby spoke up again.


    "Alright, now that you''ve seen the inside of the dungeon for yourself let''s get started. Students without chaperones follow Mr. Raynard and me. The rest of you may explore with your chaperones. Chaperones, have your student partners defeat 1 goblin. You are all experienced hunters, so use your own judgement to step in and help if needed. Everyone meet back up here by the portal in exactly 1 hour. Let''s gooo!"


    7 students followed the 2 Reps from the association, the rest of the students and hunters disbursed in different directions. Maria and I headed straight forward and ventured into the tall grass.


    "Hey Jayy, how strong are the monsters here?"


    She looked up at me as we walked with a bit of a concerned look on her face.


    "They''re goblins. I''d say they have the strength and speed of a 15 year old boy, but the body of a 4 year old child. I''ll be close by when you fight, but I don''t think you''ll need any help. My first time it took me 3 clean hits with that same dagger, just make sure to attack quick without hesitation and dodge when you''re in danger. The goblins use small handmade knives so be on guard for those. You''re much smarter than a goblin. Don''t worry, I''m sure you''ll beat it without a problem."


    I smiled and nodded. She looked a bit more confident but still held the dagger tight and walked close by my side.


    About 10 minutes of walking went by and we heard a rustling in the grass. The familiar dank goblin smell filled the air.


    "A goblin is here, I''ll leave it to you Maria. Give it all you got, I''ll be close behind you."


    A momentter the small green man came out of the grass. Maria squared up with it and they both eyed each other for a full 2 seconds.


    The goblin made the first move and charged forward with its de drawn in front of it. Maria dodged to the left side and let the monster run past her. She lunged in from behind and got a clean strike right in the back.


    "Guuuuahhhh"


    The goblin squealed. I was honestly surprised, I didn''t expect her to react so quickly. It looks like Maria is a pretty decent fighter.


    The goblin ripped its body away from the de and turned to face her again. It charged angrily, Maria lunged to the right and gave the goblin a quick and graceful sh to the abdomen. Then in the same movement she pivoted back behind the goblin and stabbed it again in the back of the head. The goblin let out a sad grunt and copsed.


    I walked towards Maria and slowly pped.


    "Damn, I didn''t know you could fight like that. I didn''t even have to think about stepping in, good for you!"


    She looked at me and blushed a bit, then her eyes lit up as a blue screen popped up in front of her face.


    "It-It''s my status. I got my status..."


    She was mesmerized by the glowing screen. With a smile on my face, I patiently waited and let her take in the moment.


    Maria turned her screen to me with hopeful eyes.


    "Is this good?"


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Maria Cortez


    Level: 1


    Hp: 10/10


    Mp: 10/10


    Strength: 10


    Speed: 11


    Agility: 10


    Defense: 10


    Mental Strength: 17


    Skills:


    Combat Magic [Ice Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Iron Dagger


    _____________


    My eyes went wide.


    "Combat magic?!?? It looks like it''s a pretty rare type as well. I honestly don''t know much about magic, it''s much different than my skills. You definitely got a good one though. Guilds will be all over you soon."


    "Reallyyy?"


    Maria''s eyes went even wider and a huge smile came across her face. She started bobbing her head and jumping around happily. I let her celebrate, then turned to her.


    "You know, your mental strength also has a really high starting stat, that means it''ll grow much faster than your other skills. Mental Strength directly corrtes with a users magic power, it''s the perfectbo."


    "Ouuuh so it is good"


    "Try it out, let''s see what your skill can do. Just concentrate and repeat your skill name in your head."


    "Okay."


    Maria had that full concentration look on her face again. She put both hands in front of each other and stared forward.


    A white and blue mist began to form, then a small object in her hand formed, it grew a bit bigger and bigger. It looked like a sword.


    "I did it!!!"


    Maria turned to me with a satisfied look on her face holding a beautiful light blue sword surrounded by white and blue mist.


    "I really did it!!! Loooook!!! I''m a sword user like you Jay!"


    She smiled even brighter and swung the sword once. It really was a beautiful site. The light blue sword matched her eyes and the mist made her body stand out in the open field. I was mesmerized for a moment.


    Then the mist started to subside, dissipating as Maria kept swinging her sword. After about 5 swings the mist was gone, then on the 6th the sword shattered into a thousand pieces. I was still staring at her.


    "Hmm so that''s how it works."


    She looked up at me puzzled.


    "What do you mean???"


    "Take a look at your status again, what''s your MP stat at?"


    She pulled up her screen with a look of dissatisfaction.


    "0/10. Dangggg itttt."


    Yep, makes sense. You''ll have to level up a bit before you can use your skill for longer periods of time. It''s normal, don''t worry."


    "Okayy."


    By now the goblin had fully disappeared and left behind its mana crystal. I picked it up and threw it to Maria.


    "Your kill, your crystal."


    She caught it and started moving the crystal between her fingers curiously. A new look of awe came across her face, she was definitely not down about her MP running out anymore.


    "Thanks Jay! I was pretty nervous this morning, but now... I''m finally a hunter like you!"


    I smiled.


    "Yep, congrats! Does your school do any training? Or are you on your own now?"


    "My school will train us in the dungeons for the next 2 months, but I''ll get some weekends off. By then we should all be in parties and ready to take on the dungeons without any guidance."


    "Alright, cool. I was just curious. Let''s make our way back to the meeting point."


    "Okay sure, b-but once I''m done with my school training I want to show you my skills. I will master my sword, I promise. Get ready Jay, I''m going to be an even better hunter than you!"


    "I bet, I bet. Can''t wait to see it."


    She nodded at me with a determined and satisfied look on her face with her cheeks puffed out a bit.


    We made our way back to the portal to find a dozen students chatting and showing off their status screens to each other. Maria and I just stood around and made small talk waiting patiently for the Hunters Association party to return.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    I saw a bright green head of hair bobbing above the tall grass approaching us from a distance.


    "Alrightttt everyone, how''d it go?? Everyone has acquired their status? No serious injuries? Anything important to report?"


    Our group murmured a bit but no one spoke up.


    "Sounds like everything went well, congrattions to the new students. Now let''s leave the dungeon!!!"


    We all left the dungeon in a much less organized manner than how we entered. When we made it outside I saw a middle aged man in a casual dark blue dress shirt and ck dress pants with shiny ck shoes. Then Abby spoke up.


    "Students, I''ll leave you with your teacher Mr. Carlson. Chaperonese with me for a moment, I''d like to thank you all."


    The students swarmed over to their teacher, Maria looked at me.


    "Thanks again Jayyy, I''ll see youter!!"


    I smiled and waved.


    "See yater Maria."


    Then I walked with the chaperone group and waited around with a bored look on my face.


    I came here today to meet some new faces. But everyone was either way too old, or honestly way too young... I did get to help out Maria today though, so it was an overall sess. I can''tin.


    "Thank you all foring out today...."


    I zoned out a bit, it just sounded like a generic corporate thank you speech. I couldn''t be asked to listen.


    ".... and if you have any questions or want to join the Hunters Association please drop by our local government office anytime. We''d be happy to help. With that being said, I''ll dismiss all of you. Thanks again for helping our up anding hunters today!"


    I was still spaced out staring off at the pond and trees in the Alpine Square Park.


    The crowd dissipated and just left me mindlessly standing there with the two Reps in the middle of the square.


    "Helllloooooo??? Helllllllooooo?"


    I saw a hand being waved in front of my face with a bright green background. Once my eyes focused again I saw Abby staring at me... ufortably close to my face just like she had in that office building.


    "You know I have off work for the rest of the day, wanna see something cooool?? I am pretty new to this city, you seem to be the only hunter close to my age. Plussss, I don''t know anyone else with two skills like me."


    Abby was talking really fast and jumping up and down in front of me. Everything that had happened in thest 10 seconds was throwing me a bit off guard, without thinking much I just replied.


    "Y-yeah sure, what is it?"


    With and excited grin she grabbed my right wrist and started tugging me along.


    "Come on, let me show you Lexington Wolf Dungeon. The Association is about to approve it for public use, it just popped up likest month."


    With a startled look on my face I just let her drag me along. This is what I wanted today wasn''t it? To meet new hunters my age... and who am I to say no to a woman like her.


    After a full minute of walking in the direction opposite my apartment I started to rethink my decision. This was way past Alpine Square in a part of town I''ve never even seen before.


    I shook my head and took in a breath of fresh air returning more of my mental rity.


    "Hey wait a second!!! Where is this ce?!! And what exactly is this ce? A new dungeon?? You know I''m not even level 30 yet."


    She just replied without looking back at me and dragged my arm again.


    "Heyyyy don''t worry, it''s an E ss dungeon. A bit harder than the one you''re used to raiding, but I''ll be with you. I''m a D ss hunter, I can protect you with my eyes closed if need be. Plus I think you''re ready."


    She turned and did that head bob with her eyes closed that numbed my logical senses again.


    I just decided to go with it, she had a good point ording to my wondering mind. All my reasoning was thrown a bit off by the absurdity of the current situation. I decided to throw allmon sense to the side and just enjoy myself right now.


    After another 5 minutes of walking we stopped in front of an old-school looking movie theatre.


    There was arge sign above the entrance that read "Lexington Theatre". There were two guards out front and a couplerge pieces of construction equipment close by. One of the men looked up.


    "Good morning Ms. Sotoro."


    He nodded and looked back down at his paperwork as we walked inside without another word. The inside of the theatre looked like it had been re modeled a bit, the white walls felt oddly familiar like the white walls in the Hunters Association. Then I saw it, at the back of the long room was a floating blue portal. My eyes went wide.


    "This is a dungeon site??"


    Abby looked amused.


    "Yepp, I already told you. This is the new E ss dungeon the Association has been exploring. It should be open to the public in a few days, bute onnnnn. It''s always more fun to do something before you''re allowed to righttt."


    I nodded my head in nervous agreement, but was also oddly excited. I''d never been to any other dungeon sites, and had been training all week. I was honestly itching for something new.


    "Alright let''s do it."


    We walked forward, I drew my sword, and we jumped through the portal.


    When we popped out the other side I took in my surroundings.


    I looked up first. There was a light orange sky with white clouds slowly drifting by.


    Then I looked down. I was standing on hard sandy dirt without a nt in site.


    Lastly, I looked out into the dungeon. There wererge rocks every 200 meters or so but it was basically a desert wastnd.


    It was a fascinating scene. I took in the view for a minutes as Abby stood by my side analyzing her surroundings as well.


    "It''s a nice change isn''t it? Nothing like your old Alpine Dungeon right?"


    I nodded slowly.


    "You''re right, this is a big difference. It''s really amazing."


    Then I realized something.


    "Wait, what kind of monsters are here? And how strong are they really??"


    I was a bit panicked realizing that this situation was actually happening, not just a day dream.


    "It''s in the name duhhh. They''re wolves, and they''re not that strong don''t worry. Maybe a bit stronger than the Alpine Boss, but you can handle it."


    My face went white.


    "The normal monsters here... are stronger than the Alpine Boss?????"


    I gripped my sword harder and started scanning the horizon.


    "Yeah yeah, again don''t worry Jay. Anything you can''t handle I''ll take down. Think of this as a training session. Let''s have some funnnnn!"


    Abby skipped off into the dungeon. I was both excited and scared out of my mind. I muttered to myself.


    "What the hell have I gotten myself into....?"


    I just put on a nervous grin, gripped my sword even tighter, and followed the green haired skipping girl deeper into the dungeon.


    5 minutes of walking passed...


    Then 10 minutes....


    15 minutes.... Silence in the wide open desert.


    Until...


    "Grrrrrruuuurrrr"


    Out from behind arge orange boulder a huge grey and white wolf with a scar over its right eye slowly emerged with all of its teeth showing.


    My brain shifted. I immediately went into battle mode.


    I gripped my sword, gulped, and squared up with the beast. I heard Abbyugh a bit, she jumped on top of the 10m high boulder like it was nothing.


    "All you Jayyyy, I''ll be up here if you need me."


    I hardly noticed her, but registered her actions while I kept my full focus on the behemoth in front of my eyes.


    This was no ordinary wolf. On all fours, it was easily 150 centimeters tall. From nose to tail, I''d say at least 4 meters long.


    It was an animal built forbat in the wild, one wrong move and I''d be a goner.


    It made the first move charging full force straight at me. I made the decision to do the same. In a split second we were both sprinting full force at each other with full intention to kill.


    Once I was in striking distance I went straight for its neck. By the time I had swung my sword the wolf had shifted to my left and had its open jaw pointed straight at my torso. I jumped back with all my force. I felt the tension flow through every muscle fiber making up my hamstrings, quads, and calves with that lunge.


    This is going to be a real fight...


    Standing roughly 3 meters apart in the open desert we faced off once again with a newfound respect for each other as opponents.


    We were in agreement that our first encounter was an even matchup. The wolf snarled, i gritted my teeth. We both lunged back in. The starting moves were picture perfect from ourst sh. I went for the same shot at its neck... but of course, with no intention ofmitting to the same move.


    This time, at thest second I jumped up and over the wolf while swinging my sword in a windmill partern all the way from behind me to above my head. I was locked on, targeting the wolfs back.


    As I was gearing up my attack it chomped where my mid section had been moments ago. I let out an battle cry and swung down with all my might.


    "Ahhhhhhuyuuayyaaaa"


    The wolf registered what was going on toote. It had to move its head at an odd angle to see me from its left eye. It attempted to dodge, but Inded a clean sh on its back before I lunged away.


    Again, we stood 3 meters apart. The wolf bleeding from the gash on its back. Of course, as a warrior focused on battle it was not showing any signs of pain in its movements.


    The wolf snarled and stared me down, I grinned and gripped my sword. This second round was a win for me, i could tell by the change in mood. It''s now or never, this next exchange is about to get really serious.


    We dove in towards each other in a simr fashion. I decided to go for a full on frontal attack. With my sword up in front of me it''s good offense and defense at the same time. Plus, I can make a quick decision to go to either side depending on the wolfs movements.


    The monster decided to do the same thing. A sh of full force frontal attacks was about tomence.


    I swung my sword right at its face as it let out a roar and showed me all of its drool dripping teeth. The wolf made a powerful lunge to my bottom right side. It was following the trajectory and speed of my sword to a T just before impact. It shifted its neck faster than my eyes could track and smashed it teeth against the t side of my de.


    In the quarter second i was overpowered and out maneuvered. I couldn''t believe it.


    The wolf''s neck was dangerously close to my de. If I had better footing I could slice its head clean off without a problem, but this is what the monster had nned for. It lunged in with my confusion and used its front left ws to dig deep into my chest leaving 4 gash marks from my left peck to my right lower abdomen.


    "Ahhhhhuuuaaaaaahh!!?!!"


    I yelled as I turned my body away from the attack. The wolf continued its momentum speeding past me and out of my de''s range.


    Round 3 went to the wolf.


    We squared off again, both dripping blood but not budging an inch. Thisst round will decide it all, I can''t let my guard down again. This is a highly intelligent monster, notparable to anything I''m used to fighting with my sword skills.


    This is a real life or death challenge.... and I''m enjoying it.


    Before I could fully get my thoughts together our final round was starting. We both locked res and charged in, it felt like the world around me was moving slower. I remembered this feeling. It was familiar....


    I lunged in for a full on frontal attack again, the wolf read my movements and answered with its own frontal charge. I brought my sword up and to the right of my body getting ready to swing with everyst store of energy I had left.


    As we drew even closer I let out my battle cry and swung. There was a silence in the air. The wolf recognized my attacked and was already preparing its counter as my de fell.


    Like before, the wolf shifted its weight and went for the t side of my de. This time however, I did not stop my attack. I let the de crash down, even with the added momentum from the wolfs counter.


    The de pierced into the tough sand coated rocky earth. The de was submerged half a meter in the ground.


    I was basically naked on the battle field in the eyes of the wolf.


    It saw my situation as a weakness, but in my eyes it was an opportunity. The monster lunged forward over the useless sword with its hungry jaws and mped down onto my left leg. I gritted my teeth and blocked out the pain. Without hesitation I used its jaw as an anchor. I nted my right foot in the ground and pulled my sword from its rocky tomb.


    With an uppercut that had no regard for the well being of my left leg, I used both hands to swing my sword up and out of the sand with all my might.


    Time basically stopped.


    "Ruuuuuuaaaawwaaaarrrrrr"


    My de pierced the underside of the monsters neck and a huge wave of blood covered our battlefield.


    I could almost read its mind while watching its one eye go wide. It never saw this attacking, In the wolfs mind its dinner was already caught.


    I felt the teeth loosen on my leg as the monster let out more cry''s of agony. I finished my sh and steadied myself for another. I had to take the opportunity in front of me.


    As the monster backed up a step, I lunged in with all the strength left in my right leg and and finished my previous sh.


    After that move, I fell to the ground following the momentum of my sword downward. In the corner of my vision I could see the lifeless wolf''s head falling at the same speed as me with its body still upright.


    "THUDDDD."


    "I win."


    I with my left cheek resting on the warm sand I smiled and closed my eyes.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 31


    Hp: 13/160


    Mp: 45/160


    Strength: 80 [+50]


    Speed: 89


    Agility: 94


    Defense: 73


    Mental Strength: 80


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    The sand felt warm.... My chest felt warm.... My leg felt warm.... Wait... Why is everything so warm?!?


    I tried to open my eyes but was blinded by a green light. As I slowly adjusted to the brightness I see Abby looking at me with a satisfied smirk on her face. Both of her hands were on top on each other hovering inches from my chest.


    I forgot she was here entirely. I was way too focused on my battle to think about anything else.


    I smiled and rxed a bit, then thought about the situation again. I looked down at my torso. Therge gashes on my chest were slowly disappearing, that''s what the warm feeling was... WAIT....


    "Abby!! You''re a healer????"


    She smiled and nodded.


    "Yeahh, I thought it''d be better to tell you after the battle so you wouldn''t get yourself hurt... but it looks like you went all out anyways. To be honest I thought you were a goner. You definitely weren''t ready for this dungeon. That wolf was wayy stronger than you."


    She grinned and shook her head back and forth in a teasing manner.


    "Heyy, what do you mean???? This is my life we''re talking about!!"


    "You''re alive aren''t you? And now you''re a lot stronger, good job. I''m d I brought you today, now we can do it all over again!!!"


    With a concerned look on my face I just threw my head back into the sand and let her heal the rest of my wounds.


    About a minuteter I stood up and stretched. My leg waspletely fine and my chest had no signs of prior injuries. Her skill is pretty incredible.


    Abby threw me a mana crystal.


    "There ya go, you earned it. Let''s keep moving."


    I caught the crystal, shoved it in my back pocket and followed her close behind.


    I was in a bit of a euphoric state. I just had the most intense life threatening battle of my life. All of my adrenaline and endorphins were still pumping full force through my body, it felt pretty good.


    I checked my HP and it was at a perfect 160/160, my MP was at 45/160.


    We walked for about 15 more minutes. As we passed anotherrge boulder pile my stomach almost came out of my mouth when I heard a familiar deep growl.


    "Grrrrruuurrrrrrr"


    2 massive wolves stepped out from behind the rock eying us hungrily.


    Abby jumped in front of me without hesitating.


    "Let me at these guys, stand back and take a breather."


    I just nodded and stepped back.


    The ground began to rumble and I watched Abby run full speed towards the wolves. She was surrounded by a green light simr to the one she used on me a few minutes ago, but this light seemed different.


    This must be her 2nd skill...


    The ground around her started moving like it was alive. Two huge spikes made of rocky sand formed under the wolves and skewered them instantly. The materialized weaponry lifted their bodies way above the ground.


    The winner had been decided just like that. I was thoroughly impressed and too shocked to speak.


    She walked over to the mounds of rock and lowered the corpses down to her level while waiting patiently for them to disappear.


    "That was a good warm up, let''s head over to the boss room before it gets toote in the day."


    "Hey wait a minute!!! What was all that!!!?? A warm up??? The boss room?? Are you trying to get me killed??!???"


    Sheughed and picked up the two mana crystals.


    "Come on, you don''t have to fight it. I just want to show you what you''re missing out on. I get to fight some pretty strong monsters at the Hunters Association''s private dungeons sometimes. It''s the best way for you to get stronger!"


    "What do you mean?? Is this some big borate recruitment n?? Or what..?"


    "No no noooo, don''t think of it like that. Although I''d love for you to join the Association, I''m not just trying to recruit you. Mr. Raynard is always so serious, I never get to have funnnn."


    She pouted and puffed out her cheeks.


    "Ahhhh. Hm. Alright. I guess I get it."


    I actually did get it now. The more I actually thought about her situation the more it made sense. Abby''s attitude wasn''t a great match for the seriousness of the Association.


    I guess she really is just trying to blow off some steam today.


    Who am I to ruin her fun? Plus, I would like to see the boss for myself... even if I''m not going to fight. It may be good to gauge this new boss''s strength and abilities for my potential future battles.


    She looked at me with a smile. I was zoning out thinking to myself again...


    "Well, let''s keep going. We''re less than 2km from the boss room. Come onnnn!"


    She pointed to arger rock pile in the distance. Then we both started walking towards it.


    20 minutes went by.


    Abby defeated 3 more wolves with ease as we walked. I was still astonished by her amazing strength but decided not toment on it anymore.


    "Hey uhhh, what''s the boss like? A huge wolf or something? A-And how strong is it exactly?? If you had to put a level to it?"


    Abby grinned.


    "Hmmm a level? Maybe 70. You''ll see, it''s pretty much a wolf.... Plus it uses magic!"


    I stopped walking in ce.


    "Level 70.... And it uses magic? W-What do you mean by that??? What kind of magic??"


    She just looked at me with that same grin again.


    "Juste on, we''re so close. I won''t make you fight it, don''t worry. I just want to show you there is so much more out in this world than that yground of a starter dungeon you''re stuck in. You can be a lot stronger!! I know it."


    She insulted me... but also encouraged me at the same time. I felt a bit confused.


    "U-uhm I''ll take that as apliment I guess."


    "Good."


    She smiled, nodded, and turned to keep walking towards the boss room.


    The thought of a level 70 monster was very overwhelming, but at the same time it was exhrating. Abby had piqued my interest. I needed to see this boss for myself.


    I took a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth before following Abby deeper into the dungeon.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    I stood beside Abby watching the light grey portal slowly spin in front of the orange rock pile. We finally made it to the boss room.


    "Alrighttt you ready Jay??"


    "Yup. As ready as I''ll ever be."


    We jumped into the portal and entered the boss room. It was arge cavern type room. The cave ceiling was over 15m high and the walls were made of that same orange colored stone. The cave itself stretched over 100m long and roughly 50m wide, this is going to be arge battle ground.


    Within seconds of entering the cave a wave of wolves came out from the darkness in the back. I couldn''t count them all quickly enough but there must have been 7 or 8 of them charging full speed at us. Abby started glowing.


    "Get somewhere safe and watch me, this will all be over before you know it."


    Without thinking twice I nodded and ran to the left side of the cave to find cover and watch the battle ensue. I took out my sword and held it in front of me just for good measure.


    Abby sprinted forward to take all the wolves head on. Again, I watched the ground move around her like it was alive. The rocky sand was twisting and shape shifting beneath her feet obeying hermand.


    8rge earth spikes were moulded from the cave''s floor. With a swift and graceful movement of her right hand Abby maneuvered all the spikes into perfect positions and impaled every one of the wolves in a single strike.


    The wolves wined for a moment but the the cave went quiet.


    Then... I felt heavy eyes ring at me...


    Something strong was watching. Something purely evil.


    The back of the cave felt ominous. Abby and I were both looking towards the dark end of the cave waiting for some demon to arise. Abby started glowing even brighter preparing for war.


    "GGGGGGRRRRUUUUUUAAAARRRRRR"


    The back of the cave lit up with the glow of a deep crimson red light. mes began creeping up the walls of the cave and arge human like figure appeared.


    Standing over 5m tall a beast emerged. It was definitely not human.... With the head of a wolf, the torso of a giant man, and the limbs of what looked like a man and wolfbined.... This must be what a werewolf looks like...


    Its body was covered in red glowing veins holding back its immense muscles. They looked like tight coils of magma moving around its body. It''s eyes were sharp and it''s teeth even sharper. It stared down it''s opponent, the green glowing girl standing below.


    The tension in the room was like nothing I''d ever experienced. A sh of immense energy. There was magic power pouring from each warrior ready in their battle stance.


    A hot and evil fire burned behind the monster. It let out a battle cry and mes erupted from its back, legs, and arms. The room heated up in an instant, the creature was dering a duel.


    Abby began glowing brighter. The ground started to rumble, then the whole cave began to shake. She let out a battle cry of her own and produced 2 enormous spears of rock from the ground simr to the monster''s towering size. She sent ripples through the ground making the battlefield itself an extension of her body.


    Earth vs. Fire


    The battle was about to begin and all I could do was stare wide eyed in total amazement.


    This is power. This is what I want to achieve.


    Before I could blink the two of them started charging towards each other. The demon wolf man''s fire was raging as he sprinted forward with murderous intent. Abby began a frontal attack as well, she was much faster than I''d ever imagined. She keep moving forward wielding two earth spears gliding across the cave floor like it was made of ice.


    The two connected attacks a momentter. From where I was standing all I could see was an incredible explosion of fire and rock. Before the dust settled I heard it again.


    "GRRRRRUUUUUAAAAAARRRR"


    "Take thissssssss!"


    "RRRRRUUAAAAAA"


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"


    The two yelled their battle cries and traded blows, I still couldn''t make them out fully. All I could see were fiery ws hitting spears of rock at speeds almost too fast toprehend.


    It was all over in a matter of seconds. 4rge explosions and an exchange of battle cries. The cave went silent.


    The dust cloud wasrge but it began to slowly dissipate.


    When it did, I couldn''t help but to grin at the sight before my eyes.


    "Well that was funnnn! Cool battle huhhh?"


    Abby was lightly jumping up and down on the monster''s head punching the air and yelling out to me showing that she''d won.


    A huge rock spear was stuck through the monster''s chest. It''s lifeless body was this menacing.. I still was wary of getting too close.


    "Incredible fight... your magic. I-It''s amazing Abby."


    She hopped down and over to me.


    "Thanks! It was fun to y around a bit, butttt that monster was no match. E ss dungeons are never as fun as I remembered them to be."


    She pouted, but was clearly just looking for morepliments.


    "Grrrrurrra"


    The beast moved its arms and ignited a small me.


    I jumped back and drew my sword. Abbyughed and materialized a spear that crushed its head defeating the beast once and for all with a final whimper.


    Then I heard a loud ringing in my head.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 41


    Hp: 210/210


    Mp: 95/210


    Strength: 104 [+50]


    Speed: 117


    Agility: 124


    Defense: 94


    Mental Strength: 105


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    "I WENT UP 10 LEVELS???"


    Abby smiled.


    "You''re wee, now maybe you''ll be able to fight one of those regr wolves without killing yourself. Am I righttt?"


    She''s still teasing me...


    "Yeah yeah sure, but I didn''t even fight or help you at all... isn''t that level leaching? Especially from the Hunters Associa-"


    Abby rolled her eyes.


    "Shut uppp, who cares. Why are you so bent out of shape on the little things. Just enjoy the moment, if anyone is suspicious just say you were training with me on my time off. No one has to know the details."


    She did her usual head bob and smile.


    She was right... I stood there with my status open admiring my new stats as all the monster began to disappear. Abby jumped around collecting her crystals.


    Then the blinding white light came, we were transported back to the start of the dungeon. The boss room had beenpleted.


    She looked at me with a devious smirk.


    "Okay now let''s see what you can do!"


    "S-See what I can''t do?? What do you mean?"


    "Come onnn!"


    Abby grabbed my wrist and started pulling me back in towards the dungeon again. I followed half reluctant but half curious of my new level''s power. I mumbled under my breath as we walked deeper in.


    "Here we go... I guess I''m not done for the day."

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    After a quick walk back into the dungeon we came across a familiar opponent. A lone wolf eyeing us down preparing its attack.


    It was a menacing sight, but after witnessing a boss battle moments prior this wolf didn''t look scary at all.


    "I got this one, stand back."


    Abby stepped back and let me test out my new strength.


    I charged at the beast, it returned the favor. A sh between man and wolf had begun again.


    I could tell I was much quicker than the wolf right off the bat. I lunged in for an attack at its neck, the monster dodged to my left but that''s exactly what I had anticipated.


    I nted my right foot and charged in for an immediate counter. The wolf howled as I made a clean slice at its neck before retreating to safety.


    I''ve gained 13 levels since ourst battle. What felt like a brawl to the death before was no more than a good training exercise now. If I''m careful, I''ll be able to beat it without a scratch.


    We squared off again. The wolf bleeding from the neck and gritting its teeth. I stood ready with my sword drawn. The beast made its move.


    It charged towards me with a death stare, I made a dash towards the left to get a good position on the other side of its neck for a final attack.


    The wolf shifted its weight and turned to my new spot on the battlefield as I began to charge in as well. I sprinted straight on at the beast using a familiar windmill sword move from my back to over my head.


    The monster went in for the kill. My agility was noticeably boosted since myst brawl. I jumped over the its meager attack and followed through with my strike.


    It was all over in an instant. The wolf wined and copsed as I sunk my de into the back of its neck. A fierce battle, but a clear victor.


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 42


    Hp: 215/215


    Mp: 30/215


    Strength: 106 [+50]


    Speed: 120


    Agility: 127


    Defense: 96


    Mental Strength: 107


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    "Wow another level, what a day."


    Abby smirked.


    "Would ya look at that. A world of a difference from this morning''s fight!!"


    "Yeah, you''re right. I''ve gotten a lot stronger today."


    The wolf began to disappear, I grabbed the mana crystal and tossed it up and down in my left hand admiring it before shoving it in my back pocket.


    "Alrightttt, let''s keep going!"


    I looked at Abby.


    "More?? How much do you want to do today?"


    She turned and put both hands up in the air as she walked further into the dungeon.


    "I don''t know, maybe a little longer. I''m trying to test out a theory."


    "U-uh okay."


    I drew my sword and followed Abby again.


    No more than 10 minutester we came across another wolf.


    "All you Jay, have fun!"


    I gritted my teeth, gripped my de, and lunged in towards my next battle.


    As I ran in closer I could tell a simr battle was about to ensue. I went for a frontal attack like usual and watched the monster dodge left. I shifted right andnded a picture perfect blow to the wolf''s neck like myst battle.


    We squared off getting ready to begin round 2.


    As I readied my sword something felt very off. The grip of my sword felt awkward. My arms felt heavy and useless carrying arge piece of metal into battle against an apex predator. My confidence disappeared as I lost the grip to my de and it nged on the hard ground.


    "CLLLAANGGG"


    "......"


    "Grrrrrrrr"


    I was still facing at the wolf, but with no de in my hand. I felt the murderous stare of a wild monster eyeing its lunch. I murmured to myself in a terrified voice...


    "W-What is happening to me..?"


    The wolf charged in, all I could do was stand there with my hands raised to guard its attack.


    I easily had the agility and speed to dodge it, but in my confusionmon sense was thrown out the window and all I did was stand there in fear.


    The wolf''s eyes were sharp. It saw its prey''s moment of weakness and sprinted in without hesitation.


    "Allllllrightttttt, that''s enough."


    A spear of rock came from beneath the wolf''s feet skewering it and throwing its body out of my field of vision.


    Abby stood over me as I dropped to my knees and looked at my hands.


    "Oh get uppp, you''re just out of MP. It''s not the end of the world."


    "I-I''m out of MP... t-that''s it..."


    As I stood up and put my sword back in its sheath she smirked at me.


    "Which meansssss. You lied to me."


    "I lied to you? When did I do tha-"


    My heart skipped a beat and my face went white.


    The realization of my current situation was alling clear to me.


    I remembered back to the first time I met Abby in the Hunters Association office building. I told her my 2nd skill was an MP absorption skill, she had somehow seen through me. My mind was racing, to what extent does she know about my skill....?


    "I-I I didn''t mean to. I- It was just because I didn''t wan¡ª"


    She just giggled and did her usual head bob.


    "So I was right! Ha! You''ve confirmed it now. Your skill..... What is it realllyyyyyy??"


    She got close to my face wide eyed with curiosity.


    "....."


    "Fineeee, i won''t pry now. I know people are weird about their skills, but we''re not done talking about this... that''s for sure!"


    She pouted and puffed her cheeks at me.


    ".... I- just don''t tell the association. I really wanted to keep my unique skill away from the public eye."


    I covered my mouth with my hand. It''s the pout she does.... Always makes me weak...


    "Ouuuaahhhh, so it''s a unique skill. Hmmmmm."


    She smiled and started spinning around with a devious but cute smirk on her face.


    "Please. Just don''t tell the Association yet, I just need a litt-"


    "One Week."


    "O-one week? What do you mean by that...?"


    She grinned even wider.


    "I''ll give you one week to defeat the Boss room here. Do that and your secret is safe with me."


    "...... A-Alright."


    "Come onnnn, that''s enough training for today. I think we had enough funnnn!"


    She grabbed my wrist and skipped back in the direction of the dungeon exit.


    I was deep in thought. So much had happened in thest couple hours, all I could do was keep on walking behind her and mumble to myself.


    "I need a drink."

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    We stepped out of the dungeon portal back into our home world.


    Abby waved and walked over to the two security guards sitting in front of the old theatre entrance. She said something to one of them and turned to me.


    "Jay show them your Hunter''s License."


    "Okay sure."


    I took out my license and put it on the small counter in front of them. They made a note of something and nodded.


    "Allllrightty, we''re good to go."


    I took my license back with a bit of a confused look on my face.


    "You''re registered as my guest! You can enter this dungeon as much as you''d like to train before it''s open to the public in a few days. You''re going to need it."


    Abby giggled as we started walking back towards the direction of the vige market and Alpine Square Dungeon. The sun was setting as well, it was a pretty sight.


    We walked past Alpine Square and into the vige market. I made the notion to Abby that there was a specific shop I liked to go to, she understood. We walked up to the old merchant''s shop momentster.


    "Hey kid, how''s it going? Who''s the luckydy?"


    I knew he was teasing me, but I hardly had the energy for it right now. I smiled and threw my two mana crystals on the counter.


    "This is Abby, she''s just a friend. Don''t get the wrong idea old man. How much can I get for these today?"


    He ced the two crystals on the measuring dish and the big ck numbers read out 71.3MU.


    "I can do 70 bronze coins, nice haul today kid. Where''d you get these crystals? This isn''t the Alpine boss."


    "Yeah we checked out a different E ss dungeon today, looks like I grew out of the starter dungeon."


    I smiled and nodded. The old merchant looked a bit impressed and started counting out bronze coins for me.


    I took the coins a momentter and started shoving them awkwardly into my back pockets. They barely all fit.


    Abbyughed, the merchant smirked as he took the mana crystals off the measuring dish.


    "Okay how much can I get for these??"


    Abby dumped her haul of crystals directly onto the measuring dish. The screen read 613.4MU. The shop keeper''s eyes lit up a bit.


    "Now we''re talking. We don''t get a haul like this everyday in the vige market. I''ll give you 6 silver for these."


    "Works for me!"


    The merchant counted out 6 shiny silver coins and ced them on the counter. Abby took them and bobbed her head with a smile.


    "Time to eattttt. I starvingggg."


    "You can say that again... I know a good bar, this way."


    There''s a local bar called CJ''s with decent food and good drinks. I stop by here pretty often after a long day of hunting. We made our way over and sat down a few minutester.


    "Hey Mark, can I get my regr? The chicken club with fries, and the biggest draft beer ya got?"


    The bar tender smiled and nodded as he finished pouring another customer''s drink.


    "Sure thing Jay, 5 bronze. It''ll be out in a few minutes."


    Abby lifted her hand in the direction of the bar tender.


    "I''ll have what he''s having, double it!"


    I nodded and handed Mark 10 bronze.


    A few minutester our food and drinks came. I couldn''t wait to eat, I could only assume Abby felt the same. We dug in.


    "That was goooood."


    We finished at about the same time. I was impressed.


    With bellies full and minds at ease thest light of the setting sun was a nice finishing touch to our meal.


    "Ya know jayyy. Today was a good day. I''m d I met youuu. Ya know."


    Abby sounds a little drunk. I guess she doesn''t go out too much working for the Association.


    "d you had fun today. I''m happy I met you too, today was definitely an eye opener for me. I thank you again for that."


    Abby smiled in agreement.


    We walked to the nearby train station as if reading each other''s minds. I knew the night was winding down, it was time to call it here and end on a good note.


    "Screeeeechh"


    A train pulled up to the station as we arrived. Abby jumped up to the tform and stepped into the closest train-car. As the doors were closing Abby turned to me.


    "Heyy, don''t forgetttt. One week. I''ll see you soon."


    She smiled, winked, and bobbed her head making her ponytails bounce up and down.


    I just smiled and waved watching the train leave the station.


    "One week huh..."


    I said to myself as I walked back to my apartment.


    For some reason I wasn''t scared at all. I was just excited that I had a new challenge in front of me. A big goal to work towards.


    A few minutester I walked up the steps of my apartment, twisted the key of my door, and immediately turned on a hot shower. Afterwards, I took a satisfying swan dive onto my bed and almost instantly fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning I woke up bright and early with one mission on my mind. It''s time to get stronger.


    I jumped out of bed and looked in my bedside table. I had 2 silver coins and a pile of bronze, maybe 80-90 if I had to guess. I grabbed 2 silver coins and 3 bronze as I walked out the door slinging my sword over my back.


    "Morning Jayy. Off to hunt? Me too!"


    Maria greeted me as I walked down the steps.


    "Yepp. Another day to get stronger. Today''s the first day of training with your school right? Best of luck!"


    "Yeah it is! Thanks!! Good luck to you too!"


    Maria smiled and waved as I walked down the stairs. I turned and headed straight towards the vige market.


    After grabbing breakfast at the corner store I made it to the old merchant''s stand.


    "Good morning kid, back so soon?"


    "Yeah, I need 2 MP recovery potions."


    I ced the 2 silver coins on the counter and confidently put out my hand.


    The merchant rummaged through his drawers and pulled out 2 of the small glowing pink bottles. He handed them to me.


    "There ya go, 2 E ss MP recovery potions. They''ll heal up to 500 MP per use. Have fun out there, but be careful."


    "Thanks old man."


    I grabbed the bottles and left with a confident head nod. Now I was off towards the Lexington Wolf Dungeon.


    When I arrived at the old theatre I waved to the security guards and they thankfully recognized my face. With two head nods I walked in without saying a word. I drew my sword and jumped through the portal without another thought.


    I entered the dungeon and scanned my surroundings. The n today was to gain as much exp as possible and monitor my MP consumption.


    After about 10 minutes of venturing into the dungeon my first opponent appeared.


    I used the same fighting strategy as yesterday, it worked like a charm. Within a matter of seconds Inded the first hit. Before the monster could even react to its wound I finished it off. My speed and agility were superior to this beast, and my sword''s added strength stat let me kill it in 2 attacks.


    I checked my status, there was no level up this time. Looks like the exp is already starting to be less effective on my higher level. My MP was at 155/215. That exchange took took about 60 MP. Not bad, as I level up I''ll have more MP to use and it''ll take less MP per opponent.


    I waited to collect the wolf''s mana crystal then ventured further into the dungeon.


    A few minutester another monster appeared for me to y. A quick and efficient battle took ce. In 2 swift attacks the beast had fallen.


    [Level Up]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 43


    Hp: 220/220


    Mp: 100/220


    Strength: 109 [+50]


    Speed: 123


    Agility: 130


    Defense: 99


    Mental Strength: 109


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    This new dungeon was working wonders. It feels like I''m back in Alpine Square my first day hunting goblins. I haven''t leveled up this fast in ages.


    After collecting the mana crystal the wolf dropped I trekked around to find another.


    It took another 20 minutes of wondering the desert but my 3rd opponent finally arrived. Within a minute our battle had finished, my MP was depleted to 40/220.


    It looks like I can handle 3 fights with my current MP usage. So with my potions, I have 6 more fights avable today.


    I took one of the potions and drank the full bottle. I checked my status and could see my MP bar quickly climb. Within seconds I was at a perfect 220/220.


    I continued my hunt. The desert wasrge and the wolves were scattered far apart. It took another 4 hours to find, fight, and collect the mana crystals of the next 6 monsters. I leveled up 2 more times.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 45


    Hp: 230/230


    Mp: 50/230


    Strength: 113 [+50]


    Speed: 128


    Agility: 136


    Defense: 103


    Mental Strength: 114


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    The level up to 44 happened took 2 kills after I drank my first potion. So it took a total of 3 wolves. The level up to 45 took the remaining 4 battles. It''s getting much harder to level up again, but it''s getting easier and easier to fight. I''m definitely gaining valuable experience.


    After my day of battles I made my way towards the dungeon exit. I was a bit fatigued, but it wasn''t horrible. I decided to go to the market for a bite to eat and to sell my crystals.


    "Hey old man, look what I''ve got for ya."


    I ced the crystals on the empty measuring dish and watched the ck numbers read out 324.6MU.


    The old man smiled.


    "Looks like you put those MP potions to good use. I give you 3 silver and 20 bronze."


    "Could you do 3 MP potions and 50 bronze?"


    The shop keeper thought for a moment and smirked.


    "You drive a hard bargain, sure kid."


    He counted out my bronze and handed me 3 more potions.


    "Thanks! See you again tomorrow old man!"


    He waved and I headed back home. I bought a sandwich at the corner store and walked up the steps to my apartment.


    I threw the 3 potions and my bronze into my bedside table drawer. My goal for tomorrow was to use all 3 potions. That would be a minimum of 12 fights.


    I spent the rest of the night catching up on a fewics and novels that released new chapters before falling asleep.


    I woke up again feeling great. It''s time to get stronger.


    _____________


    Over the next 3 days I went to the dungeon for 10+ hours a day fighting as much as I could and reinvesting every coin I made from mana crystals back into MP potions. On day 1 I fought 12 wolves. On day 2 I fought 16. Thenstly, day 3 I pushed myself hard and stayedte in the dungeon to face off against 20.


    After this was all said and done I gained 7 levels. The final level up took 10 wolves to achieve. It was bing much harder to level up, but on the bright side I can defeat a wolf with a single strike now. They take about 35 MP to subjugate.


    I also managed to make about 6 silver worth of profit while grinding levels. For every 1 silver I spent on MP potions, the mana crystals I sold made me about 1 silver and 50 bronze back. Not too bad.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 52


    Hp: 265/265


    Mp: 265/265


    Strength: 130 [+50]


    Speed: 148


    Agility: 156


    Defense: 118


    Mental Strength: 130


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    Today is Monday morning. I am level 52. I have 3 more days to defeat the level 70 boss...

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    On my way to the dungeon this morning I grabbed 4 MP recovery potions. With my new rise in MP along with a level increase I''m able to take on 7 battles per full MP bar. The goal for today and tomorrow is toplete over 60 battles in total.


    As I got closer to the old theatre entrance I saw people lined up around it. There were small groups of people crowded around talking to each other and preparing to enter the dungeon themselves. It looks like the dungeon is finally open for public use.


    As I walked through the front doors a few groups eyed me curiously. It looked like there were no solo hunters here except for me.


    I unsheathed my sword and made my way directly towards the portal.


    "Excuse me sir!"


    I turned to see a young man in a grey suit with a white undershirt jogging towards me.


    "I couldn''t help but notice you''re a solo swordsman. Nice to meet you, my name is Jack."


    I shook his hand and smiled politely.


    "Hi, I''m Jay."


    He replied instantly.


    "You''re aware the rmended solo level for this dungeon is 75. The boss is apparently a tough opponent. I haven''t seen you around the other high level E ss dungeons, are you new to town?"


    "No I''m not new to town, just new to this level of dungeon I guess. I''m going to do some training on the wolves today."


    He eyed my sword.


    "Well, I won''t pry for any more details. It looks like you know what you''re getting yourself into. Here, please take my card. Maybe you''d like to test out our Orc dungeon. It''s controlled by the Pace Guild. It''s a high E ss just like this one. Swordsman are always wee."


    I took the card and nodded.


    "Thanks, maybe I''lle visit when I''m done here. Nice to meet you man."


    Typical guild recruits, I''ve read about them. It was my first time actually being scouted like that, overall it does feel pretty good to be recognized. He didn''t ask me to join or anything, but he did show some interest. I put the card in my back pocket as I jumped through the blue portal.


    _____________


    The dungeon was a little crowded over the next 2 days, but the deeper I ventured in the less often I''d see any fellow hunters.


    I stayed in the dungeon for 12+ hours a day. Ipleted 62 total battles. It was bing more troublesome to find wolves than to fight them. I gained a total of 4 levels and made 13 silver in profit.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 56


    Hp: 285/285


    Mp: 285/285


    Strength: 140 [+50]


    Speed: 160


    Agility: 168


    Defense: 127


    Mental Strength: 140


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    _____________


    It''s Wednesday morning, I''m level 56. Today I have to beat the boss...


    I looked in my bedside drawer to see 18 silver coins and a pile of bronze. I grabbed 8 silver and 3 bronze along with my sword and walked out the door.


    I got breakfast at a local shop and made my way over to the merchant''s stand.


    "Hey old man, I need 4 MP and 4 HP potions today. Plus a small carrying pouch for my waist if you''ve got one."


    I ced the 8 silver on the counter. The merchant looked at me with an eyebrow raised as he rummaged through some drawers.


    "Big fight today?"


    He ced 4 pink, and 4 light green glowing bottles on the counter next to a small ck pouch.


    I shoved them all in the pouch and tied it around my waist, then turned and waved.


    "Thanks old man, see ya soon."


    "See ya kid, careful out there today!"


    I made it to the dungeon entrance, it was a bit less crowded today. There were a few teams talking and waiting out front but I paid them no mind. I walked straight ahead to enter the dungeon... it''s now or never.


    Once I entered the desert wastnd it felt more empty than usual, but it was just my imagination. I headed straight towards the back of the dungeon, wasting as little energy as possible.


    I came across 3 wolves on my 2 hour walk. I assumed this would be the case, my MP is was depleted to 200/285. I''ve be even more efficient with my MP usage, I''ll wait until it gets lower to refuel.


    I made it to the light grey spinning portal. It''s time.


    I took a deep breath in through my nose and out my mouth. I jumped in.


    I was alone in the boss room. No way to escape. It''s either I kill the boss... or it kills me.


    Next thing I knew, 8rge wolves came creeping towards me. This is the first wave, I need to act fast before the bosses out.


    I sprinted in and with a swift swing of my de, waving my way through the wolf pack. About 20 secondster they were all on the floor bleeding out. I stood there for a moment admiring my work while keeping an eye on my MP. It dropped to 140/285. I''ll have to keep this window open for most of my battle with the boss.


    Then the room went deathly silent. I could feel a superior being''s presence.


    "RUUUUUUAAAAAARRRRRAAA!"


    mes burst out from the back of the cave. I jumped back and gripped my sword.


    The beast emerged. Standing over 5m tall, ming from the arms and legs... the wolf man towered over me and showed its teeth.


    It charged forward. In this moment I could tell it was slower than me. The only problem was its fire power... literally.


    I sprinted to the right to avoid a full frontal attack, that would only end badly for me. It was focused forward, I lunged in to attack one of its legs.


    To my surprise, it was a hit! I grinned ear to ear as I sprinted past the monster. When I got a safe distance away I looked back and the smile left my face.


    I had hit.. but to the beast it was no more than a small wound on its leg. Maybe 5% of its HP if I was lucky... I froze for a moment in awe. This gave the wolf man enough time to counter with a ming fist. As the fist drew near it registered in my peripherals and I jumped away from its trajectory as best I could.


    Unfortunately the attack still hit me. The whole left side of my torso had been singed through my shirt and I was sted back into the depths of the cave about 15m.


    I quickly got to my feet checking my status while chugging both MP and HP potions. My side was dripping with blood, it hurt really bad. My MP had fallen to 100/285, and my HP fell to 55/285 in just a single hit...


    No more mistakes. I cannot be hit again.


    My MP and HP had fully recovered. The beast was staring me down like it''s prey. It charged in at me again.


    I went for a zig zag pattern using my speed and agility to sneak in with an attack aiming for its left leg. Momentster, a hit! I zig zagged away in a simr fashion making sure to keep my eyes on the beast while keeping a safe distance.


    I have a weak attack, but it''s definitely doing some damage. I can keep this up.


    The wolf man erupted with mes and charged at me again. I ran in the opposite direction. When it activates its magic it''s much harder to get a safe attack in.


    A few secondster the fire died down and I readied myself for an attack. I zig zagged along the ground closer and closer to the beastnding another hit on its left leg. I sprinted away in a safe direction. It tried to follow, but was out paced. The wolf man couldn''t get in range.


    We kept up this game of cat and mouse for 3 more attacks. Inded 2 more hits on its left leg, and 1 more on its right. It definitely had some visible wounds now. There was blood dripping to the cave''s floor. My attack n was working, I just had to keep it up. Staying alert and going in for cheap hits was the only way I''d win.


    It''s strength and defense had mepletely outssed. Its magic was strong too, but with low intelligence I could easily avoid its magic outbursts. My speed and agility were life savors. I drank an MP potion to restore my almost depleted stat bar and gripped my sword ready for more.


    I ran circles around the monster. Landing 6 more clean hits on its legs, it was physically slowing down now. My attacks were making it increasingly harder for the wolf man to more around. There were pools of blood on the battle field. I drank another MP potion and readied myself for another barrage of attacks.


    Another 6 attacksnded.


    "RUAUUUUARRRRRR!"


    The beast was crying out in pain. I kept inching my attacks higher and higher up its body as the monster got slower. Half of the 6 slices were direct torso hits. The monster was critically injured now. Barely walking on its broken legs and serious wounds in its mid section. 1 or 2 more good hits and this battle was as good as over. I smiled and drank myst MP potion.


    Then I felt a change in the air....


    "RUUUUAAAAAAAAAAA!!"


    The wolf man erupted into a crimson ball of fire.


    It emerged... but fully still fully engulfed with ayer of mes. It was a walking st furnace, I couldn''t get close... this must be its final form. Ast-ditch effort, letting out all its remaining energy with a dying breath.


    I backed up and stared at the 5m tall ming wolf man in awe. I had to admit, it was an incredible sight.


    I sprinted in the opposite direction, there''s no way I can win 1 on 1. His previous magic attacks were only activated for a limited amount of time. Maybe if I run away for long enough, he''ll burn out...


    I headed towards the back of the cave as fast as I could. To my surprise the beast followed with more speed than I remembered.


    It went for an attack straight at my back. I managed to dodge but I had to throw myself in the direction of the cave wall.


    The monster turned to face me, it''s fire burned bright red and orange. I could feel the heat burning my eyebrows. It charge forward.


    I made a mad dash to my right to escape its oing attack. A st of fire decimated the cave wall where I had been moments ago. I was hit with some of the debris.


    I ran to the back of the cave again. I had a 5-10m head start but the wolf man was close behind. His fire kept burning brighter and brighter.


    "RUUUUUAARAARRR!!"


    It let out an ear piercing roar and lit up the room behind me. I could feel the hot mes burning the shirt off my back. All I could do was sprint with all my might towards the back of the cave.


    The mes grew hotter and hotter. I heard the beast''s roar and didn''t dare look back. The fire was burning my upper back, I let out a yell I pushed my legs to their limits running faster than I ever have.


    "AHHHHHHHHRAAAAA!"


    Momentster I was hit with a st of mes and heard the monster''s final cry.


    I jumped forwards with all my strength avoiding as much of this final attack as I could. I had sessfully outran the beast, but it''s mes shot forward over 10m. I was able to avoid a blunt force attack, but was still hit with a deadly wall of fire.


    I was thrown against a wall and tumbled to the ground. After this explosive attack, the cave became eerily silent. The light of the mes disappeared leaving me in empty darkness.


    I heard a loud ringing in my head.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    Before opening my status I noticed a faint blue glowing light in the darkness of the cave. It was about 15 meters from me. I limped my way over to it using my sword as a crutch.


    As I approached the wolf man''s fried corpse I saw familiar glowing blue words.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    My eyes went wide. With a faint smile I chose [YES].


    The monster''s body started disappearing. It dropped arge mana crystal and a shiny gold ring with a small wolf''s head imprinted on it.


    I picked them both up. Put the mana crystal in my pouch, then curiously put the ring on my left hand''s middle finger. It tightened to fit my finger perfectly.


    The white light appeared and transported me back to the dungeon''s entrance.


    I stepped out back into the home world and stood in the theatre hall. My shirt had been burned off and I was bleeding from wounds all over my body. I just grinned and opened my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 61


    Hp: 37/310


    Mp: 265/310


    Strength: 152 [+50]


    Speed: 174


    Agility: 183


    Defense: 138


    Mental Strength: 152 [+30]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    I beat the boss just in time... and I made it out in one piece. What a battle.


    I drank an HP potion before trying to make my way out of the theatre hall. It was empty, but I could hear some voices of a party gearing up outside.


    After a few seconds my wounds felt a lot better and I was able to walk without leaning on my sword. I made my way out of the dungeon hall and back towards the vige market.


    "Hey old man, the battle went well."


    I ced 10 medium sized mana on the table and onerger crystal from the boss. The merchant ced them on the measuring te and the bold numbers read out 423.7MU.


    "How about I give you 4 silver, a new sheath for your sword, and a T-shirt. What happened? You lose it in battle?"


    The old man smirked andughed a bit while he counted out silver coins.


    "Yeah it got burned off, a shirt and a sheath would be great. Thanks old man. One other thing, could you tell me about this ring? I got it from a boss drop today."


    I handed him my new silver ring. The merchants eyes lit up.


    "Wow. Nice find. It''s a mental strength buff magic item, but this type is pretty rare for an E ss. I don''t see percent boost items often. It''ll be more useful to you as you level up because the stat increase will be greater the higher your base stats are. I''d rmend you keep it if you''ll be using your skill. It''ll make your MP usage more efficient and your magic stronger overall."


    I nodded with approval and took the ring back. I ced it on my left hand''s middle finger and watched it tighten on its own.


    "I was going to keep it anyways, it''ll be useful . You''re right. I am curious though, how much is it worth?"


    The old man smiled.


    "The right buyer would pay you between 20 and 30 silver for a ring like that. It''s a pretty high grade E ss item, even D ss hunters would be happy to use a magic item like that."


    "Awesome. That''s pretty good."


    "Hey catch!"


    The man threw me a generic ck T shirt and the exact same ck leather sheath I used before. I put them both on, slid my sword onto my back and took the silver off the counter.


    "Thanks again, see ya soon."


    "You too kid, be safe!"


    I took the train over to the Hunters Association. I walked up to the building and took a deep breath.


    "Hello Jay, wee back. What can we do for you today?"


    The dark haired woman with a bright smile greeted me at the door.


    "Hey is Abby I- I mean. Is Ms. Sotoro here today? I need to talk to her."


    She smiled and nodded.


    "Yes of course, she said she was expecting you today. Please follow me, right this way."


    I followed the woman to a room in the back, she opened the door and motioned for me to step inside.


    "Well, how''d it go?"


    Abby was sitting behind a desk with an oval shaped couch in front of it.


    I waited until the woman left and closed the door.


    "I did it.... It wasn''t easy."


    Abby grinned.


    "Oh yeahh? I thought you would. Lemme see some proof."


    "Here take a look."


    I threw Abby the ring. She put it on curiously and opened her status to check it out.


    "Ahhhh you even got a rare drop. Luckyyyy."


    Then she threw the ring back to me and got more serious all of a sudden.


    "Open your status, I want to see your progress."


    "I- Uh. Sure One-"


    "Don''t worry, we made a deal remember?? You beat the boss, your secret is safe with me. No one else will know."


    She made a locking motion with her hand by her lips and pretended to throw out a key.


    "Sighhhh, okay."


    I opened my status and flipped the screen to show Abby. Her eyes went wide.


    "F-Fire magic... you absor.... IT REALLY IS WHAT I THOUGHT.... INCREDIBLE!!!"


    She got out of her seat and started jumping around.


    "You have a unique skill for real!! It could be the most valuable skill I''ve ever heard of Jay!!!"


    I nodded.


    "Yes I know. But I need to keep it a secret until I''m a stronger ss hunter. I need to protect myself from any parties that want to take advantage of me. I may just be paranoid from readingic books, but I think there''s some sense to keeping it a secret for now."


    Abby stopped jumping and looked at me with a concerned look and pouted.


    "Hmm. I guess you have a point. It''s your choice. Well, I''ll be your eyes and ears here at the association. No one is suspicious yet, but depending on your future rate of progress there will definitely be some prying eyes."


    She made a teasing punching and looking around gesture.


    I nodded slowly and rolled my eyes.


    "Thanks for looking out for me."


    Abby smiled and walked back over to her desk.


    "Well, I have more boring work to do today. I''m d you came in, maybe we can go on another hunt soon. I have a couple cool D ss dungeons I''m itching to show ya!!"


    She winked.


    "Sounds good. You''ve opened my eyes, I thank you again for that. Soon I''ll be the one protecting you!"


    Abbyughed out loud as I turned to walk out the door.


    "Keep dreaminggg. See youter Jay!"


    I walked out the front door of the building with a sigh of relief. That went well. Abby knows my secret, but I have a feeling it''s actually better this way.


    I took the train back to a stop right by my apartment. I walked up the steps to my door, turned the key, and stepped inside.


    I set my sword up against my desk and took a long hot shower. I smiled to myself, today was a good day.


    I decided toze around for the remainder of the day to rest. I read someics, journaled a bit, and made one stop to the corner store for a simple dinner. I slept exceptionally well that night.


    In the morning I woke up a little sore, but a long stretch made me feel basically good as new. I got dressed, took 6 silver and 3 bronze from my bedside table, grabbed my sword, and opened my door to leave.


    "Good morning Jayyyy!"


    I looked up and saw Maria staring back at me.


    "Oh hey, morning Maria."


    "You know I finished my first week of training with my school yesterday. I''m already level 15. I can defeat over 20 goblins before I need to restore my MP."


    "Level 15 in a week?? All from goblin hunting?"


    Maria tapped her index fingers together.


    "Well no... my councilor brought my party to the boss room 4 times. We gained a lot of levels but never actually fought... I feel bad about that. B-But we do a lot ofbat training too!"


    I grinned.


    "Ahhh don''t worry, I did that when I started too. It''s good to see your school is prioritizing leveling you up. Can''t wait to see how far youe with another few weeks!"


    Maria looked up with relief and smiled.


    "Good. My councilor also told me my skill is very rare. We have connections to a few guilds so their mages have been giving me private training."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh yeah? That''s pretty neat, maybe you''ll catch up to me sooner than I thought."


    I said myst remark in a bit of a teasing tone as I made my way down the apartment steps.


    "Arrhhh, I will Jay! You''ll see! Good luck hunting today!!!"


    "You too Maria!"


    I happily strolled off to the vige market after buying breakfast at a corner store.


    "Hey old man, I need a restock. 4 MP and 2 HP potions."


    I ced my 6 silver on the counter and the old man nodded.


    "Sure thing, here ya go."


    He handed me the glowing bottles and I ced them in my leather pouch.


    "Thanks, see ya."


    It was a quick exchange this morning. Friendly, but clearly all business. I was already in battle mode.


    After sessfully defeating an impossible opponent after a long week of preparation, my eyes had been opened to the potential of my growing power. I need to be stronger.


    My walk to the Lexington Wolf dungeon was brief. When I zone out and day dream in my head it seems like the world flys by around me. For better or for worse... I made it here pretty quick. I mumbled under my breath.


    "Back to reality."


    I unsheathed my sword as I walked into the theatre entrance. I ran forward and jumped through the portal.


    After 1 and a half hours of trekking through desert I made it to the light grey portal. I readied myself and jumped through. My second fight with this boss was about to begin, I was almost shaking with excitement.


    I found myself alone in a familiar cave. 8rge wolves came running towards me and I disposed of them without a second thought. My speed, agility, strength, and mental strength were all noticeably heightened since myst fight. I felt like I was on top of the world.


    Then mes burst from the back of the cave. The wolf man appeared ready to battle me to the death.


    We squared off about 10m apart. The monster''s arms and legs erupted with mes.


    I gripped my sword tight and focused. I thought of my skill''s name in my head...


    "Fire Summoning"


    All of a sudden my arms erupted in mes... but it wasn''t hot. It was more like... an extension of my body.


    I focused on the mes, and they reacted with my every thought. I wrapped the crackling red orange mes around my sword and eyed the beast with a death stare to match its own.


    Two ming warriors stood across from each other. This will be a mighty battle.


    We both charged in at each other with intention to kill. I may be stronger now, but I''m still not stupid... a full on frontal attack is not a good idea. I decided to dodge and use a simr strategy that gave me the edge in ourst battle. Zig zag and attack while my opponent cannot defend.


    I lunged in and made a sh on the monsters right leg. It was about two times bigger than the wound I had made in ourst battle. The open flesh erupted with the mes from my de.


    "RRRUUUUAAAAAAARRR!!"


    The beast cried out in pain. I readied myself for another attack. This battle will be much easier than myst.


    I zig zagged around the wolf man and shed each leg again. There were fiery burns, dripping blood, and wolf roars echoing in the cave.


    I had to drink an MP potion after just 3 attacks. I was using two skills at once after all...


    I continued my strategy. Bob and weave, zig and zag. After consuming 2 more MP potions I was at full MP, full HP, and hadnded 6 more hits on the monster''s legs and torso. I could tell its HP was getting low... it was time for its final attack.


    I decided to take it full on before the beast could let out everything it had on me.


    I sprinted straight forward. The wolf man erupted into its fireball and charged towards me as well.


    As a wall of fire approached I activated my Fire Summoning as well to engulf my body in my own mes.


    I ran in and broke through the monster''s wall of fire. I felt it burn, but it was no where near as bad as it was in my previous battle. My me shield was actually working fairly well.


    I was 5m from the wolf man, there were mes all around us. I used my speed to swerve to the monsters left side and sh its upper leg. It let out a roar and stumbled back letting out intense red mes.


    I used this moment to make my final move. As the wolf man leaned back I jumped up with all my leg strength. I erupted with mes and held my sword directly in front of my body aiming for the wolf''s neck.


    Secondster the mes stopped. Inded a perfect shot. Blood gushed out of the monster''s wound and the cave went silent. With a whimper the wolf man fell to the cold cave floor.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 64


    Hp: 215/325


    Mp: 55/325


    Strength: 159 [+50]


    Speed: 183


    Agility: 192


    Defense: 145


    Mental Strength: 160 [+32]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    I smiled as I looked at my status. As the monster disappeared it dropped arge mana crystal. No extra drops today I guess. I put its crystal along with the 8 wolves'' crystals from the beginning of the battle in my pouch. The white light came and I was transported to the dungeon entrance.


    It was only noon... I had plenty of time to rest and gear up back at the vige market. I decided it was a good idea to face the boss again today.


    It''s time to level up.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    It''s been 5 days since I beat the wolf boss for the first time. It''s Monday morning now, I''m level 77. After beating the boss 16 more times I''ve gone up a total of 13 levels. The efficiency of leveling up is getting slower, it takes about 2 boss kills to level up and will only get worse from here. I''m able to defeat the boss while using only 1 MP potion, sometimes none at all. I can face it up to 5 times a day if I spend the whole 12 hour day trekking up and back through the desert. It takes me about 3 hits with a fire sword to subjugate the wolf man now. I''ve profited almost 30 silver in thest 4 days.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 77


    Hp: 390/390


    Mp: 390/390


    Strength: 190 [+50]


    Speed: 220


    Agility: 231


    Defense: 172


    Mental Strength: 191 [+38]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    I got dressed and readied my sword in its sheath. As I went to reach in my drawer for a few coins to fuel todays hunt I saw a card I''d ced in therest week. It was the "Pace Guild" card. I remembered the scout offered to show me around their advanced E ss dungeon... it may be worth a shot today.


    I put all my gear together including a few leftover MP and HP potions and stepped out the door. I grabbed breakfast at the corner store and made my way in the direction of the Pace Guild. I''m curious how powerful their private dungeon really is.


    About 15 minutester I found the guild. It was arge brick building, maybe 5 stories tall. They''re a small guild, but in a town like this... what else can you expect.


    I walked right through the front door and was greeted by a tall blond woman.


    "Hello sir, wee to the Pace Guild. Please show me your Hunter''s license. How may I help you today?"


    "Oh sure, here. I- uh- I met a scout of yours by a dungeonst week. Jack? Could I talk to him?"


    She took my card and examined it.


    "3 months as an E ss Hunter? What''s Jack doing scouting a rookie like you? Sure. I''ll call him."


    I was thrown off by the rude remark. Her tonepletely changed the moment she saw my license. I guess I can''t me her, my growth is rather fast. A regr 3 month old non-affiliated E ss would most likely be around level 20-25.


    I decided not to provoke her further, I patiently waited as she went off into a back room.


    Minutester she came out with the familiar man by her side.


    "Hey! Jay the swordsmannnn! What a surprise. What can I do for you today?"


    "Hi Jack! Well, I came here to see the Orc Dungeon. The one you mentioned your guild privately ran. Is that possible?"


    He smirked, the woman looked annoyed.


    "Could I see your status to confirm some info? It''s rmended to be above level 70 for soloing the main dungeon area. Plus level 100 is rmended for the boss, this is where we train most of our upper E ss as they get ready to cross over into D ss dungeons."


    "I- I would rather not show you my status if that''s alright. I''m able to easily defeat the Wolf Dungeon boss solo. That should be enough confirmation for you right?"


    Jack looked at me curiously, the woman wore an even more disgusted look on her face. She definitely didn''t believe me. Jack spoke up before she could say anything.


    "Yeahh, I guess that''s fine. I have a few hours free this morning. I''d be happy to train with you a bit. Only one rule, all mana drops and loot are property of the Pace Guild. You''re a a guest today, as our D ss representative I''d be happy to show you around."


    I nodded.


    "Works for me."


    He smiled.


    "Well, follow me. The dungeon is just out back, a 3 minute walk."


    I followed him out the back of the building and through a small park area.


    Momentster we came upon arge white fair tent. Outside were two guards. Jack smiled and said something to them and they let us enter.


    Inside there were racks of armor and weapons leading up to a big blue glowing portal. Without any words I drew my sword. Jack grinned and grabbed a sword from one of the top racks, it was bigger and shined much brighter than mine. We both jumped through the portal.


    When we got to the other side I took in the view for a minute. It was a very rockyndscape, but it had big red trees with dark green leaves scattered every 20 meters or so. There were small hills in front of us, and a big mountain in the distance.


    It felt like we were in a huge mountain range. The air was a bit thin and it was chilly. Overall, a very cool dungeon. I smiled.


    "Neat dungeon, how strong are the Orcs in here really...?"


    Jack turned to me.


    "They''re pretty strong. About the same as the wolf boss, minus the fire. So they''re a bit easier to subjugate. The boss here is a tough one though. We call it the D ss right of passage. Beat that boss alone and you''re a D ss in the eyes of the Pace Guild."


    "Cool, let me at a few Orcs to warm up. Maybe we can take a crack at the boss today."


    I grinned with excitement. I''d get the chance to level up a lot today... plus I''d get to face a new overpowered boss. We started walking into the dungeon.


    "Hey, by the way... what''s your skill Jack? Are you a swordsman?"


    He was visibly pleased I asked.


    "Yep, you guessed it. I have the swordsmanship skill and have a natural edge with my strength stat. This sword is a plus 100 strength as well. I rely on power and my swordsmanship skill.


    My eyes lit up.


    "Plus 100 huh? Nice sword."


    "Yeah it''s more than enough for this dungeon. Our guild provides us all kinds of training gear. For the D ss dungeons I usually get a stronger sword, but it''s not needed today."


    I nodded. Jack was still looking at me curiously.


    "What about you? I assumed you were a swordsman, but never got the chance to ask. What''s your skill?"


    I grinned as I gripped my sword.


    "Yeah, I''m a swordsman. I have the swordsmanship skill, plus a natural boost in speed and agility. This sword has plus 50 strength."


    Jack nodded. He still looked at me with that curious gaze.


    "There''s more isn''t there..."


    I assumed he was onto me. Might as well let the cat out of the bag now, just a little.


    "Yeah, I have 2 skills. If the opponent is tough enough maybe you''ll get to see it. Just keep it between us, I''m not trying to air out the fact that I''m a double skill user ya know?"


    I smirked. A little white lie was all I needed to keep him hooked.


    Jacks eyes widened.


    "I knew it. You were too confident of an E ss to just be a normal swordsman. I can''t wait to see it."


    We kept walking further into the dungeon.


    After about 20 minutes we finally came across an opponent.


    "GRRRRRRUUUUUAAAAAR!"


    Arge green man appeared from behind a tree in the distance. He stood about 3 and a half meters tall carrying a long silver sword. It had a bald head and pointy ears. Its 2 bottom teeth came out of its mouth looking like small tusks.


    It wore brown boots, a brown vest that looked like simple armor, and light brown wraps around its wrists. This is the first time I''d seen a monster wearing any special gear.


    It started charging towards me. I could tell the beast was much slower than me... but it clearly had enormous strength. Every step it made created ruptures in the stone ground. I could see each part of its quad muscles ripple as it took lunges forward.


    I gripped my sword and charged forward as well. I''d have to y this smart, I have speed on my side.


    I used my zig zag strategy right off the bat. It was what I know works. With blinding speed I ran circles around the green man. It swung its sword with deadly power, but I managed to gracefully doge it with ease. I sliced its right leg first.


    "GRUUUUUAAAAAAA!"


    I circled back and made a slice in its left as it was crying out in pain. They were deep cuts, the beast was dripping with blood. I could tell it was panicked and angry. The monster turned and charged towards me with a wide swing of its de. I zipped out of the way as it sliced a tree in half where I was moments ago. I made my way around its backside and plunged my sword in its back through the tough leather armor.


    "GUAAAAAAAARRRRR!"


    As it threw its head back in pain I took my sword out and jumped the the ground behind the beast. It''s back was still turned to me. I went in for my final strike as the Orc raised its sword and attempted to position its next attack.


    It made its move, swinging its sword while turning towards me. The attack had power, but not much thought was put into it. I tracked its trajectory and jumped over the de directly moving towards the Orcs head. I plunged my de into the Orcs open neck and heard it let out itsst muffled breath. It fell to the floor with a thud and I stood there admiring my work with a smile.


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 78


    Hp: 395/395


    Mp: 225/395


    Strength: 192 [+50]


    Speed: 223


    Agility: 234


    Defense: 174


    Mental Strength: 193 [+39]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "Nice work. You''re definitely a speed type swordsman. My fighting style is wayyyy different."


    Jack smiled and watched the monster disappear. It dropped arge mana crystal and a long silver sword. Jack motioned for me to hand him the loot, I agreed.


    He took the loot and but it by his right side, before my eyes both of the items disappeared.


    "W-What was that??? Where''d they go?"


    Jackughed.


    "Hahah- you''ve never seen an item box?"


    I looked at him with a confused look on my face.


    "An item box..?"


    "Yeah, this is a D ss item box. You can store up to about 10 swords worth of mass in it. Pretty handy magic item."


    "I''ve never seen one!!!? How much are they??"


    "About 40 silver for one this size. Definitely worth its price at this level. I''d rmend you get one for yourself if you''re going to be solo raiding dungeons of this level in your near future."


    I nodded.


    "You''re right. Wow."


    Jack nodded back.


    "That was an impressive fight, but I still didn''t get to see your second skill. What do you think about facing the boss?"


    "I''m ready when you are."


    Jack smirked.


    "Off to the boss room then, this way!"


    We both ventured off further into the dungeon.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Jack and I walked for about an hour until we made it to the base of the mountain at the back of the dungeon. I battled against 2 more Orcs. It was a simr battle both times gaining 1 level for each victory. After thest battle I drank an MP potion.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 80


    Hp: 405/405


    Mp: 405/405


    Strength: 197 [+50]


    Speed: 229


    Agility: 240


    Defense: 178


    Mental Strength: 197 [+39]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "Alright the boss room portal is just up this way,e on!"


    There was a narrow rocky trail that lead up the side of the mountain. It led up to an overlook where we could see the entire dungeon.


    After admiring the view we turned one more corner and there is was.


    The grey spinning portal. I looked at it curiously... it wasn''t as light as they usually are, but wasn''t as dark as the portal of the mutant boss I had previously faced.


    "Hey Jack.. this portal is a little dark isn''t it?"


    He took a closer look and smiled.


    "Looks like it''s our lucky day, a mutant is in there. It''s not tooooo strong, the portal isn''t very dark yet. The ck portals are what you have to look out for. My guess is this one will have a 20% increase in power or so. So roughly level 120 if I had to guess. What do ya say? Ready?"


    I unsheathed my sword and stared at the grey spinning portal.


    "Let''s make a deal. I show you my skill and defeat this boss... in return I get it''s loot drop."


    Jack raised his eyebrow and smirked.


    "Oh yeah? Fine, deal. That means I won''t step in to help you."


    "Perfect, just what I wanted."


    It''s been a while since I''ve fought a powerful opponent. I''ve been craving a good fight ever since I defeated the Wolf Boss for the first time. Now, I had a lot more battle experience and tricks up my sleeve.


    We both jumped through the portal.


    It was a simr setting to all the boss rooms I''d previously fought in. I saw a wide open cave about 200m long, 100m wide, and 20m tall.


    3rge Orcs carrying long swords came charging out from the back of the cave. Jack turned to me.


    "I got these guys, you just focus on the boss. Let me see what you can do."


    I nodded. Within seconds Jack charged towards the monsters and overpowered each one of them with a single blow. It was impressive. He moved the corpses with ease and backed up to give me room to face the boss when it came.


    Then the Erie silence kicked in. The boss was watching.


    "GRRRRUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAA!"


    A huge greenish blue Orc came stomping out from the back of the cave. It was almost 6m tall. All the muscles in its arms and legs were striated and rippling with every movement it made. It had onrge boots, a vest, and wrist wraps.


    To my surprise, this Orc was wielding an axe. From the handle to de it was easily 2.5m, much longer than my body. It''s de was different than a normal axe, it was elongated making its weapon almost sickle like.


    It was a truly terrifying sight. All I could do was stare at the creature in awe and excitement. Finally, I get another real battle. I always get grow significantly stronger when I face a foe superior to myself.


    The beast eyed me down, then made its move. The Orc charged forward and readied its axe for a frontal attack.


    It was surprisingly fast, maybe equal to my speed... and it''s strength definitely tops mine. My only advantages are my agility and fire magic. It''s time I put them to use.


    The beast came forward, I matched its speed with a charge of my own raising my de in front of me.


    As our steel was about to meet I activated my fire magic. My whole body erupted in mes covering my sword with fire as well.


    I used my agility advantage to narrowly dodge the axe''s trajectory as it crashed to the ground.


    The sudden burst of light in a dimly lit cave rmed the monster and it froze for a quarter second.


    As I dodged the axe I nted my right foot and jumped up towards the beast. Inded a hit! A clean sh on its lower abdomen where it''s armor wascking.


    "GRRRRRUUUAA!"


    The beast grunted and took a step back as I zipped out of the way as well.


    We stood facing each other 10m apart. Its wound was dripping blood and was ming with magic residue. It definitely felt it, but my attack was far from a fatal blow. At this rate, I''d need 4 or 5 more of those in vital spots. This was going to be a long battle.


    The monster charged back in at me. I had no openings so I ran to my left as quick as I could to avoid the attack. The beast''s eyes tracked me like a hawk. It used the cave wall as a bounce pad to follow me.


    Now I was out in the open, I had much more space to work with. The Orc came charging towards me with intention to kill.


    I decided to mimic myst attack. I ran in and pretended to match its frontal charge. Once I got close enough I locked my eyes on its abdomen wound. I twisted my body and nted my right foot to jump up again.


    "CLAAANGGGG"


    "Agggghhhh"


    The monster wasn''t as dumb as I thought... it learns quick. As I tried to turn my body it swung its axe sideways like a baseball bat and sent me flying 20m into the cave wall.


    I gripped the rocky dirt and spat blood on the ground. I used my sword for leverage to lift myself off the ground. My HP fell to 135/405, my MP was at 275/405. That was a powerful attack, and it wasn''t even a critical hit. I cannot be hit again. I chugged an HP potion and checked my inventory. I had 1 MP, and 1 HP potion left. Time to really think..


    I got up with a restored HP bar and faced the beast again. It began to charge.


    As the Orc approached I readied my sword. It swung its massive axe directly at me with an angry re.


    I waited for the forst moment and jumped swiftly to the left. I watched the axe pierce the ground less than a meter from my side. From there, I jumped up with all my might to get level with the monsters head. As I flew up in the air I activated an intense burst of mes around my whole body and sword.


    "RRUUUUUUUAAAAA?!??"


    I was less than a meter from the Orcs line of sight. It was thrown off by the bright mes again. This was definitely not a natural sight for its dark rocky mountain environment.


    The beast squinted and threw its head back in surprise. I took the chance to make a clean sh across the underside of its neck, then another on its right arm while i was falling back to the ground.


    "GRUUUUUUAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!"


    Dripping blood from 3 fiery wounds the Orc lifted its axe from the rock and looked at me menacingly. I could tell the beast really hated fire.


    I took a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth to ready myself for the next attack. I opened my status to see my MP at a dangerously low 35/405. I sprinted backwards about 20m letting the monster chase me as I chugged an MP potion.


    Once I was fully restored we faced off again. I needed a new trick. This Orc won''t fall for the same thing twice.


    We charged full speed at each other. Once I was 5m away facing its heavy axe above my head I erupted in mes. This time I chose not to change my trajectory. I doubled down and ran forward as fast as my legs could take me.


    "Faster.... Faster.... FASTER!!!"


    In a ball of mes i blew past the imposing axe by millimeters. I felt it''s wind cut through the mes on my back.


    I was directly under the Orc now. In a rapid spinning motion I shed its right and left legs on the underside of its knees. I kept my speed up and made it out from under the monster as it fell into a kneeling position.


    "THUDDDD"


    I nted my right foot to turn and focused all my fire into my de. The fire surrounding my body crawled towards my sword and surrounded it in a crimson red vale.


    I jumped towards the fallen beast and with a final victory yell I plunged my sword into the back of its neck.


    "ITSS OVERRRRRR!"


    "gruuaa..."


    "THUDDDDDDDDD"


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 92


    Hp: 465/465


    Mp: 105/465


    Strength: 225 [+50]


    Speed: 263


    Agility: 276


    Defense: 203


    Mental Strength: 225 [+45]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "Bring it onnnnnn. Let''s go!!"


    I swung my sword in the air with a fiery victory yell admiring my work. That was an exhrating battle. I outsmarted it, plus had a magic skill that it was clearly weak against. I just beat a level 120 monster like it was nothing!!!


    "p* p* p*"


    Jack walked over to me slowly pping.


    "Damn that monster never stood a chance.. you did use a lot of potions, but still... that sword and fire magicbo is gnarly. Good battle, I''m impressed an E ss can handle a mutant like this."


    The monster disappeared slowly.


    "CLANGGGG"


    The Orc''s Axe dropped to the ground along with a mana crystal.


    I ran over to it with my eyes wide. I sheathed my sword and picked up the axe. It shrunk a bit to fit my stature.


    "Haha I get the axeeee, I get the axeee."


    I teased and grinned as I swung it around in the air.


    Jackughed as he saw me awkwardly handling the massive axe.


    "Yepp, a deals a deal. The axe is yours."


    The white light appeared and we were back at the dungeon exit. We jumped out and started walking through the park back to the Guild''s building.


    "Hey Jay, would you like to join the Pace Guild? I''m sure we could work out a pretty good deal."


    I looked at him with a nk face while slinging the giant axe over my shoulder.


    "I''m not really looking tomit to a guild right now. Just testing out the waters."


    Jack looked at me with a curious but concerned look.


    "Maybe you could sit down in my office for a bit, I can show you what we have to offer at least. Plus they''re about to serve lunch, it''s good trust me."


    He grinned.


    "Sure, lunch sounds good. I''m starving."


    We walked into the guild''s front doors a few minutester and were greeted by the tall blond woman.


    "How was the hunt? I can see the new kid didn''t die."


    Jackughed.


    "He actually took down a mutant boss by himself."


    The woman''s eyes went wide as we kept walking past her.


    A door opened as we were making our way to the back rooms. It looked like one of their training rooms. 4 people came out... then I saw a familiar face.


    A short blond haired girl with blue eyes was chatting andughing with 3 older looking girls. She looked up and met eyes with me.


    "Jayyyyy??? What are you doing here???"


    I stopped and stared for a moment.


    "Maria?? I could ask the same for you... W-What a surprise!"

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    To my surprise Maria was standing in front of me in the lobby of the Pace Guild. She looked up at me with a huge smile.


    "These are the mages at Pace! They''ve been helping me train thest few weeks! But why are you here Jay??"


    I was a bit flustered at first. Then I remembered Maria did say she was training with a nearby school partnered guild.


    "O-Oh that''s awesome, makes sense. I''m just here to check out the guild, I met Jack at a dungeon the other day. Just a happy coincidence I guess."


    I smiled. Maria bobbed her head at me.


    "Ya know, if you join Pace maybe we can hunt together sooner than I thoughttttt."


    Maria stared at me with her big blue eyes.


    "Yeah yeah, I''m going to talk about some terms with Jack right now. Maybe we will be fighting together."


    She smiled and started following the other mages to a back room in the opposite direction we were headed.


    "Okayyyy, see you soon Jay!!"


    Jack turned to me as I waved her off.


    "You know Maria?"


    I nodded.


    "Yeah she''s my next door neighbor. I had no idea she was working with you guys."


    Jack smiled and nodded back.


    "Yes, she''s a very promising mage. We scouted her from the first years. Those are our D and C ss mages she''s working with. Hopefully we can bring her up to speed quickly. Her Mental Strength stat is off the charts, and with that Ice magic... she will be a force to be reckoned with. I''m happy we have the opportunity to train her."


    I put a few fingers to my chin thinking to myself. I knew she had an impressive status... but who knew she''d be this big a deal so quick.


    "Good for her... now down to the real business...."


    "...."


    "Lunch!"


    "Oh yes of course hahaha!"


    We turned a corner and Jack''s office was on the left. As he opened the door I could smell the sweet scent of meat and spices full the air.


    We sat for a few minutes to eat before Jack spoke up.


    "Alright, so what do you think? The Pace Guild has a variety of private and partnered dungeons E to C ss. What is your main focus as a hunter? Fame? Fortune? Pow-"


    "Yes. Power. I want to be strong. That''s it."


    Jack smirked.


    "That''s what I like to hear. You have a very unique fighting style. We don''t have anyone in our guild that possesses 2 offensivebat skills."


    I got serious for a moment and stopped eating.


    "I know you can get me ess to high level dungeon''s and guides for training. That''s pretty obvious. The benefits for you would be the loot I can collect, and the benefits for me would be the elerated level increases I get it."


    Jack nodded.


    I thought for a moment.


    "I''d like to join your guild. But-"


    "But what?"


    Jack had a concerned look on his face.


    "It needs to be a Non-Exclusive guild contract. I''d like to have the freedom to work with other guilds during our time together."


    "Hmmmm."


    "Id like to set up our contract so that I will not be able to sign any Exclusive contracts with other guilds while contracted with you at the Pace Guild. Non-Exclusive contracts will be fair game for me to sign. I''d just like the basic freedom to work with the hunters association or other guilds if they approach me. This is my offer."


    Jack thought for a moment. Then stood up.


    "How about a 6 month Non-Exclusive contract with the Pace Guild. This will include 1 mandatory raid per month. You will have unlimited ess to all private and partnered guild dungeons, but all mana and weapon drops will be property of the guild. You may use any of the guilds provided weapons if the caliber of the weapon matches or is lower to your current ss. How''s that sound?"


    "One issue."


    Jack raised his eyebrow.


    "What''s that?"


    "I get to keep all mutant monster''s drops. That''s mandatory."


    "Hmmm."


    "......"


    "Deal."


    "Great."


    We shook hands and both grinned.


    Jack wrote up a simple contract and after reading it over I signed.


    I''m officially a Non-Exclusive Hunter for the Pace Guild.


    We talked a bit longer and finished the feast in front of us. After about 30 more minutes I stood up.


    "Well, it was a pleasure today. I want to go get this axe checked out and rest up for the day. I''lle back tomorrow and train in the Orc dungeon."


    Jack nodded.


    "Sounds good Jay. I''m d we made a deal today. See you tomorrow!"


    I waved and walked out the office door and through the lobby.


    I nodded at the blond woman before exiting the building. She just nodded back with a nk face.


    I grinned while walking down the main road with a giant axe over my right shoulder. I was off to the vige market.


    15 minutester I arrived at the merchant''s stand.


    "Hey old man. I have a big axe for ya today. Tell me about it."


    The merchant picked up the axe and examined it in awe for a full minute.


    "This is a D ssbat item. Where''d you get it??"


    I smiled with satisfaction.


    "It was a mutant boss, I beat it myself."


    "Damn, kids are getting strong these days. Good for you."


    "Sooo, tell me. How much is it worth?"


    He eyed the axe again.


    "Hmmm. If you find the right buyer... I bet you could get over 50 silver for this item. But in a small vige market like this I''d be lucky to get 25. Most I can buy it off you for is 20 silver."


    "What?? Come on... where can I sell it for more?!"


    The old man thought to himself.


    "There is an auction down in Avery District every Saturday. They buy and sell pretty valuable items there. It may be worth a shot."


    "Avery District??? That part of town is-"


    "Yeah yeah, it''s a little shady. Where else are you going to buy and sell untaxed rare magic items in a town like this. Yes, it''s a ck market of sorts.. but you asked where and I told ya kid."


    "Hmmm."


    "Sell it to me now for 20 silver, or try your luck at the auction this weekend. Here, take this."


    The old merchant scribbled down the address of the action on a notepad and handed me the paper.


    I took it and looked down at the address.


    "A-Alright. Thanks. I think I''ll try my luck at the auction. It sounds interesting. I appreciate the help."


    The old man smiled.


    "Careful out there... In the dungeons and at the auction. Wee to the real world kid."


    I nodded and waved as I threw the axe over my shoulder and walked back to my apartment.


    What a day....

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    The next morning I woke up full of energy and got dressed quickly. It''s time to grind some levels.


    I grabbed my sword, 1 leftover HP potion, 4 silver coins, and 3 bronze. I walked out my front door and bought breakfast on the way to the vige market.


    I had a brief conversation with my old merchant friend and purchased 4 more MP potions. Today I was Orc hunting.


    15 minutester I arrived at the Pace Guild. I was greeted by Jack in the lobby.


    "Hey Jay! I was expecting you. Take this."


    He handed me a small card with my face and a Pace Guild Logo on it.


    "What''s this?"


    "It''s your Pace Guild ID. Show it to any private dungeon run by or partnered with the Pace Guild and you''ll have unlimited ess. Let me walk you to the Orc Dungeon today."


    "Okay sure."


    We strolled through the park. I studied the ID and we made it to the white fair tent in a few minutes.


    I showed the guards my new ID and they just nodded.


    We entered and Jack started rummaging through one of the top shelves in the guild''s item racks.


    "Here take this for today!"


    He tossed me a small pouch, it looked just like the one I had on my waist.


    "W-Why? I already have a bag to carry mana and potions."


    Jack smirked.


    "That''s an item box like I showed you yesterday. It''s magic item. You can store all the swords and mana in there, it won''t weigh you down. Just hand over the whole bag at the end of the day."


    My eyes widened a bit.


    "Oh yeahhh. Awesome!"


    I tied the bag around my waist right beside the pouch I already brought for today.


    "Well, I think I''ll be alright solo today. I''ll just be exp farming. I think I can handle myself."


    Jack nodded.


    "Thought so. See youter tonight. Careful, best of luck in there!"


    We both waved each other off and I entered the dungeon.


    I started off by exploring the dungeon to appease my own curiosity. I trekked around exploring every mountain and valley this dungeon had to offer. It took my about 4 hours. In this time I faced off against 12 Orcs. I didn''t have to use my fire magic once. My increased speed and agility stats were almost unfair at this point. I zipped around them and defeated each Orc in 2 shots or less. I could take them out in 1 hit if I hit a vital organ with enough power. I gained at total of 2 levels from the 12 battles, I also had to use 2 MP potions. They weren''t very efficient monsters for leveling, but it was good battle experience.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 94


    Hp: 475/475


    Mp: 475/475


    Strength: 230 [+50]


    Speed: 269


    Agility: 282


    Defense: 207


    Mental Strength: 230 [+46]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    The Orcs dropped prettyrge mana crystals, I ced them all in the item box. One of the Orcs dropped a long silver sword, I ced it in the item box as well. To my surprise it disappearedpletely. When I stuck my hand back into the bag I could still feel the cold metal handle.


    It''s a mini pocket world on my waist... pretty cool.


    After my long morning of warmups I decided to face off against the boss.


    I approached the light grey spinning portal and jumped through with my sword ready.


    Almost Immediately 3 Orcs came charging towards me. This is the most I''ve faced at once.


    I decided not to take any chances and just go all out from the start. I erupted in mes and sprinted towards the approaching beasts.


    Within a few seconds all 3 Orcs were sprawled out on the floor. Their necks were sliced wide open with crimson mes crackling in the silence of the empty cave. That was easy.


    "GRUAAAAAAAAR!"


    The boss appeared. To my surprise he looked much less menacing than ourst meeting. My first time facing the Orc boss was a mutant after all...


    The monster carried a long sword this time, it didn''t have that axe like the mutant. He was almost 5m tall, and a deep green color.


    "Sighhhhhh"


    I was really looking forward to a good fight, I guess I''ll settle for some easy sparring practice.


    The beast charged towards me with disappointing speed.


    I sprinted towards it straight on as well. At thest moment I erupted in mes covering my body and sword. The beast shrieked as I narrowly avoided its de and sunk mine deep into its upper chest through the leather armor.


    I continued my momentum pulling out my sword and flipping over the Orc. Then, I focused all my fire magic into the tip of my de. Without hesitation I nted my right leg and jumped with my sword in both hands tond a critical strike into the monster''s upper spine.


    "GRRRRRUAAAAHHHHHH!!!"


    The monster let out a roar as mes shot all the way through its body.


    It fell to its knees. I jumped back and positioned myself for a final attack. I finished it off the next moment with a fiery strike letting its head roll to the floor engulfed in mes.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 96


    Hp: 485/485


    Mp: 210/485


    Strength: 234 [+50]


    Speed: 275


    Agility: 288


    Defense: 211


    Mental Strength: 234 [+47]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "This is too easyyyy!"


    I yelled out while watching the body of the Orc boss burn to a crisp.


    Apparently certain forest type beasts are very weak to fire, including this Orc species. I should enjoy it and reap the benefits while I can.


    I collected therge mana crystal before being transported back to the dungeon''s start point.


    It was about mid day, but it''d gette soon. I trekked back towards the boss room as fast as I could. It took about an hour and a half, I fought 4 more orcs on the way but didn''t level up. I drank a pink potion to restore my MP before entering the boss room.


    A few minutester...


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I was transported back to the dungeon start point with arge mana crystal in my hand.


    "Okay... one more time."


    It was getting a bitte in the day but I needed to beat the boss one more time...


    2hrster, 5 Orc battles, and 1st MP potion I made it to the boss room again. Our battle was fast, but I didn''t get the exact result I wanted...


    [Level Up]


    "Ah mannn! Only 1 level?!??"


    I was transported back to the dungeon start point.


    I started sprinting up and down all the close by mountains. I wanted to find as many Orcs as possible... as quick as possible. I could tell I was so close to leveling up!


    "1 Orc, 2 Orcs, 3 Orcs....."


    1 hourter...


    "...7 Orcs, 8 Orc-"


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 100


    Hp: 505/505


    Mp: 60/505


    Strength: 243 [+50]


    Speed: 286


    Agility: 300


    Defense: 219


    Mental Strength: 243 [+49]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "LETS GO!!! Finally!!!"


    I yelled on top of a mountain overlooking the dungeon as I pulled my sword from an Orc''s head.


    I grinned as I walked back down the mountain and made my way out of the dungeon.


    I did it. I reached level 100.


    I walked out of the dungeon tent. It was very dark out. I stayed reallyte today... oops.


    Minutester I entered the guild entrance to be greeted with a nod from the tall blond woman.


    "Hey could I talk-"


    "Head to his office, he''s back there."


    "Oh okay, thanks."


    I walked into Jack''s room after knocking.


    He looked up and smiled.


    "You were in there for a long time... how''d it go?"


    "Great."


    I smirked and emptied the item box.


    Around 3 dozenrge mana crystals, 3 boss crystals, and a long silver sword fell out.


    Jack nodded with a look of satisfaction.


    "Good haul. Looks like you were busy today."


    "Yep, I''ll be back tomorrow. Well.. honestly I''ll be back here everyday this week. See ya tomorrow!"


    "Good to hear Jay! We''ve got more dungeons too. I''d be happy to show you around a bit. There''s a cyclops dungeon out by the edge of town. It''s rmended for level 130 or higher to solo the regr monsters and 150 is good for the boss. A Cyclops is half rock type and half forest type. They won''t be as weak to fire as the Orcs.... but having a fire attack will definitely be beneficial!"


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Alright. Good to know. I''ll take you up on that offer soon. Let me finish up my training in the Orc dungeon. Maybe next week I''ll try that one out with you as my guide."


    Jack nodded.


    "Perfect. Always a pleasure. Have a good night Jay."


    "You too, see ya."


    I walked out the front door of the guild with a huge smile on my face.


    I opened up my status and stared at it all the way home. I''m really level 100... I can apply for a D ss rank now!

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Over the next 3 days I farmed the Orc Dungeon for as much exp as I possibly could.


    I decided it wasn''t worth my time to go to the Hunters Association to get my License renewed. I was just going to be fighting in the E ss Orc dungeon, there was no need for me to sit around wasting time in the Association''s office when I could be in the dungeon leveling up.


    On Wednesday I fought the boss 5 times in total, plus over 30 normal Orcs. I was in the dungeon for about 10 hours, I leveled up 7 times.


    On Thursday I managed to put up simr numbers. I had 5 boss battles and roughly 30 normal Orcs. This took about 10 hours, I leveled up 4 times.


    On Friday I stayedte in the dungeon, about 12 hours. I fought the boss 6 times and battled close to 40 normal Orcs. I could beat the boss in two strikes now, it was getting very easy. I only leveled up 2 times.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 113


    Hp: 570/570


    Mp: 570/570


    Strength: 274 [+50]


    Speed: 323


    Agility: 338


    Defense: 247


    Mental Strength: 275 [+55]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    It''s Friday night. I got back from my raid at the Orc dungeon and handed in the loot drop to Jack at the Pace Guild.


    My silver usage has been very high this week, I''ve been burning through about 4 a day for MP potions to keep training. I only have 20 or so silver left. I''m looking forward to tomorrow''s auction so I can make some money.


    I made my way back in the direction of my apartment. I stopped at a small restaurant near the vige market and got a bite to eat. I was starving... Once I finally made it home I took a long hot shower and almost instantly fell asleep afterwards.


    I had a great night of rest. I woke uppletely rejuvenated.


    I leaned over in bed and grabbed the note the old merchant game me with the auction address on it.


    I threw 5 silver and 3 bronze in my pouch around my waist. Next, I put my sword on my back and mounted the axe on my shoulder.


    I opened my door and got ready to leave.


    "Ooooohhhh that''s a big axe Jayyy!"


    Maria was outside waiting for me today.


    "Haha yeah, I''m going off to sell it."


    "Mmmhm cool."


    I looked at her curiously, Maria looked a lot stronger. I could tell she''s been training and leveling up at a decent rate.


    "So Maria. How''s it going at Pace? I haven''t gotten to chat with you muchtely, you look like you''ve been training hard!"


    She blushed and smiled.


    "Yeahh, I just signed an exclusive 3 month student contract with Pace. My school is letting me take time off to train full time with them. Isn''t that great??"


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh yeah? I made an arrangement with Pace this week as well. What level are you now? Maybe we can train together soon."


    "Oh I''m level 38! I''ve been training with the D and C ss mages. They say they''ve never seen this kind of progress before. Apparently my magic is pretty strong."


    She tapped her index fingers together and nervously poked at the floor.


    "H-Here look at my status Jay!"


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Maria Cortez


    Level: 38


    Hp: 195/195


    Mp: 195/195


    Strength: 91


    Speed: 98


    Agility: 93


    Defense: 93


    Mental Strength: 176


    Skills:


    Combat Magic [Ice Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    None


    _____________


    My eyes went wide.


    "What theeee.... Your mental strength is almost double your other stats! Your magic power is definitely very strong. No wonder you''re already signed with Pace. Good for you Maria!"


    She blushed.


    "Yeahh, it goes up 4 or 5 every time I level up. I can beat monsters almost twice my level if Ind a hit. My other stats arecking for now though, so I can''t even outrun or overpower monsters equal to my level.. it''s a process."


    She pouted.


    "Hmm makes sense. Well, level 38 in just a few weeks is nothing tough at. Congrats, good luck with your training. Maybe we''ll train together next week, I''d like to see you in action."


    Maria nodded.


    "Mmmhmmm, w-well good luck selling your axe. See you around soon Jay!"


    "See ya!"


    We both smiled and waved each other off.


    I made my way towards Avery District after grabbing breakfast at the corner store.


    I walked for about 20 minutes. The streets became more deste. There were hardly any people and the surrounding buildings became less and less well maintained.


    I got to the address written on the note. It was an old bar. There were two big men standing out front.


    "You here for the auction kid?"


    "Y-Yeah I am."


    I pointed at the axe on my back.


    The man pointed inside and motioned me to enter the bar.


    I walked in and it just seemed like an old empty bar... this is the auction house..?


    "Straight ahead and take a left after the bar. Knock 3 times on the first door to your right."


    "Okay. Thanks."


    I headed towards the door like the man said.


    *Knock *Knock *Knock


    The door opened slowly and revealed an enormous room with high ceilings.


    There were tworge men on the inside of the door, they were most likely bodyguards.


    Directly in front of me were 3 men sitting on a long table with notebooks and silver coins in a small jar.


    "Let me see your Hunter''s License, I''ll sign ya in. You''re looking to sell that axe?"


    The man on the left side of the table spoke to me. He looked like he was 25-30 years old. A strong build, light skin, and dark hair. He had a few tattoos on his neck and arms.


    "Yeah just this."


    I handed him my license and he grinned.


    "Ahh you''re a newbie are ya? How''d an E ss get an axe like that?"


    "Does it matter?"


    He chuckled a bit.


    "Nah it doesn''t matter, we''ll take anything here. I was just curious."


    He handed me my ID back and wrote my name on his notepad. He showed the man sitting next to him something in the notepad. He looked up at me with an eyebrow raised then went back to writing something in his own notebook.


    "Alrightttt. 1 silver to enter the auction, and another silver once it''s sold. We''ll just take it out of the sale price."


    I rummaged around in my pouch and ced a silver coin on the table.


    "Yeah works for me. What''s next?"


    He took the silver and nodded.


    "Well let me see the axe, I''ll inspect it and set a starting price before I put it in on the auction lineup. It should get started in half an hour or so. We have a few good items today, but nothing too big. Yours should make it in the top 3 and stand out. I''d expect some good bids."


    He pointed to the small podium in the back. Apparently that''s where the auction will take ce. There were a lot of people standing around chatting and waiting for the event to start, maybe 50-60 if I had to guess. Some looked like collectors, others hunters, and a some people just looked like normal thugs looking for some entertainment...


    I guess this is the Avery District ck Market Auction House. I''m excited to see what happens today.


    The man took the axe and began looking at it like the old merchant man usually does.


    "Are you using inspect?"


    He looked up.


    "Yeah of course, half the people here have some variation of inspect skills. It''s part of the trade so we don''t get ripped off! hahaha!"


    I nodded.


    "Makes sense."


    He went back to examining the axe.


    "Good item kid. 150 strength stat with full durability. I think a starting bid of 25 silver should do the trick, you''ll get 2 or 3 times that if you''re lucky. There''s a lot of buyers here today, they may fight over certain items and inte the price."


    I smiled.


    "Sounds good."


    The man wrote something down in his notepad and looked up. He handed me a small white paddle with the number "87" in ck print on the front.


    "Alright you''re all set kid. I''ve got your name, item, and payment. Go wait with the others, the event will start soon. If you want to bid on anything raise that paddle, it''ll be your bidders ID."


    "O-Okay. Thanks again."


    We both nodded at each other. I made my way towards the podium and the man brought my axe back behind the red curtains next to the small stage area.


    The auction will begin shortly.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    he red curtains opened and a short fat man in a tight ck suit walked out.


    "Wee Everyone!!!! To the Avery Auction House!! Today''s auction is about to begin!!!"


    The crowd of people drifted over to the podium to get a closer view of the stage. I followed as well. The man spoke up again.


    "Today we have a total of 15 items to auction. Like usual we will start from the lowest appraised value and make our way up! Letssss getttt started!!!"


    The curtains opened and a woman with long ck hair in a red dress came out carrying a dark ck dagger.


    "Our first item for the day is going to be a plus 35 strength dagger! Let''s start the bidding at 3 silverrrrr! Could I get 3 silverrrrr!"


    The man started speaking very fast. The starting bid was 3 silver. It''s a pretty hefty sun for a normal person, but this crowd was full of high rollers. The fun is just getting started. A few people raised their paddles but there wasn''t demand for this starting item. It ended up selling for 5 silver to a short guy covered in tattoos in the back corner of the room. Looks like all themon thugs in Avery District buy high grade gear from this auction.


    The next few items were simr. There were two more daggers around the same price. Once we made it higher up the list there were 3 long swords ranging from 30-50 strength boosts. These sold for about 10 silver each. It was mostly hunters and collectors that were bidding at this price range. Anything over 10 silver is arge investment.


    A few more items passed. An Iron Shield caught my eye. It had an added 70 defense stat. It sold for 20 silver to arge middle aged man in the front, he was definitely a hunter.


    A few more swords and daggers were sold but nothing special caught my eye.


    "We have finally made it to our top 5 items of the nightdies and gentlemen!! Coming in at number 5 is...."


    The woman walked out carrying arge silver sword.


    "A 100 strength buff sword. We''ll start the bidding at 15 silverrrrr! Can I get 15 silverrrr!"


    The paddles started raising faster now. It seems like all the big shots have been waiting to bid on the good items.


    "25 silverrr!!! Can I get 30?? Ayeeee can I get 30 silverrrr??? That''s what I like to see! 30 silverrrr!!!"


    The paddles slowed down and the long sword was eventually sold for 30 silver.


    An identical sword came out for the next item. There were a few groans and chatters in the crowd. I guess duplicates are a bit frowned upon, but people still bid. The 2nd sword sold for 27 silver.


    "Allllrlighttt. Coming in at our number 3 spot!!"


    The woman walked out with a small leather pouch.


    "A D ss Item box!!! Rated for up to 10rge item drops worth of mass! I rare find indeed!! We''ll start the bidding at 20 silver!!! Can I get 20 silverrrrrr!!??"


    The paddles flew this time.


    "That''s 25!!! Can I get a- 30!!! 30 going once goin- 35!!! 35 silverrrrr! An active crowd today!! Could I get 40 silver?? Let''s see it!!!! 40!!! To the man in blue!! 45 can I get 45??? That''s it! 45 silver!"


    Eventually the item box was sold for 45 silver to a tall bald man in a dark blue dress shirt and thin framed sses. He looked like a collector, not a hunter.


    "Nowing in at our second slot for the day...."


    The woman walked out from behind the red curtain carrying an oversized axe with a curved de.


    "This monstrous axe has a strength buff of 150. It is has a unique curved de, truly a one of a kind weapon. Let''s start the bidding off at 25 silver!!!"


    The paddles started flying. My axe was a huge hit for some of the hunters in the front row. The tanks were eying the oversized axe in awe.


    "That''s it!!! 30!!! No? 35!!! 40!!! 45??? Could I get 50 silver??? Yes! We got 50!! Going once going twice- 55!! 55 silver!! Does anyone want 60?"


    The salesman was speaking faster than I could even keep track of. My axe was a hit!


    "Could we get a 60??? Anyone?? 60 to therge hunter up front!! 60 silver!! Going once!! Going twice!!! Going three ti- 65!!! 65 silver to the gentleman in ck! 70!!! Back to therge hunter!! Can I get 75?? I hear 75 from the gentleman in ck!!! Could this be- 80!!! 80 silver from the hunter!!! 80 going once... going twice... going three times... SOLD!! For 80 silver!!!"


    Therge hunter turned to the man in a ck suit and smirked. He clearly overpaid for the axe, but he won it over the collector. It was more a show of dominance than anything.


    I was grinning ear to ear. It was the same tank that bought that shield. He must be an experienced hunter, he''s dropping a lot of money on gear like it''s nothing... Well, it doesn''t matter to me. As long as I get paid I''m happy about how this auction went.


    "Now!!! The moment you''ve all been waiting for!! The number one item of the day!!!"


    The woman came walking out of the curtains carrying a long silver sword with a thin ck line running down the center of it.


    "Our number 1 item today is a 200 strength buff sword. It also has a plus 30% MP absorption rate attribute. It is a beautiful sword if I do say so myself."


    The crowd started talking to themselves in hushed tones. It was an incredible sword. The salesman was right.


    "The starting bid will be 1 gold coin, but for the sake of the auction we''ll count in silver to make fractional bidding easier. So the starting bid will be 100 silver!!!"


    I''ve never seen an item like this in person. It''s a top tier D ss item, most C ss hunters wouldn''tin using an item like this...


    It''s perfect for hunters with a swordsmanship skill. Every attack absorbs MP from the monsters you''re fighting and decreases your MP usage by 30%. That''s a fairly good rate, plus it has a 200 strength buff, that''s nothing to sneeze at!


    "Let''s getttt startedddd at 100!!!! Can I get 110?? 110!!! 120..."


    The paddles were flying. It was mostly a bidding war between 1 swordsman with a green cloak on in the front row and 3 investors in suits.


    I watched as they bid back and forth for a few minutes.


    "220!!! Can I get anything higher? 225?? Anyone 225? 225!!! To the swordsman in the front!!"


    The investors were slowly dropping out. The swordsman was bidding strong. It seems he didn''t care if it was a good deal or not, he just wanted that sword no matter what.


    "225 going once, 225 going twice..... three timesssss and it''s sold!!! For 225 silver!!!!! Ladies and gentlemen what a day!!! Congrattions to all our buyers and sellers today, I hope you all got what you came for. That''s it until next week, I will see you soon!"


    The man bowed and walked behind the closing red curtains. The crowd began to clear out and two small lines formed. One by the podium and one by the table where I checked in.


    The buyers were paying at the podium and receiving their items.


    The sellers were checking in with the event managers and receiving their pay.


    I hopped in line and patiently waited.


    "Okay, let me see your Hunters License Sir."


    I stood in front of an older man with white hair sitting at the table. I handed him my ID.


    "Ohhh so the axe was yours? Good item kid."


    He started counting out silver coins.


    "There''s 79 silver for you. Pleasure doing business with you at the Avery District Auction House. Careful on your way out."


    I awkwardly stuffed all the silver coins into my small leather pouch. There were a few wandering eyes watching me receive my payment.


    "Thanks old man. I''ll be back again soon. Pleasure doing business with you too."


    I turned and followed the wave of people flowing out the door.


    Some stayed in the bar area, others flooded out into the streets. I decided to get out onto the street as well, I''d go straight home from here.


    I walked out the front door of the old bar and took a left turn.


    I started walking quickly. Ever since I received my silver I couldn''t shake the feeling that I was being watched.


    I walked for about 3mins at a quick pace. I was about 500m from the bar. I took a back street to avoid crossing paths with any more people.


    I took deep breath and let out a sigh of relief.


    Seems like I was just being paranoid for no reason. I started to stroll slower in the direction of the vige market.


    Then I heard something behind me... footsteps...


    In front of me too... footsteps....


    "Don''t move another inch kid."


    I froze. All of a sudden there were two men in the narrow street with me.


    "Drop the silver and put your hands up. Let me make this painless for ya."


    The man in front of me smirked and pulled out a dark ck dagger. He was the man that bought the first dagger in the auction, the short man with tattoos all over his arms. There was a dark ck snake with red eyes on the back of his right hand, that tattoo stood out to me.


    The man behind me didn''t speak.


    "CLANGGG"


    I turned my head to see a taller skinny man with a long silver sword with scratches and dents all over it. He dropped the de to the ground to get my attention.


    "It''s our lucky day!! An E sses in with an item that sold for 80 silver. A shame you''re gonna have to die for it."


    The man brought his de up and pointed it at me.


    "I guess there''s no point in talking this out with you guys... I''ll give you a fight if that''s what you really want..."


    "......"


    "......"


    The swordsman gritted his teeth. He looked disgusted by my remark. The shorter man didn''t move, just kept his eyes locked on me.


    Silence filled the alley.


    The smell of desperation filled the air. These guys weren''t ying around. They needed this money, and there was only one way for them to get it.


    I drew my sword and readied myself for a fight.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    The man with the sword grinned and kept his de pointed right at me.


    "Real sorry we had to pick you kid, the boss would kill us if we didn''t hit our monthly quota. I''d let you leave, but you''ve already seen my face. I can''t let you run your mouth."


    I stared him down with my sword held tight. My eyes were looking left and right spastically trying to see both men at once, but also scan my surroundings for any other threats.


    "Don''t even think about running either, we''ve seen your face too. We''ll track ya down... how ever long it takes."


    For an average family, 80 silver couldst them half a year. To be honest, even a full year if you stretch it out far enough. Maybe I was in the wrong for shing a full year''s sry around in a rough part of town like this...


    I didn''t pay as much mind to the shorter man behind me. He was a bit shaky and handled his dagger poorly. I could tell he wasn''t a very experienced fighter.


    The swordsman on the other hand... He stared me down and I returned the favor with my own murderous re. I could tell he was skilled with that battle worn sword, definitely not an amateur.


    "Why don''t you just hunt like the rest of us. You could easily make a living in the dungeons. Why rob people like me?"


    He gritted his teeth.


    "You don''t know the first thing about the real world kid! I couldn''t enter the dungeons if I wanted. I was cklisted as a young kid for entering a D ss without authorization... the Hunters Association isn''t very kind to people like me. We have to find other ways to work."


    I''d heard of the strict dungeonws, but never actually seen the result of a rule breaker...


    Avery District must be full of rejects and thugs that don''t fit into traditional dungeon diving culture for one reason or another...


    Again, this is the life they chose. There is nothing I can say to persuade a peaceful interaction here.


    It''s fight or die...


    "Hmmm. Well then. Bring it on."


    I gripped my sword and eyed the man. We were peering into each other''s souls. The fuse had already been lit, there was no putting it out now.


    We both charged in at each other, swords held tight with intention to kill.


    This is my first fight with a human being... but it doesn''t feel much different... than a monster...


    "CLANGGGGGGG"


    Our steel met with a loud metallic ng.


    "CLANGGGGGGG"


    We both jumped back and countered perfectly, colliding steel swords again and again.


    After this brief encounter we both jumped back. I watched him and he watched me. It seemed like a pretty even matchup, he had some solid sword skills.


    "Not bad kid."


    He snarled at me then charged back in.


    "CLANGGGGGGGG"


    I was ying a very defensive battle, I wanted to feel him out before going full force.


    "CLANGGGGGGGG"


    Our swords collided over and over as we traded even blows in the alleyway. We traded ces on the narrow battlefield. I could see both men standing in front of me now.


    The swordsman was grinning and had his eyes locked on me. The other man was standing 20m back.


    I looked straight ahead at both of them while readying my de. My warm up was over.


    "Hey! Last chance for you two. Leave me alone now and I won''t say a word. Promise."


    The swordsman smirked and rolled his eyes.


    "Yeah right. I''ve heard that a dozen times. Get ready kid, enjoy yourst moments."


    I nodded slowly.


    The swordsman turned his head to the shorter man.


    "Hey! Come over and help me out! This kid thinks he can can beat us. Let''s 2v1 him, he asked for it hahaha!"


    "O-okay. Let me inspect him fir-"


    "Don''t bother!! He''s a high E rank at best, I got him on the ropes! Don''t worry. This will be over in less than a minute."


    The shorter man looked at me and started mumbling something. His eyes went wide.


    "No! He''s actually over lev-"


    "Shut uppp! Let''s just kill this brat."


    The swordsman charged in. The man holding a dagger gulped and swallowed his words following close behind his superior.


    I smiled. My prey has chosen not to run.


    Their fault, not mine.


    I stared down the swordsman and ignited my entire body with a deep red cloak of fire. I nted my right leg and sprinted towards them with my de pointed straight ahead.


    Everything goes into slow motion for me during moments like this...


    Their eyes go wide in fear and awe. I activate my full speed and maximum MP output for a full force attack.


    Trails of fire are left on the ground as I sprint closer and closer to the men.


    I bring my sword back positioning to strike. I focus all the fire magic into its de, then let it glide through the air with a faint whistle.


    "Shhhhhhiingggg"


    "Thuddd"


    "Thuddd"


    Momentster both of their heads fell to the floor before they could even think to move.


    The battle was over just like that...


    I win.


    I looked over my shoulders to check if there were any more threats.


    The narrow alleyway was silent, I could hear nothing but a light breeze.


    Then I saw it... hovering over the dead body of the man with a dagger...


    The blue letters that shook me down to my core...


    "......N-No way....."


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Inspect[Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I stared at the text for a moment while my heart skipped a few beats. I couldn''t believe my eyes...


    I gulped and chose [YES].


    I dropped to my knees.


    Thest 2 minutes yed back in my head over and over like a movie.


    I just killed two men...


    I had to....


    Who knows what would have happened if I didn''t fight back... or even ran away... they said they''de after me. Who knows, maybe their boss would have been brought into it.


    After convincing myself I wasn''t in the wrong here for well over 3 minutes straight I shook my head and came back to reality.


    The fact here was that there were two dead thugs lying in the road and I was kneeling over them carrying a sword.


    I examined the swordsman for a second and was surprised to see that same snake tattoo with the red eyes on his right hand. It must be their gang mark or something, best not to think much of it now.


    I looked over both my shoulders again to make sure no one saw this brutal event take ce. Then without hesitation I erupted in mes and incinerated the evidence of my crime.


    I kicked the sword and dagger that were leftover into a nearby abandoned storefront and quickly evacuated the area.


    10 minutes of walking and paranoid shoulder checkingter I let out a huge sigh of relief. I was getting close to the vige market.


    "Sighhhhhhhhh"


    I have another secret to keep from the world. Just when I thought my life was getting easy... I get thrown into an even bigger whirlwind of things to think about.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    I walked back through the vige market looking around at the stores and people simply going about their everyday life.


    I felt like an outsider, disconnected from the world they were all smiling blissfully in.


    They all have no idea what I''d just done....


    I strolled through town a bit more. I passed the local bakery and a few restaurants but wasn''t feeling hungry at all. I just wanted to go home.


    I walked up the steps to my apartment, turned the key, threw my sword over by the closet, and flopped onto my bed.


    *CLINK *CLINK *CLINK *CLINK


    As I hit the bed my leather pouch opened and dropped all the silver coins on floor next to my bed.


    "Ughhhh I can''t catch a break!!!"


    I buried my face in a pillow for a moment, then decided to just not pick up the mess of coins on the ground.


    I turned onto my back and looked up at the ceiling with a nk stare. I opened my status...


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 113


    Hp: 570/570


    Mp: 475/570


    Strength: 274 [+50]


    Speed: 323


    Agility: 338


    Defense: 247


    Mental Strength: 275 [+55]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    My eyes went wide.


    So monster''s skills aren''t the only ones I can absorb.


    I shivered.


    I used this power on a human because it would be a waste not to. Plus, the only reason I killed those men was self defense.


    I won''t make a habit of it... but if someone attacks me and I have to defend myself... their skill is 100% up for grabs. That''s my self rule.


    I awkwardly shook my own hand by twisting my right hand to meet my left in a position that kind of hurt my wrist. Iughed out loud at the gesture I made, but also nodded in serious agreement like I just signed a pact or something.


    I took a big breath in through my nose and out through my mouth.


    Seems like I''ve made temporary peace with my situation. Better to move on. No one else knows, so I might as well try to forget about it as well.


    I grinned andid my head back on a pillow.


    I read someics for a few hours to let my mind escape this reality for a while. It''s better to distance myself as much as I can from thinking about things too much...


    "Gurrrggglllleeee"


    My stomach made a horrific sound. I''m starving.


    I rolled out of bed and stepped over the pile of silver on the floor to grab my sword and boots.


    I took 3 bronze from the dresser drawer and threw them in my back pocket.


    I opened the door and walked down the apartment steps making my way towards the vige market.


    The air felt soft and sweet in my lungs, it was a beautiful evening for a stroll.


    I grabbed a sandwich at the corner store and continued my walk into town with no clear destination in mind.


    I walked through the vige market to watch more people work and live their lives, then I passed the Alpine Square Starter dungeon to see a few new hunters crowded around the entrance, andstly I made my way to the train tform.


    I thought to myself for a moment... taking the train to the Hunters Association may not be a bad idea right now. I need to get my license updated... Plus, what else am I going to do today? I''m definitely not in the mood to go dungeon diving.


    "Screeeeechh"


    The next train came about 5 minutester, I stepped in and sat down. It''s always fascinating to watch the buildings fly by while looking out the window.


    "Screeeeeechh"


    Less than 10 minutester the train stopped by the Association''s Office. I got up and walked in its direction.


    As I walked through the front doors of the Hunters Association I was greeted with that familiar bright smile of the woman in the lobby.


    "Wee back Jay. Long time no see! What can we do for you today?"


    "U-Uh is Abby- I mean Ms. Sotoro avable right now?"


    The woman looked at me curiously.


    "I believe she is in a meeting right now. It should be over with in about 15 minutes. If you could take a seat and wait for her, I''m sure she''d be happy to see you."


    I nodded.


    "Alright. That works. Thanks."


    I turned to my left and sat down in a slightly ufortable chair the was sat up against the wall.


    I set my sword next to me and crossed my right leg over my left knee. I had plenty to think about... so I wasn''t bothered by the wait.


    About 40 minutester...


    "Excuse me Jay, I''m so sorry the meeting went over by a few minutes. Ms. Sotoro is avable to see you now. Pleas follow me."


    I looked up with a polite smile. I hadn''t even noticed that the meeting went over on time, I was just zoning out in my own world.


    "Great. Let''s go."


    I followed the woman down a narrow hallway until we eventually got to a door.


    *Knock *Knock


    She knocked and the door almost instantly flew open.


    "Jayyyy! What a surprise! How ya doinnnn?"


    I was almost blinded by Abby''s bright green hair and eyes as she jumped out of the door.


    "Haha I''m good, I''m good. Just had to talk to you about something."


    "Come on in!"


    Abby motioned for me to enter the room. I nodded to the woman that walked me here. I closed the door behind me and sat down on the oval couch in front of Abby''s desk. She ran over to her desk and sat on the front of it facing the couch rather than sitting in her chair. Her legs were swinging back and forth as she looked at me curiously.


    Just being with Abby made me feel so much better. I got a much needed passive release of dopamine. She is so high energy and just straight up cute, I can''t help but feel happy around her.


    "I-I uh. I hit level 100. Was looking to get a D ss upgrade.. and didn''t know if they''d ask to see my status if I asked up front. I thought it''d be better if I just went through you."


    Abby jumped off the desk.


    "Ouuuhhh yeah? You hit level 100 already? Lemme see lemme seeeee."


    I opened my status and showed Abby.


    Her eyes went wide.


    "That new skill... that''s a really rare inspect type you know!!!"


    "It is? I haven''t tried it yet, I didn''t know it wa-"


    "Try it right now!! I want to see if its what I think it is!!"


    I was a bit thrown off guard. I closed my status and shook my head a bit to concentrate. I repeated the words "inspect" over and over in my head.


    I looked up and saw glowing blue letters and numbers above Abby''s head.


    [Lv. 231]


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Level 231? Is that your level??? How can I see it, I''m ju-"


    Abby interjected. She talks so fast it''s sometimes hard to keep up.


    "Haha! I knew it!! That''s a neat skill Jay! We should go hunting tomorrow. There''s a few more things we can try outtt. Plus, I just had the most boringgggg meeting of my life. Some board members from the regional branch just came over, they''re prepping for the C ss Exams in a few weeks. It always gets hectic around these times of the year. Let''s go hunting, I haven''t had any fun in a whileeeee. Come onnnn. Let''s go tomorrow morning!! Come onnnnn!"


    I smiled. This is the Abby I know.


    "Yeah sure, I''m down to go tomorrow. I''ll meet you here around 8?"


    "Yeahhhh let''s do ittt. Now hand me your old Hunters License."


    "Okay, here."


    I handed Abby my license and she ran over to the correct side of her desk. After rummaging through drawers of pens and important looking papers she found what she was looking for and jotted a few things down.


    "Stay right there, I''ll be back in a few minutes."


    I nodded.


    "Alright sure."


    I waited patiently with my arms crossed and head back resting on the couch.


    A few minutester Abby returned.


    "Alrightttt you''re all set. I did a manual ss upgrade for you so you don''t have to show anyone else your status. Here ya go!"


    She handed me a small card.


    I took it and examined it closely. It had my name, my headshot from my previous ID, the Hunters Association logo, and arge letter D.


    I started grinning ear to ear.


    I''m officially a D ss Hunter!


    "Thanks Abby! You''re a life saver!"


    She smiled and bobbed her head. Then stopped and looked at her desk with a stare of mild disgust.


    "I actually have a lot of dumb work to do today. Those regional reps love paperwork wayyyy too much."


    I scratched my head and let out a small smile. Abby turned her head back to me and pouted while puffing out her cheeks.


    "Well Jay. At least I can look forward to tomorrow. I have a cool D ss Dungeon I want to show you. It''s gonna be funnn."


    She perked back up and I couldn''t help but smile back.


    "Alright, sounds good. I''ll meet you here tomorrow morning."


    I nodded at her and she nodded back in a yful but serious manner.


    "See ya Jay!"


    "See ya!"


    I walked out of the Hunters Association grinning while staring down at my new Hunter''s License.


    I took the train back to Alpine Square and walked back to my apartment.


    The sun was almost all the way set, but it was still a nice walk home.


    Today has been one crazy day.... A lot of ups and downs... The only thing for me to do now is look forward to tomorrow.


    It''s time to explore my first D ss Dungeon.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    I didn''t sleep wellst night. My mind was too caught up in all the mayhem that happened yesterday. Plus, I didn''t get to go all out in the dungeons even once. I always get fidgety and have a hard time sleeping when I don''t get a good workout in these days.


    "Yaaaawn"


    I stretched and got out of bed. My floor was still covered in silver coins, I decided to clean up and count them.


    102 silver coins and 24 bronze... not bad at all.


    I grabbed 6 silver and 3 bronze while getting dressed for the day. I threw my sword on my back and walked out the door.


    The morning sun was justing up as I made my way towards the vige market.


    "How ya goin old man?"


    "Hey kid, what can get for you today?"


    I ced 6 silver on the counter.


    "The usual, I need need 3 MP and 3 HP potions."


    He rummaged through the drawers and handed me 6 small bottles. I nodded and waved goodbye.


    "See ya kid, careful out there today!"


    "See ya old man."


    I made my way over to the station and took the first train to the Association office building.


    Abby was waiting outside for me, I didn''t even have to talk to thatdy in the lobby. Great!


    "Ready Jay?"


    She was a bit more serious this morning. Still smiling, but definitely in a serious mood. I should get in a battle mood too... this will be my first day in a D ss Dungeon.


    "Yep. All set. Where to?"


    She nodded.


    "Great, follow me! Today we''re taking on the Grayson Bat Dungeon. It''s a good D ss for you, I assume the regr monsters here will be much different than anything you''ve ever fought before."


    I looked at Abby with curious excitement.


    "Can''t wait. I''ve been itching for a challenge."


    The mood for this morning was set the second I saw Abby. Serious dungeon mode... even though she wanted to have "fun" today, I guess D ss dungeons are no joke. I decided to y my role and not make light of the situation.


    We walked for about 10 minutes into another part of town I hadn''t ventured to yet. Abby turned to me.


    "It''s right over here. Under this bridge."


    She pointed to a dark metal colored bridge that stretched over a small river with slow moving water. On the edge of the river there was a medium sized brick building with two guards out front. There was a huge sign on the side of the bridge that read out "Grayson Bridge". I guess that''s where they got the dungeon name from.


    We approached the two guards and I saw Abby reaching for her ID. I went to grab mine as well. We handed them to the guards at the same time. They looked our ID''s over for a few seconds and wrote something down before nodding to let us pass.


    We entered the brick structure through the security checkpoint. It was an empty room with reinforced walls. At the back there was arge blue floating portal. It''s time to enter the dungeon.


    "Alright. Let''s do it."


    I drew my sword and kept walking forward. Abby nodded and stayed right next to me. We jumped through the portal together.


    On the other side I couldn''t help but stand there in awe of this new world. It was... a giant cave.


    There was a ceiling about 100m high with giant stctites. The dungeon itself stretched further than my eyes could see in the dim light. It felt like it was dusk, but there was no sun or any light source at all. My visibility was not great. Abby spoke up.


    "We can''t venture in too far yet. This dungeon gets much more difficult the closer we get to the boss room. I rmend we stay within 500m or so from this entrance portal today."


    I looked at her curiously but nodded in agreement.


    "Alright. You know best."


    We slowly walked forward into the cave. The ground was hard and wet. The cave was filled with an eerie silence with an asional drop of water from some unknown water source.


    There were asional small rock mounds and stgmites that we had to navigate around. I couldn''t shake the feeling we were being watched...


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooshhhhh"


    I heard a series of odd clicking sounds and a dark figure soar passed me from the corner of my eye way too close forfort.


    I turned with my de pointed in its general direction and scanned the room. I saw nothing... Abby yelled.


    "Our first Bat Monster appeared!!! I''ll let you fight it, I''m here if you need help."


    I nodded in agreement while frantically scanning my surroundings to find this so called "Bat Monster".


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whooooosh"


    "Aaaaghhhhh! Where did thate from!?"


    The dark shadow flew passed me again, this time shing my torso with something sharp. It wasn''t a bad wound, but it sure was annoying.


    A few drops of my blood hit the cave floor.


    *Drip *Drip *Drip


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "Aghhhhhh! Again!?"


    Another small sh to my abdomen. Blood started dripping faster. I quickly checked my status, my HP had fell to 475/570.


    I can''t see my opponent. This is the first time a monster has had a significant speed and agility advantage on me. What can I do..?


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    I fell back receiving another small sh to my ribs. This thing, whatever it is... it''s not dumb. I need to find its location, and fast! It''s clearly weaker than me, I just need to get a clean shot or two on it.


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "Agghhhhhh where are you????"


    Another hit. I need to think of something fast.


    *Click *Click *Click


    I got it... fire can fight this cave up in a second. On the third click I ignited into a fiery ball of mes.


    "CRUAAAAAAA"


    I heard an odd cry but didn''t see anything.


    "It flew away this quickly?! To where??"


    I kept my mes ignited lighting the cave up all around me about 10m in diameter. There wasn''t a single enemy in sight.


    This monster is smarter than I thought, it avoids me when I use magic that could hurt it. I guess D ss dungeons are on another level than what I''m used to.


    I was burning through MP at an rming rate. After about 20 seconds I let my mes die down. My MP dropped to 370/570.


    The moment the cave became dark I heard that damn clicking again.


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "Mannn this is starting to piss me off! Come out!!?!"


    I was getting frustrated. This must be how all those boss monsters felt when I would run around them in circles taking cheap shots. My HP is at 335/570 now, I started talking to myself.


    "Think Jay. Think."


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "Think... Think..."


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "THINK OF SOMETHING."


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "Aggghhh!!!"


    I ignited in mes again with a frustrating yell swinging my sword and activating every skill I had.


    Then I saw a glimmer of hope.


    Little blue letters and numbers appeared in the corner of my vision before disappearing behind a rock pile.


    [Lv. 117]


    It''s the Monster''s Level...


    That means... not only humans have levels. Could it be? All monsters have levels too? I''ve just never been able to see them without my inspect skill.


    I shook my head after zoning out into my moment of rity.


    I smiled and gritted my teeth as I let my mes dissipate.


    *Click *Click


    "Inspect"


    After the second click I muttered my skill''s name while repeating it in my head and looking around vigorously.


    I caught a glimpse of the blue letters and numbers in my peripherals. I turned with my sword and blindly swung in the direction of the moving dim blue light.


    "CRUUUUUAAAAA!"


    "I felt a hit! I hit something! It wasn''t much... but I definitely made contact! Haha! Take that!"


    I couldn''t help getting excited, I figured out a way to damage this creature while ying its own game.


    *Click *Click *Click


    "Whoooooosh"


    "Aghhhhh Come on!!!!"


    During my victory dance the shadow came back with vengeance and shed my back with a pretty clean blow.


    I got back into battle stance and turned my inspect skill back on. I said "Inspect, Inspect, Inspect" over and over in my head.


    I saw the dim glow of a blue text hovering in the air moving spastically back and forth. It would disappear every time a rock structure got in its way. Then, it''d appear again dangerously close to me in my blind spots.


    *Click *Click *Click *Click *Click *Click


    It was clicking frantically as I kept positioning myself to face it. The monster wouldn''t attack unless it thought it could get a safe hit in. Makes sense.


    I turned my back and let the shadowy figure position itself. Maybe it''d take the bait...


    Momentster I heard exactly what I wanted to hear.


    *Click *Click *Cli-


    "Shinnnnnggggg"


    I used inspect while simultaneously swinging my sword directly into my blind spot. It was a gamble, but it paid off.


    "CRUAAAAAAA!!"


    Inded a clean hit. My sword sliced through the right wing of the Bat and tore it wide open.


    It cried out in pain, and tried to change directions. To the monster''s surprise its wings didn''t work the same as they did moments ago.


    Its left wing overpowered its right making for an odd flight path. The Bat creature hit a stgmite at its base and let out a defeated cry.


    I ignited myself and ran over to the monster to finish it off.


    It was an ugly creature...


    The bat stood about 1.5m tall, its wingspan was closer to 3.5m. The creature''s underside was a gross wrinkly pink skin tone. It had a human sized head with bat features. Its wings were ck and purple but the edges seems sharp as knifes. That''s what it must have been shing me with...


    I nodded and grunted a little. With a fiery sh I ended the Bat Monster without hesitation.


    [Level Up]


    I smiled as I heard the status system''s voice ring in my head.


    Then I looked down to see a happy surprise.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Enemy Detection


    [YES][NO]


    I chose [YES] the second the option popped up.


    I muttered to myself.


    "Echo location... enemy detection... same thing I guess. Makes sense, I take it."


    I was dripping blood all over the ground, I took a lot of hits. The bat creature may have been much faster than me, but I outsmarted it with my extra skills and brute strength in the end. Overall, a great battle.


    I nodded again to acknowledge my opponent while opening my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 114


    Hp: 115/575


    Mp: 165/575


    Strength: 276 [+50]


    Speed: 326


    Agility: 341


    Defense: 249


    Mental Strength: 277 [+55]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    Abby walked over to me as the Bat started to disappear.


    "Good job! You did better than I expected on your first one. These guys are fun right?"


    I looked up and grinned.


    "You''re right, this is an interesting dungeon. D ss monsters seem to be pretty intelligent, I can''t wait to fight more."


    I grabbed the mana crystal and put it in my pouch.


    Abby smiled.


    She was definitely more rxed than when we first entered the dungeon.


    That rxed me a bit too. I chugged an MP and an HP potion to restore myself back to full health.


    Abby and I nodded at each other then ventured off further into the dungeon.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    I was feeling pretty good about this dungeon. After that first battle I have these monsterspletely figured out.


    We kept walking further into the cave.


    "Hey Jay, it''ll only get harder from here. You sure you want to keep going?"


    I smirked.


    "Yeah these Bats are a piece of cake now. That first fight was a warmup, I doubt I''ll even get hit once in our next fight."


    I strolled along next to Abby with my sword out asionally activating my inspect skill to scan the area.


    I checked my status to see how much MP it was using up. I was at 550/570, looks like every inspect uses 3-5 MP. Not bad, but not great.


    As I was closing my status the new skill I recently absorbed caught my eye. Enemy Detection.


    I shrugged and activated it to see what would happen.


    Bad idea....


    I dropped to my knees with my hands on my head.


    "CLANGGGGG"


    I even dropped my sword. A horrible unexpected sensation came over me.


    "Jay!! What''s wrong??? Hello???"


    Abby was waving her hands in front of my face frantically.


    All I could do was stare forward. I could feel the presence of ever monster in this cave. There were thousands of them... all very close by...


    "T-They''re everywhere..."


    I was slowly adjusting to this new ability. It was still very unsettling, but I stood up and closed my eyes to try and master it more.


    They were scattered everywhere. Bats were behind rocks, on the ceiling, and even gliding around above our heads.


    The longer I closed my eyes and concentrated the more clear the movements of each Bat Creature became. The further away they were the more I had to concentrate to feel their exact location and movements.


    It seemed like they were all clustered in certain areas of the cave. They traveled in groups, maybe 20-30 in each cluster on average. Some would leave the group to scout out the cave for food while the others stayed together hanging upside down.


    The deeper I concentrated, the further into the cave I could see. The clusters became bigger and bigger. Some had hundreds... the deeper parts of the cave were much more active.


    Then the biggest cluster appeared in my minds eye. A cluster of too many presences to even count. A massive cluster at what seemed like the caves end... this must be what Abby meant by it getting harder the deeper we go in. I tried to get a better feel for how many there really were.


    All of a sudden I lost my bnce. The clear feeling of the monster''s exact location in my mind faded quickly.


    "Thudddd"


    I fell to the ground.


    "Jay!!!! What''s wrong with you???"


    Abby was very close to my face. Her big concerned green eyes filled my field of vision.


    I checked my status in a daze, it read out 0/570 MP.


    "D-Damn. Sorry, I used up all my MP. I didn''t realize I''d feel so weak."


    I drank an MP potion leaving me with just 1 left and sat up. I checked my status momentster and my MP rose to 500/570. For some reason it wasn''t full, but I decided not to think much of it right now.


    "Tell me beforehand when you''re going to pull a stupid stunt like that!!"


    Abby hit my right arm and pouted.


    That was the first time she ever hit me.. I''m not sure how to feel about that, but there were too many things going on to give this much thought either.


    "H-Hey. Sorry, I was just testing out a new skill. That bat monster let me acquire an enemy detection skill, I didn''t realize it used so much MP."


    Abby nodded, it seems like she''d already put two and two together on what happened.


    "So, now you can see why this dungeon is more dangerous than it seems."


    I nodded.


    "Yup. It seems like it''s a real pain getting to the boss room."


    Abby looked deep into the cave.


    "Usually it is... but I think we may have an easier way to get there."


    "W-What do you mean?? How strong is this boss anyways??"


    Abby grinned and grabbed my arm.


    "Come onnnn. Maybe I''ll get to have some real fun today!"


    Her moodpletely changed. The yful care free Abby was back. What changed her mind so quick?


    "Hey! I asked you a question ya know! How strong is this boss??"


    "You''ll see. It''s about my skill level, a little weaker though. I beat this dungeon two times before, but it was with a full party from the Association when I was around level 170. I can beat it now, I know all its moves."


    My eyes went wide...


    "It''s almost your level?? You''re over level 200 you know.. You better know what you''re getting us into, I''ll kill you if you get us killed!!"


    Sheughed.


    I was half joking around with her, but half concerned as well. I know Abby is very strong, I''m sure she can handle the boss no problem. My only worry was the thousands of giant bats between us and that boss room.


    After about 5 minutes of quick walking I heard a familiar sound.


    *Click *Clic-


    In the middle of the monsters second click it was skewered by a mound of rock that shot out of the side of a stgmite.


    It all happened much faster than I expected. I barely activated my inspect skill before the creature was dead on the floor.


    Abby smiled and skipped forward paying no mind to the fallen corpse.


    "This way! We''re almost there, this cave isn''t as big as it seems. The boss is less than 20 minutes away."


    I just nodded and followed.


    We walked for another 10 minutes or so. The bats and their annoying clicking kept bing more and more frequent. It was a few per minute now. I was impressed by Abby''s speed and precision, but also concerned about that massive cluster of bats we were walking towards.


    5 more minutes passed.


    Abby was glowing green attacking multiple shadowy bat projectiles at a time. Her eyes were flying back and forth scanning the dark room while rock was rippling all around us.


    "Alright Jay! Your turn to help!"


    "W-What do you mean??"


    She turned to me with a grin.


    "We''re gonna make a run for it! Straight to the boss room. Activate your mes and keep them going at full force! Don''t let up for even a second."


    I gulped and nodded.


    The next moment I erupted into mes.


    "CRRRUAAAAAA!!!!"


    All the surrounding bats let out horrific cries and flew out of my fiery sphere of light. Abby was close by in the light, almost touching my mes.


    Then, we ran.


    Both of us made a mad dash towards the cave''s end. Abby had to slow herself every few steps, she was clearly much faster than me.


    As we ran forward with a blinding orb of light surrounding us in the dark cave the waves of bats cried and flew away from our path. They really hated light.


    "Almost there!!! Keep it up Jay!"


    It had been about 30 seconds now, I was covered in mes head to toe. I could tell I was close to my limit.


    I grabbed myst MP potion and chugged it mid stride. The mes did not stop, we continued to sprint forward.


    "Just a little further!!!"


    10 secondster I saw a floating grey portal in the distance.


    I was burning through MP and locked on my target. My brain was in full tunnel vision mode.


    We sprinted even faster. More and more bats flocked around our protective ball of fire. It was getting intense, but we were so close!


    Momentster we made it.


    Abby''s n worked.


    We jumped through the floating grey portal together and yelled out in victory.


    "We made it!!!!"


    We arrived at the boss room.


    It was a smaller version of the cave world outside. To me it looked like a normal boss room. The room was 200m long, 100m wide, and 30m tall.


    There was silence in the air...


    "Hahahaha that was great!"


    Abby burst outughing, I turned to her and couldn''t help chuckling a bit myself.


    "That was pretty insane."


    We bothughed for a few more seconds, then got very serious as the room filled with an ominous presence.


    There were no bats in sight. Maybe it''s only the boss, no extra monsters this time.


    "Get back! It''sing."


    "O-Okay."


    Abby''s tone was strictly serious again, I obeyed without hesitation.


    I ran back to a rock pile on our left side and hid ready to watch a battle begin.


    Silence still filled the room. I scanned the cave but couldn''t see a thing.


    "CLANGGGG"


    "SCRAPEEEEEEE"


    My eyes went wide. This is not what I was expecting.


    A figure no more than 2.5m in height walked out. It had pale white skin and a humanoid looking body.


    Its arms were a dark purple connecting to bat like wings on its back.


    The most surprising feature wasn''t its form, it was the huge ck sword it dragged behind on the cave floor.


    This was not the boss creature I was expecting...


    Abby began to glow green brighter than I''d ever seen before. The monster returned the favor and pointed its sword up towards Abby in a graceful manner.


    They had dered battle on each other.


    Momentster the two of them sprinted towards each other with blinding speed. It was almost faster than I could see.


    The bat creature moved with ease and blinding speed. It swung its sword with power and precision that I couldn''tprehend.


    Abby glided along the rock floor gracefully as well. The entire cave was rippling around her about 30m in every direction. She was creating spears simultaneously attacking and defending.


    There was dust clouds and movements too fast for me to contextualize. It was just like thest battle I watched Abby fight. Clearly this was fighting at a different level than anything I''d ever seen.


    My curiosity was overflowing. I activated my inspect skill. Two sets of numbers appeared over their heads. Abby was still [Lv. 231], the text above the bat creature read out [Lv. 194].


    My eyes went wide with awe. I wouldn''t stand a chance. The moment this thought crossed my mind the room went silent.


    Abby and the boss were 10m apart at a stand still. Then something unexpected happened...


    The boss lifted its sword slowly and took a step back. Abby started glowing brighter. The whole cave began to shake while ripples of rock spears started forming all around their battle field. The boss took another careful step back...


    Then on itsst step the bosspletely vanished. I activated enemy detection almost like a reflex... my heart skipped a beat.


    It was GONE.


    The only presence I could sense in the room was Abby. The boss just disappeared before my eyes, even my new skill couldn''t locate it.


    Abby was still glowing brighter and brighter creating dozens of rocky spears.


    Momentster the sh resumed. Massive piles of rock and dust filled the air. I couldn''t see a thing. I just stood there watching the battle as best I could with my eyes wide.


    The crashing and explosions of rock went on for a couple seconds. To me it felt like hours. The green glowing light almost filled up the whole cave now as the entire boss room felt like it was rumbling.


    There was a massive build up that ended in an ear piercing crash of stone on stone.


    Then silence.


    Momentster the dust cleared...


    I let out a sigh of relief.


    Abby stood there glowing dimly with mounds of rock behind her. The lifeless body of the bat creature was lying by her feet. She used a rock spear to finish it off.


    I heard a familiar ringing sound.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 126


    Hp: 635/635


    Mp: 130/635


    Strength: 304 [+50]


    Speed: 360


    Agility: 376


    Defense: 274


    Mental Strength: 304 [+61]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "Twelve Levels.. wow."


    Abbyughed.


    "What a good fight. That skill where it disappears is always so annoying!! I guess that''s what makes it a challenging fight, other than that skill its speed stat is the only other issue. Overall, I had fun!"


    "Y-Yeah. Another eye opening battle. Thanks."


    "Heyyy no prob! I couldn''t have even gotten here today if we didn''t use your fire! This dungeon boss is hardly ever challenged because it''s so hard to get to, I''m d we came here. Who woulda thought I''d get to have a real fight today!!"


    Abby was clearly pleased with today''s oue. I was too, this gave me some great insight on a D ss dungeon.


    I grinned and nodded.


    The boss started disappearing and it dropped a giant mana crystal.


    Abby threw it to me.


    "You used up more MP than me. Like I said, we couldn''t have even gotten to the boss room without it. You earned it."


    I caught the crystal and nodded.


    "Thanks."


    I was deep in thought.


    The white light of transport magic was starting to fill my vision as we were transferred back to the beginning of the dungeon.


    We nodded at each other again in agreement that we had enough for today and jumped through the exit portal.


    As we stepped out into the home world I was trying to y that battle over in my head again but kept disappointing myself...


    I hardly followed a single movement, I couldn''t remember anything that actually happened during that death match.


    I need to get a lot stronger.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Abby and I walked out of the small brick building passing the two security guards on the way out.


    I was feeling too many emotions at once.


    I was happy and excited because my level just went up so much and I got to see a new dungeon.


    On the other hand, I was a bit frustrated and disappointed because Abby just held my hand through another dungeon and basically gave me free pity levels. Without thinking I turned to Abby and let my emotions do the talking.


    "Hey! You know I appreciate you showing me how these dungeons work and everything but I''m not getting the real battle experience a real hero would get if I went in alone!"


    She grinned a little.


    "A hero huh?"


    I nodded in agreement without much thought to it.


    "Yeah! Next time we face a dungeon together I''m going to be the one saving you! Got that?"


    She didn''t respond for a second and reality hit me in the face, my cheeks went a little red and I stepped back. What I said was true... but I didn''t mean to say it all out loud.


    "I-I didn''t mean to say all that out loud."


    Abby just giggled and kept walking.


    I followed close behind. It was pretty much a silent walk until we got back to the Hunters Association building. She turned to me as we approached the front door.


    "Well, you said it Jay. Next time we hunt together you''ll be stronger than me. Let''s see it."


    Abby smiled and bobbed her head as she went back inside the building.


    I stood outside for a while. Then decided to take the train straight home. I didn''t even get anything to eat or sell my mana, I just walked straight to my apartment and flopped onto my bed.


    My mind was foggy. Today''s dungeon run was an eye opener... but it just didn''t feel right.


    I defaulted to my usual mental defense mechanism and picked up an oldic from my dresser and began to read. It was the newest volume of a series where the main character recently became the "strongest hero". He now has all these secret unimaginably difficult missions that he needs toplete to save the world. In the end, of course he saves the world. So predictable, but I can''t stop reading!


    A few hourster I smiled while closing the back cover. That was a pretty good one, I mumbled to myself.


    "A hero... what is a hero?"


    As I stared at the ceiling I pondered the word. A hero. Everyone has their own definitions for it.


    Someone who saves those who can''t save themselves?


    Someone who stops evil from winning?


    Someone who makes the world a better ce?


    Or is it just...


    Someone who is the strongest.


    That is the best type of Hero. They don''t even have to save the day every time, just when they feel like it. They don''t answer to anyone except for their own moralpass.


    At the end of the day is that even a hero? And...Why does it even matter if that''s a "hero" anyways. Why does everyone even aspire to be a "hero"?


    In my drunken state of what I like to call "fantasy brain" my mind went back and forth from my bedroom ceiling to the many simted worlds ofics I''d read about over thest few years. I came to a resounding conclusion. I mumbled it out loud.


    "I don''t have to be a Hero, I just have to be the strongest. That''s my new goal. No matter what, I will be the strongest."


    I let out a sigh and a smile as my self induced mental torture final subsided.


    "Gurrrrrgle"


    I''m starving. I haven''t eaten since this morning.


    I grabbed a handful of silver, 3 bronze, and the 2 mana crystals from my hunt earlier and went off to the vige market.


    I grabbed a quick bite to eat at the corner store on the way to see my old merchant friend.


    "Hey kid! How''d the auction go? Haven''t seen you in a while."


    "It went well, my axe sold. I appreciate the introduction, but it was a bit sketchy down in Avery District."


    He nodded and chuckled.


    "What can I do for you today?"


    I ced the two mana crystals on the silver dish. The big ck numbers read out 311.6MU.


    "I''ll give ya 3 silver."


    "Deal."


    The old man handed me my silver.


    "Hey can I grab some MP and HP potions too. You have anything stronger? Last time my MP didn''t fill all the way up, what''s with that??"


    The man raised an eyebrow.


    "You''re over level 100?"


    I eyed him back curiously.


    "Yeah. I am. Why?"


    "The potions you''ve been buying are E ss graded. They only heal up to 500 points per use. The D ss potions are graded up to 1250 points. They are 2 silver a piece."


    That''s makes sense. E ss items have their limits I guess.


    "Hmm. Okay thanks for the info. I''m not too far over level 100 yet. I think E ss potions will be more worth my while."


    I put 6 silver down on the table.


    "I''ll take 5 MP, and 1 HP. E ss."


    The man nodded and handed me a few bottles.


    We waved each other off and I headed back to my apartment. I''m all set for a hunt tomorrow.


    I drifted off to sleep pretty easily.


    The next morning I woke up feeling great. I slept like a baby.


    I got out of bed and got dressed. I grabbed my MP and HP potions along with 3 bronze and shoved them in my leather pouch. I grabbed my sword and jumped out the door.


    I headed straight towards the Pace Guild.


    After grabbing breakfast I walked through the guild''s front doors.


    The tall blond woman greeted me.


    "Hey Jay how are you tod-"


    "Can I see Jack?"


    "Oh. Sure thing he''s in his office."


    I walked to the back room and knocked before walking in.


    Jack looked up from a pile of paperwork and smiled thinly.


    "Morning Jay. What''s up?"


    "I want to go to the cyclops dungeon today."


    Jack looked a bit concerned as he shuffled through a pile of papers.


    "I really can''t take you today, and anyway that dung-"


    "That''s fine. Where is it? I''ll challenge it solo today."


    Jack put his papers and pen down looking at me with a serious look on his face.


    "Hey! Let me finish what I was saying. The cyclops dungeon has been getting reports of an unusual amount of mutantstely. It wouldn''t be smart to challenge the boss, or even venture too far into the dungeon solo. I''ll get you directions to the entrance building, but don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    I grinned.


    Jack shook his head slowly as he wrote an address on a notepad and handed me a small piece of paper.


    "I''de with you today if I could, that''d be much safer. These damn regional reps are giving me so much paperwork this week. They always do this the month of exams."


    I just nodded. I wasn''t sure what he was saying exactly, but it didn''t seem to matter much.


    "Well, thanks! I''ll bring back some loot for you tonight."


    "Great, take this. There''s no guild items at the location because it''s a partnered dungeon."


    Jack threw me a small leather pouch, it was an item box. I tied it around my waist.


    "Thanks."


    Jack nodded and went back to work. I waved and walked out of the guild.


    I looked down at the note and made my way towards the address he''d written down. It was about 20 minutes away by walking.


    Most of the streets and buildings I passed were familiar. I''d been through this part of town a couple times.


    Before I knew it, I''d made it to the dungeon entrance building. It was small park area. There were a few winding paths andrge trees. In the center of the park there was a one story building that looked like it was built in a hurry. There were two security guards out front. I showed them all my necessary ID and passed in through the front door with ease.


    It was just an empty room with a portal at the back. I took out my sword and walked through.


    I entered a new world. It never ceases to amaze me.


    This was simr to the Orc dungeon I''d been in before. It had arge mountain range, but the hills and valleys were much less steep. I couldn''t see a single tree in sight, it was a barren wastnd and a bit chilly. The sky was blue and there were a few white clouds.


    The air was thick. It was apletely new sensation to me. My breathing wasn''t affected, but the air definitely had something in it that made me feel a little off.


    I decided to venture forward into the dungeon. I made my way down into one of therge valleys. I could hear a faint sound of running water at the bottom. It caught my attention and piqued my curiosity.


    I trekked down the wide valley area for about 10 minutes. I found the water source I was looking for.


    There was a stream running directly through the center of two mountains creating this phenomenon. The stream was about 5m wide and flowed rather quickly. To my surprise there was small shrubbery growing by it.


    I admired the natural beauty all around me for a moment until a loud sound broke my concentration.


    "THUDDDD"


    "THUDDDD"


    "RRRRRAAAAAAUUUUUUAAAA!"


    Seemingly out of no where a massive creature appeared 50m or so from behind a curving section of the river bed.


    The creature was about 6m tall. It''s skin color was simr to all the rock around us but with a faint greenish tint. It carried arge ck club with spikes on it and showed me its jagged disgusting teeth.


    Its head was connected to itsrge body, it looked like there was no neck as all. Just body connecting to head.


    Then it''s eye... Yes, it''s one singr eye. The beast stared me down with an enormous wandering eye that was bigger than my entire head.


    So this is a Cyclops.


    After the monster let out a mighty roar it charged towards me.


    Its speed was impressive, it basically matched mine.


    On second thought, maybe it was even faster....


    This seems like it''s going to be a really tough fight.


    I gritted my teeth and readied my sword.


    I smirked.


    This is what I came here for after all, to be stronger.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    The giant one eyed monster came charging towards me with speedparable to my own.


    I was not prepared to trade blows with this cyclops just yet. I need to scope out its full abilities before doing anything too rash.


    I activated my inspect skill and prepared to dodge the iing behemoth. The light blue text appeared over its head in the distance.


    [Lv. 129]


    Pretty simr to my own level. That''s good.


    The rushing stream was to my left and a slight incline leading up the side of the valley was on my right.


    I put my sword out in front of me and rushed towards the monster with no intention of actually making contact with it this time around.


    We both sprinted towards each other getting closer and closer. Once we were less than 10m apart I could smell a foul scent, this beast smelled worse than any monster I''d ever encountered.


    I instantly lunged to the right and ran up the side of the valley to avoid the monster''s attack.


    "RRRRUUUUAAAA!"


    The cyclops kept running forward in a perfect straight line. It swung its club at me, but I was already well outside of its range. I''m mumbled to myself.


    "Interesting."


    I grinned and ran back towards the water and tter ground. The cyclops turned to me and locked its eye on me again. We both charged towards each other.


    At thest second I dodged it again running up the mountain as the giant club narrowly missed me. The monster kept running forward in a perfect straight line.


    It looks like this monster has equal, if not greater speed than me... but it can''t change directions very quickly.


    That''s one up side. I''ll possibly be able to use my agility to outsmart this beast.


    The big problem is the monster''s club. Even when I dodged, the cyclops'' timing was basically perfect. One second earlier and I would have been hit. It definitely has good intuition, and is VERY strong. That club is over 2m long and looks like it''s make out of a very heavy metal. It can swing it with ease like a baseball bat.


    Let''s see how this beast likes mes.


    I ran back down to t ground and ignited into a fire ball as we both began our charge. The cyclops didn''t seem to hesitate at all. It was the same result. I had to dodge at thest minute to avoid the trajectory of its club. That weapon is a great offensive tool, but it doubles as a defensive shield.


    This is going to be tougher than I thought.


    I decided to change up my strategy. I charged towards the monster from up above it on the valley''s incline. I fully engulfed my body in mes I jumped in the air with my sword in full swingunching an attack. The cyclops countered with a swing of its club.


    "CLANGGGGGGG"


    Sparks fly and mes shoot from our sh of metal. At first it felt like an even exchange, but I was so wrong.


    The monster followed through with its charged and pushed me forward carrying me uphill with ease.


    "RUUUUUAAAAAAA!"


    It roared as I was thrown forward. I hit the rocky ground and looked up to see the monsters massive legs charging towards me.


    With every fast twitch muscle fiber in my body I managed to jump and spin out of the way as the beast cracked the ground as it rumbled past my head less than a meter away.


    I spit out a mouthful of dirt and got to my feet. In this moment of adrenaline induced rity I saw an opening. I was right behind the cyclops as it was trying to turn around.


    I pictured every encounter we had so far. The battle highlights shed before my eyes.


    There''s a fraction of a second that the monster has to stop moving and adjust its positioning before charging again. This is my only chance.


    I erupted into mes.


    As the cyclops turned I focused all the fire magic into my de and went for an all or nothing attack.


    "Shinnnnngggg"


    "RAAAAAAAUUUUUUAAAA!"


    I made a huge firey sh across the monsters back. It cried out in pain.


    The monster was hurt, but our battle was far from over. The cyclops snarled and charged back at me with its club raised.


    I waited and stared at the enormous creature bellowing towards me. It swung its massive club with a loud roar.


    In that same moment I shifted my stance and aligned myself perfectly for a counterattack. I swung my de at the club hoping to use it as a bounce pad.


    I used the iing club''s momentum to throw myself to the ground. I let the monster hit me while strategically angling my sword to position my fall away from the monster''s heavy feet.


    "CLANGGGG"


    Sparks flew and I was thrown to the ground as the cyclops stomped on by. I immediately erupted into mes and lunged towards the wide open backside of the monster.


    "Shingggggg"


    "RUUUUUUAAAAA!"


    Inded another hit. There was a fiery "X" on the monster''s back. It was bleeding heavily, and the magic fire residue was burning bright. Jack had told me these Cyclops have a minor weakness to fire, maybe the leftover magic was doing some significant extra damage.


    After a series of pain filled cries the cyclops faced me with a murderous re. It charged forward grunting and dripping blood. Its speed had changed, this charge was definitely slower than thest.


    I went for the same movement. I let the monster smack me to the ground while blocking most of the attack with my de. The beast fell for it a 3rd time.


    Without hesitation I concentrated all my mes into the top of my de and sprinted towards the monsters back. I yelled as I jumped through the air.


    "THIS IS THE END FOR YOU!"


    I stabbed the cyclops deep in the back of the head. It let out a cry of agony.


    "RUUUUUAAAAAAA!"


    I held on on tight releasing as much fire magic as I could into the creature. It struggled and cried but quickly came to its end. This was a very effective attack.


    With a final burst of mes the cyclops fell to its knees.


    "THUDDD."


    It dropped its club and fell to the rocky ground momentster.


    I gripped my sword and pointed it to the sky smiling and admiring my work.


    It felt great to defeat a new monster by myself without any higher level instructors or guides around.


    This is how I''ll really get stronger.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 128


    Hp: 390/645


    Mp: 185/645


    Strength: 309 [+50]


    Speed: 366


    Agility: 382


    Defense: 278


    Mental Strength: 309 [+62]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    I stood next to the monster''s corpse for a few minutes catching my breath and listened to the water move in the valley below.


    The air was still very thick. Maybe even thicker than when I entered this dungeon.


    Momentster the cyclopspletely disappeared and dropped arge mana crystal. I tossed it up and down in my left hand before cing it in the item box.


    I walked back down to the flowing water and washed my face and arms in the stream. I was covered in small scratches and dirt after that fight, it got pretty brutal.


    I drank a potion that restored my MP back to full. I stretched my arms and pulled my sword out as I ventured off following the steady water source deeper into the dungeon.


    After about 10 minutes I could definitely sense a change in the air. It wasn''t my imagination at all, something was definitely off here.


    As I kept following the river more carefully through the winding canyon another cyclops appeared. It used all the same tricks. I was much more ustomed to fighting it''s kind now and defeated it in a very simr manor. Inded 3 attacks to its back while letting itnd non-fatal blows on me for better positioning.


    I leveled up 1 more time. After the battle I drank an HP potion to restore it back to full.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 129


    Hp: 650/650


    Mp: 380/650


    Strength: 311 [+50]


    Speed: 369


    Agility: 385


    Defense: 280


    Mental Strength: 311 [+62]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    I was feeling pretty good. I have 4 MP and 3 HP potions left for today, I''ll be able to farm exp for a long time.


    I let the monster disappear and collected its mana. I kept walking further into the dungeon.


    The air was even thicker now. It felt like something was watching me through it. Again, it didn''t affect my breathing but didn''t feel right at all.


    My training for today just started, I didn''t feel like overthinking it. This might just be normal for D ss Dungeons. I pushed it to the back of my mind and trekked forward.


    Another 10 minutes or so went by. I was walking along the river''s edge when I heard massive footsteps.


    "THUDDDDD"


    "THUDDDDD"


    "THUDDDDD"


    "RUUUUUUUUAAAAAARRRRR!"


    I turned a corner to see an enormous creature about 100m from me charging with its club raised.


    It was definitely a cyclops... but was very different than the two I''d just faced. It stood almost 8m tall and had a pinkish red tint to its skin. It''s club was muchrger as well.


    I stared the monster down and readied my sword.


    I used inspect to see what I was dealing with and my eyes went wide.


    [Lv. 144]


    This is definitely a mutant. It''s not the boss, it''s a random mutant appearing out in the open. I''ve never see anything like this. This must be what Jack was warning me about this morning.


    "RUUUUAAAAAA!!!"


    The beast continued its charge with full killing intent. It looked much faster and stronger than me.


    I gulped and gripped my sword even tighter.


    This will be my strongest opponent yet.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    The mutant cyclops was less than 50m away from me now. It had its club raised and its eye locked on me.


    It was much faster than the normal monsters I faced earlier today. I definitely had toe up with a new battle n.


    "RUUUUUAAAAAA!"


    It wasn''t slowing down one bit.


    The monster was less than 20m away now. It''s time to move. I decided to match its movements and sprinted towards the oing beast.


    When I was about 5m away I made a sharp left turn and narrowly avoided the massive club. I could feel the strong wind against my face. It was an impressive swing.


    I turned to face the monster as it charged passed me. I tried to catch it off guard but to my surprise it was already turning to face me as well. Cheap tricks are not going to work.


    We red at each other and both lunged in to make another attack. It''s club was so massive, almost 3m long. I couldn''t get anywhere near the beast, it had perfect defense.


    I had to dodge again, there''s nothing else I can do. The familiar wind of the club''s swing hit my face. I was getting a bit frustrated. I can''t afford to get hit by this mutant, its attack is definitely stronger than my previous opponents.


    We faced each of again. Both of us were standing close by the flowing stream on t ground. The valley''s upward hill was to my left.


    As we charged towards each other this time, I decided to dodge early and run up the side of the incline.


    The beast skidded to a halt and changed directions to follow me up the hill. Thankfully it''sck of agility gave me a small head start.


    I ran up the valley''s edge as the massive cyclops followed.


    Once I got enough distance I turned to face it and ignited my entire body into mes. My grip tightened around the fiery sword and I took a deep breath.


    I sprinted forward and jumped in the air with all my strength. The cyclops was still bellowing towards me from below with its club raised.


    As I jumped down the valley I raised my sword for an attack. I was aiming to fly over the entire monster andnd behind it for a chance to strike.


    That was my n anyways...


    The monster let out a roar and raised its club high into the air.


    "RUUUUUUAAAARRRR!"


    "THUDDD."


    The club hit me like a brick wall. At thest moment I did my best to block some of the spikes with the t side of my own de, but it didn''t help much.


    I was sent flying backwards behind the beast hitting the rocky ground just meters from the water''s edge.


    If I had just jumped 1 meter higher... or maybe just one second sooner... I could have-


    "RUAAAAAARRRR!"


    The monster gave me no time to think.


    I spat out dirt and blood while readying my sword. I looked up to see the quickly approaching mutant cyclops.


    I have to try again.


    The beast kept charging, and I kept waiting.


    When we were no more than 5 meters apart I used all of my speed and agility to sprint and twist away from the massive iing club.


    Without looking back I ran full force up the side of the valley. I heard water sshing behind me.


    As I ran about 15m up the hill I turned to face the monster. I expected it to be close behind and starting its charge. What I saw brought a wide grin to my face.


    The monster overstepped itsst attack on me and ran into the stream.


    It took a few extra seconds for the monster to recover and turn. It was just starting its charge up the valley now.


    I smirked and ignited into mes again. This time I had an advantage. I was moving much faster, and had more time to position my airborne attack.


    I waited longer to jump and focused more force on getting higher up rather than farther this time.


    The cyclops let out a roar as it made its attempt to smack me down with a swing of its club.


    It missed. My n worked.


    Inded directly behind the monster and nted my right foot to jump up towards its head.


    The cyclops had alreadye to a halt and was trying to turn around.


    I focused all the fire I could into the tip of my de and pierced the back for the monster''s head. I let out a cry as I released as much fire as I could into the beast.


    "TAKE THISSSS!!!"


    "RUAAAAAAARRR!"


    It thrashed around for a few seconds as I repeatedly stabbed it and released fire into the beast''s body.


    It couldn''t shake me off.


    The mutant decided to swing its own club at the back of its head aiming to crush me.


    My eyes went wide and I jumped back ripping the fiery de from its flesh. I fell to the ground as the beast bashed its own head in with its club.


    I ran back towards the river. It''s better that I get to t ground now, this thing is mad.


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    "RUUUUAAAAAAAARRR!"


    To my surprise the mutant was still standing. It was slowly walking towards me with steady loud stomps.


    Its head was caved in from the direct swing of its own club and the backside was still on fire due to the leftover magic residue.


    Its eye was bleeding and cloudy, but it still stood tall ready to continue our battle to the death.


    I have to give it credit, this monster is a tough one.


    I was breathing heavy and bleeding all over as well. I couldn''t help but to grin a little bit.


    The beast ran towards me, but not in a straight line. There was something off...


    It can''t see...


    The beast was swinging its club and blindly attacking where I wasst standing.


    I nodded slowly realizing the situation.


    A well fought battle indeed. Without the valley''s geographical advantage I would have never won. Thanks to my surroundings I''ve defeated this monster.


    With a swift fiery maneuver I ran up the valley''s incline again without the cyclops even noticing me.


    I focused everyst bit of fire I had into the de and jumped at the monsters backside.


    I pierced the same spot in the back of its head and let my fire burn bright.


    With this silent strike the monster fell to its knees, then its head fell to the rocky floor.


    "I win."


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 133


    Hp: 115/670


    Mp: 85/670


    Strength: 321 [+50]


    Speed: 380


    Agility: 397


    Defense: 289


    Mental Strength: 321 [+64]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Items Equipped:


    Stainless Steel Long Sword [+50 Strength]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    I dropped to my knees next to the fallen monster as well. I was out of breath, itnded a really solid hit on me. Another one of those and I''d be a goner.


    I chugged an MP and an HP potion as the monster disappeared and arge mana crystal dropped. Now I only have 3 MP and 2 HP left. That''s enough for a few more fights.


    I grinned as my stats were almost fully restored.


    My HP rose to 615/670 and my MP to 585/670.


    I decided to walked up the valley''s incline to get to higher ground and scope out where I wanted to travel to next.


    As I walked up I could feel the heavy air getting even worse. My body was tingling a bit. What''s going on? It feels like there''s magic in the air... and it doesn''t feel good.


    I made it to the top and stepped onto tter ground.


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    My eyes went wide....


    Staring me down holding a massive spiked club was another mutant cyclops. It stood there menacingly.


    In the near distance behind it I could see a normal cyclops approaching as well.


    This is not good.


    I activated my inspect skill and decided to turn on my enemy detection as well.


    My heart skipped a beat.


    Right in front of me I saw the two beasts.


    [Lv. 146]


    [Lv. 128]


    I could sense many more as well. There were close to a dozen simr sized monsters within a kilometer of me.


    There were too many to face at once on t ground. I need to pick my battles wisely.


    One overpowered monster is enough to handle, I can outsmart it. 12 at the same time is apletely different story, I''m not that strong.


    I made a furious dash back towards the direction I''d came. If I ran full speed I could make it back to the dungeon''s exit and get to safe ground outside to rethink a battle n. This dungeon is more dangerous that I imagined.


    Without another thought I ran as fast as my legs could take me.


    I sprinted down into the valley and followed the river without turning my head to look back.


    The winding river was a perfect ce to avoid these monsters for the time being. They have impressive speed, but the tight turns in this valley limits their movements.


    I ran into two normal cyclopses on the way back, but easily avoided their attacks and continued my sprint. After facing that mutant cyclops these regr ones didn''t seem as threatening.


    About 15 minutester I came to a very familiar rock formation. This is right by the dungeon''s start point. I ran up the valley''s edge and made it to the mountain where I''d entered.


    What I saw took my breath away...


    There was a dark blood red spinning portal.


    This is a dungeon break...

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Dungeon breaks happen when too much magical energy builds and is released all at once.


    Mutants spawn in at much higher rates and the boss is guaranteed to be a mutant sucking up all the leftover magical energy.


    The exit portal turns red and allows both humans and monsters to enter and leave as they wish.


    An increase in mutant monsters means an increase in potential rare loot. Strong hunters and guilds see dungeon breaks as top priority events.


    Of course, this is to save the public from the dangerous monsters that can escape and harm those in the town nearby. There''s a thin line between protection and profit I guess.


    Anyways, I''m the first one to realize this is a dungeon break. There are over a dozen monsters in the general vicinity. There''s no way I can take them all on by myself...


    If they all escape into the city there will be some serious casualties. The nearest guild is way too far away to warn anyone in time. I''m sure the two guards out front will catch on soon, but many monsters will escape into the city before the proper team can arrive.


    The only way to stop all of this is to defeat the boss. The dungeon will copse in on itself after the boss room is cleared. That''smon knowledge on how dungeon breaks work. I''ve just never seen one with my own two eyes.


    This is my best bet. I''m going to face that boss. It may be a mutant, but I have a better chance of defeating it than trying to fight all of the dungeon''s monsters at once.


    I wanted to get stronger right? I can''t back down from a challenge.


    I took a deep breath and gripped my sword.


    The air was getting thicker and thicker. I could sense that the source wasing from a very tall mountain about 2km away. That must be the boss room.


    I headed off towards it in full sprint. I used the winding valleys to avoid as many monsters as I could.


    For 20 minutes I ran and dodged every cyclops in sight. There were about 6 normal monsters and 3 mutants that crossed my path. I could sense over 3 dozen in my close vicinity, they were headed in the direction of the dungeon exit gate.


    All the more reason for me to hurry and defeat this boss.


    The closer I got to the mountain the more monsters I saw.


    The ground was rumbling. A stampede of mutants appeared. 7 of them were lined up and charging in the direction of the dungeon''s main gate. There was arge group of normal cyclopes following close behind.


    A couple may have already breached into the home world, but the bulk of them were about 20 minutes away from the portal. If this wave makes it to the city, it may be leveled before the Hunters Association or Pace can get here to stop them.


    The wave rumbled by, they hardly paid any attention to me. I saw a dark grey floating portal just 100m in front of me in the direction the stampede had left from.


    I sprinted towards it without hesitating, this is the boss room.


    From around the corner of the mountain''s rock ledge another group of monsters appeared. They must all just be spawning in here.


    I kept sprinting forward with my eyes on the boss room portal.


    "RUUUUUAAAAAAARRR!!"


    2 giant mutants came charging towards me followed by a pack of their normal cyclops underlings.


    Ipletely ignored them and kept my eye on the prize.


    Momentster I managed to jump through unscathed.


    I could hear many roars as i was transported into the boss room.


    This is insanity.


    I made it to the boss room.


    It was 300m long, 200m wide, and over 50m tall. I was standing in a wide open cave. There were no obstacles in sight. Just a rocky floor, curved cave walls, and a ceiling.


    It was silent.


    The air in here was so dense with magic, I could feel it following all around me.


    I could also feel the stare of a horrible creature.


    "THUDDDDDDD."


    "CRACKKKKKK"


    "THUDDDDDDD."


    "CRACKKKKKK"


    An enormous cyclops emerged from the back of the cave. Its skin was so dark that is looked ck. Its eye was bloodshot and staring at me hungrily. Every step it took cracked the rocky ground below it.


    The mutant boss stood at nearly 10m tall. It''s bigger than any monster I''ve ever seen.


    "RWWWWWUUUUUAAAAAARRRR!"


    It let out a roar dering battle.


    I stood there in awe, I used inspect and my jaw nearly dropped to the floor.


    [Lv. 171]


    Level.... 171. I had a hard enough time defeating a mutant in the 140s. This is going to be the greatest challenge I''ve ever faced.


    I cannot slip up. Even one hit may be fatal.


    "RWWWWUUUUUAAAAAARR!"


    The ground breaking steps of the mutant drew closer. I followed its lead and sprinted towards it as well.


    Its speed was simr to the other mutant I battled previously. Maybe slightly faster than me, but not impossible to use my agility to weave around it.


    The real problem here was its overwhelming strength.


    This cave haspletely t ground, it would be close to impossible to use that airborne tactic from myst fight.


    As we sprinted towards each other I prepared myself to dodge.


    Once we were about 10m apart I made a sharp turn to the right and narrowly missed its club''s wide swing.


    There was nothing else I could do right now, I just have to dodge and weave until I find an opening.


    The monster rumbled on passed me. Like clockwork, It turned and started its charge towards me again.


    We basically just yed chicken over and over.


    It charges at me, I follow its lead. Then I narrowly dodged a heavy swing... and we repeat.


    We did this over and over for about 2 minutes straight.


    I couldn''t get an opening. It pretty much had perfect defense. The only way I could get in its blind stop would be to take a hit from its club. It would do a lot of damage... but I think it''s my only hope right now.


    We faced each other once more. The mutant boss started running towards me.


    I gritted my teeth and charged in as well. I readied myself for a brutal attack. This is going to hurt.


    It swung its club in a predictable fashion, the monster was expecting me to dodge.


    I ran straight forward and swung my sword at the beast''s weapon this time. The force of the club was overwhelming. My de was pushed down instantly. The club hit the whole left side of my body with a bone crushing blow.


    I was thrown to the ground and I coughed up a pool of blood.


    I knew this would happen, I just didn''t expect it to hurt this bad.


    The moment I hit the ground I ignited my mes and nted my right foot.


    The left side of my body was pretty much useless right now, but I had to work with what I had.


    The cyclops was continuing its charge forward as I lunged in at its backside.


    I let out a yell.


    "TAKEEEE THISSSS!!!"


    With a powerful swing of my fiery sword I attacked the center of the monsters spine.


    "CLANGGGGGGG"


    My eyes went wide with fear and confusion.


    My sword bounced off the monster''s back without a scratch.


    The moment my de came close to contacting its body, the skin near my sword hardened into a thick ck crystal like substance.


    This must be some kind of advanced body hardening....


    This is bad.


    Very bad.


    I opened my status to see my HP at 45/670. I chugged a potion and ran away as fast as I could.


    As I ran for my life I quickly regained feeling in my left side. My HP had risen back up to 545/670.


    "RWWWWUUUUUAAAAAARR!"


    The enormous monster still had me in its sights.


    It charged towards me again and I dodged with all my might. We continued this over and over. There was nothing else I could do.


    We were drifting closer and closer to the back wall of the dungeon.


    Every dodge I made was bringing us closer together. Each time we charged in, the cyclops got more and more used to my movements. The longer we keep this up, the worse off i''ll be.


    I was starting to get out of breath. I can only keep this up for a few more minutes. I need to think of something fast.


    I was going through every potential battle scenario I could in my head. Basically every situation ended in an unfavorable oue for me. Only one option came to mind... It''s the only thing that worked for me before.


    There was a curved cave wall about 20m behind me. If I ran at it fast enough I could definitely climb it and attempt to attack from higher ground.


    It''s risky, but right now I have no other choice. I can''t keep dodging forever. I have to do something.


    Without thinking much more of it I turned and ran. This was my Hail Marry.


    I sprinted will all my might at the cave wall. I could hear the ground crushing footsteps close behind but didn''t dare to look back.


    I jumped up onto the wall and ran as far as I could fighting gravity all the way up. Once I felt myself start to slow down I pushed off the wall with both my legs and ignited by entire body into mes.


    I spun around to face the beast below me and held my sword straight ahead.


    I had managed to climb the cave wall high enough. Its club was not within range. This could really work.


    I pushed out even more mes as I flew high over the monster''s ring eye.


    "RWWWWUUUUUAAAAAARR!"


    The cyclops let out a cry as I temporarily blinded it with the fire''s bright light.


    This is my chance.


    I flew over the beast''s head and locked my eyes on its upper back.


    The cyclops was still iling around trying to located me in its blinded state. I took this opportunity to make my final move.


    I touched down on the ground right behind the beast and nted my right leg to jump back up. I had the perfect angle.


    "FINALLY!!! I''VE GOT YOU NOW!!!"


    I focused all my magic into the sword''s tip and swung with all my strength.


    "CLANGGGGGGGGGGG"


    *Clink *Clink *Clink *Clink *Clink


    My eyes went wide.


    My heart stopped and time slowed down.


    My sword shattered into a million tiny pieces right in front of my eyes...

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    I fell to the rocky floor and watched the metal fragments of my broken sword hit the ground beside me.


    I was alone in the boss room without a weapon.


    This couldn''t have gone any worse.


    I''m so stupid. I have to think before i act...


    I got so caught up in the hype of the moment. Why did i believe i could be the hero?


    The mutant turned to me with its massive bloodshot eye.


    I could feel the bloodlust as it stared down its prey.


    I left like a deer in headlights, I couldn''t move a muscle.


    My mind was racing but my body couldn''t move.


    I had onest chance.


    "Think Jay..."


    The beast came rumbling towards me.


    "THINK JAY... THINK!"


    The rocky ground flew to the sides of its body as the monster came closer and closer.


    "THINK!!!"


    "THWACKKK."


    The beast''s massive club hit me again. It felt like every one of my ribs had been shattered.


    I went flying backwards over 30m skidding along the ground. In my feeble state I checked my status to see 10/670 HP remaining.


    I coughed up blood while reaching for myst HP potion.


    "RUUUUUAAAAAAARRRR!!!"


    All I could hear was sound of my impending doom.


    As I chugged myst HP potion I yelled back at the creature with all my frustration and rage.


    "AGGGGGHHHHGGG!"


    I couldn''t help but to let out mes, they surrounded my body.


    All this talk about being a "hero" and bing the "strongest". I may have gone in too deep, this is a truly superior opponent.... how can I defeat it?


    I could hear my yells echo back at me in the cave. The fire around me created interesting shadows all over the ceiling and walls. The dancing mes and my tired state reminded me of the "hero''s journey" in all of my favoriteics... this is where the the main character bes stronger because be breaks through and wins even with unbeatable odds.


    The dancing mes and eerie echoing silence brought me back to reality. I shook my head and erupted into mes even brighter.


    "I CAN''T GIVE UP! NOT NOW!"


    My fire is the key.


    It''s all I had left in my arsenal. My truest resort, I have to fight with fire alone.


    Every battle with these cyclops creatures has been harder than thest. In they end, they all have fallen to my fire.


    That''s it....


    A distinct scene from every battle yed clear in my mind. The cyclops'' weakness is always its eye.


    We stared each other down. This was the moment of truth.


    With out further hesitation we both charged forward.


    I swerved to the left with all my strength and managed to dodge the beast''s attack.


    I didn''t look back for a second, I sprinted straight for the cave wall to repeat myst attack. This time I would change my aim.


    I could hear the heavy footsteps approaching close behind as I ran up the cave wall. I bend my knees and push off it with all my strength. This cyclops wasn''t totally stupid, I was betting on that fact.


    The beast recognized my wall climb and positioned its club high up into the air where I''d jumped previously. Smart move... that is, if I was going for the same attack.


    This time I aimed lower and burst into a bright ball of mes. I let out every bit of MP I was storing up.


    I jumped off the cave wall directly at the monster''s face.


    I closed my eyes and imagined my sword. It felt like battle instinct, this is what I had to do.


    I have been fighting with that de for as long as I can remember. I''m a swordsman after all, I need a sword.


    The mes around my body crawled towards my hands. They all concentrated together in my palms creating a dark crimson fireball. I yelled out a battle cry as I opened my eyes and attacked.


    "TAKE THIS!!!!"


    The fireball in my hands formed into the exact shape of my old sword.


    I flew towards the cyclops'' massive eye with my de of fire.


    It pierced through the soft tissue like butter.


    "RWWWWWUUUUUUAAAAARRRRRRR!"


    An ear shattering cry erupted throughout the cave.


    I let my sword explode releasing a concentrated fire magic st. It threw both me and the cyclops back over 10m in each direction.


    I hit the cave wall with a loud thud. The cyclops fell backwards crying out in agony.


    I grinned and chugged an MP potion as I stood to me feet. I''d depleted everyst bit of magic left in my body with that attack.


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    The mutant rose to its feet and raised its massive club.


    There was a dark red fire burning from its eye. There was no way this beast could see a thing.


    I finally have an advantage! Plus, I''ve found a new way to use my skill. Although this fire sword form uses up a lot of MP, it''s very powerful.


    The beast roared and charged towards me. This is where I attacked from, it''s only natural it thinks I''m here. I ran to my right as quickly as possible and avoided its club.


    The beast was roaring in pain, but was clearly no where near death''s door. I need to do some more serious damage to take this thing out.


    I ran towards the opposite side of the cave.


    "HEYYYY! YOU!!! OVER HEREEE!! COME AND GET ME!!"


    I waited about 30 meters to get a head start and yelled out to get its attention.


    Worked like a charm. The mutant followed after with an angry cry.


    I sprinted towards the opposite cave wall asionally letting out a yell to keep the monster on track.


    About 10 secondster I erupted into mes and scaled the cave wall again. It''d fallen right into my trap.


    The beast kept running forward swinging its club at the ground where it heard my voice.


    I did a picture perfect maneuver to copy my previous sessful attack. I jumped off the cave wall and focused all my fire into a dark red ball.


    Moments before impact I formed a fiery sword and dove into the already ming eye.


    I let my de dive deeper this time, half way into the mutant''s head. With another explosion of fire we were both thrown backwards again.


    "RWWWWWUUUUUUAAAAARRRRRRR!"


    The cave shook from the murderous cry of the mutant.


    It was thrown on its back, and half of its head flew off to its right side.


    I was blown back against the cave wall again as well. I chugged another MP potion.


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    "THUDDDD."


    The cyclops rose again.


    Its eye was melting in the heat of my fire and half of its head resting 10m beside it.


    How could this beast still be alive....?


    It slowly stomped towards me. All its battle reflexes were on full auto pilot now. This wasn''t a battle anymore, this was ast stitch attempt at survival.


    I nodded.


    "This is it. You were my toughest opponent yet. I thank you for the battle."


    I ran up the wall and kicked off with a graceful leap.


    I used everyst bit of MP left in my body to create a final sword.


    It sunk deep into what was left of the monster''s head.


    With a final explosion I was thrown back at the cave wall.


    "THUDDDDDDDDDD."


    The cyclops fell to its back.


    I heard a familiar ringing and sighed with relief.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I was about to open my status but a glowing blue light hovering over the monster''s corpse caught my eye.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I chose yes without hesitation as the beast quickly disappeared in front of me.


    *CLINK *CLINK


    Arge mana crystal and a small golden pendant in the shape of an eye attached to a loop of ck string fell from its body.


    I picked them both up and ced the ne around my neck. It magically tightened to fit. I grinned and opened my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 141


    Hp: 220/710


    Mp: 40/710


    Strength: 339


    Speed: 403


    Agility: 421


    Defense: 306 [+122]


    Mental Strength: 339 [+68]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    _____________


    I grinned and stared at my new stats as the white transport light appeared.


    I heard a rumbling sound, the white light wassting much longer than it usually did.


    The entire dungeon was copsing, this is not a normal transport. Momentster I was back to the home world...


    As I came back to reality I couldn''t believe my eyes.


    The entire dungeon building was in shambles crushed to bits on the ground. Most of the surrounding city for 500m or so was also in horrible shape.


    There were almost 2 dozen hunters and businessman standing around talking to each other and writing things down.


    I appeared in front of all of them as the portal disappeared behind me.


    They all stared.


    I gulped and scanned the crowd to try and find a familiar face.


    Well, this is awkward.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    There were a few distinct groups of hunters that I could make out. 2 were standing nearby and another 2 or 3 were walking over to the crowd in front of the recently copsed portal.


    They were all wearing professional gear. Some carried long swords, others had daggers, and a few had massive shields.


    Each group was apanied by 1 or 2 people in suits. These must be the teams sent out by each of the guilds nearby. It seems like some of them brought representatives as well.


    I looked further ahead. I couldn''t help but stare with my mouth wide open.


    There were fallen buildings and ttened sections of city. It was still a horrible sight to behold.


    I guess there were some monsters that escaped. These guilds were the ones who attempted to stop them. It looks like they contained them in a fairly tight area, but they all disappeared when the dungeon copsed so I couldn''t tell for sure.


    "Hey kid! Was it you?"


    I looked up to see a man in a suit yelling and waving at me.


    Then another voice rang out from the crowd.


    "Yeahh! Was it you?? Who took out the boss?"


    I nodded slowly.


    The first man ran up to me with a card.


    "Heye by the Arcane Guild if you''re looking for some extra work!"


    "Noe visit us at the Cora Guild, I''m sure we could help you reach even higher levels!"


    All of the suited men came towards me. Some of the hunters looked interested as well.


    "I- uh...."


    I was getting a bit flustered and honestly somewhat annoyed.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you,e by our Sentano Guild anyti-"


    They all started crowding around me asking me questions and handing me cards.


    I squeezed my way through the crowd answering politely until I heard my name get called out... this caught my attention.


    "Hey! Jay right? You okay??"


    Who knows me here?


    I looked up to see a group of 3 women. There was a tall brown haired girl waving at me.


    I was puzzled for a moment.. then it hit me.


    Those are the mages from Pace.


    This is a perfect.


    "Hey! It''s you!"


    Once I replied the swarm of people slowly backed off. It seems they realized I was already associated with one of the teams that showed up.


    I put on a professional smile and walked over to the group of mages and whispered under my breath.


    "Thanks. Let''s get outta here!"


    The tall girl looked straight at me with confidence.


    "No problem, my name''s Rei by the way. I didn''t get to introduce myself yet, I''ve seen you around the guild every once in a while. Maria talks about sometimes too, nice to officially meet you."


    "Oh! You''re one of the mages training Maria? Nice to meet you too!"


    She nodded and smiled.


    Rei was wearing a light weightbat outfit. It was a dark ck color that contrasted her olive skin nicely. I''ve never stopped to actually look at her before, she is beautiful.


    "Helllooo??"


    One of the other mages started waving their hands close in front of my face. I must have been zoning out.


    "S-Sorry. It was a hard fight, I''m a bit tired."


    They all giggled a bit and we walked off. I was pretty beat up from my fight, that wasn''t a lie.


    We took the main road back into town.


    Once we got through the front doors the team of mages brought me to a training room and let me recover in the resting area.


    I''d never seriously checked out these training rooms. My main focus has always been to dungeon dive and level up...


    They seem to be isted rooms with mana conductors in the walls and flooring. It''d be pretty difficult to damage it, that''s why guild members spar here.


    It''s expensive magic tech. I''m pretty sure only guilds and government building can afford equipment like these.


    Maybe it would be worth my time to actually train in here and learn some new moves.


    I finished examining all their equipment and went to go rest on a soft mat near the resting zone. The second I gotfortable I heard a few light knocks at the door.


    "You''re crazy, ya know that?"


    Jack walked through the door with a smile on his face while shaking his head slowly.


    I couldn''t tell if he was disappointed or impressed. I sat up a bit to hear what he had to say.


    "I have to thank you though. The team I sent out just filled me in on the whole situation. Without you defeating that boss on your own we would''ve had to deal with mutants rampaging through the city for another half an hour or so. It would have gotten pretty bad out there.


    I nodded and put my head back on the mat. I was exhausted.


    "No prob, just doing my job."


    "Here, catch. A thank you from the guild!"


    He threw me two small bottles.


    "They''re D ss MP and HP potions. Drink up!


    I drank them and felt rejuvenated the instant they touched my lips. The muscle fatigue didn''t fade though, I was still physically tired.


    "Keep the item box too, plus whatever''s inside. You earned it! My gift to you."


    I stood to my feet feeling a lot better than I had moments ago. We shook hands.


    "Thanks Jack. I appreciate the warning you gave me this morning, I guess it''s just good luck I didn''t take it into consideration."


    We bothughed loudly and walked out of the training room together.


    Once we got into the lobby Jack spoke up.


    "I couldn''t help but notice your sword is missing. Feel free to use any guild equipment when you''re in the dungeons, but I assume you''d like to buy your own."


    I nodded. He was right, I didn''t like the idea of a borrowed sword to fight my battles. I needed a new one.


    Then I saw a familiar face.


    One of training room doors flew open and Maria came running down the hall followed by a few of the mages that helped me get back to the guild. They must have told her what was going on.


    "JAYY! I was worried?!?! Are you okay???"


    "Haha yes Maria, I''m okay. Thank you for being so concerned."


    Jack raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh yeah! This would be perfect."


    I looked over at him with a confused look on my face.


    "What would be perfect?"


    He grinned.


    "Maria is going off to the capital tomorrow with Rei. They''re going to get some new equipment for our guild and some personal items as well."


    Maria looked over to jack and me curiously.


    "Uh yeah we are. What about it?"


    "Why don''t you bring Jay along? He needs a new sword after all."


    Maria''s eyes lit up.


    "You want toe to the capital with us tomorrow? It would be really fun!"


    I was thrown off a bit by the sudden forced invitation. It seemed like a good idea though.


    I need to take a breather, a day off shopping in the capital may not be such a bad idea.


    "Sure, I''m in."


    She smiled.


    "Awesome! It''s settled. I''ll see you here first thing tomorrow Jay. Right when the sunes up, don''t bete!"


    I nodded in agreement.


    "Perfect, see you then!"


    Jack and I continued walking towards the front door. I was exhausted, just by looking at me it was very clear.


    Jack opened the exit door.


    "See ya. I have a few things I want to talk about, but they can wait for another time. Looks like you need some rest."


    "Yes, thank you. I''ll see ya."


    I walked home quickly. It was really only mid day, but I needed a nap. This is the most battle fatigued I''ve ever been.


    I felt horrible, but oddly satisfied with today''s results.


    I walked up my apartment steps about 10 minutester. With a twist of the key I walked in and thew all my clothes on the floor.


    After a long hot shower I crawled into bed and fell into a blissful sleep. I drifted off into dreand with a lot to think about.


    I wonder what the capital is like now? Thest time I''ve been there was in my childhood.


    It''ll be a peaceful day off... I hope.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    I woke up very early the next morning. It wasn''t even light out yet. I checked my clock.


    "Half past 4, just great."


    With a sigh, I hopped out of bed and decided to go for a morning walk. I have the energy for it, hopefully there''s a store open for some food. I''m beyond starving.


    I grabbed a handful of bronze and almost half my silver. All the coins fit in my item box as I tied it around my waist. Then, reflexively I tried to grab my sword.


    "Ahh. Thats right. It''s gone."


    Walking out through the front door felt off without my sword, It made me feel pretty vulnerable. That''ll all be fixed today though.


    I took a stroll down the center of town towards the vige market. Most of the lights were out. People should be asleep around this time, it makes sense.


    I went to a less residential area in search for a bite to eat.


    Finally, I found a 24/7 corner shop. This''ll do.


    I went inside and purchased a big bottle of water along with a bacon egg and cheese bagel. A breakfast of champions.


    As my walk continued I made my way towards a park area as the sun began to rise. I couldn''t help thinking about my adventure yesterday.


    Was it catastrophically idiotic? Or was this the type of thing I had to do to get stronger?


    I wouldn''t have unlocked the new capabilities of my fire magic without that fight. Plus, mybat experience has gone through the roof. I''m much more confident fighting stronger monsters now.


    I also obtained a very valuable new magical item. My defense stat is finally not a major weakness, It''ll be fun to test that out. Best of all, I absorbed a new skill.


    Body hardening. It''s a special grade skill as well. A rare ss of skill like my inspect skill, not many people have this type of body hardening. It will be very beneficial.


    I''ve definitely be stronger. I need to be more strategic about my battles in the future. I need to level up a lot more, but I also have to start farming valuable skills as well.


    The sun started to rise and I decided to make my way over to the Pace Guild.


    "Morning Jay! You''re up early."


    The tall blond woman greeted me in the lobby. Does she never sleep?? They must work her like a horse.


    "You are too. Anyone here yet? I''m meeting Maria and Rei today."


    She shook her head.


    I nodded and continued walking forward.


    "Alright. When theye by, tell them I''m in the training room."


    I walked back into the white walled training room. I was too tired yesterday to get a good look at everything in here.


    I felt the walls and the flooring with my fingers. They were smooth to the touch and I could hear a light hum when I put my ear next to it.


    Odd. It must be some kind of magic barrier. I''ve read about advanced magic training tech in some news articles but hadn''t paid it much mind. I never thought I''d be able to use it myself.


    About 30 more minutes passed as I sifted through old swords and shields. Nothing else too special in here. Most of the gear is pretty messed up. I guess thats why they''re sending Rei off to restock.


    *Knock *Knock *Knock


    "Jay!! Ready to go to the capital today??"


    Maria came running in the room with a smile on her face.


    "Yeah! I haven''t been since I was really young. It should be cool."


    Momentster Rei walked in.


    She was much taller and proportionately built than I recollected from yesterday''s meeting.


    Her dark brown hair fell down to her waist and she stood around 180cm. It was kind of intimidating, she was basically my height.


    "Ready to go? The train to the capital leaves in 30!"


    Maria and I nodded and followed her out of the guild towards the train station.


    "Hey, uh Rei. You''re a C ss Hunter right?"


    "Yeah."


    "How long have you been with Pace Guild?"


    "It''s been about 4 years now. I''ve been with them ever since I graduated college."


    "Hm. Okay. I was just curious."


    She nodded.


    "What about you? Jack seems to have grown a liking to you. I looked at your file, but he hasn''t written down much of anything. What''s your deal? Why''d you join Pace?"


    "I''m just here to get stronger. Jack is letting me use the Pace dungeons in exchange for the resources I gather."


    She nodded but held eye contact with me for a little too long...


    "Alright. If that''s it for now I won''t pry."


    We made it to the train station and waited by the tform.


    "Screeeeech."


    A train arrived and we all got in through the closest door.


    Rei motioned us to follow her when we got inside.


    "This way. Pace has a private area, this ride will take 2 hours or so. It''ll be much morefortable there."


    We followed and watched Rei scan her Guild pass after talking to an employee.


    We walked through 3 train sections and made our way to a private room with two couches.


    Maria and I sat on one side, Rei sat on the other with her legs crossed.


    The train started moving and I looked out the window watching the buildings fly by.


    I zoned out into deep thought. Trains always put me into a daze, sometimes even straight to sleep.


    There are 8 main regions in our country.


    We live in a region located at the south east portion of the country.


    Our region is called the "Vice Region". We are considered average. There''s nothing too special about us. We have a great economy and a medium sized guild system. Most smaller towns and cities have their own smaller guilds and poptions that trickle down from the capital''s booming economy.


    Our direct trade partners are located in the southern center part of the country. This region is called the "Bedrock Region". We work well together because we are simr in economic and military power. Overall we are both still in the bottom 4 regions of our country.


    Although all 8 regions in our country work together to build a strong nation, there is still friendlypetition between us.


    Today we will be venturing into Vice City, the capital of the Vice Region. I''m excited to see what kind of gear and facilities they have here.


    While watching the sun fully rise and the buildings get bigger and bigger the closer we came to the capital our train eventually made it to the station.


    "Screeeeech"


    "Last stop! Vice City. We have arrived at the capital."


    I heard the announcemente through some kind of loud speaker in our train car.


    I shook my heart and started to get up but my right shoulder felt heavy.


    To my surprise Maria had fallen asleep on me. I guess it was a pretty long ride, and rather early in the morning.


    "Hey. Time to wake up we''re here."


    I poked her and chuckled a little bit. Rei had already gotten up, she watched with an amused look on her face.


    "Huh? We made it here alrea- oh!"


    Maria went red in the face and got to her feet.


    "I fell asleep, oops! We''re here already!"


    I just smiled. I didn''t even notice, I wonder how long she was sleeping for.


    "Haha it''s fine. We''re here let''s check this ce out. Time for some shopping."


    We all nodded in agreement and stepped out of the train.


    I stood there in awe on the tform outside.


    This is nothing like the vige market.


    A huge trading center was right in front of the station.


    There were tall silver buildings as far as the eye could see. At their bases were all kinds of white walled shops and neon signs.


    Bikes and cars were everywhere moving in all directions. Many hunters were buying and sellingrge mana crystals and handling weapons in the streets.


    I could see groups of businessmen in suits going up to the higher floors in the sky scrapers as well as talking to hunters on the streets.


    It was pretty overstimting for me. I couldn''t keep track of everything in front of me. I just stared in disbelief.


    Maria was the same. She was taking in the view of the busy city with wide open eyes.


    We both stood there for a solid 30 seconds.


    "Come on!!! Let''s get a move on."


    Rei was unfazed. I guess she came here often, at least she let us enjoy the view for a little while.


    "We need to get a few things for the guild, then we can do whatever you two want. This won''t take long. Follow me."


    All three of us walked into the busy town center together.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    The main road was filled with independent street vendors.


    We walked for about 10 minutes in the direction of the city''s center.


    It became very clear to me that most of the shops around the train station were mostly for tourists and small time hunters.


    It was filled with scammers and con men. What can you really expect? Business is business. That''s the way the world works.


    As we walked further in, there were less people out on the streets. The buildings became much taller, it looked like they were mostly allocated for office space.


    We turned a street corner and I saw a massive mall. There were esctors that connected at least 10 floors of shopping areas. The floors were a smooth white color and the walls connecting each new floor were made of a thick clear ss. The curved silver steel beams that held everything together were incorporated into the building design. It looked very futuristic.


    We took an esctor up to the 6th floor. Maria and I were fascinated by the scenery.


    The shops sold mana crystals, swords, armor, shields, and much more.


    People here were a lot more civilized and dressed much nicer than the town market. This must be the designer district. Higher ss items are sold here. Makes sense.


    As we arrived to the 6th floor Rei motioned for us to get off the moving stairs and to follow her.


    We walked along a balcony with a clear ss barrier. There was an open hole in the center of the mall, it was doughnut shaped. Looking up there was a blue sky, looking downwards we could see the bottom floor. It''s an incredible building.


    We kept walking along the balcony until arge storefront came into view. It seemed to be a separate shopping area closed off by a white wall, I couldn''t see inside.


    Rei talked to a security guard outside and showed him a card. The guard nodded and opened the door.


    We walked in.


    It was arge shopping center with organized gear on each wall and disy tables. Rei spoke up.


    "Alright, give me about 30 minutes. Im going to stock up on gear for the guild."


    Maria and I nodded.


    I overheard a few employees and some of Rei''s previous conversation.


    This seems to be a high end magical item store, but its customer base is exclusively bulk buyers from guilds.


    They must offer good deals.


    Maria and I wandered around the store looking at all the equipment.


    There were disy tables full of potions and interesting looking stones and items.


    I saw a wallpletely covered in glistening silver swords.


    There was even an essory table that had all kinds of rings, bracelets, and nes with a variety of attributes.


    There is nothing like this back home. The capital is amazing!


    Maria''s was mesmerized as well.


    It all seemed to be high grade E and D ss gear. There wasn''t much here that was mind blowing. It was just the fact that there was so much of it in one ce. I assume there are other shops with higher grade gear, but it wouldn''t be worth the guild''s money to buy those in bulk.


    "Alright. That didn''t take too long did it?"


    Rei came over to us while tightening arge leather pouch around her waist.


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "That''s an item box right? It looks a lot bigger than mine? How much can it carry?"


    She grinned.


    "You''re right. It''s a lower grade C ss item box. Holds up to 100 items. I filled it to the brim. We have enough swords and potions tost a few months."


    I nodded.


    "Wow. Good to know."


    Maria interrupted.


    "Hey! Now that we got the guild''s shopping out of the way where can we go to that shop? I want to get that sword you told me about. It''s here right??"


    Rei nodded.


    I looked to Maria with a bit of confusion.


    "A Sword? You''re able to handle a sword now? I remember thest time you tried to carry mine, the floor nearly broke!"


    Maria went a bit red in the face.


    "I can actually! Rei said there are light weight swords here, they will be perfect with my ice magic."


    "Oh yeah? A special sword shop? Let''s go check it out. I need to find something new as well."


    Rei interjected.


    "Okay. Follow me, its on the 8th floor."


    We followed.


    After 2 esctor rides that took about 5 minutes we made it to floor 8.


    There were quite a few people on this floor. All the shops were open to the public and many items were out on disy.


    We walked over to a shop with tall ss doors and were greeted by a woman in a suit and tie. An odd sight, but it wasn''t too out of ce here I guess.


    "Wee to Apollo''s Sword Shop. May I see your Hunter''s Licenses."


    We handed her our cards and she escorted us to a counter with dozens of silver swords behind it.


    "We have an E, D, and a C ss here. Get them what they need."


    She spoke to a man behind the counter wearing a suit identical to hers. His eyes perked up.


    "Who needs a sword? What can I do for you?"


    Maria and I both raised a hand. I spoke up.


    "Both of us, but take care of her first. I''ll look around the shop."


    He nodded and started asking Maria a ton of questions. I zoned out of the conversation and started eyeing a few swords in the nearby disy cases.


    I needed a good recement sword, but I don''t have the money to get anything too crazy. I reached in my item box and counted what I had, the total was 43 silver. I left a good amount at home, I didn''t want to blow my whole savings.


    This can get me a good sword. I remembered back to the auction, I can probably get something with a 100-150 strength stat. That''s all I''m looking for. It''ll be a good upgrade from myst sword, but its better that I don''t get too attached to my weapons. They do break...


    There were clear markings on the walls showing what the range of stats on different items in disy cases held. I could tell there were private rooms in the back too, that must be where their VIP customers make expensive deals. Interesting.


    I came upon a D Rank Long Sword disy case.


    A shining silver sword with a ck handle caught my eye.


    A younger man caught me eyeing it.


    "Hey! My name''s Marco! That''s a nice sword you''re looking at. It has a 125 strength boost, I can sell it to you for 30 silver.


    "Can I hold it?"


    "Yeah sure. Just know, if ya break it ya buy it."


    I chucked.


    "Yeah, yeah."


    The man handed me the sword off the wall and I gave it a good feel.


    It was heavier than myst sword, but I could instantly feel the strength upgrade surging through me. This sword has some strong magic. I like it.


    "Give me it for 25, it''s a decent sword."


    The man grinned. He knew I was hooked.


    "Ahhh so you''re the bartering type. You from out of town or what?"


    "Yeah, came in this morning. It''s my first time in the city. Well, at least first time in a while. So, 25?"


    The man shook his head.


    "28. I can bring it down 2 sliver that''s it."


    "Come on, i need it closer to 25. How about 26? That''s all I have on me. I need to get lunchter ya know."


    Clearly a lie, but that''s how you barter. He knows it too.


    "27. That''s the lowest I can go. With a sword like this you can kill your own lunch."


    "Fine. 27, but I want a nice sheath with it too. ck to match the handle."


    "Deal."


    "Great."


    We shook on it and the man went over to a nearby disy case to find a sheath. I counted out 27 silver and had it out on the table before he got back.


    Wepleted the deal just like that. I nodded to the man again and put my new sword on my back.


    That was easy, didn''t need to search around too much. I got what I needed.


    I walked back over to where I left Maria. There were about half a dozen swordid out on the tabled.


    Maria had a look of concentration on her face. She was clearly having trouble deciding which one to get.


    This is the difference between men and women shopping. It makes me go crazy sometimes.


    I watched Maria pick up each of the 6 swords at least 10 more times and swing them around.


    Almost 20 minutes went by. I was just happy to be out and about, it didn''t bug me too much today. She can take all the take she wants.


    "Alright. I think I like this one. I''ll take it!"


    Maria finally picked out a sword. She stood holding a long and thin silver sword. When she swung it, there wasn''t even the slightest sound. It seems to be a custom made sword.


    "That will be 10 silver."


    The salesman looked at her and smiled. Maria reached into her small bag and pulled out a few silver coins.


    "There you go! Thanks!"


    She purchased a white sheath as well. With an agile movement she slung the sword over her back. The three of us started walking out of the store.


    She didn''t even try to haggle the price down. Whatever works for her I guess. There was one thing I was curious about.


    "Hey Maria! Where do you make your money? That''s an expensive sword for an E ss."


    She smiled.


    "Pace has been paying me for dungeon divingtely. I''ve been saving up!"


    "Pace pays you???"


    She looked confused.


    "Y-Yeah. I have an exclusive student contract. They''re obligated to pay me."


    I thought for a moment. I guess exclusive contracts with a sry would make sense. I don''t get paid because I never even asked to...


    "Ahhh okay. Makes sense."


    We walked out the front door of the store and Rei stopped in front of us.


    "Do you two want to test out those new weapons?"


    Maria and I looked at each other. We shrugged and nodded eagerly.


    Rei grinned.


    "Follow me. I know just the ce to put those des to use. This is going to be fun."


    I looked at her with curiosity.


    "Are there dungeons nearby?"


    Rei kept a smug grin on her face.


    "There are, but that''s not exactly where we''re going. Trust me, you''ll like this ce."


    She hopped on an esctor moving downwards and we followed.


    I wonder where we''re going to test out our new weapons in the capital?


    Wherever it is, Im looking forward to it. I''ll get to see Maria in action for the first time too. This day is about to get even more exciting!

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    We made our way down all 8 floors. I watched all the shops go by as we glided down on the moving stairs.


    On the bottom floor there was arge crowd around a storefront that took up almost a quarter of the floorspace. Rei motioned us towards it.


    "This way. It''ll be a few silver, but trust me it''s worth it. I''ve been in here a few times."


    We walked through the crowd of people and got into a small line forming right outside the entrance.


    There was arge sign over the ss door.


    "Vice City Mall Training Center"


    The line moved forward slowly for about 10 minutes until a middle aged man greeted us at the door.


    "Just the 3 of you? What level training room, and how long are you going to need?"


    Rei spoke up.


    "30 minutes in a D ss Room. We''ll rent 3 pairs of Sim gear too."


    "That''ll be 10 silver for the room, 3 extra for the sim gear."


    My eye brow raised. That''s pretty pricey. What kind of training room is this?


    I reached into my item box to grab some silver for my cut, but Rei immediately gave me a look.


    "Don''t worry about it. Pace Guild will cover this one, it''s for training."


    She winked at me and handed the man 13 silver.


    He nodded and let us through.


    "4th room on the left. Timer starts once ya open the door."


    We walked through a narrow hallway and towards the room.


    Rei opened the door and we walked in.


    She shut the door and arge clock on the wall started counting down 30 minutes.


    It was arge room with high ceilings. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all white and I could hear the hum of a mana shield.


    There was a small rack withbat suits on it. Rei picked one up and started putting it on over her clothing, it magically tightened to fit her body.


    "You guys too, put em'' on."


    Maria and I followed her lead and put on the suits.


    All of a sudden I saw blue text hovering over Rei and Maria''s heads.


    [100/100]


    [100/100]


    I saw Maria staring over my head as well. There must be numbers above mine too. I looked at Rei.


    "What is this?"


    She grinned.


    "It''s Vice City training gear. Pricey tech, let''s use it while we have the time. Don''t hold back, this gear is graded up to high B ss attacks. You couldn''t kill someone in one if you tried."


    I looked at her in confusion.


    "W-What do you mean?"


    She smirked. Then her whole body started to glow with a yellow light.


    "This is what I mean."


    Her body glowed so bright I could hardly see anything else in the room. It was blinding me.


    The room started to fill with static and my eyes went wide as I sawrge thunderbolts protruding from Rei''s body.


    *ZAPPPPPPPPP*


    A huge bolt of electricity came flying towards me faster than my eyes could see.


    "AAAAAGHHHH"


    It hit me with a direct hit. It was more painful than I was expecting it to be. I dropped to my knees and Maria shrieked.


    "He''s at 0! 0 out of 100!! Rei how could you do tha-"


    "Just give it a second Maria, watch."


    A small red text appeared at the lower left corner of my vision.


    [1 death logged]


    Restart? [YES][NO]


    I chose [YES] and an animation of my health bar rose from 0/100 to 100/100 in front of my eyes.


    "T-This is a simtion?"


    Reiughed.


    "Yes, but also no."


    Maria and I both looked at her with confused looks on our faces.


    "The suits absorb the magic energy from attacks. It will simte the damage and show you what percentage of your health would have been taken. They''re a great tool for training. It allows higher ranked hunters to go all out and not worry about hurting their training partners."


    Maria and I both looked down at our suits in awe.


    It is pretty cool. I knew the capital was going to have some cool new tech, but I didn''t know stuff like this was so avable to the public.


    Maria spoke up.


    "Alright Jay. Let''s Spar!"


    She started to glow a light blue color and took out her sword.


    I returned the favor with a grin and took out my own sword. I decided not to use my fire just yet, I don''t think it would be fair against Maria.


    She engulfed her sword in a blue and white crystalizing mist. I was impressed, her ability to handle her ice skill has definitely improved.


    Maria''s level is much lower than mine so her movements were easy to track.


    "CLANGGG"


    I blocked her sword''s hits with simple defense tactics. She handled her sword well, and her swordy looked cool but she couldn''tnd a hit due to the huge difference in out stats.


    After 10 or so attacks Maria looked up at me with a grin.


    "Come on Jay!!! You''re a D ss! I know you can do more than that, don''t you want to test out your new sword??"


    Maria glowed even brighter now and her sword started to grow in size.


    "CLANGGGG"


    We struck des again, this time the ice from her sword crept towards my own. As I backed away the ice on my de kept expanding.


    It was slowly making its way down the de towards my hand.


    Maria looked proud of herself and gave me a smirk.


    The ice touched my right hand and it was much colder than I expected it to be.


    Momentster I saw the simted bar in the bottom left of my vision start to change.


    [97/100]


    The ice kept moving up my right arm, it was starting to hurt a bit. I couldn''t move my hand at all.


    [93/100]


    Maria''s skill is very neat. It probably works extremely well on lower level monsters. If I was fighting her seriously she would never have managed to get a hit on me.


    "What are ya gonna do now Jay? I think you got a little too cocky!"


    I grinned.


    "Oh yeah?"


    I decided it was time to get a little serious, I activated my fire magic. It started as a slow crackle, but erupted into a dark red fire ball surrounding my body.


    Her ice melted off my hand and I immediately regained mobility.


    I smirked as I saw Maria''s eyes go wide.


    I sprinted towards her with my de pointing straight ahead.


    I was moving much faster than she could react to at her current level.


    Momentster I ran behind her and started to swing my sword. I stopped my ming de millimeters from her neck.


    "I think it''s you that got a little too cocky."


    I could see Rei in the corner of my vision. She watched us with her arms crossed. She was just enjoying the show.


    Maria finally spoke up.


    "Y-You win. You''re right."


    I took my de away from her and we both stood at ease.


    "I think we''re all at differing skill levels, it''d be hard to train with each other."


    Rei walked over to us.


    "You''re right, I just wanted to try on this gear again. We can''t do much actual training in here. It''s more for the experience, I just thou-"


    Maria Interrupted her abruptly.


    "Hey Jay! You never told me you had a magic skill too!?!? I thought you were just a swordsman, when were you going to tell me? Huhhh?"


    Iughed.


    "Well you know now."


    "Hmmmm. I guess so."


    Maria pouted and puffed out her cheeks. I could tell she wasn''t actually mad.


    Rei chimed in.


    "I knew, it was the only thing written in your file. I was curious if you were going to show us or not."


    I gave Rei a side eye, but in a friendly way.


    "Lets make use of our time in here. We only have 20 minutes left. Lets 2v1. Maria and me vs. you."


    Rei grinned.


    "Sure, you asked for it."


    Maria smiled. She liked the idea.


    *ZAPPPPPP*


    "AGGGGHHHH"


    "....."


    "....."


    [0/100]


    [2 deaths logged]


    Restart? [YES][NO]


    I chose [YES] and got to my feet.


    "Okay.... Go a little easy on us. We''re trying to have some fun here."


    Maria nodded as she stood up as well.


    "Yaahe onnnnn."


    Rei just nodded in agreement.


    She was enjoying this a little too much.


    We spent the next 20 minutes getting zapped to death over and over notnding a single hit on Rei.


    [16 deaths logged]


    Restart? [YES][NO]


    [YES].


    We got to test out our new gear, and simted deaths weren''t as bad as they sound.


    I heard a loud beeping sound and looked up to see where it wasing from.


    [00:00]


    The clock on the wall had counted down to zero and the door swung open.


    Our time was up. We took our Sim suits off and walked out the door with smiles across all of our faces. I turned to Rei.


    "That was actually really fun. I''m d you brought us in there, despite fake killing me 16 times..."


    Sheughed.


    "No problem, I''m d you liked it. How about you Maria?"


    She nodded.


    "Yeah. It was a bit scary at first, but I liked it."


    We walked out of the storefront and Rei thanked the guard that let us in.


    We stood in the center of the mall. I looked up through the structure straight at the sky and watched the white clouds pass by for a while.


    "Gurggleeee"


    My stomach made a loud sound.


    "All that dying made me hungry."


    Maria giggled and Rei smiled while pointing towards the direction we came from.


    "There are some really good food shops by the main trading center next to the train station. Let''s go check it out, I''m pretty hungry too."


    We all nodded in agreement and started walking off towards the main market area.


    Rei took us off in a direction we hadn''t walked through before.


    The smell of spices filled my nose. As we walked deeper into the food vendor portion of the market I saw hundreds of booths and thousands of people eating all kinds of food.


    It was filled with every type of food I could imagine. The aromas were hypnotizing. Rei led the way, I followed.


    "I know a really good ce, we''re almost there."


    Momentster we approached a small restaurant and were seated almost immediately. The three of us sat around a circr table with a fire in the center part.


    The smell of meats and spices filled the air.


    A waitress came by and we ordered almost half the menu to share, it all looked so good.


    Less than 10 minutester our food starteding.


    The restaurant brought out many types of exotic meats and let us cook it ourselves on the grill area in front of us.


    There were all types of appetizers and side dishes avable too. Bowls of soup, noodle dishes, all kinds of bread, exotic fruits and vegetables, and dishes I couldn''t even name.


    We dug in.


    It was the best meal I''ve had in a long time, maybe the best meal I''ve ever had...


    After 20 minutes went by and the initial dopamine rush died down I started to settle back into reality.


    For a moment it was just me and my food.


    Rei spoke up.


    "I knew you would like this ce. Ie by every time I''m in the capital."


    Maria and I both nodded with our mouths full.


    "When we''re done and take the time to digest, maybe we can check out some of the capital''s public dungeons."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Are there a lot of dungeons around here?"


    Rei smiled.


    "More than you could imagine. The more popted a city is, the more often dungeons spawns. The Capital is covered with them."


    "Let''s do it. I''d love to check them out."


    "Cool, we''ll check some outter today."


    I nodded and went back to searing arge piece of meat.


    My mind started wandering though.


    It''s odd that more dungeons spawn where there arerge poptions of people. I wonder why that is?


    I''ll find out sooner orter. I can''t wait to see what kind of monsters there are in the capital.


    I thought this would be a calm day off, but it seems like a hunter''s life always falls back to diving into dungeons.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    We ate as much as we could but there was still a good amount of food left on the table.


    After lounging around for another 30 minutes or so we finally got up and paid the bill.


    Rei motioned us towards the city center again.


    "Let''s go check out the Dungeon Hub. We don''t have too much time before we have to catch thest train back home. One or two hours should be enough to get a feel for how the capital''s dungeons work.


    I got up and looked at her.


    "Makes sense, I can''t do a serious raid on a full stomach like this anyways. I''m curious how it works here, I haven''t seen a single dungeon. I thought they''d be more out in the open, how do hunters even find ces to raid around here? What''s this Dungeon Hub ce?"


    Rei smiled.


    "You''ll see, it''s where most of the public dungeons in Vice City are located."


    I nodded epting the fact she wouldn''t tell me yet and started following her through the crowds of people in the busy market.


    It was still mind blowing how many people were in a single area. I''m not used to this big city life just yet.


    About 20 minutester we walked past the mall area and made our way even further into the city''s center.


    Therge silver towers were getting taller and the streets were getting narrower.


    We eventually came across arge ck tower.


    It stood out from the buildings surrounding it and there were many people entering and exiting from therge open front doors.


    Rei started walking towards the entrance. Maria and I followed without saying a word.


    The inside of the tower was ck as well, there were no windows or lights but oddly enough it was very bright inside. I could see perfectly.


    There were 4 sets of esctors in front of us that lead down to a lower level. I assumed the tower went up at first, but I guess there''s more underground.


    Each esctor had ck stairs and grey ss walls that went up to about waist height on other side.


    The 4 sets of moving stairways werebeled:


    [E ss Dungeons]


    [D ss Dungeons]


    [C ss Dungeons]


    [B ss Dungeons]


    Each of them had a security guard that scanned IDs in front of them before anyone could go down.


    There was an esctor in the distance near the back of the building as well. It went upwards and had 4 guards in front of it. No one was approaching that stairway, I couldn''t make out the writing on the sign above it.


    Rei continued to walked towards the far left stairway.


    "Alright, let''s take the E ss esctor so we can all check it out."


    Maria and I nodded, this is what I was thinking too.


    The crowds of people were mostly all going to the same ce as us.


    Over 75% were headed down to the E ss Dungeons.


    20% were scanning their IDs to enter the D ss dungeons.


    The remaining 5% were headed towards the C ss dungeons.


    I didn''t see a single person go down the B ss esctor.


    We scanned our licenses and boarded the moving stairs. I looked downwards and couldn''t even see the end. There were just hundreds of heads bobbing up and down.


    After a full 3 minutes or so we finally got to the bottom. We must have gone 100m underground.


    I couldn''t believe my eyes at first.


    "So this is the Vice City Dungeon Hub."


    I grinned.


    There was a wide open area that looked like a stretched out subway system.


    I could see arge digital sign that had dozens of dungeon names with estimates on how long it would take to get to each of them.


    Anotherrge sign had a map of Vice City with exact locations pin pointing each dungeon entrance.


    "Schreeeech"


    On either side of therge tform area a train took hunters to and from all of the E ss dungeons in Vice City.


    It''s a pretty well though out system. I''m impressed.


    At the center of the tform there were a couple hunters buying and selling E ss gear and mana crystals.


    They were also pairing up and getting into groups to go raid dungeons.


    There were all kinds of people down here, I was in awe.


    We all walked over to the giant map and Rei pointed to a spot on it.


    "We''re right here. These two trains will only bring us to E ss dungeons. You need to scan for clearance to get onto the D, C, and B ss trains. Pretty cool right?"


    Maria and I nodded with excitement.


    "Yeah I never knew the capital was this advanced. There''s so many dungeons. I could level up so much faster here."


    Redughed.


    "Yeah, city folk tend to level up a bit faster. They also tend to die more often. Close to 30% of hunters get seriously injured or killed within the first 5 years of hunting here in the city. It''s a dangerous game."


    I nodded.


    HP potions are usually enough to heal any hunter''s wounds, but there are some cases where they don''t work.


    If a hunter loses a limb or gets an injury that couldn''t naturally heal over time most HP potions can''t heal them. It would take A ss healing magic or potions to work those miracles, the average person could never afford it.


    A serious injury is sometimes worse than death for hunters these days.


    "You''re right. Risk vs. Reward. I would still like to give some of these dungeons a try. There''s so much potential in this city."


    Rei grinned.


    "It seems you''ve really been enjoying your time here in the city. Maybe you should stay a while. I''m sure the guild won''t mind."


    "Really? Hmmm. Maybe I will."


    Maria popped into our conversation.


    "Hey lets go here!"


    She pointed to a dot on the map. It wasbeled "Ogre Dungeon - Medium".


    Rei nodded.


    "That''ll be perfect. It''s a medium grade dungeon, that just means it''s in the middle range of difficulty for E ss Hunters. A perfect one to give your new gear some actual experience out in the field."


    Maria nodded.


    "Screeeeeh"


    A train pulled up the moment Rei stopped talking. She pointed to it.


    "That''s our train."


    We boarded and held on to the handles above our heads. The train was packed.


    It stared to move and I looked out the window to see the nk cement walls moving by.


    It was oddly calming.


    About 10 minutester we arrived.


    There were 2 esctors. One of them brought us up to the surface into a room with no doors, the other was for when we wanted to go back down to the train.


    There was just a glowing blue portal at the back of this room. We could either go into the dungeon or back to the train, there was no way to ess this room without using the Dungeon Hub system.


    We all nodded at each other and jumped through.


    I could see mountains andrge trees all around me.


    It felt and looked like a pretty standard forest dungeon.


    I stepped back to let Maria do the fighting. I won''t be able to get any experience in an E ss dungeon anyways.


    We walked for about 10 minutes before finallying across a monster.


    It stood at about 2.5m tall with light green skin. The beast smelled horrible and only wore a small piece of cloth around its waist.


    It carried arge axe and starred us down. It''s a standard E ss monster.


    "I got this guys!"


    Maria began to glow blue and charged towards the Orge.


    She was clearly faster than it.


    "GRRRUAARRR!"


    The beast let out a roar and swung at her but it was way too slow to get anywhere near Maria.


    She got behind the Ogre and I saw the light blue mist glow bright from behind the beast.


    "Shinnnnnggg"


    Momentster the monster stopped moving.


    Maria came running out from behind it. I couldn''t quite see the whole attack, but it seems like shended a clean hit on its back.


    As she came around the front side, the Ogre let out a cry as the blue mist engulfed its body. It turnedpletely to ice in front of my eyes.


    Maria grinned and took another sh at the monster from the front this time. It shattered into tiny ice fragments.


    It was an impressive feat. She really does have some strong ice magic.


    *p *p *p


    I slowly pped and walked over to her.


    "You''ve improved a lot! That was an impressive take down."


    Maria blushed and smiled.


    "Thanks! These Ogres aren''t too hard for me anyways. I am level 63 now!"


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "You''re level 63? Moving up in the world I see. You''ll catch up to me soon at this rate."


    We bothughed.


    Maria collected a mana crystal from the disappearing fragments of Ogre that were left by our feet.


    We roamed around the dungeon for another hour or so. Maria showed me some of her new moves and I showed off a bit too.


    Rei followed, but I could tell she was getting bored. Eventually she spoke up.


    "Hey I don''t want to kill your fun, but we''ve already done a lot today. I wanted to show you the dungeons before it got toote, we don''t have much time to actually hunt."


    Maria and I nodded taking the hint.


    "We have to catch the train back soon or we''ll be stuck in Vice City tonight."


    We made our way back to the exit and took the train back to the main Dungeon Hub. It was short, but sweet. I''m d we got to check it out.


    "Thanks for taking us out today Rei, I appreciate you showing us around!"


    She nodded.


    "My pleasure. I had a rxing day off. I''m d you got to see the city."


    We made our way back up the esctor and headed to the main train station that would bring us back home.


    "Hey, uh. Rei. If I wanted to stay in the city for a little while where could I go? Is there a hotel or something you know of?"


    Rei grinned.


    "So the city really has you hooked?"


    "Well, I just think it''d be a waste to leave now. There''s so many dungeons here. I''d like to stay for a few days and really check this ce out. It may seem spontaneous, but I think it''s the right move."


    Maria looked up at me.


    "I think that''s a great idea! You don''t have school or anything holding you back right now. Stay in the city!"


    Maria''s immediate support made me happy. Rei nodded and pointed.


    "If you head in that direction for about 1km you''ll get to a more residential area. There are many hotels you can stay in."


    I nodded.


    "Thanks!"


    Rei nodded back.


    "No problem. Some time in the city will make you much stronger, maybe we can spar for real when youe back."


    "Haha, I''d hope so. Let Jack know I''ll be back in a week or two max. I know he wanted to talk to me about something before I left. It''s just going to have to wait a little longer I guess."


    "Okay, I''ll let him know."


    "Great."


    I waved off Maria and Rei. They had to catch the next train very soon.


    That was out of the blue, but this feels right.


    There''s so much opportunity here... I can''t leave yet.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    I headed off in the direction Rei pointed.


    I was alone in the city now.


    It feels so nice to be alone in ces where no one knows who I am. I love the feeling of being anonymous until I decide not to be.


    Anything I do or say in public will be forgotten in the wind momentster. I''ll never see anyone here again unless I make the conscious effort to do so.


    This city makes me feel free.


    I walked for about 10 minutes with a wide grin on my face, then I arrived at the residential district.


    It was definitely a tourist filled area, but that''s what I am too. Most of the buildings were 5-10 stories tall. Some were older looking, others were newly built and higher ss.


    I walked towards one that seemed to be in the middle range of affordability. I want to stay somewhere nice, but not too pricey.


    The building was tall and grey with bluish white windows. I walked through the front door and was immediately greeted by a short man with a button up vest and a long ck gelled mustache that protruded from his face on either side.


    He was sitting behind a long wooden check-in desk.


    "Wee to the Element Inn, how can I help you today Sir?"


    "I''d like to get a room. A single, nothing special."


    The man nodded and looked at a pile of papers.


    "Our going rate is 1 silver a night, how long would you like to stay?"


    "1 silver a night?? I-Uhm, could I get a discount for staying a full week? I''m new to the city."


    He nodded and sifted through his papers again. This is clearly tourist pricing, they''re making a killing. It wouldn''t hurt to ask for a little discount.


    "A single bed and bath, I can do 5 silver for a 7 night stay. You''ll be on the top floor."


    "Great."


    I smiled and counted out 5 silver on the table in front of me. This hotel is pricey... Honestly this whole city is pricey. I need to start making some money, I''m almost out of the reserves i brought with me.


    The Inn keeper took my silver and handed me a key. It had dark ck letters printed on it "1011".


    "Tenth floor, room 11. There''s an elevator around that corner. Maids wille to clean your room everyday at noon, checkout is 7 days from now at 11am. Got it?"


    "Yes. Thank you."


    I walked away from the man waving as I got in the elevator.


    He didn''t even ask for my ID. That was odd.


    *DING*


    The elevator stopped at the 10th floor and I stepped out to walk down the hall towards my room.


    I twisted the key and walked inside.


    It was actually a bit nicer than I expected. There''s arge bed in the center of the room and a bathroom with a shower included.


    The linen on the bed is white and amp stood on the bedside table next to arge ss window that filled up the entire back wall of the room.


    The window had a slight bluish tint. I guess that was just the hotel''s aesthetic, It looks pretty modern.


    The view outside the window is a pretty amazing. The sun is setting, I can see all the neon signs and outlines of people walking around in the residential district.


    Off in the distance I can see the train station and the huge market center. Every direction I looked is eventually blocked by massive silver skyscrapers in all directions, but overall its a really nice view.


    I ced my new sword up against the wall and undressed to get in a nice hot shower.


    The water pressure at this Inn was amazing. The hot water never ended, I haven''t felt this rxed in a while.


    Afterwards, I flopped into bed and watched the sun setpletely behind the city''s skyline.


    What a day.


    As I fell into a peaceful sleep I thought about a few things.


    Tomorrow I''m going to start slow. A medium grade D ss Dungeon will be a perfect warm up for this week.


    I need to find a good merchant at the market to start buying and selling Mana crystals and potions too.


    Once I get the hang of things here I have 3 main goals.


    The first and most urgent goal is to start making money. I''m sure it won''t be too hard to farm loot.


    The second goal is to level up. I had a nice day off today, but I feel stagnant when I''m not getting stronger.


    Lastly, I need to start farming skills. I finally have the option to dive into many dungeons all in the same ce. This is where my absorption skill will start to show its true potential.


    After a nice long rest I woke up to the rising sun.


    I was out the door and ready for an exciting day minutester.


    My first stop was the market. It took me about 10 minutes to make my way over. It''s even more crowded than yesterday, all the early morning hunters are here to stock up on gear.


    I strolled around for a few minutes until one shop caught my eye.


    It looked a bit run down, but that''s what I''m used to. The gear on the shelves looked perfectly new, it was just the shop itself that showed some wear and tear.


    "How ya doin kid."


    The old store owner approached me while I was looking at his merchandise.


    I couldn''t help myself from smiling. He reminded me of the old merchant back home, I like this ce more already.


    "Hey, you have any E ss potions? I need an MP and an HP."


    This is almost thest of my money, I hope I can get some D ss potions after a few sessful dungeon raids.


    "Sure thing kid, 2 silver."


    I ced 2 silver on the counter and nodded.


    The old merchant handed me my potions and I ced them in my item box.


    "The name''s Roger by the way. Good luck out there today."


    "Thanks! Im Jay. Nice meeting you!"


    I waved and walked away. That seems like the shop I was looking for. I''lle back thereter today to sell my loot.


    Now it''s time to make my way towards the Dungeon Hub.


    Therge ck building was swarming with hunters today. I made it inside and showed the guard by the D ss Dungeon esctor my ID.


    Just like that I was through. Minutester I made it down to the subway tform and was very surprised to see so many people at the station.


    There were a ton of groups in the center tform yelling out all kinds of things.


    "2 Tanks needed, we''re raiding the golem boss for exp today!"


    "Loot focused raid! Healing Mage needed as soon as possible!"


    "Anybat magic users?? We''re raiding for exp today! Will pay for boss kills if you can carry!"


    There were all types of teams forming. Many jobs were being advertised and filled. This is much more organized than the E ss tform.


    I walked further in to check out the list of dungeons. There were over two dozen middle grade D ss ones avable nearby. I scanned the list and tried to pick something out. It was hard to choose.


    I stood there with my hand on my chin for a moment until I heard a girl''s voice behind me.


    "Hey Swordsman! We''re raiding the troll dungeon today. Loot focused, exp isn''t the priority. We average 5 silver each for an 8 hour raid, interested?


    I turned around to see a light skinned girl that looked a bit older than me. She had dirty blond hair and wore dark clothing. She was no more than 160cm tall and had a long silver sword on her back.


    A man stood beside her. He had the same colored hair and wore very simr battle gear. His facial features were very feminine and his frame didn''t carry much muscle. His skin was very pale and he stood 170cm or so. He didn''t carry any weapons.


    They were an odd pair. I used inspect out of curiosity.


    The man had a [Lv. 136] over his head, and the woman''s blue text read [Lv. 151].


    They''re about my level, and they probably know a lot more than I do about this city''s dungeon system. If all the need is my strength, it''ll be a good deal for me. 5 silver a day is solid as well.


    "Sure. The Troll Dungeon is a medium grade rating right?"


    She nodded.


    "Yep. You''re quite quick to agree, very trusting. Not from around here are ya?"


    I shook my head.


    "Nope. You got me."


    She smiled.


    The man beside her still didn''t say a word.


    "Well, the train is about to arrive. A team of 3 will do the trick. Let''s make some money. No boss fights, we''re just farming regr trolls today. We split the mana and special drops 3 ways, no exceptions. Sound good?"


    I nodded in agreement and walked with them over to the tform''s edge as a train arrived.


    "Screeeeeeech"


    We boarded and were off to the troll dungeon just like that.


    Maybe I am a bit too trusting...


    For some reason I had a good feeling about these two. I don''t think they''re here to do me any harm.


    I wonder what this raid will be like? I''ve never seen a troll before.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    The train left the tform and we were off.


    "Hey uhh. What''s your name? I''m Jay by the way."


    The light skinned girl looked at me and smiled.


    "Nice to meet ya Jay. I thought you''d never ask. My name is Talia, this is Cori."


    She pointed to the man. He nodded at me with a small grin.


    I nodded back.


    "Well, nice to meet both of you. Do you live in the city?"


    Talia rolled her eyes.


    "For the moment, yeah. We''ve been traveling through a few regions thesest few months. The goal is to see the whole country and making good money while we''re at it."


    Cori looked at the ground. He was an odd guy.


    "Ahh okay. So you two have been to many other ces... If you don''t mind sharing some knowledge with me, what are the guilds like in the big cities?"


    Talia''s eyes perked up.


    "So you want to join a guild? You''re a D ss Hunter. Pretty much any small guild will pick you up and give you a decent contract, there''s hundreds of them in the city."


    "Yeah, I assumed so. What about the bigger guilds? Do you know anything about them?"


    "Well, there''s a couple pretty big guilds in Vice city. The 3 main ones are invite only, you probably wouldn''t ever even be able to walk through their doors without being at least a C ss hunter with some kind of crazy skill."


    I looked at her with curiosity now. It''s not just small talk anymore, this is interesting.


    "What are their names?"


    "Uhhh let me think. There''s the Viridian Guild, that''s the biggest one in Vice City right now. The Luna Guild and Fury Guild are definitely tied for a close 2nd."


    I grinned and nodded. I turned to look at the cement walls flying by out the window.


    "Interesting. I bet they have ess to some really neat dungeons"


    I could see Talia''s reflection in the window like a mirror, she made eye contact with me and continued talking.


    "Yeah but we''re just a couple of D ss Hunters. Even if they have scouts everywhere in this city there''s no way they''d reach out to us."


    "Yeah, yeah. I can dream."


    She grinned.


    "Screeeeeech."


    We made it to the troll dungeon.


    The esctor up was exactly the same as the dungeon I visited yesterday. At the top there was a very simr room with a floating blue portal at the back.


    Talia and I drew our swords, Cori stretched his arms and got into a readied state as well.


    We all jumped through.


    This is definitely a new dungeon environment for me.


    The ground is moist and the air is very humid. There are small swamp patches everywhere I look.


    The moss smells weird and pond grass rose up to my knees everywhere I stepped. Thankfully there are no bugs in sight, that''s a relief. I hate bugs.


    When I look out far into the dungeon I can see thousands of trees. Most of them are pretty short and have long green vines hanging off their sagging branches.


    This is honestly a pretty gross dungeon, I should have done a bit of research before I agreed toe. I''m definitely going to have to do a deep wash my boots, or just buy a whole new set of clothes after this raid...


    When I squint my eyes I can make out the shadowy outline of what looks like arge tree in the back of the dungeon.


    "Hey, have you guys been here before? What are these troll monster like, and is that a tree back there?"


    Talia spoke up.


    "Yeah we''ve been here a few times this week with teams of 3 to 5. Trolls drop good mana. They''re pretty tricky to kill, but with the 3 of us it shouldn''t be a problem. We have two sword users."


    "What about that tree?"


    "Oh yeah, that''s where the boss room is. I''ve never gone that far in, just heard the stories. Apparently it''s a pretty tough boss, powerful magic."


    I nodded.


    "Okay. So we''ll just stick around these parts for now and farm trolls. Got it."


    She nodded.


    Cori spoke up. This was the first time I heard his voice. It was light and quiet.


    "One enemy. 100m ahead."


    He must have some kind of enemy detection skill. I activated mine as well to see what he was sensing.


    Arge creature was moving towards us at a consistent speed right in front of us like he said.


    I readied my sword and started walking cautiously in the direction of the iing opponent.


    Cori backed up and Talia took the lead in front of him.


    "It''s just us fighting. Cori is our support type. He''ll find enemies, then help with finishing them off. The actualbat will be handled by us. Okay?"


    I nodded while keeping my eyes locked straight ahead. The creature was moving much faster now. It was less than 50m away.


    The soft swamnd makes it much harder to move around with ease. I''m going to have to focus on my footing a lot more during this battle.


    Momentster I heard heavy footsteps sshing around in the muddy water less than 10m away.


    Talia yelled.


    "Its here! Immobilize the enemy and don''t let your guard down for one second. Even if it looks dead keep your weapon ready for battle."


    "Got it!


    Talia was in a very serious battle mode right now. These trolls must really be no joke...


    Momentster it finally came into my view.


    *GRUNT* *GRUNT* *GRUNT*


    A nasty looking green creature came out from behind a wet sagging tree. Its arms were very long, they were almost touching the ground. The smelling off this beast was simr to rotting flesh.


    It had a wide nose and its bottom teeth grew out like small tusks.


    The monster stood around 3m tall, each of its fingers had long ws that looked as sharp as knives. It was a menacing creature, but I''ve faced much scarier looking opponents before.


    I used inspect to see what I was really dealing with here.


    [Lv. 148]


    This monster is a few levels higher than me, but I''m sure with Talia''s help it won''t be too difficult to defeat.


    "Alright it''s game time Jay. Let''s do this!"


    We both stood in front of the disgusting creature as it charged forward.


    "CRRRUUAAARR!"


    The troll made a shrieking sound as it started to swing its arms and charged towards us.


    It had a very irregr and awkward movement style. This worked in its favor I guess. It was harder to tell which way it''d swing its arms at any given moment.


    The troll was quick, but I was definitely quicker.


    It looked strong... but just by the way it moved I could tell I was much stronger as well.


    How could this thing be a higher level than me? This seems way too easy.


    I out ran the monster and made a quick doge to its right. Its wed hand flew passed me as I maneuvered myself behind it.


    This creature isn''t the smartest tool in the shed either...


    Talia dodged to the left and the beast started eyeing her.


    It made an odd jerking motion and started sprinting towards her and away from me.


    Talia could definitely handle this mindless beast herself, but I wanted to show her that I can pull my own weight.


    First impressions are everything.


    I readied my sword and followed the monster as it hobbled away.


    I nted my right leg on a hard bit of ground making sure not to get stuck in the mud and jumped forward straight at the toll''s backside.


    "Shinnnggg"


    "THUDDDD."


    Inded a picture perfect sh directly to the back of the monster''s neck. Its head came clean off andnded in a patch of moss.


    I stared down at its disgusting head and its body fell into a shallow swamp behind me.


    I looked over to Talia with a satisfied smile on my face.


    "Well, that was easy. Clean hit right?"


    For some reason she didn''t look happy for me... I spoke up and tried to lighten the mood.


    "Come on!! You''re upset I took the first kill or something?"


    She still didn''t even crack a smile. Talia just stood there holding her sword straight ahead looking off in the distance behind me.


    "Stay alert Jay! I told you. Don''t underestimate these things."


    I stared back at her with a confused look.


    Then I heard movements of another troll.


    They must travel in pairs... or even groups..? Is this what Talia meant?


    I turned around and my eyes went wide.


    This is not what I was expecting at all.


    The body of a troll was climbing out of the shallow swamp... yes, just the body.


    I gripped my sword tightly and stared at the abomination before my eyes.


    The troll I had just killed... seemingly came back to life and its ready to fight me again!

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    "Trolls can regenerate! Just cutting off their heads isn''t going to kill them!"


    I looked over my shoulder at Talia as she yelled at me and rolled my eyes in return.


    "You know you could have briefed me on what kind of magic they actually had. That would''ve been pretty helpful."


    She nodded her head but I could tell she was focused straight ahead at the troll.


    Cori finally arrived too, he stayed back 10m or so just like the first time we encountered this monster.


    Talia grinned and nodded at him.


    "Alright Jay. Let''s attack the same asst time. Immobilize the troll, and do not get hit. Cori will finish it off once we''ve done our job."


    I nodded and gripped my sword tight.


    "CRRRUUAAARR!"


    The troll already grew back the lower portion of its head. It was starting to shriek and crawl towards us.


    Talia took the lead this time, I could tell she wanted to show off a little bit too.


    She''s very agile and quick, her sword looks light weight. She must have high speed and agility stats just like mine.


    Talia hopped around the swamp and got closer to the regenerating troll. I followed close behind positioning myself tond a secondary attack.


    We were less than 5m away now. The troll''s head was almost fully reformed, it''s amazing how fast its magic works.


    With a swift movement of her de, Talia attacked the monster. It shrieked and tried to w her as she made a deep gash in its mid section before dodging to the left.


    I was close behind andnded a powerful yet agile attack of my own. I dove innded a clean slice on its left arm. My sword cut through it like butter, the arm fell in the swamp with a ssh. I dodged to the right as the beast desperately tried to w me with its remaining hand.


    I looked at Talia, she was on the opposite side of the monster and there were trees blocking its escape to the left or right. We both grinned at each other as we walked in closer cornering the troll from escaping.


    I lunged in and aimed for the troll''s left leg. Talia went for the right arm.


    Both were sliced clean off after our dual attack. We charged in over and over until the beast was a pile of parts on the swarm floor.


    It was a bit gruesome, but what else can we do right now? I looked up at Talia.


    "It''s immobilized. Now what? How do we kill this thing?"


    Talia grinned.


    "Cori you''re up!"


    The pale man sprinted in glowing with a faint white light.


    He ced his hands in front of his body and opened up a light colored portal in the air.


    The moment he opened the portal a dark red light started to leak out. It looked and felt exactly like my fire magic.


    He drew closer to the troll''s mangled body and opened the portal wider. mes poured out and began to burn the beast to ashes.


    In a matter of seconds the troll was burned to a pile of ash.


    I heard a familiar sound ringing in my head.


    [Level Up]


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 142


    Hp: 715/715


    Mp: 655/715


    Strength: 342 [+125]


    Speed: 406


    Agility: 424


    Defense: 308 [+123]


    Mental Strength: 342 [+68]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    "Nice, a level up."


    I turned to Cori and Talia.


    "Anything else you two want to tell me?"


    Talia looked at me with a concerning look and grabbed her sword. Cori stood on guard and his white light started to glow brighter.


    My eyes went wide.


    "Hey, hey! Sorry! I just meant it would be nice if you told me how to kill these things before we entered the dungeon ya know!"


    Talia looked at Cori and shook her head as she put her sword down, he stopped glowing as well.


    That was kind of scary... why''d they freak out on me.


    Talia spoke up.


    "You didn''t know how to kill a troll? For real?"


    I shook my head.


    "I didn''t even know trolls existed in real life dungeons before today, I''ve only read about them inics."


    Cori grinned a bit. Taliaughed out loud.


    "Wow. I though you were just ying dumb. With your battle technique I thought you were a more experienced hunter. My bad. Really."


    I nodded slowly. I guess it is pretty unheard of to randomly jump into D ss dungeons without any research or knowledge of the monsters inside.


    "My bad, you''re right. It''s not your job to educate me. It would be nice to know a thing or two about these monsters though, if you don''t mind."


    She nodded politely.


    "Sure, sure. For starters this is a troll dungeon, it''s a middle grade rating. You should definitely already know that. The regr trolls are around level 140 to 160. Theirbat skill and stats are about 20% lower than their perceived level."


    "Yeah, I could tell. They were an easy fight."


    "Their skill is the tricky part. Trolls have a special kind of magic called regeneration. Even if you cut off its head they can still regenerate and survive to keep battling. If you cut it into pieces enough times you could technically wear down its magic power and HP, but I think that would take hours. The only way to nullify its magic instantly is with a strong acid or fire attack."


    I put a hand to my chin and thought to myself. I assumed it was something like that, I underestimated them and didn''t even use my own fire magic. This battle could have been over even quicker.


    "Makes sense. Cori, what was that skill you used? Do you posses a fire magicbat skill?"


    He shook his head and started to glow with that same white light again.


    A small rectangr portal opened up in front of us and I looked inside.


    There was a dark red floating stone inside. The magic mes wereing out at an rming rate, they felt much more powerful that my own the closer i got to the source. He closed the portal the moment I got a good look. Talia spoke up.


    "Cori has a rare spacial magic skill. We obtained that fire stone from a boss in the bedrock region a few months back. It was a high level D ss boss, we were on a 5 person raid team. It''s a very rare item, ites in handy."


    I eyed her curiously.


    "It doesn''t run out? Ot need to be charged? Is it just unlimited fire magic? How''s that even work? I''ve never seen or heard of a so called fire stone."


    "It would normally burn to ashes in a few hours. Cori''s spacial magic works like an item box to store items. It can contain magic items and they wont be effected by the outside world, its like time stops inside of his mini pocket world. We''ve been able to use it many times while traveling. Neat skill right?"


    "Yeah. That is a good skill, along with an enemy detection skill as well?"


    Cori shook his head and pointed.


    He glowed white and a portal opened up 20m away from us. Cori spoke quietly.


    "I can sense magic in arge area surrounding my portals."


    I looked at him and he stopped glowing.


    "Ahh. Okay, makes sense again. Well, now that you''ve shown me your skill maybe this will help us out a bit too."


    I grinned and pointed one pointer finger up in the air igniting it into mes like a candle.


    They both stopped and stared. Talia spoke up.


    "You had a fire skill and kept quiet?? This would have been a whole lot easier ya kno-"


    "Yeah, yeah. I''m an idiot I get it. Now that we''ve actually made a proper introduction, let''s do some hunting. I think we can make a whole lot more than 5 silver each today."


    I smiled. It was pretty funny. We all just kind of jumped into this dungeon without knowing a thing about each other.


    Talia sighed.


    "Agreed. All I have is a swordsmanship skill by the way. I''m not hiding anything else."


    Her voice quivered a bit when she spoke herst sentence. Not much, but enough for me to notice... I decided not to bring it up just yet.


    The troll''s body disappeared and Talia picked up therge mana crystal.


    "One down. We''ll count them all up and spit the crystals evenly after we exit the dungeon."


    We all nodded and started walking through the shallow swamp to look for more trolls.


    It was a rocky start, but I think it''s going well.


    The only major thing that irks me is the fact that I couldn''t absorb the troll''s skill. Maybe I''m missing a condition? Or is it not even a skill? I''ll find out by the end of today for sure.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    We walked further into the dungeon and the swamp just got deeper and deeper.


    Cori spoke up.


    "Troll, 50m to our left."


    I turned and ran towards it immediately. 10 secondster I was face to face with the creature. It was pretty much identical to thest troll we encountered.


    I erupted into mes and turned on my inspect skill.


    [Lv. 152]


    I smirked and sprinted towards the troll. It awkwardly moved its long arms around and charged at me as well.


    In one ming strike I sliced the troll''s head clean off. This time I made sure to leave fire residue behind.


    The body of the troll fell to its knees and the mes of my attack burned brightly along the area where I cut. Just to be sure I lunged in for a final blow and sliced its body in two while releasing arge amount of fire magic inside the corpse.


    Momentster the beast was burning to ash. I heard the ringing that confirmed this troll''s demise.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I could see Cori and Talia running up behind me about 10m away. I did sprint off alone, maybe I should have waited.


    The ashy corpse of the troll started to glow blue, I stepped back and saw that it was just a text box...


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Self Regeneration


    [YES][NO]


    I chose [YES] and stood there curiously over the ashy body as it disappeared. It let me use my skill this time?


    The only exnation I can think of is that Inded the final hit. Maybe that''s a hidden condition for my absorption skill. It makes sense.


    I opened my status to check it out.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 144


    Hp: 725/725


    Mp: 530/725


    Strength: 347 [+125]


    Speed: 412


    Agility: 430


    Defense: 310 [+124]


    Mental Strength: 347 [+69]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    Cori and Talia arrived secondster. I''m d they didn''t see me kill that troll, its a blessing in disguise that I''m so rash sometimes. I don''t know if anyone else can see my absorption text. I''ve never tested it out, and today isn''t the day to do so.


    Talia looked at me with a proud look on her face.


    "Good job. I''m happy for ya. Looks like you can handle these guys yourself. That''s good to know, but we should still stick close together. Mutants aren''t too umon in the capital dungeons. There''s a lot of concentrated magic here, 1 in ever 20 or so monsters is a mutant. I''ve personally never seen one in the troll dungeon, but you never know. Just a heads up."


    My eyes lit up.


    "I had no idea... Does that mean there are a lot of dungeon breaks in the capital? No one seems to be too worried at all. How does it work here?"


    "There''s dungeon breaks pretty often actually. Most of the E, D, and C ss dungeons are pretty packed in the city though. If there''s ever a break, usually manypetent teams are already inside and deal with the matter."


    "Hmm makes sense."


    "Even if monsters were to get out they would have a very hard time getting anywhere. Each dungeon portal is separated from the outside world. They''re only connected to the dungeon Hub. The Hunter''s Association has many guards on duty that can take care of any potential leaks as well."


    I nodded as the troll disappeared, I picked up its mana crystal. It was pretty heavy.


    "Wait. What about the B ss dungeons? Or even A ss dungeons? I''ve never even heard of those to be honest."


    Talia smirked. We started walking deeper into the dungeon as Cori opened up portals around us asionally.


    "You''re funny. You really have no idea about anything in the capital. Did you grow up on a farm or something?"


    "No, well... Pretty much I guess. My home town is pretty small, who cares though! What happens if a B or A ss dungeon breaks?"


    "Well, there hasn''t been a B ss break in years. It takes a lot of stored up magic for something like that to happen. One of the top 3 guilds would probably take care of it if that happened. I assume it would cause a lot of damage to the city, but they could handle it."


    "And an A ss?"


    Talia raised an eyebrow and grinned.


    "Well, we''d all be screwed."


    I looked at her with concern.


    "What do you mean we''d all be screwed? The top 3 guilds can''t handle an A ss break? What about the Hunters Association?"


    Taliaughed and just looked straight ahead.


    "There won''t be an A ss Dungeon break. Those are unheard of, not since the Great War at least."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah, we only have like 4 A ss hunters in this whole country. You think they''d hang around in the Vice Region?"


    "Hmm. I guess you''re right."


    "There''s barely any high rated B ss dungeons for hunters to train at you know. If you want to get stronger as a B rank, you have to do so by other means."


    "I don''t need to think about that right now, I was just curious about the breaks. Thanks."


    Talia smiled.


    "Haha no you''re fine. You kind of remind me of Cori when we met back in the the Bedrock region."


    Cori put on a light grinned.


    "Troll, 70m to our right."


    Talia nodded and her face tightened up into battle mode.


    "Lets head out. Jay, you had thest fight. I can handle this one, be my close backup."


    "Got it."


    A minute or soter the troll was dead on the ground after Talia attacked it ruthlessly and Cori finished it off with the fire stone in his storage system.


    We hunted down trolls and alternated between killing them for another 6 hours. We faced off against 18 more monsters. I personally fought 9 of them. Thest 5 I decided to stop using my fire magic to preserve MP. I had to drink my E ss potion and was running low. After all these fights and a +500 reset I was at 295 MP remaining.


    Overall I gained a lot of exp as well. I leveled up 8 more times. Thest couple trolls didn''t boost my exp much, it was nice while itsted though. My experience rose a lot, I''m level 152 now!


    "Hey, do you have any MP potions on you? I''m fresh out. It''s not urgent, but a couple more fights and I''ll be at 0."


    She lifted her shirt on right side to reveal a small belt with a glowing pink potion.


    "Yeah just one, you can have it if you need it. I think it might be better to just call it a day instead."


    Talia made the call.


    "I think we''re solid. Pack it in and and divide the loot?"


    We all nodded at each other. I replied.


    "Yeah, time to call it. Great hunt today, we made a killing. Way more than your average 5 each day i assume, I''m d i met you two!"


    Talia smirked and gave Cori a quick nce.


    "Yeah, our 5 each is from a 5 person crew. We didn''t do that much better than usual. It''s just a better split."


    "Ahh cool. The Exp today was great! I went up a ton of levels."


    "Yeah, the exp split was pretty good too. I gained a few today as well. Sadly Cori probably didn''t gain a single one. We''ll have to farm a bit in a lower dungeon soon to even out."


    Cori nodded and smiled thinly at Talia.


    I was a bit confused, she could see it on my face.


    "The fire stone kills don''t count as Cori''s kill. He didn''t get the exp share all day, it was just us."


    "Oh that''s rough. Well, at least we all made some good profit. Let''s head back."


    We all started walking back in the direction of the dungeon exit.


    The ground was getting a bit less wet and the swampnd was clearing up. We were less than 1km away, I could tell.


    There was just an odd feeling I couldn''t shake. We were definitely being watched...


    I activated my enemy detection and scanned the area. There was nothing close by.


    As I lengthened the range I could feel my MP being drained, I turned it off just in case.


    "Cori, do you feel that? Is there anything nearby?"


    "I feel it, but I cannot find anything nearby."


    We continued walking towards the dungeon exit. I gripped my sword tight and was ready for a battle at any moment.


    Talia and I walked up front, Cori stayed behind scanning the area.


    About 30 very tense secondster Cori spoke up.


    "Something Big. 150m Straight ahead."


    I turned back to him.


    "How big? What do you mean?"


    "100m now, It''sing"


    I turned back and readied my de. No more time for talking, it''s time to fight.


    Momentster the trees ahead started to shake and the water in the shallow swap rippled violently.


    Then I saw a massive creature burst out from the trees and let out a shriek as it stared us all down with bloodshot eyes.


    "CRUUUUUAAARRRR!"


    It''s a Mutant Troll...

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    The mutant troll stood in front of us with its long arms reaching close to the ground.


    The monster''s right hand held arge axe and its left was glistening with sharp ws.


    It stood almost 5m tall and was a much darker shade of green than our previous opponents.


    I used my inspect skill.


    [Lv. 172]


    It doesn''t seem too bad. The level 150s were a piece of cake. This one might be a bit stronger, but Talia and I can handle it.


    The monster roared as we ran towards it. The massive troll swung its axe erratically and hit nearby trees while charging towards us.


    I broke off to the right side and Talia moved to the left.


    We were both much faster than this beast. It''ll definitely be an easy fight.


    Momentster we weaved in and out of the trees avoiding the monster''s random attacks and each of us sliced clean through its legs.


    "THUDDDDD."


    The troll fell t on its face. I grinned and made eye contact with Talia as we turned to finish it off.


    The instant I turned back my eyes went wide.


    The two legs we cut were moving around on their own... and they were mutating rapidly.


    Secondster the two legs had formed into normal sized trolls.


    This can''t be normal.


    "We need fire!"


    I yelled and scanned the battlefield for Cori.


    I could burn them to a crisp, but I wouldn''t have much MP left for the boss.


    I finally found him 30m away standing back behind a tree.


    "Cori! Come help Talia with these two. Let me handle the big guy!"


    He nodded and started to sprint around the outside of the battleground.


    I looked at Talia, she understood.


    "I''ll handle them. You take out the mutant."


    I gritted my teeth and tightened the grip on my sword as I charged in towards the massive troll.


    Its legs were growing back at a rapid rate. It had much faster regeneration than the prior trolls.


    I erupted into mes and focused everything I had into my sword. I jumped directly at the beast''s face.


    "CLANNNNGGGG"


    The troll made an erratic movement with its right arm and somehow blocked my swing with its axe. Inded back on the ground about 5m in front of the troll.


    "Ahh so you''re a crafty mother f-"


    "CRUUUUAAARRR!"


    I grinned and looked up at the beast. Looks like I''ll have to try n B.


    I charged towards its right side in a full sprint. It countered by swinging its axe around in circles like a maniac.


    I dodged across its body to its left and didn''t even try to attack. It awkwardly swung its ws at me but missed. This monster clearly relied on its axe for attacks and defense.


    I made my way to its backside and nted my left leg to jump up without hesitating for a second.


    I concentrated everyst bit of MP into a swing of fire.


    "SHINGGGG"


    "THUDDD"


    A clean hit. I managed to cut its head off.


    Inded and fell to one knee. I hate the feeling of being fresh out of MP, It makes me feelzy and in a bit of a daze.


    I''ll be fine, it''s just not the optimal mood to be in mid battle.


    I scanned the battlefield for my teammates.


    I could see Cori and Talia running towards me with two ming corpses behind them. I yelled towards Cori.


    "Finish it."


    He nodded and started glowing white.


    Cori used the fire stone to burn the rest of this beast to ash.


    It''s not the most effectivebat item or skill in my opinion. It leaves him wide open for attacks, but when Cori catches an enemy off guard that thing is pretty dangerous. It still leaves me in awe to be honest.


    "It''s done."


    I heard the system ringing in my head again. He''s right, It is done. I smiled.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 155


    Hp: 780/780


    Mp: 0/780


    Strength: 373 [+125]


    Speed: 443


    Agility: 463


    Defense: 334 [+134]


    Mental Strength: 373 [+75]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    "CLANGGGGG"


    I heard the sound of metal hitting rock and turned my head quickly.


    Therge axe form the mutant fell to the swamp bed, it hit a small patch of rocks on the way down.


    Talia looked over at the two leg corpses that dissolved but didn''t find any mana in them.


    The mutant dropped a huge crystal.


    We all took turns holding it for a second, then I spoke up.


    "Let''s get out of here right now, my MP is drained. I couldn''t fight another one of those if I wanted to."


    Talia''s eyes perked up the moment I said that. She turned to Cori and gave him a light nod, he returned it. Talia spoke up.


    "You''re out of MP huh?"


    They both turned to me with grins on their faces.


    Talia took out her sword and Cori started glowing. Reflexively I lifted my own sword but it felt awkward in my hands. I have 0 MP left, my sword is basically useless right now.


    I gulped.


    "H-Hey. Why are you two looking at me like that? What''s wrong?"


    Talia''s eyes were wide open and her grin looked creepy.


    "Oh nothing''s wrong. I have to thank you for your work today. Newbies in the city usually aren''t as skilled as you, we made a whole lot today. Split between the two of us I reckon we have over 15 silver each, and that''s not even including the axe or your sword!"


    I gripped my sword and sweat started forming on my forehead.


    "The two of us? T-There''s 3 people here...and my sword?"


    Talia''s deadly stare didn''t waver for a second.


    "You really are a piece of work aren''t ya Jay. It''s a shame."


    "....."


    "We kill fresh meat that walks into the city and take the loot for ourselves. Don''t you get it? You''re going to die here!"


    Talia started to lunged towards me with her sword pointed at my neck.


    She''s really trying to kill me, and at this rate she might actually seed. I have to think of something fast...


    I immediately ran to my left to dodge her sword and get on some more stable ground.


    If we fight one on one right now it will only end badly for me. I have to run. That''s my only option.


    I turned around and started sprinting towards the direction of the exit portal. A bright glowing white light started to flood my field of vision, then it turned dark red.


    Cori stood in front of me now with a portal wide open full of mes blocking my only path. Everywhere else was deep swamp water, if I took the time to swim through it Talia would catch up for sure.


    I lifted my sword and stared him down. It just felt like a hunk of metal in my hands. Without my passive swordsmanship skill I''m really naked on the battlefield.


    "You can''t run forever!!!"


    I turned to see Talia close behind full of killing intent.


    Why me? What did I do wrong to deserve this?


    I guess.. It really is entirely my own fault.


    If I make it out of this alive I''ll never trust a new face ever again. This is what the world is really like. I''ve been so naive, they''ve been hinting their true intentions this whole time... I''ve just been trying to see the good in people. Is that so wrong?


    Cori slowly advances blocking my path forward even more, Talia''s de is less than 5m away from my torso now.


    I need to think...


    I turn to Talia and give it everything I''ve got. It''s better to be cut than burned alive.


    "CLANGGGGG"


    "SHINGGGGG"


    I managed to block her first strike with a reflexive and simple block. Before she could counter with a second hit I tried tond a counter.


    I lunged in towards her right side. With blinding speed she managed to twist her body away from the sword. It still tore her shirt and ripped the belt off her waist. The cloth and belt fell to the ground.


    During my attempt for an attack Taliaunched her own.


    All I could see was a sh of blood and a sharp pain in my shoulder that carried my sword.


    She ran passed me continuing her trajectory. I tried to swing my sword towards her but my body wasn''t responding. The moment I turned to face her I saw my own arm falling to the ground with the sword in hand.


    She sliced off my arm.... what a clean hit.... i barely felt it.


    We locked eyes, and she grinned at me. I could feel her evil soul emanating from within. She enjoys this, I''m definitely not her first kill.


    The next moment I felt two more sharp pains. One on my right leg, and the other in my abdomen.


    I fell to the floor next to my sword in a pool of my own blood.


    I saw a hand grab my sword and felt the item box on my waist get untied and lifted off my body.


    My vision was getting blurry.


    This is the end I guess...


    I was really killed by a human, it wasn''t even a dragon or something cool like that.


    I didn''t even get to save the world while dying... what a sad excuse for a hero''s journey.


    As I heard two sets of footsteps in the damp ground fade away behind me I saw a glimmer of hope.


    My eyes went wide. This isn''t the end, I have to stop thinking like that!


    My own severed arm was covering a piece of cloth that looked like Talia''s ripped shirt.


    Underneath it all was a small ss bottle filled with a glowing pink liquid attached to a belt.


    I used my left arm to pull myself towards it with all the strength left in my body.


    I inched closer and closer to Talia''s fallen MP potion as my body grew weaker and weaker.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    I dragged by body along the wet swamp floor towards the faint glow of a pink potion.


    My arm and leg had been sliced off, and my stomach has arge hole in it. There are 3 smeared trails of blood behind.


    I finally made it to the pile of cloth on the ground covering the portion of Talia''s belt I managed to cut off during our short battle.


    I grabbed the bottle with my left hand and ripped the cork off with my teeth. I drank the potion and closed my eyes. Magic flowed back into my body.


    There''s only one way I''ll make it out of here alive. I have to try my new skill.


    "Self Regeneration."


    "Self Regeneration...."


    "SELF REGENERATION!"


    I kept repeating those words over and over in my head while concentrating on my wounds.


    I could feel the MP being consumed, but also a rxing warmth came over my whole body.


    I opened my eyes and looked down to see my arm and leg slowly growing back. I focused even harder and the re-growth started to speed up.


    This skill is incredible.


    I can feel my bones and skin re-growing at a rapid rate. Secondster I stood to my feet. My shirt sleeve and pant leg were gone along with one of my boots. That didn''t matter to me one bit. I stared straight ahead towards the direction my attackers just left.


    They made the first move and failed to eliminate me... their lives are fair game.


    I darted forward making sure not to make too much noise. My MP was somewhat drained, but I have more than enough in me to plot my revenge.


    A state of rage came over me. I''ve never felt this way before... No one has ever deceived me quite like this, I will not forgive them.


    After a few moments I heard a voice and slipped behind a tree.


    "Another sessful day in Vice City. I think it''s about time we head off somewhere else, we might be getting a bit too hot here. One night to celebrate then let''s checkout the Nurean Region next. I think a top 4 region might be a good change of pace befo-"


    "Enemy 20m behind us."


    I held my breath.


    They know an enemy is nearby, but there''s no reason to ever guess it''s me. I can''t believe them! They''re just talking casually like this is an everyday thing! How disgusting.


    I circled around their back and ducked behind the trees. I''m waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    I watched them like my prey. I feel true hatred. They tried to kill me and took everything I own. All i did was help them out today... The world really is a cruel ce. Now they''ll get a taste of their own medicine. Karma alwayses back around.


    There was an opening in the trees. I could see Cori scanning frantically and Talia holding her sword tight eyeing the trees and turning in circles slowly.


    Cori was staring directly in my direction, but my tree cover was too dense. I moved closer and closer making sure not to be seen until I needed to.


    "10m straight ahead"


    Talia nodded.


    "I don''t hear it at all, where is this troll?"


    "I''m not sure its a troll. It feels like a human."


    Talia was inching closer and closer every second. Cori stood close behind her.


    We were less than 5m apart now, I was knee deep in swamp water gripping the backside of a tree.


    It''s time.


    I focused on my fire magic into my palm to create an orb of glowing red light. This is going to be everything I''ve got, I only have one shot here.


    I jumped out from behind the tree onto drynd and lunged forward with all my strength. The look on Talia''s face was pure fear, astonishment, and disgust. There was no time for her to even think.


    I let my orb of fire expand into the image of my lost sword. The mes erupted and devoured my enemy.


    "SHINGGGGG"


    I sliced through Talia''s torso and followed through by stabbing Cori in the chest as he stood in awe close behind her. I let my mes expand further and with a fiery explosion I let out my anger with a st of mes that depleted my MP back to 0 again. They were both burned to a crisp before i could blink.


    "CLANNGGGGG"


    I heard multiple items hit the ground along with a familiar ringing sound.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    "I... leveled up?"


    I couldn''t help but to mumble those words out loud. How absurd. I didn''t know humans had exp too....


    I looked at the ground to see a pile of swords and mana crystals beside Talia''s body. The item box must have burned and released all of the gear, that''s annoying.


    When I turned to Cori''s body I grinned with delight.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    [YES][NO]


    I chose [YES] Immediately.


    Two skills in one day, not bad.


    I grinned and started to pick up all the gear and loot on the floor. The small items fit fine in my pockets but the swords and axe sat awkwardly on my back. This''ll do for now though.


    The bodies started to disappear into the dungeon floor. Cori''s started glowing red....


    As he disappeared a pile of items fell to the floor. Tons of MP and HP potions along with a few shiny silver coins hit the floor. My eyes went wide.


    This is everything that was in his dimensional storagepartment, even the fire stone.


    It was boiling the swamp water all around it. This stone is the real deal... Their story about how they got this thing must have been a lie... it''s definitely not a D ss Item.


    I picked up an HP and MP potion and chugged both of them. Next I checked my status.


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 157


    Hp: 790/790


    Mp: 790/790


    Strength: 378 [+125]


    Speed: 449


    Agility: 469


    Defense: 336 [+134]


    Mental Strength: 378 [+76]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    "Item Storage Huh?"


    I focused on my new skill and started glowing a faint white light. A rectangr tear in space opened up in front of me. I ignited my right hand in mes to reach down to grab the stone.


    It was burning much hotter than my own mes. I managed to drop it into my mini pocket of space and closed it up. I quickly used self regeneration to grow the skin back on my hand that had been burned to a crisp. That is one dangerous stone...


    I could sense it in my pocket world. I''m not sure how to describe it, but this space is now an extension of myself. If I were to open it anywhere I could definitely sense everything around it. Cori''s ims made sense now.


    I started walking towards the dungeon exit again but stopped to test one more thing out. I opened up my pocket dimension and concentrated hard on the space within. It was pretty simple to move the the stone around within the space. I decide to throw a mana crystal in with it.


    Looks like it works. I can move things around within this space without them interfering with each other. This means all my new loot and gear will be safe in this pocket world right next to the fire stone. I ced everything inside my item storage. I don''t even have to buy an item box now, this is great!


    With a big grin across my face I continued my trek back to the dungeon exit.


    I made it to the floating blue portal and jumped through.


    When I stepped to the other side I was not alone in the dungeon room....


    There were two tall men in nice suits and well built frames. One was blond and clean shaven, the other had ck hair and a beard. They did not look like the types of guys I should be messing with right now.


    I gave them a nod and tried to walk passed to the esctor. One of them moved in front of the moving stairs and spoke up.


    "Stop right there. We need to have a word with you."


    They both stared directly at me without wavering an inch.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    I froze and looked up at the two men in suits.


    "You need to talk with me? Why''s that?"


    The blond haired man in front of the stairs reached into his pocket and pulled out an ID.


    In big ck letters next to his photo I could read "Hunters Association Representative" and beside that, arge letter C. This guy is the real deal.


    I gulped.


    "I- uhm. Of course. What would you like to talk about?"


    He grinned and put the card back in his pocket.


    "Come on walk with us, I''d rather speak in private."


    I agreed and followed the men down the esctor. What else could I do right now?


    I probably did look pretty suspicious. All my items are in my item storage, it looks like I came out of that dungeon with nothing on me. Half my clothes are ripped off too... That can''t help.


    After boarding the train we made it back to the main dungeon hub pretty quickly. I just stood next to them in awkward silence as the cement walls flew by.


    We walked through the crowds of people in the main hub back up to the surface and they lead me down the street a few blocks. It was still awkward and silent, my heart was starting to beat out of my chest. My foot hurts too, i didn''t even think about how ufortable it''d be to walk around with no shoe on....


    We made it to arge silver tower with the Association''s logo on the entrance. This must be one of their main buildings in the capital. It''s so much bigger than the one I go to back home!


    The men opened the front door and we were immediately greeted by a tall dark featured woman in the lobby.


    "Wee back Sirs."


    The blond man nodded and walked straight towards and elevator at the back of the room. The other man motioned me to follow.


    Iplied and we rode the elevator up to the 17th floor. They lead me to an office room.


    It was just us now.


    My heart continued to pound loudly, I could feel it in my ears.


    The walls were white and the room hummed with the fait sound of a mana shield. This is a magic interrogation room... There were a fewfortable looking seats in a triangle all facing each other. We sat down. The man spoke up.


    "We''ve been tailing you since this morning. There''s no point in lying to us."


    I stared straight ahead at both of them.


    "W-Why? What did I do wrong-"


    "You''re not in the wrong here, we''d just like to hear the full story without any outside interference."


    "The whole story? I- what do you mean?"


    I''m not sure exactly what they know... and what they''re trying to make me admit. I doubt they''re really on my side In this whole situation...


    "What''re your names anyway? If I''m not in the wrong here, this is no way to treat a guest."


    "I''m Daniel. This is Kenji."


    He pointed to the man with ck hair. He smiled at me.


    "Okay. Cool. I''m Jay."


    I took a deep breath and tried to rx a bit. I am in the Hunters Association building after all... I didn''t really do anything wrong. I should calm down and act like it.


    Daniel spoke up.


    "The two hunters that recruited you to go dungeon diving with them this morning."


    I eyed him carefully.


    "What about them?"


    "Well, I can''t help but notice they did note out of the dungeon with you today. I''d like you to give us a full report on the incident."


    "W-Well I. I''m not sure I can say exac-"


    "They''re wanted criminals you know."


    My eyes perked up a bit.


    "W-Wanted criminals? For what?"


    "Well... They''re some of the suspected coborators in arge scale robbery that took ce about a month ago in the Bedrock Region. There''s a jurisdiction issue when crossing regional borders. The old reports had to be filed and sent to us here in the Vice Region before we could formally go after the two of them."


    I nodded while looking down at the floor.


    "Why would they be dungeon diving then? There''s no logical reason."


    "Well it seems recently they''ve been on a streak of killing rookies and taking their loot. Old habits die hard. There''s been an increased amount of alerts from the troll dungeon reporting casualties. Most people aren''t stupid enough to go in there without the proper gear or preparation. We sent D ss scouts to investigate this week and found amon link between these two and the missing hunters. I guess it''s just your lucky day we were called in to confront them. Although, It seems as if you''ve already done the confronting for us. We need a full report. I can assure you, this matter will be kept private and you will not be punished."


    Well that story clears a few things up. They have been tailing me since this morning too. I really got involved with some horrible people, lesson learned. They pretty much know everything aside from the fact of how exactly I killed them... It''s better I decide the details, rather than them investigating any further.


    "Sure.. This all makes a bit more sense now. I''ll tell you what happened."


    The two man sat back with satisfied looks on their faces while I exined the situation from my point of view.


    The only minor changes I made to the story were that it was me that killed all the trolls with my fire skill. I did not mention any word of the fire stone or Cori''s skill.


    I said the they tried to corner me when we were finished hunting but I managed to beat them by a hair in battle. Just by looking at me in my rugged state, this is very believable.


    They wrote everything down in their notebooks and listened quietly.


    Once I finished I let out a long sigh and sunk back into my seat.


    "Hey uhh. Do you think you guys could hook me up with a pair of boots or something? I can pay for them, I just don''t feel right hanging around like this..."


    Danielughed.


    "Sure. Let''s go to a C ss training room. I think it''s time we celebrate a missionplete, I''ll get you some gear. Gotta hand it to you Jay, you made our job a whole lot easier today.


    I let out a thin smile and followed him out the door.


    We took the elevator down to floor 10 and walked down the hall. It was a very symmetrical floor. There wererge reinforced doors on either side of the long white hallway.


    After a bit of walking Daniel turned and scanned his card at a door. It clicked and slid open.


    "Take a look inside. This is a C ss Hunters Association training room. Not too many like it."


    The walls were all white, they hummed much louder than the room we were in moments ago. It felt like the training room from yesterday, this would hold up against some powerful attacks.


    "Take anything you want from that room over there. It''s all brand new don''t worry, a thank you from me to you."


    "Really? Thanks!"


    I walked over to a small rectangle on the wall and pushed it in. That''s where Daniel had pointed. It opened up a door that showed me a closet likepartment in the wall. It was filled with ckbat clothing folded perfectly.


    I took a shirt, new pants, a pair of socks, and some boots. I didn''t think twice and just changed there on the spot.


    Daniel spoke up as I was changing.


    "Hey what level are you? If you can handle those trolls on your own, you must be a decently high rated D ss. Plus you''re young, only 20 right?"


    I nodded.


    "Yeah, I''m around level 150. Why?"


    He looked a little disappointed when when I said that.


    "Ahhh you''re at 150. I guess you''ll have to wait for another one."


    I looked at him with a confused look.


    "Another one of what? What do you mean?"


    He smirked.


    "The C ss exams start in just under 3 weeks. Kenji is participating. You need to be level 250 to apply. They only hold C ss exams every 3 or 4 months in the capital, so it''s a pretty big deal every time ites around."


    Daniel pointed at Kenji and he spoke up.


    "Yeah, I''ve been level grinding in these Capital dungeons on weekends off of work for almost 4 years now. I took the safe route like most and only challenged bosses with parties so its been a slow and steady journey. The Association pays C ss Reps a ton more though, that''s what I''m looking forward to the most."


    He looked at Daniel and they both grinned.


    I fell deep into thought.


    The C ss examines huh? I had no idea they were so soon. If I can gain around 100 more levels in 3 weeks I could participate too. If I don''t.... I''ll have to wait another 3-4 months to apply.


    I''ll add this to my list of urgent goals, I need to reach level 250... Fast.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Daniel spoke up.


    "You ever think about joining up with the Association?"


    I shook myself out of a day dream.


    "U-Uh no not really. What are the benefits? It just seems like a lot of work."


    Daniel and Kenji both startedughing.


    "Yeah, yeah. I guess maybe you''re right. It is a lot of responsibility, especially here in the city. The upside is we get ess to the private dungeons and rare gear to fight with. It''s basically everything you''d expect."


    "Hmm, understood. I think I''ll stick with the public dungeons for now."


    Daniel nodded slowly, he clearly wanted to ask me something.


    "I looked at your file earlier, for some reason there''s a lock on some of your data. Someone must have done it manually at the Association building you applied for your D ss rank. I was a bit curious, all the file shows is your rank and that you have 2 skills. They''re Swordsmanship and some kind of Combat Fire Magic I assume?"


    "There''s a lock on my data? Hmmm, I-uh yeah those are my skills. Why?"


    "You''d definitely get a great position if you want to join us. Two skill members tend to get special treatment. Feel free to stop by this building anytime. Here take a card."


    Daniel handed me a card and I thanked him. The three of us continued a bit more small talk for 30 minutes or so. With nothing left to say I decided it was time to go.


    They walked with me down to the elevator and out the front door. We shook hands and agreed to see each other in the future some time. I don''t know if it''ll really happen, it''s just the polite thing to say.


    The sun was setting now, I made my way towards the market center.


    It''s time to see how much all this loot is worth. I think it''ll be a significant amount.


    After a solid 20 minutes of walking through the crowded streets under the setting sun I finally made it to the market.


    "Hey kid! Good to see ya, what can I get for you?"


    I grinned.


    "Good to see you too Roger. I have a ton of mana and a few items I''m looking to sell. You buying?"


    "Of course let me see what you have."


    He took out a mana scale and I reached into my item storage. I pulled out a pile of mana and ced it on the counter next to the scale. Most of it was from today''s hunt but there was some extra from my old pouch and Cori''s old storage system. Next, I took out a pile of potions. There were 4 MP and 3 HP. Lastly, I pulled out therge axe and Talia''s old sword."


    "Let''s start with the mana."


    The old merchants eye''s went wide. He pushed all the mana onto the scale. Momentster therge ck numbers read out 3176.60MU.


    "Now that''s a haul. I gotta make some money off it too ya know, I''ll give you 30 silver for the whole stack."


    "Yeah, understood. Works for me. How about these potions, can you tell me what grade they are?"


    The man took a close look at the potions and raised an eyebrow.


    "These are just your average D ss MP and HP potions. You want to sell these?"


    "No, I keep those. I was just curious what exactly they were."


    He nodded and started examining the axe and sword on the counter.


    "Hmmm alright. This is a 150 strength boost axe. A really good item for auction, you''ll make much more there. It''ll easily go for over 40 or 50 silver, maybe even more if you find the right buyer."


    I thought back to myst auction experience and shuttered a bit.


    "How much for it right now?"


    The merchant looked down at the axe again.


    "You''d really get a better price at auction, I don''t want to rip ya off. I can give you 30 silver for it today."


    "Hmmm maybe. How much for the sword?"


    "Its a 125+ strength sword, and its lightweight too. Not a bad item. Again, it''d go for much more at auction but I can give you 20 for it right now."


    "Lets do 90 silver for everything. I''m sure those two items will make you a profit, you know it too."


    "90? I guess the axe will sell sooner orter for a good price. I can do that, deal."


    "Great."


    We shook on it and both walked away happy. I made 90 silver profit in a day, the merchant definitely got some good items for a price well below the market. I don''t mind that I could have sold them for more, I''d rather have more time to dive back in the dungeons.


    The merchant counted out 90 silver and I ced them in my item storage.


    "Thanks old man! By the way, what are the best dungeons around here for leveling? Are there any monsters with unique abilities? Mid to Upper D ss preferably."


    "Hmmm. The best D ss dungeons huh? Well, if you''re looking for a basic fight for levels you can check out the Minotaur or Lizard-Men Dungeon."


    "The Minotaur sound cool, what are they like?"


    "They have no specific skills, they''re just big humanoid bull creatures. The normal monsters are around level 150 to 200. They''re one of the go to leveling dungeons for people trying to rank up to C ss. The monsters travel In groups and have a wide range of level possibilities so teaming with a party is rmended."


    "Okay. Interesting. Anything else? I''m looking for monsters with interesting skills. Stuff I''ve never seen before ya know? Plus, I hunt solo."


    I''m trying to get the old man to give me some info so I can search for some useful skills.


    "Ahh, you''re a solo hunter huh? Lets see.. There''s a slime dungeon, they have some odd abilities. The snake dungeon''s monsters have a poison skill. Hmmm... uhh There''s the advanced ogre dungeons, they have all kinds of magic skills. Definitely stay clear of the advanced ogre dungeons for now if you''re all alone though. Trust me."


    "Alright.. noted. No advanced ogres right now. What about the slimes?? Aren''t those weak starter monsters? How hard could a slime really be?"


    "You''d be pretty surprised. They may be in the lower levels of D ss Dungeons but they''re tricky to kill. Unless you have some kind of long range magic its hard to attack them without being sucked in."


    "What would happen if you were sucked in?"


    "Well, you definitely don''t want to find out. I''ve heard stories of the slime boss sucking hunter''s dry of MP in seconds."


    My eyes lit up at the sound of that. A skill that absorbs MP? This could be exactly what I''m looking for.


    "I like the sound of that. Thanks a lot! I''ll see ya soon, you''ve been really helpful!"


    I waved the old man off and left with a wide grin on my face.


    "Gurrrglleeee"


    I''m starving....


    Did I even eat this morning??


    I walked quickly towards the food district area Rei brought me yesterday. I need a good meal and a drink right about now.


    After a few minutes of walking I could smell the sweet scent of meat and spices in the air.


    I searched around for a few minutes and found a nice looking open bar. I ordered two of therge meals my bar tender rmended and a tall cold beer.


    There was music ying and peopleughing and talking all around me.


    I was content to drink, eat, and let my mind wander on its own.


    I have some good insight on where to get a very valuable skill. I''ll be heading to the slime dungeon first thing in the morning to check things out.


    If I can potentially absorb MP from my opponents, I''ll basically have an endless supply. This would solve the majority of my fighting and money problems.


    Things are about to get very interesting.


    I finished my meal in peace and paid the bill. I had to break a silver coin, now I''m carrying around an extra 80 or so bronze in my item storage.


    I spent around half of the leftover bronze buying a few pairs of clothes on my way back to the Inn. Just a few standard ck jeans, shirts, underwear, and socks. I needed to wear something this week, I didn''t exactly pack for a long trip.


    After my leisurely walk I finally made it back. The Inn keeper nodded at me and I remembered there was a key to my room.


    I walked passed him into the elevator and frantically sifting through the misceneous junk In my item storage. With a sigh I found my key, I was scared I lost it out in the dungeon. The elevator dinged at floor 10 and I twisted the key to my door momentster.


    After a nice hot shower I crawled into bed.


    I survived another day.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    The morning sun woke me up. I feel great.


    After a quick arm and leg stretch I got dressed and readied myself for another eventful day. The slime dungeon stood out to me the most. The old man said they were a rtively low level, and long range magic attacks should be more than enough to handle them. I''m more curious about the abilities he said they had... the boss can steal its opponents MP...


    I made my way downstairs and walked out the door towards the Dungeon Hub. I grabbed a quick bite to eat on the way.


    The hub was swarming with hunters again this morning. I scanned the area, it''ll be good to make a habit of being much more cautious. I''m going in solo from now on. No more teaming, it never seems to go well for me.


    I walk up to the D ss guard and hand him my ID. Momentster I make my way down therge esctor to the tform below. On the list of dungeons it says the slime dungeon is right on the edge of the city. It''s a lower grade D ss, as expected


    I waited patiently, then boarded the train heading off in that direction. Around 20 minutester I arrived and made my way up the esctor to find the floating blue portal.


    I reach into my item storage and pull out my sword while running forward into the dungeon. It''s time to kill some slimes.


    The dungeon is surprisingly bright. I was expecting a dark cave, or some kind of mountain range. That''s been themon themetely.


    I''m standing in a wide open meadow. The grass is short and there are small patches of flowers everywhere. The sky is blue and the there are beautiful white clouds floating by. There''s no sun, but it feels like a nice hot summer day.


    I make my way forward into the dungeon with my sword drawn. I can see some weird looking circr objects in the distance.


    After a 5 minute walk through the meadow I came across what I spotted earlier. This is... a slime?


    A huge blue glob of gel just stood in front of me, maybe 2m in diameter. It was slowly gliding along the ground towards me.


    I used inspect to check it out.


    [Lv. 99]


    Okay... its a much lower level than me. This shouldn''t be much of a problem.


    I ran towards the monster and sliced its body clean in half to see how it would react.


    The body of gel separated then reattached. It continued its slow glide in my direction.


    Right... the old merchant said long range magic would be best against these slime.


    I''ll try out my fire magic, but in a longer range form. I''ve never really tested it like this before.


    While putting my sword into my item storage I stepped back and stood about 10m away from the slime. I concentrated on focusing my fire magic into the space between both my palms. Instead of shaping it into a sword, I''ll just keep it as an orb. I took a deep breath and threw the fire orb like a baseball. It wasn''t the coolest looking move, but I''m not sure how else to get the orb moving in that direction... I can''t control where my fire travels once it leaves my body.


    "Take this!"


    The orb of fire made impact with the slow moving slime and it blew up into a huge ball of fire and goo.


    The slime was mostly incinerated. There was leftover puddles all over the ground. I walked over to check it out.


    No blue text... I can''t use absorption for some reason.


    Momentster the goo dissolved into the ground and it left behind a tiny mana crystal.


    "Really? This is it?"


    I threw it in my item storage and kept walking deeper into the dungeon. That crystal is the size of a mid grade E ss at best. I guess these slimes are difficult to kill because they don''t take damage from regr physical attacks, but I understand why not many hunters want toe out here. There''s basically no loot in this dungeon, its a total waste of MP.


    A few minutester I came across another slime, I used inspect.


    [Lv. 94]


    I sighed and moved in towards it. I wonder what would happen if I touched it. I have plenty of MP potions on me, if it drains me there''s nothing to worry about.


    I crept closer to the slime and put out a hand. I shoved it through the side of the slime''s body and waited.


    .....


    Nothing happened...


    I ignited my hand with mes and blew the slime to bits. It was still moving around somehow, I guess it separated in time. I made a couple fire orbs and burned the rest of it with ease. It did use up a good amount of MP though.


    This is kind of irritating. How are these monsters even ssified as a D ss dungeon? The boss must be pretty tough or something.


    I used enemy detection and found arge concentration of monsters on one end of the dungeon. This must be where the boss is located. I trekked through over for a little less than an hour. Every slime that came near me was an easy victory, after 16 slimes my MP was drained to about half way. Not too bad.


    I finally made it to the boss room. This has to be the easiest dungeon I''ve ever raided, let''s see what this boss has in store. The spinning light grey portal invited me to enter.


    The boss room is oddly simr to the outside dungeon. There''s green grass, a blue sky, and it''s well lit in here. The only difference is therge walls enclosing the room.


    After scanning the area arge glob of blue slime emerged from the back of the room. It looked about 3m tall, and a bit darker shade than the normal slimes. I used inspect.


    [Lv. 141]


    Now that''s an upgrade from the other slimes here, but it''s still just a slime. With a bored look on my face I walked over to the monster, it moved towards me quickly as well.


    Interesting. Looks like this boss has some actualbat ability.


    I jumped to the right and dodged its forward movement. This thing is pretty quick.


    I started concentrating a ball of fire in my palm as we stared each other down... Well I stared at it, the slime didn''t exactly have eyes to look back at me. It just felt like it was staring right at me.


    A momentter the slime started gliding towards me at a rapid speed. I continued charging a ball of fire and ran towards it as well. I let out my attack straight at the monster and blew a massive hole clean through it. Over 50% of its mass was incinerated on the spot.


    I continued my charge passed the slime with a smirk on my face.


    As I ran by some of the slime''s innardsnded on my left arm and back. Instantly I knew something was wrong. That smirk turned serious really quick.


    "This is the skill.... My MP..."


    The partial fragments of the slime body were draining my MP fast. Within seconds I could feel all the magic drain from my body. The rest of the slime crawled closer to me.


    It was impossible to wipe off, like living sticky water all over my body. The rest of the slime started connecting with it and my body was covered in the goo before I could think of anything. It sucked be up andplete reformed into arge blob in seconds.


    While suspended in the slimes stomach, my MP is getting sucked dry. I can''t breathe inside this monster either, what a predicament...


    I dropped my guard for a second. I can''t underestimate any opponent, not even a slime.


    I wasn''t taking any HP damage, but in less than 5 seconds I could tell my MP has almost hit 0.


    If I ignite my mes right now I may do more damage than good. It''ll get the slime off me for a moment, but my MP will definitely hit 0. Then I''ll be screwed secondster if it attaches before i have time to act.


    There''s only one thing I can think of that''ll work right now.


    I open up my item storage while floating inside the mass of slime and pull out the fire stone.


    Instantly, the slime starts bubbling and melting all around me. A huge hole in the slime opens up and I crawl out to make my escape. I reach into my item storage again to grab an MP potion and chug it on the spot while erupting into mes burning everyst bit of slime residue off my body.


    I turned to face the slime boss again with newfound respect for the creature.


    "Good try, but that''s not going to work on me again."


    With a slow nod I formed a fireball with almost all of the MP from a full recovery potion into a massive orb in front of my body. I used both my hands to hurl the attack at the slime boss. A huge explosionpletely incinerates the remaining slimes mass. I''ve won now.


    I walk over and throw my fire stone back into item storage. It burned my hand again, I had to use self regeneration to fix my skin. Maybe my body hardening will work next time? I have to figure out a way to actually use this thing properly, it''s a really powerful stone.


    The blue text I''ve been waiting for finally popped up over the remaining goo on the ground.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Plunderer


    [YES][NO]


    "Ahh so it''s called plunderer huh?"


    With a grin I chose [YES] and collected the mana as the slime disappeared.


    That makes sense, the skill user is forcefully taking MP from their opponent during battle. Maybe it has other hidden abilities too... I can''t wait to see how it works!


    The white light came and transported me back to the dungeon''s start point. I stepped out back into the room connected to the Dungeon Hub.


    It isn''t even mid day yet, but I''m totally done with these slimes....


    It''s time to search for another dungeon and test out this new skill.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    I made it back to the main D ss tform and checked out the list of dungeons.


    The Minotaur Dungeon caught my eye. The old merchant said it would be better to challenge this one with a group as a D ss hunter, but I think it''ll be fine. He doesn''t know how many skills I have, they''re more valuable than levels anyways.


    I won''t even be challenging the boss either, the normal dungeon monsters will be the perfect specimens to test out my new skill.


    I walked through the crowded station towards the correct train tform.


    "We need abat magic user for a loot based raid, we pay well!"


    "Two tanks looking for a team, 5 silver each for an 8 hour raid. Anybody need us?"


    "Support types listen up! Buffs or healings, anything to help. Exp focused raid, anyone interested?"


    Some of these parties are probably good and honest hardworking people. I''m just not interested after yesterdays disaster. I''ll be hunting solo again for a while, it suits me better anyways.


    I walked passed them all without batting an eye and stood by the tform that would take me to the Minotaur Dungeon.


    There was 1 other full party standing and waiting for the train next to me. It was a team of 5, I wonder if they''re all going to this dungeon too? I used inspect.


    [Lv. 161]


    [Lv. 168]


    [Lv. 172]


    [Lv. 174]


    [Lv. 265]


    A Level 265? That''s a C ss.


    He''s a tall and strong looking member of their party with a huge sword on his back. If I had to guess I''d say he''s about 30 years old. He must be the team leader... maybe its a guild raid and he''s helping them level? Or they paid him to power level the 4 of them? Who knows...


    The other team members were standing behind their leader talking amongst themselves. One of them was a short red haired girl, we made eye contact for a split second but were interrupted by the sound of an iing train.


    "Screeeeech"


    The train arrived and I boarded through the closest door right behind them.


    The team leader took a look at me and smiled.


    "You headed off to the Minotaur Dungeon too?"


    I didn''t look directly at him.


    "Yeah. Solo, not interested if you''re going to invite me to your group."


    "Haha, I got it. I just haven''t see you around this dungeon yet. The Tara Guild basically runs this Minotaur Dungeon. I''m leveling up our fresh D ss recruits."


    The Tara guild huh? It''s not one of the Big 3, they must be one of the smaller guilds in the city.


    "Nice. Good luck in there, I''ll let you guys go in first. I don''t want to get in your way."


    He nodded and handed me a card.


    "Sure thing. You must be at least level 200. I don''t see many people challenge this dungeon solo. I assume you''re here for a loot run?"


    "Yeah something like that."


    I took the card and threw it in my back pocket. It''s just a guild info card, that''s the least of my interest right now.


    "Screeeeech"


    The train slowly came to a halt.


    We all took the esctor ride upwards to the dungeon portal.


    "Well kid, swing by our guild if you''re looking for a job. We''re always looking for up anding D ss hunters. My name''s Hudson by the way. Nice to meet you!"


    "I''m Jay, nice meeting you. Best of luck in there."


    The team of 5 entered the dungeon and I waited outside. They all seemed nice, especially the leader.... but thats not important right now.


    During this time I yed with my item storage skill. I opened and closed it many times in many differing sizes and distances from my body. My MP doesn''t go down at all when I use my item storage. It''s either such a low amount that it doesn''t show on my status, or it doesn''t use any MP at all. It''s odd... but a good discovery.


    After about 20 minutes went by finally decided to jump through the blue spinning portal.


    The dungeon has a lot of pretty familiar features. It''s a mountain range dungeon, but the mountains aren''t too big. They look more like rocky hills. There''s a lot of green grass and shrubbery along withrge green trees every 10m or so. It''s not heavily wooded so there are some nes of open grasnd.


    I reached into my item storage and pulled out my sword while walking straight ahead deeper into the dungeon.


    After about 10 minutes of walking around I came across a wide open grass patch. To my surprise there were 3 Minotaurs just standing in the middle of it. They haven''t noticed me at all...


    They''re all around 4 meters tall and look like massive buff humans, except for their heads. The monster''s bodies are dark brown, covered in hair and have rippling muscles head to toe.


    The Minotaur''s heads arerge and look like a Bull. They have hornsing off each side of their head almost a meter long. Each of these monsters is also carrying a massive silver axe with a long wooden handle. They''re wearing shining silver wrist guards and a brown cloth around their waists.


    I used inspect.


    [Lv. 155]


    [Lv. 157]


    [Lv. 158]


    These monsters are going to be a piece of cake. I''ve faced off against level 170s before. Come on, why is everyone so worried about these minotaurs? Of course I''ll still keep my guard up and fight strategically, but I cant see them being too much of an issue.


    Plus, I''m not going to try and test anything new out on my first fight. This match will be purely to see what these monster''s abilities are.


    I slowly walked towards them with my sword out in front of me. I''m about 50m away now.


    30m....


    20m....


    The Minotaur on the right turned its head and spotted me. It let out a few grunts then turned its full body towards me. I gripped my de tighter and kept walking forward.


    The beast started to charge, the other two monsters turned to look at me but stayed back and watched.


    This Minotaur''s aura is strong, this will be a serious battle. I ignite my sword into mes and start running towards the beast as well.


    "CLANGGG"


    Sparks fly as we sh sword and axe. It''s a strong opponent, but like most of theserger monsters I have itpletely beat with my speed and agility.


    I jump back to face the beast again. It grunts and pushesrge amounts of air from its nose. We charge towards each other again.


    "CLANGGGG"


    My sword and its axe collide. After this attack I twist around the monster''s left side continuing the momentum of my strike as mes and sparks fly through the air.


    The monster''s eyes track me and it attempts to turn with me. The beast lifts its heavy axe up after our sh to go for another strike, but it''s toote. The minotaur''s torso is wide open, I focus my fire magic into the tip of my de andnd a fiery gash across the monster''s abdomen up to its chest. Ind and sprint backwards to admire my work.


    "RUUUUUAAAARRRR!"


    The Minotaur lets out a roar as the fire residue in its gash burns bright. It''s in pain, but the battle is definitely not over yet. The two monsters behind it are watching maliciously, but haven''t moved from their spots in the background.


    The beast on fire looks me in the eyes and readies its axe again. We charge at each other.


    "CLANGGGG"


    Sparks fly high and the monster raises its axe immediately after impact this time. It learns quick, these monsters definitely have higher intelligence than I had assumed.


    We stood 10m apart. I''m starting to break into a sweat. It''s not a life threatening battle at all, but this monster is putting up a good fight.


    We charge at each other once again. I decide topletely dodge the axe''s swing and weave around the Minotaur. It wasn''t expecting this, I have a perfect opening.


    I nt my right foot and make a full U turn facing the monster''s back. It''s turning as well, but again... Too slow.


    Another hit!


    I make a fiery gash across the monster''s back from shoulder to hip. It cries out in pain, but still doesn''t drop to the floor. I can see why these guys would be a problem if they were to attack a lower level hunter in a group.


    "RWWWUUUUUAAAARRRR!"


    The Minotaur lets out a mighty roar. It''s definitely very injured now, one more good hit and its done for. The only downside is I really pissed it off.


    The beast turned to me with fire residue burning intensely on its front and backside.


    The two Minotaurs that were staying out of the fight previously turned towards me as well.


    I gripped my sword tighter and grinned as the 3 monsters started their charge straight at me.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    I stood in front of 3 charging Minotaurs with my burning de and prepared for an attack.


    The monster up front is the most wounded, its about 30m ahead of the other two. The smartest thing to do right now would be to take it out first. I charged in at the wounded beast and let my mes burn bright trailing behind me on the ground.


    I have a pretty good feel on these monster''s abilities. They''re tough and crafty with their weapons, but with my magic gear, recent battle experience, and arsenal of abilities they''re no match. It''s time to test a few of my new skills out.


    As the Minotaur up front approached I came up with the perfect n. It raised its axe and I raised my sword to match it.


    As the beast let out a battle cry and brought its axe down towards me I lifted my left arm in the air to shield myself. Its a gamble, but I''m fairly sure this will work out in my favor.


    "Body Hardening"


    I concentrated my body hardening skill to makeyer around my arm. Instantly, hard ck crystals started forming all over the areas I was visualizing.


    "CLANGGGGGGG"


    The massive axe came down on my arm and it bounced off like it was hitting a sword. Some crystal fragmented, but the attack didn''t make contact with my physical body. This gave me enough time to slip under the monster in its confusion and let out a fiery uppercut with my sword.


    A final clean hit!


    The beast fell to the floor with a grunt and a whimper covered in a nket of mes.


    [Level Up]


    "One down, two to go."


    I looked up to see the two minotaurs in hot pursuit. They seemed angry that I defeated their friend.


    I got into a battle stance and checked my status. 450/795 MP remaining. The total decline is not bad, but definitely not efficient enough for my liking. It''s about time I try out my new "plunderer" skill.


    There are two beasts running at me this time, it''ll be be a bit harder than my first fight. I ignited my de into mes and grinned. My blood is rushing, these battles make me feel alive.


    I decided to run towards the one to my right. It raised its axe and I raised my arm while hardening and bracing for impact.


    "CLANGGGGG"


    It took the bait. I swerved around the right side and shed the beast''s torso. While making contact with my de I concentrated on my skill to take in mana. I repeated "Plunderer" over and over in my head as I cut deep into the Minotaur. I could feel my MP raising for a split second while my de was touching the monster.


    The moment my de left its flesh, the flow of mana stopped instantly. The beast let out grunts as it turned to face me again. Its partner in battle was close by as well.


    I checked my MP, it read out 585/795. I grinned ear to ear. Even while using swordsmanship, fire magic, and body hardening my MP went up after that exchange.


    The Minotaur came back for more.


    "CLANGGGGG"


    I blocked the beast again with my left arm andnded a devastating fiery attack with my right while taking in MP. The second monster followed close behind and I blocked its attack with my body hardening and managed to counter it easily as well.


    I''vepletely figured out their fighting style. They may be pretty strong and able to take a lot of hits, but this battle is basically already over. It''s just going to take time.


    After a few more charges I blocked all of their axe hits, absorbed MP basically up to full, and brought them both to their knees.


    All 3 Minotaur I encountered on this ne have been defeated and reduced to ming piles of ash.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 160


    Hp: 805/805


    Mp: 805/805


    Strength: 385 [+125]


    Speed: 458


    Agility: 478


    Defense: 342 [+137]


    Mental Strength: 385 [+77]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    "Level 160, nice. Still a long way to go until 250..."


    I stood around for a few minutes and collected the mana that each of the disappearing Minotaurs dropped and ced them in my item storage.


    I continued walking further into the dungeon.


    It sounds weird to say, but this is a beautiful dungeon. The blue sky and the warm air make me feel at peace. The post-fight adrenaline also gives me a nice high to ride while I search for my next opponents.


    I walked through a few empty fields looking for more monsters to fight. They traveled in groups, so the spawn rate must be much farther apart or something... I''ve been walking for 20 minutes and haven''t found a single sign of any new minotaurs.


    There was arge tree in the middle of one of therge nes I came across. I sat up against it and took a little break to admire the blue sky for a bit.


    Like clockwork, the moment I gotfortable I sensed a presence nearby.


    "Finally, some more monsters."


    I grinned and stood up with my sword ready.


    There''s a clump of trees in the distance, its a small forest area. The leaves started shaking so I activated my enemy detection and inspect skills.


    Three of them again... and it looks like one of them is going to be trouble. Great.


    [Lv. 156]


    [Lv. 157]


    [Lv. 191]


    Threerge Minotaurs came out from the tree line. The strongest stood up front, and the two lower levels followed close behind.


    They all looked exactly the same. Without my inspect skill I could never have seen a difference. This is what the old merchant meant when he said their levels may vary. Interesting.


    The leader of the monsters grunted and motioned its axe towards me while slowing its strides. The other two grunted back and charged ahead of it straight at me.


    They justmunicated an attack.... I''ve never seen monsters with intelligence like this before. It''s a good thing just the two of them are up first. I''ll have to take these weaker ones out, then focus on the leader.


    They charged towards me grunting while raising their axes. I surrounded my sword in a coat of mes and ran towards them as well.


    They both brought their axes down at the same time. It raised my left arm in a bent fashion while hardening it to make a shield for my usual attack.


    "CLANGGGGG"


    Both axes came down at once and were repealed without a problem. I managed to get underneath both of them tond a double hit on their abdomens while they were distracted by their axes'' recoil.


    They burst out in roars as I drained enough MP to recover and leave a good amount of fire residue on them.


    I ran passed with a satisfied grin on my face. Two at a time, not bad...


    "RWUUUUUUAAAARRRR!"


    To my surprise the leader was towering over me with its axe in full swing.


    I didn''t even see iting....


    This monster hid behind its subordinates andunched a surprise attack knowing I''d make it passed these two. I underestimated it.


    At thest second I put my arm up again to harden it and block the attack. My sword was pointed at the floor on the opposite side of my body, I didn''t have the time or positioning to counter.


    "ARGGGGGHHHH!"


    Blood sshed up into the air as I felt my arm breaking under the pressure of this monster''s axe.


    My body hardening worked for a moment... but was shattered along with my arm in the next. ck crystals flew everywhere as my hardening waspletely destroyed.


    I guess there is a limit to how much this skill can defend against.


    The beast followed through and let its axe smash into the ground. Luckily, I was able to somewhat move my arm out of the way and save it from being sliced off.


    I jumped back and regenerated my broken limb while getting as much distance as I could from the vicious beast.


    I checked my status. It read 615/805 HP, 705/805 MP.


    Interesting... My physical body is repaired with self regeneration, but I feel much more tired. The attacks from an opponent will affect my HP stat no matter what. When I regenerate it''s healing my physical wound and converting the damage to more overall fatigue. This skill is not full healing magic, it''s just elerated physical recovery with a trade off...


    I''ll have to keep this in mind.


    I turned to see the two ming monsters charging at me while the leader followed close behind.


    Our battle is far from over.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    The injured ming Minotaurs came charging at me in a fit of rage. These two aren''t the problem though. I can doge their attacks all day and kill them whenever I please. Their leader is the real issue. I haven''t gauged its full strength yet, but its definitely higher than mine.


    My best course of action is to take these two out first. I have a few healing potions, I can handle another hit or two... I''ll use the same strategy as before.


    We all charged in towards each other.


    I blocked the two axe hits with my hardened arm andnded another double strike on the two weaker monsters while absorbing some MP in the process.


    The leader was close behind and attacked immediately just like before. I braced myself and tried to concentrate even more hardening on my arm to see if I could block the attack if I had full focus.


    The leadersrge axe came down and made contact with my ultra hardened arm.


    "Aggghhh bad idea..."


    The second it made impact I heard a crack and saw ck crystal fragments fly out in all directions while a sharp pain traveled through my arm and into my shoulder.


    It worked a little bit... but my arm is definitely still fractured in multiple ces. I need to get better positioning and try blocking with my sword next time if I get the chance.


    I jumped back and distanced myself to check my stats and regenerate. It read 485/805 HP, and 680/805 MP.


    Not bad.... Just one more time should open things up.


    I charged back in and did a picture perfect attack. The two front Minotaurs fell to the ground in a pool of their own blood and my mes. Three good attacks seems to be just enough for me to defeat normal monsters here.


    [Level Up]


    I blocked another attack while sacrificing my hardened arm onest time before running back about 20m to recuperate and n for the actual battle at hand here.


    My stats read out 355/810 HP, 685/810 MP. As the lone leader eyed me down I took the time to chug an HP potion back up to full health. I could have waited a bit longer, but it''s amon sense safety precaution here.


    We both charged forward. I ignited my de in fire and the beast raised its axe.


    "CLANGGGGGG"


    We met weapons with a sh of mes, sparks, and grunts from both sides. In the end, I was totally overpowered...


    The monster''s axe came crushing down. I held my own in the test of strength for a few milliseconds, but in the end it was a one sided match up. The Minotaurs axepletely trumped my sword''s power and it came crashing down towards me with little resistance. I was forced to retreat and jump backwards.


    This feels like some of my old battles... I haven''t faced a truly superior opponent in a while. I grinned and stared down the beast as it grunted and started charging towards me again.


    I''ll have to use my speed to defeat this one, brute strength isn''t going to cut it.


    I ran forward with my sword aze. The monster swung its axe downward and I dodged without attempting to counter it at all. With a swift fiery strike I sliced open its leg as I ran by.


    This is a pretty nostalgic feeling. It''s almost like I''m fighting that wolf boss from my home town again. Good times.


    I smirked and faced the beast once more. We charged forward and I dodged to the opposite side tond a hit on its other leg. The beast cried out. This wasn''t much damage to a monster like this, but it was definitely getting very annoyed.


    I continued my assault, switching up my movements and styles tond safe cheap hits every time. It''s a pretty boring way to fight, but fighting this thing head on would not be the smart thing to do. I have a very clear speed and agility advantage, there''s no point in not using this to my full capacity.


    Every time I made a slice in the monster''s legs I absorbed a small amount of MP. It''s much harder to drain than its weaker counterparts. The monster''s level must have something to do with it. An opponent with a much higher experience level takes longer to suck MP from. Another good thing to note. I have to leave arge amount of fire residue in every attack Ind, I''d be out of MP fast if I didn''t have this new skill.


    After around 10 attacks the Minotaur became visibly slower. I started aiming for its abdomen, then upper chest, andstly the back of its neck. It look a total of 16 hits before I pierced my fiery de into its head and watched the beast fall to the ground.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 167


    Hp: 840/840


    Mp: 705/840


    Strength: 401 [+125]


    Speed: 478


    Agility: 499


    Defense: 357 [+143]


    Mental Strength: 401 [+80]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    "Nice, 6 levels from the leader and 1 from the two subordinates."


    It relied too heavily on the two weaker fighters. When I had a speed advantage and we were all alone the only thing that beast could do wasy down and die. Unfortunate fate.


    I''ve definitely got a handle on this dungeon. That was a level 191. It''s probably one of the highest rated I''ll find here, and it was taken out with ease.


    With a satisfied grin on my face I walked over to the two weaker Minotaurs that burned to ash and put their mana crystals in my item storage. As I turned around to collect the leader''s mana my eyes lit up.


    Looks like its my lucky day. After only 6 monsters I already got an item drop! The huge axe sat on the ground next to arge mana crystal. I picked each of them up to ce in my item storage.


    I started walking back in the direction of the dungeon start point. I''m not leaving yet, I''d just rather be nearby for when I decide to leave and not wander too far off into the dungeon. It''s not like I''ll be fighting the boss today.


    On my way back I came across a pair of Minotaurs level 157 and 154. They were very easy opponents, with my recent level increases I was able to take them down in 2 hits each. I didn''t level up, but collected two mana crystals.


    As I strolled around the dungeon I got to thinking about what my purpose here in the city really is. After these recent events I have a clear idea of what I have to do.


    The C ss exams are in less than 3 weeks. I need to get really serious ... This dungeon is the perfect training ground for my preparation. I''ll power level here and make a ton of money from the loot drops to buy some new higher grade gear.


    I spent the next 4 hours roaming around the dungeon''s start point. This seemed to be the perfect spot for now. I came across 6 more groups of Minotaur.


    The first was and easy group of 3. They consisted of a level 157, 158, and 162. They dropped 3 mana stones. I didn''t level up.


    The second group was a bit more of a challenge. The was a leader at level 183 and two underlings at level 155 and 157. It was a simr battle to the previous trio with a leader. Long, but not that difficult. They only dropped mana as well. I gained 3 levels from this fight.


    The third and fourth groups were fairly simr to the first. All of them were between level 155 and 165. Good mana, but no more levels.


    After these two fights I got a bit antsy and decided to venture a bit deeper into the dungeon again. Apparently the further I traveled in the stronger the monsters are. I guess it makes sense.


    My fifth fight was with two strong Minotaurs. They were level 177 and 179. I had to use my bobbing and weaving tactics to the extreme. My body hardening worked well enough, but hits still hurt and dealt a tiny bit of damage. All in all, it was a manageable fight. I gained 2 levels and collected only mana as loot.


    After this fight I was getting a bit tired and hungry. It was time to pack it in. I trekked back to the dungeon start point and faced off against a final group of 3 that weren''t much of a challenge.


    They were between level 155 and 165. All three droppedrge mana stones, and one of them dropped their axe as well. I didn''t level up in this battle, but couldn''t have asked for a better parting gift.


    As I stepped out of the blue portal back into the Dungeon Hub transit area I smirked to myself.


    That was a good first day of grinding to get my feet wet. I''m level 172 now, tomorrow I''ll venture much deeper into this Minotaur Dungeon.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    I boarded the esctor down to the train station and made my way back to the main Dungeon Hub.


    It''s really crowded this time of day. Most hunters are finishing up their raids and heading off to the market to sell all kinds of loot.


    I walked outside and started to head towards the market center as well, I am one of those hunters after all. It took me about 10 minutes to make my way over, I walked pretty quickly.


    "Hey kid! Wee back!"


    The merchant smiled and looked me in the eyes curiously.


    "Which dungeon did you end up going to? Any of the ones I rmended?"


    "A couple of them actually. The Minotaur Dungeon is pretty cool."


    He eyed me closer while narrowing his stare.


    "You said you hunt solo though...right?


    "Yeah, I can handle it. Don''t worry about me old man."


    With a grin I emptied my mana onto the table. It''s almost 3 dozen crystals. The merchant raised an eyebrow and stared cing all of them on the measuring te.


    "Looks like you can handle yourself pretty well after all, not bad."


    The scale read out 3881.66MU in big ck text.


    "Hmmm, I''ll give ya-"


    "Wait hold on I have more."


    I pulled out the tworge axes and the merchant''s eyes lit up.


    "Let me take a look at those."


    I handed him the axes and he examined them closely.


    "A 150 and a 200 strength boost axe. Not bad at all. Just likest time you sold me gear, I told you it''d be a better price at auction but I''m still happy to buy these from you today.''


    "Yeah, I''m looking to get rid of them quick. Still, I hope you give me a decent price."


    "I can do 30 for the 150 strength axe and 45 for the 200. You could easily get double in auction, but that''s my price here."


    They are low prices, but I understand how the business works. Going to the auction would take up a full day potentially, its really not worth my time right now.


    "How about 120 silver for the mana and the axes all together?"


    He looked over everything and nodded slowly.


    "Yeah. That works. You want it in all silver?"


    I thought to myself for a moment. 100 silver is equal to 1 gold, I''ve never had a gold coin before... why not? It''ll be easier to store anyways.


    "One gold, 20 silver."


    The merchant nodded and counted out my coins. I took them and ced the silver in my item storage as the old man took the mana and axes to the back of his shop. He did a small double take the moment I opened up my storage skill but didn''t say a word. I didn''t think much of it either, I was a bit distracted. The gold coin in my hand glimmered in the setting sun, my eyes were locked on it. I flipped it around in my fingers with arge grin on my face from ear to ear.


    With a wave goodbye I left the market and got a nice big meal at a family restaurant and strolled down the street with a full belly.


    I stopped by a convenience store to purchase one of thetest additions of aic book I enjoy reading about hunters and Heroes.


    The sun hadpletely set now. After walking all the way back to the Inn I was greeted by the attendant at front desk before making my way up to my room.


    I took my usual long hot shower and went straight into bed. Today wore me out, but it also has me excited for the future.


    Once I gotfortable under the covers I opened up theic and started reading. I''m starting to feel more and more like one of these characters I read about, but there''s one difference between me and them. They all have some kind of deep trauma or mission to save the world that really drives them.


    Me? I just want to get stronger. Every new adventure I go on makes me want to dive even deeper into the dungeons. I''m starting to get more and more hooked on the thrill of making it out of dangerous situations by the skin of my teeth.


    Maybe that''s just what they call an adrenaline junky? Every intense battle gives me a rush that pushes me to progress further every time. I have my eyes set on immediate goals, and I''ll do anything to get there.


    I know my short term ambitions could be my downfall. The risks of my elerated growth may not out weigh the rewards, but this is what I have to do while I still can.


    I''ve never felt more alive in my whole life.


    I guess it''s a bit of a selfish reason to get stronger, but who cares... It''s not like anyone is watching. I''m living for myself. This is what I enjoy doing everyday. I will be stronger.


    With an openic magazine over my face I fell into a deep peaceful sleep.


    The next morning I woke up refreshed and ready to dive back into the dungeons. I hopped out of bed and went downstairs.


    The Inn Keeper smiled at me on the way out.


    "Off hunting?"


    I nodded and reached for the door.


    "Yep. Have a good day."


    "Ya know kid, there was a pretty big C ss dungeon breakst night. It might be the beginning of a surge. Just be careful out there."


    "Alright, got it. Thanks."


    I left the Inn not thinking much of hisment. Dungeon breaks happen all the time in the city right? It''s normal.


    After grabbing a small breakfast I made my way towards the Dungeon Hub. It was crowded this morning like usual all the way down to the main D ss tform.


    To my surprise I saw a team from the Tara Guild waiting for a train. It looked like there were some different members, but there was one face i recognized for sure. Their leader Hudson saw me and waved at me I peeked at the dungeon list and sure enough, that was the train for the Minotaur dungeon. He spoke up as I walked over.


    "Hey! Looks like we meet again! This is my morning shift, you off loot farming today?"


    I stood there with my arms crossed waiting for the train.


    "Yeah, I''m In the city for a little while. This dungeon seems to be perfect for me."


    "Screeeeeech"


    The train pulled up and we boarded. Hudson leaned up against the inside wall and looked at me.


    "Ya know, there''s rumors we might get hit by a surge soon. This dungeon is very stable, so I doubt anything will happen. Just be careful about farming in any of the new dungeons until we get more news on the situation. Joining a party is probably a safer move as well."


    "I appreciate the warning, but I hunt solo."


    "Alright. I''m just looking out for a fellow hunter, that''s all."


    I raised an eyebrow. I wasn''t fully listening to what he was saying, I assumed it was just small talk or guild recruitment nonsense. He mentioned a surge too... just like the Inn keeper did earlier.


    "Hey, uh- one other thing. This surge? What is it anyways?"


    He looked at me with a smirk. The underlings in his party looked at me with a concerned look.


    "What?? Is it bad that I don''t know?"


    Hundson replied.


    "You really haven''t heard about it at all? There''s been a few surgestely, about 3 big ones this year. The news is always trying to predict the next one haha."


    "Okay... but what exactly is it? Why is it happening in the first ce?"


    "Well, we don''t know exactly. It seems to be arge concentration of magic that surges through all the dungeons in the area. For a few days, some of the dungeons will start to break randomly. Elite teams from the Hunters Association and somerge guilds have been put on guard to make sure the city and its civilians are protected . A few months ago during thest surge we had a high level C ss dungeon break. It breached the pre-built confinement and leaked some prettyrge monsters into the capital. Luckily the Viridian Guild had a team nearby, they cleared it up hastily once they got to the scene."


    I nodded as I looked out the train window watching the cement walls pass by.


    "Interesting... You said this dungeon is very stable though?"


    Hudson nodded.


    "Yeah, this is one of the oldest D ss dungeons in the area. It gets a lot of raiding traffic. The more magic items and mana that are taken out of the dungeon, the more stable it bes. Even if the surge gets bad, the worst it''ll do is spawn in a few mutants at most. That''s my professional opinion at least."


    "Hmmmm. Interesting. This is good insight, thanks a lot."


    "No prob, just helping out. I don''t want to sound like a broken record, bute by our guild any time!"


    "Sure, sure. Maybe I will."


    Hudson doesn''t seem like a bad guy at all. Maybe I actually will stop by and check the ce out once I finish farming this week.


    The train came to a stop and a lot of other teams got off at the Minotaur Dungeon tform. Seems like its prettymon knowledge that this is one of the safer dungeons to dive into today. I can''t wait to get started.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    I let the crowd of hunters go into the dungeon first. I''ll take my time and venture a bit deeper today to find some harder opponents. I''m probably not ready for the boss yet, it''ll take a few days before i can handle that solo.


    There''s arge sense of tension from the other parties. This whole dungeon surge thing is a pretty big deal.


    Once it was my turn to enter I pulled out my sword and jumped through the glowing blue portal.


    I wandered around the Minotaur Dungeon without any problems. The monsters became stronger and stronger as the day went on.


    In 6 hours I faced off against 7 groups in total. There were a few other teams in the dungeon, so whenever I got nearby, I turned the other way to keep my distance. It was a little annoying at first, but overall it didn''t really matter.


    The first 3 groups I fought were pretty easy. They were all level 155-165. It was just mana drops, no level gains at all.


    The next two groups were a bit harder. They were both lead by a boss with a pretty high level. One was Lv. 188, the other was Lv. 191. The Lv. 188 dropped an axe, the other 5 Minotaurs dropped only mana. I gained 4 levels from these battles.


    It''s much easier to level grind now that I can use my opponents MP. I''m getting hit while blocking asionally, but with every increasing level the damage is bing less and less.


    The next group I fought had a surprising twist. It consisted of 4 total minotaurs. Their levels were 176, 177, 180, and 182. At first the monsters actually gave me a run for my money. They attacked in charges of two and had simr strength to my own. My only advantage was speed. I dragged the battle out for a long time while hardening for defense and absorbing their MP simultaneouslynding cheap shots whenever I could. After this battle I had to drink an HP potion to recover fully.


    The more I fight in this dungeon the more I understand why guilds love toe here. These beasts are good fighters, but they don''t have any mind-blowing moves. As long as a team has proper gear and teamwork, power leveling is a breeze.


    After this battle I gained 3 more levels and collected 4 huge mana crystals.


    My final group was even more of a challenge. It was a group of 2 minotaur. One was a level 161 and the other stood at a staggering level 202.


    The lower level monster was defeated very quickly at the beginning of the fight.


    The Level 202 was definitely a challenge though. It was very strong and very fast. My small frame and agility were my only upside when it came to basic stats. I had to y it very safe and slowly chip away at the beast while blocking its attacks with a hardened left arm.


    It chipped me down to about half of my HP before the battle was over. Both of these monsters just dropped mana crystals, no extra loot. I gained 3 levels from this battle.


    After this fight I took a small break to sit by a tree and check my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 182


    Hp: 465/915


    Mp: 880/915


    Strength: 437 [+125]


    Speed: 521


    Agility: 544


    Defense: 389 [+156]


    Mental Strength: 437 [+87]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Stainless Steel Sword [+125 Strength]


    _____________


    After a quick rest I got up with a grin on my face and started heading back to the dungeon entrance. I need to stock up on HP portions, I didn''t realize how tough some of these higher level minotaurs are. Plus, a bite to eat wouldn''t hurt. I''lle back right after and continue this level grinding.


    It took about an hour, but I made it back to the floating blue portal and left the dungeon. I heard one team fighting a nearby group of monsters on the way back but didn''t encounter any myself.


    I exited the dungeon and took the train back to the main Hub. When I made it up to the surface I could see a pretty bigmotion going on by the E ss esctor. There were two extra guards in front preventing people from passing. One of them was speaking to a group, I couldn''t help but listen in.


    "We''re sorry to dy all of your hunting. There''s been 2rge E ss breaks. It shouldn''t be much of a problem, the bosses will be cleared soon. We have temporary raised the entrance standard to a D ss minimum for 1 hour. Please bare with us, this is for your safety."


    I raised an eyebrow. A couple E ss dungeon breaks huh? Maybe it wouldn''t hurt if I checked it out. I took out my ID and showed the guard while asking him a question.


    "Hey, uh. Which dungeons were the ones that had a break?"


    He nodded to let me pass.


    "There''s a pretty bad goblin dungeon break, its lower level and should be cleared within the hour. The other seems to be a rat dungeon, it should be cleared much sooner. We just got news to shut off the area to newbies just in case."


    "Alright. Understood."


    I headed down to the E ss tform to check things out. They have a goblin dungeon here too? I wonder what it''s like? The rat dungeon sounds disgusting, I don''t mind missing out on that. The only break I''ve ever seen was that previous cyclops dungeon break... and I was very under prepared. This one should be fairly easy, some rare loot may drop if I have enough time to farm.


    It looks like there''s a lot of people with the same idea as me. As I got down to the tform it was pretty chaotic. I read the info board and sure enough the train with all the parties surrounding it was the goblin dungeon. I could see about 20 other hunters in 6 separate groups ranging from 2-5 members. It looks like I''m the only solo hunter here.


    We all boarded the train and were off shorty after. It was a quick ride, no more than 3 minutes. Everyone on the train was getting anxious. They were either scared of what was in that dungeon or were just inching to fight. I for one, was itching to fight.


    Once the stop arrived we all piled out and went up the esctor to be met with a floating red portal. I could feel the dense magic in the air. This is definitely a dungeon break.


    I let a few people jump through first, but I followed soon after. We all dispersed once entering.


    It''s actually pretty simr to the old goblin dungeon I used to hunt at. That brings back memories. Theres thick tall grass everywhere and asional trees. It''s basically an open ne dungeon.


    No more than 2 minutes in I already encountered a monster. It was just a goblin, I used inspect.


    [Lv. 13]


    I chuckled a little and cut it in half with azy swing of my sword. It is definitely stronger than your average goblin, but at this level I can''t tell the difference. I walked further into the dungeon. A few more goblins ran at me, but they were defeated in seconds. I didn''t even bother to collect the mana.


    After 10 minutes or so I was starting to get a bit discouraged. Did I reallye down here for this?


    I was about to turn back, but then I heard a familiar roar.


    I used enemy detection and inspect.


    [Lv. 41]


    Something bigger is here.. I''m intrigued. I ran towards it with my sword ready. To my surprise it was a mutant hobgoblin! This is a pretty bad break, I didn''t even know these guys could spawn outside the boss room.


    The monster charged towards me with its sword pointed straight ahead while grunting and hissing. It was an easy kill, I defeated it in seconds. This gave me hope though, there might be more unusual spawns around here.


    The air started getting denser and denser. This is a good sign, the magic is getting more concentrated. I kept using enemy detection and inspect with a very wide range to look for mutants.


    [Lv. 14]


    [Lv. 31]


    [Lv. 11]


    {Lv. 42]


    [Lv. 38]


    There were a variety of goblins and hobgoblins all over the ce the further I went inside. I ran into a few other hunters, but it was nothing more than a short head nod and us running off in opposite directions.


    [Lv. 17]


    [Lv. 44]


    [Lv. 19]


    [Lv. 46]


    [Lv. 51]


    The levels were slowly increasing more and more. I kept walking further in towards the dense pocket of magic.


    [Lv. 124]


    It''s 100m away...


    Now this is what I was looking for. The air is heavy and my sword is drawn. There''s a calm silence as I walk slowly towards my future opponent.


    50m....


    I''m getting closer. Soon it''ll be within range. There''s a small patch of trees up ahead, it must be in there.


    20m....


    My face lit up when I saw the creature pop out of the tree-line.


    It''s an old looking goblin dressed in a dark cloak and a leather hat. The monster is carrying a long wooden staff and has arge brown satchel that looks full to the brim. It let off a faint grey glow, it must be a magic user.


    This is my first timeing face to face with a Shaman. I can barely hold in my excitement as I tighten the grip on my sword and get ready to fight.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    The Shaman looked me up and down with bloodshot eyes. There''s a peculiar magic aura surrounding it.


    I stared it down as well with my sword pointed straight ahead. I''m sure I could defeat this monster in seconds if I went all out, but I want to see what it can do. I''ve only read about shamans inics, this is the first one I''ve actually seen out in a dungeon.


    The monster raised its staff and let out a grunt. Its leather pouch opened up and an assortment of silver orbs came flying out.


    They were all moving in a circle around the monster, I couldn''t quite make out what they were. If I had to guess, they looked like small balls of metal, rocks, or maybe crystals. Again, I''ve never seen anything like this.


    The shaman hissed and pointed its staff right at me. Two of the floating orbs moved out of formation and came rocketing my way.


    "CLANNGGGG"


    I blocked them with my sword without much of a problem. The objects were quick, the two that hit my sword were circr metal balls. If I was closer to this shaman''s level these orbs would be deadly. I could feel the power behind each of its attacks, its very strong for a level 124.


    The monster stared at me while backing up and raised its staff again. Four of the orbs came hurdling towards me.


    "CLANGGGGG"


    I easy blocked all of the projectiles again. The shaman shrieked and turned.


    "Oh, you''re not getting away that easy!"


    It was running away from me. What a joke. Some monster this is...


    I ignited my sword into mes and followed it into the small cluster of trees.


    "THUDDD"


    "AGHHH what th-"


    As I followed the monster I was struck in the center of my back with one of those metal orbs. It didn''t do any serious damage, but it definitely didn''t feel good.


    I turned to see half a dozen orbs floating behind me while I chased the shaman into the woods. It''s a crafty little monster. It knows it can''t beat me straight on, so it''s going to do what it can to survive.


    I fought off most of the metal orbs, but they kepting back no matter how many times I hit them. My back is getting bruised up. I wonder what kind of magic this shaman is using...? Whatever it is, this would be a good skill to have.


    I could see the monster right in front of me less than 10m away but it keeps diving behind trees and scurrying around while I defend myself from its floating orbs.


    I''m getting a bit frustrated. It keeps twisting and turning through this small patch of forest because it knows theyout like the back of its hand. Unlike me, this is the first time I''ve seen any of this scenery. The monster is hissing and making sound simr toughter. I think it''s enjoying this... I can see the end of the tree patch in sight, it looks like the shaman is heading out soon. Finally, a fight in a wide open field will be much easier for me.


    As we neared the edge of the trees I came within 3m of the slimy little creature. I was seconds away from slicing it to pieces. Then, I felt my footing give out.


    My vision went blurry and I felt weightless for a moment...


    "THUDDDD"


    I hit the ground momentster and heard faint footsteps and hissing moving away from me.


    It''s dark in here... did I really fall for the oldest trick in the book... This Shaman lead me straight into a pitfall and I fell for it. There are a fewrge wooden spikes at the bottom, but they were poorly constructed. I broke most of them with the impact of my fall, I''m bleeding a little but it''s nothing serious.


    I looked up to see the bright blue sky, and proceeded to use the wooden spikes to climb out of the trap like a make shiftdder.


    "No more ying around...e on out!"


    I used my enemy detection and located it 100m ahead of me. This coward really put me in a hole and made a run for it.


    I sprinted out of the trees with my de on fire and a smirk across my face.


    It''s wide open in the field and running quickly even deeper into the dungeon. I followed the monster in a straight line closing the distance as fast as I could.


    Its metal orbs were no where in sight, I could focus on running at full speed. Less than 30 secondster we were face to face again.


    The monster hissed and summoned its orbs from the pouch. Without hesitation I went in for a strike, I''m not letting this opportunity pass again.


    I swung my fiery de at the shaman''s neck while being pelted by its orbs. I could feel a few make contact breaking a few of my ribs, but I had my eye on the prize.


    "Shinggggggg"


    "THUDDD"


    I sliced through the shamans neck like butter and the battle was over just like that. I looked down to see my favorite floating blue letters.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Telekinesis


    [YES][NO]


    With a grin I chose [YES] and used self regeneration to heal my minor injuries.


    The body of the shaman started to disappear pretty quickly and to my surprise it didn''t only drop mana. There was a small silver key next to the crystal on the ground.


    I picked the loot up and examined the key for a moment before throwing them both in my item storage.


    I guess I''ll have to ask around, I''ve never seen anything like this for an item drop before... I think I''ve had enough fun here, its about time I head back. Somebody is bound to beat the boss soon anyways.


    I headed back towards the dungeon start point, but sure enough a team beat the boss before I could make it back. I came just in time, 10 more minutes and I would have missed my chance to find that shaman.


    A white light appeared, It felt odd not being in a boss room and seeing this light. Everyone in the dungeon was transported back into that small room at the top of the esctor. It was very crowded, there were easily 40 people crammed into this tight space.


    They all seemed to be beginner D ss hunters and some E ss that managed to get in before they closed off the tform. I didn''t talk to anyone, I just minded my own business and tried to sift through the crowd towards the esctor.


    "Hey! It''s Jay right?"


    I turned my head. Who knows my name in this city?


    "H-Hi Uhh... who are you?"


    Standing in front of me was a short red haired girl with a ckbat suit on simr to the ones I saw at the Hunters Association, but definitely not exactly same.


    She smiled and reached out her hand.


    "The name''s Nessa. I Saw you taking with my captain Hundson yesterday. Nice to formally meet you!"


    "I- uhh. Really? I just saw him this morning."


    "Yeah it''s my day off. Hundson trains a lot of us D ss at the Tara Guild. I''m pretty new to the city, they let me join the day I asked!"


    I took a closer look at Nessa. She was on the shorter side, maybe 160cm. Bright orange/red hair, and bright blue eyes with light freckles on her cheeks. If I had to guess she was no more than 19 years old. A D ss and new to the city huh? She must be a pretty good fighter... and have some kind of unique or usefulbat skill.


    I boarded the esctor and continued the small talk as she followed.


    "What are you doing at an E ss break?"


    She smiled.


    "Well, its my first time hearing about one of these so called surges. I wanted to see what they were all about for myself."


    I nodded.


    "Yup, me too."


    "Disappointing huh?"


    "Uhh, I guess. It was interesting."


    It was actually not disappointing at all, it couldn''t have gone any better for me. I decided not to say anything about the rare monster I faced though. It''s just bing a habit to keep my experiences to myself.. There''s no point in keeping secrets, it''s just more simple if I do.


    "Well, I''m going out on a raid with my team tomorrow to the Minotaur dungeon again. Maybe I''ll see you there?"


    "Hmm, maybe. I''ll be farming there tomorrow as well, but I really only hunt solo."


    She pouted a bit, but I don''t think she was actually upset. I can''t help but to stare a bit, she''s such a pretty girl. It''s literally been one day since thest girl I trusted tried to kill me... Am I really going to fall for these charms again?


    The train came and we rode it back to the main hub. When we walked upstairs there seemed to be a bigmotion going on by the D ss esctor. There was a guard speaking up.


    "Only parties of 3 and above or C ss hunters are allowed down to the D ss Dungeon tform for the next hour. There''s been arge break in the Kobold dungeon, this is for your own safety!"


    Looks like there''s anotherrge break. Think I''ll pack it in for today though, I''ve had a good day of hunting. I turned to Nessa.


    "I''m done for the day. It was a pleasure meeting you, maybe I''ll see you out hunting again one of these days."


    She smiled at me.


    "Like I said before, I''m in the morning slot tomorrow. The whole team will be here right when the sunes up."


    I waved as I turned to leave.


    "Alright. Maybe I''ll see ya."


    I''m just trying to be polite, I hope I didn''te off as rude. Yes, I wouldn''t mind seeing her again but meeting a whole new team of hunters isn''t on my immediate to do list.


    I walked off into the city as the sun set heading towards the market to sell my loot.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    I arrived to the market less than 20 minutester and waved to the old merchant.


    "Hey kid, how are ya today?"


    "Great."


    I took my axe and mana out of my item storage to ce them on counter between us.


    "Ya know, that''s a neat skill. I don''t think you were using it when we first met, but I gotta say item storage must be useful!"


    I froze in ce... how could I be so careless? I''ve been using my item storage skill in front of the merchant this whole time like it''s not a big deal. Anyone could have seen me using it here...


    I looked around cautiously, not that it would matter. The damage is already done.


    "U-Uh thanks, yeah. It''s a good thing to have. Just uhm, could you keep it between us? I don''t use this skill often."


    The merchant could sense the tension in my voice and nodded slowly.


    "Sure, sure. I won''t pry."


    He took my mana and ced them on the measuring scale. The big ck numbers read out 3976.43MU. He took a look at the axe and smirked.


    "This is a 175 strength boost axe, nice. I can do 80 silver for the whole haul."


    I thought to myself for a moment.


    "How about 40 silver, an item box, and 2 D ss HP potions."


    The old man eyed me for a moment then started shuffling through a cab.


    "Sure, work for me."


    He started counting out my silver and ced a small magic pouch with 2 HP potions on the counter.


    "Oh, one other thing."


    I pulled out the silver key and handed it to the merchant. His eyes lit up.


    "Where''d you get this? I''ve only seen a handful of shaman keys in my lifetime."


    "I got it from a dungeon break today. How much is it worth?"


    "Ohh, good find. I''m sure you could get a few gold at auction for a key like this."


    "Really? So... what''s it do?"


    "I''m not too sure... I''ve heard rumors about certain keys being used in the Capital Labyrinth, but I''ve never been there myself. If you''re looking to sell it, I can give you an address for a good auction house. Here."


    The old man scribbled something down on a small piece of paper and handed it to me. I took it and threw it in my item storage along with the key. It sounds enticing, but I''m not really interested in an auction right now, I''d rather capitalize on these increased dungeon breaks while I still can.


    "Thanks. Appreciate it. Hey, how long to these surges tend tost anyways?"


    I remembered the Inn keeper telling me about them, but I wasn''t paying much attention to him when he was exining.


    "Thest one we hadsted just a few days. I''m sure it''ll be over by the end of this weekend."


    I nodded and took the rest of my new items and silver off the table. The silver and potions were ced in my item storage but I tied the item box around my waist. The old man made a great observation... If I''m going to be using my item storage skill, I should at least be a bit stealthier about it. I''ll keep some items in this magic pouch for when I''m out in public.


    "Got it. Thanks again, pleasure doing business with you!"


    "Of course, stay safe kid."


    With a wave I left the market and grabbed a quick meal before heading back to the Inn. I was greeted by the attendant and quickly made my way upstairs. After my signature hot shower I fell asleep in bed almost immediately.


    The next morning I woke up full of energy.


    Once I hopped out of bed and got dressed, I made sure to put my sword and a handful of coins and potions into the new item box I purchased yesterday. Just in case I see anyone out hunting today its better that I use this as cover for my item storage skill.


    After making my way downstairs I was greeted by the Inn keeper in the lobby.


    "Another Day of Hunting?"


    I nodded and smiled.


    "Yup."


    "It seems like today will be the peak of the surge, there were two C ss breaksst night. Be careful out there young man."


    "Of course, thanks for looking out for me! I''ll be okay."


    I walked out the door with a grin across my face and grabbed a bite to eat before making my way towards the Dungeon Hub.


    There''s a huge crowd today, especially around the E ss line. The two guards in front of it are talking to the groups of passing hunters.


    Now that I get a closer look... there''s at least two guards at every station entrance now. Is the surge that bad today? Looks like they are tightening security.


    I got in line for the D ss Dungeons and crossed my arms waiting patiently. Time passed and the line moved along slowly until I came face to face with the two guards. One of them spoke up.


    "Hunter''s License"


    I handed the man my ID and he started shaking his head.


    "Can''t let you In today, sorry."


    I looked at him with confusion.


    "W-Why?? What do you mean?"


    "All dungeons are only open to parties of 3 or more. The only exception is if you''re one rank above the dungeon minimum. In this case, you''ll need to be C ss minimum to enter the D ss tform if you''re hunting solo today. It''s for your safety. I assure you, it will be back to normal within a day or two."


    "I- Uhm."


    "I''m going to have to ask you to step out of line. The E ss dungeons are open for you today if you''d like."


    "Okay I... I''ll just wait for my team then."


    "Sounds good. Come back with them and I''ll let you in then. Please step out of line."


    I stepped out of line while looking at the floor. That was disappointing... I just blurted out that nonsense about a team so I could get back in ler and it wouldn''t look weird.


    I started walking back towards the E ss line while scanning the area. Maybe I can hitch a ride in someone else''s party. I won''t actually fight with them, I''ll just get down to the tform with them. That''ll work. I grinned.


    I walked around for a few minutes but no one looked approachable. Usually other people do the approaching to me... I''m still a bit socially awkward, I haven''t thought about it muchtely. Even though everyone around me seems to be out to get me in my own mind, is that really a good excuse to never try and make a new friends?


    Then i remembered... Nessa and Hudson''s group! They''re hunting this morning, I could get in with them. I wasn''t nning on it initially, but if I have to go with anyone I''d rather go with them than some randoms.


    I started wandering around a bit more confidently because now I''m looking for a party that I''ve already met before. This shouldn''t be too hard, unless they''ve already entered the dungeon.


    The sun did just recently rise... I waited around watching groups of hunters funnel into the dungeons for about 20 minutes. Most people swarmed around the E and D ss Dungeons. There were a few that entered the C ss, and not one person entered the B ss dungeons. I did see a few parties go to the esctor in the back that went upwards, Ipletely forgot about that one. The gear those hunters had on were very expensive looking, it must be some kind of guild run entrance. I''ll check it outter If I have the time. It was kind of calming to watch the crowds of people go by, but at the same time I was getting a bit anxious in the back of my mind wondering if they''d ever show up.


    Then finally I saw a familiar face.


    My eyes lit up as a party emerged from the crowd getting in line at the D ss esctor. It''s Hundson... and Nessa! I couldn''t forget that red hair. What a relief.


    I walked over with a wide smile on my face.


    Hudson was the first to notice me. He looked up and waved. Then Nessa looked up and noticed me as well as I came within talking range.


    "So you decided to actuallye and see me? Huh Jay!"


    "I-Well yeah I did."


    "Are you hunting solo in the D ss dungeons today? I heard it may be really dangerous with the recent surge reports."


    I scratched the back of my head nervously and nodded slowly.


    "Yeah, I was going to... but ahh I kind of need to be in a party to enter. It''s a temporary rule apparently."


    Hudson leaned in and winked at me.


    "Come on in with us. No problem."


    I smiled. He knows exactly what I need, perfect. No exnation needed.


    "Thanks! You''re the best."


    Nessa chimed in again. She could clearly sense what was going on.


    "Ahhhe on, fight with us for a little. I wanna see what you''ve got!"


    "I-uhm. I... yeah sure."


    I can''t say no to her.


    Hudson interjected.


    "So you''ll be joining us today?."


    I looked at him.


    "It won''t be the full time if you had special training nned, I don''t want to disrupt your session."


    He grinned.


    "Of course you can fight a few monsters with us today. I''d love to see what you can do. I''ve been trying to recruit you since the moment we met. It''s no problem at all!"


    We both chuckled a bit and I got in line between Nessa and Hudson.


    There were 3 other team members close behind. I didn''t get a good look at them yet, the line started moving forward before I could introduce myself.


    Looks like I''m on another team... so much for my vow of solitude. At least I''ll get to farm for another day in the D ss Dungeons.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    We all moved forward in line and approached the two guards. One of them recognized me.


    "Hey, wee back. Looks like you do have a party."


    I nodded.


    "Yep."


    We all handed our IDs over and made it down the esctor to the D ss tform. It''s a mess down here today. There are veryrge groups waiting by the train tforms but not boarding. Some of them have up to 10 hunters in a single party.


    I don''t even know how that would be profitable. I guess everyone just wants a crack at some potential rare loot from dungeon breaks. They are all camping out waiting for an announcement of a new break.


    We walked through the crowd to the train tform that would bring us to the minotaur dungeon. Less than 5 minutester our train arrived and we boarded. Hudson spoke up.


    "Another day in the dungeons, what a life huh? The minotaur dungeon should still be fairly safe today. There is a guild order to clear the boss room if we get close. Plus to do maintenance where we see fit.."


    I replied.


    "Maintenance? What do you mean by that?"


    He grinned.


    "It just means we will have to defeat any mutants wee across to relieve some magic pressure. A routine check of the boss room wouldn''t be a bad idea either, can''t let too much energy build up. Especially on the peak day of the surge.


    "Okay. Good to know. I didn''t know dungeons worked exactly like that. I haven''t seen a mutant in this dungeon yet though, only a few abnormally high levels. Have you?"


    "Yeah, there''s an asional mutant. Should be no problem, our team can handle it. We''re all high enough level and have some good skills tobat tough opponents. I''m hoping to submit one or two guild members for the C ss examsing up in 2 weekends from now. They''re holding them here in the city."


    Nessa''s eyes lit up.


    "Ohh you''re talking about the C ss exams? Hopefully I''ll be able to apply, I''m less than 50 levels away."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh yeah? Hopefully I can make it in too."


    She smiled. Hudson spoke up.


    "These will be yourst easy levels. Trust me, I''ve only been in a few C ss dungeons. I don''t level up much anymore. I''d much rather train recruits than face off against those monstrosities."


    I can only imagine the type of monsters in the higher level dungeons. It''s making me excited thinking about it. I spoke up.


    "Hey, if the dungeon doesn''t show any signs of irregrities I''d rather go off and hunt on my own. No offense, I just would like to have the levels and loot to myself."


    Hudson nodded slowly.


    "Makes sense. Sure."


    Nessa looked at me with a disappointed look on her face. I met her eyes and replied.


    "Hey, don''t look at me like that. I''ll stick around for a little while, we''ll fight together for the first few monster sighting."


    Her face lit up again.


    "Screeeech"


    The train stopped by our tform and we all got off to make our way up the esctor.


    Soon after we all jumped through the floating blue portal.


    There are 6 members to our team. I used inspect on everyone.


    There''s me. I''m level 182, but clearly that''s not a perfect representation of my strength.


    Hudson is level 265. Other than his physical strength and long sword I don''t know anything about him yet... he''s definitely strong though.


    Nessa is Lv. 206. She seems quick, but doesn''t doesn''t carry any weapons. There could be something in her item box, or maybe she has some kind of interesting skill that doesn''t require a weapon.


    There are two other girls on the team. One of them has long ck hair, pale white skin, wears a ck raid suit, and carries two daggers. She is level 178. The other girl is dark skinned and very tall, she''s slim with curly brown hair and carries a thin silver long sword. She is level 184. The two of them seem to stick together.


    There''s onest team member, he seems to be a tank. He''s short, but very thick. When we entered the dungeon I saw him pull out a massive shield, nothing else. Maybe he focuses on only defense? I''m not sure yet. He''s level 198.


    We all walked together into the dungeon. Hudson led the party while Nessa and I walked closely. The other 3 members walked right behind us.


    The dungeon didn''t feel much different at all today. Dungeon breaks usually have dense magic concentration in the air. At least we don''t have to worry about that.


    After about 20 minutes of walking we came across our first pair of monsters. I used inspect.


    [Lv. 158]


    [Lv. 161]


    Two Minotaurs were standing around in an empty field. They didn''t notice us yet. Hudson spoke up.


    "You''re the guest, why don''t you take the first hit. Nessa, be his backup"


    We both nodded.


    I pointed my sword at the monsters and made my way towards them. Nessa followed close behind. She didn''t take out a weapon or activate any skills.


    As we drew closer to the Minotaurs I decided to ignite my de. This is the only skill I''ll be using in front of this party today, I might as well give them a little show before I go off and hunt solo.


    As my de erupted into mes the closest monster turned its head to look at me. We were about 20m away and the one up front started to charge with its axe held high.


    "CLANGGGG"


    Sparks flew as our weapons collided and I pushed the beast backwards. My recent level ups have upgraded my strength considerably. In the monster''s confusion I darted underneath it and swung at its abdomen with a fiery uppercut. The monster let out a roar as I ran behind it and finished the job with a final attack to the back of its neck.


    I let out a burst of mes to make sure the deed was done and looked at my work with a satisfied grin. That was easy.


    Nessa was watching from about 10m back. She looked at me with a grin on her face ear to ear.


    "Fire huh?"


    I nodded while pointing at the other minotaur with my de.


    "Yeah. One down, one to go. I''ll leave it to you."


    She nodded and reached into her item box to pull out a long sword.


    My eyes widened a bit. A sword? Why didn''t she pull that out earlier?


    The other Minotaur realized its partner had been in and didn''t look happy about it. Nessa started running towards the beast, and it locked its eyes on her.


    Then something unexpected happened...


    Right in front of my eyes I watched Nessa''s de turn dark red and be covered in a nket of mes. It''s definitely fire magic, I couldn''t mistake it for anything else.


    "CLANGGGG"


    Sparks flew and mes shot up in the air as Nessa overpowered the monster in front of me. She left huge gashes in the Minotaur and left fire reside identical to mine after every hit.


    I stood there in awe as she brought the monster to its knees, then to a pile of ash beside the one I defeated.


    She walked over to me with a smile on her face while putting out the mes on her de. She ced it back into the item box on her waist and spoke up.


    "That''s a pretty good skill, thanks for letting me borrow it."


    Nessa winked and walked right past me with a smile. I stood there facing the two identical ming corpses with a nk stare across my face.


    What did she just do....?

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    "Hey! What do you mean you''re borrowing my skill?"


    She giggled and turned back towards me.


    "It''s my skill called Mimic."


    I squinted at her with a confused look on my face.


    "Okay? What exactly does it do? How''s it work?"


    "Well, I can mimic any skill I see. I chose to mimic your fire magic, so its now my skill as well."


    I froze for a moment... This could be even more powerful than my skill. She can just copy any skill she sees???


    "Y-You can do this as much as you want? How many skills do you have?"


    Nessa shook her head.


    "No, no. It''s not like that. If I choose to mimic another skill I''ll lose the ability to use my previously obtained skills. I can only hold one at a time, I need to see a specific skill again to switch it back."


    "Okay. So you can just keep this fire magic skill until you decide to change it?"


    "Kind of. If I sleep or lose consciousness my saved skill disappears. I have to find something new to mimic everyday. It''s a blessing and a curse. Does that make sense?"


    "Well... Yeah, it does. That''s interesting. I''ve never seen a skill like that."


    Nessa nodded at me with a satisfied look on her face.


    "I haven''t gotten to use fire magic in a while. I think I''ll keep it for today."


    Hudson walked over to us.


    "Nice work, these were low levels but it''s good to see you in action. Neat ability."


    We waited for the monsters to disappear and took one mana crystal each.


    It would be entertaining to tag along with this party today.. but is it really a good use of my time? I''ll get a fraction of the exp... and barely any loot. I decided to speak up.


    "Hey, thanks for getting me into the dungeon today. I think it would be more efficient if we split up though. I am more of a solo hunter after all."


    Hudson nodded slowly.


    "Sure, sure. Like I said before, we''ll be doing a maintenance run of the boss room in about 4 hours. If you''d like to meet us there, I''d love to have you on the raid team and see you fight seriously."


    I smirked and thought about it for a moment.


    The boss room huh? I was going to wait a few days to challenge it, but with a full team of 6 I''m sure we could defeat it easily. I''d get some good levels and insight on the boss room for when I fight it alone too. I replied.


    "Sure, that would be a pleasure. I''ll do my daily farming and meet you all at the boss room in exactly 4 hours."


    Hudson grinned and put out his hand, I shook it.


    "Great."


    Nessa bobbed her head a bit and smiled at me as she spoke.


    "See you soon Jay!"


    I smiled and waved as I turned and made a quick departure deeper into the dungeon.


    "See ya!"


    I''m always awkward at goodbyes... at least we''ll see each other in a few hours. The dungeon is calm today, there''s no sense of any excess magic in the air. One thing did keeping up in the back of my mind though. Nessa''s skill is really simr to mine, no wonder she''s leveled up so fast. Is it a unique? I''ll ask her more about itter today.


    Over the next 3 hours or so I roamed around getting deeper and deeper in the dungeon closing in on the boss room portal.


    There were 6 major battles that took ce during this time.


    The first 3 groups of Minotaur were all between level 155 and 165. Some of them were defeated in one hit. They dropped 9rge mana in total and a single axe. No levels were gained during these matches.


    The fourth group consisted of a level 167 and 188. This is a good sign that I was getting deeper into the dungeon. They both dropped mana, but no extra loot. I gained 1 level during this battle.


    The fifth matchup was 3 monsters in total. Their levels were 172, 177, and 192. The two lower levels charged in first and the leader used them as a decoy. Every group like this always uses the same strategy. It gets easier each time. They all dropped mana, and one of the lower level beasts dropped an axe. I gained 2 levels during this battle.


    I could tell I was nearing the end of the dungeon as my sixth battle started. There was a slight feeling of magic in the air as I approached this group. It consisted of a level 175, 199, and a 203. The lower level was easy, and the two higher levels seemed to be fighting for a chance attack me the whole time. I weaved, dodged, and blocked with body hardening over and over until I wore them down to piles of ash. It''s a good thing I''m still faster and more agile than these monsters. They dropped 3 mana, and surprisingly another axe. I gained 4 levels from this fight.


    It''s pretty easy to navigate most dungeons. The generalndscape is the same for all of them. Once you spawn in through the start point all you have to do is trek 3 to 7km max straight forward to find the boss room. Some terrains are just harder to navigate than others.


    I''ve been doing a bit of a zig zag pattern to farm monsters, but I''m definitely less than a kilometer away now. The air is kind of dense, but it''s nothing new. Whenever a mutant or strong monster is nearby it feels like this. It may just be what getting close to a strong D ss boss room feel like.


    I walked forward for another 10 minutes or so and finally got to therge hill at the back of the dungeon. It should be right around here somewhere.


    "Looks like you made it here early too! How''d your farming go?"


    I saw Hudson stand up and wave to me as the rest of the team sat under a tree eating lunch.


    I waved back and replied.


    "Not bad, the loot drops are pretty good today."


    Hudson nodded.


    "Same for us!"


    Nessa thew me a bottle of water.


    "Drink up. We''re fighting the boss today. Hudson says it''s no joke."


    I grinned with excitement and drank a good amount before putting it in my item box.


    "Thanks. When are we heading in?"


    Hudson interrupted.


    "It''s right around this hill. About a 5 minute walk at most. We just finished fighting a pair of mutants, we''re definitely close to the boss room."


    I turned to him with my eyes wide.


    "Mutants? I didn''t even see one today..."


    "Yeah, we ran into two groups so far. They seem to be staying close by the boss room. You feel that magic in the air?"


    I nodded.


    "I do. I didn''t want to mention it... you think there''s going to be a break?"


    Hudson smirked.


    "Nah, there isn''t nearly enough for a break. Maybe a mutant boss if we''re lucky, that''ll be some good levels for all of you. Once we beat it, the dungeon will calm down a bit. Nothing out of the ordinary."


    "Alright. You know best."


    Hudson turned to the rest of the team.


    "Ready to fight the boss? I think we''ve rested for long enough."


    They all got up and readied theirbat gear. Nessa shouted.


    "Okay, let''s go!"


    I drew my sword and we were off. The closer we got to the back of the dungeon the more and more eerie it felt. Hudson seemed to be calm about the situation so I didn''t worry much about it either.


    After 5 minutes of walking there were still no monsters in sight. Hudson is about 10m ahead of us leading the way up a small section of hill. He yelled down to us.


    "I see it, looks like we have a mutant to deal with."


    I ran up to see what he was talking about with my sword ready and a grin across my face... but it turned into more shock than excitement when I took in the view.


    Right in front of us on a small patch of t ground stood a dark ck portal. I spoke up as the other team members climbed the hill behind me.


    "This is no ordinary mutant boss. You''ve dealt with a portal like this before right?"


    Hudson turned to all of us.


    "Anyone that would like to leave is free to go. This will not be an easy fight."


    We all started looking at each other with a bit of confusion. Nessa chimed in.


    "I''m in. I trust you as my captain."


    Hudson replied.


    "I can''t guarantee your safety with a portal like this. ck portal mutants can be very unpredictable."


    Nessa didn''t bat an eye.


    "But your skill! We can all do this together!"


    "Yes, my skill will aid us in this battle. I''d just like to give you all the option to leave. There will be a borderline C ss Monster in there. You all signed up for basic training, not this."


    Nessa nodded.


    "I know the risks. I''m in."


    The other 3 team members talked quietly with each other, then the tank stepped forward.


    "We''re in. The levels will be worth it."


    Then they all turned to me.


    I couldn''t hold back my excitement. This is exactly the type of situation I was secretly hoping for. Finally, another strong opponent.


    "I''m In."


    Hudson smirked as he turned to all of us.


    "Well, everyone ready? I''ll stay up front. Nessa and Jay will lead the main attack. You 3 stay back for support, theres usually a wave of monsters before the boss. Take care of those for us."


    Everyone nodded in agreement and faced the spinning ck portal. Without much hesitation we all jumped through.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Once transferred into the boss room I looked around in awe. This is much different than I expected it to be.


    We all stood in a wide open ne with short grass and no trees. There were tall rocky hills blocking off the area acting as walls in all directions around us. It was about 500m long and 500m wide if I had to guess.


    The sky is a light grey color, simr to when it''s about to rain. The air visibility is fine up close, but it is a little misty when looking far off into the boss room. There are no monsters in sight, but I hear a rumbling in the distance.


    I used inspect and enemy detection.


    [Lv. 224]


    [Lv. 227]


    [Lv. 228]


    [Lv. 230]


    [Lv. 231]


    [Lv. 231]


    [Lv. 256]


    My jaw dropped.... I yelled.


    "Iing! There''s 7 of them... 7 Bosses!"


    Hudson yelled back to all us.


    "Nessa and Jay, follow me. You 3, take on the stampede. Those aren''t bosses, we''re going to be dealing with a real boss soon though.


    The team of 3 including the tank and two women nodded and charged towards the monsters.


    Hudson lead us away from the soon to be battlefield. I followed close behind but yelled at him.


    "They can''t handle it! Those monsters are much stronger than anything I faced out in the dungeon. Are you trying to kill your team??"


    He grinned at me.


    "One moment."


    We stopped running and turned around to face the action. Nessa and Hudson both stood there smiling watching their team members charge towards impending doom... They''re all barely level 200, I don''t know how they could possibly win. Are these people crazy???


    Hudson sped his hands together, and started squatting down slowly while closing his eyes. A warm yellow light started to glow all around him and spread out rapidly.


    As the light hit me I could feel an immense amount of warm energy fill my body.


    It shot up through my legs into my back and all throughout my arms. I felt energized and ready for battle. Even... stronger maybe?


    I watched the team of 3 run towards the group of monsters as they came into view. The yellow light reached them seconds after it hit me. The moment it did, they all began running significantly faster than before.


    The 7 Minotaur that appeared were very intimidating. The monsters in the normal dungeon were nothing inparison. These ones are all about 5m tall, and they''re packed head to toe with muscle mass. Every step crushes the ground, I can feel the rumble from hundreds of meters away.


    Their skin is a very dark red color with some ck fur spots in certain areas. They all carry massive silver axes and looker angry as can be. The highest level monster is up front, and the other 6 are in 2 lines of 3 behind it.


    The tank was up front facing them off. After the wave of energy from Hudson, I''m feeling much more confident in them despite the obvious level disadvantage.


    Momentster the battle really began.


    The tank charged onward with his heavy shield facing forward and used some type of body hardening magic. His entire body turned a silver color that matched his gear and took on the Minotaur''s axe.


    "CLANGGGGGG"


    He... blocked it. The tank even managed to push that level 256 monster backwards as the rogue and sword wielder attacked the beast from both sides.


    They bothnded a clean hit, and actually did a little of damage. It''s almost like they''re fighting opponents of simr level. How could this be? I spoke to myself out loud.


    "How.... How did they get so much stronger?"


    Hudson grinned at me with a look of satisfaction.


    "It''s my skill. I can buff the surrounding hunters stats for about 1 minute. It''ll use up all my MP, but that''s what we''re here for. To train you guys, not me."


    He smiled, I replied.


    "That''s a useful skill. How much is the buff?"


    "Well, right now it''ll raise every stat by about 25 percent. Comes in handy for boss rooms like this. Unfortunately, I can only buff my team members, It doesn''t work on myself."


    "Makes sense. That''s really good."


    I nodded and looked back at the battle at hand while thinking to myself.


    So if a hunter is around level 200, that means with this buff in ce their stats are equivalent to a level 250. It may onlyst for a minute, but that may be all the time we need. You could grind some serious levels with a skill like that! No wonder he trains D ss Hunters for his guild.


    The rogue and sword wielder were incredibly fastpared to the 6 minotaur in the back. The one up front could track their movements and block attacks pretty easily though. It''s overall defense is also incredibly high, at this rate they need tond 30-50+ more of those hits to take it down.


    The tank kept the level 256 busy by letting it hit him over and over again while he used his hardening skill. The other two weaved in and out of the other 6 minotaur slowly chipping away at their HP. About a minuteter, half of them were on the ground.


    Hudson drank and MP potion and let out another surge of energy. It began to flow through my body again and I felt all my stats increase simultaneously. The second time was still just as cool as the first.


    As the two women finished off the other 3 weaker opponents I watched the beast bash away at the tank''s shield. He is definitely getting tired, but his teammates are now on the way to help.


    The team of 3 faced off against their final opponent. I watched with jealous eyes. They must be having such a good time with that beast. They''ll need to chip away at it slowly and be very careful with every move they take. I watched in awe for a few more seconds wishing I could also be out on the battlefield.


    Then I felt an ominous presence.. like it answered my thoughts...


    The air felt dense and everyone turned to the back of the cave, even the remaining Minotaur paused its attacks for a moment. Something evil is lurking at the back if this dungeon... The real boss is finally here.


    I could almost visibly see a dark foging from the distance, but I think its just my imagination. The heavy magic in the air and light mist are ying tricks on me.


    I used inspect and enemy detection.


    My heart skipped a beat.


    [Lv. 312]


    It''s over level 300... how is this possible? Even with Hudson''s buff, no one here even gets close to its level.


    The 3 upied team members continued their battle. I could see Nessa was visibly concerned, she could also tell whatever just appeared is incredibly strong.. Hudson looked confident still, I guess he has a n. That made me feel a bit better.


    I''m shaking. With some nerves, but mostly excitement. I can''t control it.


    I stared out into the distance as arge shadowy figure emerged from the horizoning at us with unbelievable speed.


    Hudson shouted.


    "I have 2 more full MP potions. Nessa and Jay, take it from here. You have just under 3 minutes to take this thing out!"


    I looked at Nessa and she looked back at me. We both ignited our swords and sprinted forward towards the creature in the distance.


    As we got closer It came into view and let out a mighty roar. I couldn''t believe my eyes at first. This is truly a demon....


    The monster''s skin is jet ck and it stands over 7m tall. The beast''s muscles and veins are somehow even more impressive than its underlings with very visible striations and oversized limbs. The hornsing off of its head are a different color than any other minotaur I''ve seen before as well. They seem to be ck, but they shine a deep crimson color when light hits them from an angle.


    It wears huge silver wrist guards and wields a massive battle axe to match them.


    The energy emanating off it gets stronger and stronger with every step closer I get.


    This is definitely going to be my hardest battle yet, and I can''t wait.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Nessa and I continued charging forward with ming des straight at the mutant boss. The closer we get the denser the air fills up with magic.


    The beast is cracking the ground with every step and letting outrge amounts of air from its nose while grunting.


    The speed of the Minotaur is astounding. I''ve never seen anything move this fast. Even with my stat buff from Hudson, this beast still has me beat on speed. It''s clearly much stronger, and from prior experience with its kind I can assume its defense is much better than mine too. That just leaves agility... hopefully I have it beat there.


    We''re less than 50m away now.


    40m...


    30m...


    20m...


    It''s time to fight. Nessa and I nodded at each other and broke off to opposite sides of the monster tounch a dual attack. I ran right, she ran left.


    The Minotaur reacted instantly by swinging its axe towards Nessa and its massive silver ted arm at me. I attacked it with a de full of fire. It''s giving me a free shot to the arm right above the wrist guards, I might as well take it while I have the chance.


    As I made contact my eyes went wide and my whole demeanor changed...


    I swung with all my might and used a lot of fire magic, but my attack barely pierced its skin. The Minotaur followed through with its swing and smacked me like an annoying bug at point nk. This sent me flying in the air 15m backwards. I blocked some of the impact with my sword, but I could feel a few bones break from its overwhelming strength.


    Out of the corner of my eye I saw a streak of fire fly off in the other direction. Nessa''s attack was futile as well... The boss overpowered both of us like it was swatting flies.


    I used my sword to bring myself back up to my feet. I used regenerate to heal a few broken ribs from the impact and checked my status. It read out 595/950 HP, and 865/950 MP. I looked around to get a feel for the entire situation.


    The team of 3 are still fighting their Minotaur, it seems like they''re doing alright. That battle will just take time, I trust them to finish it off. Hudson is about 100m behind us, he''s still sending out a stat buff signal. At this rate, we only have 2 minutes left at most...


    I watched Nessa stand to her feet chugging an HP potion while dripping blood. Looks like she''s okay, but took a brutal hit from that axe.


    I''m going to have to use my other skills if I want to have any chance fighting this creature. It''s the only way... I''ll deal with the consequences after I make it out of this alive.


    We both charged back in at the beast with our swords aze. I went in aiming for its weak spots this time. I thought maybe with increased agility I could maneuver under its arms and get a slice in behind the knee.


    I was mistaken. Even with two sword wielding huntersing at it from both sides the Minotaur managed to time its hits on both of us perfectly. This time I was the one on the side with its axe.


    As it came down I tried to dodge and maneuver around the de and run under its body to take advantage of a blind spot. The beast''s eyes tracked me withser focus until I was out of sight, then it relied on instincts alone to cut me down instantly.


    It turned the axe de mid swing andnded a hit to my unguarded torso. The moment I registered what was happening I hardened my entire frontside. It lightened the blow, but ck crystals shattered everywhere as I was blown backwards sliding across the ground a solid 10m.


    I watched Nessand a small hit on its arm as she was thrown across the field opposite to me again.


    I stood up spitting out a mouthful of blood. That was a serious hit. I tried to regenerated my torn open chest the best I could and checked my status. It read out 40/950 HP and 765/950 MP. I grabbed an HP potion and chugged it as fast as I could. I need a new n, this mindless charging is not going to work. I rely too much on my physical strength and speed sometimes. I need to use my brain if I want to beat this behemoth.


    I shook my head back and forth for a few seconds trying to think of anything worth trying. Then something really dumb.... or maybe genius came to mind. Either way, it''ll look cool.


    It''s all I can think of right now, it''s worth a shot.


    I yelled to Nessa.


    "Hey! Listen! Do you have any loot from today''s raids?"


    She turned to me with a confused and half horrified look.


    "What? Yes. Why? This is not the time for that!"


    "Take it out of your item box. Trust me!"


    She looked at me with bewilderment and decided to go along with my n. Nessa pulled 3rge axes out of her item box and ced them on the ground in front of her.


    "That''s all I have. Where do you want them?"


    "Right there. Perfect."


    I took the 3 axes from my own farming out of item storage and ced them on the ground in front of me as well.


    The Minotaur watched us curiously for a moment, but began to charge at us again. I dropped my sword and closed my eyes.


    "Telekinesis"


    I repeated my new skill''s name over and over in my head. I haven''t used it before today, this better work. I focused on the 6 axes in front of me and they all lifted up into the air above my head in a circle formation. I tried to replicate the Shaman''s design as best i could. It seemed to work well for it.


    The monster shifted directions and charged at me, It paid no attention to Nessa. I ignited each axe into mes and prepared my attack.


    I ran forward at the beast and motioned my arms at the monster''s head. The axes flew through the air leaving trails of fire behind them like shooting stars.


    I sent the 6 ming projectiles rocketing towards the Minotaur''s face. The monster let out a mighty roar as it tried to block them with its own axe.


    I twisted my hands around in the air and changed the axes'' trajectory mid flight. They all narrowly swerved around the monster''s axe and continued towards its face.


    "CLANGGGGGG"


    I watched 3 of the axes shatter instantly as they collided with the Minotaur''s dark crimson horns. The other 3 axes actually made it through for a few direct hits. 2 struck its nose and 1nded very close to its left eye. The fire burned bright, and the Minotaur let out a roar of pain.


    Not a total failure after all... That actually did some damage, but not nearly enough to slow this beast down. Enough to buy me some time to think of something else though.


    I concentrated and pulled the remaining 3 axes from the Minotaur''s flesh while leaving small amounts of me residue behind. It''s face seems to be a bit weaker than the rest of its body, the problem is those horns...


    I brought the axes back towards me and let them hover above my head. Nessa stared at me with a serious look on her face.


    "I''ll leave the questioning forter, that can buy us some time. Have anything else up your sleeve?"


    "Land as many hits as you can while I distract it. I''lle up with something else once these axes are done."


    We both nodded at each other and ran in opposite directions. The monster followed me with my ming axes and ignored Nessa again.


    I motioned my arms at the Minotaur''s face again and the 3 remaining axes flew straight ahead. It swung at them with its own axe and I sessfully swerved around it again.


    "CLANGGGGGG"


    2 of the axes shattered into pieces as they made contact with the beast''s horns. The remaining axe made it through andnded right next to its left eye again where I''d hit the monster previously. It let out a roar and managed to grab the axe with its other hand and pull it out before I could get a hold of it myself. The beast mmed the axe against its own horn and shattered it to pieces.


    During all of this confusion Nessa had enough time tond a few clean fiery hits on the monster''s legs and retreat back towards me without taking any damage. The Minotaur hardly seemed to notice it at all... its defenses are insane.


    I heard Hudson shout something from behind us as he chugged an MP potion.


    "This is thest one, you all have about a minute left. Make it count!"


    I gritted my teeth and grinned at the monstrosity in front of me. With all odds stacked against me, I''m really starting to enjoy this battle.


    I''ll find a way to win. I have to.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    I look around to see all my new team members fighting for their lives in battle.


    The team of 3 has done some pretty good work on their Minotaur, with a little more time they''ll be able to finish it off.


    Nessa is visibly exhausted, but she''snded a few good hits on the boss with me so far. If I had to guess, I''d say it still has 90% of its HP left. There''s no way we''ll be able to beat it with the strategy we''re working with now.


    I''m out of axes to throw, I left my sword on the ground about 20m away, and we''re running out of time. Hudson has 30 seconds left of his stat buff at best.


    The boss begins to sprint towards me grunting and cracking the earth beneath its massive legs.


    I have to think.... This is the moment in every battle where I feel the most alive. I''m calm, but on the edge of my breaking point as well. My brain is working on overdrive, shing every past battle experience over and over in my head trying to use instinctive pattern recognition to solve my current predicament. It''s the most stressful, yet best feeling in the world.


    The boss is less than 10m away from me now, it''s seconds away from a brutal attack. At this moment an idea finally popped into my head. I yelled to Nessa and positioned my arm backward in the direction of my fallen sword.


    "Hey! How many MP potions do you have on you?"


    She yelled back.


    "Just one left!"


    I smirked as I used telekinesis to make my sword fly back into my right hand.


    "CLANGGGGGGG"


    The moment I gripped my sword the Minotaurs axe came down. I created a thick wall of crystal hardening on the front side of my body and took on the majority of the blow with my sword.


    "CRACKKKK"


    I watched my sword begin to splinter in front of my eyes as the axe pushed me backward. This beast overpowered me again. It followed through with its strike and broke my sword in two. The axe mmed into my torso and shattered my ck crystal armor throwing me backward sliding a solid 15m across the rocky ground.


    While coughing up blood I checked my status. It read out 275/950 HP and 540/950 MP. I have to put my final n into action now if we want to have any chance of surviving this. I chugged myst HP potion and watched the boss quickly turn towards Nessa.


    I stood out in the open with half a sword and a malicious grin across my face while igniting into mes. I threw my broken sword at the Minotaur''s head and used telekinesis to ensure a direct hit.


    "HEYYYY!!! YOU''RE FIGHTING ME, BIG GUY!!!"


    The dull piece of metal hit the back of its head and the beast shifted its focus back to me. I yelled to Nessa.


    "Take that MP potion to Hudson right now! I''ll distract it! Use Mimic on Hudson''s skill and give me a double buff. This is our only chance!"


    Her eyes went wide and nodded. Nessa ran towards Hudson while the boss stared me down getting ready for another attack.


    We''re almost 100m away from Hudson. I have to stall for as long as I can.


    The boss charged. I just ran away. There''s no point in fighting for these next 10 seconds. All I have to do is distract it for a little bit longer.


    I sprinted far away from everyone. With the Minotaur inching closer and closer every second all I''m focusing on is how fast I can move my feet.


    5 secondster...


    The boss is right on my tail. It''s less than 10m away from me, but I don''t dare look back.


    5 more seconds go by, my lungs are burning and my legs have never moved this fast. I feel the ground cracking under every step I take. The beast''s breath is hitting my back. I''ve run out of time...


    "CLANGGGGGG"


    I hear the swing of the axe behind me and harden my back the best I can while bracing for impact.


    ck crystal fragments fly everywhere as my defenses are shattered along with a few bones in my lower spine and I''m thrown 20m forward in the air even further from the battlefield.


    I immediately regenerate my broken back and climb to my feet with a groan. I check my status to see 135/950 HP and 410/950 MP.


    The monster is charging towards me for its final fatal blow. I ignite my entire body into mes and prepare for whatever it''ll throw at me next.


    Then I see a ripple of yellow lighting my way across the ground. She made it just in time. Nessa really pulled through.


    I run forward to match the charge of the boss and concentrate my fire magic into the palms of my hands. We''re less than 10m apart as I plunge into the fast-approaching yellow light.


    I feel even more energy surge into my body. My steps speed up, my magic feels stronger, and I looked at the monster with a very new perspective.


    As we were about to collide I narrowly dodge the axe flying towards me and swerved around its right side. The monster is still very quick and definitely much stronger than me, but the battle I''m fighting in now seems like a slow-motion version of before.


    With the element of surprise, I dodged its de and managed to get behind it. I nted my right leg and turned, carrying a fist full of fire. I shaped the fire magic into a sword and plunged it deep into the Minotaur''s back while letting out a yell.


    I released as much of my fire as I could into the monster while absorbing MP at the same time. This may be the only time I can catch it off guard, I''ll take advantage of this situation as much as I can.


    The monster let out a vicious roar and twisted its body to shake me off for a full 4 seconds. I managed to do some serious damage. It was not happy about it.


    The beast jumped in the air and leaned back. At this moment I knew I overstayed my wee and darted off as fast as I could.


    "THUDDD"


    The boss fell on its back attempting to crush me, but also seeding in putting out some of the mes.


    It got to its feet immediately and stared me down. I made the first move and started running at it, I need to keep the pressure hot while the advantage is mine.


    The double buff will wear out in less than a minute. I''ll have to get it done just like every other battle of this nature; dodge, weave, and only take guaranteed hits. It''s still stronger than me, but I finally have a speed and agility advantage. This is what I''m used to.


    I sprinted forward and spun around its axe. The boss learned from itsst failure and turned its body when the axe swing missed, I wasn''t able to get behind it this time.


    I assumed this would be the case. Mid-turn I focused arge amount of fire magic into my palms and created a dense orb of mes. I let the orb fly out of my hands and used telekinesis to direct its path. The monster''s axe was down on the ground, and its attention was focused on not letting me behind it.


    The orb of fire flew towards the monster''s face and made an impact right in the center of its forehead. It exploded letting out a massive amount of energy and mes.


    The boss let out a roar and put its arms in the air iling in pain. I took this opportunity to summon my fire sword and jumped up to make a deep gash across its chest. On the way down I sliced open its right leg deep to the bone letting my fire burn bright and absorbing MP in the process.


    It shrieked and iled but soon set its focus on me again. The monster was getting tired. It began moving slower, but its deadly stare never changed. This beast will not give up until the end.


    The boss initiated a charge this time and I matched it. I easily dodged its axe swing and ran around its backside. The beast attempted to turn with me, but it has be too slow to keep up with me. That gash on the right leg must have really done a number on it.


    I concentrated everyst bit of MP I had into a final blow. My sword of fire burned bright as I jumped up and sunk it deep into the back of its neck. I let out a yell while releasing a st of energy that brought the beast to its knees.


    A well-fought battle. Without my team members, I couldn''t have won this one.


    I absorbed as much of the dying monster''s MP as I could while continuously releasing fire magic into its body. The boss let out a final grunt, then I heard a ringing in my head that confirmed my victory.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 211


    Hp: 280/1060


    Mp: 205/1060


    Strength: 512 [+128][+128]


    Speed: 606 [+152][+152]


    Agility: 630 [+156][+156]


    Defense: 451 [+180][+113][+113]


    Mental Strength: 512 [+102][+128][+128]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Buffs:


    [25%+ All Base Stats]


    [25%+ All Base Stats]


    _____________


    "I gained... 22 levels..."


    Even while sharing the exp with 5 other team members, that is some serious level gains. My stats are significantly buffed temporarily too. I feel great...


    The body of the Minotaur disappeared in front of me and tworge items fell from the corpse. A massive mana crystal rolled to my feet, but beside ity an item that made me grin ear to ear.


    The massive dark horn of the Minotaur glimmered a deep dark crimson color in the faint light of the dungeon. It was left as a reward for my battle. I could feel the boss emitting a strange aura of dominance even after its death. With a smirk, I ced it in my item storage.


    Momentster I looked up to see a few members of the team running towards me in the distance. Then, after a few seconds, the rest of them followed close behind.


    It looks like we all made it out of here alive. What a relief. This could have totally gone another way.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    I lifted therge mana crystal up in the air to show them the boss''s loot, but the white transfer light already started.


    We were all sent back to the dungeon''s starting point. I heard Hudson''s voice a momentter.


    "That was much harder than I predicted it would be. Usually, one buff is more than enough. I''m d we all made it out unharmed."


    I looked at him with mixed emotions. I''m a bit frustrated with him for letting us all go into this potential death trap with him. On the other hand, he did warn us beforehand... and I''m really d I got to fight an opponent of this magnitude. It''ll prepare me for when I have to fight C ss monsters like this without aid from teammates in the future.


    I replied and tossed the mana crystal up and down in my hand.


    "Ehh it''s fine, I had fun."


    Nessa jumped in.


    "Hey! It''s kind of not fine! We almost all died!"


    I nodded and shrugged.


    "Yeah, but we didn''t."


    This post-fight adrenaline makes up for everything. I don''t really care much about anything but riding this high as long as I can. Nessa was visibly annoyed but in a half-yful way.


    Hudsonughed a little.


    "Well, I think that''s more than enough for today. Jay, would you like toe back to the guild with us?"


    Nessa nodded at me.


    "Yeah, you shoulde and check the guild out! I''d say we have a few things to talk about."


    She winked.


    "You''re right. I''lle."


    Nessa definitely saw me use a few skills at once. I don''t think it matters though, as long as she doesn''t go telling everyone in town about it.


    You can tell a lot about someone when you''re in a life-or-death situation with them. Even with my past issues, and the fact that we just recently met... I''m going to put my trust in Nessa, just like she put her trust in me during our battle with the boss.


    We all stepped out of the dungeon and took the train back to the main Dungeon Hub.


    The area is packed with hunters. Apparently, there''s been a record-high amount of breaks and mutants today. I overheard the guards speaking to a crowd on our way out.


    "All tform clearance ranks have been raised by 1 full ss. It does not matter if you''re in a party. You must be a C ss hunter to enter any of the D ss dungeons until further notice. Please bear with us, this is for your own safety."


    That makes sense. This really must be the peak of the surge...


    Hudson spoke up.


    "Follow me."


    He leads us through the crowd and out into the open street. We walked for less than 10 minutes and came across a tall silver building. It looked like every other office building in the city.


    We walked through the front door and were greeted by two men in formal wear. One of them spoke to Hudson.


    "Wee back so soon, how''d the raid go today."


    He replied.


    "We had some issues, but everyone made it out unharmed. I brought in a new potential recruit, I''d like to talk to the guild master if he''s free."


    "d to hear it, I''ll put in a request for you. Heal up in the training rooms, someone wille to get you once you''ve all fully recovered."


    Hudson nodded and shook the man''s hand while motioning us to follow.


    We took the elevator up a few floors and made it to a long symmetrical hallway that looked just like the training rooms at the Hunters Association. There were just fewer doors in this hallway. Hudson opened the first door on the left and we all walked in.


    It is a white-walled room with the low hum of mana shields. There are a few racks full of armor, weapons, and potions on the back wall. Everyone walks over and starts healing up. Hudson spoke.


    "Go ahead, take what you need to heal yourself."


    I nodded and walked over to drink an HP and an MP potion to restore myselfpletely. Then I heard Hudson''s voice again.


    "Nessa and Jay, stay with me here. Could the rest of you bring the leftover loot to the trade-in center, then take the rest of the day off? We''ve been through enough."


    Nessa and Hudson dropped handfuls of mana onto the ground. The Tank and two women took them all and left the room. Hudson turned to me.


    "Now let''s address the elephant in the room. You''re a multi-skill user. I saw you use at least 3, Nessa did as well. Is this known by anyone else? Are you affiliated with any guilds?"


    I took a deep breath in and out before replying. This feels more like an interrogation than a conversation now, but at least he asked the team members who didn''t see my other skills to leave the room


    "Yes. I have one non-exclusive contract with a small guild in my hometown. I do have a few very promising skills, I appreciate the privacy. It seems you already understand my situation. I only used them to save our lives, I wouldn''t have shown off if I didn''t have to."


    They both nodded. Hudson spoke up.


    "Would you like to join our guild with a non-exclusive as well?"


    "What benefits would I gain? There are already tons of dungeons in the city. Are there any private ones? What''s in it for me?"


    "Well, the only benefit at your current ss we could offer would be a sry and ess to gear to train with."


    "Hmm. Okay. If I were to join I''d like non-disclosure contracts made. Anyone I party with cannot leak information about my skills. You two included. I''d rather not party with anyone new... or honestly with anyone at all if that''s possible."


    "Understood. that could be arranged."


    "What about special dungeons not avable to the public? That''s what I''m interested in, I don''t care much about a sry."


    "We don''t have ess to any unique dungeons yet. The only thing I can think of that could benefit you would be to ess thebyrinth when you reach C ss."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Thebyrinth?"


    Hudson looked a bit puzzled at my response.


    "Thebyrinth. You''ve never heard of it?"


    I shook my head.


    "No... tell me. What is this ce?"


    He grinned.


    "It''s a multistage dungeon at the center of the capital. It''s been there since the Great War. The strongest hunters flock to it from all over the Vice region to raid for riches and experience."


    I scratched my head.


    "A multistage dungeon? What do you mean by that?"


    "Well, it''s easier to exin it in terms of floors. When you enter you''ll be on the level known as floor 1. In the Vicebyrinth, it''s just a goblin dungeon. You have to defeat the boss of each floor to advance to the next. Floor 10 is a dungeon simr in strength to the one we just raided. Every floor increases in difficulty, it is rumored that the Vice Labyrinth is over 50 floors. The more hunters that enter, the bigger thebyrinth grows. The magic energy from hunters that enter is taken in and used to spawn more floors. The one in the city''s center has been growing for around 50 years. No one has made it to thest floor yet."


    I stared at him with my eyes wide.


    "So.. what happens if someone defeats the boss on thest floor?"


    Hudson smiled.


    "Well, thebyrinth disappears. Every once in a while smallerbyrinths spawn in towns or even out in the mountains where there is excess magic build-up. Smaller ones are defeated quickly around here, they can be as small as 10 to 20 floors. The loot is usually very rare and drops a much higher percentage of the time inbyrinths."


    "Wow... I need to try one of those..."


    "They aren''t too well known out in the countryside. It''s mostly government-run, and asionally elite guild members enter. If you''re not from around here, I guess it would make sense for you not to know much about it. I personally have never entered the capitalbyrinth."


    I nodded.


    "Well. In that case, I think I''ll pass on joining the guild for the time being. Maybe when there are some good benefits for me, I rea-"


    *Knock *Knock *Knock


    A woman with long blond hair, ck sses, and carrying arge notepad walked in.


    "Sorry to interrupt. Hudson, your request to see the guild master has been dyed. He''s out of town for a few days."


    Hudson nodded slowly and motioned her to leave.


    "It''s okay. Thank you for letting me know."


    The woman left and we all stood in silence for a few seconds.


    Nessa chimed in.


    "Well. That wentpletely off-topic. We didn''t agree on anything final, but I''m d we cleared a few things up. I just wanted to thank you for today, Jay. Just know, the fact that you''re a multi-skill user is safe with me. I won''t say a word if you don''t want me to."


    She smiled at me.


    Hudson spoke up too.


    "Same with me, I don''t think it''s that big a deal though. This is a big world you know. Eventually, word will have to get out if you want to keep climbing the ranks as a hunter."


    I nodded.


    "You''re right. I appreciate it. I-uh. I think it''s about time I get going."


    "So soon? I could show you around the training facility If you''d like!"


    "Uhmm. I''ll have to pass for now. I''d like to head out before it gets toote in the day. I have a few things to do. I wille by again soon though."


    "Sure,e by anytime you want. We can get some good training in! Nessa, could you show him out to the lobby?"


    I shook Hudson''s hand and followed Nessa out the door and into the elevator. She looked at me curiously. We reached the bottom floor pretty quickly. Nessa smiled and waved.


    "I hope we can party up again. I''d like to get to know you more, ya know."


    I smiled back and waved back.


    "I agree. Maybe I''ll see you in the D ss dungeonster this week. I''ll be back."


    She nodded and the sliding doors closed behind me as I walked away.


    Momentster I made it out into the busy street.


    Labyrinths huh? I vaguely remember reading about them but had no idea there was one here in the city. That''s something to look forward to!


    I started walking towards the market to sell my mana and get this Minotaur Horn checked out. After that, I need to get another new sword! It''ll have to be a lot stronger this time around, I can''t believe I broke another one.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    I made my way back to the market with a smile on my face.


    The guild took the 7 mana from those other monsters, so I think it''s fair that I get to keep the big mana from the boss. It ended up being a pretty even split. The Minotaur Horn, on the other hand... I''ll just take it aspensation for dealing the final blow to the boss. They didn''t even see me ce it in my item storage, so it''s fair game in my mind.


    About 15 minutester I walked into the square and waved to the old merchant.


    "Hey kid! How''s it going? What do ya have for me today?"


    I dumped my mana out onto the silver scale. It read out 3104.53MU.


    "I have one more thing for you as well."


    I looked over my shoulder to make sure no one was looking and reached into my item storage to pull out therge Minotaur Horn.


    *THUDDD*


    I set the huge item on the table and looked at the merchant with a satisfied smile on my face.


    "What can you give me for this? I need to buy a new sword today too, so give me your best price."


    The merchant raised an eyebrow and his eyes went wide as he examined the horn. I watched him scratch his head and feel every inch of it for a solid 30 seconds straight. He finally looked up.


    "This is some rare C Grade material we''re working with here. I''m sure people would pay 5 gold.. No, even 10 gold if you found the right buyer for this."


    I smirked.


    "What is it even used for?"


    "Well, if you can find a good cksmith, horns like these can be turned into incredible des. I personally have never seen one of this size, you could make an incredible sword out of it."


    I grinned while thinking back to my battle with the Minotaur. It shattered 6 axes and my main sword like they were made of ss.


    "Where can I find a cksmith?"


    "If you go to the main shopping center, there''s a pretty good sword shop on the 8th floor. It''s called Apollo''s Sword shop I can give you an addre-"


    "Oh! I''ve been there before. They do custom work?"


    The merchant nodded.


    "That''s great. Yeah, bring that horn in. I''m sure they''ll have a cksmith avable."


    "Thanks! Oh, and for the mana. How about 30 silver?"


    The old man nodded once.


    "Works for me. As always, pleasure doing business."


    I shook the merchant''s hand and ced the silver coins along with the Minotaur''s horn into my item box.


    "You too. Thanks again, old man!"


    With a wave goodbye, I turned and headed off to the shopping center.


    When I arrived I walked into the building to look up and see the sky. This building has some beautiful architecture. The ss walls and open-view ceiling still amaze me. I came here with Rei and Maria not too long ago to buy weapons and test out the sim training rooms.


    The sun is starting to set, the orange light is shining through the building''s open roof as I started to go upstairs. Momentster, I made it to the 8th floor and walked over to the familiar shop.


    A woman wearing a suit greeted me with a small bow.


    "Wee to Apollo''s Sword Shop. Will it just be you today?"


    "Yes, just me."


    "Are you buying, selling, or crafting? Please show me your Hunter''s License."


    I handed her my ID.


    "I-uh I guess I''ll be crafting. I''d like to see a cksmith if that''s possible."


    She nodded and gave me back my ID.


    "Alright, follow me."


    She motioned for me to follow her inside. Once we entered the store she spoke to a man wearing an identical suit to her own.


    "I need a cksmith for a D ss Hunter."


    The man nodded and looked me in the eyes.


    "Pleasee with me, sir."


    I followed him to the back of the room and we went through a red curtain on the wall with a sign above it reading "VIP" in ck letters and a gold frame.


    "Please enter the third room on your left. Your cksmith is ready for you."


    I opened the door after walking down the empty hallway.


    A short bald man sat at the end of a long brown table in a well-lit room with ck walls.


    "Wee, wee! The name''s Frederik. What can I do for you today?"


    "Nice to meet you. I''m Jay. I''d like to have a sword made."


    I took the Minotaur horn out of my item box and set it down on the table. The bald man''s eyes lit up and he started examining the item.


    "This is no ordinary item. You''re looking to make yourself a one-of-a-kind C ss weapon today aren''t you?"


    "Well, yes. I was hoping you could craft something worth my while."


    He continued examining the item and began writing a few things down on a notepad, then looked up at me.


    "You know, we may get some C-grade element stones after this surge is over. It would be a shame to craft such a fine piece of material without bringing out its full potential."


    I looked at him in confusion.


    "Element stones? What are those?"


    "Sometimes rare drops trickle down into the public market from higher-ranking dungeons. The only dungeon I know of that produces element stones in the Vice region is the C ss Advanced Ogre dungeon. The only other possible ce would be the Labyrinth, and no one is crazy enough to go in there these days."


    I nodded and let him babble on. This is the type of guy that just loves the sound of his own voice. He''s a talker.


    "Every once in a while we get a shipment of element stones sent in from the Hunters Association on special order. I''ve seen a few dozen of theme through here in thest couple of years. They are definitely bing a bit less rare with the recent surges, but still pretty hard to get your hands on."


    "Okay.. that''s nice, but what are they?"


    "They''re stones that give off the energy of a certain element. If you defeat a very strong magic user there''s a small chance they''ll drop a stone that corrtes with the type of magic they possessed. It will give off massive amounts of magic energy and slowly dissipate into the air unless stored correctly or fused with another magic item that can contain it. I''ve seen a few water, fire, and earth stones in my day. Those are the mostmon in my personal experience."


    I raised an eyebrow, If that''s what he''s describing... I have an element stone... A fire stone to be exact.


    "Uhh say I brought in an element stone. Could you fuse it with this horn to make me a sword?"


    The man shook his head.


    "Unfortunately no, I can''t. We''re only permitted to fuse stones authorized by the Association. Secondly, I''m not high enough level to fuse stones of that magnitude."


    I used inspect.


    [Lv. 134]


    My eyes went dull and I sighed a bit. Of course, they paired me with this guy. I''m a D ss solo hunter, they wouldn''t expect me toe in her with C ss materials.


    "Do you think there''s any ce in town that could fuse an element stone without an authorization?"


    He scratched his head and thought for a moment.


    "I can''t help you there. I''m sure there''s a ck market for this kind of thing, but I don''t rmend you get involved in that kind of thing. People go missing all the time in those parts of the city.


    I nodded and ced the Minotaur Horn back into my item box.


    "Hey, thanks for the help and the information. I think I''m going to wait a little while before crafting this sword. You''re right, an element stone would be a great addition."


    He nodded and smiled, the man didn''t seem too disappointed that he''d just lost a customer by running his mouth. This must happen often.


    "It''s okay. Come back in after the surge finishes up. There''s a chance we may have what you''re looking for in stock!"


    I thanked the man again and walked out the door to make my way down to the ground level.


    That wasn''t a total waste of time, I did learn some pretty good info.


    "Gurrrgllleeee"


    My stomach curled up into a ball and threatened toe up my throat. I haven''t eaten all day, I need something now!


    I walked all the way back toward the food market and found a busy local bar. I sat next to an older-looking man and gave him a head nod as I got the bartender''s attention.


    "Could I get your special, and whatever beer you have on draft."


    "Sure thing,ing right up."


    I nodded and sat back with a sigh and looked at the sky.


    The old man turned to me, I took a good look at him. He wore a very sturdy leather jacket, worn-out jeans, and big ck heavy boots. His hands were rough and covered in a substance that looks like it''s been caked on for decades. A true working man. I wonder what he does here in the city....


    "Hey, what do you do for work old man?"


    He chuckled.


    "Oh, you don''t wanna know kid."


    Then gulped down the rest of his beer while motioning for the bartender to get him another ss.


    I used inspect out of curiosity.


    [Lv. 368]


    My eyes went wide.


    "Are you a hunter?"


    Heughed at me again. The bartender came back with my food and two drinks. One for me, and one for the old man. He looked at me with his tired eyes and raised his ss. I raised mine as well.


    *Clink*


    We both took a long swig, then he replied.


    "I used to be a hunter. The association banned me from dungeons long ago though."


    I could tell by the tone of his voice that it''d be better if I don''t ask too many more questions about his past. At the same time, this encounter couldn''t have gone any better. Who better to ask for a ck market smith?


    "Ahhh enough said."


    He nodded. I began to eat my food.


    After a few minutes, the old man finished his new drink, and I was nearing the end of my own. He waved the bartender over and asked for another.


    I interrupted and threw a silver coin on the counter.


    "Drinks on me tonight old man."


    He grinned.


    "Now you''re speaking mynguage."


    The bartender brought over a few more rounds and we drank as the sun set. Eventually, the old man spoke up.


    "All right kid, I''ve been around the block a few more times than days you''ve been alive. I appreciate the drinks, but what is it? What do ya want?"


    I raised an eyebrow and gulped down thest of my drink to calm my nerves.


    "I''m new to town. I need an introduction to a good cksmith. Someone off the books."


    He smirked and finished his own drink.


    "Ahhh that''s it? I thought this was going to be a lot more serious. Kids these days crack me up."


    He took a pen off the bar''s register and scribbled something down on a napkin.


    "Here. Show up early in the morning and ask for Briana. She can make whatever you need, just be ready to pay the price."


    I took the paper with a wide grin across my face.


    "Thanks a lot! Maybe I''ll see you around, drinks on you next time?"


    Heughed.


    "Yeah right, kid!"


    With a smile and a wave, I left the bar and started walking towards the Inn.


    What a sessful day! I can''t wait to get this sword crafted tomorrow.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    I made it back to the Inn and nodded to the man sitting behind the front desk before riding the elevator up to my room.


    After my usual hot shower, I fell into bed and stared at the ceiling thinking about my day.


    Maybe the folks at the Tara Guild are a group of good people after all. I wouldn¡¯t mind seeing Nessa and Hudson again. I really enjoyed that boss fight and gained a lot more levels, but I think I¡¯ll try to take tomorrow off from fighting. It''d be better to focus on crafting my new sword and take a day to rx.


    The drinks from earlier allowed my mind to wander aimlessly as I fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning my mind and body were rejuvenated entirely as I jumped out of bed.


    After taking the elevator down to the lobby I saw the Inn Keeper smile and wave at me as I walked towards the front door.


    ¡°Another day of hunting?¡±


    ¡°Nahh, today¡¯s my day off.¡±


    ¡°Probably a good n. There weren¡¯t any major breaksst night. It seems the surge hit its peak yesterday. There may be some minor activity for another day or two, but we made it through another one.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? That¡¯s good to hear."


    He nodded.


    ¡°Well, have a nice rxing day sir.¡±


    I walked out the door and replied.


    ¡°You too, have a great day!¡±


    The sun just came up over the horizon as I walked following the directions of the old man¡¯s sloppily written address.


    My stomach still feels kind of full fromst night, but it¡¯s probably a better idea to eat now and not worry about itter. I stopped by a small family-run diner to grab a breakfast sandwich before making my way toward the opposite side of town.


    The further I walked the more off-putting the environment felt. The buildings became shorter and more run down. Everyone around wore less well-kept clothing and the general feel for the town was a bit more rugged. I expected this though, I am trying to find a ck market after all.


    All of the tall silver buildings were glimmering in the distance, there''s apletely different way of life out here. Most of the buildings were made of red bricks, others were old school and made of wood.


    About a third of the buildings are definitely abandoned because the windows are cracked and some doors arepletely smashed in. There¡¯s no way anyone lives in those.


    This part of town is where all the outcasts from the city reside. There¡¯s a bar on every corner and they¡¯re mostly filled with guys in dark rugged clothing, tattoos, and dirty hands. Just like the old man at the barst night, these people have had long and tough lives.


    Some of them look really intimidating and mean, but the majority of people here areughing and having a good time. It¡¯s just a crowd I¡¯m not used to, there¡¯s no point in thinking poorly of them. We¡¯re all living life with the hand we were dealt day by day.


    After about 30 minutes of walking in total, I finally found the building that belonged to the address. It¡¯s about 3 stories high and made of old bricks. There are two big-looking men in ck leather jackets standing outside. The structure has no open windows where anyone could see clearly inside.


    I walked straight up to the front door and talked to the men.


    ¡°Hey. Uhh, I¡¯m looking for Briana.¡±


    The man on the right raised an eyebrow while smirking and stepping forward.


    ¡°Oh yeah? What for? You don¡¯t seem to be from around here.¡±


    I gulped and used inspect.


    [Lv. 144]


    [Lv. 151]


    I let out sigh of relief and stood my ground confidently. These guys may be high-level to the usual thugs around here, but they don¡¯t scare me.


    ¡°I need a smith. I was told Briana can craft what I need.¡±


    They bothughed and turned to mutter a few things to each other before nodding and opening the door.


    ¡°You seem serious enough, just no funny business kid. Mess around and you¡¯re dead.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    I walked through the front door and was pretty surprised at what I saw.


    There were almost a dozen people working at desks reading books and writing things down on papers. Every desk had piles of swords, potions, rings, bracelets, and magic gear I¡¯d never seen before. It looked like they were filing and keeping stock ofrge quantities of magic items.


    The man who let me in spoke up.


    ¡°Go up to the third floor, I¡¯m sure she knows you¡¯reing.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    I walked through the working men and women while eyeing the gear they were sifting through. Some of it looks like some pretty good quality stuff.


    At the end of the room, there¡¯s a spiral staircase that goes both up and down. I walked up it.


    The second floor wasn¡¯t anything like I expected either. There were two women on either side of the room working at desks. They seemed to be filing more items and doing paperwork as well, but these workers were in less of a rush than the ones downstairs.


    At the end of the room, there''s an empty desk. A tall thin man with short ck hair stood next to it while reading a book. He looked up at me through his wire framed ssed and gave me a nod of approval as I continued upstairs.


    Once I finally made it to the top floor of the building I immediately felt and ominous presence in the room. It feels like I just walked into their of a beast¡­


    What¡¯s wrong with this ce¡­.?


    The room¡¯s walls are lined from floor to ceiling with books. It¡¯s pretty dimly lit, so can¡¯t even see the back of the roompletely.


    ¡°Hello? Sorry for the intrusion, its just I-¡°


    ¡°Wee, I¡¯ve been expecting you.¡±


    I heard a woman¡¯s voice from the back of the room and slow footsteps followed.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jay. Nice to meet you.¡±


    I used inspect and enemy detection to try and get a better idea of who''s in the room with me.


    [Lv. 488]


    My eyes went wide¡­ She¡¯s... Level 488.... Who is this woman¡­.?


    ¡°Nice to meet you Jay. Call me Bri. No need to be too formal."


    She finally walked into the light, I couldn¡¯t help but stare. Bri wore tight cktex pants and a fis shirt that showed her tight matchingtex bra underneath. The ck clothing contrasted her smooth olive skin incredibly well.


    She stood around 190cm tall, that¡¯s including her ck leather lifted boots.


    Her eyes were such a deep brown color that they lookedpletely ck. To top it all off, her silky jet-ck hair fell down and wrapped around the front of her thin waist.


    I don¡¯t know exactly what I was expecting¡­ but it wasn¡¯t this¡­.


    ¡°N-Nice to meet you too, Bri.¡±


    She smiled and pointed one finger in the air. A white light glowed around her hand, then expanded to illuminate the entire room.


    There¡¯s a wooden desk at the back of the room. A ck chair stood behind it with red velvet padding and gold edges to make it look like a throne.


    In front of the desk, there¡¯s arge matching red and gold couch as well. It must be for guests like myself.


    At closer examination in the light, the walls aren¡¯t just covered in books. There are all kinds of potions, stones, and weapons up on racks. I¡¯ve never seen most of these magic items before.


    ¡°Please, once you¡¯re done admiring my collection have a seat. I believe we have some business to discuss.¡±


    Bri smiled and looked me directly in the eyes as she turned to walk back to her desk.


    I shook myself from my daydream and followed her.


    She sat in her throne with both arms on her desk looking straight ahead as I made myselffortable on the couch. It¡¯s time to get straight to the point.


    ¡°I would like to have a sword crafted, apparently you¡¯re the woman for the job.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems I am. Let me see what materials you''ve brought in.¡±


    I paused for a moment. My items are in my storage system¡­ She sensed my hesitation and spoke up.


    ¡°Anything you show me during our meeting will never leave this room, I promise. Our word is all we have in this line of business, trust me.¡±


    I nodded and stood up to take out the Minotaur horn from my item storage, she didn¡¯t bat an eye as I ced in on the desk.


    ¡°I have an element stone too, how can I transfer that to you safely?¡±


    Bri took out a clear crystal tray about the size of my hand from a drawer in her desk. It began to hum and glow white.


    I gulped and took out the stone from my storage system. It burned my hand horribly as I transferred it to the tray. mes flew everywhere, I¡¯ve never taken this thing out in a small room like this before. It felt horribly dangerous, but Bri just grinned a little. I used self regenerate to heal my hand behind my back.


    The second I ced the stone on the tray it stopped producing mes. It just sat there¡­ the stone looked like a red mana crystal. I stared at it curiously and Bri spoke up.


    ¡°These are some high-grade items, not bad. I can only imagine where you got them.¡±


    She felt the Minotaur¡¯s horn all over and began examining the element stone closely as well. About 30 secondster she looked up at me.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll make you a sword, It¡¯ll take me a few hours at most.¡±


    I grinned ear to ear, then Bri spoke up again.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s talk about cost.¡±


    ¡°Sure, how much will this de run me?¡±


    She looked at me with a serious stare.


    ¡°To get started, I¡¯ll need 8oz of your blood and 10 gold coins.¡±


    That smile left my face immediately and I got up to my feet.


    ¡°Hey! Hey! Wait a minute! Since when is blood a payment type? What-¡°


    She rolled her eyes and chuckled.


    ¡°Sit down. The blood isn¡¯t part of the payment, I need to pair the element stone with the sword user. Without a blood bond, the stone will always burn you when you use it.¡±


    I sat down and nodded slowly.


    ¡°A blood bond? Okay. That makes more sense, I didn''t know you had to do that. Hmm. Uhh, about that 10 gold. I don¡¯t have enough on me¡­just uhh, give me a few days I can ge-¡°


    ¡°No worries, you don''t have to pay in gold."


    I looked at her curiously. We stared at each other in silence for a moment until she spoke up again.


    "I have another way for you to pay me.¡±


    Bri looked me up and down and a grin slowly formed across her face.


    "W-What¡¯s that? What do you mean?¡±


    She pointed to the spiral staircase at the back of the room, then looked me in the eyes and pointed down.


    ¡°Survive one fight in the Rumble Dome.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°The what?¡±


    Her grin grew even bigger.


    ¡°It¡¯s an underground cage-fighting league. If you win one fight, the sword is yours free of charge.¡±


    This isn¡¯t exactly what I expected I''d be getting myself into on my day off... I smirked and began to tingle with excitement.


    ¡°Deal.¡±

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Bri pointed at the floor and that same white light started to glow all around her hand. With a swift motion, she threw the orb of light at the floor. It sank right through and disappeared out of sight. She looked up at me and spoke.


    "My assistant wille up here shortly, shall we begin?"


    "Begin now? I thought I had to win a match for you to make the sword."


    She grinned.


    "Well, you need a sword to fight with don''t you?"


    I scratched my head awkwardly.


    "I do, you''re right."


    "You''ll fight when I finish the de. I don''t see element stones of this grade very often. If I''m going to make a sword of this caliber, I''d at least like to have some advertising done for my services. You better put on a good show."


    I thought to myself for a moment.


    That''s why she offered me this option. She wants everyone watching the fight to know she made this sword. Ugh, business people or ya, always scheming up something.


    "Makes sense, I ju-"


    *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*


    The tall pale man in sses from the second floor knocked politely at the top of the spiral staircase.


    "Ms. Briana, I am at your service."


    He bowed and Bri spoke up.


    "One moment, Bernard."


    He nodded and Bri turned back to me.


    "Put out your arm, I need to extract a little blood."


    She pulled out a small ss jar with a cork in the top from her desk along with a shiny dagger. My eyes opened wide.


    "Hey! There has to be a safer way to do this, you don''t have a needle or something?"


    She smirked.


    "What? You scared?"


    "N-No, its just-"


    "Good. Don''t worry about it, I''ll heal you up before you leave."


    I gulped and put my left arm out in front of her.


    Bri ripped the cork out of the bottle with her teeth and looked me in the eyes before sizing up my arm. Without hesitation, she sliced open a vein in my forearm and ced the jar directly on the open area. Thick red liquid spurted out instantly, her expression didn''t change one bit as the bottle filled up to the brim. She screwed the cork back on and threw the jar of fresh blood up and down in her hand with a slight grin. I just watched her mutte me in disbelief.


    "H-Hey I''m still bleeding here!"


    My blood is flowing much slower than it started, but it was stilling out and making a mess all over the floor.


    Bri''s hand lit up with a green light and she ced it over my sliced-up arm. I felt a warm sensation as the skin grew back together and the gashpletely disappeared.


    "Fixed."


    It''d probably be better to not ask any stupid questions right now.... But that''s two skills she''s used so far.... Just making a mental note.


    I nodded. She spoke up again.


    "Give me a little while. I''ll have your sword ready for the fight scheduled around noon. Let me see your status, we have to make sure you''re paired up in the right level ss."


    I froze.


    "I-I''m Level 211, there''s no need to show my status..."


    She shook her head.


    "It''s either you show it to me, or the fightmissioner. I know you have something going on... Youe here with a Mutant Minotaur Horn and an element stone that''s nearly B ss in purity grade. You''re not an ordinary hunter, I know that for sure."


    I gulped and scanned the room.


    "I-uhh."


    "Just show me. What can I do? Run to the Association and tell them your secret? I''m thest person you should be worried about showing. As I said before, this is a confidential meeting. Nothing leaves this room, you have my word."


    I took a death breath in and out. She has a good point... Who would she even tell? It could only ruin her confidentiality reputation.


    I opened my status and turned it towards her.


    Bri''s eyes lit up. She stared for over 10 seconds straight before I got anxious and closed my window.


    "Those aren''t purchased skills are they? Not even country leaders have enough money to get skills like that..."


    I looked at her in confusion again.


    "You can buy skills?"


    She grinned and eyed me up and down.


    "I like you. I hope you don''t die in the ring today."


    "Hey, that doesn''t answer my question!"


    Bri turned back to her desk and motioned for me to leave.


    "Follow Bernard downstairs. He''ll get you ready for your fight. Ask him whatever you''d like to know. I''m busy."


    She began writing a few things down on a notepad and the thin man walked over to me slowly.


    "Nice to formally meet you, sir. I''ll be taking care of you for the time being. Please follow me."


    "I-Uhh Hey! Bri! I-"


    "Please follow me, Ms. Briana is busy working at the moment."


    The light in the room started to fade back to darkness as Bernard escorted me to the spiral stairs. That meeting ended so abruptly, I don''t even know what to think.


    I''m getting the sword made a least. I guess it went well....


    "Hey! Bernard! What was she saying earlier? Do people buy skills? And are they really that expensive?"


    He nodded as we made our way down the stairs.


    "Of course, It''s possible. Nobles have often used entire generational savings to purchase a skill for a prodigy in the family."


    I looked at him curiously.


    "Why are they so much? Where can you get them?"


    "Well, the reason skills are valued so high is that most people are just stuck with the ones they''re born with. The option to add on extra skills is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even for the elite ss. Every year or two a skill stone shows up in the capital auction. The amount of money people bid is preposterous, but when you have that kind of money and power It''s the only thing worth buying. I understand why they all do it."


    "Skill stones? I''ve never even heard of them... Where do theye from?"


    "As I said, every year or two one shows up in the capital auction. My guess is they''re found deep in thebyrinth. There''s never been a report of skill stones being found in normal dungeons, if there were everyone would flock to it and hunt that dungeon dry."


    I nodded and thought to myself quietly as we continued to walk down the stairs.


    We made it to the street-level floor and began walking further down. After another 10m or so of walking, I started to hear voices and people walking around... It sounds like there are a lot of them.


    We made it to level ground where I found myself with Bernard in a stone cer consisting of a small wooden stool, a fewrge crates, and a heavy-looking metal door. He opened the door slowly and I couldn''t believe my eyes.


    It''s an open area about 30m wide and 5m of ceiling height that seems to go on forever. The floors and walls are made of old stone and the wide hall is lit up with torches and various magic items. Some lights are white, others are yellow, and some are orange. It isn''t quite congruent, but it works well enough.


    There''s a full underground marketce beneath this town.


    It feels like the city market, but much dirtier and the people are much tougher looking. It''s where all the ouws buy and sell illegal or stolen goods. Makeshift merchant stands line the open hall selling swords, daggers, and shields. Others are cooking delicious-smelling food and pouring drinks. Mana crystals are being bought and sold along with potions and all kinds ofmon magic items.


    Bernard began to walk through the market.


    "Come on, don''t you want to purchase some extra equipment before your fight? I''m sure you''ll find something you like here."


    I shook myself out of my daydream state. I''d been staring at the crowds of people going about their day for a little too long.


    "Oh, uhh yes. I''ming, right away."


    I followed Bernard deeper into the underground market.


    At closer examination, most of the magic items were pretty poor quality. Mostly E-ss mana crystals and small potions that I assume skill users are making by themselves down here.


    The food definitely smelled good though, it''s pretty hard to mess that up.


    Bernard kept walking quickly down the center of the pathway. I spoke up.


    "Hey! Are we going anywhere in particr? None of this gear looks any good. To be honest, I''d rather just go to the normal market."


    He replied without turning back to me.


    "Just a little further. I know the perfect shop."


    After another 3 minutes or so of walking, Bernard finally stopped and turned to a small merchant stand.


    It looked like every other stand to me. Standard potions, a variety of E ss Swords, and a few piles of mana crystals. Once we arrived a middle-aged merchant looked up and smiled.


    "Bernard! What brings you down here today?"


    He smiled back.


    "Morning Henry. Ms. Briana has a new toy she wants to see fight in the Rumble Dome. I''m here to make sure he doesn''t break before she''s had her fun. The sword is being crafted as we speak, but he has nothing else. Do you have anything new in stock that''s worth looking at? Speed or Defense Items will suit him best right now I think."


    I turned to him abruptly.


    "HEY! Bri''s Toy?? What are you talking about."


    Both the menughed and ignored myment. Henry spoke up.


    "Sure, there were a few unregistered dungeon pop-ups yesterday at the peak of the surge, this is what we managed to salvage."


    He dug through an item box and pulled out a ton of shields, rings, and potions. I looked at all of it, but nothing really caught my eye. They''re all just normal defense or magic-boosting items. Not too special.


    "Oh right, these just came in too. A pair of beauties, when''s thest time you saw a 60% boost?"


    He pulled out a pair of jet-ckbat boots. They looked like they were made of cloth, but looked very sturdy at the same time.


    I interjected.


    "A 60% stat boost? In what?"


    He grinned.


    "Speed. Rumor is these came from an unregistered elf dungeon about 20km south of the capital. The dungeon broke already, these may be a one-of-a-kind item around here."


    I eyed the boots curiously. They look really cool... but also have a 60% speed stat boost. That would be an incredible addition to my fighting ability. Its far as I can remember I''ve never seen speed-boosting items before. I need this pair of boots.


    "How much?"


    "3 gold and they''re yours."


    Iughed. It''s not a horrible price, but I''d rather get them for much lower. It''s time to haggle.


    "Yeah right! I''ll give you 1 gold."


    "You really wanna do this kid? 2 gold 75 silver final offer."


    "Nope, way too much. Not interested."


    I turned away with a smirk on my face, the merchant offered me another deal almost immediately.


    "2 gold, 50 silver. That''s my real final offer. What do you say?


    "Sorry, too much. Who carries around that kind of cash? 1 gold, that''s all I can do."


    He turned to Bernard.


    "Who is this kid anyways, why''d you bring me a lowballer today of all days."


    He ginned.


    "Looks like you''re getting a taste of your own medicine Henry."


    Bernard looked at both of us.


    "Meet at 2 gold. It''s a good deal for both of you."


    Henry and I looked at each other for a moment, then nodded and shook hands.


    "Deal."


    "Deal."


    I ced a gold coin on the table and counted out 100 silver before trying on the boots.


    The second I slipped them on they magically tightened to fit my feet. I felt a burst of energy flow through my legs and up into my body. It felt just like handling a new sword with a strength boost, but even better somehow...


    Bernard looked me up and down then turned to the merchant.


    "They look good. Appreciate it Henry, have a good rest of your day."


    "You too."


    He smiled at us both but gave me a side eye as we walked further away. I think my haggling earlier turned him off of me a bit. Bernard spoke up.


    "All right, follow me. We have one more thing to do."


    I turned to follow him even deeper into the underground market.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    The underground market seemed to go on forever. We walked for about 20 more minutes, every new merchant stand looked the same to me. Every 100m or so there were doors and hallways that lead off of the main path, but they all either lead up to the surface or were private property.


    Bernard finally stopped in front of another small merchant shop and smiled at an old bald man that was half asleep sitting on a small wooden crate.


    "Morning Tom!"


    The old merchant shook his head and stood to his feet immediately in a startled fashion.


    "O-hoo! It''s you! Good morning to you too Bernard. How can I help ya?"


    "Have any extra lives in stock? The kid needs at least a D grade for his fight today in the Rumble Dome."


    The old man grinned.


    I just looked at them both in confusion for a few seconds and spoke up.


    "An... extra life? What do you mean by that?"


    They both ignored my question.


    The old merchant started to dig through a box full of junk items for a bit longer than I had the patience for.


    I became antsy and started looking around his small shop examining random items that I had no intention of buying. Most of the stuff in here is just old E ss potions and used gear... Honestly, every shop looks like this down here. I guess you really have to get to know your sellers to find the good stuff.


    Finally, Tom pulled a small cube-shaped piece of metal with a long ck string tied around it from under his pile of scrap items.


    "Here she is. It''s probably got a day or two left on it, a mid-level D Grade I reckon. You know I make em'' cheap, but it''ll definitely save your life in a pinch. 3 silver and it''s yours."


    Bernard nodded and turned to me.


    "You heard him, 3 silver."


    I squinted my eyes and looked at the cube of metal on the end of a ragged string.


    "3 silver for what? A good luck charm? What am I even buying here?"


    Bernard rolled his eyes.


    "Just buy it. I''ll exin on the way back."


    I''m really getting pushed around here... It''s starting to get annoying.


    "Fine."


    I handed the old merchant 3 silver coins and he took them while handing me the odd magic item.


    "Pleasure doing business with ya! Try it on kid."


    I let the metal cube sit in my hand for a few seconds. A very light hum came off the item. The only reason I even noticed is because of the slight vibrations it gave off in my hand.


    Without much thought, I tied the cube around my neck with the long ck sting and let it hang next to my cyclops pendant. I didn''t feel any change in my abilities.... Bernard nodded at me.


    "Great, I think that''ll be enough for now. You''re not much of a shield user are you?"


    I looked at him in disgust. Sure, it might help me out a lot in closebat battles but It would slow me down a lot. Speed is my number one stat that I take advantage of. Plus, just picturing myself with a shield makes meugh. None of the main heroes inics use a shield. It may be a pretty childish thought, but I think going into battle without a shield looks so much cooler.


    "Nope, you''re right. Definitely not a shield user."


    He sighed.


    "What a shame. Well, I hope luck favors you today. We''re heading back."


    I followed him close behind while we walked back the way we came.


    "Hey! So, what did I just buy anyways? You said you were going to exin!!"


    Bernard didn''t turn around, but he replied.


    "It''s a pretty unique item actually. Tom has an interesting skill that lets him merge potions with certain magic metals. This one in particr, he coined as an "extra life". He said it''s around middle D grade, so it''ll add an extra 500 or so HP to your stats temporarily."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Really? He said itsts a few days...Couldn''t I just get a ton of these and wear them whenever the old one wears out?"


    "Yes and no. It''s called an extra life because they''re mostly used for life-or-death situations. Yes, it''s a 500 HP stat boost, but that just means it''ll absorb the next 500 HP worth of damage you take on. Once it has taken in all the damage it can, the ne will break and you''ll be on your own. In a Rumble Dome match potions aren''t allowed, so this will just give you an extra edge in HP. Does that make sense?"


    "Okay. Yeah, it does."


    I guess for 3 silver, you can''t really go wrong. Although I was a bit annoyed at Bernard earlier, this made up for it. A one-time-use item like this could be the difference between life and death in a 1 on 1 fight. Wait a minute... that reminds me...


    "Hey! Bernard! How do you win one of these cage fights? It''s not a straight up death match is it?"


    He turned and grinned.


    "The winner is decided when their opponent is either knocked out cold, falls asleep, admits defeat, or is killed."


    "Okay. That''s uhm, good to know. So, anything goes in these matches?"


    "Yep. Anything goes. There''s no dirty trick in the book that can''t be used. All magic items and gear are allowed except HP and MP potions, which would just make matches never-ending. The only other rule that''s set in stone is the level ss system. You''ll be fighting in the U250, or better known as the Under 250 ss. This ensures a more fair fight."


    "Okay. Hmm. Good to know. Thanks for the help today."


    "Of course. If it''s Bri''s wish, then it''s mymand."


    We continued to walk back toward the building we came from. I watched the merchants and outcasts buy and sell their gear all around me. It really made me wonder what other treasures I might find down here if I search for long enough.


    "All right! Here we are!"


    Bernard opened the heavy metal door and we started to make our way back upstairs. We''ve been underground for a little over an hour. I spoke up.


    "Could the sword really be done already?"


    He nodded while we approached the first floor.


    "Probably yes, but we will not enter the office until I''m given the signal. Please follow me, I''ll entertain you on the 2nd floor while we wait."


    "Oh, okay."


    Once we climbed the staircase to the 2nd floor I noticed the two women working on either side of the room again. I didn''t get a close look at them before. They''re both plugging away at some busy work in silence. Bernard stepped forward into the room motioning for me to follow.


    "These are my assistants. Please introduce yourself."


    They looked up from their seats and both stared me in the eyes. I couldn''t tell them apart at first nce. They both wore light blue dresses, had matching blue eyes, tied up their bright blond hair in a bun, and stood around 160cm.


    "Nice to meet you, I''m Jay."


    The two of them both got out of their seats and simultaneously bowed while replying.


    "Nice to meet you, I''m Chloe."


    "Nice to meet you, I''m Zoe."


    I blinked twice and rubbed my eyes then looked at them both again. They smiled and bobbed their heads back and forth before going straight back to work in unison.


    Bernard walked over to his desk and offered me a seat in a flimsy-looking wooden chair he must use for guests.


    "They''re great aren''t they?"


    I looked at him with a bit of concern.


    "Uhh, yeah I bet they are."


    Bernard sat down and pulled out a book from the small pile on his desk.


    "It shouldn''t be too long now, please pick any book you''d like in the meantime."


    He crossed his legs and adjusted his sses before opening the book to where he''d left off previously. I began to sift through the pile to see if there''d be anything worth reading. They''re all old science and math books... These look like they were written before the dungeons even showed up over 80 years ago. I guess he enjoys the ssic fundamentals. I for one, get bored out of my mind reading books like this.


    I kept awkwardly shuffling through the books and reading the back covers for a solid 20 minutes. I couldn''t find a single fantasy, or even a history book of some kind to cure my boredom for the time being.


    I just decided to give up and stare at the ceiling.... After just 5 minutes of counting the specs of dirt I saw an orb of white light sink through the solid floor above me. Looks like I''ve been saved by the bell!


    Bernard looked up from his reading.


    "That''s our cue. Ms. Briana is ready for us."


    I grinned with excitement.


    "Finally! I get to see my finished sword!"

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    Bernard walked me up the stairway back to Bri¡¯s room, or better yet, herir.


    ¡°How was your shopping trip? Find anything good?¡±


    She walked towards us as I stepped into her office. Bernard stayed back and let me approach.


    ¡°Yeah, I got a few things!¡±


    I lifted the new ne off my chest while kicking up my right foot to show the new boots.


    Bri nodded and walked towards her desk. Arge ck rectangr box rested in the middle of it. She nced over at me, then back to the box.


    ¡°Come open it, I think you¡¯re going to be happily surprised.¡±


    A mischievous grin appeared on her face. I didn''t care, I walked over to the case with a smirk of my own.


    I stood over the box with both hands hovering over either side. Bri stepped back and I gulped to calm my nerves. The box hummed quietly, it must be some sort of containment item.


    *Click*


    I grabbed both sides of the box and opened it in one swift movement for a grand reveal.


    The room felt different the moment my eyes met the de. It¡¯s almost like it has a mind of its own and it just found its new owner¡­ I can''t shake the feeling it''s watching me.


    It¡¯s a long sword with a very simr shape that I¡¯m used to, but it¡¯s jet-ck and glimmers blood red depending on how you look at it In the light. I can already tell it''s a one-of-a-kind piece.


    I reach towards the handle and that feeling of being watched bes stronger and stronger.


    I tighten my face and got into a sturdy stance, it only feels natural. I grab the sword and hold it high up in the air.


    It began to glow a dim crimson shade the moment I grasped it, but the color returned to ck a few secondster. The de¡¯s handle feels warm to the touch. Initially, it felt like there was foreign energy flowing into my body, but now it feels very natural like the energy belongs to me. There¡¯s a significant strength stat boost, I feel incredible.


    I looked the sword up and down as I brought it back down to my side. The feeling of being watched is totally gone now. I didn¡¯t just imagine it out of excitement, did I?


    Next, I check my status.


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 211


    Hp: 1060/1060 [+500/500]


    Mp: 1060/1060


    Strength: 512 [+384]


    Speed: 606 [+364]


    Agility: 630


    Defense: 451 [+180]


    Mental Strength: 512 [+102][+128]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Extra Life [Bonus 500 HP]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+75% Strength][+25% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    ¡°The¡­ me Emperor¡¯s Sword¡­?¡±


    I gripped the handle tighter and smirked. Bri walked towards me.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d like the name, I came up with it myself. I think you have great potential.¡±


    I turned to face her and bowed politely.


    ¡°Thanks. When''s the fight?¡±


    Bri smirked.


    ¡°The next match is in a little under an hour. I put your name on the roster and registered you in the U250 league. I¡¯m your sponsor, so don¡¯t die out there. It¡¯ll make me look bad.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Ya know I wasn¡¯t nning on it!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a special sword. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve made one quite like it. It¡¯ll definitely have a wild spirit in the heat battle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll what?¡±


    She grinned and turned towards the door.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if you find out on your own. Let¡¯s head off to the Rumble Dome, I¡¯d like to watch your match. Bernard, hold down the fort while I¡¯m gone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Briana. Leave it to me.¡±


    With a nod he walked downstairs and left Bri and me standing alone in her office.


    Bri put her finger up in the air and the light in the room started to slowly disappear as she walked toward the stairs.


    I took onest good look at my sword and put it into my item box so It¡¯d be essible without using my storage skill. I followed her all the way down to the cer and through the heavy metal door.


    ¡°This way, it shouldn¡¯t take too long.¡±


    Again, I feel like I¡¯m being dragged around.. but I signed up for this. There¡¯s no backing out now. Plus, I¡¯m itching to try out this new sword. Preferably on some monsters, but people will have to do for the time being.


    With my boosted stats and new items, there¡¯s no way anyone could be even close to my league¡­ right?


    We walked through the underground market in silence for a little under half and hour until finally Bri spoke up.


    ¡°This is it.¡±


    She stopped and turned to a normal-looking metal door. It seemed like all the other ones, but a few people were standing outside it waiting in line. We did the same.


    After another 5 minutes the line got to us and we waited in front of the metal door. A small area near the key hole opened up and a voice came out.


    ¡°What¡¯s the password?¡¯


    Bri rolled her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Briana, I don¡¯t need a password!¡±


    I could hear the locks on the doors clicking and turning rapidly and the door swung open.


    ¡°Y-Yes ma¡¯am, wee back to the Rumble Dome. Please find a seat in any high rollers booth you¡¯d like.¡±


    Bri grinned and nodded at the short skinny man behind the door and she motioned for me to follow her in.


    My eyes opened wide as we walked forward into the underground room. It had high ceilings that went up about 20m. This must be connected to a warehouse or something on the surface and they just hallowed the building leaving a frame above ground.


    The room itself is about 50m by 50m wide and long. There are poorly made metal bleachers that go up about 5m and VIP-looking booths on top of each of them. Most of the crowd is on the ground. If I had to guess, there are about 150 people packed into this room screaming and shouting at the spectacle in the center of the room.


    I¡¯ve never seen anything like it¡­. Now I understand why its called the Rumble Dome.


    There¡¯s a circr white flooring that is about 15m in diameter in the center of the room. The entire floor is surrounded by a fence like material that encapstes the fight pit in a dome looking structure. The metal is covered in wires and powered by magical items to protect the audience from what happens within. It¡¯s a makeshift mana shield, it¡¯s continuously shaking and forcing the ground rumble all around it.


    What a sight to see¡­ this is the Rumble Dome. Bri spoke up.


    ¡°Enough staring, let¡¯s get up close. We have enough time to watch one fight before yours.¡±


    I nodded and walked forward with her.


    We weaved through the crowd of cheering fans drunk off the excitement of violence.


    Once we got close to the dome the rumbling was pretty intense. It¡¯s really loud, but people here don¡¯t seem to mind at all.


    In the arena right now there were two fighters in the middle of battle. There¡¯s a short blond man with a scar across his eye holding two daggers and zipping around the circle attempting tond hits on his opponent. The opponent seems to be a tank of some sort. He¡¯s a heavier set man, so he can¡¯t match the speed of his opponent. All he¡¯s doing is positioning himself behind his shield and blocking every attack thates his way.


    The crowd seems to love it.


    It¡¯s interesting, but these are clearly some lower-level D-ss fighters, maybe even high E-ss with decent gear. I can follow their movements very easily.


    Still, it¡¯ll be entertaining to watch.


    I stood there watching the match ensue with my arms crossed while Bri patiently watched as well.


    After 3 more minutes of pointless running around the dagger user started slowing down. He must have used up a lot of his MP or just regr endurance. The tank made his move.


    With a loud yell, he jumped out from behind his shield while the dagger user attacked and faced him head-on. The tank raised his right hand and green vines sprouted out. He glowed bright green and let out a considerable amount of mana. It looks like this is his finishing move, he¡¯d been conserving MP and waiting to use it.


    Momentster the vines wrapped tight around the exhausted dagger user and he yelled out in agony as they slowly squeezed the life out of him.


    ¡°THAT¡¯S IT! I FORFEIT! I FORFEIT! YOU WIN!¡±


    The tank dropped him to the ground and he gasped for a breath. The tank raised both hands in the air and celebrated.


    Half the crowd cheered and went wild, the other half booed and threw trash at the cage where the dagger usery on the ground.


    As the tank pumped his hands in the air and retrieved his sword I heard a loud voice echo from above. The crowd settled down.


    ¡°That¡¯s it for our U150 match today!! Our winner by forfeit is Tanner Mason! Congrattions!¡±


    Two workers opened up the cage. Tanner bowed and kicked the kneeling dagger user on his way out. The crowd went wild again. They''re ruthless.


    ¡°Our next match will start up in about 10 minutes, get ready folks. We have two new U250 fighters that will bepeting to get a crack at our reigning champion for the main event! You¡¯re not going to want to miss this one! Please make sure to ce your bets before the fight begins.¡±


    I spun around to look at Bri, she just happily grinned at me.


    ¡°Come on, this way.¡±


    She motioned for me to follow her.


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s this about?? I only need to win 1 fight right?? What¡¯s all this about a main event.¡±


    Bri kept walking and didn¡¯t turn around.


    ¡°Correct, forfeit your second match if you wish. You have to win your first one before we can talk about that though.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I followed her to the opening in the cage and watched an amateur medic carry the dagger user out of the cage.


    A worker approached us.


    ¡°Wee, Ms. Briana! We haven¡¯t seen you in a while, d to see you back with a new fighter. You¡¯d like to use the name listed here?¡±


    He turned a paper to her and she nodded. I tied to get a look but he folded it in half and faced me.


    ¡°All right, please take out all the necessary items you¡¯ll need for this match. HP and MP potions are prohibited, anything else goes. I¡¯m going to have to ask you to take that item box off your waist. Items concealing potential banned items are also prohibited, this is more of amon sense ruling.¡±


    I nodded and took my sword out of my item box. It didn''t glow red this time, the de just felt normal. I scratched my head for a moment, then untied the pouch and handed it to Bri.


    ¡°Uhh could you hold this for me?¡±


    ¡°Sure, but I want you to wear this.¡±


    Seemingly from out of nowhere Bri handed me a dark ck mask. There are red marks over the eyes that appear to be mes and small horns thate off the top, it''s almost like a demon¡¯s face. I guess it looks cool¡­ but¡­


    ¡°W-What is this? Why?¡±


    She grinned.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a good luck charm. You might not want any more people to see your face down here, especially while you fight. Wouldn¡¯t you say so?¡±


    I gulped and looked around. She¡¯s right¡­ Not a bad idea.


    I took the mask and ce it on my face. It magically fit like a glove. There aren''t any holes in it, but i can see and breathe fine. I didn¡¯t feel any different, and there''s no change in my status.


    ¡°Thanks. Appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°No problem. Best of luck out there. Again... Remember to not die, I¡¯ll look bad.¡±


    With a smile, Bri turned and made her way to the back of the room into one of the VIP high roller seats.


    I grinned and rolled my eyes.


    The worker spoke up and pointed inside the ring.


    ¡°All right kid, get to the back corner. Your opponent should be here shortly.¡±


    I nodded and walked to the back of the ring as he asked.


    The crowd began to chatter.


    I stood there in all ck head to toe with a demon mask and holding a jet-ck sword. I hope I look cool.. this isn¡¯t overdoing it right?


    Less than a minuteter a tall man with long flowing white hair approached the cage door. He wore lightweight silver armor from his shoes up to his neck. His face carried a nk expression as he looked at me with crystal-clear blue eyes. His skin is pale white and he glides gracefully as he walks.


    What kind of outcast is this? I was expecting a grunt with a club¡­. Not some noble knight.


    He talked to the worker and pulled a long silver sword from an item box before nodding and entering the ring.


    The door shut behind him and we stared at each other as the metal cage rumbled the ground below.


    A loud voice echoed above us.


    ¡°Thank you all for waiting! Our first U250 fight of the day is about to get started! Please wee our two brand-new fighters!¡±


    The crowd went wild.


    I looked around to see all eyes on me. It¡¯s nerve-wracking but also exhrating.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to introduce our first fighter, the proud 11th son of our very own underground trademissioner Mr. Sce. 21 years old, 186cm tall, and 93kg. His overall fight record in the Rumble Dome is 0 Wins, 0 Losses, and 0 Ties. It¡¯s all going to change today, let¡¯s hear it for Xavier Sce!¡±


    He let out a thin smile and waved to the crowd as they pped and cheered.


    ¡°Next, we have a new recruit being sponsored by the one and only Ms. Briana. It feels like a lifetime ago since she dominated the Rumble Dome herself, we can¡¯t forget a legend!¡±


    The crowd jumped and screamed erupting into madness.


    I looked around in awe. I had no idea she was such a big deal¡­.


    ¡°Could this new recruit continue her legacy? Only time will tell! Coming in at 20 years old, 181cm, and weighing 84kg. With an overall fight record in the Rumble Dome of 0 Wins, 0 Losses, and 0 Ties. Please Wee, The me Emperor!¡±


    I froze¡­..


    She really submitted my name as the me Emperor¡­.


    I guess I have to go with it now....


    I slowly raised my sword up into the air and let my MP flow through it. It glowed light red as I activated my fire magic.


    A massive eruption of mes ignited around the de as I pointed it to the ceiling.


    The building shook and ear piercing cheers came from the audience. The crowd went absolutely wild!

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Xavier stared me down with a cold look as I continued to shoot mes high up into the air through my sword.


    The announcer''s voice rang out again. I brought my sword down and let the mes go out slowly as I listened.


    "Everybody knows the rules! There is no time limit in the ring, all tricks, magic items, and abilities are allowed! The winner will be decided by knockout, forfeit, or death. We will begin at the sound of the bell."


    I brought my sword forward and pointed it at Xavier, he did the same with his own.


    The cage around us rumbled and the crowd whispered and pointed.


    *DING*


    The sound of a bell rang and cheers came out from the crowd.


    The white-haired swordsman scanned the arena for movements, but I was doing exactly the same. Each of us was waiting patiently for the other to make the first move and show weakness.


    I used inspect.


    [Lv. 217]


    He sprinted to the left a split second after I activated my skill... almost like he could sense it. I reacted by jumping backward and to the right watching his movements.


    Xavier is pretty quick on his feet, but I definitely have him beat in that department with these new boots. It''s his eyes I''m more worried about. Every time I take a step in any direction or move my sword the slightest bit he tracks it like a hawk.


    We basically ran around in a full circle for a few seconds as we examined each other''s body movements.


    This is getting boring.


    I gripped my de tight and ignited it back into a fiery disy. I nt my right foot and lunge in to begin an attack.


    Still expressionless, Xavier nts his foot and turns to face me with his sword by his side.


    I lift my de high in the air and aim it directly at his wide open body in front of me.


    *CLANGGGG**SCRAPEEEE**THUD*


    The moment I brought my de down Xavier gracefully lifted his own sword and used my momentum to block my attack, but also curving his de around my own to add speed to the swing. I was sent flying forward into the cage behind him.


    As a defense mechanism, I erupted into mes to cover my full body the moment I lost bnce. The exact moment I did, Xavier jumped backward to avoid being burned.


    I smashed into the side of the cage but didn''t take on any real damage. I got to my feet and let my body''s mes go out, but keeping them lit around my sword as I pointed it at the white-haired knight.


    He has an interesting fighting style. From what I see so far... Xavier isn''t exceptionally fast or strong. He almost entirely relies on figuring out how to use his opponent''s strengths against them. Probably... I''ll have to do some more testing.


    The crowd is oohing and awing trying to figure out which of us is their new favorite.


    I''m not too worried about pleasing the crowd, winning the fight is my only concern.


    I ran back in with a very simr attack, it produced a very simr oue though.


    Again, my attack was easily countered and the momentum of my brute-like swing was used against me.


    Great... Looks like I''ll have to use my brain, a little bit at least.


    We squared up on opposite sides of the ring getting ready for our third sh. I initiated the charge and sprinted forward with my ming de in hand.


    The moment we came within striking distance I let go of my sword and activated telekinesis. The de shot off the left as I sprinted to the right cornering the swordsman on both sides.


    His eyes finally changed. Those dull never-changing focused eyes opened wide, but it wasn''t at the moment I expected. They opened moments before the sword left my hand... like he knew it wasing.


    *CLANGGGG*


    With an elegant twist, he blocked my de while keeping an eye on me. I motioned to bring my sword back and ran towards him. It flew in my direction and Xavier readied his own de to counter.


    Moments before we collided I caught my sword and began to swing it down at his head. He positioned to counter. At thest second, I twisted my own body to prevent our des from colliding. There''s just one issue, Xavier''s de is pointed straight at my stomach, and mine is pointed way off to the right side of his body.


    *CLANGGGG*


    The white-haired knight''s eyes opened even wider than before as a thickyer of ck crystals covered my abdomen blocking his sword''s impact. I twisted my body again andnded a fiery sh on the side of Xavier''s right leg through a gap in the lightweight armor.


    We both jumped backward after this exchange and I heard him let out a cry of pain. His stance and movements remained the same, but his eyes had changed. The cool and calcted stare from before is nothing like it used to be, now there''s fear in those eyes.


    I heard him speak up for the first time in a deep, yet young-sounding voice.


    "How... how do you have so many skills? It''s impossible."


    I pointed my sword at him and it began to glow light red for a few seconds then returned back to ck. I could feel it watching for a moment...


    Xavier seemed to notice it too, his eyes opened even wider as he held out his own sword.


    I grinned and ran forward igniting my de. It''s now or never, the best time to attack a genius is when he isn''t right in the head.


    I covered my full body in mes and ran in like a charging bull. Xavier went fully offensive and stabbed me in the chest, then again in the neck. I hardened the areas of impact milliseconds before every attack. He must have been professionally trained, these attacks would have definitely been fatal without my skill... such precision it''s almost scary.


    In the swordsman''s angry confusion, I managed tond a hit of my own deep into the left side of his upper abdomen through another small gap in his armor.


    We jumped backward after this exchange and he burst into mes. I left a good amount of excess fire residue behind. He burned bright red.


    The crowd roared and the arena shook even more.


    I grinned and pointed my sword toward him. He gritted his teeth and scowled while pointing his de back at me. Again, my de glowed a faint red color then faded back to ck.


    Xavier ran straight at me. He''s frustrated, injured, and tired. If I didn''t have so many wildcards up my sleeve he could easily beat an opponent much stronger than himself. Too bad he was paired with me today.


    We ran at each other with our swords held out in front of us. Mine began to pulse red again as we ran forward. I felt an incredible surge of energy flow through me and erupted into dark red mes.


    Xavier instinctively put his sword up to block my attack like all the others, but it did not go quite the same as it had before....


    I charged forward and his shining silver sword shed against my fiery glowing crimson de.


    *CLANGGGG**CRACKKKK*


    Xavier attempted to maneuver my de to the side like he always had, but there was much more force behind my blow this time. No matter the technique, not much could be done against this raw power.


    My de collided with his instantaneously shattering it into pieces. I followed through and cut his chest te clean in half throwing the white-haired knight flying back against the cage wall.


    The crowd erupted into even more cheers and some threw food and trash up into the air. They were eating up the savagery taking ce before their eyes.


    Xavier sat against the cage covered in me residue and a bloody gash across his chest attempting to get up to his feet.


    He looked me in the eyes. I pointed my glowing sword directly at him with a serious look on my face.


    He yelled.


    "THAT''S IT. YOU WIN! I FORFEIT!"


    I nodded slowly and started to turn away.


    Then....


    My sword glowed even brighter, I could feel a presence seeping out of it into myself calling for me to finish the battle. It felt like a primal urge to hunt and kill the prey in front of me.


    I ignited into a dark ball of fire and drove the sword into his chest letting out an explosion of mes.


    [Level Up]


    I crowd roared even louder.


    It was all over before I realized what happened.... It was like I was in a trance....


    "There you have it, folks! Never a dull moment in the Rumble Dome!!! Our U250 winner today is the one and only..... FLAME EMPEROR!"


    I shook myself out of an adrenaline-induced daze to look around and see the crowd making a horrible mess outside the cage and chanting in unison.


    "WE WANT THEODORE!"


    "WE WANT THEODORE!"


    "WE WANT THEODORE!"


    They kept saying this over and over as I looked around the ring to understand what exactly just happened.


    I looked down at my feet and saw a blue light hovering over a few pieces of armor in a pile of ash.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Appraisal[Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I gulped and chose yes while looking around nervously.


    The announcer''s voice rang out again.


    "It looks like the crowd is ready for another fight! We will give it to you shortly! Please take your seats and ce your bets. Our new prospect The me Emperor will be facing off against our proud U250 defending champion Theodore The Destroyer! Please allow our fighters to rest and heal up, the main event will begin in half an hour. We will have a quick performance in the meantime."


    The lights began to dim and a few workers came into the area to escort me out. I nodded and followed them out. Another team of workers disposed of the remains in the ring. One of them spoke to me as we stepped out of the cage.


    "Hey, great show but don''t you think you overdid it a bit? That was the trademissioner''s son ya know..."


    I ignored what he said and scanned the crowd until I finally saw Bri slowly walking toward me through an ocean of screaming fans.


    She had a huge grin across her face.


    "Good fight, exactly as I hoped for. Come with me, let''s get you healed up for the main event."


    She put her arm around my shoulder and we started walking up to the VIP booth.


    Dancers in provocative clothing piled into the Dome and started entertaining the audience.


    I''m still in a bit of shock. The crowd parted all around us as we walked, I''m still holding the sword that killed a man moments ago with... I understand their concern.


    We walked up the bleachers and into a small private room with a window to view the show.


    I rested my sword up against the wall, sat down in a padded chair, and took off my mask.


    I took a long deep breath in and out, looked over at my sword, then at Bri, and finally grinned.


    "So, is there anything I should know about this Theodore guy? I''ll be fighting him soon."

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Bri smiled while looking straight ahead at the ongoing performance.


    ¡°Theodore is strong. Much stronger than you.¡±


    I gulped.


    ¡°Really? Should I drop ou-¡°


    ¡°No. You¡¯ll be fine. As long as you take control of that sword.¡±


    ¡°Take control?¡±


    ¡°Yes. If you let it push you around like that again, its violent nature may consume you.¡±


    I felt my stomach churn as I looked over at my sword.


    ¡°S-So that was real? I really killed him in cold blood¡­


    I paused and looked at the ground, then back up to Bri. Reality is slowly setting in.


    ¡°What did you do to me?! What did you put in that sword?! What¡¯s going on here?!¡±


    Bri grinned and finally turned to look me in the eyes.


    ¡°It was the element stone that YOU brought me. I didn¡¯t do anything. Whatever monster that stone came from has a wild spirit that remains even after death. If you want to continue using your de you¡¯ll have to tame the beast, or it will tame you.¡±


    The sword glowed a faint red color in the corner of the room then returned back to ck.


    I stared forward at the beautiful women performing in the ring to try and calm my mind.


    ¡°By the way¡­. You don¡¯t have to fight again, our agreement isplete. It¡¯s your choice to decide if you¡¯d like to continue. Either way, take these.¡±


    Bri handed me an HP and MP potion. I didn¡¯t really need them but chugged both just for the sake of it. She¡¯s right¡­ our agreement isplete. I could walk out of here right now and never see anyone in this underground hell hole again.


    I nervously looked back at my sword, then remembered the exact moment I killed that innocent man. My heart pounded and my stomach churned. The mixture of frustration, anger, and anxiety became overwhelming. I began to sweat and fidget overthinking everything. There¡¯s only one thing that puts my mind at ease in situations like this¡­.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fight.¡±


    Bri grinned and turned back to the entertainment.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    We watched the show in silence as my anxiety grew. It felt like there were eyes gazing at me from the back of the room where my swordy.


    It wasn¡¯t even glowing or emanating any energy, I think it¡¯s just pure paranoia at this point¡­


    Finally, I heard the announcer¡¯s voice chime in as the dancers left the arena.


    ¡°I hope you all enjoyed the show! Now! It¡¯s almost time for our main event! Let¡¯s have our fighterse forward, the brawl will begin in under 5 minutes.¡±


    I looked at Bri and she nodded slowly.


    ¡°Best of luck out there.¡±


    I looked her in the eyes before putting on the ck and red demon¡¯s mask. Then, turned around and grabbed my sword. I swung the door open and left without saying a word.


    Again, as I walked through the crowd everyone parted all around me. No one wanted to get close. People grinned in awe, others scowled in disgust. It seems to be a mixed crowd.


    I made it to the cage and the same worker from before let me in. I stood alone in the middle of the ring with all eyes on me.


    I could hear the crowd¡¯s mixed reviews all around me¡­


    ¡°Boooooo!!!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s really fighting again already?¡±


    ¡°Theodore will destroy him!¡±


    ¡°I think the me Emperor could be our new champ! I like this guy¡¯s style! Kill or be killed, no questions asked.¡±


    ¡°Murderer! How can you stand up there with such ack of honor? Take off the mask!¡±


    ¡°This will be the fight of the year! I¡¯m betting on the new kid!¡±


    ¡°My money¡¯s on Theo all the way, you¡¯re crazy!¡±


    ¡°Get it started!!! I want to see this brawl already, enough waiting!!!!¡±


    I had to just start blocking them all out. The more I try and listen the more anxious I be. With a deep breath in and out, I raised my sword up in the air and ignited it into a burst of mes.


    I stared deep into the jet-ck ming sword and yelled.


    ¡°THIS IS MY FIGHT ALL RIGHT! I¡¯M YOUR WIELDER, YOU MUST OBEY ME!¡±


    The crowd went silent and the de stayed ck. There was not even a hint of a response from the sword and I just looked like an idiot in front of the crowd¡­.


    They all started to murmur again.


    Secondster the announcer spoke up while I still held my ming de high in the air.


    ¡°Thank you for the intro! With that, our main event is about to begin! We¡¯ll get started with the man in the ring! You all know him well, the winner of our previous matching in at 20 years old, 181cm, and weighing 84kg. He holds an overall fight record in the Rumble Dome of 1 Win, 0 Losses, and 0 Ties. Please Wee back, The me Emperor!¡±


    About half of the crowd cheered and pped, but it was nothing like myst introduction. I looked around and bowed while giving them another burst of mes before bringing the sword back to my side.


    ¡°Now¡­ The moment you¡¯ve all been waiting for¡­. Coming in at 29 years old, 198cm, and weighing 121kg. With an overall fight record in the Rumble Dome of 47 Wins, 0 Losses, and 0 Ties. Please Wee our U250 reining champion, Theodore The Destroyer!¡±


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    The door of the cage opened up and a massive man walked through. He wore a thick silver chest te, an odd ne with arge tooth hanging from it, wrist guards, high boots, and a diator-style helmet that only revealed his eyes and mouth.


    The champion carried a tall rectangr shield and a massive metal club almost as tall as me.


    He had tan skin that almost looked orange, and muscles bulged out from every possible ce they could. His steps shook the ground as he towered over me.


    The crowd went crazy! As the cage door shut the room exploded into cheers and yells. They threw their shirts and hats in the air as they chanted in unison.


    ¡°THEODORE!¡±


    ¡°THEODORE!¡±


    ¡°THEODORE!¡±


    ¡°THEODORE!¡±


    ¡°THEODORE!¡±


    I gripped my sword and stared at the menacing beast of a man.


    I used inspect.


    ¡°Lv. 220¡±


    Level¡­ 220¡­ and he¡¯s the champ? How is this possible¡­?


    I curiously looked him up and down then remembered I picked up a new skill from my previous fight. I wonder what it¡¯ll show me.


    ¡°Appraisal¡±


    _____________


    Active Items:


    [Steel Helmet] + 100 Defense


    [Steel Chest te]: +100 Defense


    [Minotaur¡¯s Wrist Guards]: +175 Defense


    [Steel Boots]: +150 Speed


    [Dragon Tooth Pendant] + 30% Mental Strength


    [Large Steel Shield]: + 200 Defense


    [Steel Club]: + 300 Strength


    Active Skills:


    [???????]


    _____________


    I raised an eyebrow and grinned. This is a neat new skill I picked up.


    He¡¯s a level 220, and his gear seems pretty standard. Just by looking at him, his defense and strength are most likely the strong points. Compared to my own base stats and gear, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re that far off.


    How can he be the undefeated champion of this division with such average gear and not even a maxed level? I wonder what those question marks under the active skills section are.


    The announcer¡¯s voice began to ring in my ears. I shook myself out of deep thought and gritted my teeth to stare down at my new opponent across from me.


    ¡°Everybody knows the rules! There¡¯s no time limit in the ring, all tricks, magic items, and abilities are allowed! The winner will be decided by knockout, forfeit, or death. As seen in ourst match, anything goes. A forfeit ces you in your opponent¡¯s mercy! We will begin at the sound of the bell.¡±


    Theodore stomped his feet and pointed the metal club at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re dead meat.¡±


    I grinned and pointed my sword back at him while letting the mes burn bright.


    ¡°I could say the same thing about you.¡±


    He smirked.


    *DING*


    Theodore charged forward at me with incredible speed, it¡¯sparable to my own. I reacted on instinct and twisted my body to the right barely dodging his massive club swing past me.


    I sprinted to the opposite side of the cage and watched therge man nt his leg and turn around to stare at me with bloodshot eyes. He¡¯s impressively nimble and quick for his size¡­ he has almost no gear buffing his speed. Are these really just his natural stats?


    Before I could think, he sprinted at me again with a murderous aura around him. It took me all the strength in my body to dodge to the right side again. His club came centimeters from my head this time.


    I gulped and held my sword tight as the beast of a man turned to face me again. He smiled wide and his eye¡¯s looked even crazier this time around. They became more bloodshot and focused directly on me.


    This time¡­ I¡¯ll find a way to counter.


    He came charging towards me with blinding speed. I challenged his attack with my own speed channeling arge amount of MP into my sword and preparing to use body hardening to soften the blow of his attack.


    *SHINGGGG*


    I swung my sword with all my might and twisted my body to curve around his club. I managed tond a small hit on his left shoulder where there was no armor¡­ but it wasn¡¯t a deep gash. Is his defense really that high???


    The moment Inded my attack, he registered this and corrected the swing of his own club.


    *THUDDD**CRACKKK*


    Theodorended a hit on me directly in the stomach. I had time to create ayer of crystal body hardening, but somehow it cracked and shattered instantly.


    The wind was knocked out of me and my eyes opened wide as I flew across the ring to hit the back cage wall. My world felt like it turned slow-motion as the square ne on my chest exploded into a thousand pieces.


    That means his hit did 500 HP worth of damage minimum, and I even protected myself with body hardening. I checked my status, it read 1050/1065 HP and 990/1065 MP. My extra life is gone already.


    I got to my feet and burst into mes to see him running at me again. With no time to think I sprint out of the way with all my might and narrowly miss the high iing club.


    Bri was right¡­ he is a lot stronger than me. Possibly faster too¡­ and better defense¡­. But HOW? Is it his skill? What¡¯s going on???


    Theo ran at me again with the same bloodshot eyes and a grin ear to ear.


    ¡°Come hereeeee! It¡¯s only a matter of time now!¡±


    He swung his club and lunged forward, he isn¡¯t tiring one bit. All I can do is dodge.


    He came at me four more times and I swerved around his club nearly getting hit with a fatal blow to the head every time. His precision is getting more and more dialed in with every attack. He may be right¡­ it¡¯s only a matter of time¡­


    We stared each other down on opposite sides of the ring. I¡¯m trying to stay focused as best I can, but the crowd is making a lot of noise.


    ¡°Come on!!! I came to see a fight!!!¡±


    ¡°The me Emperor Isn¡¯t so tough now!!!¡±


    ¡°THEODORE! THEODORE!¡±


    ¡°Get him!!! He¡¯s almost tired out!!!¡±


    ¡°What a wimp! Looks like the Murderer has met his match!¡±


    The whole crowd is turning against me, and all I can do is run. How did I get myself into this situation anyways¡­.


    *THUDDDDDD**CRACKKKK*


    I got distracted¡­.


    Theodore had run towards me andunched his usual frontal attack. I noticed after it was much toote. While hardening my abdomen and bracing for the impact he struck my left side and sent me flying through the air to the backside of the cage again.


    The ck crystal fragments flew everywhere and I coughed up blood as I regenerated and stood to my feet as fast as I could. My status read out 535/1065 HP and 875/1065 MP.


    I gritted my teeth and red at him.


    Theodore charged in again.


    I dodged.


    Over and over.


    We yed cat and mouse for another 40 seconds straight.


    The crowd booed me and chanted for Theodore as he tired me out.


    I attempted to use telekinesis at one point, but every time the de got close he easily swatted it away with his club or shield. It contains less mana when I¡¯m not directly in contact with it, so I found it was just draining MP unnecessarily and stopped trying this attack method.


    Theodore has had enough of me, I can tell he¡¯s getting frustrated.


    ¡°You annoy me kid! I¡¯m gonna end it right here and now!!!¡±


    He ran at me with his shield held in front of him and the club behind his back. I got in afortable position to get ready for a dodge to either side.


    Once he got closer I decided to jump to the left. The moment I did, he awkwardly followed¡­ With his shield up front, he swerved to the left. I continued to run, but he stayed close behind zig zagging until we got closer and closer to the back of the cage.


    He pulled the club from behind his back and cornered me on the left and right side with his incredible wingspan. I gulped and scanned the area. His massive legs, shield, and club have meply boxed in.


    Theodore raised his club in the air and yelled as he swung it down towards me.


    *CLANGGGGGG*


    The only thing I can do is block.


    I swung my fiery ck de up to meet his club. All that¡¯s left is a battle of strength and will.


    Instantly, I could feel his strength overwhelm me. I erupted into mes and forced as much MP into my de as possible.


    Simultaneously, I plundered Theodore¡¯s MP to get a steady source of mana. His club overpowered my sword, and I¡¯m being pushed to the ground attempting totch onto any bit of leverage I can manage.


    I yelled out to my only hope remaining, the sword in my hands.


    ¡°IT¡¯S TIME. FIGHT WITH ME!¡±


    Theodore Smirked and pushed his club down with more force as I pushed everyst drop of MP into my de.


    ¡°COME ON!!!!¡±


    Sweat flowed down my face as the sword refused to answer.


    ¡°OBEY ME!¡±


    Still¡­ Nothing¡­


    ¡°FINE. I¡¯LL DO IT MYSELF!¡±


    I stopped sending MP into the sword and sent it directly to my own body erupting into a ball of fire 5m in diameter and covering my body in ck crystals.


    We both yelled as Theodore¡¯s club crushed me under its immense weight, and I attempted to burn him to a crisp.


    Theodore jumped back out from my ball of fire as hended his brutal attack. I let my mes dissipate and regenerated my broken bones. I checked my status again. as I spit out a puddle of blood. It read 20/1065 HP and 545/1065 MP.


    I stood to my feet and red at the massive man in front of me as he patted out the mes covering his body. He was burned all over but didn¡¯t seem to be phased by it. This is truly a monster¡­


    His eyes met mine and I raised my de.


    It finally began to glow red.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    My vision is blurry, and my clothing is soaked in blood. Even after regenerating most of my body aches with fatigue.


    That doesn''t matter now though, all I can think about is the man I have to defeat in front of my eyes. My blood is boiling and adrenaline is pumping through my veins. Even though I''m face to face with death, I feel like I can take on the entire world. It''s exhrating. This feeling is what I fight for.


    The sword in my hands is glowing brighter than I''ve ever seen it shine. There''s a strong sense of bloodlust emanating from it, but I''m putting out a ferocious aura of my own.


    As our raw emotions sh, it seems the beast within the sword recognizes my intentions. Even in my moment ofplete and utter defeat against a superior fighter, I still have the will to face my opponent head-on. We''vee to an understanding.


    "Fight to Survive."


    It seems I''ve gained my sword''s respect.


    Theodore res at me from across the ring and we lock eyes. He charges forward as I begin to feed MP into my continuously glowing de.


    My opponent has dropped his shield behind him and sprints forward with his club raised to finish me off. One hit and I''m dead.


    I grit my teeth and continue feeding everyst drop of mana in my body through my hands into the shining weapon sped between my fingers. The light keeps growing brighter and brighter as our auras sh to be one.


    My vision almost goes ck as I lift my sword to begin a mighty swing. Theodore charges towards me from over five meters away. All of the mana leaves my body and is released in one fiery sh.


    A massive dark red crescent moon of mes is released from deep within the sword and flies through the air leaving thick trails of fire magic residue behind.


    Time slows down as I hear the crowd yell and scream about the heat. Some members in the front rows fall over and run away from the dome.


    Theodore''s eyes open wide and his face bes distorted as the fiery sh rockets toward him.


    It''s all over in a fraction of a second....


    *SHINGGGGGG*


    Like a knife through butter, the dark mes slice through the entire right side of Theo''s chest te cutting off his arm, shoulder, and part of his chest. His club ngs as it hits the floor and he drops to his knees screaming in agony.


    The dark crescent of mes shes through the top of the dome''s metal cage with an array of sparks and metal fragments. It continues upward over 20m and smashes through the warehouse roof as well.


    I stumbled around and struggled to stay o my feet as I watched in awe. My vision wavered in and out and I questioned my own power. This is like nothing I''ve ever done before.


    The crowd became silent....


    Then erupted in cheers momentster!


    "I knew he had it in him!"


    "The me Emperor is our new champ!"


    "My money was on him this whole time!!!"


    "Who cares about his morals, we came for a good fight!"


    "FLAME EMPEROR! FLAME EMPEROR!"


    I snarled and rolled my eyes as I struggled to stay conscious. This crowd is awful, there''s no loyalty in degeneracy. That''s what this fight club and gambling ring are all about I guess, doing whatever feels good and riding highs.


    At that same moment, Theodore attempts to stand to his feet. His club had rolled about 2m away and now he''s trying to inch his way closer to it. I walk towards him with my sword raised in front of me.


    The gaping hole in the dome above us is dropping shards of half-melted metal all around as the dark mes burn bright on his mangled body.


    I stand over Theodore and touch the tip of my de to his neck. I plunder as much MP as I can to build strength for an attempt at a final attack.


    His eyes open wide and his face turns white as he desperately reaches for the club by my feet.


    "I-I GIVE UP! I FORFEIT!"


    My sword begins to glow, and I feel it edging me on to finish the prey in front of me. In my weakened state, It''s an appetizing offer. The temptation is killing me.


    I grit my teeth and shake my head as I pull the de away from Theodore''s throat and raise it in the air while turning my back and walking away to face the crowd.


    I mutter under my breath.


    "I''m in charge now."


    Then smirk to myself as I take in the roaring apuse of the audience.


    Secondster, Theo''s yells out from behind me.


    "I DON''T CARE ANYMORE! SCREW HONOR! YOU WON''T TAKE EVERYTHING AWAY FROM ME!"


    I turned back around to see Theodore stumbling toward me with his club in his left hand. The crowd booed as he swung at my head.


    His movements are much slower because of his injuries, I was able to dodge the attack and position myself for a counter.


    I nodded and closed my eyes while channeling the remainder of his own stolen MP into my sword.


    With a swift lunge, I stabbed him on his unguarded right side and released my mes deep into the already open wound. We both yelled as I plundered everyst bit of his MP and turned it against him. It felt like such overkill, but he has so much excess HP and mana. All I can do is continue to burn him to a crisp until he gives up.


    The crowd just couldn''t get enough, it''s a madhouse in here. The entire dome filled with mes and the audience roared with amusement. I didn''t stop until I finally heard the ringing in my head that confirmed it was over.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    "13 levels.... b-but how...? That''s impossible..."


    I looked down at the pile of ash at my feet and saw the familiar floating blue text.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Conceal


    [YES][NO]


    In a dazed state, I chose yes and fell to my knees as the mes around me began to dissipate.


    I heard the announcer''s voice ring out above my head.


    "What an incredible match! Who would have seen thising? It looks like we have a new U250 champion... Everyone, let''s hear it for The me Emperor!"


    The crowd roared and I looked around the arena trying to stay conscious. Two workers came into the ring and helped me to my feet. I stumbled out and muttered to one of the workers to take me to the VIP area while vaguely pointing in the direction of the booth I came from.


    My vision kept going in and out as the crowd parted all around me.


    Finally, I saw Bri walking toward me with a smile.


    "I''ll take him from here boys."


    "Y-Yes Ms. Briana."


    Again, she put her arm around my shoulder and walked me back to the VIP booth. Bri handed me an HP and MP potion, I chugged them both before we even walked inside.


    Once we did, she shut the door and I copsed on the padded seats.


    "Looks like you were able to control the beast in the end. Good job."


    I opened one eye to look up at her.


    "Yeah. I''m going home."


    Sheughed.


    "Let me at least walk you out."


    I grabbed my sword and shoved it into my item storage.


    "Take me to the surface, then I''m leaving. If I ever do business with you again, I''m bringing all the gold in this entire city. Never again... will I ept a mindless condition instead of paying..."


    Bri smirked.


    "Pleasure doing business with you too."

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    We let the crowd die down and disperse before exiting the arena. I kept my mask on to avoid being identified. No one''s going to know who I am, but it''s just better for people to not associate my face with an illegal underground fight ring champ...


    Bri leads me into the main market. We walked no more than 500m and made a hard left to a nearby heavy metal door. It''s attached to a staircase upwards. We climbed the stairs and I found myself in the back of an old wooden tavern. I put my mask in item storage and Bri spoke up as we walked in.


    "Table for 1, it''s Ms. Briana."


    An old short man hobbled over with both of his eyebrows raised high.


    "Yes, ma''am right this way."


    She smiled at him.


    "Feed this young man and treat him well, I appreciate you, Franklin."


    He nodded and turned to me.


    "Follow me, sir."


    Bri turned back towards the stairs and waved.


    "I''ll see you again Jay, you know where to find me if you need anything."


    Like that... she was gone.


    I let out a sigh of relief and followed the old man to a table in the back.


    Once seated I didn''t even bother to look at the menu.


    "Just bring me your special of the day, I''m not picky. I appreciate the kind gesture."


    "Of course,ing right up."


    The tavern is pretty muchpletely empty. I took out my sword and ced it against the wall beside me. It glimmered jet-ck and didn''t give off a scent of consciousness. I patiently waited and opened up my status out of curiosity.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 225


    Hp: 1130/1130


    Mp: 1130/1130


    Strength: 545 [+420]


    Speed: 646 [+388]


    Agility: 672


    Defense: 481 [+192]


    Mental Strength: 545 [+109][+153]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Fire Aspect][+77% Strength][+28% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    "Interesting..."


    As I studied my new stats I realized my sword''s buffs increased slightly. The only reasonable exnation is that it''s growing with me... I''ve seen enough improbable things today already, I guess this makes sense too. I''ll have to ask someone I trust about this another time. My newest skill also intrigues me a bit. I whispered "Conceal" under my breath and a blue box of text appeared next to my status.


    [Use Conceal]


    [YES][NO]


    I chose yes.


    [Enter Changes]


    Level


    Hp


    Mp


    Strength


    Speed


    Agility


    Defense


    Mental Strength


    Skills


    Items Equipped


    Buffs


    Other


    [Revert to Original]


    I touch my right index finger to my status and a digital keyboard appears before my eyes. I''m able to edit my status. While mesmerized by my new ability the old man finally came over to my table with a steaming te of meats, rice, and vegetables.


    "Here you go sir, enjoy!"


    I smiled and nodded to him then raised an eyebrow.


    "Hey one second, what do you see what you look at this?"


    I flipped my status window over to him and he took a look.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 250


    Hp: 1255/1255


    Mp: 1255/1255


    Strength: 605 [+200]


    Speed: 720


    Agility: 650


    Defense: 505


    Mental Strength: 605


    Skills:


    Swordsmanship


    Items Equipped:


    Minotaur''s Sword [+200 Strength]


    _____________


    "Well sir, it looks like you''re a very strong swordsman. I didn''t know Minotaur dropped swords, that must be a rare item you have there. Congrattions on hitting level 250 though, that''s a big aplishment."


    I grinned ear to ear.


    "Appreciate it, thank you."


    The man bowed and walked away to let me enjoy my meal. I stared at my status and activated conceal again.


    [Use Conceal]


    [YES][NO]


    I chose yes.


    [Enter Changes]


    Level


    Hp


    Mp


    Strength


    Speed


    Agility


    Defense


    Mental Strength


    Skills


    Items Equipped


    Buffs


    [Revert to Original]


    I chose "Revert to Original" and my status changed back to its true stats in front of my eyes.


    "This solves so many problems..."


    When I put my sword back into my item storage I realized I didn''t have my item box on me... Bri really kept it.... She just wants me toe back so she can torture me more.


    I rolled my eyes but grinned at the same time. It''s kind of funny... I hope I see her again someday, I just need a lot more gold before I ever walk through her front door.


    I happily finished my meal and felt a lot better. The old man eventually took away my empty dishes and walked me out the front door refusing to let "A friend of Briana''s pay".


    I got outside and realized I''m still on the totally opposite side of town, there were shining silver buildings way off in the distance so I decided to begin walking that way.


    It took almost an hour to get back to the familiar tourism-filled residential area of the city. While walking, I had a lot of time to think over my current situation and new goals.


    I''m going to tone it down for the next week or so. I just spent the majority of my money, and have been getting myself into some really insane scenarios recently.... It''d be best to slowly level up for a while and stack cash. With my new sword and stat increases I''m sure grinding out the Minotaur dungeon will be a breeze.


    I walked through the front doors of the Inn and was greeted by a friendly face.


    "Back so soon? How was your day off?"


    Iughed. He has no idea...


    "Great... Great! Uhh by the way, any news on the surge today? Any big reports?"


    He shook his head.


    "Not much. I assume there''s still a few mutants, but no major breaks. By tomorrow, the city will be back to normal."


    "Great, I''d like to stay a few more nights if my room will still be avable. Could I extend my stay until next Saturday?"


    The Innkeeper sifted through a few important documents and then looked up at me.


    "Of course, I can arrange that. You still have a few nights that are already paid for ahead of you, but we can make an extension. Would you like to pay now or once our current agreement is over?"


    I rummaged through my item storage and pulled out 3 silver to ce on the table.


    "How''s that?"


    He nodded and wrote something down on his papers.


    "Great, you''re booked until Saturday morning. Enjoy the rest of your stay."


    With a smile, I made my way back up to my room and straight into a hot shower. Afterward, Iy on my bed staring out the window admiring the view while resting my eyes for no more than 20 minutes. I''m physically tired from my fights earlier today, but there''s no way I can fall asleep for a full night just yet.


    I hopped out of bed, then stretched my arms and legs.


    "Why not... I''ll go raid a dungeon."


    Without thinking much more I made my way downstairs and toward the Dungeon Hub.


    It wasn''t very crowded, and all the raid restrictions had been lifted. The Innkeeper was right, the surge has mostly passed.


    I checked in at the main hub and made my way down to the D ss tform. I took a look at the dungeon list. There are a lot of interesting options but returning to the Minotaur Dungeon seems like the safest bet for now.


    I boarded the train and entered the dungeon less than 10 minutester.


    While wandering around the dungeon for about 2 hours I encountered 5 groups of Minotaur.


    They all ranged from level 155 to 195. Some were in groups of 2, others were in groups of 3. Fighting them was too easy with my new sword, boots, and the general increase in stats from leveling. My sword hasn''t even glowed red once, nor have I had to use much fire magic at all. They dropped 13 mana crystals and 1rge axe in total.


    After these smaller battles, I decided to check out the boss room. When I arrived it appeared to bepletely normal.


    The portal is light grey, meaning there''s no sign of a mutant boss. With a shrug, I jumped through.


    As I remembered, the boss room looks like an open ne. The initial wave is 7 Minotaurs. This time around, they were all normal spawns ranging from level 190-200. I easily defeated them before the boss even arrived. They dropped 7 mana crystals and no axes.


    The boss appeared momentster, and it actually looked rather menacing. Compared to the death matches I was in hours ago though, this feels like a walk in the park. I used inspect, and appraisal.


    [Lv. 234]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Axe] +225 Strength


    [Steel WristGuards] +175 Defense


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    Ipletely outpaced the monster and lit it up with fiery gashes all over. It took about 6 swings. The beast was defeated withoutnding a single hit of its own. I''ve significantly improved.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    The Boss only dropped a mana crystal, I wasn''t lucky enough to get anything else. Once collected the white light transported me back to the dungeon''s start point.


    I turned right back around and decided to clear the whole dungeon again before it got toote in the day.


    2.5 hourster...


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I collected another 17 mana crystals and 1rge Steel Axe along with gaining 2 more levels. Once I left the dungeon, the sun had already pretty much set so I headed to the market as quickly as possible to sell my loot to the old merchant.


    "Hey, kid! How''d it go? Were they able to make you a sword out of that horn?"


    "Kinda. I ran into a few bumps along the way, but I have a sword to fight with now. Thanks for the help."


    I grinned and pulled out a massive pile of mana and 3 axes onto the table. The mana scale read out 6291.44MU.


    "How much do you want for it all?"


    "1 gold, 20 silver, and a small item box."


    "What happened to thest one?"


    I rolled my eyes.


    "Long story."


    The merchant chuckled to himself as he counted out my coins and ced them on the counter along with a brown pouch.


    With a nod and a handshake, I was off.


    _____________


    I decided to take it pretty easy over the next few days. I enjoyed good food, slept well, and farmed in the Minotaur dungeon for about 6-8 hours a day.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I leveled up 8 more times, collected 436 mana crystals, and a total of 27 axes. In total, I profited roughly 15 gold. The only problem now... is my own boredom.


    It''s Friday morning and I''m standing at the D ss Dungeon Hub tform staring at the list. I didn''t level up at all yesterday from defeating the boss 4 times and my sword hasn''t glowed once since my arena fights.


    I''ll be taking the train back to my hometown tomorrow. The question is, do I y it safe for one more day or check out one of the other high-ranked D ss dungeons?

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    ¡°Hey! Would you look at who it is?¡±


    I heard a familiar voice behind me and turned my head to see Hudson smiling and waving while walking in my direction. Trailing behind him were 4 hunters I¡¯d never seen before.


    ¡°Are these your new recruits?¡±


    He nodded and looked back.


    ¡°Yup! Fresh D ss Hunters, it¡¯s my job to train them this weekend.¡±


    ¡°Hey uh- how¡¯s Nessa doing? She¡¯s not with you today?¡±


    Hudson nodded.


    ¡°Nessa hit level 250 yesterday. She¡¯s doing some special sword training at the guild to make sure she¡¯s ready for the test next weekend.¡±


    ¡°Already??? How did she level up so fast? I can¡¯t get much further in the Minotaur Dungeon.¡±


    Hudson pointed at the list on the wall.


    ¡°Well, the only other two D ss dungeons that have higher levels than the Minotaur are the Giant Ape and Lizardman dungeons. I assume she power-leveled there with another guild member.


    I took a look at the list. The Giant Ape dungeon seems straightforward enough. It¡¯ll be worth checking out today.


    ¡°Okay, thanks. That¡¯s exactly what I was looking for. Hey uh- Tell Nessa I¡¯ll see her at the Exams!¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    *Screeeechhh*


    With a wave of goodbye, we each got on different trains and headed off.


    Minutester I arrived. No one else got off at this stop, It looks like this dungeon isn¡¯t very popr. I made my way up the esctor and took out my sword before jumping through the floating blue portal.


    I¡¯m bombarded by a hot and humid environment the second I enter this dungeon. There are thick trees all around and asional small clearings that let in the shining artificial sunlight. The ground is covered in lush green nts and a variety of multicolored fruits and flowers. This is a jungle dungeon¡­ It¡¯s pretty cool.


    I walk deeper in with slow cautious steps, but this eventually turns into faster jogging as I get morefortable with the terrain. It takes about 20 minutes before I encounter my first monster.


    As I¡¯m walking along the jungle floor I see many tree¡¯s shaking violently in the distance and ready my de. A dark brown creaturees flying out of the top of the trees swinging on branches and squares up with me on the jungle floor about 20m away.


    I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 213]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Machete] +200 Strength


    [Steel Chestte] +200 Defense


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    It¡¯s a giant monkey¡­. The beast stood around 4m tall, and the ground shook after every step it took. The Shining silver machete and armor it wore made it look almost human, but the bloodshot eyes and fangs protruding from its mouth told me otherwise.


    It let out a scream that shook the trees and ran at me. I ignited my de and ran towards it as well. Within seconds the ape fell into fiery pieces.


    I let out a sigh of disappointment and collected the mana crystal it dropped momentster.


    ¡°Hopefully the boss puts up a fight.¡±


    It took about 2 hours, but I made it to the back of the dungeon. While walking, I faced off against 5 more apes. All of them ranged from level 210-220 and dropped mana crystals. One of them dropped a machete with +200 strength. I put all the loot in my item storage.


    The boss room portal is light grey. I jump through without much hesitation. The inside is also a jungle environment, but the outer edges of the room are blocked off by veryrge thick trees. It seems there¡¯s no wave of Apes before the boss. All I hear is onerge monster charging toward me in the distance.


    I use inspect, appraisal, and enemy detection.


    [50m]


    [Lv. 246]


    [Steel Machete] +250 Strength


    [Steel Chestte] +250 Defense


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    Once it leaps out of the tree tops I can see that this beast looks almost identical to its underlings, it¡¯s just closer to 6m tall.


    It let out a roar and our battle began. Although its defenses were a bit stronger, my speed and boosted strength wildly outssed this boss. In Just 3 hits, the Giant Ape fell to its knees and copsed.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I¡¯m too powerful for these D ss dungeons¡­ I let out another long-winded sigh and collected therge mana crystal that dropped while letting the white light transport me to the dungeon start point.


    ¡°Well¡­ That was a waste of my time.¡±


    I left and boarded the train to check out the lizardman dungeon, apparently, these two are at the top of the list. If this one doesn¡¯t impress me, I guess it¡¯s hopeless.


    After a short ride, I made it to the lizardman portal. I readied my sword and jumped through to find myself in a desert dungeon.


    The air is dry and the sand is hot. There isn¡¯t a single tree In sight. I ventured forth to see what this dungeon had to offer.


    Unfortunately¡­ I was pped in the face with reality. My gear and level are just way too strong.


    I came across 7 monsters on my way to the boss room. They were all roughly 2.5m tall, with green scaly skin, humanoid bodies, and lizard heads. Some held spears and others had swords. Most of them wore some type of armor. They were much more agile than the Apes I fought earlier, but not nearly as strong. They ranged from level 215-225. Each battlested 1-2 hits max and they all dropped mana crystals. I did not level up or get any special drops.


    Once I arrived and entered the boss room I fought a much bigger and darker version of the regr lizardmen. It stood around 3.5m tall and its scaly skin was almost ck in color. The beast was level 251 and carried a long silver sword. It did not put up much of a fight against my overpowered stats.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    As I collected its mana crystal and transported back to the surface, I checked my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 241


    Hp: 1210/1210


    Mp: 1045/1210


    Strength: 582 [+448]


    Speed: 694 [+416]


    Agility: 720


    Defense: 515 [+206]


    Mental Strength: 582 [+116][+163]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+77% Strength][+28% Mental Strength]


    _____________


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    Even though my level raised significantly since I checked itst, My sword¡¯s stats haven¡¯t raised at all. I curiously examined my ck de before putting it into item storage and walking out of the dungeon.


    I¡¯ve definitely graduated from these D ss dungeons¡­ It¡¯s best to just call it a day at this point.


    I walked to the market and sold my loot for around 50 silver. After a decent meal, I stopped by aic store and grabbed a new book I haven¡¯t caught up on yet before making my way back to the Inn.


    Once upstairs, I opened to the first page and began to immerse myself in another world. There¡¯s not much else to do today, and I¡¯m kind of bummed out about my current dungeon situation.


    Theic I grabbed today is all about an S ss hero that protects the world from monsters, it¡¯s the new volume that I¡¯ve been waiting on for a few months. Although his position as a hero brings him fame and fortune, he¡¯s been doing the same thing every day for years. No monsters or even humans cane anywhere close to his level of power. Most of the chapters involve him daydreaming about fighting stronger monsters and being upset when he snaps back into reality where his battle has already been won. Although I¡¯m nowhere near the world¡¯s strongest, I rte a lot with him today.


    The hero almost gives up on being a hero because it wasn¡¯t entertaining his immediate wants and needs. Eventually, he finds fulfillment and arger purpose in helping the people around him stay safe and grow to reach their own goals.


    To be honest, I got a little lost on thatst part. The whole craving a stronger opponent was all that stuck in my head. The end of theic left us readers with a cliffhanger hinting that there may be a viin of much greater magnitude than he ever imagined. Of course¡­ I can¡¯t wait to buy the next volume!


    With that, the sun slowly set and I fell asleep dreaming about fighting my own world-ending monster.


    I woke up with the rising sun and hopped out of bed to make my way downstairs.


    ¡°I hope you enjoyed your stay, sir! Please doe again.¡±


    I nodded to the Innkeeper and left him the room key.


    ¡°I had a great stay, thanks!¡±


    After a quick breakfast, I hopped on the train and watched the buildings, trees, mountains, andkes whiz by on my way back to the countryside.


    *Screeeeeech*


    A few hourster the train came to a halt at my stop. I stepped out and looked around. This ce doesn¡¯t feel the same at all anymore, everything is so small.


    I walked back to my old apartment building and climbed the steps to my door. There¡¯s a note on the handle.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Jay. You owe me one;) -M¡±


    It¡¯s Maria¡¯s handwriting¡­ but I owe her one for what?


    I opened my door and walked inside. Looking around, this ce is a mess. There are clothes on the ground and old water bottles all over the ce.


    Not to mention my standard of living has significantly increased since leaving here. This old wooden-floored 2 silver month apartment is not going to cut it. I have to get a new ce¡­ scratch that, I need to move to the city for good!


    I tidied up the apartment a bit before deciding to head off toward Pace Guild to check in on everyone.


    About half an hourter I walked through the front door. The woman in the lobby greeted me with a surprised look on her face.


    ¡°Wee back Jay! I thought you vanished for good.¡±


    With a sarcastic stare, I replied.


    ¡°Yeah, you wish. Is Jack in today?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing. He just organized our morning raids, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d love to meet with you. Knock on his office door.¡±


    With a nod, I walked down the narrow hallway and knocked on Jack¡¯s door. It swung open momentster and I was greeted with a smile.


    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s you! Wee back! You look a whole lot different!¡±


    I walked into his office as he motioned for me to do so.


    ¡°Really? What¡¯s changed?¡±


    He stared at me for a moment.


    ¡°It¡¯s your eyes. They¡¯ve definitely seen a bit more action since thest time we met.¡±


    We both grinned at each other. I can¡¯t tell if he¡¯s just greasing me up, or genuinelyplimenting my improvement. Either way, I¡¯ll take it.


    ¡°Well, the capital just seems like the ce to be. I¡¯m going back, I just thought it¡¯d be best to check back in¡­ Plus, I know you had something you wanted to talk aboutst week. Could it have been the C ss exams?¡±


    Jack sat down at his desk.


    ¡°Are you close¡­To level 250?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Yep, very.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s great to hear! I can send in your application today! Although you aren¡¯t very active in our guild, it would still be appreciated if youpeted under our name.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Competed under your name? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Every Region holds its own C ss exams separately, but the number of passes is regted by the country as a whole. Well, it¡¯s actually regted by the Hunters Association if you want to get into the nitty-gritty details. Every guild from around the region applies with their top D ss Hunters over level 250 and they willpete in an event to decide the top of the ss. If you don¡¯t make the cut the first time around, you can enter again as many times as you¡¯d like. It may take a few tries to achieve the ¡°C ss¡± Rank but thats only natural. It doesn¡¯t only take raw leveling power to defeat most C ss Monsters. This is what they test for in the exam.¡±


    I nodded slowly.


    ¡°Interesting¡­ So if your guild submits a D ss Hunter that passes the exam, I assume that raises your prestige a bit?¡±


    Jack smiled.


    ¡°Well, yes of course.¡±


    I nodded again.


    ¡°Sign me up. I¡¯ll be more than ready in a week.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    We locked eyes and shook hands, then Jack spoke up.


    ¡°You know, we¡¯ve been power leveling and training Maria a lot this week. She became much more motivated after she came back from the city. I doubt she¡¯ll make it to the necessary level by next Saturday, but her magic is progressing at an extraordinary rate. You may want to train with her a bit this week.¡±


    ¡°Alright, maybe I will. Are there any High D ss Dungeons around here? Ones that are borderline C ss? Or a real C ss that hasn¡¯t been rated yet if that¡¯s even a thing? I need something to get myst couple of levels and cure my boredom for the time being.


    Jack put his hand on his chin and thought for a moment, then rolled his eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re looking for a dungeon that bends the rules aren¡¯t you?¡±


    I grinned and he nodded in acknowledgment.


    ¡°Let me contact Rei, I¡¯ll have her take you to the High Orc Dungeon. You¡¯ll like it.¡±

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    ¡°Uhh- sure. Sounds good to me!¡±


    Jack left the room and came back around 5 minutester.


    ¡°They should be back from a raid within the hour. You¡¯ll have to wait around for a little while.¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Jack looked me up and down.


    ¡°Rei told me you got a new sword at the city center. Want to go to the training rooms real quick? I¡¯d love to see how much you¡¯ve improved! Swordsman to Swordsman.¡±


    I grinned.


    ¡°Sure, but I¡¯ll have to go easy on you.¡±


    ¡°Heye on now!¡±


    We both walked out of his office and entered the white-walled room. Once I drew my sword Jack¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°Oh-huooo! Look at that!¡±


    He drew his sword as well.


    We began to spar casually for almost an hour. Neither of us used full strength of course, but we had a good time. shing des with a swordsman is like sitting down and listening to their whole life story, I learned a lot.


    ¡°Good warm-up, you¡¯re not half bad!¡±


    Jack smirked and wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Breaking 3 practice swords in less than an hour is what you call a warmup?¡±


    I nced at the shards of steel in the corner of the room.


    ¡°Not my fault this sword is so strong!¡±


    We both had a goodugh and sat down by the resting area and replenished our HP and MP.


    *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*


    The training room door opened and two familiar faces popped their heads through.


    ¡°Jay!!! Wee back!¡±


    Maria came running in with a full set of lightweight armor on head to toe. Rei poked her head in close behind.


    I instinctively used inspect and appraisal as she ran toward me.


    [Lv. 156]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Sword] +125 Strength


    [Steel Chest te] +100 Defense


    [Steel Wrist Guards] +75 Defense


    [Steel Shin Guards] +75 Defense


    [Enchanted Boots] +100 Speed +100 Agility


    [Golem¡¯s Pendant] +30% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Ice Summoning]


    She wore light-colored clothing under the thin sheets of steel armor tes that fit around the curves of her body perfectly. Also¡­ level 156? Jack wasn¡¯t kidding. She¡¯s been power-leveling like crazy this week!


    Maria jumped through the air and put her arms out wide. Momentster she hugged me tight, I returned the favor. This is a surprise.


    ¡°Good to see you too Maria!¡±


    She dropped down to her feet and looked up at me with a smile that quickly turned to a mildly annoyed pouting look.


    ¡°Did you get my note??¡±


    I raised my hands in the air with a confused look. All these emotions at once caught me off guard.


    ¡°I- uhh. Yeah, why??¡±


    ¡°You were gone so long you didn¡¯t pay your rent Jay! Ourndlord was knocking forever¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­I-¡°


    ¡°I paid it for you, so you¡¯re good!¡±


    With an embarrassing looking on my face I sifted through my item box to pull out some silver.


    ¡°Let me pay you back, I¡¯m sorry about-¡°


    ¡°Nope! I don¡¯t want your money, take me hunting with you today!¡±


    She looked straight at me and smiled with her deep blue eyes piercing my soul.


    I didn¡¯t have time to answer before Rei interrupted.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m not so sure you¡¯re ready for the dungeon we¡¯re about to go to! I didn¡¯t know you actually wanted toe with us, I thought you were just weiing Jay back home¡­¡±


    She pouted again.


    ¡°You guys always treat me like a little kid. I¡¯m really strong now ya know!¡±


    Rei looked at Jack and he just nodded.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, just don¡¯t dive too deep. I¡¯ll give the green g to all three of you. Just be careful.¡±


    Rei nodded.


    I looked back down at Maria.


    ¡°Well, looks like it¡¯s a yes from me too. I guess I do owe you one.¡±


    She nodded and grinned.


    I turned to Jack and shook his hand. He spoke up.


    ¡°Had a great time sparring with you Jay, d you¡¯re back. I¡¯ll have that application sent in today.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it.¡±


    Maria, Rei, and I walked out of the training room and through the guild¡¯s back doors momentster. Rei spoke up.


    ¡°It¡¯s about 40 minutes of walking from here. This dungeon is kinda way off the radar.¡±


    Maria and I nodded, then followed close behind. We caught each other up on important info and how our dungeon diving had gone the past week.


    Maria basically doubled in level. She¡¯s been exclusively training with Rei in low, mid, and even high-level D ss dungeons around here. The Guild supplied her with this gear because she¡¯s been progressing so quickly. Maria has to work on battle technique more than anything else, her magic power is off the charts. I¡¯m looking forward to seeing how she fights now.


    I asked Rei why she doesn¡¯t dive into any C ss dungeons. The answer honestly surprised me. Apparently, they¡¯re too dangerous. Hudson said the same thing in the capital though, I guess there must be something to that¡­ She just gets paid a monthly sry to train the newbies here. A simple life, can¡¯t knock her for it.


    Also¡­ one of the wildest things Rei told me¡­ the guild master is Jack¡¯s Dad! He is usually out traveling, or on business. That¡¯s why a D ss is running the ce and giving orders. Everything makes so much more sense now!


    As we walked and talked, the course Rei took us was way off the main road. There¡¯s arge forest area with a few medium-sized mountains south of our town. Apparently, there are a few old and abandoned privately run guild dungeons up here.


    ¡°Just a little further, if I remember correctly it¡¯s right over here.¡±


    Rei pointed to an opening in the tree line and we walked through. On the other side, we came across a small wooden shack. The door had a small sign on the front that read ¡°Property of The Pace Guild - Do Not Enter¡±.


    It creaked open as we walked inside. The shack is empty with a blue portal floating at its backside. We all drew our weapons and switched into battle mode while walking through.


    I looked around in awe, new worlds never get old¡­.


    The ground ispletely ck and made out of a material I¡¯d guess is some kind of hard stone. The terrain ispletely t, but there are asional odd-looking ck trees and mounds of rocks every 10m or so.


    It feels like a desert, but the coloring is very off and there¡¯s no sand at all. Theck of green just makes me think there¡¯s no life in here. The sky is a light orange color, and the dungeon itself is reasonably well-lit.


    ¡°This has to be one of the weirdest dungeons I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    Maria nodded and looked around while holding her sword tight.


    ¡°I agree. What is this ce?¡±


    Rei spoke up.


    ¡°Keep your eyes peeled. Anything can happen in here. As long as we don¡¯t face the boss, I¡¯m able to handle most monsters in here solo. I¡¯ll let you two fight and only step in if you need me.¡±


    Maria and I both nodded.


    We all walked further into the dungeon.


    Like clockwork, 20 minutes or so into our trek I felt a sinister presence approaching.


    I used inspect, appraisal, and enemy detection.


    [70m]


    [Lv. 246]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Mace] +250 Strength


    [Steel Sword] +250 Strength


    [High Orc Heavy Armor] +300 Defense


    Active Skills:


    [Berserker]


    My eyes opened wide as I watched a beast appear from behind a pile of rocks. Rei jumped backward and motioned for us to take it on.


    I looked at Maria, and she looked back at me.


    ¡°Let me at it! I got this!¡±


    I gripped my sword and stared at the beast running at us for a moment, then back at Maria. She nodded at me with a serious look on her face, I stepped back and let her take the lead.


    ¡°All you. I¡¯ll be your backup.¡±


    She grinned and started sprinting toward the oing beast. With a worried look on my face, I watched her closely getting ready to step in at a moment¡¯s notice.


    The High Orc charging at us is about 3.5m tall. It¡¯s not as massive as some of the other beasts I¡¯ve seen, but there is something menacing about its appearance. The monster is swinging a spiked mace around in its right hand and has a sheathed sword on its left leg. The dark green skin almost looks brown and ripples over the defined muscles below. The High Orc is basically wearing a full set of armor covering its arms, legs, and most vital areas.


    The way it¡¯s scanning the terrain and swinging its weapon rhythmically gives me the impression that this is a fairly intelligent monster.


    Maria glowed bright blue as she approached the sophisticated beast. It let out a roar, and she screamed back at it while covering her sword in a thickyer of Ice. I could feel the temperature around us begin to lower and the ring of blue light around her began to growrger. Everything within 5m of her is being affected. The trail of ice behind her is thick and shows no signs of melting.


    The High Orc and her collide momentster. I can¡¯t believe the sight in front of my eyes.


    As the Orc swings its Mace, Maria shoots a wave of Ice at its oing weapon. The beast freezes in its tracks, literally¡­ The entire right side of its body including the mace is covered in a thickyer of ice. It lets out a roar as she begins to run past.


    It was all over in an instant¡­


    Maria circles back and releases another wave of ice across the left side of its body. The High Orc is frozen solid from head to toe.


    This beast ispletely immobilized.


    I can¡¯t believe my eyes. She just took down a monster 100 levels greater than her like it was nothing.


    Maria looks back at me with a grin.


    Then I hear a cracking sound¡­.


    The pristine white statue of ice begins to splinter and break. A dark red light starts to seep through the cracks glowing brighter and brighter from within.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    *CRACKKK*


    The High Orc roared as it broke free from its ice prison. The dark red aura around its body gave off an immense power that definitely was not present before.


    I looked back to see Rei standing close behind us with her arms crossed. Maria had turned back to the beast looking ready to attack again. Her base magic stats are naturally boosted about 2x that of an average person, but I can''t help wanting to jump in and help her.


    She yelled the moment I took a step toward her.


    "I got this. Trust me Jay!"


    I gritted my teeth and stared at the beast in front of us.


    "Fine. I''m right behind you though."


    She nodded and began to glow bright blue.


    The High Orc charges at Maria and she does the same. It swings the massive Mace over its head in a fit of rage.


    The second before impact, Maria created a thick wall of ice in front of her and sprints off to the left. While continuing to glow red, the monster breaks straight through the wall without much resistance. Ice chunks fly everywhere and the battlefield is temporarily covered in a vale of small ice fragments that look almost like snow.


    *SHINGGGG*


    I hear the distinct sound of a de hitting flesh and see Maria fly out from the dissipating cloud of snow. The monster roars and I see arge chunk of Ice stuck in its back in the shape of a sword''s sh dripping blood.


    Maria took out an MP potion from her item box and drank it while squaring up with the beast again.


    I released the grip on my sword slightly.


    "I guess you have this under control."


    She grinned and ran at the monster again, It fell for the same trick. After smashing through Maria''s wall of Ice it creates a blind spot for her to attack. The beast is clearly stronger, faster, and has much higher defenses. Tricking it into making optimal conditions for a surprise magic attack is the only way Maria could win. It seems like she''s fought opponents like this in the past.


    I looked over to Rei and she smiled admiring her young protege at work.


    I watch in disbelief. Earlier, I saw the skill "Berserker" when I used Appraisal. Thismonly refers to an increase in strength and endurance. It seems to be the case, but I''ll just have to test my theory when I get to face one of these High Orcs myself.


    Maria continues to create massive Ice Walls and the monster keeps destroying them. Shends cheap shots whenever possible leaving Ice residue behind after every sh. It''s clearly hurting the beast, but very slowly... She''s drank 4 MP potions so far, andnded about 10 good hits on the High Orc. It''s slowing down as the ice magic seeps deeper into its body.


    The game of cat and mouse continues. Maria makes walls, and the beast knocks them down. This only leads to the walls of Ice being blown into more pieces and the eruption of snow gives Maria even more cover. The more hits shends, the more effective each one bes leaving deeper icey wounds all over the Orc''s body. Doing so just makes it more angry and irrational continuing an endless loop.


    With a final sh to the back of the head, the monster finally falls to its knees. Maria takes this opportunity to release arge amount of mana into the beast and covers itpletely with Ice. She doesn''t stop until it freezes solid. With a confident downward swing of her de, the High Orc shatters into a thousand tiny pieces.


    Maria drinks her 7th MP potion and turns to Rei and Me with a big grin across her face.


    "I just gained 23 levels. Now that was a good fight!"


    Rei pped slowly and I watched the Ice fragments disappear with the remains of the Orc. A mana crystal drops and Maria picks it up.


    "Ya know... I''m impressed. You''ve really improved."


    "Thanks, I told you I''ve been training hard! Look at this."


    Maria opened her status and turns it to show me.


    [Status Open]


    _____________


    Name: Maria Cortez


    Level: 179


    Hp: 705/705


    Mp: 705/705


    Strength: 388 [+125]


    Speed: 421 [+100]


    Agility: 404 [+100]


    Defense: 395 [+100][+75][+75]


    Mental Strength: 797 [+239]


    Skills:


    Combat Magic [Ice Summoning]


    Items Equipped:


    [Steel Sword] +125 Strength


    [Steel Chestte] +100 Defense


    [Steel WristGuards] +75 Defense


    [Steel Shin Guards] +75 Defense


    [Enchanted Boots] +100 Speed +100 Agility


    [Golem''s Pendant] +30% Mental Strength


    _____________


    My eyes open wide.


    "That exins a lot... your magic is still off the charts!"


    She smiled and blushed a little.


    Just like that, Maria has be one hell of a fighter. Her overuse of MP is rming, but it works. That mental strength growth rate is insane. I''m sure she can handle the same High Orc with ease now, she''ll only get exponentially stronger with every new superior opponent...


    We all venture off further into the dungeon while I''m stuck deep in thought.


    Maria and Rei exin what kind of training they''ve been doing in more detail as we walk. It''s mostly sword skill work, lower level D ss dungeons for funding, then higher D ss raids once she has enough MP potions saved. The guild isn''t just throwing money at her, she has to work for it. I guess that''s good. This dungeon is the most difficult one she''s ever faced, but it seems like it won''t be an issue!


    Almost half an hour passed.


    Finally, another High Orc appeared.


    "My turn."


    Rei and Maria stepped back as I drew my sword.


    The Orc that appeared looks almost identical to the one earlier. I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 248]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Mace] +250 Strength


    [Steel Sword] +250 Strength


    [High Orc Heavy Armor] +300 Defense


    Active Skills:


    [Berserker]


    I make the first move and charge straight toward it. The beast follows my lead while swinging its mace in a rhythmic fashion.


    *CLANGGG*


    Surprisingly, we''re almost equal in strength. If anything, it may be a little stronger....


    *CLANGGG*


    I entertain the monster while gauging all of its abilities. My speed and agility are far greater, I''m not worried about getting hit at all.


    I ignite my de and run around its backside after our second collision andnd a fiery hit without much effort. I plunder MP, and leave a solid amount of fire residue behind.


    The Orc lets out a roar and ils its spike mace around in circles trying to hit me. I jump backward and we stare each other down about 10m apart. It snarls and begins to glow dark red. I grin.


    "One hit is all it takes for you to get pissed huh? Let''s see what you''ve got."


    The High Orc charges at me in a straight line with its weapon swinging wildly in front of it. The ground shakes as ites closer. Out of curiosity, I run at it and raise my de.


    As our weapons collide, I''mpletely overpowered. The weight of its macebined with its newfound strength sends my sword attack flying to the side. I quickly re-position myself and jump out of the way following the momentum of my blocked sword. As I stare down the beast again, I wonder to myself with my body hardening, how well could I take a hit in its strengthened form...? Maria and Rei are right behind me watching with their eyes wide open. Realizing this, it''s probably better if I just end this quickly and leave the fun stuff forter.


    While circling back behind the Orc, I ignite my full body into a ball of fire. I nt my right leg and jump toward the monster''s back as it attempts to turn as well. Ind another deep fiery sh across its back and the monster lets out an angry roar. To my surprise, the gash is much deeper than myst. Its defenses haven''t gone up at all in this fit of rage, if anything they''ve lowered...


    A few momentster, our battle was over. I ran circles around the monster and cut it down to a pile of ash with 4 more hits. My sword didn''t glow once.


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Berserker


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes and stare down at the burning corpse by my feet.


    Mariaes running toward me.


    "Wow!!! You got a lot stronger too! I knew it!"


    I turn and smile.


    Rei follows close behind.


    "Both of you handled these High Orcs pretty well. Looks like I won''t have to step in at all today."


    I nod.


    "Do they ever use their swords?"


    Rei crossed her arms and nodded while motioning for us to follow.


    "Yeah some will as we get closer to the boss room, they''ll use more than just that sword."


    I collected the mana crystal at my feet and looked out into the vast orange sky.


    "Interesting. Maybe I''ll actually get a serious fight today."


    Rei chuckled and started to walk deeper into the dungeon. Maria and I followed.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    We walked for another 20 minutes or so.


    The terrain changed a little bit. There are much fewer rocks, less trees, and the ground feels a lot harder. It just seems like there¡¯s unlimited t ground surrounding us in all directions¡­ it¡¯s a bit eerie.


    Finally, a new monster appears up in the distance. Rei steps back.


    ¡°Both of you should take this one on, High Orc¡¯s this deep in the dungeon can be stronger than the ones you just faced.¡±


    Maria and I acknowledged her. We nod at each other, then ready ourselves for the approaching beast.


    It lets out a roar, I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 257]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Mace] +250 Strength


    [Steel Sword] +250 Strength


    [High Orc Heavy Armor] +300 Defense


    Active Skills:


    [Berserker]


    [Swordsmanship]


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    It looks exactly the same as any other Orc we faced charging toward us swinging its mace. This one has a swordsmanship skill, I wonder how differently it¡¯ll fight?


    ¡°Jay! I¡¯ll distract it, then we¡¯ll both attack!¡±


    Maria sprinted forward before I could get a word in. I followed close behind avoiding the path of ice magic she leaves behind in her tracks.


    She began to form a massive wall of ice in front of her while I veer off to the right side.


    Momentster the beast falls for her trap and shoots thousands of ice fragments into the sky making a cloud of snow. I use enemy detection and ignite my de while diving into the heavy snow cover.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Both of us fly out from either side of the snow cloud. I leave a fiery gash across the Orc¡¯s chest while she leaves shards of ice deep in the monster¡¯s back. The snow dissipates and it lets out an ear-piercing roar. The mace flies out of its hand and the beast begins to glow dark red.


    Maria and I grin at each other while admiring our dual attack¡¯s damage. The High Orc reaches for its sword and res at both of us.


    Maria runs forward and glows bright blue. I follow and veer off to the right again. As she creates an ice wall, I see a shift in the monster¡¯s eyes. This will be different¡­ I change my trajectory and watch the events unfold.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    The High Orc slices the Ice wall in two with ease, it narrowly misses Maria as she dodges to the left. Her eyes open wide with fear.


    I ignite my sword with mes and run toward the beast as fast as I can. The sudden change in temperature as my mes burn bright catches its attention.


    ¡°OVER HERE TOUGH GUY!¡±


    It grunts and turns to face me, then charges.


    *CLANGGG*


    I¡¯m met with the overwhelming force of a much stronger opponent¡¯s de. This time I didn¡¯t have much time to dodge, I¡¯m more focused on distracting it from Maria.


    The monster follows through and pushes my sword back effortlessly, throwing me to the ground andnding a deep gash across my abdomen. I reflexively burst into a ball of mes and the beast shrieks while stepping back.


    I quickly regenerated the best I can to stop the bleeding and dart away. My status reads 655/1215 HP and 1040/1215 MP.


    I look around to see Rei still just standing by with her arms crossed and Maria getting to her feet glowing bright blue 20m behind the Orc.


    I grin.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll get to test this out sooner than I thought.¡±


    Maria and I lock eyes and both start running toward the beast from both directions. Resilient, even after being totally overpowered she¡¯s able to face off against this monster secondster without hesitating. I like what I¡¯m seeing.


    The High Orc lets out a roar and focuses its attention on me. Then begins to charge.


    I erupt into a massive ball of mes and follow its lead. With a thick wall of fire surrounding me on every side, I decide it will mask my next move perfectly.


    ¡°Berserker.¡±


    The mes around me seem to burn darker as I activate my new skill. Power and intense energy surge through my body. It feels like I just took 10 shots of adrenaline mixed with Hudson¡¯s strength buff.


    I feel incredible¡­.


    I let out a yell and charge forward covered in a vale of dark mes. All I can see is the enemy in front of me, I haveser focus and feel like a killing machine. The closer I get to the beast the more tunneled my vision bes.


    I jump through the air to let out an attack. mes trail behind me as I travel faster than ever before. My de shes red for a moment as it slices through the High Orc¡¯s Neck like butter.


    *SHINGGG*


    *THUDDD*


    [Level Up]


    I fly past the beast andnd behind it. My mes die down and I deactivate my berserker skill. It¡¯s all over so quickly, maybe that was overkill.


    ¡°Well, whatever. That was rush¡­.¡±


    I turn around to admire my work.


    The headless High Orc¡¯s body still stands upright, with its entire lower body frozen solid.


    I see Maria 10m away breathing heavily and drinking an MP potion. She locks eyes with me and smiles.


    ¡°11 more levels!¡±


    Rei walks over as well.


    ¡°You two work well together, I wasn¡¯t expecting it to go that well.¡±


    I turn to her.


    ¡°Thanks? I think?¡±


    Sheughed.


    The monster¡¯s body disappears and drops arge mana crystal along with arge steel sword.


    I pick up the sword and use appraisal with two des in hand.


    Active Items:


    [High Orc¡¯s Sword] +250 Strength


    [The me Emperor¡¯s Sword] Fire Aspect +77% Strength +29% Mental Strength


    It looks like my sword¡¯s stats have been raised again. The mental strength went from 28% to 29%. Seems like it only levels up with me when it glows¡­ Interesting.


    I hand Maria the Orc¡¯s sword and grab the mana crystal off the ground.


    ¡°Hey, try this one on for size.¡±


    She takes the de and swings it around.


    ¡°Looks like you can handle a heavy de now huh?¡±


    Maria looks up.


    ¡°Maybe, this strength boost makes it a lot easier to swing. I haven¡¯t ever felt a sword like this!¡±


    She keeps swinging it around aimlessly with a grin ear to ear. Rei chimes in.


    ¡°Well, any further and we¡¯ll get pretty close to the boss room. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s a good idea to challenge it today. Maria, how much MP do you have left?¡±


    ¡°Six more potions!¡±


    Rei turns to me.


    ¡°What about you Jay?¡±


    ¡°Uhh- I¡¯m not sure, enough though.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ well, I think our best use of time and resources today would be farming around the dungeon¡¯s start point. One or two more fights for Maria would be ideal, then I guess as many as you can handle Jay.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Fine, makes sense. How tough is the boss though?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think you should face it alone. It¡¯s definitely a C ss monster, a dungeon like this beingbeled D ss would not slide in the capital. That¡¯s for sure.¡±


    I smirk to myself.


    ¡°Good to know. Maybe we can face it together sometime this week?¡±


    She looked at Maria and me curiously.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    We all turn around and begin to walk back the way we came.


    Over the next 4 hours, we circled around the starting portion of the dungeon.


    Maria faced off against 2 high orcs and gained another 21 levels. She¡¯s level 211 now. They both dropped mana crystals, but no weapons.


    The first fight took 3 MP potions and the second only took 2. Her speed of progression is pretty insane!


    I faced off against 5 more High Orcs. When fighting solo I can focus more on utilizing my speed and agility tond easier hits. I gained 5 more levels, I¡¯m at 248 now. The Orcs all dropped mana, and one dropped a mace.


    I tried to give all my items to Rei, this is a guild-run dungeon after all¡­ my contract is still valid. She let me keep the mace, apparently, this amount of mana is more than enough topensate for today. I happily epted her offer.


    We all left the dungeon as the sun began to set. Maria spoke up as we made our way down the mountain back toward town.


    ¡°If I train here a few more days I could hit level 250 this week too!¡±


    Rei and I both turn to each other, then look at her. I reply.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re right. I thought I leveled up fast, your progression is crazy¡­ like¡­ this has to be some kind of record.¡±


    Rei chimes in.


    ¡°Yeah. Honestly, it¡¯d be a good idea for both of you to train together this week. As long as you don¡¯t face the boss, power leveling here would be the most efficient use of your time.¡±


    I turn to Maria.


    ¡°I¡¯m down. How about first thing tomorrow morning?¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±


    With that, we walk back into town and report to the guild. There happens to be a ss going on in a training room with new student recruits. Maria and Rei both step in to help out.


    I leave immediately, helping newbies just isn¡¯t my thing¡­ I¡¯m not interested. Food is much higher on my priority list right now.


    The sun fully sets as I head into town and eat a big meal at a local diner. Next stop, the vige market!


    The streets feel emptypared to the crowded chaos of the capital.


    As I near the trade area I hear a familiar voice.


    ¡°Hey!!! Is that Jay??¡±


    My old merchant friend recognizes me from a distance.


    ¡°It is! How¡¯s business?¡±


    He nods.


    ¡°Slow recently.¡±


    I pull out the giant mace from my item box.


    ¡°Well, how about this? Can I speed things up for you?¡±


    The old merchant¡¯s eyes went wide as he examines the mace.


    ¡°Where¡¯d you get this???¡±


    ¡°Some guild-run dungeon around here. Pretty cool huh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ Incredible. We don¡¯t get many items like this around here. At the auction, I¡¯m sure this could go for over 1 gold, but I-¡°


    I interrupt.


    ¡°Name your price. I know it¡¯ll be way under auction pricing. You have to make a profit too, especially around here. The market must be vtile.¡±


    He nods.


    ¡°Appreciate it, would you take 45 silver?¡±


    I eye the items in the back of the shop.


    ¡°How about 10 MP and 10 HP potions? D ss, if you have that much?¡±


    His eyes lit up.


    ¡°Sure thing! Right Away!¡±


    The old merchant rummages through the shop¡¯s storage andes back with handfuls of potions.


    I ce them all in my item box and shake the merchant¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Pleasure doing business with ya old man! Hope I see you again soon.¡±


    ¡°You too kid! Thank you!¡±


    I wave and leave. I could have definitely gotten a much better price, but I just wanted to do a good thing. I don¡¯t really need the money anyways, after farming Minotaur all week I¡¯m pretty loaded.


    With a smile across my face, I make my way back home.


    Once inside I take a hot shower and copse into bed. It¡¯s been a long day.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    I wake up after a good night of rest and crawl out of bed. There are birds chirping outside to the rising sun.


    I get dressed and open my door to be immediately greeted by a familiar face.


    ¡°You ready Jay??¡±


    Maria is sitting on the upper ledge of the apartment building stairs, resting the new High Orc sword across her shoulders. She¡¯s smiling and staring at me with her piercing blue eyes.


    ¡°Well, yeah I am. Good morning to you too I guess¡­¡±


    Sheughs.


    We walk down the apartment building steps and into town. After grabbing a quick breakfast we head off to the forest near the south side of town.


    I strike up some conversation on the way.


    ¡°So, how was that ssst night? Any promising new recruits?¡±


    Maria thinks to herself.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell, they were all under level 30. It¡¯s pretty hard to gauge their potential, but it was fun.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm. So they were all just average.¡±


    She looks at me with a curious look.


    ¡°Average?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Average. So many hunters in the world just seem to be average¡­ and no one talks about it. It almost demotivates me to progress sometimes. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit crazy for Jack or Rei to just sit around in their positions? To not get stronger? So many people just stop getting stronger¡­¡±


    Maria grins.


    ¡°So you want to be the strongest too?¡±


    We lock eyes.


    ¡°The strongest?? Hey, I never said that! We aren¡¯t superheroes ya know, it¡¯s not like we have to save the world. I just want to be the strongest version of myself¡­ and face off against the strongest monsters. So sure, in a roundabout way. Maybe I do want to be the strongest.¡±


    ¡°Hmmph.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Whoever kills the most High Orcs today is the strongest okay?¡±


    Maria blushes but has a serious look on her face. I grin.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take you on. Loser has to buy dinner, how about that?¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°You¡¯re on.¡±


    We make our way up the heavily wooded mountain and jump through the portal in the dungeon run shack.


    While staying within 2km or so of the dungeon entrance we each farmed High Orcs for the next 6 hours. Every 2 hours we reported back to the dungeon entrance to check up on each other.


    Maria faced off against 14 opponents and gained 37 levels in total. 9 MP potions had to be used, but by the end of the day, she could one-shot kill the High Orcs with a solid magic attack. They dropped 14 mana crystals, 1 mace, and 1 sword.


    I faced 18 High Orcs, gaining 6 levels in total. They dropped 16 mana crystals, 1 mace, and 2 swords. I used 0 potions.


    Maria is level 248, and I¡¯m level 254 now. We meet back at the dungeon start point for the third time.


    ¡°Hey Jay! I think we should face the boss room together, these regr monsters are getting boring.¡±


    I smirk.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re ready for it?¡±


    She looks at me with an annoyed stare.


    ¡°Do you think YOU¡¯RE ready for it?¡±


    Iugh.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind a challenge. Rei will kill us if she finds out though. You know this is no joke right? We¡¯ll have to work together wlessly.¡±


    ¡°I know what a life or death battle is! I¡¯m ready, and just won¡¯t tell Rei. I can handle myself.¡±


    She crosses her arms and looks me insight in the eyes.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m just making sure we¡¯re clear. This isn¡¯t going to be a walk in the park. How many potions do you have left?¡±


    Maria sifts through her item box.


    ¡°Four more. That should be enough if we¡¯re fighting it together.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Great, I have extra if needed.¡±


    Maria raises her sword toward the back of the dungeon and stares off into the sky.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Her eyes seem different than I remember, she¡¯s hungry for battle. Something changed in her recently¡­ In my opinion, it¡¯s for the better.


    I raise my sword to match her energy, just like our first day hunting together.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    We walked deep into the dungeon.


    Only 3 High Orcs appeared on our way. I let Maria Take them out because she seemed more eager to do so. Each battle was over in an instant. With one touch of her sword, she¡¯s able to turn these Orcs into frozen white statues that fracture into pieces with a single swing of her de. It¡¯s pretty crazy to consider it took 7 MP potions and half an hour for her to defeat one of them just yesterday¡­.


    Finally, we make it to the floating grey portal. Without hesitation, we both jump through.


    The sky is dark orange, almost red¡­ The ground is jet-ck,pletely t, and goes off in all directions further than I can see.


    Maria and I stand side by side looking deep into the void¡­


    I gulp.


    ¡°This is weird¡­.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    Cautiously, we both walk further into the boss room. About 3 minutester a rumbling can be heard in the distance.


    I use enemy detection and inspect.


    [200m]


    [Lv. 258]


    [Lv. 259]


    [Lv. 259]


    [Lv. 260]


    [Lv. 260]


    [500m]


    [Lv. 295]


    [1000m]


    [Lv. 334]


    My eyes open wide and I yell to Maria.


    ¡°We havepany! There¡¯s a pack of 5ing our way, and more behind them.¡±


    Maria nods and we both charge forward to meet the enemies. 30 secondster we are face to face with 5 dark red glowing High Orcs. 3 of them are swinging a mace above their heads and 2 are handling swords.


    I burst into mes and activate berserker while veering off to the right towards the two sword-wielding Orcs.


    Maria veers off to the left creating dense Ice chunks everywhere she steps to take care of the other 3.


    I¡¯m able to bob and weave my way through the angry monsters with my speed and agility. They¡¯re no better than the normal mobs outside the boss room. Momentster the two sword users are nothing but ash on the ground, while the mace users shatter into a thousand tiny ice fragments behind us.


    We look back at our work and grin while locking eyes for a fraction of a second¡­ Then we hear an ear-piercing roar in the distance¡­.


    A behemoth approaches us from the horizon and I use my inspect skill again along with appraisal.


    [Lv. 295]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Mace] +300 Strength


    [Steel Sword] +300 Strength


    [Steel Helmet] +300 Defense


    [Steel Chestte] +300 Defense


    [Steel Wristguards] +200 Defense


    [Steel Boots] +100 Speed +100 Agility


    Active Skills:


    [Berserker]


    [Swordsmanship]


    ¡°This one might put up a decent fight.¡±


    A massive High Orc appears in front of us and draws its huge sword.


    The beast stands around 5m tall and has much darker skin than the smaller Orcs we just defeated. It¡¯s armor is shining silver. It looks very thick and durable.


    A dark red aura surrounds its body, indicating its berserker is active.


    Maria and I dart around it shooting off in opposite directions. She takes the left side, and I take the right. While igniting my mes and activating my own berserker skill I look down at my sword¡­ since yesterday it hasn¡¯t glowed red one time. It still remains ck.


    The massive monster runs towards us, but it¡¯s much more fixated on me after my disy of mes.


    The High Orc is less than 50m away, Maria takes advantage of its hyper fixation and circles around behind it. I ready my sword and wait for her to make a move.


    Momentster I hear Maria¡¯s battle cry and a bright blue light glows behind the charging monster. A fast-moving sheet of ice creeps up behind its feet and stops it in its tracks 10m away from me.


    I use this time tounch my own attack. I dart in andnd a fiery sh across the beat¡¯s abdomen right under the heavy metal chest te. I plunder some MP and leave as much fire residue behind as possible.


    It lets out a roar as I quickly jump out of the way of its own oing sword.


    *CRACKKK*


    *CRACKKK*


    I turn around to see the High Orc break free from its Ice shoes and begin to charge after me.


    The gash I felt on its frontside is visible, but it doesn¡¯t seem to be too hurt from it.


    *SHINGGGG*


    From behind, Maria attacks the monster¡¯s backside leaving her own ice residue. It doesn¡¯t slow the Orc down, but damage is damage¡­. can¡¯tin.


    Maria and I weave around in circles to create some distance between us and the boss. The power level gap is about the same as when Maria faced off against an Orc for the first time. It won¡¯t be easy, but with enough technique and patience¡­ we can beat this thing sooner orter. I yell to Maria.


    ¡°Hey! Make Ice walls! Your strategy from yesterday will work!¡±


    She looks over to me wiping sweat off her forehead and drinking an MP potion.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need more mana!¡±


    I reply.


    ¡°We have the speed advantage here! Follow me, I¡¯ll give you some potions!¡±


    I turn and run.


    Maria follows.


    We run further into the dungeon away from the beast.


    ¡°Here take these.¡±


    I take out a handful of MP potions, it¡¯s 7 in total. She puts them in her item box.


    ¡°Thanks. Looks like I¡¯ll have to get creative here. You¡¯re right, Ice walls it is.¡±


    We nod and run back in toward the beast. It keeps charging at us like an angry bull. The games begin.


    Maria charges at the High Orc head-on, while I veer off to its right side. She glows bright blue attracting its attention and making a massive Ice barrier.


    *BOOM*


    The strategy still works perfectly, even with a boss like this. I grin and run into the massive cloud of ice and snow using enemy detection to locate the beast¡¯s exact location.


    *SHINGGG*


    As I leave my fiery gash in its lower back, my eyes open wide as I feel the presence of another enemy way too close forfort¡­


    Inspect and enemy detection read out these numbers.


    [10m]


    [Lv.295]


    [100m]


    [Lv. 334]


    I dart away from the beast to see Maria fly out of the ice cloud on the other side. I yell to her.


    ¡°THERE¡¯S ANOTHER ONE!¡±


    I scan the area furiously using enemy detection, appraisal and inspect all at once in every direction.


    I can¡¯t find it¡­ That other presence just vanished¡­ All I can¡¯t detect now is the High Orc in front of us¡­


    The beast roars and charges at Maria again. She looks at me in confusion, then goes back into battle mode to face the murderous behemoth.


    I shake my head and run at it as well. It must be further than I imagined¡­ Or¡­. Well, I¡¯m not sure what I just imagined¡­


    Maria creates another Ice wall and wend a dual attack on the High Orc again. When we fly out from opposite sides of the ice cloud the snow dissipates. The Orc roars and faces us with its bloodshot eyes. Our shes are slowly chipping away at its health, but this is definitely going to take a while.


    It charges and Maria creates another wall of Ice. The beast blows the Ice barrier into a million pieces and I run straight toward it.


    I activate inspect and enemy detection.


    My heart skips a beat¡­


    [1m]


    [Lv. 334]


    My vision goes ck¡­


    I ignite into mes and activate body hardening around all my vital areas.


    Still, I can¡¯t see a thing¡­


    I use appraisal.


    Active Items:


    [High Orc Commander¡¯s Sword] +350 Strength


    [High Orc Commander¡¯s Armor Set] +500 Defense


    [High Orc Commander¡¯s Ring] +50% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    [Dungeon Walker]


    [Intimidation]


    ¡°What¡­ is happening¡­?¡±

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    The darkness around me suddenly dissipated. I can see waves of ck and purple energy dissolving all around me to reveal the dungeon¡¯s orange sky again.


    I grip my sword tight and keep all of my skills active while staring down the odd sight before me.


    This is apletely different section of the boss room. I can sense the presence of Maria and the High Orc we were just fighting almost 200m away now¡­


    ¡°But how..?¡±


    The moment I spoke out loud a portal appeared about 10m in front of me. It¡¯s that same ck and purple energy form before¡­. I grit my teeth and point my sword at it as an ominous being walks out slowly.


    It¡¯s a humanoid creature holding a long silver sword and wearing lightweight armor that looks very simr to the High Orc¡¯s. The only issue here is¡­ this thing doesn¡¯t look like the beasts in this dungeon at all. How could it be their Commander??


    The monster in front of me is about 2.5m tall with dark brown skin and jet-ck tattoo-like markings across its arms and chest. Horns protrude from its forehead on either side about 20cm, they shine ruby red and wrap around its skull pointing backward.


    The Commander looks at me with no emotion on its face. I can see small ck pupils ring at me, but the rest of its eyes arepletely white¡­


    Suddenly the monster¡¯s pupils shrink and I feel a wave of invisible energy hit me.


    Sweat runs down the side of my face and the monster begins to walk around me in circles very slowly.


    I¡¯m frozen with fear¡­ My legs won¡¯t move the way my mind tells them to. What is this???


    *SHINGGGG*


    The Commander gracefully draws its sword and shes me across the chest. Blood spurts everywhere and I take a huge deep breath in as the pain releases me from this trance.


    I jump backward regenerating my wound and igniting my body into mes. My status reads 855/1275 HP and 1120/1275 MP.


    The monster slowly circles around looking at me with its calm white eyes. Then a wave of fear hits me again¡­


    I¡¯m frozen.


    It¡¯s like prey caught in the gaze of a far superior predator. All the possibilities and strategies of battle are rushing through my head, but for some reason, my body won¡¯t react. It¡¯s like I¡¯m stunned..pletely helpless until the spell is released.


    It charges forward.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Again, the sword cuts deep into my abdomen. Blood pours out and I¡¯m released from the curse.


    I jump backward regenerating while coughing up blood. I re at the beast while checking my status again¡­ it reads 435/1275 HP and 1110/1275 MP.


    I tightly grip my de and start to run at it, but am stopped dead in my tracks momentster by a wave of fear.


    *SHINGGGG*


    A clean shot to my neck. My eyes open wide as I fall to my knees. Themander watches over me calmly.


    Blood pours out as I desperately regenerate and grab an HP potion from my item storage. My status reads out 15/1275 HP and 1090/1275 MP moments before I chug my healing potion¡­.


    This must be his skill¡­ Intimidation¡­


    I stand to my feet just to be hit with another wave.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Its sword plunges straight through my stomach and I gasp for breath as blood flows out of my mouth.


    Again, I jump back and regenerate to the best of my ability.


    Another wave¡­


    *SHINGGGG*


    Another wave¡­


    *SHINGGGG*


    I¡¯m trapped in its loop of spells over and over. I struggle to get to my feet while drinking another HP potion. It wants to defeat me mind and body at this point¡­ This is torture.


    I yell out in pain. Frustration and fear of my owne over me, these feelings aren¡¯t forced by its intimidation. This is raw emotion that I haven¡¯t felt in a while.


    I¡¯m facing an opponent, and I have no way to win¡­


    My body is bing weak. There are only so many HP potions and regenerations I can handle. My endurance and fatigue can¡¯t withstand being on the brink of death too many more times.


    I let out a yell as I stare down at the emotionless beast in front of me. I activate berserker and run at it full force.


    Then¡­ I¡¯m hit by its intimidation wave once again.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Another sh across the torso forces me back down to the ground. I jump away the moment I regain mobility and regenerate.


    I let out another yell and turn berserker back on. Waves of fear, fatigue, frustration, and anger are allpounded every time I¡¯m hit with intimidation.


    *SHINGGG*


    Itnds another bloody sh across my chest¡­


    I can¡¯t even feel the pain anymore, the only thing on my mind is killing this monster¡­ By any means necessary. I don¡¯t even bother regenerating. I just need tond a hit for my own sanity.


    I turn and run after the creature while glowing dark red covered in mes and screaming with rage. My de begins to glow red with me.


    A devious grin appears across my face as I feel power seep into my veins. My vision tunnels just like it did before and the dark red aura of my berserker skill begins to mix with the ego of my sword erupting into even darker red mes.


    The Commander turns, and I see its pupils shrink¡­


    I¡¯m hit with a wave of intimidation, but this time I break through. With a battle cry, I nullify its mental attack and continue charging straight toward it.


    The Commander¡¯s face finally changes. The monster¡¯s eyes open wide, then it grins¡­.


    I jump in the air swinging my de directly at the monster¡¯s neck. My sword beings to glow brighter and brighter the closer I get.


    I let out another yell as I swing my sword at its unguarded neck.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    I make contact¡­


    The de hits the Commander¡¯s neck and I see the glint of red blood.


    Then dark purple and ck swirls of energy form all around us.


    *WHOOOSHHH*


    The Commander is gone¡­


    My sword slices through the open air.


    Immediately, I use enemy detection while nting my right foot and turning around.


    ¡°This must be its other skill, Dungeon Walker¡­It''s some kind of movement magic.¡±


    Another ck and purple portal appears 10m away from me and the Commander steps out pointing its sword straight ahead. There¡¯s a small scratch on its neck dripping blood.


    That¡¯s all I needed for a boost of spirit.


    ¡°I¡¯m back in this thing. Bring it on!¡±


    I point my sword at the monster as well dering the start of our real match. With my mes burning hot and my sword glowing red we both charge at each other.


    *CLANGGGG*


    Our swords sh and we both grin at each other with malicious intent. Two monsters begin a battle to the death.


    I jump back and it does the same. We both assessed each other¡¯s physical strength and abilities.


    Our speed and agility is very simr due to my natural boost and boots. Our strength is also very simr as well¡­ That is, it¡¯s simr when I¡¯m using berserker. All that leaves is defense and Mental Strength. Its armor is much better than mine¡­ It most likely has me beat in defense stats, but I have a ton more HP potions so it shouldn¡¯t matter that much.


    It¡¯ll alle down to a battle of abilities.


    We stare each other down again from about 10m away. Then, we both charge.


    *SHINGGGG*


    The moment I step forward it does too, but into a portal of darkness appearing less than a meter behind me stabbing a de right through my back.


    I cough up blood as the monster dodges my counter-swing and runs back to a safe position. While regenerating I chug an HP potion and keep my eyes locked on the savage.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t see that oneing.¡±


    It grins and grunts while charging at me again. I return the favor.


    Every 10 seconds or so I¡¯m hit with a wave of intimidation. It¡¯s getting easier and easier to fend them off. My theory is I¡¯m getting more focused on battle, and my sword¡¯s egobined with my own makes us stronger than before. My mind cannot be controlled.


    *SHINGGGG*


    I¡¯m hit with another de in the center of my back and fall to my knees.


    My movements, on the other hand, It¡¯s definitely controlling those right now.


    I activate enemy detection and regenerate while facing the beast again.


    ¡°Focus¡­¡±


    We charge at each other. I¡¯m fully prepared for an attack from the rear this time. It won¡¯t fool me again.


    *CLANGGG*


    I turn at thest moment and block the Commander¡¯s de. It takes a step back and disappears into another portal. My eyes scanned the entire dungeon around me¡­ It¡¯s nowhere in sight¡­ berserker is heightening my senses and enemy detection is scanning the area constantly for any sign of life.


    Secondster I feel a sharp pain from behind in my lower thigh. It hit me again. The moment I sensed it and turned to counter it was already toote. I¡¯m milliseconds off¡­ Just a little more speed¡­ and I could have blocked it. I copse to the ground. The monster towers over me for a moment while pulling out the de and jumping backward.


    I regenerate, drink an MP and HP potion, then stand to my feet.


    I need to be a little faster¡­ somehow¡­


    Again, it disappears into thin air and appears secondster to sh the back of my legs. It¡¯s learning¡­ how to out-think me more and more.


    Every new attack is hitting non-vital areas, It¡¯s just wearing me out. Sometimes I can guess where it will attack and get a lucky block in, but other times ites out of nowhere and leaves a deep gash. Thismander loves to y with its prey... My legs, arms, torso, back, and even feet are getting shed to pieces.


    Over and over¡­ it goes on for over 5 minutes straight as I continue to regenerate and attempt to block its attacks. I drink another 3 HP potions and 1 MP.


    My berserker skill, mes, and enemy detection are still active. My de keeps glowing brighter and brighter, but it¡¯s useless if I can¡¯t evennd a hit.


    I¡¯m exhausted, fatigued, frustrated, and scared¡­ but for some reason¡­ Excitement still flows through my veins. Even in a time like this, I¡¯m still grasping onto a glimmer of hope and enjoying the rush of battle.


    Each time the Commander appears I get another try at increasing my reaction speed. I¡¯m almost there, it¡¯s just outpacing me by fractions of a second every time¡­


    The monster disappears into its dark cloud again and I activate enemy detection.


    The boss room goespletely silent.


    All of a sudden, I feel arge presence in the distance fade away, then hear a familiar ringing sound in my head¡­


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    ¡°I leveled up 12 times¡­ Did Maria beat the boss? Wait¡­ if that was the dungeon boss, then what is-?¡±


    *CLANGGGG*


    At thest moment, I sense a sword appear behind me and turn to block it. A perfect sh, I block it on instinct alone this time.


    I meet the gaze of a surprised Commander, It thought that was a surefire hit.


    I grin.


    Normal mobs in dungeons don¡¯t share exp with all the hunters in a boss room unless an individual does a majority of the damage. The perk of equal exp sharing without damage regtions only applies to the boss itself. That means thismander is definitely not the boss. It shouldn¡¯t even be here at all¡­ This is an entity from another dungeon that must have taken control¡­ Should I even call it a High Orc Commander anymore?


    It¡¯s more like¡­ A Demon.

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    The Demon looks me in the eyes as our swords sh.


    I grit my teeth and watch the sparks fly. I use plunderer while releasing a wave of mes through my de toward the monster. It lets out a wave of intense intimidation as we test each other''s limits.


    My mes glow hot illuminating the area around us. I burst into a massive ball of fire pushing the monster backward while burning its chest and arms. It lets out a roar and disappears into a dark portal behind it.


    I smirk.


    This is the first time during our battle I''ve had the upper hand.


    I sense a presence behind me and swiftly turn to block the iing de. We lock eyes again as sparks fly. I use its own mana against it. While refreshing my own MP up to full, I release another wave of mes and lunge forward.


    It gets slightly burned but disappears into a dark portal once again.


    We sh des over and over for another full minute. I manage tond minor burns from my mes but our swordsmanship, strength, and speed arepletely equal. One wrong move for either of us and the other will be critically injured.


    Every time the demon appears I block and attempt a counter, but it''s too crafty... The moment my de touches its skin, it disappears into a void of darkness.


    I scan the area around me and wait.... It''s time to turn it up a notch. I''m going to try something different this time.


    I sense a de appear behind me, but purposefully don''t turn around to block it. The sharp metal sword slices deep into my back and out through my stomach on the other side. I would have definitely darted away or blocked in any normal circumstance, but this is part of my n...


    "Body Hardening"


    ck crystals form around the exit and entrance wounds. I feel the monster attempt to pull its sword free, but it''s stuck inside me.


    I grin and twist my body while swinging my sword at the Demon''s neck. Its eyes open wide with fear.


    *SHINGGG*


    It''s a hit! A deep fiery gash appears on the monster''s throat and it shrieks while falling backward into a ck portal.


    I rip out its sword from my stomach and fall to my knees... blood gushes out as my vision starts to fade. I regenerate and struggle to grab one more HP potion. While shaking my head and chugging the potion I slowly stand to my feet regaining full consciousness.


    A hand appears from the void and grabs the bloody sword off the ground while I regain my strength.


    Secondster, it appears from a portal behind me.


    "This is it...."


    I stare down at my bright red glowing sword and concentrate everyst bit of MP I can into the de. Berserker is active, and my body is covered in dark red mes. With a yell, I spin my body toward the danger and go in for the kill.


    "ARHHHHH!"


    I feel its de sink into my stomach as I turn... but I pierce its chest as well.


    My sword glows brightly as it releases all my mes deep into the Demon''s heart. I suck it dry of mana using plunderer while burning its body to a crisp.


    Both of us let out a final battle cry as it attempts to lift its de. Again, I use body hardening to stop it in its tracks while continuing to plunge my fiery de deeper and deeper.


    A portal appears behind the monster, but It''s much more transparent than before. The dark purple magic is beginning to fade. It can''t escape.


    Momentster... our battle is finally over.


    I fall to my knees with exhaustion as the charred body of the demon falls to the ground in front of me.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Dungeon Walker


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Intimidation


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes on both, and open my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 290


    Hp: 375/1455


    Mp: 890/1455


    Strength: 702 [+597][+351]


    Speed: 836 [+502]


    Agility: 865


    Defense: 626 [+250][-157]


    Mental Strength: 702 [+140][+288]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Dungeon Walker


    Intimidation


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Fire Aspect][+85% Strength][+41% Mental Strength]


    Buffs:


    [+50% Strength]


    [Increased Endurance/Alertness]


    Debuffs:


    [-25% Defense]


    _____________


    With a grin, I copse forward onto the corpse of the demon. A white light appears before the body has time to disappear.


    I''m transported back to the dungeon''s starting point.


    "Jayyyy? Hello?? Can you hear me?"


    I open my eyes to see Maria standing over me with a concerned look on her face. It turns into a smile as I sit up.


    "You disappeared all of a sudden!! Where''d you even go?? I had to fight the boss all by myself! I was... worried."


    She looks down at me.


    I sift through my item box to find another HP potion.


    "Well, it seems there was another boss in that room. I took care of it.... Barely."


    She watches me curiously as I drink my potion and sigh with relief while standing to my feet. There''s no point in telling her what happened right now, I''ll keep the details to myself.


    "Hmmph, I''m d you''re okay Jay. Anyways, I had a fun time beating that boss. It took me only 5 MP potions. I went up a ton of levels too!"


    I grin.


    "Yeah. I had a good time too, but I''m definitely done for the day... Let''s get out of here."


    She nods.


    We leave the dungeon and start making our way down the mountain. I''m breathing heavily as we walk, my body is really exhausted.


    Half an hourter we make it back to the guild. Rei and Jack are both standing around talking with new guild recruits in a training room. We decide to pop in and say hi to report our results in training today.


    "We''re back!!!"


    Maria jumps in the room and I follow close behind. Jack walks over to us.


    "How''d it go? Have any good loot for us?"


    We emptied our item boxes to dump out a pile of mana crystals and a few weapons onto the floor.


    Jack turns around.


    "Hey! Come take a look at these Arnold."


    One of the new recruits walks over and starts touching the swords. His eyes open wide and he looks up at us through thick-framed sses.


    "These are borderline C-ss swords..."


    Jack grins, then looks at Maria and me.


    "Good work! I assume that means you two managed to surpass level 250 today? I''ve already sent out both of your applications either way."


    I nod. Maria smiles wide.


    "Yep! I''m level 264 now!"


    Rei does a double take, then leans in.


    "You two didn''t fight the boss did you...?"


    Maria covered her mouth with her hands and blushes turning to me.


    I nod while grinning. I guess it would havee out sooner orter.


    "Yeah, we did."


    Jack and Rei look at each other, then back at us. They look concerned, but proud at the same time... Rei speaks up.


    "Well, as long as you can handle it. I''m impressed. That High Orc Commander is a tough one, that beast is huge. I guess you two don''t need me for training anymore!"


    Maria nods while I think to myself.


    Her words confirmed my suspicions from earlier. My opponent wasn''t the regr boss... It was an outsider... but how?


    I look up.


    "Are there any more dungeons like that around here?"


    Jackughs.


    "I''m afraid not. That''s our only loophole dungeon. Usually, it takes months to master that one... You two have some scary progress speed. You''ll have to wait until you have C ss clearance to dive into any stronger dungeons. Sorry."


    "Ahhh, well okay."


    I look a the ground and a wave of fatigue hits me as my stomach gurgles. I''m hungry, tired, and need some alone time to think about what happened today....


    "In that case... I''ll be heading out. See ya."


    I turn to leave and Maria speaks up.


    "Want to train again tomorrow?"


    I nod.


    "Sure, you know where to find me."


    She chuckles as I wave goodbye to everyone and walk out the door.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    On my way home I grab a bite to eat and stroll around Alpine Park for a while to think about the monster I just faced.


    It wasn¡¯t the dungeon boss, that¡¯s for sure. My only guess is it was a random mutant spawn, or has something to do with this skill¡­ ¡°Dungeon Walker¡±. I¡¯m leaning toward thetter.


    As I ponder, Ie across the old starter dungeon portal. This is the goblin dungeon where I started my journey as a hunter. I grin and jump through.


    The fresh air, green grass, and blue skies are pretty nostalgic. I walk into the dungeon and admire the beautiful view around me. After 10 minutes or so of wandering, a goblin appears. I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 4]


    Active Items:


    [Goblin Dagger] +5 Strength


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    Iugh and watch the mini green man run toward me with determination across its face.


    This is the perfect time for me to test out my new skills.


    ¡°Intimidation.¡±


    The goblin stops in its tracks and its eyes roll back into its head. Its little green knees buckle and it falls to the dungeon floor. I slowly walk around the creature examining it, then turn the monster into a pile of ash momentster.


    I guess a stronger opponent would have been a better use of the skill¡­ but at least I¡¯ve learned how it to use it properly for the future.


    ¡°Now¡­ it¡¯s time for Dungeon Walker.¡±


    I stare forward and concentrate. Instantly, a ck and purple swirling portal appears in front of me. I slowly step inside.


    Everything¡¯s dark¡­. Just like when that demon transported me before.


    I concentrate harder. All of a sudden, I start to visualize all kinds of familiar ces in my mind.


    ¡°These are¡­ Other dungeons¡­.¡±


    In my mind¡¯s eye, I can see the distinctndscapes of every dungeon I¡¯ve ever been to. It¡¯s incredible, but a bit overwhelming at the same time. There are so many pathways connecting every step I¡¯ve ever taken inside every dungeon¡­ it¡¯s like a massive map.


    I gulp.


    Then visualize the Minotaur dungeon from the capital. It¡¯s crystal clear in my mind.


    I focus.


    Then step through¡­


    My eyes open wide as I take in thendscape of the Minotaur dungeon all around me.


    ¡°I can teleport¡­ to any dungeon I¡¯ve ever stepped foot in.¡±


    I check my status and am very surprised to see my MP read 955/1455. One jump took over 1/3 of my mana¡­


    While concentrating again, a dark swirling portal appears in front of me. I step inside and visualize a dungeon nearby, the slime dungeon.


    Just like that, I step out into the grassy ne and check my status, it reads 865/1455 MP.


    ¡°Interesting¡­ closer jumps take much less MP.¡±


    I visualize the area 50m in front of me, then create a portal to jump through. Momentster I step out on the other side to check my status, it reads 855/1455 MP.


    I grin.


    Looks like this new skill is all figured out. It¡¯ll be even more useful than I imagined. This saves a ton of time for traveling. Plus, this finally exins where that demon came from¡­ well, at least it exins how it got to another dungeon in the first ce.


    I use Dungeon Walker to teleport back to the Alpine Dungeon and walk out with a satisfied smile across my face. It¡¯s been a sessful day. I walk home, shower, and sleep like a rock.


    The next morning I wake up fully refreshed and step out the door.


    ¡°Morning Jay!! You ready??¡±


    I smile at Maria.


    ¡°Sure am, let¡¯s go!¡±


    This began our hunting extravaganza.


    Over the next week, we defeated the High Orc Dungeon over a dozen times.


    In total, we took down 198 High Orcs with levels ranging from 240-260. They dropped 7 Maces and 11 Swords, plus tons of mana crystals. These were all added to the guild¡¯s training supplies.


    We took down the real High Orc Commander boss 21 times. It¡¯s level ranged from 285-295. One time, it dropped an ¡°Orc Commander¡¯s Ring¡±, it¡¯s the same one that demon was wearing¡­ We gave it to the guild, as per our contract. For all 21 battles, that demon was nowhere in sight. That solidifies my theory, it was 100% from another dungeon.


    We had a good time. Although beating the same dungeon boss got boring after a day or two, I learned to fight in tandem with Maria pretty well. We focused more on working together and reading each other¡¯s movements, using the boss as our punching bag. The only skills I used with her were berserker, mebat magic, and swordsmanship. I guess I trust her, but there still hasn¡¯t been a good time to let her know about my other skills¡­ maybe I won¡¯t ever have to.


    By the end of the week, Maria and I both reached level 297. It seems we can¡¯t level up any higher in this dungeon.


    [Saturday Morning]


    I roll out of bed with a yawn and step out the door before the sun even rises. We all agreed to meet at the guild first thing in the morning to get on the train to the capital together.


    ¡°Morning Jay!! You ready??¡±


    ¡°Morning Maria. Yep! I¡¯m as ready as I¡¯ll ever be, how about you?¡±


    She smiles.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m so ready!¡±


    We make our way over to the guild.


    Once we walk through the front doors I see Jack and Rei standing in the lobby waiting.


    ¡°Sorry if we made all of you wait too long.¡±


    Jack smiles.


    ¡°No problem at all, we¡¯ll be right on time for the train. Got everything you need?¡±


    I check my item box and feel my pockets, then nod. Maria does the same. Jack speaks.


    ¡°Well, great. Let¡¯s head out!¡±


    We all followed in agreement. I could have easily slept in, teleporting to the capital would have been a piece of cake. It would just be kind of hard to exin¡­


    *Screeech*


    ¡°All aboard!¡±


    We board the train and pile into the private guild room. Maria and I sit on one side while Jack and Rei sit on the other. I speak up as the train starts to move.


    ¡°So, Rei. What¡¯s this exam really going to be like anyways? Everything I¡¯ve tried to read about it seems to make me even more confused¡­ It seems like this whole test is a mystery.¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. It is a bit of a mystery. Every time the exam is taken, the Hunters Association mixes things up. Back when I took the test we all had to defeat a series of private Hunter Association-run dungeons in a specific time frame. Sometimes solo, and sometimes with teammates. There were representatives watching us every step of the way. I¡¯ve heard from others that past exams were totally different.¡±


    Maria and I look at each other, then back at Rei.


    ¡°So we¡¯ll be able to work as a team?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. It¡¯d be in your best interest to work together. Other guilds have definitely created teams to seed in the exams, entering as a small guild like us has its disadvantages. You too are pretty over-leveled though. The exam may be hard, but I know you¡¯re up for the challenge.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°What kind of dungeons did you face?¡±


    Rei grins and shakes her head.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. As I said before, It¡¯s different every time. There¡¯s no point in thinking about it until the test actually starts. It¡¯s impossible to prepare, you just have to be apetent hunter and take on the challenge in front of you!¡±


    Maria and I nod.


    ¡°Well, thanks. Great motivational speech.¡±


    I look out the window and watch the buildings fly by. I didn¡¯t mean for my response toe out that sarcastic.


    Rei chuckles.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    The train continues to bring us closer and closer to the capital. I¡¯m starting to shake with excitement.


    Today is the day of the C ss Exams.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    *Screeeeech*


    The train finally makes it to the capital as the sun rises.


    We all walk out onto the tform and take in the view of a busy market. It looks like everyone¡¯s in high spirits today.


    I follow Jack through the market as the hunters and merchants go about their daily business dealings. We make our way toward the Hunters Association¡¯s main headquarters in the city.


    Once we arrive in the general vicinity,rge crowds start forming. Jack spoke up with a grin.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re in the right ce!¡±


    There¡¯s a slow line that has formed entering the main building, we got in and stood patiently. There are all kinds of people waiting beside us. Rei starts pointing at some of them and exining a few things.


    ¡°See those 4 there? It looks like they¡¯re a group of 3 hunters and a guild master, pretty simr to us. Groups like this will be the mostmon.¡±


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 361]


    [Lv. 254]


    [Lv. 252]


    [Lv. 251]


    The level 361 is an old man with short grey hair, light skin, and dressed in a formal suit.


    The other 3 seem to be your average-looking hunters, with decent gear. It¡¯s your run-of-the-mill steel swords and steel armor adding 200+ or so stats for each stat category. Some of it is battle worn, but it does the trick. They¡¯re definitely from a small-town guild like us.


    Rei points at another group.


    ¡°See them over there? It seems that group of 5 is from the Hunters Association. You can tell by their gear.¡±


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    They¡¯re all exactly level 250¡­. And Rei is right. Their armor is all lightweight steel and exactly the same style with dark bodysuits underneath. That¡¯s the Association for you, predictable and organized.


    Rei points behind us as a group of 7 arrives. The crowd moves out of the way to let them get in line behind us. She whispers to us in a low voice.


    ¡°It seems a party from the big 3 has arrived. These guys are no joke, one of the Viridian Guild teams is here.¡±


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 544]


    [Lv. 269]


    [Lv. 267]


    [Lv. 266]


    [Lv. 266]


    [Lv. 265]


    [Lv. 263]


    This team is being lead by a B ss hunter¡­ They are no joke¡­


    All of their gear looks brand new. There are two big tanks and 4 smaller hunters with them that look like some kind of sword orbat types, but none have their weapons drawn. They¡¯re all wearing matching dark green raid suits underneath their shining armor. Some of it is % based, other pieces are 300+ stat boost. This is some serious gear, definitely funded by a top guild.


    As we move further and further up the line Rei pointed to onest team of 3.


    ¡°Hmm, looks like there¡¯s a wild card team. Look, It speaks for itself.¡±


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 288]


    [Lv. 271]


    [Lv. 259]


    I examine the 3 massive men Rei pointed out. They were all tattooed head to toe, and wore unusual gear. One wore a heavy steel chest te with 500+ defense, his only skill is body hardening. He must be the tank. Another man had a dark cloak on with a 50% speed buff. I¡¯ve never seen his skill before, but its self-exnatory ¡°Extreme Speed¡±. He must be some kind of rogue. Thest teammate was just a swordsman, but he wore an assortment of rings¡­ the tattoo on his right hand had a dark snake with red eyes.


    Rei spoke up again as we neared the door.


    ¡°They¡¯re an independent party. You have to apply through the Hunters Association directly if you¡¯re not guild associated. Pretty rare, but not impossible to see. They aren¡¯t with a guild master, we can assume they¡¯re self-submissions. asionally a group of nobles will apply as an independent party as well, we haven¡¯t seen any of them yet though. Looks like this exam will be an interesting one!¡±


    I nod slowly.


    ¡°Looks like it.¡±


    We enter through the front door.


    There¡¯s a long table in front of us with two middle-aged men in ck suits standing in front of it. The one on the left has short brown hair, blue eyes, and a clean-shaven face. He spoke up.


    ¡°Guild Name?¡±


    Jack steps forward.


    ¡°We¡¯re from the Pace Guild. Our two applicants are Jay Soju and Maria Cortez.¡±


    The man nods and sifts through a notepad.


    ¡°May I see your ID¡¯s and status screens?¡±


    Jack nods and turns to us.


    I activate conceal as I reach into my item box to take out my Hunter¡¯s ID. Maria takes hers out as well, and we both hand over our cards to the man.


    He examines both of them as I open my status and begin to edit it furiously. Momentster he hands us our cards back and we both show him our blue screens.


    I left everything exactly the same except for my skill section. I deleted everything except for Swordsmanship and my Fire Combat Magic.


    His eyes still lit up and heughed.


    ¡°Level 297? Nice! There are a couple of guilds over-leveling this time around. I guess it¡¯s just a trend recently. Well, looks like you two are in the clear. Go see Rodrigo to get fully checked in.¡±


    He points to a man sitting at the long table behind him in the center of the lobby.


    Jack and Rei¡¯s bodynguage both change. They seem on edge¡­ We walk over to the table and the man behind it stands up to greet us with a deep voice.


    ¡°Wee.¡±


    As he stands, I start to understand why Rei and Jack were acting so off¡­


    This man is powerful. I sense an unusual, yet familiar presence emanating off of him.


    He¡¯s over 190cm tall, with olive skin, long jet-ck hair, and a short sharp beard. His eyes are too light¡­. They¡¯re almost white. All of his fingers are covered in gold rings with assorted gemstones, and to top it off¡­ His suit is bright red with ck ents.


    I use inspect, and my jaw drops.


    [Lv. 1391]


    He speaks.


    ¡°My name is Rodrigo. I¡¯m the A-ss Hunter on special order from the Hunters Association. I will be in charge of your exam today.¡±


    I gulp.


    ¡°Nice- Nice to meet you.¡±


    He smiles.


    ¡°Please, may I see both of your left hands.¡±


    Maria and I do as he says.


    He hovers his hands above ours and I see up his sleeve for a split second. I make out a solid ck tattoo in a thick line that runs all the way up his left arm. A bright light shes for a moment, then it fades out.


    I look down at my wrist to see a thin silver bracelet. Maria has one too.


    He nods.


    ¡°These will be necessary for the first part of your exam. It¡¯s been a pleasure meeting you. Hopefully, we meet again.¡±


    He gestures to the door on our left and all 4 of us leave without saying a word. Once we¡¯re through and begin to walk down a narrow hallway, we all let out sighs of relief. Rei speaks up.


    ¡°That was¡­. something all right¡­. I wasn¡¯t expecting to meet an A ss today, that was my first time.¡±


    Jack looks over at her.


    ¡°Mine too. They must be testing out something new with this exam to ask an A-ss to make the journey out to the Vice region.¡±


    I step in.


    ¡°So¡­ That¡¯s an A-ss¡­¡±


    Maria grins.


    ¡°He was so cool!!!!¡±


    We all stare at her nkly for a second, thenugh together while continuing to walk through a hallway. We approach a door with 2 more men in ck suits. There arerge wooden crates lining the walls beside them. One of them speaks up.


    ¡°Show us your wrists.¡±


    Maria and I look at each other, then raise our left hands.


    He nods.


    ¡°All right, take off your item boxes.¡±


    I look at him with confusion.


    He replies.


    ¡°Outside healing items will not be permitted in the exam. Only the gear on your body and in your hands may enter this room. Necessary HP and MP potions will be provided by the Hunters Association.¡±


    We nod.


    I reach into my item box and pull out my sword. I don¡¯t really have much else in my item box, all my money and interesting items are in my item storage anyways. Nobody has to know about that¡­


    We hand our item boxes to Jack. He smiles.


    ¡°They¡¯re in safe hands.¡±


    The guard nods as we turn back towards him. He reaches into a crate and grabs two new item boxes.


    ¡°Take these. They¡¯re full with 5 HP and 5 MP potions each. Use them wisely.¡±


    We ept the items and put them on. He speaks up again.


    ¡°Only you two are allowed inside.¡±


    Jack nods.


    ¡°All right, good luck you two! It¡¯s a private event, we¡¯ll be waiting on the outside to hear the good news.¡±


    Rei speaks up as well.


    ¡°Best of luck, even though you don¡¯t need it!¡±


    With a smile and a wave, they both turn to leave. We walk through the next set of doors into a wide-open room.


    The hum of mana shields is loud, and there are white walls all around us. The room is about 50m long and 30m wide. It has a small stage and podium at the back with no one behind it. Hunters are everywhere¡­ There are over 200 in this crowded space already, and more are piling in.


    We walk further into the room together. The exam is about to begin.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    We walk into therge white-walled room.


    Hunters of all kinds are standing around talking within their guilds. I can see a massive group from the Hunters Association with well over 50 people in identical outfits. We walk by them closer to the stage, then I hear my name being called out.


    ¡°Jay??? Is that you?¡±


    I turn to see a familiar face pop out from behind tworge tanks. A short woman with bright green eyes and matching florescent green hair runs toward me. She¡¯s wearing the dark-colored Hunters Association raid suit and minimal armor. I stare forward in disbelief.


    ¡°Abby?!¡±


    She jumps up in the air smiling.


    ¡°Who would have thought?? I haven¡¯t seen you in a while¡­ I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re already level 250¡­ and¡­ You too??¡±


    Abby points at Maria.


    She smiles hesitantly and nods, then Abby continues to talk.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pretty big turnout today. I heard they made ast-second change to the exam because of the recent surge in the city. Exciting isn¡¯t it?!¡±


    She looked at me wide-eyed.


    I smiled and opened my mouth to reply.


    Then a tall blond swordsman and a thin ck-haired mage appear behind Abby. They¡¯re both very light-skinned and have serious looks on their faces.


    ¡°Hey, Abby! This is ourpetition you know. Don¡¯t tell them all our secrets¡­¡±


    Abby rolls her eyes yfully.


    ¡°Jay, these are my teammates for the first part of the exam. Meet Connor and Dasha. We may bepetingter on, but it can¡¯t hurt to be friendly now.¡±


    She grins and looks at us. The swordsman and mage scoff, then turn around. Connor speaks up.


    ¡°The exam is about to begin, finish up with your little friends ande join us when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    They turn and leave, Abby stays.


    ¡°I think they¡¯re just nervous about making a good impression and passing the exam, usually they¡¯re pretty nice people. Don¡¯t mind them!!¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Looks like everyone is on edge around here.¡±


    We look around as more people enter the crowded room. Hunters are fidgeting and arguing all around us. It¡¯s definitely a rather tense environment.


    Abby speaks.


    ¡°Well, anyways. I hope we meet again during the event. Possibly as allies¡­ not enemies. See ya Jay! Oh- and Nice seeing you again Maria!¡±


    Just like that, she hops away into the crowd of Hunters Association minions. I kind of wanted to talk longer and ask her a few things¡­ but I guess that¡¯s not happening.


    Maria finally talks.


    ¡°You know Abby well?¡±


    ¡°I- uhh, Yeah I guess. We used to train together. That is until I joined the Pace guild and took leveling seriously¡­ I still don¡¯t know much about her. She seems nice enough though.¡±


    Maria nods.


    We continue to weave our way through the crowd closer to the podium.


    Once we finally got within 5m or so amotion arose. Two men from different parties were yelling at each other loudly. They both seem to be their party leaders. One is a tall muscr man with short ck hair, heavy silver armor, and a long sword. The other is a tall thin man with long brown hair and two ck daggers.


    The swordsman¡¯s voice is loud and deep. He seems to be yelling at the dagger user for taking to one of the female mages on his team.


    After 3 or 4 verbal exchanges back and forth they begin full-blown yelling at each the for no reason¡­ Everyone backs up and starts forming a small circle as they grit their teeth and stare each other down.


    The brown-haired man starts to glow light grey and gets into a half-squatting stance with his daggers held in attack mode by his side. The swordsman begins to glow light green as he points his long silver de at the man in front of him and yells out.


    ¡°You really want this? I¡¯ll kill ya before this exam even starts!¡±


    The dagger user grins.


    ¡°Bring it on tough guy!¡±


    They both yell and run toward each other with their weapons drawn.


    I can¡¯t believe it¡­


    They¡¯re really starting a fight in here¡­


    *CLICK*


    A bright light shes from the back of the room as the door opens. I¡¯m blinded for a fraction of a second.


    Once the light fades I¡¯m hit with a wave of shock, then can¡¯t help grinning with excitement.


    The dagger user and the swordsman have stopped dead in their tracks. Both of them have their weapons less than a meter away from each other¡¯s necks. The only thing stopping them is¡­ Rodrigo.


    The tall olive-skinned man is standing in between their des stopping both of them with a single index finger on each hand. He¡¯s staring straight ahead with a nk look on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    Instantly, the two men drop their des and bow their heads.


    Rodrigo nods and slowly walks through the crowd toward the podium.


    It¡¯s silent. The only thing making noise are the footsteps of our exam master¡¯s ck shiny shoes as he gets on stage.


    The crowd slowly moves toward the podium as he looks out at all of us with his emotionless white eyes.


    ¡°Wee. We have closed the entrance. Everyone in this room will be attending the C ss Exams.¡±


    The crowd watches attentively.


    ¡°We have all met briefly on your way in, but just to remind you all I will introduce myself. My name is Rodrigo Morales. I¡¯ve been an A-ss Hunter in the Association for 8 years now. I will be the only instructor for your exam today.¡±


    The audience starts murmuring to each other. I look at Maria. She looks back at me and whispers.


    ¡°It¡¯s really starting¡­¡±


    I grin.


    ¡°It really is.¡±


    Rodrigo continues.


    ¡°If you would all look to the back of the room, you¡¯ll see 40 C-ss and above Hunters from the Association that will be monitoring your progress and reporting back to me. They are all wearing yellow armbands. If you need help or have questions during the exam, feel free to track them down.¡±


    The whole audience turns their heads to see a long line of hunters in the back of the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re all here because you¡¯ve made it this far already. Level 250 is a big achievement in the world of hunters, but progressing further is a much greater challenge. The dungeons in your future will be nothing like the ones you¡¯ve faced before, that¡¯s why we have this exam. It is a rite of passage. If you can pass, then you¡¯re ready to continue your journey. If you fail, you may alwayse back and take it again. Let¡¯s see. Raise your hand if this is your first time taking the exam.¡±


    Maria and I raise our hands, then slowly look around the room. To my surprise¡­ There aren¡¯t as many people raising their hands as I thought there would be.


    ¡°That seems about right. This year we have 348 applicants from around the entire Vice Region. 96 of them are first-time applicants. Overall, the Association has submitted 71 applicants, the big 3 submitted 64, 44 smaller guilds have submitted 172, and there are 41 independents. This is a record-high number of applicants in the Vice Region. This only means our exam will be even more strict. It will consist of 3 tests. You must pass all 3. If you fail 1 test, you fail the entire exam. Less than one third of you will be walking away with a C ss certification.¡±


    The crowd began to murmur again.


    ¡°Without further ado, I will exin the rules of our first test. Please, everyone, look down at your left wrist. If you do not have a silver bracelet on, speak up or leave this room immediately.¡±


    Silence fills the room.


    ¡°Great. These bracelets have been crafted with my unique skill, along with the help of a friend. They will be a vital part of our first test. Each bracelet has 2 extra lives stored inside it. This means the magic item will absorb all the damage that your body would normally take in from a fight. Once your HP reaches 0, the bracelet reverses the physical effects on your body and teleports you in full health back to a starting point that I¡¯ve already set. Understood?¡±


    The entire crowd talks amongst themselves for a few seconds with confused expressions.


    ¡°I will demonstrate how it works.¡±


    All of a sudden Rodrigo raises his left hand and a blinding white light fills the room. I feel extremely hot for a fraction of a second and almost cry out in agony¡­ but then the pain is gone momentster.


    The white light fades and I can¡¯t believe my eyes¡­. The ground beneath me is made of stone bs and I can see a bright blue sky as I look up. There arerge green trees and mountains in the distance. Right in front of me, there are over 300 hunters confused and dazed taking in their surroundings as well.


    I hear Rodrigo¡¯s voice and see him standing on top of arge boulder with a floating green portal in front of it.


    ¡°Now, you all have 1 extra life remaining.¡±


    It clicks in my head. He just killed us all¡­ instantly¡­.


    I gulp. He continues.


    ¡°Due to the recent surges in the capital, many unique dungeons have been popping up in the wilderness just outside the city. One of the most unique ones is this brand newbyrinth.¡±


    I gasped and stared at the glowing portal with wide-open eyes.


    ¡°With permission from the Hunters Association and my surveince, our exam will be taking ce inside. Your first test will be defeating the boss on floor 10 within 48 hours. The maximum number of hunters allowed to pass this first test is 200. I will be waiting on floor 11 to begin the next stage.¡±


    The audience of hunters went wild. First of all, the shock of literally dying and instantly being brought kilometers away from the city is a lot toprehend. But also, the fact that our exam is being held in abyrinth¡­ This is a pretty big deal!


    Rodrigo speaks up again.


    ¡°For those of your that aren¡¯t familiar withbyrinths, let me give you a quick refresher. Once entering thebyrinth you will be transported into a normal-looking dungeon. Most of the time, the starting dungeons are lower E ranked. Every time you defeat a dungeon, the boss room will spawn you up to the next ¡°floor¡±. We call them floors to keep it simple, but they are just dungeons that progressively increase in difficulty. The easiest dungeon is ¡°Floor 1¡± and the floor numbers raise as the difficulty increases. Once you challenge a boss, you cannot leave through any portals. You either defeat it, or it defeats you. If you¡¯d like to return to the outside world while in the normalbyrinth, you may take the exit portal on each floor that leads to the floor below. These will appear at the start point of each dungeon and when walked through they will spawn you back in front of the boss room portal of the previous lower floor.¡±


    The entire audience listens attentively.


    ¡°As I said before, you have 48 hours toplete the first 10 floors and meet me on floor 11. If 200 of you make it before the 48 hours is up, then our timer will be cut short. Killing and sabotaging other hunters is allowed. Each yer has 1 extra life. Your silver bracelets will transport you back to this very spawn point outside the dungeon. It may be in your best interest to sabotage other hunters on the higher floors so they have to waste time climbing thebyrinth again. Killing hunters without an extra life is allowed, but may be frowned upon. It will not guarantee a failing score but will be taken into consideration for your hunting profile. With that being said, anyone that loses their bracelet, know that you are risking your life to be a hunter. If you¡¯re not ready, you may leave at any time. This is all part of the exam, only the strong will move on.¡±


    I looked over at Maria, she looked at me as well. We both gripped our swords tight.


    ¡°I have also ced a few gifts on varying floors along the way. There isn¡¯t nearly enough for all of you, but I¡¯m sure those of you that find my presents will find them helpful.¡±


    He grins.


    ¡°There is no minimum or maximum team size requirement for this first test. Get to the 11th floor by any means necessary. Form your teams and get in a line facing me.¡±


    Everyone lines up in a surprisingly orderly fashion. Maria and I manage to squeeze in near the front, probably in one of the top 20 positions.


    ¡°Once thest person enters the portal, the timer will begin. I wish you all the best of luck. Meet you on the 11th floor!¡±


    Rodrigo steps back into the portal and disappears.


    The line begins to move forward rapidly as everyone runs through after him.


    Momentster, Maria and I jump through the green portal ourselves.


    We enter the Labyrinth.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 48 Hours]


    Maria and I jump through the portal and enter a grasnd dungeon. I can see 10 or so parties in front of us splitting off in all directions.


    Not many people are using magic, they must be trying to conserve it forter.


    We sprint forward and dive deep into the dungeon.


    The grass is short, and there are patches of pink, yellow, and blue flowers. asional trees pop up into view, but they seem to be pretty rare.


    After about 5 minutes of running, I hear a deep voice yelling out from behind us.


    ¡°HEY! You two, stop right there!!¡±


    Maria and I turn our heads to see a massive bearded man chasing after us with a steel chest te and an enormous silver sword. There are two shorter men behind him carrying swords as well. He keeps yelling.


    ¡°My first victims! Come here!!!¡±


    His eyes are bloodshot and his teeth are showing through a malicious smile.


    I take one look at Maria, she¡¯s grinning ear to ear.


    I nod.


    We stop running and turn to the group of men chasing us. Maria runs forward at them and begins to glow bright blue.


    It¡¯s over in a matter of seconds¡­.


    She runs through them all leaving trails of ice in her tracks. With a single touch of her de, they¡¯re all frozen solid instantly. She turns to me andughs.


    The leader still has an angry look on his face with his mouth wide open mid-yell as he points his sword high in the air. He¡¯s petrified in Ice standing upright with his dedicated followers frozen close behind him. They never saw iting.


    ¡°I say we let them thaw out on their own.¡±


    Iugh back at her.


    ¡°Good idea. Those Idiots chose the wrong party to blindly attack.¡±


    We turn and continue running toward the back of the dungeon. A party approaches us from the rear as we¡¯re leaving, but swerves away at the sight of Maria¡¯s Ice sculptures. I turn to Maria mid-stride and point out the new party running away from us.


    ¡°This exam might be easier than we thought.¡±


    ¡°Hmmph, might be.¡±


    Finally, about 20 minutester we found our first monster. A horned rabbit¡­ With a single kick, I easily killed it. It¡¯s still cool to see a new monster species though.


    They¡¯re about half a meter tall and look like oversized muscr rabbits. They have bright white fur, red eyes, sharp jagged teeth, and a single brown horn protruding from their foreheads.


    After the first one, I just ignored them moving forward. They¡¯re all between levels 5 and 15. There isn¡¯t much to worry about.


    Another 20 minutes go by, and the hunters have really spread out a lot. I can only see one team in front of us far off in the distance, and none behind. That ice attack must have skewed the path people are willing to take¡­.


    As we continue, the party ahead of us starts bingrger¡­ No wait, we¡¯re just getting closer. It seems they¡¯ve stopped moving.


    We approach them cautiously but do not change our speed.


    At closer inspection, I can see it¡¯s a team of 4. They¡¯re all wearing matching silver armor with gold ents. Their under-suits are white and elegant¡­ its really nice gear. They seem to be examining a few sheets of paper while trading magic items around on the ground. A man with long blond flowing hair and bright blue eyes steps out in front of the other three and yells to us.


    ¡°We do not wish to fight, but If we must¡­ I shall destroy you.¡±


    Out of curiosity, I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 275]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Sword] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Armor Set] +600 Defense


    [Dragon Scale Pendant] +50% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Barrier Summoning]


    Swordsmanship


    I grin.


    ¡°Now here¡¯s a real opponent. Maria, I want this one.¡±


    She steps back.


    I run toward the man igniting mes around my sword and preparing an attack.


    He nods slowly, then draws his own sword.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    He begins glowing white as I swing my burning de toward his neck. The swordsman lifts his own de and covers it in a soft white aura. I bring my sword down and he counters with his own.


    My de stops in mid-air¡­ Less than a meter from his de. I grit my teeth and push forward with all my strength. It begins to move. Slowly but surely, I bring my de closer and closer to his. Sweat rolls down my forehead as I let out a yell activating berserker.


    *CLINK*


    My sword touches his and we¡¯re both blown backward by the built-up force from our attacks. The grasnd around us is destroyed and a dust cloud forms from all the dirt thrown in the air.


    As it slowly settles, we both stand 10m apart pointing our des at one another. He speaks.


    ¡°Again, I do not wish to fight. You are a strong adversary, I believe it would be a waste to drain our strength now.¡±


    I grin at him and don¡¯t move a muscle for a few seconds. Then nod and put out my mes while pointing my sword at the floor.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jay by the way. You¡¯re probably right, It would be a waste to fight now.¡±


    He points his sword to the ground too.


    ¡°I¡¯m George Arden the Third. A pleasure to spar.¡±


    It seems our mutual test of strength is over.


    We back away from each other slowly.


    With that, we give each other a formal head nod and I motion for Maria to follow me. He turns to his team and they all continue looking at the sheets of paper from earlier. Maria and I head off past them just like that. What an interesting guy¡­.


    We continue forward, and the group of armored men fades into the distance behind us. I can¡¯t see any other teams in any direction. It feels like we¡¯re all alone in the dungeon now.


    After another 30 minutes of running, we still make no contact with the other teams. In total, we¡¯ve had about 5 horned rabbit encounters I¡¯m starting to get out of breath. I¡¯ve been training hard recently¡­ but no matter how you put it, running for over an hour gets tiring. I turn to Maria, she¡¯s breathing heavily as well.


    ¡°Hey, want to slow down and walk?¡±


    Maria turns to me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make it through the first floor, then we can take a breather!¡±


    I nod resentfully.


    She has a good point though¡­


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    We continue chugging along at a solid pace. 10 minutester, we make it to the first boss room.


    A floating grey portal stands alone in the middle of an open field.


    ¡°Well, it was a bit closer than I thought it would be¡­¡±


    Mariaughs and we jump through together.


    The boss room has a dirt floor with no nt life. It¡¯s dark and there are sloped walls creating a cave-like environment. It feels like we¡¯re underground, in some kind of burrow¡­.


    Red eyes appear from the back of the room and a massive horned rabbit hops out. It looks very simr to the normal mobs, just¡­ huge¡­


    It gets up on its two hind legs and shows us its teeth standing almost 1.5m tall.


    I use inspect, then smile.


    [Lv. 37]


    We walk over to it slowly. The monster gets on all fours and starts running at us while growling.


    *SHINGGG*


    I cut it in two like butter.


    Maria and I look at each other, then she speaks up.


    ¡°One floor down, nine to go.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    The rabbit disintegrates and white transport magic teleports us to the next dungeon a few minutester.


    ¡°NEW GUYS ARE HERE! GET EM!!!!!¡±


    As we¡¯re spawned into a forest-like environment. There are thick trees in all directions and fairly rocky soil. I see two men and a woman less than 5m away with their weapons fully drawn. There¡¯s a massive dark-skinned man with a silver shield and long thick sword lunging at me. A slim dark-haired fair-skinned woman wielding daggers runs at Maria. A short red-haired man stands behind them both glowing bright yellow.


    The tank lets out a yell as he shoves his sword at my chest. I instantly react by erupting into mes and creating ayer of body-hardening crystals over the front side of my body.


    *CLANGGG*


    His sword smashes into the hard crystal armor and his eyes open wide in disbelief.


    Maria gasps as she sees my defense out of the corner of her eye while instinctively putting up her own shield of Ice to block the woman¡¯s ambush of daggers.


    I face the man standing in front of me, he stands over 205cm tall, wearing makeshift leather armor, and deep scars on his face.


    I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 258]


    Active Items:


    [Heavy Iron Long Sword] +200 Strength


    [Heavy Iron Shield] +250 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Armor Set] +200 Defense


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Extreme Strength


    Buffs:


    [+35% Speed & Agility]


    I smile and raise my sword pointing it at therge man¡¯s head.


    ¡°You call that an ambush?¡±


    He grunts and stares me down while beginning to glow orange. A new Buff appears in his appraisal stats.


    [+50% Strength]


    I grin.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    The team member behind him must have a speed and agility party-wide buff skill, while he has his own strength buff skill. Unfortunately for him¡­ it¡¯s not going to be enough.


    I ignite into mes and look the man straight in the eyes. I activate berserker and intimidation.


    ¡°ATTACK THEM N-¡°


    He stops yelling mid-sentence and freezes with fear. My vision tunnels and I charge forward.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Without hesitation, I slice him in two then stab the short red-haired buff caster through the chest in the same attack.


    Instantly, they both dematerialize into a sh of white light.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how the bracelets really work¡­. Good to know.¡±


    I turn to see Maria facing off against the dagger-wielding woman. Her eyes open wide as she sees her teammates easily obliterated.


    Maria ces her hand on the ground and releases a wave of Ice. The woman turns to run as the frost creeps up her ankles. She lets out a scream and drops her daggers before turning into a glistening white statue. Maria walks over to her and shes the ice into a million little pieces. The white light appears again, indicating she¡¯s been sent back to her party members.


    I think to myself for a moment. If I really killed them, I¡¯d be able to absorb their skills. So it looks like I won¡¯t be getting to farm skills that easily today¡­


    Maria speaks up.


    ¡°Hey look! That woman left her weapons!¡±


    She bends down and picks up the two ck daggers off the ground. I use Appraisal.


    [Enchanted Dagger Set] +250 Strength +250 Agility


    I nod.


    ¡°Nice. I guess they¡¯re yours now. Looks like you have to be holding your items to be transported with them.¡±


    Maria smiles and ces the daggers into her item box, then points her sword in the air toward the back of this new dungeon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! I hope we get to fight some stronger opponents soon. Monsters or Humans, I don¡¯t care.¡±


    She starts walking forward.


    I nod and follow.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the higher we climb, the more challenging this test will be.¡±

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 46 Hours]


    As we walk further into this new forest dungeon the trees get thicker and the soil bes rockier. I can still see the sky overhead, but it¡¯s a huge change of pace from the meadow-like dungeon we just departed from.


    Maria and I continue jogging at a steady pace through the forest. About 20 minutes into our trek we hear movement in front of us deep behind a patch of thick green leaves.


    I use inspect and enemy detection.


    [30m]


    [Lv. 44]


    [Lv. 51]


    Momentster, tworge hobgoblinse running into our vision with their swords pointing at us. They stand over 2m tall, have light green skin, hold long silver swords, and wear rags for clothing.


    Maria and I sprint forward and slice them both in half without activating an ounce of magic.


    We continue running forward like nothing happened.


    After another hour and a half, and 4 more hobgoblin encounters, we finally make it to the boss room portal. I turn to Maria.


    ¡°Seems like the teams are getting pretty spread out. We only saw one in this dungeon.. and it was at the very beginning!¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Yeah, maybe that camping team thinned the crowd in front of us and we¡¯re just outpacing the crowd behind for now.¡±


    ¡°True, you¡¯re probably right¡­¡±


    ¡°You ready?¡±


    ¡°Ready.¡±


    We jump through the floating grey portal and enter the floor 2 boss room.


    The ground is hard, and the light is dim. It feels exactly like the previous boss room, just with wallspletely made of stone.


    Footsteps begin to sound as a 3.5m tall mutated hobgoblin appears.


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 68]


    Before it can even let out a roar, Maria runs forward and cuts it¡¯s head clean off. She turns back to me.


    ¡°Two down, eight to go!¡±


    I nod slowly, then let out a smallugh.


    A few momentster the corpse disappears and the white light appears transporting us into a new dungeon.


    I open my eyes to see a unique sight.


    It¡¯s a wastnd¡­.


    The ground feels soft and wet, but still easy to walk on. There¡¯s very minimal nt life here, and the soil is an off-putting reddish-purple color. The entirendscape is full of mildly sloping hills with no trees in sight.


    As I look up, the sky is grey with a hint of blue¡­ This dungeon is depressing¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s walk this one. I think conserving energy would be the best thing to do right now.¡±


    Maria nods and we walk forward into the dungeon with caution. The moment we do, I hear a rumbling in the distance.


    I use enemy detection and inspect. Instantly, I sense over 20 monsters running our way between levels 70 and 100.


    ¡°Here theye!¡±


    Maria replies.


    ¡°Already??¡±


    We both grip our swords tight and get ready for whatever beasts are about to show their faces¡­.


    The rumbling gets closer. It sounds more like hundreds of footsteps now. I can hear clicking, scurrying, squealing, and scraping soundsing closer and closer.


    Then on top of a small hill in front of us, a wave of giant rats appear¡­


    My stomach drops.


    I¡¯m not scared of them because I think they¡¯re dangerous¡­ these things¡­ just look disgusting¡­.


    Over 20 fat brown rats crawl over the top of a dirt hill and charge toward us. I can smell rotting flesh from here. They have beady red eyes, long pink noses, crooked white teeth, matted brown hair, and scar-covered fleshy tails.


    They¡¯re over 2m long¡­


    I look at Maria. We both gulp and run at the wave of rodents.


    I ignite into a ball of mes and Maria begins to create a barrier of Ice fragments all around her. I swerve off to the right, and she takes the left. Together, we release a wave of magic up the hill of rats and obliterate them all in the blink of an eye.


    We continue our charge all the way up the hill, not stopping until everyst one of them is frozen solid or burned to a crisp. Once we make it to the top I activate enemy detection again, and widen my search distance.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ thousands of them¡­ everywhere¡­¡±


    I can sense groups of rats piling together across the entire dungeon. Doing so used up a bit of MP, but I¡¯ll manage. It let me pinpoint a few other teams as well. It looks like there are 7 other parties in here with us. Their numbers vary, but none are too close by.


    I turn my head to a far corner of the dungeon as I sense an odd presence. It¡¯s kind of strong¡­ but is definitely not a hunter. I point in its direction.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a quick detour, I¡¯m curious about something. I might pay off.¡±


    Maria looks up at me.


    ¡°Okay, fine with me.¡±


    We turn and begin to trek toward the odd presence.


    After traveling about 1km off track, we finally near our destination. There were 3 more waves of rats along the way, all increasing in size. Ourst ambush consisted of over 50 rats.


    They¡¯re easy to kill, but pretty hard on the eyes¡­


    I point to arge dirt hill in the distance.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. We¡¯re here.¡±


    The moment I open my mouth, the beast I was looking for appears.


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 143]


    ¡°Nothing special¡­ but we¡¯re getting somewhere.¡±


    On top of the hill stands a massive mutant rat. It¡¯s easily 4m long and covered in scars with dark ck matted hair. There seems to be a glowing white light behind it as well. It¡¯s making the rat stand out in this gloomy environment.


    I grin and run at the monster. It screeches and a wave of rats appears behind it. There are easily a hundred of them¡­


    I burst into a ball of fire and begin massacring the wave. Maria follows close behind and begins freezing dozens of them at a time as well. Every time Ind a hit with my sword I use plunderer to restore my MP.


    Momentster, we both make it to the top of the hill leaving trails of fire and ice behind us.


    *SHINGGG*


    In perfect synchronicity, Maria and I cut the mutant rat into pieces. We stand on top of the hill admiring our handiwork.


    Although, after a while, I have to cover my mouth and nose as the burning rat corpses disappear one by one.


    The white light from earlier doesn¡¯t fade as the mutant disappears. It seems like there was something on top of this hill before we got here. It was just hidden by the wave of monsters.


    Finally, the burning flesh turns into piles of mana crystals and reveals a glowing white box on the ground.


    We look at it, then at each other, then back at the box. I walk over and examine it.


    It¡¯s about a meter long, half a meter tall, and half a meter wide. It¡¯spletely white and is humming like a mana shield. There are no handles or indicators of how to open it.


    ¡°What could this be¡­?¡±


    I reach my sword out toward it and tap the de against the top of the box.


    *CLICK*


    The lid flies open and reveals a piece of paper, 2 potions, a silver ring, a bag of dried fruit, 4rge bottles of water, and another bag of dried meats.


    I grab the note and read it.


    ¡°It looks like you have found a gift box, luck is on your side! These items may help you on your journey, use them wisely to stay alive.


    -Rodrigo¡±


    I turn the note over for Maria to read, then I use Appraisal on the potions and ring in the box.


    Active Items:


    [D ss MP Potion]


    [D ss HP Potion]


    [Enchanted Silver Ring] +150 Speed


    ¡°Interesting¡­ let¡¯s split this up evenly. You can have the ring, I think you need it more than me. Next rare item drop is mine though, got it?¡±


    She smiles.


    ¡°Sure thing!¡±


    I toss Maria the ring, and we take half the food and water each. Maria drinks an MP potion on the spot, and I ce the HP potion in my item box. Apparently, Maria has already used up a full MP bar, I guess we have used a lot of magic in this dungeon so far.


    I look around and see over a hundred mana crystals all over the hill¡­


    ¡°It¡¯d be a waste not to pick these up right¡­¡±


    Mariaughs.


    ¡°I guess s-JAY!¡°


    ¡°STOP RIGHT THERE!¡±


    *CLANGGGGG*


    Two silver daggers appear out of nowhere and I instinctively raise my sword to block them as I hear a deep voice yell at me. The daggers scrape against my de overpowering me and pushing me to the floor. I scan the area with enemy detection, inspect, and appraisal to try and figure out what hit me.


    Nothing registers at first¡­


    Then a man appears 10m in front of me seemingly out of thin air. The stats finally show.


    [10m]


    [Lv. 279]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Dagger Set] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Armor Set] +400 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +200 Speed


    [Griffin¡¯s Talon] +40% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    The man is well-built with short dirty blond hair and light skin. He has brown eyes and wears a few pieces of medium-weight armor. He looks a bit too bulky to be using daggers¡­ but I guess that¡¯s his thing.


    Standing around 180cm tall, he¡¯s about my height. Just a lot more muscr.


    He yells out.


    ¡°Hand over everything from that box and I¡¯ll spare your lives!¡±


    I step forward.


    ¡°Yeah right¡­. Bring it on!¡±


    He smirks and takes a slow step backward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±


    I grip my de and ignite it with mes.


    He takes another slow step back.


    Then disappears¡­


    I scan the area around me with enemy detection, but his presence is gone. While turning around in circles I begin to ignite my full body in mes.


    ¡°Is this some kind of.. teleportation ski-ARGHHH¡±


    *SHINGGG*


    I feel a sharp dagger pierce my right side. The man appears from nowhere andnds his attack this time around. I begin to swing my de back at him, but he disappears in front of my eyes.


    My sword slices through the air. I cough up a bit of blood and regenerate my wound while letting my mes burn even brighter.


    He appears 10m in front of me with that same smirk across his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again, give me everything you got from that box and I¡¯ll spare your lives.¡±


    Maria yells to me while glowing blue and running at us.


    ¡°JAY!! You-¡°


    ¡°Let me handle this Maria. This guy is starting to piss me off.¡±


    She stops mid-stride and nods, then steps back.


    ¡°Hmmph. Okay, I¡¯m here if you need me.¡±


    I turn back to the dagger-wielding man.


    He takes a step back, then another, then, poof¡­. He¡¯s gone again.


    I scan the area, but like before, there¡¯s no sign of him. It¡¯s silent, the only noise I can hear is the crackle of my own mes.


    *SHINGG*


    A silver dagger appears out of nowhere and pierces my left thigh. The man bes visible and I swing my ming sword again, not hesitating from the pain this time.


    *WOOOSHH-SHICCC*


    The man disappears as my dees down¡­ but I hit something¡­


    ¡°ARHHGHH! HOW???¡±


    The man reappears 10m away with a small gash on his right arm. It¡¯s bleeding onto the ground and he¡¯s ring at me.


    My eyes open wide. Then I remember¡­ I¡¯ve seen this before. Back a long time ago when I trained with Abby in that Bat Dungeon. The boss could do the same thing.


    This is a stealth skill...I took a glimpse his status, but it didn''t click with me at first. He¡¯s not teleporting, he¡¯s just disappearing from my vision.


    I grin, then activate berserker. My senses heighten and my strength increases. I lock eyes with my prey. I¡¯m filled with confidence now that I understand what¡¯s going on. He smirks and takes a step back into nothingness.


    I sprint forward and scan my surroundings with a new objective in mind.


    It¡¯s faint¡­ but I can hear the pitter-patter of light footstepsing at me on the left side. I instinctively predict his movements using the sound of his feet and slight movements in the wet dirt tounch an attack of my own.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    It¡¯s a direct hit! The man appears visible again as I make contact with my ming sword. It cracks right through his chest tending a devastating blow to his midsection. Blood flies and he yells out in pain while falling backward.


    I stand over him with my sword drawn at his neck, then activate intimidation.


    A wave of energy hits him and he freezes with fear.


    ¡°I want everything you¡¯ve got. Looks like the tables have turned.¡±


    The man doesn¡¯t respond at all, he just stares forward with dted pupils.


    ¡°Fine. I guess we¡¯ll do this the hard way. Just like you wanted.¡±


    I bring my sword down and cut the item box from his waist, then pierce my sword through his chest plundering MP as his body disintegrates and transports back to the respawn point.


    I pick up the pouch and turn to Maria with a smile while looking inside.


    ¡°There are 4 HP potions and 2 MP, nothing else. What do you want?¡±


    She nods slowly.


    ¡°As much MP as I can get.¡±


    I throw her 1 HP and 2 MP potions. I take 3 HP for myself.


    ¡°There, that¡¯s fair.¡±


    I drink one of the HP potions, then throw the other two into my item box. I have 8 in total now, I couldn¡¯t care less about the MP potions. I get mana for free by killing monsters, Maria can have them all.


    She looks at me curiously for a moment but epts the potions without a fuss. We collect the mana crystals covering the hill, then start walking back the way we came.


    Our next stop is the boss room.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 43 Hours]


    I use enemy detection to navigate through the rest of the rat dungeon avoiding as many monsters as possible.


    By the time we make it to the boss room I can sense over 30 teams scattered across the wastnd behind us. It seems our detour allowed for a lot of other parties to catch up.


    We enter the boss room.


    It¡¯s a dark and damp cave-like room. I instantly hear the scraping ws of ratsing our way.


    Maria glows blue and looks at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this one.¡±


    I nod.


    A wave of rodents appears from the backside of the cave followed by their leader. It¡¯s a giant mutant rat, simr to the one we fought on that hill earlier.


    Maria charges forward freezing the oing wave while jumping through the air and aiming her sword at the mutant¡¯s neck.


    *SHINNNNGGG*


    She turns to me with a grin as therge rat¡¯s frozen head falls to the floor shattering into ice.


    ¡°Three down¡±


    I walk over to her and reply.


    ¡°Seven to go.¡±


    The rats begin to disappear. We collect the mana crystals while waiting for the transfer magic to kick in. Momentster, a white light brings us to the next floor.


    The sky is bright blue and there isn¡¯t a cloud in the sky. The grass is short and light green. It¡¯s covering rolling hills with asional trees.


    I smile.


    ¡°Now this is more like it.¡±


    I use enemy detection and inspect to quickly survey the area.


    It seems like there¡¯s a decent amount of monsters in the area, but they travel in groups of 1 or 2 at most. They¡¯re all between levels 90 and 110. I can only sense 6 teams ahead of us at the moment. That is, in this dungeon anyway.


    We begin walking forward.


    After about 20 minutes of peacefully taking in the artificial sunlight and beautiful blue sky our first pair of monsters appear.


    Two light blue globs of liquid creep over a hill in front of us. I turn to Maria.


    ¡°Slimes. I¡¯ve fought these before. Physical attacks won¡¯t hurt them, we¡¯ll have to use only magic.¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Without much effort, we both run up the hill and destroy the slimes in our path with Fire and Ice.


    We continue running forward deeper into the slime dungeon. That peaceful walk was nice, but It¡¯s time to pick up the pace again.


    I continue leading the way to avoid nearby teams. Our path isn¡¯t exactly straight, but Maria doesn¡¯t seem to mind. As we approach the boss room I sense a team of 3 standing in ce.


    I use inspect and enemy detection.


    [500m]


    [Lv. 266]


    [Lv. 259]


    [Lv. 255]


    I turn to Maria and point out the specs of people in the distance.


    ¡°We havepany. Looks like they¡¯re standing outside the boss room.¡±


    She nods and we slow down to cautiously approach them.


    [300m]


    I can vaguely make out a glowing grey portal in the distance now. They¡¯re not jumping through for some reason¡­


    [100m]


    Maria and I point our swords forward and continue to walk slowly at them. The level 266 steps in front of the others and raises his hands in the air.


    We walk within talking distance and he yells out. He¡¯s visibly out of breath.


    ¡°P-Please, could we ask you to do us a favor!¡±


    It¡¯s a man carrying a silver sword on his back and is dressed in standard leather and steel armor. He¡¯s a bit shorter than me, with short ck hair and brown eyes. As we approach, he keeps his hands raised. The two men behind him don¡¯t say a word. They seem tired too, it looks like they¡¯ve been running for a while.


    I raise an eyebrow and use appraisal on the 3 of them.


    [Lv. 266]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Sword] +250 Strength


    [Leather Chestte] +150 Defense


    [Steel Wrist Guards] +150 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +200 Speed


    [Ring of Protection] +35% Defense


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Team Buff[All Stats +25%]


    Crafting


    [Lv. 259]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Sword] +250 Strength


    [Leather Chestte] +150 Defense


    [Leather Wrist Guards] +100 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +200 Speed


    [Ring of Protection] +25% Defense


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Swordsmanship


    [Lv. 255]


    Active Items:


    [Heavy Steel Shield] +300 Defense


    [Leather Chestte] +150 Defense


    [Leather Wrist Guards] +100 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +200 Speed


    [Ring of Protection] +25% Defense


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening


    Extreme Defense


    ¡°What do you want¡­?¡±


    The three of them seem to be your run-of-the-mill, middle-aged, small-town guild hunters. They may be decent fighters, but nothing special sticks out to me. This is so odd¡­


    The man in front speaks again.


    ¡°Please defeat the slime boss for us, we¡¯ll do anything!¡±


    He bows.


    ¡°I-uh-what?¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    I turn to Maria, she shrugs, then I turn back to the man with a confused look on my face.


    He speaks.


    ¡°None of us have anybat magic abilities. We can¡¯t defeat this boss with just our swords.¡±


    I chuckle, then Maria chimes in.


    ¡°We should just kill them now! Sending these three back to the start would be a better use of out time, I mea-¡°


    I cut her off mid-sentence while pointing my sword at the leader¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear them out. We¡¯ll do it, what can you give us in return? She¡¯s right, you may be better off leaving this exam if you came this ill-prepared¡­ but I¡¯ll help you if you can help us.¡±


    I grin.


    The man smiles back thinly and turns to his teammates. They sift through their item boxes and pull out a few bottles of potions.


    I shake my head and roll my eyes, then point to his left hand.


    ¡°How about that ring? You said anything.¡±


    The man gulps, then nods slowly and takes off the golden ring containing a small dark green gemstone on the face of it.


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    I motion for him to ce it on the edge of my de. He does and I bring the ring closer to put it on. It magically fits next to my other ring and I grin as I feel the effects of its defense buff.


    I turn to Maria.


    ¡°You want anything?¡±


    She eyes the men up and down then replies.


    ¡°Give me your MP potions. I want at least half.¡±


    They hand Maria 7 MP potions in total. She sighs, then puts them in her item box.


    ¡°This will do. Let¡¯s kill the boss before another teames along.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    The three men look at us with hopeful eyes. I guess we were their only chance of getting through this dungeon.


    All 5 of us step into the slime dungeon boss room.


    The room seems to just be a smaller version of the dungeon we just left. The grass is green and short. The hills raise up around us in all directions creating an arena-type environment.


    Moments after we enter, arge blue glob of liquid appears. I use inspect.


    [Lv. 151]


    Maria grins.


    ¡°I got this.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Go for it.¡±


    She begins to glow bright blue while running at the slime with her de out in front.


    *SHINGGG*


    Maria slices the slime in half. The points of contact begin to frost over and consolidate into Ice.


    Instantly, the blob freezes into a solid and falls to the ground in two parts. She brings her de back around and shatters the Ice to bits.


    Maria holds up four fingers, then points one down to the floor.


    I yell back and smile.


    ¡°Six to go.¡±


    We all walk over to her as the fragments of ice begin disappearing. The team we came with hasn¡¯t said a word since we entered this room. I see the two men take off their rings and hand them to their leader.


    The white light appears and we¡¯re all transported to the next floor.


    *CLANGGGG*


    I roll my eyes as I activate body hardening to block the sword being swung at my back.


    ¡°Seriously¡­?¡±


    The team leader staggers backward with fear in his eyes after his failed attempt at a surprise attack.


    I look at Maria, then briefly take in the newndscape of a mountain range dungeon.


    ¡°You were right. These fools weren¡¯t ready. We should have saved the time and killed them earlier.¡±


    She grins and starts glowing blue.


    The man speaks.


    ¡°H-How? I-I¡¯m sorry. Just how strong are you two?¡±


    I ignite my de into mes and motion for Maria to handle the other two men. She nods and I walk towards the leader who tried to stab me in the back, literally¡­


    He raises his sword and I activate berserker while continuing to cover my entire body in mes. I sprint toward him and instantlynd a hit across his chest. My speed is in another ss than his¡­


    I turn back to see the man still standing, but mes are burning brightly from his chest. He turns to me with bloodshot eyes and starts glowing bright yellow.


    ¡°YOU AREN¡¯T GOING TO TA-¡°


    *SHINGGGG*


    Iunch another attack before he finishes his sentence. A blow straight to the neck. He dissolves instantly in a bright sh, being transported back to the outside world. I turn to Maria and see two statues of Ice in front of her.


    Sheughs.


    ¡°I think we should just leave them.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Good idea. Serves them right.¡±


    We leave the frozen men behind and begin walking deeper into the new dungeon. I use enemy detection to scope out thendscape and sense 8 teams ahead of us. One of them isn¡¯t too far away, and there¡¯s a hunter with a higher level than me¡­


    I grin and point to a rocky mountain in the distance covered in dark green pine trees and small boulders.


    ¡°This way, another detour. Get ready for a real fight.¡±


    Maria nods and turns to me as we depart.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s do it. But umm, I¡¯m curious about something¡­. What was the ability you used to block that sword attack earlier?¡±


    I stop walking to look Maria directly in the eyes. She speaks up again.


    ¡°Jay¡­ Do you have a third skill?¡±

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 40 Hours]


    ¡°I...¡±


    Maria looks up at me with curious innocent eyes.


    I gulp.


    ¡°I do¡­ have another skill. You¡¯re right.¡±


    She smiles wide, drops her sword, and starts jumping around with her hands in the air.


    ¡°I knew it!! I knew it!!! Your sword is special too! And you-¡°


    I cut her off with a serious tone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep this between us, okay? The fewer people that know about it, the better. I have... a few skills¡­ I trust you not to tell anyone, and to not ask too many questions.¡±


    Maria stopped jumping and looked me in the eyes with a serious stare.


    ¡°Hmmph, of course, Jay. I¡¯ve been waiting¡­. I can keep a secret, don¡¯t worry!¡±


    She smiles again, picks up her sword, and turns to continue walking while bobbing her head side to side humming softly.


    I sigh with relief¡­


    It¡¯s been weighing on me for a while now. I was trying to find the right time to tell her. The more floors we climb, I''m more likely to use other skills. I guess she¡¯s known for a while and was also just waiting for the right time to say something¡­. Maybe I¡¯ve been a bit careless about shing my skills aroundtely.


    Either way, that was much easier than expected. Hiding my visible abilities from Maria is one less thing to think about.


    I follow her deeper into the dungeon and use enemy detection to locate the team I was tracking earlier.


    [900m]


    I call out to Maria and point at the mountain in front of us again.


    ¡°The base of that mountain is less than a kilometer away, we¡¯re getting pretty close.¡±


    The trees begin to thin out the closer we get. The team hasn¡¯t changed its position yet.


    [500m]


    They still aren¡¯t visible from this distance, and there are many trees and rocks in the way now. Our trek toward the mountain continues.


    [200m]


    Finally, as we step into an open clearing our next adversariese into view. A pair of men are sitting on top of arge boulder. We begin approaching with caution. There isn¡¯t much tree cover at all, so an ambush would be hard to pull off here. We walk at them straight on with our swords ready.


    [50m]


    The men see using but don¡¯t seem rmed at all. One of them waves and the other ignores us. At closer inspection, arge glowing white box is on top of the boulder next to them. They found a gift box too! As we get closer, the man that waved jumps down and yells out to me.


    ¡°What do you want kid? Get lost if you know what¡¯s good for ya. You¡¯re already on the fifth floor, don¡¯t make me send you two back to the start.¡±


    I grin and raise my sword while Maria begins to glow blue. As we do this, the other man on top of the rock jumps down.


    I use inspect on both of them.


    The first man is about 185cm, with a shaved head, heavy shining armor that only covers his vital points, and arge silver axe. He looks a lot older than me¡­ Maybe close to 40. He¡¯s pretty tan and very muscr for his height.


    [Lv. 303]


    Active Items:


    [High Ogre¡¯s Axe] +350 Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Armor Set] +500 Defense


    [Stealth Boots] +300 Speed +300 Agility


    [Dragon¡¯s Scale Pendant] +50% Magic Resistance


    [Serpent¡¯s Ring] +70% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Lightning Summoning]


    The man approaching behind him is a bit shorter with dark ck hair, but he makes up for it with his width. He¡¯s one of the most muscr men I¡¯ve ever seen¡­ With a full suit of heavy armor as well, carrying a long silver sword.


    [Lv. 299]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Sword] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Armor Set] +600 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +300 Speed


    [Dragon¡¯s Scale Pendant] +50% Magic Resistance


    [Gargoyle''s Ring] +60% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Swordsmanship


    Extreme Defense


    I ignite my sword with mes and turn to Maria.


    ¡°These two are very strong, and they¡¯re packing some serious gear¡­ Think you can handle them?¡±


    She nods and begins to glow even brighter.


    I turn my attention to the axe-wielding man and stare him directly in the eyes. He smirks showing me the right side of his crooked smile.


    ¡°You asked for it, kid. Abe, you take the girl. Let¡¯s make this quick.¡±


    His partner slowly walks over to Maria and raises his sword.


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Our brawl is about to begin¡­


    This should be a stressful situation but I¡¯m grinning ear to ear. The excitement of a real fight is surging through me and it hasn¡¯t even begun yet.


    The man in front of me begins to glow light yellow, then charges straight ahead with his axe raised. I activate Berserker and sprint at him to counter.


    *CLANGGGGG*


    Our weapons collide with equal force and we¡¯re stuck at a standstill. I erupt into mes and the man begins exploding with electricity. He jumps back to avoid my mes, and I do the same to escape the discharge.


    Large bolts of electricity strike my sword as I retreat. The shockwave travels through my body and I let out a scream as I feel myself being cooked from the inside out.


    It¡¯s one of the most painful things I¡¯ve ever experienced¡­


    I drop to my knees momentarily with my skin covered in ck sizzling burns. I use self-regeneration and stand to my feet as quickly as possible. My status reads 870/1455 HP and 1360/1455 MP.


    I grit my teeth and face the man as heughs.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t too bad, you¡¯re strong for a youngster.¡±


    He smirks and raises his axe, then charges at me again. I erupt into mes, activate berserker and run full force at him too.


    ¡°Intimidation.¡±


    I activate my skill and a pulse of energy hits him momentster. The man¡¯s eyes open wide for a split second¡­ but he keeps running forward. I let out a yell as our swords sh again with equal force. We both let out mes and lightning as we both jump back.


    I let out another yell as my sword conducts more electricity frying me to a crisp once again. My status reads 295/1455 HP and 1220/1455 MP. I regenerate and stand to my feet.


    Heughs and points his axe forward. The man lifts his hand to show me a shimmering red scale on a string around his neck.


    ¡°Another good trick, but your magic won¡¯t affect me. This is the end boy.¡±


    I¡¯m breathing heavily and gripping my sword tight. Maria is less than 30m away in the middle of her own battle.


    She¡¯s running circles around therge man, but her Ice magic isn¡¯t doing much damage. He¡¯s breaking free of her spells with ease. Maria is clearly in over her head¡­ but managing to stay out of danger. Me on the other hand, I have to get my head in the game here.


    I gulp and reach into my item box to grab an HP potion. The man runs toward me glowing yellow as I rip the cork off with my teeth and chug it down.


    *CLANGGGGG*


    I manage to drink most of the potions and raise my sword in time to block his onught. The electricity flows through my body on contact as he ducks out of range again.


    I regenerate and let out a yell of frustration. I point my sword forward and re at the man before me. My de begins to glow bright red. This is the first time it¡¯s done so since we entered thebyrinth.


    I let out a chaoticugh and run straight forward. I¡¯m starting to have some fun¡­


    My vision tunnels, my senses heighten, and my magic power bes more focused surrounding the glowing sword as I sprint at my enemy.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    Ind a hit and continue running past the axe wielder. When I look back I see the man turning toward me without hesitation.


    There¡¯s a small gash across the front of his steel chest te, it barely goes skin deep and the me residue has almost burned out entirely¡­. He speaks up again.


    ¡°You¡¯re just full of surprises aren¡¯t ya!¡±


    He points his axe in the air and glows brighter than before. Instantly, I drop to my knees and yell out in pain. A bolt of lightninges down and shocks me to my core.


    I regenerate my charred skin and turn to run¡­. I need more time¡­ He¡¯s strong¡­


    My status reads 80/1455 HP and 940/1455 MP.


    I dart away while fumbling to grab an HP potion from my item box. I hear the man¡¯s voice close behind me as I scan the area for my next potential n.


    ¡°You can only run so far! Come on kid!¡±


    I see Maria in the corner of my eye being cornered by the sword wielder. The round is covered in Ice from all of her failed attacks and she¡¯s backed up against the boulder from earlier.


    The man facing her brings his sword down as Maria tries to block it with her own.


    *CRACKKK*


    My eyes open wide as I watch her sword shatter into metal fragments from a distance. She¡¯s beenpletely overpowered¡­ How could this happen¡­


    I turn my head back again to see the axe-wielder gaining on me. I rip the cork out of another HP potion and chug it down as he gets closer.


    ¡°JAY! HELP!!! ME I-¡°


    I hear Maria screaming in the distance as static makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up.


    I see the sword wielder readying his de to finish Maria off¡­


    I let out a yell of frustration, visualize the area between them, then activate my skill.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    A dark swirling portal forms in front of me and I leap through head first.


    Instantly, I¡¯m teleported right between them. Without touching the ground, I fly through the air to grab Maria.


    I create another portal behind her, and we both fall through disappearing from the battle entirely.


    ¡°J-Jay? What is this? It¡¯s so¡­ dark¡­¡±


    I focus for a moment, then teleport us back to the start point of this rocky mountain dungeon where we spawned in.


    The light shines down on us as my portal disappears I fall to the ground breathing heavily. Maria looks around with confusion.


    ¡°H-How did you¡­ Is that another?¡±


    I smile.


    ¡°Another skill.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    I slowly get up to my feet and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯re not the strongest ones here¡­¡±


    Maria replies in a shaky tone.


    ¡°I guess¡­ we¡¯re not.¡±

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 39 Hours]


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! We don¡¯t want them catching up to us anytime soon.¡±


    Maria nods and follows close behind as I start jogging toward the back of the dungeon.


    After about 20 minutes I¡¯m already starting to get winded, and my legs are getting really tired. I hear grunting in the distance and activate enemy detection along with inspect.


    [50m]


    [Lv. 151]


    [Lv. 149]


    [Lv. 148]


    The grunts grow louder as we venture into the heavily wooded forest. I draw my sword and get ready for whatever¡¯sing at us¡­.


    Momentster, three massive wild boars appear. They¡¯re dark brown with short hair and massive muscr bodies. The boar¡¯s eyes glow red and two massive tusks protrude from the sides of their mouths. Each of them is over 3m from head to tail.


    I make quick work of the beasts without even having to use fire magic. I use this opportunity to plunder as much MP as I can. Maria stays close behind and doesn¡¯t join the fight.


    ¡°Hey Jay, I know you said not to ask too many questions¡­.but one of your skills can locate enemies, right? Can we find a group of hunters? I need a new sword. I¡¯m not too confident with these daggers and my Ice sword uses up way too much MP to rely on it.¡±


    I look back to see Maria awkwardly handling the daggers she picked up from one of our previous fights today.


    I activate enemy detection as the boars begin to disappear by our feet. There are 12 teams in this dungeon now¡­ and some of them are pretty strong. That team of two we faced moments ago is over a 1km to our right side, there isn¡¯t much to worry about there. We have 4 other teams behind us, they¡¯re all lower levels, but there¡¯s no sense in moving backward. Out of the 7 teams ahead, there are a few that look like easy prey, others look like they should be avoided¡­ I lock onto a team of 5 and point forward with my de.


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s find you a new sword.¡±


    We continue at a steady pace weaving through the rocky forest. After an hour we run into 4 more small packs of boars and sessfully avoided any unwanted trouble from strong teams. Finally, wee across the team I¡¯ve been tracking down.


    I can hear footsteps in front of us get louder and louder until the team finallyes into view as the forest begins to clear up. I use inspect.


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    [Lv. 250]


    ¡°HEY! WAIT UP!¡±


    As I yell out, a small woman in a green outfit and lightweight armor turns her body quickly firing a glowing arrow straight at my head. With a grin, my eyes track the arrow and I move my head away at thest second. I was expecting an attack, but a bow and arrow? That¡¯s new.


    The group of 5 stops and turns at us. Maria and I stop in our tracks as well to face the team.


    They¡¯re all wearing Hunters Association gear. That exins why their level is so uniform.


    It seems like the girl with a bow is their captain. There are tworge men with shields, one swordsman, and a thin girl without a weapon. She may be their healer, I don¡¯t really have the time to inspect or appraise them all right now though. The leader points her drawn bow at my head again and speaks up.


    ¡°What do you want? It¡¯s 5 against 2. Don¡¯t pick fights you can¡¯t win.¡±


    I grin and raise my sword at her while igniting the de¡¯s tip.


    ¡°Same goes for you.¡±


    Maria looks at me, then at the swordsman. She puts her daggers away and speaks directly to him.


    ¡°Hand over your sword, unless you want to do this the hard way.¡±


    He smirks and looks at the woman with the bow.


    ¡°You hear that captain? They¡¯re serious.¡±


    Maria starts glowing blue and the woman yells as she steps back behind the two shield-carrying men.


    ¡°Defensive-Attack formation number one, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The tanks make a wall with their shields and begin pushing forward. Maria quickly darts to the left side targeting the swordsman.


    I grin.


    ¡°Go get your sword, I can handle the rest of them.¡±


    Maria nods and begins to form a de of Ice with her magic. I ignite my body into mes and run at the defensive wall while activating Berserker.


    *SHINGGGG*


    They never even stood a chance¡­.


    My ming de slices through the two tanks¡¯ shieldsnding hits on both of their torsos. I activate intimidation as I run into the center of the group destroying their entire formation in a matter of seconds.


    Maria upies the swordsman to my left as I slice the two tanks in half while they¡¯re frozen in fear. They dematerialize and are gone with a sh of white light. It took 2 hits, they weren¡¯t too weak after all.


    I face the two women frozen with fear. Their eyes are bloodshot and dted. They can¡¯t even manage to get out a word. With one fiery sh, I plunder their MP and send them both back to thebyrinth¡¯s starting point.


    I turn to Maria.


    The ground is covered In Ice, and the swordsman is frozen solid with a look of pure terror captured perfectly on his face. Maria turns to me holding a long silver sword, grinning ear to ear. I use appraisal on it.


    [Enchanted Steel Sword] +250 Strength +100 Speed


    ¡°Not bad, you happy with it?¡±


    Maria swings the de around aimlessly testing out its power.


    ¡°Yeah, this will do! It¡¯s even better than myst one.¡±


    ¡°Great, let¡¯s continue.¡±


    We leave the Ice sculpture of a man standing alone in the wilderness. He¡¯ll thaw out eventually, or just die and respawn¡­.


    Another hour of slow jogging, fighting boars, and avoiding teams with enemy detection carried on until we make it to the boss room. We jump through the portal and defeat a level 163 boss with ease.


    We¡¯re spawned onto floor 6 momentster.


    It¡¯s a desert environment, but the ground is still more dirt than sand. There are small shrubs scattered along the dungeon floor, but no trees in sight. The sky is light blue and artificial sunlight beats down on us overhead. I turn to Maria.


    ¡°You ready? I say we take a breather soon. We¡¯ve been running and fighting for almost 12 hours straight¡­ my legs are getting tired.¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s find a good ce to rest as soon as possible. Walking through this dungeon rather than running may not be a bad idea.¡±


    I look around and scan the area with enemy detection. There are only 6 other teams ahead of us here, the monsters on the other hand¡­ seem to be traveling in packs.


    We start walking deep into the desert. Finding a ce to rest is easier said than done¡­ The artificial sunlight is making me sweat like crazy. I finish off a full bottle of water, and Maria does the same.


    In the distance, dust clouds begin to form as we trek further and further into this desert wastnd. I use enemy detection and inspect to sense 12 targets moving in fast. They¡¯re all between levels 150 and 165.


    ¡°We¡¯ve gotpany.¡±


    Maria and I start running at the cloud of dust with our weapons raised. As we get closer, a pack of disgusting creatures appears.


    They¡¯re¡­ humanoid hyenas. The leader of their pack stands on two legs over 3m tall carrying a long metal spear. It¡¯s body is covered in brown and red rags like makeshift armor. The orange matted fur with ck spots sticks out from beneath its clothing as 11 minions in simr attire and weapons follow. Their hands and feet have enormous sharp ws and they all growl as they show off jagged white teeth.


    I burn red, and Maria glows blue. We slice through all of them in a matter of seconds leaving piles of cloth, weapons, and fur on the desert floor.


    I turn to Maria mid-stride.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here¡­ this is not the ce to take a rest.¡±


    Sheughs in agreement.


    We keep our running pace up for as long as possible. After another hour passes we¡¯ve defeated 3 more packs of hyenas and almost make it to the boss room. Both of us drink more than half of our second water bottle. This desert is deadly¡­. and its not the monsters.


    Most of the teams in this dungeon are moving very slow, and the visibility is clear for kilometers. Dust clouds mean fast-moving enemies are approaching, and specs in the distance just mean slow-moving non-hostile hunters or monsters are out there. Other than a few packs of hyenas, no one bothered us in this dungeon.


    We make it to the boss room eventually and take out the overgrown level 177 hyena boss with ease.


    As we spawn onto floor 7 I let out a long sigh. I take in the view, internally epting this swamnd dungeon over a desert any day!


    ¡°I need a break¡­ this is getting exhausting. After that, I want a good fight! At this point, our exam is just a runningpetition. Do they just want to make sure we¡¯re in shape or something¡­ Come on!¡±


    I yell while pointing my sword in the air.


    Mariaughs.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see what kind of monsters show up here. Then we can rest up for a while.¡±


    I nod in agreement.


    We venture off into the swamp dungeon.


    No more than 20 minutester, a massive green ogre appears carrying arge silver axe. It¡¯s slow-moving, grunts, roars, and is traveling alone. The monster wears dark brown leather armor over its wrists, chest, and legs. This one is level 172. These will be much easier to fend off than packs of hyenas.


    Maria slices it in half, and we continue walking for another 10 minutes or so off the main dungeon path.


    ¡°How about over here?¡±


    I point to arge dry area in the distance with some trees for cover.


    Maria nods.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s perfect.¡±


    We walk over and both copse under a green tree with a sturdy brown trunk. I sift through my item box and pull out some dried fruits and meat whileying on my back looking up at the sky through the thick leaves above us.


    ¡°Just 4 more floors. I know this is just the beginning of the exam¡­ but it¡¯s been pretty easy so far.¡±


    Maria replies.


    ¡°Well, we probably would have run into a lot of other teams without your enemy detection skill.¡±


    ¡°True¡­ I uhh- I guess you¡¯re right.¡±


    I look over at Maria to see her eyes closing, then she shakes herself awake when she notices me watching. Iugh.


    ¡°Maybe some sleep wouldn¡¯t hurt. I can take the first shift to watch. We have 4 dungeons to go including this one. I think a quick power nap for each of us would be a good idea. I can wake you up in 2 hours.¡±


    Maria smiles and closes her eyes.


    ¡°I like the sound of that. Wake me up in¡­.¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, she falls fast asleep. I guess Maria was even more tired than me¡­ she¡¯s just better at hiding it.


    I stand up and lean up against the tree we¡¯re under and use enemy detection. Over the next 2 hours, only 7 more teams enter the dungeon, and 4 Ogres attack. I used them to replenish my MP slightly, and one of them even drops an axe. I put it in my item storage and along with the mana they drop. I also decide to move all of the mana crystals from earlier into my item storage, from my item box. The only items I left in there were the MP and HP potions.


    At around the 2-hour mark, I check on Maria and she¡¯s still sound asleep. I can¡¯t wake her up just yet¡­ not in this state.


    Out of pure boredom, I start fidgeting around with some leftover mana crystals. I throw them in the air and attack with my sword, attempt to light them on fire, and even partially learn how to juggle! Not really¡­ juggling is actually pretty hard. Maybe there¡¯s a skill for that?


    Then¡­ I try using plunderer on a mana crystal¡­


    It works¡­ The gem begins to glow light pink and I feel a rush of energy flow into my body. Momentster, the crystal begins to dissolve and crumble into dust.


    My eyes open wide.


    ¡°NO WAY! THIS ACTUALLY WORKS?!¡±


    Iugh to myself and start dancing around in sleep-deprived delusion.


    ¡°Huhhh? W-What?¡±


    Maria raises her head and rubs her eyes. I turn to her with a smile ear to ear.


    ¡°Oh- Good morning. Sorry to wake you so abruptly, I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±


    She gets to her feet and stretches her arms.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Thanks. You can rest now if you want.¡±


    I nod happily.


    ¡°Sure, sure. Wake me if any teamse nearby.¡±


    She nods and I copse under the tree with a grin on my face falling asleep dreaming about my new idental discovery.


    [~2 hourster]


    *CLANGGGG*


    I wake up to the sound of metal on metal from a distance. My vision is blurry as my sensese back to me after a well-needed nap.


    I see Ice covering the trees all around me and Maria glowing bright blue battling a group of 4 all by herself. Through my blurry vision, enemy detection, and inspect I can make out a woman with a sword, one with a pair of daggers, and tworge men carrying shields.


    [30m]


    [Lv. 271]


    [Lv. 256]


    [Lv. 255]


    [Lv. 255]


    I rub my eyes and grab my sword from item storage while igniting it into mes and activating berserker.


    ¡°HEY! Why didn¡¯t you make me up? Save some fun for me!¡±


    Maria turns her head while putting up an ice wall to block an iing tank.


    ¡°Sorry, they came out of nowhere!¡±


    I run in to get a piece of the action¡­ Then get a closer look at the woman with a sword. She¡¯s short, with bright orange hair, light freckles, and a ckbat suit covered by some small silver armor pieces.


    We lock eyes, then I yell out in surprise.


    ¡°N-Nessa? Is that you??¡±


    She stops in her tracks.


    ¡°Jay?¡±

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 30 Hours]


    I let my mes simmer down, but keep my sword pointed straight ahead.


    ¡°So¡­ are we friends or enemies today?¡±


    Nessa lets out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Friends, I hope.¡±


    She lets her sword down and turns to her teammates.


    ¡°Hey! I know them! Hold back!¡±


    I turn to Maria and nod. She understands and lets her ice wall crumble while backing up slowly.


    I¡¯m still skeptical, so I scan the area. At closer inspection, one of the tanks and that woman with daggers look familiar. They were both there when I fought that mutant minotaur¡­ but the big guy¡­. He¡¯s new. Nessa caught me sizing him up.


    ¡°Hey Bruce! Meet Jay. Jay, meet Bruce. This is our team captain.¡±


    Therge light-skinned man with dark features walked over to me slowly with his heavy metal shield to the side. I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 271]


    Active Items:


    [Heavy Steel Shield] +400 Defense


    [Steel Armor Set] +300 Defense


    [Leather Boots] +150 Speed


    [High Ogre¡¯s Ring] +50% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening


    ¡°Nice to meet you. If you¡¯re a friend of Nessa¡¯s you¡¯re a friend of mine!¡±


    He reaches out a hand and I shake it hesitantly, but keep a smile on my face.


    ¡°Nice¡­ To meet you too.¡±


    I continue scanning the area around us, using enemy detection and inspect on a huge radius. Nessa¡¯s eyes light up as she looks at me using multiple new skills, but I¡¯m not too worried about it.


    Our bigger problem is the 27 other teams on this floor right now. It seems like we overslept, it¡¯s getting crowded here.


    Maria walks over to me.


    ¡°How was your nap? Ready to continue?¡±


    I smile.


    ¡°Yeah it was pretty nice, I ju-¡°


    ¡°YOU WERE SLEEPING?¡±


    Nessa looks at me like I¡¯m insane.


    Iugh.


    ¡°Yeah, we did take a small break. Nessa, Meet Maria¡­ and uhh, Maria, meet Nessa.¡±


    They stare each other down for a moment, then both nod before looking away in different directions.


    I gulp softly, then notice Nessa holding herself up by her sword¡­ The other 3 teammates doing the same thing, using their gear to keep themselves upright. Now that I take a closer look, they¡¯re all pale and exhausted.


    ¡°Hey- Are you guys all right? You all seem sickly¡­¡±


    Nessa looks back at me and nods slowly.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve just had a long day. Moving slowly and only engaging with parties much smaller or weaker than us is tiring work. If you didn¡¯t wake up during our fight, I¡¯m not so sure what would have happened. It¡¯s taken a while to climb this high. Plus, thatst dungeon was brutal.¡±


    Maria looks over at me with a grin on her face.


    ¡°I would have wiped the floor with them if you didn¡¯t stop me.¡±


    Iugh.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡±


    Nessa looks over at her with an annoyed re, but didn¡¯t say anything back. Maria is right¡­ and she knows it.


    I open up my item box and throw her my half-empty water bottle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink it all, but take what you need.¡±


    Nessa¡¯s eyes light up as she catches the bottle and begins drinking from it instantly.


    The moment she does, something feels off¡­. and very familiar¡­ I yell out.


    ¡°Stay alert. Someone else is here¡­¡±


    Everyone starts looking around and drawing their weapons. I erupt into mes to hide my use of berserker and expand my range of enemy detection.


    Still¡­ Nothing shows up on my radar. Was it a false rm? My eyes move back and forth as I scan the woods around us in my paranoid state. The rest of the group stands on edge in confusion as well.


    Then I sense a small pitter-patter of footsteps and it clicks¡­. just a moment toote.


    *SHINGGGG*


    30m in front of me, I watch two shining daggers pierce through the neck of the tank leaning against a tree. He instantly dissipates into a bright white light, then the daggers disappear into nothingness.


    I yell out.


    ¡°RUN! This is a hunter with a stealth skill! Unless you can sense him, you¡¯re no match!¡±


    Maria turns to me glowing bright blue.


    ¡°Is it that guy from before?¡±


    I look around sporadically to try and sense him again.


    ¡°Yes. I need to concentrate in order to face him. Run! I¡¯ll catch up, trust me.¡±


    Maria nods and darts off. I motion for Nessa to follow, she sprits off momentster.


    As they run, I watch two silver des emerge from thin air shing the woman dagger user in half¡­ She glows bright white and disappears instantly, indicating shes been transported back to the respawn point as well. Their captain Bruce yells in frustration as his team gets ughtered in front of his eyes.


    ¡°COME ON! FACE ME!¡±


    There¡¯s no response. He¡¯s just yelling at the empty forest at this point.


    I grit my teeth and focus harder. I feel the cool breeze, the leaves swaying slowly back and forth, Bruce¡¯s heavy breathing, and then¡­ the light vibrations of footsteps shaking the ground.


    Then I finally look up and lock on.


    [20m]


    [Lv. 286]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Dagger Set] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Armor Set] +400 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +200 Speed


    [Griffin¡¯s Talon] +40% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Silver Ring] +30% Speed


    [Ring of Protection] +25% Defense


    Active Skills:


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    It looks like his level is even higher than before, and he¡¯s picked up some new gear. This maniac climbed thebyrinth solo a second time on a mission just toe and kill me¡­?


    I run toward the faint found of footsteps.


    *CLANGGGG*


    Momentster his daggers meet my de. Sparks fly as the man appears from his stealth mode. We jump back and stare each other down. He grins and yells out to me.


    ¡°Fancy meeting you here. Looks like I¡¯ll get to give you the payback you deserve. It¡¯s been a real pain ya know!¡±


    As I start to reply he takes a step backward and disappears. I decide to yell at him anyways.


    ¡°If I beat you this time you¡¯re dead for real. You know that? Go pick on somebody else!¡±


    I look around waiting for a reply, but hear nothing.


    With all my active sensory skills on overdrive, I take a deep breath in and out to visualize the battlefield. Nessa and Maria have safely made it about 50m to my right. They¡¯re hidden behind a clump of trees while still moving quickly away. The tank named Bruce is still standing 15m to my left side behind his shield attempting to search for the enemy. He¡¯s too stubborn to back down¡­


    I watch the dagger user attack the tank beside me. I should have known he¡¯s trying to pick off all the weaker opponents first. The maniac makes contact with Bruce¡¯s shield, but also sinks one dagger deep into his left arm. He yells out in pain as I dart over to try and help.


    The dagger user disappears, then suddenly stabs the tank deep in the back. To my surprise, he¡¯s still standing. Bruce lets out a yell and manages to m his shield against his opponent¡¯s head as he disappears into stealth mode again.


    The tank grins at me while coughing up blood searching for something in his item box. I yell to him as I intercept the dagger user¡¯s next attack.


    *CLANGGGG*


    My sword blocks a pair of daggers from reaching his neck.


    ¡°GET OUT OF HERE! I SAID I¡¯LL HANDLE HIM.¡±


    With his eyes open wide watching the sparks fly off shing steel less than a meter from his neck, the man turns and runs.


    ¡°GOT IT. All you kid!¡±


    The daggers disappear again and I¡¯m finally alone on the battlefield facing my old opponent. Again, I let my eyes scan the area using enemy detection and allow my sense to flow with the heightened nature of my berserker state. I make out the light sounds of footsteps less than 10m to my right side.


    I turn and speak softly.


    ¡°This is yourst chance to leave.¡±


    I let my mes burn bright while my vision tunnels on the vague wavering outline of a man in my mind¡¯s eye.


    There¡¯s no response. So I let my de soar.


    *SHINGGGG**CRACKKK*


    The ck sword flickers red as it makes contact with the man¡¯s daggers. He attempts to block my sh, but both of his des shatter into pieces as I release a crescent-shaped wave of dark fire magic from deep within me.


    The fragments of his weapons fly in the air as he¡¯s thrown 20m backward into the base of a tree while reappearing and coughing up blood.


    I sprint over to him with a malicious grin and a red de glowing brightly. There¡¯s a fiery gash across his chest, but he¡¯s still managing to move around slightly. I point my de at his neck and use intimidation.


    ¡°What was that you said before? The payback I deserve or something?¡±


    He looks at me with a face full of disgust and fear while frozen in ce. With his final will to live, he manages to spit at me¡­.


    I bring my de down to incinerate therge glob of saliva in mid-air, slicing the disrespectful man in half without a second thought.


    I turn and scoff, but then see blue text appear.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Dagger Mastery


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Stealth


    [YES][NO]


    I nod slowly, then choose yes on both skills while looking over my shoulders to make sure no one¡¯s watching. The ming corpse in front of me is a horrific sight to see, but the battle adrenaline mixed with the ego of my de makes it seem just like a in old pile of loot.


    I take off the man¡¯s rings and ne, then put them on myself as an extra prize for beating him twice. I warned him¡­ so I don¡¯t really feel too bad.


    With a sigh, I use enemy detection to locate the group of 3 pretty close by, but my heart skips a beat as I sense someone above me¡­


    [Lv. 451]


    I erupt into mes again activating basically every single one of my skills as a defense mechanism, but then calm down as I realize who it is¡­


    I sigh, put down my sword, and rx as I see a Hunters Association Representative with a yellow armband nod at me, then quickly dart away jumping along the treetops.


    It¡¯s just one of the examiner¡¯s helpers. He did see me kill a man¡­ but that¡¯s not against the rules, so I should be fine. I shrug and locate the others.


    [200m]


    [Lv. 297]


    [Lv. 271]


    [Lv. 256]


    My mes go out slowly, berserker fades off, and my sword returns back to ck. I make my way toward Maria, Nessa, and Bruce. Hopefully, they¡¯re doing okay after losing 2 of their teammates¡­

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 29 Hours]


    I make my way back to the group and Maria is the first to speak up.


    ¡°Mission aplished?¡±


    I grin and wave my new talon-shaped ne at her to confirm my victory.


    Bruce, the tank is fully healed now, he turns to me with a thankful look on his face.


    ¡°I appreciate the save back there, we wouldn¡¯t have made it out in one piece. You said you¡¯d faced him before? How¡¯d that happen?¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Yeah. I fought him on a lower floor too. Fortunately, or I guess unfortunately he¡¯s noting back this time. Sorry about your teammates, at this rate they won¡¯t be passing the exam¡­¡±


    Bruce crosses his arms and shrugs.


    ¡°We already made an agreement before entering. If any of us fall behind, it¡¯s in our best interest to keep moving forward. We may havee as a team, but each of us is here to pass the exam as an individual.¡±


    I look around to see Nessa nodding as well. I turn to Maria, she¡¯s close by my right side.


    ¡°How about us? What¡¯s our n?¡±


    Maria shrugs and replies.


    ¡°I guess we can do the same deal. We¡¯re too far in to wait for each other now.¡±


    I nod and look around with confidence.


    ¡°Agreed. I doubt we¡¯ll run into that scenario anyway.¡±


    Nessa jumps in.


    ¡°Well you¡¯re full of yourself today aren¡¯t ya? I know you just saved us, bute on, this is still just test 1!¡±


    We allugh a bit and keep walking toward the back of the dungeon. I lead the way using enemy detection to keep us away from as many teams as possible. Maria takes the lead every once in a while to make our weaving path a little less suspicious. Nessa and Bruce just seem to be thankful there are no enemies around, they don¡¯t speak up to question it. I have a feeling Nessa knows exactly what¡¯s going on though, her skill is Mimic after all.


    We battle 6 more groups of Ogres, then make it to the boss room without facing any other teams. Before we enter, I speak up.


    ¡°Hey Nessa, what skill are you using today?¡±


    She grins.


    ¡°How about I show you?¡±


    I nod, then all 4 of us enter the boss room.


    It¡¯s a gross wet cave-like environment with high rocky walls, pretty much the same as every other mountain or forest dungeon boss room. We wait around in silence for a few seconds until a massive mutant ogre appears. It¡¯s level 198, 4m tall, has dark green skin, and smells like rotting flesh.


    Nessa runs forward and we all stand back to watch.


    Her long silver sword begins to glow with a light pink tint. I¡¯ve never seen anything like this before¡­.


    She jumps up at the roaring beast and slices through its neck like butter. This isn¡¯t overly impressive, there¡¯s still a prettyrge skill level gap, but that was no ordinary cut. The monster¡¯s flesh dematerializes the moment it makes contact with the pink aura around Nessa¡¯s de.


    I use appraisal on her to fully examine what¡¯s going on with that skill.


    [Mimic]: Combat Magic [Mana Maniption]


    I raise an eyebrow as she turns back around with her head held high.


    ¡°So, what do you think? Mana Maniption is pretty neat isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I nod as she walks back over to us.


    ¡°It is¡­. What exactly can it do? More importantly, where¡¯d you get it?¡±


    She chuckles.


    ¡°It¡¯s our Guild Master¡¯s skill, he let me mimic it before we left. It basically creates a field of mana to use against enemies that are weak to magic attacks. Slimes, for example, I can use this skill to defeat them. Also, it lets me absorb 25% of the MP from an enemy target, pretty neat huh?¡±


    I nod slowly. Honestly, I was hoping for her to name a random monster so I could have that skill for myself. The Tara Guild Master on the other hand, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be attempting to kill him any time soon¡­


    Maria looks around cluelessly trying to grasp the situation at hand. Nessaughs for a moment, then fills her in on the details while the white light transports us to the next floor. I guess she isn¡¯t secretive about her ability at all, good for her.


    The next floor feels like a mix between that desert dungeon, and the one we just left. It¡¯s dry and arid, but there are still asional trees and patches of shrubbery. Some hills rise up in the distance, but it¡¯s mostly a wide-open ne. The artificial sun beats down on us and I turn to Nessa.


    ¡°Hey, do you still have my water on you?¡±


    She looks back at me with a guilty thin smile while reaching into her item box and pulling out a water bottle with a few drops left in it at best.


    ¡°Y-Yeah, here ya go. I owe you one, sorry.¡±


    She throws it back to me. I look at her with an annoyed stare, but can¡¯t really me her. If I traveled this far without any water I¡¯d do the same thing. I just nod and throw it into my item storage, it¡¯s not a big deal.


    While activating enemy detection and inspect I lead the way into this new dungeon environment. There are 21 teams ahead of us now. It¡¯s less than thest floor, but I can¡¯t tell if that¡¯s a good thing or not. After our little nap, it seems we¡¯ve fallen back into the middle of the pack. I was unconscious for about 2 hours, I have no idea how many teams passed us. The fact that we could be running out of time to reach the top 200 is a worry in the back of my mind.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s pick up the pace!¡±


    I begin running and Maria follows without hesitation. Nessa and Bruce follow soon after. We never formally agreed on it, but it seems like they¡¯ve joined our party for now after the extermination of their two teammates. I¡¯m not opposed to it, I just have to keep my skill use to a minimum in front of new people. They can handle the monsters for now. I already saved their lives, there isn¡¯t much more for me to prove. We continue running for about 15 minutes before approaching our first group of monsters. Once we get close enough I take a step back and yell out.


    ¡°We have somepany, take care of them.¡±


    As I step back, a pack of 6 lizardmen approaches with long spears and shiny silver armor. They¡¯re all about our height, around 2m tall, not including their tails. I use inspect and watch Nessa and Bruce prepare to take them on.


    [Lv. 217]


    [Lv. 209]


    [Lv. 209]


    [Lv. 208]


    [Lv. 208]


    [Lv. 206]


    One of them stands about half a meter taller than the other, it seems to be the one calling the shots.


    Nessa¡¯s de begins to glow pink, and Bruce readies his shield charging forward. She follows close behind using the tank as a distraction to cleanly slice the heads off of every lizardman one by one with ease. They squeal in agony and we continue our trek without waiting for the beasts to dissolve.


    Bruce and Nessa have a battle strategy down to a science. This must be how they normally fight monsters. As we continue, they clear out mobs while Maria and I navigate through the dungeon. After 6 more encounters and 2 hours of slow jogging, we make it to the boss room without a problem. Bruce speaks up before we enter.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t see a single team throughout this entire dungeon, are we really that far ahead? Or.. behind¡­?¡±


    I smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just call it good luck. I think we¡¯re right on schedule.¡±


    He nods with a happy grin of ignorance.


    We actually managed to pass 8 whole teams on our way to the boss room. Using enemy detection let us avoid 3rge battles that were breaking out in the central part of the dungeon, I thought it¡¯d be better not to mention this at all.


    We all enter the boss room momentster.


    Again, I let Nessa and Bruce handle the boss. We¡¯re in a small cave with a sandy floor, the boss is a level 226 lizardman with arge spear, beady red eyes, and dark green scaly skin. The beast stands over 3.5m tall, but before I could get a good look at it Nessa already finished it off¡­.


    We transport to floor 9 a few minutester.


    Once the white transfer light dissipates, my vision seems to still be foggy¡­.


    I look around, but everything is still white, and I¡¯m freezing cold. I yell out.


    ¡°Hey, get back!¡±


    Then ignite myself into a ball of fire.


    The visibility is a little better, I can see my three teammates beside me trying to get as close to my flickering mes as possible without getting burned. The cold dungeon ground in front of us is lit up for about 30m, but anything further ahead just disappears into a white void.


    ¡°So this is real snow¡­.¡±


    I turn to Maria and we both grin a little.


    This is a winter dungeon. There¡¯s heavy snow covering the hard rocky ground, and it seems to be pouring down even more of it.


    I use inspect and enemy detection, then my eyes open wide. There¡¯s 43 teams in this dungeon, and a lot of them are standing still. The monsters here travel solo, and they¡¯re all pretty high levels.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move, and fast. I don¡¯t like this dungeon one bit, stay alert.¡±


    We all moved forward at a steady walking pace. My messt about 30 minutes at this low rate of use, so I don¡¯t mind being a walking space heater for the group. After the first half an hour passes I reach into my item storage to pull out a hand full of mana crystals from the Rat Dungeon. I use plunderer on them, and it takes about 3 of them to restore my MP to full. No one seemed to notice, or care.


    After another 15 minutes pass I can¡¯t avoid one of the moving targets unless we start to run. I yell out.


    ¡°There¡¯s a monstering our way, get ready!¡±


    Bruce and Nessa get ready for battle, and I sit back enjoying my new unofficial party leader position. It¡¯s nice being in charge of a group.


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    Out from the icey white void in front of us, an enormous mammoth appears. It stands over 5m tall, and easily 8m long. It¡¯s massive white tusks blend in with the snow, but its long dark brown fur sticks out clear as day.


    The best bellows and lets out a ferocious roar as it stares down at our team with dark ck eyes.


    I use inspect.


    [Lv. 231]


    Nessa is the first to attack. Her sword glows pink and lunges at the beast.


    *CLANGGGGG*


    I raise an eyebrow as her reinforced mana sword bounces off the mammoth¡¯s tusk with an eerie metal nging sound. At the same moment, the tank charges at the beast¡¯s feet and plows through its right front leg. I hear a crack as the Monmouth roars and falls to its knees. In frustration, Nessa yells and charges back in at the beast creating arge gash along in its side with a swing of her de.


    Momentster, she cuts it to pieces avoiding the tusks at all costs.


    The team of 2e back shivering, but satisfied with their work. Nessa speaks up.


    ¡°Those tusks must have some kind of magic resistance. My sword bounced right off!¡±


    I nod as we continue forward.


    ¡°Yeah, I was surprised. It looks like we¡¯re actually making it to a portion of thisbyrinth where monsters will be a real threat.¡±


    As we continued further in, I plundered the MP from 3 more mana crystals and we faced off against 2 more mammoths over the next half an hour. The teams in the area were thinning out and I could even sense some of them heading back in the opposite direction¡­ but not many.


    Our 4th mammoth drops a tusk along with arge mana crystal after Nessa defeats it. She drags it over to me.


    ¡°Hey Jay! Look at this!¡±


    I use appraisal on the tusk.


    [Mammoth Tusk] +50% Magic Resistance


    ¡°Hey, if you kill it, ya keep it. Those are the unspoken rules¡­ but I¡¯ll trade you something for it.¡±


    I start sifting through my item box, but Nessa speaks up.


    ¡°First one¡¯s on me, you¡¯ve been burning through MP to keep us warm, that¡¯s more than enough.¡±


    I nod thankfully and ce the tusk into my item box. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll fetch a high price, ore in handy at some point.


    We continue forward.


    After another hour and a half of trekking through snow and ice, we finally make it to the back of the dungeon. I used up 9 more mana crystals and we face 5 more mammoths, none of which dropped any more tusks. We enter the boss room together.


    I can¡¯t see the outer edges of the room, but I assume they¡¯re present. A wild blizzard is roaring, and the snow is deep up to our knees. I let my mes burn brighter to melt away as much as possible in our general vicinity.


    A level 239 mammoth appears a few secondster. It takes 5 hits, but Nessa subjugates the beast without much of a problem. I let my mes die down and the white light appears, it transports us to floor 10.


    Bruce speaks up as we all materialize into a rocky grasnd with red-orange dirt.


    ¡°Anther dungeon without facing a single team, you two really are a lucky charm!¡±


    I grin thinly as I look up into the deep blue sky and use enemy detection on our surroundings. There are a few trees andrge boulders every 50m or so, but other than that, it¡¯s t ground with a few patches of short green grass. There are 14 teams here, and a lot of them are clumped together at the back half of this dungeon. We passed over 30 teams on floor 9, so I¡¯m a lot less worried about getting there on time. We¡¯re in a good position now. The only problem is therge group of monsters running towards us. I count over a dozen, and they¡¯re all over level 240¡­ I reply to Bruce.


    ¡°Yeah, this is ourst one. So stay sharp.¡±


    I look out into the distance as the ground begins to rumble lightly beneath our feet.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 22 Hours]


    Nessa and Bruce step out in front of me. I can see them visibly panting, their eyes have heavy bags under them, and Nessa¡¯s legs are shaking a bit.


    I turn to see Maria, then see her join them in formation. I sigh and step forward to join as well. I guess it¡¯s about time we get serious.


    ¡°Hey, you two. I appreciate the help, bute on¡­ I can tell you¡¯re exhausted. I don¡¯t mind taking this dungeon on with Maria. By all means, rest up.¡±


    Nessa smiles thinly and looks at Bruce, she nods to him. He won¡¯t admit it, but I can tell the tank is nearing his limit as well. They both step back and let Maria and me handle this one.


    A small cloud of red dust begins to form in the distance. We slowly approach it, and finally, after a few minutes, the pack of monsterses into view. I use inspect.


    [Lv. 249]


    [Lv. 243]


    [Lv. 243]


    [Lv. 243]


    [Lv. 243]


    [Lv. 242]


    [Lv. 242]


    [Lv. 241]


    [Lv. 241]


    [Lv. 241]


    [Lv. 240]


    [Lv. 240]


    [Lv. 240]


    I grin as I see a group of wild hounds charging toward us. They all have dark red fur,ser-focused eyes, and sharp-looking teeth. They¡¯re 1.5m tall at most, and 3m long from head to tail. Their muscles arepact and ripple between long graceful strides. Some of them seem to be giving off a nasty dark red aura¡­


    The pack growls and each one of them lock their eyes onto different targets. These are some real wild beasts.


    I use appraisal on their leader.


    [Lv. 249]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Intimidation


    Bloodlust


    Buffs:


    [+50% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength]


    I turn to Mara while bursting into mes and she begins to glow bright blue matching my disy. We run at the ravenous hounds with our des held at the ready.


    Once In range, I can feel the stares of intimidation from the pack making the hairs on my neck stand up. I activate berserker and continue forward without hesitating. In a battle of wills, whichever opponent has the higher Mental Strength stat will prevail using the intimidation skill. Maria and I are well above the necessary threshold.


    We make contact, and let loose! Maria freezes 5 hounds solid in a matter of seconds. I slice the heads of 3 clean off in a single focused blow while looking up with a satisfied smirk. My speed and agility are just fast enough to weave in and out of the monsters. Maria, on the other hand, is a bit slower. She¡¯s using walls of ice to keep them upied. On contact, she can freeze them solid.


    The dogs that glow red are significantly faster and exceptionally agile. It seems like they act much more recklessly, and jump straight into danger without thinking. This must be a side effect of their ¡°Bloodlust¡± skill. I turn to Maria.


    ¡°Keep the rest of them busy, I want their leader.¡±


    She nods and turns to the 4 remaining underlings growling at her with murderous res. I face the leader. It has a powerful red aura around it, simr to my berserker skill, but with a slightly darker¡­ more ominous crimson tint.


    I can feel the waves of energying off this beast. It¡¯s attempting to intimidate me with all its might. I point my sword forward and activate my own intimidation skill.


    The moment my wave of energy hits the beast, I see the mutt¡¯s eyes open wide as it attempts to growl and put on a final menacing re. A few secondster, it begins to whimper and falls to the floor with its head bowed down.


    I happily bow my head slightly as well, just to show the creature a bit of respect before slicing it into fiery pieces momentster.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Bloodlust


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes and turn around while deactivating all my active skills. Maria has finished her work as well, we stroll over to Bruce and Nessa. They stare at us wide-eyed in awe. Nessa speaks up.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that¡­. A bit overkill?¡±


    I turn to Maria, then we both chuckle.


    ¡°Was it?¡±


    We turn to walk away from the piles of frozen and burning corpses without talking about it any further.


    ¡°Come on let¡¯s keep moving.¡±


    We continue at a pretty steady pace through the rest of this dungeon. A total of 4 more wolf packs attack, they range from 8 to 15 members each. The strongest leader so far has been level 252. Even with their bloodlust skill, none of them are much of a match for Maria and me. Nessa and Bruce joined in once just to see how they¡¯d fare. Surprisingly, it was a pretty tough fight¡­. They worked well together and used Bruce¡¯s shield to block andnd cheap shots, but they were surprisingly slower than the hounds. Luckily, Nessa¡¯s glowing sword made quick work of them and the intimidation skill only slowed them down slightly. She still got bitten a few times but used an HP potion after the battle finished. It was a good reality check for me. Monsters are still our enemies. It¡¯s only a matter of time until one may be stronger than me¡­.


    We continue to weave through teams and fight off wolves until facing off with other humans bes unavoidable. It¡¯s been just over 2 hours and I can tell Nessa and Bruce are on theirst straw. They can perk up for battle, but that¡¯s just life-or-death adrenaline they¡¯ve been running off of for thest couple of hours. One more big battle is their limit, I can tell. At the back of the dungeon, I can sense a team of 6 that hasn¡¯t moved for well over half an hour. We¡¯ve been slowly approaching, but I¡¯ve been hesitant to make contact. One of them has a higher level than me¡­.


    Eventually, I let out a sigh and decide it¡¯s time to see what¡¯s happening over there. We make the trek over a few small hills and the boss room portal finallyes into view. The 6 people I sensed earlier are crowded around it. Their voices ring out from over 50m away¡­


    A big man with bright orange hair wearing heavy armor and carrying a dark ck sword is facing 5 other men. He¡¯s yelling and pointing his sword at them angrily.


    ¡°OH YEAH? If you don¡¯t want to pay, then I guess you¡¯re not getting through!!¡±


    A thin, tall dark-haired group member stands up to the armored tank with his own sword pointed straight back at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s 5 against 1 buddy. We¡¯re not paying you a single bronze piece. Get out of our way!¡±


    The big orange-haired tank lets out a sigh.


    ¡°Too bad. I was really going to let you through.¡±


    He begins glowing bright white, then lunges forward grabbing the man by the left shoulder. There¡¯s a sh of white light and he¡¯s gone in seconds¡­ The tank grabs some kind of potion from his item box and proceeds to drink it while running to his next target.


    The massive man is moving at rapid speeds¡­ He may even be faster than me, my eyes can barely track him.


    The group of men begin yelling and attempt to attack the speeding tank, but their attacks miss as he weaves through the bunch of them in silence drinking potions and making them disappear instantly with a touch on the shoulder¡­. one by one¡­.


    Secondster, the massive tank looks around at an empty field, satisfied with his work. Soon after, he makes his way back to the boss room portal. Once 3m in front of it, he stops, turns around, sinks his sword into the ground, crosses his arms, looks directly at us, then yells.


    ¡°Come on over! I just cleared a path for ya!¡±


    We all gulp simultaneously and don¡¯t move a muscle. He puts on a friendly smile and keeps waving.


    ¡°I won¡¯t bite, just do as I say! Come on over.¡±


    I look over at the others. Nessa and Bruce are nervously staring at the man, Maria is glowing bright blue with her sword drawn.


    This man¡¯s skill is not ordinary¡­. I¡¯ve never seen anything quite like it. The group of 6 were standing together for a long time, and he gave them a few warnings before attacking. I¡¯m not exactly sure what for, but at least he was a bit civilized about it. I speak up.


    ¡°We¡¯lle down. I¡¯d like to avoid fighting though.¡±


    Therge man nods slowly.


    ¡°So you¡¯re the smart one of the group aren¡¯t ya?¡±


    I don¡¯t reply, but motion my team member to do as he says. Nessa and Bruce reluctantly agree. They¡¯re the first ones to approach. Maria and I follow close behind. It just feels a bit more natural to have our shield wielder up front for now.


    As we make it to the bottom of the hill the orange-haired tank speaks up again.


    ¡°Congrats win making it to thest floor. If you all want to make it past, you¡¯re going to have to pay the tax! Line up, one at a time and I¡¯ll be taking one item off of each of you! Then be my guest, enter the boss room!¡±


    He lifted his jet-ck sword up and smirked while eyeing all of us head to toe.


    I use inspect and appraisal on him.


    [Lv. 311]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted High Ogre¡¯s Sword] +50% Strength


    [Heavy Steel Armor Set] +600 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +300 Speed +300 Agility


    [High Ogre¡¯s Pendant] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Silver Ring] +30% Speed


    [Ring of Protection] +25% Defense


    [Lizard King¡¯s Scale] +45% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Equivalent Exchange


    I stare forward with a nk look reading all of his stats while he waves the sword around waiting for our response. The tank yells at us again.


    ¡°Soe on! What¡¯s it gonna be? Pay the tax or pay the price!¡±

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 19 Hours]


    Therge man keeps pointing his sword forward with a menacing presence insisting we do as he says, or we¡¯ll ¡°pay the price¡±.


    Bruce is the first to step forward. He¡¯s roughly the same size as the orange-haired man, but we all witnessed him effortlessly take out a team of 5 moments ago¡­. The unknown tank has some mysterious power, and we¡¯d be better off not finding out how it works. Bruce speaks up.


    ¡°W-What do you want?¡±


    The man standing in front of the portal grins and lets his sworde down to rest by his side.


    ¡°Good, you guys won¡¯t be as difficult as thatst team. Hand over your shield and I¡¯ll let you pass.¡±


    Bruce looks back at us with tired eyes, then back at therge man. The brute starts glowing white¡­ just like he did when he made that entire team disappear in seconds.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the hesitation???¡±


    Bruce gulps.


    ¡°Here! Take it, it¡¯s all yours!¡±


    I didn¡¯t expect him to crack that quickly¡­. But I guess he¡¯s had a long day. Bruce has been awake and fighting for 30 hours straight, I guess I can¡¯t me him.


    His shield falls to the floor by the orange-haired man¡¯s feet. The man motions for him to pass and for Nessa to step up to him.


    Bruce walks over to the swirling portal and Nessa does as the man wants, he looks her up and down then speaks up.


    ¡°Hmmm, you have nothing of value. I want all your potions. Everything! Hand them over!¡±


    Nessa¡¯s eyes widen as she begins sifting through her item box with the massive man towering over her. She dumps half a dozen random potions onto the hard dungeon floor without hesitating.


    ¡°Good. Now you two get lost. Next!¡±


    Nessa quickly runs over to Bruce and they wait with wide eyes as Maria steps up to the man. She doesn¡¯t say a word, just looks at him with a serious concentrated stare.


    Therge man turns his head to face the portal and yells.


    ¡°I SAID GET LOST. YOU¡¯RE DISMISSED!¡±


    Maria draws her sword out of reflex and the man turns back around andughs at the sight.


    ¡°Now isn¡¯t that cute. You¡¯re up blondy.¡±


    He looks Maria up and down and shakes his head.


    ¡°Aghhh, another hunter with worthless gear. Come on!¡±


    The brute looks around and swings his sword up in the air with frustration, then sees Nessa and Bruce still waiting by the grey twisting portal.


    ¡°I SAID GET LOST YOU TWO!¡±


    He begins glowing bright white and slowly makes his way toward them. I quickly nod, yell out.


    ¡°Go! We¡¯ll meet you on the next floor.¡±


    With confirmation, the two of them jump through momentster without a second thought. The brute turns back with a moderately angry expression. He makes eye contact with me, nces down at my sword, then a wide grin appears on his face.


    ¡°Hohooo, now would you look at that beauty!¡±


    I proceed to point this ¡°beauty¡± directly at his face.


    ¡°Not gonna happen.¡±


    The orange-haired thug lets out a bellowingugh.


    ¡°Oh trust me it is, drop the sword. Then for you miss, leave all your potions with me. Everyst one of them.¡±


    Maria starts glowing bright blue and looks over at me. I stare back at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take him lightly. I¡¯d give him your potions and leave if I were you. Seriously.¡±


    Maria shook her head and looks back at the man angrily.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you take anything from me. Not a single potion! And stay away from Jay¡¯s sword!¡±


    I can¡¯t help but smile a little bit. She¡¯s definitely not looking to get rid of her potions, but Maira is much more defensive about my sword. How cute.


    I burst into mes and activate Berserker.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯re doing this the hard way.¡±


    The tankughs out loud again pointing his sword at both of us enveloping his body in that blinding white light again.


    ¡°I gave the two of you a fair chance to make it through. How unfortunate.¡±


    He runs forward at Maria with incredible speed. Seeing him move up close is even more frightening than from a distance. Immediately, Maria creates an Ice wall and deflects the beast of a man¡¯s frontal attack. Ice shards fly everywhere as Maria darts away and the brute destroys her defenses in an instant.


    I attempt to run in, but the man has his sights focused on Maria. He lets out a yell and I see him smile from ear to ear. His eyes open wide and he throws the long de at the back of Maria¡¯s head. I yell out.


    ¡°Behind you-¡°


    Before I can finish my sentence, Maria has already created another wall of Ice, trapping the flying projectile inside while twisting her body around with her own sword at the ready. The tank doesn¡¯t change his trajectory in the slightest. He runs full force at the wall of Ice crashing through and narrowly avoiding Maria¡¯s iing de.


    She nts her left hand on the ground and begins to freeze the man¡¯s feet in ayer of solid light blue magic, but he breaks free with ease.


    The two of them stand 5m apart. I¡¯m less than 20m away sprinting at them with all my might. Maria lunges forward and lets out a yell, the tall orange-haired man does the same.


    There¡¯s an explosion of ice and snow, then the two of them are on opposite sides of each other 5m apart once again. The man¡¯s sword is stuck in a pir of Ice, and Maria is grinning with her sword pointed at the man¡¯s head.


    At this point, I¡¯ve begun my own attack.


    I jump in at the unguarded man and swing my sword with a vale of fire surrounding my entire body.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    Ind a cheap shot on the man¡¯s abdomen under his heavy chest te and fly by getting out of the way. I turn around to see the blood-dripping wound and smirk. To my surprise, he¡¯s grinning as well¡­.


    Maria jumps forward and attacks the wide-open man as well. He stays still and doesn¡¯t move a muscle, weing her attack with open arms.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    A direct hit!


    Maria¡¯s de prates the mans abdomen right below the wound my sword created. It¡¯s a deep shot but doesn¡¯t quite make it through to the other side.


    He looks down at her with a menacing re and grabs her right shoulder while still skewered by the long silver sword.


    The dim white glow all around him begins to shine brightly again.


    Maria cries out in pain and I see the man drinking an HP potion through the blinding white light as Maria falls to the ground beneath his feet.


    Once the brightness dissipates¡­.


    Maria¡­ is gone¡­.


    The grunt lets out another bellowingugh and stands before me drinking yet another HP potion. With his other hand, he pulls his sword from therge pir of Ice by his side. He yells over to me as I stare at him wide-eyed.


    ¡°You¡¯re up next kid. Hand over the de, or you¡¯re going back to floor 1 with your girlfriend.¡±


    I look around to see Ice shattering and falling all around us, but Maria is nowhere to be found. I look at the man with a confused look.


    ¡°H-How? What just happened?¡±


    He smirks and sticks his sword into the ground and leans on it.


    ¡°You won¡¯t make it to the next round anyways, you don¡¯t have to know! With an attack like this¡­ you¡¯re no match for me!¡±


    Heughs and points to the area on his abdomen that I¡¯d cut earlier, it¡¯s been healed with an HP potion since.


    ¡°I¡¯ve faced 46 of you shrimps so far. Only 11 have dropped their loot, the rest have been sent back to floor 1 or an early grave. Not a single hunter has bested me today.¡±


    He eyes my burning de.


    ¡°So be a good little hunter and hand it over. You can¡¯t beat me. I¡¯ll kill you on contact! Fighting me is pointless!¡±


    I scoff at the man and don¡¯t bat an eye.


    ¡°On contact huh?¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    ¡°Bring it on.¡±


    He smirks.


    ¡°Your loss kid.¡±


    Then he lunges forward with his sword straight ahead and his left hand outreached.


    I dart away as fast as I can leaving a trail of fire behind me. The orange-haired tank is close behind and gaining on me. He¡¯s even faster than before¡­ this man was holding back¡­.


    I let out a yell and try to move my legs faster than they¡¯ll possibly move. His voice rings out from behind.


    ¡°Come on boy! Give up the sword and you¡¯ll pass this exam.¡±


    I turn my head to see him less than 3 meters away glowing white and reaching his hand out to grab me. With a yell, I activate one of my new skills in desperation.


    ¡°Bloodlust.¡±


    I feel a powerful surge of energy enter my bloodstream flowing from my heart to my stomach, then all the way down my legs, deep into the vines in my toes¡­. My right foot grips the hard ground and I¡¯m propelled forward with a burst of new speed and power. My mes glow brighter and the aura of my berserker skill mixes with the dreadful new aura of this bloodlust skill.


    The grunt on my tail is lost in an instant. My new increase in speed and agility boost me forward saving my life at thest possible moment. I create a 10m gap, then turn around to face the man with a brand new murderous stare in my eyes. This new power feels incredible¡­ all I want to do is¡­ kill.


    He stops in his tracks as well and looks me up and down.


    ¡°So you¡¯re quick aren¡¯t ya?¡±


    I run at my prey without a second thought.


    The exchange is quick¡­ but doesn¡¯t go as well as expected. We both lock eyes and run at each other. The man in front of me drops his sword. With both hands in the air¡­ He¡¯s just running at me like a maniac with wild bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Come hereeeee!¡±


    I grit my teeth and focus on my target with tunnel vision. I need to hit him, but I can¡¯t get hit. All of his past victims sh before my eyes¡­


    They only die on physical contact when he touches them.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    A direct hit! Well, kind of.


    I manage to leave a small gash on his right arm. He bleeds a bit, grunts, then turns to face me with an insane smile across his face.


    I charge at him again.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    Another hit! On his left arm this time. A small gash, but I just need to keep him upied for now and drain his HP.


    We turn to face one another andplete the exchange again.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    Another gash appears on his right arm dripping blood until the small amount of me residue left behind burns the wound shut.


    Then we run at each other again¡­. And again¡­. And again¡­.


    I¡¯vended 6 hits in a row on this beast and he¡¯s showing no signs of slowing down. I can¡¯t hit any vital spots because getting too close to the body will leave me wide open for his attack. I need to stay a full sword distance away at all times to be safe.


    I run at the man again. He runs at me.


    I focus on making a small wound on his right arm, then darting out of the way as fast as possible just like myst half a dozen attacks, but at the worst possible moment¡­ 5m away from the glowing man¡­


    I begin to slow down.


    The mes on my de begin to flicker, and the aura around my body starts to glow dimmer. I''ve run out of MP¡­ In the chaos of battle, and adrenaline rush of my new bloodlust skill, I''vepletely neglected to conserve my energy...


    The tank in front of me beginsughing maniacally and yells as he grabs my left shoulder.


    ¡°YOU¡¯RE DONE KIDDO!¡±


    My vision goes white and I feel a searing pain flow through my entire body. It¡¯s like a thousand tiny swords are stabbing me all over¡­ and all at once. It¡¯s hot, then cold, then super hot again, then finally freezing cold¡­. It¡¯s one of the oddest sensations I¡¯ve ever felt. I yell out in pain as I fall forward, attempting to catch myself with my sword on the hard ground.


    With blurry vision, I look up to read my status at 35/1490 HP and 0/1490 MP. The orange-haired tank is towering over me while drinking an HP potion and grinning ear to ear.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve gotcha now. Anyst words?"

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 19 Hours]


    I let out a yell and push myself backward using my sword as a propent. The massive man glows brightly with his hands outreached toward me.


    I throw myself back about 5m in the air will all my strength while digging through my item box vigorously. A handful of HP potions fall onto the floor before an MP potion finally pops out. I lock eyes with the man as I rip the cork off it with my teeth and chug it down as fast as humanly possible.


    All of a sudden, he stops running at me and ces his hands on his hips.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I needed kid, this could have been over a lot sooner!¡±


    With this brief moment of rest, I keep my eyes locked on the brute and aimlessly grab at the floor around me until I make contact with an HP potion. I gulp down its contents without hesitation as the man just stands in silence grinning¡­


    The orange-haired tank eyes me up and down while standing in front of the sword I left stuck in the ground before him. His smirk widens and he grabs it tightly attempting to pull it from the hard dirt.


    ¡°ARRRGHH DAMN YOU LITTLE S-¡°


    The grunt¡¯s hand bursts into mes as the sword begins to glow bright red. My eyes widen as I remember it¡¯s bonded to my blood. No other person can possibly wield it without being burned¡­


    The man begins to glow white with an anger-filled expression across his face and runs at me.


    I activate bloodlust, then turn to run¡­ There¡¯s no way I can get hit by an attack like that again. It decimated all of my HP in less than a secondst time, it was nothing more than pure luck I made it out of that exchange. He won¡¯t get distracted by my sword next time either.


    Oh right¡­ my sword.


    Afterunching myself away from the brute with all my might, I turn my head to look over my shoulder and see him chasing close behind. My mind is spinning and my heart is pounding out of my chest! I take a deep breath in, then let it all out as my mind calms down and a n begins to formte.


    ¡°Stealth.¡±


    Just like that, I disappear mid-step. Well, I disappear from my assant¡¯s perception at least. I make a hard left turn, but the tank continues running straight ahead. He lets out an angry yell as I lock eyes on my glowing red de. The grunt stops in his tracks and curses me out as I simply dart over to the battle-yearning sword with silent graceful steps.


    I reappear momentster with my de in hand while activating my fire magic and berserker skills. Then with a friendly wave, I call out.


    ¡°Hey, big guy! Over here!¡±


    He turns and charges at me like a bull. With rage in his eyes, I can see his ego won¡¯t let him admit I managed to slither away from him in his moment of assumed victory.


    I take a slow step back activating my stealth skill once again, disappearing from his field of vision. He stops in his tracks wildly swinging his head around in confusion.


    ¡°Come on out!! Stop hiding you lit-¡°


    *SHINGGGG*


    Ind a critical hit.


    With berserker skill, bloodlust, fire magic, and my half-sentient pissed-off sword along for the ride, I leave a deep fiery gash in the thug¡¯s midsection below his steel chest te.


    He lets out a yell of frustration while glowing brightly.


    ¡°I SAID COME OUT YOU-¡°


    *SHINGGGG*


    Ind another hit across his backside this time leaving a trail of fire in my wake. He lets out a scream as I dart around in silence. My stealth skill along with the recent intense mental strength boosts are much too high for him to ovee. The tank is a sitting duck, at my mercy.


    With a devious grin, I go in for a final strike.


    *SHINGGGG*


    My glowing fiery de sinks deep into the brute¡¯s neck. He lets out a gargled cry while boiling blood explodes in a fiery disy. He falls to his knees. I rip the item box from his waist and ce my left foot on his chest to rip the sword from his body as he falls to his back momentster.


    I reappear to watch the look on his face as I send him off to thebyrinth¡¯s starting point. The moment I do¡­. I feel a hand wrap around my left foot as it hits the ground.


    A white light appears and the pain of a thousand knives returns¡­


    But¡­ It¡¯s not as bad as before¡­.


    Instinctively I let out a yell, but to my surprise when I check my status momentster, I only dropped 50 HP in total¡­


    The man¡¯s grip un-tightens and he murmurs a few words.


    ¡°I-I shoulda killed- a- a runt like you when I had the chance.¡±


    My de is still glowing bright red begging me to finish off the man before me.


    I look down at him.


    ¡°How many hunters have you killed today because they wouldn¡¯t give up their prized possessions? I don¡¯t mean sent back to the start¡­ I mean killed¡­¡±


    The man coughs up more blood and startsughing while struggling to reply.


    ¡°Oh more than you could count ki-¡°


    *SHINGGGGG*


    Without warning, I cut off the man¡¯s left hand.


    His eyes open wide as the silver bracelet that was once attached to his wrist rolls past his head.


    Before the grunt can let out another word I reduce him to a pile of burning ash.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Equivalent Exchange


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes and turn to walk away without another thought.


    ¡°Equivalent Exchange huh? Now I¡¯ll get to figure out how this skill actually works.¡±


    I pick up his item box and sift through it as well. There are 11 HP potions and 4 MP. I help myself to one of each, restoring my stats to full and throwing the rest in my own item box. I turn to look at the gear left behind by his burning corpse but scoff at the thought of it. I¡¯ll let that stolen gear Rest In Peace, along with its past owners.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    A dark swirling portal appears in front of me and I step in to take a look around. In my mind¡¯s eye, I can see every floor below me in thisbyrinth with crystal-clear precision when I focus hard enough.


    ¡°Where are you¡­?¡±


    I sift through every loweryer but there¡¯s no sign of Maria. I know we agreed not to wait for each other, but I only said that because of Bruce and Nessa¡¯spany.


    I let out a sigh and step into the floor 1 dungeon. She must have not re-entered¡­


    I step into the familiar horned rabbit dungeon and look around activating enemy detection just to make sure Maria is definitely not here. Either way, It¡¯s pretty peaceful on this floor, I¡¯ll have toe back sometime.


    After a short 200m walk, I exit thebyrinth making my way back to the outside world. The sight before me was not expected¡­


    There must be at least 50 hunters all standing around with their heads hanging low talking and trading magic items. The scent of despair fills the air, as all of the men and women here have certainly given up on passing the exam this time around. They all look up at me with awkward stares. It must be an odd sight for someone to step out of thebyrinth after all¡­ with their bracelet still intact too¡­


    I gulp lightly and scan the group of people while activating enemy detection to try and lock onto Maria¡¯s unique level signature. Before I can even do a deep search I hear my name being called out from behind the crowd.


    ¡°Jay? Y-You came back? H-How?¡±


    Maria runs out from behind the closely gathered hunters while wiping tears from her face and attempting to smile.


    ¡°I-uh I did, of course, I did.¡±


    She jumps at me with her arms stretched out wide and a face filled with hope again. I catch Maria mid-arm and chuckle a little whileforting her the best I can. After a few seconds, she drops back down to the ground and we lock eyes with a more serious expression. I nod with a smile.


    ¡°Come on, we have an exam to pass.¡±


    I turn my head motioning for us to re-enter thebyrinth. Many hunters in the crowd startughing and whispering various inaudible words of doubt to their fellow hunters while we walk off toward the floating green portal.


    Both of us pay them no mind and step through with grins across our faces. The second we enter the first floor away from prying eyes, I create a new mode of transport.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    Maria immediately realizes this dark portal of mine can teleport us much further than the small trip she experienced earlier.


    Momentster, we step through and arrive directly in front of the floor 10 boss room.


    I smirk as Maria takes out her sword.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Ready.¡±


    We both jump through. It¡¯s time to challenge the final boss.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    [Test 1][Time Remaining: 18 Hours]


    The boss room is darker than I expected it to be. The hard soil remains the same, but the artificial sunlight has left the sky. In the distance, I can see the familiarrge cave-like walls wrapping upwards to create a closed-off arena for this boss battle.


    Maria and I stand side by side with our swords at the ready. She begins to glow blue as my mes begin to flicker to life. Silence fills the room as we wait in anticipation.


    I scan my surroundings with inspect, enemy detection, and appraisal. Secondster, six red glowing eyes emerge from the darkness before us. The sound of heavy chains nging together rings throughout the cave and a burst of mes lights up the enemy that walks out from the darkness.


    [Lv. 261]


    Active Items:


    Cursed Shackles[Fire Aspect]


    Active Skills:


    Intimidation


    Bloodlust


    Buffs:


    [+50% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength]


    *THUDD*


    *THUDD*


    *THUDD*


    A vicious three-headed dog stomps into view with heavy metal cors around each of its necks. Long broken metal chains hang from each of them, just barely swinging above the ground. The beast stands over 3m tall. From head to toe, it¡¯s at least 8m long¡­ Well, from its middle head at least.


    The monster¡¯s eyes stare us down, and saliva drips from its three mouths as the white jagged teeth reflect off of the fiery disy permeating off of each of its limbs¡­ A dark red aura covers its entire body as well. This is one horrific-looking monster.


    It lets out a series of growls as the mes on its legs burst into evenrger mes. I feel a wave of intimidation hit me, then the beast runs forward.


    Our battle has begun.


    Without another word, Maria darts off to the left and I take the right. The enormous hound moves its heads on either side to track us both as we run off in opposite directions. I activate bloodlust, berserker, and my own intimidation skill to match its energy as I run closer and closer to the beast. The hound winces, then its cors glow red. The glowing chains are visibly burning the dark fur around its neck, momentster it charges forward breaking free of my mental trap.


    With incredible speed and uracy, the monsterunches an attack straight at Maria. It definitely is not fond of my intimidation skill. The beast is trying to take out easier prey first, then it¡¯ll deal with me.


    A loud collision urs as Maria summons a wall of Ice and the ming hound throws itself head-first into it. Ice shards fly everywhere as she narrowly escapes in the confusion. I follow close behind now covered head to toe in mes of my own.


    As the beast emerges from the cloud of ice and snow, Iunch my first attack.


    *SHINGGGG*


    My swordnds a deep sh through the left head¡¯s neck, following through to leave additional damage across its backside. It lets out a murderous roar as the chains glow red again, creating plumes of smoke from the burning fur and flesh. This only makes the beast more angry.


    Its eyes glow red as it stomps its feet. The left head eyes me up and down, while its right side watches Maria ready herself.


    We lock eyes momentarily, then I run at the beast again. The monster erupts into mes and shakes its heads in frustration.


    Maria ces her left hand on the hard ground and lets out an immense wave of Ice Magic. The hound runs toward her but is stopped in its tracks by the cold white crystals creeping up its legs.


    *CRACKKK*


    The monster breaks through, but Maria releases another wave. Every step the hound takes is slowed down by Maria¡¯s ever-regenerating Ice trap. It growls staring her down as she chugs an MP potion and lets out more intense waves of magic.


    I take this opportunity tomence my second attack. I sprint at the monster with a wide grin across my face. With another graceful lunge and jump, Ind on the three-headed dog¡¯s back as it struggles to move forward through the Ice in front of it. The heat radiating from its chains is almost unbearable, but it¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t handle.


    Without hesitation, I lift my sword and pierce it deep into the monster¡¯s spine right below its middle neck. While using Plunderer to take in its mana, I release a steady flow of fire residue into the creature¡¯s body. It ils its heads and roars in pain as Maria keeps it bound in ce.


    An intense wave of intimidation hit me as the monster tries helplessly to break free. I watch the red glowing cors burn deep into the beast¡¯s neck¡­ They begin glowing brighter and brighter as I continue to burn this beast to a crisp.


    Something about this doesn¡¯t feel right¡­.


    My eyes open wide as I realize what¡¯s happening, just a few seconds toote¡­


    ¡°Maria! Run No-¡°


    *KABOOM!*


    The chains on the monster¡¯s neck hit their limit. The glowing bes unbelievably bright¡­ then it explodes into a highly destructive ball of mes.


    I use my body hardening and brace for impact as the fiery shock wave hits me. I watch Maria create a dome of Ice as I¡¯m thrown backward 20m in the air.


    On the bright side, the hound we were previously facing, has three fewer heads¡­. I watch the fiery bloody mess explode before my eyes and can help but let out a bit of a chuckle as I hit the hard boss room floor.


    The fire clears and the dust settles.


    I pick myself up and regenerate the minor broken bones from my fall. Maria emerges from her dome of Ice and we take in the view.


    A headless charred corpse lies lifeless with its legs frozen solid and its backside still aze.


    We walk over to it slowly with our swords out in front of us with curious looks on our faces. Less than a minuteter, the corpse begins to disappear.


    *CLANGGG*


    Arge pink mana crystal falls to the floor along with a pile of dark silver chains attached to a circr shackle that looks about human neck sized¡­


    I use Appraisal.


    Cursed Shackles[Fire Aspect]


    Then turn to Maria with a grin.


    ¡°Well, I did say the next rare item is mine.¡±


    She looks at me wide-eyed.


    ¡°Uh- yeah you did. They¡¯re all yours¡­¡±


    I nod slowly and ce the chains in my item storage, then throw Maria the mana crystal.


    ¡°That was a good fight, right?¡±


    She catches the stone, ces it in her item box, then nods in agreement.


    ¡°Yeah, definitely our toughest one yet. It had to go and blow itself up though¡­.¡±


    Weugh together as the white transfer magic brings us up to the next floor.


    A familiar voice rings out as floor 11 materializes in front of me.


    ¡°Congrattions. You¡¯re number 83.¡±


    I see Rodrigo standing less than 3m from us with a calm emotionless look on his face. He walks over slowly and hands me a small white coin with the number 83 printed on it in ck text, then he turns to Maria.


    ¡°Congrattions. You¡¯re number 84.¡±


    She epts the coin as well and we both look at him with puzzled stares. His red suit pops out in front of the bright green dungeon grasnd before us. It¡¯s oddly simr to the slime floor from earlier with rolling hills and a bright blue sky, but I doubt there would be another slime dungeon on floor 11¡­ right¡­?


    Rodrigo stares nkly at both of us with his pair of nearly white eyes, then speaks up again.


    ¡°Well, it seems you two still have 17 hours or so remaining until the next test. So far, you have proven to show your proficiency in basicbat, simple teamwork, energy conservation, and of course, a little bit of luck. Your next test will be a bit more personal. It will be testing your individuality, perseverance, and ability to grow and adapt to your environment. Please join the others. You may trade, eat, sleep, exercise, and do as you wish until the next test begins. The only rules are you may not enter floor 12, and you may not fight other exam members until the start of our next test. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    We both nod our heads up and down without saying a word.


    Rodrigo looks us both up and down onest time. His eyes stop momentarily at the sight of Maria¡¯s left wrist.


    ¡°Well, very good. Please do join the rest of your exam mates.¡±


    He glows white and steps to the side. I can¡¯t believe my eyes¡­


    Seemingly out of nowhere, the air begins to ripple in front of us to reveal a massive white fair tent. Underneath it, there are well over 50rge wooden tables and 30 or so smaller private sections along the tent¡¯s outer edges that have multiple beds inside them. The other 82 hunters are all crowded around the center area of tables trading gear, gambling with potions, talking with each other, and rxing in a casual manner.


    I see teams from the association, small guilds, some elite guilds, rogues, and even a few noble-looking squads. These are the best of the best here¡­ well, at least the fastest of the fast¡­. I take a closer look to see if I recognize anyone in particr as we begin to walk over.


    That one team in shiny gold armor with the barrier summoning skill is here, and also that duo with the lightning skill and defense buffs. I recognize one team of rogues from outside thebyrinth too, they¡¯re a team of 3 with high levels and unusual gear. The man with the speed cloak and snake tattoo on his hand stands out the most to me.


    I continue scanning the crowd, attempting not to make eye contact with any of the yellow armband-wearing guards surrounding the tent. Then I see a familiar face staring at me waving happily.


    ¡°YOU GUYS MADE IT!¡±


    Nessa smiles and motions for us toe over to the table she and Bruce managed to get for themselves.


    I wave back and we begin to walk over toward them, Maria follows.


    What a bizarre sight to see in a dungeon. I guess now all we can do is socialize and wait for the next test to begin¡­

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    [Time Remaining Until Test 2: 17 Hours]


    We walk over to sit across from Bruce and Nessa at a long wooden table. I scan the area to see more and more unfamiliar faces. Some smile while others re. A few seem to be in the private closed-off areas resting as well. Maria keeps her left arm under the table.


    Nessa speaks up first.


    ¡°So what happened? You took so long we thought- ¡°


    I smile and interrupt.


    ¡°We came to an agreement with that stubborn orange-haired brute. It just took a while, long story.¡±


    I turn to Maria and sigh. She nods and blinks a few times, then we both turn our heads forward again. Nessa just smiles.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief. Maybe I can manage to get some sleep after all.¡±


    She turns to one of the open curtains of a private resting area, then looks back at me.


    ¡°Say, uh, Jay. Could I take a peek at your Fire Magic before the start of the next test?¡±


    I nod while scoping out the resting areas for myself. We have plenty of time before our next test, a nice long sleep would be nice.


    ¡°Sure, just remind me.¡±


    She smiles as Bruce interjects.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll be getting some rest too. I need a shield for the next phase of this exam though, hopefully, I¡¯ll be able to make a trade. I¡¯m sure some of the less skilled hunters will be arriving as time ticks down. They¡¯ll surely need a leftover potion or two for a sword right?.¡±


    He scans the crowds looking for anyone willing to give up their shield. I can see a bit of fear in his eyes.


    Most of the items being traded are just potions and dropped loot from the floors below. Not many people are giving up their weapons. I do feel kind of bad¡­. Ipletely forgot about his shield. With the adrenaline from battle, and the mission to get Maria back, retrieving their lost gear totally slipped my mind. I speak up and look Bruce in the eyes.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find the right person willing to trade eventually.


    He nods slowly.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    I survey the crowd onest time and decide there¡¯s not much else I want to do right now but sleep. It would be the most productive thing right now¡­. Unless¡­. I turn to Maria.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m going to get some rest. Could youe with me real quick?¡±


    Her eyes perk up as I point to an open curtain of a resting room nearby. She quickly agrees and we both stand up. Nessa speaks.


    ¡°Well, that was fast. See you in a bit I guess, rest up.¡±


    We leave momentster with a wave.


    Upon entering the small curtained-off room, I look around. There are 3 small cushioned beds on all of the walls not counting the entrance. The room is about 3m long and 3m wide. As I shut the white curtain, the room stays softly lit with a white glow. I turn to Maria.


    ¡°Do you need anything? I¡¯ll be out for a while?¡±


    She stares at me with a confused look.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be¡­ out for a while?¡±


    I grin and turn to the back wall of the room.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    Arge ck swirling portal appears in front of us and Maria¡¯s eyes open wide.


    ¡°Oh-Oh. You can¡­ leave?¡±


    I nod with a slight grin.


    ¡°The only rules were no fighting, and no entering floor 12. He never said we can¡¯t leave the exam site ande backter.¡±


    She shakes her head.


    ¡°No! I meant you can physically leave a dungeon with that transport magic?? C-Can Ie with you?


    ¡°Oh- uh- You can alsoe, sure.¡±


    I pause, then continue.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just need to be back before anyone notices, I guess with the curtains closed no one will enter for a while¡­..¡±


    Maria smiles wide.


    ¡°All right! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Without another thought, I take Maria by the hand and step through the ck swirling portal momentster letting the multitude of past dungeon images fly through my mind until I find the one I¡¯m looking for.


    The oh-so-familiar starter dungeon back in our hometown is our destination.


    We step out momentster and I feel a wave of mana leave my body. I open my status instantly to see what just happened.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 299


    Hp: 1245/1500


    Mp: 360/1500


    Strength: 724 [+630]


    Speed: 862 [+517][+259]


    Agility: 892


    Defense: 646 [+258][+226][+162]


    Mental Strength: 724 [+145][+333][+290]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Dungeon Walker


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+87% Strength][+46% Mental Strength]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+25% Defense]


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    _____________


    My MP dropped around 1000 points¡­ I guess long-distance travel carrying another person is even more costly than I predicted it¡¯d be. Noted.


    I take a few mana crystals from my item storage and use plunderer to bring my mana back up to full.


    As I do so, Maria looks around the grasnd dungeon in awe.


    ¡°T-This is¡­¡±


    I interject.


    ¡°Yup. We¡¯re back home.¡±


    Her eyes open wide.


    I just nod and start walking toward the dungeon exit. She takes in the view for a few more seconds, then runs after me as we jump out into Alpine Park.


    The trees are swaying in the breeze and theke in the distance shimmers reflecting yellow light from the low evening sun.


    A few minutester we walk into the vige market without saying another word. This isn¡¯t exactly what I thought we¡¯d be doing today, but I¡¯m notining.


    I grab a handful of silver and a few gold from my item storage and throw them in my item box on the way over.


    We walk through the middle of the market and I hear an old familiar voice.


    ¡°Hey, hey! If it isn¡¯t Jay! How ya doing kid!¡±


    My old merchant friend greets me with a smile.


    I look through all of his gear, but nothing special stands out. The only thing worth buying here is everyst one of his MP and HP potions. The merchant only has up to D ss in stock. Unfortunately, they only heal 1250 points each. I¡¯ll have to keep that in mind.


    Maria takes the MP potions along with a few HP. I hoard the rest of the glowing green bottles for myself.


    With a pair of friendly waves, we leave the town center and sit down at a local family restaurant. Our foodes soon after. We feast as the sun begins to set slowly below the horizon.


    Once we finish with the well-deserved meals a wave of exhaustion hits both of us, but Maria especially. I can see her eyes struggling to stay open as we wait for the bill.


    I chuckle a little, then leave a silver coin at our table. We set off before the waiteres back, hope he enjoys the tip.


    With tired eyes and heavy limbs, the 30 hours of dungeon diving finally catches up to us as we walk up our long apartment building steps. I speak up while my door clicks open.


    ¡°10 hours. Then we go back.¡±


    Maria nods, then tries to open her door. She¡¯s sifting around in her item box for a little longer than normal¡­ then I remember her key must be in her old pouch back in the capital.


    Maria squats down and reaches under her doormat to pick up a spare, then clicks the door open momentster.


    ¡°Night Jay. 10 hours, got it.¡±


    I let out a long quiet sigh as she closes her door, then turn around and walk back down the apartment stairs. There are a few more things to do tonight¡­ sleep can wait.


    I stop by the corner store and buy arge case of water, some fruits, and dried meats. Anything that looks simr to the items in our ¡°gift box¡± from earlier. I put them all in my item storage and make my way back to the dungeon as the sun fully sets.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    I walk through my swirling ck portal to a dungeon I know very well. The Minotaur dungeon in the capital.


    While plundering MP from another mana crystal I walk out and take the underground train back to the main Dungeon Hub. There are huge crowds of hunters out today just like any other. It¡¯s rush hour in the city.


    I walk to the market and hear the voice of my other old merchant friend. This is the first time I¡¯ve seen both of them in such a short amount of time¡­ they do seem oddly simr. I wave as I approach.


    ¡°How are ya old man?¡±


    ¡°Not too bad, what can I do for ya today kid?¡±


    I look around his shop for a moment eyeing the swords, shields, and various magic items hanging on the walls.


    ¡°Show me all your best items. Let¡¯s just say, I¡¯m getting ready for a big battle.¡±


    He grins and looks me up and down, then starts sifting through the hidden underside of his counter.


    ¡°Oh yeah? You¡¯ve already got a lot of items on ya there. Make sure you don¡¯t hit the limit!¡±


    I raise an eyebrow and look at him with a bit of confusion.


    ¡°The limit? What do you mean?¡±


    The old man ces two gold rings on the table, one of them has a small blue gem on the face of it, the other one is solid gold. After that, he ces a heavy steel shield, a silver long sword, and a pair of ck daggers on the counter as well. He grins.


    ¡°Unless you¡¯ve ranked up or have a special skill, most hunters can only handle stacking 10 magic items at once.¡±


    Again, I look at him with a confused stare.


    ¡°Ranked up?¡±


    He nods, then points at the items on the counter.


    ¡°Yeah, mostly nobles and high-ranking government types go through the rank-up process eventually. I¡¯m not exactly sure how they do it, I just know it¡¯s possible. Anyways, take your pick, this is the cream of the crop!¡±


    I just nod and use appraisal.


    [Ring of Protection] +30% Defense


    [Enchanted Gold Ring] +30% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Shield] +300 Defense


    [High Ogre¡¯s Sword] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Dagger Set] +300 Strength +300 Agility


    I examine the items while thinking quietly to myself for a while, then speak up.


    ¡°How much for the shield and daggers?¡±


    The merchant looks at me curiously.


    ¡°Really? I never would have guessed you¡¯d jump on those two.¡±


    I nod slowly, then ce 2 gold coins on the counter.


    ¡°Will that do the trick?¡±


    The merchant¡¯s eyes light up.


    ¡°Most definitely.¡±


    I push the coins forward and throw the shield and daggers into my item box.


    ¡°Appreciate it. I¡¯ll be back soon with some items to sell, so get ready to give me a good selling price on those too.¡±


    The merchant takes the coins and smiles.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll be waiting. Have a good rest of your night Jay!¡±


    With a wave, I leave.


    Sure, the price could have been haggled down a little. Well, more like a lot¡­ I¡¯m just not in the mood, he can keep the change.


    The city¡¯s night sky is beautifully clear tonight. I stroll around admiring the world, enjoying my taboo freedom as I should still be in thebyrinth. With a grin, I eventually make my way back to the Dungeon Hub. The early stars shine white in the slowly darkening sky. There are even more hunters lined up outside the closer I get. It¡¯s usually pretty crowded around this time, but this is crazy¡­.


    A loud voice calls out from the crowd.


    ¡°All high-level D ss teams and C ss Hunters! Calling all high-level D ss teams and C ss Hunters! There¡¯s been a break in the Lizardman Dungeon. We need immediate help eradicating the monsters! I repeat!¡±


    A blond-haired young man in a Hunters Association uniform stands in front of the gates yelling over and over about a dungeon break. The closer I get, the more and more it makes sense. The association must be understaffed because of the exams¡­.


    Most hunters are avoiding eye contact with him, but a few stand by his side.


    I approach with a curious grin.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    [Time Remaining Until Test 2: 15 Hours]


    I slowly walk over to the slim blond young man. He instantly makes eye contact and waves me over.


    "Hey, hey! The name''s Tripp, nice to meet ya! Looking to help out in a little dungeon cleanup?"


    I continue to approach him slowly, then use inspect and appraisal. He''s a bit taller than me, dressed in the casual green and ck Hunters Association raiding uniform, doesn''t wear any armor, and wears a pair of silver daggers on his waist.


    [Lv. 322]


    Active Items:


    Special Grade tinum Ring [+55% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Leather Boots [+35% Speed][+35% Agility]


    Reinforced Steel Dagger Set [+400 Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Dagger Mastery


    Instant Nullification


    I look the man up and down thoroughly. An interesting ideaes to mind, my curiosity gets the better of me sometimes... I reply.


    "Sure, I''d be interested in helping a fellow dagger user out. How tough is the break today?"


    Tripp''s face lights up and he puts out a hand for me to shake.


    "Is that right? A fellow dagger user? And you''re a C ss or what? All we need to do is keep an eye on the exit, it shouldn''t be too long until the advanced team takes out the boss. We just need to keep the mutants at bay for a little while."


    I shake the man''s hand and smile back. After pretending to sift through my item box and reaching around in my pockets I begin to put my sleep-deprived battle-crazed n into action.


    "I left my ID at home, unfortunately. I just came by to check out themotion. I assume you''re all understaffed because of the exams right?"


    He nods, then turns to therge ck-haired dark-skinned tank, and a petite blond-haired woman.


    "Yeah exactly. Either way, we''ll be heading out soon. Just wanted to pick up a member or two from the crowd here just in case. We''re from the Association by the way, if you couldn''t tell by the getups."


    He points to his outfit while taking out his ID card to show me he''s definitely with the Hunters Association.


    While using conceal, I wipe all the skills off my status except for Dagger Mastery and the Fire Combat magic, then flip my status for him to see.


    "Well, I''d say I''m about qualified. I did just pick up a new pair of des, I''ve been meaning to test them out."


    Tripp raises an eyebrow and studies my stats for a moment, then looks up at me with a sigh.


    I can tell he''s going to ask for my ID anyways... Some sort of distraction is needed here. I take out the pair of shining ck daggers from my item box and give them a twirl. It feels so natural... This is just like my swordsmanship skill. Dagger Mastery is a passive ability that grows alongside my level progression.


    I look at the man with a slight grin.


    "Well... what do ya say?"


    He looks over his shoulders both ways, then back at me with the same sly grin.


    "Come on then, let''s go. Our boss is stuck out at that C ss exam tonight, might as well have some fun."


    He says something to the other two team members, then walks right through the D ss gate motioning for us to follow. Tripp shows his card and the guards nod us past just like that. We''re off to the Lizardman dungeon.


    After making our way downstairs and boarding the train, Tripp looks me in the eyes and speaks up as we leave the station.


    "So, you from out of town or something?"


    I reply.


    "Yep. Just stopping by for the exams I- I mean, one of my friends is taking it this weekend."


    He smiles.


    "Oh nice, nice. You do seem familiar though, I could have sworn I''ve seen your face somewhere before."


    I gulp.


    "Yeah, maybe. Ie to the city a lot. Might even get a ce here soon."


    "Oh yeah?"


    "Yeah, it''s nice out here."


    "...."


    Tripp stands up.


    "We''ll, anyways. This is Sandra and Mike. Mike is a heavy tank, definitely overkill for today''s outing. Sandra is a healer. Again, we won''t need her, but can never be too sure ya know?"


    I nod.


    "Nice to meet you two."


    They both nod back but don''t say anything. Tripp interjects.


    "Heye on you two! I know it was supposed to be our night off, but things happen!"


    Mike speaks up.


    "Yeah yeah. This should be a simple one anyways, I don''t know why you have to bring this kid along. You could have handled it yourself. Honestly, Sandra and I could have stayed back too."


    Sandra nods and pouts. Tripp rolls his eyes and speaks up while smiling at me.


    "I want to see what the new dagger user in town can do! Ya never know, maybe we can add a new recruit to the Midnight Squad."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "The what?"


    Sandra lets out a sigh and interrupts.


    "Ughh. The midnight squad. It''s what Tripp likes to call our nightshift duties."


    I grin... then let out a little chuckle. Mikeughs lightly as well. Tripp jumps back in.


    "Hey! It''s a cool name. Anyways. This will take half an hour at most. Our only order is to guard the exit until the raid team finishes up in the boss room, got it?"


    We all get serious as the traines to a screeching halt.


    "Got it."


    Momentster, we all climb the esctor and jump through the glowing red portal to enter the Lizardman dungeon.


    I look around the moment we arrive inside. It''s the same arid desert wastnd I remembered. The air is dense with excess magic though. We all walk forward about 50m, then Tripp speaks up.


    "All right. This is good. Jay and I will fight out front, I want to see what he''s made of. Sandra and Mike, feel free to stay back. I''ll only need help if there''s some outrageous mutant here."


    The healer and tank stop in ce and start up a casual conversation as I walk up front to join Tripp.


    "So... are there breaks like this in the capital often?"


    The hot desert continues to beat down on us with its bright artificial sun. Tripp replies.


    "Yeah, we get one or two a week. It''s not such a big deal, this one was just a little out of the ordinary. The Lizardman dungeon is fairly stable. It must be a bit of recoil from the surgest week."


    I nod and start ying with my daggers looking out into the distance.


    "Makes sense."


    After 10 minutes of waiting around, and constantining from the two hunters behind us, a small dust cloud appears. I point it out with the tip of my right de.


    "Looks like we''ll finally have somepany."


    Tripp grins.


    "The wave is here, we were just on time."


    Sandra''s voice rings out.


    "We were ten minutes early."


    He continues.


    "Anyways... The first fight''s all you Jay, Iet me see what you''ve got."


    I eagerly continue to twirl my daggers. They''re definitely not as invigorating and stat-boosting as my sword, but a quick trial run before going back into thebyrinth is exactly what I wanted.


    I use inspect and enemy detection.


    [150m]


    [Lv. 269]


    [Lv. 266]


    I smirk as the two mutant lizardmene into view. They''re each around 3.5m tall, with dark green scaly skin, and light armor. One is carrying a long spear and the other carries a shining silver sword. Their humanoid features stand out in their torsos and lower bodies, but their heads are of pure lizard. Those yellow beady eyes lock on me as they approach and their long red tongues il about as they let out battle screeches.


    I nod to Tripp, and run at the monsters. I ignite into mes and immediately activate bloodlust. My body and des are bothpletely engulfed in mes. The crackling fire around me hides the ominous aura, I just want some extra speed to show off.


    The two scaled beasts lunge at me with their spears. I jump through the middle of them with a graceful twist, narrowly dodging their attacks letting my daggers whistle through the air outreached on either side of my body.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Leaving trails of fire in my wake, the two lizardmen''s heads topple to the ground. I turn around deactivating my skills and give a slight bow.


    Tripp nods slowly as I walk back in their direction.


    "Not bad, not bad."


    He looks me up and down.


    "You wear a whole lot of jewelry, are those all magic items? Are you going to war or something?"


    We both let out augh, then I reply.


    "Is it a lot? I just thought I might as well wear them all, the more power the better right?"


    He sighs.


    "The more power the better? I guess so."


    We both stare off into the distance as another dust cloud appears. I turn to Tripp.


    "You''re up."


    He smiles and steps forward. The man takes the daggers from his waist and eyes the approaching enemies.


    A pack of three shows up momentster. Two lizardmen lead the charge, they''re level 267 and 268. They both carry long silver spears and look identical to the ones I faced previously.


    The third monster looks much different. It''s slightly tinted red, and carries a long wooden staff. It''s level 277.


    Tripp turns back to me before sprinting off toward the beasts.


    "Looks like I got the fun ones!"


    I watch him curiously as he charges forward at the trio.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    The dagger user bobs and weaves through the oing spear attacks and does a near picture-perfect copy of my jump and spin move from earlier.... Minus the ming des obviously.


    The heads of the two beasts fall to the floor as he mimics my bow, then smiles and turns to the odd-looking lizardman.


    To my surprise... the monster ignites its body into a ball of fire. I use appraisal.


    [Lv. 277]


    Activate Items:


    Lizard King''s Staff [+40% Mental Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic[Fire Summoning]


    My eyes open wide as I watch Tripp face it off. He stops in his tracks about 15m in front of the mutant and begins glowing bright white, then a barely visible wave of energy radiates off of him.


    The moment that wave hits the lizardman, its mespletely die out. The beast stands there in confusion as the dagger user sprints forward and readies his des.


    Secondster, the mutant''s head rolls to the dungeon floor next to its underlings.


    Tripp spins his knifes around, then ces them back on his waist and walks over to me.


    I give him the same slow nod of respect.


    "Not bad. That''s a nifty skill you''ve got there."


    He grins.


    "You showed off, so I had to as well."


    I smile back, but in reality, I''m a little bit scared of what that skill can do. It''s a good thing we''re on the same team here...


    We continue our friendlypetition for the next 15 minutes or so as we cut down half a dozen more waves. Each of them increases in level and size just slightly. Thest one had a level 289 mutant fire user, I got to fight it. The mutant was pretty strong, but I managed to easily overpower it. All of the monsters dropped a good amount of loot as well. I kept a few handfuls of mana crystals, two spears, and even one of the mutant''s staffs. I''ll have to bring it to the marketter to see how much its really worth.


    Tripp gave me a quick lesson on the rarities of elemental magic in dungeons as well. Apparently fire magic is the mostmon. Lightninges next. Then earth, followed by ice, water, and wind. Thenstly, the two rarest types of magic are light and dark.


    I also got a bit nosey and asked how much the Hunters Association pays them for this work. Apparently, they get paid 3 gold a month to be on active guard duty cleaning up any potential breaks, or whatever extra things the "Midnight Squad" is assigned to do. Plus, the three of them go on 2 mandatory raids per week to farm resources for the Association. Pretty neat gig.


    About 2 minutes after that final wave was defeated, the entire dungeon started glowing with a bright white light. Tripp spoke up.


    "Looks like the raid team took out the boss, we''re headed back!"


    Momentster, the transfer magic took us right back to the dungeon''s entrance.


    The small room was filled with 9 people including myself. A team of 5 stood there covered in blood smiling to themselves. They''re all men. It''s a team with 2 tanks, and 3 rogues. On second thought, they could be swordsmen.. or maybe just a bit of both. Overall, they all appear to be tough fighters.


    One of the tanks lifts his head to us andughs.


    "Hey Tripp, you missed a good fight. This break was a doozy, that lizard gave us a run for our money!"


    The other team members murmured andughed as they all made their way down the esctor. Tripp made some small talk with the tank as we followed close behind and made our way back to the main D ss tform.


    The tank and healer tiredly gave me a nod and wave goodbye as they went back upstairs to their post. Tripp on the other hand, had more to say.


    "Ya know, I''m sure I can put a good word in for you at the Association. There''s always a need for more C ss and above hunters! Most move out to some of the stronger regions once theynd better deals with guilds or private teams, so if you''re nning on moving into the city I''m sure you could strike a good deal for yourself!"


    I gulp, then remember he still thinks I''m a C ss Hunter... Sure, I insinuated that I was... but I never t-out said it.


    I scratch my head nervously.


    "Ya know. I appreciate it, but uhh. Maybe you could- uh not put in a word? I''m sort of trying to keep a- low profile. Just doing my thing, and not get the Association involved."


    Tripp squints his eyes and stares at me for a moment.


    A very long moment....


    Then he finally replies.


    "Well, fine by me. I won''t say a word."


    He smiles wide and turns to go, then says onest thing.


    "Maybe we''ll meet again soon if you''ll be around more. I''ll keep an eye out, there aren''t many high-level dagger users out here ya know!"


    Tripp starts walking up the esctor without another word.


    I wave and shout out.


    "Hey, thanks! Was a pleasure fighting with you guys. Appreciate it, I''m just going to train a bit more, I uh-"


    He''s already gone. There''s no point in finishing what I had to say I guess.


    It''s getting reallyte.


    I look around at the empty dungeon tform and shake my head vigorously, then murmur to myself.


    "You idiot!! What was that??? You''re in the middle of an exam!!! What are you doing Jay??"


    I take a deep breath in while looking over my shoulders, then let the breath back out.


    I take the next train to the closest dungeon possible, I don''t even check to see which one it is. I use a dungeon walker the moment I step inside and make it back home.


    The walk back to my apartment feels unbelievably long. Thest hour or so keeps repeating over and over in my head. I talk to myself as I walk in the dark using one ming finger as a light.


    "I just wanted to try out my new daggers... On the bright side, I can use them pretty well if I need to now. But-"


    I gulp.


    "I think it''ll be fine."


    Finally, my apartment stepse into view and I make my way inside. The moment my door closes I fall face-first onto my bed and fall into a deep sleep.


    ~ 8 hourster


    *KNOCK** KNOCK* *KNOCK*


    "Jay!!! We gotta go!!!"


    Maria is pounding on my door. I roll out of bed, stretch my arms and back, then make sure I have everything I need before opening up.


    "Hey Maria how was y-"


    "I slept fine, you?"


    I smile as she looks at me with a face full of urgency.


    "I slept fine too, I j-"


    "Great, let''s go! There''s no time to waste!"


    She points off in the distance toward the starter dungeon as the sun begins to rise. I chuckle and shut my door.


    "I guess you''re right."


    We walk down the steps together and head back to the starter dungeon. It''s time to get back to business.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    [Time Remaining Until Test 2: 6 Hours]


    I open up arge ck swirling portal and we both jump through. While holding Maria¡¯s left hand, I sift through the mind¡¯s eye image of dungeons shing all around. Finally, I lock onto our previous position. The private room from earlier is still empty and glowing with that faint white light.


    Maria and I step through. As we do, I feel a massive amount of MP drain out of me. This long-distance double-passenger travel takes a lot of energy.


    I grip a handful of fresh mana crystals plundering my MP back up to full as Maria looks up at me.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief. I thought for sure someone would havee in here by now!¡±


    I reply.


    ¡°Yeah, I was a bit worried too¡­ th-¡°


    ¡°HEY! I CAN HEAR YOU IN THERE! OPEN UP!¡±


    I hear a loud and deep voice from right outside banging on the curtains.


    ¡°Uhe on in!¡±


    The voice replies back.


    ¡°I can¡¯t you moron! These things have mana locks on the inside ya know. I can¡¯t get in unless I break this thing down. Do you think this is funny?¡±


    I walk over and peek my head out of the curtain to see what¡¯s going on. A team of 3 rugged-looking men stands outside our tent looking exhausted and impatient. The same deep voice rings out from the tallest one in the middle as he gives me an angry re.


    ¡°Apparently you two have been in here for over 10 hours! That¡¯s what another team just told us. Come on already, y nice, and give us a chance to rest up too!¡±


    I stare back at him filled with confusion, then turn to Maria as she walks over and pokes her head out of the white curtain as well. She replies.


    ¡°Sure, we¡¯re done anyways, even tidied it up a bit. The ce is all yours!¡±


    The two of us walk out with satisfied looks on our faces. The group of three mutters a few minor rude remarks and walk past us to upy the room.


    Once outside, I can see the crowd of hunters trading gear and lounging around has nearly doubled in our absence. There isn¡¯t anyone immediately recognizable, so we decide to find an open table and sit down facing each other. Maria grins and looks at me with a half-serious look in her eyes.


    ¡°Our Operation was a sess.¡±


    Iugh, then roll my eyes.


    ¡°Yeah. Operation Snack and Sleep went really well.¡±


    We both let out sighs of relief as the white noise of hunter¡¯s chatter fills the air. Eventually, I reach into my storage, take out half of the food and water supplies I bought at the corner storest night, and ce them on the table.


    ¡°Here. Take these and throw them in your item box, you¡¯ll probably need them for our next test.¡±


    Maria¡¯s eyes light up and she hastily puts them away.


    ¡°Ohhh! You¡¯re right, when¡¯d you get these anyway?¡±


    I begin to reply, but a raspy feminine voice interrupts me.


    ¡°Hey! Watcha want for some of those?¡±


    A short, curly brown-haired girl with two swords across her back walks up to our table and looks me right in the eyes. She wears a tight ck shirt that shows off her slim but curly figure, short blue jean shorts, and ckbat boots. The artificial sunlight of the dungeon gleams off her fingers showing off her assorted rings.


    With an arrogant attitude, but a powerful voice, she repeats herself.


    ¡°So? Stare all ya want, I ask again. How much for some water and a bit of food?¡±


    I look over to Maria, she just shrugs back. The girl speaks up again, then a line starts to form behind her.


    ¡°Here!¡±


    She ms a ring down on the table.


    I use appraisal.


    [Ring of Protection] +25% Defense


    She speaks up again.


    ¡°How much will that get me?¡±


    I grin and realize what¡¯s going on here¡­ I reach into my item box to pull out two bottles of water and a small bag of dried fruit.


    She tightens her stare, then turns around to see half a dozen other eager potential buyers lining up.


    ¡°Not bad, I¡¯ll take it. Thanks.¡±


    She grabs the water and fruit, then leaves without saying another word. Maria and I stare at each other wide-eyed for a moment, then proceed to take out all our excess food and drinks, leaving just enough for each of us to survive a few more days if need be. It¡¯s a good thing I bought extra, the market value of basic sustenance has skyrocketed¡­ time to cash out!


    After we squeezed all we could out of the small crowd, I managed to get 7 more HP potions, that ring of protection at 25% defense from before, one pair of steel wrist guards, and a spare steel sword with +300 strength. I doubt I¡¯ll use any of these, but the resell value won¡¯t be badter. I store them all in my item box. Maria managed to get herself a 30% mental strength-boosting ring, and another ring of protection with a 25% defense buff. They¡¯re both good additions to her stats, the challenges ahead will be difficult, but these will definitely help.


    Once we finish trading all the resources we were willing to part with, we decide to pass the time by ying a game of chess with mana crystals. I carved out an 8 by 8 set of squares on the wooden table, and we used different-sided crystals for the assorted pieces. It was hard to keep track at first, but we got used to it eventually.


    Time passed and the crowd of hunters got bigger and bigger as stragglers came in. Some looked like wrecks, while others looked fine like they just took their time and strolled through.


    4 hours of surprisingly entertaining games and idle chatter went by before I saw someone walking over to us from the dungeon entrance in a Hunters Associations getup. They¡¯re sporting bright green hair, bend the ground below them as they walk, and are covered head to toe in dirt and blood.


    She scans the area of hunters, then of all people locks eyes with me¡­ and runs toward our table with a smile across her face.


    ¡°Jay! You made it here too!¡±


    I let out a slight grin as I look her up and down.


    ¡°Abby, it¡¯s good to see you made it here too. What- uhh- what happened? Is your team oka-¡°


    ¡°Aghh, long story.¡±


    She rolls her eyes and sits down next to Maria, then puts her head down to let out a sigh.


    ¡°A really long story¡­¡±


    I just wait patiently for her to continue, but she never does. Momentster Maria puts her head down near Abby¡¯s, then starts tough.


    ¡°S-She¡¯s Asleep!¡±


    I smile and let out augh of my own. I guess that story can wait for another time¡­.


    With the sleeping green-haired girl sitting face down at our table, we continue our game.


    Another 30 minutes pass and arge man with a certain red-haired girl make their way towards us from the resting areas. Nessa shouts out as they approach.


    ¡°Hey, Maria! Jay!¡±


    Her face is much brighter than earlier. Bruce looks good too. A good night of sleep was exactly what they needed.


    Nessa sits down next to Maria and Bruce takes a seat next to me. I give him a friendly nod.


    ¡°Any luck finding that shield?¡±


    His grin fades immediately.


    ¡°Unfortunately no-¡°


    ¡°Knew it¡­ I got you covered.¡±


    I reach into my item box and bring out the shield I bought at the market, and his grines back like a little kid¡¯s.


    ¡°Where did you¡­ how much do you want for-¡°


    ¡°My treat, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    His smile widens as he examines therge shield.


    ¡°Hey thanks, Jay! I owe you one, for real.¡±


    Bruce puts out a hand and I shake it firmly.


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    Nessa speaks up.


    ¡°Hey, can you do that fire thingy real quick?¡±


    Iugh.


    ¡°That¡­ fire thingy¡­¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    I point my index finger in the air and ignite a small me.


    ¡°Is that enough?¡±


    She concentrates for a moment, then smirks.


    ¡°Yeah, perfect. I haven¡¯t used a fire skill since thest time we met. This¡¯ll be fun.¡±


    I put the fire on my finger out, then point it at her.


    ¡°Hey, you owe me one too.¡±


    Nessa slightly rolls her eyes but nods in agreement.


    ¡°Fine, sure. One question though¡­¡±


    She points at Abby face down on the other side of Maria.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this chick?¡±


    ¡°Oh- That¡¯s Abby. She¡¯s uh- a little tired right now.¡±


    Not much more exnation is needed. We all chuckle a bit and ignore the sleeping girl for now continuing small talk and using my carved chess board to entertain ourselves for another hour until a loud voice sounds from above us. It¡¯s Rodrigo. He¡¯s standing on a small white podium at the back of the tent area.


    ¡°All right. With 24 minutes to spare, our 200th member has made it just in time. Test 2 will begin shortly!¡±


    Maria nudges Abby and she violently shakes herself awake. Rodrigo continues.


    ¡°This next test will be fairly different from yourst. You may still team with as many other hunters as you¡¯d like, but there is one exception. During test 2, teamwork is forbidden in all boss rooms. The act of ying bosses together will count as a disqualification.¡±


    The crowd starts murmuring to each other immediately.


    ¡°I know this maye as a surprise to some of you. This exam is full of very talented individuals. The shot callers at the Association are looking for a very specific group of hunters. So only those of you that can make it through this hardship will qualify. Teamwork is very important, but independence and personal growth are arguably even higher up on that list. If any of you wish to leave the exam, you may reach out to any yellow armband-carrying overseer at any time. They will contact me, and I will dly give you a one-way trip back to the spawn area.¡±


    Rodrigo smiles as his lifeless white eyes slowly scan the crowd.


    ¡°There will be monitors stationed at every boss room portal to oversee your progress. If anyone is caught trying to skip to another floor with the help of a fellow hunter, that will count as an immediate disqualification. Your personal strength is vital to your sess. You must prove that you¡¯re able to take on tough challenges alone. The first 100 hunters to defeat the next 5 floors will have the opportunity to attend the final trial. You must meet me on floor 16. Many of the obstacles in front of you may be more difficult than anything you¡¯ve faced before. To pass this next test, you must be stronger than you are now. This is a true test of adaptability to a unique and hostile environment. There is no time limit. You may go up and down to any previous floor to train together, but you may not face bosses as a team. 100 of you must get stronger and meet me on floor 16 all by yourself, these are the only rules. Are there any questions?¡±


    The entire crowd goes silent.


    ¡°Very good. Test 2 starts now. I will see 100 of you on floor 16. Until we meet again.¡±


    A sh of light appears in Rodrigo¡¯s ce, and dozens of other shing lights appear all around us. The numbered coins we were given earlier begin to dissolve. Potions, food, and water appear in their ce.


    I look in my item box to see what happened to my coin. It dissolved into 4 MP potions, 4 HP potions, 2 waters, and 2 small bags of food. The coin in Abby¡¯s hand with ¡°188¡± printed on it turned into 1 MP potion 1 HP potion, 1 water, and 1 bag of food. The more I look around the clearer it bes. The faster hunters get better gear, that¡¯s only fair I guess.... That¡¯s life. The coins were isted storage systems that somehow react with Rodrigo¡¯s magic, how interesting.


    Many hunters are taking out their weapons, yelling, and leaving the tent area. It¡¯s like a stampede.


    Just like that, Test 2 has begun. This is pure chaos¡­.


    I look around and make eye contact with Bruce, Maria, Nessa, and Abby one by one.


    ¡°Well, this is sudden¡­ Are all of you ready?¡±


    I smirk and draw my sword.


    Bruce nods and readies his shield.


    Maria grins ear to ear glowing bright blue.


    Nessa gives me a fiery thumbs up.


    Abby stares at me nkly, then salutes with a thin smile.


    Test 2 has begun.

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Battle cries fill the air as dozens of hunters charge by swinging their weapons preparing for battle. We all step out from under the guarded tent area, and that same mirage of rippling light from when we previously entered reappears.


    The in, t, never-ending grasnd dungeon distorts in front of my eyes and the genuinendscape appears in front of me.


    The five of us made it less than 50m before stopping to stare and take in the view.


    Three tall mountains stand before us. The furthest one towers over the others easily 3km higher than the solid ground we stand on now. The bright green grass below our feet remains, but the beautiful view of snow-peaked mountains with thick trees at their bases is a breathtaking sight to behold.


    Hunters run off in all directions to climb the first peak, I squint my eyes to seerge winged creatures flying high in the sky casting shadows onto thendscape. Their exact features are hard to distinguish from this distance, but the excitement kills me. I grin ear to ear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this. My guess is, the boss room lies on top of the tallest mountain.¡±


    I smirk.


    Without another word, we join the charge forward into the unknown.


    Most groups of hunters seem to be minding their own business. It¡¯s the first floor in this new test, after all, the pressure is moderately low. There isn¡¯t much point in fighting one another just yet.


    After 10 minutes of light jogging and some minor deforestation, we make it through a light patch of trees that covers the base of the mountain. The teams around us have dispersed throughout the surrounding area. There are no noises of any other teams in our general vicinity.


    As we make our way through the heavily wooded mountain base, the abundance of nt life begins to thin out the higher we climb.


    Another 15 minutes pass, and I hear Maria¡¯s excited voice call out from in front of us.


    ¡°Hey! Guys! Check this out!¡±


    We all hurry up to see what the fuss is and make our way toward her. The light is shining very brightly through the trees as I climb up a small rocky ledge to where Maria¡¯s voice came from. A warm smile appears on across my face as I walk out onto an overlook.


    We all stand on the massive t boulder free of trees blocking our view to see the other two mountains towering above us and a deep valley below. The bright yellow artificial sunlight shines down on us with a magnificent glimmer.


    We stare off into the distance for a moment until we¡¯re rudely interrupted by a massive gloomy shadow.


    The dark ck outline of arge bird-like creature with wings blocks our view of the sun. It¡¯s followed by the ear piercing Shriek of a monstrous beast.


    *THUDDDD*


    A pair of sturdy legs hit the solid rock ground 30m in front of us. The fur is golden brown and a thin yet powerful tail wags back and forth along the stone floor.


    My eyes open wide in awe as a massive 5m tall Griffin res back.


    The monster¡¯s towering upper body has elegant feathered wings with razor sharp talons on its front legs. The rear has golden brown fur, a long curving tail, and the ferocious looking ws of a lion.


    I grin with anticipation, but hold myself back and look over to Abby, giving her a nod.


    The green haired girl steps forward, understanding my intentions. She¡¯s new to the team, I¡¯m the only one here that trusts her or has even see her fight. First impressions are very thing after all. She speaks up while she begins to glow green.


    ¡°I handle this one. Stand back.¡±


    The four of us watch filled with curiosity. I quickly use inspect before their brawl just to gauge its strength. This beast is level 256.


    ¡°All yours.¡±


    The fight begins.


    Abby runs at the creature bending the rocky ground beneath her feet.


    The Griffin lets out another ear-piercing screech as it locks its yellow eagle eyes on the glowing girl running its way. With a single wide p of its wings, the monster takes flight and hovers over 10m in the air looking down on all of us.


    Abby continues to run forward as the ground shakes violently under our feet. The rocks begin to shift, andrge pirs of stone start forming in front of her.


    A tall moving stone staircase of pirs erupts from the ground as she runs forward stepping gracefully to each one flying high in the air to meet the winged beast at its level.


    With blinding speed, the Griffin makes its move. The front legs armed with talons stretch out in front of it as the monster dives forward to attack its prey.


    Abby ces her hands to her sides and tworge spears of rock materialize from the pirs she walks on.


    With talons and spears at the ready, the two collide momentster in a deafening sh.


    *CLANNGGGGGG*


    The sound of the reinforced stone hitting the harder-than-metal talons creates the sound of steel swords colliding as the two warriors sh. Sparks fly.


    They seem to be on even grounds at first. Both opponents stop in their tracks, but a true victor is soon toe out on top.


    Abby glows even brighter, and the spears of rock holding the Griffon back begin to deform and melt. The monster pushes forward, but I see a smirk appear on her face. The rock around the griffin¡¯s talons reforms into a massive rectangr block of stone locking the beast¡¯s front legs together in mid-air.


    In the confusion, the monster shrieks and ils its front legs about. Abby continues to form more spears of stone from the pirs below throwing two straight at the beast¡¯s left wing while it¡¯s distracted.


    A gruesome ripping sound can be heard from below as the elegant beast falls to the rocky floor with tworge holes in its wing.


    Abby follows, shifting the rock beneath her to step down with ease facing the monster right in front of us yet again.


    The Griffin begins to glow with a faint yellow light and its eyes glimmer sharply.


    I sense something¡¯s off, but Abby doesn¡¯t seem to waver.


    The beast runs at her with its wings folded to its sides. Its sharp beak and focused gazee hurdling at the green glowing girl.


    *CLANGGGG* *CRACKK*


    Abby attempts to block its charge with a wall of stone. The sharp beak of the massive creature pierces through with incredible newfound strength.


    I watch the monsternd a direct hit to the center of Abby¡¯s body, leaving her bloodied but not broken just yet.


    She takes the hit and grabs the Griffin¡¯s beak with both hands. While glowing even brighter and spitting out a mouthful of blood, 6rge spears begin to form beneath both Abby and the beast.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    The enormous half-bird, half-lion cries as its body goes limp from being skewered in all directions.


    Humongous pirs of jagged rock lift the monster into the air as Abby lets out a sigh of relief and turns to us.


    ¡°So, did I make the cut?¡±


    I smirk and nod while looking at the others.


    Maria watches with her arms crossed and one eyebrow raised. Nessa grins wide, and Bruce leans on his shield holding a big thumbs up, replying to her.


    ¡°I¡¯d say so. Not too bad!¡±


    She walks back over to us as the rocks behind her sink back to the ground lowering the dissolving Griffin¡¯s body.


    ¡°Good. You¡¯re up next.¡±


    I watch from a distance with a satisfied look as the four of them examine the fallen creature¡¯s body before it disappears back into the dungeon. They look like they¡¯ll get along.


    ¡°All right, d we settled that. Let¡¯s keep it moving!¡±


    We set off down towards the next mountain. This first climb was easy, we didn¡¯t even have to scale the whole peak. This next mountain looks a bit more troubling. The trees are thicker and we¡¯ll have to walk right over its peak to get to thest one. Trying to walk around would take much longer than necessary.


    I activate enemy detection, but it doesn¡¯t help much here. Sure, we can avoid some opponents if need be, but I can¡¯t tell hunters from monsters anymore. Everything in this dungeon is above level 250.


    One mountain down, two more to go.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    The five of us make our way down and around the first mountain with ease.


    As we make our way through the rocks and trees to climb atop the second peak, Griffins soar above our heads screeching and diving below attacking teams seemingly at random.


    The trees at the base of this second mountain are considerably darker green and much thicker. Both Maria and I swap ces upfront using Ice and fire to shatter and burn a path upwards.


    Although I love burning all kinds of things to the ground, I much prefer monsters to shrubbery. Maria, on the other hand, looks like she¡¯s having the time of her life. I let her excitedly lead the way as I point out subtle directional changes to avoid any groups of hunters or monsters on the ground level. Abby glows light green healing her wounds from earlier as Nessa and Bruce take the rear chuckling about something, I¡¯m not sure what it is in particr.


    After a solid 30 minutes of upward climbing on Maria¡¯s fragmented trail of Ice, we encounter an opponent that¡¯s impossible to avoid.


    A Griffin of simr stature to thest onees down the mountain at an incredible pace. The beast is silently soaring towards us just above the tree line with a look of determination in its sharp eagle eyes. A light yellow aura covers its entire body.


    Maria notices it first.


    ¡°HEADS UP! This one¡¯s mine!¡±


    She turns to me with a smirk while glowing blue creating a winding staircase of Ice. All the trees in her path freezepletely solid creating the base for her structure on an upward climb.


    The Griffin¡¯s front talons shine in the yellow dungeon¡¯s sunlight as the beast dive bombs our group with Maria as its main target. She shines bright while throwing herself at the monster, her sword is drawn and she¡¯s ready for a fight.


    The Griffin screeches as Maria jumps into the air, pushing herself further and faster with a wave of Ice from behind.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    In a sh of blue light, and the faint sound of shing metal, the massive beast¡¯s entire front side bes enveloped in a thick sheet of Ice. Its wings stop pping and the ice wave continues to cover the rest of its body. Maria finishes her sh and the massive creature explodes into an incredible disy of dazzling frozen ice fragments.


    Momentster, she slides down her frozen tree sculptures with a satisfied grin.


    ¡°Now that was a fun one!!¡±


    I let out a chuckle.


    ¡°That bird never had a chance.¡±


    Nessa calls out from behind me.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lion too ya know!¡±


    Bruce smirks.


    Abby watches in awe as the remainder of the snow falls down shimmering silver and gold.


    ¡°W-Wow Maria. You¡¯ve gotten really strong¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Thanks.¡±


    They smile at each other with apetitive edge to it, then we continue to make our way up the mountain. 30 more minutes pass and Maria continues clearing the way for us as we travel upwards. She drinks 2 MP potions but has more than enough to work with, It shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    She jumps in the air filled with amusement as we approach a high point.


    ¡°Woah. Guys, you¡¯ve gotta see this!¡±


    We make our way up, climbing her jagged ice-covered path. We¡¯ve made it to the mountain¡¯s peak! I lift my sword in the air with excitement, then look to my side to see Maria next to a massive pile of what looks like fallen trees. Then I take a closer look.


    ¡°IS THAT A GRIFFIN¡¯S NEST?¡±


    An impossibly huge nest made from the branches of enormous trees rests on the back side of this mountain¡¯s peak. It¡¯s easily 20m in diameter and Maria is running around inside it without a care in the world.


    ¡°Hey! What are you-¡°


    She looks up at me and points toward the backside of the nest.


    ¡°Look!¡±


    Bruce, Nessa, and Abby make it over to us as I see what she means.


    ¡°It¡¯s one of those¡­ gift boxes!¡±


    Arge white rectangr glowing box sits unopened at the back of this massive nest. I grin and walk over to it with Maria by my side. The others are close behind.


    *Clink* *Clink*


    I tap my sword¡¯s tip against the box¡¯s lid two times, then it springs open like before. Inside, there¡¯s a handful of potions, some food and water, a silver ring, and arge matching weapon to go with it.


    I turn my head to see Bruce walking over and I point to the box.


    ¡°This might suit you well.¡±


    He raises an eyebrow as he peers in to see the assortment of magical items. With a wide smile, the tank grabs what¡¯s inside, raising up a heavy war hammer.


    The long silver handle seems to be made of reinforced steel with leather wrappings to allow the user to grip it tightly. Its head has two sides. One is a square t surface about the size of a human head, and the other is a smooth curved spike that points downward. The weapon shines silver, it¡¯s definitely unique.


    I use Appraisal.


    [Enchanted War Hammer] +450 Strength


    Bruce examines it up and down as we continue to sit through the gear. The food, potions, and water are split evenly, and a quick Appraisal of the ring shows up as a 30% defense-boosting item. I let the others fight over it while looking off into the distance sizing up our final mountain.


    I activate enemy detection to try and gauge if any teams are ahead of us, but still, it¡¯s hard to tell if they¡¯re people or flocks of Griffins¡­ or is it packs of Griffins¡­? Depends on which direction you¡¯re looking at them I guess.


    With a long quiet sigh, I let the cool breeze pass through my hair. I take a deep breath in and out slowly letting my eyelids shut. The moment they do, an ear-piercing screech jolts me awake as an enormous Griffin returns to its nest from above.


    I watch Maria and Abby jump out of the way as ites crashing down to eliminate the intruders in its home. Bruce and Nessa step forward, then jump out of the nest as well onto solid ground. Nessa calls out.


    ¡°Our turn.¡±


    Bruce swings his hammer around eyeing the beast up and down.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s time to give this thing a trial run.¡±


    The enormous Griffin towering above us in its nest charges forward, but Bruce blocks its beak with a solid stance and a steady shield.


    Abby, Maria, and I all jumped backward onto a rack pile nearby to watch the fightmence.


    Bruce continues to hold the charging monster back as Nessa ignites her sword and body into mes. The four-legged beast retreats and lets out a screech pping its wings and glowing with a faint yellow aura.


    Nessa runs toward Bruce and he gets down on one knee lowering his shield. She steps onto the solid te of steel and jumps upward as Bruce thrusts her into the air. With a trail of mes crackling behind her, Nessa lets out a yell and slices through the beast¡¯s thick hide in the blink of an eye.


    Another violent screech erupts from the monster as it retaliates and ws at Nessa with its back legs. She manages to block its attack with the t side of her sword but is thrown to the ground by the force of its hind legs. The beast stares them down and dive bombs in on the offensive.


    Bruce runs at the monster, with arge shield in one hand and his new hammer in the other.


    *THUDDDDD* *CRACKKKK*


    As the Griffin dives focused on Nessa as its prey. Brucees charging in tond a mighty swing across the monster¡¯s head moments before impact. Its bones crunch and crack as the destructive force of the hammer¡¯s hit catapults the creature through a patch of trees straight at a stone wall over 10m away.


    On impact, the formerly elegant beast lets out a deafening whine before falling to the rocky forest floor.


    Nessa darts over to the fallen monster stabbing it through the neck, igniting it in mes, and turning the beast into a pile of Ash.


    She points her ming sword in the air to announce victory as Bruce lets his hammer hit the ground with a thud while leaning on the handle.


    I walk over with the others following close behind, pping my hands slowly.


    ¡°Good fight. That hammer really does suit you well.¡±


    ¡°You got that right, we¡¯ve all taken a crack at these Griffins. This just leaves you Jay.¡±


    I nod and turn toward the final mountain ahead.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ To be honest, I¡¯d rather just jump straight to the boss.¡±

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    We make our way down toward the final mountain.


    Maria continues to lead the way, freezing the forest solid while Bruce happily smashes the fragile Ice sculptures to bits. It¡¯s a waste of energy in my opinion, but they both seem to be enjoying themselves.


    Abby, Nessa, and I take the rear. Abby speaks up.


    ¡°Ya know, I really didn¡¯t expect to see you here. It feels like just yesterday I forced you through those E-ss Dungeons.¡±


    She lets out augh, I roll my eyes.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯ve been training really hard since then. I was equally as surprised to see you here!¡±


    She looks up at me for a few seconds, then smiles.


    ¡°You look really different Jay. A lot¡­ older.¡±


    ¡°¡­. Thanks.¡±


    Abby blushes and hits me on the shoulder.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t apliment! I-I¡¯m just stating the obvious..¡±


    Nessa grins and turns to me.


    ¡°Oh yeah? So Abby was your trainer?¡±


    ¡°Uh- Yeah. Something like that. It¡¯s more like she was trying to get me killed back then.¡±


    I smirk thinking back to the few dungeons we raided together, then look over to Abby. We both let out augh¡­ but I was being serious¡­ She was basically trying to kill me back then.


    30 minutes of Ice smashing and old ¡°training¡± storiester, we make it to the base of the third mountain. Maria turns gleaming with a smile ear to ear pointing upwards.


    ¡°Almost there!¡±


    I look up, then nod firmly.


    ¡°Lead the way. Everyone stay sharp.¡±


    I use enemy detection and scan the final mountain. It¡¯s covered in moving targets. No matter what path upward we take, we will eventually run into danger, especially near the peak.


    No more than 10 minutes into our trek upward the loud screech of another Griffin appears. With a look back for confirmation, Maria takes care of the monster in one fell swoop. The same magical disy of ice fragments showered down on us as we continue upwards.


    Over the next 30 minutes, another 2 creatures attack. Maria takes care of them with ease as well. I speak up as we approach the mountain¡¯s top.


    ¡°Careful up ahead. We havepany, and a lot of it.¡±


    My enemy detection skill is showing over a dozen enemies all clumped together about 100m in front of us. One of them is way too high-leveled to be a monster, so my guess is these are all hunters.


    Maria replies with a thumbs up but doesn¡¯t slow her pace.


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    We continue through the ice-ridden dense forest until the distinct sound of human voiceses through the tree line. Maria stops freezing the wilderness and we all draw our weapons approaching with caution.


    As soon as I make my way through the heavily wooded clearing, I see four groups of hunters all standing in an orderly line at the center of a small grass-covered clearing.


    To my left, the trees part wide open to look down on the other two mountains in the distance. To my right, there¡¯s a light grey twisting portal with a test supervisor watching hunters enter one by one. He speaks up as we approach.


    ¡°Get in line! Or don¡¯t, I couldn¡¯t care less. Fight to the death if you really want. The only rule is, you all have to fight the boss solo. This room resets every 30 seconds for a new challenger to fight it. Multiple people may technically be fighting at once, but they¡¯ll be in alternate boss rooms. Of course, you¡¯ll all be fighting the same boss, just in different copied boss room pocket dimensions.¡±


    I look at him with an eyebrow raised, then he continues.


    ¡°Have a problem with that? That¡¯s just how dungeon magic works, don¡¯t me me for it.¡±


    He raises both of his hands in the air defensively.


    ¡°Anyways, I¡¯m here to make sure you don¡¯t slip multiple people into the same room. Once you enter, you either lose or move on. Got it?¡±


    We all grip our weapons tight and nod hesitantly. I step forward and lead the way for our group to stand in line behind about 16 other hunters. The three people in front of me look like they just went through a war¡­ they¡¯re covered head to toe in blood and their gear isn¡¯t looking too fresh either.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    The monitor speaks up again and the line moves forward a bit. There¡¯s some murmuring from the crowd up front that I ignore. I look back and get my team¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Everybody ready?¡±


    Maria grins and nods.


    ¡°So ready.¡±


    Abby concentrates intensely on the boss room portal.


    ¡°Yeah, I got this.¡±


    Bruce and Nessa both stand side by side nodding reading their weapons.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    The monitor speaks again and the line moves forward. A small woman without anybat gear enters the portal nervously, her team pushes her forward. She must have been their healer or something¡­


    Around 20 seconds pass, and the glowing grey portal darkens. The monitor speaks up.


    ¡°Would you look at that, another one down! We have a mutant up next, who wants it?¡±


    A well built swordsman steps up with a confident look on his face and walks through. I murmur under my breath.


    ¡°What was that all about¡­?¡±


    The blood-covered man in leather armor carrying a silver sword turns around with a pale face and answers me in a shaky voice.


    ¡°A-Apparently, every time a hunter loses to the boss, It takes in their mana and grows stronger. I-It¡¯s happened a few times while we¡¯ve been waiting here.¡±


    I nod slowly.


    ¡°Interesting. Appreciate it.¡±


    He nods back and looks forward again.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    The monitor yells out again as the portal goes back to normal. It looks like that swordsman took care of the mutant pretty quickly.


    The line continues to move along, and my anticipation grows steadily.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    The first man in the group of 3 before me jumps into the portal. Both his teammates wish him good luck. 30 seconds pass, and the monitor calls out for the next man to enter. As he walks closer, the portal begins to turn dark just like before. The entire first half of his body is already through before the monitor lets out a chuckle.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s in for a surprise!¡±


    He looks at the man¡¯s teammate in leather armor right in front of me.


    ¡°Looks like your friend took on a mutant, think he¡¯s up to it?¡±


    I hear a loud gulp, and he doesn¡¯t reply. 30 more seconds pass and the monitor motions for him to enter the swirling dark portal.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to enter you know, can always quit now.¡±


    The man in front of me just stares forward. I look back at my teammates with a shrug as the terrified hunter walks forward into the twisting darkness.


    I turn back around and look directly at the mass of swirling energy in front of me as it instantly darkness indicating that Hunter must have already been defeated¡­ The monitor speaks up as a wide grin appears on my face.


    ¡°You¡¯re up. Seems like¡­ you¡¯re ready¡­¡±


    I jump through without another thought.


    The transfer magic activates and I step out onto a massive wooden structure. I look down at my feet and feel the hardwood beneath me. With a quick nce to my sides, all I see is blue sky¡­ At the bottom of my field of vision, I see green leaves and sprouting branches.


    I look out into the distance and see a massive Griffins nest¡­ We¡¯re on top of an enormous tree, but all that¡¯s below is an endless void.


    ¡°SCREEEEEECHHH!!!¡±


    A dark shadow appears from behind me as an ear-piercing screech dulls my senses. An incredibly huge birdlike creature swoops down to attack.


    I activate my fire magic, bloodlust, berserker, and intimidation all at once to dart out of the way before meter-long talons glide right by my face.


    I sprint along an enormous t wooden branch downward to secure cover while turning my head to get a view of my opponent.


    It¡¯s a beautiful sight. With a wingspan of nearly 10m, the white feathered wings of a mutant Griffin p gusts of wind in my direction forcing me to stop in my tracks and brace myself. Its golden hide and long lion¡¯s tail sway in the breeze as it hovers over me.


    I use inspect and appraisal while smirking with delight.


    [Lv. 317]


    Active Items:


    [Griffin¡¯s Talon] +40% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    Buffs:


    Special[Lion¡¯s Pride] +25% All Stats


    My sword begins to glow bright red as I stare down at the monster in front of me.


    ¡°Finally, I get to fight a worthy opponent.¡±


    I run up the long tree branch in front of me while leaving a fiery mess in my wake. The monster lets out another screech as it dive bombs toward me.


    I let out my own yell, focusing fire magic into the center of my de. While jumping in the air, I release a fiery sh to officially begin our battle. The crescent of dark fire magic leaves my de and hurdles toward the iing creature.


    It glows with a golden aura keeping itsser-focused re directly at me. The moment my wave of fire approaches, the beast twists its body and ps one wing.


    I feel the air pressure change and a massive gust of wind forms pushing my ultimate fiery sh off course missing its bodypletely.


    This is the first time I¡¯ve seen anyone or anything dodge, or even better, deflect that attack¡­.


    I grit my teeth and get ready for its iing strike.


    The eagle in the sky twists its body again to get back on track and locks its eyes on me glowing even brighter with that golden light.


    I ready my sword and reinforce my wrists with body-hardening crystals to brace myself for impact.


    ¡°CLANGGGGG¡±


    The beak of the elegant beast shes with my fiery sword. Sparks fly and I stare into its wide-open bowling ball-sized eyes. They¡¯re a deep yellow color, and full of wisdom¡­ with a side of murderous intent.


    The monster ps its open wings pushing me backward as it retreats from our equal exchange. No damage was dealt to either side, but our physical strengths were measured.


    I take this moment, to get to higher ground. As the bird flies high in the air, I run up to the top of a wide curved branch about 5m thick at the top. With a st of mes, I incinerate all of the loose leaves and branches within a 10m radius giving me a much better view of the surrounding.


    The Griffin lets out a screech and dives at me again. I feel the air pressure change as it stares down at me with its wings outstretched. My sword flickers with mes as I stare it down ready for its iing attack.


    *SHICKK* *SHICKK* *SHICKK*


    I feel three sharp pains in my torso, left arm, and right leg. Out of nowhere, I cough up blood and fall to one knee scanning the area around me attempting to see where that attack came from. The air pressure drops suddenly.


    *SHICKK* *SHICKK* *SHICKK*


    Two more sharp pains in the back, and another in my left leg this time around. I cough up another mouth full of blood as the beast hurdles toward me.


    The air pressure drops yet again¡­


    I immediately cover all my vital points with a thickyer of body hardening to watch the ck crystals immediately explode as they¡¯re impacted by an invisible force.


    ¡°It¡¯s.. the wind¡­¡±


    I regenerate the flesh around my wounds and continue to cover my body with hard crystals as I stand to my feet. The Griffin makes its move. It falls out of the sky at an incredible speed with its front talons at the ready.


    *CLANGGGGG*


    The monster shes its sharpened ws against my fiery de in an explosion of sparks and mes once again.


    I grit my teeth and activate stealth to dart out of its way.


    I reach into my item box and pull out my daggers.


    ¡°You want to throw invisible weapons? Two can y that game.¡±


    I throw the two daggers in the air, activating Telekinesis, and aiming for the creature¡¯s head.


    The moment the daggers left my hands, they became visible to the beast and it twists out of the way letting the shining ck des whiz by its head.


    With this distraction, I swing my glowing red de to release the same dark crescent of fire energy it previously dodged.


    With a deafening squeal, the ming attack makes a direct hit with the Griffin¡¯s side, searing arge fiery wound into its feathers, hide, and flesh.


    The beast ps its massive wings and rises high up into the sky.


    I feel the air churn and twist all around me while I bring my daggers back to my left hand cing them back into my item box. Simultaneously, I grab two mana crystals and plunder their MP to bring myself back up to nearly full.


    I attempt to run along arge open branch to change my position. The monster knows where Ist stood, regardless of my stealth skill.


    The leaves p and the branches creek as the wind picks up all around me. I hear the monster¡¯s murderous cry as it plummets toward me.


    ¡°But¡­ how¡­?¡±


    Its eyes are locked on me and its talons are sharp and at the ready.


    *CLANGGGGG*


    Its ws and my de collide again. My stealth skill deactivates as I concentrate on blocking its brutal attack. With a burst of mes, I twist my body to the side again, narrowly avoiding its sharpened ws.


    The monster flies up into the sky once again, and I reactivate my stealth skill to plot an attack from thefort of invisibility once again. The air pressure drops and a gust of windes through the trees right before the beast makes its move.


    It finally clicks. This bird knows its tree better than anything. It¡¯s using the air discement in its wind patterns to find my exact location¡­


    I grit my teeth and run back up the way I came. The Griffin appears, diving toward me with its eyes locked straight ahead. I grin ear to ear as an ideaes to mind.


    I sprint up the enormous branch on a direct path to sh with the monster once again.


    Less than 10m for our collision, Iunch my attack.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    A swirling ck portal appears in front of me and I run through without hesitation. The Griffin continues to hurdle at myst known location.


    I create a new portal about 5m behind and above the charging winged beast facing the opposite direction so Ie flying out towards it.


    As it ws at where my body should be as I step out to diving in at its backside.


    My de burns bright begging me to destroy the prey beneath my feet. I let out a yell and another ming crescent sh of pure dark ego-filled fire magic. It makes contact with the beast¡¯s wings, slicingrge gashes through both of them.


    It lets out a cry and tries to twist around to see its attacker.


    I don¡¯t give it the pleasure of doing so andnd on the back of its lower neck, driving my burning de deep inside.


    While releasing an intense wave of intimidation, I plunder its MP and let out enough fire magic to kill it ten times over.


    The monster falls to its knees admitting defeat while I reduce it to a ming pile of ash.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    I lift my de from the defeated monster and choose yes to absorb its skill.


    The ashes dissolve and it leaves behind a huge mana crystal. I ce it in my item storage as the white transfer magic brings me to floor 12.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    I look around as the white light from the transfer magic dissipates to find myself standing in a wide-open dirt patch. There are odd hills and valleys as far as the eye can see, but beneath my feet, there¡¯s just boring brown dirt.


    The further I look out into the unfamiliar dungeon, the more theck of trees and nts irks me. The ground is a little damp, and the sky is blue with white fluffy clouds, but there isn¡¯t a single sign of life anywhere.


    A sh of light appears behind me and Mariaes flying out momentster.


    ¡°You¡¯re so lucky arghhh!¡±


    I turn to her with a smile.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    She rolls her eyes and sighs.


    ¡°The boss, how was it? A good fight?¡±


    I smirk and nod.


    ¡°Yeah, I had to get a bit serious. It was a fun one. How about you? Did that mutant give you a run for your money too?¡±


    ¡°Hmmph.¡±


    ¡°What? It wasn¡¯t that hard was it?¡±


    Maria shakes her head.


    ¡°No. That¡¯s my point exactly. Right as I was about to enter, the portal returned to normal. You must have taken out the mutant already. I faced the normal boss¡­. One hard hit and it was over.¡±


    She pouts and crosses her arms yfully.


    ¡°Well, the next mutant is yours. How about that?¡±


    She grins as a sh of light appears behind us and a green-haired girl appears.


    ¡°Woooo! That was a rush!¡±


    Abby glows green while healing arge gash on her upper thigh with her right hand and drinking an MP potion with her left. I reply as she walks over to us.


    ¡°Oh yeah? How¡¯d you uh- Beat it? There were no rocks or anything¡­¡±


    She rolls her eyes.


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t need to have stone around me to use my skill.¡±


    Abby ces a hand in the air while glowing even darker green. A small circle of stone begins to form into a long sharp spear. I raise an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh- cool!¡±


    She twirls the weapon around, then sticks it in the ground as a bright light shes behind us again. Nessa walks out on fire with her own battle-crazed grin from ear to ear. She spits out a mouthful of blood on the ground, then walks over to us without speaking a word.


    We all stare into the spawn zone and wait eagerly. A few momentster, the white light mes once again.


    *THUDDD*


    Arge hammer hits the dirt ground with a thud as Bruce appears in front of us with his own toothy grin.


    ¡°That bird-for-brains never stood a chance!¡±


    He swings the hammer over his shoulder and walks toward our group. I call out.


    ¡°We all made it, let¡¯s head out!


    With unanimous nods of agreement, we all turn and begin the trek into the new dungeon terrain.


    The soft dirt ground sinks under the weight of my body a few centimeters every time I take a step. It¡¯s an odd sensation. The ground feels very unstable under my feet.


    We walk for about 10 minutes on moderately t ground untiling across one of the most absurd sights I¡¯ve seen in a while.


    We stop in our tracks as I peer over the edge of a long twisting ravine. The ground is split in two, divided by a narrow hole about 10m deep that twists and turns as far as the eye can see. It looks like something long and cylindrical was dragged through the dirt for kilometers.


    I look to Maria and give her a nod.


    She jumps forward and begins glowing bright blue to create a bridge of ice for us to cross. One by one we cross the mysterious hole and continue our journey.


    Another 15 minutes of walking go by and wee across an enormous mound of dirt piled up over 30m high into the sky. It looks like an artificially crafted hill¡­. Right behind it, there is a simr ravine. I scratch my chin with curiosity.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡±


    Maria creates another bridge of Ice and we cross one by one, each peering into the ominous depths below.


    The moment I step back onto solid ground again, I feel movement beneath my feet. The ground is shifting ever so slightly¡­. It¡¯s not rumbling, it¡¯s more like¡­ churning¡­


    I turn my head back and forth but there¡¯s nothing in sight. I activate inspect and enemy detection to take a closer look.


    [200m]


    [Lv. 275]


    I call out.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­. Somethinging!¡±


    I ignite my sword and continue to look around but all I see is t ground.


    The odd sensation of churning dirt continues to grow more and more prevalent the longer I wait.


    We all back away from the empty ravine as Bruce smashes the ice bridge behind us. All five of us stand in a line moving forward slowly while looking on into the distance where I point my sword. Maria speaks up.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    I grit my teeth and squint my eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ Do you feel that?¡±


    There¡¯s silence. Abby glows light green, then replies.


    ¡°I feel it. The ground. It¡¯s¡­ moving.¡±


    ¡®¡­. Yeah.¡±


    The mes of my sword crackle as I stare out into the open ne of nothingness. I even ignite my body into a ball of fire to activate berserker and bloodlust to boost my senses.


    Still¡­ Nothing¡­.


    [100m]


    [Lv. 275]


    The ground shakes and the churning sensation grows even more.


    My eyes dart back and forth over the horizon as I try to pick up on where this beast may be hiding. I murmur under my breath.


    ¡°How could a level 275 be hiding from me at this distance¡­. It¡¯s like the thing went underground.. or-¡°


    My eyes open wide as I piece together the puzzle staring me straight in the face.


    [50m]


    [Lv. 275]


    I yell out to my teammates.


    ¡°IT¡¯S UNDERGROUND!¡±


    The moment these words leave my mouth, there¡¯s a massive explosion of dirt less than 40m in front of us. The brown cloud of fresh soil flies high in the air as the monster I tracked all this time erupts from underground where it was hiding.


    My eyes open wide and I smirk as the mes on my sword crackle in the wind of the debris.


    ¡°Let me handle this one. I want to try out a new move.¡±


    An enormous worm¡¯s head pops out of the ground showing off 5 rows of razor-sharp teeth in its never-ending abyss of a maw.


    The monster¡¯s purple skin looks alien to the dull brown environment as it lets out a malicious roar.


    Dirt flies everywhere. My teammates step back and let me handle the beast as instructed.


    Its body is just under 10m in diameter, and from what I can see, over 50m sticks out of the ground as it points down at me from high up in the air but I have a feeling it¡¯s much longer than that¡­


    Its mouth opens up wide showing everyst jagged tooth as it lets out a roar and dives down at me.


    Its long body continues toe out from hiding underground as it dives down with its humongous open death trap of a jaw.


    I take both of my hands and grip the handle of my sword tight, focusing arge amount of MP into the core of my de. It reacts instantly and begins to glow red.


    I smirk, realizing this is the first time it¡¯s changed colors on my directmand.


    With a deep breath, closed eyes, and a focused mind I let the fire magic build up in my de as the purple monster plummets toward me.


    I tilt my head upward and open my eyes while activating my new skill.


    ¡°Wind Summoning.¡±


    With an upward swing of my de, I let the dark crescent of fire energy leave my sword encapsted by ayer of refined wind energy.


    As the attack leaves my glowing sword, the wind surrounding it pushes my fiery attack upwards with blinding speed and precision.


    The excess air pushes my mes to ignite even brighter growing the flying crescent of fire into a dazzling disy of bright red light in the sky.


    The mass of energy collides head-on with the iing monster and it¡¯s split clean in two¡­.


    Without an ounce of resistance, the fiery attack slices the jagged maw of the beast clean in half. It follows through, cleanly cutting the monster all the way in half the long way through.


    I control my wind summoning magic to keep the fatal strike on track as it makes its way all the way to the monster¡¯s tail, then deep underground.


    With a massive explosion of dirt and fire, the two monster halves fall to opposite sides of the newly formed crater in the ground before us.


    I stand up tall, deactivating all my skills and admiring my work.


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    ¡°WHAT WAS THAT???¡±


    I hear Abby yell out from behind me as the rest of the groupes running over.


    I grin and turn to meet their surprised faces.


    ¡°As I said before, I just wanted to test out a new move.¡±


    Abby replies.


    ¡°A new move?? That was literally the definition of overkill. That was-¡°


    Maria interjects.


    ¡°That was SO COOL!¡±


    We all go silent for a second. Then Maria and I burst out inughter.


    ¡°Yeah, it was really cool wasn¡¯t it? I wasn¡¯t sure if it would go all the way through.. but it did!¡±


    Abby stares at me wide-eyed.


    ¡°But- you just- how-¡°


    Nessa pats her on the shoulder as Maria and I keepughing and pointing at the burning remains of the massive purple behemoth.


    ¡°Just go with it.¡±


    Nessa sighs and continues.


    ¡°These two are¡­ for ack of better words¡­ insane. Well, insanely strong... You¡¯ll get used to it.¡±


    Abby nods slowly while staring at the dissolving creature.


    ¡°I guess¡­ I guess I will.¡±

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    As the giant purple worm disappears, two shiny items drop from its corpse.


    I use appraisal as I pick up therge mana crystal and a round white orb. It''s slightly purple-tinted, simr to the monster''s skin color.


    [Purple Worm''s Pearl]


    "Hmm, there''s no info on this thing..."


    It lets off a light hum. The orb is no more than 1kg and rests firmly in the palm of my hand. I toss it up and down a few times before shrugging and throwing it into my item storage with the mana crystal.


    Everyone else in the group catches up and we continue to roam the t dirt wastnd of a dungeon.


    Over the next half an hour, we trek straight forward and run into 2 more giant worms.


    I let Maria handle the next one. In one long continuous sh, she''s able to freeze the front half of its body, taking out the beast in a single hit.


    Nessa, Abby, and Bruce take on the next attacker. As the monster erupts from the ground Abby skewers it in ce with 8 massive razor-sharp cones of dirt and rock. Nessa bursts into mes and slices the worm''s front side wide open forcing it to squirm and squeal in agony. Bruce follows at the rear, with an onught of hammer hits leaving the beast''s jaw unable to function. With a series of fiery shes and jagged rock stabbings, the monster is defeated with ease. Abby speaks up with a wide grin after the creature disappears.


    "I gained two whole levels from that!"


    Nessa nods in agreement.


    "Yeah, I gained two as well!"


    Bruce nods happily.


    "I gained one myself."


    He looks over to me.


    "Us three should handle the worms for now, I assume you and Maria aren''t leveling up at all here."


    "You''re right, we''ll step back. You three need the levels more than us."


    We all agree and continue forward.


    Over the next hour and a half, the three of them improve tremendously. They fight 4 worms together, then 3 more individually. I use inspect and monitor each of their progress closely.


    Bruce uses 2 MP potions in total while making it to level 276 over the next couple of battles. Hees up with a new move using the sharp end of his hammer to rip the monster apart in just a few hits.


    Nessa consumes 3MP potions and makes it up to level 274. Her firepower is decent, but it still takes a few hits for her to slice the monsters in half. The long way that is... Nessa really tried to copy my move, it didn''t work out as well as she''d hoped. It still got the job done eventually!


    Lastly, Abby grew the most in my opinion. While only drinking 2 MP potions, she grew to level 274 as well. I witnessed a new battle technique from her. While capturing the beast in a prison of rock spears, she conjured two reinforced stone daggers. With a graceful jumping maneuver simr to the stone pirs she used facing those Griffins, Abby threw herself over the worm and slid down its back with both daggers piercing its thick skin while growing them in size. By the time she reached the ground, the creature split into three separate parts....


    "How''d ya like that?"


    Abby walks back over to our group after this final battle with a confident smirk across her face.


    I reply.


    "Not bad, not bad at all."


    *THUDDDD*


    The two parts of the beast hit the ground on either side simultaneously as its middle piece crumbles to the floor.


    I use enemy detection as Abby collects her mana crystal and the rest of the group praises her for the unique kill.


    While squinting my eyes, I look out into the distance.


    "We''re either at the boss room... or we''re in trouble."


    I can sense a lot of high-level beings less than 500m away.


    Mariaughs and points forward.


    "That''s the boss room! Come on!"


    We all begin running forward toward the specs on the horizon. We make it there in record time.


    Just under a dozen hunters are standing in an orderly line in front of a floating boss room portal. The heavily armored monitor beside it speaks up.


    "Neers! Wee, this is th-"


    I cut him off.


    "We got it."


    He tightens his lips, then nods abruptly.


    "Next!"


    The hunter upfront steps through without another word.


    I inspect and appraise all the hunters in line. They all appear to be well equipped for this boss room. Not a single one of them is under level 270. I guess the weaker hunters are either leveling up as we speak or already got disqualified.


    "Next!"


    The line moves forward as I finish my assessment, then look toward the monitor.


    "Hey! How many hunters havee through here already? Just curious."


    He grins.


    "Oh yeah? Just curious? You getting nervous?"


    He chuckles to himself, then a few others in the front of the line let out smallughs as well. I roll my eyes.


    "Yeah. Terrified."


    I grin and continue.


    "So... how many?"


    He looks up at the sky momentarily counting on his fingers, then looks back at me.


    "I''d say... fifty or so. You''re all still pretty much at the front of the pack."


    I nod slowly and squint at him for a moment.


    "Thanks."


    He nods back.


    "No problem. Next!"


    If he''s telling the truth, we''re making pretty good time.


    The line continues to move slowly. Another 5 minutes of waiting go by as 2 more teams arrive behind us. I turn to my own party looking them up and down.


    "We all set?"


    The four of them give me confident nods as the monitor yells out again.


    "Next!"


    I turn to the swirling portal and jump through with my sword pointed straight ahead.


    Momentster, I enter the boss room.


    It''s dark, damp, and disgusting. I erupt into mes, lighting up my surroundings. It seems like an endless abyss all around me. I can''t see the ceiling or walls, but the t dirt ground shoots off in all directions indefinitely.


    I use enemy detection and inspect.


    [200m]


    [Lv. 285]


    I put my sword into my item box, then pull out the pair of daggers I''ve been itching to try out.


    "This won''t be nearly as hard as that Griffin, I guess I can try a few things out in the meantime."


    I run forward while lit up in a ball of mes. The ground begins to shake and rumble as I get closer. Then, like clockwork, a massive purple worm erupts from the damp soil less than 50m away from me. It''s barely visible in the dim light, but its sharp white teeth reflect off my flickering mes.


    I continue to sprint toward the beast at full speed while focusing on both my des summoning ayer of wind magic around each of them.


    The worm lets out a horrendous roar and dives toward me as I release my attack.


    With two swift shes, I bring both my ck shimmering des across my body with a powerful strike. Two invisible sharp gusts of wind fly at the iing monster.


    *SHINGGGG*


    The invisible shes make contact with the beast''s ravenous jaws. Its entire front half is pushed backward on impact as blood explodes in all directions. The rows of teeth are split into 3 parts as the massive worm ils about releasing a deafening cry.


    "Not what I was going for... but not bad."


    I grin and jump up at the beast activating berserker, bloodlust, and intimidation.


    The monster stops iling immediately as it''s struck with a wave of fear. I concentrate on my glimmering daggers once again and release two more wind shes straight at the injured monster''s defenseless body.


    The beast is shredded to pieces momentster.


    *THUDDD*


    Portions of its lifeless body hit the ground as Ind on the damp soil next to it. While twirling my jet-ck daggers, I walk over to the pile of sliced-up flesh and wait for the beast to dissolve.


    Momentster, it drops arge mana crystal and a triangr jagged tooth.


    *Click* *Click* *Click*


    I tap one of my des against the hard white surface, then throw both items in my storage with a smirk. The white transfer magic appears momentster and I''m transported to the next floor while cing my daggers into my item box and bringing out my sword.


    I step out onto hard orange rock and look down into a deep canyon.


    There are twisting rock patterns and tall smooth structures shaping various walkways throughout the endless pit. There''s small green shrubbery in the shade ofrger boulders, but no sign of a water source in sight. The artificial yellow sun is beating down on thendscape sucking it dry of any life.


    A white light shes behind me as Maria appears and takes in the view with me.


    One after another, Abby, Nessa, and Bruce all make it through.


    I smile and confidently nod, then point down into the canyon leading to the backside of the dungeon.


    "Onwards."


    Our trek begins.


    We take a long winding path deep into the canyon. I use enemy detection and find discover most of the creatures around here travel alone. They''re pretty high-level, but nothing we can''t handle.


    After 20 minutes of walking, the five of us make it to a portion of the trail that branches out into an open field with more shrubbery than any other ce in the canyon. It''s still rather deste, but the bright shades of green are calming on the eyes after walking in the sun for a while.


    There are two massive boulders at the back of the clearing. There seems to be an unspoken group consensus that we''re taking a break here. We stop for a moment to drink water, eat a bit, and ount for all our gear and potions.


    Just to make sure, I do one more sweep of the area with enemy detection. My eyes sharpen and I draw my sword as an entity shows up in my mind''s eye...


    [100m]


    [Lv. 290]


    "Hey, we can take a break in a second! We have a visitor, iing!"


    I point my de at one of the two boulders on the edge of the field, as it splits in two....


    A murderous roares from behind it as a truly disgusting creature appears. A 6m tall behemoth of a beast stomps out from behind the broken rock.


    It looks rather humanoid, with light orange skin, long fangs, an ogre''s stature, a giant''s body, carrying a massive club, and wearing a long ne with a green gem dangling from it. The monster''s arms are hairy and much longer than they should be, reaching down to its overgrown toes. It''s well built, but ayer of grime and fat covers up the muscles beneath. An overwhelming smell of body odor and rotting flesh fills the air as the beast approaches.


    I grit my teeth and run at the beast coating my de in ayer of wind magic.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Momentster, I slice clean through the beast''s thick neck like butter and turn around.


    "Well... that was easy. A little... too easy...."


    The monster''s head rolls to the ground by my side. Its beady red eyes and long sharp teeth re at me even after death.


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    It begins to stomp its feet...


    I turn around to watch the beast grow back its head in a matter of seconds, then use Appraisal while jumping backward.


    [Lv. 290]


    Active Items:


    [Heavy Club] +400 Attack


    [Desert Troll''s Charm] +45% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Self Regeneration


    "We''re dealing with a Troll! Everybody get back!"


    I erupt into mes while pointing the tip of my de at the monstrosity as it turns toward me.


    "It''s been a while since I fought a monster like you."

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    The massive troll in front of me lets out a roar as it turns.


    I¡¯ve fought trolls before, but nothing quite like this. These must be a unique desert variant¡­ and supersized!


    The beast begins charging at me with iling limbs and its heavy club showing off a newly grown pair of red eyes and sharpened teeth. With my de on fire, I activate bloodlust and berserker just for good measure while charging right back at it.


    In two clean cuts, I sh a fiery ¡°X¡± across the monster¡¯s front side, cutting it into 4 pieces. The massive chunks of burning flesh hit the hard orange rock floor with a thud. I watch the remains burn to ash.


    While deactivating my skills, I turn to my team members.


    ¡°These are going to be a bit tough. We need magic to defeat them, preferably fire.¡±


    Nessa smirks and raises her sword.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m all set then!¡±


    She lights it on fire, then Maria speaks up.


    ¡°I¡¯ve fought simr monsters back in basic training! Ice magic works too, it¡¯s just not as effective as fire.¡±


    I nod slowly, then turn to Abby and Bruce. The green-haired girl speaks first.


    ¡°There¡¯s a troll dungeon in the capital. I¡¯ve trained there a few times.¡±


    Bruce gulps and turns to her.


    ¡°So¡­ How do you beat them¡­?¡±


    Abby grins.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty simple. Brute force.¡±


    I open my mouth with a confused look on my face but tighten my lips and hold back as Bruce replies while swinging his hammer around.


    ¡°Oh yeah? So I can just smash ¡®em to bits?¡±


    Abby nods with a light chuckle.


    ¡°Kind of. Once their MP runs out, the regeneration property they possess also loses its effect. The longer we can keep them fighting, the better chance we have of killing these trolls off.¡±


    They both nod at each other with a serious stare.


    I smile.


    ¡°Well, looks like the two of you have some work to do.¡±


    The troll dissolves and I pick up the mana crystal it drops. The five of us sit around nning our descent into the canyon while enjoying a small break to eat and drink some of our rations.


    I continuously keep track of our surroundings with enemy detection, but we aren¡¯t disturbed at all for over 25 minutes.


    Eventually, our moment of peace is over, as another impossiblyrge desert troll stomps into our general vicinity. Maria perks up.


    ¡°Let me take a crack at this one!¡±


    We all sit back and enjoy the show.


    Maria glows bright blue as she draws her silver sword at the bellowing giant. The beast readies its club and runs at her.


    In the blink of an eye, Maria slices the trolls left arm clean off leaving arge amount of Ice residue behind. The severed limb freezes and shatters as it hits the ground. The injured area is another problem entirely though. The flesh around its wound ripples and shakes regenerating at rapid rates to counteract the ever so slowly moving Ice magic creeping towards its neck.


    Maria jumps in for another sh, taking out the monster¡¯s right leg and injuring its left. An explosion of Ice brings the beast to its knees as it roars and angrily swings its club while trying its best to keep the Ice magic at bay.


    With a precise sh to the neck, and the troll¡¯s head falls to the floor. The malleable flesh of its open wounds continues to squirm as it attempts to fight off the magic residue left behind.


    A few momentster, the tortured creature stops moving and solidifies into a statue of Ice.


    Maria brings her de down on the beast onest time shattering it into a million tiny pieces, then turns back to us.


    ¡°Not too hard, but you were right Jay! This thing did take a few more hits than expected.¡±


    I cross my arms and nod, then look over to Bruce and Abby.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go find you two an opponent. You¡¯ll need practice before we make it to the boss room.¡±


    We wait for the frozen troll remains to drop Maria¡¯s mana crystal, then head off deeper into the canyon.


    My enemy detection skill is showing arge number of high-level beings at the back side of the dungeon, and not many in between. It seems like way too many to all be hunters, but that¡¯s where the boss room should be¡­ So it doesn¡¯t make much sense otherwise.


    Another 30 minutes of walking go by, and there is not a single troll in sight.


    The light wind blows orange dirt around in the depths of the canyon making a whistling sound as the air currents flow through the rock walls all around us.


    I kick a few small pebbles off a ledge as we continue down the winding trails just to hear the echoing sound of rock hitting rock over and over again until it disappears into the nothingness below.


    Maria starts humming a cute and simple song. No one interrupts her as it fills the silence to go along with our footsteps as we venture further and further in.


    Another 20 minutes pass. We all zone out rhythmically walking one by one until a voice calls out from below.


    ¡°Help! I- Somebody! Anybody please he-¡°


    A monstrous roar cuts off a young man¡¯s cries for help. This seems to being from just beyond the nearest bend In therge rock wall on our right side.


    To our left, the canyon slopes downward. After this bend in the path, there¡¯s an overlook to the final portion of the dungeon.


    I run forward while igniting my sword in a fresh coat of fire.


    Momentster, I take in the scene before me. My eyes light up with awe taking in the view.


    A sh of white light goes off as a massive troll swings its club down defeating the hunter that called out for our aid. There¡¯s gear scattered all along this wide path that slopes downward.


    The troll responsible for that young man¡¯s demise turns to me and grunts. I grin as I see two more walking up behind it.


    ¡°I got the middle! Maria and Nessa take the right side, Bruce and Abby take the left!¡±


    Without hesitation, we all run forward at the beast with our weapons at the ready.


    The putrid smell travels through the air hitting our noses more than 30m away. I burst into mes and glow red activating my stat-boosting skills to create a deadly strike.


    Mid-charge, I think of an interesting idea and activate my wind magic to conduct a test. Just before impact, I summon I massive gust of wind beneath my feet boosting my speed while flying in the air at the vile creature. I feel my body shoot forward as I jump off the ground with incredible speed releasing a deadly fiery sh across the troll¡¯s front side.


    It barely lets out a grunt. The club drops from its hands to the floor as the sorry excuse for a monster gets incinerated on the spot. Its remains are unidentifiable piles of ash on either side of my trail of mes.


    I look to my right side to see Maria freezing their troll¡¯s legs solid while Nessa decapitates the monster with a fiery sh. After a few more hits for good measure, the two of them defeat their beast with ease.


    Lastly, I look to Abby and Bruce.


    Bruce is keeping the Troll upied with his hammer and shield. They seem to be simr strengths, but the troll is having a bit of trouble moving forward with therge spears of rock stuck through its legs.


    Abby darts around the troll hitting it with cheap shots as the monster focuses on the tank.


    The two of them tag team the oaf,nding hit after hit. Every time Bruce¡¯s hammer makes contact, portions of the monster¡¯s flesh are blown away, but unfortunately mended on the spot. Abby¡¯s spears of rock create holes in the monster¡¯s legs and vital spots, but they¡¯re all regenerated in a matter of seconds as well.


    Of course, this is going all ording to their n.


    Nessa, Maria, and I let our trolls dissolve and collect the mana as we watch the two of them work. It takes a while¡­ and 1 MP potion each, but after these series of cheap hits, and defensive maneuvers, the two of them break down the trolls MP and start to deal actual damage.


    The first sign of this is a solid hit to the side of the head by Bruce. He breaks the monster¡¯s jaw and it roars out in pain. Usually, it would grunt to itself and regenerate its shattered teeth and droopy lower jaw, but this time around it just stares the tank down with murderous intent.


    Both Abby and Bruce grin ear to ear making eye contact with each other, then going in for the kill.


    Abby creates two massive spears of stone in each hand glowing bright green while running at the beast. Bruce yells out a battle cry while lifting his hammer high in the air.


    Abby skewers the beast in two ces. One massive spear stabs directly through the chest, while the other lodges itself in the troll¡¯s right eye.


    Finally, Bruce jumps high in the air bringing down his mighty war hammer with impressive strength. Bones crunch under the pressure as it makes contact with the top of the giant monster¡¯s head in an explosion of blood and brains.


    The Troll falls to its knees with a final whimper. The two of them smirk while turning toward the three of us. Abby jumps in the air excitedly.


    ¡°Woohoo! I gained 2 levels for that!¡±


    Bruce grins and throws his hammer over a shoulder.


    ¡°Same. We¡¯re going to need to be able to do that ourselves though. I¡¯m not ready to face the boss alone¡­.¡±


    I nod while walking near the edge of the overlook.


    I peer down toward the back of the dungeon while my other four teammates talk amongst themselves.


    The massive number of high-level beings on my enemy detection radar finally bes clear to me¡­ It was not other hunters after all¡­


    I turn around and wave the other over.


    ¡°If we can make it through this, I¡¯m sure the boss will be a walk in the park.¡±


    The five of us take in the view.


    There¡¯s a pit 500m below us, it¡¯s around 1km long and 1km wide. At the very back, I can see the faint glow of a boss room portal.


    Guarding the entrance¡­ I see over 100 giant desert trolls. They all pace around frantically, attacking each other and anything that moves. The disgusting creatures are covering everyst square meter ofnd between us and that portal.


    Bruce gulps, Abby glows green, Nessa draws her silver sword lighting it on fire, Maria glows blue freezing the ground beneath her feet, and I... Well, I stare out at my prey in awe.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to burn everyst one of these trolls to ash.¡±

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    A long twisting pathway leads down to the pit along the cliff on our right side. I can hear the faint sounds of stomping trolls and grunts approaching from below.


    We start making our way down.


    I¡¯m grinning excitedly, thinking about all the new moves I¡¯ll get to try out on over 100 fresh moving targets.


    No more than 50m of travel downwards, a lone desert trolles bustling up the canyon pathway. In the distance, I can see half a dozen of them slowly making their way up the trail as well.


    ¡°Nessa, Abby, and Bruce. You three need to gain some serious levels before reaching the boss. Take care of these monsters.¡±


    I point my sword down the path, then continue talking.


    ¡°Maria, watch over them until they can handle these wanderers alone. I¡¯ll go take out the source of the problem, maybe I¡¯ll even leave a few for you¡­ but probably not.¡±


    I smirk yfully and dart off to the left before any of them get a chance to reply. The smartest¡­ or no¡­ possibly the dumbest idea popped into my head and I can¡¯t wait any longer to test it out.


    With a graceful leap, I jump off the edge of the winding path with nothing but an endless pit of trolls 500m below me.


    ¡°WHAT ARE YOU-¡°


    I hear a few concerned voices drown out in the wind as I quickly plummet off the face of this massive orange rock wall. For a moment, I close my eyes and let the cool air wrap around my entire body as I fall weightlessly to the ground.


    ¡°Wind Summoning.¡±


    After a brief moment of peace, I concentrate my wind magic to form strong gusts beneath me. I visualize a wall of wind and try to let it catch me. The first attempt pushes my upper half backwards spiraling me out of control¡­.


    I grit my teeth, regain myposure, and try again. The second gust is much more stable and slows my descent ever so slightly. I keep a constant stream of air rushing up to slow my fall more and more.


    Finally, I begin creating small denser pockets of air beneath my feet. It¡¯s very hard to stay upright, my body naturally wants to twist and turn. I¡¯m still falling through the air very fast, but I work best under pressure¡­


    Once less than 100m from the hard rock floor, I¡¯ve slowed myself down considerably. With a bit of trial and error, I¡¯ve managed to control the small dense currents under my feet. With very slight movements, I can change my position and turn toward any direction in mid-air with ease.


    I focus on creating one final gust of wind from below before hitting the hard rock ground.


    *THUDDD*


    I brace my feet with body-hardening crystals and push upwards with wind magic to lessen the fall. My impact with the ground still creates a small crater about 4m in diameter.


    It¡¯s not exactly what I was nning for, but this entrance is pretty epic either way.


    I grin and draw my sword as the orange dust cloud around me settles. Over a dozen trolls surround me on all sides.


    I burst into mes while focusing my mana into my sword. Momentster it begins to glow red as I activate my bloodlust and berserker skills. With much greater precision than before, dense wind magic forms beneath the soles of my feet and I push off of them sting forward at my enemies.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    One hit and the first monster disintegrates to ash.


    I plunder its MP and turn in mid-air to face my next opponent. I nt my right foot into empty space and summon a dense pocket of air behind me. The gust of wind explodes on impact with my foot forcing me to make a 90-degree turn in mid-air.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    Another troll is eliminated in the blink of an eye.


    I let out a loud chaoticugh and begin zig-zagging around the battlefield with incredible speed and precision. I jump through the air getting more in tune with my new wind-summoning skill with every strike.


    In a matter of seconds, the 15 or so trolls that approached me were all dead on the floor in a wide circle of ck smoke and crackling mes.


    With all the shing lights and excess mana in the air, many of the trolls in the surrounding area have started toe charging my way. Little do they know, they¡¯re just running into their own imminent demise.


    The entire pit turns into a bloody massacre. The burning corpses of trolls begin to pile up as I dart around with a fiery de.


    After 20 minutes of pure destruction goes by, and the trolls begin to thin out. Their roars and grunts die down and the smoke and dust settle. I¡¯m left with piles of mana crystals, 4rge troll clubs, and 3 desert troll charms. I equipped one of the charms, cing it around my neck, then put the rest of the loot into my item storage.


    It¡¯s an impressive haul, but I¡¯m more excited about the improved use of my new skill.


    I look out toward the end of the canyon activating enemy detection to see hardly any trolls remaining. My team is also steadily making its way down the sloping pathway. I can see them on the side of a cliff about 200m above me fighting a battle of their own, they¡¯ve made it down a considerable distance as well! I start my trek forward in their direction.


    Another 10 minutes go by before I¡¯m finally within range.


    ¡°Hey!! Over here!!¡±


    I call out to them with a wave while running over sporting a wide smile.


    ¡°So how¡¯d it go?¡±


    Maria looks at me with both hands on her waist and an angry expression.


    ¡°H-How¡¯d it go? You just jumped off a cliff Jay! You tell me how it went!¡±


    ¡°I- uhh-¡°


    I stop to scratch my chin and think carefully about what to say next, but Maria continues without a response.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m d you had some fun.¡±


    I lift my hand from my chin to scratch my head awkwardly, then we both let out a longugh.


    ¡°So, Abby and Bruce, leveling updates? You two ready for the boss or what?¡±


    Bruce grins.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be tough, but I think I can handle it. I made it to level 286, and took down 2 trolls by myself on the way down here.¡±


    I nod while crossing my arms and turning to Abby, she responds immediately.


    ¡°Yeah! Same here. I hit level 288. I used up a lot of MP, but I can take these creatures out easy as long as I¡¯m stocked up on potions.¡±


    I smile.


    ¡°Great, great. Well, I uh- I cleared a path for us. The boss room should be right over here¡­¡±


    We begin to turn toward the distant glow of a portal, but the sound of an iing stampede of trolls echoes throughout the canyon interrupting our friendly greetings.


    Nessa yells out.


    ¡°Lets move! Whatever that is¡­ it can¡¯t be good!¡±


    This pit seems to be the respawn spot for all the monsters in the dungeon. At least, that¡¯s what it seems like.


    The five of us sprint toward the boss room without another thought. I use enemy detection to pinpoint the test monitor¡¯s exact location just to make sure we¡¯re headed in the right direction. Finally, the floating grey portales into our clear line of sight.


    Nessa calls out again with a smirk.


    ¡°I want to go first this time!¡±


    I look at her with tight lips but nod politely mid-stride.


    ¡°Sure, go for it.¡±


    We approach the towering back wall of the canyon. If not for the boss room portal, we would bepletely cornered in. The monitor speaks up.


    ¡°So it was you guys? There sure was a lot of noise in here. It¡¯s been a while since a new group came through.¡±


    We all stop to catch out breath for a moment, then the monitor continues.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯ve made it this far, you know the rules. Who¡¯s first?¡±


    With a grin, Nessa readies her long silver sword and jumps through the portal.


    The rest of us are left in silence with the faint rumbling of giant trolls approaching in the distance.


    It¡¯s an eerie sound¡­ but I¡¯m not too worried about it. I speak up.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll gost. Just in case this wave hits, I¡¯m confident I can handle them.¡±


    Maria nods.


    ¡°I¡¯m second tost, just in case.¡±


    Bruce and Abby look at each other wide-eyed, then shrug. The tank speaks up.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going in next¡­ There¡¯s no need for me to fight an entire stampede if I don¡¯t have to. I leave the unnecessary battles to the junkies!¡±


    Abby nods.


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    The monitorughs.


    ¡°You¡¯re up champ, go ahead.¡±


    Bruce jumps through holding his hammer high and therge shield close to his side.


    We wait as the rumbling gets louder.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    Abby jumps through and disappears into the boss room as well.


    The first wave of trolls finallyes into view.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    Maria looks me in the eyes, then turns to jump through.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope this boss is actually hard, I want to have some fun¡­¡±


    She disappears into the swirling mass of energy.


    The stampede is less than 100m away now.


    I look over to the test monitor and he rolls his eyes.


    ¡°I know that look kid, you¡¯re going to leave this mess in my hands.¡±


    I chuckle and throw my hands up in the air raising my sword with a goofy grin.


    ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s not my fault.¡±


    He chuckles back.


    ¡°I know, Im messing around. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll get to see some action. I¡¯m not supposed to kill any monsters while other hunters are around, so it¡¯ll be a nice change of pace.¡±


    He stretches his arms in anticipation as I stare into the swirling portal.


    ¡°Go for it, the boss is all yours.¡±


    With a grin, I give him a firm nod goodbye and jump through.

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


    I spawn into the boss room and ready my sword.


    Walls of orange rock surround me on all sides creating a circr battlefield about 50m in diameter. A sh of light obstructs my vision as an enormous troll appears across the makeshift arena.


    It''s very simr to the ones in the dungeon. This one is just 2m taller, hairier, darker skin, but its disgusting stench remains the same. After using inspect, the monster registers at level 298.


    The massive beast immediately charges at me with its heavy club raised high in the air. I activate berserker and bloodlust while igniting my de.


    With one swift kick off a dense pocket of wind magic, I fly toward the monster and slice it in half without a second thought.


    I turn around to watch both parts of the defeated troll burn to ash.


    "Well, that was probably my fastest boss room win... ever..."


    I let my mes die out, then walk over to the dissolving corpse to collect the mana crystal with a long sigh.


    Momentster, the transfer magic appears and a white sh of light takes me to floor 14.


    I look around In awe as I take in a surreal sight.


    The ground is so dark brown, it almost looks ck. The terrain ispletely t for as far as the eye can see, and there are very short jagged dead trees every 50m or so in all directions. The sky is such a light tone of blue it looks white. There are very small dark particles that float in the air. When I try to touch them, my hand just slips right through.


    "What.... Is this ce....?"


    I look up to see my other four group members in a simr confused state. They''re all looking around aimlessly trying to touch the particles in the air with no sess.


    Maria turns to me.


    "I have no idea... Creepy right?"


    She grins cheerfully.


    It lightens the mood so I reply back with a thin smile.


    "Yeah... Lets... get moving I guess."


    We begin to walk straight ahead. We''re all on edge quite a bit. I take the rear with Maria while Bruce, Nessa, and Abby travel up front in a triangr formation.


    I activate enemy detection, but to my surprise, less than 10 enemies show up. Even when I expand my range throughout the entire dungeon... it''s only 10... that''s it....


    Although there''s no threats nearby, I can''t shake the feeling that we''re being watched. It''s like there''s eyes peering into my soul from just behind my shoulder.


    "Uh- guys. Does anyone else feel like there is someone watching us-"


    "YES!"


    Abby turns with a crazy look in her eyes.


    "I can''t take it anymore! I thought I was going crazy!!!"


    She starts looking over her shoulder furiously as Bruce and Nessa turn to me as well. The tank speaks up.


    "I feel it too. Eerie, but bearable."


    Nessa smirks as I see a fire light up in her eyes.


    "Whatever it is, I want to fight it."


    Maria chuckles.


    "Yeah, I felt it the moment I entered this ce... I agree Nessa, freezing it solid is high up on my priority list."


    I nod.


    "Hmmm."


    We continue walking and I continue scanning the area with enemy detection.


    This goes on for a while....


    Over an hour of consistent walking goes by, and not a single monster appears the entire time.


    Thendscape remains exactly the same as we walk further in. The feeling of being watched hasn''t changed one bit either.


    My enemy detection skill finds three targets in the distance. Two of them are close together directly in front of us, while another is off to my right side but still a ways away.


    [600m]


    [Lv. 303]


    [Lv. 299]


    [800m]


    [Lv. 300]


    I call out to the group while pointing my de forward.


    "We''re about to have somepany. Maybe we''ll get to see what this dungeon is all about. Stay Alert."


    I get a round of head nods and grunts of agreement as we continue forward into the eerie wastnd.


    It''s so silent, and we''ve already walked so far. The endless t void goes on forever around us In all directions. The only noises I hear are the footsteps in front of me.


    Finally, about 10 minutester Abby''s voice breaks the silence.


    "Hey! I see someone! Two people actually!"


    She turns back excitedly while pointing forward.


    I grit my teeth.


    "People? So.. they aren''t monsters?"


    "Nope, they''re definitely people!"


    I continue scanning our surroundings as we trek forward and two shadowy humanoid figurese into view.


    [150m]


    [Lv. 303]


    [Lv. 299]


    [300m]


    [Lv. 300]


    I can sense a third, but as I look around it''s nowhere to be found.


    "Stay on guard."


    Bruce tightens his grip on his hammer, Nessa lights a small flicker of a mes on her sword, Abby begins glowing Green, Maria starts leaving small patches of ice behind with every step, and I stare straight ahead trying to figure out what exactly we''re walking into.


    Less than a minuteter, we are all within battle range. I mutter under my breath as the figures be more clear to me.


    "Ugh, they were just hunters after all that... Where are the monsters...?"


    I roll my eyes and let out a long sigh. Unfortunately, my pouting gets rudely interrupted by a light elbow to the gut from Maria.


    "Hey! Look! It''s them! It''s the-"


    One of the tall figures steps forward and my eyes widen as he yells out at us with a smirk across his face.


    "Who would have thought I''d get the pleasure to see your face again? It looks like Portal Boy and his girlfriend have a crew! Isn''t that nice?"


    He looks over to his partner with a sly grin.


    I Immediately use inspect and appraisal to confirm my suspicions.


    The first man is middle-aged, wearing silver armor with arge axe and a shaved head.


    [Lv. 303]


    Active Items:


    [High Ogre''s Axe] +350 Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Armor Set] +500 Defense


    [Stealth Boots] +300 Speed +300 Agility


    [Dragon''s Scale Pendant] +50% Magic Resistance


    [Serpent''s Ring] +70% Mental Strength


    [Desert Troll''s Charm] +45% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo''s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Lightning Summoning]


    His partner is on the shorter side with much heavier armor, short ck hair, a long silver sword, and a toothy grin.


    [Lv. 299]


    Active Items:


    [Steel Sword] +300 Strength


    [Enchanted Steel Armor Set] +600 Defense


    [Enchanted Leather Boots] +300 Speed


    [Dragon''s Scale Pendant] +50% Magic Resistance


    [Gargoyle''s Ring] +60% Mental Strength


    [Desert Troll''s Charm] +45% Mental Strength


    [Rodrigo''s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Swordsmanship


    Extreme Defense


    "It''s them...."


    I look at the two men in front of me remembering back to when we met at the beginning of this exam. Maria and I were no match for the two of them, I had to use my Dungeon Walker ability to run away. I guess that''s where I got the nickname "Portal Boy"....


    I look at him with a nk annoyed stare for a moment... then gulp realizing the seriousness of this situation.


    "RUN! EVERYONE RUN. WE''RE NO MATCH FOR THEM."


    The lightning user stares me in the eyes and lets out a long bellowingugh.


    "You got that right kid!"


    He begins glowing bright yellow, I yell again.


    "RUN! I''LL HOLD THEM OFF! WE''LL MEET BY THE BOSS ROOM!"


    Maria turns to look at me with concern filled her eyes. I ignnite myself into a ball of mes activating berserker and bloodlust before replying.


    "Trust me. I can handle them."


    She nods, then darts away calling out to the others.


    "This way! Jay can do this!"


    Maria forms a massive wall of Ice as the lightning user lets out an enormous attack. Arcs of electricity fill the air as her white crystal wall explodes into a million pieces.


    I give Abby, Nessa, and Bruce a firm nod before the cloud of snow and Ice fills our vision.


    I hear the angry lightning user yell out.


    "You''re running away from us again? You cowards!!!"


    I run in between the two of them and my escaping teammates before I reply.


    "Don''t worry! I won''t miss out on the fun this time around."


    The snow cloud settles leaving me face to face with the two overpowered warriors.


    Thest time I faced them, I had much less gear, no bloodlust or wind-summoning skills, and had the burden of protecting Maria while I fought. This time, I''ll get to go all out.


    I see malicious grins appear on both of their faces as they look me up and down. The swordsman speaks up.


    "I didn''t have the pleasure of finishing off your partnerst time we met, I guess you''ll have to do."


    His eyes widen with anticipation as he stares at me. The lightning user turns to him, steps back, then crosses his arms.


    "Go for it Abe, this runt is all yours. I''ll only step in if it gets dicey. He does have a few good moves, so be careful."


    Without another word, the muscr swordsman runs at me with his sword at the ready.


    I smirk and run back at him.


    Our battle has already begun.


    *CLANGGG*


    Our swords collide with the loud sound of metal on metal. He grits his teeth as I push him backward with pure strength alone. After a moment, I summon a dense wall of wind to push my sword forward even further and ignite my mes to burn red hot.


    "Y-You damn-arghhh!"


    *ZAPPPPP*


    The moment the swordsman loses his bnce, I feel a familiar painful shock of electricity surge through my entire body.


    I let out a loud yell and fall to my knees.


    "Just as I thought. Looks like you learned a few more tricks! Abe, sorry to cut you short, but he''s all mine."


    The fallen swordsman nods and gulps.


    With heavy breaths, I regenerate my scorched flesh and pick myself back up and stare the lightning user in the eyes.


    "Scared already?"


    *ZAPPPPPP*


    I fall to my knees again letting out a chaoticugh while reaching into my item box for an HP potion.


    I regenerate my sizzling skin one more time while darting backward to drink the HP potion and think of a strategy.


    "Not so fast Portal Boy!"


    The lightning user is hot on my tail, less than 10m behind me.


    I jump up into the air and summon a dense pocket of wind magic directly in front of me.


    "It''s time to put this practice to use."


    I nt my right foot in the open air and push off it while spinning a full 180 degrees.


    With my mes burning hot, berserker and bloodlust at full st, I activate intimidation while flying straight at the lightning mage. My sword glows red and I focus on my prey.


    His eyes open wide in confusion as Ind a critical hit across his chest. A dark wave of fire is released from my sword and I let my wind magic carry it forward with immense power.


    On impact, I''m shocked to the core with a counterattack. An intense current of electricity drops me to the floor. I watch my opponent copse in front of me with a fiery wound as well.


    Both of us cough up a mouthful of blood and stand to our feet momentster....


    ck dust from the ground fills the air.


    He grins, rubbing the wide-open gash in his chest through a shattered thick te of steel armor.


    "Not bad, not bad at all."


    I look back at him with my sword at the ready.


    "You''re not too bad yourself."


    He smirks and looks over his shoulder.


    "Abe, we''re not taking any more chances here. Time to double-team him, this is our toughest opponent yet."


    I grit my teeth as the swordsman walks over.


    Then...


    I hear footsteps.


    Very faint, very quick footstepsing from behind me.


    I reactivate enemy detection.


    [10m]


    [Lv. 300]


    I grip my sword even tighter, then duck and swerve out of the way as a cloaked figure jumps over my head with rming speed.


    *SHINGGGG*


    I watch the mystery man in ck slice at the swordsman''s neck with a pair of gleaming daggers.


    A sh of white light fills our battlefield as Abe disappears and the dust settles. The mysterious rogue darts behind the lightning user and readies his des again.


    I stare in awe. He took out that tank of a swordsman in just one hit...


    The man speaks up in a low, but clear voice.


    "Care to team up? I like your style."


    The hooded man lifts his head to look me straight in the eyes.


    I nod at him firmly one time, then point my glowing de at the lightning user''s head.


    "Works for me."

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    We¡¯re all alone in this deste dungeon, it¡¯s just the three of us.


    The axe-wielding lightning user yells out while arcs of electricity begin flowing off of his body.


    ¡°You two are really asking for it!!!¡±


    I keep my bright red de pointed at his head staring the man straight in the eyes. The hooded figure has him cornered from behind with his daggers at the ready.


    I release an attack. With a swift and powerful swing of my de, I release a wind-powered sh of dark fire magic straight at him.


    With a rigid movement of his axe and an explosion of lightning, this monster of a man turns the trajectory of my attack to narrowly twist his body out of the way.


    In doing so, it leaves him open from behind. The hooded man darts in with overwhelming speed. I hear the faint sound of des slicing flesh, then see the axe-wielder fall to his knees coughing up blood while the rogue pulls a dagger from his side.


    The mystery man grins at me and darts backward putting away his daggers while reaching into his item box as the lightning mage yells out again releasing arcs of dark yellow energy.


    I produce another fiery sh of magic sending it hurdling at him.


    He grits his teeth and raises his axe to block my attack.


    The wave of fire makes contact with his weapon making a loud ng almost like metal on metal.


    He barely fends off the crescent of dark magic as he¡¯s pushed 3m backward attempting to stand to his feet.


    ¡°ARRGHHH! THIS IS IT YOU RUNT!¡±


    I watch him explode with anger as he manages to deflect my attack off track once again narrowly avoiding death.


    His bloodshot eyes meet mine as he sends a bolt of electricity at me.


    There¡¯s no blocking these attacks¡­ I must endure it.


    My vision is filled with yellow light and I¡¯m hit with an immense wave of lightning once again. It burns my skin and leaves my insides sizzling, but I keep running forward.


    *CLANGGG*


    With a yell, I jump towards him to sh sword against axe.


    My dark red aura filled with mes collides with his yellow static energy.


    We¡¯re at a stand still.


    Both of us push forward with all our might. I release wave after wave of intimidation while erupting into mes.


    He holds his ground while shocking me to my core.


    We both let out yells as neither of us wants to lose this brawl.


    Again, I hear faint footsteps in the distance.


    Then a whistling sound¡­


    My eyes are locked on my opponent, so I can¡¯t keep an eye on the rogue. It seems like he¡¯s made his move.


    The lighting user lets out a final shock wave as I release another enormous disy of mes. I fall to my knees. After taking 3 full-on attacks, My HP is nearly 0. I look up at my opponent while reaching for an HP potion.


    He¡¯s burnt to a crisp as well. The sh from earlier did a lot of damage, the dagger to the side was a good hit too, and my excess fire residue from our sh couldn¡¯t have made it any easier on him.


    One more solid attack from either of us, and the other would be finished.


    I cough up another mouthful of blood and bring the HP potion to my lips as he lifts his axe high in the air.


    The axe wielder lets out a yell while releasing a final lightning-axebo. Then¡­ Moments before his dees down on me, I watch a glowing white arrow pierce through the side of his head.


    The lightning mage¡¯s eyes widen as a white light shes and he disappears into nothingness before the arrow can even make it through to the other side.


    I¡¯m left half kneeling on the ground in shock. I gulp down the rest of my HP potion to twist my head toward the direction that glowing arrow came from.


    The rogue¡¯s low and clear voice rings out again.


    ¡°Good fight, you set up the perfect shot.¡±


    I see the hooded man standing 20m away holding a bow with another white glowing arrow loaded.


    He grins as I look at him in awe.


    ¡°Uh- No prob. You know¡­ I could have handled him!¡±


    Heughs.


    ¡°Ya know what, I think you could have. I just wanted in on the fun too!¡±


    I grit my teeth and walk over to him still covered in a dark red aura of mes. I point my glowing de at his head.


    ¡°What do you want? Why¡¯d you even help me in the first ce?¡±:


    The cloaked man puts his bow down and the arrow disappears. He puts one hand up in the air to pull the hood off his head.


    It reveals him to be a young tan-skinned man with short silver hair. His eyes are very light blue, and he wears a pair of thin ck dangling earrings.


    He smiles at me again while cing both hands in the air.


    ¡°Woah there. I just watched you sacrifice yourself for your teammates so I came to enjoy the show. It¡¯s not that deep.¡±


    My eyes and lips tighten for a moment, then he continues.


    ¡°My name is Arie. Nice to meet you.¡±


    I stare into his light blue eyes for a moment, then lower my sword.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jay.¡±


    He puts out his right hand.


    I stare at it for a moment, then take a step forward to shake it.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too. That¡¯s a neat bow by the way, and the arrows are¡­ interesting as well. I¡¯ve never seen anything quite like it.¡±


    We both let out a light sigh of relief as the tension lessens. He picks up the bow and summons an arrow pointing it off into the distance, then lets it soar.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a unique skill actually. And- well, It¡¯s a legendary grade.¡±


    He winks.


    I raise an eyebrow, then use Inspect and Appraisal.


    [Lv. 300]


    Active Items:


    [Cloak of Swiftness] +60% Speed +60% Agility


    [Lesser Demon¡¯s Dagger Set] +40% Strength +40% Agility


    [Enchanted Ring of Defense] +55% Defense


    [Enchanted Ring of Magic] +55% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Ranger¡¯s Bow] +400 Strength +400 Speed


    [Earrings of Alignment]


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    Active Skills:


    Dagger Mastery


    Spirit Archer [Legendary Grade]


    I reply.


    ¡°A unique skill huh? And a legendary grade? That means¡­ what exactly?¡±


    He smirks, then crosses his arms.


    ¡°Let me join your party.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Wait a minute- I asked you a question!¡±


    ¡°You have a unique skill too right? Or at least a special grade of some sort. I know for a fact that wasn¡¯t regr fire magic.¡±


    I eye him carefully.


    ¡°I-uhm¡­ It¡¯s mostly my de. It has a fire aspect buff.¡±


    I lift up my sword, hoping he¡¯ll believe my bluff. The real reason my mes are so special is because they¡¯re powered by half a dozen skills at once¡­


    He examines it carefully, then rolls his eyes.


    ¡°Figures, I got my hopes up for nothing. Anyways, let me join your party.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I-¡°


    ¡°You need a ranged hunter, I¡¯ve seen you all fight.¡±


    I gulp.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point.¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hey- when did you see us all fight?!¡±


    He grins.


    ¡°See? I¡¯m great at stealth missions too. What do ya say? Add me as a temporary member,e on!¡±


    I pause for a moment to think.


    ¡°Fine. There¡¯s only two more floors anyways.¡±


    He smiles and turns towards the back of the dungeon.


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s get going!¡±


    His entire demeanor has drastically changed. Moments ago he was a dark and dreadful stealth rogue, now he¡¯s grinning cheerfully with heavy footsteps.


    I don¡¯t fully trust the guy¡­ but he¡¯s strong. It¡¯s better to ally with him now than to be pointless enemies.


    ¡°I guess- Yeah, let¡¯s get going.¡±


    We walk side by side deeper into the dungeon.


    I use enemy detection to locate my team. They¡¯re roughly 600m away, straight ahead. Arie speaks up as we pick up the pace.


    ¡°Did you guys find any monsters in this dungeon?¡±


    I shake my head.


    ¡°Unfortunately, no. Odd right?¡±


    He nods.


    ¡°Very.¡±


    We continue onward.


    I keep a distance between us and continue gripping my sword to be ready for battle at any moment, but the tan-skinned bow wielder just continues to merrily half-skip along side me.


    I don¡¯t sense any hostility, and he did kind of save my life. I would have been fine, but he definitely helped me out¡­.


    I let out a sigh as the faint sight of 4 hunterses into view in the distance.


    They stop moving and draw their weapons. I reply by pointing my sword in the air and shooting off a ball of mes to show them it¡¯s me.


    I watch the swords drop, then a sh of blue lightes running at me, it stops 30m away.


    Maria stands before us covered head to toe in a thinyer of Ice with squinted eyes.


    ¡°WHO IS THIS GUY!?¡±


    I grin and point to the bow-carrying rogue with an open palm.


    ¡°Maria, meet Arie. Arie, this is Maria.¡±


    He grins.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    Maria lifts her sword.


    ¡°Okay, and¡­? Again. Who is this guy?!¡±


    We slowly walk over to her as I speak up again.


    ¡°He helped me out with the battle earlier. He¡¯s just tagging along for now.¡±


    ¡°You sure about this jay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Hmmph. Okay.¡±


    Maria lets her sword down as we walked past. She lets out a sigh, then looks me in the eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay Jay. I- I mean I knew you would be, but ya know¡­¡±


    I let out a chuckle and smile as she turns to walk with us.


    ¡°Good to see you again too.¡±


    The rest of our team members arrive soon after.


    The three of them stand in a line sharing simr confused expressions while eyeing the tan rogue up and down.


    I nod to all of them, then look over to the hooded man.


    ¡°This is Bruce, Nessa, and Abby.¡±


    He nods.


    ¡°Guys, this is Arie. He¡¯ll be our temporary ranged fighter. He may turn out to be a solid ally, so keep an open mind.¡±


    They all nod hesitantly, but Bruce breaks the awkward silence with a thud from his hammer hitting the ground.


    ¡°Jay, if you think he¡¯s a good fit, it works for me!¡±


    I smile.


    ¡°Great. It¡¯s settled. Arie, wee to the team.¡±


    The six of us head off to the dungeon¡¯s boss room. As we travel forward, the small talk continues. The others begin to lighten up to Arie a bit.


    He¡¯s an interesting character¡­ only time will tell how he fits in with the crew.

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    As we walk closer and closer to our destination, the odd feeling of being watched from a distance doesn¡¯t change at all.


    The air feels rather dense with mana, almost like a dungeon break¡­ but not quite.


    The peculiar dark floating particles be much more visible in the air.


    I hear Abby¡¯s high-pitched voice call out from the front of our formation while watching her green ponytails bob up and down as she jumps in the air.


    ¡°Look! It¡¯s right there! We made it!¡±


    My eyes perk up as I see the faint glow of a boss room portal twisting and fluctuating on the horizon. There¡¯s only one hunter beside it, the exam monitor.


    Maria replies to her in an optimistic tone.


    ¡°Exciting!¡±


    Then scrounges her nose and clicks her tongue lightly.


    ¡°But¡­ are we ready for this..?¡±


    I smirk.


    ¡°I am. I¡¯ve been itching for a fight.¡±


    Arie chuckles.


    ¡°You just had a pretty intense battle.¡±


    I roll my eyes and look back at him with a scowl, then a yful smile.


    ¡°Yeah, but it was cut short! Somebody had to jump in and save the day.¡±


    He sighs.


    Mariaughs.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get a good fight, and win! I¡¯m confident in my abilities.¡±


    She looks over to Bruce, Nessa, and Abby with concern stered across her face.


    Abby¡¯s face goes red as she replies.


    ¡°Hey! What are you trying to say? I can handle whatever is thrown at me too, just watch!


    Nessa tightens the grip on her sword nervously as Bruce smirks and replies while lifting his left wrist in the air.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us, we¡¯ll fight until the end no matter what. Even if we face an opponent too tough, we¡¯ve got-¡°


    He looks Maria up and down, then locks eyes on her left arm.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your bracelet?!¡±


    She hides her wrists behind her back.


    ¡°I-Uh The thing is-¡°


    I cut her off.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story¡­ I¡¯m surprised it took you this long to notice.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s eyes are focused on Maria, but she breaks the silence after a few seconds bringing her hands back to her front side.


    ¡°As I said, I¡¯m confident in my abilities! You all just worry about yourselves.¡±


    She blushes a bit, and the group takes it as a sign not to push her any further.


    We continue forward and I hear Arie whisper something under his breath.


    ¡°Very, very interesting¡­¡±


    As the six of us approach, the monitor waves us down and calls out.


    ¡°Wee, wee! You all know the rules, line up.¡±


    Abby looks back and gives us all a firm nod.


    ¡°I¡¯m going first.¡±


    I look over to Maria to see her sifting through her item box. She pulls out over half a dozen MP potions and splits them between Bruce, Abby, and Nessa.


    ¡°Just in case. I want them back once you all make it through! It¡¯s¡­ Really, just in case.¡±


    They ept them hesitantly.


    Then Abby replies with a grin while glowing bright green.


    ¡°Thanks. I appreciate you, Maria. I¡¯ll see all of you on the other side.¡±


    She jumps through without another word.


    Bruce and Nessa stand up front. Maria is behind them, followed by me, and Arie patiently waits at the back of the line.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    One by one my teammates jump through the swirling portal in front of me.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    The monitor nods to me, then I jump through with my sword held tightly between my palms.


    I step through the twisting wall of energy to find myself in a very simr environment on the other side. The ground is t and stretches out in all directions. There¡¯s no end in sight¡­. The ck particles floating off the ground are even bigger and more visible.


    The eerie feeling of being watched bes much more intense. I can feel the weight of ten times the eyes watching my every movement. There is malicious intent, but whatever is observing seems to be more curious, than eager for a brawl.


    I grit my teeth and begin activating all my relevant skills. A dark red aura forms around my body as I scan the area with inspect, enemy detection, and appraisal in all directions.


    I feel a shift in the energy as the gaze upon me blinks momentarily.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t like it when I look back at you?¡±


    I grin as its stats show up in my mind¡¯s eye.


    [150m]


    [Lv. 310]


    Active Items:


    [Amulet of Protection] +50% Defense


    [Medallion of Mental Fortitude] +50% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    All-Seeing Eye


    Telekinesis


    The moment I lock onto my target, I turn my head to look in its direction. To my surprise, the moment I do, an eruption of rock takes ce 100m or so in front of me obstructing my vision.


    I smirk and ignite my sword into a dull flicker of mes while darting off in the direction of the flying rock.


    Within a few seconds, I close the gap between us to under 50m. Another explosion blows chunks of stone up to 3m wide up in the air. They seem to float for longer than normal, letting whatever beast is behind the barrier of rubble slip away unnoticed.


    ¡°Come on out! Let me get a good look at ya!¡±


    I burst into mes while cutting through the flying rocks making my way closer and closer to the elusive monster.


    The piles ofrge ck rocks begin reforming as I cut them down slowing me as I draw nearer and nearer.


    ¡°Telekinesis huh? Two can y that game!¡±


    I stop in my tracks while focusing on the floating debris all around me. The force of a monster with incredible mental strength is controlling these bs of stone. The rocks shift and begin closing in toward me from all directions.


    The aura around me darkens and I release a wave of telekinesis to sense all the mounds of earth hurdling my way.


    An invisible force of artificial unwavering gravity pushes these stones at me while watching from a distance. The monster feels my mind attempting to push back but doesn¡¯t give me much attention at first. It¡¯s focused on a singr task. It must eliminate the threat without being seen. That threat is me¡­.


    I let out a loud yell while straining my brain to gain control of the walls of massive iing rocks. With a violent release of my intimidation skill, a wave of energy is sent out into our battlefield¡¯s mental ether. The invisible wave of energy travels throughyers of stone for over 50m before hitting its target.


    Then, I feel the monster experience a moment of shock and awe¡­


    The creature¡¯s mental grip loosens for a fraction of a second, so I jump in for the kill.


    *THUDDDDD*


    All of the mounds of projectiles fall to the ground with the deafening thud of stone on stone. I strain my telekinesis ability to its limits while clearing a path toward my new prey.


    This unknown monster is less than 30m away now and the suspense is killing me. What kind of beast has powers like this?


    I continue ripping through fallen rock with a fiery sword while battling the startled monster in a duel of wills.


    Its mental strength has fully returned and it¡¯s attempting to lift the rocks again. The monster stays in the same ce while doing so. Its multitasking skills must be limited while expending this much mana.


    I smirk as Ie within 10m sting away the final walls of debris with wind magic and shes of dark crimson fire energy.


    As the dust settles I take in the view of my opponent and let out a deration of war.


    ¡°IT IS TIME FOR THE GREAT REVEA- What¡­ the¡­¡±


    An enormous floating eye blinks at me two times very slowly as we stare at each other in awe. The top of its body is nearly level with my own. It¡¯s¡­ much smaller than I imagined it¡¯d be¡­


    The monster hovers about half a meter above the ground and has close to a dozen tentacles protruding from its dark green circr body. Its skin is coarse-looking, and the faint rotten smell of old sour bread lingers in the air. Each of the beast¡¯s slimy limbs is no more than a few centimeters thick but they flow outwards in all directions exceeding its actual body¡¯s length by two or three times.


    A wide open mouth of razor-sharp jagged teeth directly below its eye growls at me as the creature takes advantage of the break in fighting.


    I watch it fly upwards attempting to escape from its imminent demise.


    ¡°Not so fast!¡±


    I begin forming dense pockets of air beneath my feet and follow the monster upwards. I step onto nothingness, but continuously use the force of my wind magic under each of my long strides to push me farther into the air.


    I grin as I feel the air flow by my face and the rush of a difficult chase fills my blood with adrenaline.


    My eleration stays constant as the distance between me and the floating monstrosity decreases.


    My de begins to glow bright red and my aura burns darker and darker. I creep up to it within striking distance andunch an attack.


    The two of us are flying over 20m in the air. I bring my sword down on the creature with a powerful swift motion. Half of its tentacles are under my de, and it¡¯s surely a direct hit to the main body as well.


    As my glowing weapon travels downwards, I feel the odd sensation of being watched again¡­ It¡¯s like there¡¯s eyes on me from all directions. Any way I turn my head, I won¡¯t be able to see where it¡¯sing from. No matter what I hide behind, these eyes will always see me.


    *SHINGGGGG*


    I follow through with my attack despite the odd viting sensation.


    My eyes open wide as I watch each individual tentacle twist and turn to avoid my de by mere millimeters and therge round body makes a 90-degree turn in mid-air to avoid my attack.


    The movements look so natural and graceful.


    I grit my teeth and kick off an invisible pocket of my wind magic to mimic its sudden turn and follow close behind.


    The feeling of being watched from every single fathomable angle does not stop. This must be a result of its ¡°All-Seeing Eye¡± ability.


    It appears this monster is going to be a tougher opponent than I thought.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    After our abrupt change in direction, I decide to pick up the pace. With a loud yell and a burst of mes, I push myself forward using swift gusts of wind beneath my feet.


    I focus my mana deep within my sword¡¯s core and let out a dark crescent of energy from a distance aimed directly at the monster.


    At first, it looks like a direct hit. To my surprise, I feel the familiar sensation of being watched grow greater and greater as the sh approached its target.


    Just like before, the creature shifts its body in the air ever so slightly to avoid the oing attack with incredibly graceful, natural movements. I grit my teeth while watching the slimy tentacles twist and turn to nattily avoid my fiery crescent of death like it¡¯s a slow-moving pitch.


    With another loud yell and an enormous air-step forward, I let out an even bigger sh.


    ¡°Take this!¡±


    Then another¡­.


    ¡°How about that!¡±


    Then¡­ another¡­


    I release over half a dozen full-force attacks until my MP nears zero. The elusive monster keeps wiggling and squirming around every shot I throw at it with ease.


    While taking a deep breath, I reach into my item storage and take out a few mana crystals to plunder my MP back up to full.


    The massive floating eye begins slowly changing its direction toward the ground. It¡¯s aiming to make its way toward the piles of stone it previously manipted with its telekinesis skill.


    Going down is much easier than flying up. I smirk and follow it with haste. While locking my eyes on the target, an interesting ideaes to mind. If it can¡¯t see the attacking, maybe it won¡¯t be able to dodge.


    ¡°Wind Summoning.¡±


    I concentrate on the monster¡¯s main body in front of me as I plummet to the ground behind it. Eightrge spears of invisible wind magic form all around me in a circle collecting strength.


    Once we¡¯re less than 10m off the ground, I let my weapons fly. The dense pockets of wind soar at it from above. The monster doesn¡¯t change its trajectory at all. I¡¯ve finally outsmarted this disgusting creature.


    Mere seconds before impact, I feel the heavy feeling of being observed once again. This time, it¡¯s with even greater depth. It feels like everyst cell in my body is being poked and prodded by infinite invisible eyes.


    I gulp, then watch sharp spears of wind whiz around the monster as it spins its body pping its tentacles around in a mocking manner.


    The main eye looks at me and I see its wide smile create a malicious grin showing everyst finely sharpened tooth. The ground below begins to rumble as I see it shift and crack forming an uncountable amount of jagged stones.


    The monster continues twisting its body out of the way. I manage to change the direction of my wind spears, but they¡¯re blocked by a barrage of floating rocks.


    I grit my teeth and let out a grunt of frustration as I kick off the air on my left side to follow its movements even further down toward the dark-colored ground.


    The air around me pushes my hair back and makes it difficult to keep my eyes open, but I keep pushing forward.


    Therge pieces of rock begin moving in on me again. I don¡¯t bother trying to use telekinesis this time around. I furiously swing my sword in front of me releasing attacks of fire and wind shattering and incinerating the objects flying at me from all sides.


    Every explosion gets me closer and closer to this annoying beast!


    I wrack my brain for ideas. Longer-range attacks don¡¯t work, close-range shes hardly do the trick, and my mental strength is pretty much equal, so overpowering its mind is off the list too.


    I smirk as ast-resort nes to mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s worth a try. I guess I¡¯ll test out that skill I¡¯ve been sitting on¡­. If I can get close enough.¡±


    Another boulderes flying toward me and I smash it to bits with ease. At this point, they¡¯re not threatening attacks, it¡¯s just irritating.


    My sword glows brighter and brighter red as I smash the iing boulders in front of me while shielding myself with ayer of wind from my backside. We¡¯re no more than 5m above the ground now, and I¡¯m less than 3m behind it.


    A constant futile bombardment of stone keeps me swinging my de as I steadily increase in speed eyeing my prey.


    Finally, my de is within range. I summon a wall of wind around the monster¡¯s left side making sure its only option is to go up or to the right.


    From above, I swing my glowing fiery de downward releasing an intense wave of dark crimson mes.


    As expected, the monster¡¯s perception ability kicks in the moment my threat approaches. I let go of my de while using telekinesis to carry it downwards at a swift and constant pace. The monster lets out a screech and twists its body to the right side. Simultaneously, I dive into the same open space pushing off a pocket of wind to elerate my movements even further.


    The creature¡¯s main eye opens wide as the iris sporadically searches for an open path to slither away through.


    I let out a burst of intimidation with a grin ear to ear as I hurdle towards its main body, both arms stretched out wide. I sense its fear as my hand makes contact with its coarse, yet wet and slimy skin.


    ¡°Equivalent Exchange.¡±


    The moment I mutter these words, my entire body begins to glow white, and a text box appears in my mind¡¯s eye.


    [Use Equivalent Exchange]


    Avable HP: [1515/1515]


    Enter Amount: [___]


    [YES][NO]


    My mind starts racing¡­ I grab the monster in front of me tight with my other arm as we fall to the ground with exceptional speed.


    ¡°Avable HP¡­¡±


    Time slows down as my previous battle facing a hunter with this skill shes through my memories. Every time he made contact with me, he¡¯d do damage. It seems like I have to sacrifice my own HP to deal an equivalent attack to my opponent.


    I grit my teeth and make my decision. This may be my only chance¡­ I¡¯ll go all in.


    I picture the number ¡°1500¡± in the floating text box, and chose yes without another thought.


    A blinding sh of white light appears and that horrible sensationes back with it. Thousands of daggers piercing my skin all over. It fluctuates from hot and cold while sucking a massive amount of health points out of me in an instant.


    I let out a scream of agony as we plummet faster and faster toward the ground.


    The beast in my hands shrieks with pain as well. Its body convulses and its tentacles il out of control as I let go and conjure a pocket of wind to stop my descent.


    *THUDDDD*


    I watch the monster hit the ground with a bone breaking thud as I hover less than 2m above it breathing heavier than I ever have before.


    The beast stares back at me with its now bloodshot eye growling and squirming on the ground hopelessly.


    I lift my hand in the air using telekinesis to catch my falling blood-red sword.


    With a final smirk and a slight nod of respect, I release a wave of fire cutting the creature in two.


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: All-Seeing Eye


    [YES][NO]


    I slowly hover down to the ground and choose yes without hesitation, then reach into my storage and item box to take out a few mana crystals and two HP potions.


    While healing myself back up to full health, I active ¡°All-Seeing Eye¡± out of curiosity.


    The moment the skill goes live, I can feel a massive amount of MP begin leaving my body¡­ but at the same time, everything around me bes crystal clear¡­


    The piles of rubble, the small dark floating particles, the dissolving remains of the monster in front of me, everything¡­. Even the district movements of mana flowing through my body and the floor of the dungeon itself.


    I look down at my hands to watch the mana course through my bloodstream for a moment, then murmur to myself in awe.


    ¡°I¡­ can see everything¡­.¡±


    I gulp and open my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju [i]


    Level: 303 [i]


    Hp: 1520/1520 [i]


    Mp: 990/1520 [i]


    Strength: 734 [+646] [i]


    Speed: 874 [+524][+262] [i]


    Agility: 904 [i]


    Defense: 655 [+262][+229][+164] [i]


    Mental Strength: 734 [+147][+352][+293][+330] [i]


    Skills: [i]


    Absorption [i]


    Swordsmanship [i]


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning] [i]


    Inspect [Special Grade] [i]


    Enemy Detection [i]


    Body Hardening[Special Grade] [i]


    Self Regeneration [i]


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage] [i]


    Plunderer [i]


    Telekinesis [i]


    Appraisal[Special Grade] [i]


    Conceal [i]


    Dungeon Walker [i]


    Intimidation [i]


    Dagger Mastery [i]


    Stealth [i]


    Bloodlust [i]


    Equivalent Exchange [i]


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning] [i]


    All-Seeing Eye [i]


    -[EMPTY SLOTS]- [i]


    Items Equipped: [i]


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength] [i]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense] [i]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed] [i]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+88% Strength][+48% Mental Strength] [i]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense] [i]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength] [i]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed] [i]


    Ring of Protection [+25% Defense] [i]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength] [i]


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet] [i]


    -[NO MORE EMPTY SLOTS]- [i]


    [Hidden Menu] [i]


    PP: 303 [i]


    _____________


    My eyes scramble back and forth to take in an odd-looking status filled with new numbers and letters.


    I deactivate my All-Seeing Eye skill and the [i] ions and extra lines of text disappear from my mind¡¯s eye.


    I gulp, then reactivate my skill taking in the information in front of me again.


    I start by clicking the [i] icon next to my sword¡­. It¡¯s my main weapon, so it takes priority here.


    _____________


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword:


    [Fire Aspect][+88% Strength][+48% Mental Strength]


    Info: A sword crafted from the horn of a Minotaur and the fiery core of a Volcanic Smander using the Legendary Grade ¡°Crafting¡± Skill.


    ss: B+


    Type: Evolution


    Durability: 81/100


    _____________


    My eyes light up as I read the text before me, grinning ear to ear.


    Next, I curiously click on the [i] icon next to the new optionbeled ¡°PP¡±.


    _____________


    Proficiency Points:


    Info: A single Proficiency Point will be earned for every level gained. Use PP to upgrade your skills.


    Cost:


    [No Grade] -> [Special Grade] : 50PP


    [Special Grade] -> [Legendary Grade] : 250PP


    [Unique Grade] -> [Advanced Unique Grade] 100PP


    _____________


    My heart starts pounding, and the grin across my face just keeps growing wider and wider.


    I look at one of the most peculiar items in my status next.


    _____________


    Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet:


    Info: A bracelet crafted by two magic users bybining the unique ¡°Respawn¡± skill and the Legendary Grade ¡°Crafting¡± skill. This item allows the user to respawn back to a specified location after being killed as long as the bracelet is making contact with its user upon their death.


    ss: A+


    Type: Multi-Use


    Durability: 50/100


    _____________


    The monster¡¯s corpse below my feet dissolves and drops a mana crystal, but I pay it no mind as I¡¯m consumed with awe at the possibilities within the brand-new status at my fingertips.


    I continue scrolling furiously as I feel my MP being drained more and more by the second.


    Momentster, a white sh covers my vision indicating I¡¯m being transported to the next floor.


    I deactivate all my skills and take a deep breath in and out to prepare myself for floor 15. I¡¯ll have all the time in the world to y with my newfound abilitiester.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    The white light begins to dissipate and I open my eyes to see a single hunter in front of me.


    I gulp and look around.


    ¡°Arie¡­ Where are the others¡­?¡±


    He¡¯s sitting on arge rock covered in moss about 2m off the ground. There¡¯s incredibly lush nt life all as far as the eye can see. The twisting green vines cover the dungeon floor with small blooming red, pink, and white flowers. There are blue and purple berries dangling from thick bushes and short yellow-tinted assortments of shrubbery all around us.


    I walk forward hesitantly past a massive tree wrapped in nt life with arching branches that cover our view of the sky above.


    Arie responds with a neutral tone.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first toe out. Well, aside from me at least.¡±


    He shows me a light smile, then looks up at the jungle¡¯s canopy to take in the view.


    As I begin to respond, a white light shes behind us. Maria¡¯s voice rings out and I let out a sigh of relief as I turn to see her wide grin.


    ¡°Now that was an annoying little creature. It wasn¡¯t that strong¡­ it just took forever to wear it down!¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Yeah, tricky one.¡±


    Arie lets out a small chuckle and a sigh of his own.


    ¡°It was like all the others, one shot, and the boss is dead.¡±


    He bends one leg upwards to rest his arm on his knee while continuing to sit atop the boulder. The cloaked figure stares at both of us curiously while cing his chin down into the bent arm covering the lower half of his face. The only visible features are his light blue eyes and short silver hair.


    A sh of light appears once again, and the green-haired healeres flying out. Maria is the first to greet her.


    ¡°Abby!! You made it!!¡±


    She glows bright while healing the massive cuts and blunt force wounds covering her body. She grins and looks up at us.


    ¡°What a great fight. That thing was creepy, but it could manipte rock too so I finally got to go all out with mybat magic!¡±


    She scratches her head, then continues.


    ¡°Oh- Maria, about those MP potions¡­ I kind of used them all.


    Mariaughs and lightly ps her on the back.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re on thest floor, who cares? I had a feeling you¡¯d use them anyways.¡±


    They both walk off over to a small flowing creek about 10m away chuckling about something, not all the details are clear to me. I take a deep breath in and out while staring at the swirling portal at the dungeon¡¯s entrance. Arie does the same with his fierce, yet concerned unmoving eyes.


    We sit and stand in silence for another 2 minutes straight. My heart pounds faster and faster the longer our wait goes on. I¡¯m not particrly worried about anything bad happening, both Bruce and Nessa have their bracelets on. If they lose this battle, they¡¯ll just be sent back to the respawn point.


    It¡¯s just... This is the first time I¡¯ve worked together with a group of people as a team and actually enjoyed it. I¡¯d really like to at least see it through to the end of this exam.


    I gulp and continue to stare at the portal in front of me as the seconds pass by ever so slowly.


    The tree branches sway in the artificial dungeon breeze, Maria and Abbyugh off in the distance by the stream, and the vines around the jungle floor twist and grow in my imagination as an eternity seems to go by.


    Finally, I see a sh of light.


    My eyes widen as the short red-haired magees stumbling out of the portal with a manic grin stered across her face dripping blood from head to toe.


    She looks me in the eyes and murmurs a few words.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ beat it.¡±


    *THUDDD*


    Nessa falls to the floor momentster. Both Maria and Abbye running over. I nod slowly and whisper under my breath.


    ¡°Just one more.¡±


    Abby immediately begins glowing bright green surrounding Nessa¡¯s body in an orb of warm light.


    I be a bit more relieved as the life creeps back into the redhead¡¯s face, but my eyes keep wandering back to the portal behind them.


    With Maria and Abby kneeling over Nessa as she eventually stands to her feet, my vision tunnels on the twisting energy before my eyes.


    Nothing else matters right now.


    The branches in the great trees above creek and shift to reveal a small ray of light pouring down from the beautiful blue sky.


    Time slows down for me even more as I wait patiently.


    Then, a sh of light finally urs and a battle-ridden tank carrying a crimson-stained war hammer appears before my eyes.


    A weight is lifted off my back. Nessa slowly sits up as Bruce lets out a bellowingugh. A small trickle of blood rolls down the side of his forehead.


    ¡°Now that one gave me a run for my money. What a boss! What a boss indeed!¡±


    He looks at me with a toothy grin and nods firmly, I nod back.


    ¡°Good to see we all made it.¡±


    Arie lifts his chin from his knee, then swiftly jumps down from the boulder above us.


    Nessa stands to her feet and drinks an HP potion to finish up her healing process, then I point my sword off into the wilderness.


    ¡°This is ourst floor. Everyone stay sharp. Let¡¯s all make it through this in one piece.¡±


    Bruce heals up with an HP potion of his own and we get back into a simr formation to begin the trek through the dungeon.


    Bruce stays up front with his shield held steady, Abby and Nessa take the lead with him on either side. Maria stays about 5m behind Bruce while Arie and I cover the rear about 5 more meters behind her.


    The jungle is silent, aside from the swaying leaves and crackle of branches underneath our footsteps. There are no bugs and no sign of life in sight. Five minutes of ducking and weaving through the thick shrubbery goes by before I strike up a conversation with Arie.


    ¡°I really hope this dungeon isn¡¯t like ourst one. That was pretty odd, don¡¯t you think? I¡¯ve never seen one with no monsters.¡±


    Arie nods while swiftly ducking under a low-hanging vine covered in pink and white blossoming flowers.


    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ seen some like it before.¡±


    He stares forward as I jump over a log covered in dense green moss growing an assortment of mushrooms across its backside.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Which one? There¡¯s a dungeon here in the capital with no monsters? Just a boss?¡±


    He lets out a long sigh.


    ¡°No, not in the capital. There¡¯s a few like that near my home vige.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow, then grin.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Where are you from?¡±


    Arie¡¯s eyes rapidly move back and forth as he scans the surrounding area, then nods speaking in a low tone. There¡¯s a change in his expression, his eyes are filled with sadness, and his voice shakes ever so slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not exactly from the Vice Region. I just came out here on an independent contract to take the exam.¡±


    The forest falls even more silent as we continue to walk forward. I eye the hooded archer up and down, then crack a thin smile.


    ¡°Ya know, I can¡¯t get a good read on you Arie¡­ but, I hope we can be friends. I want to see what that bow can really do.¡±


    We lock eyes for a moment, then he mimics my thin smiles back.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that too.¡±


    There seems to be a lot more to unpack concerning Arie¡¯s past but now isn¡¯t the time.


    *CRACKKKK*


    I hear arge branch break and Bruce¡¯s deep voice rings loudly throughout the forest.


    ¡°We got our first monster! It¡¯s a tough one!¡±


    I grit my teeth and run forward to join the action. While twisting and turning my body through all the fallen trees and heavy greenery a battle is starting without me.


    The blue glow of Ice magic fills my vision as well as the heat from a zing fire. The ground begins to rumble, and I hear a loud ng of something hard mming against Bruce¡¯s shield.


    Arie and I race forward into the small open clearing ahead.


    A long slithering snake-like creaturees into view. Its scaly skin is pure white, with a small red diamond-shaped marking on the top of its head. The fast-moving tongue protruding from its mouth is jet ck and split in two. To top it all off, its dark blue eyes stare us down the instant wee into view.


    The jungle floor turns into a battlefield, split in half covered in Ice where Maria stands, and burning bright alongside Nessa.


    Abby stands atop a pir of stone between the two of them while Bruce charges forward at the beast with no fear. He yells out to us once he notices we¡¯ve arrived at the scene.


    ¡°Sit tight you two! This will be over before you know it, enjoy the show!¡±


    The 15-meter-long Goliath of a snake brings its head up in the air to stare down at all of us. The monster lets out a loud hiss and an energy wave of intimidation erupts from its body to show off its immense strength.


    The first battle of the 15th floor is about to begin.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    The bone-white serpent opens its mouth to show off a pair of razor-sharp curved fangs then dives in to attack. I hear another ng of metal on metal as Bruce blocks it with his shield.


    The tank¡¯s feet dig deep into the ground as the snake pushes his body backward. Maria lets out a battle cry as she jumps in for an attack of her own.


    She jumps over the ongoing attack to release an Ice-filled sh with her sword all the way down the snake¡¯s spine. A thickyer of frozen magic forms on the monster¡¯s back as it lets out a hiss and arches back away from Bruce.


    I watch Abby run at the beast as well, the ground rippling beneath her feet. Tworge spears of stone protrude from the ground on either side of her, with a forceful hand gesture they hurdle at the monstrous snake.


    Nessa jumps in to do her part as well, with a fiery sh she aims for the beast¡¯s neck to finish it off.


    *CLANGGGG*


    On impact, the spears of stone hardly puncture the tough serpent¡¯s scaly skin. Nessa¡¯s sword bounces off like a bat on rubber, and the snake violently shakes its body to shatter theyer of Ice on its backside. The beast lets out a loud hiss staring the four of them down with newfound hatred.


    Again, a wave of intimidation is released and the battle continues.


    The white serpent¡¯s perfectly ced scales have been broken in 3 ces along its back. Two small wounds drip blood from the spears of stone, and onerger long sh still glows blue from magic Ice residue. Overall, its HP couldn¡¯t have dropped more than 10 to 15% in total, but it¡¯s a start¡­


    I use inspect and appraisal.


    [Lv. 312]


    Active Items:


    [Serpent¡¯s Scale] +40% Mental Strength +40% Magic Resistance


    Active Skills:


    Intimidation


    Bruce charges forward with his shield out front and the massive war hammer at the ready. With a loud sh, the battle continues. Bruce fends off the beast as its angrily bites at his shield while Abby, Nessa, and Maria chip away at its health.


    The only one doing any real damage seems to be Maria, but she is still having a semi-difficult time piercing its thick magic resistant armored scales.


    The four of them attack and dodge in perfect synchronicity 6 more times in total. Bruce keeps positioning himself at perfect angles to take the brute force attacks while Nessa distracts it from the side. Abby and Maria are the quickest and their attacks do the most damage.


    With a final Icey swing of her sword, Maria finally freezes the serpent¡¯s neck solid. The beast hisses loudly as Abby keeps it pinned to the ground. The blue wave of magic covers its head momentster and the monster stops moving oncepletely encased in ice.


    The 4 of them grin with excitement and open their statuses momentster. I walk over to them as the snake dissolves.


    ¡°Did you all gain a good amount of levels? To face one of those alone, you¡¯ll need quite a bit more.¡±


    They all nod in agreement as arge pink mana crystal drops to the floor. Bruce picks it up and tosses it to Maria, then turns to me.


    ¡°Yeah. As a team, that snake was easy to figure out. Alone is a whole different story. We¡¯re all going to need to learn how they fight, and grow a bit ourselves too!¡±


    *CRACKKKK*


    The sound of a huge branch breaking makes me whip my head around o see an identical predator slithering our way.


    It¡¯s breaking down small trees and moving boulders with ease as it charges at us in a fit of rage. It¡¯s another serpent from our backside. I yell out to the group.


    ¡°Get back! This one¡¯s ou-¡°


    I don¡¯t even get to finish my sentence¡­.


    Arie lifts his bow and conjures a glowing white arrow. The moment it leaves his quiver, my eyes track the glowing energy soar through the air. Fractions of a secondter, it makes contact directly in the center of the red diamond atop the new serpent¡¯s head.


    My eyes widen, and I cross my arms giving the archer a slow head nod of respect as the arrow pierces through its target all the way through. A perfect circle 5cm wide is left on the snake¡¯s forehead as it falls to the ground with lifeless eyes.


    *THUDDDD*


    I let out a chuckle¡­ then augh. Then hit Arie yfully on the back as the others stare at the remains of this one-shot kill. That is the same beast that took all 4 of them an entire battle to defeat.


    ¡°Nice one. Let me in on the action next time.¡±


    He turns to me with a thin smile.


    ¡°Fine with me.¡±


    We all walk over to the fallen beast momentster and Arie collects his mana crystal.


    Abby interjects.


    ¡°H-Hey! You¡¯re like- Really strong!!¡±


    Nessa continues to stare wide-eyed at him.


    Maria eyes his bow with a jealous red face.


    Bruce nods.


    ¡°I agree. That was impressive.¡±


    As we turn to continue walking through the dense green forest, Arie replies.


    ¡°Appreciate it, but we¡¯ll all have to get much stronger sooner orter.¡±


    A few mouths opened attempting to reply, but there wasn¡¯t much to say it that. He¡¯s right¡­ But it¡¯s just an odd response considering he defeated that monster with 0 difficulties. We all nod in silence.


    I break up the awkwardness and point my sword in the air towards the direction we were headed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue.¡±


    The deeper we walk into this jungle, the denser it gets. We stay in formation, but shing through the thick nt-life gets a bit annoying after a while.


    No more than 20 minutes in, anotherrge serpent monster appears. Using my berserker, bloodlust, wind, and fire magic, I¡¯m able to create a pretty deadly sh. On contact, I slice its head off in one hit. With all my added buffs, I still let out a struggle-filled yell, and there was a bit of resistance while cutting through the first thickyer of scales. I basically had to use all my strength. In the end, I still managed to take it out in one shot.


    [Level Up]


    Arie sports a wide grin and I see a glimmer of emotion in his eyes once again, this time it looks like hope.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad¡­.¡±


    I give him a firm nod back before replying.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    The others stare at me with a bit of awe as well. Maybe they¡¯re now realizing the true power level gap between us¡­ even Maria. Although, she can¡¯t see the monster¡¯s 40% magic resistance buff. Taking out a monster like this relies more on brute strength than pure magic power.


    I read the room and turn to the others.


    ¡°Well, looks like you four will be upfront for the rest of our trek to the boss room. A few more levels and studying their movements will do the trick, you¡¯ll be ready for the boss in no time.¡±


    They all let out a long sigh in unison epting the fact that I¡¯m right. The only way they¡¯ll beat this iing boss is to level up and sharpen their skills.


    The four of them travel up front for the rest of the journey through the dungeon.


    The trees get even thicker, the jungle gets hotter, and the battles get tougher. After 2 hours of burning, shing, and smashing the vines and fallen trees in our way we¡¯ve finally made it near the dungeon¡¯s end.


    I know this because while using enemy detection I can only sense one target ahead of us. It has to be the monitor¡­


    After 7 total fights, they¡¯ve all passed level 300. So far, Bruce and Maria are the only ones that have taken on a solo battle of their own. Bruce¡¯s hammer and natural strength buffs work very well against these magic-resistant monsters. With just half a dozen clean hits to the head, the tank can take out a serpent on its own.


    Maria has also improved greatly. One of the serpents from earlier dropped a scale, with her wearing one of these, she¡¯s able to outpace the snakes and freeze them solid in under 4 hits. With her speed, agility, and overpowered natural magic buff, she¡¯s more than ready for a tough opponent even with its resistance to her skill.


    Abby¡¯s use of the surroundings allows her to trap the snakes whenever they¡¯re on solid ground. The rocks she summons are made of actual stone. When puncturing the beasts, it seems the 40% buff isn¡¯t taken into ount with actual solid material. She hasn¡¯t fought one solo yet, but I¡¯m confident she¡¯ll be able to take one on, no problem.


    My only concern is Nessa. She¡¯s gained a few levels, and her sword can now puncture its scales¡­ but barely. The fire magic she uses has no real benefits in a battle like this. Facing a serpent one on one will definitely be difficult for her. Not impossible, but close to it¡­.


    I speak up.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re nearing the boss room guys, so, here. Take these!¡±


    I reach into my item box and take out 6 HP potions. I know Maria is stocked up, so I don¡¯t bother giving her any. I hand 2 each to Nessa, Abby, and Bruce.


    ¡°Just in case. I have a feeling this will be a tough fight.¡±


    They all ept them graciously, but I can tell Nessa is nervous.


    I open my mouth to say something to her, but Maria¡¯s loud high pitched voice interrupts me.


    ¡°Hey look! We made it!¡±


    She¡¯s standing on top of a moss-covered boulder about 10m in front of us that peers over a small portion of fallen trees.


    ¡°I see the boss room!¡±


    The whole group excitedly runs up to where she¡¯s standing. Nessa stays back and looks me in the eyes speaking in a nervous tone.


    ¡°Hey uh- I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m ready for this. Do you have any other ski-skills¡­ I could borrow?¡°


    I let out a sigh, then think to myself for a moment. I speak to her in a low voice while handing her another 2 bottles of HP potions.


    ¡°Here, let¡¯s start with these. A few more HP potions will help. Now, skill¡­ Let me think¡­¡±


    She knows I have more than three skills from our previous hunting sessions. Plus, if she¡¯s been paying any attention to me, Nessa has definitely seen me use quite a few during this raid. If she¡¯s able to watch me activate skills with her mimic ability, who knows how many she¡¯s seen? She has kept her mouth shut for this long, I can trust her with one more.


    I let out a sigh, then smile.


    ¡°This may hurt a bit¡­ but mimic it. Trust me.¡±


    I ce both my hands on Nessa¡¯s shoulder and whisper.


    ¡°Equivalent Exchange.¡±


    [Use Equivalent Exchange]


    Avable HP: [1525/1525]


    Enter Amount: [___]


    [YES][NO]


    I enter ¡°5¡± and choose yes.


    White light shes and I feel a familiar but dulled-down sharp pain, it subsides very quickly.


    Nessa¡¯s eyes open wide.


    Then I hear Maria¡¯s voice yell out.


    ¡°Are you twoing or what?¡±


    The others have already climbed over the rock to the other side, Maria waves to us from above. I wave back, squinting my eyes.


    ¡°Yeah! We¡¯re on our way!¡±


    Maria smiles and bobs her head, then jumps down from the rock out of sight. I nod to Nessa, then briefly exin how this skill works, and warn her about how much it hurts¡­. She¡¯s shocked at first but catches on quickly.


    Nessa has the speed and agility, plus enough HP potions to kill one of these snakes five times over with her new skill. Even with magic resistance, guaranteed damage is better than fire that can¡¯t break the snake¡¯s scaly skin.


    With a grin on each of our faces, we jump over therge green boulder to see the rest of our team standing in front of a swirling portal of magic energy.


    The test monitor in front of the boss room speaks up.


    ¡°This all of you? Who¡¯s up first?¡±


    I turn to my group.


    ¡°Are we all ready? This is the final room¡­ it¡¯s not going to be easy.¡±


    Bruce grins ear to ear and steps up to the portal with his hammer over his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first. I¡¯m as ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡±


    Abby stretches her arms and cracks her knuckles.


    ¡°I¡¯m next. This will be a fun one.¡±


    Maria smirks, nods, and gets in line behind her without saying another word.


    I turn to Nessa. She looks a lot more confident now. The red-haired girl walks over and gets in line behind Maria while drawing her sword.


    ¡°Ready.¡±


    I turn to Arie. He just motions for me to go first with a serious look across his face. I step in line behind Nessa and the archer follows.


    It¡¯s time to face the final boss of our second test.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    The line slowly moves forward as my teammates jump through the boss room portal one by one.


    ¡°Next!¡±


    The friendly-looking monitor gives me a firm nod as I walk up to the oval-shaped swirling mass of energy and take a step through.


    I keep my sword ready by my side as my future battlefieldes into view.


    Surprisingly, I see a semi-open grass field in front of me. There are enormous trees lining the back walls of the boss room dungeon all around me creating an open circle about 100m in diameter.


    The lush green leaves curl out over the tnd to create shade on the edges, but near the center, there¡¯s arge portion of open blue sky above.


    Large boulders and small trees are scattered around the open area, but there¡¯s no sign of a boss monster in sight.


    I scan my surroundings using enemy detection and inspect, but still, there¡¯s nothing¡­.


    I walk forward with my sword out in front of me looking around cautiously as I go.


    *CRUNCHHHH*


    I hear the sound of something hard breaking under immense pressure and turn to face the noise.


    Nothing¡­


    I squint, hold my breath, and keep walking slowly and steadily toward the center of the jungle¡¯s natural arena.


    *CRACKKK*


    There it is again¡­


    I turn my head to watch a small tree copse and splinter under an invisible heavy pressure. The ground around it creaks as some unknown force approaches.


    I grit my teeth and ready my de while glowing with the dark red aura of my berserker and bloodlust skills. My perception is naturally boosted, I can tell where the enemy is, but not what they look like.


    Unless¡­.


    ¡°All-Seeing Eye.¡±


    I temporarily activate my new skill while holding my sword flickering with mes in two hands. My eyes shift over the open in as the skill activates.


    The light pink and pure white orbs and string-like patterns of mana flowing through the dungeon floor look incredible. The air is filled with millions of particles containing a simr substance. My eyes shift back and forth to take in the immacte view until the creature making all that noisees into my line of sight.


    Less than 30m away from me, the clear outline of an enormous creature bes clear to me. I can¡¯t see its actual body, but the perfect outline of its flowing mana makes it visible enough to fight¡­


    A 20m long serpent is slowly slithering my way. The inside of its body glows brightly with mana, but its outer shell seems to be partly invisible still even to my All-seeing eye. This must be a special ¡°magic resistance¡± trait.


    I attempt to use inspect and appraisal again, then grin ear to ear as it works perfectly this time around.


    [Lv. 325]


    Active Items:


    [Serpent King¡¯s Scale] +45% Agility +45% Magic Resistance


    [Serpent King¡¯s Fang] +50% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Intimidation


    Stealth


    Without hesitation, I run at the monster while channeling mana into my sword. It begins to glow bright red as I let out a wave of intimidation to dere war on the boss before me.


    The moment I do, the serpent arches its back upwards and stares me down while countering my deration of battle with a wave of its own intimidation.


    I smirk and activate stealth to disappear as I approach within striking range.


    The beast hisses and strikes with its fangs outreached.


    I dart away from its iing blow with ease watching the massive serpent¡¯s head crash into the hard ground. Immediately, mounds of dirt and rock are thrown in the air as the creature cracks the dense earth while hissing in frustration deactivating its stealth skill.


    Another intense wave of intimidation hits me as I deactivate my own stealth skill. I face my now very visible opponent and turn off my all-seeing eye ability as well.


    The massive snake¡¯s eyes are easily the size of my head and a deep dark blue that almost looks ck. Its fangs are just over a meter long each, and look razor sharp. That same blood-red mark appears to be on this snake¡¯s forehead as well. The scales on this beast are on another level than those regr dungeon snakes, they¡¯re the purest white I¡¯ve ever seen. The sunlight from above reflects off each scale creating a glimmering shine like wless diamonds.


    I couldn¡¯t help opening my mouth in awe to take in the view for a moment.


    As I do, the serpent lets out a ferocious hiss while waving its pronged jet-ck tongue back and forth. It dives forward at me without a hint of holding back.


    I nod, close my eyes, take a deep breath in through my nose, exhale from my mouth, then ignite into an extravagant ball of mes.


    As I open my eyes I use a dense pocket of wind magic to push me forward while creating a dark crescent of fire magic to release from my red-hot de.


    *CLANGGGG*


    My sword makes contact with the serpent¡¯s upper jaw in mid-air as I push against its hard scales narrowly avoiding the deadly fangs on either side of my body.


    I let out a yell while pushing downwards with all my might releasing fire into the monster¡¯s open mouth.


    *CRACKKK*


    A series of scales on its nose begin to shatter as I sink my sword into its flesh. Blood gushes out, and I see the monster¡¯s pupils sharpen.


    All of a sudden, the beast lurches backward and closes its mouth with a loud snap. I make the split-second decision to jump away andnd on the ground about 5m back as the snake twists and turns its body digging its nose deep into the solid ground to smother my mes.


    As it turns to me, I can see the anger burning in its eyes. Again, an intense wave of intimidation hits me as it lunges forward.


    I smirk and murmur to myself while gearing up for another intense exchange.


    ¡°They never learn¡­.¡±


    Iunch myself upwards with a gust of wind making contact with its already cracked and bloodied upper jaw. With an incredible release of fire magic and a whole lot of pure brute strength, the remainingyer of scales breaks as I slice its head in two.


    The beast attempts to close its open mouth and roll to the side like before, but I air-step to follow its movements continuing my deadly sh. Once its magic-resistant scales were punctured, the snake cuts like butter and I let out waves of fire into its exposed flesh.


    *THUDDD*


    The two halves of the well-done Serpent King fall to the dungeon floor.


    [Level Up]


    I deactivate my skills with a grin and wait patiently for the boss to disappear.


    ¡°Two hits¡­ It should have been one.¡±


    I let out a chuckle.


    Momentster, after thoroughly admiring my work, the loot drops. There¡¯s a heavy mana crystal that I put in my item storage, but also a shimmering white scale with a jet-ck string attached to it making the item into a wearable ne. I use appraisal.


    [Serpent King¡¯s Scale] +45% Agility +45% Magic Resistance


    ¡°Not bad¡­¡±


    I put it around my neck, but don¡¯t feel the added buffs at all¡­.


    I open my status and activate my All-Seeing Eye.


    The new item doesn¡¯t show up¡­. The only data under where it should be says: ¡°NO MORE EMPTY SLOTS¡±.


    It¡¯s self exnatory I guess¡­


    Now that I think about it, there have been a few people that have mentioned the equipped item limit. It really is 10¡­. I hit the limit¡­


    With a sigh, I decide to take off my weaker ¡°Ring of Protection¡± with a 25% defense boost.


    Immediately, I feel the new buffs activate, and ¡°Serpent King¡¯s Scale¡± appears on my list of equipped items.


    I toss my ring up and down in my hand a few times, then throw it in my item box. The white light of transfer magic fills my field of view as I deactivate all of my skills.


    Momentster, I open my eyes to a brand new world.


    Floor 16.


    I look around to see an eerily dark ck sky, with no sign of even an artificial sun in sight. The floor is blood red, and it feels as hard as stone.


    My eyes wander around to see oddly shaped towers of jagged dark crimson rocks and valleys that fall deep into the darkness of what I could only guess is an endless abyss.


    The air feels dry, but the temperature is so hot my forehead immediately begins to drip with a thinyer of sweat.


    I gulp, then hear a familiar voice as I turn to see Rodrigo walking towards me. The tall man in a bright red suit with a short ck cleanly shaven beard speaks up.


    ¡°Congrattions, number 34. You¡¯ve made it to the third and final test of your exam.¡±


    He shows me a thin grin as I put my hand out assuming he has something to give me.


    ¡°There will be no tags or special gifts this time around. I apud you for making it this far though! It seems you have passed the first test of luck and perseverance with flying colors. The second test of self-induced growth producing a high enough skill level in such a short time seems to have been a breeze for you as well. The third and final test will be all about teamwork, so make sure to find yourself a good group of trusted allies. More information will be avable soon.¡±


    I nod slowly, then look up at the man¡¯s emotionless white eyes¡­


    ¡°Hey- Why are you even here?¡±


    He raises an eyebrow.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    I gulp again, then wipe my forehead to clear the umted sweat before it rolls into my eyes.


    ¡°Why are you running this exam? Why didn¡¯t they just put some random B or even C ss on the job? I¡¯m not trying to-¡°


    He cuts me off.


    ¡°It is rude to pry.¡±


    ¡°I-¡°


    ¡°Congrattions on making it this far, please join the others. There¡¯s only one rule, for now, no fighting.¡±


    The powerful A ss examiner turns his body and points an open palm behind him as the familiar ripple of light distorts the air. Behind this veil, there are a few dozen hunters all sitting around wooden tables trading and showing off their gear from the floors below. This time around there¡¯s norge white tent for cover, I guess they¡¯re traveling light¡­


    ¡°Understood, thank you.¡±


    I walk forward and the first thing I see is Arie giving me a head nod of respect, with a grin across his face.


    ¡°Good to see you made it. Did you finish it off in one hit as well?¡±


    I look him in the eyes as I walk over and reply begrudgingly in a low tone.


    ¡°Two¡­¡±


    He lets out a chuckle.


    I cross my arms then turn and wait for the others without saying another word. Eventually, I produce a small grin.


    It seems like I finally have some friendlypetition.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    Arie and I stand about 10m away from the lined-up wooden tables waiting for the rest of our team to make it out.


    The rippling light that seems to be Rodrigo¡¯s doing distorts the view of the dungeon atrge. I want to see what we¡¯re up against, but it¡¯ll have to wait.


    The first to arrive is Maria. She appears out of thin air from the rippling illusion of light with a grin across her face still glowing blue.


    ¡°You two finished before me again? Well, it was a fun fight anyways!¡±


    She spins a serpent¡¯s fang on a long ck string around her finger while walking over and standing next to me.


    The next to arrive is Nessa. Arie and Maria look very surprised as she walks over to us without a scratch on her.


    ¡°That stealth skill doesn¡¯t work so well when I can literally see trees being crushed to bits in front of my eyes. I don¡¯t know what I was so worried about!¡±


    Iugh and give her a warm smile.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right¡­ It was pretty easy to track.¡±


    I used other means to do so, but watching the nt life being crushed probably did the trick just fine.


    She grins and walks past me whispering softly while giving a sly wink.


    ¡°Thanks Jay.¡±


    Mere secondster, the green-haired healeres strutting towards us with a confident, but serious look across her face.


    ¡°Now that one was a challenge.¡±


    Abby lets out a sigh and eyes the tables behind us eagerly, she looks exhausted. Maria puts an arm around her shoulder and giggles.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go sit down and save a seat for the others.¡±


    She looks up at me, then I give her a firm nod. Nessa follows as well, leaving Arie and me to wait for our final teammate.


    The tan-skinned archer turns to me.


    ¡°Did all of youe to the exams together?¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡°No, I only came here with Maria.¡±


    He nods and doesn¡¯t reply. I continue.


    ¡°I knew Abby and Nessa prior to this test though, Bruce is the only new teammate. Plus, you of course. Did youe here with anyone?¡±


    He lets out a sigh.


    ¡°No, I came alone.¡±


    I tighten my lips.


    ¡°Assumed so.¡±


    We wait in silence for a moment longer, then I speak up again.


    ¡°So¡­ where are you from? Your home vige, if you don¡¯t mind me asking.¡±


    I hear an audible gulp as Arie turns to me.


    ¡°You¡¯re the strongest hunter I¡¯ve met in this exam so far¡­ and¡­ your team seems to trust you very much, can I trust you too?¡±


    He looks at me again with the same saddened stare from earlier.


    I nod firmly one time and look the hooded archer in the eyes.


    ¡°Sure, as long as I can trust you.¡±


    He lets out a sign while whispering in a low voice.


    ¡°I grew up in the Dark Continent. I¡¯m only here to find trusted allies and rise through the ranks of the Hunters Association. I¡¯ll do whatever it takes.¡±


    By the end of his sentence, the tone became very serious¡­ almost angry¡­


    I reply.


    ¡°Understood. Well, I- I don¡¯t fully get why, but I understand you have your reasons¡­¡±


    He nods and turns his head back towards the rippling light and grins slightly. It feels like a small weight has been lifted off his shoulders. I smile back and turn to wait for Bruce as well.


    Internally, my mind is moving rapidly trying to piece this new puzzle together. The Dark Continent is awless country that¡¯s mostly closed off to the rest of the world. It¡¯s known for having monsters roam free and is home to a variety of crime syndicates, that¡¯s what I¡¯ve read in the newspaper at least.


    It is literally blocked off from all civilized society. About a decade ago, several of the A-ss Hunters teamed up to surround the quarantined area with what is now known as the ¡°Great Ravine¡±. It¡¯s a massive kilometer-wide, endlessly-deep hole in the ground that stretches hundreds of kilometers around the entire continent.


    This is used to keep dangerous monsters from escaping to any protected countries. This keeps many humans trapped there too. It¡¯s very umon to find anyone entering or leaving that ce. Apparently, Arie grew up there¡­


    While deep in thought, the wall of rippling light in front of me starts to move and a grinning tank walks out with a shield by his side and a bloodied war hammer over his shoulder.


    ¡°Hey! Hey! I made it to the final round!¡±


    I can¡¯t help smiling, Bruce always lightens the mood.


    ¡°We all made it, d to see you in one piece!¡±


    He lets out augh and throws his hammer into the item box around his waist, then pats me hard on the shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m starving! Let¡¯s sit down and get some grub!¡±


    ¡°Haha- Sounds good.¡±


    I turn to Arie to give him a reassuring nod.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a well-deserved break.¡±


    The three of us walk over to the table that the girls prepared. They already have mountains of dried food and water bottles at the ready. MP and HP potions are lined up and a few items are being passed around.


    Abby is the first to wave us down with a face full of food.


    ¡°Hey!! We all made it through,e on! Have a seat!¡±


    The six of us take a load off for the next two hours. We fill our stomachs,y down for a bit, and make guesses about what this final test could possibly be.


    Every minute that goes by builds my excitement. This is the final test¡­ it has to be hard¡­ right? Everyone that¡¯s made it this far is much stronger than any regr C ss hunter would ever have to be.


    Most of the C sses I¡¯ve met were well under level 300. This exam is different from the others, Rodrigo even said so¡­ That the Hunters Association is testing for something specifically this time around.


    As I digest my food, as well as my wildly scattered thoughts, more and more hunters appear from the dungeon¡¯s entrance to sit at the various tables all around us.


    I hear the A-ss examiner¡¯s voice wake me up from my daydreams. He¡¯s standing on top of one of the tables and attempting to get everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Everyone, everyone. Please, listen up! Only 73 of you have arrived so far, and ording to my monitors, there are some stragglers, but they may take hours to arrive. If they do, great we have 27 more slots. If they don¡¯t that¡¯s unfortunate. There¡¯s no time limit for this final test, so if we begin now, there¡¯s no huge advantage for all of you.¡±


    The hunters begin gathering around and chattering softly to each other as Rodrigo continues.


    ¡°This is your final test and happens to be the final dungeon in thisbyrinth¡­. Well, there is the boss floor above us, but none of you are ready for that.¡±


    A small grin appears across Rodrigo¡¯s face, and I see a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. This is the first time I¡¯ve seen him show any signs of genuine emotion. He continues.


    ¡°You may group up into teams of as many hunters as you wish, there is no hard limit. Your only objective is to clear the boss room¡­. Together.¡±


    The crowd of hunters erupts in confusion. Rodrigo slowly nods and continues.


    ¡°As I said, this is thest dungeon floor. It will be a tough challenge, but not impossible. Plus, there will be a twist at the end. While in the boss room, I will be giving every hunter a personal handicap based on the data umted from my monitors. It will force you into difficult situations, relying on your trusted teammates to cover for the abilities youck.¡±


    Irritated whisperse out from the crowd. Rodrigo carries on.


    ¡°I will personally be watching each and every one of your fights with this final boss. If you can take it out as a team following my handicap rules, you shall pass. If even one team member dies or breaks the rules, your whole team will be disqualified. Understood?¡±


    Nods and replies of agreement follow as Rodrigo counties to speak.


    ¡°You may train for as long as you need, but considering you all made it this far I assume you aren¡¯t the types to wait around. There will be no handicaps while training so go all out. I encourage you to try out some unorthodox fighting methods in this dungeon, you may need the practice sooner than you think. I will be waiting at the boss room portal to run down the rules with you onest time and watch your final fight.¡±


    He lets out a sigh.


    ¡°I would appreciate it if you didn¡¯t kill each other on this floor, but I guess it¡¯s still not against the rules. Anyways, good luck. I¡¯ll see you at the boss room for your final test.¡±


    With a smile, a sh of light blinds me and the bearded man disappears. The rippling light surrounding us dissipates and the full glory of the dungeon bes very clear.


    Those tall red towering mountains of rock from before look like ant hillspared to the monstrous peak before my eyes. The jagged mountain of endless dark red stone pierces through the sky higher than my eyes can even see.


    Rivers of red-hot molten rock slowly gush down the sides of the towering structure as it gets thinner and thinner the higher it rises up into the jet-ck sky.


    A few winding trails lead up the mountain. My eyes follow them upwards in awe.


    ¡°So this¡­ is the final dungeon¡­¡±

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    Hunters all around us are separating into groups, readying their gear to climb the towering peak before us.


    I turn to my team and draw my sword, it crackles and flickers with mes waiting patiently for battle.


    ¡°Ready to do this?¡±


    Bruce and Nessa lead the way. Abby and Maria follow close behind. Arie and I take the rear.


    About two dozen hunters make the trek upwards before us in groups ranging from three to six. I don¡¯t see anyrger, or smaller.


    A good amount of the exam participants stay back at the lined-up wooden tables to continue readying their weapons and potions, while others seem to be watching the entrance nervously waiting for their fellow hunters to arrive.


    I point my sword in the air and let a wide grin appear across my face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s face this final dungeon!¡±


    With that, we begin trekking forward.


    There¡¯s a t trail about 5m wide that twists and turns up the mountain. It¡¯s lined with a dark red jagged rock wall on both sides. There are asional gaps every 50m or so falling off into either massive pools ofva flowing in from above, or an endless ravine leading into an abyss further than I can even see.


    As soon as we leave the resting area, the temperature rises immediately.


    Beads of sweat start rolling down my forehead, but I¡¯m more concentrated on examining the bizarre dungeon around me.


    The air gets thicker the higher we climb, and the sweat starts flowing more and more down the sides of my face. Now, it is starting to get annoying, but I¡¯ll manage¡­ It¡¯s been about 20 minutes, and there¡¯s still no sign of any threats.


    I hear a yell from the front of the group, it¡¯s Nessa.


    ¡°Hey! Which way should we go?¡±


    The six of use to a standstill lined up in a row. I cross my arms and look at the path in front of us split into three separate trails.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    I ce my hand on my chin and think while activating enemy detection. I let the radius of my search stretch all the way to the end of the dungeon.


    It seems like the teams ahead of us all picked separate paths, and there are also enemies to fight on every one of them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a wrong decision here.¡±


    I grin as a team of 4 high-level targets pops onto my radar closest to us on the right side. The teams ahead of us have been picking off all the monsters, these are new spawns¡­


    ¡°I think turning right would be our best bet for now.¡±


    I point my sword down the twisting trail to the right.


    Arie shrugs while Abby and Maria nod in unison. Nessa turns to lead the way as Bruce lets out augh.


    ¡°Sounds good to me!¡±


    We continue onward right toward the danger. I give them a warning.


    ¡°Keep your weapons at the ready, our first fight could be around any corner.¡±


    Plumes of steam and smoke rose from our left side indicating ava pool must have shifted or burned up some type of organic matter.


    Other than the crackle of fire from my sword, the only noise stimting our senses are our own footsteps. We march forward for another 5 minutes or so.


    The trail In front of us begins to widen and turn slightly to the right side, then makes a sharp left twisting around the backside of the mountain. This is the exact location of those high-level monsters I was sensing earlier.


    I let the dark red mes grow hotter and hotter on my sword as we begin to round the corner. I yell out to Bruce and Nessa up front.


    ¡°Get ready. There¡¯s something up ahead!¡±


    Nessa points her sword forward, while Bruce positions his shield to block any surprise attacks.


    Maria and Abby glow blue and green. A light hint of steam starts toe off of Maria¡¯s feet as some of her Ice magic boils the moment it touches the dungeon¡¯s floor.


    Arie takes out his bow and scans the area, I continue walking forward tracking the monsters ahead with my enemy detection and inspect skills.


    [75m]


    [Lv. 320]


    [Lv. 320]


    [Lv. 320]


    [Lv. 320]


    Cautiously, we all make our way around the bending pathway upwards.


    [50m]


    A section of tter ground extends the path even wider creating a very open area. There are half a dozenrge sharp pirs of rock scattered around that look like stgmites growing up from the floor. Yet, there¡¯s no cave ceiling, just an endless ck sky.


    We all stand still in silence for a moment taking in the view¡­ Then a loud roar followed by the nging of hard metal on rock echoes throughout our eardrums.


    Four hideous beasts appear from behind various rock structures and lock eyes on us. They¡¯re humanoid creatures¡­. And seem to be a meter or two taller than me at most.


    I smirk and use appraisal on the one running straight at me while it glows golden yellow.


    [Lv. 320]


    Active Items:


    [High Ogre Steel Sword] +350 Strength


    [High Ogre Steel Shield] +400 Defense


    [High Ogre Armor Set] +500 Defense


    [High Ogre Ring] +50% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Extreme Strength


    Buffs:


    [Extreme Strength] +50% Strength


    [High Ogre¡¯s Resistance] +60% Magic Resistance


    [Body Raised in Fire] +60% Extra Fire Resistance


    I burst into mes activating my berserker and bloodlust skills while calling out to the others.


    ¡°Split up, be careful, and only take shots you¡¯re sure you can hit. These are some heavy-duty tanks. Slow movers, but one hit from them could take us out for good!¡±


    I run forward at the approaching High Ogre.


    It stands about 3m tall, but it¡¯s packed with dense muscle mass. I can feel the deadly aura emanating off it from over 20m away.


    The monster¡¯s skin is a simr color to the rocks all around us, dark red. The shiny metal armor covers its chest, shoulders, wrists, and groin area.


    In the beast¡¯s left hand there¡¯s arge steel shield, and held steady in the right is a long silver sword.


    The High Ogre¡¯s eyes burn red with anger and its sharp yellow-white teeth stick out from its bottom jaw.


    The monster¡¯s frame is much slimmer than that of a hulking tank, but its gear suggests it¡¯s a defense type. Those buffs say so too¡­.


    The golden glimmer of its Extreme Strength buff reflects off my eyes as I eagerly approach it. That skill is soon to be mine.


    Suddenly, Arie darts off to my right side towards an Ogre of his own to face off. Without a hint of hesitation, he runs at it with a glowing white arrow at the ready.


    Maria and Abby begin charging at a monster of their own. The blond-haired mage leaves a trail of Ice behind her that erupts into steam melting secondster. The green-haired healer shakes the ground as she summons tworge spears of stone by her side.


    Lastly, Bruce and Nessa sprint off to the far left to take on the final High Ogre. It lets out a roar glowing bright golden yellow. I watch Bruce ready his shield and swing the massive hammer around in the air. Nessa glows with the same golden aura as the monster in front of her, it looks like she¡¯s testing out that strength buff for herself.


    I grin, knowing my team can handle themselves and face off against my newest opponent.


    The High Ogre locks eyes with me and darts forward with impressive speed. I air-step forward kicking off a dense pocket of wind magic to boost my speed for our first sh.


    We rocket at each other as my de burns bright red while letting out a wave of intimidation.


    The Ogre roars and lifts its shield while swinging its sword downwards at me, I grit my teeth and let my de whistle through the air at my opponent as well.


    *CLANGGGGGG*


    A deafening sh echoes through the battlefield as our match begins.


    My vision tunnels and all I see is the monster before me. I grin ear to ear as I push my sword forward slowly overpowering the beast.


    It lets out a loud grunt, realizing it¡¯s in a troublesome situation. The High Ogre twists its body with incredible precision letting my de crash against its shield.


    Another metal-on-metal ng rings out as the beast jumps backward to stare me down once again.


    It grins at me showing off even more of its disgusting jagged teeth, then charges forward.


    I do the same.


    This time around, I¡¯ll have to try another method. The straight-on brute force attack won¡¯t be so easy¡­ Its defenses are high and its battle technique is rather intelligent. I have to throw it off its guard.


    I smirk and fly at the beast with my ming sword raised high above my head. About 3m before impact, I kick off the air with my right foot making a 90-degree turn in the air. This is to position myself on the far side of its shield.


    The monster shrieks and swings its sword as ast resort defensive measure while twisting its body to attempt a block.


    I reach into my item box to take out a single dagger in my left hand. My item limit has been hit, so no extra stats are added, but it¡¯ll still suffice for the time being.


    The High Ogre brings its sword downward as I lift my new ck shining de up to hit it.


    *CLANGGGG*


    I block its oing attack above my head as it continues to turn its shield to try and cover its open mid-section.


    I grin and thrust my fiery sword into the abdomen of the beast as it struggles with my dagger.


    The monster lets out a roar as blood spurts from its wound. It ms its shield against my long de fractions of a secondter, knocking it loose, but the damage has already been done. I see a shift in the Ogre¡¯s eyes as it jumps backward again. Fear fills those glowing red eyes as it takes in the actual strength of its opponent.


    The monster freezes for a second, then snaps out of it and snarls again shining with that same golden light showing me its crooked smile.


    I smirk and let the ck dagger rest by my left side, as I point my sword forward getting used to this new fighting style. Thebination of my Swordsmanship and Dagger Mastery skills makes it feel oddly natural¡­.


    Our duel has just begun.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    The red-skinned golden-glowing High Ogre stares me down 5m away at most.


    I can smell its breath from here.


    The grip on my left hand¡¯s dagger tightens as my sword glows red hot in the other.


    We analyze each other for another couple of seconds, then simultaneously charge forward aiming our des at the other for a kill shot.


    *CLANGGGG*


    The monster learned its lesson from ourst sh. My sword collides with its shield as my dagger blocks the long silver sword. Scraping metal noises fill my ears as I push the beast forward. Sparks fly, but the creature grunts and jumps back before I can manage tond an attack.


    Blood still drips from its abdomen from my earlier hit. I watch the heavy-breathing monster analyze my stance ande charging at me again.


    I run forward as well, thinking of ways to switch things up this time around.


    Moments before impact, I air-step using my right foot, turning 90 degrees mid-lunge mimicking the movements of my first sessful attack.


    The monster¡¯s eyes track my change in direction and it counters with its shield, painfully remembering its previously failed attempt.


    I grin, then air-step again with my left footunching me about 4m in the air just above my opponent¡¯s head. It lets out a grunt and shifts its shield in confusion while craning its neck to follow my flight path.


    I throw my dagger straight ahead as I fly over the beast. It continues to lift its shield and watch me from above as I abruptly shift the dagger¡¯s trajectory using telekinesis.


    The High Ogre¡¯s eyes are open wide with fear once again as it stares at me from below. A shining ck de flies toward its open neck.


    I create a dense pocket of wind magic above me, then push myself down with a red-hot glowing sword at the ready.


    It raises its shield while simultaneously being stabbed in the neck by my surprise dagger. I created the perfect distraction¡­


    *CLANGGGG*


    The massive hulking Ogre lets out a roar as blood spurts from its neck and my de hits its shield. Its long silver weapon attempts a swing at me, but I twist my body out of the way while controlling my telekinesis to push the dagger deeper and deeper.


    I let out augh as I stand 3m away from the rage-filled blood-soaked monster. With an outstretched left hand, I pull my de from the beast¡¯s neck, tearing away even more flesh. It flies through the air back into my grip covered in a thick crimson liquid.


    The gold-glowing Ogre is a tough one, I¡¯ve got to give it that. Even with my insane stack of buffs, it can still take 2 good hits from me and almost rival my strength. I hear its blood gurgle in the back of its throat as the beast breathes heavily and grunts while continuing to stare me down.


    The High Ogre runs forward again holding its de steady and its shield held high covering its wounded areas. It¡¯s a much more defensive attack strategy, but there¡¯s no other way for it to win this brawl otherwise.


    I look up at the charging monster and whip my dagger at it using telekinesis while covering the de in a denseyer of wind magic.


    I use this quick moment before our collision to take a deep breath in through my nose, then exhale through my mouth. I concentrate a steady flow of mana into my long sword allowing it to glow bright red.


    Dark mes and dense swirls of wind magic engulf my sword growing hotter and hotter as they fuel each other draining me almostpletely dry of my entire mana supply. I raise my de high up above my head while watching the shiny ck dagger whistle through the air at the monster ahead.


    The light sh of metal on metal followed by the scraping sound of my dagger against its sword is my sign to strike. Now all I have to do is finish this battle in a single blow.


    With a yell, I bring my de downwards releasing all the energy built up inside. A demonic-looking dark red crescent of mes covered in a sharp white aura of wind emerges from my sword and rockets at the monster in front of me.


    I watch in awe as the High Ogre struggles to keep my dagger at bay while lifting its shield to block the iing deadly strike.


    The beast attempts to move its sword to block the iing wave, but my dagger slides downward threatening its neck, keeping the long de upied.


    On impact, the dense wind energy cracks its shield instantly, splintering metal fragments off in all directions.


    An echoing roar fills the air as the wind de filled with dark fire slices through the Ogre¡¯s heavy chest te as well.


    The beast is thrown backward as it takes the full-force attack head on¡­.


    I was expecting it to slice clean through, but my eyes widen as I watch the beast dig its feet into the ground while being pushed back over 10m.


    The High Ogre cries out and struggles in agony until it finally twists its body out of the way¡­.


    *SHINGGG*


    The dark crescent of energy slices off its arm at the shoulder before arcing upwards and disappearing into the wide-open ck sky.


    I grin and reach into my item storage to pull out a few mana crystals, plundering their MP.


    *THUDDD*


    The smile leaves my face slowly as the dust settles and I watch the mutted body of a ming Ogre drop to its knees.


    The sh took off about a full third of its left side. Arm, shoulder, and all. The beast¡¯s armor and shield are destroyed beyond use. It¡¯s losing blood at an rming rate and cannot continue.


    I sigh and walk over to my defeated opponent.


    It res at me coughing up more blood and readying its de with its good arm.


    I nod slowly.


    ¡°Imend you for your resolve, but this is the end.¡±


    With a flick of my left wrist, I use telekinesis to summon my fallen dagger. It flies through the air andnds directly into the High Ogre¡¯s neck.


    The monster¡¯s eyes be cold and its sword falls to the hard ground.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Extreme Strength


    [YES][NO]


    I smirk and choose yes while taking the dagger out of my former opponent¡¯s neck and cing it into my item storage.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 307


    Hp: 1540/1540


    Mp: 1535/1540


    Strength: 744 [+662]


    Speed: 886 [+532][+260]


    Agility: 916 [+412]


    Defense: 664 [+258][+232]


    Mental Strength: 744 [+149][+365][+298][+335]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Dungeon Walker


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+89% Strength][+49% Mental Strength]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    _____________


    I look around as the adrenaline from my battle begins to wear off.


    To my right side, Arie stands about 20m away with his arms crossed examining the corpse of his fallen creature with 3 white glowing arrows sticking out of its forehead.


    I grin then turn to my left.


    Abby and Maria are about 30m ahead still battling with their High Ogre.


    Steam fills the air as Maria creates walls of Ice to block while making ¡°smoke screens¡± for Abby to attack it blind.


    Abby does the same once the steam cloud clears. She creates half a dozen spears of stone to keep the creature upied while Maria attacks head-on.


    They¡¯re both much quicker than the Ogre, each attack slices away at the monster¡¯s thick flesh. In time, they will win.


    I nod slowly while turning to see Bruce and Nessa handling a beast of their own.


    Bruce is holding off the Ogre shield to shield and sword to hammer. They both grit their teeth and let out battle cries.


    This is a battle of the tanks, I like it.


    Nessa darts around in circlesnding cheap shots while glowing with the same golden light as her opponent. Bruce has the natural strength and defense to hold it off, while Nessa is much faster and better atnding guaranteed hits. They have this battle in the bag as well, we¡¯ll just have to wait it out.


    I smile and watch my teammates fight as my monster dissolves next to me dropping arge mana crystal at my feet. I pick it up to ce it in my item box as I hear Arie¡¯s voice from behind me.


    ¡°These Ogres aren¡¯t bad. Rodrigo was right, this dungeon may have a quite difficult boss.¡±


    I turn to see the tan-skinned archer grinning while watching our teammates duke it out with the Ogres.


    ¡°Yeah, that was a pretty good fight. It stood no chance, but still, it wasn¡¯t boring-¡°


    ¡°Yes, I watched the end of your duel, it was definitely not boring.¡±


    Arie nods slowly while staring forward.


    I do the same. Gold, green, and blue lights sh before my eyes as the battles continue.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    After a few minutes, the two High Ogres my teammates were fighting fall to their knees and face defeat.


    One stands skewered by countless spears of stone while the other is beaten and mutted by a hammer and sword.


    Although it took both teams of two close to a dozen hits each to defeat their opponents, the fact that we can all take down level 320 monsters is an impressive feat.


    I can''t help smiling with happiness knowing my allies are growing stronger by my side.


    It really wasn''t that long ago that I brought Maria to her awakening exam and she discovered her Ice Summoning ability.


    Now look at her, less than 2 monthster and she''s defeating C-ss monsters.


    I continue to grin admiring their sess as the corpses slowly dissolve droppingrge mana crystals on the floor.


    The four of them walk over to Arie and me soon after while drinking MP potions to get ready for future battles.


    We briefly talk about our fights and share tactics about the Ogres'' unique shield and sword movements. With a round of head nods, we got back into our simple formation and carried on following the winding path upwards.


    Over the next hour and a half, we spiraled up the tall mountain one High Orge battle at a time. There were 4 more groups we faced off against. Each time we''d split the monsters up naturally ording to our growing abilities.


    I fought one battle with Nessa and another with Abby. The other two were solo brawls. I felt it was necessary for us all to switch around partners if we were going to fight as a team against the boss. So, Arie fought with Maria and Bruce one time each as well.


    Our chemistry is okay, but It could be better. We''re all pretty overpowered. Our gear and skillsets make these battles pretty simple.


    The more we fight, the easier it is to predict the Ogre''s movements. All new spawns are exactly the same. We as hunters learn more every battle, while they stay stagnant.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I gain 4 levels in total, bringing me to level 311. It still takes three solid hits to take one of these Ogres out, but it is much less difficult than my first fight.


    The air continues to get thicker and thicker. Not only do the steam and smoke from theva pools around us make it hard to breathe, but the mana levels in the air up here also create an odd sensation simr to a dungeon break.


    All of the previous 3 diverted paths have connected as one about halfway up the climb. We''ve circled around the mountain 6 full times now and are definitely nearing the top.


    Sweat covers my arms and slides down the sides of my face. Every few steps, droplets fall to the ground creating a sharp hissing noise as they evaporate on contact with the hot red rocks below.


    All six of us are breathing heavily, but honestly, it''s more of a workout than an actual painful experience.


    The hot air may be a little ufortable, but I''m almost used to it by now... It''s like we''re walking through a massive sauna.


    Nessa''s voice rings out from ahead.


    "Hey! Guys! I think I see it, I think we made it to the top!"


    Our orderly rhythmic footstepse to a halt as we round the final bend.


    A crowd of hunters waits patiently in a line directly in front of therge light grey circle of energy.


    I count 3 teams in total. None of them look too familiar, but they''re all stacked with impressive gear and have made it this far as well.... They must be excellent hunters.


    A sh of white light appears in front of the portal as we get in line behind another group.


    Rodrigo returns with a team of 3 other hunters. He nods to them with a thin smile. They exchange a few words that I can''t make out from here, then another sh of light blinds me.


    The 3 of them are gone...


    "Did... they pass the exam.. or not?"


    Arie speaks up from behind me.


    "That''s what I''m wondering."


    Maria turns around and smiles at me eagerly.


    "We''re so close! I''m excited Jay!! I''m really excited!!"


    She''s jumping up and down grinning ear to ear.


    I smile and nod while looking forward to see what exactly is happening at the front of the line.


    "Me too, me too."


    Rodrigo begins pointing to each of the team members in the next group telling them something that visibly surprises each member. Then, they all jumps through the portal together to face the boss.


    The line moves forward and we wait in silence.


    Another 10 minutes pass and the same white light appears. This time, only one hunteres out with Rodrigo. The remaining team member is covered in near-fatal wounds.


    Rodrigo speaks a few inaudible words, then that light shes and the hunter disappears.


    I gulp while watching the next team go through the exact same process while entering the portal.


    We all step forward in line, then wait another 10 minutes or so before the full team returns with the examiner.


    A sh of lightter and the final group in front of us enters the portal. During all of this, 2 other groups got into line behind us. It seems like pretty much everyone that made it to this floor is very capable.


    Momentster, the white light shes, and only Rodrigoes out of the portal. He shakes his head back and forth slowly.


    "Well, that was unfortunate."


    He walks over to us with a long sigh.


    "You 6 are up next? Let''s see here..."


    He sticks his hand into the left pocket of his suit and pulls out a small white piece of paper.


    "All right. First things first, do you all remember the rules? You must defeat this final boss together as a team. I will be giving each of you a handicap and if even one of you fails this trial, all of you fail as well."


    We all look at each other and nod without saying a word, Rodrigo continues while looking down at the small sheet of paper.


    "So, first we''ll start with Nessa. Apparently, you can mimic skills, and you''re an impressive sword wielder. So... you''re only allowed to mimic the boss'' skill."


    She smirks.


    "This will be easy, th-"


    "And you can''t use your sword either."


    She stops to think for a moment, then nods firmly one time while putting her sword into her item box.


    "If that''s your rule, I''llply."


    Rodrigo turns to Bruce.


    "The tank of the group, Bruce, am I correct?"


    He nods.


    "No shield for you during this battle, you''ll have to either rely on an offensive fighting style or find other ways to block."


    Bruce grins, putting away his sheild and swinging his hammer up onto his shoulder.


    "Sound good to me."


    The examiner faces Abby.


    "Hello Abby, I''ve heard good things about you. I wouldn''t have expected a member from the association to team with a group of randoms."


    Abby rolls her eyes.


    "Nice to meet you too."


    Rodrigo grins, then continues.


    "You''ll have to change up your style. No earth magic is allowed. You must be your team''s healer, or finding another weapon to wield if you''d like to deal any damage."


    Abby gulps, then nods.


    "I''ll make do."


    He nods back.


    "Maria. You have some incredibly impressive Ice magic, it is not allowed during this battle."


    Her eyes widen. I''m sure she saw thising, but I guess it would still be a shock. Maria''s magic is her only overpowered quality, taking that away will make for a pretty difficult fight.


    She nods slowly.


    "Understood."


    Rodrigo eyes Arie and me.


    "You two... are an interesting couple."


    He looks down at the small sheet of paper, then back up at us.


    "You know.... both of you are in the top 10 for most hunters killed during this exam."


    We both look at each other, then back at Rodrigo as he continues.


    "And I mean killed. Not just sent back to the spawn point, literally killed."


    We both face forward and give simultaneous shrugs, then I speak up.


    "You... did say that wasn''t against the rules."


    The tall man toughens his lips, sighs, then speaks up again.


    "Anyways, Arie you can''t use your bow or archer skill. Jay, any use of fire is not allowed."


    Arie nods, cing his bow into his item box while taking out a pair of daggers.


    I pause for a moment, then look down at my sword. I lift it in the air to show Rodrigo. It flickers with fire residue.


    "So... this is a sword fused with a fire stone. If I concentrate any amount of mana into the de, it produces mes... Technically they''re not mine, could I-"


    "No. No use of mes is allowed."


    I frown slightly while putting away my sword, then take out a pair of my own ck shining daggers.


    "These will do."


    Rodrigo eyes them curiously for a moment, then turns around to face the portal.


    "Very well, follow me. Your final test begins now."


    The tall man wearing a well-fitted red suit walks forward through the fluctuating mass of energy in front of us.


    I grin and speak up.


    "Let''s do this. It''s time to finally be C-ss Hunters. "


    The 6 of us follow close behind stepping through the portal one by one.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    I¡¯m hit with an extreme wave of humidity and heat. The air is overwhelmingly thick with mana and steam, it¡¯s hard to breathe or see clearly further than 10-15m ahead of me. I grit my teeth and attempt to take a deep breath in through my nose.


    The dank stench of sulfur fills my lungs as I look around to take in the view with squinted eyes while gripping both of my daggers tightly.


    This is the boss room¡­


    Hard red rock stretches out underneath us in all directions for about 100m on every side. There are cracks in the floor gushingva with plumes of smoke rising high up into the jet-ck sky.


    The ground is very t but there are many obstacles in our way. Complementing the asional pools ofva, there are pirs of jagged stone and massive boulders strewn about.


    I immediately activate enemy detection and inspect to locate any iing threats.


    The low hissing sound of the slow-flowingva fills my ears as I focus on the numbers popping up in my mind¡¯s eye.


    [100m]


    [Lv. 356]


    [50m]


    [Lv. 334]


    [Lv. 332]


    [20m]


    [Lv. 320]


    [Lv. 320]


    [Lv. 320]


    [Lv. 320]


    The ground starts to rumble and I yell out to my team.


    ¡°Everyone! We¡¯ve got four monsters iing! They won¡¯t be hard, but we need to get rid of them fast!¡±


    I watch Rodrigo jump backward on top of a high pir of stone. It appears he¡¯ll be surveying us from above.


    Bruce springs into action the moment words leave my mouth.


    ¡°Nessa and Maria, I¡¯ll defend with my hammer. You two concentrate onnding hits. Abby, be our support from behind.¡±


    He gives me a firm nod, then the girls follow him close behind. I reply.


    ¡°You take out two of them, Arie and I can handle the others.¡±


    With that, we were off.


    The 6 of us sprint forward into the white cloud of smoke griping our weapons and getting ready for war. The faint sounds of grunts and shrieks slowly be louder and louder until four 3m tall red-skinned Ogrese into view.


    They charge at us with their shields steady and swords held high.


    I grit my teeth and look over to Arie, then turn to the two Ogres nearest to us. We both jump into action, readying our des and sprinting off to the right side to face our opponents.


    I use my wind magic to give myself a boost, kicking off the air every step of the way. As I approach my selected charging red-skinned beast I go to activate my stat-boosting skills but hesitate for a moment.


    I take a look at the monster I¡¯m about to fight, then weigh the pros and cons of using my previously hidden abilities.


    Most people in this boss room already know I¡¯m a multi-skill user. When ites to Maria, Nessa, Abby, or even Bruce I¡¯d be happy to let them in on my secret if they asked. I don¡¯t mind Arie knowing I have a few extra tricks up my sleeve either, but I¡¯d still like to get to know him better¡­


    The only one I¡¯m truly worried about it Rodrigo, and well, the Association as a whole.


    I let out a frustrated grunt as Ie within 5m of the charging High Ogre in front of me. I can smell its breath and see the monstrous range built up in its eyes.


    My frustration grows into a yell as we collide.


    *CLANGGGG*


    My left dagger meets its long de, and my right bounces off its shield.


    I struggle against the beast in front of me¡­ It totally catches me off guard. My heart drops for a moment, fully realizing my old sword¡¯s buff added 89% strength. My daggers only add 300 strength, that may not be enough. I¡¯m used to fighting with much more, plus my berserker skill gives me an additional 50% on top of everything else.


    The long silver sword pushing down on my dagger begins to inch closer and closer to me as the beast overpowers me in my weakened state.


    The scraping sound of metal on metal fills my ears as I watch my grip begin to slip on its sword creating sparks.


    The beast lets out a roar, and I copy it letting out a yell of my own.


    There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll be able to defeat any stronger opponents ahead of me without going all out.


    I¡¯ve made my decision, I¡¯ll use all my skills¡­


    I stare the High Ogre in the eyes and activate my berserker, bloodlust, and newly acquired extreme strength skills.


    A dark red aura emanates from my body, followed by a golden glow. The three abilities begin to mix as I¡¯m filled with immense strength and other various magic buffs.


    The red-skinned beast¡¯s eyes widen as I lift my dagger throwing its de backward instantly overpowering the vile creature. In this moment, it attempts to dart away, but I lock eyes on my prey and follow it ruthlessly aiming to kill.


    I concentrate and cover both my des with an invisibleyer of dense wind magic, then let out a wave of intimidation to stop it in its tracks.


    The monster before me is helpless. The confident angry stare in its eyes disappears as I run circles around it. A shining ck de pierces its neck as well as one in the abdomen through a gap in its armor.


    I jump back using telekinesis to ensure deep cuts, then retrieve my des by summoning them back to me from over 4m away.


    Blood gushes from its vital areas, but it still stands tall. Breathing heavily, with a look of defeat stered across its face, the monster charges in again.


    I have to give it to these High Ogres, they don¡¯t give up easily.


    I smirk and air-step above the now rugged-looking beast. With a swift toss of my des, using telekinesis to ensure a perfect shot, the disoriented Ogre receives two knives to the neck and falls to its knees as my wind magic decapitates it on the spot.


    *THUDDD*


    I turn around to see Arie finishing off his monster with great speed and precision as well. It takes him about 6 hits in total, I guess he is quite a lot weaker when he doesn¡¯t use that legendary skill.


    The other four members are in a tough battle of their own. I would jump in and help, but it seems greater trouble is nearby.


    Stomping sounds ring out as the next wave appears right on schedule. I yell out to my team.


    ¡°Arie, let¡¯s fight these new ones together! The boss will be here soon!¡±


    We lock eyes, then turn to therge clouds of steam as two towering High Ogres emerge.


    They have much darker skin, stand close to 4m tall, and seem to have slightly upgraded swords and shields. I grit my teeth.


    ¡°Mutants.¡±


    The dark red monster to our right side begins charging at Arie. Its partner nts its sword into the solid rock ground letting out a grunt and crossing its arms to watch the battle y out.


    It seems rather confident.


    The charging Ogre approaches quickly, so I dart over to Arie¡¯s side to assist. I take the beast¡¯s left, while Arie takes the right.


    Metal on metal rings throughout the boss room as the mutant surprisingly blocks both of our attacks with abnormally agile movements. I use Appraisal, but nothing seems to be any different than the normal High Ogres.


    The only logical exnation here is a mutated increase in agility or speed. Its eyes are calm and track both of our movements with ease. This monster seems to be highly intelligent as well.


    My des slide down the monster¡¯s sword. I air step and spin around its backside at neck level while Arie drops to the floor distracting it from the front.


    With a swift double overhand throw, I release both my daggers with wind magic and telekinesis increasing their velocity as they travel toward the back of the creature¡¯s neck.


    *CLANGGGG*


    My des hit the t side of this monster¡¯s de¡­ It managed to toss its own sword from an underhanded position upwards spinning perfectly in the air to deflect my attack.


    I stare wide-eyed in surprise, then smirk and let out augh while bringing my des back to my hands.


    ¡°Now that was a neat trick, not bad for a-¡°


    It cuts me off with a roar, turning to me showing eyes filled with fury.


    It seems it¡¯s time to get serious¡­


    Ind on the ground on both feet with a thud. Arie and I stand on opposite sides of the mutant searching for an opening. The monster catches its sword by the handle and begins sprinting forward to get us away from its blind spots.


    Arie darts in, and I do the same. It got lucky at first, but I won¡¯t be caught off guard so easily this time around.


    With a few air steps, I manage to make it up to eye level with the beast once again. With another swift double-overhand throw, I toss my two des at the monster¡¯s neck from two separate directions.


    The sharp ck daggers curve through the air on both sides of the monster as Arie attacks from below.


    It lets out an overwhelming roar while lowering its shield to block Arie¡¯s iing lunge and raising its sword to deflect one of my des. That¡¯s right¡­ one of them.


    The massive red-skinned beast lets out another ear-piercing fit of rage as one of my wind-covered des slides through its neck leaving a nasty wound. Blood spurts out as it turns to me showing all of its sharp jagged teeth.


    I air-step back with a grin as it mindlessly follows me with rage-filled eyes. I guess the previous guess that these mutants were highly intelligent wasn¡¯t wrong, but definitely an overestimation on my part. They sumb to their emotions very easily.


    They are tough though. My daggers fly back into my hands and I stare at the wound I just dealt. Maybe 15% of its health at best. This beast is going to take at least 6 or 7 hits to fully subjugate.


    The monster lets out another roar as Arie leaves two deep cuts across its left leg with both daggers. Red crimson liquid pours out of the deep wounds and he darts off to let me go in for another attack. I grip both my des and air-step forward to face the mutant again.


    Its sword collides with both my daggers and we stand perfectly still as sparks fly up in the air.


    Bruce, Abby, Nessa, and Maria finish handling their two High Ogres and begin running over to help. The mutant that was standing by before lifts its sword in the air and points it at the four of them.


    I concentrate on my battle, but I believe in my team, they can handle it.


    *THUDDDD*


    *THUDDDD*


    *THUDDDD*


    I stare forward at the mutant shing metal with me, but can¡¯t help but notice the fog change color behind it¡­ The white steam turns blood red.


    Plus, the approaching heavy ominous footsteps¡­ that¡¯s never a good sign.


    I grit my teeth and use a dense pocket of wind beneath my feet and around my des to push the monster¡¯s sword upwards with immense force. In doing so, this leaves an opening for Arie tond a double-dagger strike to its right leg.


    I fall back to the ground as the mutant steadies itself as well while roaring in pain.


    *THUDDDD*


    *THUDDDD*


    *THUDDDD*


    I look up at my opponent with Arie no more than 5m to my side.


    The thudding footsteps keep approaching, and the plumes of steam shine redder and redder.


    I gulp.


    The outline of an enormous towering Ogre appears directly behind the one we¡¯re fighting. It¡¯s easily 6m tall.


    *THUDDDD*


    *THUDDDD*


    *THUDDDD*


    It emerges from the back of the dungeon and announces its arrival with a roar that could shatter ear drums.


    The giant monster before us has dark red skin that almost appears to be ck. Two massive white horns emerge from the sides of its head, and two more even longer curl out of its back upwards to create natural armor.


    It wears a golden chest te, wrist guards, codpiece, and boots that match.


    To top it all off¡­ This monster wields two long swords. Each of them shimmers in the light showing off its pure silver color with golden ents down each of the sides.


    The boss lets out another roar, then bursts its des into a fiery disy¡­.


    I gasp and stare, a wide grin appears across my face as I activate appraisal.


    [Lv. 356]


    Active Items:


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Sword] +50% Strength


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Sword] +50% Strength


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Armor Set] +700 Defense +300 Speed +300 Agility


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Ring] +60% Mental Strength


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Pendant] +60% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Resistance] +70% Magic Resistance


    [King¡¯s Body Raised in Fire] +70% Extra Fire Resistance


    Our final boss battle has really begun¡­

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    I lock eyes with the gigantic High Ogre King.


    The monster¡¯s silver and gold des shine bright as the monster erupts its entire body into a ball of mes.


    This beast is using all my tricks¡­ and I can¡¯t even use fire to fight back.


    Arie¡¯s voice calls out from beside me.


    ¡°Jay! Focus!¡±


    *CLANGGGG*


    Upon hearing my teammates yell, I lift my daggers above my head to block the iing de of the mutant we¡¯d previously been fighting.


    I¡¯m still glowing with a radiant golden crimson aura. I reply to Arie while letting out a grunt and shing upwards with wind magic to deflect the monster¡¯s sword.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take out this mutant quickly so we can focus on the boss!¡±


    He nods firmly and darts in as our immediate enemy loses its bnce from my powerful thrust.


    I take aim and whip both my daggers at its head while the beast regains its bnce. With a rude snarl, the red-skinned mutant blocks one of my daggers with a swift movement of its de. Arie runs in from below as my second shining dagger narrowly curves around the sharp edge of its sword.


    I smirk while sinking a lone dagger into its neck ripping through flesh and drawing blood using telekinesis from a distance.


    The monster is getting double-teamed. Its cool and calm facade from earlier begins to break down the more attacks wend. The monster lets out a painful roar leaning backward giving Arie just enough room to sink both of his own daggers deep in its back.


    Blood spurts all around us as the ominous thudding noises of the enormous boss approach. It¡¯s less than 10m away and charging in quickly with two des ready to kill.


    I twist my head back and forth to make sure I won¡¯t be ambushed, then yell at the top of my lungs.


    ¡°Arie! Cover me and stall the boss for 10 seconds. I¡¯ll end this mutant!¡±


    Again, he firmly nods and nts his feet changing directions to face the boss without hesitation.


    I reach into my item box and rece one of my daggers with an HP potion, then stare down the mutant as it readies its sword and adjusts its shield.


    The monster is dripping blood from head to toe, covered in deep wounds, but still standing proudly. It won¡¯t give up until its HP hits zero. Luckily, I know just how to make that happen.


    ¡°Stealth.¡±


    In an instant, I disappear from the mutant¡¯s sight. It blinks rapidly, then begins turning its head back and forth while glowing with its golden strength buff.


    The moment I turn invisible, I dart around it making virtually no noise at all. In the confusion, I devise a perfect n.


    It begins swinging its sword and roaring loudly while stomping its feet trying to find me by any means. The King is quickly approaching and it needs toplete its job as a boss room guard.


    I grin as I make my way to its backside and jump in the air piercing its spine with one of my daggers deep enough that my entire fist makes contact with its skin.


    ¡°Equivalent Exchange.¡±


    I input 1500 damage, and brace for impact. The white light appears all around my body along with the sensation of a thousand tiny swords piercing me over and over.


    I grit my teeth and immediately bring the HP portion to my lips rejuvenating most of my health. The monster before me shrieks out in agony as the life force gets stripped away from it by force.


    *THUDDD*


    It falls to its knees in front of me and I immediately take out my dagger from its back to cover it in a thickyer of wind magic striking its neck.


    [Level Up]


    Decapitation may be overkill, but I want to make sure the job ispletely done.


    I stand over my defeated opponent breathing heavily while retrieving my second dagger and deactivating stealth. It¡¯s time to fight the actual boss now¡­


    *CLANGGGG*


    I look up to see Arie jumping at the massive High Ogre King with no fear. His daggers collide with one of the monster¡¯s swords and he¡¯s pushed backward like a rag doll¡­


    Although the beast is overpowering him, he¡¯s swiftly maneuvering his body to avoid the long shining des, distracting it just like I asked. I begin to run over and call out to him as he eyes down the behemoth.


    ¡°Finished, let¡¯s do this!¡±


    My eyes track the shining silver long swords as the boss elegantly swings them both at us. Its left hand is about a meter above its right, swinging the twin swords horizontally across its body leaving trails of fire in their wake.


    I watch Arie dart to its right side, so I sprint to the left. We have to divide and conquer¡­


    The enormous monster lets out another roar, stepping backward and pointing its des to both of its sides. With the fiery swords, its wingspan is close to 10m and the heating off it is very intense. It¡¯s going to be hard to get in close¡­


    We go in for an attack anyways, it¡¯s now or ever.


    I grit my teeth and air-step forward throwing myself at the monster while covering my des with sharpyers of wind.


    The monster¡¯s swords elegantly glide in the air. The control and precision of this hideous monster¡¯s des is oddly¡­ beautiful¡­


    I get serious and begin zig-zagging in the air narrowly avoiding its fire-covered sword. Time seems like it¡¯s slowing down as I rocket through the air aiming my daggers at the monster¡¯s open neck.


    I let out a yell as its de whistles through the air back at me again. I manage to twist my body while pushing upwards with arge gust of wind to miss getting sliced by mere centimeters.


    I smirk and keepunching myself forward inching closer and closer to the beast¡¯s wide open neck.


    By the time its dees back to attack me a third time, I¡¯m less than a meter away.


    ¡°This is it¡­¡±


    I tighten the grip on both my des as I see Arie upying the monster from below. Both of its des arepletely out of range, this is a definite hit.


    My grin continues to widen as I fall closer to its neck concentrating more and more magic around my des for a deadly attack.


    I see its right eye turn to me, then its entire body bursts into much hotter mes.


    I¡¯m used to the heat, a few burns don¡¯t bother me. I continue falling in without hesitation.


    The monster makes a sharp turn, twisting the bone-white meter-long horns protruding from its back straight at me. As soon as I realize what¡¯s happening I activate ayer of body hardening, but toote, and my defenses are too weak.


    My eyes open wide and I cough out a mouthful of blood while ck crystals fragments shatter into the air. One of the sharp bones on its back pierces the right side of my chest ripping through flesh and sending me flying towards the ground at a ridiculous speed.


    I let out an angry yell, watching my HP drop close to 1000 points in a single blow¡­


    Moments before hitting the ground I create a pocket of wind to soften my fall, but still hit the hard red rock with a thud.


    I look up at the beast with a furious stare, letting out a wave of intimidation. It doesn¡¯t do much¡­


    The boss continues toying with Arie, sending him flying back with a swing of its left hand¡¯s de. Arie¡¯s only advantage is speed and agility. That¡¯s how he¡¯s able to avoid its sword swings from a distance. I wonder if he¡¯d be as helpless as I was up close.


    I dart around the monster¡¯s backside for a moment, looking at the blood-stained mass of bone sticking out from right below its neck. It was way too reckless of me to jump in without ounting for those¡­ A monster this strong wouldn¡¯t leave itself wide open like that on the first attack.


    While reaching into my item box to drink an HP potion, I use self-regeneration to heal my chest and re-think my entire battle n.


    ¡°Stealth.¡±


    I shake my head and get back into battle mode whilepletely disappearing from the monster¡¯s view. I¡¯m able to sense stealth users at lower levels than myself, so I¡¯ll have to assume it can sense me a little bit too.


    I take a deep breath in and out, then charge forward again. Once in range, I jump up simting myst attack.


    Arie shes daggers with its long de as I soar in at its neck with an identical trajectory to myst failure of an attack.


    The High Ogre King naturally thrusts its de upwards, but I avoid it with ease. With another subtle air-step to get back on course, I throw myself at the beast¡¯s open neck once again.


    The monster¡¯s right eye shifts to meet my exact flight path as it ignites its body into mes. I continue falling into its trap¡­ but it doesn¡¯t realize it¡¯s falling into mine.


    I grin watching its shoulder begin to twist, then activate my skill.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    A dark portal appears in front of me as the beast spins its body attempting to skewer me straight through. With milliseconds to spare, I fall through my warp portal, and its sharp mass of bone whistles through the air without making contact.


    Instantly, I force a portal open on the other side of its head about a meter above ande flying out with my des ready to kill.


    The beast lets out the most horrendous noise as I nt both my daggers into its neck reinforced by wind magic ripping its tough flesh to shreds. Its crimson liquid covers me as I dig deeper and deeper until it whips me off with a violent twist of its body.


    I air-step away before hitting the ground and avoiding its iling des as it continues to cry out in pain. Two bloody gashes remain on its neck. It¡¯s nowhere close to a fatal wound, but it¡¯s a damn good start.


    Arie is less than 10m away from me. I deactivate my stealth skill and let out augh.


    ¡°That worked, that actually worked! Haha, it¡¯s mad now¡­. but we can beat this thing! It¡¯s not invincible.¡±


    Arie smirks at me while breathing heavily whipping sweat from his forehead.


    ¡°You continue to surprise me, Jay. I¡¯ll keep it busy as best I can, you¡¯ll be our damage dealer. There¡¯s no way I can get in that close with its-¡°


    Arie is cut off by the murderous roar and heavy stomping charge of the bloodied High Ogre King.


    Both of us grip our daggers and ready ourselves without another thought. This is going to be a battle to remember.


    Jay''s Status: End of Chapter 112


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 312


    Hp: 1360/1565


    Mp: 1035/1565


    Strength: 757 [+300]


    Speed: 901 [+541][+270]


    Agility: 931 [+419][+300]


    Defense: 675 [+270][+236]


    Mental Strength: 757 [+151][+302][+341]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    [Enchanted Dagger Set] +300 Strength +300 Agility


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    _____________

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    A deep red fire grows hotter and hotter around the High Ogre King¡¯s body. Its dual des glimmer off the light of its crackling mes, twisting them around in the air.


    The monster lets out a bellowing roar and charges at us again. Myst sessful attack has definitely made it mad.


    I dart off to the left side and Arie veers off to the right.


    Using a few of my skills tond thatbination attack felt pretty good. Usually, I rely on my brute strength and fire-based attacks to take out my opponents.


    That won¡¯t work on this boss for a number of reasons¡­


    I smirk, realizing this is a good opportunity to utilize some of my new abilities. The cat¡¯s out of the bag on most of my skills for the people in this boss room, there¡¯s no point in holding back anymore.


    ¡°All-Seeing Eye.¡±


    I activate my perception-boosting ability and the entire battlefield seems to slow down in front of my eyes. This is the first time I¡¯ve used it with so many moving variables¡­ it¡¯s incredible.


    The boss looks like a fireworks show of variousplex mana patterns. Its inner body shines with a dense light pink core of energy leaking out into its arms, then swords to control them with the dual-wielding skill.


    I watch the mana continuously flow through the des as they fly through the air. My enhanced senses allow me to see exactly where they¡¯re headed seconds before they arrive.


    There¡¯s much darker pink mana, closer to red, permeating out of its body creating the dense mes. It bes very clear where the small gaps of fire magic are present, I¡¯ve never really thought of magic powers like this¡­ It¡¯s very technical¡­


    My mind is shocked by the sudden input of immense amounts of information, but I grit my teeth and continue running forward trying to stay focused.


    As I get closer, I air-step upwards to face the menace as it swings one of its swords at me. Last time, it took most of my strength and energy to twist out of the way to avoid its attack, this time around I have a different n.


    With a sly grin, I watch the flow of mana force its sword toward me in an almostckadaisical manner. What seemed to be elegant highly concentrated attacks before, now look like nothing more than careless random swings.


    I air-step towards it tracking the simple trajectory as it draws near.


    With a few light directional corrections in mid-air, I step onto the t side of its long de to propel myself upwards even higher. In the moment, I look down to see and feel all of the mana within myself with much greater understanding.


    ¡°Wind Summoning.¡±


    As I jump off the monster¡¯s de I concentrate on forming sharpyers of wind around my own, then release two invisible dense crescents of wind simr to the fire attack I tend to use often.


    The boss shifts its eye towards me as ites to the realization I¡¯ve somehowpletely outwitted it.


    *SHINGGGG*


    The invisible wind des cut through the weak points in its fire magic and hit the monster¡¯s open neck as I activate stealth and dungeon walker. A dark portal forms in front of me and I fall through while the Ogre cries out in pain.


    Momentster, Ie out of the warp portal next to Arie deactivating stealth as he fends off the monster¡¯s second sword. It lifts it up in the air reflexively to protect its neck, but this leaves its abdomen open for another attack.


    Without saying a word, I give a firm nod to my fellow dagger wielder, and we both charge in. With a gust of wind magic, I separate its veil of mes.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Wend four shes to its exposed mid-section. As soon as both of usnd our hits, I activate dungeon walker and drag Arie through the portal to narrowly avoid the angry monster¡¯s iing double-sword attack. Its fire magic engulfs the area be previously stood burning even brighter than before.


    We exit my warp portal about 10m away, right behind the bloodied angry mess of a boss. I let out anotherugh as Arie feels his face, then chest to make sure he¡¯s still in one piece¡­ he yells at me.


    ¡°Thanks- but what was that?! You have a teleportation skill? And you can bring people with you?¡±


    I breathe heavily and reach into my item storage to take out a few mana crystals. Then, crush them in my hand until they¡¯re dust, plundering my MP back up to full.


    ¡°I¡­ have a lot of skills as you can see.¡±


    I smile wide-eyed watching the High Ogre King turn towards us.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to talk about them with you, but now doesn¡¯t seem to be the right time!¡±


    I let out a chuckle and Arie nods with a grin.


    Suddenly, we¡¯re interrupted by the sound of loud yells behind us.


    We both quickly turn to see Bruce barely holding off a mutant Ogre¡¯s sword with his hammer and Abby glowing green healing arge gash in his side.


    Nessa and Abby attempt tond hits on the behemoth, but they seem to be having a hard time. Their swords keep shing against its shield, and both of them look rather awkward without the use of their special abilities. Sure, they¡¯re quick and they most likely won¡¯t get hit, but no damage is being dealt.


    The mutant they¡¯re fighting is overpowering and outmaneuvering them. Each member in that team of four is verypetent on their own, but theck of their best abilities is not helping one bit¡­. They¡¯re all out of their element, and facing an opponent stronger than anything they¡¯ve trained for.


    I turn to the tan-skinned dagger wielder by my side.


    ¡°Arie. If even one of us gets taken out here, we all fail-¡±


    He cuts me off, gritting his teeth and staring down the mutant.


    ¡°Leave it to me, you handle the boss. I will pass this exam no matter what, I¡¯m putting my trust in you Jay, don¡¯t die¡­.¡±


    I give him a firm nod.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    With that, we both dart off in opposite directions. Arie is more than capable enough to take on a mutant, and I may be the only one here that can get in close enough tond hits on the boss.


    There¡¯s not much time to think.


    I look up at the charging 6m tall Ogre while air-stepping off the ground to start another barrage of attacks.


    Every second my All-Seeing Eye ability stays active, the more clear everything around me bes. My movements be quicker and more precise as I adapt to the patterns of mana in the air.


    The monster swings both of its des at me but I activate stealth and begin my assault. Quickly and quietly I continue air-stepping around narrowly avoiding its des. It still senses my presence as I get closer and tries to spin its long sharp horns at me again.


    I see thising moments before it happens and let out two summoned wind-de attacks straight ahead while making a warp portal in front of me to transport directly to the monster¡¯s opposite side near its waistline.


    The dense des of wind sh with its bone-white horns letting out an almost metallic ring as I slice at its mid-section drawing more blood.


    In a rage, the beast swings its swords at my new position, but I warp out of the way as its heavy swords cut through the open air.


    Underneath my stealth skill, I continue to glow with a dark crimson aura, tinted with gold and white. The grin across my face widens more and more as I be increasingly in tune with my new enhanced perception ability. It¡¯s allowing me to confidently warp around the battlefield letting out attacks of wind magic at a safe distance.


    After 3 double hits to the abdomen and 1 brutal sh to its neck, I warp away to assess the damage I¡¯ve dealt and plunder MP from a few mana crystals.


    I¡¯m not making direct contact with the boss, so every moment I¡¯m fighting, I lose a considerable amount of mana.


    It¡¯s bleeding all over, but even with the array of attacks its taken, it must still have over 50% of its HP left. One wrong move and I¡¯m a goner.


    I take a deep breath and run back in. I instantly spawn a dark portal in front of me to get a perfect position to attack.


    *SHINGGGG*


    I continue to gain speed and uracy while shifting my weight in the air to narrowly but gracefully avoid its iing swords and release mid-range air-shes at its exposed parts.


    I start letting out loudughs as I let the Dagger Mastery skill take control of my des. Watching the mana flow through my arms and hands, allows me to sync their movements with my wind-summoning skill much more efficiently.


    Each attack I let out bes even more precise drawing more blood from the High Ogre King. It erupts with a bellowing rage-filled battle cry, struggling to get into a good defensive stance. Ind another five or so consecutive hits, then warp away temporarily to restore my mana.


    It raises its des, spinning around and turning its head back and forth trying to guess where my next attack wille from.


    By now, its legs, neck, and mid-section are covered in deep wounds. The monster is breathing heavily and I can sense its swings are slowing down. With a grin, I air-step back in warping around the beast letting out another ruthless wave of invisible attacks in its blind spots.


    Painful cries ring throughout the boss room as its guardian gets mutted from all sides.


    I warp away from the monster onest time to restore my MP with mana crystals and n a shy finish. I¡¯ve learned how to control a few of my skills much better, but I¡¯m not going to give up an opportunity to end this match in style.


    The hard ground cracks under my right foot as I boost myself forward with a gust of wind. With both daggers in hand, glowing with every buff in my arsenal, I get ready for the kill shot.


    The mes of the boss monster flicker as it holds its sword out in front, attempting to block my iing strike.


    Moments before impact, I use a warp portal to transport myself directly above its head. I throw my des in front of the monster using telekinesis to send them flying at its swords.


    The four weapons collide in the air creating a loud nging sound as Ind on the High Ogre King¡¯s back directly between its horns cing both hands t against its lower neck.


    ¡°Equivalent Exchange.¡±


    The brightest sh of white light fills my vision as I deal 1000 damage to the monstrosity below me. It roars, and I match its tone with a yell of my own. As many times as I use this skill, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll ever get used to the pain.


    My vision clears, and I scramble into my item box grabbing an HP potion and chugging it down as I begin to feel weightless¡­


    *THUDDDD*


    The mes all around me flicker and die down as the massive boss falls t on its face, and me along with it as I drop 6m to the floor. My daggers and its swords ng against the hard rock and I let out a sigh of relief.


    Then¡­. I feel the back muscles begin to twitch and a faint grunt slips out of its mouth. I immediately summon a sharp de of wind and concentrate all of my remaining mana into a single strike.


    Without hesitation, I release my attack on the beast¡¯s open neck.


    *SHINGGGG*


    The wind sword cuts through its flesh along with the hard red rock below.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    An extreme feeling of satisfactiones over my body as I choose yes and deactivate all my skills.


    The boss has finally been defeated.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 315


    Hp: 1580/1580


    Mp: 1220/1580


    Strength: 765 [+300]


    Speed: 910 [+546][+273]


    Agility: 940 [+423][+300]


    Defense: 682 [+273][+239]


    Mental Strength: 765 [+153][+306][+344]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    [Enchanted Dagger Set] +300 Strength +300 Agility


    [Rodrigo¡¯s Silver Bracelet]


    _____________

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    I look around the boss room until my teammatese into view.


    Arie is running circles around the mutant shing its weak points as the others work in perfect unison to distract the beast.


    Abby continues to heal Bruce as he takes hits from the monster¡¯s sword. Most are blocked by his hammer, but the asional stray hit slips through.


    Maria and Nessa look much morefortable working as a team with a direct goal in mind. They keep its shield busy while Arie gets to work.


    I smile and cross my arms watching the tan-skinned dagger wielder zip across the battlefield. Now that I think about it, I should ask him for a few tipster, I¡¯m sure my de skills would get significantly better if he helped me train.


    About six precise dagger shester, the final mutant falls to its knees at Arie¡¯s mercy.


    It¡¯s over.


    The massive King¡¯s corpse begins to dissolve and I hear the faint sound of metal hitting the hard rock floor. I turn to see a massive pink mana crystal beside a golden ring with a dark red jewel embedded in its face. I use appraisal.


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Ring] +60% Mental Strength


    I pick up both the loot items and spin them around in my right hand as I hold both my daggers in the left.


    ¡°All yours, you earned it.¡±


    I look up to see Arie wiping his des clean on his cloak while the other four team members follow close behind smiling wide.


    With a sigh, I take off the first ring I ever got from a boss battle, the mutant werewolf¡¯s ring. It only has a 20% metal strength boost, arguably my worst percent boosting item. All my slots are full for now, so I have to make a switch if I want to try out this new drop. I throw it in my item storage along with the mana crystal and ce the new High Ogre King¡¯s ring on my finger, the difference is instantly noticeable.


    As I admire my new jewelry, a sh of white light appears between my group and me. Maria was about to call out but was rudely interrupted by a red-suited examiner.


    Rodrigo appears and looks me in the eyes with a crooked grin, then his gaze slowly moves to the others.


    ¡°Congrattions, it looks like all 6 of you have passed the exam.¡±


    He turns back to me, staring intently with his dull white eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to offer you a position at the Hunters Association.¡±


    I gulp.


    He turns to the others.


    ¡°This goes for all of you, you¡¯ve passed one of the hardest C-ss exams ever given. The Association is looking for hunters with abilities just like yours.¡±


    Rodrigo turns back to me.


    ¡°This offer is optional for everyone here, except you.¡±


    I clench my jaw and stare back at him without saying another word.


    Arie¡¯s voice rings out from behind the examiner.


    ¡°I ept. I¡¯d like to join the Association.¡±


    Rodrigo slowly nods.


    ¡°Very well-¡°


    The white light of the dungeon¡¯s transfer magic begins to activate and my vision goes nk. Momentster, we¡¯re all stood close together in a rather narrow tunnel¡­


    It¡¯s very dark. The floor, walls, and ceiling are all made of hard ck stone, and about 20m in front of us is another light grey spinning mass of energy. There¡¯s the normal return portal behind, but¡­ there¡¯s two in such close vicinity. I whisper to myself.


    ¡°Is¡­ that another portal¡­?¡±


    Again, I hear Rodrigo¡¯s voice.


    ¡°It is. That portal leads to the finalbyrinth boss. I¡¯ll get to that in a moment, I¡¯d like to get to the point I was making before being cut off by the transfer magic.¡±


    I stare down the hallway and take a deep breath while feeling the dense mana in the air. It¡¯s much more intense than any dungeon break I¡¯ve ever experienced. Whatever is behind that portal must be incredibly strong¡­


    Rodrigo takes out his small white note of paper from earlier and scribbles something down.


    ¡°To collect your new C-ss licenses, please stop by the Hunters Association building tomorrow morning. Each of you is on the list and has an open contract deal avable if you desire to work with us.¡±


    The room goes silent.


    ¡°Jay, I¡¯m busy early tomorrow morning, but I¡¯ll set up a meeting with you and an Association higher-up. This will be mandatory if you¡¯d like to receive your C-ss license. Let¡¯s meet around noon.¡±


    My eyes open wide¡­ I knew it would be risky to show off my skills during this exam, but I had no idea it¡¯d be to this extent¡­


    A mandatory meeting with an Association higher up?


    What will they do to me? There¡¯s no known multi-skill user with capabilities like mine. I just showed them all off to 1 of 4 A rankers in the entire country¡­


    My stomach drops like a rock. The adrenaline pumping through my veins from my battle earlier exits my system as I¡¯m filled with dread and regret.


    How could I be so stupid¡­? I blew it. From the start, I was going to train secretly until my abilities knew no limits. I needed to have no equal before exposing my powers to the world.


    I got cocky and exposed myself for a good time¡­ I¡¯m an adrenaline junky with a power fantasy that jumped in too deep and got way out of my league¡­ Is that really what I¡¯vee to?


    Will they turn me into a weapon for the government? Do experiments on me to extract my powers?


    I gulp and shiver as a million thoughts begin racing through my head. I grit my teeth and stare at him with frustration.


    ¡°Y-You can¡¯t do-¡°


    He grins and nods.


    ¡°Yes I can, and I will. The Association has asked me to scout promising individuals, and I will provide them with what they demand. They¡¯ve given me a gift in return.¡±


    In a state of shock, my mouth hangs wide open as the reality of my crumbling future begins to set in. Rodrigo continues.


    ¡°Anyways, this is the final boss room. If you¡¯d like to challenge it, be my guest. It¡¯s impossible for any of you to defeat it at your current skill levels.¡±


    He turns to Maria and puts out his left arm.


    ¡°Come here, I assume you¡¯d like another bracelet, it¡¯ll be a much quicker way out.¡±


    She gulps and puts her wrist out. The examiner glows with a faint white light and she¡¯s wearing another silver bracelet all of a sudden. He grins.


    ¡°Alright, who would like a 1-way trip back to the outside world? Those of you that wish to fight the boss, again, you may go ahead and traumatize yourselves at your own leisure.¡±


    The narrow tunnel fell silent. I¡¯m not the only one thoroughly shocked by this oue¡­.


    Over 5 seconds pass and no one speaks up, I clear my throat and decided to break the silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to face the boss. I need a good fight right now.¡±


    I look Rodrigo In the eyes, then turn my head to the portal and start running.


    While storing one of my daggers in storage and pulling out my sword, I light my entire body into a ball of fire while activating every stat-boosting skill in my arsenal.


    The muffed yells of my teammates call out behind me, but I pay them no mind. The excitement from defeating this entire exam with such ease has turned into rage. I need a fight to the death to clear my mind¡­. That¡¯s all I can think about.


    Momentster, I jump through.


    With a ming dagger and long sword in hand, I take in the view of the final boss room.


    The ground ispletely t, and as ck as the cave I just left¡­ but the sky above¡­. Is beautiful.


    The outline above me is dome-shaped. It¡¯sprised of pink and white swirling mana. The feeling is both eerie and empowering, I stare at the slow-moving clouds above in awe activating my All-Seeing Eye for an even better view.


    The moment I do so, my heart skips a beat. There¡¯s an intense dark mass of energy rocketing toward me at an rmingly quick speed.


    I grit my teeth and ready my des. While looking straight ahead into the darkness I activate enemy detection, inspect, and appraisal.


    [100m]


    [Lv. 445]


    Active Items:


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Sword] +70% Strength


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Armor] +70% Defense


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    Active Skills:


    Dungeon Walker


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Buffs:


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Curse] Hidden Ability


    An impossibly fast blur of dark matter rockets toward me. All I see is a 4m tall demonic entity with white eyes and two curling red horns.


    It has a humanoid body, and the skillset seems oddly familiar to another creature I fought before this exam in the High Orc dungeon, but I have no time to makeparisons.


    I activate stealth and dart away to my left to make as much distance as possible from this monster hoping to formte a n.


    I grip my swords and glow bright increasing my buffs to their max potential while letting out a yell of frustration.


    Then, a swirling ck portal opens no more than 5m in front of me¡­ It used Dungeon Walker¡­


    I gulp as the ck palm of the demon stretches outwards followed by the rest of its body. The monster¡¯s white eyes lock on mine. I see the Greater Demon in all its glory.


    Rippling muscles head to toe, shining silver armor covering its vitals, long dark tribal-looking tattoos across its chest and arms. Its skin is very dark, but these mysterious tattoo-like lines are darker than any abyss.


    It shows me a toothy grin while lunging at me with an outstretched palm.


    There¡¯s nothing I can do¡­ It¡¯s too fast, and caught mepletely off guard¡­.


    I hear a deep voice ring out in my head.


    ¡°DEMONS CURSE!¡±


    My eyes open wide as its huge ck hand ms into my chest and I feel a horrible dark energy invade my body.


    I¡¯m thrown backward over 20m and skid across the ground for 20 more. I cough up blood and hear a ticking sound in my inner ear.


    Every time it ticks I¡¯m hit with a surge of inescapable pain, it¡¯s hot and sharp, covering my entire body and soul. It urs every second on the second¡­. The breath was knocked out of me on impact. I gasp for air as I open my status. My vision is blurry and all my senses are dulled.


    I have too many debuffs to count and every time I hear a tick my HP lowers by 100 points. I cough up more blood while putting away my dagger and scrambling to grab an HP potion. Finally, I find one and chug it down.


    The Greater Demon slowly walks toward me as I struggle to keep my bnce. My health is back to full, but it¡¯s dropping fast again as the ticks continue¡­


    The monster keeps inching closer as my vision blurs more and more. I grab another HP potion 10 secondster and regain my health, but it doesn¡¯t help at all.


    I¡¯m seeing stars, my vision is practically all ck. The creature inches closer and closer, curiously watching me struggle.


    My breathing bes erratic and I manage to chug another HP potion down before falling to my knees. This is a horrible sensation, all the muscles in my body are contracting harder than I can bear. All my systems are shutting down and there¡¯s nothing I can do.


    I can barely grasp the 4th HP potion in my hand.


    As my vision turnspletely ck, the potion falls through my fingers down to the floor.


    My HP hits 0 with a final tick as it breaks into shards of ss.

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    The veil of darkness in my vision slowly fades to white, then realityes into view.


    The horrible pain that took over my body is gone. I¡¯m sitting on the hard ground with my sword by my side and both hands in myp.


    The silver bracelet is gone.


    I died¡­


    I let out a long sigh, realizing I¡¯ve been transported to thebyrinth¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Jay! You¡¯re- uhm.¡±


    I look up to see Maria standing over me with Bruce, Abby, and Nessa behind her. The sky is dark and there aren¡¯t many hunters standing around anymore.


    With a nod, I put my sword away while slowly getting up to my feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    I stare at the floor for a moment, shake my head, then put a fake smile on my face before looking back at the lot of them.


    ¡°What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s celebrate, we made it. We¡¯re all C-ss hunters now!¡±


    Maria stares me in the eyes for a few seconds, then a grin widens across her face.


    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡±


    With a skip and a hop, she grabs me by the arm linking our elbows together.


    Simultaneously, a sh of white light appears right next to me and Arie appears breathing heavily with eyes opened wide. He looks around at us in confusion, then lets out his own sigh of relief.


    ¡°That was¡­. Not an opponent I had any hopes of beating¡­¡±


    He looks me in the eyes and I give him a firm nod.


    ¡°Yeah. Agreed.¡±


    I gulp.


    Arie puts away his bow and takes another look at all of us before I speak up again.


    ¡°Hey, do you want to go get dinner with us? To celebrate.¡±


    With a light smile, he agrees.


    The six of us head off back in the city¡¯s direction, there¡¯s a small road that winds all the way back.


    My mind continues to race thinking over the immense stupidity of my actions, but Maria¡¯s arm grasped around my own as we walk keeps me mildly distracted from the self-deprecating thoughts.


    Nessa and Bruce lead the way down the small road having a conversation about their guild and how this C-ss promotion will get them into new positions.


    Arie is silent for a bit but starts asking Abby about all the fine details of life at the Association. I try to listen in but keep zoning out into my own world so none of the information actually sticks in my head.


    Maria continues to squeeze my arm tight while humming softly to herself. We take up the rear, I stare straight ahead counting my breaths and focusing on the rhythmic footsteps as we travel to the town.


    The lights of the citye into view and I can even hear the main train line nearby.


    My stomach gurgles and Maria lets out a chuckle while turning to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m starving too, how about we go to that ce Rei took usst time we were here!¡±


    She practically jumps up and down, I smile and let out augh of my own replying in a low tone.


    ¡°That would hit the spot.¡±


    I look straight ahead as we near the city entrance and raise an eyebrow.


    ¡°What are the odds¡­.¡±


    Both Rei and Jack are standing by the arching city gate. It¡¯s not a main city entrance, but it¡¯s the only one that connects to this path from the mountains. They must have heard the news that hunters were finishing up and came to meet us.


    Two other groups of hunters and businessmen from the Association and Tara Guild wave down the rest of our team. It looks like no one came to greet Arie though. He follows Maria and me as we get closer.


    Rei waves us down and is the first to speak up.


    ¡°Jay! Maria! Congrats! Well- I assume you-¡°


    Maria utches her arm from my own and cuts her off while jumping forward.


    ¡°Yup! We did it!¡±


    Rei catches Maria mid-air to receive her flying hug as Jack approaches with a hand lifted up by his side.


    I firmly shake it and he grins.


    ¡°Congrattions. You¡¯re a C-ss now huh?¡±


    ¡°It seems I am.¡±


    Abbyes running over to us after talking to her group. Apparently, they¡¯re having a special celebration tomorrow for the Association¡¯s sessful applicants so she¡¯s avable to go out with us tonight without a problem.


    Bruce and Nessa walk over to us momentster, it seems like their guild master is away so they¡¯re free to celebrate too.


    I turn to Arie and nudge my head toward Jack And Rei.


    All four of them introduce themselves and we beginughing and re-telling a few interesting stories from the exam as we walk into town. Our final battle and the events that followed didn¡¯te up in conversation.


    The 8 of us get arge circr booth at a restaurant that lets us cook our own meat and vegetables on individual open grills. Each of us orders multiple entrees and enough bottles of drinks to drown a whale.


    With a clink of all our sses, the night begins. Smiles fill the room, and I slowly fade into peaceful bliss. All my worries turn into nothing but fuzzy nothingness and uncontrobleughter. We eat great food and celebrate a huge milestone in every great hunter¡¯s journey.


    We¡¯ve really be C-ss Hunters¡­


    A few hours pass and the restaurant begins to die down as parties leave. Our food and drinks diminish and Jack gracefully pays the bill.


    ¡°It¡¯s on me tonight, I¡¯ve booked you all a few hotel rooms too. Rest up and we¡¯ll take the train home tomorrow.¡±


    I squint trying to concentrate on the room key he¡¯s handing me. My vision is a bit blurry, the walls, floor, and people around me are bending and distorting at random.


    Maybe I drank too much¡­


    With a sloppy hand, I grab the key from Jack and thank him with a goofy grin. He puts his arm around my shoulder and Rei helps Maria up out of her seat.


    Arieughs and finishes the bottle in his hand before standing up.


    ¡°Jay, I had no idea you were such a lightweight!¡±


    He ps me on the back and I hup. My tan-skinned teammate gives me a toothy grin.


    ¡°Hope I see you tomorrow at the Association. I look forward to working with you in the future, you¡¯re a good guy!¡±


    With that, he gets up and leaves.


    I¡¯m left in a daze. His words definitely went in my right ear¡­ but half of them basically fell out the other side. I mumble to myself as Bruce, Nessa, and Abby say their goodbyes and walk out the door.


    ¡°Working together? With Arie? Why would I-¡°


    My heart skips a beat as my facade of happiness crumbles. The drunk bliss I¡¯d been indulging myself in spirals into quite the opposite.


    My breathing gets heavier and faster. I concentrate on my echoing footsteps as Jack helps me to the hotel.


    My mind is spinning and it¡¯s even harder to form clear thoughts with these toxins running through my system. It feels like hours have gone by, but I¡¯ve counted my footsteps to stay calm, we¡¯ve walked 3 blocks at most¡­.


    Jack¡¯s voice rings out in my ear.


    ¡°Hey, take this, I hope you feel better by the morning. Great nights tend to end like this anyways, right Jay?¡±


    He hands me a bottle of water and gives me a concerned smile as we enter a building. He speaks again.


    ¡°You¡¯re on the 4th floor, room 407.¡±


    I nod and lean against the hotel lobby¡¯s wall.


    ¡°I-uhhh- I- give me a minute, I think I¡¯m going to take a walk before I sleep.¡±


    Jack lets out a sigh.


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t wander too far.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, I won¡¯t.¡±


    Rei, Maria, and Jack all get in an elevator to their rooms as I stand with one arm holding me up against the wall drinking as much of the bottled water as I can manage.


    I take a few deep breaths, then walk out the front door.


    Wobbling back and forth, I take a stroll. The water did help a bit, but my mind is far from straight right now¡­ Being out here is better than a small closed-off room.


    I sigh, thinking back to that final boss fight¡­


    ¡°I never even stood a chance.¡±


    It was faster than me, stronger than me, and even had a Dungeon Walker ability just like mine. It¡¯s the same as that odd monster I fought before the exam too.


    A Demon.


    Are they the ones that run the dungeons? Demons? Do they feed off the power of mana absorbed inbyrinths? That would make sense¡­


    Asbyrinths are left without being defeated, their guardians would only grow stronger. They would add floors and gain levels¡­and¡­


    My mind races with paranoia and creativity as the walls of reality and fantasy twist in my head. I hear a ringing sound, and my head beings to ache pretty badly.


    With a grunt of pain, I sit down on a bus stop bench and chug thest of my water.


    It helps, but it¡¯s far from solving all my current issues.


    I open my status for the fun of it and let out a drunkenugh.


    ¡°All these skills and I still can¡¯t fend for myself!¡±


    I scroll, then decide to activate my All-Seeing Eye and do some leisurely intoxicated reading.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see here¡­ How about my fire magic, what¡¯s the description on this one?¡±


    ____________


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    Info: A powerfulbat magic skill with an aptitude for fire. The caster is able to summon mes from their body and even imbue them into weapons. Residue may be left behind to deal extra damage to an opponent even after the initial attack.


    Grade: [Fire Summoning]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    My eyes open wide and a goofy grines across my face as I click upgrade without hesitation, another screen pops up.


    ____________


    Upgrade: 100PP


    [Fire Summoning] -> [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    All fire magic attacks will increase in proficiency by 100%. Magic residue will burn indefinitely until put out by a magic spell of equivalent or greater proficiency.


    ____________


    ¡°Woohoo! Look at that!¡±


    Without another thought crossing my mind, my fire magic is upgraded on the spot.


    I continue scrolling, thinking about that demon I had no chance of defeating¡­ I grit my teeth and click on Dungeon Walker.


    ____________


    Dungeon Walker


    Info: An ability solely found in demonic entities. It allows the caster to form warp portals within dungeons they have traveled to in the past. The caster may bring along passengers via physical contact.


    Grade: No Grade


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I click upgrade faster than I could read the skill¡¯s description.


    ____________


    Upgrade: 50PP


    [No Grade] -> [Special Grade]


    Dungeon Walker may be performed instantaneously. No warp portalg time will be added while using the [Special Grade] option. Any dungeon the caster has seen, or stepped foot in, is avable for instant teleportation without the use of warp portals. Mana requirements for non-portal travel will be double.


    ____________


    My eyes and mouth open wide.


    ¡°Now this one, I gotta have this!¡±


    I click upgrade and continue the scrolling spree.


    ¡°What do I need¡­ what else could I- oh-¡°


    I raise an eyebrow and click on Self Regeneration.


    ____________


    Self Regeneration


    Info: An ability that allows the caster to convert mana into physical matter. Lost limbs and broken bones can be healed in an instant, allowing the caster to continue their battle. This skill does not replenish HP and may have heavy side effects including fatigue and drowsiness.


    Grade: No Grade


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I let out augh while clicking upgrade.


    ____________


    Upgrade: 50PP


    [No Grade] -> [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration will now heal poisons and curses up to a [Special Grade] rating. This is a passive skill. If any harmful foreign matter enters your body, it will be immediately expelled, allowing you to finish your battle.


    ____________


    ¡°Poison resistance! Nice!¡±


    I click upgrade and immediately feel mana being sucked out of me at an rmingly quick rate¡­.


    ¡°H-Hey What¡¯s going on here!¡±


    I try to deactivate all my active skills, but MP continues to leave my body. I grab a few mana crystals from my storage and plunder the energy to bring myself back to full, but my bar keeps falling¡­


    ¡°What is¡­.¡±


    The city lights around mee into clear view, they¡¯re not blurry white and red blobs anymore. The street under my feet stops wobbling and even the bench I¡¯m sitting on bes an actual t surface.


    The worldes back into clear view and my sober mind returns to me.


    ¡°Did I¡­. Just¡­¡±


    I blink a few times and look down at my hands, then jump up in the air to stretch my legs and arms.


    I breathe in fresh air and stare at my status in awe¡­ The bad news is, I just went on a drunk spending spree. The good news is, well, I guess I¡¯ll never be able to do it again¡­.


    I gulp.


    At least I upgraded a few good abilities¡­ I feel great, and have way too many things to think about right now. Sleep is not an option. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to try them out.


    A grin slowly creeps back onto my face as I make my way toward the city¡¯s Dungeon Hub.


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 315


    Hp: 1580/1580


    Mp: 1510/1580


    Strength: 765


    Speed: 910 [+546][+273]


    Agility: 940 [+423]


    Defense: 682 [+273][+239]


    Mental Strength: 765 [+459][+306][+344]


    Skills:


    Absorption


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic[Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal[Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    _____________

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    I make my way down the dimly lit streets. The sidewalks are empty and there isn¡¯t a single person in sight. My footsteps echo through the dark alleys as I walk straight toward the Dungeon Hub.


    My mental rity is unmatched, I know exactly what I have to do.


    ¡°I need to get back into that Labyrinth.¡±


    If the association wants to force a mandatory contract on me, I¡¯ll make it as hard as possible for them. I¡¯ll train all night and sharpen my skills. If the offer they put in front of me resembles a ve contract in any way, I¡¯ll just go rogue.


    I already have a pretty good reputation as ¡°The me Emperor¡± in the ck market society here. If all else fails, I guess I¡¯ll be fine¡­


    I gulp.


    ¡°This is my decision. My unique skill is a special one. Possibly the most powerful skill there is, I need my freedom to use it to its full potential. I-¡°


    My footsteps cease to echo into the night as I realize my error in wasted potential¡­ I just spent 200PP¡­ I could have upgraded my Absorption skill to legendary grade. With a sigh, I open my status and activate my All-Seeing Eye to check out my most important attribute.


    ____________


    Absorption


    Info: This is a unique skill. Upon dealing the final killing blow to any creature, the caster has the capability to absorb its skills. Absorbed skills will be adapted to fit the caster¡¯s biology.


    Grade: No Grade


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I click Upgrade without hesitation.


    ____________


    Upgrade: 50PP


    [No Grade] -> [Special Grade]


    Skills acquired using absorption will increase in grade ss up to [Special Grade] upon casting.


    A [Special Grade] hidden ability: After defeating opponents of considerable strength, there is a chance the caster will be able to absorb 5% of their open highest stat points. This will permanently increase the caster¡¯s status. For every 5 levels that the opponent surpasses the caster¡¯s own, the probability of triggering this passive ability increases by 1%.


    ____________


    I click upgrade and smile with satisfaction. I have 65PP left, I¡¯ll keep the rest stockpiled for now. Legendary-grade absorption probably would have been incredibly good, but special-grade will be a neat increase for the time being. These things happen for a reason, right?


    I begin walking again and make it to the dungeon hub less than 15 minutester. This is a much more popted portion of the city. Late-night hunting isn¡¯t too popr, but some still do it. Everyone has their own schedules after all. A dungeon¡¯s environment doesn¡¯t revolve around our 24hr clock, they¡¯re always the same inside, so it¡¯s the same diving experience.


    I walk to the gates and show the nightshift guard my D-ss license to travel down into the hub. There¡¯s less than half a dozen hunters down here. I get on the first train and get off at the first stop. It¡¯s some random low-grade D-ss dungeon, I don¡¯t even take the time to read what monsters spawn here.


    The moment I¡¯m inside, I draw my sword and activate Dungeon Walker.


    The instant I do, my body bes very light. A portal doesn¡¯t even form. All I see are potential destinations in my mind¡¯s eye, my physical body isn¡¯t part of the equation. I lock onto an overlook in the mountains on floor 11 of thebyrinth and transport there without another thought.


    With a grin, I look down at my sword, then up at the beautiful view of the mountains as a Griffin flies overhead.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how Special Grade Dungeon Walker works. Nice.¡±


    I activate enemy detection and begin teleporting around all 5 floors, 11 through 16. Without being noticed, I count just under 30 stragglers remaining. Most of them are on the 16th floor, continuing to train for their final test.


    ¡°I have plenty of time.¡±


    I find myself a deste area on the 16th floor with a group of High Ogres and take out a dagger to hold with my sword. Using all my stat-boosting skills along with my newest advanced fire-summoning skill. My body glows dark red with a hint of gold.


    My mes crackle and twist as my sword begins to glow.


    In an instant, I begin zipping around the battlefield. My strength and speed outdo these measly level 320s. Secondster, four corpses fall to the floor in pieces, still burning bright with mes that show no sign of flickering out.


    I smirk, then activate Dungeon Walker again. Without bothering to collect the loot, I find myself another group of monsters.


    This continues on for about an hour. I get a feel for my new dual-wielding ability. The movements of my dagger and sword together feel much more natural. I can block with one and attack with the other.


    I¡¯ve been using wind magic with the dagger, and fire with my sword. The mes from my new advanced skill seem to actually not go out until the object they¡¯re burning turns to ash.


    After roughly 20 High Ogres, I gain 6 more levels. I¡¯m level 321 now, there¡¯s only two opponents in thisbyrinth that are worth fighting now.


    The floor 16 High Ogre King, and the Greater Demon up above¡­


    The only problem is Rodrigo. He¡¯s standing right outside the boss room, so the only way to go in and train would be to walk past him. That¡¯s not a conversation I¡¯m willing to have right now.


    I use Dungeon Walker to teleport nearby and climb up a jagged rock ledge that looks down on the boss room portal from a distance. While sitting up against therge hard t rock, I wait.


    My breathing is slow, heart rate is steady, and mindpletely clear. There¡¯s only one mission toplete, get into that boss room without the A-ss examiner noticing.


    About 30 minutes go by. The heat up here is getting very ufortable, but I take the pain and keep staring ahead.


    A team of 4 finally arrives. My eyes perk up as I see Rodrigo giving them the usual entrance speech. A few secondster, they all enter the spinning mass of energy.


    ¡°Now¡¯s my chance.¡±


    Quickly and quietly, I get down from the ledge and run over to the unsupervised portal. I look over my shoulder a few times while waiting for the necessary 30 seconds to pass so I can fight my own boss battle.


    Just like that¡­ I make it in! I re-activate my stat-boosting skills and get to work.


    With a sh of light, the battle begins. A wave of High Ogreses running at me, but I cut them down in seconds without much issue at all.


    Running forward while activating my detection skills, two mutantse at me right on cue. With extreme speed and precision, I warp around them while plundering MP with every sh of my sword.


    They both fall to piles of ash momentster. While wiping sweat from my forehead, the familiar sounds of the ming High Ogre King ring out from behind me.


    I ignite myself into a ball of fire to match its energy and jump into the air toward the beast with a glowing de.


    It¡¯s a much easier fight this time around.


    I know all of this Ogre¡¯s tricks, and it doesn¡¯t know a single one of my weaknesses. With a few well-timed Dungeon Walker teleportations and too many air shes to count, I bring the King to its knees once again.


    With a final swing of my de, I defeat the boss. After all the battles in this room, my level went up another 5 times. I¡¯m level 326 now.


    The King dissolves and drops a mana crystal, nothing more. I¡¯m transported to the long dark hallway and stop in my tracks. While staring at the spinning portal before me, I gulp and decide it¡¯s not time yet¡­


    With a deep breath, I use Dungeon Walker to transport myself back to my hiding spot. It seems the other team has not returned though¡­ While scanning the area carefully, I enter the room again.


    I go through the exact same fights, but this time it¡¯s even easier. The King is in and I gain 3 levels in total, bringing me to level 329. The boss did not drop any loot a second time in a row, just a mana crystal. When I transport back to my hideout up on the ledge, I see Rodrigo standing by the portal.


    I let out a sigh.


    ¡°It looks like I¡¯ll get 2 chances every time a teames along.¡±


    While waiting, I twirl my dagger and count the drips of sweat that fall from my forehead hitting the hot red ground below me as they sizzle into steam. Another full hour passes before a new team arrives.


    I jump to my feet as Rodrigo gives them the talk and they all enter the portal. I get to face off another two rounds against the King.


    After my inevitable double victory, I gain 6 more levels bringing me to level 335. The boss actually dropped a nice piece of armor. It¡¯s a chest te with 400+ defense, a bit too bulky for my style, I put it in my item storage and wait on the ledge above for another team to arrive.


    Dripping sweat, and losing brain cells in the horrible heat up above, a third party meets with the tan-skinned examiner. They¡¯re a party of 6, wearing copious amounts of gear giving off auras of various colors. They all look pretty nervous.


    The lot of them enter normally, and I wait up above for the 30 seconds to pass.


    Once they do¡­.


    I watch the spinning mass of energy turn dark grey, my face lights up with a smile and my eyes open wide.


    Thatrge team must have failed their raid¡­. That was quick¡­


    This next boss is going to be a mutant.


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 335


    Hp: 1680/1680


    Mp: 1680/1680


    Strength: 816 [+150][+751]


    Speed: 968 [+581][+290]


    Agility: 999 [+450][+150]


    Defense: 724 [+290][+253]


    Mental Strength: 816 [+490][+326][+367][+441]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    [Enchanted Dagger Set(1/2)] +150 Strength +150 Agility


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+92% Strength][+54% Mental Strength]


    _____________

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    I grip my shiny ck dagger in my left palm while igniting the mes of my sword in my right.


    With a grin ear to ear, I jump through the dark swirling mass of energy in front of me. A mutant boss, this is just what I¡¯ve been waiting for.


    My body materializes on the other side, spawning me into the boss room.


    The air is thick. Much thicker than the air outside or any of the previous boss rooms I¡¯ve been in. I let out a few muffled coughs as the steam and smoke around me fills my lungs with hot fumes.


    Using a constant gust of wind magic, I manage to keep therge particles of dust and ash from my mouth so I can concentrate on my surroundings.


    The dense mana in the air is close to unbearable. It almost feels like it¡¯s about to materialize from the sky and fall to the floor¡­


    Activating enemy detection, I sense the usual two waves of monsters approaching and take care of business. With a few swift air steps and the asional use of teleportation for better positioning the High Ogres, and their mutant counterparts burn to piles of ash.


    They¡¯re definitely a little stronger, but nowhere near what I expected. It¡¯s kind of a letdown¡­


    ¡°Have I already outgrown thisbyrinth? Is it-¡°


    My mumbling gets cut off by heavy footsteps approaching.


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    I see the familiar sight ofrge steam clouds instantly turning blood red as a beast emerges.


    It has simr proportions to the previous boss, but the wave of even denser mana that fills the air as it approaches is rather off-putting. The beast¡¯s skin is much darker red, and its eyes glow with a fiery rage.


    The huge Mutant High Ogre King lets out a roar as it readies both of its silver and gold des staring me down with an intensity hard to match.


    I use inspect and appraisal while gritting my teeth. A grin creeps through my clenched jaw.


    [Lv. 387]


    Active Items:


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Sword] +55% Strength


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Sword] +55% Strength


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Armor Set] +750 Defense +350 Speed +350 Agility


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Ring] +60% Mental Strength


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Pendant] +60% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [High Ogre King¡¯s Resistance] +70% Magic Resistance


    [King¡¯s Body Raised in Fire] +70% Extra Fire Resistance


    [Blood of a Mutant] +25% All Stats


    [Mutant King¡¯s Fit of Rage] Hidden Ability


    I scan its stats and take into ount the subtle changes.


    Some of its armor and weapons have increased in strength by a few percent, its fire summoning skill has upgraded to advanced, and there¡¯s a brand new buff that adds 25% to all of its base stats¡­


    I gulp but know I¡¯m stacked with overpowered gear as well. If anything, our base stats are close to even. I have the advantage because of my abundant list of skills.


    I lunge forward and the battle begins. I glow with dark golden crimson mes, and the boss burns dark red swinging its swords with cool calcted precision.


    We sh des as I air-step and teleport around the battlefield. My All-Seeing Eye picks up on its fine movements, and I stay one step ahead at all times.


    Hit after hit, the mutant¡¯s mes grow hotter as I cut away at its thick flesh with wind shes and asional hits from my sword.


    The monster stays calm and does not make this battle easy on me. I onlynd one out of every six or so hits. Even with my perception boost, it¡¯s quick on its feet and skilled with those shining des.


    I take a page out of its book, and stay cool and collected myself. The sound of nging metal rings out in the boss room as both of our fire burns bright and the mutant defends its throne.


    About 5 minutes pass and I¡¯vended a number of hits on the beast. It¡¯s not slowing down, and for some reason, doesn¡¯t seem worried in the slightest. For now, I take advantage of every perk I can get and carry on filing down its defenses.


    sh after sh, blood drips from the beast and sparks fly in the air as our battle continues. Finally, I can sense its movements slowing down as my sessful attacks grow in numbers.


    Gashes pile on up its arms, legs, and gaps in its armor. The beast begins to breathe heavily, and I do not slow down. I drip with sweat counting to sh away at my opponent.


    With a final barrage of attacks, I let out a yell, and the beast falls to its knees with a loud grunt.


    *CLANGGGG*


    ¡°It¡­ dropped its swords?¡±


    I pause for a moment mid-stride in a state of confusion. The boss breathes heavily and stares me in the eyes as I cautiously inch closer to it with my weapons in hand.


    It doesn¡¯t move, or even try to grab the swords by its knees. The monster just grunts and sways side to side while staring into my soul.


    ¡°Such¡­ an odd battle¡­¡±


    I gulp and continue inching toward the behemoth in from of me.


    This monster fought long and hard, but my abilities were too overpowered in the end, it never stood a chance.


    ¡°So, you admit defeat? I¡¯ll end it here.¡±


    With a smirk, I concentrate my mana into my sword storing up wind and fire magic more powerful than anything I¡¯ve ever attempted. I have to make it shy after all.


    With my right foot, Iunch myself forward and ready myself to release my new all-powerful attack. I soar forward at the beast while it stays still, presumably frozen in fear, or dumbfounded in defeat.


    Then, less than 5m before impact, I see a shift in its eyes. A deep crimson fire burns deep within them, especially with my All-Seeing Eye active, the depths of its mana pools are beyond my wildest imagination.


    The monster¡¯s HP can¡¯t be more than 10% right now, and it still has this much power.


    ¡°How could it¡­?¡±


    I mutter a few words, while reflexively shielding myself with body-hardening crystals and bracing for impact as I watch its mana stores triple in size before my eyes.


    I let out a gasp as its entire body begins to glow bright red, erupting into a magnificent disy of fire.


    I¡¯m struck with a burning hot wave of dark red mes that are even hotter than my own. My entire right arm is engulfed in the st before I activate Dungeon Walker and teleport to the far side of the boss room.


    I blip 100m away, breathing heavily while watching a wave of mes roll towards me. There¡¯s a searing pain in my arm that was caught in the st.


    ¡°H-How-¡±


    Then I remember one of its unique buffs. The ¡°Mutant King¡¯s Fit of Rage¡±, must be it. A failsafe when it¡¯s on itsst breath, a self-destruct skill.


    I grit my teeth while using my de to break apart the rock floor below me. After I dig down 3m or so, I jump in and take cover, holding the rocks above my head with all the telekinesis I can muster.


    The earth around me rumbles as the wave of mes passes over me. Fire seeps in, but I hold strong and keep the bulk of it out. About 3 seconds go by before the extreme heat clears.


    Then a familiar ringing sounds in my head.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I let out a sigh, rxing for a moment, then feeling that sharp hot pain in my right arm.


    While moving the rumble out of the way, I get back up to the surface and deactivate my skills.


    My mes die down and my buffs vanish, but the fire on my right arm does not go out¡­ It continues to burn deep into my bicep, forearm, and is creeping down to my hand.


    ¡°This is the advanced fire summoning at work..¡±


    The mes from this skill don¡¯t go out unless nullified by one of equal level, I would assume water magic is a viable cure¡­


    I let out a sigh, then teleport myself over to the monster¡¯s corpse while managing the pain.


    I flinch, as the dark mes start burning my hand, and creep up to my shoulder.


    The boss is in pieces and hasn¡¯t dissolved yet, I look around hastily. The fire doesn¡¯t hurt too much, but this could get bad¡­


    I gulp, put my dagger into my item storage and switch my sword over to my left hand¡­


    With a deep breath in, then out, I close my eyes and swing downwards to cut off my right arm in one swift sh.


    Letting out a grunt of pain, immediately, I begin regenerating my lost limb while eyeing the fallen monster¡¯s corpse eagerly.


    ¡°This better be worth it¡­¡±


    My heart pounds in my ears as my wound fully heals and I grab a few mana crystals to regain my MP.


    *CLINK*


    Time slows down as I watch two crystals fall out of the King¡¯s dissolving corpse.


    One is arge pink mana crystal, but the other¡­


    ¡°Is that¡­ an element stone?¡±


    A palm-sized crystal, red hot with mes hits the hard rock floor echoing throughout the boss room. My gaze is glued to the ming stone as it rolls to my feet.


    It¡¯s semi-translucent, with a dark red base color. I can see the ground right through it. The hand-sized gem gives off a flicker of intense mes, giving off a lot of heat.


    For a moment, I just stare. Then, I carefully open my item storage, cing it inside with the tip of my de. I¡¯m not taking any chances, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m touching those mes again.


    I take the mana crystal and throw it in my storage as well. This is not what I expected when I thought I¡¯d fight a mutant, but with a reward like this, I can¡¯tin.


    The bright white transfer magic begins to glow and I¡¯m transported to the narrow tunnel leading to the Labyrinth¡¯s final boss.


    The ominous portal spins at the end of the rock-lined hallway and my thoughts run wild. The dense mana in the air doesn¡¯t help me think straight. All it does is add more pressure to the situation at hand.


    I¡¯ve gotten much stronger since I challenged itst time. With my new skill upgrades, I can just teleport out in an instant if things are going downhill. There¡¯s always more time to train if I need to.


    ¡°Am I¡­ really ready for thebyrinth¡¯s final boss?¡±


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 340


    Hp: 1140/1705


    Mp: 1705/1705


    Strength: 829 [+771]


    Speed: 983 [+590][+295]


    Agility: 1014 [+456]


    Defense: 735 [+294][+257]


    Mental Strength: 829 [+498][+332][+373][+456]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+93% Strength][+55% Mental Strength]


    _____________

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    I stare at the grey mass of energy spinning in front of me. My breaths slow down as I think over my current situation.


    I could wait around outside the 16th-floor boss room for a few more hours. There are about 5 teams left, I¡¯d have a few more chances to get stronger before facing the Greater Demon again.


    On the other hand, it really couldn¡¯t hurt to test my luck. I canpare my new skills to the demon and teleport out instantly if I¡¯m in any real danger.


    I gulp.


    ¡°This is just a trial run¡­¡±


    I take out both my des. Sword in my right hand and dagger in my left.


    Each footstep I take echoes in the narrow stone tunnel. The spinning portal gets closer and closer until I step through without a second thought.


    The intensity of mana in the air rises as I¡¯m transported into the final boss room.


    My heart rate spikes as I activate all my stat-boosting skills my All-Seeing Eye.


    Fast, yet light footsteps catch my attention from the back of the room. They vanish, then a dark swirling mass of energy appears no more than 20m in front of me.


    I clench my jaw and lift my weapons as the Greater Demon appears.


    Its eyes are a dreadful pale white contrasting its dark skin. The red-horned creature that one-shotted mest time we fought slowly walks toward me without a shred of hesitation in its movements.


    My breathing speeds up and I ignite my body into a ball of fire. My eyes nce side to side trying to think of a n. Then¡­ I hear a deep voice ring out in my head.


    ¡°You¡¯ve returned. It¡¯s not often a visitores back to see me a second time.¡±


    The towering demon continues its slow strut toward me as it shows me a sly toothy grin while shing me the face of its sword.


    My eyes and mouth both open wide for a moment, then I stutter a few words.


    ¡°D-Did you just talk¡­ to me?¡±


    The monster stares straight ahead, continuing its rhythmic strides in my direction.


    ¡°I did young one. It seems this is your first time¡­ talking to one of my kind.¡±


    Frozen in ce, I don¡¯t know how to process what¡¯s going on. I¡¯ve heard of intelligent monsters, but never anything that canmunicate to humans with actual words.


    The demon is less than 10m away now, its voice rings out in my head again.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame you had toe back here, I see a great potential in you, mere mortal. Unfortunately, I¡¯ll have to cut the bud before it blooms.¡±


    Drops of sweat roll down my forehead as the final bosses closer and closer.


    It¡¯s less than 5m away now¡­. and I¡¯m finallying back to my senses. A wave of urgencyes over me as I let out a thin smile.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try.¡±


    I use Dungeon Walker to teleport behind the demon and release a sh of fire from close range. It¡¯s a surprise attack, and a powerful one at that. I let out a grunt as the dark red wave of energy rockets toward the demon¡¯s exposed back.


    Time seems to slow down as I watch my mes cut through the air.


    My attack inches closer and closer but something doesn¡¯t feel quite right¡­


    In the next moment, with unfathomable speed and precision, I watch the demon turn its neck to lock eyes with mine giving me a bone-chilling stare.


    I watch the hard floor beneath its feet fracture as it propels itself away with both immense power and seamless ease. The deep voice rings in my head again.


    ¡°I apud you for your efforts, but this is the end.¡±


    The menacing Greater Demon turns toward me with a wicked grin. It flies forward obliterating the rocky floor beneath its feet, hurling stones in wave-like patterns on either side of its body.


    I grit my teeth and use Dungeon Walker to distance myself from the beast again, over 40m away.


    The second I appear, a ck swirling mass of energy opens directly beside me. The same overpowering energy destroys the stone floor all around us as a massive ck demon¡¯s handes shooting out of the portal. I hear its voice onest time.


    ¡°Goodbye, it was fun ying with you. DEMON¡¯S CURSE.¡±


    The fast-moving palm ms into my chest. I get shbacks from my previous time fighting this monster as the breath gets knocked out of me.


    While letting out a desperate gasp for air, I activate Dungeon Walker and teleport myself as far away as I can without thinking much about where.


    My HP drops 100, but my MP does too¡­


    For some reason, it¡¯s easiest for me to transport here of all ces¡­ The 3rd mountain in the Griffin¡¯s dungeon, overlooking the vast hills and trees below.


    My head throbs as I keep trying to inhale air through my punctured lungs. While regenerating damaged organs and a few broken ribs I finally stand to my feet.


    I open my status to watch my health and MP drop lower and lower as I deactivate all my skills chugging an HP potion.


    Last time I was hit with that ¡°Demon¡¯s Curse¡± it did not end well¡­ at all¡­


    I gulp.


    My HP returns to full, but momentster drops 100 points again with my MP bar along with it. Every second, both of them drop roughly 100 points.


    ¡°Why¡­ My MP too? Why is this-¡°


    Then I remember my new passive perk thates with my [Special Grade] Self Regeneration skill: Poison and Curse removal.


    I stare at my status wide-eyed while taking a few mana crystals out of my storage to plunder their MP. About ten seconds go by and the rate of decreasing mana and HP slows considerably.


    They¡¯re dropping by just under 50 points each per second. After half a minute of intense breathing, HP potion drinking, and mana crystal plundering, the curse finally dissipatespletely.


    I let out a sigh of relief, then sit down on a rock ledge to think about the events that just took ce.


    This is a highly intelligent monster. Its telepathy ability even allows it tomunicate with humans. My base stats are nowhere near strong enough to stand a chance in a battle of brute strength or speed.


    It outpaced me in an instant even while my All-Seeing Eye and a superior teleportation skill. This Greater Demon is in a league of its own.


    I scrunch my eyebrows and focus on the never-ending sea of trees in front of me.


    ¡°This is not going to be easy¡­ Not one bit¡­¡±


    I sit and stare for a while trying to formte a n, then one thing the monster said to me starts to poke at the back of my mind.


    The moment I entered, it said: ¡°You¡¯ve returned. It¡¯s not often a visitores back to see me a second time.¡±


    That must mean it remembers me. The final boss¡¯ domain has to act like a normal dungeon floor for that to be the case. It¡¯s not like the boss rooms that reset every time a hunter defeats or leaves them.


    ¡°So, that¡¯s its weakness.¡±


    A small grin starts to form at the corners of my mouth.


    Griffins fly high in the sky as my brain starts piecing together the perfect n. Thisbyrinth has taught me a lot. Watching my teammates grow, defeating higher-level monsters with their limited abilities is pretty neat to see. Now it¡¯s my turn.


    Sometimes, being stronger than your opponent is a weakness if you can¡¯t guess their next move.


    It¡¯s time for me to put away the checkerboard and start ying chess.


    I grip my des and double-check my status to make sure my HP and MP are at full before activating Dungeon Walker and surveying my potential warp points.


    Momentster, I prepare to throw myself back into battle.


    I have one objective. With the element of surprise, my n will go off without a hitch.


    I teleport in as close as possible to the resting demon., this is the first time I¡¯ve seen it not in full battle mode. The monster sits on arge t stone b at the backside of itsir overlooking the dome-shaped boss room.


    A meter-tall egg-shaped red object catches my eye as I¡¯m portaling in. The Demon seems to be eyeing it, guarding it even¡­


    I pay it no mind and stick to the n. My sword glows red and I pre-charge it to the brim with advanced fire magic. I release my attack at point nk without hesitation.


    The red-hot mes ripple through the air toward the unsuspecting demon. I assume it will dodge, so I charge up another attack to ready a countermove.


    As expected, it immediately realizes the danger, but a series of unexpected events unfold.


    Rather than using its own Dungeon Walker ability, the monster throws its body in front of the red odd-shaped orb on the ground. I still can¡¯t see it clearly from this distance, but the object seems to be of great value to this creature¡­


    My fiery sh makes contact with the Greater Demon, exploding into a crimson ball of mes as it hits the monster¡¯s right shoulder. It deflects some of the less intense outeryers of the attack away from any vital points with its long de, but takes a majority of it at point-nk range¡­


    It lets out a muffled grunt mixed with a roar as the fire residue sinks into its thick skin, searing it from the inside out.


    This is not what I intended to do, but I¡¯ll take every chance I can get.


    The angry voice of the Greater Demon rings in my head again.


    ¡°Mortal Boy! You¡¯vee too close to sullying the duty of a Labyrinth¡¯s Guardian.¡±


    The dark-skinned monster nces at the red item again then steps toward me with anger filling its eyes.


    ¡°This time, I will not hold back.¡±


    The ground all around me begins to rumble and fragments of ck stone begin floating up into the air.


    I gulp¡­


    Then do what I promised myself I would. Use my head.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    In an instant, I warp away from the rage-filled Guardian¡¯s Lair back to the peaceful mountaintop.


    Stage one of my n isplete, it didn¡¯t go exactly how I wanted it to, but I got it done. The demon has been inflicted with a curse of my own, the ever-burning mes of advanced fire summoning.


    Soon, I¡¯ll move to phase two. The only thing bugging me is the new information that¡¯s been revealed.


    ¡°What is that mysterious red orb¡­?¡±


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 340


    Hp: 1140/1705


    Mp: 1705/1705


    Strength: 829 [+771][+150]


    Speed: 983 [+590][+295]


    Agility: 1014 [+456][+150]


    Defense: 735 [+294][+257]


    Mental Strength: 829 [+498][+332][+373][+456]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+93% Strength][+55% Mental Strength]


    [Enchanted Dagger Set(1/2)] +150 Strength +150 Agility


    _____________

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    I take a few deep breaths, remembering the pain I felt when I was burned by the mutant boss on floor 16.


    I¡¯ve inflicted a simr wound on the Labyrinth¡¯s Guardian. To my knowledge, it doesn¡¯t have any way of healing.


    It never would have allowed itself to be hit by my attack, but threw itself in harm¡¯s way to protect that egg-shaped orb.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    While twirling a dagger around in my left hand I tighten my lips and rack my brain for an answer.


    "¡­¡±


    ¡°I have no idea¡­¡±


    It¡¯s a puzzling situation. I guess I¡¯ll just have to defeat this monster and find out on my own. In the meantime, it¡¯ll be a very valuable resource in my battle. If that red rock is something the Greater Demon is willing to sacrifice itself to protect, then I¡¯ll take full advantage of its weakness.


    My foot begins to tap against the hard rock below me. It¡¯s been about 30 seconds, but I need to wait longer to make sure its right arm is fully incapacitated.


    If I couldn¡¯t put out the fire from a skill I own myself, there¡¯s no way it¡¯ll be able to easily snuff those same mes. These are my hopes at least¡­


    Griffins continue to fly by as my foot tapping bes faster and louder until I can¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±


    I inhale deeply, preparing myself for the battle ahead. It¡¯s time to stay cool and calcted, no wrong moves can be made here.


    I activate Dungeon Walker and scout out a good ce to teleport in. The Greater Demon is still atop that long stone b, protecting the red orb.


    A smirk of satisfaction creeps onto my face as I take in the sight of its mangled right arm. The demon now holds its long sword in its left hand while its right upper limb hangs from the shoulder joint with w marks all over its flesh.


    Blood drips to the floor next torge chunks of still-burning demon flesh. The monster¡¯s white eyes are sharp and its breathing is heavy. It cut off all of the burning sections of its own body.


    I¡¯ve really pissed it off¡­


    While finding the perfect positioning, putting the Demon between its precious rock and myself, I reappear while releasing an attack at full power without a second of hesitation.


    The dark crescent of advanced fire magic rockets toward the Greater Demon, but it seems to be a bit more prepared this time around.


    Instantly, as my fire approaches, the monster grabs its ruby-colored egg, and Dungeon Walks away. Over 100m away¡­ The Labyrinth¡¯s Guardian is running from me now?


    ¡°Haha! You-¡°


    My premature excitement vanishes in an instant as the deep voice of the Greater Demon rings out in my head.


    ¡°I will make you pay. For even thinking of attacking the truebyrinth¡¯s ruler, YOU SHALL PAY!¡±


    The hard stone floor begins to rumble again as I see rock flying through the air and the monster rocketing toward me. It is a terrifying sight, but I can¡¯t help but be a little amused by its dangling right arm.


    I dart off to its unguarded side, making things as difficult as possible for the demon.


    It swerves mid-charge, and I process all the moving parts in front of me to make a logical decision.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    I teleport out of its way. Again, there¡¯s no point in facing this menace face to face.


    I materialize 50m away on the other side of the dungeon. A ck spinning portal appears by my side, but I teleport away again before any part of the monster cane out of it.


    Over and over, we y a game of cat and mouse. I continuously charge my sword with fire and blip all over the boss room trying to position myself for another clear shot.


    Even with an inferior skill, the Greater Demon follows me close behind with scary precision. There¡¯s a fraction of a second ofg time between its portal and my instant transmissions. I use this to my full advantage.


    I won¡¯t be able to hit it straight on because its base speed and agility are too quick. I¡¯ll just have to force its hand, yet again.


    My teleportations be more frequent, and seemingly random as I move quickly back and forth to opposite sides of the dungeon. I keep my eyes locked on the shiny red egg-shaped orb while the Demon makes sure to always stay between me and its object.


    The ground shakes and the mana in the air gets denser and denser as the two of us nearly phase out of existence teleporting around the room at rapid speeds. I hear the monster¡¯s deep voice prate my mind mid-blip.


    ¡°You cannot run forever child.¡±


    I snarl while teleporting far from the creature again as it emerges from a portal nearby with anger-filled eyes.


    It¡¯s right. I¡¯ll have to change things up¡­ I grit my teeth andyer myself with body-hardening crystals while teleporting straight into the danger zone. I aim directly above the ruby-colored egg, igniting myself into a ball of fire.


    The moment I see the shiny object beneath my feet, I feel a sharp sword pierce my body hardening right through my torso. ck crystals fracture into the air as I¡¯m face to face with the terrifying monster. It lets go of its sword and forces its palm to my chest.


    I fly backward from a st of unknown energy while losing over 1000 HP within seconds.


    ¡°DEMON¡¯S CURSE.¡±


    Its familiar voice rings in my head again as the air gets ejected from my lungs.


    I cough up blood and almost get knocked out cold, but a smirk creeps over my face as I watch dark red mes sink into the Greater Demon¡¯s left hand.


    The first ¡°tick¡± from the Demon¡¯s Curse hits me as I teleport back to my safe space up in the mountains on the 11th floor.


    I cough out more blood while drinking two HP potions and plundering MP from a few mana crystals. Grinning ear to ear, wiping blood from my mouth, I n out my next moves as the curse slowly wears off.


    Once at full health, I portal back inside to see a sorry sight¡­


    The monster¡¯s left arm is still covered in dark red mes. The fire has slowly risen up to its shoulder.


    The Greater Demon is attempting to force them out against the t stone at the backside of the room, but all of its efforts are in vain.


    ¡°These mes of yours, and this ability to teleport, a human could never possess this power.¡±


    I stare at the creature cautiously gripping my weapons tight. Its white eyes are filled with fear and confused horror as it continues to put its body between me and the red object behind it.


    The dark crackling mes seeping into the demon¡¯s left shoulder start to creep down its back. The demon grits its jagged teeth as the ground shakes all around us.


    Stones float into the air as another meaningless game of tag begins.


    I blip back and forth around the room watching the slow-burning mes engulf the desperate creature as it swings at me aimlessly.


    A little over a minuteter, the Greater Demon¡¯s entire body ispletely aze.


    Rocks are flying in the air as the monster has a full meltdown destroying itsir.


    ¡°IF ONLY¡­. IF ONLY I HAD MORE TIME! Is this truly my fate¡­?¡±


    Every moment I blip back into existence to check on its sorry state, the beast res at me while letting out hideous sounds.


    I almost feel sorry for the monster.


    It ils and cries out in pain,pletely destroying its once noble warrior facade. The once fearless towering demon is reduced to a sulking child.


    My heart pounds in my chest faster and faster as its movements slow and my victory draws closer. I¡¯m about to defeat a Labyrinth boss 100 levels higher than my own¡­


    The monster stops using Dungeon Walker and falls to its knees as the flesh starts melting from its body. I stop teleporting as well, watching in a mix of awe and horror.


    Its voice rings out in my head again, this time in a softer tone.


    ¡°You¡¯ve beaten me. A human boy has beaten me.¡±


    It turns to nce at the red egg-shaped object, then back to me.


    ¡°It seems he will be in your hands now. Thisbyrinth was never fully born, but maybe there was a reason for all of this.¡±


    The fire crackles as the monster¡¯s chest and face begin to fall apart exposing white bone.


    It falls forward to hit the hard stone floor with a loud thud.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption[Special Grade]]


    Skill: Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption[Special Grade]]


    Stat: Agility


    Amount: +65


    [YES][NO]


    My heart still pounds in my chest as I choose yes to both absorption options.


    mes crackle on the dungeon floor as I slowly walk over to the burning mutted corpse. With a gulp, my stat-boosting skills slowly deactivate.


    Breathing heavily, I tip-toe around the monster¡¯s body over to the precious ruby egg it sacrificed its life to protect. Well¡­ tried to protect at least.


    The closer I get, the more questions I have.


    *Clink* *Clink*


    I tap it with my sword two times. The sound of metal on metal rings out in the empty boss room.


    It¡¯s even more egg-shaped than I realized before¡­ The outer coating has a smooth texture, while the coloring is a deep crimson hue.


    ¡°So¡­ odd¡­¡±


    I hold my breath and open my item storage. With the tip of my de, I roll the meter-tall egg-shaped ruby into my inventory. It disappears from sight, and I exhale with relief.


    Another nging soundes from behind me. I turn around in full battle mode, activating my skills, but soon realize it¡¯s a false rm.


    The oddity of this whole situation is putting me on high alert.


    I clench my jaw and walk over to the dissolving remains of the Greater Demon to see three item drops in its ce.


    There¡¯s a long red horn close to a meter in length, a small ck sphere, and a pink mana crystal.


    I put away my dagger and grab the fallen loot hastily while using Appraisal.


    [Mana Crystal]


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Horn]


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core]


    I raise an eyebrow while cing the crystal into my storage, then grab the heavy horn right after. Lastly, the core¡­ I grab it with my left hand and instantly feel it vibrate with an intense pressure.


    My eyes open wide as I watch the core sink into the palm of my hand and instantly dissolve.


    A thin ck line appears on my wrist and travels along my arm disappearing up my sleeve to meet my shoulder.


    My senses heighten. I could hear a pin drop at the far side of the boss room. My eyes twitch back and forth zooming in and out with newfound long-range perception¡­


    I swallow hard and open my status.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 352


    Hp: 1765/1765


    Mp: 1525/1765


    Strength: 861 [+809][+431]


    Speed: 1017 [+610][+305][+509]


    Agility: 1115 [+502][+558]


    Defense: 762 [+305][+267][+381]


    Mental Strength: 861 [+517][+344][+387][+491][+431]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+94% Strength][+57% Mental Strength]


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    _____________

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    I stare down at my left arm for a moment, taking in the reality of my situation. The demon¡¯s core just dissolved into my body¡­.


    I swallow hard, examining the tattoo-like ck line running all the way up my sleeve.


    The sensation of transfer magic starts toe over my body at the same moment. A white light starts to mask my vision, just like after every boss fight finishes.


    Not knowing exactly where this next transfer will take me, I activate Dungeon Walker to decide for myself. Away from here¡­


    If this is going where I think it is, I don¡¯t want to be any part of abyrinth¡¯s copsed aftermath. After every dungeon break I¡¯ve been in, all hunters that were stuck inside get transported to the outside world together. That would only add to my pile of problems¡­


    I focus on a very familiar dungeon in the capital, the Minotaur Dungeon. The white light around me grows even brighter as I teleport away.


    ¡°Just in time.¡±


    Fractions of a secondter, I¡¯ve arrived safe and sound. A smile grows across my face as I walk over to the exit portal no more than 20m away.


    I exhale abruptly, then stop right in front of the spinning mass of energy before returning to the outside world. Tightening my lips and scrunching my eyebrows, I reactivate Dungeon Walker out of curiosity.


    ¡°It¡¯s gone¡­.¡±


    Scanning through all the dungeonyouts in my mind¡¯s eye, not a single one from thebyrinth I just left pops up in my head. It¡¯spletely gone, every single dungeon has vanished into thin air.


    Deactivating my skills and putting away my sword, I slowly walk outside without another thought.


    There aren¡¯t any hunters in sight. I make my way back to the main hub on the train and exit without seeing anyone but a few nightshift guards. The city streets are quiet at night. A soft white moonlight shines alongside the asional streemp as I make my way back to the hotel.


    With a wave to the attendant in the lobby, I get into the elevator and ride it up to the 4th floor. With a turn of my key, I enter the room and fall into bed almost immediately.


    I¡¯m exhausted, but a million thoughts are still running wild through my head. It feels incredible to lie down and rest my sore muscles, but the looming fear of my meeting with Rodrigo and the Hunters Association Higher-Ups is fresh in my mind.


    After seemingly endless tossing and turning, I finally fall asleep for a few hours.


    Unfortunately, it doesn¡¯tst long. As the sun rises through my hotel window, so do I. Letting out a groan, I stretch my arms, legs, and back before rolling out of bed.


    ¡°My work is never over¡­¡±


    I¡¯ve decided to see Briana. It never hurts to see your friendly neighborhood ck market craftswoman before a lunch meeting with the government¡­ right?


    I have a lot of new gear and items. There¡¯s no one who¡¯d be better at appraising their value than her. I may even get a chance to fuse that new firestone with something¡­


    I let out a sigh, shrug, and walk out the door. I¡¯ll just have to head over and see what she can offer.


    After drinking some of the leftover water in my inventory and grabbing a breakfast sandwich from a local shop, I make my way toward the three-story building where Briana stays.


    There are tworge men standing out front, one of them seems to recognize me from a distance. I wave as he looks at his friend to mumble a few words, then turns to me with a smirk.


    ¡°I recognize you, kid. What do you want with Ms. Briana? She¡¯s busy right now.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow.


    ¡°Busy? When will she be free?¡±


    The muscr bodyguard crosses his arms.


    ¡°A few more hours, she has a special guest visiting this morning. Come back around noon.¡±


    I stare at the two of them with an annoyed look while biting my bottom lip, then let out a reply.


    ¡°Well, can I at least see Bernard?¡±


    The bodyguard rolls his eyes but nods slowly.


    ¡°Sure, sure. I heard you were a pretty high-paying customerst time you were here, so what is it this time? More business?¡±


    I nod.


    He turns and opens the door for me and I walk inside.


    The bottom-floor sweatshop isn¡¯t as jarring as it was the first time around but is still quite out of the ordinary. There are so many workers crammed into a small space with all kinds of magical itemsying out on the tables.


    The workers packaging and tinkering with the potions and trinkets barely bat an eye as I walk past them and begin climbing the spiral staircase.


    My footsteps echo slightly as I make my way up to the second floor. The moment I do, a tall thin man greets me with a weak smile. The two twin girls on either side of his office keep their heads down as he walks over to me.


    ¡°Jay. What a surprise it is to see you here today of all days¡­¡±


    I open my mouth to speak, but he cuts me off.


    ¡°Ms. Brianna can¡¯t see you right now. She¡¯s with a client.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. I know, one of the guards downstairs already told me. I took my C-ss exams this past weekend, so I have all kinds of items I¡¯d like to have properly appraised.¡±


    Bernard raises an eyebrow and shows me to his desk.


    ¡°I have a good eye for these kinds of things too you know. Let¡¯s see what you have.¡±


    ¡°I- uh- do you have one of those containment cases? For element stones.¡±


    His eyes open wide.


    ¡°You managed to get another one?!¡±


    I smile, realizing this may be my chance. Bri can¡¯t pass up an element stone waiting to be crafted right?


    I reply.


    ¡°Yeah, I have a lot of other loot with me as well, but the element stone and this here-¡°


    I pull out the dark red demon¡¯s horn and set it down on his desk with a thud.


    ¡°-I was hoping Bri could make me some kind of dagger with this and the firestone I picked up.¡±


    Bernard turns to the smooth meter-long red horn on his desk. His eyes remain glued to it as he feels its surface with both hands.


    ¡°T-This is- ¡­.¡±


    He stutters while keeping his eyes fixated on the horn.


    ¡°You fought a Labyrinth¡¯s Guardian¡­ a-and beat it? As a new C-ss hunter¡­ how is that possible?¡±


    The thin man in sses turns to me wide-eyed with his eyebrows scrunched tightly together. I reply.


    ¡°It was my lucky day. Long story. Isn¡¯t your guys¡¯ motto here something like: No questions, just pay thedy and leave?¡±


    Bernard gulps, stands up straight, then lets out a sigh followed by a subtle bow.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. How unprofessional of me¡­ This is- an incredible find.¡±


    He nces upstairs, then back to me continuing his statement.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Ms. Briana will mind a quick disturbance if this is what you have to show her.¡±


    I grin.


    He nods, then points to the stairs.


    ¡°Very well, just¡­ be polite. There¡¯s a VIP up there, one wrong move and you¡¯re a dead man. I mean it.¡±


    I nod while grabbing the demon¡¯s horn, cing it in my inventory, and making my way toward the twisting stairs. I didn¡¯t even show him the firestone, better yet, he doesn¡¯t even know about the odd red egg-shaped rock. Maybe I should keep that a secret from everyone for now¡­.


    I ready myself to meet with Bri and this mysterious VIP client, then begin climbing the stairs. Halfway up, I hear a man¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I did everything I could Bri. After almost 3 full days of farming, 2 wind stones may not sound like much, but it¡¯s nothing tough at. That¡¯s good money, even after I pay the team! Plus, look at all this other loot we got from the raid.¡±


    Bri¡¯s voice responds after an audible sigh.


    ¡°Brother dearest. One of my clients up north is relying on me to provide them with a Firestone-imbued de by the end of the week. You assured me it would be possible to obtain one.¡±


    The man grunts and the sound of feet getting kicked up onto a table echo down the stairs.


    I¡¯m already more than halfway up. The two of them seem to be in a pretty heated business deal, but¡­ did I hear Bri just say, Brother?


    The man¡¯s low, and oddly familiar voice continues.


    ¡°I was certain I could get you one, there were just a fewplicationsst night. Someone snuck into the final boss room and took out the guardian before my team and I had a chance to farm the top floors.¡±


    He lets out a sigh, mming his arm against something hard.


    ¡°The only reason I ever agreed toe out to this region was to get my hands on another core! That¡¯s gone too! This whole trip has just been a damn waste of time!¡±


    I near the top of the stairs as the man¡¯s voice gets louder and angrier.


    ¡°Plus, I have this stupid meeting with this multi-skill bratter today. The Association¡¯s probably going to turn him into their personalb rat, but it¡¯s better him, than me! I can¡¯t wait to get it over with and go home! This c-¡°


    Mid-tantrum, I step up the final stair and can¡¯t believe my eyes¡­


    Bri stands at the back of the room with her hands on her hips, wearing a tight ck dress with much of her olive skin exposed. She looks half-worried and half-amused at the situation in front of her.


    I stare at the man by her side with my mouth wide open.


    Surprisingly, he does the same. The tall man with tan skin, ck hair, white eyes, and a bright red suit looks deep into my soul as I enter the room.


    I gulp¡­ then stutter out a few words.


    ¡°R-Rodrigo is¡­ that you¡­?¡±

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    The examiner from the C-ss exams is right in front of me¡­


    The slim ck-bearded man is sitting on a small couch striking a business deal with Bri.


    My face goes pale and droplets of sweat start to form on my forehead as my eyes scan the room. I swallow hard as the tension only gets worse.


    Rodrigo stares at me, not moving a muscle. He seems to be on guard as well, this isn¡¯t exactly the reaction I expected.


    Bri slowly walks in between the two of us smiling and waving her hips back and forth as she struts forward. She looks me in the eyes and speaks in a soft yet powerful tone.


    ¡°Jay¡­ It¡¯s a pleasure to see you again so soon.¡±


    She nces over at Rodrigo.


    ¡°It seems the two of you already know each other, how interesting.¡±


    Bri chuckles as Rodrigo finally speaks.


    ¡°Jay¡­. What are you doing here, and how exactly do you know my sister?¡±


    I grin. This confirms what I heard earlier was true. They are siblings.


    ¡°Well, I came here to get some loot checked out and have a weapon crafted. She¡¯s the best in town, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    He stares at me with a cold look in his eyes, answering through a clenched jaw.


    ¡°She¡­ is..¡±


    My smirk grows as I start to feel a bit more rxed. Sure, an A-ss from the Association that¡¯s actively trying to recruit me as a test subject is standing right in front of me, but there are some pros to this situation too.


    ¡°Does the Association know about your illegal item smuggling? Or the fact that you¡¯re siblings with a ck Market loot dealer?¡±


    Rodrigo looks over to Bri, then back to me.


    ¡°No, no they do not.¡±


    He begins glowing white while standing up slowly, the look on his face turns from mildly irritated to infuriated rather quickly. I grit my teeth and start glowing gold and red while reaching for my sword.


    ¡°Stop. Stop! You two¡­.¡±


    Bri steps between both of us lifting her hands in the air, glowing the same white color as Rodrigo. Out of curiosity, while powering down my skills, I use inspect and Appraisal on both of them.


    I audibly gulp when I see the results.


    ____________


    [Lv. 488]


    Active Items:


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Amulet of The Queen] +130% Mental Strength


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    Active Skills:


    Crafting [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Light Summoning]


    ____________


    [Lv. 1391]


    Active items:


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Ring of The Dragon King] +210% Mental Strength


    [Amulet of The King] +140% Mental Strength


    [Ring of Divine Speed] +110% Speed +110% Agility


    [Arch Demon¡¯s Core] +150% All Stats


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    Active Skills:


    Respawn [Advanced Rebirth]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Light Summoning]


    ____________


    My eyes open wide as I take in all the numbers in front of me. Bri stares at Rodrigo as he powers down his skill and the three of us stand in silence for a moment.


    Briana finally speaks up.


    ¡°Brother. This is one of my new favorite clients, please don¡¯t hurt him if you can restrain yourself. Jay, the same goes for you,y a finger on my family and you¡¯re dead.¡±


    She smiles as these harsh words delicately flow from her mouth. Rodrigo and I lock eyes for a moment, then turn back to the powerful woman towering over us and nod. I let out a sigh while Bri¡¯s brother slouches back onto the couch letting out a few muffled words.


    ¡°So now what?¡±


    I reply.


    ¡°Well, first of all¡­ What was all that earlier about me being ab rat for the Association? I think it¡¯s time we re-negotiate the terms of this mandatory contract.¡±


    He exhales from his nose.


    ¡°Nope. You¡¯re screwed, kid. They asked me to pick out any unusual hunters, and I¡¯ve already submitted your name at the top slot. They won¡¯t take no for an answer. Trust me, I¡¯ve been working with them for almost a decade now.¡±


    I gulp.


    ¡°What do you mean they won¡¯t take no for an answer? What¡¯d you tell them?¡±


    He sighs.


    ¡°Not too much. Just that you¡¯re a multi-skill user that specializes in close-range fire magicbat. They¡¯ll do an extensive test during our meeting, so they¡¯ll pick out all your fine details with a full appraisal soon enough.¡±


    I turn to Bri, then to Rodrigo, then back to Bri.


    ¡°So, I can just go rogue right? Like you? Live off the grid? I¡¯d rather have my freedom on the run, than be locked into a ve contract with the Association¡­¡±


    Rodrigo looks at me with an annoyed re, I reply in a soft tone.


    ¡°No offense¡­¡±


    Bri chimes in.


    ¡°If they know your name and have your ID, they¡¯ll find you eventually, trust me, we tried everything.¡±


    She looks at Rodrigo for an ufortably long time with a sad look in her eyes.


    I grit my teeth and look at the red-suited man before me.


    ¡°This is your fault to begin with! What if I just tell them everything?! Huh? Stealingbyrinth resources to sell on the ck market? If I¡¯m going down, I¡¯ll just bring you with me! I-¡°


    Bri cuts me off.


    ¡°None of that, none of that¡­ Although I like you Jay, If you endanger my family or my business I will make sure you disappear.¡±


    I swallow hard, thinking of all the possible ways thest 3 days of my life could have gone so much differently....


    The two of them could kill me in an instant, their stats and gear are off the charts¡­. I definitely crossed the line with thatst statement, it¡¯s time to cool things down a bit.


    ¡°W-What if you just tell them it was a mistake? Say, I¡¯m not as valuable as you first thought.¡±


    He shakes his head.


    ¡°The meeting is already scheduled, you¡¯re going to get tested no matter what. The only thing that could push that meeting off would be your death, and considering the way you¡¯re talking right now, I don¡¯t think it¡¯d be such a bad idea to get rid of you right here and now.¡±


    My eyes open wide as he begins to glow with a white light. Bri sighs, showing a ¡°Sorry kid, I tried but you ran your mouth¡± look on her face.


    The A-ss charges up his attack while my brain rapidly searches for a way out of this mess.


    ¡°WAIT, WAIT! You need a Firestone right? Right? You need a Firestone, I have one!¡±


    Bri¡¯s eyes perk up and she darts in between Rodrigo and me once again. The white light emanating from his body dies down and the room falls awkwardly silent. Bri nods to me.


    ¡°Continue¡­¡±


    ¡°I- Well- That¡¯s why I came up here. I wanted to have you craft another weapon for me, but it seems like you have another important client that may need it more right now.¡±


    Briana grins.


    ¡°This is why I like you, Jay. Always full of surprises.¡±


    I smile weakly but don¡¯t reply. She continues.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all talk about this more formally. It¡¯s time to strike a deal, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Rodrigo rolls his eyes as I reply.


    ¡°I- I think that¡¯s a good idea. First things first, If we can make a trade for this stone, you won¡¯t just kill me afterward right¡­?¡±


    Bri frowns and turns to her brother.


    ¡°You have my word, hear that? Today he is my client, you may not kill him.¡±


    With arms crossed, the A-ss mumbles back.


    ¡°Fine. One more word about snitching and he¡¯s toast, I¡¯m not letting that slide again.¡±


    He gets to his feet and starts walking to the door.


    ¡°My day just keeps getting worse! I¡¯m going for some fresh air, see youter Big Sis, and¡­ Jay I guess I¡¯ll see you again soon too¡­ Ugh, I can¡¯t be asked to stay here any longer.¡±


    With loud annoyed footsteps, Rodrigo disappears down the spiral staircase momentster.


    Bri lets out a chuckle.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him this riled up in a while. Please don¡¯t mind him too much, Roddy is a good guy. He¡¯s just a bit stressed out from the exams. The Association promised him thebyrinth¡¯s loot in exchange for copsing it, but it seems like someone got to it first.¡±


    She eyes my left arm, then looks me in the eyes. Bri takes a small clear tray out from under her desk and ces it on a coffee table near the couch.


    ¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡±


    I nod and reach into my item storage without another word. I carefully pull out the flickering Firestone and ce it in the containment tray.


    Next, the meter-long demon¡¯s horn hits the small wooden table with a thud. Bri grins ear to ear.


    ¡°Now look at this. You definitely were the one who ruined my brother¡¯s weekend weren¡¯t you?¡±


    I gulp, waiting for her to continue as she feels the surface of the smooth horn with both hands.


    ¡°What are you trying to have made here? It¡¯s a bit short for a long sword, but fairly long for a dagger. Maybe I could make a set out of it, but-¡°


    ¡°A set, that would be perfect. A set of daggers.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a dagger user all of a sudden?¡±


    I nod, thinking about her earlier conversations with Rodrigo as I climbed the stairs.


    ¡°You have two Windstones right? Make me a dagger set with this horn and those two stones. In exchange, the Firestone is all yours.¡±


    She grins while going through a few drawers in her desk to pull out a containment tray and an empty ss bottle. My eyes open wide as I realize what¡¯sing next¡­


    ¡°Give me your wrist. I need 16oz of blood in total to bond the stones to both knives.¡±


    I flinch and look away as I reach out my left arm.


    Without hesitation, she rips into an artery and blood gushes out into therge ss bottle in her hand. I clench my jaw and whisper under my breath.


    ¡°There has to be an easier way to do this¡­.¡±


    She smiles as the ss fills to the brim. I pull my arm away and use self-regeneration on my wound mumbling to myself. Bri shes me the containment case. Inside, there are two palm-sized stones that look as clear as quartz. They both have small white streaks in them and let out a low hum.


    ¡°You know, even with a blood bond, these Windstones may be difficult to control without a wind-summoning skill. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll figure out how to use them eventually, it just may take some time.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    Bri takes all of the items on the wooden table and brings them over to her desk. She ces the Firestone in a bottom drawer and opens the Windstone¡¯s containment case while continuing to examine therge horn.


    ¡°You can stay and watch if you¡¯d like, this may take a while.¡±


    I nod, then make my way over to the couch. Bri¡¯s hands start to glow light yellow while she carefully picks up one of the Windstones.


    She smirks and looks at me.


    ¡°While I''m at it, perhaps I should share a few details about that new Demon''s Core you''re nonchntly showing off. It might be a good idea to conceal it. I can see you¡¯ve changed a lot Jay, but you still have a lot to learn¡­¡±


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 352


    Hp: 1765/1765


    Mp: 1525/1765


    Strength: 861 [+809][+431]


    Speed: 1017 [+610][+305][+509]


    Agility: 1115 [+502][+558]


    Defense: 762 [+305][+267][+381]


    Mental Strength: 861 [+517][+344][+387][+491][+431]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Ring of Protection [+35% Defense]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Ring [+30% Speed]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+94% Strength][+57% Mental Strength]


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    _____________

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    Bri throws me a handheld mirror from under her desk and I catch it clumsily.


    ¡°H-Hey what do you mean I¡¯m showing off my Demon¡¯s Core? How¡¯d you even know in the first ce? Is it this line? The ck line on my arm? You don¡¯t ev-¡°


    I stop speaking as I bring the square-shaped mirror up to my face. After a few quick blinks, swallowing hard, and turning my head side to side, my mouth opens again to squeeze out a few words.


    ¡°My¡­ eyes¡­they¡¯re¡­¡±


    Bri finishes my sentence for me.


    ¡°They¡¯re almost white. Not as bad as my brothers, but to anyone that knows about the cores, it¡¯s clear as day you absorbed one.¡±


    She eyes me with a devious grin while I keep staring at myself in the mirror.


    ¡°My brother has quite a few, No one will mess with an A-ss, so he can do what he wants with them. You on the other hand, you¡¯re a nobody. I¡¯m sure it¡¯d be best to cover up before going to that meeting today. Better yet, cover up before Rodrigo gets back. I think he was too mad to notice earlier, after he cools off, he¡¯ll be much more perceptive.¡±


    She giggles to herself again while looking back down at the demon¡¯s horn and two element stones on her desk.


    I reply, still staring at my light-colored eyes in the mirror.


    ¡°Well, tell me then. How can I get rid of these¡­ these eyes?¡±


    ¡°Get rid of them? Impossible. I can tell you how to hide them, but it¡¯ll cost ya.¡±


    I sigh, rolling my newly discovered light hazel eyes.


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Two gold pieces. I have a magic item that¡¯ll do just the trick.¡±


    I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth as I reach into my item storage to grab two shiny gold coins. With a light toss, the round pieces of metal hit Bri¡¯s desk with a clink. She grabs them both before they roll too far.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    Reaching into her seemingly endless drawers, the craftswoman takes out a small ck rectangr case. She throws it at me.


    I catch the small rectangr box and look inside while activating Appraisal.


    [Lenses Of Illusion]


    I scrunch my eyebrows, then activate my All-Seeing Eye for a moment to get some extra info.


    _____________


    Lenses Of Illusion


    Info: A pair of contact lenses crafted using the Legendary Grade ¡°Crafting¡± Skill and the Special Grade ¡°Conceal¡± Skill. This item allows the user to see 25% further, and change their perceived eye color at will.


    ss: C+


    Type: Single Use


    Durability: 100/100


    _____________


    I deactivate my skills and look at the pair of clear lenses with disappointment.


    ¡°These are literally just colored contact lenses¡­ I paid 2 gold coins for a pair of contact lenses¡­¡±


    Briughs.


    ¡°Lenses like those are hard toe by, try them on. You may think differently about them after you see what they can do.¡±


    With a sigh, I awkwardly ce them both into my eyes. Blind and tearing up for a few seconds, they finally slip into ce. The sensation of a brand new skill fills my subconscious.


    I grab the mirror and bring it back up to my face. While thinking of my old dark brown eye color, the light white shades begin to vanishpletely on their own.


    My eyes shift back to normal, there¡¯s no sign of the Demon¡¯s Core at all¡­


    I grin, then start picturing every color imaginable; red, green, yellow, blue, purple, all of them. With augh, I change them back to my original dark brown again.


    ¡°I guess.. they do work.¡±


    Bri nods.


    ¡°Those willst a few months at most, soe back when you need more. Regarding your new arm tattoo, I don¡¯t have an item in stock for that. You¡¯ll just have to wear a long sleeve shirt for a while. I¡¯ll need someone with a Special Grade or higher concealment skill to make any more body modification items.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow, thinking to myself. Special Grade concealment? Like my conceal skill?


    ¡°Hey- Uh- How long do you think making my des will actually take?¡±


    Bri looks down at the items on her desk, then up at me.


    ¡°Why? Do you need some fresh air?¡±


    I nod as she continues.


    ¡°Give me an hour, I¡¯ll have them ready when youe back. Buy something to cover up that arm while you¡¯re gone.¡±


    I stand to my feet.


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    ¡°See you Jay. Demon Cores aren¡¯t something humans should have in the first ce. It may give you some extra strength now, but everythinges with a price.¡±


    Bri takes a deep breath, then lets out a sigh.


    ¡°Just, be careful and cover up. I want the best for all my long-term future clients.¡±


    I¡¯m already halfway across the room making my way over to the stairs and waving goodbye.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Appreciate you Bri, I¡¯ll be back in an hour!¡±


    Without another thought, I walk down two flights of stairs and out the front door. Ever since the mention of a special grade concealment skill was brought up, my mind has been racing. While activating my All-Seeing Eye, I open my status and click into my [Conceal] skill.


    ____________


    Conceal


    Info: A basic concealment skill. Data on a user¡¯s status can be altered. Levels, stats, skills, and buffs may be added or taken away from the user¡¯s false status screen. Those with a [Special Grade] or higher perception skills may be able to see through the facade.


    Grade: [No Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I click Upgrade to appease my curiosity.


    ____________


    Upgrade: 50PP


    [No Grade] -> [Special Grade]


    The [Special Grade] Conceal skill allows the user to edit their status with the same basic inputs as [No Grade]. Without a [Legendary Grade] perception skill, the true nature of these modifications will remain unseen.


    The [Special Grade] Conceal skill acts as temporary camouge. The user may change fine details in facial features, skin shade, and eye color, along with minor height and weight modifications. Without a [Legendary Grade] perception skill, the illusion magic being used will go unnoticed by onlookers.


    ____________


    Reading the upgrade details makes the corners of my mouth curl upwards. I upgrade it on the spot, bringing my total Proficiency Points remaining down to 52. Technically I could upgrade another skill right now, but I¡¯ve been on a spending spreetely¡­


    This is thest one for a while, a legendary skill upgrade would be very useful, I¡¯ll have to save up a lot more PP to make that happen.


    I look down at my left arm. The ck line is about 3cm thick and travels the whole distance from my wrist to my shoulder. I concentrate and activate my new upgraded skill.


    ¡°Conceal.¡±


    In my mind¡¯s eye, I picture the line disappearing. Reality begins to mimic my mental image. The dark ck tattoo vanishes from my skin.


    With a smirk, I open up my status.


    After a full minute of concealment, my MP drops 50 points.


    ¡°Not bad¡­ but not great.¡±


    At this rate of mana consumption, I can easily keep this disguise up for well over half an hour. It¡¯s perfect for short meetings, but I¡¯ll need to re-up on MP without being noticed.


    I tighten my lips, then head off to the market by the train station to grab a new long sleeve shirt like Bri suggested.


    These lenses conceal my eyes without any MP usage, and a shirt covers up my arms pretty easily. For right now, simple magic items are better than this concealment skill. In the long run, I have a feeling it¡¯lle in handy.


    For the time being, I conceal my arm while shopping. I spend almost 50 silver on a new stockpile of D-ss HP potions along with 1 full gold to buy a pile of mana crystals from a confused vendor. Sure, hunters usually don¡¯t buy crystals, but taking my MP plundering skill into ount, they¡¯re actually a bit more cost-effective than MP potions.


    I grab a long sleeve shirt for 20 bronze made of heavy ck material and put it on over my Tee.


    ¡°This will do.¡±


    With my shopping done, I take my time on the way back. It¡¯s a really nice day out. The fresh air, busy streets, warm sun overhead, and recent stat power-ups make me feel like a million gold pieces.


    I push the looming Association meeting to the back of my mind whilezily strolling back to Bri¡¯s ce with newfound confidence.


    It¡¯s been just over an hour. I walk back up to her office eager to see my new des.


    The woman¡¯s voice calls out before I even step into the room.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re back! Check these bad boys out.¡±


    Bri stands up from her desk carrying arge containment tray with two beautiful des.


    They¡¯re bright red and give off a light white glow. The hand grips are jet ck and look just the right size for my palms. Both des are slightly curved and over 30cm long. They look razor-sharp and give off a very loud hum as I walk closer.


    I use appraisal along with my All-Seeing Eye.


    _____________


    The Wind Tyrant¡¯s Dagger Set:


    [Wind Aspect][+60% Strength][+60% Agility][+40% Mental Strength]


    Info: A dagger set crafted from the horn of a Greater Demon and two cores from Wind Summoning Griffins using the Legendary Grade ¡°Crafting¡± Skill.


    ss: B+


    Type: Fusion/Evolution


    Durability: 100/100


    _____________


    Bri smirks, moving the concealment case closer to me.


    ¡°Go ahead try them out.¡±


    With both hands outreached I grip the vibrating daggers. A cool rush of mana enters the palms of my hands, flowing through my arms, and into my torso through the rest of my body.


    I let out a satisfying grunt while flexing my core and bracing myself as my new weapon greets me. In a muffled tone, I reply.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too.¡±


    Bri chuckles to herself as I struggle to stay on my feet.


    After a few seconds, the sensation of heavy wind magic entering my body bes bearable and I rx a bit. Staring down at the red des glowing white, a stupid grin grows across my face. Bri speaks up.


    ¡°So¡­ How about we test those out in the Rumble Dome I got a-¡°


    ¡°No! There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going back to that suicide pit!¡±


    Sheughs.


    ¡°Hey, hey! It was just a suggestion.¡±


    Bri crosses her arms, amused at my PTSD from thest time she forced me into the underground fight ring to pay for my sword.


    ¡°Well, I know you have to go off to that meeting with my brother soon, but let me at least give you the rundown on how these des are a bit different than your sword.¡±


    I nod while twirling the new crimson daggers in both hands.


    They¡¯re begging to be used, but I have a feeling it wouldn¡¯t be pretty if I release their full power in here.


    ¡°Sure, give me the rundown. After that, I¡¯m heading off to the Association¡¯s HQ.¡±

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    Bri stares down at the crimson daggers in my hands, then brings her gaze up to my eyes.


    ¡°Your sword is an evolution-type weapon, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed its stat growth by now.¡±


    I nod as she continues.


    ¡°Well, these des have an evolution element to them as well. The only difference is, they¡¯re a fusion-type weapon too.¡±


    I look at Bri with a nk stare.


    ¡°A- a fusion-type weapon means¡­ what exactly?¡±


    ¡°It depends. The fact that they can evolve means their fusion ability may change in the future too.¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    ¡°Try pressing both of your daggers together.¡±


    I do as she says, bringing the two slightly glowing des together in front of my chest.


    The hum from earlier returns, and begins to grow louder the closer the two daggers get to each other. Once less than 5cm apart, I feel a strong resistance in between the weapons.


    Dense pockets of air begin to flow out of the des, immediately filling the room with violent gusts of wind.


    Bri speaks up grinning ear to ear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about my office, keep going.¡±


    I gulp, then continue doing as she says. I focus my mana into the two des while activating my own Wind Summoning skill along with my All-Seeing Eye to track the mana in the room much easier.


    *Clink*


    The moment I do, the two daggers calm down and the windes to a standstill as both des hit each other with a light metallic ring.


    My eyes widen as I watch the two des merge into one¡­.


    The white light around them bes much brighter, as a heavy red dagger falls into my open palms. Bri lets out augh.


    ¡°Well, to be honest, I didn¡¯t expect you to control it that well on your first try. Now, try to separate them.¡±


    I stare at the single dagger, concentrating on the odd flow of energy inside it. While gripping its handle tight, I force arge amount of mana and wind magic into the de again while picturing it split in two in my mind¡¯s eye.


    The de begins to glow bright white and is followed by a sh of light and a mild gust of wind. The dees apart into two shining red daggers again. I nod slowly while twirling the pair around my fingers.


    ¡°Another fine piece of art you¡¯ve made Bri, thanks.¡±


    She smiles.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine, I¡¯m d we could make a deal today. You know I¡¯m always here to do business with you.¡±


    I smirk and give her a firm nod.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll probably be back soon-¡±


    I turn to leave, but a question has been eating away at the back of my mind¡­ I decide to speak up.


    ¡°Hey- uh- onest thing actually. There are Demon Cores¡­ right. Have you ever seen or heard of a dungeon core or abyrinth core? Or uhh- something resembling arge egg-shared crystal?¡±


    Bri looks at me with a confused stare.


    ¡°A dungeon core?¡±


    She thinks for a moment while cing both hands on her hips and staring up at the ceiling.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say I have. Usually, we refer to the Demon Cores as Dungeon Cores. If you¡¯re thinking of something else then I¡¯m not exactly su-¡°


    ¡°Okay, got it. Just wondering, that¡¯s all.¡±


    I turn to leave for real this time, Bri is left standing there with a puzzled look on her face but speaks up as I go.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll do some digging. Maybe I can find something simr to what you¡¯re describing next time we meet. Anyways, y nice with my brother today, I¡¯m sure in time you two will get along.¡±


    I carefully ce my new des into my item storage and raise my right hand to wave as I walk down the spiral staircase to the lowest floor. While doing so, I switch my long sword into my item box.


    The long walk into the center of town toward the Hunters Association HQ begins.


    I don¡¯t think of much on my way over, there isn¡¯t really much to think about after all. I¡¯ll be attending this meeting whether I like it or not.


    Working for the Association wouldn¡¯t be the worst thing in the world if it was chosen by my own free will, it¡¯s just thatment about being theirb rat that Rodrigo brought up earlier¡­ It still bugs me.


    The sun is high in the sky, it¡¯s almost noon.


    My walk into town seems to go by very quickly. Although it took well over half an hour to get here, I¡¯ve been daydreaming the whole way. I look straight up at the towering Hunters Association building and let out a sigh. A woman¡¯s voice greets me as the sliding ss doors automatically open upon my arrival.


    ¡°Wee to the Vice Region Hunter¡¯s HQ, how can I help you today sir?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to pick up my C-ss license, I passed the exam yesterday. Plus, I have a meeting with-¡°


    She cuts me off with a bright smile.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re Jay. Wee, wee. Please,e this way!¡±


    I¡¯m escorted inside without another word. The lobby is rather crowded today. There are at least 30 hunters with Association uniforms on, beside them, there are close to 20 men in suits. They¡¯re all sharing small talk conversations, seemingly waiting for something.


    Maybe it¡¯s the event Abby was talking aboutst night? They could be having the rank-up celebration today, that would make sense.


    The woman at the door leads me through the crowded lobby and over to the front desk where I see Rodrigo in a fresh new red suit. This one has a few ck ents on the pockets and cor. The moment he see¡¯s me, the A-ss waves.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take him from here, thank you very much Ms.¡±


    She bows and turns to leave the moment he opens his mouth.


    ¡°Certainly, he¡¯s all yours, sir.¡±


    With that, she turns to make her way back to the front doors. I open my mouth to speak, but Rodrigo is already walking toward the elevator at the back of the room.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get this over with.¡±


    I swallow hard and follow without saying a word.


    The elevator doors open momentster and we both walk inside. The red-suited man clicks the penthouse button at the top of the mana-powered selection menu and we wait for the doors to close.


    Rodrigo speaks as it clicks closed.


    ¡°You know, I had a simr meeting to this when I was 18.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°The day the Association found out I had a Respawn skill¡­ That¡¯s the day my contract started.¡±


    I nod slowly, but still keep my eyes on the floor as the elevator begins to move upwards. He continues.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have much of a choice, I¡¯ve been working for the Association for 11 years now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Recently, things have been pretty different around here. Not in the Vice Region specifically, I usually onlye back here to check on Bri¡­ but I assumed it¡¯s been pretty bad all over.¡±


    I look up at him.


    ¡°What do you mean things have been different? Plus, why are you telling me all of this?¡±


    He sighs.


    ¡°All over the country, there¡¯s been more surges this year than I¡¯ve ever seen in my life. They keep urring with less time in between. Their origins seem to be the Dark Continent, but no one wants to admit it.¡±


    I nod as he continues.


    ¡°The only reason I¡¯m telling you this is because they¡¯re most likely recruiting you to farm resources. Either outside the country or maybe in the city¡¯sbyrinth, there¡¯s no telling what exactly the higher-ups are thinking sometimes. All I know is they¡¯ve been scouting uniquebat-types more and more recently, giving high rewards to any Association members that can give them leads. That¡¯s why I put your name on the list.¡±


    ¡°And¡­.?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ It seems like I may have overreacted earlier. If my sister has grown a liking to you, then you¡¯re an ally to me as well. My advice for this meeting is¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    ¡°Stand out as little as possible. The less they see you as an asset, the less strict your contract will be. Don¡¯te off as special, and you¡¯ll be offered the best deal. Trust me.¡±


    I stare at the floor, taking in his advice as the doors to the elevator open and we arrive at the top floor of the Association¡¯s tower.


    The hum of mana shields fills all my senses as I¡¯m almost blinded by the overwhelmingly white walls of the room in front of me. A deep, wise voice rings out as my eyes adjust.


    I see an old man with long grey hair tied back in a man bun. His hands are sped together with too many gold rings to count on top of the wooden desk he sits behind. Wrinkles fill the elder¡¯s face, but he shows off his pearly whites with a professional smile.


    ¡°Wee, wee. Nice to see you again Rodrigo.¡±


    As we both walk forward, the old man speaks up again.


    ¡°This must be Jay, nice to meet you.¡±


    He closes his eyes, smiling with a closed mouth, nodding, and motioning for us to sit in the twofortable-looking chairs in front of him.


    The room around us is bare. The white walls connect with the white ceiling above, and there isn¡¯t even a single painting or shelf to give my poor eyes a rest.


    The only break from the blinding white light is the full wall of ss behind the old man at his desk. It may be an odd setup, but It really is an incredible view of the entire city.


    As the two of us sit down, I activate conceal to prepare my status along with inspect and Appraisal to check out the man running this get-together.


    _____________


    [Lv. 731]


    Active Items:


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Ring of Eternal Protection] +150% Defense


    [Scale of The Elder Dragon] +180% Magic Resistance


    Active Skills:


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Speed [Legendary Grade]


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Stealth [Special Grade]


    _____________


    I let out a gasp, then cover it up with a light cough as my eyes open wide to take in this old man¡¯s stats¡­


    He continues to smile as we seat ourselves, then starts off with an introduction.


    ¡°My name is Brutus C. Matthews. I¡¯m the Vice Region¡¯s Head Director for the Hunters Association. Let us begin our meeting. The main topic today is Jay¡¯s new contract.¡±

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    As the old man speaks, my eyes keep scanning over his status in disbelief. I¡¯ve never seen anyone with more than two skills besides myself. To top it off, he¡¯s over level 700, has a 900% defense buff, and a 180% magic resistance item¡­.


    He¡¯s a B-ss hunter, with multiple Legendary and Special Gradebat skills. Today I¡¯ve met 3 people that could crush me in an instant¡­ a mere C-ss is a very little fish in the grand scheme of things.


    I¡¯ve heard of people buying very rare items to add skills to their status. There have also been whispers of items that can force a skill upgrade. I guess the Association has bottomless pockets for a Regional Director like him.


    I stay quiet while the old man continues to speak. He reaches into his shirt pocket and pulls out a small rectangr card.


    ¡°This is for you, I¡¯d like to congratte you on passing your rank-up exam. I made sure this one would be extra difficult, only 43 of you passed, can you believe that?¡±


    Brutus lets out a chuckle while cing the small white card down on his desk with a firm thud. I shift my eyes to see my face and arge letter ¡°C¡± along with the Association¡¯s logo on my new Hunter¡¯s License.


    I nod and go to take the card, but the Director speaks up before my hand gets anywhere near his desk.


    ¡°Please, open your status for me, Jay. I¡¯d like to see what we¡¯re working with before moving forward.¡±


    I tighten my lips and bring my hand back to myp before opening my status. I¡¯ve been using conceal this whole time, so no more changes are necessary. I flip the blue text screen toward him.


    I¡¯ve deleted any unique or suspicious items from my list, such as the contact lenses and Demon¡¯s Core.


    I don¡¯t bother editing my level, showing that isn¡¯t a huge deal. My skills, on the other hand, I only leave three visible:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Swordsmanship


    Dagger Mastery


    Rodrigo already told the Association I¡¯m a fire user, along with being a multi-skill user. I have to make it somewhat believable that he would pick me of all people to show to the Association, but also not too unique.


    I gulp as the director eyes my status. He grins, then presses a small white button on the side of his desk.


    ¡°Very good. Threebat skills and one of them is Advanced Fire Summoning. Fire is the mostmonbat magic, but those with the upgraded version don¡¯t show their faces very often. I knew a few hunters with that perk back in my day. Those mes don¡¯t go out easily do they?¡±


    I shake my head as heughs a bit and keeps babbling on.


    ¡°Well, ording to your status and my full Appraisal, you have very naturally boosted speed and agility. A closebat fighter, and advanced magic user, you¡¯ll definitely be a great asset to the Association.¡±


    I tighten my gaze and frown a bit at hisst statement, but before I can speak up, the elevator dings behind me. The director grins, pointing an open palm toward the back of the room.


    ¡°This is my assistant, Samantha. She¡¯ll be helping us sign your contract today.¡±


    Rodrigo gives me a side eye, then nods firmly. I¡¯m not exactly sure what that means, but it can¡¯t be good¡­


    A tall blond woman with pale skin and a shimmering white dress walks over to us making light clicking sounds as her heels tap against the hard floor.


    ¡°Good afternoon Director, how can I be of assistance.¡±


    He nods, pointing his head down toward me ever so slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll begin the questioning, I¡¯d like you to stand by and assist me as usual.¡±


    She smiles while making her way behind therge desk to look me in the eyes.


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯m ready to begin when you are.¡±


    I use appraisal on the woman out of curiosity.


    [Lv. 149]


    Active Items:


    [Amulet of Protection] +35% Defense


    [Enchanted tinum Ring] +50% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Lie Detector[Special Grade]


    My eyes shift back and forth while the seriousness of this meeting begins to sink in. She¡¯s a walking lie detector¡­. I can only imagine what that skill does exactly, but I have a pretty good idea. I¡¯ll have to choose my words very carefully from this point forward.


    The Director begins.


    ¡°Well, first of all, I don¡¯t think an in-depth physical exam is necessary. Your skills and stats are very straightforward, there isn¡¯t much left up to chance with you. I like it.¡±


    He shifts his gaze to Rodrigo.


    ¡°I was hoping you could bring me in a unique skill user today, so much for getting my hopes up.¡±


    ¡°Sorry Director, I thought an advanced fire user would suit your taste.¡±


    Rodrigo¡¯s face looks visibly confused. It makes sense¡­ he saw me use over half a dozen skills back in the exam, yet the Director believes I only have 3.


    Brutus continues.


    ¡°Also, It¡¯s very unfortunate thebyrinth copsed before you could reap its rewards. If there are any pop-ups in the Vice Region during the next surge, the core is all yours, you have my word.¡±


    The A-ss nods.


    ¡°Appreciate it, Director.¡±


    The old man turns back to me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be joining the Association today, and I hope you understand why.¡±


    I stare forward but don¡¯t respond. He continues.


    ¡°As I¡¯m sure you¡¯re quite aware, there was a prettyrge surge recently. The increase in activity is rather troubling. Most private guilds have been ignoring the problem and leaving this mess in the hands of the Association. From seeing the look on your face, I can tell this may be a difficult conversation for us to have moving forward.¡±


    I finally speak up.


    ¡°Yeah. I think it might be. What¡¯s any of this have to do with me¡­? Why is this my problem?¡±


    He nods and lifts my C-ss ID in the air.


    ¡°This. This is why it¡¯s your problem. What takes most people a lifetime, took you just a few months to achieve. Plus, our very own A-ss examiner picked you out as the hunter with the most potential out of all the exam candidates. I even spoke to your friend Arie this morning, he was high on the list too. He spoke very fondly of you.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow. Arie must have joined this morning like he said he would. Good for him, he¡¯s taking on his own path to glory. On the other hand, I don¡¯t exactly get to choose for myself, do I? This whole meeting feels totally off, if there¡¯s any good way out of this, I¡¯m taking it the first chance I can get.


    The Director continues, and my heart skips a beat at the next line thates out of his mouth.


    ¡°Now your sword. I¡¯d like to see it.¡±


    I gulp.


    ¡°My sword¡­ why..?¡±


    The old man puts both of his hands out on his desk.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle it. Rodrigo filled me in on the details, apparently, you had it made over at Apollo¡¯s in the Vice City mall?¡±


    My mind starts racing. I look at the fair-skinned woman, then back to the Director. He continues.


    ¡°Element stones are regted by the Association. We haven¡¯t farmed any Firestones in quite a while, I was surprised to hear about your sword. Please, let me take a look at it.¡±


    I gulp, reaching into my item box to take out the long dark Firestone-imbued sword. The director¡¯s eyes light up as I ce it into his open hands.


    mes begin erupting from the de, but the old man just grins as the fire attempts to burn his hands.


    ¡°This is quite a sword. Who made it for you?¡±


    Sweat rolls down my forehead as I think very carefully about the next words thate out of my mouth.


    ¡°I¡­ talked to a craftsman at Apollo¡¯s like you said. I- I- asked a short bald worker there to make my sword. Forgive me, I don¡¯t remember his name.¡±


    Still holding my burning de without flinching one bit, the Director turns to his assistant. She nods.


    A rush of reliefes over me, that must mean I¡¯ve deceived her skill. I didn¡¯t lie, just tiptoed around the truth¡­ He continues.


    ¡°Do you have any other weapons or items that may be as unique as this one? Maybe you picked up a few things at the exam?¡±


    I gulp, pause for a few seconds, then reply.


    ¡°I¡¯m wearing most of my gear. Everything I own is on me right now¡­ I- don¡¯t have anything unique or valuable from the exam in my item box.¡±


    The woman nods again and the Director hands me my sword back with a smile.


    ¡°Very well. This meeting was not as exciting as I thought it¡¯d be. I think I¡¯ll just assign you to the newly created closebat extraction squad. A few of your fellow teammates from the exam will be on it too.¡±


    He turns to his assistant.


    ¡°Make sure Tripp is avable to give this new team the rundown. Call him to greet Jay when he finishes up here and bring him to the other team members.¡±


    She nods.


    ¡°Of course sir.¡±


    I dly take my sword back, cing it in my item box, but immediately retaliate.


    ¡°Hey, hey! I still don¡¯t get it, why is it mandatory for me to join?!¡±


    Hearing the name of the dagger-wielding hunter ¡°Tripp¡± from the association that I trained with during my break on the 11th floor of the exam doesn¡¯t make me feel any better about this entire situation¡­


    He sighs, cing a hand on my ID card, and pulling it back toward him.


    ¡°Sure. It¡¯s not mandatory, it¡¯d just be in your best interest to sign with us. I¡¯m sure we coulde up with a very reasonable contract. You understand how the dungeon system past C-ss works right?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I guess I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s a reason most hunters don¡¯t level much further than the high 200s or low 300s these days. Normal dungeons begin to stop spawning around this level. Yes, of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but those exceptions are often very vtile.¡±


    Rodrigo looks over to me and nods slowly as the old man continues to talk.


    ¡°The only way for hunters to get stronger would be leveling in thebyrinths. All of the 8 majorbyrinths in this country are highly regted by the Hunters Association.¡±


    He lifts my ID up in the air at my eye level.


    ¡°With that being said, we keep a close eye on hunters with elerated growth. They¡¯re known for either being very beneficial assets, or rogues that must be eliminated.¡±


    He looks over at Rodrigo. He replies.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Director is right.¡±


    I stare at the ID in his hand, thinking about my options¡­


    To a certain extent, everything he¡¯s said so far does make sense. The Association has control over most of the dungeon industry. There¡¯s no point in arguing a pointless matter, I might as well hear him out¡­ He did give me the option to say no.


    I bite my bottom lip, then reply.


    ¡°Fine. What would the terms of a contract with the Association consist of? I¡¯d like to hear what you have to offer.¡±

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    Brutus C. Matthews, the Director of the Vice Region¡¯s Hunters Association branch smiles while sitting back into his chair.


    ¡°Excellent, it¡¯s time to get down to business. As a member of the newly formed extraction squad, you¡¯ll be farming resources for the Association. The lot-¡°


    Before he can continue, I rudely cut the Director off mid-sentence.


    ¡°I prefer to fight alone. That¡¯s my first request.¡±


    With a nod, he continues.


    ¡°Please, let me finish. We¡¯ve recruited arge number of hunters from this exam. Your group will be chosen for you, but working as a team is not necessary. Quotas must be met for proper pay, but not mandatory. All missions required by the Association wille with rewards hard for you to refuse.¡±


    Rodrigo smirks.


    ¡°He¡¯s not lying about that, they will always have offers worth taking.¡±


    I gulp.


    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s the catch¡­?¡±


    The Director sps his hands together and stares at me.


    ¡°There is no catch. I believe you¡¯ll be exclusively working for us, and get exclusive rewards. I¡¯ve been around four times longer than you¡¯ve been alive kid, I know your type. If it¡¯s power you want, this is the ce to get it. I¡¯ll be able to grant you ess to rare dungeons and unlimited floors in the capital¡¯sbyrinth. The resources the Association can provide will be beyond your wildest dreams.¡±


    I clench my jaw while looking into the old man¡¯s eyes. Everything he says seems reasonable¡­ This all just sounds too good to be true¡­


    Was it all just a sick delusional fantasy that they¡¯d be ve drivers here? I¡¯m not even sure where I got that idea in the first ce¡­ Was it Rodrigo? Was he just trying to scare me for the fun of it¡­? No.


    It¡¯s just because he doesn¡¯t see my true value. That must be it. I fooled him.


    I followed the A-ss¡¯ advice, not to make myself too desirable. I stood out just enough to make it seem like I¡¯m not hiding a thing.


    Maybe joining up with the government wouldn¡¯t be such a bad idea. The only hard part is, I¡¯ll have to keep my powers even more hidden the higher up the ranks I climb¡­


    Without them, I¡¯d be stuck in D-ss or lower dungeons for the rest of my life. There¡¯s no possible chance of trying any use of force here, that would be beyond dumb on so many levels. Using words is my best option.


    After a long sigh, I reply.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m interested. Let¡¯s make a deal.¡±


    With a grin, the old man reaches under his desk and takes out a pile of paperwork. He turns to his assistant, then to the A-ss sitting next to me.


    ¡°Samantha, thank you very much. It seems your skill wasn¡¯t very necessary today, but it¡¯s always a pleasure. Better safe than sorry. Rodrigo, this was yourst task for our current deal. You¡¯re free to leave or stay for the rank-up celebration if you please. I¡¯ll send over notes to the main HQ to get your reward re-processed, you know we¡¯ll take good care of you.¡±


    Rodrigo gets up, shakes the Director¡¯s hand, and turns to leave.


    ¡°It was nice meeting you, Jay. Wee to the Association. Careful out there¡­ As much as I hate to say it, I have a hunch we¡¯ll be seeing each other again soon.¡±


    He waves goodbye, and I muster out a ¡°See ya!¡± As both him and Samantha get on the elevator and head downstairs.


    I turn to the Director. He slides me a few different piles of paperwork along with my C-ss ID. I begin reading.


    The low hum of the white mana shields all around fills my ears as we sit in silence. I slowly flip through the pages in front of me.


    Over 40 minutes go by.


    I¡¯ve examined each section thoroughly and signed every page but thest one so far.


    Honestly¡­ This isn¡¯t the kind of offer I expected at all, in a good way. These papers outline a 6-month non-exclusive contract. The only downside is, without Association¡¯s approval I won¡¯t be allowed into any dungeons above D-ss rated. For anything lower, I¡¯ll be able to freely farm resources for myself or other guilds without restrictions.


    The only mention of consistent pay is if I opt into weekly or monthly missions within an exclusive contract offer. This is a part of the contract I decided not to sign. It¡¯s not mandatory for my non-exclusive deal, it¡¯s just rmended for longer-term sess within the organization.


    My pay will be based on quotas. That¡¯s it.


    Apparently, there are resource farming quotas that need to be filled by teams as well as individual offers. Performance-based reward style pay is more up my alley. I¡¯ll meet my team and get my first instructions after this meeting.


    With a satisfied look on my face, I sign the final line at the bottom of thest page.


    The Director smiles as I look up at him, then we shake hands.


    ¡°Wee to the Association Jay, I can already tell we¡¯ll be doing great business together in the future.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right. Maybe I had the wrong idea about you all when I first stepped into this office. After the fact, I couldn¡¯t havee up with a better offer myself. I look forward to working with you, Director.¡±


    With that out of the way and a few more formal goodbyes, I take my new C-ss License and get into the elevator to head downstairs. The rank-up celebration is starting within an hour.


    I press the button to the bottom floor, basically holding my breath the whole way down. I made it into the Association without exposing my secret¡­ Maybe I can just live an ordinary life as a high-ranking hunter.


    I¡¯ll have to be a lot more careful from now on.


    I let out a sigh, then a light grin forms on my face. Things are looking up, today will be the start of my new life at the Association.


    *Ding*


    The elevator hits the bottom floor. My stomach drops, and the thin smilepletely leaves my face as I see who is waiting to greet me.


    It¡¯s a tall and slim young man with slightly blond hair. I remember him very well, and it seems he remembers me¡­.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Could it be? Jay? It¡¯s me, Tripp! I knew I recognized the name, but never thought it¡¯d be the same hunter. Who would have thought so many Dagger wielders would join the Association today, wee aboard.¡±


    I blink a few times, staring at the excited man dressed in an Association get-up. He continues.


    ¡°Come on, follow me, the celebration is about to begin! I have to get you and your team situated before the event starts.¡±


    He turns and starts walking. I let out an audible gulp and follow close behind.


    Does he not remember¡­? That we fought together while the exams were going on¡­. No¡­ he said he recognized my name. Is he just that dense? Does he not see any red gs here?


    A million questions race through my head as Tripp leads me through the crowd of hunters and businessmen. Sweat begins to form on my forehead and my stomach still feels like it¡¯s about toe out of my mouth.


    Thest few hours have been one crazy emotional rollercoaster. I can¡¯t seem to catch a break¡­.


    The moment I¡¯ve been dreading for thest 15 seconds finallyes.


    The blond-haired C-ss turns his head giving me a sly grin, while speaking in a low tone.


    ¡°It seems I know something the higher-ups don¡¯t. How exactly did you manage to meet me in the Dungeon Hub this weekend while simultaneously taking the exam?¡±


    I swallow a mouthful of non-existent saliva, then begin to answer.


    ¡°I- I- have a good reason for this. It¡¯s just best we don¡¯t go into detail¡­ Here of all ces.¡±


    I shift my eyes back and forth, making sure no one is paying any particrly close attention to us.


    Tripp rolls his eyes and smiles.


    ¡°Fine, fine. Keep your secrets for now, but I will find out eventually. I¡¯m no snitch, but I always get what I want. Anyways, I¡¯ll be your team¡¯s guide for the first few days to make sure you¡¯re all headed in the right direction. Double overtime pay baby!¡±


    He makes quick eye contact with me, clearly excited about his extra pay, then turns to keep walking through the crowd.


    I let out an exhale, feeling a little bit better. Tripp is not hostile¡­ but definitely a bit annoying¡­


    He leads me over to a door at the back of the lobby and opens it after scanning his ID on a pad above the handle. As I follow him inside, he starts giving me a lecture.


    ¡°So, first things first, this is the entrance to the hunter¡¯s trade center. There are 5 doors at the back of the lobby, they all lead to the same ce, so don¡¯t overthink that part too much.¡±


    I look around as we walk through a narrow hallway with a ck-tiled floor and white walls humming with mana. Another door appears about 10m inside. Tripp scans his ID again, and we walk through.


    ¡°Here we are. This is where you¡¯ll be getting your quota assignments, registering farmed materials, and buying or renting gear.¡±


    As we walk in my eyes open wide to see arge open room with tall ceilings. The floor is still covered in ck tiles, and the walls still remain white, but there are neon signs and lights filling my vision from all directions.


    To my left, right, and center I see multiple rooms remodeled to look like open storefronts. They have signs with pink, blue, and green moving text that give general prices for buying and selling loot.


    There are clear walls and floating shelves that hold shiny swords and various potions. Crystals and trinkets fill my vision along with thousands of questions filling my head.


    There¡¯s a credit exchange system that isn¡¯t gold based, and it¡¯s a bit hard to understand. I open my mouth while turning to Tripp, but he cuts me off before I can even get a word out.


    ¡°I know, I know. It¡¯s a lot to take in. We¡¯ll go through everything with your team very soon. It¡¯ll make much more sense. Trust me.¡±


    I just nod, wide-eyed taking in the view as I continue to follow Tripp through the mini shopping center. We make it to the other side and he scans his ID on yet another door. We walk through.


    ¡°This here, is our final stop of the tour. We call it the lounge.¡±


    The two of us enter thest room, and I quietly take in the view. The name definitely suits it well.


    The ck tile floor is amon trend now, it stays the same. Surprisingly, the walls in this room are not mana reinforced, or at least they don¡¯t seem to be.


    There are two small-looking merchant stands built into both sides of the room. The one to my right seems to be a cafe selling drinks and small food items. Therger setup to my left is a medium-scale restaurant, it looks like they sell a variety of foods.


    The center of the room is filled with tables, couches, odd-looking beanbag-shaped chairs, and about 3 dozen hunters to go with it.


    Everyone here is reading, sharing casual conversation, and well¡­ for ack of better words¡­ lounging around.


    Tripp grins as I scan over the private resting area for Association workers, then speaks up as a group of 3 starts walking toward us.


    ¡°Looks like the rest of your team hase to greet you.¡±


    I turn my head to see who he¡¯s talking about, then let out a light gasp. Arie, Maria, and Abbye walking toward me in full Hunter¡¯s Association Uniforms.


    This day just keeps getting weirder.

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    Maria is the first to run at me with arms outstretched.


    "Jay! Where have you been? We couldn''t find you at the hotel earlier this morning! Where''d you run off to?!"


    I let out an awkwardugh, dodging the question as Maria throws herself onto me. She smiles while finishing her long hug and backing up to look me in the eyes.


    "I wanted to tell you before I left this morning, but like I said, you were gone. I joined the association too! I couldn''t just leave you here all alone! Plus they gave me a pretty good offer."


    I nod, looking her up and down.


    "It seems that way. Aren''t you contracted with the Pace guild exclusively though?"


    "Well... Yeah, but they let me sign a non-exclusive supplement contract. All dungeons D-ss and below can be farmed with the guild, while higher level areas will be strictly Association business."


    "My contract is very simr."


    Maria stands in front of me smiling ear to ear. My gaze shifts to Arie and Abby.


    The green-haired girl looks like she''s in her natural habitat here. A few people passing by smile and say hi as theye and leave, they already know her. Abby looks over at me.


    "Wee to the Association Jay. It isn''t exactly like the warm wee I received on my first day, but I''m d you''re here. I have an exclusive contract if you were curious. Mandatory missions are set up for me and I''m paid ordingly. My newest job is to be a part of this extraction squad. So, we''ll be working together a lot from now on."


    I give her a kind nod, but Arie speaks up before I can get any words out.


    "Same goes for me. I signed an exclusive contract too. Different terms, but the same style of agreement. I''ll be on this extraction squad. I''m d it''s you 3, trusting another group of new recruits would be a bit more difficult."


    I look back and forth at my 3 new teammates in front of me, not knowing exactly what to say.


    Sure, we worked together during the exams and I''ve even trained with Abby and Maria a few times, but after I hit C-ss I was expecting to go straight back to solo Dungeon Diving. Continuing to work with a team will be a change of pace... Arie is right about one thing, I''m d it''s them and not a group of randoms thrown together by the Association.


    I let out a long exhale, then speak up.


    "Well, I''m d we''ll all be working together too."


    After this line Tripp steps in and has a word.


    "Alright, I''ll be showing the 4 of you around for a little while. I''m part of a simr group, we do weekly missions and fill certain quotas. The higher-ups told me your squad will most likely be a bit more aggressive for the harder missions. More power to ya I guess!"


    He grins.


    "Follow me, let''s get you all situated with your duties, then we''ll join the party upstairs. The second-floor banquet hall will be filled with hunters and executives within the hour. It''s tradition, rather boring... but there''s always good food and drinks, so we''ll have to check it out."


    Light on his feet, the blond dagger wielder turns and starts walking toward the door that we just entered. He motions for the rest of us to follow, so we do without another word.


    There are no locks on the doors from the inside, they just click open with a slight push. All 5 of us make our way through into the bright-colored mini market. Immediately, my eyes are drawn to all the moving lights again. Tripp points to a smaller storefront at the back of the room.


    "Come on, this way."


    As we get closer, a short middle-aged woman with white hair and bright blue eyes begins waving to us with an overly energetic smile on her face.


    "Tripp, how ya doin''? Are these another new group of recruits?"


    He replies with a greeting, then steps out of the way to let us all introduce ourselves one by one. Afterward, the woman eagerly replies.


    "Well it''s nice to meet the lot of you, it seems we''ll be doing a whole lot of business in the future. My name is Sophia Greenday, but you can just call me Sophie. Got it?"


    The four of us nod as the short white-haired woman starts sifting through a bunch of small shimmering tablets. They glow with silver and white light and are about the size of an ID card. Finally, she looks up.


    "Here, each of you, take your quota counters. You''ll track your progress there and hand them back in at the end of every weekly or monthly cycle... Or don''t hand them in at all, you just won''t get paid, it''s not like I care."


    She lets out augh, then continues.


    "Anyways, take a look. We have a pretty simple first week. Usually, we''d stack a few individual tasks in with the team tasks, but the director picked this one out specifically for you four."


    I look down at the small rectangr card. It reads out a few lines of text.


    ____________


    [Jay Soju]


    [Avable Credits]: 0


    [C-ss]


    [Team Weekly Quota]:


    [Strengthening Fragments][0/10]


    [Reward]: 5 Credits


    [Individual Weekly Quota]:


    [NONE][0/0]


    [Reward]: 0 Credits


    ____________


    I mumble under my breath.


    "Strengthening fragments? What are these...?"


    Tripp peeks over at my card and lets out a gulp, then looks at Sophie wide-eyed.


    "Is the director crazy!? I know he said this squad would be on the lookout for some aggressive missions, but strengthening fragments? Those are only found in the Great ins Dungeon... My squad doesn''t even train there ever since the incident... Titans are wildly unpredictable! Is this really-"


    The white-haired woman cuts him off.


    "That''s what the Director ordered. It''s not like I make the rules around here, I just pay people for following them."


    I continue to stare down at the shimmering card for a moment. There are so many questions to ask... but Sophie continues talking.


    "Anyways, I know some of you are new here, so let me exin how this works. First things first, your team''s weekly Quota. As Tripp kindly mentioned, Strengthening Fragments are only found in the Great ins Dungeon. Just sh your C-ss cards at the Dungeon Hub and you''ll be able to get in with no problem."


    We all stand in a line, watching her wave her short arms as she speaks.


    "Strengthening Fragments look like this."


    Sophie rummages around in a few drawers until finally lifting up a small ck gem in front of her face. The coin-sized crystal gives off a small shimmer, reflecting the neon lights around us a little, but overall it''s a pretty dull-looking rock.


    "In The Great ins, most of the normal mobs will drop one of these once every thousand kills or so."


    Abby jumps in Immediately after hearing this statement.


    "A thousand? So you''re telling me we have to kill over ten thousand C-ss monsters?!"


    Sophieughs and ces the gem down in front of her.


    "Well, there are some stronger monsters the further in you travel. Mutants aren''t too umon, they have a ten times more likely drop rate. They may be your best bet for quicker farming."


    I stare straight down at the card, still thinking over a few things said earlier. While raising my head to meet the white-haired woman''s gaze, I speak up.


    "Two questions. What are these credits for, and what are Titans? The monsters Tripp mentioned before..."


    Sophie grins.


    "Well, the credit reward disyed on your card is 5 for this task. If all of you together can farm 10 Strengthening Fragments, that reward will be paid out to each of you individually. So, 20 credits in total for the group. Credits may be exchanged for 1 gold coin each, or used as currency at any Hunters Association-run shop. The value is nearly doubled if used to buy gear or materials from the shops. Credits can only be spent or exchanged for gold, it''s impossible to buy more."


    She crosses her arms and looks at Tripp with a smirk, then back to me.


    "Titans... They''re more of a myth these days because no one is stupid enough to go deep into that dungeon to fight them anymore. Titans are enormous creatures that spawn at the back of the Great ins Dungeon. There was a pretty bad squad wipe that happened a few years back, a bunch of high-level C-ss and some B-ss hunters just disappeared... The only exnation was the Titans, so most people have just stayed clear of it since. They''re pretty odd creatures, and almost impossible to kill. If by chance you see one, you''ll know what it is, and what to do.... Run."


    The 4 of us stand there in silence, but Tripp chimes in to break the awkward tension momentster.


    "Just don''t venture too deep in, like Sophie said, they reside deep in the dungeon...."


    She replies.


    "Their Strengthening Fragment drop rate is almost 100% though!"


    Tripp lets out a sigh, rolling his eyes as Sophie finishes up her speech.


    "To be clear, you don''t have to all work together. Your squad has a unique contract. Each of you just has to submit the requested farmed loot to me or one of the Association run shops within the week. Once all 10 Strengthening Fragments have been collected the reward will automatically hit your ount and a new quota will appear. It seems none of you have individual tasks this week, so you don''t have to worry about that. It''s rather self-exnatory though"


    Tripp nods.


    "The Director is definitely trying to power level you 4. That''s the only exnation I can think of. It''ll be a brutal week of training..."


    I ce the shimmering card in my item box, and my teammates do the same. The blond-haired C-ss turns with a smile toward the door.


    "Well, on that note, thanks Sophie, great seeing you. Let''s head off to the rank-up celebration, I''m starving!"


    He begins to walk away toward the exit. With a few words and waves of goodbye, the 4 of us follow. We leave the mini shopping area, walk through the narrow hallway back into the lobby, then make our way upstairs.


    The crowd from earlier has mostly dispersed. Hunters and executives have made their way up to the second floor. The four of us follow Tripp to the elevator to do the same.


    I''m not in much of a mood to celebrate again... Last night was more than enough partying for me.


    Whatever this rank-up event turns out to be, I''m going to do whatever I can to leave early. The only thing on my mind right now is The Great ins Dungeon...


    To be more specific, the Titans. A new mysterious unbeatable opponent... I''m itching to see what a fight with one of these monsters is like.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    The 5 of us board the elevator, and Tripp taps on the ¡°Floor 2¡± option shown on the digital screen.


    After a few seconds of waiting, we rise to the floor above us. With a ding, the door opens and we enter the banquet hall.


    It¡¯s a long and wide room with dozens of circr tables and arge stage at the back. There¡¯s a live band dressed in all white setting up for a performance. Immediately, we¡¯re greeted by a beautiful young woman carrying tall sses of Champagne.


    ¡°Wee, wee. Please take a drink and make yourselvesfortable. More guests will be arriving soon.¡±


    Politely, we all take a drink each.


    I look around the room to see people of all shapes and sizes. It¡¯s split about 50/50 between hunters and executives in here. Using inspect, I find the average hunter is between levels 270 and 320. Almost all of them are C-ss applicants that passed the exam.


    Most of the staff serving food and drinks are around level 20 to 70. The executives in suits are leveled at random. The bulk of them are between levels 100 and 200, but there are exceptions to this rule. A few level 400+ retired hunterse into my field of vision.


    It¡¯s pretty clear even without my inspect skill, they wear enchanted rings and very expensive suits. The C-ss executives stand out in the crowd.


    Arie is doing the same as me, taking in the view of people around us, but for an entirely different reason. He grins and raises his ss to meet mine.


    *clink*


    ¡°Cheers Jay. Congrats on ranking up. It¡¯s time for me to get busy. My day ofworking is about to begin.¡±


    He lifts the drink to his lips and gulps down the entire thing in seconds. With a swift turn, Arie ces his empty ss on a passing waitress¡¯ silver tray while grabbing another from a woman walking in the opposite direction.


    He walks straight over to one of the men I scanned at level 439 and begins introducing himself.


    I take a sip of my drink and give him a light nod of respect. Maria turns to me as the fizzy drink rolls down my tongue.


    ¡°Hey, Jay! Abby and I are going to check out the musicians and find some seats!¡±


    The blond and green-haired girls stare at me with excited looks in their eyes, I chuckle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me hold you two back, go have fun! I¡¯ll be taking care of some business too.¡±


    They both run off, leaving me alone in the center of the crowded room with Tripp. I hear idle chatter all around. Drinks ng against each other andughter along with talk of money and contracts fills my ears. I zone out, letting the room fall silent, just alone in my own thoughts.


    This old habit of mine¡­. Daydreaming at the most awkward times imaginable. Reflexively, I gulp down the rest of my drink to get into an even fuzzier head space. It¡¯s not that I hate being around people¡­ I just¡­ would rather not be around them at all sometimes. Large groups like this in a closed-off space with no ns of leaving give me a weird feeling.


    I gulp, realizing my MP is slowly dropping for some reason¡­


    Snapping out of my moment of peace, I let out a long exhale realizing my [Self Regeneration] skill¡¯s passive trait just kicked in: Poison Resistance. I murmur to myself.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even get drunk¡­¡±


    With a frown across my face, I continue scanning the room, silently judging everyone that walks by¡­. This is not going to be a fun ceremony.


    I roll my eyes and ce my ss on a server¡¯s tray that¡¯s passing by, letting out another low-pitched ¡°I don¡¯t want to be here¡± sounding groan.


    Tripp throws his hand over my shoulder.


    ¡°You know, you can leave if you want. This is supposed to be a fun event for new hunters looking to make a name for themselves in the Association. If you don¡¯t want any part in it, feel free to go, I can cover for you.¡±


    I perk up.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    He points to the elevator.


    ¡°Yeah, just leave if you want. No one¡¯s forcing you to stay. Just make sure to meet up in the lobby tomorrow morning, around 9. I¡¯ll be surveying your first dive. The rest of my squad maye along too, I swear the Director is trying to get me killed¡­ The Great ins are no joke.¡±


    Before Tripp finishes his sentence I¡¯ve already turned and waved goodbye.


    With a grin across my face from ear to ear I board the elevator, make my way down to the lobby, and walk straight out the front door. The mid-day sun shines on my face as I walk toward the Dungeon Hub without hesitation.


    If it¡¯s not mandatory, I¡¯m totally ditching that party.


    The only reason I took this Hunter¡¯s Exam in the first ce was so I could fight more powerful monsters. Maybe it took an unexpected turn, I joined the Association¡­ but now I can get back to business!


    It¡¯s time to go Dungeon Diving again.


    As I approach the Hub, I make my way toward the C-ss gate. A couple of heads turn as I approach the guard in front of the moving stairs. Thinking about all the times I watched higher-ss hunters enter this gate makes me feel pretty cool right now.


    The guard on duty takes my ID.


    ¡°Are you a new C-ss? I haven¡¯t seen you enter this gate before.¡±


    ¡°I am, ranked up today actually.¡±


    He hands my license back to me, raising an eyebrow but showing me a bright smile.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Congrats. As a solo hunter, I¡¯d rmend trying out the High Ogre or High Orc dungeons. Even the Yeti Dungeon could be a good fit. They¡¯re good for farming mana crystals andbat items. Most of the high-grade dungeons aren¡¯t touched much these days, only an asional B-ss teames in and clears them on order from the Association to keep breaks to a minimum. Anyways, who am I to tell a C-ss what to do? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve got a n for today.¡±


    I nod firmly, walking passed the guard.


    ¡°I appreciate it, have a good day!¡±


    I walk down to the C-ss tform. It¡¯spletely empty today. My footsteps echo around the underground train station as I walk over to the Dungeon List.


    The 3 dungeons that the guard mentioned earlier are on the top of the low-grade list. There are only 7 C-ss dungeons avable here in total¡­ 5 of them are low-grades, and 2 are high-grades. There¡¯s no in-between, this is a lot less to pick from than the old D-ss tform. There are dozens over there.


    I smirk, reading out ¡°The Great ins¡± as one of the options on the high-grade list. Immediately, I walk over to the pickup point to wait for a train.


    Less than 5 minutester, my ridees and I board to make my way over to the dungeon. Still, no other hunters are in sight. I¡¯m all alone in the C-ss raids today, everyone else must be on duty or at the celebration.


    After watching the cement walls fly by outside my window, I finally arrive and make my way up the esctor to see the floating portal in the small isted room.


    I reach into my item storage and take out both of my new daggers, this will be the perfect opportunity to test them out. I jump through the spinning mass of energy and enter The Great ins.


    A wave of hot dry air hits my face as I enter the dungeon. It¡¯s nowhere near as hot as the final floor of thebyrinth, but still noticeably different than the outside world.


    I step forward to hear a light crunch, then look down to see sun-bleached grass and small dried-up shrubs along the arid climate¡¯s ground. There are hills that rise and fall in the distance, making it hard to see how far out this dungeon really goes outward. asionally, a small tree with very few leaves no more than 5m high disrupts the nearly t ground stretching off to the horizon.


    While gripping both of my bright red daggers tightly, the trek deep into this dungeon begins.


    I activate enemy detection and inspect. Sending my feelers out into the dungeon, I try expanding my range with the All-Seeing Eye ability. Seconds after I do, the first oddity of this dungeon begins to sink in.


    While usually it just takes a few seconds to feel out 3km or so of dungeon radius, this one is a lot different. It just keeps on going¡­ The first enemies I sense are around 1km away, then more 3-5km out, but it doesn¡¯t stop¡­ 10km out, there¡¯s more¡­ 20km out¡­ even more, 30km¡­ I hit a mental wall.


    I turn off my perception ability to reach into my item storage and plunder the MP from a few mana crystals. This dungeon seems endless, I can¡¯t even find the back side of it with a full bar of mana. I smirk and murmur under my breath.


    ¡°So, these are The Great ins.¡±


    Shifting my walking direction slightly, I head off toward my first opponent.


    [1200m]


    [Lv. 311]


    The dirt beneath my feet is a light color brown, and there¡¯s a nice cool breeze that teases me every few minutes. The gusts of air are almost refreshing, but leave me wanting more as the sun beats down from above.


    The walk is pretty peaceful, but I¡¯m ready for some action.


    Finally, a monsteres into view. It¡¯s already noticed me from a distance and is charging, spinning up a dust cloud in its wake. I use Appraisal to see exactly what I¡¯m dealing with.


    _____________


    Active Items:


    [Irond Armor Set] +1000 Defense


    [Rhino¡¯s Crushing Horn] +700 Strength


    Active Skills:


    Berserker


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    _____________


    Arge creature, over 6m long and 4m talles barreling toward me in shining ck armor, glowing red with angry eyes locked on me, radiating intent to kill.


    It looks like an oversized rhinoceros, with a huge white horn sticking out of its nose pointing straight ahead. The monster¡¯s body is covered in veins and dense muscles that bulge out of its heavy armor set. Grunts and a deep bellowing roar erupt from its mouth as it gets closer.


    I begin to glow with abination of red and golden light while imbuing my daggers with mana and wind magic.


    My first fight in The Great ins is about to begin.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    The enormous rhino creature charges at me on all fours glowing red from its berserker skill. It¡¯s covered in ck armor along with shining body-hardening crystals from its second skill.


    I grit my teeth and grip my wind-imbued daggers to match its energy, it¡¯s time to finally test these des out. I take a deep breath while focusing my mana deep within the dual daggers.


    It¡¯s much easier to control mana with my All-Seeing Eye active, plus all the practice I¡¯ve gotten from charging up my fire-imbued sword helps a lot. The mana mixed with dense wind energy begins to swirl around inside des as they glow with white light. Just like my long sword, these weapons have an ego of their own as well. They want to fly, their natural instinct is to release the immense winds within them.


    The twin des erupt with energy. I thrust them downwards to the sides of my body, forcing the wind magic to slice into the ground on either side of me. The brutal force of the attack blows dirt and stone in all directions as I fly up into the air. With minor corrections from my own wind summoning, I use this boost of speed to hurdle myself toward the approaching monster.


    The beast grunts, raising its massive horn in the air as I fall down at it with blinding speed. Layers of dense wind cover my body, along with both my des. Focusing straight ahead, aiming my attack directly at the creature before me, I let out a yell and release a dazzling wave of silver light.


    A crescent of shimmering wind energy leaves both my daggers to form a single attack. It glistens and shines, making the dense pocket of wind magic look like a shining silver sword flying through the air.


    *SHINGGGG*


    Myser focus doesn¡¯t budge for even a second. With both eyes locked on the charging beast, I watch my new des'' first attack slice the monster in two like a hot wire melting through foam.


    Ind on the ground with a loud thud cracking the ground in front of the fallen beast.


    It didn¡¯t stand a chance¡­.


    Grinning while twirling my still glowing des, I admire my work as the two halves of a massive monster settle and its blood soaks into the dry ground. The red glow of its berserker skill dissipates as I watch its mass disappear over the next minute or so.


    It drops a heavy mana crystal, but nothing else. I toss it into my item storage and begin wandering deeper into the dungeon.


    ¡°Well¡­ That was a disappointment. At least I have a better feel for my new des now.¡±


    Sophie said there were 3 tiers of monsters in this dungeon. The regr mobs, the mutants, and the Titans.


    Using enemy detection, I begin to locate and obliterate every stray monster in my path. The rhinos mostly travel alone, but the deeper I venture in, the more likely they are to travel in groups. In just under 2 hours I travel 10km into the dungeon and defeat 14 monsters. So far, all they drop are mana crystals, nothing else.


    I continue onward until a much higher level pops up on my enemy detection radar.


    [800m]


    [Lv. 377]


    [Lv. 313]


    [Lv. 312]


    [Lv. 310]


    ¡°Looks like I found my first mutant.¡±


    With an eager grin stered across my face, I start air-stepping in the direction of the 4 newly spotted monsters. I¡¯ll finally get some real action.


    A few minutester the groups of creaturese into full view as I climb over a small deste hill. I see 3 simr monsters to the ones I¡¯ve been fighting, the lower-level beasts are the first to charge. Immediately, they begin sprinting toward me. A dust cloud forms and the ground shakes, but I match their attack and lunge in to begin our battle.


    The 3 disposable pawns are taken out in an instant. As the dust clears, I see a pair of glowing red eyes approach. I use Appraisal on the level 377 mutant in front of me to gauge the strength of my opponent.


    _____________


    Active Items:


    [Rhino Commander¡¯s Irond Armor Set] +1100 Defense


    [Rhino Commander¡¯s Crushing Horn] +900 Strength


    [Rhino Commander¡¯s Battle Axe] +500 Strength


    [Rhino Commander¡¯s Battle Axe] +500 Strength


    Active Skills:


    Berserker


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Extreme Strength


    _____________


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    *THUDDD*


    A 5m tall humanoid creature glows a red and golden light, simr to my own. It has a body just like a High Ogre, quick and agile looking, but still bulky and strong. Its tough hide is that of a rhinoceros and its head matches the theme. A massive horn juts out right below its eyes.


    It carries two silver axes, one in each hand. They¡¯re bothrger than my entire body and the monster swings them around with ease. The beast lets out a roar releasing a murderous aura while ring down at me. This mutant half-man half-rhino is ready to battle. Luckily, so am I.


    Without hesitation, I make my move. Charging up my daggers, I let out an attack powerful enough to slice its minions in two. The shimmering crescent of energy flies through the air toward the monster¡¯s open neck. It raises both axes and deflects my attack with a loud grunt and a roar as the wave of wind spirals up into the air.


    It turns to me andunches an attack of its own.


    With axes held steady, and body-hardening crystals covering its vital points, the monster makes its move.


    *CLANGGGG*


    I catch its two shining twin axes with my own in mid-air. I grit my teeth and use all the strength and wind magic in my arsenal to push the monster¡¯s attack away, but it¡¯s no use¡­ The two massive des slowly sink down toward me as the beast overpowers my defense with brute strength.


    Erupting into mes, I try to push back using every buff and skill I have. The silver axese closer and closer. I let out a sigh and a grunt, realizing I¡¯ll have to fight with my head.


    ¡°Dungeon Walker.¡±


    Instantly, I vanish from beneath the monster¡¯s weapons and appear behind it releasing a full-powered wind attack from my daggers.


    Completely caught off guard, the mutant creature takes an unexpected wind sh to the back. It lets out an angry and confused roar as ck fragments of body hardening crystals shatter into the air and a bloody gash opens up between a gap in its armor.


    I smirk while teleporting to its opposite side as it angrily turns around with axes ready to strike at me again. Another shimmering crest of wind magices flying out of my twin daggers, hitting the clueless monster in another armor gap. It lets out a roar as ck crystals shatter into the air and red blood trickles down its sides.


    The beast turns again, immediately spotting me after the attack. I teleport to its blind spot to release another brutal strike. Over and over, I let out powerful attacks with my new des. This monster isn¡¯t dumb, and it¡¯s the furthest thing from weak¡­ I¡¯m just a lot faster and much more agile. It doesn¡¯t stand a chance against my quickness and teleportation skill.


    Over half a dozen wind shester, the monster begins to slow down even more. It begins having trouble holding its axes steady and its breaths be audible between grunts of pain. Another half dozen wind shester and it falls to its knees.


    I stand 10m in front of the mutant humanoid rhino and point both my des at the thoroughly defeated monster. Concentrating mana and wind magic into the center of both des I slowly bring them toward each other until they meet with a light metallic clink.


    The des merge into one heavy dagger, and I charge up the final attack.


    Glowing bright white, I take a deep breath in and out before bringing the de across my body to release a ripple of glimmering silver energy.


    In the blink of an eye, the attack soars through the air and slices through the bloodied mutant¡¯s neck with ease.


    *THUDDD*


    Its head falls to the floor as I power down my skills and twirl my dagger around my right hand.


    [Level Up]


    I patiently wait for the monster to dissolve, but it drops nothing but a mana crystal behind. I pick up the stone with a bit of disappointment and throw it in my item storage. While activating enemy detection again, I continue my trek deeper into this never-ending dungeon.


    That gave me a little rush, but still, there¡¯s been no opponents worth my time.


    Just over 2 more hours go by¡­ I travel another 15km in and fight 6 more mutants along with their underlings. I¡¯ve gained 4 more levels, bringing me to 357, but the only loot drops so far have been mana crystals.


    The further in I travel, the tougher these mutants get, but they¡¯re still no match at all for me. I¡¯m hoping to find one of these so-called un-kible ¡°Titans¡± but I haven¡¯t had any luck.


    My enemy detection skill is even acting up. Every time I try to scan for more enemies, weird chunks of dungeon space don¡¯t show up on my mind¡¯s eye radar. It¡¯s like they don¡¯t exist, or are being blocked from detection. I¡¯ve experienced weird dungeon phenomena before, but usually, there is a good exnation. This just makes no sense.


    I keep walking up and down the rising and falling hills hoping toe across an enemy that will put up a good fight¡­ or even one of these mutants to drop one of those strengthening fragments. For all the hype this dungeon received, it¡¯s been a pretty boring experience so far.


    Letting out a long sigh, I continue onward.


    ¡°The deeper I go, the higher the chance I¡¯ll find one of these things right? ¡­. right?¡±


    The hills keep bending up and down as I follow the horizon line in front of me. I¡¯m not too worried about getting lost or going too far in, I can just Dungeon Walk back to the entrance at any time.


    Another hour goes by. No more mutants or regr mobs attack me at all. The air has a unique mana consistency to it now, simr to a dungeon break. If I concentrate hard enough, it almost sounds like the dungeon around me is humming¡­.


    The eerie sensation of being watchedes over me suddenly. Even with my All-Seeing Eye activated, I can¡¯t sense the presence of anything nearby.


    ¡°This is odd¡­¡±


    I look around, but there¡¯s nothing in sight¡­


    I clench my jaw and reach into my item box to grab my sword. Switching my dagger to my left hand, I grip both weapons tightly and get ready for a fight.


    Something is definitely nearby.


    Erupting into mes and scanning every bit of dungeon space around me I prepare for the worst. Maybe it¡¯s like one of those giant Cyclops? Or a Minotaur creature? It could even be an even more mutated form of the Rhino monsters I¡¯ve been facing. All I know is they¡¯re apparently really big and really scary. The anticipation is killing me!


    Then, I see it¡­


    Coming up from behind a hill in the distance, an impossibly huge figure walks toward me. It appears out of nowhere. My enemy detection skill didn¡¯t see iting at all, but it¡¯s definitely here now.


    I crane my neck up to the sky as the shadow of a humanoid monster casts its presence over me.


    It¡¯s easily 30m tall, andpletely void of any defining feature. A ck mass of energy in the shape of human approaches without making a sound¡­ Looking into any part of its body feels like I¡¯m staring into the abyss. Its giant feet crack the ground as it approaches, but the dirt and rock that fly off in all directions are eerily silent.


    Its long legs move slowly, but it covers a lot of ground with every step. The humming sensation of dense mana in the air increases dramatically as the Titan rhythmically swings its long jet-ck arms back and forth while walking straight toward me. The monster is carving out a valley of destruction behind it, throwing massive chunks of earth and stone into the air like it¡¯s kicking up dust.


    How did I not sense iting? What is this thing, and how is this possible¡­? I gulp, gripping my weapons and charging them both up to glow with white and red light.


    Activating Inspect, Appraisal, and Enemy Detection, the skills finally get a reading on this creature as ites within range.


    [250m]


    _____________


    [Lv. 400]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    Buffs:


    [Titan¡¯s Domain] Hidden Ability


    _____________


    ¡°So this¡­ is a Titan¡­¡±

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    The impossibly huge humanoid monster made of odd dark energy continues to crack the ground as it walks toward me in silence. An unnerving hum of intense mana fills my senses as the air around me gets denser and denser with a tingling magic sensation.


    A Titan. This is the creature that Tripp and Sophie warned me about, the monster I¡¯ve been looking for this whole time.


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯ll get to go all out.¡±


    Readying my sword and dagger, I activate all of my stat-boosting skills to glow with a golden-red light. The slow-moving Titan doesn¡¯t even seem to register my presence¡­ Or, at least, I can¡¯t tell if it does.


    The emotionless mass of energy the size of a 10-story building trudges forward in my general direction. I begin running full speed ahead toward it. Every step I take makes the humming tone of mana grow louder and the density of magic in the air begins to make my joints tingle.


    I erupt into mes, covering myself in a barrier of thick fire and wind magic allowing me to continue my charge forward. After less than half a minute, I get within range to release an attack.


    Swinging both my sword and dagger, I let out a dual attack containing two crescents of white and red magic. They soar through the air, as the ominous figure In the distance stays true to its march.


    My jaw drops as my attack hits the anomaly before my eyes¡­


    Both of my attacks collide with the monster¡¯s mid-section but disappear on impact. The creature doesn¡¯t even flinch, it continues slowly moving forward without a moment¡¯s hesitation.


    I grit my teeth and let out another high-powered attack with both my des.


    My high-powered energy attacks that previously sliced mutants in half like butter collide with this menace and vanish into thin air.


    My heart skips a beat. I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s fear or excitement. All I know is, this is not going to be easy.


    With a smirk, I dart off to the right side. Some new positioning will give me a clear look at all of its angles, maybe there¡¯s an obvious weakness somewhere. Using my wind magic to increase my travel speed, I make my way around the Titan as it draws even nearer. I¡¯m less than 50m away from the beast, and the ground shakes with every step it takes.


    I assume, It still hasn¡¯t noticed me. The humming in my ears is giving me a minor headache, and the energy in the air feels like a full-blown dungeon break. Letting out a yell, I release another dual attack at the monster¡¯s legs.


    Yet again, all the magic I throw at it immediately disappears into nothingness on impact.


    It cracks the hard ground while continuing in a steady straight line forward. I run in even closer. If magic won¡¯t work, maybe physical attacks will be the only option.


    The long ck leg of the creature is less than 15m away now. With one long step, it could crush me under its foot from where it stands. Still, even up close there are no distinguishable features, looking at any part of its body is like staring into an endless abyss of darkness.


    I clench my jaw and lunge in for any attack. The Titan steps forward, and Iunch another full power strike. With both des swinging bright with magic, I take a long slice at the monster¡¯s open leg.


    My eyes widen as I feel my des cut through the air. That¡¯s right, the air¡­. My red and white glowing weapons just slip through the Titan¡¯s dark flesh without making a sound or even drawing a drop of blood. I would even call it flesh, it¡¯s more like an illusion of flesh. This beast is a walking ck hole.


    I react by bursting into mes and shooting advanced fire magic all the way up its leg, but it¡¯s futile. All of my attacks just go right through this mysterious ck blob of matter and disappear into the void.


    The hum of mana is so intense up close, I can barely hear myself think. I try onest move.


    ¡°Plunderer.¡±


    I let out a surprised gasp as the sweet sensation of newly plundered mana enters my body. Finally, I found its weakness. If this creature runs out of MP, I¡¯m sure this ability¡¯s defensive effects will wear off eventually. I¡¯ll get to see its true form.


    The Titan¡¯s leg begins to move as it takes another long stride. I air-step backward and begin positioning myself for another opportunity to plunder its mana. The giant takes a step and I lunge in to plunder more MP.


    The sensation of its mana entering my body continues without a hitch. I activate my All-Seeing Eye, wondering if I¡¯ll be able to track its exact remaining mana stores. I¡¯ve never tried to suck a monster dry of MP before, so this will be a first.


    I let out an audible gulp as my perception ability activates. I whisper under my breath while decreasing my plunderer skill¡¯s intensity, losing motivation¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­. no end¡­.¡±


    The dense swirling pit of mana before my eyes is like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen or even thought of before. The outeryer of its body acts as a buffer to keep reality out of the mini pocket dimension of pure mana inside of it. Swirling clouds of pure white and pink mana look simr to the borders of my own spacial magic skill. A pocket dimension of seemingly endless mana.


    The absurdity of how deep its MP stores go is baffling, I deactivate my All-Seeing Eyepletely. Staring into the abyss might make someone crazy, but trying to absorb all of its energy would make them absolutely insane.


    I¡¯m not too sure which one I¡¯ll be by the end of this battle¡­


    I jump backward as the monster takes another step. My heart is racing and the hum of mana in the air mixed with the nightmare I justid eyes upon makes my headache even worse. I swallow hard, take a deep breath, and create some distance between myself and the Titan mindlessly walking forward.


    ¡°What¡­ is this thing¡­.?¡±


    As I air-step further away, its dense aura fades and the humming dies down. I let out a sigh of relief and try to refocus my thoughts.


    The Titan takes another step. I watch its massive foot crack the hard ground throwing dirt and rock in all directions.


    This gives me an idea¡­. With a smirk, I ready myself for round two.


    I Dungeon Walk in front of the marching behemoth. Lucky for me, it¡¯s walking in a direction I¡¯ve already traveled so my teleportation skills work like a charm.


    I ce my sword into item storage while separating my dagger into its original twin des form. I need pure wind energy for this attack. Charging up the two des with everyst drop of my avable MP, I release an enormous crest of silver and white shimmering light at the monster¡¯s feet as it takes its next step forward.


    The surge of energy I unleash warps the surrounding air as it hurtles toward the ground. It collides with the titan''s foot, connecting with the solid earth in perfect synchronicity. A white sh blinds me as the wind magic expands and releases its energy on impact. Rocks and dirt fly everywhere and a massive crater is formed beneath the approaching Titan¡¯s step.


    I brace myself for what¡¯sing while grinning ear to ear. The monster¡¯s long ck leg continues to step down into the hole my wind magic has created. It mindlessly falls into my trap as I closely watch the events before me unfold.


    The 30m tall Titan¡¯s featureless face falls forward. I grab a mana crystal from my storage, plunder its MP, and Dungeon Walk back another 50m or so to watch the enormous monster fall to the ground.


    I let out augh raising my daggers in the air. The battle isn¡¯t over yet, but actuallynding some kind of physical damage on this thing feels great!


    It almost looks like it¡¯s falling in slow motion. The titan¡¯s arms slowly move up to brace itself for impact, and its legs slightly bend to lessen the fall.


    I¡¯m eagerly waiting to see what happens.


    The hum of mana begins to get louder. I gulp, realizing from almost 100m away the magic¡¯s intensity feels like I¡¯m standing right in front of it again¡­


    Maybe it wasn¡¯t the greatest Idea to piss off an ominous ck mass of unexinably near-infinite energy.


    I twirl my des in my hands, getting ready for whatever it throws at me. Its featureless face is still on a crash course for the hard ground and I can¡¯t miss the show. If something goes wrong here, I have plenty of time to teleport away.


    The closer the monster gets to the ground the more the humming sound of dense mana around me increases¡­ It¡¯s bing a metallic-sounding buzz at this point. The hair on my neck and arms stands straight up. The only thing I can hear is the vibration of distorted mana in the air, and the anticipation is killing me. My heart pounds harder the closer it gets¡­


    Finally, it hits the ground with an earth-shaking thud.


    My eyes open wide as I watch a shockwave of ck energy erupt from its body. The humming mass is moving toward me at speeds too fast toprehend. It ruptures the ground, throwing mountain-sized chunks of rocks bigger than the Titan in all directions.


    For hundreds of meters, the ground is covered in a veil of ck energy.


    I hardly let out a yell before it fully engulfs me. Gripping my des and yelling into a silent void of darkness, the sensation of fallinges over me¡­


    I try to use Dungeon Walker, but every pathway is blocked in my mind¡¯s eye. I¡¯m in an isted void of darkness with no way out. All it took was fractions of a second to trap me when I thought I¡¯d trapped it. I¡¯m way out of my league here and there is nothing I can do. My stomach churns as it slowly gets used to the feeling of weightlessness.


    I yell, but I can¡¯t hear a thing. My breathing is heavy, but it slows down as I calm down and assess the situation. Twisting my body around in mid-air as I fall, there¡¯s nothing but darkness. The overwhelming smell here is metallic, like high-voltage electricity.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye, a few things start to be a bit more clear.


    I¡¯m surrounded by the same energy the Titan is made of. I was so far away from the monster, yet it still trapped me. How is this possible? Did I fall into a random dungeon anomaly? Is this all just a hallucination? No¡­.


    The most likely scenario is that I¡¯ve fallen into its Hidden Ability. The Titan¡¯s Domain.


    A small white light appears below me as I continue to fall.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    The white light below me continues to grow as I fall further down into the endless void.


    I try activating Dungeon Walker over and over, but it¡¯s no use. This prison of darkness is inescapable, it¡¯s the same sensation of nothingness all around me as when I tried to sense way too deep into the dungeon using my enemy detection skill. Now that I¡¯m inside this energy I can get a better grasp on its vastness.


    It wasn¡¯t that there was nothing to sense, it was that there was way too much of it. ording to all my perception skills, the outside world doesn¡¯t even exist anymore¡­ I¡¯m trapped within the Titan¡¯s Domain. The vast realm of energy surrounding me is way too immense for me toprehend.


    Almost a full 3 minutes pass as I continue to fall. At this point, I¡¯ve given up on trying to slow my descent or escape my fate whatsoever. The only thing on my mind is bracing for impact. That white light below me is gettingrger andrger, meaning whatever is down there is getting closer and closer.


    My skills still work, they¡¯re just isted in this odd pocket of space. I activate my body harden crystals, try to slow my fall with wind magic, and to top it all off, constantly plunder MP from my surroundings. The air is rich with mana, I can absorb it indefinitely, but that can¡¯t exactly help me in my current predicament.


    Gritting my teeth, I continue to fall. The tiny pinhole-sized beam of light below me has grown to look more like a handheld sports ball now. It¡¯s growing faster than before, but my frame of reference is skewed. There¡¯s not exactly much for me topare it to in this pitch-ck abyss.


    Another minute passes of constant MP plundering and futile attempts to slow my fall. The gravity is this pocket is not normal¡­ No matter what I do, I¡¯m pulled downward with an eerily overpowering force. The bright white light below me is about the size of a kid¡¯s pool now, and I can tell its shape more clearly. It¡¯s a long rectangr box and growing fast¡­


    I hold my breath as the white light fills my field of vision. The darkness above fades away as I¡¯m engulfed in white light.


    The temperature shifts from cool ck darkness to hot and dry light. The mana feels more refined and denser in here, it almost feels sharp like little pinpricks as I try to absorb it. So many sensationse over my body all at one time, it¡¯s hard to keep track of these changes or even exin anything that¡¯s going on around me¡­ I just ept my fate and continue bracing my body for impact.


    Finally, Ind on something solid with a loud thud followed by a series of cracks. I feel my bones crunch as they hit an impossibly hard white floor. I still grip both my red daggers tightly as ck body-hardening crystals shatter somewhat cushioning the fall. I try to lift myself with wind magic, but the damage has already been done. Letting out a loud grunt and a yell of agony, I lie on the ground for a moment in horrible pain. I watch thest portion of the ck abyss fade away as the white ceiling closes shut overhead.


    Coughing up mouthfuls of blood and regenerating a broken arm and leg, I get to my feet very slowly. While plundering the highly refined mana from the air and floor beneath my feet, I reach into my item storage to drink an HP potion while putting away my daggers.


    I blink a few times, then take a few steps forward to hear the light echo of my boots against the marble-like floor below me. I gulp, looking around in every direction to see pure whiteness.


    I run straight ahead into the void of whiteness¡­ Less than 10 secondster my face is met with a rudely ced white wall.


    *THUD*


    Clenching my jaw I turn to my right and try running in this direction straight ahead too. Less than 5 secondster, my forehead bounces off another not-so-pleasant white wall of refined mana. Using my wind magic, I air-step upwards to be met with a ceiling made of the same dense material.


    It seems I¡¯m stuck in a white rectangr box¡­ It¡¯s about 100m long, 50m wide, and 20m tall. The void of darkness I was just falling through is nowhere to be seen. I yell out into the empty white room.


    ¡°Hello?? Wha-¡°


    I stop mid-sentence as my voice echoes eerily around the walls fading into silence momentster.


    The reality of my situation begins to sink in. Activating all my buffs, and perception-based skills including enemy detection and my All-Seeing Eye, I attempt to find a weak point or some clue of where exactly I am. Now that I¡¯m not falling through endless space it¡¯ll be a bit easier to concentrate.


    I sit down, take a deep breath. Activating my All-Seeing Eye, I slowly begin to expand my range. Taking in the MP around me using plunderer, I let my perception skill¡¯s range seep out as far as it can possibly go.


    I¡¯m struck with panic as a gut-wrenching realizationes over me yet again. I vividly remember that dense swirling mana surrounding me on all sides as I fell through darkness moments ago, but a white-walled barrier is blocking me from viewing it now on all sides. There¡¯s no exit anywhere in sight. It¡¯s like trying to break out of a dungeon without a portal to escape. I can sense that there is space beyond these walls, but trying to ess it physically or mentally is far beyond my current capabilities.


    I gulp.


    ¡°I¡¯m really stuck in the Titan¡¯s Domain¡­.¡±


    Anger rushes over me. I pull out my dagger, merge them together, then grab my sword. Without thinking, I startunching full-power attacks at the walls around me.


    Metallic ngs echo throughout my white-walled prison as the crescents of energy released from my de collide with the dense lightly humming mana shields.


    Over and over¡­ for almost half an hour straight¡­ I continue to plunder MP from the endless supply at my fingertips and release waves of fire and wind at my surroundings.


    Dripping sweat, and breathing heavily, I fall to my knees.


    *THUD*


    I lie with my back t on the ground with my sword and dagger by either side as I slowly regain my breath. That little temper tantrum gave me a well-needed dopamine fix for the time being¡­ My mental rity is back. I let out a sigh, then sit up to ce my elbows on my knees.


    ¡°Well¡­ for the time being, I might as well see what I¡¯m working with.¡±


    I begin sifting through my item storage pulling out every item I own one by one. I make a pile of useless loot that I¡¯ve been meaning to sell but have just been distractedtely and never got around to it.


    It contains a few swords, a shield, some charms, a staff, some clubs and spears, a massive tooth and pearl, a few old daggers, a shaman key, some cursed shackles, tons of misceneous coins, a few rings I took off earlier today to fit my new daggers and lenses into my equipped items, andstly some D-ss potions.


    In a second pile, I take out the ruby-colored dungeon egg along with all of my mana crystals.


    Lastly, the most important pile is my food and water. Luckily, I still have some leftover dried meat and fruit from the exam. It¡¯s a good thing I picked up extras at the convenience store during our break between the first and second tests. This is more than enough tost me a few daysfortably, maybe even a week. My water stores are even better, I have just over a dozen 1-liter bottles.


    I let out a sigh while looking at my loot scattered across the ground.


    ¡°Now¡­ how am I going to get myself out of this mess¡­?¡±

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    I stare at my piles of loot on the floor and let out a long disappointed sigh. The white walls around me hum with a low and eerie tone. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.


    I turn my head back and forth to take in the reality of the white walls around me with a clearer mind. With a loud ng, I drop my dagger and sword to begin walking slowly toward the back of the narrow rectangr room.


    It''s silent in here. I can hear my footsteps echo throughout the chamber. The small creeks and crunches of my old boots crawl in my ears as I walk. My heavy breaths and consistent heartbeats pound making me feel queasy.


    I make it to the end of the hall, activating my All-Seeing Eye, then turn and begin walking to the other side.


    "There has to be a way out of here. I need to find some kind of weak point..."


    My pacing begins. Back and forth, extending the range of my exceptional perception to its limits. Mana is coursing through my body. It''s being burned through almost as quickly as I plunder it. I try with all my might, but the range of my inner vision won''t leave this confined space.


    I can tell there''s something out there and have witnessed it for myself firsthand. For some odd reason, I can''t peer into the void.


    Over 2 hours go by. Well¡­ I think it''s been 2 hours or so. It''s impossible to urately tell how long I''ve actually been walking. Using up so much mana on a perception-based skill is very mentally draining. I copse to my knees beside my 3 piles of loot after confirming there are in fact no weak points to this white-walled prison.


    It''s been a long day¡­. Honestly, it''s been a long couple of days. Ever since I came to the capital for the exams it''s been non-stop hunting and getting into trouble. It''s all of my own doing though. No one has forced me into anything¡­ I''m just a battle junky that can''t seem to get his fix¡­.


    My eyes begin to shut as I lie down on the hard marble-like floor and begin to let all my worries drift away.


    I deserve a break¡­ right¡­?


    My mind and body are both on the verge of copse and the hum of mana around me has be pretty normal for the time being. Over 2 hours in this odd environment makes the hum of energy in the air almost soothing.


    My breaths begin to slow, and the humming sensation begins to lull me to sleep. I fall away from reality into a blissful dreand for¡­ Well, I''m not exactly sure how long.


    The mana continues to buzz, and the white-walled room around me continues to miraculously exist within the ck abyss that is the Titan''s Domain.


    A smile creeps across my face as I calmly snooze away my worries. My brain and body are thankful for the long-awaited rest.


    In other words, I sleep like a rock.


    Many, many hourster, my eyes begin to open and the bright white light of the walls on all sides blind me as I wake up. I let out a groan while stretching my arms, legs, and back. Lifting a hand above my face, I cover my eyes to adjust to the brightness while standing to my feet.


    Another groan leaves my mouth as I reach over to my item stash and start to chug a bottle of water. Aside from this one, there are only 13 full bottles remaining.


    I stop halfway through and let out a refreshing gasp for air, then take another look around.


    "I''m still in this damn white-walled prison."


    The second these words leave my mouth, my heart skips a beat. I gulp and run over to my sword and dagger lying on the floor, grabbing them both and cursing under my breath.


    "I was supposed to meet Maria and the others to go hunting today¡­ this is¡­ not good¡­"


    I twist my head around in all directions, snarling at the inanimate humming marble walls that keep me captive. I stretch my back and arms one more time while holding both my weapons tight. After that long rest, my body sure does feel rejuvenated.


    I sprint around activating my stat-boosting skills while letting out a few practice shots of wind and fire magic at an open wall on the opposite end of the room. With a smirk, I watch the red and white crescents of energy erupt from my des. I''m hit with a cold hard p in the face from reality once again. They collide with the unbreakable walls, fizzling out into dispersed mana.


    "Fine. I guess it''s time to get serious."


    I nt my feet and begin taking in all of the mana in the air around me. With each sword by my side, I start channeling energy into both of them. Activating all my buffs, glowing with crimson golden light, the ultimate charge-up begins.


    For the first few seconds, the charge-up process is pretty normal. I''ve done it this way dozens of times, within 3 to 5 seconds I can usually charge an entire bar worth of MP in my des. If I do both at once, 10 seconds should be more than enough. Unfortunately, normal isn''t going to cut it this time.


    After about 15 seconds of continuously plundering MP from my environment while focusing them in my des, the two weapons glow brighter than I''ve ever seen them glow before. They''ve both hit full capacity and surpassed their limits. Each one of them holds close to 2000MP worth of pure firepower. That''s over double my full MP bar in each de. It''s 4000MP in total for one attack¡­


    The air pressure from my dagger is threatening to explode outwards. The dense mes in my sword crackle, waiting patiently to be released and burn everything in their path. An intense white lightes off my dagger and a deadly crimson glow seeps from my sword. I grit my teeth and continue.


    "I can go further."


    Another 10 seconds pass, and my des are nearing 2 times the mana capacity they''ve ever received. The absorption rate slows drastically the further I push it. Both weapons vibrate violently in my hands.


    "Just¡­ a little more¡­."


    Gripping the sentient des with all my might for another 10 seconds, it feels like an hour passes in my mind. I''m nearly blinded by the white and silver shimmering glow thates off my dagger, and the dark red mes of my sword be even more ominous. More than 3500MP is stored in each individual de. Abination attack would be close to four times any full-power move I''ve ever attempted. That''s 7000MP in one attack¡­


    My own sword''s mes begin to burn my hands and the dense air around my dagger is making my joints creek trying to hold on any longer.


    "It''s time."


    Letting out a yell as I swing both des across the front side of my body, an ear-shattering release of force erupts from my des. A metallic nging mixed with the buzzing of my own mana reacting with the unique makeup of magic in the air echoes all around the room.


    Two massive crescents of pure energye rocketing out of my des. One of them is pure silver, if looked at from the side it glimmers in and out of existence, a dense attack of wind magic. The other is a dark red me with flickering ck ents. It crackles and bends the air around it, leaving heat waves in its wake.


    I''m thrown backward, but my eyes stay locked on the two powerful energy waves on a crash course for the white wall.


    On impact, a ground-shaking twang rings out. It definitely feels and sounds different than all of my previous attacks. The moment they hit the mana barrier, something shakes beneath my feet, I''m sure of it. I feel the vibrations all around me. The two crescents of pure mana dissipate into the air moments after impact, this new reaction gives me a glimmer of hope.


    Copsing to my knees with a smirk stered across my face, I wipe sweat from my forehead and stare straight ahead at the portion of wall where my full-strength ultimate attack just hit.


    "Not even a scratch¡­."


    The wall ispletely unscathed, but I did feel a minor disturbance. So far, this is my only clue. After standing to my feet, I slowly walk over to my piles of loot and grab a handful of dried fruit while storing my des in my item storage again. A breakfast of champions, there''s only about 10 handfuls of fruit and 4 1kg bags of dried meat. It''llst me quite a while, but let''s hope I can get out of here before food bes an actual problem.


    While chewing on a long strip of dried mango, I begin pacing back and forth along the long room''s backside. Activating my All-Seeing Eye is useless, the only thing I can sense around me is this barrier sealing me off from an endless void. Doing so just fatigues my mind and honestly bums me out for no reason¡­


    Dungeon Walker is the same. I can only teleport within this tiny confined space.


    The echos of my footsteps while mindlessly pacing begin to fill my thoughts with worry and doubt. The rhythmic beats of my shoe''s soles against the hard surface below me begin to be the only thing I can think about.


    Every hour or so, I attempt to charge my des up and attack the same portion of the wall.


    The second time around, I have a pretty simr experience. Hands aching, des shaking, and wall rattling as the attack hits it with nearly 7000MP in total. The whole charge-up process takes about 35 seconds.


    My third attempt is a bit easier, the des still shake and my hands still ache with pain as they grip the overly charged weapons, but to get up to the 7000MP threshold it takes just over 30 seconds. I push my limits for the extra 5 seconds and muster another 200MP worth of firepower into the brutal dual strike. The wall vibrates on impact, but yet again, remainspletely unharmed.


    As the day goes by, I manage to charge up 6 more attacks. Each time it gets a little easier to charge up to the previous limit and a tiny bit more MP can be squeezed into each weapon. By my final attack, I''m able to store just under 8000MP in both desbined. That''s almost 4000MP each and charged to full in just 30 seconds.


    The metallic twangs of fire and wind imbued mana attacks on white-walled mana shields are getting louder, and the room-shaking sensation continues to grow slightly as well.


    I''ve raised the attack''s proficiency just by practicing, there''s been no leveling up necessary. I guess training really does work¡­ The mana released from each de feels a little bit tighter and more refined. I''ve had more mana flow through my body today than I have in weeks worth of intense dungeon training.


    I copse to the floor next to my piles of loot, grabbing a handful of jerky and chugging the rest of my bottled water from this morning. The immense physical output and meticulous mana control have taken a huge toll on my body and mind.


    This is good progress. I have nearly unlimited mana to work with in here, I''ll train my way out of this madness.


    "I''ll escape the Titan''s Domain."

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    After my first long day of training, the next morning is not pretty¡­


    I groan while stretching my arms and back out on the floor. My muscles feel sore and my skin feels tingly like mini pins and needles all over. My eyes adjust to the blinding white light around and I slowly sit up to let out a long exhale. All attempts at self-regeneration fail to fix much. It must be over-use of my abilities, I haven¡¯t ever processed this much mana in one sitting. I¡¯ve felt a simr way after a long hunting session, but never to this extent.


    I grab another bottle of water, then a handful of fruit, and go for my morning stroll. The mind-numbing pacing begins again. I have to pee pretty badly after a long night¡¯s sleep. At first, I panic but decide it¡¯s really the least of my worries. Bodily waste can be easily burned to nothing but ash and water vapor.


    After about half an hour of procrastinating and fully waking myself up, I get to work on my new training regime.


    At first, it¡¯s a bit of a tough start. My bones and joints feel sore and my muscles ache while holding onto my des. I push through. Many tens of thousands of mana points surge through my body today.


    After 10 total charge-up sessions over the next 8 hours, it feels like every millimeter of my body has been ripped apart with a dull knife and taped back together by a toddler. I copse onto the ground beside my loot piles once again with a satisfied yet exhausted grin across my face.


    A lot of progress was made today. Now, in just 25 seconds, I can store up to 4200MP in both des. The progression is slowing, but it¡¯s far from over yet. I can feel a breakthroughing soon, I just have to keep pushing.


    Day 3es along and I realize I¡¯ve just been counting days by sleep cycles¡­ I¡¯m not exactly sure how long I¡¯m out each ¡°night¡± and it¡¯s still even hard to tell how long I¡¯m awake each ¡°day¡±. They¡¯re just guesses.


    My teammates at the Association are probably worried sick and the Director most likely thinks I¡¯ve bailed and gone rogue¡­ None of that matters now though. My only worry is making it out of this prison alive.


    Surprisingly, my body feels a lot better this morning. Sure, my joints and muscles feel like they¡¯ve been run over by a truck¡­ but that truck definitely lightened its load since it ttened me yesterday.


    I take my usual morning pacing session while snacking on a handful of fruit, then get to work.


    My body allowed for 12 full charge-ups today. In 35 seconds, I can store a little more than 4500MP in each de. Together, that¡¯s just over 9000. Every attack I release bes tighter, and more refined. The mana lets out a higher-pitched hum and the crescents of light are denser and thinner.


    Every collision with the white wall gives me another glimmer of hope. It vibrates and shakes the room a little bit more with every tweak I achieve while improving my ultimate attack.


    I fall asleep and repeat the process on day 4.


    Then again, on day 5.


    Over 100,000MP surges through my body each day, and I¡¯m able to handle more and more every passing moment. The outside world begins to fade away from the forefront of my mind as I focus on one goal.


    ¡°I need to create a stronger attack.¡±


    On day 6, I start to get a bit frustrated. My progression is slowing down drastically, and my body¡¯s fatigue is building up again. After 16 full charges, I can manage just under 10000 MP in total. This is pushing to my absolute limits. While hands cramp and flesh burns holding on for almost 40 seconds, this is the best I can manage.


    Along with my nearing teau, the slowly diminishing food and water supplies are nerve-racking. I¡¯ve started eating less and conserving more water as well. There¡¯s only 3 kg of jerky, 5 handfuls of fruit, and 10 bottles of water remaining.


    I either strengthen this attack, or I die a slow and painful death¡­.


    Another 4 sleep cycles go by.


    My progress is just getting slower and slower. I¡¯ve managed to break the 10000MP mark, but it still takes me just over 35 seconds to fully charge the attack. It¡¯s been 10 days in here, now I can manage 18 full charges.


    On the bright side, the glistening waves of mana thate out of my des are evolving in their own right. My wind has taken an even sleeker form. The more I concentrate and refine my mana, the more transparent the shimming silver air de bes. My fire burns hotter and condenses into a deadly-looking ck de of mes. It shows almost no signs of red leaking fire as it rips through the air.


    On impact, the wind expands into a dazzling silver and white explosion of light. The dense ck de now erupts into a mountain of bright red mes. Every hit shakes the floor beneath me more and more, but I¡¯m increasingly discouraged when the energy disperses to reveal an undamaged white wall every time.


    At the end of my long 10-day training marathon, I copse to the floor in mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. Whispering to myself as I drift off into a long slumber.


    ¡°Am I ever going to make it out of here¡­?¡±


    As I wake up the next day, my pacing ritualsts a little longer than usual. Close to an hour¡­.


    The days start to all blend together as I ration out my food into tiny little portions, and separate my water into the empty bottles so I don¡¯t identally drink too much at once. For the average human, I have enough for 10 more days¡­ long and painful days¡­ maybe¡­


    I feel like I¡¯m starving to death, and symptoms of dehydration are starting to kick in too. Luckily, with my self-regeneration skill mixed with the natural life energy properties of mana, an awakened person like myself can survive up to 2x longer without proper sustenance than a normal human. I still need to eat food and drink water, but this fact still buys me some time. Possibly, 10 more days of time. By then, my attack needs to be strong enough¡­ I need a breakthrough.


    Theck of nutrition and enough liquids over the next 4 days really begins to take a toll on my body and mind. I sleep longer through the night and begin to train less throughout the day.


    The silent white walls around me begin to eat away at my sanity, and theck of progression does not help one bit.


    It¡¯s been 14 days.


    I can charge up to 10000MP in just over 30 seconds, and my attacks keep bing more and more refined. There¡¯s no numerical way to track the purity and density of the mana in each strike, so it¡¯s hard to know how much progress I¡¯ve really achieved in that regard. Due to mind and muscle fatigue, my full daily charges have dropped to about 12-14.


    Over thest two weeks, well over a million mana points have surged through my body and havee rocketing out of my des. I¡¯ve gotten to know my new dagger very well, and have an even better understanding of my sword. We¡¯ve be much closer, but at what cost¡­


    What does any of this matter If I never escape from here?


    This must be what happened to those C and B-ss hunters a while back. The event Tripp referred to as ¡°The Incident¡±. He said they all just disappeared.


    At the end of day 14, with my eyes gazing upon the white floor and feet dragging behind me, I fall asleep dreading waking up tomorrow. Another day mindlessly throwing full-force attacks at an unbreakable wall.


    I¡¯m thoroughly exhausted and disappointed in the turn of events that followed my greed for more power. All I wanted to do was fight a strong opponent, but then again, I¡¯m constantly looking for a stronger opponent. There¡¯s never an end to the journey to the top.


    I let out a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten way too ahead of myself¡­¡±


    It¡¯s just been lucky break after lucky break over and over. Every time I defeat an unbeatable opponent, there¡¯s always a loophole. Is there no loophole today? Have I really met my match?


    Letting out a long exhale, I let my weapons fall to the ground with a ng as I kneel in the middle of my piles of loot. There has to be close to 100 gold worth of items here. Counting my coins, pile of mana crystals, rare loot from thebyrinth, and especially¡­ this ruby-colored egg¡­


    I could easily sell everyst penny of it and retire off in the mountains somewhere. I¡¯ve already lived any hunter¡¯s dream. A contract with the Association at 20 years old. Bing a C-ss in just a matter of months¡­ What more could I ask for? Why do I continue to sabotage my own life?


    I stare at all my loot, regretting my decision toe to this dungeon over and over again in my head¡­


    ¡°I could have just stayed at that damn party.¡±


    Anger and frustration have been building up in me for weeks. No amount of shing at the walls can tame my current rage. The worst part about it is the only person I¡¯m angry at is myself, there¡¯s no one to me here but me.


    The closest loot pile to me is the pink crystals next to the ruby red egg. As much as I want to erupt into mes and start smashing everything around me, I pretty much can¡¯t. My body and mental fatigue from constant training andck of food and water have taken a huge toll on my resting energy levels.


    All I can do is sulk in my own sorrow until tomorrow. A good night of sleep is the only thing that can ease my pain.


    I lie down into the pile of mana crystals in front of me with the ruby red egg by my side and shut my eyes. Within seconds, I drift off into a deep sleep. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.


    Hours go by and my body heals itself to the best of its ability. I wake up to a curious sound¡­


    I hear ss breaking¡­. Or, more like body-hardening crystals hitting the floor.


    I open my eyes slowly as the bright white light from my prison cell blinds me. Letting out my signature groan and stretch, I rub my face and adjust to the brightness.


    The first thing I see are small red crystal fragments all over the floor mixed in with the mana crystals I fell asleep on. I sift my hand through the stones and pick the red fragments out to examine them closely.


    ¡°What¡­ is this thi-¡°


    *Crunch*


    I turn my head around as I hear a loud crunch. Fragments of pink mana crystal fly into my field of vision as I activate all my stat-boosting buffs, grab my des, and stand to my feet.


    My jaw drops and I stare in awe at the sight before me¡­


    There¡¯s a small creature, no more than 1m tall with shiny ck scales, wings, and a long narrow tail with an arrowhead at the tip. The underside of its belly, tail, and wings are bright red. The monster¡¯s 2 horns and wide eyes match the crimson theme.


    It stares up at me with a curious gaze while tossing a mana crystal into its mouth using its tail.


    *Crunch*


    I gulp, blink a few times, then whisper under my breath.


    ¡°A¡­ Baby Dragon¡­.?¡±

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    The meter-tall ruby egg I fell asleep next to has shattered. The top of it is cracked open and small red fragments of the shell-like material are all over the ground.


    I can''t believe my eyes.


    A jet-ck glimmering Baby Dragon is standing right in front of me eating my mana crystals like candy.


    *Crunch*


    I activate inspect and appraisal.


    ____________


    [Lv. 1]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Plunderer [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Buffs:


    Guardian¡¯s Alliance [0/1]


    ____________


    The creature blinks at me with its crimson eyes and ck pupils. Sharp white teeth bite down on another mana crystal as it flips its long pointed tail back and forth.


    I just stare straight ahead in awe with my mouth wide open.


    ¡°It¡¯s really a Baby Dragon¡­.¡±


    Everyone and their mother has heard stories about Dragons. They¡¯re great mythical creatures that guard their treasures at any cost. The strongest, oldest, and most wise of all monsters.


    How did I get my hands on a Dragon?


    I gulp as we stare at each other in silence. The only noises present are the light humming of mana in the air and asional crunches as the little creature continues to snack on the pile of pink crystals.


    Almost a full minute passes, then the creature whips its tail around from its backside to poke my right leg. The creature backs up slightly, and prods at my back jeans with a small sharp arrow-tipped tail.


    On the fourth poke, my jean fabric rips and its tail touches the skin on my calf. I look down and quickly pull my leg backward while flinching. It didn¡¯t hurt that much, but it was an unexpected pin prick. This monster may only be level 1, but that tail is still sharp¡­


    The creature jumps backward to match my retreat, the abrupt movements startled it too. I look up with a smile putting my hands in the air, but what I see leaves me in awe once again¡­


    There¡¯s a rectangle of blue text floating over the Baby Dragon¡¯s head. I read it carefully.


    ____________


    Guardian¡¯s Alliance [0/1]


    ept The [Demon/Dragon] Guardian¡¯s Alliance:


    [YES][NO]


    ____________


    Baffled by the events unfolding in front of me I choose yes. There¡¯s no reason not to be on the same team as a Dragon¡­


    The blue text above the small creature disappears. It shows me a wide toothy smile, then chomps down on another mana crystal.


    Jaw hanging open, I continue to awkwardly stare. The meter-high creature crawls over to me with agile steps. It wlessly weaves around the fallen mana crystals all over the ground with cat-like precision. Its agile winding body looks like a slithering snake as it approaches.


    I just epted its alliance, and this creature is only level 1. There are close to 0 threats, and it looks friendly enough¡­ I watch it approach, while I let down my guard.


    The Dragon dives between my legs and starts running around in a figure-eight pattern as it rubs its two crimson horns against my shins. It grins ear to ear, letting out a light purring noise. The tiny creature stops after about 20 seconds and looks into my eyes again, then promptly sits on my right foot white waving its long ck and red tail around in the air.


    *Crunch*


    It bites down on another mana crystal and chews it to bits¡­ I activate my Inspect and Appraisal skills again out of curiosity. The alliance buff must show up differently now, right?


    ____________


    [Lv. 2]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Plunderer [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Buffs:


    Guardian¡¯s Alliance [1/1][Greater Demon Contract]


    ____________


    I scrunch my eyebrow trying to process the new subtle changes in information.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense¡­.¡±


    Two things seem very odd. The first thing out of wack is its level. Somehow, this monster leveled up¡­ Within thest few minutes, all it¡¯s done is eat mana crystals and rub its head against my legs. There¡¯s no possible way for it to level up in this environment.


    I look down at the blissfully unaware scaled creature. It¡¯s trapped in this prison too¡­


    I feel the sensation of mana leaving my body all of a sudden. A lot of it too¡­ The little ck Dragon sitting on my foot begins to glow a faint red color from its underbelly.


    I plunder mana from the environment around me, but the constant drain continues. This little monster is plundering my MP¡­


    I grin, then let out a chuckle while I carefully slip my foot out of the boot it¡¯s sitting on.


    The creature lets out a light chirping sound of confusion as it twists its head around and crawls toward me to get another sweet hit of my mana. [Mythic Grade] Plunderer must have some kind of mana to exp conversion attribute. If that¡¯s the case, it must have a very low conversion factor. It only grew from level 1 to 2 with half a dozen high-grade mana crystals and almost a full bar of my MP. Still, if my hypothesis is right, that¡¯s a really neat skill.


    I¡¯ve never seen or heard of a [Mythic Grade] skill before. Maybe this is unique to Dragons? Or maybe this is the next rank after [Legendary Grade].


    Now for the second change, the ¡°Guardian¡¯s Alliance¡± has been updated from [0/1] to [1/1] but [Greater Demon Contract] has also been added. Thest time I checked, I was definitely not a Greater Demon.


    Letting out a long exhale I look down at the mini Dragon as it looks back up at me. I raise one finger in the air and light it on fire.


    The little creature perks up and shows me another one of its toothy grins. It twists its tail in the air and mimics my fire, lighting the tip of its tail with a dark red me. I smile and put my fire out, it bobs its head back and forth, then does the same.


    ¡°Well¡­ We¡¯re going to be spending a lot of time together little guy. I might as well give you a name.¡±


    I scratch my chin, then tap my foot a few times. The Dragon just stares at me, blinking and waiting patiently. I stare back for a moment, trying toe up with something cool.


    ¡°Ember. That¡¯s a good one, Ember The Eternal Dragon. How do you like it?¡±


    The little creature still just stares straight ahead. I roll my eyes¡­ What was I thinking? Like it could actually understand me¡­


    Unless¡­


    ¡°Telepathy.¡±


    I activate one of my newest skills from thebyrinth, my [Legendary Grade] Telepathy skill. The moment I do, a soft, wise voice enters my mind.


    ¡°Hello Master, nice to finally meet you. ¡°


    Shocked, I reply sending my voice directly into its mind.


    ¡°Master? I¡¯m¡­ your master? You¡­ can just call me Jay, and I¡¯ll call you Ember.¡±


    The tiny creature waves its tail with excitement.


    ¡°Yes M- Yes Jay. If you say so.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°So this is our Labyrinth¡¯s top floor? I will protect it with my life.¡±


    Ember grins while spinning around to take a look at all four white walls. Then walking over to my loot piles and lying down directly in the center of my mana crystal stash.


    *Crunch*


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for the mana crystals. It is a great awakening gift.¡±


    *Crunch*


    I watch the little creature chomp down on half a dozen more crystals. It doesn¡¯t bother me much to be honest, there¡¯s an unlimited supply of mana around us. This Dragon can eat all the crystals it wants.


    Ember speaks using the telepathic link again.


    ¡°You¡¯re an unusual Demon Ma- I mean Jay. Most Demons don¡¯t look like humans.¡±


    *Crunch*


    I reply.


    ¡°Most Demons? What do you mean by that exactly¡­?¡±


    ¡°Your core shows me that you¡¯re a Greater Demon. I just haven¡¯t seen any that look like humans as far back as I can remember.¡±


    I stare straight ahead as my mana crystals disappear into Ember¡¯s mouth one by one. It continues.


    ¡°What are the maximum MP allowances here? How much mana are we working with to start? These crystals are nice and all, but I¡¯ll need to plunder some of the mana from our surroundings if I¡¯m going to gain any serious levels.¡±


    ¡°Well-¡°


    ¡°Is this a newbyrinth? Or has my egg been dormant for a while? This seems to be an odd one, but a Labyrinth is a Labyrinth. It¡¯s our duty to protect it after all. Right?¡±


    My heart starts to beat out of my chest. Everything is starting to be very clear to me now, and I¡¯m really not sure how to handle all this newfound information.


    If my guess here is correct, Demons and Dragons create some kind of special contract to defend Labyrinths. A Demon fends off intruders while the Dragon absorbs mana from the growingbyrinth. The growingbyrinth attracts greedy hunters that inevitably try to challenge the top floor¡¯s defenders. If the Demon and Dragon can sessfully defend their territory, the fallen hunter¡¯s MP is added to their stash and the domain grows in power.


    The more power that is gained, the greater the Labyrinth grows. The bigger thebyrinth grows, the more hunters arrive to gain riches. It¡¯s a never-ending cycle.


    The only issue here is¡­. I¡¯m not a demon, and this dragon has nobyrinth full of mana to absorb.


    I have to think this through very carefully.


    I gulp, then the two of us sit in silence for over a full minute. My mind races for usible solutions to take full advantage of this situation.


    Finally, an Ideaes to mind. I smirk and reply.


    ¡°Ember. There¡¯s been a change of ns. We¡¯ll be leaving this Labyrinth.¡±

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    Ember, the shiny ck dragon with a crimson underbelly stares at me with curious eyes. He continues to munch on my mana crystals.


    ¡°A change in ns you say? Leaving the Labyrinth? This is not an option for us as-¡°


    ¡°We¡¯ll make it an option.¡±


    I grin, looking straight at my ticket out of here. This could work¡­ I continue to speak to the tiny monster using my telepathy skill.


    ¡°How long does it take for you to absorb mana, and do you have a limit?¡±


    The creature stops chewing on arge pink crystal for a moment, then looks up at me again.


    ¡°It depends. The first 100 levels or so are usually pretty quick, that¡¯ll take a year at most. Then after that-¡°


    ¡°A year? A full year?¡±


    The Dragon tilts its head and nods firmly one time. My stomach almostes out of my mouth¡­


    I¡¯m really never getting out of this prison.


    My face, previously full of hope, is now a disappointed mope. I drop to my knees.


    ¡°Well, back to training I guess¡­¡±


    The Dragon continues.


    ¡°There have been exceptions in the past. One time I made it to level 300 in under a month! I absorbed an entire 20-floorbyrinth to do it though¡­ My Demon was killed in the process and there was a full copse, but it sure was fun! The higher-ups didn¡¯t like that one bit. Over 50 years in a dormant state¡­ I still can¡¯t tell if it was worth it.¡±


    I nkly stare at the Dragon, trying to piece together more of its random babbling into coherent thoughts. Did it just say, higher-ups? It was punished for killing a Demon and destroying abyrinth for fun? 50 years ago¡­.?


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you could level up faster if you had an enormous mana supply?¡±


    I raise my hands in the air to point out the obvious nearly infinite mana supply we¡¯re stuck in. Again, the confused Dragon tilts its head.


    Ember seems to really think this is just some messed upbyrinth.


    ¡°Sure. I can tell there¡¯s arge supply up here, but what about the lower floors? You still haven¡¯t given me any of the MP allowances. How long has this spawn been active? How much can I safely plunder per day?¡±


    I scratch my head, thinking of where I should turn this conversation next. It¡¯d be better if I keep ying along¡­ If it really thinks we¡¯re protecting abyrinth, for the time being, that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do. I¡¯ll exin how we¡¯re breaking out of this ce once I have a better idea of its capabilities.


    ¡°One Hundred Thousand. It can handle losing that much a day without a problem.¡±


    The Dragon¡¯s eyes open wide. It ps its wings and jumps up into the air. With a shocking amount of speed, the miniature monster starts doing flips in the air.


    ¡°I really did it this time! I hit the jackpot in this life. Oh, karma¡¯s a funny thing! What a millennia to be alive!¡±


    Grinning ear to ear, Ember finally calms down a bit and drifts back down to the floor. He continues.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll still have to take it slow at first. To achieve my first rank-up, I¡¯ll have to hit level 100. This should be achievable within 5 days.¡±


    I nod while biting my bottom lip.


    ¡°So it¡¯ll take 5 days. The higher level you climb, the faster you can plunder mana? Or-¡°


    ¡°Yea and no. I¡¯ll be able to absorb mana much quicker, but as my levels grow it takes much more mana to continue my steady progression. Hopefully, no hunters challenge us before I¡¯ve matured. You¡¯ve done a fine job growing thisbyrinth without me. It¡¯s time we make a name for ourselves Jay. With this starting mana allowance, we¡¯ll break records. Oh, we¡¯ll break them all!¡±


    Ember¡¯s eyes look determined, and that toothy grin is stered across its face. I let out a sigh of relief.


    This is an exciting new development. After two weeks of brutal training, I¡¯ve finally hit another breakthrough. It just happens to be a pet Dragon¡­ Ember finds afortable ce on the hard marble-like floor and closes its eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be busy for a while, It was a pleasure meeting you. Now we must get to work.¡±


    The miniature Dragon¡¯s underbelly begins glowing red as is activates its [Mythic Grade] Plunderer skill. I smile and nod while walking to the far end of the room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be doing some training as well, I hope you don¡¯t mind the noise.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem at all.¡±


    The two of us go to separate corners of the long white room and begin a long day of work. I take my usual small ration of food and water but have a lot more energy today. The appearance of my new mana-plundering friend has boosted my sprints a lot.


    After 10 hours straight of charging, releasing, and resting. I manage to pull off 19 full attacks and hit a new personal best. With roughly 5350MP in each de, it takes about 40 seconds to achieve a full charge. It¡¯s not as time efficient as any of my previous attempts, but it¡¯s a huge step in the right direction.


    Therge amounts of mana flowing through my system every day is beginning to seem much more natural. At first, it strained my joints and muscles a lot to continuously put them under such pressure. Now, it feels like my body is asking for more¡­


    A sessful day hase to an end. Although I¡¯ve improved, I¡¯m still dead tired after training all day. I sluggishly walk over to my pile of loot, passing the tiny glowing Dragon while it plunders mana from the surrounding area. I use inspect before falling asleep.


    [Lv. 9]


    I ponder the number in my head as I drift off. Ember has reached level 9. It did say the start would be slow, I guess I¡¯ll just have to wait the full 5 days to find out.


    The 4 remaining days pass pretty quickly. I¡¯m starting to lose a lot of weight. It¡¯s beginning to be noticeable. If I had to guess, since I stepped into this death trap, I¡¯m down almost 5kg¡­


    Not thinking much about the things I can¡¯t control, my training continues. After 4 more long sessions, I manage toplete 83 full charges in total. The most sessful attack has been a 10900MP release, I managed it in under 40 seconds too.


    In between full charges, I¡¯ve been testing out smaller attacks. My speed and control of finer mana movements have dramatically risen. I can charge my des up to 800MP each in less than a second. That¡¯s using nearly a full bar of my base MP. Just 3 weeks ago, a move like this would take me 3-5 seconds to pull off.


    Even though I¡¯m training a specific attack to break this wall down, the high volumes of mana surging through my body on the daily have boosted my overall mana control to levels I didn¡¯t even know were possible.


    I¡¯ve burned through over two million MP so far. This is more than most C-ss Hunters use in their full careers. I¡¯ve been concentrating on one objective and training to seed for just under 3 weeks now¡­ I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a better way to learn this mana control technique, but there isn¡¯t exactly anyone to teach me their ways in here. So, my brute force methods will have to do.


    My wind-de attack is nearly transparent now. The only way for me to catch a glimpse of its aura is by using a perception skill. Also, when it makes contact with the wall it detonates into a silver and white mana-rich disy.


    My fire has also be much darker and even more refined. The ckened mes rip through the mana-dense environment, leaving a trail of wavering air behind it. Every time it hits the white wall, bright red mes seep out looking for prey to burn.


    My attacks have evolved with my training. I can tell they¡¯re getting more and more deadly with every strike I throw, but I still haven¡¯t managed to make even a mark on the white walls surrounding me.


    My hope sits in the corner of the room giving off a faint red glow.


    I sleep well tonight, knowing Ember will wake up soon. I¡¯ve been making a mental note of his progression at the end of each day.


    Day 1: [Lv. 9]


    Day 2: [Lv. 23]


    Day 3: [Lv. 40]


    Day 4: [Lv. 61]


    Day 5: [Lv. 94]


    By the time I wake up tomorrow, Ember¡¯s first rank-up process will beplete.


    I close my eyes and sleep peacefully. Although this has been hard, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. I will find a way to leave The Titan¡¯s Domain.


    Many hours pass as I dream of the outside world. At first, I dream of fun adventurers and running free. Sadly, they slowly twist into the skewed reality my subconscious weaves into my conscious mind. The people in my dreams are actually in the outside world, I am not¡­.


    Maria and the others must be worried sick¡­ or maybe it¡¯s even worse, maybe they¡¯ve given up trying to find me altogether. What if I¡¯m a wanted man by the Association once I make it out? What if..? What if¡­


    My restless sleep goes on for the entire night. I twist and turn as my sore bones and muscles desperately try to heal themselves. My stomach growls and my mouth is dry, even sleeping is starting to get really ufortable.


    Nevertheless, I make it through the night, managing a few hours of decent sleep. I¡¯m awoken by a light pin prick on my leg. Startled, I take a sudden leap backward, my head shaking and my hands instinctively rubbing my eyes. As my vision clears, I see a long, dark tail with hues of red, slowly slithering away from my lower body.


    Letting out a sigh, I smile and reply while activating telepathy and letting my eyes adjust to the light.


    ¡°Good Morning to you too.¡±


    In front of me stands a level 100 Dragon just over 2.5 meters tall. Stretching nearly 4 meters from nose to tail, its glossy ck scales appear even darker, contrasting against its vibrant crimson underbelly. Two long red horns jut out from its forehead, mirroring the luster of its captivating eyes. Through our telepathic connection, the creature speaks, its voice resonating with more power and wisdom than before.


    ¡°Master. My rank-up isplete. Are there any updates on the state of ourbyrinth?¡±

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    I stare straight ahead at the newly ranked-up Dragon in front of me. Just yesterday it was no more than half my size, now it¡¯s easily double. I grin and reply.


    ¡°Ember, I¡¯m d you¡¯re rank-up went as nned. There have not been any changes. Ourbyrinth is running smoothly.¡±


    The jet-ck glimmering Dragon begins to move around. The creature''s speed has undergone a dramatic increase, while its finely honed cat-like agility remains as graceful and fluid as ever. Therge monster glides through my piles of loot, circling me two times, then pping its wings and lifting off into the air.


    It hovers 10m above me for a moment, then glides back to the ground.


    ¡°Very well. If there is nothing new to report I will begin my next rank-up. This shouldn¡¯t take more than 6 months. Please take care of the ce while I¡¯m under.¡±


    I almost choke on my own tongue as I audibly gulp before replying through our telepathic link.


    ¡°Did you say 6 months? Half a year? It¡¯s going to take that long?!¡±


    The medium-sized Dragon smiles at me showing off its razor-sharp bone white set up teeth.


    ¡°It¡¯s great, isn¡¯t it? Only 6 months and I¡¯ll already be at level 250. Having such a mana-dense Labyrinth is a lucky find. With readings like these, it¡¯s almost like we¡¯re in a Void Creeper¡¯s Domain. I haven¡¯t seen one of those disgusting creatures in a while. Thest one I saw was before we even found this human realm. Those were the good old days weren¡¯t they?¡±


    With a puzzled stare, I try to piece together this monster¡¯s babbling. There¡¯s one thing I¡¯m certain of, 6 months is not going to cut it. With my current food and water supplies, I¡¯ll be lucky if Ist another week¡­.


    I reply.


    ¡°Actually. There¡¯s been a change of ns, Ipletely forgot¡­ The humans sent a series of raids into the Labyrinth while you were out. I didn¡¯t bother mentioning it earlier because they were far too weak to pay any mind.¡±


    Ember¡¯s eyes perk up. I continue.


    ¡°With that being said, your MP plundering allowance has risen. How much will you need to hit level 250? Is it considerably more than your first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll need close to ten million MP to rank up again.¡±


    I nod, noting this veryrge increase¡­ I¡¯ll need to make reasonable, but also take into ount my own urgency for time. I swallow hard, then reply.


    ¡°One week. Try to get your next rank-up done within a week.¡±


    ¡°Master- I mean Jay. Please consider your own safety. Plundering this much MP from even thergest ofbyrinths would surely lead to a catastrophic copse if done so abruptly. Sure, more monsters would invade the human realm, but it would be at the expense of another demon. That Demon, being you.¡±


    I let out an exhale.


    ¡°I understand. This is an order. You will plunder 1.5 million MP per day. Rank up within the week.¡±


    A sly grines across the Dragon¡¯s face again.


    ¡°As you wish. It¡¯s your funeral.¡±


    I give the ck-scaled crimson-glowing creature a firm nod. Ember folds itself up into a ball once again and starts to harvest the mana all around it. With this, I get back to work as well. My next long week of training begins.


    The words said by the Dragon before its slumber stuck in my head though¡­ Something about ¡°Void Creepers¡±, could they have some corrtion with the ¡°Titans¡±? Also, Ember mentioned ¡°the good old days¡± before ¡°we found the human realm¡±¡­


    The more I think about it, the more my mind races to connect with this newfound information. It all makes sense¡­ I just don¡¯t want it to¡­


    Gates appeared about 80 years ago. The Great War was roughly 50 years ago. It¡¯s said that there were massive breaks and monsters roaming free, terrorizing humans on both of these asions. Other known terms for these two events are ¡°The Arrival¡±, and ¡°The Great Subjugation¡±.


    This is how the Hunters Association became the unspoken world rulers. Only when strong hunters formed teams under a unifiedw did the world be peaceful again. We have The Hunters Association to thank for that.


    From an outsider¡¯s perspective, it seems like the Association leaders are just money-hungry nobles that seized power at an opportune time. The higher-ups may be this by definition to an extent, but they are here for the greater good¡­ I think¡­


    From everything I¡¯ve heard about thebyrinths and breaks from the Associations side, and now from the perspective of a monster, things are starting to be a bit more clear to me. This is a worldwide power struggle, and I¡¯m just scratching the surface on the juicy details.


    Humans against the monsters¡­. But, why? What¡¯s all this mana hoarding and excessive leveling even good for? What¡¯s the ultimate goal here? I¡¯m still unsure what either side is fighting for.


    In time, I hope some of these questions be easier to answer. It seems I¡¯ve stumbled upon an interesting new path of potential knowledge. I¡¯m going to see how far it takes me one step at a time.


    Deep in thought, over the next 7 days, I continue to train.


    My attacks get more and more refined, and my ability to absorb mana gets faster and faster. Although it seems I¡¯ve hit my limit on the amount of mana my des can handle, roughly 11000MP in just under 40 seconds, I¡¯ve discovered an even better way to train.


    The more mana that runs through my body, the faster and more efficiently I can filter and control it. At the beginning of this new training cycle, charging up to about 2000MP per de for a 4000MP total takes me roughly 2 seconds. My weapons hardly shake, and the bacsh on my hands, muscles, and joints is minimalpared to my previous extreme sessions.


    I¡¯m able to repeat this process many more times, doing an attack at 1/3 full power is much easier on my body than going all out. This is justmon sense. For every 2 seconds used for charging and releasing attacks, I only need a few minutes to regain my fullposure.


    Using 8-hour training windows, I¡¯m able to charge and release up to 20 attacks per hour. That¡¯s 160 per day. On average, I¡¯m running through 640,000MP. My daily output has grown significantly.


    By the end of the week, I¡¯ve nearly added 4.5 million points to my total mana usage. This is twice as much as all 3 previous weeksbined.


    By the end of these 7 days, I¡¯m able to charge up these two 2000MP attacks in just under 1 second. My plundering efficiency and speed have increased too. The density and pureness of each attack get closer and closer to a perfect strike every time I throw one at the wall.


    The metallic twang of a 4000MP attack at the end of these 7 days isparable to the vibrations of a full-powered 11000MP attack at the beginning of the week. I¡¯m making so much progress, yet the wall still hasn¡¯t shown any signs of weakness.


    That is¡­ until thest day.


    Using my newfound mana density and purity control, I decided to try for one more ultimate attack on a whim. I¡¯ve been practicing all week with 4000MP, so I¡¯m sure an 11000MP strike will feel great as a final attack for the day.


    I charge up like normal, bringing both des up to 5500MP each. They vibrate and glow, but I¡¯m able to handle them with much greater ease. It takes less than 30 seconds, and I can tell this will be an enormous strike¡­


    The mana itself isn¡¯t bing more powerful. It¡¯s the density of the energy released that adds to its efficiency. The high amounts of mana running through my bloodstream over thest few weeks have given me much greater control over their movements within my body and within my des.


    After taking a deep breath, and aiming for the solid white wall, I let out a yell and release two crescents of highly refined mana. They slice through the air with astonishing precision. The air de ispletely invisible, and the fire is so dark it looks like a shadow flying through the air.


    With a resounding twang that echoes throughout the room, the two crescents of energy collide with the wall, producing a deafening noise and causing the ground to tremble.


    I grit my teeth and brace myself as the massive explosion of white and red magic expands and covers the back wall of this white room. When the residue clears, the first genuine smile of this entire month grows across my face.


    The nk white wall in front of me is cracked¡­.


    ¡°A¡­ way out¡­¡±


    I stand firmly, arms by my sides, gripping my des tightly, and gaze in awe at the magnificent sight unfolding before me.


    A 1m long crack in the white wall starts to leak with ck energy. It hums violently like the void I was sucked into at the start of all this madness. I activate my All-Seeing Eye to confirm my theory, and it¡¯s immediately confirmed. I feel the seemingly endless twisting void connect with this small white-walled pocket dimension through the tiny tear in space.


    Using plunderer, and my newfound aptitude for increased mana consumption, I push the limits of my perception ability. Burning through thousands of MP in an instant, I extend my range deep into the void.


    For 10 seconds straight, until my fatigue begins to bring me to my knees, I push myself as far as I can go. This is the moment I¡¯ve been training for, I have to find something useful¡­


    Deep, deep within the void, I see another tiny white light. I clench my jaw and keep pushing my range. There¡¯s something out there. Something is in this void other than me.


    ¡°There¡¯s really a way out of the Titan¡¯s Domain¡­¡±


    The moment I make this connection is the moment I lose it as well. The meter-long crack running along the white wall in front of me beings to shrink. The ck swirling void begins to disappear from my mind¡¯s eye as the wall somehow heals itself entirely.


    Secondster, my All-Seeing Eye is useless. The white wall lookspletely unscathed, and I can no longer sense the void at all.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I slump over and let out a sigh.


    It¡¯s a little disheartening to see the wall heal itself in front of my eyes, but at least I¡¯ve made some progress. My training may just be useless in the end, but at least it¡¯s keeping my mind busy. Without a goal or challenge in this white-walled prison, I¡¯d surely have gone insane by now.


    My food and water supply lessens with each day that passes. I only have 1.5kg of jerky left and I¡¯ve eaten myst ration of dried fruit. There are only 6 bottles of water left and it¡¯s starting to really worry me.


    I could finish all of this in one sitting, but I have to continue rationing it out indefinitely¡­ I¡¯ve lost nearly 7kg. My cheeks are starting to show signs of caving in and my abs are visible, at this rate, my ribs are next.


    Ember glows brighter and brighter as he continues to level up. I make a mental log of his constant progression at the end of each day.


    Day 1: [Lv. 133]


    Day 2: [Lv. 174]


    Day 3: [Lv. 207]


    Day 4: [Lv. 224]


    Day 5: [Lv. 236]


    Day 6: [Lv. 242]


    Day 7: [Lv. 247]


    The monster¡¯s leveling speed decreases as it rises higher and higher. This is much different from itsst rank-up. For its first 5 days of mana consumption to rise from level 2 to 100, it took no more than 500k MP in total. I gave it an allowance of 1.5 million MP per day this time around, and on its final day, Ember only rose 5 levels. That¡¯s an average of 300k MP per level on the final day, and it¡¯s only bing more and more costly.


    I fall asleep on the 7th night satisfied with my week¡¯s worth of training. I¡¯m Eager to see what Ember¡¯s new form will look like after this rank-up.


    Many hours pass. My dreams of the outside world seem to just drift by as well¡­ I¡¯ve embraced the fact that whatever happens here, just happens. All I can do is continue what I started. I¡¯m trying my hardest every day, training to exhaustion, and staying alive. If I make it out to see everyone again, I¡¯ll deal with those consequences when the timees.


    A sudden jab in my side wakes me from my slumber. I don''t flinch, nor do I immediately open my eyes. This kind of wake-up call was anticipated.


    I activate my telepathic link while stretching and slowly adjusting to the blinding morning light of the white walls.


    ¡°Good Morning Ember. How was your- Oh-¡°


    As soon as my vision clears up I see a majestic form in front of me. At over 4m tall while sitting down, and easily 7m from head to the tip of his long twisting tail, Ember spreads his wings and replies.


    ¡°It seems ourbyrinth has not copsed. You were right, I shouldn¡¯t have doubted your judgment.¡±


    The radiant ck-scaled dragon lowers its head, directing attention toward its long crimson horns. Upon closer inspection, I notice that they''re made of a material simr to a demon''s horn.


    The Dragon¡¯s deep red eyes are the size of my open palms. It blinks at me a few times, then continues to speak through our link.


    ¡°Are there any updates? Or shall I begin my next rank-up?¡±

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    "There are no major updates. You''ll be able to rank up again soon if you wish."


    After my reply, I''m left wide-eyed staring at the huge creature before me. I thought the Dragon''sst form was impressive, but this one is on another level.


    If my predictions are correct, my ticket out of this Titan''s Domain is about to show itself. The rate of Ember''s mana plundering is only increasing in speed. If anyone can absorb and copse an endless void of energy, it''d be him...


    I grin to myself, then look up at the majestic ck dragon. A few questions have been lingering in my head this whole week, and a few more ever since my breakthrough in trainingst night. Now would be the time to ask them before Ember goes back to sleep.


    "I have a few questions."


    "Of course, please ask as many as you''d like Master."


    Ember makes himselffortable,ying in a neat ball resting against a white wall. I nod firmly, ignoring the fact that he called me master again, and begin my questioning


    "First of all, how much mana will you need to achieve your next rank-up?"


    "Usually, the third one is the toughest. Even with a medium-sizedbyrinth, a Dragon with Mythic Grade proficiency like me would still take decades to achieve this feat. I''ve only hit the third evolution a couple of times in my many lives. It''s a level 500 threshold, roughly 25 billion MP is needed."


    My eyes open wide as I try to do the mental calctions. He''ll need to plunder billions of MP a day to achieve this... that''s thousands of times more than the previous week. If I want to get out of here before my food supply runs out, I have two options. I''ll either need to make a lot more progress on my mana control to open up this white box myself, or Ember is going to have to rank up again. Both are a gamble, and neither has any guarantees to help me one bit... I guess my odds will be better If I try to achieve both.


    I ask my next question.


    "You mentioned Void Creepers. What... are those?"


    Ember smirks and raises his head, then settles back into afortable position before responding.


    "Void Creepers? They''re just pesky mindless world hoppers that live between realms. I''ve only witnessed one of their forms, a form simr to humans actually. The elders used to call them Titans. They have ess to immense mana pools stored over long periods of time. It''s not necessarily their mana, they just exist in it. Any creatures thate within range of those things are swallowed up whole in an instant, never to be seen again, absorbed into their void as more fuel. Their only true enemies are Dragons. Or, in theory, a slime if it could level up high enough. With enough time, a Dragon like myself can plunder any pool of MP no matter the size."


    A wide grin stretches across my face. A "Void Creeper" is just another name for a Titan. Well, to put it more urately, I guess a Titan is a type of Void Creeper... Ember continues.


    "I''ve heard of Dragons ranking up multiple times from one Void Creeper encounter."


    "..."


    Looking at the blissfully unaware Dragon spew valuable information starts pulling at my heartstrings. It''s about time I let Ember in on a few of my secrets.


    I let out a sigh, then look straight into the majestic Dragon''s deep red eyes.


    "Hey. Can I trust you?"


    The ck-scaled creature twists its head to the side looking at me curiously while waving its long thin arrow tipped tail around aimlessly in the air.


    "Of course. We''re contracted, that''s the highest form of trust a Demon and Dragon can share."


    I gulp.


    "Is that right...? Could you exin to me exactly how this contract works? I''m... pretty new to all of this."


    "Certainly. A Demon and Dragon may create a sacred alliance to protect a growing Labyrinth. A Demon is tied to its realm and has a duty to expand its territory. A Dragon is obligated to plunder mana and bring it back to the rulers once their life has run its course. A contract between the two links their lives in many ways. If one dies, the other does too. If one gains exp, so does their counterpart. It is a perfect partnership for any two like-minded monsters wouldn''t you say so?"


    "I... would say so..."


    "Is that all?"


    "Have you ever left abyrinth?"


    "Of course not. It is a Dragon''s duty to protect their domain. If I were to do so, that would put my Demon at great risk."


    I nod slowly while staring down at the ground. I''m contracted to a Dragon... It must be the Demon''s Core I absorbed, that''s why I''m able to fulfill its alliance contract. I''m bonded to a Dragon... until death...?


    After a long pause, I look back up at Ember and decide to tell him the truth. If this is going to work out long-term, I''ll have to tell him everything. There''s no easy way to say this, but I guess I''ll have to start somewhere.


    "I''m... actually a human."


    The room fallspletely silent. The Dragon''s tail stops waving back and forth, and its crimson eyes lock on me with a stare that pierces my soul.


    At first, it''s skeptical. Then, Ember''s gaze grows intense as his eyelids tighten. Finally, curiosity wins the battle of emotions. The Dragon replies.


    "Now... this... is new."


    A wide grin grows across the monster''s face as I continue.


    "I''ve absorbed a Demon''s Core, and well, stole the egg from a Labyrinth''s boss room. I thought it was a gemstone or energy-rich core. Apparently, I was wrong. It was a Dragon''s egg."


    The grin across Ember''s face widens even more as he lets out a bellowingugh through our telepathy link.


    "You... You have got to kidding me. No wonder thisbyrinth felt so weird! There are always different variations depending on the Demon''s preferences... but I guess this is what happens when a human takes over. Ha! Oh, this life just keeps getting better... With my luck, we''re not even in abyrinth at all, this is just a Void Creepers endless mana pool. Now wouldn''t that be something!"


    The bellowing Dragon continues tough and even begins pping its wings, hovering a few meters off the ground while looking down at me. I whisper in a low tone through the telepathy link.


    "I uh.... I think it is. This is a Titan''s Domain, if I''m not mistaken."


    Ember stops hovering instantly and hits the hard white ground with a thud while staring at me wide-eyed. He looks around the white room and begins feeling the walls with its tail and sharp ws.


    "How..."


    "..."


    "How... Did I get so lucky? I knew you were a special one, Jay. This is my favorite contract yet, and it hasn''t even been a hundred years! I might actually hit the third rank in a matter of weeks. Now wouldn''t that be something!"


    Letting outughs of joy, the Dragon spreads its jet ck wings to show off the glowing red underside, then jumps up high into the air. This small room is rather limiting for the massive beast, but it still manages to do a fewps while erupting into mes.


    Its fire is dark red just like mine. The point where it leaves Ember''s mouth it is almost pure ck, a very simr color to the dense energy thates out of my sword. It is a Dragon, after all, its mana control is probably even better than mine...


    I still have so many questions to ask, but I should let the majestic creature enjoy itself. This reaction is much better than him getting mad and eating me alive. I cross my arms and watch the mes dance and the Dragon soar.


    After a solid 20 minutes of celebration, the 7-meter-long fire-breathing monster finally settles down andes back to greet me.


    "Well, I''ve gotten that out of my system. Now let''s get down to business."


    I smirk and nod firmly.


    "So, now that we''re on the same page.... How do we get out of this prison?"


    "We''ll have to weaken it, then tear a hole right through. A Void Creeper''s realm is one of the weakest because technically it''s not a realm at all, it''s just between two others."


    Ember ws at a white wall, then lets out a dense ball of mes. It bounces off without leaving a scratch. The Dragon nods slowly while looking back over to me.


    "In this form, and this level, I have no way of breaking through. I''ll need to rank up again. That''s the only way I''ll be able to absorb enough mana to weaken this prison and have a fighting chance at denting this barrier at all."


    I think back to my final attackst night. I managed to make a small tear in the white wall when I condensed enough mana and released it all at once. If the realm is weakened, and I can increase my attack''s strength even more...


    "This could work.... How much MP can you absorb without a day allowance limiter?"


    The Dragon begins curling up into a ball.


    "I''ll have to start where I left off. A few million a day will be my limit in the beginning, but without fear of abyrinth copsing, I can go all out. My rate of absorption will increase as my levels rise. I believe a rank-up is possible in just a few weeks."


    I take a deep breath while ounting for my food supplies and past training progression. It''ll be brutal... but one or two more weeks in here is possible. I just have to make my 1.5kg of jerky and 6 bottles of waterst.... I''ll be in critical condition, but with my self regeneration skill and a few HP potions, I can keep myself alive as long as I have mana. It just won''t be pretty. I''m down about 7kg in total and still dropping fast.


    I reply with a thin smile.


    "Perfect. Rank up as fast as you can, I''ll have a n ready when you awake."


    "Understood."


    Ember closes his eyes and begins to glow with a faint red light.


    I turn to the opposite side of the room and grab my des. My final training session is about to begin.

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    In myst training session, lowering the amount of MP per charge increased my progress to a surprising degree. Handling lower amounts of mana is much easier to control and is more realistic in the long run after all. To raise my mana control proficiency, the total amount of consumed mana over time seems to be more of a determining factor than the amount I can muster per attack.


    As levels increase, they bring forth improved overall stats in all categories. However, I¡¯m finding that the refinement of mana requires a higher level of control and experience to master. While raw power may grow with leveling up, the true potential of this new power is bing more clear to me with every passing day.


    I wonder if B and A-ss hunters normally practice their mana control. Doing so without a plundering ability would cost a fortune. I¡¯m burning through hundreds of gold worth of MP, even for an Elite hunter, this would be impossible to train consistently¡­ right?


    I decide to create the ¡°One Second Rule¡±. Every day I train for 8 hours. I charge up for one full second with as much MP as physically possible, then release it all and rest for 2-4 full minutes.


    On day 1, I¡¯m able to charge 2000MP into each de in just under 1 second. The progression is slow, but the results pay off in the end. It¡¯s a brutal process, but I manage to average over 750k MP usage per day by the end of the week.


    My rate of control increases quite a bit. In just one second, I¡¯m able to hold 2750MP in each de. Anything under 1000MP per de can be charged while I swing, the attacks are deadly projectiles charged almost instantaneously.


    At the end of each day, I test my progress with a fully charged attack. I still cap out at around 11000MP in total, but getting there is a lot faster. In just over 20 seconds, I can release this ultimate attack.


    After each strike, the tear in the pristine white wall grows, a testament to the progression of my attack. Despite the damage inflicted, the wall heals itself in an instant each time, leaving no trace of my assaults. Its smooth surface remains unscathed, taunting my efforts.


    At the end of day 7, the final tear looks wide enough for me to squeeze through if I tried. It¡¯s just over 2m high and a little under half a meter across.


    I¡¯m getting dangerously low on food and water. My jerky is at 0.5 kg and my water is down to 3 bottles.


    Ember has been progressing slowly. I¡¯ve made a mental note of his progress at the end of each passing day.


    Day 1: [Lv. 253]


    Day 2: [Lv. 260]


    Day 3: [Lv. 269]


    Day 4: [Lv. 281]


    Day 5: [Lv. 293]


    Day 6: [Lv. 306]


    Day 7: [Lv. 322]


    His levels are going up faster every day. It seems the rate of absorption is slowly rising. I just have to hang on a little longer.


    I¡¯ve gotten to the point where I¡¯m not even hungry anymore. I just wake up, train, go to sleep, then do it again.


    My 1-second charge capabilities have risen to 3500MP per de, and my full power strikes can be charged up to 12500 and released in under 15 seconds. This may seem like a dramatic jump in just 3 days, but there¡¯s an interesting exnation as to why.


    The crimson glow around Ember has be much stronger. The air, ground, walls, and ceiling around the resting Dragon hum loudly as it continues to absorb MP and level up.


    End of Day 8: [Lv. 339]


    Anytime I get within a 10m radius of the slumbering beast, my own mana begins to be sucked into the growing red aura.


    End of Day 9: [Lv. 357]


    My stash of mana crystals gets identally absorbed in itsrge plundering radius today. I throw all my loot into my item storage for safekeeping.


    This is the day I eat myst bite of food, I¡¯vepletely run out. I have a bottle and a half of water remaining, but it¡¯s not looking good¡­


    Beginning of Day 10:


    Today is the day when everything changes¡­ I wake up to a familiar ringing sound in my head.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    While rubbing my eyes and standing to my feet, I open my status to realize I¡¯ve leveled up 3 times overnight¡­ Somehow, I¡¯m level 362 now. It¡¯s odd, but with my tired mind, starving body, and singr goal, I decide not to think much of it and get back to work.


    Walking past Ember, the aura around its body is nearly 20m in diameter. It emanates a deep crimson hue, pulsating with intensity and filling the air with a loud hum. The floor beneath us quakes with a violent rumble. I use inspect to check on its progress.


    [Lv. 362]


    Odd, it¡¯s exactly the same level as me¡­ During my training today, I hear the ¡°level up¡± sound go off in my head over and over again.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    It goes off 15 more times in fact¡­ My maximum mana reserves have risen because of the pure stat-based boosts and my swords have leveled up a good amount too.


    I check my status.


    I can hardly believe the number that floats at the top of the blue screen.


    [Lv. 377]


    I¡¯m exhausted from my long day of training without a single but to eat. I¡¯m on myst 1-liter bottle of water, and dreading the day it runs out.


    My final test of strength goes very well. The 12500MP strike rips a 5m long and 2m wide tear in the white wall. It stays open for almost 30 seconds before sealingpletely.


    My mind is fuzzy and my body is weak. As I fall asleep, a few words the Dragon said about our contract repeat in my head as I drift off into a peaceful slumber.


    ¡°If one dies, the other does too. If one gains exp, so does their counterpart. It is a perfect partnership for any two like-minded monsters wouldn¡¯t you say so?¡±


    The connection in my foggy nutrient-deprived brain finally clicks. The reason for my elerated level growth bes clear: I am actually sharing Ember''s experience gains.


    As I drift off, a faint smile tugs at the corners of my lips. Even though I''m on the opposite side of the white-walled prison, the rumbling and intense humming of the ck-scaled Dragon''s [Mythic Grade] plundering skill reaches my ears. It''s a reassuring reminder of the strongpanion that now stands by my side.


    My dehydration and mental exhaustion are pushing me to my absolute limits. My lips are cracked, my joints aching, and my hair starting to fall out. No amount of self regeneration is helping at this point. The hard ground is gettingfortable, the hot dry air is oddly soothing, and theck of food and water hardly bothers me. All I¡¯m focused on is finishing my mission.


    Hourster, I¡¯m woken up by more ¡°level up¡± ringing noises.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I gained another 7 levels in my sleep¡­ I¡¯m at 384 now.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 384


    Hp: 1925/1925


    Mp: 320/1925


    Strength: 945[+954][+652][+473]


    Speed: 1112 [+667][+556]


    Agility: 1211 [+545][+836][+606]


    Defense: 835 [+334][+418]


    Mental Strength: 945 [+567][+378][+425][+662][+491][+473]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King¡¯s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Griffin¡¯s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Serpent King¡¯s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll¡¯s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor¡¯s Sword [Fire Aspect][+101% Strength][+70% Mental Strength]


    The Wind Tyrant¡¯s Dagger Set [Wind Aspect][+69% Strength][+69% Agility][+52% Mental Strength]


    [Greater Demon¡¯s Core] +50% All Stats


    [Lenses Of Illusion]


    _____________


    At this rate, I¡¯ll be a B-ss in just a few more days. I gained 20 levels yesterday and 7 while sleeping¡­ If I can survive this trial I¡¯ll be a B-ss just mere weeks after my C-ss exams¡­


    Today, as I do my morning ritual of rubbing my dry eyes, stretching my poor arms and back, then slowly standing to my feet. I realize my MP bar is nearly at 0¡­. A red tint fills my vision and the ground beneath my feet reverberates with a powerful hum.


    I look over to the far side of the rectangr white-walled room to see Ember bathed in an aura of intense, dark red energy. The surroundings seem to bend and warp under the sheer pressure of the Dragon''s skill.


    I step closer and the hum gets louder. Every echoing footstep I take toward the rapidly leveling Dragon sucks more and more MP from my body. I¡¯m easily able to plunder my way back up to full, but it¡¯s still an odd sensation.


    At 50m away, the ground isn¡¯t just humming anymore, it¡¯s rattling making it hard to stand up straight without concentrating on my bnce.


    At 20m away it¡¯s a whole different story. The crimson veil around the creature is so dense that if I didn¡¯t have an MP plundering skill myself, along with the intense training these past few weeks, I¡¯d be sucked dry of mana in an instant. The floor shakes and moves violently at this distance, it¡¯s very difficult to stay upright.


    Determined, I tighten my jaw and decide not to go in any further. I understand that by keeping my distance and focusing on my training, this ordeal will be over soon. Based on my foggy-brained calctions, Ember has the potential to achieve a rank-up within the next 5 days, given his current rate of progress. My primary goal here is to endure and survive.


    ¡°Just¡­ a little longer¡­¡±

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    I make my way back over to the more peaceful, less ground-shaking side of the white-walled rectangr prison.


    My training for today begins but ends shortly after.


    I only manage to get 3 hours in. My bones are aching, my mouth is dry, and the muscle fatigue is bing overwhelming. I have under a liter of water left. The only progress made today is thanks to my rise in levels.


    In thest 3 hours, I¡¯ve gained another 4, bringing me up to level 388. Over thest few weeks, I¡¯ve managed to burn through just over 10 million MP. This is multiple times the amount most D or C-ss hunters will ever use in their entire lives¡­


    The risk-to-reward ratio of training my mana control any further is not worth it. Before I entered this void prison, I didn¡¯t even know refining one¡¯s mana was possible. My attacks have be close to 5 times as dense, hence 5 times as deadly with the same MP output. My de¡¯s total holding capacity has grown almost 2 times. With the near-unlimited stores along with my sentient weapons, I¡¯m able to charge and release attacks up to 6 times my full MP bar.


    Taking all the factors into consideration, a full-strength attack within these walls is up to 30 times as effective as it was just a few weeks ago. My rising levels are continuously adding to that number as well.


    I test out an ultimate attack to end the 11th day of this training cycle.


    Focusing my mana and gripping my rattling des, I unleash two magnificent attacks. The first is a thin shining ck de and the second is a transparent crescent of wind. Thebined power of these strikes amounts to nearly 13,000 refined MP.


    My energy collides with the white man barrier letting out a metallic twang, then ripping through my prison¡¯s wall. A massive 10m high, 3m wide tear in space opens as the two crescents of expanding white wind and crimson mes continue to soar through the ck void behind the wall.


    I grin while dropping to my knees, preparing to sleep after my short yet effective day of training.


    While my eyes shut, I activate my All-Seeing Eye to monitor the progress like usual.


    I would typically gasp in shock at the astounding results, but my weary body and mind are too fatigued to muster a reaction. Drifting off to sleep, I witness the two powerful energy waves tearing through the outer wall of the apparently, not-so-endless ck void. A small portion of my attack manages to break free from the confines of the Titan''s Domain, escaping into the outside world.


    I¡¯ve managed to find the outer edge.


    I close my eyes, and sleep for hours, but am rudely awakened by the sensation of a vibrating floor and my MP bar nearing 0 again. Standing to my feet while plundering my mana points back to full without much issue, I check my status.


    I¡¯ve gained another 5 levels¡­ I¡¯m at 393 now¡­


    With the rumbling floor below me glowing a faint tint of red, I look over to see how Ember is doing. My jaw nearly drops to the floor as I take in the sight before my eyes.


    The crimson aura has doubled in size since Ist examined it. I can barely make out an outline of the slumbering dragon. The walls around it look very distorted¡­ Almost as if the white-walled barrier around us is beingpletely absorbed.


    I gulp.


    If this box copses in on itself, the only logical exnation I have would be that we would be floating through that endless ck void outside. The unpleasant memory of falling through nothingness shes through my head for a moment before I snap back to reality.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye, I confirm my prior hypothesis to be correct almost immediately.


    The white-walled barrier between us and the outside void is slowly beginning to dissolve. The area nearest to the Dragon is the weakest. It feels just like the tear in space that I create every time I release an ultimate attack.


    Ember is creating millions of micro-tears as he absorbs more and more mana from the surrounding area. Over thest day or so, the rate of absorption has grown to be slightly higher than the rate of this barrier¡¯s recovery. Slowly and steadily, these white walls will be torn away¡­. Then, we¡¯ll have to face the void¡­.


    I shutter, staring down at my 500ml of water remaining. If I were to fly out into the endless void, what would happen? How long would it take for Ember to plunder everyst drop of MP in this realm between realms? Would this be enough to sustain me?


    I let out a sigh while deactivating my perception skill. It¡¯s probably a better idea for me to think of a quicker way out than to sit and ponder questions I have no way of finding the answer to.


    Gritting my teeth, and nodding with a motivated grunt. I¡¯ve decided to attempt an ultimate strike with all of my avable MP once per hour. My body is too weak to continue intense spurts of mana control training, the fastest and most efficient way for me to get stronger is to just sit in ce and level up with the help of Ember¡¯s exp link.


    Every hour, for 4 more hours, I do exactly as I¡¯ve nned.


    I release waves of energy at the white wall and they cut through the empty void slicing the back wall each time. I¡¯ve gained 5 more levels, bringing me to level 398, but the progress has slowed.


    I¡¯m able to prate the back wall of the ck void, but the white walls healpletely before I have a chance to ever send a second attack through. The rise in levels has increased my MP output slightly as well, every little bit counts.


    After these strikes, I¡¯m thoroughly exhausted. My biggest fear has alsoe true. I¡¯mpletely out of food and water. Thosest drops were necessary to continue my futile full-power-shing attempts.


    Ember¡¯s aura has grown so wide, that even at the far side of the room, I¡¯m partially engulfed in its red tint. The only way I¡¯m able to see or sense the Dragon is by using my All-Seeing Eye. It¡¯spletely covered in a blood-red veil of light. The area of white walls surrounding it is dissolving at an rming rate, growing more transparent every second.


    My head aches, my lips crack, and my joints cry out in pain as I copse and fall asleep once again. I¡¯ll have one more chance to find a way out when I wake up. If I fail tomorrow, then I¡¯m as good as dead.


    The rumbling floor, loud humming, and drifting red cloud of aura fade off into the back of my consciousness as I drift off to sleep.


    Many hours go by again and I¡¯m awoken by the dinging sound of ¡°level up¡± notifications in my head. The floor beneath me is violently moving up and down, the metallic hum of mana fills my ears, and my vision ispletely clouded by a murderous red tint.


    Opening my status, I see I¡¯ve gained 6 more levels while I was out. Level 404¡­


    I activate My All-Seeing Eye, fearing what will show up in my vision.


    For a moment, I don¡¯t move a muscle¡­.


    Ember¡¯s presence is nearby, but I can¡¯t say the same for most of the walls in this room. I¡¯m not sure I can even call it a room by definition anymore.


    The only white barrier-like walls I can sense are on my backside, and in front of me for about 10 meters at most. The rest of this ominous floating prison has beenpletely dissolved and absorbed by the sleeping Dragon nearly 100 meters away.


    If the thick red aura blocking my vision wasn¡¯t present, I would be staring out into an endless ck void. The Mp in my status ispletely drained. I¡¯m able to replenish it, but If I¡¯m not constantly plundering MP it drops rather quickly.


    ¡°This¡­ is¡­ insane¡­.¡±


    I grip both of my weapons tight and prepare for the attack that I¡¯ve been putting off until this very moment.


    So far, all of my full power strikes have been aimed at the white wall on the far side of the room as far away from Ember as possible. I didn¡¯t want to disrupt his rank-up process. Now, it¡¯s a much different story. If I don¡¯t do something drastic, it¡¯ll be the end of me¡­.


    I aim my des at the wide-open void in front of me. It¡¯s all or nothing this time around. I¡¯ll give one more strike everyst bit of strength I have left in me.


    Closing my eyes and taking a deep break, I grip my des tightly and begin plundering MP all around me. Every drop of mana that enters my body is refined, condensed, and imbued into my two weapons.


    After 15 seconds, I¡¯ve already achieved a new record. In total, my des have 14000MP stored between them, and I continue to push on. They glow with dark red and bright white light. The excess wind and fire magic around my two weapons rips away at the frail skin on my hands and arms.


    Just 10 more seconds pass and I manage to squeeze in another 2000MP. The joints in my fingers and wrists threaten to snap as I hold on with all my willpower remaining.


    Another 5 seconds go by, and I¡¯m on myst leg. It feels like every cell in my body is screaming at me to stop as I continue to hold on and stand strong. A final 1000MP is stored in my des, bringing the total to 17000MP.


    With a final yell of agony, I swing both des across my body to let a reality-tearing attack.


    As each wave of energy emanates from my des, my eyes roll back into my head, overwhelmed by instantaneous exhaustion and fatigue. Due to the repetitive tremendous strain on my body and mind, I lose consciousness and sumb to the depths of oblivion.


    With no limiting barrier to greatly decrease my attack power, the two curved des of pure element-imbued refined mana rip through the darkness of the endless void with terrifying speed.


    In seconds, they collide with the outer wall of the Void Creeper¡¯s realm slicing through it like a skilled surgeon''s scalpel. An enormous tear opens up in the back wall growing in size as the two crescents of energy detonate on impact. They collide with foreign mass outside of this realm,pounding their explosive power.


    This destructive force shakes the walls of the entire Titan¡¯s Domain as the tear in space grows exponentiallyrger.


    The red aura of Ember¡¯s rank-up seeps out deeper into the void, finding the path of least resistance. That path, being the only way back to the outside world¡­.


    The tear rapidly expands as the Dragon continues to absorb its surrounding. I float out into the empty void as thest remaining bits of the white walls disappear.


    In a brilliant sh of light, as the tear stretches to the length of the entire backside of the void, Ember''s crimson aura continues to surge and expand. It overwhelms the near-infinite darkness, bing the dominant energy in this realm between realms.


    Hourster¡­.


    After lying unconscious on a hard surface I open my eyes to see a small ck gem about the size of a coinying on the dry ground peeking out from a patch of sun-bleached grass.


    I release the death grip on my des, putting them into my item storage and picking up the odd shiny stone.


    Standing to my feet, I lick my dry lips and feel my caved-in stomach gurgle while taking in the beautiful view¡­.


    A ck and red dragon soars high in the sky over an endless horizon of rising and falling hills.


    A wide grin creeps across my face.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made it back to The Great ins.¡±

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    I stand in the middle of The Great ins Dungeon rolling the ck coin-sized gem around in my right hand while watching Ember p his wings high above me.


    ¡°This must be a Strengthening Fragment¡±


    I turn my head to see a massive crater on the dungeon¡¯s floor. It stretches nearly 50m in diameter, and the debris is scattered even further away on all sides. This is where I knocked down that Titan, and fell into its domain almost a full month ago. It seems like In the end, I won the battle and made it back in one piece.


    Activating my telepathy skill, I call out to the shimmering jet-ck dragon in the sky. It descends gracefully through the air to greet me.


    ¡°Jay, you¡¯ve awoken.¡±


    Ember hits the ground with a light thud, sitting obediently with his head held high and long tail waving behind him. I look the creature up and down curiously for a moment. It doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s changed at all. The 3rd rank-up must have ended with an iplete result.


    ¡°It seems you haven¡¯t evolved any further.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. Once the Titan¡¯s Domain couldn¡¯t handle my absorption rate, along with the attack you threw to disrupt the connection between realms, I was forced awake. We were thrown back into this dungeon hours ago, right after the Void Creeper¡¯s link was severed from its pocket dimension. You¡¯ve been unconscious ever since.¡±


    I smile.


    This reunion is nice and all, but I need food, water, and rest. My dry lips and caved-in stomach can¡¯t take it much longer, I¡¯ve lost almost 12kg over thest month. I struggle to stay on my feet as I reply.


    ¡°I need to leave this dungeon and heal up from our ordeal¡­. It may be your first time contracted to a human, but I assume you realize things are going to be a lot different this time around. We don¡¯t have abyrinth to protect, so you¡¯ll have to serve me in a much different way than a demon.¡±


    Ember bows his head as I continue.


    ¡°No one can know you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Of course, humans are quite troublesome creatures. If they were to see me in their realm I- I meant troublesome in a-¡°


    I chuckle out loud.


    ¡°I agree. Humans are a bit troublesome aren¡¯t they.¡±


    Coughing, while activating my perception skills while preparing my dungeon walker ability, I continue.


    ¡°Stay at the back of this dungeon and don¡¯te out for any reason. I¡¯ll be back as soon as possible with a n for us to leave when I have a clearer head. It shouldn¡¯t take more than a few days. No attacking monsters or hunters while I¡¯m gone. If you die, I die. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ve waited decades toe back to this realm, a few days is nothing to me.¡±


    With a majestic p of his wings, the 7m long ck-scaled dragon shows off its crimson underbelly as it flies into the open sky. With a thin smile, I teleport away.


    I decide to go back to the Alpine Starter Dungeon. It¡¯s ast-second decision, but the thought of walking through the Dungeon Hub and all the way through the capital seems like a bad idea right now.


    Plus, I¡¯d need to get a hotel room and everything, I might copse before that happens. Going back to my hometown seems like the most logical move. I just hope myndlord isn¡¯t too mad¡­ It¡¯s been well over a month since I¡¯ve paid rent.


    Momentster, I find myself right next to the entrance of the blue-skied goblin dungeon I know so well. Luckily, it¡¯s the middle of the night once I step through the portal back to the outside world.


    The soft light of the moon shines down on me as I slowly walk toward the vige market. I can see a few of the shop lights on from a distance. One or two 24-hour stores will be open for sure.


    I was really hoping for a nice hot meal, but I guess this is just a blessing in disguise. I¡¯ll need to slowly rehydrate and feed myself at first anyways. A full te of food would have been suicide if I tried to scarf one of those down.


    My mouth waters and my body shakes at the thought of real food and cold liquids after so long in that white-walled jail cell.


    I walk into the first convenience store I see to grab a few fresh fruits, electrolyte drinks, and assorted nuts. It may seem nd, but to me, it looks like a 9-course meal.


    Slowly sipping on one of the drinks, I make my way back to my apartment. My feet drag and a gruntes out every few steps. The nutrients filling my body do make me feel slightly better, and some energy is returning for me so I can utilize my self-regeneration skill, but it¡¯s not helping much¡­


    In the dead of night, I finally make it back to my building, walk up the steps, and open the door to my apartment. Letting out a long sigh, I copse onto my bed.


    Over the next few hours, I finish up a full bottle of electrolytes, and scarf down the fresh fruit and nuts. I continuously regenerate my muscles and deteriorated flesh with my self-regeneration skill slowly building back some of my body mass.


    I fall into a deep sleep. Right now, this is the mostfortable bed in the world.


    I wake up the next morning to the rising sun feeling incredible, but still starving¡­ Looking in the mirror as I get ready for the day, I can tell that I¡¯ve lost a considerable amount of weight. Last night¡¯s re-feed and regeneration session definitely added a few kilograms back to my frame, but I need a lot more mass to get back to my normal weight.


    I grab a few pairs of extra clothes and throw them in my item storage, then leave a handful of silver out on the floor with a note apologizing to myndlord just in case he stops by and tries to evict me¡­


    I walk to a local breakfast spot and dig in. I start off slow but get my fill, I feel much better than I have in weeks. I¡¯m able to put on a bit more weight but am still easily 7kg down from when I started this extravaganza. It¡¯ll take me a while to gain thisst bit back. Thanking the waitress and leaving a considerable tip, I head off to the goblin dungeon filled with excitement and dread.


    Another odd sensation won¡¯t stop nagging at the back of my head since I woke up either¡­ The feeling of near-unlimited mana all around me is no more. I¡¯m inching to be full of power again, but I suppress it for now.


    My heart pounds in my chest as I near Alpine Square. I¡¯m heading back to the capital to see my teammates and check in with the Hunters Association. This could go so many different ways, I¡¯ll have to prepare for the worst¡­


    After stepping into the starter dungeon I teleport to The Great ins and step out of the portal immediately. I ride the train back to the main Dungeon Hub and take the moving stairs ups to the surface.


    As I exit, one of the familiar-looking guards waves and smiles.


    ¡°Wee back, an all-nighter in a C-ss dungeon. You¡¯ve got guts, man!¡±


    I give him a firm nod and smile while continuing my walk Into town. The morning sun is rising steadily, it¡¯s just after 9 am if I¡¯m not mistaken, maybe closer to 10.


    As I make my way toward the Hunters Association HQ I think about what that guard said to me¡­ An all-nighter? What did he mean by that?


    He must be confusing me with someone else¡­.


    Moving that thought to the back of my mind, I approach the Association¡¯s tower at the center of the capital. The lobby¡¯s sliding door opens and I¡¯m greeted immediately. Arie¡¯s smooth low toned voice rings out the moment I step into the building.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time you showed up, we were about to leave without you.¡±


    The tan-skinned archer has his hood up with Abby and Maria by his side. Tripp stands close behind pacing back and forth. Both the blond and green-haired girls perk up as they see me, while Arie smirks with his arms crossed.


    ¡°I¡­. Uh-¡°


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting here for almost an hour. You ditched us at the party yesterday to hunt and you slept inte this morning. You sure do know how to make a great first impression on the Association.¡±


    I blink a few times, staring at my teammates in awe. Arie just said I ditched them¡­ yesterday¡­


    My mind spins as I reply slowly.


    ¡°I¡­ Sorry¡­ I must have had a long night, I lost track of the time.¡±


    With a loud gulp, I shift my gaze to the rest of my team. Mariaughs and points to the sliding doors that are about to close behind me.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go! You weren¡¯t even thatte, it¡¯s fine!¡±


    Maria¡¯s reassurance makes me feel a little better, but the absurdity of this situation is overwhelming. I smile and nod while turning to the door. In my head, the thoughts are running wild¡­


    The only exnation would be that time moves differently in whatever realm between realms I just survived an entire month in.


    Another connection clicks in my head.


    The spacial magic that I¡¯ve been using as item storage has a simr effect. Whenever I put an item in there, time seems to stop. The realm that these Titans create must work in the exact opposite way, everything outside ceases to continue while time goes by for eternity in the void.


    Abby brushes my arm on the way out the door and looks up at me with a concerned look.


    ¡°You seem different today¡­ Is everything okay? It even seems like you¡¯ve lost some weight.¡±


    I let out a sigh after a long pause.


    ¡°A-As I said, it was a long night¡­ I¡¯ll be fine. Thanks for asking.¡±


    Tripp doesn¡¯t say a word to me, he just stays behind the 4 of us as we make our way back to the Dungeon Hub.


    This is not at all what I was expecting our reunion to be like today¡­ but I don¡¯t think it could have gone any better. I¡¯ll just put this traumatic event behind me as a lesson learned, maybe I¡¯m not invincible.


    Or¡­ maybe this just proves I am¡­.


    I wide grin creeps across my face as we walk further into town. I stop at a street vendor selling D-ss items and stock up on a gold¡¯s worth of mana crystals. It¡¯s about 10,000MP worth. It¡¯s not even enough to charge one of my ultimate attacks with both daggers, but it will do for now.


    That room of free mana really spoiled me. I probably won¡¯t need to charge up any attacks like that again in the future, but if I ever want to continue my mana control training I¡¯m going to need a whole lot of gold to do so¡­


    We make it to the Dungeon Hub and greet the new guard on duty. We go down to the tform and enter The Great ins no more than 10 minutester.


    My teammates take in the view of the vast ins. Tripp speaks up as we begin walking into the dungeon.


    ¡°All right. This is your first mission together as a team with the Association. We won¡¯t be going too far in. Today will just be a trial run to make sure all of you are leveled enough and able to handle the base-level mobs. If we have the time, we¡¯ll try for some mutants.¡±


    We all nod, and continue walking forward. I activate my enemy detection skill and sense a few monsters, but nothing out of the ordinary. Tripp continues talking.


    ¡°There will be no reason to continue into this dungeon more than 10km. The potential for a Titan attack increases drastically after this point. Many lives have been lost by those creatures. Trust me, it is not worth the risk. I don¡¯t care how strong you think you are, new C-ss hunters have no hopes of defeating one of those. Association Elites even have trouble sometimes.¡±


    Arie smirks and takes out his bow.


    ¡°I hope one shows up, these Titans sure are getting a lot of hype.¡±


    Maria and Abby excitedly draw their weapons.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m ready for a good fight.¡±


    ¡°Bring it on!¡±


    Tripp looks over at all of us with a disappointing re, but I keep my mouth shut. It¡¯s out of character for me, but I can¡¯t even fake being excited about fighting another one of those monstrosities.


    Our blond-haired guide for the day takes out his silver daggers and points to the back of the dungeon, then speaks up in a firm tone.


    ¡°Kill yourselves on your own time. While training with me, you¡¯re not fighting one of those creatures. Got it?¡±


    With shrugs, nods, and a few disappointed exhales we all agree with Tripp¡¯s order. The 5 of us venture off into The Great ins Dungeon for our official first day of Association training.

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    After scolding us for being so enthusiastic about wanting to fight Titans, the 4 of us quiet down a bit.


    Tripp may have been a mood killer to some members of the group, but Ipletely understand where he¡¯sing from. The blond-haired dagger wielder is just looking out for us. He must have lost some teammates to one in the past, judging by his tone.


    As we carry on deeper into the dungeon, the base-level mobs begin to appear. I let Maria and Abby handle them, they¡¯re a bit more trigger-happy today than usual.


    They are both much more agile than the charging monstrous Rhinos and have the perfect magic abilities to aid their fight. Frozen solid and skewered by stone, the charging beasts don¡¯t stand a chance against this duo.


    Arie and I decide to stand back and watch. The monsters are too low-level to gain any exp, engaging in battle with them would be more of a resource drain than a worthwhile fight.


    Tripp realizes pretty quickly that all 4 of us are no normal newbie C-ss group of recruits and strikes up a conversation as the girls battle it out with another beast.


    ¡°I heard from the Director that your squad was going to be a special one. He told me both of you have some pretty rare abilities and rather unpredictable luck.¡±


    He pauses for a moment, then continues.


    ¡°The old man stressed that you¡¯d be a bunch of battle junkies with a death wish. I assumed you¡¯d all be decent fighters, but had no idea you¡¯d be able to fight off these mobs this easily¡­¡±


    Arie grins.


    ¡°Oh just wait until we see one of those mutants, I can¡¯t wait to go all out. I¡¯m still pissed off at that examiner named Rodrigo, he wouldn¡¯t let me use my bow in our final boss fight. I could have definitely joined the action with you Jay.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow, remembering the 16th-floor showdown that seemed like an eternity ago. To Arie, it was less than 2 days in the past¡­.


    ¡°Oh yeah? You could have handled the boss?¡±


    ¡°Yeah easy, one arrow to the head and it would have been over-¡°


    Iugh with a satisfied smirk, appreciating his confidence, but doubting his strength.


    Tripp jumps in again.


    ¡°So, Jay. Now that we¡¯re not under the lurking eyes and ears of the Association, you have to tell me how you did it?¡±


    ¡°How I.. did what?¡±


    Tripp¡¯s face curls into a goofy yet devious grin, like a little kid with a secret.


    ¡°You know¡­ how you trained with me during the exam? I was on guard duty during the C-ss exams. I¡¯ve been thinking it over and over in my head like a madman. There¡¯s no usible exnation. How could you have possibly been in thebyrinth and at the Dungeon Hub at the same time? I even looked in your records, the only skills you have logged are Swordsmanship, Dagger Mastery, and your Advanced Fire Summoning.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, you said you¡¯d tell me, remember?¡±


    I gulp. Vaguely remembering the day I signed my contract with the Association. I do recall Tripp asking how I did it¡­ and I brushed it off like it was nothing.


    ¡°Well¡­ I uhm¡­¡±


    Arie lets out augh.


    ¡°Oh, you really used that thing? I thought you were saving that teleportation item for a rainy day. Don¡¯t tell me you actually used it in the exam between tests¡­¡±


    The tan-skinned bow wielder continues tough. I crack a thing smile, deciding to go along with his nonsense.


    ¡°Well, I guess I just thought now or never right? Magic items are meant to be used aren¡¯t they.¡±


    I crack another fake grin. Tripp looks at me dumbfounded.


    ¡°You¡­ you used a teleportation item¡­ to do a few hours of extra training¡­ during an exam¡­?¡±


    I scratch the back of my head and visually cringe. Next, I throw my hands up in the air replying defensively.


    ¡°Hey, you were probably better off not knowing."


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Now ya do. I¡¯d appreciate it if you wouldn¡¯t tell anyone I wasted an item like that. Alright?¡±


    ¡°But how- and where- a teleportation-¡°


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not talk about it anymore, okay?¡±


    We continue walking in silence for a moment. I''m left wondering if Tripp actually bought that excuse or if he¡¯s just ying along to our obvious lies.


    An awkward amount of time goes by before Arie strikes up a random conversation about the Hunters Association hierarchy structure. I begin to zone out as their boring talk of numbers fills my ears. I watch Abby and Maria continue ying beasts as we run into them on our way through The Great ins.


    I¡¯m just happy to be alive. It feels like I¡¯m viewing all the events of today from above like an out-of-body experience. Maybe it¡¯s a defensive mechanism built in to deal with all of the excess stimtion my brain is taking in today.


    I did get pretty used to staring at white walls and focusing on a single task¡­ every¡­ single¡­ day¡­.


    I let out a sigh.


    Simultaneously, Arie lightly elbows me in the gut.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re already 5km in you know. Are you that confident you haven¡¯t even taken out a weapon?¡±


    I shake myself out of my daydreams, then firmly nod a few times.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. I¡¯m sure they can handle it. I¡¯ll wait for the mutants to have my fun, you¡¯re thinking the same thing aren¡¯t ya?¡±


    Arie grips his bow.


    ¡°Yeah. Mutants or Titans, whicheveres first right?¡±


    I gulp, then let out a few words in a shaky tone.


    ¡°Mutants¡­ Mutants are fine with me. Tripp probably knows best, we shouldn¡¯t even joke about Titans right now.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause of silence, then Trippughs and puts an arm around my shoulder.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s the first intelligent thing that¡¯se out of your mouth since I met ya! Hear that Arie? Even this battle-crazed psycho that would waste a one-of-a-kind item for an adrenaline fix isn¡¯t dumb enough to fight a Titan. Read a page out of his book!¡±


    The bow wielder rolls his eyes.


    ¡°For the short time I¡¯ve known Jay, I think I have a pretty good read on him. Wait until one of these things shows up. He¡¯ll be the first one into action.¡±


    I reply in a soft tone as we continue forward.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­¡±


    After some more casual conversation and a whole lot of walking, a mutant finally shows up.


    I take out my sword and the 4 of us go in for an attack. My de slices through the mutant like butter. Abby and Maria easily trap the beast in ce with Ice and Earth while Ariends a thin white glowing arrow through the monster¡¯s forehead.


    The Mutant never stood a chance.


    The girls cheer and Arie grins, but I¡¯m not emotionally moved in the slightest. I just stare at the scene in front of me and mumble to myself.


    ¡°Why does this always happen to me? Why am I never satisfied¡­?¡±


    The 3 of them wait around the Ice covered burning corpse to wait for it to drop its loot. I let out a sigh and activate my enemy detection skill.


    My small use of MP shocked my system into wanting more all of a sudden. That release of power is making me shake, I clench my jaw craving more.


    Eventually, the loot drops and I take a few deep breaths to curb my temptations. All 5 of us venture further in.


    We¡¯re about 7-10km into the dungeon now. I can expand my range pretty far, closing my eyes and do so as we walk. I concentrate and reach out into the depths of the dungeon locating 10 more mutants within a 10km radius.


    I push my skill a little further, sensing a creature at the same level as me moving at high speeds around the backside of the dungeon about 15km deeper in than us. I grin, registering that it must be Ember.


    At the same moment, as I continue to expand my range, I hit a very familiar wall of infinite nothingness another 5km in. I immediately shiver and deactivate my enemy detection skill.


    We continue the hunt.


    All 5 of us wander around the 10-12km range for the next 6 hours straight. We¡¯ve run into 8 mutants in total, this is thanks to me leading the way. The only one that doesn¡¯t know I have some kind of advanced perception skill is Tripp. It just seems like we¡¯re getting lucky to him.


    In reality, we¡¯re actually getting the opposite. After 8 mutants and over 20 of its underlings, the only loot we¡¯ve managed to pick up is mana crystals. I can tell the team¡¯s morale has been slowly declining¡­


    Tripp calls out to us after this recent kill.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s do one more then call it a day.¡±


    The four of us nod in agreement.


    After defeating our next mutant, I decide to nt the Strengthening Fragment I looted from my long battle with the Titan into the mutant¡¯s corpse during one of my close-range attacks. As it dissolves, the small ck crystal drops, and I hear Maria scream with excitement in her voice.


    ¡°Guys! Guys! Look we got one! We got one!¡±


    I grin while the others flock over to her, examining the small ck gem. Crossing my arms, I watch my team¡¯s spirits rise. Maria¡¯s smile brightens my mood. Abby¡¯s willingness to whole-heartily support the cheerful blond as she fixates on the ck gem puts faith in our teamwork.


    Watching Arie smirk while gripping his bow reminds me of how he helped me in the exam and also covered me with a little white lie earlier today.


    I¡¯m back to the outside world with a team I can trust. I guess¡­ this isn¡¯t too bad¡­


    The 3 of them pass the gem around, then I walk over to take part in the fun. Tripp watches from a distance wide-eyed and pale-faced.


    The drop rate is pretty low, we beat the odds of a 1% chance and got a Fragment in just 10 or so kills.


    I would also be surprised if I were in his position, but the sheer expression of bewildered horror on his face suggests that there is more to this situation than meets the eye.


    I hear him mutter a few words under his breath.


    ¡°I-Impossible¡­ They actually got a Strengthening Fragment¡­ out of a Mutant¡­?¡±

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    "I-Impossible... They actually got a Strengthening Fragment out of a Mutant...?"


    I repeat the words I heard Tripp say moments ago over and over in my head. His words mixed with the expression of pure shock on the man''s face give me a quite uneasy feeling.


    Impossible? Why would it be impossible?


    I look over at my team, then back at Tripp. It seems like none of them overheard his mumbles like I did. My 2 seconds of happiness have run their course after leaving the Titan''s Domain. Now, another eerie spiraling sense of paranoia fills my head.


    Technically, the Fragment didn''te from the mutant... That''s what makes all of this even worse. None of the mutants I''ve defeated by myself dropped any fragments, and none of the ones we killed today did either.


    Still, their drop rate is apparently 1%. It would bepletely normal for us not to get one for a while....


    We would be lucky if we got 1 all week at this rate. This quota should be impossible to meet...


    "Impossible..."


    I turn to Tripp. He''s still staring at the ck gem in Maria''s hand from a distance with his mouth wide open and face white like he''s seen a ghost.


    There''s definitely something fishy going on here...


    After our celebration of collecting a single Strengthening Fragment after a long day of work dies down, Tripp calms himself down as well, returning to normal. The 3 others look to him for guidance, and I y along doing the same. He smiles and points behind him.


    "Well, great first day of work. We should start heading back now, it''ll take quite a while to make our way to the dungeon''s entrance."


    We all nod in agreement and follow our blond-haired guide back through The Great ins. We face 3 more mutants and dozens of underlings, but they''re taken out with ease, dropping nothing but mana crystals.


    As we near the exit gate, Abby speaks up to the group.


    "Hey, now that you''re all a part of the Association, why don''t we get rooms at the Vanguard Heights? We''re all going to be spending a lot of time in the city, we might as well get a nice ce to stay."


    I look at her with a confused expression.


    "The... Vanguard Heights? What exactly is that?"


    Tripp grins and steps in.


    "It''s a residential building. Well, more of a residential tower. Only Hunters from the Association are allowed to stay there. It''s a pretty exclusive apartmentplex. I''d rmend it, my apartment there is incredible. There''s always space avable for people with contracts, we could go and get you 4 situated tonight."


    I look over to Arie and Maria. Both of them are grinning ear to ear. I nod.


    "Sure, let''s check it out right after we leave the dungeon."


    Maria jumps in holding up the ck gem.


    "What about this? Aren''t we going to hand in our loot soon?"


    I chuckle.


    "Sure, sure. We''ll be meeting at the Association HQ tomorrow morning anyways, we can just hand it in then. Sound like a n?"


    With a firm nod, she replies.


    "Hmmph. Okay, makes sense."


    The 5 of us leave the dungeon and make our way up to the surface. It''ste and I''m starving, the rest of my group feels the same way. Tripp leads us to the Vanguard Heights, telling us on the way that we can get food there.


    It''s about 1km for the Dungeon Hub, in the opposite direction of the Association''s building. The dungeons are right in the middle of the two.


    Once we arrive I take a long look at the towering blue ss building. The sun is setting, and the orange beams of light reflect off the 50-story tower with an incredible dazzling glow.


    The front doors glide open in silence as we''re greeted by a tall thin man in a ck tuxedo with the Hunters Association logo in small print on his white handkerchief.


    "Wee to the Vanguard Heights Residence, It seems we have some neers today. How may I help you all?"


    Tripp smiles at the tall man, nodding to him as he walks by. He waves and speaks up before disappearing into the lobby.


    "They''ll take good care of you all, I''m heading off for the night. Meet you at 9 am tomorrow, got it? Especially you Jay!"


    Maria giggles at thatst line as Arie approaches the tall man who greeted us.


    "We''d like to rent some rooms. The four of us are new C-ss Hunters at the Association."


    He bows.


    "Congrattions on your promotions. Please, follow me."


    The old dapper-looking gentleman turns and leads us to a long white marble desk where he scans all of our cards and collects the proper payment.


    I look around the lobby as he does so. The floors and furniture are allpletely white. There''s simplistic art on the walls near the elevator doors. The tall ceiling sports a blue crystal chandelier matching the windows.


    For a premium suite, it''ll be 1 gold a month. I fork over another shiny coin looking down at my diminishing supply.


    I need to go farm a lower-level dungeon and build up my bnce again soon. If I want to pay rent here and continue buying MP to support my future training, I''m going to need a lot more money...


    I take my new room key after signing all the proper documents. It''s a small silver card with the number 4207 printed in thin ck text on the front. My apartment is on the 42nd floor, room 7.


    The 4 of us turn to the elevator waving to the tall man, he nods back with another slight bow.


    "Wee to the Vanguard Heights, I hope you enjoy your stay. There are restaurants and entertainment on the 21st floor, please feel free to indulge yourselves in the services offered."


    With that being said, we make our way up to the 21st floor without hesitation. The white-walled elevator glides up over 20 floors in a meter of seconds and we arrive to see a magnificent view.


    Neon lights, food and drink, games, and girls. They have it all. I''ve stumbled upon degenerate heaven.


    There''s an entire entertainment center on the 21st floor. Half a dozen restaurants, another half a dozen bars, some small casinos and clubs, a spa, hunter''s trading stores run by the Association, and even a few training rooms avable to rent.


    I stare in awe as we walk over to a restaurant that suits our fancy.


    "Let''s y it cool tonight. We have a long week ahead of us... Once weplete our first mission, I say we give this ce a run for its money."


    We each order a good meal and a few drinks. Unfortunately, my self-regeneration keeps me from feeling the alcohol, but it''s the thought that counts...


    After a satisfying meal, the 4 of us break off to check out our new apartments. We all agree to meet each other in the lobby tomorrow around 8:30 am.


    I ride the elevator to the 42nd floor and scan the silver card on the small ck square above my room''s door. With a light click, the door slowly swings open without making a sound.


    "Now... this is what I''m talking about.... This is a view!"


    The cool white marble floor leads forward about 10 meters opening up into arge living room area with a clear staircase on its right side leading up to a bedroom loft. There are tworge white couches on either side of the main room facing each other with a long silver table between them.


    The far wall of the apartment is blue-tinted ss that overlooks the city''s night lights.


    Off to the left is a long white and silver counter with a smooth ck stove and cooking equipment. Further down the hall on the apartment''s left side is a guest room, an extra bathroom, and an empty office.


    I sprawl out onto one of the couches and let out a satisfied sigh.


    Staring out into the night sky with thousands of building lights shing below, I remember myst task of the night, Ember.


    While out hunting today, I thought this issue over many times in my head. I have to figure out a way to have him by my side at all times without anyone noticing.


    There''s a possibility he''ll be able to fit in my pocket dimension that I use to store items. Unfortunately, I was just way too exhausted to even try that before I leftst night.


    "I could give it a try right now..."


    With that, I hop off myfy couch and make my way downstairs. As I walk through the lobby with a smile stered across my face I hear a familiar low voice.


    "Where are you going in such a hurry? Mind if I join?"


    I turn to see Arie sitting on one of the guest couches in the lobby. He gets up and makes his way over to me while continuing to speak.


    "I was going to gote-night hunting as well. I knew you wanted to see one of those Titans for yourself too, you were just keeping your cool in front of Tripp weren''t ya!"


    He lets out augh as we both walk toward the lobby''s front door. I reply.


    "Hey- I''m by no means trying to fight a Titan tonight. If Tripp says they''re dan-"


    "Oh don''t give me that!"


    Arie smirks at me as the sliding doors open and we step out into the cool night air.


    "I don''t believe for a second you take anything that guy says to be true at face value."


    I give Arie a side-eye, then let out a light exhale through my nose.


    He''s right, and he knows he''s right... but, he has no idea what he''s getting himself into.


    The hooded bow wielder puts his hand around my shoulder and continues talking.


    "I was going to face those things on my own anyways. So either youe and make it easier on me, or I get to hit up all the fun for myself."


    Arie is really trying to get himself killed, isn''t he? Is this what I seem like every time I jump into something crazy? Is this why everyone around me says I''m a lunatic? It''s starting to make sense...


    If I go with him, at least I''ll be able to guide him away from those monsters. Plus, If I lead him away from the Titans all night we can farm some mutants and see if their drop rate of 1% is actually true...


    Thatst remark that Tripp made is really eating away at the back of my mind. Is it really impossible to get a Strengthening Fragment out of a mutant?


    I let out a sigh, then give Arie exactly what he wants.


    "Fine. I''ll help you find a Titan."

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    Arie and I walk through the Capital with the cool night¡¯s breeze at our backs.


    We¡¯re really going back to The Great ins Dungeon.


    It¡¯s only been a day or so in the real-world¡¯s time since I even discovered this ce even existed. I¡¯m already thoroughly sick of it¡­


    The 2 of us make it to the C-ss gate, down the esctor to the tform, and off to the dungeon in a matter of minutes. We enter the vast open air of The Great ins and begin our trek.


    Walking all the way back to the mutants spawn range doesn¡¯t seem like a proper use of time¡­ Arie has seen me use my Dungeon Walker skill, he even covered for me to hide it from Tripp earlier. I turn to him with a serious look on my face but crack a grin before letting out any words


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s make this a little faster.¡±


    I Watch Arie start to nod. Before he can respond, I ce my hand on his shoulder and activate Dungeon Walker.


    Less than a secondter, we¡¯re 10km into the dungeon with a Mutant charging at us at full speed.


    Arie stretches his bow back and releases a single shot. A thin white arrow silently flies through the air. It pierces the monster¡¯s forehead and it falls to the ground, defeated in a single blow.


    We walk over to the dissolving corpse. I speak up as we wait for it topletely disappear.


    ¡°So, want to try and farm a couple of hundred Mutants tonight? Maybe we can stack enough Fragments toplete this week¡¯s quota.¡±


    Arie looks me up and down curiously, then replies.


    ¡°Do you really believe that?¡±


    I squint my eyes, looking back at him.


    ¡°What do you mean by that¡­?¡±


    ¡°I saw the way Tripp reacted to us finding that Fragment too. I just hide my emotions a lot better than a toddler.¡±


    I respond, a bit embarrassed of my ignorance.


    ¡°W-Well¡­ Hey! I¡¯d like to farm at least 100 of them tonight, just to test if that drop is urate. I can teleport us to the nearest ones pretty quickly, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to test it out¡­¡±


    Arie nods slowly.


    ¡°Fine, but this is pointless. I¡¯ll farm 100 with you, then you bring me to a Titan. Deal?¡±


    I gulp.


    ¡°Arie I-¡°


    ¡°Deal?¡±


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring you to one. If for any reason you can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯m teleporting you out.¡±


    Arie smirks.


    ¡°Good enough for me.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    Over the next 3 hours or so, we zip around the dungeon taking out mutant after mutant.


    Multiple times during my enemy detection scanning, I sense a level 404 moving slowly off in the distance. It¡¯s most definitely Ember patiently drifting through the skies waiting for my return.


    After 100 mutants, not a single one dropped a Fragment. They did drop a ton of mana crystals though, which Arie let me keep in exchange for my transportation services. After taking into ount my sword¡¯s mana output and Dungeon Walker usage, I¡¯veted nearly 20,000MP worth of crystals.


    After thest Mutant, Arie speaks the words I¡¯ve been dreading to hear.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to find that Titan. Come on Jay, let¡¯s check one out. I know you¡¯re inching to fight it too!¡±


    I close my eyes and scan the dungeon with enemy detection to find the closest section on my radar that shows uppletely nk. These Void Creepers hog up all the mana around them, making a spot so dense it¡¯s impossible to detect anything within 500m or so of them.


    About 20km further in, there¡¯s a section of the dungeon that fits the mana reading perfectly. I haven¡¯t ventured that deep in yet but got pretty close myst time around. I reply to Arie.


    ¡°The closest I can Dungeon Walk within range is about 3km away. We¡¯ll have to make the trek on foot from there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll do the trick.¡±


    ¡°Alright, hold on.¡±


    I unwillingly grab Arie by the shoulder and teleport us much deeper into The Great ins.


    It would be the smart thing to just tell Arie what happened to me thest time I faced off against a Titan, but something is holding me back. I don¡¯t want anyone to know about Ember, especially the fact that I have a magically contracted Alliance with a monster¡­


    Maybe I¡¯m being overly paranoid again, but this secret seems like one I should actually keep. My loud mouth attitude about my skills hasn¡¯tpletely backfired on me just yet. I should learn from that and really try to keep quiet about this one.


    Once we blip into existence on the far side of the dungeon, our long trek forward begins. My heart beats and my breathing gets faster and faster. I¡¯m actually pretty scared. Last time I had a lucky break, and I mean a really lucky break¡­ This time, If we¡¯re caught in an endless void of mana I¡¯m not so sure we can make it out alive. I don¡¯t even have any food or water to survive the endless abyss.


    As I keep my enemy detection radar open, I continue to sense the level 404 Dragon soaring nearby, less than 5km nearby in fact. I decide to open a telepathy link from long range.


    ¡°¡­. Hello? ¡­. Ember, can you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Back so soon Master?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Jay. Not Master.¡±


    ¡°I apologize, old habits die hard. It¡¯s good to know you¡¯re doing well, Jay. What are your orders? Shall I copse this dungeon?¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey! Just hold on a minute. I still have a few things to do here. I¡¯ll¡­ just be approaching another Titan shortly, if you could watch nearby that would be great. I¡¯m with another human, so don¡¯t let yourself be seen. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Understood. I can sense your presence already, I¡¯m on my way. I will watch from a distance and only intervene if your life is in danger.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I disable the link and continue walking onward with Arie by my side. It only takes another 20 minutes before I can feel and hear the horrible humming sound of my 30-day nightmare return.


    Just over one of the tall hills in front of us, I can sense that awful power. The link to a space between realms. A creature that infects Dungeons, slowly absorbing everything in sight, then creeping away to find another dimension with mana-rich prey.


    I clench my jaw, then reach into my item storage to grab my dagger. Arie notices and speaks up.


    ¡°Oh, would you look at that. A new dagger? Isn¡¯t that-¡°


    ¡°Hey! Get serious. It¡¯s right over this hill. At any point, if we¡¯re on the losing side here, I¡¯m teleporting us out, got it?¡±


    Arie straightens his shoulders and readies his bow.


    ¡°You¡¯re really spooked by these things, aren¡¯t you? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you like this.¡±


    He grins as we walk up the hill, I grip my weapons tight and let out a low-toned response.


    ¡°Just get ready, and keep your guard up¡­ no matter what.¡±


    I¡¯mpletely terrified. My knuckles are turning white from squeezing my des and sweat is starting to roll down my forehead on both sides. Shivers are starting to creep through my spine as the hum gets louder. I feel the familiar mana seep into my body.


    I grit my teeth hard as we make it to the top of the hill. Both of us stand atop a valley between high points.


    I gasp, looking down at the sight below us¡­


    It¡¯s another one. A 30m tall Titan, roughly 400m in front of it. The slow-moving mass of ck energy mindlessly makes its way toward us, destroying dirt and rock in its path like it¡¯s kicking up sand.


    Arie¡¯s eyes open wide as he creates a thin white glowing arrow.


    I raise my sword and dagger watching the behemoth move across the wide open ins. It looks identical to thest one I faced¡­ I mumble under my breath.


    ¡°How¡­ are we going to defeat this thing¡­.?¡±


    Arie lets out a chuckle while pulling the white arrow back in his bowstring. It begins to glow brighter than I¡¯ve ever seen it glow before. He holds it in ce for a full 5 seconds.


    The tan-skinned archer smirks, then releases the arrow soar and lets out a loud grunt while doing so.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if it can handle that.¡±


    The moment his arrow leaves the bow, it condenses into a thinpact line of white light. Without a sound, I watch it fly toward the Titan in a straight line all the way down from over 300m away.


    The mindless blob of human-shaped ck mass continues charging forward in no specific direction as the glimmering white arrow shoots toward it at full speed.


    Momentster, the attack makes contact with the monster¡¯s featureless face.


    I already have a premature sigh ready, as I know the inevitable oue of the attack will just be it slipping through the endless void.


    I begin activating my Dungeon Walker skill to get us out of here, but pause mid-way through as I watch in disbelief.


    The white glowing arrow from Arie¡¯s bow flies through the Titan¡¯s head, but it leaves a wide hole in its ce, followed by the eerie metallic screech of a Titan being injured and iling its arms¡­


    I do a double-take. Looking back and forth at Arie grinning and the 3m wide hole he just sted through the Titan¡¯s head with a single bow attack.


    Eyes wide and jaw dropped, I take in the situation in front of me for a few seconds. Then, slowly grin.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ We can defeat a Titan¡­¡±

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    Arie really did it. He managed tond an attack on a Titan.


    There is actual physical damage on one of these massive sentient endless voids of mana. I''m not sure exactly how his attack is able to do it, but that doesn''t matter right now...


    Arie smirks looking over to me.


    "See, they''re not that bad. You were scared for nothing."


    I still stare wide-eyed at the beast but crack a small smile.


    "I guess you were right, they-"


    Stopping halfway through my reply, the grin stered across my face slowly fades away. The 3m wide hole on the front of the Titan''s featureless face begins to shrink and the humming sound of dense mana in the air begins to grow louder and louder.


    It''s still well over 200m away, but approaching at a steady rate. Arie tightens his bowstring again and readies another arrow.


    The smart thing to do would be to grab him and Dungeon Walk out of here before that Titan releases its shockwave, like before, casting us off into the endless void within it. My curiosity takes over though, I want to see what kind of attack his new bow shot really is.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye, watching the mana flow through Arie''s body as he charges up another arrow.


    That''s right... he charges up his arrow. Highly refined mana flows through his body to form a dense arrow in his quiver. It''s simr to my own refined mana...


    The archer lets the arrow soar again.


    It flies through the air leaving a light white glow in its wake. I recognize this arrow from the exam, but I didn''t have the same understanding of mana control back then. I''m sure Arie''s [Legendary Grade] skill adds to its power, but the actual strength behind his attack is due to the density and purity of the mana within it.


    I gave him a lot less credit than he deserved... Arie has been a much more skilled Hunter than I first imagined.


    As his arrow soars, more connectionse together in my head. I remember watching my own refined mana attacks splitting through the void like butter, soon to heal up just like Arie''s first unsessful strike.


    Maybe my own attack will be strong enough to pierce the void of a Titan from the outside now too...


    I grin as his arrow slices another clean 3m wide hole in the monster''s featureless head. Gripping both of my des, I begin to charge up an attack of my own. Just one... Then I''ll portal us out of here.


    I carefully open the spacial magic portal of my item storage against my back. I''ve been meaning to try a move like this for a while. Letting the mana crystals fall out, the moment they make contact with my body I activate plunderer and take in their MP.


    My attack charges up slowly as the Void Creeper''s wound heals.


    I''ve rested and regained a lot of my strength since thest time I tried one of these attacks. The mana coursing through my veins feels denser and more stable than ever before, the only problem is the speed of absorption.


    For this is a trial run, I don''t need to go all out, but I want to release something very powerful. After about 30 seconds, I channel over 10,000MP into my des and let the crescents of energy soar.


    Not having an abundance of pure mana around me makes it much harder to plunder and imbue my des. The efficiency rate has dropped by nearly 1/3 outside The Titan''s Domain.


    Even in my slightly weakened state, I still let out a devastating attack. The transparent de of wind and the deep ck de of fire cut through the air aiming straight toward the monster''s midsection.


    My perception of time slows down as I watch this attack slowly near its target. The nagging sensation of a voice at the back of my mind bes louder and louder until I give in and open my telepathy link. Ember''s voice rings out.


    "Run."


    I swallow hard, shifting my gaze toward Arie as he cheers me on. I''m holding both of my des, so the only thing I can think of doing is to jump straight at him to make physical contact. My shoulder hits him in the chest and I mutter the only two logical words in the moment.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    We blip away using thest remaining stores of MP in my body after releasing that attack. Both of us fall to the group about 3km away. Arie yells out.


    "Hey, I was just about-"


    An earth-shattering crack interrupts him, followed by the loud metallic hum of a Titan''s domain being activated from a distance. A huge dust cloud forms on the horizon as I see a ck void erupt outwards in a spherical shape easily 500m in diameter.


    Then... it shirks and disappearspletely in an instant. Leaving the two of us in a silent dungeon. I activate my telepathy link with Ember, and he replies almost Immediately.


    "You cannot defeat a Void Creeper with brute strength. The only way I know of to defeat it is to plunder its entire pocket dimension neatly dry of MP until the link to our realm copses. I could easily take it out for you. This won''t take more than a few hours."


    "You''re not going back into its Domain are you....?"


    "That would be the quickest way, but it''s far too risky for you toe along. I''ll be able to handle myself in a fight with a mindless low-rank Void Creeper. Plus, it''ll have plenty of mana for me to plunder into exp. The level-up threshold has reached a rather high limit, but we may be able to gain a level or two from this one."


    "..."


    "What is it?"


    An idea pops into my head that should havee far sooner. I must have been scared out of my mind of these creatures, that I forgot Ember was the one that defeated with ease... As a level 1...


    "Could you farm the Titans in the back of the Dungeon while I train with my team this week?"


    "Certainly, it would be my pleasure."


    I smirk, looking over to Arie as he still stares wide-eyed off into the distance watching the massive dust cloud settle.


    "Interesting... Take out as many as you can, I''ll meet with you as soon as I can."


    "As you wish."


    I sever the telepathy connection and stand to my feet. Arie speaks up in a quiet tone.


    "Did... we get it...?"


    I let out a chuckle.


    "No. Far from it. That thing is still perfectly fine..."


    Arie gulps, then grins, then lets out augh of his own.


    "Well, I guess you were right. They- uh- were a bit too strong for us."


    I scratch the back of my head while plundering the MP of a fresh mana crystal taken out of my mana storage.


    "Lets head back I-"


    Arie cuts me off.


    "Wait. Before we do... That attack you let out. You''ve trained your mana control too? I''ve never seen you let out an attack like that. Were you just hiding it before?"


    I look Arie up and down with curiosity then respond.


    "I trained for a while to build up my control. I don''t like to use it often, just like a lot of my skills and techniques."


    He nods.


    "Alright, alright. I won''t pry. It''s just another thing we have inmon. I know how long and hard the training can be, I went through hell when I was a kid back in my vige."


    I give him a firm nod and a light smile while putting out my hand.


    "Let''s head back. I think we''ve gotten out fill of Titans for the night. Maybe we''lle back and take one out when we get a bit stronger, how about that?"


    Arie grabs my hand and nods as I teleport us back to the dungeon''s start point. We make our way out of the Hub and back to our new residence quickly. Overall, I think that was a pretty good night run.


    I managed to touch base with Ember to get our future ns in order, strengthen my theory about the mutant''s non-existent drop rate, and even bonded with Arie over his mysterious ability to also wield condensed mana...


    We make it back to the Vanguard Heights and call it a night. I take a long hot shower, then walk up the clear staircase at the far side of my living room up to the bedroom loft.


    After staring out the blue ss window for a few minutes, I drift off to sleep.


    The next morning, I wake up to the sound of a ringing notification as the sun begins to rise


    [Level Up]


    I check my status and see that I''ve grown to level 405 overnight. Thanks to my exp share, I''ve gained a level in my sleep. He said the new leveling threshold was low, but this low....?


    Hopping out of bed, I get dressed and make my way down to the lobby. My 3 teammates are already waiting for me. We grab a bite to eat on the way to the Association''s HQ, and the 4 of us arrive with a few minutes to spare.


    As we walk through the sliding doors, Maria insists that we hand in the Strengthening Fragment from yesterday''s hunt. Abby agrees, and they are already halfway down the first narrow hallways at the back of the lobby before its toote. Arie and I don''t get much input on the situation, so we both follow with a shrug, interested to see where this goes next.


    A short walkter through the neon shop signs, and we''re face to face with the white-haired Association merchant named Sophie. She greets us with a smile as Maria hands her the little ck gem.


    "Here you go! We got our first Strengthening Fragment yesterday, only 9 more to go!"


    The short woman blinks at us a few times with her mouth wide open as the coin-sized Fragment falls into her hands. There''s an awkward silent pause for a few seconds, then she speaks.


    "V-Very well..."


    The merchant woman puts the small stone into a concealment case under the counter, then taps on a small silver tablet a few times before looking up at us.


    "Your progress has been updated, 9 more to go."


    She lets out a thin smile, but I''m not buying it....


    I chime in.


    "Hey Sophie, I''d like to ask you a few things about these Strengthening Fragments if you don''t mind. Is that alright with you?"

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    The Short white-haired woman looks at me with a troubled look on her face.


    "What... exactly are you trying to learn about Strengthening Fragments?"


    As I prepare to speak, I position my right hand on the counter''s edge.


    "Well, first of all, tell me why these Fragments are so valuable. What are they even used for?"


    A sigh of relief escapes the merchant''s lips as she stands up straight again exuding a newfound sense of confidence.


    "Well, if that''s all... Please let me exin. Strengthening Fragments are what some in the Association call the War Drug."


    I scrunch my eyebrows, looking at her with a confused expression across my face.


    "A War Drug? ... Why is it called that? Or- I don''t really care why it''s called that, just exin it to me in simple terms. What do they do?"


    "Sure, sure. They got the War Drug nickname from Hunters that got addicted to these things back in the Great War. They''re consumables, boosting your MP output for a few seconds, maybe even close to a minute."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    The merchant woman shakes her head and raises both hands in the air.


    "Hey, hey don''t get any funny ideas! If you took one of these right now you''d end up in the hospital, no doubt! Their usage is highly restricted and only approved for certain high-ranking hunters for vital missions these days. Elites aren''t even allowed unless given special permission. They''re also used for certain crafting recipes, their dormant mana output is a good catalyst for all kinds of item creation spells."


    She whispers under her breath in a mumbled tone.


    "I don''t know why the Director put the 4 of you in charge of collecting Fragments... Sure is a crazy week 1 assignment if you ask me."


    I nod, crossing my arms and thinking about what a Fragment would feel like... Or how exactly they work... They must feel really good...


    A familiar voice snaps me out of my daydream as I turn to see Tripp walking toward us while a wide grin across his face.


    "I had a feeling I''d find you guys here. Looks like you''re all on time today!"


    He looks at me with a smirk while I roll my eyes.


    "Yeah, yeah. I made it."


    Tripp nces toward Sophie, and their eyes meet briefly, exchanging a shared look of concern. Tripp turns his gaze back to the 4 of us and puts both of his hands up in the air.


    "Ready to get the day of hunting started?"


    With a collective nod of agreement, we all proceed to follow Tripp, leaving the backrooms and out onto the busy street. Before we know it, we''re in The Great ins getting ready to fight.


    The first few kilometers in are the worst. Everyone here but Tripp knows about my teleportation skill. It''s a bit of a drag to keep it hidden, but I''d rather not have him know about it.


    He''s a nice guy and all, it''s just that the Association has its ws deep in him. I can tell if it were a choice between my livelihood and making the Director happy, he''d choose him without hesitating for a second.


    [Level Up]


    During our walk, I level up again. I curiously check my status to see the blue text show level 406 without a doubt. I can''t help but smile, reassured by the thought of Ember diligently chipping away at the mindless Titans at the back of the dungeon.


    The mobs are easy pickings over the next 2 hours or so until we finally make it into a range of potential mutants. Arie is the first to speak up.


    "Hey Tripp, we should split up and track down the mutants individually. Don''t you think that''d be a better use of our time? Each of us can definitely handle these monsters by ourselves."


    The blond-haired dagger wielder shrugs while scratching his chin.


    "Sure, I don''t see why not. None of you are going to get lost in here will you?"


    Wearing a smirk, he looks over all of my teammates before pausing his gaze on me.


    I respond with a bored expression, noticing his growing fondness for singling me outtely. I can''t say I''m a huge fan of being Tripp''s verbal punching bag.


    "I''m the least of your worries...."


    "We''ll see about that! How about we all meet back here in 3 hours, if everything goes well we can do one more breakout and call it a day."


    The four of us nod in agreement. Arie already knows I''m teleporting out of here the moment our guide loses sight of me, and the others assume as much too.


    Our teleporting mutant killing spree begins the second we cross over the nearest hill. I exin the game n and they all grab onto my arm.


    I blip to the nearest mutant and drop Aire off.


    "I''ll be back shortly."


    Secondster I leave Abby with a mutant 2km away. Then, in the blink of an eye, I drop off Maria another 1km into the dungeon.


    I zip back and forth letting the 3 of them collect mana crystals and kill mutants along with their underlings. It''s a very efficient battle n, I even kill a few while I wait in between their fights.


    In this short period of time, we manage to defeat close to 200 mutants. Oddly enough, not a single one drops a Strengthening Fragment.


    I teleport the 3 of them back near the meeting point assigned by Tripp once we''ve finished this farming session. I turn around to look deep into the dungeon.


    "I''ll... be back in 10 minutes, 20 tops. I just need to check on something."


    They all give me exhausted waves and don''t seem too worried about me going off alone for a bit. With a shrug, I Dungeon Walk away before any of them can change their minds.


    In the blink of an eye, I teleport over 15km and activate my telepathy skill. I watch the crimson underside of my Dragon''s wings p above me. The glossy ck-scaled beast glides down to greet me.


    "Good to see you Jay, wee back. I have some good and bad news for you."


    I smile but raise an eyebrow at the same time.


    "It''s good to see you too Ember. Go ahead,y the bad news on me first."


    The majestic creature bows its head.


    "It seems as though our leveling progression has slowed. As I said before, the threshold to higher levels gains will not be easily met with these low-ranked Void Creepers. Even the one we were trapped in hardly gave us levels during ourst few hours inside. "


    I nod, tapping a foot on the hard dungeon ground as he continues.


    "Our best options to ensure my next rank up in the future would be finding argebyrinth to run, or defeating many higher level beings."


    I let out a chuckle.


    "Yes, yes. That much I assumed. I''m working on getting us set up with one of those options soon. Now... what''s the good news?"


    The 7m long creature opens its mouth wide, to reveal a small pile of ck gemstones inside. With a tilt of his head, they glimmer slightly in the sunlight while falling to the dungeon floor.


    They all hit the dusty soil with small thuds one by one.


    Frozen in awe for a moment, I count the mini gemstones scattered across the ground. Once they''re all mentally ounted for in my head, my body finally moves to respond.


    "You managed to defeat 12 of them... You killed 12 Titans overnight...?"


    I grin while picking up the stones, then letting them make light clicking sounds as I roll them around together in my open palm.


    "I did. I''ll be able to defeat more if you please. After another dozen or so we will gain another level, but I don''t think it''s worth the time to stay here much longer. I can copse this dungeon at your-"


    Iugh out loud, rudely cutting Ember off.


    "Sorry, but we won''t be copsing this gold mine any time soon!"


    The Dragon turns its head to the side curiously as I hold up one of the ck stones up high In the air between us.


    "See these? Humans pay a lot of money for gems like this. I''ll be training with my team for another 5 days after today. I want you to collect as many of these little ck stones as you can. Get your fill on these Titans, once we leave this dungeon, It''ll be near impossible to find mana that dense... Trust me."


    "Very well. I will dly plunder the MP from these pests."


    "Great, d you enjoy the work. I''ll see you soon Ember."


    I shut off the telepathic link and watch my ck-scaledpanion p his wings and fly up into the sky.


    I walk through the open-aired dungeon for a moment, continuing to roll the dozen ck gems around in my hands. I decide to ce 11 of them in my item storage and leave 1 out. I toss it up and down while looking off into the distance.


    Letting out a sigh, I bring my gaze back to the tiny dark glistening crystal resting in the palm of my hand.


    "I wonder what it''d feel like to try one of these...Strengthening Fragments...?"

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    I bring the small ck crystal in my hand up to my lips. The words of the white-haired merchant repeat over and over in my mind.


    "It''s a mana output boosting drug that''s used for wars and important missions... This Fragment must be pretty powerful..."


    I gulp, looking down at the glistening stone. After learning what these gems can do, my body is aching to try it. On the other hand, my mind is telling me no. Ever since I left my mana-rich cell within the Titans Domain, theck of MP in the aires nowhere close to the richness of energy I felt before.


    These stones must be some kind of residual link between our realm and the deteriorated pocket world of the fallen Void Creepers. Thetent power stored up in one of these must be near limitless.


    It probably feels incredible. Plus, this could be extra training for my mana control... right?


    I open my telepathic link between myself and the Dragon flying away from me.


    "Ember, I have onest task for you before I''m off."


    "Of course, what will it be?"


    "Watch me closely for a minute, I''m going to try something... stupid... If anything goes wrong, well, try and help me I guess."


    "... Understood, Master."


    The glossy ck-scaled Dragon changes direction and drifts down toward me as I bring the shiny gem closer and closer to my mouth. It leaves my fingertips and rolls down my tongue, then I swallow it whole without a second thought.


    My eyes dart back and forth as I look down at my empty palms. The dungeon falls deathly silent as I try to sense any changes taking ce... I can hear myself swallow extra saliva to help the smooth crystal go down easier...


    Nothing happens...


    I hear Ember''s voice echo in my mind as hees within sight.


    "I''m here. What is it that you''d like me to observe."


    "Just... a moment..."


    I can feel something tightening up in my chest. It''s an odd warm sensation. Pins and needles start to prickle in my arms and legs, apanied by a sudden head rush that feels both cool and hot at the same time. My eyes roll back into my head and my body goes almostely limp.


    I let out a distorted yell of pleasure mixed with pain as I struggle to stay conscious and stay on my feet.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye, the sensations taking over my body begin to make a lot more sense. The tiny stone I ingested moments ago is beginning to dissolve. It seems my theory wasn''t too far off...


    A miniature reverse ck hole is forming in the center of my chest. As it grows, dense waves of mana are seeping out faster and faster. My body is attempting to absorb it even without my plundering ability. It''s mana in its rawest form, simr to the liquid in an MP potion, just hundreds of times stronger.


    I clench my jaw and take out both my des, responding to my newest revtions while fighting the feeling of pure bliss taking over my mind. The tingling sensation in my limbs is growing worse and the sharp pressure in my chest is bing harder to stand.


    My vision is blurry, but I''ve been in worse situations before... I can handle this....


    Letting out another yell, this one more full of agony than pleasure. I begin transferring the excess mana surging through my veins into my des. They glow red and white, to surpassingly charge 15000MP in less than 10 seconds.


    These levels of mana and charging speed are close to my peak within the Titan''s domain, I haven''t gotten near this in the outside world since...


    With a powerful step forward I release 2 crescents of energy, high into the sky. They rip through the air and fly deep into the dungeon. Before I can even admire my increase in speed and mana capacity, I''ve already instinctively begun charging another attack.


    It feels invisible knives are stabbing into my arms and legs now, along with the sensation of a heavy weight resting on my chest. My skin is lightly vibrating and my ability to channel mana is losing its precision every second that goes by.


    Way too much mana is entering my body, and nowhere near enough is leaving it.


    I charge up another near full-force attack without having to plunder a single point of MP. My vision begins to blur more and more as I release the second wave of wind and fire into the air.


    I burst into a ball of fire, letting out a murderous yell while charging up my third attack. The skin on my arms, legs, and even face feels like they''re getting torn apart at a microscopic level. White hot streams of mana enter my body through the slowly growing ck abyss in my chest.


    Another dual shot of dense mana leaves my des after 10 seconds of charging.


    My eyes lose their sight, as my body threatens to tear itself in half. I burst into an even bigger ball of fire and attempt to charge up my des for a fourth time.


    Unfortunately, I ck outpletely before releasing another drop of mana...


    All of my joints freeze up and my muscles contract uncontrobly. The hot sensation of energy rushing through my body and mind takes over as my consciousness escapes from reality.


    I fall to the dungeon floor with a thud as the uncontroble amount of mana continues to expand.


    Everything after that is up to chance...


    Luckily, there''s a mana-plundering Dragon on standby.


    After a few minutes pass, I slowly open my eyes, apanied by a long groan. The sensation of sore muscles and frail bones leaves me regretting my decision to try out this shy Strengthening Fragment. As I observe Ember''s red veil of mana-absorbing light receding from my body, a few words escape my lips.


    "Thanks... I.. Had a feeling it might end up like this..."


    Coughing, I turn to my side and use both fists to push myself back up to my feet. I guess those Fragments really are no joke.


    I use self regeneration to repair my damaged skin and do the best I can to elevate the soreness, but it won''tpletely go away.


    Ember responds.


    "Of course. Your mana control is nowhere near fine-tuned enough to safely use that much MP in such a short amount of time. I rmend not doing that again, Master."


    I let out a chuckle and scratch the back of my head


    "It''s... still just Jay. I agree. It''s not a good idea to try that again any time soon..."


    "So, would you like me to pause farming the Titans?"


    I grin.


    "No, continue. I''m sure I''ll have a use for them in the future."


    "Understood. See you soon."


    The Dragon flies off and I pick up my two fallen des, cing them into my item storage. I use Dungeon Walker to transport myself within a kilometer of my team and begin walking back to the meeting point.


    My body and mind feel pretty drained, even though I plundered my MP back up to full. It''s an odd empty feeling, I''ve felt a simr way after leaving the Titans Domain, but this feels worse. It hasn''t been long at all, but I''m itching to feel power like that again.


    Pushing these thoughts to the back of my mind as best I can, I continue walking forward over the rising and falling hills before me.


    "Hey, hey! Look who made it!"


    Tripp greets me, and I see the other 3 waiting patiently nearby. We exchange idle chatter for a little while, then set out to hunt again.


    Everyone is pretty tired this second round, including me after my MP overdose. We take it pretty slow this time around only defeating 90 or so mutants altogether in the full 3-hour session.


    I decide to nt another Strengthening Fragment into a mutant near the end of our session. Nearing the 3-hour mark, I round everyone up to make sure they witness what happens next as Abby waits for the loot from herst kill.


    A small ck crystal falls to the ground and the green-haired girl picks it up with a grin across her face.


    "It was a long day guy, but it looks like everything paid off in the end. Look, we got another one!"


    I smirk as the rest of the team crowd around her to goggle at the little ck gem.


    Soon after, we make our way back to Tripp and out of thebyrinth. He reacts a bit off at the mention of the fragment, but the response is much less extreme thanst time.


    The next few days of training go by in the blink of an eye.


    Over the next 5 hunting sessions, I strategically nt Strengthening Fragments into mutant corpses every 100-200 kills just to make it seem realistic. Even after the one I consumed, there are still have 2 spare stones leftover in my storage.


    I have a feeling Arie knows something is up, but he isn''t the type to pry. Plus, it seems he''s a bit shaken by our Titan run-in earlier this week. Ever since then he''s itching to get stronger, he hunts solo in the C-ss dungeons after every one of our team training sessions. I am itching to get stronger too, but for a much different reason.


    Every day that goes by, my urges for a good supply of high-purity mana and a good fight be stronger and stronger.


    Every night, I''ve been leaving the Vanguard Heights to go dungeon diving for a few hours too. Instead of using the C-ss gate, I start entering through the D-ss tform and teleporting myself back to The Great ins. My contract states that I''m allowed to farm as many D-ss resources for myself as I''d like, but C-ss dungeon loot is the property of the Association.


    They haven''t strictly enforced this rule at all yet, but it''s better if I don''t take any chances. It will look much better on my record if it looks like I''ve been solo-farming D-ss dungeons.


    In reality, I farm mana crystals for hours every night and continue collecting the Strengthening Fragments that Ember umtes.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I''ve grown 2 more levels bringing me to 408, this is thanks to the 47 Void Creepers my partner has managed to defeat. That also means I''ve received 47 more Fragments, bringing my total stash to 49. Hesitantly, I''ve been keeping them in my item storage, trying my best not to think about my incident with one of them just a few days ago...


    Over 150k MP worth of crystals has been farmed, but I use most of it up on a few double-de attacks to get a rush at the end of each farming session.


    It may sound like a waste, but it''s keeping my mana control sharp and my progression steady. I haven''t been able to get anywhere near the speed and output that I reached while high on that Fragment, and my proficiency has dropped a little since I left the Titan''s Domain as well.


    I can manage a 10k MP attacks, charged in just under 20 seconds. I''m able to release one of these a day, while still profiting some MP. It''s nothing tough at, and it satisfies my urges for the time being. I''ll need a change of pace soon.


    I need to get stronger....


    Today is day 7 of training at the Association, we just finished up our hunt and we''ll handing in ourst Strengthening Fragment to finally receive our reward. Once we get our next week of tasks, I''ll go and visit Ember. I think it''s about time he leaves that Dungeon with me.


    I wonder what the Director has in store for us next. The fact that wepleted a near-impossible task with ease keeps nagging at the back of my mind. I wonder if he''ll catch on to the fact that something out of the ordinary is going on here...

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    We walk into the Association''s HQ after a long week of hunting. Maria happily carries ourst Strengthening Fragments tight in her palm.


    After Arie scans his ID on the door at the back of the lobby, all 4 of us make our way to the mini-market run by the Association.


    Our guide Tripp left us by ourselves about 2 days ago. Apparently, breaking us in was a bit easier than predicted. Bringing the blond-haired Associationp dog around with us on our daily hunting was just keeping him from doing other tasks.


    I''m d he''s not on our expeditions anymore, it makes teleporting into the mutant range much easier. Less walking and more training for all of us.


    Everyone on the squad has grown past level 365. We''re considered a pretty tough C-ss squad, at least for the new recruits.


    As we walk closer to our drop-off point, I see the white-haired merchantdy waving to us with a smile.


    Sophie was pretty outgoing to begin with, but she''s gotten even friendly with the 4 of us as the week progresses. I hear her high-pitched voice ring out as we approach.


    "Look who''s back, does this mean what I think it does? Thest one?"


    Her eyes open wide as she bites her bottom lip in anticipation. Maria smiles and runs over in a half-skipping manner.


    "It sure does, we got all 10!"


    The cheerful blond and the excited merchantugh together about something I decide to purposefully block out from my hearing.


    I take the glimmering silver tablet out of my item storage to watch the number on it shift in front of my eyes.


    ____________


    [Jay Soju]


    [Avable Credits]: 0


    [C-ss]


    [Team Weekly Quota]:


    [Strengthening Fragments][9/10]


    [Reward]: 5 Credits


    [Individual Weekly Quota]:


    [NONE][0/0]


    [Reward]: 0 Credits


    ____________


    Turns into:


    ____________


    [Jay Soju]


    [Avable Credits]: 5


    [C-ss]


    [Team Weekly Quota]:


    [PENDING TASK][0/0]


    [Reward]: [See Regional Director For Instructions]


    [Individual Weekly Quota]:


    [PENDING TASK][0/0]


    [Reward]: [See Regional Director For Instructions]


    ____________


    I let out a long sigh.


    "Well, this can''t be good..."


    I shift my gaze up from the tablet to see my other 3 team members staring at their shimmering silver tes with puzzled looks on their faces as well. At least we all got the same message, that''s a good sign.


    Maria flips her quota tablet around to show Sophie.


    "Hey, what''s all this about? Why do we have to go see the Director?"


    The short white-haired woman scrunches her eyebrows and mutters something under her breath in a low tone.


    "I had a feeling something like this would happen..."


    I jump in after hearing this statement.


    "Hey what do you mean by that? What''d we do wrong?"


    I know exactly what we did "wrong" but I won''t be the one to admit it. The Association gave us this quest, how could they possibly punish us if we actually carried it out...


    Sophie shrugs.


    "Hey, I don''t know what you did wrong. It''s just pretty umon for a group of new recruits to fulfill their first quest... Well, it''s actually near impossible."


    She gulps, then continues.


    "The advancement teams that create quest quotas directly under the Director often give new recruits a hard time their first couple weeks. It''s pretty normal for not even a single quota to be met. Yet somehow, you 4 havepleted yours with ease."


    She shivers slightly.


    "One of the hardest ones too..."


    The 4 of us stand in silence for a moment thinking over the words Sophie just uttered. Aside from my hypothesis that mutants have a 0% drop rate, there could be some truth to her statement even if these monster''s rate was closer to 1%.


    Without my teleportation skill and quick farming strategies, there''s no way we could have killed enough mutants to evene close to meeting our quota.


    This is enough to convince my other team members... Abby crosses her arms and stares at the merchant with a smug look on her face.


    "Well, we''re just a whole lot faster than all those other teams."


    Maria jumps in.


    "Yeah, no way they could keep up with us. The Director probably wants to give us an extra reward or something!"


    Arie grins and nods.


    "We''ll just have to wait and see. I''m sure this will be an interesting meeting."


    I swallow hard before adding to the discussion.


    "I agree..."


    The topic of conversation changes between my teammates and the white-haired merchant. I zone out staring down at my quota tablet.


    On the bright side, we didplete our first mission together. Each of us has earned 5 credits, whatever that means. I''m going to have to check out a few of these shops. Credits are worth 1 gold if exchanged, or double if used to purchase any items here.


    It wouldn''t hurt to take a look around the ce. I''m sure there''s some pretty decent gear. An upgrade or two never hurt anybody. On the off chance nothing strikes my fancy, I can just exchange my credits for gold.


    I twist my head around, then look back at my teammates.


    "Hey uh- I''ll be back in a minute, I want to check out the shops."


    Arie smirks.


    "Sure, meet us back here when you''re done. We''ll be heading up to the top floor right after. Luckily, the Director isn''t away on business, we can talk to him right now."


    I gulp, then turn with a wave.


    "Sounds... good... I won''t be long."


    Arie turns back to the merchant''s stand with Maria and Abby. I''m not sure what they''re looking at over on the short woman''s counter, but it seems to be something that''s keeping them entertained...


    I shrug and begin walking leisurely through the neon shing signs. The primarily pink and blue lights reflect off the glossy ck floor.


    It makes focusing on one shop pretty hard, maybe this is some form of advanced marketing tactic?


    Or... maybe I just have a hard time focusing and think everything around me is designed to mess with my mind, when in fact I''m the one doing all the mental maniption myself.


    Either way, there''s some pretty unique-looking gear in this market. I use Appraisal on a few interesting-looking pieces.


    There are long silver swords, heavy metal armor and shield sets, huge axes, shiny ck daggers, and even a few high-percentage stat-boosting essories.


    [Enchanted Silver Long Sword] +400 Strength


    [Shield of Solitude] +600 Defense


    [Armor Set of Solitude] +800 Defense


    [High Ogre''s Axe Set] +600 Strength


    [Enchanted Dagger Set] +400 Speed +400 Agility +200 Strength


    [Ring of Protection] +35% Defense


    [Enchanted Silver Ring] +40% Mental Strength


    [Amulet of Quickness] +45% Speed


    [Yeti''s Charm] +50% Defense +50% Ice Magic Resistance


    All the shopkeepers seem nice, and their items are definitely high-grade, but nothing here gets anywhere close to my des or some of my own stat-boosting items. I decide haggling isn''t even worth my time.


    I remember the Director mentioning the Association regting the buying, selling, and use of element stones. A wielder has to have the stone bonded with their weapon. So, they wouldn''t just have them out on disy here... If this is all the gear they have on disy then I''m not in the market for anything new.


    I begin to walk back to my group, but a bundle of green and pink potions catches my attention.


    20x [C-ss HP Potion] +2500 HP


    20x [C-ss MP Potion] +2500 MP


    I raise an eyebrow while walking over to a grey-haired older-looking man sitting behind a small counter with potions from E to C ss lined up very neatly.


    "Good evening, are you in the market for any potions today?"


    I nod while examining them closely. This is the first time I''ve seen a C-ss potion. They''re much morepact than the E or D-ss bottles I''ve purchased before. There''s no need for me to buy MP potions, plundering mana from crystals is much more efficient.


    During the exams, every time I wanted to get back up to full health I had to drink 2 potions. Having some higher-grade HP items may be very beneficial. Being able to heal 2500HP in a singlepact potion will allow me to act quicker in the heat of a battle.


    "How much for the C-ss HP potions? All 20 of them."


    The man begins tapping a small tablet under his counter, then turns it toward me. It reads out: [0.6C] in ck text.


    "That will be 0.6 credits. Just scan your tablet here and the transfer will happen in an instant."


    I nod slowly, then reach for my small silver square. Thrown off by this new technology, I don''t even try to throw him a counteroffer. I''m sure I could have gotten them for under 0.5 credits if I tried...


    "Uhh- Sure, here you go-"


    The two tablets sh with a dim white light, then the merchant smiles and hands me a bag full of potions.


    "Appreciate your business today, see you again soon!"


    He waves me off before I even think of a reply. I just mutter out a quick "thank you" while continuing my walk back to my team. I ce both the tablet with 4.4 credits left on it, and the 20 new HP potions into my item storage.


    Arie, Maria, and Abby all stand by the merchant''s counter patiently waiting for my return. Arie is the first to greet me, as the others begin walking back toward the lobby.


    "Let''s go, Sophie just made special arrangements for us. Our meeting with the Director is about to begin."

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    The 4 of us walk out of the Association market and into the narrow hallway before making it to the elevator in the lobby.


    With a press of a button, the sliding doors close and we''re gliding upward to see the Director. This is a spur-of-the-moment meeting, but I can''t say I wasn''t expecting something like this to happen.


    I''m certain that the only way to farm Strengthening Fragments is to defeat Titans. The older members in the Association must be pulling some kind of newbie C-ss hazing tradition. The only other option frightens me a bit to think about... Maybe the Director himself set us up to fail...


    He is the most powerful person in the entire Vice Region. I''d have to be pretty stupid to think I could pull a fast one on him.


    I gulp while activating my conceal skill and watching the numbers on the elevator disy screen increase quickly.


    *Ding*


    We make it to the top floor, and the penthouse office suitees into view as the doors slide open.


    Brutus, the tall old man, sits at his desk sifting through a pile of neatly stacked papers. His deep voice echoes as we step forward into his open room overlooking the entire city.


    "Wee back. This is the first time I''m seeing you 4 all together. Please, sit down, make yourselvesfortable."


    We approach.


    Maria is grinning while hopping light on her feet, Abby is keeping a straight back and a professional smile, and Arie walks over with an emotionless gaze.


    I manage abination of all 3. With quick steps, I smirk but keep my emotions in check. I''m both excited to see what new tasks we have next week, but also anxious to hear what the old man has to say about uspleting this impossible quota.


    There are 4fortable-looking chairs in front of his desk in a perfect half circle. They match the white theme of the room with ck ents on their arms and undersides to go along with the darker shade of his desk.


    We sit down and the Director begins.


    "First of all, I''d like to congratte all of you for making it this far. You''vepleted your first week as C-ss Hunters contracted with the association. I''d like to celebrate. It''s not every day a team of neers passes my entrance test."


    He grins, then looks over to one of the empty white walls while pressing a small button underneath his desk.


    To my surprise, arge section of the wall slides forward in the shape of a door. The tall pale-skinned, blond-haired assistantes out from a secret room. She''s holding a circr metal tray.


    I take a peek in before the wall slides closed. It looks pretty simr to this study. White walls, a wide open ss window view of the city, arge desk sitting in the center, and even a long couch near the corner with all kinds of artwork hanging on the walls over it. It looks like she''s added a little ir to her office.


    The Director''s voice rings through the room again.


    "Some of you haven''t met Samantha yet, this is my lovely assistant."


    Both of them lock eyes and smile as she brings over the mysterious tter.


    The woman ces it on the desk before us, and my anticipation crumbles. I realize it''s just 6 tall sses with fizzling sour liquid.


    Letting oh an exhale I mutter under my breath.


    "More alcohol..."


    I didn''t realize how much people really drank until I couldn''t drink myself. It seems like everyone just finds any excuse to get drunk.


    The old man smiles and Samantha passes out sses. He brings his forward and we all do the same.


    "To growth, adaptability, creativity, and coboration. I have full confidence that all of your partnerships with the Association will pave the way for remarkable achievements in the future toe. Cheers."


    *Clink*


    Our ssese together, then I bring the drink to my lips. My mana stores begin to slowly drop as I finish the drink due to my poison resistance burning away the alcohol before I can feel a drop. It''s not much, just a little over 100MP, but it''s still annoying...


    The Director speaks up again.


    "Now, let''s get down to business. There are a few things I''d like to talk to all of you about privately, it''d be best to split up into one on one meetings. You''ll be receiving two tasks this week. One that you willplete as a team, and another that is specialized for each of your training."


    I raise an eyebrow and nce at the others as the old grey-haired man continues.


    "I''ll start with Abby, then Maria, followed by Arie, and finally Jay. If the 3 of your could wait in the other room while I conduct a private meeting with each one of you that would be wonderful. Please, follow Samantha, she will keep youpany."


    Arie, Maria, and I stand up as the rectangr-shaped doores sliding out of the wall seamlessly. We wave Abby goodbye and follow the pale-skinned assistant into her study. I hear the director''s words trail off in the distance as the sliding door shuts.


    "Well, Abby. How''s the city life treating you? Big move from where you were located with the Association prior, how''s the-"


    *Click*


    The white door shuts.


    We all enter the secret side study and walk over to the long couch in the corner. The tall woman speaks up.


    "Please, make yourselvesfortable. The Director likes to ramble, this may take a while."


    She grins.


    Maria chuckles and Arie jumps onto the couch in a dolphin dive manner to lightly shake the brightly colored paintings that contrast the white walls above. The professional mood of the evening has definitely shifted.


    The 3 of them are a bit tipsy, that usually doesn''t fail to lighten the atmosphere.


    After about 10 minutes of cheerful conversation and watching the sunset from the top floor, the wall slides open and Maria steps out for her meeting as Abbyes in.


    The green-haired girl is grinning ear to ear holding a small white diamond-shaped crystal. It glistens with rainbow ents and isn''t more than 2cm long. She ces it into her item box as shees to sit down on the couch next to Arie.


    Another 10 minutes go by and Mariaes back with the same little white stone in her hands. Arie gets up to leave, and Maria takes his ce on the couch.


    Finally, Arie returns. He doesn''te back holding anything in particr, but a wide smirk is stered across his face.


    It''s my turn.


    I walk through the open wall and make my way over to therge desk in the middle of the empty room and sit down on the chair that one of my previous teammates pulled forward to sit in front of the other 3.


    The old man smiles while cing both of his hands in the center of his wide-open desk.


    "Good to see you again, Jay."


    I sit down and respond.


    "Good to see you again too, Director."


    He leans forward


    "Let''s address the elephant in the room... It seems you have been keeping an important detail from your teammates. Am I correct?"


    The old grey-haired man lifts a small ck crystal from under his desk.


    "I design the first week of tests for new recruits to be nearly impossible, yet the 4 of you cleared it with ease. All of your teammates seem to be in the dark on the true nature of these Fragments."


    I gulp as he continues.


    "Based on your expression, I''m going to guess you''re not so clueless when ites to these item drops. There''s no harm in telling me, it''s not like you did anything wrong. I''m just a curious old man."


    The Director leisurely spins the small obsidian-colored stone on his desk. Mesmerized by its rotations, I be lost in my own thoughts, observing it for a few seconds.


    I reply in a low unwavering tone.


    "I''m unsure what you''re talking about-"


    "Don''t give me that."


    He ms his hand down on the table to stop the spinning gem. It breaks me from my concentration. I shake my head, blink a few times, then sit up straight as the old man brings the shiny crystal closer to my face from across the desk.


    "You and I both know these Fragments only drop from Titans. I don''t care how you did it, but I know you defeated at least 10 of those anomalies. Your teammates were clueless to the fact, and Arie was scared straight at the mention of a Titan. So, my guess is you went in alone."


    Feeling a lump in my throat, I swallow nervously and nod as he continues speaking.


    "Good, good. As I said, there''s no need to be on edge today. You were just following orders, how could I punish you for doing exactly what I asked?"


    He pauses and the two of us are left in a room full of silence for a moment. I take a deep breath before replying with a nk, yet serious expression across my face.


    "You''re right. I farmed the Titans to fill this week''s quota.


    Director, I am grateful for your kindness, but I don''t appreciate being lied to on my very first day of work in the Association."


    He nods slowly and replies.


    "I like to think of it as an entrance test, not a lie... Please hand me your assignment tablet. I''d like to update the data, the tasks will be much more straightforward this week. I hope that this is more to your liking."


    I hand him my shimmering silver tablet and he begins to tinker with it. I reply as my quotas are being updated.


    "What do you mean by an entrance test? Entrance to what?"


    He grins.


    "Now you''re asking the right questions. Let me exin..."


    ".... Alright."


    "Your extraction team passed my first test. I''d like to send all of you off on a very important mission next week... To the Dark Continent. You''ll need special training to prepare yourselves."


    The old man hands me back my tablet and I stare down at the updated tasks.


    ____________


    [Jay Soju]


    [Avable Credits]: 4.4


    [C-ss]


    [Team Weekly Quota]:


    [Mana Crystals][0/200,000MU]


    [Reward]: 5 Credits


    [Individual Weekly Quota]:


    [Horn of The Behemoth][0/1]


    [Reward]: 5 Credits


    ____________


    "Your team''s weekly task has been set to a reasonable mana crystal farming goal and I''ve assigned each of you a special Individual task. Yours is to obtain the Horn of The Behemoth. Defeating this monster will be an important step in furthering your training to be an Elite of the Association."


    My eyes dart across the silver tablet taking in all this new information. Looking up, I start to reply, but the Director continues.


    "The Behemoth is found on the 20th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth. I hope you''re ready for a new challenge."

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    A grin starts to creep across my face as the words "Vice City Labyrinth"e out of the Director''s mouth.


    Every time this Labyrinth is brought up, everyone always makes it sound so exclusive and impossible to enter. All I need to do is get in one time, then I''ll have unlimited ess... Forever. Finally, there''s a way in.


    I reply, failing to hide the goofy grin on my face.


    "Oh yeah? Thebyrinth...?


    Brutus nods, then sits back in his chair eyeing me up and down curiously.


    "This week, there has been a rise in minor dungeon breaks near our county''s northern border. They''ve begun to drift downward nearing the Vice Region. This exact same pattern urs every single surge. Unfortunately, there has been less and less time between each surge. As I said earlier, we''ll be sending a few teams out to the Dark Continent within 10 days to alleviate the excess mana build-up. I''d like for the 4 of you to be part of this expedition."


    Silence fills the room once again as I think over all of this proposal the Director has thrown at me, then reply with another question.


    "So... let me get all of this straight. You gave all the new recruits near-impossible tasks just to see who would be the best fit to join the other Elite squads on a Dark Continent raid mission? "


    He nods confirming the answer as I continue.


    "We passed your test, so this week, the 4 of us have been assigned to special individual training to prepare us for this raid?"


    He nods again.


    I smirk.


    "Maybe you''re not so bad, Mr. Director.... Is there anything I need to know about this Behemoth before taking it out?"


    I pause, then jump back in for onest question.


    "Oh... also... where is the Vice City Labyrinth...?"


    The old man lets out augh.


    "I hope I continue to grow on you. Your clearance for the Labyrinth has been updated. Ask any of the guards at the Dungeon Hub to scan your ID and they will show you the way in. The only reason I''m letting a new C-ss in unsupervised is because of your ability to handle Titans. The Behemoth may be at a simr or even greater difficulty level, so you must be entirely prepared before facing it."


    I nod firmly as the Director continues.


    "The Behemoth is the 20th-floor boss that separates regr hunters from the Elite. Less than 5% of hunters ever make it to a C-ss rank. Of that 5%, only 1% ever move on to the next stage. How many B-ss or higher-rated hunters have you seen? Not including me, or Rodrigo..."


    I think to myself for a moment, then reply.


    "None. I haven''t thought about it much until now.... Everyone does seem to slow down after level 250 or so. Is it really that difficult to level up past C-ss?"


    The old man nods slowly and clicks a small button on the side of his desk.


    "Once you begin to climb thebyrinth, I believe you''ll understand."


    The wall slides open, and my teammates walk out followed by Samantha. The Director stands up and puts out his hand, I put out mind to shake it.


    *Ding*


    The elevator door opens and our meeting abruptlyes to an end as a few men in suitse walking in. Brutus gives me a smile as I turn to go.


    "I''m a busy man, it''s unfortunate we couldn''t talk longer today. I''ll see you soon Jay, good luck on your mission this week."


    With a smile in return, I make my way to the elevator following the archer, ice wielder, and green-haired healer. The sliding door shuts and we glide down to the lobby on the bottom floor.


    Leaving the Association HQ, Maria shows us all her quota card.


    "Look at this! My solo mission is to farm Yetis. It''s one of the Low-Grade C-ss dungeons. Apparently, they''re Ice Magic Resistant so I''ll have to figure out some newbats methods. I was assigned a C-ss Elite training partner, she''s an Ice magic user too! What kind of assignments did you guys get?"


    Abby interjects.


    "I''m in a Low-Grade C-ss Dungeon too. The Director put me on a team with a C-ss Elite swordsman and Healer to train in the Mutant High Ogre dungeon. They''re earth magic resistant, so I''ll have to improve mybat. Plus, I''ll learn how to properly utilize my restoration magic. "


    Arie nods slowly, crossing his arms.


    "I''m back in The Great ins this week. A B-ss archer ising into town to teach me how to improve my shots. My only task this week is to defeat a Titan."


    He grins and turns to me, continuing to speak.


    "Apparently, there''s a trick to taking them out. I just need more training."


    My eyes open wide as I watch the tan-skinned bow wielder fill up with excitement.


    I reply with a smirk.


    "You''ll have to fill me in once you figure it out, I''ll be in the Vice City Labyrinth this week. My mission is to clear floor 20."


    The 4 of us make our way back to the Vanguard Heights. We''ve all received our assignments and agreed to hand in 50k MU worth of mana crystals each while we''re off on our individual missions. This will be enough to satisfy the 200k MU quota.


    The 3 of them have assigned training partners, I do not. Maybe it''d be nice to learn a thing or two from an Elite Hunter, but at the same time, I''m more excited that I get to dive into the Labyrinth alone...


    We make it back to our residence and take the elevator up to floor 21 without a second of hesitation. We made it through our first week of work and all got paid, it''s time to celebrate.


    The 4 of us dine with good food, and strong drinks for a few hours. We check out the casino, blow through a few silver each, take a leisurely stroll through the shopping center, then go back in for more food and drinks.


    This cycle continues...


    As the night continues, the smiles on my teammates'' faces grow, but I''m getting progressively more bored. Every sip I take gets nullified and the average IQ of my peers drops as the hours go on.


    I have a good time, but before tomorrow, I have some business I need to take care of with a certain Dragon waiting for me at the back of a dungeon.


    The sunpletely sets and we all go back to our apartments.


    Well, everyone but me.


    I take the elevator down and head off to the Dungeon Hub, jump into a random D-ss portal, then teleport deep into The Great ins. I activate my telepathy link as I near the Dragon in the sky.


    "Ember, you''ll be leaving this dungeon today. Ready for some action?"


    With a powerful p of the wings, my newest hunting partnernds on the ground next to me with a light thud.


    "Most definitely, shall I copse this dungeon?"


    I let out a much-neededugh after a long day, but reply quickly as Ember begins to glow light red.


    "Hey! No... No copsing of any dungeons right now."


    The red glow of his [Mystic Grade] Plunderer skill dies down.


    "Understood."


    I let out a light sigh of relief, then grin.


    "Tomorrow, I''ll be heading into a Labyrinth. You''ll being with me. We have some training to do."


    Ember perks up, then gives me a toothy grin.


    Over thest week, I''ve been thinking of a few ways to transport the 7-meter-long dragon. Letting him roam free in unupied dungeons is an option, but keeping him by my side would be much more beneficial to both of us.


    I could use Dungeon Walker to bring him to the Labyrinth the moment I step foot in it, but there''s been another potential option eating away at the back of my mind.


    "Spacial Magic."


    I activate my item storage ability, stretching out the white portal as far out as it can go. Within a matter of seconds, I stretch the entrance to the pocket dimension to around 4m in diameter. The perfect size to fit the mid-sized Dragon.


    "I''d like to test something out. This is my very own pocket dimension, I believe it functions simrly to a Titan''s Domain. Please, step inside. Let me know what you see in there."


    Without hesitation the majestic creature moves forward, disappearing into the swirling white mass. I close my storage and wait in silence.


    Letting the artificial dungeon sun beat down on the back of my neck, I wait around for 10 minutes or so.


    Next, I open my item storage portal. The white mass of energy expands up to about 4m again and Ember falls out, gracefullynding on his feet. I could sense his presence in my storage, but there were no movements or signs of life until the moment he popped out in front of me.


    The Dragon speaks through our link.


    "Shall we begin?"


    "..."


    I smile.


    "We''re already done. It seems like my item storage really does bend reality simrly to my past experiences with a pocket dimension, just in the opposite way... Whatever I put in, isn''t affected by the time moving forward in the outside world."


    We stand in silence for a few seconds yet again, the Ember responds.


    "Well, that''s convenient."


    I let out a chuckle.


    "Yeah... I guess it is."


    Opening up my item storage again, Ember steps in and we leave The Great ins momentster.


    With a smirk stered across my face and the cool night air blowing through my hair, I walk back to the Vanguard Heights to get a good night of sleep.


    My first day diving into the Vice City Labyrinth will begin bright and early tomorrow morning.

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    After a long night of rest, I wake up ready to begin a new week of training.


    Today, I''ll be entering the Vice City Labyrinth.


    I hop out of bed to take in the wide-open view of the city below me. I''m 42 stories up, no matter the weather, the view is always incredible. It''s early in the morning, so the sun rises up over the horizon casting orange light through the low clouds.


    Taking the elevator downstairs, and walking through the empty lobby, I begin my walk to the Dungeon Hub before the morning crowd of hunters gets a chance to crowd the square.


    I walk over to the C-ss gate, show the blond-haired guard my ID, then ask him for directions.


    "Hey, how do I get to the Vice City Labyrinth? I just got clearance today."


    He looks at me with a smug, yet impressed nod, then points behind him to the moving staircase about 15m away. It''s guarded by 2 more men from the association. I''ve seen parties go back there before, but they always wore Association uniforms and seemed to be in a whole different league than me.


    It seems it''s my turn to ride that esctor upwards.


    "Thanks. Appreciate it."


    I give the guard a firm nod and head over with my ID in hand. As I approach, I get a better look at the two men on duty. They''re wearing full armor and have shields ready by their sides. Both of them seem to be tanks. One is middle-aged with tan skin, a ck beard, and a bald head while the other is younger with fair skin and a full head of glossy ck hair.


    I use inspect on both of them.


    [Lv. 289]


    [Lv. 314]


    The older guard, level 314, looks me up and down as I approach.


    "Hey kid, I think you''re headed the wrong way. The dungeons are behind ya!"


    I flip my Hunter''s License toward him to show my name and rank. With an eye roll and a look of disgust on the older guard''s face, he takes my ID and ces it on the small metal scanner.


    "A new C-ss recruit going solo in the Labyrinth? Yeah right, there-"


    He''s cut off by the small green glowing light shown by the sensor. The bearded guard looks at his younger counterpart with his mouth wide open. Both of them shrug, then he hands my ID back to me.


    "I- Sorry I jumped to conclusions. You must be one of the newer recruits. I wasn''t aware there were any Elites in the batch of hunters that just came in."


    I take my card and give him a professional smile and nod as I get onto the moving stairs upwards.


    "Thanks, have a good day!"


    This is a pretty odd feeling, going up instead of down. I''ve gotten pretty used to going underground in order to dungeon dive. I wonder what''s up here? Also... did he just call me an Elite?


    As I slowly move up the mana-powered stairway, I see another set of guards eyeing me up and down near the top.


    It''s another pair of tanks in full shining armor... The Association really keeps this ce guarded well. I use inspect as I get closer and closer.


    [Lv. 348]


    [Lv. 366]


    Both of these guards seem to be much older, if I look close enough I''d definitely spot a few grey hairs. They must be hunters working for the Association full-time, leveling up slowly and collecting their pay. It''s an honest living, I''m just focused on another path.


    The level 366 wearing thin-framed sses and a bright smile greets me.


    "A neer? You must be from the ss that came inst week. Am I right?"


    I hand my ID over to his outreached hand. He takes it politely and scans it again as I reply.


    "Yep. Just joined the Association. A pleasure to meet you, I''ll be seeing you a lot in the future."


    As the green light on the scanner shes again he hands my card back to me. I walk past with a wave goodbye.


    In front of me, there''s a narrow hallway that leads to a silver door no more than 10m away. The walls are ck, simr to the lining of the train station down below in the Dungeon Hub.


    The small ck scanner on the front of the silver door catches my eye. I mumble under my breath as I approach.


    "They sure don''t mess around with security measures here..."


    cing my card against the scanner, it shes green and the final door opens with a light click. I walk through and it closes behind me immediately.


    I''m left in a ck box 10m tall and wide, with a silver door to my back. The only other thing in this room is arge bright green swirling mass of energy. The Vice City Labyrinth portal.


    I blink a few times with a sense of awe and confusion.


    The Labyrinth portal was right here all along... Right above the Dungeon Hub, there are dozens and dozens of floors filled with monsters more powerful than anyone in this city could ever dream to handle. This is one of the oldest standing Labyrinths in existence.


    It''s just sitting here at the center of the city, for decades... No one has managed to make it to the top floor.


    After staring at the portal for a few seconds, I nod firmly and I step through, entering my new training grounds.


    I''m teleported into a goblin dungeon on the first floor. The tall grass sways in the light breeze and the artificial dungeon sun shines bright.


    Taking the first floor slow and steady, I enjoy my morning stroll, sending level 5-10 goblins flying with single kicks to the side as they mindlessly charge at me.


    By the time I get about 1km into the first dungeon, I activate my enemy detection skill to make sure no one else is around as I release Ember from my pocket dimension.


    The Dragon rises from the ground after falling from the spacial magic portal, flexing his wings and emitting a soft red glow as he senses the shifts of mana density in the surrounding air.


    "So this is the Labyrinth."


    I grin, looking up at the monster.


    "It is. Our goal this week is to defeat the boss on the 20th floor."


    Ember ps his long glossy ck-scaled wings, hovering 10m or so up in the air before replying. His head is held high and the crimson glow around him stays activated.


    "The structure we''re in has many floors... The 20th is the least of our worries..."


    With a confident and eager smile, I channel my wind magic, propelling myself upward with a few air-steps. I gracefully ascend to meet the Dragon in the sky. Landing on his sturdy back, I reply through our link.


    "We''ll face those enemies when we get there, let''s climb one floor at a time."


    Holding on tight with both my legs, Ember flies high up into the sky, and our adventure begins. As the wind whisks through my hair, a refreshing coolness fills my mind, invigorating my senses.


    It''s a short ride, but a sweet one. We make it to the first-floor boss in mere minutes. Dragon transportation is the way to travel! We''ll make it through these floors in no time, I''ll be able to use Dungeon Walker to any floor I fancy by the end of the day!


    The only caveat, is I can''t sense what''s on the floors above me just yet. I make sure to put Ember safely in my pocket dimension and scout out the floor with enemy detection to make sure no other hunters are present before letting him roam free.


    We continue this process over and over. The first 5 floors are all familiar spawns like goblins, wolves, slimes, rats, and other E and low-grade D-ss monsters.


    The next few are a breeze as well. The mobs get a bit tougher, like trolls, ogres, and hobgoblins, but we soar through each floor unscathed.


    On average, we''re clearing entire levels in less than 30 minutes. It''s not until 5 hourster, that we run into an unexpected development on floor 10.


    As I defeat the level 244 Minotaur boss on floor 9, I open my spacial magic portal for Ember to hop in. He does so and I wait for the white transfer light to appear.


    It does, and I activate my enemy detection. As I find myself materializing on the 10th floor, I go on high alert. Over a dozen rms go off in my mind''s eye as I detect threats over level 300 scattered nearby, one is even well over 400...


    I clench my jaw and take out both of my des while activating my stat-boosting skills, igniting my body into a ball of mes.


    Whatever base-level monsters havee to greet me on this 10th floor, they''re much more skilled than I was expecting.


    As the white light fades away from my vision I continue gritting my teeth in anticipation. Determined to face whatever monsters lie ahead, I strain my senses, squinting to make out what exactly the danger that looms before me looks like.


    A surprised voice with a hint of amusement rings out in my ears.


    "Hey, hey! Chill out, man! We''re hunters, we''re on the same team here!"


    My vision clears, and I can''t believe my eyes...


    A small stone pathway has formed beneath my feet, and I''m greeted by a smiling hunter with red hair and green eyes. He raises both his hand defensively,ughing, trying to calm me down.


    My eyes dart around, taking in the view, and tracking all of the enemies I previously spotted on my radar.


    They''re all hunters.


    I let out a whisper under my breath while deactivating my skills.


    "What... is this ce?"


    The soil is rocky in all directions with thin patches of grass. Small stone formations scatter across thendscape, andrger mountains jut up in the distance. The sky is blue with a few small clouds and the air is cool and crisp.


    The red-haired man shows me a bright white smile and turns to point down the small pathway.


    To my surprise, there''s a vige center on the 10th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth. With half a dozen small shacks and merchant stands lining the little road beneath my feet, I watch hunters trade loot and food. I gaze off in the distance to see arge Inn-like structure about 200m away with smokeing out of a tall chimney.


    I ce my weapons into my item storage while staring at the view wide-eyed and speechless. The tall fiery haired man speaks up again.


    "Wee to the 10th-floor Labyrinth checkpoint. Take advantage of the Association-run vendors to buy and sell any loot you''ve acquired or need during your journey. Should you require rest or rxation, the Inn is avable to you before continuing to any other floors. Come on, let me give you a quick tour!"

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    Gradually, my muscles loosen. All my skills deactivate, and I shift my focus to the peculiar surroundings. Meanwhile, the red-haired man maintains his pleasant smile, seemingly unaffected by my shy arrival.


    "My name is Rn by the way. If you''re making an entrance like that, this must be your first time on the 10th floor."


    "I''m Jay. It is my first time..."


    After I reply, the ginger-haired man begins to walk down the light grey stone pathway toward the small cluster of shops and merchant stands.


    Curiously, I follow. He continues talking as we pass by the first vendor, an older gentleman offering to buy mana crystals from the floors below.


    "Usually it takes Hunters at least 24 hours to make it up to floor 10. It doesn''t matter your level or abilities, the distance is just way too far!"


    I nod while eyeing the inventory of the next merchant stand we walk by. There''s food, water, potions, clothing, and even basic non-magical medicines.


    Rn continues.


    "Floor 10 is the checkpoint where most logical hunters stop before traveling up or down any further. It''s the perfect ce to rest."


    We pass a few more stands buying and selling various goods, then my temporary dungeon guide grins while pointing to our left. There''s 2 men and a woman training with swords, daggers, and shields in a field about 50m off the path.


    "Those are my teammates over there. We''re headed to floor 16 to farm High Ogres tomorrow morning. The 4 of us have been training pretty hard thesest few months, we might even face the boss soon and take a crack at floor 17."


    I use inspect on the man in front of me.


    [Lv. 329]


    Then turn to his teammates.


    [Lv. 331]


    [Lv. 327]


    [Lv. 326]


    I reply.


    "Hey- uh- why exactly are you giving me a tour...?


    Rnughs.


    "I was a newbie once too! I''m just paying it forward, it''s nice to have someone show you around the ce, isn''t it? Old habit, I used to be a teacher."


    I smirk and roll my eyes, letting out a sarcastic response.


    "You''ve got nothing better to do, huh?"


    He throws his arm around my shoulder, ignoring my remark.


    "Come on, this way!"


    As we approach the Inn at the end of the long stone pathway I quickly turn my head to Appraise Rn and his teammate to realize a few simple facts...


    First, they have pretty decent weapons and armor. Some 30-50% stat-boosting items along with 300+ stat-boosting gear aren''t anything tough at. The unfortunate discovery lies in their set of skills.


    Among them, two possess the ability of Body Hardening, enhancing their physical defenses. The red-haired leader of the group has Swordsmanship. Then finally, the short-haired woman in their party possesses Dagger Mastery.


    They''re useful skills, but pretty basic. It makes a lot more sense now how training for months only allows them to jump one floor in the Labyrinth. There is nothing special about their squad....


    I turn my head all the way around to get a full Appraisal of nearly a dozen hunters in the shopping area.


    A frown begins to form across my face as I realize everyone here is just mindlessly farming for the Association. Taking into ount their physical appearances, my guess is I''m the youngest one on this floor by at least a decade...


    Sometimes I forget my squad is the cream of the crop. I should keep my head down and stay as low-key as I can. Being the young show-off is never a good first impression.


    I gulp, swinging my head back around to examine the 2 story-tall Inn we''re slowly approaching. It''s made of the same grey-colored brick the path beneath my feet is constructed of.


    The building before us spans a considerable width, measuring 30 meters from left to right. Its height reaches about 10 meters, while its length stretches back around 20 meters.


    Theres about a dozen small windows on the front side, and its sole chimney still puffs out smoke. Rn creeks open the poorly crafted wooden door at the entrance and we walk into the small tavern-like lobby.


    There''s a staircase at the back corner of the room next to a long desk being manned by a shorter ck-haired gentleman in a suit and silver sses.


    There are drinks lined up behind him, but also papers and room keys. It looks like a half-bar half-hotel lobby receptionist desk.


    The 10 meters of room in front of him are filled with circr tables and chairs. Another dozen or so hunters fill the Inn holding drinks, eating food, and sifting through their loot.


    Darting my eyes back and forth I scan most of them as we make our way to the long wooden check-in desk at the back. They''re all level 270-330 middle-aged hunters, carrying average gear, and wieldingmon skills.


    Our footsteps creek the tavern floor as we make our way through the small crowd. A couple of heads turn to nod or smile at the redhead leading the way, he must be a regr around here. We make it to the front desk and the short man slightly bows his head before looking up.


    "Good to see you again Rn, who''s your guest? Shall I make arrangements for your party to book another room?"


    He shakes his head and motions for me to step forward.


    "Mr. Conway, please, meet Jay. Jay, meet the 10th-floor Inn keeper, Mr. Conway."


    I step forward with a hand outstretched to meet his for a shake before replying.


    "Nice to meet you. I guess I''d like to book a room."


    The short man bows awkwardly again, then sifts through the underside of his counter to pull out a keybeled "R202" in small ck print.


    "Let me see your hunter''s license, I''ll put it on your ount."


    I raise an eyebrow while reaching for my ID, but decide not to question it. I hand the man my card and he inputs a few details onto a small silver tablet before handing it back and sliding me the key.


    "There you go, Jay. You''re all set. Looks like this really is your first day in thebyrinth. It says here you got your initial clearance less than 24 hours ago. You must have been really eager to make it up this far in such a short amount of time."


    I gulp, then reply with a smile and a nod.


    "I- guess that''s true, I''ve been looking forward to hunting in here ever since I joined the Association."


    The older man starts to speak, but his words are cut off by a sudden rhythmic stomping sound that catches our attention. We instinctively turn our heads in unison as the echoing footsteps grow louder,ing down the stairway next to us.


    I turn my head back to meet Rn''s gaze, he just shrugs, crossing his arms and watching the stairs in eager amusement.


    The footsteps grow louder until I see a pair of jet-ck boots hitting the hardwood stairs with unnecessary dramatic effect.


    The figure''s ck jeans appear next as he slowly makes his way down the wooden steps. Golden rings with blue and ck gems show on his fingers next, revealing the pale white skin of the mystery man before us.


    With a final step and a long exhale a young man appears at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes are dark and sharp, while his hair is colored dark blue to match the theme of his rings.


    He''s my height, 180cm, possibly even a little taller, and seems to be under 25 years old. This is the first hunter I''ve seen all day near my age range, the only problem is his attitude.


    With a scowl on his face, the young blue-haired man shifts his eyes around the room.


    Many of the men and women sitting around the tables in the tavern avert their gaze, talk in a lower tone, and begin to slow their movements as he walks by.


    Rn still stands tall, while Mr. Conway smirks and shifts back, not to get involved.


    Curiosity piqued, I activate my inspect and appraisal skills to scan the young man who has caused such a stir in the room.


    ____________


    [Lv. 461]


    Active Items:


    [Ring of Protection] +50% Defense


    [Enchanted Ring of Quickness] +65% Speed


    [Enchanted Ring of Agility] +65% Agility


    [Enchanted tinum Ring] +70% Strength


    [Enchanted tinum Ne] +70% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Dark Elf Boots] +70% Speed


    [Amulet of The Hydra] +75% Mental Strength +75% Water Summoning Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Water Summoning]


    Swordsmanship [Legendary Grade]


    ____________


    A grin of my own finally creeps across my face. This is the first unique hunter I''ve seen all day.


    He strides towards us, his gaze briefly meeting Rn''s before he rolls his eyes directing his attention to the innkeeper.


    "Hey Conway, get me a drink, then I''m going back to sleep. Wake me up if a kid named Jayes in anytime soon, I''m supposed to meet one of the new Association recruits and help him on his suicide mission to the 20th floor."


    The Innkeeper lets out a sigh, then pours the rude hunter a ss of hard alcohol with a smile.


    I clench my jaw and stay quiet, trying to figure out what exactly is going on here...


    Why does this guy know my name, and why has he been here waiting for me...?


    Mr. Conway hands over the freshly made drink and replies.


    "Good morning to you too Fisher, there''s actually a-"


    The arrogant hunter snatches the drink from the Inn Keeper''s hand, cutting him off mid-sentence to gulp down the full shot of golden brown liquid, then letting out a refreshing gasp.


    "Thanks, old man."


    He flips a silver coin in his direction while cing the empty ss back on the counter and starts walking away. Before stepping back up the wooden stairs, he turns to look at me.


    "What are you staring at? You new here or something?"


    "Yeah, I just got-"


    He cuts me off while turning around and walking over with a sly grin.


    "The name''s Fisher. It must have been your loud mouth that woke me up! What''s your name anyways?"


    The blue-haired man raises an eyebrow with an angered expression as I respond.


    "I''m Jay... Nice to meet you."

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    Fisher straightens his posture and casts an unfriendly gaze my way, scanning me from head to toe with a disapproving smirk.


    "You''re Jay... Ha! You''re Jay??"


    Confused by his question, I respond with a one-word reply.


    "Yeah..."


    The dark blue-haired hunter lifts his condescending gaze to meet my eyes, then pauses for a moment. He looks up at the ceiling, deep in thought, then replies.


    "You''re pretty quick, aren''t you? I was sent here by the director yesterday. At my full speed, you still managed to get here just a few hours after me...."


    His distasteful re turns into a somewhat curious grin. He points to the door, leading to the open dungeon.


    "Come on, let''s go outside. I was told you have a pretty strong aptitude for fire, I''d like to see it for myself."


    He walks toward the door through the tables full of hunters motioning for me to follow.


    I turn to Rn and the Inn Keeper. The redhead nods eagerly pushing me to follow him, Mr. Conway speaks up as we begin to follow.


    "He may seem tough on the outside, but Fisher is a kind kid. He just puts on that act ever since he became one of the youngest C-ss Elites in the Vice Region."


    With a nod and a smile, I thank the short man and follow Fisher as he steps through the wooden door on the other side of the room.


    The air outside is still cool and crisp as both Rn and I follow the Elite around the backside of the Inn. The view of the tall mountains is pretty beautiful from here. I''m always impressed by the artificialndscape created by dungeons.


    Fisher stops right in the middle of a wide open field waving at us to follow.


    Squinting as we walk further and further from the Inn, I see the shadowy outline of a winged creature flying at us from a distance.


    The screech of wild Griffin fills my ears, and the realization that we''re under attack from a monster finally hits me. I pull out my sword and ignite it into mes. Charging up less than 300MP worth of mana-imbued fire magic, I let out a fast, concise shot of dark, dense mes.


    Secondster, over 50m away, the diving Griffin loses its head and falls to the dungeon floor with a loud thud.


    I let out a sigh of relief, then hear a slow pping noise. The blue-haired hunter grins while walking toward me.


    "Not bad, I was expecting much worse. When I heard a new C-ss recruit wasing to train in thebyrinth for the first time, I didn''t expect to meet another young advanced magic user like myself."


    He reaches into a small item box on his waist to pull out arge sword. Its base looks ck, but it glimmers dark blue in the sunlight. I use appraisal the second its unique hue hits my eyes.


    ____________


    TideBreaker: Enchanted de of the Hydra [Water Aspect] [+127% Strength][+81% Mental Strength]


    ____________


    A thin smile crosses my face as the mes flicker out on my sword. It seems like I''ve found another element stone-imbued weapon user, this is a first.


    "I assume you''re a Water Magic user? Is that right?"


    He nods slowly, pointing his sword at me.


    "Brutus really chose your team to be the next set of Elites... So, it''s my job to prepare you."


    I raise my sword, pointing it right back at him.


    "What do you mean by that? The next set of Elites? What are you talking about? The Director never told me anything about you... I thought I was diving in thisbyrinth solo..."


    Fisher smirks, letting out a sigh.


    "You''ll get used to the Director in time. He''s always a few steps ahead. You''ll never be able to outthink that man, if he wants you to do something, you''re already doing it."


    I gulp as the water wielder continues.


    "Apparently, he gave two of your teammates upgrade crystals. That''s why I''m certain your squad is his next choice for Elites."


    I step forward.


    "What''s all this talk about Elites? Exin. What''s an Elite? What''s going on!?"


    "Elites. That''s the name the Association chose to give to C-ss hunters that actually have a chance of hitting B-ss. It''s like a hidden rank between C and B. I''m sure you spotted the difference between a hunter like me and the hunters in there."


    He points his long ck and blue glistening sword to the backside of the Inn.


    I remember the feeling I got while walking through the tables earlier.


    "Yeah... you''re right. What are upgrade crystals, and what are you even going to teach me? All I have to do to pass the Director''s test is defeat the 20th-floor boss. He underestimates me!"


    The blue-haired swordsman lets out augh.


    "You really are a lost one, aren''t you? It makes so much more sense why he let you think you''re going into this ce alone. You''d rather get yourself killed than admit there''s an opponent you can''t beat!"


    "Hey! Don''t talk like you know me! You have no idea how powerful I am... Plus... you still haven''t answered all my questions, what''s an upgrade crystal?"


    He lets out another condescending sigh, then rolls his eyes.


    "They''re one of the Association''s most valuable resources. Brutus gave me one a few months back, along with a few of my squad members allowing all of us to rank up to the Elite level. It upgrades your skills. Anybat magic bes an advanced form, and any normal skills be [Special Grade] or even [Legendary Grade] sometimes. I got lucky with both."


    I nod slowly, remembering the white crystals both Maria and Abby were carrying on their way back from their meetings yesterday.


    If my guess is correct, it must be the "forced upgrade" method I''ve heard rumors about. By the way Fisher is describing it, these upgrade crystals must automatically use all the proficiency points on a users skills.


    He must have been over level 400, giving him the necessary 400PP to upgrade both of his skills. He didn''t get lucky... Someone timed his upgrade carefully.


    If all of this is true, the Director really does have his eye on us. I guess taking advantage of this situation is the best thing to do right now. Even so, this guy is starting to piss me off...


    "Alright. Then why am I teamed up with you anyways? I can climb this Labyrinth myself. I admit, you''re stronger than the hunters inside, I can tell... but I hunt solo, I don''t need your help!"


    He grins, and his sword begins to glow with a light blue light.


    "Oh yeah? Well it''s a direct order I bring you to the 20th floor, watch you beat the boss, then bring you back alive. I haven''t failed an assignment yet, but this one seems near impossible. We have a lot of work to do."


    I grit my teeth and ignite my own sword into a flickering ball of mes.


    "We? Since when are we a team? I don''t really care what your assignment is, I was told I could farm thisbyrinth by myself. I don''t want to be chaperoned by an overconfident blue-haired Associationckey."


    Again, Fisher lets out augh.


    "Fire users are always the hot heads, I''m going to have to teach you a lesson kid. You may be the newest star of the C-ss exams, but there are many hunters much stronger than you out in the world. Don''t start swinging your sword at fights you can''t handle."


    I take out my second de, lighting my dagger up with the white hue of wind magic.


    "What makes you think I can''t handle you..."


    The water-wielding swordsman begins to glow with a bright blue light, covering his body in a half-a-meter-thick veil of water. Letting out augh, he yells at me.


    "One scratch! Land one single scratch on my skin and I''ll let you climb these floors in peace. If you can''t do that, you''ll start listening to me. Got it?"


    Activating my stat-boosting skills, glowing with a gold and crimson aura, I yell out to him.


    "Fine! You asked for it!"


    Clenching my jaw, and tightening my muscles, I begin charging up an attack. One scratch is all it''ll take, so I''ll make sure to get it over with in one blow.


    I joined the Association to hunt stronger monsters, not to be pampered like a little kid. I want the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and where I want.


    Whatever happens now isn''t my fault, he asked for it, and I''ll give it to him. I open my item storage to let a few mana crystals fall out, they touch my skin, and I plunder their MP.


    I don''t want to kill the guy, but I''ll teach him a lesson for trying to step on my feet. I charge upon my ultimate attack for about 10 seconds, stirring around 3500MP into each of my des. This is about 7000MP in total.


    With a powerful thrust, I bring both weapons across my body to let out an attack that could cut through a Titan''s Domain like butter.


    The ck and white crescents of energy hurdle toward the glowing blue-haired man. He raises his sword and braces for impact.


    I stand steady watching in anticipation.


    He''s really going to take my attack head on...


    On impact, the wind and fire expand releasing a devastating amount of energy. The rocky ground explodes to bits throwing dirt and stone everywhere for over 20m in all directions. A shockwave blows rubble in my direction and the red-haired hunter that came to watch runs in fear.


    I grin as the dust cloud settles, expecting the arrogant hunter to be begging on his knees for mercy.


    To my surprise, he stands unscathed in a small patch of untouched grass. The earth is chopped up and burned to ash everywhere but the spot he stands.


    I gulp, gripping my des firmly.


    Heughs, powering down his blue glow, and letting his summoned water magic fall to the torn-upndscape below with a ssh.


    "Not bad, not bad at all... You aren''t as weak as I thought you''d be. Still, you have a lot to learn."

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    As the swordsman lowers his dark blue de and deactivates his magic skills, I watch in awe. He looks at me with a satisfied smirk as the clearly summoned water around his feet seeps into the recently upturned soil.


    He throws the de in his hand to the ground and stretches both of his arms out wide.


    "Come on, I''ll give you one more shot. I won''t even use a single skill to block you this time around."


    His dark eyes pierce the thick air between us, making direct contact with my own. His white teeth peek out from the crooked grin across his face, and he remains unguarded in the middle of the empty field.


    I activate my skills and charge my des again, glowing golden red, filled with an odd sense of rage.


    "Get ready."


    Plundering the MP from even more of my leftover MP crystals, I begin to eat away at my supply just to show off. So much for my ns of staying low-key. Teaching this so-called "Elite" a lesson is more important right now.


    It takes just under 30 seconds for me to charge both of my des nearly to full power. There''s over 10k MP in both of thembined. Letting out another reality-tearing attack, the white and ck crescents of mana-imbued elemental mana rocket toward the defenseless Elite C-ss.


    Another explosion of wind and fire throws rock and dirt in all directions. I watch the red-haired hunter, Rn, run behind the back wall of the Inn to escape the st. This time the destructive fireball is close to double the size of myst attack.


    That cocky blue-haired hunter thought that was the best I could do and lowered his guard. Let''s see how well he faired against this one.


    I smirk, letting the dust cloud clear.


    As it does, I hear the familiar slow pping sounding from within the dispersing sediments.


    "Well done, well done. I am definitely going to have some fun with you. The Director picked out an interesting brat for me to train after all."


    My eyes open wide, seeing the Elite C-ss hunter standing untouched on the same small patch of grass in the middle of the field.


    Blinking a few times, then swallowing hard, I think back to the moment before impact....


    Both of my attacks definitely hit him straight on, right across his chest in fact. There was no water magic blocking my attacks, it''s like It hit an invisible shield...


    I couldn''t get a close enough look before the explosion of red and white light to see what happened at the exact moment of impact.


    The blue-haired man walks over to me while cing his sword back into his item box.


    "I was going back to sleep, but now that there''s some excitement I''ll stay up a little bit longer. Let''s grab some lunch and talk over a few more details before our training starts tomorrow. Conway''s cooking ain''t half bad, just don''t order the fish..."


    I awkwardly stare straight ahead, still puzzled at his ability topletely nullify my attack. Plus, this easygoing attitude he''s put on after I basically just tried to kill him over nothing....


    Is he really that much stronger than me...?


    I reply in a low tone.


    "I''d rather not wait for tomorrow, I was nning on climbing today..."


    I gulp while putting my des away into item storage.


    "...and what''s wrong this the fish?"


    He throws his arm around my shoulder with a chuckle.


    "You really are an ambitious one aren''t ya? Who said we''ll be climbing tomorrow? I''ve got a lot to teach you, young one."


    I let out a sigh, wriggling out from his arms grasp as we walk closer to the backside of the Inn.


    "Don''t call me young one, you''re not even that much older than me... and I''m climbing tomorrow whether you like it or not! I didn''te here-"


    Fisher cuts me off, turning his head, giving me a stern look.


    "Trust me. You must have been climbing for at least 20 hours straight, some sleep will do you well."


    I grit my teeth, starting to respond but a weak voice sounds from around the corner of the grey brick structure, then a red head of hair slowly peeks out.


    "A-Are you guys done...?"


    Rn walks over to us with a pale face and a nk expression. He gulps, then lets out another sentence in an excited tone.


    "J-Jay you didn''t tell me you were in line to be an Elite! At your age, that''s some major news. Your face will be stered all over the Region any day now. Congrats!"


    My mind continues to race as the redhead stares at me with a goofy grin. The blue-haired swordsman keeps walking toward the Inn''s entrance as I reply


    "I didn''t exactly know about this either... "


    Both of us follow Fisher inside as my mental turmoil grows more and more. Today was supposed to be a fun Labyrinth farming adventure with Ember, why''d it have to take a turn like this?


    The 3 of us sit down at one of the circr tables in the back of the room. Rn keeps asking Fisher questions about new missions he''s been on as I continue to zone out in my own little world.


    Finally, our food and drinkse out. I ask the first nagging question thates to mind.


    "Hey, how do you two know each other so well? It''s not like-"


    Rn cuts me off as Fisher takes a swig of his newly arrived cold drink.


    "I used to be his personal trainer, back in the Association! That is... until he surpassed me within the first year."


    After a long gulp, the Elite chimes in.


    "Yeah, yeah. He taught me the basics, I owe him for that, but it''s all about your natural born talent and-"


    "Money. It''s about money."


    I grin as the Redhead cuts off his former student''s inspirational speech. Fisher rolls his eyes as Rn continues, staring at me.


    "The Association must want to back you for one of the skills you have. If I''m not mistaken... That attack you threw earlier was both wind and fire, right?"


    I swallow the food in my mouth and reply.


    "It... was..."


    I pause, thinking about my next words carefully as the two of them eye me up and down.


    "I- have element stone imbued weapons. You saw my sword and dagger right?"


    Fisher jumps in.


    "Enough, enough. It doesn''t really matter. Clearly, the Director likes this kid, and I get a full 25 credits for the week if I can get him past floor 20."


    He turns to me.


    "You''ll be resting up today, no questions asked. If you can''t manage to make a scratch on me unguarded in an empty field, you''re on a one-way suicide mission if you face the behemoth now. You may not even be able to make it to the 20th floor at your current strength..."


    I stare at him with a cold re, then take another bite, and reply with my mouth full.


    "Fine. We''ll do it your way."


    He smirks.


    "Good, finally I''ve broken through that hard head of yours. I''ll do some proper tests on you tomorrow and our training will start once we both wake up. How about we meet back here in 10 hours."


    Taking another bite, half-listening to his words I respond again.


    "Sure, sure."


    The 3 of us finish up our meals and Fisher insists we head up to our rooms. He may be tough, but I can see it in his eyes, this Elite is sleep deprived from climbing thebyrinth. This 10 hours of rest is more for him than for me.


    The small staircase in the back creaks as I walk up it. The wooden door of my room opens easily and I walk inside.


    The dusty scent of old wood and upsweeped floors fills my senses as I peer into the underwhelming living quarters. A single small bed close to the ground with white sheets, a small sink and mirror near the back wall and a small dirty window.


    I let out a sigh, closing the door, and sitting on the bed. It creaks as I mentallypare this 5m by 3m room to the luxury apartment I just started renting...


    Fisher believes I''ve been grinding my way up the dungeon for thest day just like him. It makes sense why he''d tell me to get some rest, but it''s been less than 6 hours since I even woke up.


    My day is just getting started.


    I activate enemy detection and scan my surroundings to confirm there''s no one behind the Inn. Everyone is trading in the town, or hanging out at the bar downstairs.


    Double-checking to make sure my door is locked, I activate Dungeon Walker and teleport myself into the massive dirt pit created earlier by my attack against the water-wielding swordsman.


    I grit my teeth as his arrogant face shes into my head.


    "I''ll get to the 20th floor and beat the boss before he even wakes up...."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, I activate stealth and begin air-stepping away toward the back of the 10th-floor Dungeon.

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    With my stealth skill activated, I begin my trek through the 10th floor''s Griffin Dungeon. I need to get a significant distance away before thinking about letting Ember fly free.


    From now on, scanning my surrounding will be tougher than just looking for random high leveled targets. Anything on this floor or above could be a hunter or a monster. I''ll have to be extra careful.


    After 20 minutes of light jogging, I''vee to the base of the first mountain. While moving forward, theyout of this Labyrinth begins to bug the pattern recognition portion of my brain.


    A lot of the floors here have simr monsters to the smaller Labyrinth I defeated before. There is a small difference in floor ranking though. The Griffins here are on Floor 10 while they were on Floor 11 before. Other lower-level dungeons were swapped around one the floors before this too.


    I guess it''s somewhat random, but the strengths of monsters stay pretty consistent no matter what dungeon I fit them in. Griffins are still Griffins.


    With a shrug, I make why way into the dense tree line at the base of this mountain. I scan the forest for enemies and trek around the backside to make certain that I''m not being watched.


    Ember flies free from my item storage when I''m sure we''re not being watched. The moment hees out of the white twisting spacial magic to spread his wings I activate our telepathic link and deactivate my stealth skill.


    "It''s time to pick up the pace. Let''s get to the 20th floor within the next few hours, I''m itching for a real fight."


    With a smirk, I crack my knuckles and look toward the backside of this dungeon. Griffins fly high in the sky, and the artificial sun shines down a yellow-orange light on the mountain range before us.


    Ember ps his wings and replies as I air-step upwards to climb on his back.


    "Understood."


    We fly off together, blending into the mountainside and soaring high with the Griffins. Ember picks up his speed just like I''ve asked, we''re able to fly through an entire dungeon in under 20 minutes.


    It doesn''t take long for the two of us to clear the next few dungeons. Floors 10 through 15 are pretty basicyouts, with rather weak monsters. They''re all very simr to the exam''s Labyrinth. Looking back, I''m much stronger now.


    Arriving on the 16th floor I realize we''vee across another High Ogre dungeon. This is the one that Rn and his team were nning to train at tomorrow.


    Thest 5 floors took us just under 2 hours to clear, but I''m starting to get the feeling a little extra mana is going to be needed for the uing floors. We still have 5 more to go, and the base mobs here are already above level 320.


    Mana crystal farming begins.


    Ember flies me around to every corner of the dungeon so I can get all of my teleportation points sorted. For the next 2 hours, I use Dungeon Walker to ughter every High Ogre in sight. At roughly 1 kill per minute, I take out 120 High Ogres, totaling me nearly 40k MP in loot, along with a few rings and swords.


    Taking my mana usage into ount from teleporting and releasing over 100 small attacks, this little side mission hasted me about 25k MP in profit.


    Looking into my item storage, I count roughly 75k worth of crystals in total. This should be more than enough for any enemies that cross my path in battles toe.


    Ember and I fly off to floor 17.


    It''s a near replica of The Great ins dungeon. There are Rhino-like monsters, and even mutants deeper in. I shutter at first, expecting Titans to jump out any second and attack, but after a wide-range enemy detection scan, I don''t sense a single one of them.


    It seems like that C-ss dungeon in the capital is just an anomaly like Ember said. It''s infected by Void Creepers, not a normal urrence.


    We fly to the back of the dungeon to face off with the boss. So far, there hasn''t been a single monster here that can''t be taken out with one hit from my sword. Unfortunately, this level 371 boss turns out to be the same. A single 500MP charged fire-imbued sh to the neck topples the beast.


    I make it to floor 18.


    This time around, as I take ember out of my pocket dimension I shiver for a valid reason. Not because I''m scared, but because of the snow that falls all around us. There''s a thick white blizzard raging in all directions.


    Looking ahead more than 10m or so is near impossible. It reminds me of the Mammoth dungeon I faced before with my team... just much more extreme.


    Ember and I both ignite our full bodies into mes. This is the first time I''ve seen his advanced fire magic in its full glory.


    Both of us create immense heat, and at first, I''m hesitant to get too close... Thest time I touched advanced fire magic, I had to cut off my own arm to put the mes out.


    I open the telepathic link and the ming Dragon speaks.


    "As per the contract you agreed to, our souls are linked. My mes cannot burn you, and your mes will not do harm to me."


    With a gulp, I walk forward to reach out and touch the flickering ck and red mes with my left hand.


    I leave it engulfed in the fire for a few seconds, then bring it back. Letting out a sign of relief I mumble under my breath.


    "Nothing happened."


    With a grin, I hop on Ember''s back and we both increase our Fire Summoning output to melt through the storm. Using enemy detection as we begin to fly toward the back of the dungeon, I find a few slow-moving targets on my radar. They''re all between levels 360 and 370.


    My curiosity tempts me, but I decide to just wait for the boss, it''ll be a better fight anyways.


    As we fly higher and higher into the sky, the snow begins to clear up a bit. I can make out an impossibly high mountain off in the distance. It''s made of dark ck rock, somewhat covered in snow at the base, jutting up to the top of the dungeon out of sight...


    Ember speaks up as we approach it.


    "It appears the portal is at the top of the mountain."


    The ming ck-scaled dragon doubles its velocity and begins gliding upwards with powerful ps of its wings through the heavy wind and snow.


    I grit my teeth and hold on.


    Our mes leave a dark red trail of fire residue behind as we begin to tilt upwards. The snow and iceing down grows thicker and our fire burns hotter.


    I activate enemy detection and inspect as we near the top.


    [800m]


    [Lv. 387]


    [Lv. 369]


    [Lv. 368]


    [Lv. 366]


    A small reading pops up to show 4 enemies on my radar. One of them is much more powerful than anything else in the dungeon, and they''re still nearly 1km above us.


    The thought that these could be hunters crosses my mind, but judging by their levels, It''s highly unlikely. There are 3 of them that are the same as the base mobs in this dungeon, it would be much more worth their while to stay down below and continue training.


    I''ve also learned that this is amon pattern for mutants. A group of base-level mobs traveling with a leader. It''s the perfect pre-boss showdown.


    We continue to rip through the skies. I take out my des while adding a red and golden hue to my aura. Whatever is up there is going to be ready to fight. So, I am too.


    As we near the mountaintop, the shape of its apexes into view. Impossible to see from below in the heavy snow, but now fully visible as we soar out of the heavy cloud cover in a magnificent ball of mes.


    Ember and I look down on a t mountaintop. It''s covered in ayer of snow from past storms, and multiple sharpened pirs of stone randomly pierce through showing their jet-ck coloring.


    It''s silent. The wind has stopped, and the visibility has drastically increased.


    My eyes dart across the 200-meter-long, circr teau-like area. Near the backside, a spinning grey boss room portal waits for us to jump through.


    Standing in our way, there are 4 massive Snow Yetis.


    A wide grin creeps across my face as I examine the new creatures. They''re all roughly 4m tall, with monkey-like frames and thick white fur that almost blends into the snow.


    Their leader in the back is over 5m tall, carrying no weapons at all. Their eyes glow red, while their brown ape-like hands and facial features contrast the lighter snowy background.


    It spots us.


    The mutant leader stomps its feet, letting out a roar and pointing both of its arms straight at us. Low grunting noises sound from its 3 minions. They begin to charge, staying in a firm triangr formation as they approach.


    Opening the telepathic link with Ember, I point down to the monsters and speak.


    "Stay back, I''m going to have some fun. After this, there''s only 1 floor between us, and the 20th."

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    Ember slowly flies down to the teau below as the 3 snow Yetise charging at us.


    They all start glowing golden yellow with the familiar aura of [Extreme Strength], one of the same stat-boosting buffs that I use.


    I jump off the ming Dragon''s back and begin to fall downward charging up my sword and dagger. My dark fire magic keeps the cold air away from my body as I plummet to the ground.


    After falling for close to 3 seconds, the 50m dropes to an end. I let out my attack on the nearby Yetis, releasing close to 1000MP per de.


    Using thest remainder of my MP stores, I activate my wind magic to lessen the impact of my fall onto the hard ground.


    My feet hit the snow-covered stone floor, still cracking the hard rock floor, sending ck fragments flying off in all directions.


    I smirk, taking out a few extra mana crystals to plunder MP as I watch the crescents of energy slice the charging monsters all in half.


    Their bloodied bodies stain the white snow as I hear a light thud from Embernding behind me.


    This short victory is followed by the roar of a gold-glowing mutant running at me with murderous intent. Still grinning, I charge up my attack again, a full 2000MP strike.


    From almost 30m away the white and ck energy des rocket through the air to make contact with the monster''s torso.


    It shes a dull white light, and I see my attack halt in mid-air for a moment right before impact. I do a double-take while plundering a crystal to restore my MP.


    A few fractions of a secondter, the facade of an invisible shield breaks, and the des of wind and fire sh the mutant beast in two. Its mutted body hits the floor with two loud thuds.


    I continue to plunder MP from my excess crystals, but a slight concern itches at the back of my mind. While waiting for the monster to dissolve so I can take their loot, I mumble under my breath.


    "I wasn''t imagining that... was I?"


    I shake my head a few times, then breathe in the cold refreshing air on the mountain''s top while letting my mes die down a little bit.


    Emberes up behind me, so I activate the link. He speaks.


    "Shall we defeat the boss? Like you said there''s only one more floor before the 20th."


    I pause for a moment, then ramp up my mes and grin my swords tightly.


    "Let''s do it."


    Pushing the odd urrence with that mutant Yeti to the back of my head, the two of us trek through the snow to the swirling grey mass of energy at the backside of the teau.


    Momentster, we both step through.


    The white transfer magic clears from my vision, but it''s hard to tell the difference between the blinding white light and the sight before my eyes.


    I blink a few times, looking around aimlessly with a slight sense of confusion.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye along with enemy detection and inspect, things be a bit more clear.


    "The boss is near..."


    [100m]


    [Lv. 399]


    The shadowy figure of a 6m tall massive white-furred ape-like creaturees charging toward me. I can see its golden glow from a distance peeking through the dense overcast of white snow.


    Only now that my perception senses are active, can I tell that we''re in a cave-like room. It''s about 200m in diameter and the ceiling is blocked off with a dome.


    Bursting into mes, Ember flies high up above me as I run forward. Again, I charge up both my des to use up nearly a full bar of MP, 2000 points.


    Both of us draw nearer and nearer until its dark facees into view and I''m red down by its glowing red eyes.


    I let out a yell and it returns the favor with a roar. Releasing my attack, I watch the two powerful crescents of mana soar.


    They split through the air, melting and blowing away the heavy snowfall, aimed straight at the creature in front of me.


    Moments before impact, my eyes open wide to watch this beast glow with a dim white light.


    The metallic twang that''s ingrained in my mind from weeks in the Titan''s domains echoes throughout the 18th-floor boss room.


    My jaw drops as I watch the white-furred monster deflect both of my attacks... with its bare hands....


    A thinyer of white light shines bright covering its palms on impact, pushing back the high-density mana attacks. Some energy breaks through, slicing deep cuts in its palms, but most of the attack it pushed upwards to fly off into the upper regions of the boss room.


    I''m left wide-eyed and speechless as I stare at the beast that continues to run my way. Its palms are dripping blood. The attack didn''t miss, it was overpowered...


    "There''s no way it could be this strong."


    I gulp, using inspect, appraisal, and air-stepping up into the sky for a better view of the situation below...


    ____________


    [Lv. 399]


    Active Items:


    [Yeti''s Charm] +50% Defense +50% Ice Magic Resistance


    Active Skills:


    Extreme Strength


    ____________


    I tighten my lips and raise an eyebrow, trying to think all of this through. The monster barely has any gear, and its skill doesn''t even have any upgrades.


    "None of this makes any sense! What''s going on?"


    I grit my teeth, burst into mes, and charge up another dual attack. This time around, I eat into my mana crystal stores much more than before.


    Maybe it was a lucky break. More power will take this Yeti easily. In mid-air, floating about 20m from the iing monster, I imbue roughly 2000MP per de. That''s double the strength of myst attack.


    With another yell, I release the built-up energy. The two crescents hurdle toward the monster. It looks up at me with its glowing red eyes while stopping in ce.


    It nts its feet and puts its arms out straight ahead. That same dim white glow appears...


    On impact, I watch closely with my All-Seeing Eye locked in the monster''s hands. The ming ck and whistling white mana attacks pause in mid-air for a fraction of a second before hitting the beast.


    My perception skill picks up an odd reading...


    I gulp, trying to understand why and how this creature''s skin is bing so dense with mana all of a sudden every time my attackes near. The microscopicyer of pure mana in front of its hands actually covers its entire body. The glow and sh of white light is made when it''s broken and mana is released on impact. If I saw this kind of barrier anywhere else, I''d think it was a man-made mana shield....


    More gears begin turning in my head as Ipare the density of the mana to my own attack.


    As the two des of energy grind through the beast''s defenses, I let out a whisper under my breath.


    "So... monsters can learn mana control too..."


    The dense barrier being formed by the beast was strong enough to block my first attack, but this second one is twice as strong.


    I hear a roar from the boss monster below me as the sh of white light triggers the explosion of my fire and wind as they break through its refined mana defenses.


    The beast explodes into dozens of parts as I give it a small bow of my head as respect. That was the first strong opponent I''ve fought so far in this Labyrinth...


    The fun is just about to begin.


    I use my wind magic to hover down to the icy floor. The fallen monster is already beginning to dissolve. I let out augh, spinning my sword and dagger around, admiring my work.


    Ember drifts down beside me as pick up the fallen loot. It''s arge mana crystal, along with a heavy circr blue stone. I use Appraisal.


    ____________


    [Yeti''s Charm] +50% Defense +50% Ice Magic Resistance


    ____________


    After examining the small blue rock to confirm it''s nothing too extraordinary, I throw it into my item storage along with the mana crystal.


    While my spacial magic is still open, I expand it so Ember can fit inside. I turn on our telepathic link as well.


    "That was almost a decent fight, wouldn''t you agree? Maybe this Behemoth will be a pretty good fight after all. What do you think?"


    The ming Dragon nods.


    "I believe you will face greater challenges the higher we climb. I suggest you let me fight if things get too difficult."


    I pause, then reply.


    "Only if I''m in real life-threatening danger. Otherwise, let me fight my own battles. I''m here to get stronger by fighting tough opponents, I got enough free levels in the Titan''s Domain."


    "Understood."


    Ember smiles and walks into my Pocket Dimension. The white light of the transfer magic fills my vision momentster.


    It''s time to face floor 19.

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    The white transfer magic leaves my vision as I ready my des, turning on enemy detection.


    The sky above me is a pale grey, and thendscape in front of me is made ofpletely ck glossy stone. Formations of rectangr-shaped rocks jut out from the ground in crystal-like structures. They form walls creating an abstract maze of pathways as far as the eye can see.


    I gulp, moving my head back and forth, then opening my spacial magic to let Ember out.


    With a burst of dark mes, the Dragon appears. I hop on his back and we fly up into the sky to take a better look at thendscape.


    What I see below is intriguing, but not exactlyforting...


    The four-sided crystal-like ck stone structures fill the entire dungeon in all shapes and sizes. Some are mountain-sized, creating high peaks in the distance. Some consolidate together, creating rolling hills and valleys. Other sections are more abstract making winding mazes that hunters could get lost in for hours.


    We soar through the air in silence, as the ominous structures whiz by, below us. I sense a few enemies on the way, but I haven''t gotten a close look at one just yet. They''re all between levels 390 and 400.


    Until...


    "Ember."


    I point down toward a massive t ck structure off I the distance about 500m away. There''s a lone enemy standing in the middle of it, this one caught my eye when sense it on my radar. It''s the same exact level as me.


    [Lv. 408]


    "Let''s go down there. I need a warm-up before the boss room. This must be some kind of mutant."


    With a powerful p of his wings, Ember changes his flight path and starts a direct course for the soon-to-be battlefield.


    Squinting, I can make out a humanoid figure just over 200m away now. I''ve never seen a dungeon like this and definitely haven''t faced the monsters within it.


    The fact that these monsters are my level, means they''ll have enough exp to actually give me some proper growth.


    "Finally, it''s time to get stronger."


    We glide down, faster and faster. The mysterious monster finallyes into sight and I get a solid look at the creature.


    It looks like a man... A very, very oversized man with red skin standing nearly 4m tall. With human-like facial features, but sharp jagged Parada-like teeth, the beast turns toward me letting out an eardrum-bursting shriek. It''s almost the size of a Yeti, but much morepact and agile looking.


    Muscles ripple all over its body, and bulging veins pop out through ayer of lightweight silver armor and its sharp green eyes stare vehemently into mine.


    Lastly, it carries a long silver sword...


    I use Appraisal.


    ____________


    Active Items:


    [Berserker Giant''s Armor Set] +1000 Defense


    [Berserker Giant''s Long Sword] [Blood Bonded] +1000 Attack +500 Agility


    Active Skills:


    Swordsmanship


    Berserker


    ____________


    I jump off Ember''s back to plummet down at the creature. The Dragon hovers above awaiting orders.


    I let out an excitedugh while activating all of my stat-boosting skills, charging my des, and bursting into mes.


    The beast below me continues to screech, beginning to glow red from its Berserker skill. Its eyes dart back and forth with extreme precision.


    I watch the monster swing its long silver sword around, readying it as I descend from the sky above.


    It doesn''t flinch for a second as I charge my des up to 2000MP each, dipping into my stored mana crystals. This is 4000MP in total, the same amount it took to defeat the Yeti boss.


    Grinning ear to ear, less than 15m above the ground, I let out a battle cry to match its screeching.


    My attack of fire and wind erupts from both des and hurdles toward the red-glowing beast.


    I watch it shift its body weight and grip its sword tight. A devious grin shows on the monster''s face, the jagged teeth reflect the light of my iing strike.


    Using my wind magic, I slow my fall to watch the two energy attacks collide with the Berserker Giant''s silver sword. A sh of white light appears on impact, and I watch the monster before me block both of my elements-imbued shes to the side like a foul ball.


    There is some pushback on impact, but no damage is done to the Giant or its de. That same invisible shield of mana is being used again, and it''s much stronger this time around...


    I grit my teeth, remembering back to the Yeti blocking my attack with its bare hands. Now, a double-strength attack blocked with an effortless swing of the sword?


    Without a moment''s hesitation, the green-eyed Berserker shifts its weight again, locking its gaze on me in the sky and sprinting forward with terrifying speed and agility.


    Before I can think to move, the monster jumps up in the air with its sword pointed straight ahead. Like a rocket, shooting up from the ground, I watch in awe as the 4m tall Giant jumps over 10m in the air with its de aimed right at me. I airstrip upwards and the creature continues to follow another 10m up into the sky.


    I watch in awe as this beast jumps over 5 times its height without breaking a sweat.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I blip away, about 100m backward even higher up in the sky. I take a deep breath, activating my All-Seeing Eye to re-ess the scene.


    The Giant falls to the floor with a thud far away from me. I air-step closer but keep my distance, examining the beast and its surroundings. It res at me, holding its sword steady while glowing red and pacing back and forth.


    Ember''s voice tugs at the back of my mind, so I open top our link momentarily. He speaks.


    "That was a good start. I''ve fought a simr ss of Berserkers in my past life. They''re skilled battle opponents, but simple to defeat once you figure out their techniques."


    I clench my jaw, a bit embarrassed about having to retreat after my first attack went south.


    "I''ll get it this time. Just watch..."


    Cutting off my link, then staring down at the pacing menace, I begin charging up an ultimate attack.


    Opening up my item storage, I don''t try to conserve a drop of MP. The only thing on my mind is taking this creature out. The way it stares at me with its sharp green eyes and open mouth like I''m its prey makes me sick.


    The faster I can rid the world of that pest, the better.


    I begin to float downward, making sure not to get too close to the Berserker''s jumping range. After 20 seconds or so, I''ve charged up a decent attack. Full of rage, I''ve managed to build up 4000MP per de.


    "More..."


    Continuing to glide closer and closer to the savage beast, another 10 seconds pass and I''ve charged up a 10k MP attack. This is nearing my upper limit....


    Aiming straight, and letting out a yell, I let the highly refined mes and wind soar from my des. The dual high-pressure attack tears through the dungeon''s thick air, leaving heat residue in its path.


    The Berserker''s lips curl at either side, and its green eyes bulge at the sight of my new attack. It grips its sword and begins to glow dark red while nting its back foot.


    A smile of my own creeps across my face as I realize it''s going to take my attack head-on. The one I just released is well over twice as powerful as thest. This beast is in for a surprise.


    Hoping to watch Berserker Giant''s guts fill my vision, I eagerly wait for the moment of impact.


    Watching closely with my All- Seeing Eye, new information is uncovered during this exchange.


    As the two dense crescents of energy make contact with the Giant''s de, the usual white sh of dense mana being released blinds me. Before impact, I watch the two dense barriers collide.


    The energy is almost acting like two solid objects, hence the loud metallic twang, but it''s still hard to tell exactly how it''s done.


    Before I''m able to extract any more data, the wind and fire magic expands exploding into an array of white and red mes and white wind.


    "This is good..."


    Last time the attacks werepletely deflected, this time they managed to hit something and explode on impact. Surely Inded a fatal attack.


    Smirking I keep my guard up, but slowly float down to check out the scene.


    As the magic residue, along with chunks of rock and dust begin to clear, I let out a slight gasp...


    I''m filled with excitement, along with a bit of nerves at the sight before me.


    The Berserker still stands gripping its sword, glowing bright red. Its entire right arm is badly burned... but somehow not on fire....


    Deep cuts from my wind magic have sliced up its torso and dragged its armor, it drips red blood onto the hard ck dungeon floor.


    I can see everyst one of its teeth as the jagged smile cuts deep into my soul from nearly 30m up in the air.


    It lets out a screech, jumping upward with its sword pointed taught ahead. The monster is ready for more...


    I let out a chuckle.


    "Now, this is going to be a good fight."

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    The blood-dripping Berserker Giant falls to the floor after attempting its jump into the sky.


    I check my mana crystal supplies. There''s just under 60k MP worth of crystals in my item storage. Judging by the state of this monster, and its tendency to throw itself in front of my attacks, it seems like I''ll be able to defeat it in just a few more hits.


    Grinning, I charge up both of my des again. The white and red lights glow on both sides of my body as I concentrate on refining the dense mana flowing through my veins down into a perfect attack.


    Locking my eyes on the target below, nearly 30 seconds pass as I charge up my attack full close to 10k MP. Once its ready, I let the energy crescents soar.


    Same as before, they rocket downwards toward the grinning beast. It nts its foot and raises its de, bracing for impact.


    Moments before the mana-dense strikes make contact, I see a red blur move across the t battlefield. The twisted grin of this menace haunts me as it runs from my attack...


    A loud cracking sound rings out secondster as 10k MP worth of hard-earned mana hits the glossy stone structure below exploding into a vibrant red, white light show below.


    I scowl, air-stepping away while keeping my vision locked on the speeding Berserker. I can''t tell what it''s doing, but I know it just messed up my attack and I''m not happy about it.


    This win isn''t going toe as easily as I thought it would.


    Resentfully charging up another 10k worth of MP, I n an attack I''ve been meaning to try for a few days now...


    After 30 seconds go by and both my des are near the point of full mana saturation, I concentrate hard on my target and whisper two words under my breath.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Teleporting to the opposite side of the ck square arena, still over 20m in the air, I release my dual attack. In the blink of an eye, I teleport over 100m to the other side of our battlefield right behind the hidious creature.


    Now, with the element of surprise on my side, the white and ck energy des rip through the air with All-Seeing Eye-guided precision.


    It takes fractions of a second for the dense mana output to reach its intended destination. Watching it hurdle toward the Berserker''s back, I let out a victory yell. Itnds a perfect unguarded hit.


    A bright white light shines on impact. Then after half a second ofg, wind and fire magic erupt from the target. Crimson red mes along with near-invisible razor-sharp gusts of wind shoot out in all directions.


    I air-step closer full of curiosity, eager to admire my job well done. Today is the first time I''ve been able to test my new mona refinement abilities on a moving enemy that can actually take a hit.


    The dust clears as I approach, but I stop abruptly as a red glow seeps out from below me. It''s followed by another ear-piercing screech as the menace jumps up with its sword pointed straight ahead.


    There are more residual burns and gashes from my wind shes and fire magic, but somehow, it hasn''t slowed down one bit. If anything, the beast has gotten faster and stronger from taking these attacks.


    I use Dungeon Walker to teleport backward again, about 30m high in the sky. It takes a considerable amount of wind magic to keep me upright in the sky, I''m having to plunder MP from crystals more than I''d like to. It''s the only way to avoid the leaping monster''s attacks.


    It hits the ground with another thud, locking its eyes on me again and sprinting around in circles with greater speed than its previous attack.


    This is how Berserkers work.... The more I attack the more that beast will enjoy the fight. The closer it gets to dying, the more danger I''ll be in.


    It seems like I''ll be safe if I stay high up in the sky though, I just need tond a few more attacks.


    Peering into my item storage I count just under 50k MP worth of crystals. Burning through my whole supply would allow for 5 more solid attacks... Possibly... If I can manage tond everyst one of them, maybe that will be enough.


    Grinning, I begin to charge up another full-power attack into both of my des. The Berserker stares at me from below salivating at the thought of battle.


    Moments before releasing my strike, I Dungeon Walk to the opposite side of the monster and let it soar. After a sh of white light and a wind-filled fiery explosion, the rubble and dust clear up again.


    I hit the beast, and it''s even more scorched and bloody than before, but its wicked grin just keeps getting wider and wider...


    It''s a bit off-putting, but I like this monster''s style. Charging up another 10k MP attack, the smirk across my face begins to look simr to the monster I''m trying to defeat.


    Dungeon Walking to its far side again, I let out another dual strike. As lights sh and mes fly up in the air, augh escapes my lips. Energy surges through my veins as I begin charging up another strike before the dust even clears.


    "This... is fun..."


    Deep wounds show all over the Berserker''s thick red skin. Its light armor is riddled with holes and sh marks. A trail of red blood follows the beast as it continues to run across the t arena-like surface below.


    With its silver sword held steady and green eyes locked on me, the monster doesn''t flinch for a second jumping at me again.


    Dungeon Walking behind it, I let out another attack as it screeches out in agony.


    Every time I do so, I activate my All-Seeing Eye to collect more data on the mana refinement that these new dungeon creatures have.


    So far, I''ve found that moments before impact, the creature lets out a thinyer of dense mana surrounding its skin. To me, if I were not using my perception abilities, this mana shield would be invisible to the naked eye until impacted with an equal or greater force.


    The sh of white light seems to be the release of used MP after a sh of attacks, if my shots were weaker, they may have just bounced off without making much of a white glow at all...


    The dust clears from my most recent attack and the beast is still standing. Its movements and strength seem to all be at 100%, but based on its physical appearance I can tell about 50% of its HP is spent.


    I air-step higher into the sky counting less than 15k MP left in my storage. I scowl but push forward. I''m too far into this battle to give up now. I can''t just leave halfway through after burning through all of my hard-earned MP.


    "It''s all or nothing. I need to do one final attack to finish this monster off for good..."


    After a deep breath, I begin charging up both des again. This time, not holding back in the slightest. I glow red and gold with the power from my bloodlust, berserker, and extreme strength buffs.


    Plundering the MP from everyst drop of mana crystal I have in my storage, my des begin to glow and rattle. The berserker''s eyes widen and it begins to glow darker red as well.


    With that silver sword at the ready, it''s eager to take on my newest attack head-on.


    Just like in my past attempts, whenever charging up past my limits, the fire and wind elements begin eating away at my hands and arms. This can be healedter, but it''s definitely painful in the moment. Struggling to hold on for over 40 seconds, I manage a full charge.


    This is one of the biggest un-aided attacks I''ve let out since the Titan''s Domain. A total of 13.5k MP all stored up in one dual attack.


    With a yell, I Dungeon Walk to the monster''s blind spot, and let it soar.


    The release of energy feels incredible in the moment as I watch each mana de glide through the air. The only downside is, my MP nearly hits 0 as I fall from the sky...


    Watching the collision of attacks from a distance, the ground gets closer and closer. The white sh, followed by a ball of fire puts a grin across my face.


    The red glow and murderous screech that follows do not...


    My heart skips a beat as I watch the now one-armed menace jump 10m in the air out from the cloud of dust and rubble. Gushing blood and glowing red. The Berserker points its silver sword at me, sporting a twisted smile.


    I fall toward the monster, fully able to activate Dungeon Walker as I please, but not interested in the slightest.


    My final attack almost did the job...


    Just one more and I could have finished this beast off.


    I think of calling for Ember, or even going back to the lower floors to farm more MP, but none of these options will satiate my craving for killing this monster in battle right here and now.


    Gritting my teeth as I fall closer and closer to the glowing Berserker below me, I reach into my item storage to pull out a Strengthening Fragment. Holding it in the same hand as my dagger, I smirk while bringing it closer to my mouth.


    "The real fight is about to begin."

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    I watch the ground get closer and closer as the Berserker lies in wait below.


    "This is the only way."


    I toss the small ck Strengthening Fragment into my mouth and prepare for its full power to be unleashed. As the tingling sensation in my fingertips begins, I get a nagging sensation on my telepathic link. It''s Ember.


    "Master, this is not wise."


    I clench my jaw while the gem begins to activate. Pins and needles form all over my body and the warm feeling of near-limitless mana begins pouring into my chest, then circting through my veins.


    Letting out a gasp, I begin charging my des without a moment''s hesitation, then reply.


    "This must be done. Just catch me when I fall."


    "Understood."


    des glowing, and Dungeon Walker Activated, I blip around to the backside of the one-armed, heavily breathing Berserker.


    In less than 10 seconds, a 15k MP attack has already easily been charged. This is far more powerful than anything I''ve thrown at the beast so far. I release it instantly, charging another one up as I Dungeon Walk to its opposite side.


    A sh of white flight followed by the fiery explosion clouds my vision, but I push through.


    The moment I see a dim red glow from within peek out, I release another full-force 15k MP attack.


    The negative effects of the Strengthening Fragment are starting to take ce. Even pumped up on battle adrenaline, the influx of mana into my bloodstream is overwhelming. Releasing 15k MP attacks with no cool down in between is extremely painful, but euphoric at the same time.


    The feeling of a thousand tiny knives piercing my body returns, partnered with both hot and cold sensations all over confusing my senses.


    With a yell, I let out another 15k MP attack straight into the fiery cloud rubble hoping to get a final shot in on the mutted monster.


    With my vision blurring, I try to charge a 4th attack, but it''s no use... My eyes roll into the back of my head and I ck out, just like thest time I tried one of these fragments.


    Everything goes dark....


    "..."


    [Level Up]


    "Master."


    "..."


    "Master, it looks like you''re moving again."


    I let out a groan as I wake up to the "Level Up" notification bringing me to level 409.


    My bones feel frail and my muscles ache like they''re about to snap.


    I try to use self regeneration, but realize I''mpletely out of MP. Moving my head back and forth slowly while sitting up and adjusting to the light, I take in the view.


    Arge crater has been made in the middle of the perfect smooth square-shaped battlefield. Ember sits beside me, and both of my des rest on the ground nearby.


    "Did... I kill it?"


    "You did, and we''ve leveled up too."


    I see a grin creep across the Dragon''s face.


    Letting out a chuckle as I groan and stand to my feet I reply.


    "I knew you wouldn''t be too mad if there was something in it for you as well. You''ll rank up in no time."


    I ce a hand on the glossy scales lining the monster''s back.


    "Mind if I borrow some MP?"


    "It''s all yours, Master."


    I begin to plunder a few hundred mana points, attempting to regenerate my sore body. It helps a bit, but the aftermath of overusing MP can''t be healed so easily.


    "Appreciate it.... It''s still just Jay by the way- well, call me whatever you want I guess."


    I ce my des into my item storage, getting ready to teleport us out of here, but then remember one of the most important questions I forgot to ask.


    "Did that Berserker drop any loot?"


    Ember turns to the crater.


    "I believe it did."


    I slowly walk over to therge hole in the ground filled with excitement. This beast was no ordinary monster, its item drop will most likely be pretty interesting.


    The edge of the 20m wide, 5m deep pit nears. I peer over the edge to see two items on the ground below. The first is arge mana crystal, and the second is a long silver sword.


    I jump down into the crater and activate appraisal to get a better look.


    [Berserker Giant''s Long Sword] [Unbonded] +1000 Attack +500 Agility


    Nodding slowly, grinning at the shiny new sword in my possession, I think back to the first time appraised this monster. I''m sure the text that reads [Unbonded] read [Blood Bonded] moments ago.


    I scratch my chin, plundering the mana crystal and waving the shining sword around aimlessly in the air with a stupid grin across my face. Doing so brings another question to mind...


    "Hey Ember, how long was I out?"


    "No more than 15 minutes, it wasn''t too long."


    I nod while cing the odd weapon into my inventory. That''s longer thanst time, but not too bad.


    Letting out a sigh, I stretch my back and arms. I have no mana left, and my body feels like it''s about to fall apart if I don''t get some proper rest.


    "We''re going back to the 10th floor. This was a good first day of climbing. It seems like the 20th-floor boss room may be pretty difficult after all..."


    "Very well."


    I open up my spacial magic portal and allow Ember to walk inside. Without another thought, I Dungeon Walk back to my rented room at the 10th-floor Checkpoint Inn.


    I close my eyes and fall asleep.


    Hourster, I wake up to a loud banging on the wooden door less than 3m from my bed. I rub my eyes and groan while rolling off the low bed frame down to the floor.


    "Jay! Rise and shine! Time for your first day of training!"


    The sound of Fisher''s arrogant, but enthusiastic voice rings out loud and clear through the poorly made thin walls.


    I stand up to struggle to walk across the room to turn the lock.


    "Yeah, yeah. I''m awake. What is it?"


    The door swings open and I see the blue-haired swordsman grinning at me with Rn close behind. Fisher points to the redhead.


    "He''s tagging along today too."


    Rn waves at me with a cheerful grin on his face.


    "Hey, it''s not every day I get to see Elite level training. I may learn a few things."


    I open my mouth to reply, but Fisher continues.


    "Come on, let''s get some breakfast. I''ll fill ya in on the day''s tasks."


    I walk out the door with a nod, closing it behind me with a light thud. Fisher takes the lead, walking down the steps as Rn talks my ear off about how his team is going off to hunt High Ogres while he stays here for a few more days.


    I just woke up... All this stimtion isn''t helping my headache and sore parts.


    As I walk down the wooden steps, I can feel the individual joints in my ankles and knees crack. They make slight popping sounds and I''m struck with a sharp pain after every step. It''s nothing I can''t handle, just a bit annoying...


    The 3 of us walk over to the front desk to be greeted by Mr. Conway.


    "Well good morning to the 3 of you! Well..."


    The man looks down at his watch.


    "Actually, it''s closer to midnight in the outside world, but good morning to ya anyways! It looks like you''ve all gotten to know each other a bit better now. Am I right?"


    Fisher smirks, putting an arm around both Rn and me.


    "Yeah, we''re getting along just fine."


    A squirm out from his grip with an annoyed look on my face. Rn on the other hand, looks pretty used to this treatment.


    The blue-haired swordsman speaks up again.


    "Another round of drinks and food, the house special. Jay is starting his training today. I''ll be teaching him about the Tier 1 techniques and how a Tier 0 can handle higher-level monsters."


    The old man looks over to me, smirks, then looks back at Fisher.


    "Got it, you''re food and drink will be out shortly. Take a seat."


    The Innkeeper points to an empty table nearby and walks over to a small door near the far side of the counter whispering under his breath with a grin.


    "Oh, what it would be like to be young again."


    Fisher leads us over to the table, shouting to the old man.


    "Thanks, Conway."


    We all sit down and wait in silence for a few seconds. I look the Elite in the eyes with a puzzled expression on my face.


    "What did you mean by all of that? A Tier 1 and a Tier 0? What do all these terms mean...?"


    I gulp, eager for a reply. Rn listens wide-eyed and grinning. Fisher nods, putting both hands on the table before replying.


    "The Tiers I mentioned are just a system the Association created to track the progress of mana control in Elite level hunters. I''m a Tier 1, a Low-Grade, but still a Tier 1. You are definitely a Tier 0, if I had to guess you''re still a Low-Grade, but on the edge of breaking into the Mid-Grade range. This week you''ll be breaking through."


    I squint my eyes, still confused about what these Tiers even represent. Fisher continues.


    "Remember yesterday? When you threw that highly refined mana attack at me and I didn''t use a single skill to block it."


    I nod, thinking back to the time I threw that attack at his open chest and it didn''t make a single scratch... It reminds me of the Yeti and Berserker I fought earlier too. They all used a simr technique.


    Fisher leans in.


    "Well, this is a Tier 1 mana control technique called Mana Shielding. We''ll be working on a few ways to improve your mana control this week. It''s the only way you''ll be able to stand a chance on higher floors. The Behemoth''s Mana Shielding is near the level of my own."

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    I stare nkly at Fisher.


    This advanced mana control technique he''s talking about makes sense. The only thing that bugs me, is the fact that this ability is pretty well-known in the Association... I had no idea it existed before I learned it.


    I reply.


    "So you''re saying, by the end of the week you''ll be able to teach me how to create a defensive technique like your own?"


    The swordsman smirks then lets out augh.


    "Yeah, right! I said we''d work on some techniques to help you break through one of these shields, learning how to form one yourself is on a whole different skill level. Plus, we have one task this week. There''s no point in focusing on anything else right? Efficiency is key."


    I grin, as he nods to me.


    "Right. Kill the Behemoth."


    After a long pause, the old man''s voice rings out from the back room.


    "Food is ready, eat up and get out!"


    The Innkeeper brings over 3 steaming hot tes of food on a silver tter along with 3 drinks in his other hand.


    Once served, I eat up like this is my first meal in days. Trust me, I know what that feels like.... Expending massive amounts of mana puts my body into shock like it''s back in the Titan''s Domain. After hard training like this, I always try to eat as much as I can and use self regeneration to its limits. Even so, it still takes days to recover fully.


    The 3 of us pig out for a few minutes, enjoying the feast in front of us and ignoring everything in the surrounding area.


    About 5 minutes in, once food isn''t the only thing on our minds, Rn speaks up.


    "So, what will you two do for training today?"


    He looks over to Fisher as he gulps down his drink and waves at Mr. Conway to grab him another.


    The redhead continues.


    "Jay has an element-imbued weapon just like you, are you going to start him off with mountain training? Or is there not enough time for something like that?"


    I raise an eyebrow, confused at the sound of this so-call "mountain training". Fisher replies while wiping his mouth with his sleeve.


    "Usually, new Elite recruits can''t manage toplete that training method in months if they tried. The Director says you''re a special case, just like me.


    He smirks, downing a fork full of food and turning to me.


    "I finished mine in under a week. You can handle it, right?"


    I shrug, shoveling another bite of food into my mouth too. After swallowing hard, I reply.


    "Whatever it is, if it''ll make me stronger, I''m in."


    I take another bite and zone out as the two of themugh and start a new conversation about the Association and a few previous missions they were both on recently.


    I don''t know either of these two guys very well. Rn seems like he wouldn''t harm a fly, and Fisher is one of the strongest hunters I''ve ever met.


    After facing one of the mobs on floor 19, and having to use a Strengthening Fragment to finish it off, I can only imagine whates after that. All of this talk about mana control is making me pretty excited. It''s a new power I can harness to get stronger and stronger.


    The way Fisher exined those tiers makes it seem like I have a long way to go...


    I may be strong enough to weasel in a victory aided by a mana-boosting drug, but it won''t be enough to face floor 20. I can tell I''m going to have to put some trust in Fisher and let him teach me a few things this week.


    Ember seems to know a thing or two about mana control as well. I''ll have to pick his brain when I get a chance.


    We continue our meals, and the blue-haired swordsman throws a silver coin onto the innkeeper''s desk.


    "Come on, let''s get started. The more time you have to do training, the better."


    Fisher points at the door, motioning for us all to leave. I get up from my seat with a te licked clean. Rn follows and speaks up as we near the door.


    "You don''t have to keep paying for meals here. It''s all taken care of by the Association."


    The front door creeks open as the Elite replies.


    "I know, it''s just an old habit of mine."


    The 3 of us walk outside and make our way over to the backside of the Inn. Therge crater from our little altercation yesterday is gone... like it never happened...


    I point to the t rock-filled grassy earth shouting out to the hunters in front of me.


    "Hey! Did someone fix this? What''s going on here... why is the hole I made earlier todaypletely gone?"


    Fisher responds but doesn''t even bother to turn around.


    "Come on, this way. If you don''t know already, that''s part of your training too. I''ll fill you in once we make it to our destination."


    "I- fine. Where are we going anyways?"


    The blue-haired swordsman points up in the sky toward the closest mountain in the dungeon. Its rocky base has to be nearly 1km wide and it towers high into the sky. It''s the smallest mountain here, but still pretty impressive.


    I nod and follow along.


    The pair love to talk it up. While they''re bragging to each other about questspleted, I''m taking out diving Griffins as they fall from the sky.


    Our walk takes just under 30 minutes. As we arrive near the base of the first towering peak, I finally start asking questions again. This mid-morning stroll was nice and all, but it''s time to get down to business.


    "Hey, Fisher. Now are you gonna tell me why someone took the time out of their day to fill up a hole I made in a dungeon? I still don''t get it."


    He lets out a chuckle.


    "I didn''t realize you were still thinking about that."


    I give him a light re.


    "What does it have to do with my training anyways?"


    Grinning, the swordsman turns his body to point an open palm up at the mountain above us.


    "It rtes to your training a lot actually. I''m surprised you''ve never heard about Dungeon Regeneration Rates."


    "... No, I haven''t. Exin."


    "Dungeons and the monsters within them are made of pure mana. The only exception is when specific dropped items convert energy to actual worldly mass."


    I nod slowly as he continues.


    "Dungeons are created to look, act, and perform in a certain way. Dungeons andbyrinths grow stronger as we bring we, the hunters, bring more mana into them. If reckless idiotse in and rampage the ce to leave it a mess, who would want toe back for more? How will the dungeons andbyrinths get stronger?"


    I start to open my mouth as gears begin to turn in my head. Fisher continues.


    "Every isted Dungeon has a specific regeneration rate. Some that have stronger mana tend to regenerate faster, and others with weaker mana levels tend to heal a bit slower. Size, location, age, mob levels, if the dungeon is in abyrinth or not, there are a lot of factors that y into this."


    I finally get a word in, now understanding how the floor magically returned to normal overnight.


    "So.. how long is the rate on this one?"


    The Elite grins.


    "Just under 8 hours."


    I start scratching my chin and thinking to myself about this concept.


    It seems like Fisher knows a bit more than I thought, but I have more insight on this new discovery than most hunters would ever get in a lifetime. I am after all bonded with a Labyrinth Guardian... A literal Dragon.


    Ember has enlightened me on a few things. The first being, monsters only care about you for your mana. Mindless beasts are always programmed to kill an outsider on sight, even Intelligent monsters have an unwavering urge to defeat those that trespass into their domain.


    There must be some reasoning behind this, but so far, I haven''t found that out.


    The one''s profiting off the dungeons, most likely a Demon and Dragon pairing, want to keep them tidy for guests when they arrive.


    With excess mana stores avable, dungeons can be healed back to their original form.


    A grin starts to grow across my face. New information is always so satisfying when I can put more pieces of a puzzle together.


    "So... what do the regeneration rates of this dungeon have to do with my training?"


    Fisher lets out a sigh, still pointing his palm high up into the air at the rocky mountain high in the sky. He brings his hand down and points at me, then to a rock wall about 100m away from us.


    The words thene out of his mouth next leave me in a simultaneous state of shock, awe, and amusement.


    Fisher speaks.


    "You have 8 hours to make a cut all the way through this mountain with nothing but your mana, magic skills, and a sword."

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    Still trying to process the words that just came out of the blue-haired Elite''s mouth, I stand with a nk expression on my face. He really said...


    "You have 8 hours to make a cut all the way through this mountain with nothing but your mana, magic skills, and a sword."


    The corners of my mouth begin to curl as he stares at me with a very serious look on his face. I turn to Rn, but he just shrugs... This doesn''t help me out one bit.


    Unable to hold myself back, I let out a loudugh while bending over and holding my knees. I continue to process what the swordsman just asked me to do.


    "Cut it all the way through? You want me... do cut this mountain in two? Who do you think I am?"


    Fisher reaches into his item box and takes out his sword. Without a moment''s hesitation, it begins to glow light blue. He turns to a jagged cliff overhang about 200m away from us and gracefully swings his sword.


    A paper-thin crescent of almost invisible blue mana leaves his des, flying through the sky toward the cliff nearby.


    Preparing for an explosion followed by an avnche, I take out my own de and get ready to air-step away. On impact, quite the opposite happens...


    The thin blue de of energy hits the rocky overhang and doesn''t even make a sound. I watch closely, eagerly waiting to see what will happen next...


    The blue energy attackes out of the top of the overhand inplete silence. I open my mouth but no wordse out as I watch the massive ledge of rock separate from the mountain and fall to the dungeon floor momentster. A perfectly straight and glossy smooth cut has been made through the entire cliff side letting a huge chunk of rock hit the ground with an earth-shaking thud.


    Fisher grins, putting his de away and turning toward me. The dust cloud from the fallen rock settles as he speaks.


    "By the end of this training session, hopefully, you''ll be able to release an attack simr to that."


    Still, wide-eyed and in shock at the precision of his blow, I let the Elite continue.


    "Maybe I phrased myself incorrectly before. I meant, you''ll need to learn to create an attack that can cut through this entire mountain, uninterrupted."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What kind of training is this...? Cutting through rock? How does this help me with mana control?"


    Fisher throws me two small pink bottles, then points to my sword.


    "I''ve seen you charge up at least that much into one of your des. Try the same attack as me, throw one at the ledge. Once you can make a slice half as clean as mine, we can move on to the next stage of training. Got it?"


    I catch the two bottles, examining them and confirming that they''re just C-ss MP potions.


    "Sure- I can do that..."


    Clenching my jaw, I ignite my sword into mes, uncork the first bottle, and begin to charge up. Drinking both potions with one hand, and gripping my weapon tight with the other. I manage to imbue a full 5000MP in just under 20 seconds.


    Dropping both bottles to the floor, I grip my ming de with both hands and nt my feet locking my vision on the cliff''s half-cut ledge in front of me. Its glossy shine from Fisher''sst attack glimmers in the artificial sun''s light.


    I focus on making my mana as dense, fine, and powerful as possible. With a grunt, I swing my sword and let the ck crescent of dense fire rip through the skies.


    Trails of crimson-red fire residues are left in its tracks. Heat waves make the air ripple behind it, distorting our visions as the hot sh rockets toward the ledge high above us.


    It makes contact with the side of the mountain, letting off a loud crack. It pierces through pretty smoothly at first but begins to expand on impact creating an eruption of mes. Medium-sized boulders and smaller rock fragments fly off in all directions.


    This is what tends to happen with all my attacks, they''re precise on impact but always explode into a ball of energy once disrupted in any way.


    The dust and fire residue clears up, and I''m left staring at a jagged crater on the side of the cliff. Fisher smirks.


    "Not bad for your first day. For someone with yourck of technical knowledge, it''s impressive you''ve made it this far in the first ce. How''d you manage to train your mana control at such a young age? I looked at your file before you got here, you''re only 20, right?"


    I nod.


    "The Director said you''ve already made it to level 400 as well."


    I freeze, trying to think how and when the Director could have ever figured this out... His Appraisal skill shouldn''t even show levels. Even if it does, I''m positive I was using [Conceal] every time I entered that office.


    Fisher keeps talking.


    "I''ll take that as a yes? Come on, you''ve got to tell me how you did it."


    I continue to stand there without saying a word, leaving the 3 of us in silence for a few seconds. Then, I reply once my thoughts are in order.


    "The mana control is simple. I just do a lot of training... Every bronze coin earned goes back into mana refinement. Ever since I awakened, it''s been the only thing on my mind."


    I gulp, but Fisher nods with a smile


    "I''ve done the same thing. Ever since I was picked up by the association as an E-ss 4 years ago, fresh out of high school. Every coin earned has gone into mana, I like your style."


    He grins at me with a satisfied look on his face.


    I nod, doing a few simple calctions in my head to assume Fisher is 22. Just 2 years older than me. He speaks up while I''m lost in thought.


    "The levels, how''d you manage that? Brutus told me you managed to take down a few Titans too, but they don''t even drop exp. So that couldn''t have even been how you leveled."


    He looks up at the sky, thinking hard about something.


    I shrug, looking at the ground while trying to think of a reply. To my relief, after a few seconds, I get cut off as he decides to end this conversation short.


    "Whatever, I''m not one to pry too much. That''s enough gossip for me. Time for you to get to work."


    Fisher reaches toward his item box and pulls out a few handfuls of C-ss MP potions. I raise an eyebrow at the ocean of ss bottles pouring out of his tiny leather item pouch doesn''t seem to end... They just keep oning... The blue-haired swordsman pours out almost 400 potions into arge pile on the dungeon floor.


    "I- Are.. these all..."


    He smirks.


    "Wee to the Association. Life as an Elite isn''t half bad."


    "..."


    "This is what the higher-ups gave me for your training this week. It seems like they''re in quite a hurry to get enough Dark Continent squads ready. Spending 100 gold on mana for a newbie like you during his 2nd week under contract is pretty unheard of. You must have really made a good impression on the Director."


    I don''t reply, nor am I listening to much of anything Fisher is saying. I just grin, walking toward the pile of potions before me. It''s my lucky day... The moment I run out of mana crystals, nearly 1 million MP worth of potions happens to fall right into myp.


    The pink glow of potions reflects off my goofy grin as I approach. Fisher speaks up, pointing at the 1km wide mountain in front of us as I throw my sword to the ground and dive both hands deep into the glowing pile of pink treasure.


    "When I did this training, my mentor let me figure things out for myself. I have a feeling you learn in a simr way, so I won''t make this easy."


    Too mesmerized by the potions, I still don''t bother replying. He continues.


    "Hey listen!"


    I shake my head and snap out of it. He finishes up his speech.


    "As you know, the regeneration rate in this dungeon is roughly 8 hours. Your task is to cut a hole all the way through this mountain, by any means necessary. I want to see an exit hole on the other side."


    "..."


    "I''ll be back to check on you in 8 hours if you don''te to the Inn''s lobby before then. If the hole through this mountain doesn''t reach all the way through, you''ve failed and must try again tomorrow. Take as many hits as you want, but brute forcing a tunnel may be a lot harder than it seems. You''ll have to get much stronger than you are now, in more ways than just pure power. Got it?"


    I nod.


    "Whatever you say...."


    He bows his head slightly with a smile.


    "Best of luck, we''ll be back soon."


    Rn throws his hands up in the air from a distance.


    "Heye on that''s it? No exnation? No guidelines? Not even a hint? Nothing? How is he going to-"


    Fisher throws an arm around the redhead''s shoulder, cutting him off.


    "He''s got this. It may take all week, but if I figured it out with I was younger, he can too."


    I watch the two of them walk off back in the direction of the Inn, leaving me at the base of the mountain all alone...


    One by one, I put all the newly acquired MP potions into my item storage. It''s not my preferred way of replenishing MP, but it''s a whole lot better than nothing.


    Once that''s taken care of I grab my sword off the ground. That strike I threw at the cliffside was the first one in a while that wasn''t a dual attack.


    I''m supposed to be training. Concentrating on one de may help with my focus, that''s what Fisher does, so why don''t I give it a try? The way that crescent of blue energy came out of his de is like nothing I''ve ever seen. It was such a pure, dense, and concise attack.


    My goal this week is to get to that level... I just have to figure out how...


    I walk closer to the t stone wall, giving myself about 30m of space tounch another attack.


    With a smirk, I take out 2 C-ss MP potions and begin to charge up my de.


    This training session is about to begin.

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    I stare down at my ck sword. It begins to glow red, flickering with crimson mes as I charge it up with two C-ss MP bottles worth of mana worth 5k points.


    Fisher may have said brute force won''t work, but he doesn''t know what kind of brute force I''m capable of. Activating all of my stat-boosting skills I begin to glow red and gold.


    I release the charged-up st straight at the stone cliff before me. It explodes into a fireball just like my previous attack, making a deep crater in the rock. Fragments of mountainside fly everywhere and the dust settles a few secondster.


    Looking at the hole in front of me, I grin while reaching for more potions to charge up a second attack.


    "This is gonna be easy..."


    Over the next 30 minutes, I throw 9 more attacks. This is roughly 50k MP output in total.


    The first 3 or 4 of these strikes are pretty promising blows, they look less than 5 minutes altogether. They st chunks of boulders in all directions allowing me to make my way further into the mountain''s side by about 5 meters each time.


    The problem I begin to run into after these initial strikes is the leftover rubble left in ce after each explosion... When I first pictured digging a hole through this mountain of rock, I didn''t take into ount the fact that I''d have to put the excess waste somewhere...


    Luckily, I have just the ce to carryrge amounts of immovable matter.


    "Spacial Magic."


    Opening my white spinning pocket dimension that I use as item storage, I carefully moverge pieces of stone from inside as I continue to dig deeper into the mountainside. With every full power attack I throw, the same size explosion is created, making the tunnel into this mountain base about 4-5 meters wide.


    I think about using both of my des. It would surely make a bigger explosion, but the amount of physical strain one of those attacks does on my body is pretty damaging. One sword is more efficient on my body as well as MP stores.


    Another 30 minutes pass and I let out another 8 attacks.


    My breathing is starting to get heavier and the excess amount of mana being used is beginning to take its toll on me already....


    I''m just about 100m into the mountain, with 18 attacks thrown at it. That''s around 90k MP worth of potions, at this rate, It''ll be just enough to make it though....


    There are two problems I''m facing so far. First, the timeframe. A full hour to only make it 1/10 of the way through isn''t going to cut it.


    I grit my teeth and begin charging up my de again.


    "I''ll just have to go twice as fast."


    Secondly, all this mana excess usage is tiring me out. Nearly 100k MP an hour is impossible to keep up for long. Using a million in a day sounds insane...


    My joints are starting to itch with that sore feeling that I get after overseeing mana. My muscles are tightening up too, but it''s not that bad just yet.


    I''ve had it way worse. I can keep this up, I just need to figure out how to improve...


    Hacking away at this stone wall isn''t helping me train in the slightest. My mana control may increase in proficiency by a small amount from using up all this MP, but that isn''t the point of Fisher''s training session. There must be some kind of trick to this...


    Gripping my glowing de and staring at the cave wall before me, I let out a frustrated grunt. After thinking things through for a few more minutes, I start again.


    "All-Seeing Eye."


    Letting out another 10 attacks in record time, I make even more good headway. This barrage isplete in under 20 minutes. Along with trying to limit my break times in between shes, I focused on the density of my mana control. I fine-tune each attack to make sure more power is stored into smaller and denser attacks.


    This is what helped me cut through that white wall in the Titan''s Domain. It must be how Fisher can cut through rocks like butter. Making my attack denser and stronger is the only way it''ll cut this mountain in two without blowing up in my face. Right..?


    After going all out, using up another 50k MP and clearing all the excess rubble with my spacial magic, I lean up against the cave wall about 150m into the mountain.


    It''s pretty dark this deep within the cave. The white light from outside barely makes it in. The only way for me to see is with the mes from my sword after each attack and the use of my perception skill.


    My fingers are starting to tingle, my ankles are weakening, and a sharp pain in my lower back irks me every time I put too much pressure into my attack stance.


    "I''m using too much mana..."


    Over 150k MP has been run through today, and in a very short amount of time too.


    I let out a sigh, using self regeneration to the best of my ability on my tight muscles and worn-out joints while sliding down the cool cave wall.


    "I didn''t get anything done today..."


    It''s been almost 2 hours and I''ve already worn myself out to the limit. There hasn''t been any noticeable change in my attack power or precision. I just don''t have enough time or mana to figure this out...


    Using my perception skill hardly helps at all. I can see the flowing mana around me, and watch the energy be a highly refined, dense attack before letting it fly, but I''d be able to do mostly the same thing without it.


    Feeling the flow of mana throughout my own body isn''t too difficult, especially with the newfound level of control I''ve obtained recently.


    I let out another long sigh, racking my brain for any potential ideas.


    "There has to be a trick...."


    I grit my teeth, standing up while igniting my sword into mes.


    Fisher said I''d learn how to do all of this my own way, and brute force wouldn''t work... Maybe he''s right, but how am I supposed to figure this out without any guidance? I don''t even know what he wants me to do... Cut a hole through a mountain? His mana control is on a whole different level than mine. I''d need dozens of times more MP to get to that level.


    He said it took him a full week...


    I don''t want to spend a week meaningless shing at a stone wall... I''m not learning anything.


    cing my sword back into my item storage, I begin to pace up and down the 150m long cave. After thinking over every word that blue-haired swordsman said, still, nothing stands out in my mind.


    Angrily, I start dumping piles of rubble in the grassy clearing outside the cave entrance. There''s no point in leaving these rocks in my storage any longer than I need to.


    Before going back inside, I stare up at the portion of cliff that still reflects light off of its glossy surface. Other than the crater I blew into the mountainside right next to it, every bit of the rock wall is perfectly smooth.


    "How...?"


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye and look closer at the sliced rock above me. This is the only clue I have left to solve this puzzle.


    I air-step upwards to get a much closer look. Sitting on the ledge of the cliff, I start my examination. The stone''s surface is smooth to the touch, almost like I''m rubbing my fingers against a freshly cleaned ss window.


    Squinting, and bringing my head closer with my perception ability active on full st, I let out a curious whisper.


    "Now this... is interesting..."


    Usually, when I use my All-Seeing Eye on anything within a dungeon, intense mana readings pour out in all directions. Swirling clouds of pink and white energy seem to flow like air in environments like this.


    This rock on the other hand... The surface that''s been sliced is not giving off any readings. It''s almost like Fisher was cauterizing a wound. The smooth surface of the rock face is acting like a miniature mana shield to its own magical pressure.


    That swordsman''s attack was so thin and precise, it sliced through this mana-based dungeon material with little to no resistance at all.


    Remembering back to that thin blue energy wave, I realize he hardly even charged his sword. He used under a full bar of MP.


    With my head spinning at all this new information, I jump down from the ledge with a smirk across my face while walking back into the tunnel.


    "So that''s what he was trying to tell me... It''s not all about power..."

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    I walk deeper into the cave I''ve been hallowing out for hours with a newfound spring in my step.


    After my small study break, up on that ledge, it seems like I have a new tactic to try out. Instead of trying to cram as much power into an attack as possible, what if I make it as thin as possible?


    It''s not like I''m trying to break through a high-density mana barrier, or some unbreakable armor. These are just dungeon boulders. With enough hits, I could probably crumble them with my bare hands...


    I let out a chuckle as I near the end of the cave.


    "Now... let''s try something new..."


    Using up just one MP potion, I charge my de with about 2500 mana points while activating my stat boosting and perception skills. It glows and flickers, ready to let out its full power. I focus on creating as thin of an attack as possible. With less mana in the strike, I''m able to make it much denser than before.


    I swing my de at the wall and a thin crescent of mana-imbued fire magices out. I eagerly watch as the energy ms against the cave wall with a loud crack, blowing rocks and dust in all directions just like myst few dozen attempts.


    "Hmm."


    Taking out another MP potion, I try again. Concentrating harder this time, glowing golden-red. I manage to condense the mana even further down in my de before letting it soar.


    Rocks fly in all directions as I reach for another MP potion to try it all again.


    I throw denser and denser attacks at the wall until I''ve hit my limit. After drinking 9 potions in total, throwing all of these attacks in under 15 minutes, and still making no progress, I set out a long sigh.


    "There''s definitely still something missing...."


    Sliding down the side of the cave wall, I let my sword fall to the ground with a light ng and put out my mes to sit in darkness. Turning to my side to look at the faint white light shining in from afar.


    My joints still ache, my back is prickling with a sharp pain, and my legs are begging me not to stand up again. I''ve nearly hit my limit. There''s no way I''m making it all the way through this cave today.


    Sitting in silence, looking down at the cave floor that will turn back into a solid mountain once I leave today, a curious thoughtes to mind. I mumble under my breath.


    "Mana... it''s all just mana..."


    I stand to my feet, trying to finish connecting the dots in my head about this new epiphany.


    I''m not trying to cut through something like a solid object back in the outside world. I''m just trying to cut through a mana shield. These walls may look and feel like rock but is really just a low-grade mana shield in its simplest form.


    If I hit it too hard, with too much energy, everything is thrown out of wack.


    Grinning, I drink another potion and grip my sword letting it glow light red. I charged just 100 MP into the weapon and condense this small amount of mana into a very dense attack.


    Using my perception skill while managing the flow of mana in my de, I focus on all of the rock surrounding me. The more mana an object or creature in a dungeon contains, oftentimes, the more densely filled they are with that mana.


    I attempt to match the exact density of my attack to the surrounding rocks. What I''ve found in doing so, is that this dungeon material lines up in perfectly symmetrical patterns.


    I begin to glow brighter as I use up most of my MP on my All-Seeing Eye other than focusing entirely on the strike.


    Unlike moving monsters with moreplex systems, this rock is just sitting still. The mana is consistent and systematic. The deeper I gaze into its grid-like pattern the more simple this low-grade mana shield bes.


    After burning through over 1500MP in just a few seconds looking deep into my surroundings, the low hum of the dungeon rock all around bes much more clear. It''s all vibrating at a simr frequency.


    I let out another whisper under my breath.


    "This is it."


    I''ve never taken the time to examine a rock so closely in my life. It seems my curiosity has paid off.


    I grin, pointing my dimly glowing de at a 2m high boulder that flew off the wall in one of my previous attacks. With a swift motion of my sword, I let my attack soar.


    A flickering red and ck shes out. So thin, it almost looks clear. Gliding through the air in silence, it makes contact with therge rock.


    It passes right through without a sound.


    It''s just like Fisher''s attack.


    Almost....


    It moves through the boulder in front of me with ease but explodes into a fiery mess on the rock wall behind it.


    Letting out augh and throwing my sword high in the air to celebrate my first sessful bit of progress, the boulder splits in half right down the middle. A wide grin creeps across my face as I walk over to examine my job well done


    I reach down to take a look at my work. My fingertips glide over the surface of the rock, and the grin on my face slowly fades.


    It looks smooth at first nce, but small bumps cover its surface creating a coarse sandpaper feel to it. I thought I did it, but apparently not... All these small impurities begin to eat away at the back of my mind.


    If I want to get anywhere near that mirror-like finish that Fisher created with his sh from over 200m away. I have some serious work to do.


    Just like when I trained to increase the amount of mana I can control, now, I''ll have to practice something new.


    After drinking another MP potion, I activate my perception skill again and take in the vastness of my rock wall surroundings. Condensing my mana and matching its low humming frequency to the microscopic grid-like mana patterns, I let another attack fly at a nearby boulder.


    The same result urs.


    The stone splits in two, but my sh erupts into a ball of fire as it hits the rock wall behind it.


    I try again and again.


    Over the next hour, I continue burning through another 20 MP potions.


    My breathing is heavy, sweat soaks my shirt, and the MP exhaustion has gotten much worse. Over-stressing my perception skill is starting to get to give me a serious headache. My whole body feels weak, tingling, and on the verge of copse.


    I throw myst attack at a nearby boulder. I''ve already mentally decided to take a long break after this one, so put my all into it. Watching the highly condensed 100MP sh float through the air in silence. It phases through therge stone, then surprisingly, keeps going through the wall.


    The corners of my lips begin to turn as I realize I''ve made it to the next level of this meticulous process.


    Momentster, I hear an explosion, and fragments of stonee flying out of the wall towards me in a ball of mes...


    With a grin across my face, I slide down the side of the cave wall yet again. The moment I hit the ground, both sides of the boulder I sliced do as well.


    Some of the excess fire residue from the explosion reflects off the glossy surface of the freshly cut stone.


    Letting out a long sigh of relief, I throw my sword back into item storage while picking myself up off the hard ground with a tired grunt.


    I feel the surface of the stone. It''s smooth...


    Nowhere near as perfect as Fisher''s attack, but this is very smooth. Using the remaining stores of my MP, I activate my All-Seeing Eye.


    Light swirls of pink and white mana seep out from microscopic cracks in the rock, but most of it is well-contained. It looks like an old mana shield that''s leaking small amounts of energy. I managed to replicate Fisher''s strike!


    I smirk.


    "Not bad. This is quite a good start."


    I walk out of the cave with a bright smile across my face. After using up about 200k MP in thest few hours, the number one thing on my mind is food. The second is sleep.


    As I begin walking back, in the direction of the Inn. My bones creak and my muscles ache, but a third thought keeps itching at the back of my head.


    I wonder how this new technique I''m learning would fare against one of those Berserkers on floor 19...?


    Soon, I''ll have to find out.

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    While pondering the idea of using this new technique against those Berserkers on floor 19, I make my way back to the Inn.


    Opening up the front door with a creak, I walk inside to see the usual crowd. Just under a dozen hunters split up into a few parties, all sitting around circr tables enjoying food and drink.


    I spot the blue and red-haired duo on the exact same table we ate breakfast at this morning.


    As I begin to walk over, Rn spots me at the door.


    "Back so soon? What happened? You gave up already? It''s been less than 4 hours, you couldn''t have finished your training already... That''s impposib-"


    I wave and give him a tired smile.


    "Not done yet. Just taking a break."


    My footsteps are heavy, making awkward clunking sounds as I walk over to the table of two. Mr. Conway spots me on the way over and shouts out from the back.


    "Hey, the new Elite just returned from his first day of training! How''d it go?"


    A few heads turn from the various hunters I pass by on my way to the back of the room, but I''m too third to pay them any mind.


    "Good, fine. Food would be great."


    He smirks giving me a firm nod.


    "Take a seat, it''ll be out before you know it."


    I nod, giving the kind old man another thin smile, then take a seat.


    Fisher waves to the Innkeeper motioning for him to add 2 more people to that food order, then turns to me. Finally, he speaks up with a stern look on his face.


    "You''re back too early. What happened?"


    I reply.


    "Way too much mana... I used too much mana. That''s all, I''ll be back out there tomorrow."


    It''s true. I thought I could handle more than this, I''ve burned through hundreds of thousands of MP per day in the past. That was in a much different environment though, it seems I do have limits...


    Fisher nods.


    "Yeah. It''s better to take it slow and concentrate on as much as you can on each attack. I''m sure you''ve learned at least that much so far."


    I reply.


    "Blowing a hole through this mountain isn''t the goal. It''s letting the cut fly through the mountain itself that I''m really after."


    A wide grin shows on Fisher''s face as he gets up, pointing at Rn.


    "Haha! 10 silver, hand it over. I knew he''d figure it out!"


    The redhead''s face starts to match his hair color as he replies.


    "H-Hey no way! It was like 3 hours or maybe 4 tops, that''s impossible! You must have told him when I wasn''t looking!"


    He looks at me with a flustered expression.


    I shrug, not knowing exactly what all the fuss is about.


    Fisher eyes Rn up and down, then the redhead reaches into his item box to ce a handful of silver on the table.


    "Fine, here you go. You won fair and square. I guess Jay did figure out the purpose of this training on day 1. Now we''ll just see if he can pull it all together.


    I throw my hands up in the air.


    "Hey, hey. I still need another day or so. I''m still getting used to all of this!"


    As both C-sses begin to respond, Mr. Conwayes over with tes of food and drinks in both hands.


    I dig in boys.


    Using self regeneration after every bite, I recover a lot more. All my aches and pains begin to fade slightly once most of my tes are cleaned. I feel nearly 50% healed. Any more food or mana usage would just have diminishing retunes. A good night of sleep is the only thing I know of that can help me now.


    Fisher, taking his meal much slower, watches me with amusement. After 10 minutes or so, he speaks up.


    "So, was it a lucky guess? Or are you actually able to sense the frequency of mana on that rock wall?"


    I gulp down a bite of food and respond.


    "A bit of both. I''ve never thought about a technique like this before, it''s like I was slicing through the area between mana particles..."


    Fisher grins.


    "You''re right. Don''t get too cocky though, dungeon mass like this is one of the most simple forms mana can take. Facing a real enemy with honed mana control is a whole different story."


    I nod.


    "It''s a good start..."


    He takes a gulp of his drink.


    "It is."


    We finish up our meal without much more conversation. I''m deep in thought, thinking about how I''ll improve this new skill tomorrow. Rn is busy talking fishers ear off, and the blue-haired swordsman is replying in simple responses. Since this morning his mood has definitely shifted, something new is on his mind.


    I''m not one to pry, so I decide not to bring it up.


    The blue-haired Elite stands up to address both of us once our meals are finished.


    "Well, Jay. Great first day of training, it seems you''re on the right track. Rn, you''re an excellent time waster."


    He cracks a smile as the redhead tries to reply, but he''s cut off Immediately.


    "I''ll be off to my room for the rest of the day, Jay I assume you''ll need your rest as well. First thing tomorrow we''ll meet for training. I''d like to see an update on your progress once you''re fully healed. I''ll see you in 10 hours, that work?"


    I nod as he immediately turns to leave up the wooden stairs behind us. His math is definitely off, and it''s messing with my sleep schedule... 10 hours from now is not morning, but I''ll manage. In fact, it may just be perfect.


    "Sounds good."


    Rn turns to me.


    "Well, I better be off too! I just got word a new party from the C-ss exams ising up soon. It''s their first time in the Labyrinth. Wouldn''t hurt to greet them!"


    He hops up from his chair and skips to the door, leaving me alone at my table.


    I let out a sigh, sit around for a few minutes, then make my way back to my room.


    A nap wouldn''t hurt... I''m pretty exhausted. Hopefully, I''ll be healed up enough for some more training in a few hours. The faster I manage to learn this new skill, the faster I''ll have the chance to face off against those Berserkers.


    I walk upstairs to my small dusty room and fall asleep almost instantly once I hit the soft bedding.


    A few hours go by, and my dreams are filled with ideas on how to improve my attack. Thatst sh I threw was a breakthrough, I need to keep improving on that...


    Nearly 5 hours pass. My restless sleep has hit its limit. My body is healed enough, and my mind won''t quiting up with theory after theory that needs to be tested.


    "That''s it. I''m going back out there..."


    After my night of sleep, which felt more like a long nap to me, I crawl out of bed and make my way to my door.


    I make sure it''s locked, then teleport out of the Inn.


    In the blink of an eye, I''m back, staring at therge stone wall...


    It seems as though this portion of the dungeon has already regenerated. It''s been over 8 hours since my training session began, so I guess Fisher''s estimation was right.


    I stretch out my arms and legs. I''m mostly healed up, but still a bit stiff. I won''t be releasing anyrge-scale attacks, so this session will be much easier on my body.


    I take a fresh potion out of my storage and get to work.


    Today, I''ll be upping the ante.


    I begin to glow gold and red while activating my All-Seeing Eye, peering into the t stone cliff in front of me. To my surprise, the insides of the mountain are still hollowed and smashed to bits in the deeper areas. It''s still healing up from my assaults.


    I focus harder while imbuing my sword with under 100MP. Aligning the low humming frequency of the wall before me with my de is near-impossible to do perfectly. I got close once, so I can do it again.


    I let the first thin ck de of mes fly at the wall, and my new training session begins.


    It pierces through without a sound, gliding in just like intended... Less than a secondter, chunks of stone fly off in all directions.


    I grit my teeth, but a smirk creeps through as I charge up my de again.


    Over the next 2 hours, I continuously throw attacks at the wall, improving my concentration, and bing more and more in tune with the low hum resonating from the cliff face.


    I burn through 50k MP. It''s mostly just from my perception skill. Having it activated for long periods of time is costly, but it''s worth it in this case...


    I''m able to let out just over 40 attacks, improving slowly and steadily each time.


    The thin ck des released from my sword glide through the rock face with no resistance whatsoever. Not even a trace of an entrance hole is visible.


    At first, they would glide in, and explode within the first few meters of entry.


    Now, I''m able to stabilize the mana enough to prate the rock face over 30 meters on myst attempt. Each time, it still detonates deep within the mountain.


    Satisfied with my improvement so far, I turn to one of the small excess boulders lying around from my earlier less practiced run-throughs. I focus, then let out an attack.


    It flies through the rock, then disappears into the side of the mountain behind it as well. As I hear the explosion deep within the rockface, the boulder before splits in two simultaneously. I grin ear to ear in the reflection of the sliced stone.


    Excitedly, I whisper under my breath.


    "Now... I need to try this out on a moving target."


    I have more than enough time before Fisher wakes up, and all this fine-tuned technical training is making me antsy. Sure, it''s cool to see some progress, but what''s progress good for If I can''t use it in a fight?


    The glossy surface of this boulder I just sliced through is nearly identical to the texture of the strike the Elite made on that cliff''s overhang.


    I decide it''s time for me to put this new skill to some good use. It''d be a shame to put all this free mana to waste... Just shing away at a mountain...


    I smirk, gripping my sword and igniting it into mes.


    It''s time to go back to Floor 19.


    "Dungeon Walker."

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    I''m back on the 19th floor, with one thing on my mind.


    "I need to find a strong opponent to test this new ability on."


    I activate enemy detection and inspect to begin taking a look around for a Berskerer to test out my new mana control technique on.


    Every 1km or so, there''s a level 400-405 hiding deep whiting the dungeon. The ck hills, valleys, caves, and mazes fill my senses as I search. Finally, a reading that catches my eye pops up.


    [1250m]


    [Lv. 408]


    A level 408... Immediately, I lock onto this familiar reading and Dungeon Walk back to the square-shaped ck arena that I know so well. Drawing my sword and igniting my body and weapon into mes, I prepare for our second battle.


    A 4m tall red-skinned Berskerer Giant stands in the open air with its long silver sword winging back and forth, mindlessly staring up at the sky. It''s exactly the same as thest one I fought. The area destroyed from our previous fight ispletely renewed as well, it looks like more than just dungeon mass respawns after a certain period of time.


    The manically smiling green-eyed monster turns its gaze toward me just moments after I appear.


    Just like that, we begin.


    It nts its back legs and begins darting toward me while glowing with the red aura of a berserker skill activating. I grin, putting off a red and gold glow myself, and charging up my de.


    Last time I faced this beast, I used both of my weapons at full st. I was able to slowly chip away at its defenses because of my attack''s pure destructive power, but I''d like to win things a bit differently this time around if possible.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye.


    The pink and white swirls of mana around me begin to fill my vision. The crystal-like ck rock structures glow brightly with a simr grid pattern that the rocks on the 10th floor showed off. They''re just much tighter gridlines, closer together, and vibrating at a much higher frequency.


    I move my gaze to the fast-moving Berserkering my way. Its silver-colored light armor pieces give off a dense mana reading too. Again, it''s simr to the stones and crystal-like structures around me, just much much tighter nit threads of energy creating an almost microscopic grid in my mind''s eye.


    "Perfect."


    Grinning, I focus my attention on the charging monster''s chest te. Burning through an entire MP potion in a matter of seconds, I visualize everyst mana particle in the monster''s armor.


    The green-eyed fiend cracks the ground with every step it takes. I drink another MP potion to prepare my attack. Charging up just 100MP, I burn through another full potion just to get near matching this new ultra-thin level of mana control.


    My body shakes, and I grit my teeth as I grip my de tight, attempting to line up the perfect attack.


    Now, it''s within range, but I am too...


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I teleport to the opposite side of the monster and let my strike soar. It''s thin, with a ck tint, letting out light red flickers of mes as it rips through the air toward the solid metal te of armor covering its back.


    My attack makes contact with the oblivious battle-hungry beast. I grin as I watch my strike disappear momentarily into the back of its armor. Fractions of a secondter, I see a sh of white light and a small explosion of mes.


    Gritting my teeth, and letting out a frustrated grunt, I air-step upwards to get out of rage before it gets too mad...


    When the fire and dust clears, I''m not too disappointed with the results of my first attempt.


    There''s a huge chunk of metal missing from the top half of its backside''s armor. It seems like no actual damage was done to the berserker itself, but with just 100MP, I managed to break its armor that much...


    I smirk, air-stepping back down to the ground about 30m away from the berserker. I drink another potion and prepare my next attack. This time around, I''ll try to add even more mana to the de.


    The monster turns to me, locking its sharp green eyes on my de. It''s glowing red with 250MP worth of charge. At this level of precision, it''s much harder to manage this much mana and keep it stable at an exact hair-line width and perfect frequency.


    My arms shake as I grip my de burning through copious amounts of MP on my perception skill to hold the concentration. Even of a fraction of a second slip-up makes for an entirely different attack.


    I teleport to the now charging Berserker''s blind spot and let my attack soar.


    Ind the hit. The thin ck ming de slips through its armor, then a sh of white light triggers a fiery explosion, just likest time.


    Thankfully, Im fighting at a much closer range this time around. The beast doesn''t have much time to dodge. Even if it could, I''m not sure it would...


    As the mes and dust begin to clear I hear the nging of metal on stone.


    The red-skinned menace turns to me holding its long silver sword while its armor falls to the dungeon floor in pieces.


    I cut through its chest te with that attack. Parts of the metal are sliced cleanly in two, showing off a glossy texture, just like the boulders I cut through earlier.


    Unfortunately, the monster ispletely unharmed. There isn''t a single scratch on its skin. The rippling muscles and bulging veins are untouched by my 2 attacks so far.


    It shows me a wide toothy grin, then charges forward like the mindless battle junky it is.


    I do the same...


    Chugging an MP potion and charging up my de for another attack, I get ready for the next phase of this fight. When I try to get a reading on the fast-moving monster''s skin, it seems to be pretty weak....


    If anything, it''s even less dense than the rocks down on floor 10. This all seems way too good to be true.


    Even its sword isn''t much denser than the armor I just cut to pieces.


    "I must be missing something."


    I Dungeon Walk to its blind spot and prepare for my next move.


    Imbuing a full 250MP into my sword again, I match up all of the necessary mana readings, simr to my previous strike, then let my attack fly.


    The thin ck de of mana rips through the air toward the monster''s open back. It jerks its head to the side moments before impact and I watch an interesting interaction of mana particles take ce. My attack bounces off the creature''s back with only the tiny white glow of excess energy being released


    Fractions of a second before impact, an incredibly denseyer of mana seeps out of the creature''s skin... Almost like a bodysuit made of pure mana. This is the mana control skill Fisher was talking about.


    "Mana Shielding."


    I smirk, getting ready for more as the menace walks toward me licking its lips and glowing crimson-red.


    I charge up another attack with 250MP. I''m curious about one more thing. Its sword...


    Ites running in at full speed as I throw another ck crescent of energy its way. With a swift swing of that sliver sword, I watch my attack get deflected far off into the distance.


    The same thinyer of mana covered its de the moment it needed to deflect my strike.


    I remember back to thest Berserker I fought, and when I appraised its sword.


    [Berserker Giant''s Long Sword] [Blood Bonded] +1000 Attack +500 Agility


    This [Blood Bonded] perk must be simr to the bonding between an element stone and a sword like mine. It''s an extension of the mana user, that''s how it''s able to use the technique on its weapons as well.


    I grit my teeth and Dungeon Walk away the moment my attack is deflected. I''ll have to try a new n...


    I start charging up another one, just shy of 100MP, it''s low power, but I''m able to send these attacks off very quickly.


    This is exactly what I do, with a burst of rapid-fire attacks, I begin Dungeon Walking around the battle-hungry monster throwing attack after attack at it.


    I''m not trying to do any actual damage just yet, I just need to get a better reading on its mana shield''s exact density and mana frequency levels. It usually only activates for a fraction of a second after each one of my attacks, this isn''t nearly enough time to mimic it.


    After close to 30 attacks, I feel like I''ve finally gotten a close enough reading. Burning through just over 4 more MP potions, I''ve finally got a feeling for this monster''s mana shield readings.


    Unfortunately.... Just knowing it isn''t going to cut it. The tightly wound mana particles create a thin, nearly indestructible defense lining this Berserker. The levels are far beyond any rock wall, or even its armor I destroyed earlier.


    I air-step down to face off against my test subject.


    It''s getting thoroughly annoyed. All this beast wants is a good fight, and all I''m giving it are weak attacks thrown from a distance. This time around, ill give it what it''s asking for.


    I use up 2 MP potions as it runs in toward me. I close my eyes and picture the denseyers of impossibly small grid-like mana particles it spawns every time my attackes near its skin.


    Gripping by de tightly, I attempt to match its levels of mana readers, but after 10 seconds the monster is drawing too near and my efforts are starting to seem futile.


    I let out a frustrated grunt, releasing the attack, knowing it''s not even a quarter of the thinness required to pierce its barrier, not to mention nowhere near enough power either.


    I Dungeon Walk far away to its opposite side as it defects my attack with ease using its sword, then runs by my previous position like a raging bull.


    I attempt to charge up another attack, watching closely as the monster turns to run toward me again from the far side of the square-shaped arena. I have 20 seconds or so to prepare this time. I concentrate hard, barely using 100MP, attempting to match its mana shielding frequency with all my might.


    I''m putting my all into this. With my hands shaking and head aching, I still create a de way too thick to puncture its shielding and nowhere near enough pure mana to get close to the density required to make any damage.


    As it nears I let out a yell of frustration, chucking the attack forward and Dungeon Walking away as it swings its silver sword to send my ck de of mes soaring off into the grey sky.


    Clenching my jaw, I try again... From even further away. I airstrip backward to keep my distance and charge up for a full 40 seconds.


    At the end of the charge, my brain feels like mush from focusing so hard on a single point, my hands and arms are numb from grabbing the rattling sword, and I''ve burned through 8 full MP potions on my All-Seeing Eye skill to release a measly 100MP attack.


    A thin crest of ck energyes out of my de. It doesn''t flicker of shine, it just glides through the air without any resistance.


    The Berserker ignores the insignificant strike, it has blocked dozens of these attacks and even taken a few head-on in the past. By now, it''s just focused on me, its prey.


    In an exhausted state, my eyes are locked on the attack I''ve just released. It may not be full of power, but I believe I got one thing right... It''ll definitely be thin enough to slip through this monster''s defenses...


    Momentster, my theory is proven to be correct.


    The thin ck de slides through the red-skinned Berskerer''s mana shielding just like it slid through the rock wall during my training hours ago.


    Then... an explosion of white light and mes follow.


    With a smirk, I Dungeon Walk away to get out of range from the rage fit that''s about to take ce.


    As the sh of light and fireball fade, I hear an ear-piercing screech. Looking closely, I see a small blood-dripping gash on the side of this red-skinned monster''s torso. Enough to make the crimson liquid dribble down its side, but not quite enough for the stream to make it to the floor.


    "I did it..."


    Dungeon Walking to the far side of the arena again, I prepare to charge up another attack.


    "Good progress... Now it''s time to finish this fight."

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    I justnded my first sessful attack on this monster. It took 40 seconds, and almost 20k MP... but I stillnded an attack!


    The tingling feeling, along with a mild headache begins to alert me that I''m definitely nearing the point of mana exhaustion. I''ll be fine for a little while, but keeping this level of MP usage up will ware me out pretty quickly.


    Even so, this newfound technique of mine is very intriguing.


    What took over 10k MP in a single dual attack on myst attempt hours ago just to break through its barrier, is now soon to be rivaled by a 100MP attack. I just have to concentrate harder...


    I''ve managed to perfect the hair-thin nature of the attack, but my mana density is nowhere near enough to do any damage. I''ll have topress even more MP into my next strike.


    Each time I send off another attack it gets easier to replicate the exact size necessary to slip through its mana shielding. The part that doesn''t get easier is the mana density... The only way to train that to a significant degree, is to increase my overall mana control.


    Increasing my base levels of mana control would require me to consume massive amounts of mana over long periods of time... I''m severelycking in both of these options at the moment.


    I take a deep breath, then get back to work.


    Over and over, I match the exact whisper-thin dimensions of the Berskerer''s mana shielding, prating it with ease each time. Unfortunately, after 5 more attacks and nearly 75k more MP burned through on my perception skill, not much progress has been made.


    Even with up to 60 seconds per charge, all I''ve managed to do is give this rage-filled monster a few paper cuts. The maximum amount I''ve been able to store in an attack has been roughly 150MP.


    My head is aching and my hands are shaking. I''ve progressed a lot, but my mana control is just not powerful enough to put out enough charge into one blow.


    "Looks like I''ll have to do things the old fashion way..."


    I start charging up my de with as much mana as I possibly can. At my current rate of blows, I''ll pass out from exhaustion before I do any real damage...


    Charging up just over 5k worth of mana points, I start releasing less concentrated, but much more powerful blows. I begin Dungeon Waling around the poor beast throwing attack after attack from my ming sword.


    I prefer using two des, but drinking potions along with releasing attacks makes dual welding rather awkward.


    After just a few minutes, and over 10 attackster, the red-skinned Berskerer is on its knees. The bloodied and beaten monster still res at me. Its facial expression says it''s ready for another round, but this beast is in no position to fight.


    I''m not either...


    Since I woke up to start my training again, I''ve blown through another 200k MP... There''s a slight ringing in my ears, a sharp pain in my head, and all of my limbs are tingling after every movement I make.


    I stare at the weakened monster, ready to call it a day by just releasing onest brute-force attack. Instead, I decide to finish my training with a useful test.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye, I ready myself for one more attack.


    My opponent crawls toward me with an undying will to finish me off, but this just gives me more time to study its mana.


    This beast is on itsst breath, in full battle mode, with all defenses on full st.


    I can sense the aura of mana shielding that it''s continuously holding up as it nears.


    Gritting my teeth, I put my all into onest strike.


    Concentrating for over a minute, and letting the beast draw nearer and nearer, Ipact roughly 200MP. Once it''s less than 5m away, I let my razor-thin attack glide through the air.


    I fall backward, but eagerly watch as my attack hits the wounded berserker head-on. It glides through its lower torso without a noise. The moment I fall t on my back with a grin across my face, the monster splits cleanly in two. We hit the dungeon floor with 3 simultaneous thuds along with 2 ngs of our swords.


    I let out a chuckle.


    "Progress is progress..."


    Laying on my back, I let out a sigh and stare up at the grey sky above me. I beat one of these monsters without using a Strengthening Fragment, and most definitely progressed my mana control training.


    A 200MP attack sliced one in half, but it was far from full power. Still, this is a good start.


    After rxing on the cool hard floor of the ck glossy dungeon surface, the fallen monster drops a mana crystal. Unfortunately, there''s no other loot.


    With a groan, I stand up to walk over. While doing so, I open up my item storage to let Ember out for the first time in a while.


    He ps his wings while stepping out of the white portal and flies into the sky. After opening up our telepathic link, the Dragon speaks.


    "It looks like you''ve been busy. I haven''t gained any levels, so it seems you haven''t been busy enough."


    I grin, picking up the palm-sized crystal off the ground and plundering it to dust on the spot.


    "I''ve been training my mana control. The progress has been good, but I''m still not ready for the higher floors."


    Ember nods, pping his wings more, soaring higher up into the sky.


    "Good to hear, your control does need work. The only reason you''re able to handle so much MP is that self regeneration skill, along with your advanced perception abilities. Good training and more mana consumption will do you well. You seemed pretty happy with your fighting style earlier, so I didn''t bother toment on it much before."


    I scratch my head, grinning, and watching the dragon stretch it crimson wings while passively throwing shade at myck of fine-tuned mana control.


    "Hey! I''m new to all of this ya know. These things take time!"


    Swooping down, no more than 200m away, Ember begins to burst into mes, clearly targeting something.


    He replies mid nose-dive.


    "Looks like you saved one for me."


    I squint, trying to make out what he''s aiming at, then realize I''vepletely dropped my guard after that intense battle...


    A new red-skinned Berserker Giant, level 402, has found its way to my position and was charging in my direction....


    Ember soars down at the silver sword-carrying beast and lets out a heavy attack of mes from his mouth. The dark red beam of fire hits the monster point nk, creating an explosion over 20 meters wide.


    Ember swoops upwards to let the beast deal with its attack. As the Dragon flies away, I watch in awe as the mes stay lit... Mine went out in an instant, yet Ember''s stayed aze, doing residual damage to the angry beast even after the explosion clears.


    The ck-scaled Dragon dives in again, this time with his front leg outstretched bearing long red ws aimed straight at the confused fiery fiend.


    Momentster, Ember rips the top half of its torso off along with its head... sucking the corpse dry of MP, then tossing it off into the empty dungeon''sndscape.


    My mouth stays wide open as the Dragon does a few twists and turns in the air before putting out its mes anding back down to greet me.


    "So, what will it be? Are we taking over this Labyrinth? I''ve been itching more and more to rank up recently."


    Embernds on the dungeon floor with a thud as I struggle to get out a word.


    "You... You''re this strong...? It took me well over a dozen hits to take out of those Berserkers!"


    The ck-scaled Dragon replies with a toothy grin.


    "If it''s that difficult to take these monsters out at your level, we''ll need to up your total mana control. If you process more mana, the higher-density attacks be much easier to handle. It''s only natural."


    I nod slowly.


    "I''m aware... but I don''t exactly have months to go and train off in-"


    I pause. Then reply.


    "No... you want to go back to that ce...."


    Ember moves his head in closer, replying.


    "It would be the fastest way for you to gain mana consumption proficiency. It''ll be free MP with your plundering ability, and there will be no shortage of time. It''s the perfect n."


    I gulp.


    "I guess... We''ll go back to The Great ins... and enter another Titan''s Domain..."

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    "... and enter another Titan''s Domain..."


    As I speak these words, the thought of going back into that white-walled prison makes my stomach lurch. If I could never see one of those emotionless monsters again, I''d do almost anything to make that happen.


    Almost, anything... One of my faults may be the undying urge for more power. All self-preservation and logical reasoning bends at the possibility of this.


    Ember has a good point. I''m burning through way too much MP to reasonably keep this up. The only way I''m even able to handle these attacks is by using buy All-Seeing eye to aid in the precision aspect, and my self regeneration skill to heal from the immense damage done to my body after each strike.


    Any normal hunter would be hospitalized after trying a single one of these attacks...


    I gulp again as Ember replies.


    "Shall we go now?"


    I''m still a bit flustered at the thought of it, but very tempted for so many reasons. I''m actually seriously considering going back to that ce...


    I reply.


    "You''re sure it''s safe? How do we knowst time wasn''t just dumb luck?"


    Ember replies with an answer that makes me feel a lot better...


    "While I was farming Titans on yourmand, I fell into dozens of domains. At my current Plundering proficiency, I can make one of those pocket realms copse in just under a day."


    I stare straight ahead, taking this new information into consideration.


    "Really....?"


    Ember bows his head as I smirk.


    In real-world time, I have just a few hours remaining before my meeting with Fisher. If I stock up on supplies like food and water, I can train inside the Titan''s Domain for as long as I want beforeing back here.


    After a long pause, I open up my Item Storage.


    "Let''s do it. We''re going back."


    The Dragon slips into my pocket dimension and I Dungeon Walk back to my hometown''s starter dungeon without a second thought.


    A wide grin creeps across my face as I step out of the exit portal into the outside world. I make my way to the vige market grinning all the way.


    I''m excited. What started out as a nightmare, is now turning into a gold mine for new power-ups. Falling into the Titan''s Domain may not have been a pleasant experience at first, but It turn out it may be even more fruitful than I''d first thought.


    I make my way to a local grocery store and begin stocking up on everything I''ll need for this uing training session. I grab a small shopping cart and get to work.


    I go overkill on the water... Stacking up 10 cases of 20 1-liter bottles, almost clearing out a whole section of shelving.


    With food, I keep it simple. I stock up on 2 months'' worth of fresh fruits, vegetables, dried meats, and nuts. My item storage works as a perfect preservation chamber, so none of this will go bad.


    I grab a fewics and light novels I''ve been meaning to catch up on at the register while checking out. It''s been a while since I read anything, might as well get something to keep myself upied during my downtime so I don''t go too crazy...


    The store clerk gives me a funny look at the checkout counter but epts my handful of silver coins without question.


    As I roll my cart out the front doors, I make a sharp turn out of sight to immediately store my supplies in my item storage.


    Lastly, I make a quick pit-stop back at my old apartment to grab a pillow, nket, and a few pairs of clothes.


    It''s been almost 30 minutes now since I got to town. Not wanting to waste another minute, I jog back to the starter dungeon ready for what''s toe next. I''m shaking with excitement, but also some nerves.


    Whenever I feel like this it''s usually for a really good reason.


    The moment I step into the dungeon''s glowing entrance portal on the far side of town, I teleport to my new destination, The Great ins.


    In the blink of an eye, I''m deep within the rolling hills of the ndndscape I know so well. Activating my enemy detection skill, I''m thrown off by a few unounted-for variables.


    Spreading out my detection skill to the furthest depths of this dungeon, I pick up on all of the usual lower-level mobs and asional mutants. There are a few distortions of 500m diameter blind spots that must be wandering titans, but one oddity sticks out.


    [4500m]


    [Lv. 606]


    [Lv. 371]


    There are two high-level hunters not too far off from me... One of them could be a monster, but they''re traveling close together, and sticking nearby one of the blind spots... I''d assume they''re a hunting duo, but a level 606 is really high for the ce, right?


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Could it be Arie and a B-ss...?"


    I remember back to when my team was sharing our weekly quota assignments, recalling Arie''s was to take down a Titan. He did say that he''d be apanied by a B-ss Archer. There''s a good chance that''s them.


    Not wanting to make an awkward unnned appearance, I Dungeon Walk in the opposite direction putting another 5km or so between us just in case.


    If I get caught hunting Titans right now, there would be too many people asking many questions I''m not looking to answer. It''s best I steer clear of that mess.


    Once confirming there''s nothing but a new slow-moving mass of endless mana within many kilometers of me, I open up my item storage to let Ember fly out.


    Immediately, I open up our telepathic link.


    "We''re here, but we''re not alone... There are others in this dungeon with us. We''ll need to make each takedown quick and precise."


    The ck-scaled Dragon stretches its wings and replies as it senses the nearby sensations of humming mana approaching us.


    "Understood."


    I turn to face the low hum as well. Off in the distance, no more than 700m away, a wandering ck hole of energyes marching at us.


    I take out my sword and instinctually burst into mes. Ember flies low to the ground, and I air-step forward to follow. I hear his voice in my head as we get closer and the humming mana bes louder.


    "As long as we''re making physical contact, we''ll be transported into its domain at the exact same time. I rmend you hold on..."


    I stare forward at the ck shadow of a humanoid figure in the distance, grit my teeth, then jump onto Ember''s back as we continue to fly in the monster''s direction.


    [400m]


    We soar closer and closer as the humming gets more intense. I hold onto Ember''s back with my legs and carry my ming sword with a death grip.


    I know we''ll be fine, there''s just something not quite right about these monsters... The sight of them is always quite unsettling.


    [150m]


    Ember bursts into mes as well. We leave a trail of dark fire behind us as he speeds up, facing the Titan head-on.


    [50m]


    This is it... I''m going back in...


    The humming sound of mana fills all my senses as both of us rocket toward the monster''s midsection. Ember speaks through our link moments before impact.


    "Don''t let go."


    [0m]


    We collide with the 30m tall giant and disappear into a ck void secondster...


    I''m not too sure what else I expected to happen, but this seems about right.


    In the outside world, its domain must have expended to a 500m wide dome just like it did that that one time I attacked it with Arie. I''ll never know for sure though...


    My vision went ck the moment we made contact... Ember and I are floating in the endless ck mass that is the Titan''s Domain. The sensation of dense mana all around me is both frightening and soothing...


    The feeling of weightlessness returns as I peer down into the void, seeing a pinhole of white light below us. I know exactly where we''re headed.


    A few minutes pass and we fall closer and closer to the white box ominously approaching.


    This time around, however, I''m riding a Dragon that knows its way around this ce. With a powerful p of its wings, I''m saved from hitting the hard floor. We glide in, making a perfectnding.


    The ceiling above us shuts closed the moment we enter without a sound and I''m left staring at white walls that imprisoned me for months in the past.


    After a gulp, I let out a sigh and jump off Ember''s back.


    The Dragon speaks through our link.


    "Shall I copse this Domain in 24hrs? Or would you like your training to go on longer?"


    I pause, thinking about this option carefully.


    When I did my initial scan of this dungeon there weren''t more than half a dozen Titans that showed up on my radar...


    "When you were hunting Titans on your ownst week, how many would spawn at once?"


    Ember thinks for a moment, then responds.


    "No more than 7 or so a day at first. Although, the more I hunted them the less often those Void Creepers came out from their realm. It would be wise to train inside each one for much longer than 24 hours. We could even spend time in this one indefinitely if you''d like."


    I nod.


    "Let''s do 10 days per Titan. We can farm Strengthening Fragments while I train."


    I smirk as Ember responds.


    "Very well, I''ll limit my mana consumption by 90%. The Domain will be unstable within 10 days. Once it begins to fall apart, you may slice through its weak barrier, or wait for the domain to naturally copse. It''s your choice."


    Excited for what''s toe, I already start plundering mana from the rich stores all around me. Letting out a satisfying sigh while taking in the pure energy, I reply.


    "Sounds good. I''ll see you in 10 days."


    Ember bows then curls up into a ball, closes his eyes, and begins to glow light red.


    I smirk while channeling mana into my glowing de.


    This training session is about to begin. By the time I see Fisher for our next meeting, I''ll be on a whole different level...

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Ember is already fast asleep, slowly draining the mana from the near-endless supply all around us.


    I''m doing the same, on a much small scale....


    With a grin across my face, I begin charging up my ming sword. While doing so, I reach into my item storage to grab my dagger while whispering under my breath.


    "It''s been a while, hasn''t it?"


    Both weapons pulse red and white as I begin filling them with the dense mana surrounding us that I''ve missed so much...


    I start right where I left off thest time I was in this ce. The difference is, I have no worries about being trapped in here forever.


    I have food supplies that''llst me for months, assurance that I''ll leave in 10 days, and I have a concrete goal in mind.


    During myst trial in the Titan''s Domain, I used up about 10 million MP.


    It''s gotten me this far, but I need to make some major upgrades. The most important thing I need to work on is replicating those paper-thin shes, but easily charging a full bar of MP into them.


    I''m level 409. So just over 2000MP is nearly a full bar. I''d like to be able to charge one up in just a few seconds so I can actually battle these monsters without using cheap tricks and wearing myself outpletely after one fight.


    My final attack on that Berskerer took over 60 seconds to charge, and I only managed to let out 200MP at the proper hair-thin width. I''m setting out to improve over 10x in both speed and power.


    I''m not quite sure yet how much MP I''ll have to process in order to achieve this, but that''s my goal. If I can evene close, this will be a sess in my mind.


    I decide to let loose for a bit, but overall take day 1 rather slow.


    Glowing gold and red, enjoying the abundance of free mana in the air, I begin to let out attack after attack at the white walls all around me.


    They tear openrge holes, letting me peer out into the void for a few seconds at a time before they heal uppletely.


    My already sore body from the intense training outside allows for 10 10k strikes, this is 5k MP per de. It''s just a warm-up, and it gets me used to this mana-rich environment again.


    End of Day 1: 100k MP consumed.


    Total MP consumed: 100k MP


    I take it easy and pull out my pillow, a fewics, and a nket along with some fresh fruit.


    Overusing mana makes me very tired. I drift off to sleep within a few hours.


    This may be the beginning to one of my most intense training sessions, but I''d like to take it slow. In here, all I have is time after all.


    The Titan''s Domain has been a nightmare in the back of my mind ever since I left it. Maybe I can turn this ce into a vacation spot instead.


    I wake up the next morning and get to work.


    I need to get my body used to using more MP every day, along with trying to fit more and more energy into a smaller strike. I won''t aim for any specific parameters at first, I''ll just go with how I feel.


    In the outside world, my MP exhaustion limit is around a quarter million MP points. At that point, my bodypletely gives up on me. That''s with self regeneration being taken into ount.


    In here, It''s at least double that. With so much energy in the air, it makes healing and releasing attacks much easier on my tired muscles and bones.


    End of Day 2: 500k MP


    Total MP consumed: 600k MP


    I manage to consume just about half a million MP stretched over 8 hours on day 2. Nearing the end, I begin to get that familiar tingling feeling in my limbs, and the overall fatigue begins to kick in. I call it there.


    The next few days go by fast.


    End of Day 3: 550k MP


    End of Day 4: 575k MP


    End of Day 5: 600k MP


    End of Day 6: 200k MP


    Total MP consumed: 2.525M MP


    My MP output slowly rises for 3 days straight. This is from me pushing the limits during each session. I''ve only been releasing 5k MP per de. Channeling more seems to exhaust my mind too quickly, and less tires out my body. Using 5k per de seems to be the perfect medium.


    I''ve been training in 8 hours blocks, basically to full exhaustion every night. Each day I''ve been getting more and more tired by the ed of it, just like thest time I was in here.


    I thought it was theck of food and water that made me feel this way, but it seems mana exhaustion yed a much bigger role than I thought it did.


    Less than halfway through day 6 I decide to take a break and rest my sore body again.


    End of Day 7: 725k MP


    End of Day 8: 740k MP


    End of Day 9: 745k MP


    End of Day 10: 250k MP


    Total MP consumed: 4.985M MP


    After my day of rest, Ie back even stronger. I start off with a huge spike in energy. The mana consumption over these next 3 days slowly rises and isparable to my peakst time I trained here.


    When I wake up on day 10, Ember begins to reach his final stage of copsing this Titan''s Domain. I grab all my supplies and throw them in my item storage.


    This has been a good start. Very uneventful... but a good start. I''ll be able to pick up right where I left off on our next Titan.


    The red aura begins to expand and the white walls around us start to fade away to reveal the ck abyss behind it.


    I decide to only use my sword to perform a test. I''ll be seeing how much progress I''ve made so far over thest 10 days of training.


    Concentrating with my All-Seeing Eye, while plundering MP from my surroundings, I begin to replicate the attack that took out that final Berserker.


    Creating a hair-thin de of mana deep within my sword, while channeling as much MP as possible into the attack without disrupting its width.


    After about 60 seconds of charging and immense concentration, I hit my limit and let the attack soar.


    A thin 550MP ming ck sliver of energy flies through the open air in front of me, slicing through the void like butter, but not making a sound.


    I increase my perception to watch it until the end. It slips through the outer wall of the Titan''t domain with ease.


    Moments after, a wide slit opens up in the abyss of ckness surrounding me, and the process of a realm copse from the inside out begins again.


    Ember''s aura gets brighter and the Domain gets smaller as we begin to fall through the darkness back into reality.


    Both Ember and I hit the grassy floor of the Great ins Dungeon with a loud thud.


    I grin as my ck-scaledpanion wakes from his slumber.


    "The copse was a sess, Master."


    I grin, replying while searching around in my mind''s eye using enemy detection to locate another Titan.


    "It seems it was."


    I pick up a small ck gem off the ground and ce it in my item storage with a smirk across my face. Next, I put my hand on Ember''s smooth glossy scales, instantly teleporting us into the vicinity of the nearest Titan.


    Other than the Void Creeper that team of 2 is facing, I can sense 3 more deep within the dungeon. There''s 2 that are in range and one that''ll take a couple-kilometer trek to get to. It''s outside of my Dungeon Walker skill''s range, so we''ll have to either walk or fly over when the timees.


    I''ll save that one forst.


    As we blip back into existence, I hop on Ember''s back, and we begin diving deep into the abyss of another Titan.


    After a familiar series of events, the darkness fades and we''re back in a solid white box once again.


    Ember curls up and begins absorbing the Domain.


    I take it easy for the rest of the day, then get back to work the next morning. I to do a simr cycle of 3 days on, and 1 day off while making a mental note of my daily mana consumption.


    End of Day 11: 775k MP


    End of Day 12: 780k MP


    End of Day 13: 785k MP


    End of Day 14: 200k MP


    End of Day 15: 815k MP


    End of Day 16: 815k MP


    End of Day 17: 820k MP


    End of Day 18: 200k MP


    End of Day 19: 855k MP


    End of Day 20: 100k MP


    Total MP consumed: 10.315M MP


    Once the final day of this training cycle hits, I''m pretty tired out. I had an off day not too long ago, but my rapid increase in daily consumption is starting to slow.


    Although the total amount I can manage to consume each day isn''t rising as quickly, I''m still progressing at an rming rate. I have to go through extensive self regeneration sessions every night before I go to sleep, eating excess food and sleeping longer throughout the night to mend my tingling hands and feet along with the headache thates with overusing my perception skill.


    As Ember begins to copse this domain, I charge up another attack to test my progress.


    I power up a single attack for about 60 seconds and manage 900MP into the paper-thin sh. It''s a much darker de now, and hardly gives off and flickering red residue.


    Just like before, It flies through the open Abyss as the walls fade away, slipping through the outer edge of the void to make a tear.


    It''s almost disappointing to see. The Domain''s reaction to this sh looks identical to thest one. It slips through and cuts it open in an instant. The Berserker''s mana shielding is on a whole different level than these Void Creepers.


    It''s hard to get a solid idea of how string these new attacks really are... I''m itching to try this out on a tough opponent, but I still need to get stronger.


    After picking up the small Strengthening Fragment from the ground and doing a quick scan of my surroundings. I lock onto our next target.


    Ember and I dive deep into another Titan''s Domain.


    End of Day 21: 855k MP


    End of Day 22: 850k MP


    End of Day 23: 855k MP


    End of Day 24: 200k MP


    End of Day 25: 855k MP


    End of Day 26: 860k MP


    End of Day 27: 850k MP


    End of Day 28: 200k MP


    End of Day 29: 860k MP


    End of Day 30: 860k MP


    Total MP consumed: 16.765M MP


    My days are filled with charging swords and shing walls...


    It seems my progression has peaked around 850-860k MP. Whenever I reach this point, all systems in my body basically shift off and I need to sleep to recover. Even after using self regeneration after every 50k MP consumed or so used, this is still my limit.


    I even drank a spare HP potion to see if it''d do a full recovery, but my mana exhaustion was not healed at all... It was just a waste of a perfectly good potion.


    I have a feeling this isn''t something that can be brute-force trained any further, I may have to increase my level to be able to handle more MP.


    At the end of the final day, I test out my full power after consuming another 10 days'' worth of unlimited free MP.


    After a 60-second charge, I''m able to power up 1550MP into a sh at the exact paper-thin metric needed to make it through a Berserker''s shielding.


    Again, it''s overkill for this Domain, but good practice....


    I''ve almost made it to my goal of a 2000MP sh.


    After the inventible tearing and copse of the 3rd Void Creeper''s pocket realm, we fall back into the Great ins.


    Letting out a sigh, I breathe in the fresh air of the wide-open dungeon and take in the view while Ember wakes from his mana-plundering sleep.


    Once he does, the Dragon''s calm voice enters my head through our link.


    "Another sessful copse, Master."


    I nod.


    "Indeed."


    While picking up the small Strengthening Fragment from this session, I activate enemy detection and prepare to teleport.


    As I look out deep into the depths of the Great ins, my heart skips a beat.


    Only a single reading pops up in my search for another Titan. Thest time I checked, that hunter duo was facing one and there was another far off in a part of the dungeon I haven''t been to yet.


    The one I was saving forst is gone...


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Why... is there only one left...?"

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    I expand my enemy detection range further and further into the depths of The Great ins Dungeon in a panic...


    Just moments ago, there was another Titan not so far outside my Dungeon Walker''s range.


    To me it was 10 days ago... so my memory is a bit foggy, but I''m sure I would have stayed in this one much longer to train if I knew there wasn''t another left.


    I''m positive I was saving that one forst.


    I grit my teeth and open up the Telepathic link with Ember to see if he has any input.


    "Ourst Titan vanished into thin air... has this ever happened to you before?"


    The slowly waking Dragon replies.


    "It has... Sometimes they disappear through the rift if danger is too abundant in an area. Give it a day or two, they''ll be back, I''m sure of it. Don''t worry."


    I shove my sword into my item storage with a frustrated look on my face.


    "The rift..? What''s the- I- ugh. Never mind that. If I knew this sooner, I wouldn''t have wasted thest 3 on such short sessions... Even though I got a few Fragments out of it, I still need more training.


    Ember nods.


    "Understood, we cane back tomorrow and continue if you''d like. I don''t think the Titans will abandon this Dungeon over a single incident. They''re long-term thinkers. It''ll take many repeated events to scare them off."


    I sigh, taking a look around the dungeon onest time with my enemy detection skill. Confirming once again, the only remaining Titan is right next to that B-ss and their partner.


    The air feels thin...cking pure energy.


    I''ve gotten used to a high-density mana environment again, I''ll have to adapt back to using mana potions and crystals soon. I''m sure this time will be a bit easier to adjust.


    Going back to thebyrinth right now is my safest bet.


    "That seems to be our only option."


    Although my training was cut short, I''ve more than doubled my total MP consumption. That 16M MP would have taken over 1.6k Gold Coins at market price.


    I''ve definitely improved... I''m just not quite sure how much yet.


    I teleport back to the 10th-floor Inn, materializing into my small bedroom. Dust flies up in the air at my sudden appearance and the dungeon''s artificial sun shines through the dirty window.


    I make my way downstairs.


    I''ve had more than enough rest. Another month has gone by in my mind, but the world around me hasn''t changed at all.


    It''s a bit less rattling this time because I knew it''d happen from the start. Still, I can''t help from feeling like I''ve found some kind of unlimited power cheat code....


    I could go back there and train every time the Titans respawn... As long as I bring enough food and water, I can indefinitely train my mana control.


    Walking down the wooden stairs of the Inn, a smile creeps across my face as my feet make light-taping sounds that echo throughout the main tavern area.


    The first voice that greets me is the Innkeeper along with his cheerful smile.


    "Morning to ya Jay! You''ve been knocked out cold for hours, how was your sleep?"


    I smile, walking by him to take a seat on one of the empty circr tables.


    "Ah not bad, not bad, Mr... uhm-"


    "No need to use Mr, just call me Conway!"


    "Right, Conway."


    I look down at the wooden table, embarrassed that I forgot his name while mindlessly shing at white walls for a month. I swallow my pride and carry on our conversation like that didn''t just happen.


    "Some food would be great."


    He bows slightly, then begins walking to the back room.


    "You got it!"


    I exhale, taking in my surroundings with an odd eerie tension in the back of my mind.


    Everything in the Inn looks just like it was... There are all the same familiar C-ss squads from the Association sitting around tables eating food and trading gear, but something feels off.


    It''s way too silent. I''m so ustomed to the low humming of mana in my ears and nothing else. This bustling environment is over-sensitizing me again.


    My brain and body feel drained just sitting here... There aren''t unlimited stores of mana to plunder from all angles and I''m craving MP already.


    The sounds of peopleughing and talking all around me begin to get muffled in my mind, all I can focus on is my foot tapping on the ground as I zone further and further out.


    Then I hear the same cheerful voice of an old man in my ear.


    "Here you go Jay! Hope your training goes well today. I think Fisher should be out here in an hour or two!"


    The Innkeeper''s voice snaps me back to reality and I gracefully ept the steaming hot tes of food and cold drinks.


    "Appreciate it."


    He smiles and walks away with a skip in his step.


    I eat up, but a funny question does stick out in the back of my mind. When does Conway sleep...?


    I chuckle to myself, as I can''t figure out just how he does it, but decide to pay it no mind and rx.


    Watching hunterse and go for the next few hours is pretty nice. Much more interesting than my month-long vacation of solitude in the void.


    Eventually, a certain red-haired man pokes his head through the front doors of the Inn, locking eyes with me almost instantly.


    It''s Rn.


    "Hey, hey! Jay, you''re up! I''m excited to see your progress with Fisher today. Maybe I''ll actually get to watch the two of you train... or maybe even spar!"


    Hees marching toward me with a smile across his face, then sits down at the opposite side of the table.


    "You know that team I went to meet? They didn''t even want to check out the Inn! The lot of them just headed straight off to floor 11 without a word."


    I respond, vaguely remembering that Rn was going to meet a new team from the same C-ss exams as me. I wonder who they could be...


    "Oh yeah? Are-"


    He cuts me off.


    "Those nobles are really a stuck-up bunch, aren''t they? Walking around in their gold and silver armor. The Association just gives them a pitty contract if they manage to pass the exam. It''s more for the off chance that they rank to an elite on their own. Most of them have the funding to do so anyways."


    I raise an eyebrow, remembering back to one of my first shes during the C-ss exams. It was a group just like the one he''s describing... A team of men all dressed in gold and silver armor. The leader had an odd barrier skill. We shed briefly, but I didn''t see him again after that.


    "Those guys were nobles...?"


    I scratch my head as Rn goes off on another tangent.


    I begin to zone out again, feeling empty, craving a battle or some high concentrations of mana. My attention problem is getting worse...


    I think it''s just a side effect of my training. I got used to itst time in a few days, I should be fine this time around as well.


    Finally, footsteps starting down the wooden steps at the back of the room and a blue-haired swordsmanes walking down while wiping his tired eyes.


    He''s carrying a white glowing rectangle.


    I hear him say a few words into it before he puts it away into his item box.


    "Understood. I''ll await your next call."


    The Innkeeper greets him with a cheerful smile as he makes eye contact with me. The Elite quickly makes his way over.


    "Morning. d you''re early,e on, let''s go. There''s no time to waste."


    A bit rude, but exactly what I was hoping for... I''m not in the mood to waste time either. If anything, I''d rather just climb thebyrinth on my own... The faster I can slip away from these 2 and continue my battles on the 19th floor the better.


    I follow Fisher outside as he begins to make his way back to the mountain base in a rush. Rn starts asking questions on the way.


    "Hey, what''s the big idea? What''s with the attitude all of a sudden? You could have at least sat down with us for a little while or something."


    Fisher replies.


    "There''s been a change of ns. Hopefully Jay''s ready for the next stage of our training by the end of today. I just got word from the Director about a break up North. My squad may need to be deployed early, so I''d like to get through as much as we can before I''m called out for immediate action."


    Rn nods with a serious look on his face, then pauses for a few seconds before a grin curls on the corner of his lips again.


    "So that means I''ll definitely be able to see some cool training from you two today right??"


    Fisher smirks with a tired look on his face, nodding to Ryaln and looking back at me.


    "Hope Jay''s up for it. Let''s see how much he learned yesterday."


    I reply, in a low tone under my breath.


    "I think I''ve learned quite a bit..."


    We continue our short walk and make it back to the base of the mountain with sliced boulders and smashed rockid out in piles all over.


    I speak up before either of them has a moment to question it.


    "I... came back and trained a bit more while you were asleep... I thought it wouldn''t hurt."


    Fisher bends down to take a look at one of the split-open rocks, feeling the glossy texture with two fingers, then turns to me with a surprised look on his face.


    "Wow... not bad kid. Not bad at all."


    I reply in an annoyed tone.


    "I told you not to call me that! You''re only a few years older than me ya-"


    "Yeah, yeah."


    The Elite takes out his water stone imbued sword and points it up at the rock ledge that we aimed our attacks at just yesterday.


    "Go on, let''s see what you''ve learned."


    Immediately, I take out my sword and begin to charge it up. I haven''t thrown an attack at anything but pure white mana shielding for thest 30 days. I''ve been so focused on the proper attack for defeating a Berskerer, that I forgot about this trainingpletely.


    Smirking, I whisper under my breath.


    "This will be easy..."


    I charge up 100MP into a small strike, thin and dense enough to cut through the skin of a floor 19 mob. Definitely overkill for this rock face. Without a second thought, I swing my ming red de a the overhang and let the dark crescent of energy fly.


    It''s barely visible and slices through the air without a sound. Almost identical to Fisher''s attack yesterday.


    It hits the rock ledge and glides through. To the naked eye, not a single cut is made. It just looks like my sh missed.


    Half a secondter, a massive chunk of the rock wall slides off as the thin ck de flies up into the open air of the dungeon.


    I grin, watching the glossy texture of rock reflect the dungeon''s sun back at us. The heap of rocks from above hits the ground with a thud, making dust fly up in all directions.


    Rlyan''s face lights up as he lets out a gasp, followed by a longugh, turning to Fisher. The blue-haired Elite stands in awe for a moment, staring at the smooth rock above us.


    Then, a satisfied lookes across his face as he puts his sword back into his item box and crosses his arms.


    "Impressive. You really had no idea what you were doing before you came here, did you? You''ve just been throwing all that raw power at your enemies until now?"


    I pause before replying, impressed that he can manage to throw in a jab in, even now.


    "I... guess so..."


    He smirks.


    "Well... In that case, I guess we can start phase 2 of your training earlier than I thought."

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    I look up at Fisher while powering down my sword.


    I''ve had a lot of time to think about my situation here in thebyrinth while I was away training in the Titan''s Domain.


    When we first met, I was a bit annoyed with this blue-haired Elite for stepping on my toes during my solobyrinth diving mission.


    I still am... but he''s just following orders. If anything it''s the Director''s fault. He''s telling all the other Associationckeys around here what to do. I don''t me him for following through on his mission, but I still work better alone...


    Fisher continues to speak.


    "We''ll be climbing the Labyrinth."


    I hear what he has to say, but I was expecting it... I reply.


    "I still want to climb these floors alone you know... Just because the Director wants us to team up, doesn''t mean it has to happen."


    Fisher smirks, letting out a lightugh.


    "I remember when I still had the will to fight like you. Trust me, stay on his good side while you still can."


    I lock eyes with Fisher. He looks back at me with a serious, worry-filled gaze.


    I turn away first, replying under my breath.


    "This is no fun..."


    The Elite sighs, then replies.


    "It''s not meant to be fun. We''re going to war soon you know."


    I gulp, looking up at him.


    "What are you talking about...?"


    "The breaks up north,ing from the Dark Continent. They''re the worst ones we''ve had in a long time... That''s why we''re even here in the first ce, and why the Director put so much money into training you C-ss recruits."


    Fisher digs through his item storage and takes out two palm-sized crystals. They''re bothpletely white and give off a low mana filled hum.


    "If necessary, we''ll be using these to transport back to the Association HQ. They''re one-time use transport crystals."


    I raise an eyebrow, staring at the glowing items until Fisher puts them away and continues to speak.


    "I hear you have a mana crystal quota too don''t ya? We can help you fill that while we climb the floors."


    With a grin, he points a thumb back to Rn. The redhead jumps in.


    "Hey! I never signed up for this freebor!"


    Fisher turns back to him.


    "I... think you did. You should be with your squad on floor 17 anyway. We''ll drop you off on the way up."


    He opens his mouth to reply, but stops and nods.


    I think about it for a moment, then let out a sigh and a shrug.


    "Fine, I guess I might as well."


    Fighting this point won''t get me anywhere.


    I could probably farm 50k MP worth of crystals in a few hours if I teleported around any dungeon solo, but abandoning my mission isn''t a good idea. Even if tricked into it won''t get me anywhere close to the Director''s good side.


    Although Fisher seems to bepletely tied up by the Association, I still sense some fight in him. I''m curious to learn a few more things about him, and see what else he can potentially teach me about mana control in the meantime.


    Even though he didn''t teach me much directly, he''s been pointing me in the right direction every step of the way so far.


    I speak up.


    "Before I agree... Could I test out an attack against your mana shielding again? I''d like to see how far I''vee since ourst sh."


    Fisher crosses his arms, giving me an arrogant smirk, while Ryaln''s eyes light up behind him.


    "Sure, go for it. It''ll give you a good idea of how hard these higher-floor monsters will really be. Now that you understand mana control a bit better, you''ll realize how outmatched you really are."


    He takes a step back and puts both of his arms to his sides. Rn gets out of the way as I step in from of him with a sharp look in my eyes.


    "You''re sure? You don''t even want to block with your sword?"


    He rolls his eyes and shakes his head.


    "Don''t worry. Go all out. I know your full potential power already, you''d need over double that to even think about breaking through my shielding. Try all you want."


    I clench my jaw, then grip my de tight while focusing on an attack. I make my strike as thin as possible, The same width as the attack that sliced through the Berserker''s shielding.


    My avability of mana here isn''t as abundant as the environment I trained in, so I can already tell my proficiency has dropped. In just under 60 seconds, I focus around 1000MP into a deadly ck fiery sh.


    With a swift swing of my de, I let it soar.


    The swordless swordsman''s expression changes as he watches the thin energy de approach.


    Using my All-Seeing Eye to watch from afar, I witness his mana shield activate less than a meter before impact. It''s denser than any shield I''ve faced before... I didn''t get an actual close look at itst time we faced off...


    Well, I did. I just didn''t understand how fine-tuned his mana control really was.


    My sliver of energy meets his invisible wall of mana. For a moment, it seems like time stops... My de hits the center of his chest andes to aplete halt, pushing forward with nowhere to go...


    Momentster, I see a dim sh of white light as Fisher moves out of the way and the de flies past him, disappearing into the rock face 20m away.


    A toothy grin creeps across my face at the sight before my eyes.


    At the bottom of Fisher''s torso on the side my de flew off to, there''s a small rip in his shirt, and a light trickle of blooding off a tiny paper-thin gash.


    The blue-haired Elite curses under his breath as I celebrate with a childish attitude. Rn''s eyes open wide as I power down my sword and Fisher speaks while putting a hand over his side. He activates a light blue glow and the bleeding stops immediately.


    "Damn it- How''d you possibly power up this much in less than 24 hours... That kind of improvement takes months of training! You-"


    Rn steps in.


    "Looks like someone might be taking your spot as the new youngest Elite hotshot. Wouldn''t you say?"


    He looks over to me, and I just reply with a shrug.


    Fisher speaks up.


    "Well, that certainly settles it. You''re at least ready to train on the 19th floor. Maybe even the 20th... Not going to lie, I thought I''d have to beat the Behemoth for you. At this rate, maybe you''ll actually have a chance at that thing after all."


    "..."


    I''m still silent, staring down at my dark de. Excitement fills my body as I realize just how far I''vee.


    It''s been a grueling 30 days for me, but it feels like it went by in a sh...


    "Come on, we might as well start now while the day is young. I brought food and water, let''s start our trek upwards."


    I look up Fisher.


    "Already?"


    "Do... you have anything else to do?"


    "I...."


    "Thought so,e on. We''ll farm mana crystals with you up until the 17th floor. That''s where we''ll drop off this tag-along with his team."


    The redhead rolls his eyes, and I nod.


    "Once we make it up there, I''ll have to check in with the Association one more time before going up to the dead zone."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "The dead zone?"


    Fisher nods, taking out his silver quota tablet.


    His looks much different than mine. It has 4 clear gems attached to each corner.


    "The Association can''t contact me that far up. Monster''s with higher mana control tend to live in much more mana-rich environments. It screws with long-range connections. That''s why we call it the dead zone."


    I nod slowly, not understanding a word he just said. The only thing on my mind is the fact that his tablet has clear gems on it and mine doesn''t.


    "Hey, why doesn''t my tablet have those- The Director didn''t-"


    All four clear stones on the tablet begin to light up with a white glow. I stare mesmerized.


    The blue-haired Elite''s eyes instantly go back to the tired look I saw moments ago when he was waking up from his sleep at the Inn.


    He grips the tablet tightly.


    "What kind of timing is this... you speak of the Director''s name and hees calling..."


    I gulp.


    "He''s... calling? Through that?"


    The lights on all four corners of the silver tablet begin to shine brighter and brighter until a very familiar voicees ringing out into my ears.


    "Fisher. Fisher. Do you read me? We''re going to need your immediate dispatch on a series of C-ss Dungeon breaks along the northern border. Please report your training progress with your assigned member of the new Elite squad."


    Fisher replies.


    "We''re just about to start phase 2 of Jay''s training."


    "... Phase 2 already? ..."


    "Yes, Sir."


    "..."


    There''s a pause on the other side of the line for almost 10 full seconds.


    I grit my teeth while listening, but can''t hold myself back any longer. I storm over to Fisher with my eyes locked on the glowing quota tablet.


    I''ve been thinking about this man for over a month straight.


    "Let me talk to him, I''d like to give The Director a piece of my mind. I signed up for a solobyrinth mission, and I''m going to get what I was promised!"


    I reach over and grab the silver rectangle right out of Fisher''s hand.


    "Hey! Hello? Can you hear me?"


    Another long pause follows, then the Regional Director''s voice finally rings out of it.


    "Well, what a surprise. It''s nice to talk to you again so soon Jay. It seems there''s been another change of ns."

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    "What do you mean there''s been another change of ns? There''s always a change of ns... Ya know! I have a few things I want to talk about with you!"


    I''ve been particrly irritabletely. Maybe it''s from theck of mana, or just my time away from people and stimtion again. I know shouting at the Director and calling him out on the spot is a rash decision, but my mouth is moving faster than my brain right now.


    "...."


    He responds after another long pause.


    "Well, I''m d you''re so energetic today. I hear your mana control is much more refined than I predicted it would be. It seems you''ve managed to exceed my expectations once again."


    I grit my teeth and think about going off on a rant about him lying to me every step of the way during my time at the association, but pause and hold my tongue.


    Red-faced and gripping the glowing white box, I take a deep breath in and out before calmly responding with a more calcted approach....


    "Good to talk with you too, Director.... I was surprised to be assigned a training partner in the Labyrinth. I was under the impression I was climbing solo."


    I gulp, hoping my delicate wording is enough to get my point across, but not bite the hand that feeds me too hard just yet.


    There''s another long pause as Fisher makes his way over to me with an angry expression of his own across his face.


    The Director responds before the blue-hairs Elite can get a word in.


    "Jay, I do apologize if you feel you''ve been lied to during your first two weeks at the Association. It''s only natural, you haven''t exactly beenpletely truthful with us either."


    My heart skips a beat as I hear this line from the old mane through the glowing box...


    I don''t reply.


    The Director''s voice continues to ring out.


    "I enjoy ying games, as long as I know I''ll win in the end. Your recent developments have me rethinking a few moves..."


    Another pause follows.


    The suspense is killing me.


    I begin to repeat his words in my head over and over to try and figure out what exactly he''s getting at. I haven''t been truthful? As long as he wins? Rethinking moves?


    It sounds like this old man has gone crazy... by the way he''s speaking, it really seems like he looks at life like it''s a big chess game or something...


    I finally respond after Fisher elbows me in the gut, whispering in my ear: "Come on, say something!"


    I respond in a low calcted tone.


    "Mr. Director. I appreciate the assistance with my training recently, but I remember you telling me this was a solo mission. For now, that is my onlyint. I''d like to know exactly what I''m getting myself into before I agree to something, and trust that I''m in safe hands.... Especially with all this talk of the Dark Continent. I believe we need toe to a better agreement."


    Another 5-second pause follows before the old man''s voice rings out.


    "I understand how you feel, and I believe we cane to a better conclusion after your current mission isplete."


    I clench my jaw, but hold back from cutting him off as he continues.


    "For now, could you please hand the transmission tablet back to Fisher? I have urgent matters to attend to. You may even get what you''re asking for sooner than you think."


    There''s another long pause.


    Then Fisher finally takes the device from my hands while putting it up close to his face and walking away from me.


    "Sorry about that, I copy. Give me an update on..."


    His voice begins to fade away as he walks further from me. I''m confused and still a bit angry standing next to the grinning redhead.


    Rn and I make casual conversation for a few minutes while the elite talks on the phone for an ufortable amount of time.


    We make good conversation though, I learn a few things.


    Apparently, the redhead has only managed to consume around 3 million MP in his career at the Association. Considering his age, this seems very low to me.


    After a thorough exnation, the reasoning is his skill, swordsmanship. It takes many training hours to burn through a full bar in his physical condition with a nearly passive skill.


    The same goes for manymon skill users like body hardening or certain passive weapon handling abilities.


    That''s whybat magic wielders are more likely to be chosen as Elites. They have a natural aptitude for consuming and controlling mana at much higher levels thanmon skill users.


    One thing I''ve learned from his excessive gabbing is that it is possible to imbue mana into a weapon or armor piece if it''s bonded with the user. This is why I''m able to put mana into my sword and dagger.


    Nonbat magic users are able to achieve this too. It just takes much more mana control training and a special type of weapon.


    The Berskerer''s de I picked up earlieres to mind, but I decide not to mention it.


    Finally, after many long minutes that felt like hours, Fisher returns with a puzzled look on his face. The silver rectangle stops glowing and he puts it away into his item box. His movements seem rushed.


    "Well, what do you wanna hear first? The good news, the bad news, or the even worse news?"


    I reply.


    "Give me the bad news first."


    He nods, pulling out the two small white crystals from his item box and bringing them up close to my eye line.


    "Well, It seems I''ve been called out on some urgent business. It''s those C-ss breaks by the border, they need more Elite teams to handle the mutants. Some of them have high mana control proficiency, this is a rough one."


    I don''t say a word as he continues.


    "If we can clear everything out, I''ll be back in 2 to 3 days max. Our training may have to end prematurely."


    I gulp.


    "Okay... so what''s the good news then."


    Fisher throws me one of the white crystals.


    "Well, it seems you got on Brutus'' good side once again... He says you''re ready to climb thebyrinth yourself.."


    I catch the small gem and reply as a grin creeps across my face.


    "Okay- but what''s this for?"


    The Elite smirks.


    "The Director says that''s for if you decide to face the behemoth before I get back. You have a reputation of getting in over your head... Use it if you''re in any life-threatening trouble."


    He lets out augh as I feel the small white crystal up and down with my fingers.


    "To activate it, all you have to do is crush it in your palm. You, and anything on your person will be transported to a safe point within the Association HQ. If a monster happens to be in contact with you, they''ll be transported as well. So be careful."


    I let out a chuckle.


    "So you''re saying I could transport a boss monster into the Association''s HQ...?"


    "Hey! Don''t get any bright ideas, I just saved you from a whole lot of trouble on that call you know! Plus, the transport point is mana shielded up to B-ss level attacks. Whatever you manage to drag in won''t be a problem."


    I let out a sigh.


    "Yeah, yeah. I was just kidding..."


    "Good."


    "Thanks, I''m d this worked out. I''ll get to climb the Labyrinth alone just like I wanted... I know you were just doing your job and all, it''s just I-"


    "Save it. I haven''t gotten to the worse news just yet."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Oh- Right...."


    Fisher points behind me at the redhead staring up at the open dungeon sky.


    "He''s your problem now. Get him up to the 17th floor to meet his team, Director''s orders. Then you can train up on the 18th and 19th by yourself."


    I look over at the oblivious fiery haired swordsman.


    "..."


    Fisher continues.


    "Based on the attack you just threw at me, you''ll have no problem facing the base-level mobs on floor 19. They''re fast and good with their weapons, just don''t get lost in the mazes. I''m sure once you see how powerful they are, you may have second thoughts about soloing floor 20."


    I let out a light smirk, knowing that I''m facing the floor 19 boss the next moment I get free... He continues.


    "As I said before, I''ll be back in 3 days max. I''d rmend facing the 18th-floor boss a few times to get a feel for its abilities before going any further and....."


    Fisher continues to give me tips like a concerned parent as I zone out fantasizing about the floors above.


    I''m rudely snapped out of it by the blue-haired swordsman''s hands waving in front of my face.


    "GOT IT?"


    "Yep. Got it. Thanks, Fisher."


    He tightens his gaze, then moves his eyes over to Rn behind me.


    The redhead is already on his way over.


    "I heard most of that, no need to fill me in!"


    I open my mouth, but Fisher cuts in.


    "Good. Help Jay farm mana crystals on the way up as we promised."


    The Elite takes a few packages of food and water out of his item box, throwing them on the ground in front of us.


    "Hope these will be more than enough for you two. See ya soon."


    He waves us goodbye without another word. The white crystal gets crushed in his hand and a bright white light shes before our eyes.


    When it fades, Fisher is gone...


    I turn to my new traveling partner, then let out a sigh as he picks up all of the materials on the ground to ce them in his item box.


    I speak up.


    "Looks like we''ll be climbing the next 7 floors together."


    He turns to me with the same bright smile as always.


    "Looks like it!"


    Secretly, I''m nning my next moves to get onto the 20th floor. The faster we climb these next 7 floors, the better. I''m itching for a real fight. The first moment I get to ditch him and face the 19th-floor boss I''ll take it.


    I have 3 days while Fisher is away to defeat the Behemoth all by myself.

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    Rn packs up all of our gear. Both of us ready our swords before walking deep into the 10th-floor dungeon.


    He''s not my preferred travelpanion.


    I''d rather just Dungeon Walk up to floor 19 myself, but at least I know 7 floors up from here is the highest he''ll go.


    With Fisher watching my every move, I was worried I wouldn''tfortably be able to go all out. It may have been interesting to see how an Elite fights, but It''s much more fun to do it on my own.


    We begin marching up the floors at a pretty solid pace. I don''t mind the wait. Just 2 hours or so per floor is nothingpared to the month-long mental solitude I''ve faced 2 times now.


    Rn is spitting facts about the Association in my ear all the way up. A good history lesson never hurt anybody.


    We take breaks every 1 or 2 floors to stop and rest. The redhead is actually not bad with his sword. The mobs we''re facing aren''t too strong, but they aren''t too weak either. He is a mid-level C-ss.... The hunter''s cheerful attitude just distracts me from the fact that he''s been in the association for over a decade.


    Rn is a seasoned fighter in his own right.


    After about 9 hours of straight walking and shing, we make it to floor 14. We take a long break near the entrance portal on this floor, there''s just 3 more before our destination.


    The redhead speaks up while swallowing a mouthful of food he just recently pulled from his item box.


    "Hey Jay, why''d you be a hunter at the Association anyway? You don''t seem to like the director much, and you don''t even wear a standard-issue uniform."


    I grab an apple from the food pile Fisher left us and take a bite. Swallowing before I answer.


    "I just wanted to get stronger. This seemed like it''d be the only way."


    Rn nods, looking up at the sky.


    "Well, they only pick out one new elite squad per region every year, so you totally lucked out!"


    I shrug.


    "Lucked out? Maybe. I think luck just gets you where you deserve to be faster. For better or worse, right?"


    The redhead looks at me with a confused look, then carries on with his nonsensical rambling differing the conversation to apletely different topic.


    We carry on with our walk upwards soon after.


    Another 4 hours pass and we make it to the 16th floor. This is the miniature version of The Great ins dungeon. Apparently, this is the ce where Rn and his team usually train. He speaks up.


    "This is ourst floor, we should be able to meet my team by the boss room portal. The Director sent them a transmission to let them know our estimated arrival time. That''s where we usually meet up before jumping floors anyways."


    We head to the back of the dungeon without another thought.


    Although we rushed through these 7 floors, about 25k MP worth of crystals was farmed from mobs that attacked us on the way. I''ll have to scrounge up another 25k myself at some point during the week.


    As we approach the backside of the dungeon, my enemy detection radar picks up on double the readings it''s supposed to. There are 4 extra entities nearby, and they''re all over level 360...


    I speak up to Rn as we approach the top of the final hill that leads down to the portal below.


    "Hey... We havepany. It''s not just your team down there."


    We make It to the top of thest rolling hill and who I see next surprises me. I use Appraisal and inspect on a tall man in silver and gold armor with long blond hair and bright blue eyes.


    ____________


    [Lv. 377]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Steel Sword] +900 Strength


    [Enchanted Armor Set] +1100 Defense


    [Enchanted Gold Ring] +50% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Ring of Quickness] +55% Speed


    [Enchanted tinum Ring] +70% Mental Strength


    [Dragon Scale Pendant] +50% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Barrier Summoning]


    Swordsmanship


    ____________


    I whisper under my breath as I realize this is one of the hunters that I shed with at the C-ss Exam.


    "It''s him..."


    He''s definitely gotten some major upgrades in both his level and gear.


    I freeze, and squint my eyes to get a better look at him. While doing so, Rn''s voice calls out.


    "Oh look who it is! We caught up to ya''ll. What are the odds?"


    He starts walking down the hill toward his teammates who happen to be mingling with the armored team of nobles. They seem to be talking about the higher floors of thebyrinth.


    I follow Rn and we make our way down to greet them. The noble team leader turns to greet us, but a surprised expression followed by a grin creeps across his face when he sees me.


    "It''s you. I was wondering where you ended up after all this time! Well, until recently that is."


    The team leader puts out a strong-looking right hand. I walk forward to shake it to be polite. I''vepletely forgotten his name, so I hope he introduces himself again...


    "It''s me! George. George Arden the 3rd. You''re Jay, right? One of the first hunters to ever break through my skill''s defenses, I can''t forget a face like that! Although, you do look much older. It''s been a few weeks at most...."


    Sure, it''s been a few weeks to him, but I''ve been through hell and back since I saw himst. I''m d he''s in such a good mood today. We''re on the same side this time around, that''s a relief.


    I swallow hard before answering, scratching the back of my head after letting go of his firm handshake.


    "I- yeah. It''s been a long few weeks, theck of sleep much be showing on my face. It''s good to see you too. Looks like we both go contracted after the exams."


    He grins as his 3 teammates stand at the ready behind him in almost identical silver and gold armor.


    "Yeah, we were able to manage a non-exclusive contract. I used the Arden family name to ensure a good deal for us. The Director gave us clearance to farm up on the 18th floor this week. Yeti Charms fetch a good price off in the lower-tier Regions without higher-level Labyrinth activity."


    I nod, putting together the puzzle pieces in my head. It seems his family is in the trade business. He said he was George Arden the 3rd. His grandfather must have taken advantage of the dungeon breaks when they were just starting up 80 years ago, or possibly during the Great War just 50 years back.


    This could be how they bought into a noble name. It''s just my theory for now. I''m not one to pry. Either way, I''m happy he''s so friendly with me all of a sudden...


    The tall armored noble continues to speak.


    "I heard through the grapevine that you''ll be one of the Vice Region''s Elite this year, along with that girl that wields Ice Magic. Maria, I believe her name was."


    I''m unsure where he got this information so fast. I tighten my gaze, then in a polite manner.


    "It seems to be the case. Why...?"


    He bows his head slightly.


    "Once your Elite training isplete, I humbly ask for you and your team to visit my estate just East of the capital. I''m sure it would be a profitable meeting for both of us, in many ways."


    He smiles as I think about his offer.


    He''s met me one time in the past so far. Although we ended our sh with a tie, I haven''t exactly done anything to get on this noble''s good side.


    This title of ''Elite'' must mean more than I thought it did.


    I let out a thin smile and respond.


    "I- sure. I have a lot of missions ahead, so it''ll be quite a while, but I won''t pass up your offer. How can I uh-"


    He cuts me off.


    "Very well. Just ask any Association higher-up about the Arden family. They''ll point you in the right direction."


    I nod slowly as he begins to turn back to his team, waving and giving me ast word of goodbye.


    "I''m d we met again Jay, looking forward to doing business with you in the near future."


    I scrunch my eyebrows, still a bit confused about this entire situation. I respond as hepletely ignores Rn and his squad members and jumps into the open boss room portal with his team.


    "See ya-"


    They''re gone, leaving us in the empty fields of the miniature Great ins.


    The redhead meets back up with his team while I continue to think about the interaction I just fumbled myself into. I guess... that''s just another thing I have to add to my long list of things to do.


    I hear Rn''s voice call out to me.


    "Hey Jay, it was a nice walk up here. My team is about to move up to the 17th floor to face the High Ogres like we''ve been training for all this time. Care to join us in the boss fight? I assume you''ll be climbing higher too, right?"


    I smirk.


    "It was a pleasure climbing with you as well. Maybe I''ll see youter, or when I meet back up with Fisher in a few days. I''m going to stay here and farm some more mana crystals for a few hours before heading up. Gotta hit that quota!"


    He nods with a cheerful smile, turning to enter the spinning grey portal himself.


    "You got that right! We''ll be setting up camp to sleep in a few hours back here on the 16th floor once we''re done farming for a bit. If you need a ce to rest after training,e back and stay with us."


    He throws me a day''s worth of food and water, then disappears into the portal with his teammates.


    I wave goodbye.


    "Take care, see ya."


    Once they''re gone, I let out the longest exhale of my life...


    "Finally, I get to solo hunt again."


    Without another moment of hesitation, I activate my Dungeon Walker skill and teleport straight up to the 19th floor.


    "It''s time to test out the limits of my newly upgraded mana control."

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    In the blink of an eye, I''m back. I open up my item storage and use enemy detection to scan my surroundings. Ember flies out and stretches his wings.


    "We''re back."


    I smirk.


    "Indeed we are."


    I''ve been climbing the Labyrinth floors for hours. Too many hours... but I can''t let any more time be wasted. I have plenty of energy left and I''m itching to use it all up.


    Reaching my enemy detection skill to the depths of the 19th floor, I locate that red-skinned 4m tall level 408 creature once again.


    I ce my hand on Emebr''s wing and teleport back to that glossy square-shaped battlefield. Waiting patiently, the respawned Berskerer Giant going turns its head to me, showing off that toothy grin I know so well.


    Its green eyes lock on me and the beast begins charging forward at once. Ember flies up into the sky to let me handle this one alone.


    I take out my de and begin powering up a strike as the monster approaches from roughly 100m away. Its heavy feet crack the ground as runs at me showing a murderous look in its eyes.


    I smirk, standing in ce while I grip my red glowing de.


    The beastes closer and closer. I feel the ground shake as it approaches, but continue to focus on refining my attack to its full potential.


    In just 10 seconds, I manage to charge up over 450 MP worth of energy into a paper-thin strike. With a yell of excitement, I let the ck crescent of mana fly.


    It''s silent, soaring through the air with ease as the Berserker plows toward me not thinking twice about the powerful energy attack aimed straight at its torso.


    Moments before impact, I watch the dense mana shielding appear as my attack threatens to make contact with the monster''s chest te.


    Without a hint of resistance, it glides right through.


    Less than 10m in front of me, I watch my dark de of fire slice this Berserker in half without slowing down for a second.


    The creature''s eyes open wide as it realizes its fate. Both halves of the beast still rocket toward me with impressive momentum. I air-step out of the way to watch the bloody mess roll to a stop over 30 meters behind me.


    Letting out a chuckle, I look up to the sky to see Ember watching with great satisfaction. He speaks to me through our link.


    "It looks like your month of training has definitely paid off. Shall we continue to climb?"


    I grin at the dark ck Dragon in the sky. I can tell he''s just as eager to gain more levels, just like me. His next rank-up is definitely one of the only things on his mind. I admire Ember for that, he doesn''t care about much else...


    Me neither.


    I walk over to the dissolving corpse and pick up the lone mana crystal it drops. I throw it into my stash and drink an MP potion from my storage.


    There''s nearly an unlimited supply of these Association-funded potions, it''ll take me forever to run through them. I''ll use them while I can.


    I begin air-stepping up to the Dragon hovering high in the sky, then get on Emebr''s back. We begin soaring around the 19th-floor dungeon for the next hour or so hunting Berserkers on sight.


    Most of them are around levels 402-404. I vary my energy shes and begin to keep a record of how well they perform. The minimum amount of MP used while at the correct hair-thin width is just about 300MP. I can manage one of these in just about 3 seconds now. Any lower than that, and the monster in question needs to be weakened before a less-charged sh can do any damage.


    Once my tests areplete, I''ve farmed around 5k MP worth of crystals and the two of us fly off to the boss room together. The longer I charge my attacks top for, the less MP I''m able to efficiently store into the attack.


    Soaring deeper and deeper into the back of the dungeon with grey skies and a jagged glossy ckndscape below my excitement grows.


    I grip my sword tightly. Both Ember and I burst into mes as the spinning grey portales into view.


    The Dragon''s voice rings out in my head through our telepathic link.


    "I believe you''re more than ready for this, but it would still be wise to stay cautious. Would you like me to leave the battling to you?"


    I smirk.


    "Take out the lesser mobs if any spawn in my way. Leave the boss for me."


    "Understood."


    We continue to soar downward, and I jump off Ember''s back to hit the crystal-like ground with a loud thud. Fragments of dark stone fly up in the air from beneath my feet as I face the spinning portal of energy less than 3 meters away from my face.


    "Let''s do this."


    I begin to shine red and gold while my sword glows crimson and the mes burn hot all around me. Ember does the same, glowing red and burning with dark flickering mes.


    We step through and enter the 19th-floor boss room.


    As we do, I look around at the odd environment we''ve stepped into.


    The floor, curved walls, and dome-like ceiling are all made out of the same fragmented ck crystal-like rock. There''s no sign of a light source in sight, but the inside of the room is well-lit.


    The floor area is circr, about 100 meters in diameter, and the ceiling goes up about 50 meters into the air.


    It''s deathly silent. All I can hear is the light crackling of my mes. Ember ps his wings and flies up into the sky while speaking to me through our link.


    "Here ites... There seems to be only 1 boss. I''ll take care of its dozen or so underlings."


    The moment Ember''s words hit my inner ear, my enemy detection senses start to go off like crazy.


    The monsters are here...


    From the back of the Boss room, I see a stampede of 4m tall Berserker Giantse charging towards me. They''re all levels 402-408. Each one of them stares at me with jagged teeth, sharp green eyes, and long silver swords.


    I watch Ember swoop down from above, letting out a thick beam of dark fire magic from his mouth. It collides with the iing hoard of monsters and half of them are engulfed in the hot mes.


    Some jump in the air to attack the flying Dragon, but Ember is fully prepared. With his dark crimson mana-imbued craws at the ready, I watch 3 red-skinned Berserker Giants get torn in half in a matter of seconds.


    The battle is on...


    I grin, facing forward as a menacing figure approaches from the back of the room.


    Heavy footsteps make the ground shake, and I hear the thuds approaching through the screeches and cries of Berserkers getting mutted by Ember.


    I air-step forward to face whatever monstrosity approaches. I''m shaking with excitement and eager for a hard battle ahead.


    I fly over the pit of mes and destruction below to finally see the enormous beast in all its glory.


    It resembles the Berserker Giants I''ve faced before but stands over 6m tall ted head to toe with silver armor tightened with thick leather-like straps and lined in golden ents.


    Its chest, arms, and legs are all covered but its bright red skin bulges at the seams withrge muscles and thick veins.


    The monster glows red as it wields a long shining silver sword.


    The creature''s white teeth, long tongue, and sharp green eyes stare deep into my soul as I hit the ground with a thud. My feet crack the glossy ck floor on impact.


    With a dark burning fire behind me, and a 6m tall Giant in front, I use Inspect and Appraisal to see what exactly I''m dealing with.


    ____________


    [Lv. 421]


    Active Items:


    [Berserker King''s Armor Set] [Blood Bonded] +73% Defense


    [Berserker Kings''s Long Sword] [Blood Bonded] +1250 Attack +600 Agility


    Active Skills:


    Swordsmanship


    Berserker


    Final Breath [Special Grade]


    ____________


    My eyes light up as my mes all grow higher and higher engulfing everything around me in a 5m radius. My dark red aura mixed with shimmers of gold shes with the Berserker''s red glow. It spots me and lets out a murderous roar.


    I grip my ming de and begin to charge MP into it as the monster before me starts making its move.


    Cracking the hard ground with every step, it jumps my way with surprising speed. I dodge to the left, assisted by wind magic to increase my speed while narrowly avoiding its long silver sword.


    I continue to charge up my attack.


    Gritting my teeth I watch the monster turn the moment it realizes its attack has missed, swinging its long de with scary precision toward me without hesitating for a second.


    It''s working off of pure battle instincts, and it''s very skilled. While the monster''s movements are quick, its long arms make each swing very predictable.


    I air-step further away, putting distance between myself, and the beast. Fires rage on behind me as Ember continues to massacre the Berserker''s minions.


    As the Boss makes its move in for a third attack, my first 10-second charge is ready to release. Roughly 450MP is stored up in a thin ck de. I let it fly.


    The massive Berskerer King keeps its trajectory moving forward without batting an eye. A sh that can cut its underlings in half like butter rockets toward it without making a sound.


    As the crescent of mana hits the monster''s chest te, a grin creeps across my face. I watch it sink in without any resistance.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye, watching my de of fire prate the dense armor''s built-in mana shielding.


    Next, there''s a white sh of light followed by an enormous explosion of dark red mes. The King roars from inside the bright ball of fire that appears before my eyes.


    I air-step back up into the sky. The monster doesn''t slow down in its charge one bit. The Berserker plows forward engulfed in a ball of mes swinging its long silver sword.


    I smirk, charging up my de again. It looks like this boss is tougher than I predicted.


    The mes slowly clear and the monster turns to face me as I air-step back down to the hard floor.


    My smirk widens as I catch a glimpse of its chest te torn to shreds and cut clean down the middle. My attack destroyed it almostpletely in one shot. A long open wound is visible across its chest where the armor broke. Fire burns around the bloodied area and dark red liquid drips to the ground as the mes burn the gash shut.


    I''ve charged up another attack almost halfway when I see the armor begin to glow with a dim white light...


    The Berserker King stares me down while putting out the mes on its chest with an open palm. Each time it pats the dark fire a white glow shines.


    Its armor begins to shine with this same white light.


    My jaw drops as I watch the chest te that I just sliced in two meld itself before my eyes. Each halfes together in a brilliant white glow before fading away to show apletely undamaged set of armor.


    I grip my de tighter and imbue more mana inside it, readying myself for the next stage of our battle. Gritting my teeth, a stare right back at the beast before me and whisper under my breath with a grin.


    "It seems like this is going to be a good fight."

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    I can feel the heat of Ember''s fire burning hot behind me as he tears the group of Berserker underlings limb from limb.


    I''m faced off against the Boss. A 6m ball red-skinned Giant with armor that heals itself after being struck. This monster is even able to put out my advanced fire magic with its bare hands.


    My excitement is hard to contain.


    I continue to charge up my de, air-stepping to the side as the agile monster jumps forward at me.


    By now, I''ve plotted enough jump points in this Boss room to begin using my Dungeon Walker ability instead of just air-stepping around.


    I grab an MP potion from my item storage as the long-limbed monster turns to fly at me again. It shows its sharp white teeth, stares forward with unwavering green eyes, and swings its long silver sword with incredible precision.


    Unfortunately, I''m too quick.


    This mid-range battle style I''ve been usingtely isn''t my preferred method of getting my much-needed adrenaline rush. Until I can master this new mana control technique, I can''t just jump in with my de swinging.


    I''d be no better off than the Berserker going mad for a fight right in front of me.


    I teleport away as the beast shes at me again. It follows through into empty space letting out a frustrated roar.


    It''s been nearly 20 seconds now, I''ve charged up over 650MP into one attack. I''d like to get a full 60 seconds in, but it''ll be tough in this environment. I let the mana strike soar from a distance.


    This monster may be strong, and agile in its own right, but my speed and skillset have it outmatched. There''s over half a million MP in my storage ready for use, I can keep this up all day.


    As the thin de of highlypacted mana flies toward the monster it runs at me with the same rage-filled re. The red-skinned, crimson-glowing beast storms toward me again, this time focusing its attention on the iing ck de of fire.


    This Berskerer may be crazy like its underlings, but it seems to have some brains.


    Or so I thought...


    The red-skinned Giant raises its silver sword to block my iing mana attack. I activate my All-Seeing Eye to watch the sh of magic take its course.


    A thickyer of mana shielding is summoned all around the monster''s sword. Simr to its chest te.


    I gulp, but watch eagerly.


    "Is it really about to try and block a strike with this much power...?"


    My eyes open wider, and my clenched jaw tightens as the crescent of ckened energy gets closer and closer to the monster''s shining silver sword.


    Then... it makes contact.


    A loud metallic ng begins echoing throughout the dome-shaped boss room.


    The collision in question isn''t exactly what I expected it would be though....


    As my energy de hits the Berserker''s dense mana shield around its sword, the crescent of fire slides through without a sound....


    Its trajectory stays on course for the monster''s neck. The surprised creature in question regrets its decision to block almost immediately.


    It realizes itspse in judgment and attempts to move its body out of the way. Unfortunately for the Boss, its toote.


    My sh hits its left shoulder at point ck range slipping through its armor like butter. A white light shes, nearly blinding me on the spot. A loud nging sound of mana on mana echoes throughout the boss room...


    I hear a roar from the beast as it''s clearly hit by my sh.


    Through the bright light, I watch the top half of its silver sword fall to the ground with a ng. The sliced area shows off a glossy texture just like the rocks I cut in half while training.


    As the sword''s broken part hits the ground, the white glow from before explodes into an eruption of dark mes.


    It took well over a full second to explode... This might be a good sign.


    I air-step back as I watch the fire dissipate and the growing red aura of the Berserker King grow in size. Without thinking twice, I reach into my item storage to grab another MP potion, bringing me up to a full bar.


    I begin charging up my de again.


    A murderous roar fills the dungeon''s Boss roompletely.


    I air-step higher and higher into the sky, looking down at the beast. A toothy grin creeps across my face as the monster''s left arm falls to the ground with a thud covered in dense fire residue.


    Screeching with fury, green eyes locked on me, from over 30 meters below me, I watch the beast''s blood boil. It''s eyes tighten their gaze on me, and it continues to show me all of its shining white teeth. It squats down, thenunches itself upwards, attempting to meet me in the air.


    I air-step even higher, but the monster''sunch velocity outmatches my current flight speed. With a missing arm, ming left side, and dested army of minions below this monster doesn''t flinch for a second to jump right back into the fight.


    I Dungeon Walk back to the glossy ck floor below. The ground is cracked and shattered from our short brawl. I look to my side to see Ember sitting on a pile of defeated Berserker corpses torn to shreds. Not a single one remains in one piece.


    A loud crash sounds from above. Large ck boulders and shards of hard crystal fall from the sky as the Berserker King collides with the top of the dome.


    I grit my teeth, nt my feet, and continue to charge my de. It''s been almost 10 seconds, but this isn''t even close to enough charge to take out this creature.


    I look up as I hear the loud bang followed by splintering stone. A wide crack appears in the ceiling above and portions of it begin to fall. A dark red aura seeps out form the area that the Boss collided with directly above me. It seems to be lodged deep into the rock structure at the top of the dome.


    I smirk.


    "I''ll have just enough time."


    Pushing my body and mind to the limits, I glow gold and red while concentrating with my All-Seeing Eye to create a precise sh.


    The massive chunks of rock that fall from the sky all around me begin to hit the floor with loud thuds, shaking the ground from all angles. A roar from the Berserker King shakes the room, adding to the chaos.


    I begin to do abination of air-steps and Dungeon Walks to avoid the falling rubble while keeping an eye on the glowing red crater above me.


    After 5 seconds of dodging fallen dungeon mass goes by, my opponent finally joins in on the fun.


    I watch from afar as it peeks out from its crater in the ceiling to once again lock its sharp green eyes on me. I dart across the Boss room floor and it follows like a hawk stalking its prey.


    I take a deep breath in and out as the monster leaps out, jumping from each falling boulder to increase its speed of decent. It loosens up thest remaining rocks above, creating what looks like a falling wall of stone behind it.


    The shattered sword in its hand begins to glow with a faint white light, then the shine begins to grow. It gets brighter and brighter, just like the armor piece from before.


    As it nears, the full length of its silver swordes into view once again. It grew back...


    "This fight is just getting started."


    I let my attack full of 650MP fly once again.


    Thest one of this magnitude that I threw was powerful enough to take the Berserker''s arm clean off. This creature is falling straight at me. It has no way of dodging a mid-air strike.


    I grin, air-stepping backward to move out of the way of more fallen rubble as I watch my thin ck de soar toward the monster above.


    With my perception skill on full st, I eagerly await the beast''s next move. It raises its sword to activate its mana shielding.


    A dense wall of mana forms, but yet again, my sh glides right through.


    It doesn''t slow down one bit.


    Filled with rage, the monster''s eyes widen, and its red aura seeps out even more as it realizes its fatal error for the second time.


    My dark fiery sh hits its chest te head on, slipping through its nextyer of defenses with ease.


    Once it makes contact with the Boss monster''s skin, hitting its final mana shielding, a bright white sh envelopes the entire beast. An explosion of dark mes follow, lighting up the sky with red and white light.


    I Dungeon Walk away, near the side of the boss room where Ember and I entered. I need to get as far away from the st-zone as possible.


    The monster hits the Boss room floor with a ground shaking thud. The wall of heavy boulders and rock fragments follow its decent crunching the beast, piling up over 15 meters high. mes surge from beneath the rock pile, making their way through to the surface.


    I let out augh and raise my sword, waiting for the familiar sound of leveling notifications to ring out in my ear.


    A few second pass.


    The mes burn bright, but my satisfying rings nevere.


    I begin to slowly walk over to the pile of rubble while charging my de up once again.


    "This is a tough one isn''t it...."


    I''m standing about 30 meters away. Rocks from above have mostly stopped falling. There are small fragments still making their way down, but the bigger boulders have all hit the floor.


    Dark red fire crackles beneath the pile of fallen stone.


    I clench my jaw, moving closer and closer with my sword at the ready.


    Then... I hear it.


    Near the backside of the massive pile of stone, shifts in the debris begin to move the rubble.


    mes rise and fall. The Berserker King tears its way out of the stone prison.


    Rock is thrown into the air in all directions and a loud murderous roar echos throughout the Boss room once again.


    It rises from the grave and begins walking toward me with slow and calcted ground breaking steps.


    Surrounded by a new jet ck aura, the Boss now sports a deep bloody wound across its chest along with its missing arm from my prior strike.


    The Berserker King stares me down with those sharp green eyes like our battle is just beginning.


    I stare back grinning ear to ear, d that it finally has.

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    The 6-meter tall menace stands before me bloodied and torn to shreds by myst attacks. It''s missing an arm, has a wide open wound in its chest, and can''t possibly be on more than 10% health after the avnche of rock that fell on it from above.


    A dim light glows around its right hand and torso. The fragments of sword and armor that remain on its beaten body begin to materialize back into their original forms.


    The jet-ck aura that surrounds this beast reeks of death. It must be one of its skills.


    Still charging my own de, ready for battle, I stare the monster right back in its sharp green eyes. They almost look like they''re glowing through the thick dark cloud surrounding the Boss.


    I blink and the creature is gone. My heart skips a beat...


    In what seems like no time at all, this beaten beast sprints toward me with blinding speed. It must be twice as fast as before...


    I watch its silver sworde dangerously close to my mid section, less than 2 meters away. I Dungeon Walk to a safe distance the moment my brain catches up to the situation at hand.


    Now, on the opposite side of the Boss room I put these new pieces of the puzzle together in my mine. It''s 3rd skill...


    "Final Breath."


    Even from its name, it sounds like an ability that boosts the users stats at a moment just before death. The creature is on its final few HP, so that must be a trigger to activate this skill.


    All I have to do isnd one final hit, but all it has to do isnd one me....


    I grin with excitement as the red-skinned monster with a veil of ck glowing mist all around it tracks me down and begins to run full force in my direction.


    Waves of rock fly up in the air on both sides of the charging menace. Its speed is astounding. With a trail of dark aura streaming behind it, I have to Dungeon Walk out of its way to dodge mere seconds after its sprint begins.


    It clears over 100 meters in the blink of an eye.


    ck stone crashes to the ground, leaving a long hole all the way across in the center of the Boss room.


    I grit my teeth as it circles back and runs at me again. Keeping my weapon charged, I continuously adjust my aim to never turn my back on this beast.


    I air step upwards, trying to gain distance while drinking MP potions to keep all of my abilities fully charged.


    The monster jumps up to follow along without a second of hesitation. The 50 meter high ceiling doesn''t limit its range in the slightest.


    I blip around the battle field, trying to avoid its constant attacks. Burning through MP potions and charging my attack up to 650MP. My Dungeon Walker skill is being pushed top the limits. My de is glowing hot, fully charged.


    I lock eyes on the menace as it tears through the rock below, making our battlefield more and more of a war scene by the second. Deep pits and high piles of rock are being thrown about as I Dungeon Walk across the sky andndscape below.


    Using my All-Seeing Eye, I follow the fast moving beasts movements as it follows mine.


    It lunges into the air for another strike.


    "This is it..."


    I let my attack soar.


    The 650MP ck de of meses rocketing out of my sword, and I Dungeon Walk away to safety. Looking up at the sky from below, I watch eagerly for my attack to finally blow the Boss to pieces.


    It will at least damage the monster, I''m betting on that.


    The Berserker flying at my attack knows the painful feeling of colliding with this ck de very well. It''s taken two of them at point nk range in the past.


    For some reason, it wants to take this attack head on anyway.


    A grin creeps across my face as I watch the approaching crescent of dense mes collide with the silver sword of the Berserker King. Fully expecting it to glide right through and finish the monster off, I thrust my sword in the air to celebrate.


    "..."


    I stop mid-thrust with my eyes and mouth wide open. An ear shattering ng rings out in the Boss room...


    "It... Blocked my attack..."


    The strike that previously took off its arm and shattered its armor without a problem is being held back with ease by the monsters long silver sword.


    A bright sh of light appears on impact as my shes to a halt against the mana shielding around its de. It lets out a roar, pushing its de upwards and defecting my attack up to the already shattered ceiling.


    It explodes into a disy of dark mes, knocking more rubble loose from above. The beast learns from its previous fall and begins jumping from boulder to boulder, staying high up in the air to avoid being crushed under the rock pile this time around.


    I grit my teeth, beginning to charge my de up again in frustration while Dungeon Walking away to avoid the iing fallen ceiling.


    Burning hot with mes, I watch the beast form afar. It blocked that attack with ease... Meaning its newest skill has even boosted its mana control capabilities.


    Such a skill muste with a cost. It may have near unlimited endurance and heighten abilities now, but it''ll run out at some point. Energy can''t just be created from thin air... Can it?


    I open up my telepathic link.


    "Ember, can you hear me?"


    "Of course, Master."


    From the backside of the Boss room, patiently waiting atop a pile of dissolved Berserkers, the ck-scaled Dragon stretches its wings and hovers over to me.


    I watch the King above begin to fall towards us, its eyes Locked on me from across the rocky arena.


    I hear a light thud behind me as Embernds, crackling with a lightyer of mes surrounding its body.


    I smirk.


    "We''re going to take this Boss out together, keep it busy while I get an attack ready. No matter what, I need to have the final hit."


    Ember ps his wings with a toothy grin.


    "Understood."


    I drink an MP potion, focusing on my sword while I watch the 7 meter long glossy ck Dragon fly towards a falling monster surrounded with a ck aura of death.


    Gritting my teeth, I get ready to step in and teleport Ember out of danger in case this creature is too much to handle.


    My worries are lifted secondster as the loud ng of mana on mana echoes through my ears. Ember''s red ws collide with the heavy silver sword of the Berskerer King.


    My All-Seeing Eye picks up on two dense mana shield shing, but Ember''s is by far the dominant force.


    A sh of white light is followed by a ball of dark mes toe shooting out of the the ck Dragon''s mouth. He ps his wings and flies Into the sky leaving the Boss engulfed in mes and roaring with fury. It''s unable to put out the dense advanced fire magic.


    I smirk, air-stepping closer watching my battle partner toss around the Berserker with ease.


    The monsterpletely changes its focus, jumping up into the air, following Ember to the sky. The Dragon blows another attack full of mes down to cover the beast on its way up, then blocks its iing sword with a graceful swing of its wed front leg.


    Another sh of white light blinds my view as a roar from the King sounds out.


    I watch it fall to the ground with a loud thud.


    More rock flies and the beast jumps up again in retaliation, trying to catch the dangling prize up the sky. Ember continues to dodge its futile attempts and blocks its sword with precise movements.


    The Berserker is definitely faster, but Ember is picture perfect with every ck and uses denser mana shielding than anything I''ve ever seen.


    There seems to be many more perks from absorbing full pocket detentions worth of mana than just the levels...


    Without the pressure of having to dodge endless attacks from the Boss, charging up my own is much easier. Another half a minute goes by and Ive managed to ready a strike even more powerful than the one that pierced Fisher''s shielding. There''s over 1200MP stored in this attack.


    I''m not messing around. This will be the one to end it, and I''m making sure of that.


    I call for Ember though our telepathic link.


    "y time is over, let''s finish this."


    Locking eyes with the ming Dragon from over 70 meters away, I take in the full view of the battlefield. Ember is high in the sky and the Boss is preparing for another jump.


    I Dungeon Walk above Ember, matching his mes and gripping my glowing de.


    "Dive."


    Without a word, Ember''s mes explode into an even more dazzling disy and he tilts his head to the ground.


    The Berserker below sees us, locking its sharp glowing eyes on me through its ominous aura. I see its jagged teeth gleam with a white shine as it jumps in the air.


    It rockets up, us as we soar down.


    With a yell, I jump off of Ember''s back and fly straight at the beast. My smile widens even more than the battle friend I''m facing.


    Swinging my sword across my body with all my might, I let the full-powered sh fly.


    A dense ck de shoots from my sword, I follow through close behind it.


    The thin crescent of energy slices through the air in silence as the Berserker readies its sword to block. Full of confidence in my abilities, I continue to fall, watching the collision happen right in front of my eyes.


    It makes contact...


    Then glides right through.


    Its shining silver sword doesn''t slow the dark crescent of fire down one bit.


    Neither does its armor....


    Lastly, its finalyer of mana shielding is pierced without a hint of resistance.


    My attack glides straight through without a sound. The monster''s eyes widen, but it''s toote to react, this battle is over....


    The beast splits in two before my eyes.


    I continue my descent as the monster''s halves pass me on both sides.


    Before hitting the hard ck ground below, Ember swoops in to catch me on his back. Simultaneously, the sweet sound of leveling notifications finally hits my inner ear.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I let out a joy-filled yell, thrusting my sword in the air annoying victory for real this time.


    The two halves of the ming Berserker corpse hit the ground with loud thuds momentster as we soar over to check out the body.


    Two boxes of blue text fill my vision as we approach.


    [Use Absorption[Special Grade]]


    Skill: Final Breath [Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption[Special Grade]]


    Stat: Strength


    Amount: +81


    [YES][NO]


    We glide down to the ground, and I choose yes on both options without batting an eye.


    The ck aura surrounding the fallen monster fades and the beast dissolves into the Boss room floor almost Immediately.


    The sound of metal hitting rock fills my ears as I see a silver and gold set of lightweight armor hit the dungeon floor next to arge mana crystal.


    Immediately, I use Appraisal.


    [Berserker King''s Armor Set] [Unbonded] +73% Defense


    Hopping off Ember''s back, I examine the Berserker King''s item drop. It''s a full set of armor, and will only take up one item slot...


    I''ll have to talk to Briana, the Legendary Crafter, about this Blood Bonded vs. Unbonded item tag. I can only assume she would know about such a thing.


    Grinning, and cing the full lightweight armor set into my item storage, I open up my status to look at how much I''ve grown.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 412


    Hp: 2065/2065


    Mp: 720/2065


    Strength: 1096 [+1217][+548]


    Speed: 1194 [+716][+597]


    Agility: 1291 [+581][+646]


    Defense: 902 [+361][+451]


    Mental Strength: 1015 [+609][+406][+457][+832][+508]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Special Grade]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King''s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Griffin''s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Serpent King''s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll''s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Fire Aspect][+111% Strength][+82% Mental Strength]


    [Greater Demon''s Core] +50% All Stats


    [Lenses Of Illusion]


    _____________


    White transfer magic appears momentster, and we disappear from the 19th floor.


    When my vision returns, I let out a light gasp as I find myself in a dimly lit hallway about 5 meters wide. Dark rock lines the walls, and the light flickering of Ember''s mes allows me to see all the way to the end.


    It leads up to another Boss Room portal no more than 30 meters away...

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    "This ce seems familiar..."


    I peer down the long narrow hallway at the grey spinning portal near the back edge. The ce feels oddly simr to the small dark hallway that I crossed to get to the Boss room during the C-ss exams.


    It''s just like the Boss room portal at the top of the Labyrinth.


    I open my link with Ember and hear the Dragon''s voice in my inner ear.


    "It seems we''ve made our way to a Lower-Floor Boss. You did say this was the 20th right?"


    I nod, walking down the hallway while I reply.


    "It should be the 20th, yes... I wasn''t exactly expecting this... What''s a Lower-Floor Boss?"


    Ember''s mes fill the narrow room, illuminating our surroundings as he exins.


    "Inrger Labyrinths, levels of difficulty are usually split into 20-floor segments. Each segment has a floor boss, protecting their assigned portion of the Labyrinth. It allows the Demon and Dragon up top to safely continue absorbing mana, while hunters face the bosses below."


    I grin,ing face-to-face with the portal at the end of the long hallway.


    Ember continues.


    "These boss rooms are usually pretty big and intricate. There tend to be more monsters to farm inside, you''ll be able to train before the fight if you wish. I''d like to do some hunting myself."


    I step through the mass of spinning mana, motioning Emebr to follow.


    "Sounds good to me."


    Momentster both of us slip through into the 20th Floor. Or rather, the 1st Lower-Floor Boss'' Lair.


    Immediately, I go back into attack mode from the extreme heat that shocks my system.


    It feels like I''ve been thrown into a pit of mes.


    In fractions of a second, sweat beings to drip from my pores as my body attempts to cool itself.


    I hit the floor with a thud.


    The ck-scaled Dragon and I bothnd on a hard dark grey rocky surface.


    It''s a fairly t stone that juts out about 20 meters in all directions. The exit portal spins right behind us, and the view before my eyes leaves me in a state of shock.


    For as far as I can see in all directions, there''s a bubbling pit ofva. It''s dark red and orange, with hot steaming up in the air. It makes the atmosphere waver in my line of sight.


    Small boulder-like inds just like the one we''re standing on peek through the molten rock every couple hundred meters for as far out as I can see.


    It''d be near impossible to navigate this dungeon without a flight ability...


    I can''t picture any normal hunter making it far into this hellscape without burning to a crisp.


    I gulp, but grin soon after, opening my link with Ember.


    He''s the first to speak.


    "The Floor Boss isn''t far, the one you call the Behemoth. It''s about 3km in that direction."


    Ember points a front w off into the distance. I nod with appreciation, but I could have easily figured this out myself... There''s something else he wants to say.


    I look up at the Dragon, who seems to be deep in thought.


    "What is it...?


    "..."


    Ember replies after a pause.


    "Well, that was a good battle we just fought. Though, to face what''s ahead your mana control needs a lot of work."


    I stare out into the openva pools, spotting the shadow outline of an ominous structure towering high in the sky near the back of the dungeon.


    I reply.


    "Understood. We''re just getting started."


    I air-step upward to hop on Ember''s back, continuing my thought.


    "Let''s see what kind of mobs spawn in this dungeon. You''re right, I''ll need to get some training in before we face the Behemoth but let''s at least get to that structure back there so I can set a Dungeon Walker spawn point."


    I pause for a moment.


    "If worstes to worst, we can make a quick pit stop by the Great ins. I''m sure there''s been more than enough time for at least one Titan toe crawling back."


    I smirk as Ember nods his head.


    "Agreed."


    With a strong p of his wings, Ember lifts off from the ind in the middle of an ocean ofva. We begin our flight towards the back of the Lower-Floor Boss room just like that.


    This is the final boss of my assignment. The monster at the back of this dungeon separates the normal hunters of the world, from the Elites.


    I can''t hold back the smile that creeps across my face. One life-threatening battle after the next.


    I missed this so much.


    Although Ember is right, I need to work on my control. Charging up attacks for a full minute isn''t exactly a technique I can use for every battle. It''ll be rather troublesome the higher up I progress.


    To be honest, It already has... It''s just hard to admit it.


    I speak to Ember through our link.


    "How exactly do you produce mana shielding? In thatst battle, I watched you make a shield denser than anything I''ve seen before. You even covered your ws with it to use as an offensive technique. Could you teach me how to do this too?"


    As we soar up into the sky and the air gets much cooler. Theva pit below is the source of this dungeon''s immense heat.


    Ember responds.


    "Mana shieldinges naturally to me. For you, it''s not such an easy task."


    "Why''s that...?"


    "Monster''s are much more adept at shielding and other mana techniques at lower levels than humans because we''re made entirely from pure mana. Humans were born into a realm of pure mass, only to be invaded by foreign mana from our realm."


    I pause, taking in this information as the Dragon glides further into the Dungeon and closer to the shadowy rectangr-shaped outline that keeps getting bigger and bigger.


    "Humans are able to wield mana, but aren''t entirely born from it. It has seeped into your atmosphere and be one with the world you live in. You''ll need to consume much more pure MP if you''d like to master this technique. There are workarounds, but you don''t possess the skill necessary at the moment. You''ll just need to consume more mana. That''s the only way."


    I remember back to when Fisher said that mana shielding was a Tier 1 technique. He also said I''m a Tier 0...


    It seems Emebr and Fisher are in agreement here. I need more mana, and much more training with said mana.


    "I need to get stronger."


    We continue to fly higher up, further from the bubbling rock below us making our way toward the backside of this dungeon in the meantime.


    It''s much cooler up here. The hot stream from below rises and dissipates more the higher in altitude we climb. There''s no ceiling to this dungeon, or at least not one that I can sense.


    I take a breath of fresh air as the wind flies by me on all sides.


    Looking far into the back of the dungeon, now that the heat waves and stream clouds are below us, that ominous structurees into full view.


    I whisper under my breath as I take in the sight before me.


    "Is that... a castle?"


    The outline of an impossiblyrge stone castle looms in the distance.


    Ember flies downward to get a better view.


    It sits on argend mass that rises high above theva pools below, making steep cliffs. The circr ind looks to be 1km in diameter and juts up over theva about 100 meters high.


    The stone castle at the center of the high-risen ind looks deste and gives off an eerie hum of mana.


    There seems to be a wide-open arching gate at the entrance that leads to an abandoned courtyard. Touches burn on high pirs weing us toward the massive structure before us...


    Ember flies down to hit the hard ground, 50 meters or so in front of the open front door, begging us toe inside.


    I jump off his back, gripping my sword and beginning to charge an attack out of instinct.


    Something about all of this doesn''t feel right.


    There''s a dense sensation of mana in the air all around me, and a light buzzing noise fills my ears. Something is definitely nearby...


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye along with my enemy detection skills and I''m hit with a whirlwind of notifications. There''s dozens of level 430 monsters nearby, but they''re nowhere in sight.


    I gulp. Still charging my sword and inching closer to the stone archway in front of me.


    Ember follows.


    We make our way through the gate. My jaw is clenched and I hold my breath, darting my eyes back and forth to try and spot one of these enemies popping up on my radar.


    The ground in the courtyard is made of square stones. There''s a high wall another 40 meters away with a tall locked gate.


    It''s the main entrance to the castle.


    Looking left and right, the wall stretches to the far side of the ind and curves around it on each side. I stare up at the high wall and think about air-stepping over to get into the inner castle walls.


    My thoughts are rudely interrupted by the heavy clicking sound of metal on metal from behind the front gate.


    I watch the massive iron doors slowly open and a glimmer of silver armor peeks through. The heavy doors scrape across the stone floor as it opens letting out a disturbing sound.


    I continue to charge my de and move closer in toward the danger. The enemies behind the Iron door finallye into full view.


    "It looks like someone came to greet us."

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    Through the heavy Iron doors, I watch over two dozen 3-meter-tall suits of silver armor walk out.


    They all seem to have humanoid-looking bodies, but there''s no gaps in the armor at all. I can''t see what their base forms look like. They carry silver swords and make loud metallic thuds of metal on stone with every step.


    They march out in a line without missing a beat.


    The buzzing sound and tingling feeling of mana in the air begins to grow making it hard to hear myself think.


    I boost my perception skill, along with Inspect and Appraisal to analyze the opponents before me.


    ____________


    [Lv. 430]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Armor Set] +1750 Defense


    [Enchanted Long Sword] +1750 Strength


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    ____________


    With a puzzled look on my face, I scan each and every one of the slowly approaching armored guards.


    They''re all the same. Exactly the same.


    Everyst one of them is level 430, and they all have the same armor and sword without a single skill.


    "What... is going on here...?"


    My sword is charged up nearly halfway, a 30-second burst of about 675MP. My recent level-ups have given me a slight boost in charging speed.


    I continue to slowly approach, watching one of the Knights break their symmetrical line formation and begin moving at me with increased speed.


    I let out an exhale, then run forward at the Knight to match its speed. I wanted to test out the base mobs here, so that''s exactly what I''ll do.


    Once within a 10-meter range, I swing my sword and let the de of energy fly.


    Cautiously, I Dungeon Walk backward to watch the attack unfold.


    It collides with the Silver Knight''s long sword, letting out a ng, followed by a sh of white light, then the dazzling disy of a fiery explosion.


    Before the dust even settles, I hear the heavy metal footsteps of the Knight running through the fire at me with its sword at the ready.


    "Hardy a scratch..."


    There''s a small dent in the side of its chest te. A few fragments of metal hit the floor, but the attack didn''t hit its body, only the armor. Unfortunately, this is nowhere near enough to prate its defenses fully.


    I scoff, teleporting back even further away from this battlefield, and call out to Ember.


    "You''re up, take a crack at them."


    The ck-scaled Dragon nods while pping his wings and lifting off into the air to join the brawl.


    He dives down on the Knight that attacked me, wing at its armor. After the sounds of metal breaking and mana shield collisions the silver Knight''s arm tears offpletely.


    Ember flies up into the sky as I start to charge my de again, hesitant to even join in on this battle.


    My mana control is nowhere near refined enough to be of any help.


    I grit my teeth, watching the Dragon swoop down and w off its other arm, heavily damaging the Knight''s chest te in the process.


    My eyes widen as I see what''s inside the suit...


    Or... what isn''t inside may be a better way of putting it.


    "It''s empty..."


    I gulp, watching the ming Dragon tear the armor suit to sheds as the army of them stands by letting their solider die what looks to be a painful death.


    Almost a full minute passes, and I charge 1250MP into my sword.


    Ember has sessfully turned the empty suit of armor into a pile of scraps. I turn my vision to the line of Knights still standing by...


    "Why aren''t they attacking..."


    I turn my head back to the fight between Knight and Dragon to see the armored scraps begin to move across the ground.


    A scraping sound fills my ears as I watch the junk metal form together and create a full suit once again.


    I can clearly see the cracks still there, but the suit is back together in its original form.


    This isn''t the same as the Blood Bonded armor from floor 19... Something else is definitely at y here. Ember flies down, shattering the fallen Knight into hundreds of tiny pieces once again.


    Then, I hear another loud metallic nging as a second silver soldier breaks formation and begins running toward me. I hear my telepathic link open up as the knight approaches.


    "Master, these are not beings we can defeat right now."


    "I''m aware now, you''re right. Let me try onest thing, then we''re out of here."


    "Understood."


    The Knight that broke formation runs toward me with its sword at the ready. I run at it too. Myst attack was half as powerful, and it hardly even made a scratch. I''d like to see what a full-power sh can do to these empty metal monsters.


    I run closer and closer while swinging my de across my body, letting an attack fly, then Dungeon Walking a safe distance away to see the aftermath unfold.


    It collides with the enemy''s de, then glides right through. I smirk, watching the ck fiery crescent slide through the monster''s entire body next without a sound.


    My attack curves upward and flies off into the sky.


    The Knight halts for a moment, then turns to my new position and continues to run at me like nothing happened...


    My stomach lurches as I see the sh mark appear across the soldier''s chest. I split it in two, but somehow the armor set is still held together and it seems unfazed.


    Turing to Ember, I watch him fight off hundreds of armor fragments that continuously reform into the suit and sword, swinging attack after attack at the ming Dragon.


    I hear Ember''s voice again.


    "Master, I rmend wee back another time..."


    I grit my teeth, looking up at the Castle wall. Therge iron gate that let out the army of knights has slowly shut.


    The mana in the air only gets denser and denser the further into the castle I sense. The Behemoth is back there.


    I can''t even make a scratch on its weemittee, so there''s no chance of putting up a good fight against it as I am now.


    "You''re right. We need to get much stronger."


    I Dungeon Walk over to Ember, cing a hand on his back, then teleporting us back to the grassy rolling hills of a Dungeon I begin to like more and more every time I visit it.


    We''re back in The Great ins...


    Ember bows his head as I scan the surroundings using enemy detection.


    "This was the right move, I can assure you."


    I smirk, rolling my eyes while finding 2rge blind spots on my radar along with a familiar pesky duo of hunters.


    "You''re right, this is our best bet... There''s 2 Titans in range. One of them is upied by a few hunters at the moment, so it looks like we only have one option."


    Ember shows me a toothy grin, replying through the link.


    "It''s time to get back to work."


    I smirk, air-stepping onto the Dragon''s back.


    "I have about 30 days worth of food and water on my right now. Let''s stay in this Titan for the full time..."


    "Understood, 30 days it is. I''ll adjust my mana absorption rate ordingly.


    We blip to the far side of the dungeon with Titan less than 500 meters away.


    Without a word, Ember ps his wings and begins flying toward the jet-ck 30-meter-tall walking mana pool.


    I just left this Domain for the 2nd time and I''m already going back. It seems like I''m spending more time in the pocket realms than I am in the real worldtely.


    We both dive into the ck being before us, plunging deep into the bottomless abyss.


    "I''ll do whatever it takes. This is the only way."


    After a familiar free will, we''re back in the white-walled prison that recently I''vee to call home.


    My first order of business is to get some sleep. Ember curls up in a ball and begins to glow red. I get ready for another long month of training


    Once I wake up the next day back in my white-walled training room, my routine begins. The 8-hour sessions start immediately, and I''m able to run through 850k MP on day 1 and push my training cycle to 4 days on and 1 day off. It only gets better from here.


    I make a mental note of each day''s mana consumption while hyper-focusing on a single task. Getting strong enough to defeat the Behemoth.


    I need to prove to the Association that I''m not just some new recruit they can push around. If they want to p the title of Elite on me and try to use that as a cor, I''ll bite back...


    I just need to be strong enough to do so without being thrown in a cage.


    Day 1: 850k MP


    Day 2: 875k MP


    Day 3: 885k MP


    Day 4: 890k MP


    Day 5: 200k MP


    Day 6: 910k MP


    Day 7: 915k MP


    Day 8: 915k MP


    Day 9: 910k MP


    Day 10: 200k MP


    Day 11: 915k MP


    Total MP Consumed: 8.465 Million MP


    By Day 11 I find the new limit to my consumption capabilities. Even after a second day of rest, it doesn''t seem to raise. I''ve gained a few levels since thest time I trained in here, so the initial increase makes sense. A daily output of 915k MP is more than enough to make solid progress.


    I continue training.


    Day 12: 915k MP


    Day 13: 910k MP


    Day 14: 915k MP


    Day 15: 200k MP


    Day 16: 920k MP


    Day 17: 905k MP


    Day 18: 910k MP


    Day 19: 915k MP


    Day 20: 200k MP


    Day 21: 915k MP


    Day 22: 920k MP


    Day 23: 905k MP


    Day 24: 910k MP


    Day 25: 200k MP


    Day 26: 915k MP


    Day 27: 915k MP


    Day 28: 915k MP


    Day 29: 915k MP


    Day 30: 200k MP


    Total MP Consumed: 22.965 Million MP


    Day 30es around and I''ve pushed my mana consumption to its limits. Burning through another 22.965 Million MP in thest 30 days, I''ve nearly doubled my total lifetime consumption. My body feels like it''s bursting with power...


    When I activate my All-Seeing Eye I can catch a glimpse of the abyss outside this white-walled prison without even cutting a hole through.


    Charging up mana into my de has never been easier... What took me 60 seconds just a month ago, can be done almost before I count to 3. I''m itching to try this out on an opponent.


    I am still inside the Titan''s Domain, so once I leave my abilities will be slightly weakened. Even so, when I battle those Knights again in the outside world I''m sure it''ll y out much differently than before.


    My mana-absorbing loophole hase in clutch once again.


    I''ll be back soon, I just hope the number of Titans in the Great ins doesn''t keep dropping at the rate it has been recently...


    As Ember finishes up with his 30 days of Domain absorption, I release a sh that begins the copse.


    Before we know it, both of us are standing out in the open air of the Great ins. I activate my item storage and let Ember step inside.


    Teleporting to the dungeon''s exit portal, I step out while nning to make my way to the ck Market. I need to have a word with Bri about my new armor set that I picked up from the Berserker King before heading back to face the Behemoth and its army of Knights.

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    As I step through the dungeon''s exit portal, I activate my conceal skill.


    I''m supposed to be in the Labyrinth right now as far as the Association is concerned. It''d be awfully suspicious if I showed my face around town.


    Not many people know me in the big city, but if I''m spotted by even one person at the Association there may be a few questions brought up that I wouldn''t like to answer.


    One of the advanced perks of my newest upgrade to [Special Grade] concealment is the ability to put on a temporary camouge.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye while opening my status to re-check its full capabilities.


    ____________


    Conceal


    Info: The [Special Grade] Conceal skill allows the user to edit their status with the same basic inputs as [No Grade]. Without a [Legendary Grade] perception skill, the true nature of these modifications will remain unseen.


    The [Special Grade] Conceal skill acts as temporary camouge. The user may change fine details in facial features, skin shade, and eye color, along with minor height and weight modifications. Without a [Legendary Grade] perception skill, the illusion magic being used will go unnoticed by onlookers.


    Grade: [Special Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I''ve used this skill on my arm tattoo from the Greater Demon''s Core in the past, but haven''t tried it on anythingrger scale...


    My lenses of Illusion still mask my white eye color without me having to constantly use mana on my concealment skill. I take a look at them while my status is still open.


    _____________


    Lenses Of Illusion


    Info: A pair of contact lenses crafted using the Legendary Grade "Crafting" Skill and the Special Grade "Conceal" Skill. This item allows the user to see 25% further, and change their perceived eye color at will.


    ss: C+


    Type: Single Use


    Durability: 6/100


    _____________


    I whisper under my breath.


    "It''s at 6... out of 100..."


    Remembering back to when I bought these off of Bri, she did say they would onlyst me a few months. It''s already been that long for me... To her, no more than a few weeks have passed.


    Along with the armor set, I''ll need to pick up a new pair of lenses... If she has any left in stock.


    I''m standing in the empty ck room with a moving stairway ahead of me that leads back to the C-ss gate tform.


    I let out a sigh and walk forward. While doing so, I put on a disguise better than any magical concealment item can produce.


    I turn my slim physique, ck hair, dark features, and light tan skin into something entirely different.


    Making my skin pale white, growing my hair out and bleaching it blond, putting on 20kg of muscle, and giving myself bright blue eyes. For good measure, I put on a few years of age and take the train back to the main Dungeon Hub.


    I feel exactly the same... I''m just surrounded by intense illusion magic. Passers-by see apletely different person when they look at me.


    I walk out of the gate with a grin across my face, looking like your average run-of-the-mill middle-aged tank. No heads turn, and I walk downtown without another thought.


    I should use this skill more often...


    It''s oddly satisfying to walk around as someone else.


    I stop by a small local food market as I get further from the city and into a less popted part of the town. I stock up on more food and water, a 60-day supply.


    Even with the short breaks in between myst two sessions in the Titan''s Domain, it feels odd adjusting back to the real world.


    Staying in there for longer than I already have been is just asking for trouble. A 2-month supply in my item storage is enough for now.


    I''m getting much more used to transitioning out of the white-walled training room, but even this time around there are some adverse side effects.


    It''s easy to zone out doing the simplest of tasks. For example, while I''m paying the store clerk for groceries and walking out the market''s front door with my cart full of food. For some reason it doesn''t seems real...


    My mind is somewhere else.


    All I want to do is fight and absorb more mana, these menial tasks feel like a waste of time... Although, in the back of my mind I know they must be done.


    I shake my head as I walk out the door, realizing my mana bar is running low from using my concealment skill for too long. I open up a fresh MP potion as I store the food and water in my item storage in a small alley behind the shop.


    Mumbling under my breath as I finish the potion, my rity of mindes back to me.


    "This will do for now, but I''ll get my real fix soon enough."


    The battle against the Behemoth I''ve set my eyes on will be more than enough of a reward for my hardships.


    Grinning, I make my way over to the rougher side of town. Before I know it, I''m approaching the 3-story brick building that houses the craftswoman that''s nearly gotten me killed multiple times. I''m less than a full block away.... I just keeping back.


    Focusing on my concealment skill, I shape my body, hair, and facial features back to their original forms.


    This may be a building full of crooks, but I trust them more than anyone at the Association. The people that run this underground ck market businesses build their clientele by word of mouth alone, If you can''t trust that, then you can''t trust anything.


    There''s no reason to screw over a returning customer.


    I continue walking forward to see the tworge guards out front. The moment Ie into view, one of them waves to me and shouts out.


    "It looks like we have a real regr on our hands, don''t we? You have a meeting scheduled? Or you just going to barge in like usual?"


    I confidently walk up to therge guards.


    "The usual."


    I walk past, giving them a respectful nod as I do. The one who greeted me smirks and opens the door, letting me through.


    "Ms. Briana is upstairs. It would be wise to check with Bernard before you disturb her."


    I wave the nice security guard goodbye and make my way to the spiral staircase at the back of the first floor.


    "Got it. Thanks!"


    With a light click, the door closes behind me and I make my way up the winding metal stairs.


    As I make it to the second floor I see Bernard sitting at his desk. The tall thin man reads a small book while his blond twin workers diligently sort and file magic items.


    I continue up the stairs as he looks up from his mid-day reading.


    "Good to see you again Jay. I assume you''re here for a good reason."


    I nod while continuing to walk up the stairs.


    "I am."


    He shows me a thin smile and looks back down at his book.


    "Very well. Ms. Briana most likely already knows you''re here. Enjoy your meeting."


    "I will."


    After that, I walk up to the third floor to find myself in a dark room... yet again.


    Slowly stepping onto the t hardwood floor, I knock a few times on the wall then speak up.


    "Hello...? Bri?"


    A white light appears at the back of the room and it begins to spread out, illuminating everything in sight. This is exactly what happened the first time I came here.


    Bri''s low soothing voice hits my ear.


    "Wee back so soon. I heard you had a Labyrinth mission assigned to you this week, but you''re here already... What have you possibly brought me today that''s so important?"


    The tall olive-skinned woman in tight ck clothing approaches with a grin across her face.


    I reply while reaching into my item storage to take out the full set of lightweight armor and the sword dropped by the lower level Berserker Giant.


    "I got a few interesting item drops I''d like you to look at."


    She motions for me to set them on a small coffee table as she sits down on a small couch and crosses her legs.


    "Straight to the point, as always."


    I ce the items down with a light metallic thud. Bri begins to examine them closely. I sit down on the second couch across from her.


    After picking up the silver sword and touching the armor all over, she looks up at me.


    "You already beat the 19th Floor Boss of the Vice City Labyrinth didn''t you...?"


    I give her a firm nod but don''t say anything back. Bri continues.


    "So, do you want to sell these? Or get them bonded?"


    Bri continues to eye the silver Berserker Giant''s Sword, then speaks up again.


    "It would be more of a waste to bond this sword, your two weapons are already bonded with the same capabilities. This one just won''t have any elemental perks."


    The craftswoman looks down at the armor set.


    "This too... Unless you''re mana control is nearing Tier 1 proficiency, this armor set won''t be more than a stat buff for you. Although, 73% defense is not bad."


    I assumed as much for the sword, but will this armor set really not have any special advantage even if it''s Blood Bonded? It may still be a good investment for the future to do so now...


    Letting out a sigh, I respond.


    "Just the armor set, I''d like it bonded. What''ll it run me?"


    Bri grins.


    "How about this sword? That''s more than enough pay for me, the Association doesn''t let items like this slip out of Labyrinth too easily. Usually, Rodrigo is my only in. You''re bing more and more of an asset, you know that Jay?"


    I shrug.


    "Sure, take the sword. But uh- could I get another pair of those lenses of Illusion? Just in case."


    Bri eyes me curiously, then gets up and walks over to her desk to reach into the bottom drawer. She throws me another small humming containment case with an exact replica of the lenses I purchased from her before.


    Bri replies.


    "I won''t ask questions I don''t need answers too. The lenses are yours, free of charge. The sword covers it. Now, put out your arm."


    Bri walks back over to me holding a ss jar and a sharp knife.


    I gulp, letting out a murmur.


    "Here we go again..."


    The craftswoman slices open my wrist to draw blood, beginning the bonding process with my lightweight armor set.


    I use self regeneration on the wound before I bleed too much and take a seat back on the couch without a drop of blood hitting the floor.


    "Ya know, I''m sure there''s an easier way to do all this!"


    Bri smirks.


    "I''m sure there is."


    I sigh and let out a reply.


    "So... Should I leave? I know this process usually takes a while."


    Bri looks down at the armor set without replying. It begins to glow with a bright white light.


    It even blinds me for a moment. I look away as it gets brighter and brighter over the next few seconds before fadingpletely.


    Bri lets out a chuckle.


    "You''re all set. Try it on!"


    I blink a few times, looking down at the newly bonded armor set using Appraisal.


    [Berserker King''s Armor Set] [Blood Bonded] +73% Defense


    "Already...?"


    Bri responds as I pick up the chest te, revealing an empty ss jar behind it.


    "Blood bonding without an element stone is a much easier process, it doesn''t take long. Plus, it''s not like I crafted the sword, I just bonded it."


    I nod as she points at the silver set in my hands.


    "Try it on, let''s see how it fits."


    I grin, already in the process of fitting on the gold and silver suit.


    It magically fits my torso, arms, and legs perfectly. It almost feels like the armor pieces aren''t there... I immediately feel a buff in my defenses as well. This 73% boost is nothing tough at.


    I also feel it tugging at my mana reserves, just like my sword and dagger. It''s asking for a power-up. If this new gear is more than just a stat boost, maybe I''m closer to Tier 1 mana control than I thought...


    I smirk, looking up at Bri.


    "Fits like a glove."


    My next stop is the Labyrinth to face the first Lower-Floor Boss. I have a date with the Behemoth and its army of Knights. The battle is finally about to begin.

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    I stand in the middle of Bri''s upstairs office with my new Blood Bonded armor set on.


    In less than a few seconds, It all magically tightens to fit me perfectly. My arms, legs, shoulder, chest, and back are all shielded by what seems to be a very strong metal.


    It''s the same armor set the 19th-floor boss was wearing, after all, it took quite the attack to break it open.


    I smirk, leaning into the familiar sensation of a Blood Bonded item asking for mana reserves. It only feels natural, so I let a few hundred MP seep out from my stores.


    The light hum of mana fills the air.


    Surprisingly, it doesn''t even feel like it''s leaving my body. As the mana travels into the armor set, it just feels more and more like a part of my own body.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye and a wide smile stretches across my face as I watch a thinyer of mana shielding form over the surface of all the armor pieces.


    Bri lets out a light gasp.


    "You... still manage to surprise once again."


    She smirks, looking me up and down as I goggle over my new fancy item.


    It is slowly consuming MP, drawing my supplies, but the invulnerability I feel right now is worth every single mana point. I can''t wait to test this new armor out on the battlefield.


    The battlefield... back in the Labyrinth...


    I freeze, then look up at Bri, realizing I''ve made quite the mistake.


    I happened to use conceal to leave the dungeons, but that won''t work if I try to re-enter. My ID card still has my face on it... I''d need to scan it to get back in.


    Even if I put on my best disguise, it''s near impossible to fake a Hunter''s ID.


    There''s no one scanning or ID checking at the entrance of the starter dungeon back in my hometown, but that''ll be a 2-3 hour wait that I''d rather not take part in right now.


    I reply.


    "Hey, Bri... Do you know of any open-ess dungeons around the capital? One''s that don''t ask for an ID?"


    The craftswoman walks over to the back of the room, grabbing a small ck jacket off the wall and cing it on before replying.


    "Of course, there''s a few underground Dungeon Hubs for people that want to dodge the Association''s tracking systems for various reasons. What difficulty level are you looking for? Higher ranking C-ss dungeons? Or-"


    "Whatever is closest. E or D or C dungeons are fine. I''d just like to do a little extra mana crystal farming..."


    Bri nods with a smile that tells me she doesn''t believe a word that''sing out of my mouth but doesn''t care in the slightest.


    She chuckles.


    "Come on, follow me."


    Bri walks past me, making her way toward the stairs.


    I nod, following her and taking off my armor. I put it in my item storage for safekeeping. Once I''m back in the dungeons I''ll put it back on. For now, I''d rather not be seen in a full set of armor worth multiple gold coins on this side of town.


    She leads me all the way down to the basement, with therge metal door that opens up to the underground market.


    I haven''t been down here in a while...


    My only memories of this ce are the first time I wielded my fire-imbued sword. It worked out in the end, but my time in the underground fight ring wasn''t exactly a walk in the park.


    I gulp, speaking up to Bri in a low voice as we take a left and start heading down the semi-crowded corridor full of illegal street vendors and thugs.


    "So... I got chosen by the Association to be a part of the newest team of Elites. I''m not sure who else to ask about this, I guess you''d be the best one to give me advice-"


    She turns her head back to me while keeping a steady pace forward, cutting me off with a strict tone.


    "They chose you?"


    I watch her eyes dart back and forth for a moment before she speaks up again.


    "My advice? Never show the Association your full hand. What is your mission this week?"


    I pause, startled by her sudden seriousness.


    "It was to kill the Behemoth. The 20th floor boss..."


    Bri keeps walking forward in silence for a moment, her light footsteps echo on the hard floor as passers-by turn their heads to watch her strut through the ck market.


    Sometimes I forget she''s somewhat of a celebrity around here... Though, I''m still notpletely sure why. Now isn''t the time to ask either.


    She finally turns back to me and responds.


    "Do you think you can do it?"


    I smirk.


    "Of course, I think I''ll be able to climb even further. This is just the first stop."


    Again, Bri speeds up her pace and doesn''t respond for a few seconds.


    Then her voice rings out in my ears.


    "Fail your mission."


    "..."


    She turns back to me.


    "It''s best not to get the expectations of the Director too high. The more he likes you, the worse off you''ll be in the end. All of the regional Directors are just out to make the Association more money, in the end, nothing else. They care about power and profit, not you."


    She lets out a long exhale as we continue even further down the long undergone hallway.


    I gulp, thinking about her words carefully.


    Another 10 seconds pass before I respond.


    "If... I fail, then how will I get more hard missions? The only reason I signed with the Association was to get stronger. I want to prove to the Director and everyone else in there that I''m not just some newbie Elite recruit they can push around."


    She sighs, responding in a low tone while turning toward one of the small shops up ahead.


    "Unfortunately, you are. No one likes a showoff either. Defeating the Lower-Floor Boss on your first week of Elite training is going to turn some heads. Only Nobles have enough time and money to train their youth to be that proficient in mana control at such a young age."


    I stare at Bri nkly as this truth begins to hit me all at once. She continues.


    "I assume you didn''t show Brutus your full skill list. If you did, they''d surely have a much tighter leash on you. It would take 4 or more days to safely make your way up to the 19th floor and back, that would-"


    "Yup... I get it. You''re right. I need to be more careful."


    I stare at the ground, biting my bottom lip and thinking about the new predicament I''ve gotten myself into.


    She''spletely right... I''ve consumed almost 5000 gold worth of mana in thest few weeks of real-world time. Although it was free to me, that''s a fortune even for the lifetime''s savings of a seasoned C-ss Association Hunter.


    It would be near impossible for a 20-year-old that just awakened months ago to run through that much MP without a special unknown skill...


    Even if I had the money, normal people can''t absorb mana like I can. Thanks to my plundering and self regeneration abilities I can train many times longer, and my perception skill along with my elemental abilities allow me to train much more efficiently.


    Not to mention... My contract with a Dragon. Being able to dive in and out of hyperbolic training chambers is a perk I''m sure many do not have. Probably none...


    Sometimes I forget how special my abilities really are.


    I gulp, shaking myself out of it, and seeing Bri talk to a store vendor. We''vee to a halt.


    A short and skinny old man speaks up. He''s sitting on a small wooden crate in front of a heavy iron door. There''s an assortment of magical trinkets in front of him, but I can only assume this isn''t his real business.


    "Oh, Ms. Briana, long time no see. You''re always wee here."


    Bri smiles.


    "Good to see you again too, Ss."


    She turns, pointing at me.


    "This one gets the green light from now on. Let him in if he ever finds his way back here."


    The bald-headed merchant stands up and bows before walking over to the door.


    "Certainly, I never forget a face."


    With a light metal clicking sound, the heavy door swings open to reveal a narrow hallway in front of us that goes deep into the side wall of the ck market. It''s dimly lit, and there isn''t a single vendor or person in sight. It''s empty.


    "Have a good hunt you two!"


    Bri starts walking forward and I follow after her with a shrug.


    The door closes behind us with another click momentster. Our footsteps are the only sounds in this narrow passage. About 30 meters or so in front of us there''s an opening, that shines with a dim blue light.


    "Is that... what I think it is...?"


    I squint, trying to make out exactly what''s back there, but it''s too dark. All I can do right now is follow Bri and find out once we make it to the end.


    About 20 seconds of silence pass, then my assumptions are confirmed to be true.


    We walk through the opening and I look around me to see a wide open dome-shaped cavern. The ceiling is high and the air is damp. There are 3rge bright blue spinning portals in front of us just waiting to be jumped through.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Underground Dungeons..."


    I stare, eager to hop inside one of them.


    Bri speaks up as she points to the portals.


    "These two here on the left, they''re E-ss Dungeons. This one on your right side is a high D-ss, possibly a C. Whichever you chose, have fun, it''s none of my business."


    I nod as she continues.


    "There are plenty more of these scattered throughout the underground market. They''re all pretty stable, they''ve been here for decades."


    I turn my head toward the higher D-ss portal.


    She grins, then turns to walk away.


    "Always a pleasure Jay. I have a feeling I''ll be seeing you soon again, so, until next time."


    With a wave, and the echo of disappearing footsteps, Bri walks back down the narrow tunnel behind me.


    I respond as she leaves.


    "Thanks. Appreciate it. You''re right, I''ll see you soon."


    Without another thought, I reach into my item storage and pull out my Blood Bonded Armor.


    It tightens around my body, and I let MP flow into the set as I jump through the spinning blue portal. The second I enter the dungeon, I take in the rocky mountain environment to set a Dungeon Walker point here forter.


    Fractions of a secondter, I teleport away.


    I transport myself in front of therge stone arching entrance of the abandoned courtyard on the 20th floor.

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    Instantly, I teleport back in front of the stone archway that leads to the open courtyard in front of the castle.


    Before stepping forward, I open up my item storage to grab my sword and let Ember fly free. He ps his wings as I grip the already glowing red de.


    We both burst into mes.


    I allow my MP stores to be drained by both my sword and armor as I feel my body surge with power. It feels like excess mana is seeping out of my pores.


    "I feel... great...."


    Usually, I''d be craving mana at a time like this. Even if my MP bar waspletely full. For some reason, this time after stepping out of the Titan''s domain, while I''m using my skills and my bar is above halfway full, I feel oddly satiated...


    I grin, stepping through the high arching entrance.


    The moment both Ember and I reach the halfway point to the Castle wall, the massive iron door begins to scrape the floor as it slowly opens again.


    The familiar glimmer of silver armor peeks out before 2 dozen Knights march in a single-file line toward us.


    I grin, gripping my de while crackling with mes.


    The first battle begins.


    Like clockwork, one of the Knights standing in line breaks formation and begins running at me with its long silver sword ready to strike.


    I use Appraisal to double-check its stats.


    ____________


    [Lv. 430]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Armor Set] +1750 Defense


    [Enchanted Long Sword] +1750 Strength


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    ____________


    I run forward, charging my de with ease.


    Mana flows through my body so quickly and easily now, it surprises me...


    In an instant, my sword has almost 600MP stored into it. By my 3rd step, there''s already 1000. My de glows brighter and brighter as I approach the metal soldier.


    I sh des with the silver suit of armor. This time around, there''s an entirely different result than my previous fight. Its sword is sliced in two the second I make contact, and its metal body follows this fate soon after.


    The MP from my attack hardly even leaves my de before slicing my opponent in two. I fly by the Knight, air-stepping past with a grin across my face.


    Its sword falls to the ground, and the upper half of its armor slides off its lower legs as it tries to stay on its feet. The metal parts hit the ground with a loud ng.


    As I stare down the mutted Knight, realizing my new strength, its falls parts begin to float up into the air. It reconnects and bes a full silver suit of armor once again.


    The lines where I cut are still there, but the Knight seemspletely unharmed otherwise. It readies its sword and charges at me again.


    I grit my teeth and run at it too. I slice right through it again with a swift swing of my sword. There isn''t even a hint of resistance as I cut the Knight straight down the middle.


    This time its two halves fall to the floor with a loud ng of metal on stone. It falls into 4 parts, but reforms back into a full suit momentster as expected.


    This is exactly what happenedst time when it fought Ember. The ck-scaled Dragon tore the Knight to shreds, but it kepting back.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "This is fun and all, but it''s going nowhere. There must be some trick here...."


    I grit my teeth and activate my All-Seeing Eye while air-stepping a safe distance away and drinking an MP potion to use my perception skill on full st.


    I let a gasp, as everything around me bes crystal clear... I''m hit with the intense sensation of my newly upgraded mana control-powered perception skill.


    It seems even my nonbat abilities have been significantly increased in proficiency from this past training session. I did double my MP consumption in a single month, but this is unreal....


    I gulp, slowly turning my head to take in the dungeon around me.


    The flowingva below us, Ember patiently waiting behind me, the two dozen knights all standing guard, and most importantly, the impossibly dense mana reading inside the castle.


    These stone walls act as miniature mana shields, blocking out some of the MP radiation. There''s no stopping what''s inside from seeping through, it''s much stomper than these walls.


    It''s... definitely the Behemoth.


    I shake my head, then focus my attention back on the silver suits of armored guards. The one I''m facing starts running at me again with its sword pointed straight ahead.


    I focus, using up hundreds of MP on my All-Seeing Eye.


    "There has to be something."


    The fast-approaching guard gets close enough to be an actual threat, so I drink another potion and sh the metal warrior in half once air while air-stepping away.


    The mana-infused fire magic seeps out from the edges of my sword. The excess mana looks like a tight bubble around my de. It lets out energy into the air as my refined attack is released each time.


    This is definitely a new phenomenon. With my charge time for a semi-powerful attack being near instant now, it seems excess mana is being wasted on every strike. Although is a minor amount, I''d like to figure out a way to conserve it at some point...


    I bring my focus back to the armored Knight, still eyeing it up and down to find a weak point.


    In my eyes, it just seems like normal armor. It''s covered in a very dense mana shielding, but there''s no being inside.


    "This makes no sense... none at all..."


    I clench my jaw as it turns, charging at me again.


    At least I''m some sword training in.


    Letting attack after attack fly I get much more used to this natural fighting style. Although it''s apletely different attack, it feels like I''m actually fighting with a sword now.


    Before, it felt like more of a mid-range weapon firing out shots. I seem to be doing more damage at close range too.


    Unfortunately, It doesn''t really matter how much damage I do on a Knight that can reform its metal body every time I cut it down...


    It continues to charge at me, and I continue to chug MP potions while cutting it into more and more pieces.


    My eyes dart across the courtyard as I push my perception skill''s abilities to the limit. I reach far and wide for something to focus on while toying with the metal Knight. If I only knew what to look for, this would be a lot simpler.


    I turn my vision to the line of Knights standing by near the iron door. All of their armor glows with mana shielding under my perception skill, but an odd detail catches my eye.


    "This is new..."


    Although the sensation of their glowing mana shields fills my vision, I get the clue of paper-thin strands of mana arching upwards from their exact location and drifting back over the Castle wall.


    My opponent charges at me again, but I Dungeon Walk awaypletely uninterested with it at the moment.


    This new discovery is all that''s on my mind.


    I drink another potion, pushing my All-Seeing Eye even further as I do a full in-depth scan of the area above each Knight''s head.


    The biggest smile creeps over my face as it hits me clear as day...


    I was definitely not imagining it. There are microscopic threads of manaing off the helmets of each Knight. The strands seem to be feeding them power from the incredibly dense source deep within the castle.


    I turn back to the charging silver swordsman and focus on the area above its head.


    At first, I can''t see a thing.


    Then, with enough concentration, it bes very clear. A small thread of mana, feeding it power just like the others.


    I run at the suit of armor with a new n.


    "I''ll aim for the source of its power."


    As we near each other, its heavy metal footsteps fill my ears and the single thread of mana is the only thing I lock my eyes on.


    I jump in the air, propelled by wind magic, and concentrate on a full 1000MP charged sh right at the thread.


    As my de collides with the tiny strand, the Knight attempts to swing its sword up at me.


    The loud twang of mana on mana rings out for a fraction of a second before the resistance gives way and my ming de releases a ck fiery sh to snap the strand in two.


    I watch the white and pink thread dissipate into thin air the moment it''s cut.


    The Knight''s long sword stops moving mid-swing and the entire armor set falls to the ground.


    I let out augh as Ind to the floor on both feet with a thud, pointing my sword at the pile of metal fragments in front of me.


    "One down, a whole lot more to go..."


    I smirk, looking up at the line of Knights guarding the Castle door. The second words leave my mouth, 3 of them begin to charge at me without a moment of hesitation. The battle is on.

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    I run past the pile of scrap metal on the floor that happened to be myst opponent and get ready to face off against the 3 suits of armor running my way.


    With my All-Seeing Eye still active and burning MP like a furnace, the thin strands of mana above their heads look like glowing targets begging to be hit.


    Using my wind magic to propel each footstep forward, I make cracks in the stone tiles below my feet as I rocket at the approaching Knights.


    They swing their des, but I jump in the air and dodge the slow-moving silver swords with ease.


    My weapon is covered in mana, seeping out from its already MP-saturated core. Dark red trails of mana-imbued fire magic leave my sword as it glides through the air hitting each strand one by one as I fly over the Knights below.


    There''s a light buzzing sound on impact, followed by a click as each strand breaks, then the ng of metal armor on the stone courtyard floor.


    All 3 of them fall to the ground before I evennd myself.


    I smirk, looking up at the long line of Knights that all turn their heads to me in synchronicity. All of them lift their swords and charge in a predictable formation.


    I let out augh as fire surrounds me and I jump back into battle while drinking another MP potion and Dungeon Walking into the middle of a sea of Knights.


    With abination of Air Steps and Dungeon Walks, I zip around the courtyard as the Knights pointlessly swing their swords. My speed and agility outmatch them, and all it takes is a single precise strike to their power source to defeat thempletely.


    Just 30 seconds and 4 MP potionster, I''m standing on a pile of swords and armor without a trace of mana in sight.


    The strands of thin energy fade away into the dungeon air.


    I raise my sword up at the iron gate of the castle.


    "Is that all you got!?"


    I chuckle, letting my mes die down and deactivating my stat-boosting skills to take a look at the scene before me.


    Letting out a sigh, my link with Ember opens and the Dragon speaks up before I can get a word in.


    "Very good work Master, you''ve improved a lot since ourst battle. I can tell you''re still holding back."


    I bend down to examine the armor on the ground with a smirk before replying.


    "Yeah, I can''t wait to go all out..."


    Aside from the first Knight I faced, all of these new armor pieces and swords are basically untouched. There isn''t a scratch on them.


    I walk around the courtyard examining each item, waiting for them to dissolve into the dungeon floor. This is how regr mobs act once defeated... but I guess these aren''t regr mobs.


    Come to think of it, I didn''t even gain a single level form defeating any of these Knights. They''re all level 430 right?


    "What''s going on here...?"


    I scratch my chin, continuing to walk around the abandoned courtyard waiting for something to happen.


    Nothing does...


    Ember speaks up through our link.


    "This armor won''t dissolve if that''s what you''re waiting for. It''s non-native dungeon armor, most likely from outside this Labyrinth."


    I look up, slightly puzzled.


    "Non-native dungeon armor? Like hunter''s armor?"


    Ember nods.


    "It looks like it. It could be from an armed guard unit or a Noble family''s private army. There are fewer Knights here thanst time. The two we damaged in our previous fight aren''t here."


    My eyes dart back and forth, then I kneel down to feel the cold hard metal of one of the fallen Knights curiously.


    I use Appraisal.


    [Enchanted Armor Set] +1750 Defense


    [Enchanted Long Sword] +1750 Strength


    "Look''s like we just ran into a gold mine of new gear..."


    With money signs practically covering my eyes, I begin opening my item storage and collecting all of the fallen Armor scattered around my feet.


    At first nce, while fighting these Knights, it seemed to be shiny pristine gear. Now that I''m getting up close and personal with each one, I see that there are small scratches and dents on some of the pieces.


    The stat boosts on this gear are much higher than anything I own. Unfortunately, when I try imbuing mana into the sword and armor set nothing happens. As expected of normal gear.


    They aren''t even capable of producing mana shields like my armor or MP-imbued attacks like my sword. Whatever the source of their power was before, it gave these items some properties I can''t seem to figure out.


    "So.... Interesting...."


    I ce 26 full suits of armor and 26 swords into my item storage while leaving the one that I sliced to pieces behind.


    Bri was right, I''ll be seeing her sooner than I thought. This time I''ll be making some profit.


    I smirk, turning back to therge iron door and bursting into mes.


    "It''s fine to get to the real fight. Come on Ember, how about you open up that door for us."


    The ck-scaled Dragon grins, then ps his wings to fly about 10 meters up in the air. With a single fiery blow, dark mes collide with the castle wall and iron door sting it off its hinges and throwing stone rubble high up into the air.


    The dust clears to show a massive gaping hole, the attack busted through multiple walls deep into the castle.


    I let out augh, running forward to check out the scene. With my sword ming by my side, I peer into the destroyed castle entrance. Fragments of therge metal door are scattered about and mes crackle on the piles of stone and debris from the st.


    Embers advanced fire magic doesn''t go out very easily, just like mine.


    I smirk, then take a step into the massive stone structure.


    The moment my foot hits the ground, a shiver makes its way up my spine and I activate all my stat-boosting skills along with a view of mes out of instinct.


    The dense presence of a malicious beast lurking at the back of the castle feels like it''s staring me straight in the face.


    I hold my breath and freeze.


    Then, it''s gone.


    My All-Seeing Eye picks up the twisting and fading presence that crawled up my back moments ago. It''s in the form of one of the hair-thin mana strands like the ones connected to the Knights. It retreats down a dark hallway and disappears around a corner.


    I gulp.


    "It senses us... whatever is back there... It knows we''re here already."


    Ember responds.


    "Well, we did just knock down its front door without even ringing a bell."


    I chuckle at his response but grit my teeth and continue trying to expand the range of my perception skill.


    That feeling just a moment ago... I''ve never felt anything like it. It''s like a monster''s mana presence was right in front of me. Then, it was gone. It''s almost like my intimidation skill but in a physical form.


    I take a deep breath in and out, then speak to Ember through our link.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    We begin to walk down the rubble-filled empty hallways, much more cautiously than our entrance.


    I scout out the surroundings, making a mental note of every stone-walled room we pass full of wooden crates and broken armor.


    Some corridors are thin and dimly lit while others arch upwards and let in natural light through windows or even open ceilings.


    The massive castle twists and turns as Ember and I make our way through.


    The sensation of that beastly presence that weed me here keeps getting further and further away. I know it''s near, but I can''t seem to get any closer.


    I drink another MP potion and try to raise my perception of the surrounding area again.


    The deeper we walk, the more these walls around me keep giving off a mana reading that blurs my mental vision. They''re making too much noise.


    The more I concentrate, the more the humming and fine grid-like patterns of the mana-shielded walls be the main focus in my head.


    It''s almost like the presence of whatever is here is just watching me from afar and hiding behind thefort of its maze-like castle.


    I grit my teeth and point at the surrounding walls.


    "Take them out, everything. I need to focus on something other than these walls...."


    Ember Nods.


    "As you wish."


    The ck Dragon glows red, shielding my head with his wings and taking out the surrounding walls and ceiling while I continue to let my perception skill map out my surroundings.


    The immediate fall of these skill-dampening stones finally gives me a target to lock onto. I sense that dense mana presence again, and won''t let it get away from me this time around.


    I grin, turning to my right side and peering through a fiery hole in the wall that Ember just created.


    Dust, fire, rubble, and smoke fill the air, but my All-Seeing Eye locks onto dense mana readings with 4 paper-thin strands leading to the back side of the castle.


    "This way."


    I dive through the fiery mess and order Ember to continue breaking through walls as I concentrate on the mana-dense beings that show up on my radar.


    We make our way further and further into the castle, paying no mind to its originalyout and busting through wall after wall.


    "Almost... there..."


    A full minute of wall demolition and following the faint sense of mana strands pass before I get close to finding what I''m looking for.


    The sound of metal footsteps nging on the stone-tiled floor nearby sounds like music to my ears.


    "Found you..."


    Ember sts through a final wall, revealing a wide open entrance hall along with the enemies I''ve been tracking...


    Orange and yellow stained ss windows cover the arching ceiling, letting light in from above to reveal 4 suits of silver armor pointing their shields and swords at us ready for a fight.


    I use Inspect and Appraisal along with my All-Seeing Eye.


    ____________


    [Lv. 440]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Armor Set] +1750 Defense


    [Enchanted Heavy Shield] +1750 Defense


    [Enchanted Long Sword] +1750 Strength


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    ____________


    "What a surprise..."


    Their gear is almost exactly the same as the Knights I faced before, plus the shields of course. The differentiating factor is the density of the mana threadsing off of their helmets.


    It hardly takes any concentration to see the dense strands that connect these guards to the looming presence just a single room away.


    Less than 30 meters back, at the end of this final hallway, anotherrge Iron door is shut keeping what can only be the Behemoth trapped behind it.


    All 4 of the strands connect to a pool of mana with a dark red murderous aura putting out an intensity, unlike anything I''ve ever sensed before.


    It''s the exact same presence I felt when I entered this castle. It''s time for me to finally see this beast face to face.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    I stare down at the 4 Knights in shining armor before me. They each carry heavy shields and long silver swords.


    The hum of mana fills the air as I track their power sources back to the ominous Iron door at the backside of the entrance hall.


    It''s less than 30 meters away, and that familiar evil red aura seeps out from beneath the crack and from its hinges. The Behemoth is back there...


    All around me, there''s fallen rubble. Fire creeps up the walls, and smoke begins to fill the room.


    There are piles of wooden crates and fragments of used armor lining the wide hallways of the entrance hall on all sides.


    Ember''s fire magic begins to spread further and further down the edges of the room, shedding more light upon the performance that is about tomence.


    Using my All-Seeing Eye, the strands of mana above the Knights'' heads are as clear as day.


    Their shields and armor give off a simr buzz and I can pick up the presence of mana shielding around their metal bodies.


    It''s thick, thicker than the guards shielding in the courtyard. Possibly twice as dense. Although its shielding doesn''t matter much, all I really have to aim for are the strands above their heads.


    I smirk, gripping my sword while focused on the back of the room.


    "This should be easy enough..."


    One of the Knights steps forward as I begin to run its way. I hear heavy metal footsteps as it draws near holding its shield in a perfect defensive position while readying its de.


    Well, perfect it''s a perfect defensive position if an attacker were aiming at its body...


    I leap upwards, air-stepping to gain speed and altitude with my eyes and glowing sword locked on the strand above its silver helmet.


    The mindless metal suit of armor continues lunging forward as I make contact with the thin white thread of energy. A light buzz, followed by a snapping sound, leads to the loud ng of armor on the cold stone floor.


    I hit the floor with a thud,nding on both feet and still holding my fully charged de ready for more.


    I hardly had to let out any MP to sever its ties with the aura behind that door. There was a bit more resistance than the guards outside, but it still broke with ease.


    Like clockwork, the second silver Knightes running at me with its sword at the ready.


    This time around, it''s holding the heavy metal shield at a higher angle. If I were aiming for its normal vital points, holding the shield up like this would be pointless...


    I run at the guard with a puzzled, yet curious look on my face.


    While jumping into the air, I lock my eyes on its mana thread. The thin white strand is wide out in the open, calling for my de to slice it in half. As I swing my sword, a wide grin creeps across my face while watching the silver Knight''s next move.


    The suit of armor raises its shield, putting it in between my iing sword and its only weak point. The thread.


    I smirk, whispering under my breath as I continue tounch my attack.


    "They''re... learning...."


    I follow through, propelling myself at the Knight with air-steps, increasing my speed and bursting into a fiery ball of mes.


    Like a hot knife through butter, my de glides through the shield of the Knight attempting to block my attack.


    There''s a loud buzz, followed by my sword stopping for a moment in mid-air. I''m forced to release the full attack I''ve been holding back inside the de.


    Following through with my swing, the thing de crescent of fire leaves my sword, snapping the mana thread the moment my ck fire makes contact.


    I fall to the ground,nding on my feet with a thud. My boots crack the stone-tiled floor while I watch the armor set fall to the ground lifeless and empty.


    I stare down at my weapon, questioning myself for a moment.


    "Did I not use a full charge...?"


    Confused, I reach into my item storage to grab another MP potion while looking up at the two remaining Knights.


    As the bottle of pink liquid hits my lips, I feel a pulsing sensation of that same crimson aura fill my mind and body.


    The red looming energy at the back of the room glows brighter and it seeps out of the door even further. I watch the two strands of mana connected to Armored Knights glow brighter as the aura expands.


    I gulp, watching everything unfold with my All-Seeing Eye taking in the fine details of the entire scene.


    The main shielding around the duo of remaining Knights gets stronger... much stronger.


    Almost like all of the excess energy from the two suits of armor that fell is now being used for the Knights in front of me.


    I grit my teeth, then throw the empty ss bottle of MP potion to the floor, and run forward gripping my glowing sword.


    One of the armed guards turns toward me and readies its shield just like the previous Knight did. Instead of guarding its body, it''s guarding the thin strand of mana that keeps it in the fight.


    I jump in the air, emting myst attack. The Knight does the same. It raises its shield up high in the air, tracking my momentum as I lock onto its power source even through the dense shielding that covers all of its gear.


    I bring my red glowing sword covered in a dense ck aura down upon its shield. The strand of mana is no more than a few centimeters behind its thickyer of mana shielding.


    To my surprise, on impact, there''s a dim sh of white light. My sword faces a bit of resentence while pushing down on the shield.


    I charged nearly 1000MP into the de, yet, this guard is holding off my deadly blow.


    I grit my teeth and push down harder, being forced to let out the crescent of fire from deep within my de again.


    Once released, the white light shes brighter and an explosion of fire and metal fragments fills the room. The shielding gives way on impact and I follow through to let my energy attack slice through its thread


    Again, there''s a much greater resistance than the previous Knight. After a fraction of a second of pause, there''s a metallic twang. It''s followed by the snapping sound of a tight thread, then the ng of metal armor on the floor.


    I let out augh as I hit the stone flooring again and watch the boring fragments of metal Knight hit the floor beside me.


    Staring across the entrance hall at my final enemy, I drink another MP potion and point my de at the silver suit of armor standing in front of the red-glowing Iron door.


    "You''re all that''s left, show me what you''ve got!"


    The murderous red aura from behind the door pulses again, sending shivers down my spine out of instinct. I watch it seep further out of the doorway and flow into the Silver Knight''s metal body.


    The mana shielding on its armor glows with the same red aura thates from behind the door. The strand above its head bes thicker and much more mana dense.


    It lifts its shield and sword, taking one step forward at me.


    I nt my feet and do the same.


    Reactivating all of my skills, charging my sword up with 1000MP in just a few seconds, and grinning ear to ear, I run at the metal monster before me.


    It charges back.


    The bloodlusting off its armor is sickening, but I know it''s not the Knight. Whatever is controlling these suits of armor from afar is the real monster...


    I''ll face it soon.


    My boots crack the stone floor with each step as I use wind magic to increase my speed. The Knight''s heavy boots send metallic echos throughout the entrance hall.


    I focus on it, and it focuses on me.


    My sword glows by my side as I run while its armor slowly bes covered in the murderous red aura behind that iron door.


    We get closer and closer until we finally collide.


    I aim for the strand above its head, jumping in the air and swinging my de. The Knight does not change its strategy in the slightest. It raises its heavy silver shield and covers its weak point while aiming to strike me with its sword.


    Not wanting to take any chances, I release all the MP in my de at once. My jet ck crescent of fire collides with its heavy metal shield. A dense aura of crimson mana shielding covers it from head to toe.


    On impact, the orange and yellow windows above us shatter into a million pieces showering the room in broken glimmering fragments of ss.


    The ear-piercing metallic twang of our mana-on-mana collision echoes through the long corridor.


    The knight stands in ce as my ck aura shes with its red shield. I think quickly, darting my eyes back and forth, then begin to plunder its MP at once.


    We''re stuck at a standstill.


    My attack won''t budge an inch, and it can''t move its shield because its lifeline is right behind it.


    Its red aura seeps into my body, letting me charge my de with more and more of its own MP.


    The Knight doesn''t move at all, keeping a steady shield against my de.


    As it begins to raise its own sword, attempting to get in a cheap strike, something odd happens.


    It retreats before even throwing an attack.


    The moment my plundering ability activates, this Knight has lost its strength. I watch the red aura around the Knight begin to fall back. I''m absorbing some of its energy, but the majority of it is creeping back behind the ominous Iron door.


    I don''t really care why it''s retreating, I''ll take full advantage of any weakness it shows.


    I push my sword down with more and more force, now, with the ck de of fire pushing close to 1300MP in a single strike.


    The dim glow of mana shielding cracking at the seems fills my vision and I let out a yell.


    Channeling even more mana into my de as the Knight''s defenses get weaker and weaker, the white light that signifies the end of our battle begins to glow.


    Momentster, an eruption of dark mes fills the room as my attack bursts through its finalyer of shielding and snaps the thread above its head in two.


    The ck de of fire follows through and heads straight at the iron door behind the Knight. With my attack already behind disrupted by the slicing of armor and dense thread, it collides with the metal door and explodes into a fiery disy on impact.


    The walls in front of me crumble to pieces. Fragments of ss still fall from the ceiling as the stone and iron fly in all directions creating a chaotic whirlwind of debris.


    I hear Ember swoop in from behind me as I watch the final Silver Knight copse to the floor. Its dense thread of mana dissipates into thin air.


    I air-step up to jump on the Dragon''s back as he approaches from behind me and we both burst into an eruption of our own mes. Ember''s dense mana shielding acts as a force field to block out ss and stone as it falls down on us from above.


    "Forward. I need to see what''s behind that wall."


    Without missing a beat, Ember and I fly straight through the fiery entrance that leads to the final room. We dive deep into the murderous red aura I''ve been searching for this whole time.

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    Ember and I plunge through the smoke and fire, diving into the wide-open hole created by my final attack against the Silver Knights.


    Although troublesome, I know the opponent lurking behind this wall will be a greater challenge than anything I''ve faced before.


    I''m ready for battle.


    Grinning ear to ear, and ming from head to toe, we burst through the thick smoke we finally make it inside.


    The ck-scaled Dragonnds with a thud and the dust settles slowly.


    Just from the echoing sound of Ember''s hardnding, I can tell the room we''ve just invited ourselves into is muchrger than the entrance hall we''ve departed from.


    My All-Seeing Eye is active, but the dense clouds of thick murderous mana-infused aura block my vision on all sides. I can only sense what''s behind me, and that''s not much... I know there''s a dangerous beast ahead, and all I want to do is fight it.


    The dust finally clearspletely and the front half of the room we''vended ourselves in bes much more clear.


    It''s simr to the entrance hall we just left but with much higher ceilings. Fire crackles behind me, and begins to creep along the sides of the walls, but the wide room goes on for easily 20 meters on both my left and right side.


    The retreating red cloud still covers the back half of the room in front of me, so it''s hard to tell how deep it really goes.


    We''re in what looks like a massive banquet hall. Tables are set with fine white cloth, silverware, and tes are delicately ced in front of each seat.


    This hall must be big enough to feed hundreds, and they must be expecting some importantpany....


    The perfectly set tables go on as far as the eye can see, almost 40 meters before fading away into the dark red mist at the back half of the room.


    I look up at the ceiling to see it''s made of the same familiar yellow and orange ss. The intricate designs in this one are even more beautiful than the entrance hall.


    A pulse of energyes out of the mist like it''s putting out its feelers. I feel the evil entity controlling it for a moment and instinctually shiver.


    I gulp, focusing my attention back on the now fast-flowing mist-like aura, then open my link with Ember.


    "It looks much more active than it was moments ago. This is... be the floor boss, right?"


    Ember nods one time as I jump off his back.


    "It is definitely near..."


    The light sound of my boots tapping the cold stone floor is the only thing that fills my ears as I walk past the white tables cautiously.


    I try to use Inspect and Appraisal, but nothing seems to make it through the mana-dense red mist.


    Not a single reading can be made from this odd phenomenon. It''s simr to when I try to use my enemy detection skill on a Void Creeper. It''s definitely there, but it''s blocking me from sensing it.


    Ember trails close behind me.


    I''m ready to Dungeon Walk us out of here if anything goes south too fast, but my curiosity is eating away at me.


    Every step closer to the swirling red aura makes me shake more and more with the excitement an intense battle brings.


    Whatever is back there is stronger than anything I''ve ever faced before....


    Gritting my teeth, I make it to a portion of the banquet hall where red mist covers the floor. I hover my foot above the mana-dense aura for a moment, then stomp downward, letting that murderous presence creep up my spine...


    I shiver, but let my mes burn brighter to block out the eyes on the back of my head and continue to walk forward.


    This is all just an intimidation tactic. I know these moves well, I''ve used them many times before. I won''t run from the fight before it''s even started.


    Walking further in, the dense aura on the floor gets deeper and darker. It''s up to my shins now, I activate my stat-boosting skills on full st to push through with more willpower. I can feel it begging me to fall victim to its mental trap.


    There''s a light tugging sensation at the back of my mind, trying to break in.


    It''s simr to when Ember attempts to open our telepathic link. Very simr...


    I bit my bottom lip, focusing on the target in front of me, and wading deeper into the dense aura that now drifts up to my waist.


    I activate my MP plundering ability, attempting to absorb some of the aura that fills the room. The Knight I faced before now wasn''t a fan of this ability, so maybe It''ll have a greater effect on the fog here as well.


    The moment my skill activates, the mist surrounding me instantly retreats. I can see my ck boots on the stone floor below me with perfect rity.


    Just like when I started to take thest Knight''s energy, the aura here seems to have a mind of its own. Or, it''s being controlled by a mind that doesn''t like its MP being depleted.


    Even though it parted the moment my skill activates, I still plundered a small amount of mana. It''s possible, just not very effective.


    I grin, then call out deep into the mist.


    "You didn''t like that much, did ya?"


    I chuckle, keeping my plunderer skill active while making slow footsteps further toward the back of the room. Ember follows behind me, sporting a toothy grin as well.


    The light crackle of mes and low hum of manaing off my sword and armor fill the silence as I prepare for a fight to break out.


    Walking deeper into the murderous fog, it continues to drift away from both Ember and me as we keep our plundering abilities active.


    Light shines down from above in golden rays as it''s filtered by the ss artwork above us.


    The red aura is falling in on itself faster and faster towards the back of the room.


    The mist isn''t even trying to get near us now. It just seems to be consolidating on a single point. To me, it looks like the caster is deactivating this magic spell.


    It''s the perfect time to take advantage of the situation.


    I eagerly outreach my senses. Letting my All-Seeing Eye seep further into the room as the mana-blocking mist fades away. My Inspect and Appraisal skills finally pick up on a reading.


    The presence in the back of the room finally reveals itself. My eyes widen and my heart races when I see the information that finallyes into full view.


    ____________


    [Lv. 489]


    Active Items:


    [The Behemoth''s Armor Set][Blood Bonded] +99% Defense +79% Speed +69% Agility


    [The Behemoth''s tinum Ring] +106% Mental Strength +86% Strength


    [The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet] +111% Defense


    [Lower-Floor Boss Identification Core]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Buff:


    Transformation [Hidden Ability]


    ____________


    "Finally... we meet..."


    I continue walking forward in a straight line as the red aura retreats, getting denser and denser as itpacts into a much darker ball of mist at the backside of the room.


    More empty tables with perfectly set silverware and tes reveal themselves as the red fog dissipates.


    The only thing on my mind is getting a good look at this monster.


    Its armor and items all seem to be on a whole new level than any monsters I''ve faced in the past.


    It has two advancedbat magic skills: Earth Summoning, and Mana maniption.


    I''ve seen both of these Combat Magic abilities performed before in their lesser forms, but never the advanced versions. Abby has an earth summoning skill, and I remember watching Nessa Mimic Mana Maniption during the C-ss Exams.


    These are the upgraded versions and will be used by a monster with mana control possibly stronger than my own....


    I grit my teeth, continuing to march forward. A smirk creeps its way across my face the closer I get to the consolidating clouds of red mana...


    I begin to think about its hidden ability, the "Transformation" buff, but I''m rudely interrupted by the tugging sensation on my telepathic link once again.


    Staring straight ahead, I grip my sword tighter.


    Ember''s link is already open...


    The closer I step to the cloud of dark aura at the back of the room, the harder the tugging sensation at the back of my mind bes.


    It''s easy to block out at first, but each footstep in the direction of the monster before me makes it harder and harder to concentrate.


    What was at first a light tugging, has turned into a rhythmic tapping and scratching at the back of my brain.


    I let out a grunt, drinking an MP potion, and keeping my eyes focused forward on the Beast behind the veil of blood-colored mist.


    I cross the halfway point of therge open banquet hall. I''m 40 meters in, and from what I can tell... There''s about 40 meters or so to go until the back wall.


    I turn back to Ember, speaking through our link.


    "I''ll be going all out... Only interfere if I give you the word, or if I''m unable to do so."


    Ember nods in agreement as I turn back toward the fog and walk another 10 meters forward at a much faster, determined pace.


    My jaw is clenched and my eyes are locked on the outline of a tall dark oddly humanoid-looking figure at the back of the room beneath all this fog.


    The scratching feeling attempting to dig into my mind gets louder and louder, but I continue to push through. If I can''t even get up close and personal with this Floor Boss, I''ll have no chance of beating it in a fight.


    Another 10 meters go by, and the fog haspletely contracted into arge glowing ball at the back of the room. It glows red, while the outline of a ck shadowy figure can be seen within it observing the room before it.


    The buzzing sound of mana begins to fill my ears and the scratching speeds up while getting louder and louder within the depths of my mental barrier.


    It feels curious and devious, but calm and collected. Whatever is prying into my mental walls just wants to talk... I''m just not sure If I want to hear what it has to say.


    I take another step forward while letting out a grunt, blocking out the noise.


    The scraping bes unbearable as the mist retreats entirely, only to stop, surrounding the dark entirety s head.


    The moment it stops, the scratching feeling at the back of my head breaks through... It''s unbearably loud, then eerily quiet...


    I hear a deep powerful voice enter my telepathic link, all I can do is stop and stare as its voice echoes in my mind.


    "Visitors don''te here often... I never would have expected a Demon and a Dragon to show their faces in a ce like this."

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    I hear words echo through my brain from the figure at the back of the room loud and clear, but I''m not sure I can believe what I''m hearing.


    It speaks.


    "Visitors don''te here often... I never would have expected a Demon and a Dragon to show their faces in a ce like this."


    I stop walking forward and raise my sword.


    The red cloud of mana-infused fog consolidates around what seems to be the being''s head.


    Standing on an elevated stage at the back of the room, it towers above me around 3 meters tall. It''s wearing what looks like a ck suit of armor. It''s so dark that it looks like the shadow of a Knight in physical form.


    The blood-red mana creates a sphere around the figure''s head. It continues to speak.


    "Have youe to challenge me? I thought I''d never see that day when Dungeon Masters went rogue. To think you''d attack a Labyrinth at a time like this! Defying our leader''s rules before the great copse? Could my eyes be ying tricks?"


    The figure lifts one of its arms, pointing a finger at the wall to my right side.


    I watch small threads of thin mana leave its jet-ck fingers and shoot off toward piles of empty silver armor and wooden crates. The threads attach themselves to the piles of abandoned armor, then they begin to move...


    I whisper under my breath while jumping backward to put a few rows of white tables between us.


    "Mana Maniption..."


    That''s how it worked before. That''s why I was gaining no levels from defeating those guards. The Knights outside were just tools being controlled by this ominous figure''s mana.


    The armored suits begin to glow, then stand up on their own, covered in a denseyer of mana shielding. The shadow figure speaks up again.


    "You may leave now, I''m not one to fight my own kind over a meaningless break-in."


    I tighten my gaze, watching the Boss at the back of the room and keeping an eye on its new minions. It continues to speak through our link.


    "Unfortunately for you, the Dungeon Master will be hearing of this, I must report all oddities."


    The manipted suits of armor stand guard and the shadowy figure doesn''t move. I smirk, finally replying.


    "You''re... The Behemoth...?"


    My smile turns into a chuckle.


    "I thought you''d be a lot bigger..."


    The ng of metal armor rings out in the room as the monster before me breaks its thin threads of mana that were previously keeping the guards upright.


    It takes a mighty leap, jumping off the stage above to drop down in front of me.


    My eyes are locked straight, and my sword is fully charged, but I continue to sidestep through the white tables keeping my distance of about 15 meters away.


    It hits the ground with a loud thud, cracking the stone tiles and sending a shock wave through the ground.


    Its deep voice rings out in my head as the monster moves closer. I can''t see its face through the cloud of red fog, but I can feel a curious evil gaze.


    I keep all my stat-boosting skills fully active, glowing red and gold while drinking a mana potion to re-up my MP bar.


    The moment I raise the ss bottle, the anonymous figure speaks again with a lighter tone than before.


    "A potion... You''re a human aren''t you...? Now... this is quite a surprise."


    I finish my bottle, replying through my link.


    "I am, and you''re the Lower-Floor Boss are you not?"


    It pauses for a moment, then lets out a slowugh.


    "I am. Straight to business it is. You''re the first one in over half a century to challenge this floor using those unique skills. Telepathy and a Plundering Ability... from a human..."


    Itughs loudly and slowly while I grit my teeth, continuing to sidestep through the tables, trying to get a good angle on the monster as it walks around crushing more and more stone tiles with each step showing no urgency to fight me.


    It seems this monster has some self-control. Most Bosses are mindless beasts that attack anything in sight. This one seems to have free will.


    It doesn''t matter much to me though.


    I reply.


    "That''s all I needed to hear. You''re the Boss, so I''ll defeat you."


    I watch the Knight shaped shadow gaze up at the ceiling, fully exposing its left side. I air-step forward, aiming my charged sword directly at its weak spot.


    It''s standing in the middle of the banquet hall without a weapon or a shield... It has let its guard down because it thought I was on its side.


    This is the perfect time to strike.


    I let out a 1000MP sh from less than 10 meters away just moments after it speaks itsst word. The dark crescent of fire rockets toward the Floor Boss without making a sound.


    It doesn''t move a muscle, the Boss just standspletely still... Blissfully unaware of my deadly approaching strike.


    As my attack gets closer, I feel the ground rumble beneath my feet.


    The stone tiles next to the shadowy outline begin to ripple like water and the perfectly square-shaped flooring begins to twist and turn.


    With my All-Seeing Eye active, I watch mana pour out of the monster''s arms and legs saturating the floor below it.


    The air and dungeon mass all around this creature waves and churns as my attack nears.


    The stone floor rises from the ground in a liquid form, wrapping around the dark figure''s legs and climbing up its torso.


    My eyes widen as I watch its entire body be covered in a thickyer of stone. Mana threads are weaved in and out of the material in such a fine grid-like pattern that I can barely tell the difference between a mana shield and the rock it''s manipting into a stone suit of armor.


    Now, standing over 4 meters tall, a grey suit of stone armor turns to me. It molds its right arm into a double-sided stone de to counter my iing attack.


    It coats its weapon in a denseyer of shielding and thrusts it upwards as my ck de makes contact with its stone armor. Without a hint of resistance, my iing strike is deflected into the sky.


    It spins out of control, cutting through the ss ceiling above and flying off into the Dungeon''s open air.


    I gulp, as I just witnessed all of this go down in fractions of a second...


    This monster went from a defenseless shadow talking smack, to a Stone Knight ready for war.


    The Deep voice of the Floor Boss rings out in my head again.


    "If it''s a fight you want, then it''s a fight you''ll get. You better not waste my time. With skills like yours, and the nerve of you toe in here with another Labyrinth''s Dragon, you better put up a good fight."


    The stone armor covering its left arm shifts into a sharp de as well. A small slit in its stone helmet opens up and dense red fog pours out. I still can''t see the monster''s eyes, but I know it''s staring right at me.


    So I re back.


    Glossy sharp des of stone line both of its arms, and they''re dripping with dense mana. Simr to my own sword...


    Not only are its ded arms leaking mana-dense aura, but the entire rest of its body is covered in shielding intertwined with its mana-maniption ability.


    It''s nothing like the shielding I saw from any monsters before, not even like Fisher''s when I tested my strike back on Floor 10.


    Most shielding is invisible to the naked eye. I''m only able to perceive it because of my All-Seeing Eye ability.


    This shielding is glowing crimson-red, bright as day. Even without the use of my perception ability active. I''d be able to see its defenses without a problem.


    The blood-red glowing stone-covered Knight takes a step forward. I expect it to crack the floor beneath its feet, but the ripping water-like visual appears again as it seemingly bounces off the floor.


    In the blink of an eye, the creature lunges toward me with its ded arms pointed at my neck.


    I Dungeon Walk backward about 20 meters the moment my battle instincts kick in. Opening my link with Ember, I give the order that starts our brawl.


    "Run. This is a battle between the Floor Boss and me. It has two skills that I''ll need for future fights, and I want to defeat it fair and square then steal its power."


    My eyes light.


    From across the room, the Stone Knightes charging toward me. Its red glow reflects in my eyes as my battle-obsessed grin creeps across my face.


    I run forward as Ember ps his wings to fly high up into the open air of therge banquet hall.


    The battle against the Lower-Floor Boss begins. Soon I''ll find out why this beast is called... The Behemoth.

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    I glow red and gold while my de burns crimson with a ck aura leaking from its core.


    My eyes are locked on the Stone Knight charging towards me, its dual des for arms are covered in a thick redyer of mana shielding.


    The aura of fog that filled the room earlier has condensed into a smaller form and seeps out from the small slit in the approaching Monster''s helmet.


    It takes long strides, bouncing off the rippling floor without making a sound.


    This must be a perk of its Earth Summoning magic. The stone all around us can be its weapon whenever it chooses.


    Then again, it could be its mana maniption skill. The entire Labyrinth is made of mana, it could just be toying with dungeon mass itself.


    Either way, I''ve been training for a moment like this. It may seem stronger than me now, but by the time this battle is over, I''ll be on top.


    Every footstep of mine makes holes in the fragile tile floor as I propel myself forward with wind magic. I zig and zag between the white-clothed tables and gear up for another strike on the gracefully moving stone Knight.


    A 1000MP attack from a 10-meterunch distance was deflected without a second thought, I''ll need to put the pressure on for this next strike.


    I grin, grabbing a table with my left hand as I air-step by and flip it up into the air. I continue running forward and do the same for the next table, then again, and again.


    The glowing Knight stays at a steady pace, gaining distance on me every few seconds.


    Once it gets too close forfort, Dungeon Walk 10 to 20 meters away while continuing my table flipping and zig-zagging madness.


    Its deep voice rings out in my head.


    "Do you mock me? You challenge a Floor Boss, but run and hide the moment your cheap attack fails to do any damage!"


    I smirk, getting a clear line of view of its open back. My preparations are almostplete.


    The monster is right, it does seem like I''m just running away. It can think that all it wants for all I care, I''m just setting the scene for our battle tomence.


    While setting Dungeon Walker points across every square meter in the banquet hall, I''ve also made quite a mess. Perfect for quick cover during a long and tiring fight.


    I focus on empty space right behind the Stone Knight''s back, less than 1 meter away from its blind spot.


    Its left side is wide open again. This time, I won''t waste this chance on a long-range attack with low levels of MP. I''ll strike where I know it''s weak, and with enough MP to shatter its shield.


    With my All-Seeing Eye in full focus, I let my mind dive deep into the depths of its shielding to replicate the paper-thin width of its grid-like stone armor.


    With the 1500MP stored up in my de that I''ve been charging while evading its advance, I Dungeon Walk in tounch my attack. Simultaneously, the monster opens our link to speak into my mind.


    "Just keep on running and hiding human! Do you really think you could-"


    Its deep voice halts the moments I blip towards its backside.


    I''m already halfway through releasing my attack before it begins to turn, attempting to block with its glossy-ded arms.


    My ck ming energy attackes shooting out of my sword at point-nk range, making contact with its unguarded backside. The sh of white light is blinding, and the intense buzzing sound of mana fills my ears as I''m forced to air-step backward. I don''t want to be caught up in the explosion of fire that follows.


    I propel myself way up into the air, smirking as I hear a murderous roar of a wild beast ring out below me.


    Its battle cry shakes the room. The walls crack under the pressure as mes from my attack explode outwards and an intense red fog leaves the monster in the center of the room.


    I continue upwards, nearing the ceiling, shielding myself from the shattered ss that now falls from above.


    The Dungeon sky is now wide open above us, clear as day.


    This is the first time I''ve heard the floor boss make a noise, that isn''t through our link.


    It sounded like a beast... That roar was nothing like the intelligent creature I''ve beenmunicating with.


    As the mes clear, I get a good look at the damage my attack has done.


    Arge 10-meter-wide crater is made in the center of the banquet hall. A dozen tables have been burned to ash, but the Stone Knight still stands tall.


    I smile, as I see arge crack in its armor. The back side of its suit has been fractured, and a de-sized hole remains.


    Inded my first hit.


    Red mana leaks out and I begin to air-step down while charging my de again. The damage seems to be pretty bad, and our fight has just begun.


    While getting closer, my smirk leaves my face, and the de in my right hand shines brighter.


    I watch the floor begin to ripple as more liquid stone inches up the monster''s leg to heal the crack on the Stone Knight''s back.


    Its voice echoes in my mind.


    "I underestimated you, that was quite an attack. It may have worked well on me unguarded, but you''re not going to have as easy a time with me as you may have on lower dungeons in this Labyrinth. You''re facing a Floor Boss now, I won''t let my guard down again."


    I grit my teeth, then Dungeon Walk to the ground floor. I begin my zig-zag patterns through the fallen tables charging my de for another round.


    Sure, it can say whatever it wants, but I know that attack did some damage. I''ll do it again.


    My eyes are locked on the Stone Knight. It stands in ce, not moving at all. I focus on its blind stop. Drinking an MP potion, I boost my perception skill to watch for any irregrities in its mana control.


    It stays exactly the same.


    It''s leaving itself wide open again...


    "Why...?"


    The Knight''s head moves back and forth, tracking me as I blip around the banquet hall. The thick cloud of mana-imbued auraing from its helmet trails behind it as it shifts its positioning ever so slightly every time I Dungeon Walk to a new location.


    It takes a fraction of a second for it to lock its vision on me every time I blip around the room.


    Those fractions of a second are more than enough time tounch an attack and teleport myself into its blind spot just like before.


    It takes under 6 seconds to charge the 1500MP attack that injured it so badly before. I''m fully ready to do it again.


    Without any hesitation, I blip toward the monster''s back while it''s looking the opposite way.


    Swinging my sword upwards, I grin, watching the ming de make contact with its backside for a second time.


    The moment my sword and its shielding collide, I feel the floor beneath my feet ripple. The armor before my eyes disintegrates leaving nothing but frail stone devoid of mana.


    My attack slices the melting stone suit of armor in two, but the Knight within it twists its body out of the way with ease.


    My attack flies forward, gliding through the banquet hall''s stone wall without making a sound. It shoots off into the depths of theva-filled dungeon outside.


    The shadowy Knightpletely left its suit of armor and dodged to my right side...


    I dart my eyes back and forth locking onto its location. The monster points a hand to the floor. Stone from the ground surrounds its arm and it creates a double-sided glossy de instantaneously. The Knight lunges towards me and swings its weapon at my chest.


    I grit my teeth, registering the attack, and Dungeon Walk away the moment its mana-covered stone de makes contact with my armor.


    There''s a sh of white light the moment I blip away, teleporting across the room.


    Fragments of metal and fountains of blood fly off in all directions as my chest te is blown to bits by the impact of its attack.


    A deep wound opens in my upper chest and shoulder. I let out a grunt as it starts gushing blood onto the floor.


    I''ve lost over 600 HP in a single blow, that''s roughly 1/4 of my health and it hardly even hit me.


    The white sh of light was the Floor Boss'' sword breaking through my armor''s mana shielding. I have no way of increasing its strength or density... All I can do is channel MP into this set.


    For now, I''ll just have to be thankful it took the brunt of the blow.


    I focus on the broken armor covering my bloodied chest and shoulder while the ck shadowy figure walks over to me from a distance.


    The floor around it ripples as stone flows up its legs to cover its body entirely once again.


    I''m down on one knee, gripping my sword, drinking an MP potion, and channeling mana into my armor while activating my self regeneration skill.


    The Stone Knight speaks through our link.


    "One hit. Ha! One hit and you''re on your knees, knocking at death''s door. What a sad excuse for a rogue Dungeon Master. I thought I''d get to see some real action today."


    I take a deep breath, focusing on the slowly approaching Stone covered Floor Boss. My flesh grows back and the blood from my wound stops dripping onto the floor.


    The shattered armor covering my chest begins to glow with a dim white light the moment I channel MP into it. Just like the time I put this armor on, it feels like an extension of myself. It''s almost natural to heal it just like my bloodied shoulder. I use self regeneration on the armor set and itpletely restores its natural form.


    I smirk, then stand up to face the approaching Stone Knight.


    I point my glowing sword forward, bursting back into mes while glowing red and gold.


    "Is that all you got? We''re just getting started."

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    I point my de at the approaching Stone Knight as it makes the floor ripple like liquid beneath its feet. The monster doesn''t make a sound as it draws near.


    I finish regenerating my armor and wounded chest, checking my item storage for HP potions, but not reaching for one just yet. I''ve only lost 1/4 of my health, I can handle a few more of those hits thanks to this chest te.


    The Stone Knight speaks up.


    "You surprise me again. A regeneration skill that lets allows you to repair your flesh and bonded armor. It''s been ages since a human could do such a thing. You are an odd one... No matter, you''ll die here and now."


    With its word of warning the Stone Knight speeds up its charge. The slow march toward me turns into a full sprint in the blink of an eye at an unbelievable pace.


    I Dungeon Walk away, narrowly avoiding its dual-ded stone arms.


    I''ve charged up my sword, but the Knight has already turned to my new location without a moment''s hesitation. The floor beneath my feet ripples as I take each step, making it harder and harder to keep my bnce.


    The Floor Boss must be using the mana-manipted floor as a radar system.


    I blip away again as it approaches.


    The moment I materialize back into existence, it''s on my trail without a second of warning just like before. The stone tile beneath my feet feels like it''s breathing down my neck...


    The low hum of mana fills the room. It gets increasingly louder every moment I wait tounch my strike.


    I watch the ground mold to the approaching monster''s feet, propelling it forward. There are waves of liquid stone moving the monster at me with great speed. It''s simr to my air-stepping technique, but the Boss is using pure dungeon mass to do so.


    I teleport away, with a fully charged changed sword, locking onto its blind spot again.


    If I can justnd one more hit, I''ll gain the upper hand. I''m sure the first attack I threw damaged it in some way. There''s no faking a roar like the one that came out earlier. That was the battle cry of a wild beast. One that was trying to get out.


    Although I''m curious to see what lies deep within this mysterious Knight, I have a feeling it''d be much better to end this battle here and now.


    Holding onto 1500MP ready to release, I teleport 5 meters beside the Stone Knight and begin to swing my sword.


    Its head shifts to meet my gaze halfway through my strike, then I Dungeon Walk to its left back side, less than a matter away.


    With my eye on the prize, I let the mana-imbued fire magic deep within my sword fly.


    The second it leaves my de, it''s destined to hit. Even with the monster''s incredible speed, it can''t dodge and attack this quickly at such close-up range. The only thing it can do is brace for impact, or attempt a block.


    I smirk, air-stepping backward. I remember what happened thest time this strike hit, and I don''t want to be anywhere nearby when it explodes again.


    The Knight turns, sensing my presence almost immediately. It whips its left arm in the way of my strike, attempting to block the attack from reaching its blind spot.


    A bright sh of light blinds my vision of the master as I continue to air-step upwards. After the blinding light, a dark explosion of mes follows, and the devastating roar from that beast within rattles my eardrums again.


    The entire room shakes.


    Through the ball of fire, I witness a thin pir of rock jut out from the center. Riding the top of it is a red glowing Knight in a suit of stone armor. Its left arm shattered to pieces. Only a faint red glow and a ck shadowy outline underneath remain in the ce where its ded arm was before.


    The liquid pir of stone begins to flow up its leg and consolidate around the arm simultaneously as it shoots up towards me.


    I see red mana-imbued aura leak out for a moment, but it''s all trapped back inside secondster as the Stone Knight''s armpletely closes back up good as new.


    I grit my teeth, air-stepping to the side while charging my de again.


    It follows, riding its pir of stone with ease following me high up into the air.


    It''s tracking my movements and gaining on me much faster than I can fly. I Dungeon Walk down to the ground floor, far off from the explosion on the opposite side of the room.


    It instantly changes directions the moment my feet touch the rippling stone-tiled ground. This confirms my hunch that the floor beneath me is being used as an enemy detection system.


    I look around to watch the walls begin to waver and the entire room twists and turns like it''s alive. This monster has me surrounded...


    The Stone Knight flies downward, letting out a loud slowugh before speaking through our link.


    "Another fine attack, but now I know all of your tricks. With an attack that needs to be charged, you''ll have no way of breaking through my armor before I take you out myself. Run all you want, this will be your end."


    The mana-dense red aura trails behind its head as I grit my teeth and Dungeon Walk away, narrowly avoiding its newest dual-de attack.


    The rippling floor senses me the moment I blip across the room and it''s hot on my tail instantly. Every time...


    I let out a frustrated grunt, drinking another MP potion while attempting to charge my de again.


    I hate to admit it, but this creature may be right.


    At this rate, all I''ll be able to do is run and hide whileunching attacks on its Stone Armor every few seconds.


    It may be let out a painful roar, but I haven''t seen any direct evidence that I''m actually harming this Floor Boss with any real physical damage. This all may just be in vain.


    I need a way of releasing attacks faster....


    After all my training, I''ve progressed so much, but already hit a roadblock mere seconds into this Boss fight.


    I blip to the opposite side of the room again, now with my de glowing red hot and leaking ck aura from a 1500MP charge.


    I lock onto the monster''s blind spot and ready myself for a strike.


    I back up, using a cluster of fallen tables for cover as the Stone Knight stares me down. It lets its pir of stone melt back into the ground and begins walking towards me slowly.


    Its arrogant deep voice echos in my mind as I think of a n....


    "Come on,unch another attack. I dare you."


    Its slowugh mocks me as my All-Seeing Eye scopes out the battlefield for anything to lock onto that will help.


    I need tond more than one critical hit on this beast before it recovers...


    There has to be a way.


    It approaches. I take a deep breath, then let out a whisper.


    "I guess it''s alreadye to this..."


    I smirk, then begin swinging my de. With an instant teleportation to the monster''s lower left side, a dark crescent of mana leaves my sword.


    The Stone Knight senses me behind it, turning its ded arm to instantly block my strike. It knew I wasing, but this is what I was betting on.


    A white sh of light shines between us, and I air-step backward to avoid the explosion of dark mes. This is just like before. Through the fire, like a picture-perfect replica of ourst encounter, the Knight jumps up through the fire below.


    This time, it seems to beser-focused on me with its right arm outstretched. It''s using most of its power to propel its body upward.


    The left arm that took the brunt of the blow is leaking red mana, healing up, but not quite as quickly as before. It''s much more focused on catching me.


    I whisper under my breath while slowing my momentum.


    "Getting a bit overconfident I see..."


    I reach into my item storage and grab a small ck gem, throwing it into my mouth without a moment of hesitation.


    This Stone Knight has every right to be overconfident. As it said before, my attacks take way too long to charge for it to be worried about another so soon.


    That is, unless I were able to drastically increase my attack speed and power in an instant...


    I stop in mid-air, about 30 meters above the ground as I feel the Strengthening Fragment I just consumed begin to activate.


    The upward-charging Stone Knight doesn''t slow for a second.


    I let out a yell, ready for battle.


    The dark mes surrounding my body double in size, and the red and gold aura buzz with much greater intensity. My de instantly fills with MP and glows bright red. A deadly ck aura spills out of it as it begs to be released on the approaching beast below.


    Energy courses through my veins as I feel the near-unlimited link to the Void Creepers realm open up in my chest.


    Mana flows through my veins and I begin to feel invincible.


    I point my sword downward and air-step at the approaching monster. In a free fall, I swing the glowing de across my body letting a 2000MP sh fly.


    Now, the real battle begins.

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    The full power of a Strengthening Fragment surges through my veins as I fall toward the approaching Stone Armored Floor Boss.


    The warm sensation of dense mana fills my chest and starts pumping through my veins to fill my whole body with energy.


    I stare down at my opponent with newfound hunger to kill.


    Its left arm leaks red aura and its points its glossy dual-sided de at me. This monster is focused on one thing, and one thing alone.


    Catching me, and finishing this fight.


    Unfortunately for it, I have other ns...


    Over thest 3 seconds, my attack power and charging speed have more than doubled. The full power of a Titan''s Domain is at my fingertips. I n on using everyst drop of MP that I can harness.


    I''ve grown a lot since thest time I tried one of these so-called "War Drugs". Now is the perfect moment for me to test one out in full battle mode.


    Gritting my teeth, and smiling ear to ear, I leave a ripping heat wave of dark fire residue behind me as I free-fall in at the monster below.


    In the blink of an eye, my sword is glowing red and leaking dense ck mana, charged up with over 2000MP.


    My eyes are locked on the Stone Knight, and I swing my de across my body as I fall closer and closer to the murder-hungry Floor Boss. The dark crescent of mes erupts from my sword, and I stay close behind pushing the attack forward with my de.


    My glowing weapon collides with its glossy double-sided de on the monster''s arm. I watch its mana shielding crack beneath my sword''s pressure on impact and the stone coating around its right arm shatters from the blow.


    Mana-infused fog seeps out, and I follow through with my swing thrusting with a heavy downward motion.


    I''ve made it through the firstyer of mana shielding and cracked through its armor of stone. I''ll slice its real arm below in two in a single strike.


    This monster won''t know what hit it.


    As its armor shatters away, my fiery sword hits something hard....


    Too hard...


    I grit my teeth and push down with all my might, letting out a yell and fully releasing the 2000MP de of jet-ck advanced fire magic at the monster''s unprotected right arm.


    It doesn''t budge at all....


    More red aura seeps out from the broken stone armor and I hear the ear-piercing cry of a wounded beast.


    The buzzing twang of mana on mana and the monster''s roar both echo throughout the banquet hall. The walls and ceiling shutter as sound waves threaten to bring this entire castle to the floor.


    The Monster''s right arm begins to move upwards, pushing my de back up toward me. I Dungeon Walk to its backside the moment it does, releasing another 2000MP strike.


    I smirk as I see it make a direct hit.


    This one explodes into a fireball and white sh of light as I air-step back. I let out another crescent of mana into the fireball of mes.


    There''s so much power surging through my body, this fight feels like a certain victory. My speed and attack power is on another level... I''ll bring this beast to the floor before it knows what hit it.


    As the monster tries to fly out, It''s shot down with a point-nk attack in the chest. Its armor shatters, and a white sh triggers another massive ball of mes.


    I Dungeon Walk out of the fire''s range, then begin flying in circles all around the beast, releasing attack after attack into the massive fireball that fries this monster alive.


    I''m burning through thousands of MP a second, using my All-Seeing Eye to pinpoint its exact location within the fire and shooting off ming crescent after ming crescent at the Stone Knight.


    Over 10 seconds pass and I''veunched a dozen attacks into the expanding pit of mes from all sides.


    All that''s heard is the Floor Boss'' murderous roar, getting louder and louder with each strike Ind. The room shakes and the grin across my face grows with each sessful hit.


    I can feel the depths of the Strengthening Fragment in my chest grow stronger and stronger. Usually, I''d feel overwhelmed by its power, but right now I feel invigorated.


    As I let out my 15th attack, the ball of mes at the center of the room begins to glow with a deep red color. My mes are much darker than the presence that is making itself known.


    I watch with my All-Seeing Eye as the fog from earlier begins to expand, making it harder and harder to sense the beast''s exact location within.


    I know this trick well, but still have no way to deactivate it. It doesn''t matter. I have enough excess power to continueunching attacks even with a blind eye.


    It lowers itself to the ground slowly and I follow, Dungeon Walking and air-stepping around in circles while slowly descending to ground level.


    I release a barrage of attacks into the growing mist, using nothing but my battle intuition as an aiming mechanism. I''m shooting blind.


    Every few hits stillnd, but my precision isn''t as perfect as before. Most of my fiery strikes go flying through the fog and castle wall, gliding silently off into the open dungeon.


    The beastly roast of agony finally stops, and the deep voice of the floor boss echoes in my head.


    "It seems you''re not as ipetent as I first thought..."


    The room ripples and I hear a mild buzzing sound as the intensity of mana in the air picks up.


    "I''ll have to use my true form... I haven''t had fun with an opponent in ages. Maybe you''re worthy."


    With my eyes wide, focusing on the center of the now dissipating red cloud of fog, I see a jet-ck Kight standing out in the open of a burning banquet hall floor.


    For at least 20 meters in all directions, the fallen tables, abandoned armor sets, and various wooden crates are burnt to ash and smashed to pieces.


    The floor doesn''t ripple, and the Knight''s Stone armor has crumbled to pieces from my barrage of attacks.


    Its head is still covered in a cloud of red aura, and its shadowy body has small red shes all over it. The odd creature leaks mana, confirming my strikes were worth something, but not a lot...


    The small red shes that cover its body begin to glow brighter and brighter red.


    As I watch, the energy in my chest that flows through my veins is building up quickly. The Strengthening Fragment is still expanding and its needs to be released.


    I burn through MP by focusing on my perception skill and the boost the mes surrounding my body as well. All of my buffs are active and I glow red and gold. This isn''t enough... The only true way to relieve this urge is by letting out attacks from my sword.


    It''s the quickest and most efficient way for me to use of MP.


    My eyes dart back and forth as I begin to Dungeon walk through the fallen tables, watching closely as the cracks in the ck Knight''s armor glow brighter and brighter.


    The dim glow of red light begins to turn into white-hot energy.


    I can sense an immense power within. Just through the cracks, the density of the mana seeping out is overwhelming. The high-pitched buzz rings in my ears.


    It''s near impossible to sense what''s really within, but I''m sure that I''ll soon find out...


    The beast lets out an ear-shattering cry. It surprisingly knocks rubble loose from the ceiling above. Rocks and fragments of leftover ss begin to fall from the ceiling as I continue to eagerly circle the now fully red and white glowing ck Knight. I''m waiting for a time to strike.


    It''s been almost 15 seconds since I took the Fragment, and my fingers and feet are starting to tingle.


    This is never a good sign...


    I need to release this power, and I need to do it fast.


    Gritting my teeth, sweat drops down my forehead as I circle the room, faster and faster, just watching the monster glow while I burn through MP on my more passive skills.


    If a 1500Mp strike is what it took to break its stone armor, and a 2000MP strike is what it takes to scratch the surface of its ck Armored body, then I''ll just have to dig deeper.


    I can''t take the wait any longer. With this Strengthening Fragment pumping me up with power and the adrenaline of battle flowing through my veins, all I can think of is letting loose and allowing the power to take control.


    That isn''t how I''ll grow... I need to keep my focus...


    Clenching my jaw, I blip in toward the red-glowing Knight and swing my de.


    It instantly turns its head to the side, then thrusts its right arm in the way of my attack. An incredibly dense, much darker red mana shielding forms around its ck armor, and my 2000MP-charged sword halts mid-strike for a moment.


    I grit my teeth and channel more MP into the de, making it denser and thinner with every millisecond that passes.


    Letting out a yell, I squeeze 250 more MP into the attack and shatter its advanced shielding. A bright sh of light shines and the sh explodes into a fiery ball of mes. I air-step back grinning and satisfied with my attack, but watching with an intense gaze, nning my next move.


    The tingling in my hands and feet has stopped, but I need to keep this up, or it won''t end well. Ember is standing by if need be, but I want to defeat this Boss on my own.


    I charge my sword and dive back in the moment the mes die down and I get a clear view of the Knight.


    Dungeon Walking to its opposite side, I swing my de again with perfect precision. While I attack, I nce at its right arm. Another small sh forms on its armor, leaking out more red mana-imbued fog.


    I let my second strike fly, it blocks with its left this time.


    The Knight isn''t attacking, it''s only blocking. The monster is focusing straight ahead, not paying me much mind other than producing shielding to lessen the damage of each attack.


    Fire expands and the white light shines.


    The monster still doesn''t budge.


    As the mes clear, I see another gash on its left arm, leaking more man-imbued aura.


    I smirk, but cautiously continue rushing in with attack after attack. I''ll take advantage of an opening, but this feels too good to be true...


    Its glowing aura grows denser, but the Floor Boss doesn''t retaliate one bit. It just blocks, allowing me tond attack after attack on it.


    I Dungeon Walk to and from it,nding more and more blows on the defenseless Boss.


    I can tell it''s gearing up for something, but there isn''t much else for me to do but attack. This is the perfect time to do so, there''s no point in running to hide when I''m making such good progress.


    The Strengthening Fragment expands even more, as I constantly release more MP. I use up more and more of its power, releasing attack after attack for another 10 seconds straight. I''ve left another dozen marks on the beast in front of me.


    The red gashes line its back, chest, legs, and arms now. The monster drips with red aura, it looks like blood. For some reason, it doesn''t seem to care much at all.


    Finally, its voice rings out in my head.


    "You''re finished. The fight ends now."


    I stare straight ahead as the red and white glow surrounding its body expands more and more... The gashes in its body begin to crack open even further, letting out more of its ominous aura from within.


    My mouth opens up wide as I watch The Knight itself expand with the aura.


    Its full body begins to grow....


    The dense mana within its armor starts to burst out at the seams and a long white horn starts to jut out from the red mist covering its head.


    The Block Knight''s arms and legs shatter the dark armor Holding it back and bright red and white glow from beneath shines even bright.


    It continues to expand.


    The chest te breaks and a monstrous figure begins to form from within the light.


    What was a 3-meter tall Knight moments ago, now makes the ground quiver under its wed feet. I see tough red skin and bulging muscles peek out from the white light, but its true form is still hidden. It''s over 8 meters tall now and still expanding at a steady rate.


    I speed up, darting in between tables, and watching from a safe distance as this beast continues to morph and grow.


    I can''t believe my eyes...


    "Is this... why they call it the Behemoth...?"

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    The monster continues to grow before my eyes. It lets out a ground-shaking roar more powerful than any of its previous bellows. The sound waves thate out begin to crumble the stone walks and ceiling above.


    I can feel the eerie sensation of mana begin to spread out into the air.


    Broken pieces of support structures and fragments of ss fall from above, raining down upon me.


    It lets out a visible shockwave of red aura that feels like an intimidation attack, but I''m positive that isn''t one of its skills.


    This must be some form of advanced mana control or a perk of its mana maniption ability. The shockwave can be felt like pins and needles all over my body and deep in my veins.


    I stop moving for a full second, watching the ck Suit of Armorpletely crumble away and fall to the floor as a four-legged monster grows from within.


    It falls forward, still gaining size while now standing on four legs. A long tail materializes from its backside and a shining white horn juts from its forehead, bending up and back to cover the weak points of its neck and spine.


    Finally, I get a good look at this monster''s face as it expands out from the red mana-imbued fog.


    Its eyes grow bigger than my entire head and are a deep ck color all the way through. The beast res at me as it shows its rows of jagged white teeth dripping with saliva.


    Not stopping its expansion in the slightest, the growing tail of the creature hits the back wall of the banquet hall and it begins to crumble and fall.


    Its muscles bulge and expand, growingrge veins that stretch its dark red skin to the point where it looks as if they''re about to pop. Its dense striated flesh doesn''t even look real...


    Thick muscle mass lines its arms, thighs, and neck. Even its tail drifts back and forth powerfully knocking down massive walls with ease and grace.


    Stone copses as the Mosnter now grows to over 20 meters long. It''s still glowing bright red and white, growing taller and bigger every second I wait...


    The murderous cry almost looks visible in the air as ites out of its massive gaping maw. This is the exact roar that I heard from the beast at the beginning of our fight.


    Now, it seems I''ve finally met the real monster that guards the 20th floor.


    This is the Floor Boss that separates normal hunters from those that the Association calls "Elites".


    This is...


    The Behemoth.


    The entire back wall of the room copses and the monster thrusts itself upwards onto its hind legs. All of the remaining stone bricks that make up the back wall fall to the ground and are crushed under the monster''s heavy body.


    Finally, the red glowing halts, and so does its expansion. The Behemoth in its final form is almost 35 meters long...


    It towers above me,rger than any creature I''ve even dreamed of fighting in the past.


    My eyes dart around the room to spot Ember through the open ceiling. He''s watching the battle belowmence with a patient stare.


    Although frozen in awe for a moment, I snap out of it and devise a new n.


    I can sense Ember''s eagerness to jump in the fight from here. The ck-scaled dragon swoops down toward me without hesitation as I make eye contact with my partner.


    I air-step upwards to meet him in the sky halfway. The Behemoth turns its gaze to watch us meet in the air. Standing on its hind legs, this monster sends out another shockwave that shakes me to the core.


    Ind on Ember''s back as I feel the mana all around us twist, turn, and hum with a powerful presence.


    I look down to see the stone walls of the castle''s banquet hall we just left crumble to the ground and turn into a liquid state. The entire castle begins to bend to the monster''s will.


    It roars and moves forward.


    The ground below bends and ripples as the monster takes another stride forward with its long ws swiping through the air. It attempts to swat us out of the sky.


    I Dungeon Walk while on Ember''s back, teleporting both of us to the far side of the beast.


    Instantly, I let out a fully charged strike when we materialize into its blind spot. Just over 2000MP worth of fire-imbued mana hurdles at the monster''s back.


    It turns with astonishing speed. The beast''s dark eyes lock onto us immediately, mere milliseconds after we blipped into existence behind its back.


    I watch a dense shield of mana form over its bulging back muscles and my attack bounces off without much resistance at all.


    There''s a dim white glow, confirming that I''ve at least dented its shielding, but I didn''t make it through. This new form that it''s facing us in now is magnitudes more powerful than the puny ck Kight from before.


    I thought it was the overconfident one... but maybe it was me all along.


    I shake my head, then smirk, teleporting us to the opposite side of the beast as it swings its tail toward us. We disappear and it narrowly misses us, mming down on the banquet hall floor below.


    It doesn''t crack the ground, but sends ripples throughout the floor.


    I extend my All-Seeing Eye''s range and witness the shockwave make the entire rock ind we stand on bend and shake.


    Another roar sounds from the monster as it turns to face are new position.


    It begins to point its front ws at the ground.


    My eyes widen as I watch the liquidated castle floor begin to cover its arms and legs.


    The entire castle around us for at least 30 meters in all directions melts and forms a thickyer of stone armor around the Behemoth.


    Its long white horn juts out of the top of its helmet, and a long tail is covered in a series of linked armor pieces, reinforced by the red glow of shielding.


    The rest of its body looks simr to the Stone Knight I faced earlier, just 10 times taller...


    The slit in its helmet shows off its beady ck eyes and the entire stone suit glows red with visible mana shielding.


    A roar rings out through another opening in its helmet to reveal its open mouth of serrated white teeth . I charge my sword, riding Ember''s back around in the air, staring at the Behemoth in front of me.


    It''s truly a monster....


    Defeating a beast like this will be a challenge worth the wait.


    I smirk as the stone-covered monster swings its left arm. It''s molding the liquid mana-imbued stone into glossy des just like ourst encounter.


    Just much, much bigger this time around.


    I reach into my item storage and pull out my wind dagger.


    Not only does it give me a few much-needed base stat boosts, but it''ll also let meunch double the attacks.


    I jump off of Ember''s back toward the oing Stone Monster''s arm. I open our link as I air-step toward the iing de while glowing dark red from my right arm and bright white from my left.


    "Ember, watch from the sky. Only interfere if necessary."


    I grit my teeth, as a wide grin growsrger andrger across my face. Ind with both feet onto the base of the monster''s ded arm, running across it toward its open helmet.


    The monster lets out a roar, frustrated at its missed swing, but eager to catch me off guard. I feel the air pressure change from the iing air and the putrid-smelling breath of the beast as I get closer and closer to its open mouth.


    Channeling the Strengthening Fragment''s power into both weapons, I charge up over 2300MP per de.


    Ember swoops down, then with a powerful p of his wings, passing me on the left side before flying up into the sky.


    "The fight is in your hands now, Master."


    I let out a yell, swinging both swords, letting out two highly refined des of mana. They head straight for the thin eye slit in its helmet.


    The white and ck crescents of energy are silent as they soar in at the monster''s face. It stares straight ahead ring and not budging at all.


    I let out augh as the attacks make their way through the slit, and the monster doesn''t even attempt to doge...


    A blinding white light shines from within the armor, and a disy of mes and wind collide with each other making the explosion grow even greater.


    I stare straight ahead, eagerly waiting to see the damage my attack has done while charging up both des for another round.


    I instantly teleport to the opposite side of the beast, away from the growing ball mes.


    The murderous roar of an injured monster consumes the dungeon again. It''s followed by that same shock wave of energy that ripples through my veins.


    I shutter reflexively...


    I burst into mes brighter to brush it off, staring into the fireball before me.


    To my surprise, the instant I Dungeon Walk away, a massive glossy de of stone shoots out from the depths of my attack''s explosion.


    I Dungeon Walk upwards to dodge, but my eyes open wide the moment I do.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "My range is limited..."


    With my All-Seeing Eye active, I spread out my senses to find the root of this new problem.


    Usually, when I activate my Dungeon Walker Skill, I can see unlimited pathways to all the avable teleport points in my mind.


    For some reason, right now, the only ce I can travel is within 500 meters of this beast.


    Thatst surge of energy created an odd dome of mana around this ind... It glows light red and gives off a simr light buzz and mana consistency of its fog. I can''t sense anything outside, even my perception skill is blocked.


    This fight just got a whole lot moreplicated.

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    Afterunching my dual-ded energy attack, and attempting to Dungeon Walk away, I stop mid-stride as the odd sensation of a dense dome of mana shielding covers the entire ind that this fallen castle sits on.


    The murderous roar of the Behemoth makes my head spin as it storms through the ball of mes from my previous attack.


    Using the liquidated ground, it glides toward me with astonishing speed.


    The monster clears hundreds of meters of distance between us in seconds. I Dungeon Walk to the opposite side of the ind to avoid the charge.


    Gritting my teeth, I watch the massive beast turn its body in an instant ande rampaging toward me again.


    The cloud of fire, dust, and smoke that covered its entire body moments ago has dissipated as it continues to turn around.


    I start to grin as I see the top portion of its helmet break off, and arge red glowing gash appears on the monster''s face, right through its left eye.


    mes flicker on the wound as my advanced fire magic residue seeps into its body.


    It glows white, and I watch the mes go out, but then a red glowing gash remains. The Stone Suit of armor begins to liquidate again, forming the helmet back in ce exactly the way it was. The only difference this time, is the slip where its eyes were before is no longer there.


    This confirms it. I''ve injured the monster for real this time, and the beast will be more cautious moving forward.


    I look up to the sky as the Behemoth runs across the ind with its des for arms pointed at me in a furious rage.


    I see Ember high up in the sky and I''m hit with a moment of panic as I attempt to open our link...


    Nothinges through.


    I try to Dungeon Walk up into the air to get near, but he''s out of my range.


    The red mana-dense barrier has us separatedpletely. I dart my eyes back and forth, then teleport to the far side of the ind next to the light red mana shield.


    I let out two 2000MP attacks.


    My ck and white des of energy drift right through without a sound.


    It does nothing at all...


    I try to touch the barrier with a bare hand, but the closer my skin gets to the buzzing red energy, the hotter it bes.


    The skin on my fingers, wrist, and forearm begins to sizzle and melt off the moment I get within a meter of this odd barrier.


    I let out a painful grunt as I back away and regenerate my right arm''s wounds.


    The Behemoth is closing in again. I''m trapped within a barrier with this beast until I can figure out how to break it open from the inside. Ember is stuck on the outside for now and I can''t teleport up to him or open our link... The only immediate way out of here is to take this monster down.


    I already injured it once, I''ll just do it again.


    While charging both my weapons, and air-stepping into the sky to level with the approaching monster''s eye level once again, I release a dual energy strike of 2000MP per de.


    As the white and ck crescent of mana silently rocket toward the monster''s head, I Dungeon Walk to its backside.


    I''m fairly certain it''ll dodge or block those iing strikes with ease. I prepare my real attack while it''s upied.


    Taking almost 2 full seconds, I watch my previous strikes collide with the monster''s right arm as it lifts it in the air to block.


    The red mana around its body strengthens on impact and my distraction shots are defects into the air with ease as I predicted.


    Simultaneously, I dive straight at the Beast''s backside with my eyes locked on its t Stone Armor. With a yell, I bring both my weapons across my body releasing 2350MP per de onto its blindspot.


    I didn''t touch the ground at all before this strike, it must have not picked up on my presence.


    Smirking, the loud buzzing twang of mana on mana fills my ears and I watch the stone Armor under my des crack with the intense pressure being pushed down upon it.


    The heavy stone, intertwined with dense red mana fractures more and more as I plunder MP and push down with all my might.


    The cracks berger, moving along the Stone


    Monster''s backside. The moment I break through, there''s a white sh of light and a fiery explosion of wind and mes.


    The monster roars as a 5-meter-wide hole opens in its armor and two mana des sh open its back.


    I let out augh as I watch the white and ck energy attacks rip into its flesh, then explode into a disy of wind and fire.


    I Dungeon Walk backward, but am hit with a familiar feeling shockwave of energy...


    This time, my full body shivers, and I let out a reflexive grunt follow by a groan. I grit my teeth as the wave passes, but my All-Seeing Eye picks up on the worst part as Ie back to my senses.


    The 500-meter-wide dome of dense mana has shrunk to less than 200 meters. My teleport point flexibility has severely dropped again, but that still isn''t the worst of my issues...


    My feet and arms begin to tingle and feel rather numb. It''s been almost 40 full seconds since I took the Strengthening Fragment The side effects of not using up enough MP are actually kicking in.


    I''m burning through thousands a second on my fire, stat boosting, and perception skills, but every moment I''m not in battle is a moment wasted on this precious temporary upgrade.


    This lessened range may be a blessing in disguise. It just means I have to finish this battle quicker. Either I defeat this boss here and now, or it defeats me.


    I air-step upwards as the furious beast. It''s back is still ming as it liquidates more fallen rubble to heal its armor.


    At this point, It''s crushed every bit of the banquet hall and surrounding rooms in sight. We''re facing each other out in the Open Dungeon air now... The Castle is basically destroyed...


    I can feel the heat of theva pools all around me, and can even see the flowing molten rock from a distance. I''m sweating and breathing hard, taking in more and more mana from the expanding Strengthening Fragment as I stare down the Behemoth and I fly towards it in the air.


    My heart pounds faster and harder and I grit my teeth, gripping both des tight while charging them with as much dense mana as they can hold.


    The ind has be a war zone.


    With a yell, I let out two airborne attacks and it raises its arms up to block.


    I Dungeon Walk to its backside.


    The air is hot and thick with steam, but there''s also an eerie buzzing sensation that hasn''t gone away since the monster''sst shockwave.


    I reappear on the monster''s backside, ready to let out another attack on its unguarded back.


    The Stone armor is still reforming from myst sh and I can see the wounded area. I''ll be able tond another devastating hit.


    I smirk, air-stepping in closer while swinging both of my des, letting MP flow through my body and into another full-power strike.


    My eyes widen as I see its right arm swing backward and intercept my attack...


    It guessed where I''d appear in an instant.


    No... It knew.


    The twang of mana on mana rings out as my dual energy attack cracks through its stone armor and hits its body.


    On the opposite side, my attacks that were meant to be a distraction hit its left arm and crack its armor on the opposite side as well.


    The beast lets out a roar, but it''s nowhere near as damaging as a vital point like its midsection, neck, or back.


    As the explosion ensues, I Dungeon Walk away.


    Another surge of dense mana hits me as I reappear.


    I finch, and the energy wave starts to burn my skin and insides, simrly to the red mana shelling that surrounds this ind.


    I let out a painful grunt, as my HP drops a few hundred points, and I use self regeneration to heal the internal and external wounds.


    I look around, and the dome has shrunk again.


    There''s no more than 100 meters of space to move around in here...


    The air all around me is now lightly tinted red simr to the fog in the castle before our match even began. My eyes dart around as my All-Seeing Eye''s ability to track mana lessens and lessens.


    I grit my teeth and whisper under my breath.


    "This is bad..."


    I hear an echoing roar and watch the beast charge toward me as the red fog grows thicker and thicker, making my virility even worse.


    Another shockwave of mana hits me and I let out a yell, regenerating my body, but losing even more HP. I''m down to almost half health...


    This battle has made a drastic turn for the worst. I charge my des and Dungeon Walk to its backside to let out another attack.


    These next few moves will decide the true winner, I''ll make everyst drop of MP count.

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    Clenching my jaw, I burn through thousands of MP while using my perception skill to try and get a hint of vision through the thick red fog. All it''s giving me is a headache in return.


    The dense mana barrier this beast has created is shrinking every time it lets out a shockwave, and it''s getting a bit too tight forfort.


    I''m sitting at just over half health, with a 100-meter-wide dome closing in, and a vicious building-sided monster somewhere in the vicinity but entirely invisible to me.


    I can hear its roar, heavy breathing, and movements from a distance, but the monster is fast and smart. With this limited visibility, it silences its movements when necessary and slips in and out of my range of perception.


    I need to keep my guard up at all times, this fight just got a whole lot more serious.


    Swinging both my white glowing dagger and my red shining sword across my body, I start letting out a barrage of 2000MP attacks over and over deep into the fog.


    They silently drift through the red mist as I begin air-stepping around, bobbing and weaving through the rubble-covered battlefield.


    I can feel the stone floor beneath my feet ripple and bend. Before now, I would try flying into the sky to get away from its radar system, but the thick fog-filled air is no different than the floor.


    It knows exactly where I am, and there''s nothing to do about it.


    I grit my teeth, continuing tounch energy attacks into the heavy fog with only the sounds of a fast-approaching monster as my guide to aim each strike.


    I know the crescents of wind and fire I''munching are not strong enough to injure this beast, but I need to continue burning through mana to appease the Strengthening Fragment while simultaneously pinpointing this monster''s exact location.


    Just over 2000MP is enough to spark a dim glow of white light on collision. The buzzing sound of mana being released on impact gives me just enough visual and auditory cues to ready my next strike.


    It''s near, anding in hot.


    I stop my attacks after throwing half a dozen from each de as I see the white signals of impacte closer and closer.


    "It''s time."


    I charge up both weapons and nt my feet, looking up into the red fog while squinting, using my perception skill to attempt to look through it with all my might.


    White, red, gold, and ck aura grow around my body brighter and brighter as my breathing slows and all I can hear is my own heart beating in my chest.


    Momentster, my window of opportunity opens.


    The Behemoth lets out a roar, breaking through the fog and swinging its right ded-arm downward at me.


    With less than a second to think, I watch the glossy stone de approach me from above as I Dunegon Walk away, positioning myself right over the beast''s head.


    I look down at the long white horn that juts out from its stone armor. My eyes dart back and forth until I lock onto a small portion of armor that''s opened up just below its extended shoulder.


    This is only possible because of its downward strike meant to attack me.


    I smirk, bringing both of my weapons across my body and letting out a yell and two 2350MP crescents of mana.


    The white and ck attacks soar through the fog, gliding downward without making a sound.


    The beast continues to lunge forward. It disappears into the fog along with the attacks I threw as the visibility gets even worse. I air-step backward as a ball of mes erupts into my field of view followed by the roar of an injured beast.


    I watch the red mana cloud around me waver, then another shock wave rattles me to the core. I


    freeze up, gritting my teeth, attempting to stay in the sky. This one is the strongest one so far...


    My eyes open wide as I see the glossy de of a ming Behemoth lunging out from the fiery explosion below without a moment''s notice.


    Its shoulder''s armor is cracked and broken. I can see tworge gashes in its flesh, but the monster isn''t concerned with it in the slightest.


    It''s focused on me...


    I''m falling from the sky, attempting to gain myposure from thest shockwave of mana and watching the glossy de of its ming injured arme right at me.


    I can barely see 5 meters ahead, but I know I''m in trouble... and there''s not much I can do.


    Its stone de gets closer and closer as I burst into mes and activate my Dunegon Walker skill less than a meter before impact.


    Letting out a yell, I hit the hard floor below after blindly teleporting to the ground. I beginunching attacks in all directions once again.


    All I see is red fog... and all I can feel is empty space all around me...


    The ground ripples and flows and the mist that fills the air intrudes my lungs with a murderous presence. The buzzing sound of mana fills the air and clouds my brain more and more every second that passes.


    "I need to keep pushing through..."


    I''ve injured the Behemoth again, but it''s not slowing down at all. I don''t think I''ve even touched 20% of its HP.


    The dome goes silent.


    I can''t hear a thing but continueunching attacks in all directions


    Nothing hits. My white and ck des just glide through the red mist and disappear into nothingness before me.


    I check my health bar, and gulp as I see it nearing 1/4. I grab a C-ss-graded HP potion from my item storage and drink it without a moment of hesitation.


    I feel my body rejuvenate instantly, but that doesn''t help my current situation as much as I''d hoped. This monster is still invisible to me, lurking nearby.


    I continue air-stepping around the rubble, letting out 2000MP attacks in the hope of catching a glimpse of a small white glow, but have no luck...


    The fog is growing even denser, and it''s hard to see more than 3 meters ahead now.


    I''m covered in sweat, breathing heavily, and my heart is beating out of my chest... For some reason, a grin creeps across my face.


    I''m in the worst possible situation, but I''m loving every second of it. I''ll make it out of here alive.


    Iunch another dual attack from my des as I twist around a rock pile ahead to watch them both collide with something hard right in front of me.


    My eyes widen as I watch a glossy stone sword covered in red mana shielding appear from the mist.


    It''s almost like it just appeared out of thin air. Luckily, the collision of my two energy attacks gave me an early warning to air-step upwards, narrowly avoiding the iing stone arm.


    The moment I jump up, its de follows me from below. I let out another two attacks in the direction of the monster''s body to give me a better idea of its exact positioning, then start to charge up my real attack.


    The moment I see two more dim white lights through the red fog, I teleport blindly above their exact location.


    With a yell, my dual 2350MP attack makes contact with the beast below. I can''t see where I hit, but I know it was a sessful shot.


    I feel the heat of my fire magic erupting and hear the loud cries of the behemoth underneath me.


    I grit my teeth and attempt to air-step backward, but I''m hit with another surge of dense red mana from the injured beast.


    I grunt, then let out a yell of agony as the wave of MP makes its way deep into my veins.


    My skin burns as soon as I''m hit, and I feel my organs twist and turn.


    Almost 1/4 of my health drops from this single wave.


    I cough up blood as I''m paralyzed in mid-air for a fraction of a second. I grit my teeth and see the ming arm of the stone-covered Behemoth''s dee flying out of the fog in front of me.


    I Dungeon Walk to the floor, and its glossy de cuts through the air right where I was moments ago.


    If not for my attack hitting its armor earlier, covering it in fire magic, I wouldn''t have sensed the monster''s sword in time...


    Immediately, I start sending more waves of mana into the thick fog. My arms and legs are starting to tingle again... but there isn''t much I can do about it.


    I''ve increased my MP output to nearly full capacity. I''m not able to possibly let out more than 5k MP worth of attacks at a single time with the appropriate density and width.


    The hot and heavy feeling of a Strengthening Fragment''s final moments starts to burn in my chest.


    I know this feeling well. If it takes over, I''ll pass out soon...


    I whisper under my breath while throwing another dual attack into the red abyss.


    "I have to finish this here and now..."


    The faint white light of one of my detection shots finally makes an impact on the beast. I lock onto its location and instantly begin charging up a new attack. This one has to be big...


    Letting out a yell, and teleporting blindly into the fog directly above where the light from earlier shined, I release an attack downward with all my might.


    I feel the final remnants of the Strengthening Fragment give me a boost of MP, greater than any attack I''ve realeased before.


    A dual strike with just over 2500MP per de rockets downward at the monster below.


    Almost instantly, I hear the roar of a furious beast, and the heat of an explosion, but something unexpected happens.


    Out of the corner of my vision, and entering the perception of my All-Seeing Eye, one of the monster''s massive ded armses swinging through the fog on my left side.


    I sense it just in time, and begin to activate my Dungeon Walker skill, but am simultaneously hit with its wave of dense red mana...


    My heart stops as I let out a groan. Another 1/4 of my health is ripped from my body, and a mana-reinforced dees soaring towards my unguarded frontside.


    I justnded my most powerful attack so far on the Boss, but it was thinking one step ahead.


    I wasn''t fast enough.


    Its de makes contact with my chest te...


    I watch the bright sh of mana-imbued armor begin to fracture and burst. A white light blinds me as I''m faced with a sudden feeling of dread.


    Until... I''m snapped out of it. The explosion from my armor bursting shocks my system and allows me to move once again.


    "Onest chance."


    Bursting into brighter mes, and ripping myself out of temporary paralysis, I Dunegon Walk to the floor below just as the monster''s de starts ripping through my flesh.


    Its long sword covered in thick red mana cuts through my armor like butter, slicing open my chest and lower abdomen.


    If not for the shock of the armor''s destruction, I would have been cut in two...


    I let out a gasp as I hit the stone ground below. Red liquid pours from my chest and stomach. My feet and hands feel numb and the red fog all around me is getting thicker and thicker.


    I can''t sense a thing in this war zone and the buzzing in my ears makes it hard to think.


    I let out a yell as I close up the wounds in my chest with self regeneration. My health has dropped below 10%.


    Every part of my body aches and burns with unbearable pain. I reach into my item storage for an HP potion but pause before bringing it up to my lips.


    I smirk, looking deep into the dense fog, and activate my newest skill instead.


    "Final Breath."

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    "Final Breath."


    I activate my newest skill and feel it start to take full effect.


    This is the stat-boosting ability I witnessed the final boss on the 19th floor activate just moments before our battle was over.


    It gave the monster an incredible boost in all stats and even its mana control.


    I grit my teeth as I feel the skill take over.


    It begins to drain the MP from the Strengthening Fragment lodged in my chest. The red and golden glow from my other stat-boosting skills gets overridden by an ominous ck aura.


    More and more MP starts flowing through my veins. My head begins to ache and I feel a sharp pain in my chest.


    My advanced fire magic is consumed by this new skill and shifts its coloring to a jet-ck hue as well.


    I let out a yell, as the skill [Final Breath] fully activates. The pain is unbearable...


    Then...


    I don''t feel the boring sensation in my heart at all from moments ago...


    My headache is gone.


    I... don''t feel much of anything at all.


    My eyes dart back and forth. The red fog that was so thick moments ago that I could barely see a meter in front of me now seems like just a thin mist slightly blurring my vision.


    Falling rocks and crackling fire can be heard in perfect rity from over 50 meters away, and the exact position of the behemoth lurking within its mana-imbued veil of fog seems so obvious.


    I take a step forward.


    It seems like time has slowed down...


    All my senses are heightened drastically, but it all feels so natural. The mana being absorbed from the Fragment in my chest is flowing through me at almost 4 times as much as moments ago. Yet, it doesn''t even feel like I''m consuming mana at all. It just feels like I don''t need mana at all...


    "This is... [Final Breath]..."


    I hold my sword in my right hand and watch the red glow and dark mes morph into jet-ck darkness to match my aura.


    The wind dagger in my left does exactly the same.


    My All-Seeing Eye expands its range and I can feel the entire Boss Room with perfect rity once again.


    Ember is high in the sky and there''s hotva pools surrounding me on all sides for kilometers.


    I take a deep breath in and out as I pick up the pace, and start sprinting towards the direction of the newly located Floor Boss.


    Everything around me is silent.


    The only echoing noises I can hear are the slow footsteps of my own run and the steady breathing out of my nose.


    I can see the entire battlefield in my mind''s eye... Everything has be crystal clear all of a sudden.


    The red-skinned Behemoth is less than 50 meters away, reforming its stone armor. There''s still fire burning on its shoulder and arms. Plus, myst attack shattered a good portion of its helmet and armor on its back.


    Half of its face is exposed revealing one of its beady ck eyes. The monster''s gaze is locked on me as I approach.


    It''s injured, but nowhere near defeated.


    The power building up inside of me right now is like nothing I''ve ever felt before.


    I feel at peace...


    The near-unlimited energy from the Strengthening Fragment mixed with the controlled power of my Final Breath''s stat-boosting skill has made me feel as though I''m invincible....


    This can''tst for long, and the side effects won''t be pretty, but I''ll use every opportunity I can get right now.


    Piles of bricks, shattered stones, and burning tables fill my mind''s eye as I run through the red fog. I activate wind magic beneath my feet to increase my speed, but ck energyes out instead.


    It propels me forward all the same.


    Now, cracking the hard castle floor with every stride Ie closer and closer to the Behemoth before me.


    My inner mind''s vision shows me the scene in ck and white. The only thing that stands out is the dense shielding around my target''s body, it''s bright red.


    I hear the beast let out a roar as I draw near.


    It senses me and begins swinging its arms as I jump up into the air to meet its attack.


    Earlier in our fight, I would have been on full guard, ready to Dungeon Walk away at any second, preparing to dodge its iing swing, but now is different.


    I know exactly where its attack willnd. My All-Seeing Eye''s boosted proficiency from the [Final Breath] skill has made the Floor Boss'' movements seem slow...


    I smirk, twisting in the air to narrowly avoid its de with ease.


    Just like earlier in the fight, my right footnds on the glossy surface of its arm. I begin running downwards toward the monster while charging up my own weapons.


    It all happens in an instant.


    The moment I begin to think about imbuing my des with mana, they''re charged to full.


    Dense ck aura fills them both in an instant, and It''s hard to even calcte how much they carry. Nearly 5000MP each, but this mana feels much denser and more deadly than anything I''ve ever felt before.


    I can feel its mana shielding crack beneath my feet and I watch fracturing stone armor fly into the air as my steps crumble its ded arm.


    The fiery hole in its helmet lets one ck eye peek out.


    The monster isn''t frightened though... it just stares straight ahead...


    I''mpletely calm as well, gripping both weapons tight and running down the arm of the beast, swinging both swords across my body with the intention ofnding a dual energy strike on its neck.


    At the same moment, I feel the shielding from its entire body begin to weaken. I''m less than 5 meters away.


    It''s an odd sensation.


    The monster knows I''ll hit it soon, but it''s decided to lower its guard...


    I keep my eye on the prize and continue running down its stone arm. My footsteps destroy the rock even more with each stride as the shielding below fades away.


    Itsrge ck eye stays locked on me, and the Boss doesn''t move a muscle.


    I am running at it with speeds over 3 times as fast as before, so even if it tried to move, it''d be futile... Maybe this is why it stopped.


    It knows it''s the end.


    "No... that''s not it."


    I can still sense the energy in its body moving around. It leaves the rest of its bodypletely unguarded while focusing all of the shielding around its neck and head. It bes denser and denser as I fall closer.


    It''s putting all of its strength into a final block, while I put all of my own into a final strike.


    I smirk, taking another stride and following through with my swing.


    Dark ck ominous mana leaks from my body, traveling through my des, and it''s released into two crescents of incredible strength.


    Everything is silent, and I watch my attacks fly...


    Then, I hear a voice. It''s the Floor Boss opening our link.


    "Another unexpected turn of events. It seems you''ll be the one who steals our power..."


    Two dense crescents of pure destructive manae shooting from my weapons and rocket at the horned beast''s neck.


    Its eye stares deep into mine and speaks again through our link as it senses the end.


    "It was an honor to meet a man like you again. It''s been 50 long years since a rival for the throne challenged us. The great copse will be more exciting than I anticipated."


    As it lets out its final words through our link, I watch my two des of dense mana collide with its finalyer of dark red mana shielding.


    I can tell it''s close to twice as powerful as the base-level shielding surrounding its body before.


    Liquidated stones wrapped in the threads of mana from its maniption skill are intertwined to make a barrier strong enough to stop any one of my earlier strikes without fail.


    I let out augh mixed with an excited yell as I follow through and fall towards the monster''s open helmet watching my dual strike.


    Trails of dark mana connect my iing attacks to the aura that surrounds me. It feeds the attack with more and more power.


    The two crescents grow as the final remnants of the Strengthening Fragment within me arepletely absorbed.


    My arms and legs begin to fall numb as the full attack finally leaves my des and makes contact with the beast''s shielding.


    My eyes widen as the behemoth''s entire pool of mana collides with all of mine.


    There''s an incredible sh of white light as I watch my dark wind crescent shatter its shielding like a hammer hitting fragile ss.


    The fire crescent following takes this opportunity to slice through the beast''s neck without a hint of resistance. It glides through the monster''s tough red skin and thick muscles with ease.


    My wind attack explodes as the fragments of its shielding disrupt the strike. This causes a chain reaction of ck slides of wind to disperse and interrupt the de of fire halfway through the Boss'' neck.


    The explosion of ck mes is magnificent...


    All I can do is watch in awe as I''m thrown backward by the force of my own attack.


    The final sight before me is the monster''s ck eye closing and its lips curve up to make a thin smile as it''spletely consumed by ck mes and blown to pieces.


    For every mili-second that passes, my senses be more numb. Mana leaves my body at a rapid rate. I fly through the air, sensing the dome of shielding around me finally disappear. A ck ball of fire envelops everything within a 50-meter diameter.


    It''s my own mes, so I''m not burned, but I can feel the extreme heat...


    It''s...forting...


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I smirk and start to close my eyes as the familiar [Level Up] notifications ring out in my mind.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    [YES][NO]


    More blue text fills my vision as I begin to lose consciousness and fall through the air.


    I choose [YES] for each and open my status before my eyespletely shut.


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 422


    Hp: 85/2115


    Mp: 60/2115


    Strength: 1122 [+1290][+987][+561][+1784][+561][+561]


    Speed: 1224 [+734][+612][+1946][+612]


    Agility: 1321 [+594][+1189][+661][+2100][+661]


    Defense: 926 [+370][+713][+463][+1472]


    Mental Strength: 1041 [+625][+416][+468][+926][+822][+521][+1655][+521][+521]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spacial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King''s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Griffin''s Talon [+40% Mental Strength]


    Serpent King''s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll''s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Fire Aspect][+115% Strength][+89% Mental Strength]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set:


    [Wind Aspect][88+% Strength][+90% Agility][+79% Mental Strength]


    [Berserker King''s Armor Set] [Blood Bonded] +77% Defense


    [Greater Demon''s Core] +50% All Stats


    Buffs:


    [Final Breath: Special Grade] +159% All Stats


    [Berserker] +50% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +50% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength


    [Extreme Strength] +50% Strength


    _____________

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    My eyes shut and the feeling of weightlessness takes over my body. My senses go dark as I fall down to the floor.


    The warm mes from the st below envelope everything in sight and a grin creeps across my face as I pass out from extreme fatigue on the spot.


    The only thoughts running through my mind as I plummet toward the floor are: "I did it. I defeated the Behemoth."


    The curious final words of the floor boss get lost in the chaos of my rapidly decreasing active conscious brain power.


    Everything goes ck...


    "..."


    Time passes.


    "..."


    "... Master. Are you finally waking?"


    "..."


    I lie on my back and a light breeze is flowing on my face.


    I let out a cough and struggle to open my eyes.


    Everything around me is so bright. There''s a pale green tint that fills my vision as I try to visualize my surroundings.


    I hear Ember speak through our link again.


    "It''s been over a full day, Master. You''ve beenpletely unconscious since the battle ended."


    I stay on my back, letting my eyes adjust to the view above me. There are white clouds, but the sky is tinted with an unsettling green hue.


    I feel hard scales beneath me and catch a glimpse of two ck wings pping on either side of my vision.


    I''m in the air, riding on Ember''s back.


    I try to move my hand up to feel my face, but my arm won''t budge. Letting out a groan, I checked my status to see my HP at under 100 and my MP at nearly 0.


    My arms and legs feel numb while my mouth is horribly dry. I shiver, letting out another cough that sends a sharp pain through my chest and back. I grit my teeth and close my eyes until the pain subsides.


    After taking a deep breath in and out, then letting the cool air pass by my face for a moment, I reply through my link with Ember.


    "Well, it looks like I won. Good to see you''re all right too."


    I let out a light chuckle with my eyes still closed. It hurts to even let out a thin smile, but knowing Ember is below me makes me feel a little better.


    My stomach feels empty, and my skin feels itchy. Everything hurts, but everything feels numb at the same time.


    I''m horribly ill. This must be the worst case of mana withdrawals I''ve ever felt before.


    I lie motionless for over half an hour before building up the strength to open my eyes again.


    The white clouds and pale green sky fill my vision again as I activate my storage skill to let 3 items fall out onto my chest.


    Two potions and a bottle of watere down with a thud,nding in the opening where my chest te is broken in half.


    Using all my strength, I lift my right arm to bring an HP potion to my lips.


    Sweating and grunting, I uncork the small bottle and drink the cool green liquid, letting out a sigh of relief as I immediately feel energy flood back into me.


    After this, I let the empty bottom drop to my side, and let my arm fall too.


    That was exhausting...


    My breathing is heavy, and sweat covers my forehead, but I need to finish what I started.


    Letting out a grunt, I reach for the MP potion in front of me and repeat the process. The moment the pink liquid touches my lips, I begin to feel even better.


    Still, I have to let the empty ss bottle fall to my side and take a small break before reaching for the water.


    This fatigue is brutal...


    I begin using self regeneration, but it isn''t helping much. I can''t exactly heal withdrawals with simple potions or skills. Usually, it just takes food, water, and time to heal something like this.


    I reach for the water and drink about 1/4 of it before forcing myself to stop.


    With a satisfied gulp, I close my eyes again and fall straight to sleep.


    Everything goes ck...


    "..."


    Time goes by, and I wake up feeling somewhat better.


    I open my eyes to see the same oddly colored sky with asional passing clouds. I immediately open my link with Emebr as I struggle to sit up.


    "How long was I out?"


    My abs ache and my joints crack as I use both arms to keep myself steady while sitting up. Ember responds.


    "Only a few hours this time, 7 or 8 at most."


    I nod, looking to my side and seeing a huge pile of gear wrapped in what looks like a red fabric. It''s perfectly bnced on Ember''s back right beside me. I hadn''t even noticed until now.


    I clench my jaw and lean over to open the cloth to see what''s inside.


    I use Appraisal.


    _____________


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Fire Aspect][+115% Strength][+89% Mental Strength]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set


    [Wind Aspect][88+% Strength][+90% Agility][+79% Mental Strength]


    [The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet] +111% Defense


    [Horn of The Behemoth]


    _____________


    My long dark sword and bright red daggery on the velvet fabric next to a small silver rectangle about the size of my palm with rounded edges. It''s attached to a tin ck string and sits next to a massive curved white horn.


    I immediately store my two bonded weapons into my item storage, then pick up the small silver rectangr object.


    _____________


    [The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet] +111% Defense


    _____________


    It''s heavy in my hand, but no more than a centimeter thick, and 5 or 6 centimeters long. The defense buff on it is higher than anything I''ve ever seen before.


    It''spletely nk and smooth, just a full bar of tinum with an enchantment on it...


    I smirk, taking off my Cyclops pendant that has a 40% buff and recing it with this one at 111%.


    I throw my old pendant into my storage. It holds some sentimental value, so I''ll keep it for now.


    Lastly, I look over at therge white horn. The item has significantly shrunkpared to its actual form during the fight. This is normal for magic items, but it''s still odd to me.


    I look at it closely, activating Appraisal again, but nothinges up on the curious item.


    All it says is "Horn of The Behemoth" over and over...


    Maybe it''s a crafting item of some sort, or possibly just a trophy for those that defeat the 20th-floor Boss. I doubt thetter. All items have some kind of purpose in the end...


    I let out a sigh, then roll the horn into my item storage and promptly fall onto my back again, exhausted already.


    Breathing heavily, I open up my storage and take out some fruit and dried meat. I chew on it slowly while drinking more water and opening my link with Ember.


    "So.... What happened...? Where are we?"


    The dragon gliding peacefully through the air responds in a patient tone.


    "You''ve defeated your first Lower-Floor Boss. We''ve made it to the 21st Floor. Before we were transported to this higher Dunegon, I managed to collect all the item drops and your weapons."


    I grin, closing my eyes again and falling back to sleep, letting out ast sentence to Ember before everything goes dark.


    "Thank you."


    "..."


    The next moment my eyes open, I feel pretty rejuvenated, but still nowhere near fully healed. I''m able to sit up almost immediately and stretch my arms and back.


    I let out a yawn and bend over the side of the flying dragon to take a look at the view below us.


    I''m left speechless at the sight before my eyes...


    We''re high up in the sky, and everything around us is stained with a pale green tint...


    There are white stone pirs as far as I can see.


    They''re thin, just a few meters wide each, and they reach up high in the air. Some even jut up higher than the altitude we''re flying, but a majority can be seen down below.


    The tops of them areply t and now that I''ming back to my senses, this entire dungeon gives off a low hum of mana from all directions.


    I turn my head around, taking a look behind me to see hundreds of them. There are white stone pirs everywhere.... and nothing else.


    The more I look, I begin to notice oddities. Some off in the distance seem thicker than others and even have jagged-shaped tops.


    I can''t even see the floor below, there are clouds in the way both above and below us.


    My hands and feet are still tingling, and everything aches, but I let out a grunt and manage to stand to my feet as Ember continues to gently soar through the sky.


    I smirk, breathing in the fresh air around me and squinting off into the distance.


    "The Labyrinth is far from its end. One Floor Boss down, many more to go. It looks like after we take a pit stop back on the 10th floor to rest up and check in with the Association, there will be many more floors to climb."

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    I take a deep breath of fresh air as I look out into the pale green dungeon and open up my link with Ember.


    "It''s time we head back to the 10th floor."


    "Understood."


    Ember ps his wings and glides down to the nearest pir of smooth white stone below us.


    With a careful step, I hop off his back andnd on the square 3-meter wide tform high up in the clouds. I open my item storage and Ember flies inside.


    I down at my arms and chest.


    My armor is stillpletely destroyed. My shirt is ripped and the ck line from the Greater Demon''s Core is exposed on my left arm.


    I attempt to heal the armor with my self regeneration skill like I normally would, but things go a bit differently than they didst time.


    The dim white glow of mana begins to shine, but I get the odd urge to push further with a new depth of mana control that I haven''t quite felt before...


    The white glow begins to turn into tinted red. MP seeps out of my body at an rming rate as the armor is healed, I can audibly hear a buzzing sounding from the heavy metal gear.


    Then, a sharp pain in my head and chest stops me from pushing further.


    I grit my teeth and drop to one knee on the hard stone surface below me, letting out a gasp and deactivating all my skills.


    I''m still way too worm out to be trying anything fancy...


    I take the nowpletely restored armor set off and throw it into my item storage before standing up straight again.


    Looking down, I still see the Demon''s ck mark on my arm under my torn shirt. I reach into storage to grab a fresh long-sleeve as well as the new pair of magic lenses that Bri gave me during ourst meeting.


    I throw the shirt on and activate the new lenses of illusion. I''ll only be wearing these in public, they''ll alwayse off during battle or training from now on. Burning through thatst pair was such a waste.


    Now that my appearance problem is out of the way, I''ll need to think of an alibi... I''ll head back to the 10th-floor Inn, but telling people that I defeated the 20th-floor boss is a bad idea.


    I take a deep breath, then close my eyes.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    The moment my transport skill is activated, severe pain surges through my head making it hard to visualize where I''m teleporting to.


    Everything in my mind is foggy, but I lock onto a familiar point deep in the 10th-floor dungeon and let myself blip through.


    I fall to the rocky floor at the base of the mountain I trained at earlier in mybyrinth climb. I spent a few days throwing attacks at this rock wall, I know it well.


    It seems like in a tired state, tempting to familiar regions is much easier than ces I''ve only been once.


    I catch myself with both hands and fall to my knees, but look to my left and right before hitting the ground.


    "No one else is here, that''s a good sign."


    I let out a sigh as my headache and chest pain slowly fades away and the sharp pain that travels all the way now my spine bes much less irritating.


    I get to my feet and begin slowly walking towards the Inn thinking through how exactly I''ll exin my current weakened state and progress to anyone that asks.


    It takes me nearly an hour to make it to the backside of the poorly built Inn. I can already hear hunters training and selling goods on the small stone path in front of it.


    Even from just the short walk over, my muscles ache, and my skin itches. All I want to do is lie down, but I push forward and make my way to the building''s entrance, opening the wooden door.


    A few heads turn, but soon after, they go back to eating and drinking. I walk forward until I meet the Innkeeper''s gaze.


    He gives me a cheerful smile.


    "d to see you''re back Jay! Have a good training session? It sure looks like you''re pretty worn out. Need a room?"


    He lets out a chuckle as I lean forward to rest against the wooden counter.


    I reply in a low, yet relieved tone.


    "Yeah, a room would be great."


    Without another word, the old man lets out a light whistle while writing something down under the wooden table and fetching me a key.


    He hands me the small metal item with R209beled on the side of it in thin ck writing.


    I nod and take the room key.


    "Thanks. I''ll be back once I''m rested. If Rn or Fishere looking for me, tell them to wait. I need time to recover."


    He gives me a grin, then turns his head to the stairs beside the counter.


    "Sure thing, I''ll let ya rest kid."


    I push myself up off the counter and slowly walk toward the stairs.


    It''s already been a long day... My full body and mind are giving out on me after a 1km walk and a simple conversion.


    My eyes are almost shut by the time I walk upstairs and find my way into the small yet cozy feeling room.


    I copse onto the bed wooden bed with white sheets and fall asleep almost instantly. Unfortunately, it isn''t a peaceful slumber.


    The full-body shivering from a few days agoes back as I drift off into a half-dazed state of tossing and turning. These mana withdrawals are no joke.


    I tough it out and get my rest. Eventually, I fall into a deeper sleep.


    Time passes until I''m rudely awakened.


    *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*


    My eyes open wide as Ie back to reality and almost fall off the small bed.


    I shake my head and rub my eyes before swinging my legs over the edge to hear the wooden floor creak while walking over to the door mid-yawn.


    "Who is it? What''s going on... I thought I said not to wake me up-"


    The excited voice of a familiar redhead cuts me off.


    "Ohe on Jay, Conway said it''s been over 16 hours since you got in! You need to eat something! Plus, ya gotta tell me how your climb went!"


    I feel my stomach churn as I approach the door handle and lick my dry lips.


    Apparently, It''s been another 16 hours. I''ve been out of it for almost another full day again....


    My muscles feel a bit more healed, and my head it less foggy enough though I''m dying for a good te of food and some water.


    I guess I''ve made a little progress, but I''m nowhere near 100%.


    I fully open the door to see Rn grinning ear to ear in the narrow hallway. The moment I do, he throws an arm around my shoulder and starts leading me back to the main Inn''s main tavern downstairs.


    My room door closes behind me as the C-ss starts talking my ear off like I never left.


    "So, what happened? Did you go to Floor 19? Did you make it to the 20th? What''s it like up there? It must have been tough!"


    I chuckle a bit, realizing what I just aplished is actually a pretty big deal.


    He''s asking if I even made it to the 19th floor. In reality... I make it to the 21st.


    I beat the monster that separates normal hunters from Elites In my first week of training.


    Well, technically I took over 2 months... but no one has to know that...


    I let out a sigh, but can''t help but let out a little grin.


    It''s time to begin my facade. I''ll take Bri''s advice and keep a low profile for now.


    "I made it to the 19 Floor, yeah."


    I smirk as we make it to the stairs and begin to walk down. Tablese into view and the sound of Association Hunters trading gear and eating food fills my ears.


    Rn responds.


    "Oh yeah? How''d you fair against those monsters? I''ve heard even Fisher struggled with the 19th floor his first couple months of Elite training."


    I nod slowly and reply.


    "Yeah... They were tough, gave me quite the workout. I''ll have to rest up before I try to go any further."


    I stretch my arms and make a pain-filled expression to reinforce the fact that I''m in no condition to continue fighting right now.


    Rn smirks.


    "So you''re really going to try and defeat the 20th-floor Boos?"


    I shrug.


    "Maybe if Fisheres back, I don''t want to push my luck."


    Rn continues without even registering my response.


    "I''ve heard stories about a cooldown timer on the 20th Floor Boss room. Apparently, once someone faces it, they can''t leave the entire floor until they''ve defeated the boss. No new hunters can enter or leave until the fight is over. It takes a full 7 days for the entrance portal to open up again even if the boss is in."


    I clench my jaw and tighten my gaze at the words thate out of the redhead''s mouth... My mind starts racing for a moment as we make it down to the tavern''s main floor.


    I curse under my breath as I look up to see Conway smiling and setting up a table with a feast fit for kings upon my arrival. The old man waves at both of us and we begin to walk over.


    This whole situation just got a lot moreplicated.


    If Fisheres back anytime soon, he''ll most likely want to face the 20th floor toplete our weekly quotas. It''s not going to be an easy task to talk my way out of this one...

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    I put on a smile as Rn continues to hold his arm around my shoulder tightly. We walk over to the nearest wooden table being offered to us by the old cheerful Innkeeper.


    "Sit down boys, it''s hot off the stove!"


    Rn releases me from his grip and takes a seat, I start to sit down as well and the old man continues talking.


    "I know you wanted some time to rest, but I thought you could use a good meal right about now, was I wrong?"


    I chuckle and take my seat, hearing my stomach gurgle at the sight of steaming hot food and cold drinks in front of me.


    "No, you weren''t wrong at all. I appreciate it, Conway."


    With a slight bow, the kind innkeeper turns and waves as he walks into the back room behind his check-in counter.


    "Wee back Jay, enjoy."


    I let out a sigh with my eyes locked on the meal in front of me, then dig in.


    I pay no mind to any of the hunters eating their meals and trading goods on the tables nearby. Even Rn''s presence begins to leave my conscious thoughts as I be fixated on the meal before me.


    Every bite rejuvenates me more and more. I''m fully invested, body and mind.


    Over 10 minutes pass before the redhead''s voice finally hits my ear.


    "Hey Jay, want to hear something wild?"


    I look up, beginning to feel much more satisfied. I shake myself out of the small trance and sit back while replying.


    "Sure...What''s up?"


    Rn crosses his arms, looking a bit annoyed.


    "Remember those nobles we ran into the other day before you went off o your own? Apparently, they made it up to the 19th floor, just like you. They took out a ton of the base-level monsters. Can ya believe that?"


    I raise an eyebrow, then rely in a low tone.


    "Hmph. Really?"


    He nods, cing both hands back on the wooden table.


    "Yeah, they even passed through to our resting camp with a collection of really rare swords. They must have really killed a lot of them!"


    I slowly nod, thinking to myself.


    Those nobles didn''t seem that strong to me. Their levels were nowhere near high enough and I''ve even fought their leader back when I had no mana control training at all... and I was a near-even match for him.


    Something isn''t adding up, but it''s not my biggest concern at the moment. He''s probably just collecting gear for his family to sell or something, it''s none of my business.


    Although my 10 minutes of bliss while eating were nice, now the real problem at hand has to be figured out.


    The fact that the 20th Floor Boss supposedly has a 7-day cooldown timer is rather troubling. I won''t take Rn''s word for fact, but it''s more than enough for me to worry about the possibility of it being true.


    I clench my jaw, then speak up.


    "Hey, do you know when Fisher is getting back? I- I wanted to see if I could face the 20th Floor boss..."


    I create a small item storage portal beneath the table and pull out the small white transport crystal the blue-haired Elite gave me before he left, then put it up in front of Ryan''s eyes.


    "Or ya know, I could face it myself if he takes too long. I still haven''t used my emergency exit."


    I smirk and put the crystal down, but don''t get the response I expected. Rn pauses for a moment, the replies in a softer tone.


    "There''s... been no word from Fisher or any of the others in his Elite squad that left a few days back. They should have returned by now..."


    I nod slowly, catching onto his serious tone. The redhead continues.


    "I assume they''ll still want your new squad in training to go out and help defend the northern border. It''s just...


    I''m not sure what''s taking so long... If they can''t finish the job, I don''t know how much your squad will help-"


    I cut him off.


    "Got it. Understood."


    I take a deep breath, faking a look of concern.


    Rn looks upset. Fisher was his student, he''s probably very worried about his extended absence.


    It seems there''s some trouble brewing for the Association. First, an urgent mission, and now a full Elite squad is missing...


    Sounds fishy, but this all works out perfectly for me. I couldn''t have asked for a more perfect turn of events.


    I stand up, looking down on the redhead, and speak in a volume just above necessary to get the attention of hunters at the tables surrounding us with my next line.


    "Rn. I''m going to face the 20th Floor Boss. I may not win, but at least I''ll know the difficulties ahead. I''ll make sure to say hi to Fisher when I see him in the dark continent soon. I''m sure he''s fine."


    The redhead shows me a thin smile and perks up a bit.


    Letting out a sigh, I sit back down and Rn rxes as well.


    We finish up our meal, share small talk about the association, and I throw the white transfer crystal back into my storage after repeatedly assuring Rn that I''ll use it if I get into any trouble while on the higher floors.


    In reality, I n to use it no matter what.


    If that boss room is actually closed off, using the crystal to transport away will be the perfect excuse. I can just say I ran from the fight and that''s why the room is closed for any future hunters that try to enter.


    It''s simple, but I don''t see how it won''t work.


    My soreness and MP withdrawal effects are much less noticeable by the end of our feast. I can fight at 40-50% now if I needed to. It''s great progress, but it feels like it''ll take a while to regain my full capabilities. This won''t be a quick recovery, time will tell.


    I let out a satisfied sigh and turn to Rn.


    "Well, now is as good a time as ever for me to get going. Don''t ya think?"


    With a smirk, I stand up from my chair at the table and put out my hand for the redhead to shake it.


    He replies, standing up and shaking my outreached hand.


    "Y-You''re leaving already?"


    I give him a firm nod.


    "Might as well. I''m fully rested and have a full stomach, there''s no better time to start my journey."


    I turn around to see the old Innkeepere out from his backroom right on cue. I take the small metal key out of my pocket as we make eye contact and throw it at him from a few meters away.


    "Appreciate you, old man. I''ll be out for a while."


    Conway catches the key and gives me a firm nod.


    I turn back to Rn.


    He gulps.


    "I''m starting to understand why they picked you to be an Elite... You never take a break do you?"


    I chuckle, turning to the door.


    "I guess not."


    The redheaded hunter waves.


    "Hey Jay, good luck."


    I nod, replying while walking through the tables full of low-level C-ss hunters.


    "Thanks for showing me around Rn. If I''m not back soon, I''m sure we''ll still meet again."


    The poorly crafted wooden door swings open and I walk out into the open air of the dungeon.


    Making a quick right turn, I make my way around the back side of the Inn and begin trekking deep into the 10th floor.


    Once out of sight, I Dungeon Walk upwards.


    I prepare myself for the sharp pain and exhaustion that follows, but my real reaction isn''t as bad as my mental image.


    I feel a slight headache for a fraction of a second, and my breathing gets a bit healthier the moment I blip back into reality, but it fades away quickly.


    I''ve healed enough to Dungeon Walk without much trouble, this is good.


    Although I''d love to check out the 20th and confirm my suspicions as soon as possible, I still have a mana-collecting quota to fill. I need over 20k MP worth of crystals before I think about going back to the Association.


    I teleport up to the High Ogre Dungeon.


    These will be low 300 leveled monsters. Easy for me to kill, but strong enough to drop decent loot. It shouldn''t take more than a few hours to farm what I need, even in my current state.


    I take a deep breath and get to work.


    Pulling out my sword and activating my enemy detection skill, I find my first target and teleport over to it.


    It''s a High Orge, nothing too special. Nearly 4 meters tall, wearing a full suit of lightweight armor, and wielding its own long silver sword.


    I channel a few hundred MP into an attack and let it fly, slicing the Ogre in two without a hint of resistance.


    It falls to the floor momentster, hardly even registering that an attacker appeared. I slowly walk over to its corpse and wait for the monster to dissolve.


    A new window of blue text fills my vision...


    I grin creeps across my face as I read what it says.


    [Use Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Advanced Perk: [Temporary Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-422


    [YES][NO]

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    I stare down at the defeated High Orge at my feet, and a new blue text window fills my vision.


    [Use Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Advanced Perk: [Temporary Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-422


    [YES][NO]


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Mana Maniption...?


    I open my status, checking to confirm that I have two brand new Advanced Combat Magic Skills: Mana Maniption, and Earth Summoning.


    I remember absorbing both abilities, but testing them out has been thest thing on my mind. I''ve been more focused on healing up and making sure the Association doesn''t find out about my elerated progress too fast.


    Testing the full range of my power was going to wait until I could actually use the power without these painful headaches and chest pains.


    I blink a few times, then turn back to the glowing blue screen that hovers over the defeated monster.


    I smirk, remembering the Knights I fought before the Floor Boss appeared, this must be the same ability.


    I select "300" for a level, then choose "YES".


    Immediately, my right hand begins to glow red and I feel the sensation of mana leaving my body fast.


    Checking my status, I watch my bar go down a few hundred MP.


    Thin pink threads leave my red glowing hand and begin floating through the air before connecting to the top of the Dead Ogre''s Head.


    As they connect, the strands turn white, then gopletely invisible to the naked eye.


    The thin strings of mana begin stitching the Ogre''s sliced body back together and I watch the monster stand back up to its feet.


    The beast''s eyes are open, but there''s no sign of life...


    It grips its sword and stares forward without moving a muscle. A new blue screen fills my vision.


    [Temporary Minion] Level: 300


    Deactivate: [YES][NO]


    I look the monster up and down in awe.


    I can feel the mana that was sucked out of me during the activation flow from my fingertips and into the body of this lifeless creature.


    I close my eyes... Then lift the Ogre''s arm carrying its sword with only my mind. I open my eyes and it does exactly what I pictured it would.


    I smirk, then picture the monster taking a step forward. It does instantaneously, making the ground crunch under its feet.


    I let out a chuckle, making the mana thread connected to its head twist and turn. The 4-meter tall monster effortlessly moves to my everymand.


    It feels like an extension of myself. Almost as if I''m the one in its body, making every movement with exact precision.


    The only downside I feel is the further away it gets, the less precise and clear the connection bes. The longer I stay in control, extra MP is also being used to maintain the connection. It''s a small amount, but enough to set my headache in motion again.


    Before I can do much more testing, the corpse of the beast begins to dissolve. As its body disintegrates, it leaves behind a single mana crystal and my bond is severed.


    The thin strand of mana connecting me to the creature fades into thin air. I nod with tightened lips, letting out a sigh and collecting the dropped crystal, and throwing it in my item storage.


    "Makes sense."


    This new temporary minion perk must only work on freshly defeated opponents. That doesn''t exin how the 20th-Floor Boss imbued its mana into all those armor sets...


    I''ll have to do more testing when I''m at full strength. In the meantime, I can still try a few more things.


    I activate Advanced Mana Maniption again along with my All-Seeing Eye. The entire Dunegon lights up in my mind''s eye and I''m overwhelmed with the view.


    For nearly 10 meters in all directions, I feel the mana following through the ground and air around me, just like it would through my sword. I''m able to control all of it...


    I gasp, as a sharp pain runs through my chest and up into the back of my head.


    A ringing sound begins to fill my ears and slowly gets stronger and stronger until I''m forced to deactivate all my skills.


    Gritting my teeth, I curse under my breath.


    These side effects and mana withdrawals are really holding me back. For a moment there, it felt like I was nearly invincible. It felt like I could have warped the mana beneath my feet into anything I wanted...


    I swallow hard as my headache fades and I drink an MP potion. My bar fell over 1000MP from just that attempt.


    I finish up the pink liquid and throw the empty ss bottle back into my storage.


    "I''ll try something a bit more simple."


    I activate my Advanced Earth Summoning magic next. This one feels much easier to control, it''s very simr to my fire summoning actually.


    I lift my right hand up in the air and a small ball of stone begins to form in my palm.


    It floats effortlessly in a liquid state, just like how the Behemoth turned the castle floor into its personal malleable matter. I grin, then start shifting the small light brown ball of stone into different shapes.


    First, a sphere, then a cube. Next, I form the liquid matter into a small stone dagger and a thin brown arrow. Finally, I shape the rock back into a sphere and drop the stone to the ground.


    *Thud*


    It hits the floor and I deactivate my skill. The mass stays put, but my MP bar has dropped about a hundred points.


    My headache starts toe back, but it fades before it bes anywhere near as bad as myst attempt. Using a few hundred MP at a time seems to be just fine, I''ll keep that in mind.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I teleport to the nearest High Ogre and get back to work.


    After spending 3 hours farming, I manage to collect the required 20k MP worth of crystals for my quota. Once finished, I find a secluded area up on a high peak to take a break.


    There, I contemte my next moves while enjoying a meal of fruit, meat, and water from my item storage. Another 2 hours pass and my mind is made up.


    It''s time to see if the cooldown timer is real or not. If it is, now is as good a time as any to use that transport crystal.


    I stand up and put away all my food and water, gripping my sword and Dungeon Walking to the small narrow hallway between the 19th and 20th floors.


    The stone around me feels cold, and my footsteps echo as I start to walk forward. This hallway is much darker thanst time without Ember''s mes to guide the way.


    Another thing it''scking is the floating grey boss room portal at the backside.


    I whisper under my breath, approaching the back wall of hard stone.


    "Rn was right... No one can find out about this..."


    I activate my Dungeon Walker skill again, searching for the Boss room floor that I''d previously fought on just a few days ago.


    It''s all nk. There''s nothing there but a void of mana twisting and turning. It''s simr to the inside of a Titan''s domain. Teleporting into that is just asking for trouble, there''s no guarantee of getting out.


    I gulp, then deactivate my teleportation skill. That confirms it. The boss room has been defeated and the cooldown timer is real.


    No one from the Association can find out about this. As I nned earlier, I''ll need to fake my failure. It needs to seem as though I''ve really tried to face the boss and was way out of my league.


    I need to set the scene...


    Remembering back to how I actually looked after the battle was over, I let out a sigh and find an old shirt in my item storage to put on and tear to pieces.


    With a smirk, I activate my Earth Summoning skill and begin covering my face, boots, elbows, and knees in ayer of dirt.


    Next, I take my sword and ignite it into mes.


    I make sure my breathing is heavy before reaching into my storage to take out the small white glistening transport crystal.


    With a hesitant look only my face, I summon a glossy sword of stone simr to the one the knight used in battle. Of course, mine is much smaller and doesn''t have a hint of mana shelling lining it.


    Closing my eyes, I send it flying into my side, making sure to miss any vital spots.


    I let out a grunt, as HP falls off my health bar. I whisper to myself as blood drips into the stone floor.


    "It has to be more convincing..."


    Rolling my eyes and letting out a sigh, I summon another glossy stone sword and give myself two more shes.


    They aren''t bad wounds, but they look deep enough to the untrained eye to be legit. I''ll just drink an HP potion before anyone gets too close to examine me.


    Fisher said to use this crystal if I get into any trouble during my training. I assume the transport point for these items is going to be in a semi-public Association-owned area, so I''ll make sure to dress the part.


    It''s now or never.


    My headache is starting to kill me, and the ringing in my ears is getting unbearable.


    I take out an HP potion and throw it in my back pocket.


    Without another thought, I grip the white crystal hard in my left hand and it shatters to pieces.


    I feel a warm energy envelop my entire arm. It travels up to my shoulder, then to my chest, and soon flows through my entire body.


    My vision goes white, and the feeling of transportation magic forces itself over my whole body.


    Secondster, I fall to the ground. My sword hits a hard white flooring with a loud ng as I catch myself with two open palms.


    My ears are still ringing and my breathing is heavier than ever. My vision is blurry, but I can see my own crimson blood dripping onto a glossy white surface below me.


    I let out a gasp, that slowly turns into a chuckle while staring at the ground.


    "I made it..."


    My blurred vision starts to finallye back to normal and I stand to my feet. Taking the HP potion out of my back pocket, I start looking around to see where exactly I''vended.


    An audible gulpes out of my mouth as my gaze lifts from the pure white flooring to making eye contact with myself...


    I''m standing in a square room, about 5 meters wide, with 3 full-walled mirrors and a heavy metal door on the 4th.


    Both the floor and ceiling are covered in dense white mana shielding, and there doesn''t seem to be an easy way out of here.


    I murmur under my breath while my eyes dart back and forth.


    "This... Is not what I was expecting..."

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    I stare at myself in the mirror, then turn to see my reflection in 3 different angles. The first thing thates to mind is the thought of someone staring back at me from the other side.


    It may be an overly paranoid assumption, but it feels pretty reasonable to me right now.


    The only break I get from the nauseating sight of mirrors infinitely reflecting my image back to me is a heavy metal door on the 4th wall of the small room.


    It has no handles or keyholes. It''s sealed offpletely, most likely locked from the outside.


    I activate conceal to hide all my skills and odd items except for my fire magic and de handling skills. I''m back into Association territory, it is best to stay on my best behavior.


    Thick red liquid continues to drip from my chest and abdomen. I have a few pretty deep wounds, and my HP bar is slowly ticking down as I lose more blood.


    I uncork the HP potion in my left hand and drink it at once, still looking straight at myself in the mirror to my right.


    I feel the cool green liquid start to heal my wounds, but it mostly just regenerates my HP. There''s still severe visible scarring and it''s painful to the touch.


    A quick self regeneration would heal me up fine, but I''m still unsure If I''m being watched. It''s better if I save using any suspicious skills for another time.


    I squint my eyes and step closer to the mirrored wall on my right side. Less than half a meter away from the reflective surface, my gaze darts back and forth, then I activate my All-Seeing Eye.


    The moment I turn my ability on, the pain in my head returns and I''m hit with an unsettlingly ustrophobic feeling. All I can sense is the room I''m standing in. The walls around me are shielded off with dense mana thicker than I can perceive in my weakened state.


    I cut my skill off before my headache gets any worse, and let out a sigh.


    This all makes sense, but it''s a bit nerve-wracking...


    Fisher did say if I were to transport here while touching a monster, it woulde with me. The Association must have safety precautions to keep whatever transports in here contained until dealt with.


    I gulp, then bring my hand up to the mirror before me and knock on the ss.


    An odd sound rings out.


    It''s abination of a muffled buzz being interrupted by each tap and a light echo following.


    My gaze tightens even more and I ce a finger up against the mirrored wall. It looks like my index finger is touching my reflection exactly, there''s no gap at all...


    This is much different from my mirror back home.


    I bring my hand away from my reflection again, then ignite a small me in the palm of my hand. It burns dark red, and the area of ss nearby begins to glow slightly, like the light is shining through.


    I clench my jaw and look around, then yell out loud.


    "Hey... I know you''re watching! W-What is this ce...?"


    My head begins to spin as I piece everything together.


    This much be a trap.. right?


    I''m in a mana-shielded cell with a 2-way mirror on every side.


    I curse under my breath.


    "This is the Director''s doing isn''t it."


    Gritting my teeth and ignite my whole arm into dark mes, then reach down to grab my sword.


    I charge the remaining few hundred MP into an attack and start to run at the silver door at the back of the room. I''m filled with annoyance and anger, and can only me myself for dropping my guard and just blindly transporting to wherever this crystal took me.


    What was I thinking....


    I begin to swing my sword at the silver door, but before I can release an attack, I hear an unfamiliar voice ring out from all directions within my tiny cell.


    It''s a man''s voice, but it''s very soft and calming.


    "It''s nice to meet you, Jay. Please, do calm yourself down. I''ll open the door for you momentarily, there''s no need to break it down."


    "..."


    I stop mid-swing, looking up at the ceiling.


    "Who are you...? What is this ce?"


    There''s silence for a few seconds. I leave my sword charged and aimed at the heavy silver door.


    *Click*


    It swings open towards me.


    I take a step back, still keeping my sword locked straight ahead as I hear the same soothing voice that echoed throughout the roome out of the door.


    "I wasn''t expectingpany so soon, it seems you were rash enough to face the 20th-Floor Boss just like the director predicted. He''s really never wrong."


    A tall pale-skinned man with thin ck-framed sses and short silver hair walks out from behind the door.


    He''s wearing a long dark purple cloak, with ck pants and shiny dark-colored boots. If I had to guess he''s not more than 30 years old.


    The young man greets me with a genuine smile and looks me up and down before putting out his right hand for me to shake it.


    "Nice to meet finally meet you in person, I''ve been hearing all about you. The names Leo."


    I examine him closely, activating my Inspect and Appraisal skills while still pointing my ming sword straight at his chest.


    _________________


    [Lv. 308]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Cloak] +103% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Artificer [Legendary Grade]


    __________________


    My gaze tightens even more as I concentrate on the interesting individual in front of me.


    He''s a much lower level than me, but has a legendary skill, Artificer... I''ve never seen anyone with this ability before.


    The man speaks up again, turning his body to let me see down the hallway that stretches out through the open door.


    It''s long, with dark walls, and is dimly lit...


    "Come on, I won''t bite. Let me take you up to the surface. I have a few things to fill you in on after all."


    I gulp, watching him pull his hand back and shrug as I continue to point my ming sword upward now pointing straight at his head.


    "You still haven''t answered me. What is this ce...? Where am I...?"


    The man tightens his gaze on my sword, then looks down at the floor covered in my blood. He lets out a thin nervous smile, then it evolves into a chuckle before he responds.


    "We''re in the Association''s HQ, right in the center of the capital."


    "..."


    "I assume you used one of my transport crystals. I''ve heard stories about the 20th-Floor Boss, but never made it past the 15th floor myself. I''m more of a craftsman, an Artificer actually-"


    I cut him off as a few things begin to piece together in my mind. I take a step closer.


    "Your transport crystals? What do you mean by that?."


    He nods, gulping, and motioning for me to move the sword away from his neck while continuing to eye the floor covered in my blood.


    "I really mean you no harm, Jay. As I said, I''m from the Association, same as you. We''re on the same team here. It looks like you were bleeding badly, do you need anything else before we make our way to the outside world?"


    My eyes continue to dart around as he shows me the open door behind him again with a genuine lock of concern for himself and possibility even me as well.


    I thrust my sword down to my side and put out the mes. He gives me a friendly smile and starts walking out the door while motioning for me to follow.


    "To answer your question, those transport crystals are made in myb. I''m the only Legendary Grade Artificer in the Vice region, after all, I tend to create a few neat gadgets and custom items for higher-ups and Elites at the Association."


    I continue to listen and carefully walk through the heavy metal door of the mirror-lined room as he continues.


    "I was going to meet you and your team tomorrow, but it seems we''ve met earlier than expected. Funny how things work out sometimes isn''t it?"


    I shrug, resting my sword on my side as the heavy door shuts behind me.


    I follow the cloaked man down a narrow ck hallway. There are white lights that shine down on us from the ceiling every 10 meters or so, making it dim and shadowy, but not dark enough to the point where I have trouble seeing.


    To my left and right we pass many locked silver doors, just like the one I came out of.


    None of them arebeled with any numbers or text, and they''re all locked from the outside.


    Our footsteps let out light echoes through the long narrow hallway, and my breathing begins to slow down the further we walk.


    This man wasn''t lying about his ss, he''s definitely not thebat type... There only thing that irks me is his connection to the Association. I''ve never seen these halls before, this ce gives me an eerie feeling.


    I continue to follow him in silence until we make it to the end of the corridor and arrive at arge elevator door.


    The purple-cloaked Artificer taps his ID against the small sensor next to it and the silver double doors open up immediately. The card has an Association logo and a "C-ss" marking on it.


    He steps inside and motions for me to follow.


    "Let''s head upstairs, we''re pretty far down. This may take a while."

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    "Let''s head upstairs, we''re pretty far down. This may take a while."


    Leo, the C-ss Legendary Grade Artificer looks at me with a kind smile while standing behind the open doors of the elevator.


    I hesitantly look behind my shoulder, then back at him. He seems nice and is definitely from the Association, but this all seems way too convenient.


    I reply.


    "We''re really in the Hunters Association HQ? ... And did the director actually tell you I would be here?"


    Leo slides the hood of his cloak down to reveal his glistening silver hair, then leans back in a more casual stance against the small silver rails in the elevator before replying.


    "Well, he told me that he hoped I wouldn''t have to meet you early, but there''s a good chance I would. He''s got some scary intuition."


    Leo sighs, letting his posture rx even more while motioning for me toe into the elevator.


    "Come on, it''s gettingte at night, you''re lucky I was even here in the first ce. After a few more tests, I was about to head home after a long day of work."


    I let out a light gulp, then take one more look behind me before shrugging and entering the small elevator with the Artificer.


    I turn my back to the wall and watch him closely as he presses a few buttons before the sliding doors close. From what I can make out, it looks like he''s entering a code using the floor numbers as keys.


    [1,1,5,5,3,6,7,10]


    After watching and hearing 8 light clicking sounds, I see all the buttons sh blue for a fraction of a second. Once they stop glowing, the elevator begins to move upwards.


    I bring my gaze back up to the young man''s dark eyes, then ask a question.


    "So uh- you said you were heading home after a long day of work? I know you make gadgets and items for the higher-ups and elites... but, what exactly do you even make? And what''s this meeting tomorrow about anyways?"


    I let out a bit of a frustrated sigh, continuing.


    "Give me a straight-up answer, please. I hate how everyone is tip-toeing around me recently. Just tell me like it is...."


    The elevator slowly begins to speed up as we make our way upwards. I hold onto the small railing behind me to ensure my bnce as Leo responds.


    "Well, like I said before. I''m an Artificer. If you give me enough raw dungeon drop items, I can make anything you need. Weapons, traps, custom items, you name it! I even made the B-ss-graded mana shielding in those rooms downstairs. Most of the newer higher-grade shielding in the capital is actually my work."


    He shows a satisfied proud smirk.


    The magical craftsman is almost glowing. He''s... really into his job... Or a great actor...


    My eyes tighten.


    "So, why''d you join the Association in the first ce?"


    Without even a hint of a pause, he responds with a glimmer in his eyes.


    "They approached me while I was still in school actually. I''ve always been into gadgets and magical crafting, but couldn''t manage to make anything over a high E-ss rated item until I joined up with the Association."


    I nod as he goes on and the elevator shakes slightly.


    "The Artificer ss is rare, so it gave e an edge while career searching. Bigger magical item manufacturers and tradepanies are always looking for new talent. There are usually a few people in every major city that have simr skills to me, like cksmiths or normal craftsmanship skills."


    He looks up at the ceiling as we continue to travel upwards, trying to remember something.


    "I believe it was... almost 6 years ago now. The current Director himself approached me and offered a job. I couldn''t say no... Soon after our agreement, I was teamed up with a few elites that power-leveled me past 300. Then next thing ya know I''m offered an experimental upgrade crystal and-"


    I feel the elevator rattle and shake, then Leo tightens his lips.


    "Sorry, I went off on a bit of a t there. I- haha maybe I shouldn''t have said all that."


    He shows me a bright smile and scratches the back of his head.


    I reply.


    "It''s fine... I''m not one to talk. So- what? They just gave you a free skill upgrade? Are you in an exclusive contract? Are you... close with the Director?"


    My gaze tightens even more as I start thinking about his position in the Association again, but he replies without any dy and a little chuckle.


    "Close with the Director? I wouldn''t say so. I hardly see the man once a year if I''m lucky these days. I just get my tasks and enjoy being able to experiment on rare items I would never get to see if I didn''t have this gig."


    His chuckle turns into augh.


    "It''s not like I''m held hostage down here, I can leave anytime I want."


    *Ding*


    The silver doors of the elevator open up and to my surprise, we''re in the main lobby of the Vice City Association''s HQ, just like he said.


    I blink a few times, looking around to see an empty lobby. There''s two security guards by the door, both between levels 150 and 200, but no one else.


    I can see through the ss windows that it''s the middle of the night. The sky is dark and the silence is already calming.


    I step out onto the smooth white floor, then hear the silver elevator doors begin shutting behind me.


    I turn to see Leo smiling and waving as the doors close.


    "It was nice meeting you, Jay. A message should reach you and your team tomorrow. I''ll see you again soon."


    I stand with my mouth slightly open, not sure what else to say. So I don''t say anything at all.


    We were in the middle of a conversion, and just getting to the good part too...


    *Click*


    The sliding elevator doors shut, and I''m left in the middle of the empty lobby of the Association''s HQ.


    Leo seems like a nice guy. He overshares a lot... So, I''ll make sure to keep that in mind. Apparently, I''ll be seeing him again soon. I made it back to the outside world, and have a perfect alibi for "failing to defeat the Behemoth".


    This little side mission has been sessful in my eyes.


    Letting out a sigh, I shrug and walk out the front door, giving the guards a head nod while making my way downtown.


    It must be 1 or 2 am.


    It''s dark out, but the nearly full white moon lights up the sky with a dim glow.


    I take a deep breath of the cool night air and start making my way through the empty city streets back toward the Vanguard Heights.


    It feels like forever since I''ve seen this city....


    In my mind, it''s been over two months, so it makes sense. This is the perfect time for me toe back.


    Although I hear some noises fromte-night bars and the asional pass-by, I''m more focused on the starry night sky and the sweet smell of the city''s open space around me.


    Dungeons may seem like they go on forever, but they''re limited to a few dozen kilometers in any given direction.


    There''s nothing quite like the real world...


    It feels so weird to be back. The city itself feels small, much smaller than how I left it thest.


    Not physically small, just... smaller in the grand scheme of things.


    Every day that passes, makes my life and simple worries seem like they don''t matter at all. I''m growing more powerful every day. What really put everything into perspective is defeating that Floor Boss.


    It''s apparently one of the ultimate challenges for any hunter to be an Elite. People dream ofing near my level of strength, yet, all I feel is the need to get so much stronger.


    I feel, isted...


    All these new powers, abilities, and new gateways for elerated growth recently have made me feel much differently about my position in life.


    Maybe I''m justparing myself to the wrong people. Everyone on that 10th Floor seemed to be acent group of hunters that never feel the need to push their limits and put their lives on the line.


    Even the Elite I met, Fisher. He took years toplete what I just overcame in less than a week of real-world time.


    It feels like I''m the only one in the world that knows a secret, and it''s my mission to keep taking full advantage of this power.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "I need to get stronger."


    My boots echo through alleyways as I walk further into town. I peacefully watch the night sky as my luxury apartment building finallyes into view.


    My whole body begins to be quite sore and my brain gets foggy as my eyes threaten to close on me.


    My fatigue hits me like a brick wall as I walk through the front doors. It''s like my mind and body were pushing it off until I had a safe ce to rest. These are my natural battle instincts at y, even outside the dungeons.


    I make my way through the front entrance and am greeted by two assistants. There''s one woman at the front door and a man before the elevator, but don''t pay them much mind.


    I get up to my room, take a quick hot shower, then crawl into my loft-style bedroom to watch the city lights shine under the night sky until I drift off to sleep.

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    I open my eyes and stretch my full body while letting out a satisfying yawn.


    Looking out the ss window across my living room down below my bedroom loft, I can see the mid-day sun shining into my ss-walled apartment.


    Smiling, I hop down to the main floor and start getting dressed while staring out at the city.


    My muscles and joints feel almost as good as new, but there''s still a faint sense of tightness in my back and shoulders.


    I''m not exactly sure how long I slept, but it hit the spot.


    I grab an item box and tie it around my waist before I leave, throwing my excess potions, crystals, sword, and a few misceneous items into it.


    My n is to go to the HQ and hand in my mana crystals toplete my quota. I''ll try to meet up with the rest of my teammates if I can find them, it''s been a while since I''ve seen Maria and the others.


    I smirk.


    "But first, breakfast."


    I leave my apartment and take the elevator down to the 21st floor to enjoy a nice and peaceful meal at one of the cafes.


    It''s around noon, and this floor is pretty empty. There are a few workers and even fewer hunters. Everyone that lives in this building is signed with the Association, most Hunters are out in the Dungeons around this time of day.


    I enjoy my peace and quiet, filling up on a hot meal in thefort of my own home.


    Letting out a chuckle, I whisper under my breath while leaving a silver coin on the table before I head downstairs.


    "I''ve been doing this wrong all along, wouldn''t it be nice to just sit back and rx here all week."


    The idea is nice, but I''d go crazy in just a few days. It isn''t exactly the path I''ve chosen or one I''d like to be on for too long.


    Stillughing to myself, I take the elevator down to the lobby and start to walk out. I hear the voice of the older man that greeted me by the elevator on my way inst night.


    "Good to see you''re fully rested, Jay. Yourpany has been requested at the Association HQ... you have a mandatory meeting. You''re to meet... well..."


    The guard looks down at a piece of paper.


    "...4 hours ago actually."


    I stop mid-step and respond as the elevator closes behind me.


    "Got it, betterte than never right?"


    I roll my eyes, remembering back tost light. It''s probably just a meeting with Leo, the Artificer. There''s nothing to worry about.


    The lobby manager responds.


    "Yes, it''s urgent. I wish you luck."


    I nod, then continue making my way through the lobby.


    "Thanks."


    He waves and gives me a friendly smile.


    I walk out the front door and the hot sun overhead surprises me. The warmth feels nice, it puts me in a cheerful mood almost Immediately.


    With a full stomach and a satisfied grin, I begin my scroll back to the Association''s HQ.


    No more than 20 minutester I arrive and walk straight through the front door. Immediately, I''m greeted by a tall blond-haired woman at the door.


    She seems familiar, but I''vepletely forgotten if I''ve actually met her before or not.


    The woman looks down at a small silver card, then back up at me.


    "Jay, one of the new Elites in training right?"


    I slow my pace down as the door shuts behind me.


    "I-uh yeah, that''s me."


    She smiles and turns to the backside of the Lobby.


    "The rest of your team is waiting for you in the lounge, you have an important meeting scheduled today. We''ve been trying to reach you for days."


    I tighten my lips, but just nod and give her a thin smile.


    "Thanks, I''ll head back there now."


    A few heads turn as I walk through the lobby. Some seem to be fresh E-ss recruits, while others are seasoned D and C-ss hunters.


    They all have the same wide-eyed look on their faces like a monster is about to attack them, or maybe... like a celebrity is walking through.


    The small crowds go silent as I reach into my item box and take out my ID to enter the first hallway to the back rooms.


    I let out a sigh and close the door behind me.


    *Click*


    "That was weird..."


    Scanning my card on the second door, I finally make my way to the mini-market and decide to make a pitstop before heading to thest room.


    I see the faint outline of a familiar white-haired woman through all the neon and shing lights of the small shops all around me. As I walk closer, I can see the grin across her face get wider and wider as she waves and calls out.


    "Hey, Jay! Long time no see! I thought you were dead or somehtin-"


    I give her a yfully annoyed look, but it evolves into a grin. This is the first time someone''s cracked a joke at me all morning, everyone else has just been so serious.


    I reply.


    "Good to see you too Sophie. Long time no see indeed!"


    While reaching into my item storage to grab my handfuls of mana crystals, the white-haired merchant woman replies.


    "Congrats by the way, I''m sure you''ve heard it a million times, but it''s pretty exciting to see you and your team be the next Elite squad this year. I saw the article about you all in the paper earlier this week."


    I freeze up, cing the pink gems on the counter, then looking her straight in the eyes.


    "The... article in the paper? What are you-"


    Sophie lets out augh.


    "You were in the Labyrinth training all this time, right... I forgot. They wrote about how you and your team cleared the C-ss exams in record time and were chosen directly by the Director and higher-ups on the spot to be this year''s Elite squad."


    I tighten my gaze and nod slowly, then let out a low response.


    "Of... course they did..."


    Sophie chuckles again while starting to weigh out my mana crystals. The pile fills the entire desk, but eventually reads out: 50,093.88MU.


    Sophie nods and smiles at me.


    "Well, you did your part, the rest of your teammates all handed in their portions earlier in the week, your tablet should update soon."


    The short merchant woman begins tapping away at her own silver tablet, then looks up at me.


    "Your team quota has been filled, now how about that horn? Did you manage to defeat the first Floor Boss already?"


    She raises an eyebrow, referencing the "Horn of the Behemoth" on my quota tablet under my individual assignment.


    I let out a sigh, and immediately see her roll her eyes in response.


    "Fell short this time around?"


    I nod and she continues.


    "Don''t worry about it, I''ll mark it as unfinished. Some of the Elites fromst year haven''t evenpleted that one. I didn''t think you''d get it done, but one can dream, right? You''re able to request old assignments again whenever you wish, the longer the wait the lower the payout."


    I clench my jaw and nod, thinking to myself.


    I have the item in my inventory right now.... It would be easy to just hand it over.


    There''s just something that''s telling me not to...


    I gulp.


    "Sure, leave it as unfinished. I was interrupted during my training and wasn''t able toplete it yet, unfortunately."


    She smirks and nods, tapping away at her solver tablet again.


    "Yeah, yeah. There ya go, it looks like you''ll need to attend a meeting before learning any of your new tasks."


    I reach into my item box and take out my silver quota tablet to take a look at the updated numbers.


    ____________


    [Jay Soju]


    [Avable Credits]: 9.4


    [C-ss]


    [Team Weekly Quota]:


    [PENDING TASK][0/0]


    [Reward]: [Attend Team Meeting For Instructions]


    [Individual Weekly Quota]:


    [NONE]


    [Reward]: [NONE]


    ____________


    My 5 credits forpleting the team task have been added to my total, but the individual talk is gone.


    That''s fine by me.


    It looks like all signs are pointing toward this meeting.... Everyone I talk to keeps telling me to attend.


    I let out a sigh and show the white-haired merchant a thin smile.


    "Appreciate you, Sophie, I''m off. It''s time to go see my team and attend this meeting. I''ll see you soon."


    "Sure thing, careful out there."


    I turn around and wave to her as I walk off through the small crowded neon-colored shops.


    With a light click, I open the back door to the lounge and walk through. I haven''t seen my team in ages, I wonder how much they''ve all grown.

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    With a light click, the door from the mini market to the lounge area in the back of the Association HQ opens up and the sight before my eyes puts a smile on my face.


    Sitting all together on one of the circr couches next to the small cafe, I see my 3 teammates drinking coffee and eating small pastries.


    I begin to walk over and raise a hand, but I''m interrupted by a blond-haired blue-eyed hunter running towards me with arms outstretched.


    "Jay, you made it back! I knew you''d be fine!"


    With the smile across my face widening, Maria jumps up in the air to give me a hug.


    I catch her and reply in a lower tone as I watch Abby stand up from her seat and begin to turn my way as well. She has a happy looking smirk across her face.


    "Good to see you too, it''s been a while."


    I let out a chuckle, then let Maria down, looking into her deep blue eyes.


    They seem much deeper and brighter than when Ist saw her. She''s grown a lot...


    I use Inspect and Appraisal to quickly check her level and skills, not bothering to look at any of her gear.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Lv. 391]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The green-haired healer slowly walks toward us. I let out another quietment under my breath to Maria before Abby arrives.


    "You''ve... gotten a lot stronger."


    Maria nods, still looking right at me.


    "You seem like you''ve grown a lot too."


    I look away as Abby''s voice fills my ears.


    "Hey, long time no see."


    As she approaches, I blink a few times, looking back and forth at my teammates. They both look a lot older... more mature. Almost like years have passed.


    It''s been a while in my mind, but still, it''s only been a week in the real world.


    Their hair looks longer, muscles look more defined, skin is much smoother, and If I''m not mistaken it looks like both of them even grew a few centimeters in height.


    Maria wears a dark-colored outfit with silver jewelry and magic items on her wrists and around her neck.


    As Abby approaches, I notice her hair falls down and is much straighter and glossy looking. Her facial features are more mature looking too. The healer speaks up before I can get another word in.


    "Like what ya see? I know we''ve changed a little, but is it really that noticeable? Oh- and good to see you''re back here in one piece."


    I tighten my lips and nod as Abbyes to stand upright next to Maria.


    The green-haired healer is dressed in all ck with green and gold magic items lining her wrists and fingers too.


    I use Inspect and Appraisal to get a quick look at her level and skills.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Lv. 401]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Restore [Legendary Grade]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    I nod, meeting her gaze for a moment too.


    "It''s only been a week... both of you-"


    Maria cuts me off, grinning ear to ear and turning to Abby.


    "See, I told you he''d notice. Jay pays attention! Hmmph."


    I let out a slightly confused, but also relieved sigh as I see Maria acting like her old self.


    It''s good to see them again, but there''s a lot of questions that need to be answered.


    My eyes dart behind my two teammates and I finally see an unchanged familiar face of our team''s long-range archer approaching. The cool and calcted olive-skinned hunter has sat up from the couch area and is walking in my direction.


    I see him smirk while he yawns, stretches, then crosses his arms.


    "Ya made it out of the Labyrinth after all, nice to see ya Jay. You look good."


    Arie walks over and stands beside the green-haired healer, then gives me a firm nod while reaching out his right hand.


    "Looks like you''ve grown a lot. We have too."


    I put out my hand and shake his.


    The archer doesn''t look different at all to me. If anything, he just looks tired....


    I use Inspect and Appraisal to check his level and skills.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Lv. 393]


    Spirit Archer [Legendary Grade]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    He''s no different than before, just some level gains.


    Abby and Maria are the only ones that used those upgrade crystals, so it seems they''re the only ones with significant physical changes.


    I reply with a smile, moving my gaze across all 3 of my teammates.


    "I''m d your training paid off this week. Your appearances, Abby and Maria, was it those crystals that changed it?"


    Maria nods happily and responds.


    "Yeah, they made my Ice magic a lot stronger as well, I can''t wait to show you what this week''s training has taught me! We are bing this year''s new Elites, after all. I''ve definitely caught up to you now Jay!"


    I smile, and we lock eyes again.


    Arie smirks and walks over to me while throwing an arm around my shoulder.


    "Yeah, yeah. We may be the new Elites in training, but you still haven''t changed one bit. Over 5 hourste to our first meeting. Come on, enough talk, let''s head upstairs."


    Abby and Mariaugh and follow behind us as the olive-skinned archer leads us over to the door.


    I respond as we walk through.


    "Hey, nobody told me there was a meeting today. How can I bete to something I was never even invited to?"


    The door shuts behind us as the four of us make it into the lobby.


    "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say..."


    *Ding*


    I catch up with my team, and we share training stories on the elevator ride upwards.


    It seems like both Maria and Abby have been going through tough conditioning and new skill control training.


    Each of them was given the same amount of MP potions as me this week and told to use them all.


    Maria trained at the Yeti dungeon and farmed charms while honing her advanced magic control work with an Elite. Abby mostly trained her new upgraded Restore and Combat Magic skills.


    Apparently, she has a very rare healing variant for a skill, two Elites came to supervise.


    Lastly, Arie burned through more than his full supply of MP potions, he was training with a high-level Elite in the Great ins Dungeon.


    I''m not sure exactly what they did, but this confirms my suspicions that it was him I sensed when Dungeon Walking through earlier this week.


    I fill the three of them in on some of my battles but leave a few details out. Mostly the time dtion training and defeating the Floor Boss parts... I trust them, and will most likely let them in on this secret too, but inside the Association''s elevator doesn''t seem like the right ce to break the news.


    All of our mentors had to leave early for an urgent mission, that''s the only thing we had inmon this week.


    *Ding*


    Laughing, and enjoying each other''s fullpany again, the elevator finally makes it to the top floor.


    The Director''s Office.


    I gulp as the doors slide open.


    Thest time I talked with the Director, I gave him a rather explosive attitude. In his eyes, I didn''t even get very far up thebyrinth, my cockiness was for nothing.


    It''s a bit embarrassing, but I''ll have to swallow my pride and face him without showing all my cards. He can think whatever he wants, I''m just happy to be back with my team.


    I let out a calm breath and eagerly look ahead to watch the penthouse officee into view.


    A woman''s voice hits my ear and I''m thrown off guard at the sight before me.


    "Wee back, the 81st Vice Region Elite squad. Well, soon to be."


    The tall fair skinned assistant of the Director greets us at the elevator door.


    I see Leo, the legendary Grade Artificer, sitting at one of thefortable-looking chairs by the Director''s desk.


    Sure, his familiar face is shocking, but the fact that these two are the only ones in the room is a bit more confusing in my mind.


    I reply to the assistant as I walk through the silver sliding doors into the ss-walled penthouse.


    "Where''s the Director? I thought we were having a meeting with him today?"


    She replies while guiding all 4 of us over to white cushioned seats next to the man in the dark purple cloak.


    "Brutus is out of town today, I''ll be handling the meeting."


    I nod slowly as we get closer.


    The outfit Leo wears today is different thanst night, but he keeps the same theme. It''s cored, a bit more formal looking. With matte ck boots and a light purple glow to him, the magical craftsman really stands out in this white-walled room.


    He sports a few silver rings and bracelets today too.


    The assistant speaks up again.


    "Everyone, I''d like you to meet Leo. He''s our specialized Association Artificer, he''ll be able to fill any requests necessary for your Elite missions moving forward."


    The silver-haired man stands up and bows slightly before speaking.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet all of you today."


    He raises his head and makes eye contact with me for a split second, grinning, then bringing his gaze up to everyone else before continuing.


    "The Association has prioritized your abilities in order to protect our Region, so I''m happy to be of service to all of you for as long as you serve the Association along my side."


    We all respond, introducing ourselves one by one until he gets to me.


    "Nice to see you again so soon Jay."


    I shake his hand again and tighten my lips into a thin smile as we all get seated. The Director''s assistant walks behind therge empty desk at the back of the room.


    She waits for all of us to quiet down, then pulls out 4 silver tablets with small crystals on their corners.


    They hit the hard wooden desk with a thud.


    "Now, let''s talk about your new mission to the Dark Continent."

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    "Now, let''s talk about your new mission to the Dark Continent."


    The Director''s blond-haired assistant ces 4 silver tablets on the wooden desk in front of us with a loud thud, eximing that our mission to the Dark Continent is about to begin.


    The corners of my lips begin to curl upwards and I whisper under my breath.


    "Finally."


    Both Abby and Maria look up at the tall thin woman behind the desk with wide eyes. The sun shines in from behind her showing off the beautiful city and high mountains in the distance a few kilometers away.


    If I squint hard enough, I can make out the ce where we took out C-ss exams.


    Leo smirks, pulls out a small silver gadget from his right cloak pocket, and begins to y with it. He''s seemingly uninterested in the conversation, but I know he''s listening.


    Arie''s jaw is clenched and his foot makes a light tapping sound on the hard white marble flooring.


    He''s nervous, or... maybe excited just like me.


    The Director''s assistant continues, pointing down at the desk.


    "Each of you, take one of these transmission tablets. They''ve been made especially for your duties this week. Each of the cornerstones connects to one of the other tablets. It doesn''t matter the distance, you''ll be able to talk to each other at any time. They can even be used in dungeons if one of the other tablets is outside."


    She turns to Leo and he nods, speaking up.


    "It takes a lot of raw dungeon materials to make one of those, so be careful with them. They''re not easily receable. All 4 connect to the Director''s main tablet, so he can call at any time. I doubt he will though..."


    The silver-haired artificer lets out a chuckle as he watches the 4 of us stand up and begin examining the rectangr objects.


    The one I pick up feels identical to the tablet I held in thebyrinth with Fisher not too long ago. It seems like they give these out to all Elite quads and higher-ups.


    The woman keeps talking.


    "Your new weekly quotas have been updated, please hand in your old tablets and they''ll be wiped."


    I reach into my item box and throw the old silver item on the table without thinking about it much, the others do the same.


    Maria turns to me and grins after her blue eyes lift from the screen on her new quota tablet.


    "It looks like you handed in your share of the MP crystals beforeing in today, my credits just jumped up 5 points!"


    I nod, taking a look at my own new and improved transmission tablet.


    ____________


    [Jay Soju]


    [Avable Credits]: 9.4


    [C-ss]


    [Team Weekly Quota]:


    [Clear Dungeons: Gate 1: Section 4][0/6]


    [Reward]: 10 Credits


    [Individual Weekly Quota]:


    [NONE]


    [Reward]: [NONE]


    ____________


    My eyes dart up and down the odd text for a moment, trying to figure out what exactly this new team task is all about.


    The Dungeon clearing part can be inferred pretty easily. Everyone has been mentioning the copses up north, so clearing a few makes sense, but the specifications are unclear to me.


    I look up at the blond-haired assistant with an eyebrow raised.


    "What is this all about? We''re to clear 6 dungeons... Where? Gate 1? Section 4? What''s all this mean?"


    She smiles and responds.


    "You''re quite enthusiastic today, aren''t you? I was about to get to it. Let me run through the logistics, please make yourselffortable."


    Her gaze moves across all of us as we get back to our seats and she begins to exin our mission assignment in full detail.


    "Listen up, I''m sure you''ve all heard the news in one way or another this week. There''s been a series ofrge breaks near the northern border of our country and the Dark Continent."


    We all listen attentively.


    "You''ve all started your training to be this year''s new Elites but were dyed slightly because of arge High B-ss break that needed attending to from as many Elites as possible. It''s under better control now, but the aftermath of a Labyrinth break isn''t something to take lightly. It created quite the surge and many of the dungeons and the surrounding area began to copse."


    The mention of abyrinth break piques my interest. I assumed it was possible, but haven''t heard of any of them actually breaking.


    I sp my hands together and try to control my widening grin.


    She continues.


    "Your mission this week is to help clear out some of the dungeon breaks that have resulted from the shock wave following thebyrinth incident."


    The blond pauses, looking over at me.


    "Your question about the gates and sections earlier, that will all be answered in time. It will be much more clear to see once you actually arrive. To give you a quick exnation, they''re justbels to better organize the terrain you''ll be headed to."


    She looks over to Leo.


    "You can handle bringing them to section 4? There''s no need for you to go through the gate, just dropping them off should be fine."


    He nods, and the woman looks back at us to continue.


    "The 6 dungeons that you''ll be cleaning up are all C-ss rated. With all 4 of you working as a team, it should be well within your abilities. This is one of the least dense sections within the first gate so this will be a great starter mission for your new lives as Elites."


    As she finishes this line, I begin to think to myself.


    We''ll be facing 6 C-ss breaks...


    I''ve never seen a C-ss break before. I wonder if the monsters will be proficient in mana control, or if this will just be an easy walk in the park.


    Either way, these are the less dense portions of the Dark Continent. This means there''s more powerful dungeon and breaks in other sections.


    Maybe I can get ess to a newbyrinth or farming territory if I snoop around a bit. This is bing more and more interesting every second.


    I speak up, starting to stand from my seat.


    "So when do we leave? I think that''s more than enough of an exnation for me!"


    Sheughs again, then motions for me to sit down before cing a piece of paper down on the hardwood table withrge red Xs on itbeled 1-6.


    "Section 4 isn''t enormous, but I''ve had each Dungeon''s location mapped out for all of you. The higher the number, the more powerful the potential monsters that hide nearby are predicted to be. We''ve had these dungeons tested recently, and none of them ever surpassed level 400 monsters. With the unpredictability of breaks, you never know what you''re in for. If one is too difficult, stand down and leave the gates to contact us at any time."


    My teammates nod, and I do the same while letting out a sigh and sitting back down in my seat.


    The woman continues.


    "Lastly, there are small viges and towns filled with outsiders and rogues in section 4. They''re not verymon, but a few breaks are nearby some of the settlement areas. If it''s gotten bad enough, monsters may be roaming in nearby towns, you''ll have to deal with them too. It''s our duty to protect, even if they don''t want to be protected. Got it?"


    I gulp, giving her a firm nod, recognizing the new serious tone. The rest of my teammates do as well, Arie seems even more nervous than when this meeting started.


    I know he has some untold history revolving around these regions, I''ll have to ask him about itter in a more private setting. Now doesn''t seem like the right time.


    Leo stands up, looking down on all of us.


    "Well, on that note, there''s no reason in wasting any more time. Every minute you 4 waste sitting around here is another minute that the next surge that hits this city gets even worse. Do you remember the onest month? They say this month''s may be almost twice as bad...


    I fully stand up from my seat this time and turn to the silver-haired artificer. Our eyes meet.


    "Really? It''s going to be twice as powerful, why''s that? Does it have to do with thebyrinth break? Is there-"


    He cuts me off with a grin while turning and waving for us to follow.


    "I can answer all your questions on the way. Come on, let''s go. It''s time to head out. You have some dungeons to clear."

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    "I can answer all your questions on the way. Come on, let''s go. It''s time to head out. You have some dungeons to clear."


    Leo, the silver-haired artificer motions for all of us to follow as he begins walking toward the elevator at the back of the penthouse office.


    I turn to follow, but Abby speaks up to stop us.


    "Hey, that''s it? No mission specifications? No intel on the dungeons we''re facing? You''re just handing us a poorly drawn map and transmission tablets to go?"


    She grabs the map off the desk with attitude.


    Maria stands up with an innocent look across her face, turning her head back and forth to me, then to Abby, then over to the Director''s assistant.


    The blond-haired woman slowly nods, then speaks in a low tone.


    "I understand this may be different from your past missions Abby, but you''ve been chosen as the new elites. Like it or not, you 4 are special now. Your team has been gifted the abilities that many other hunters could only dream of handling."


    The green-haired healer tightens her stare, but gives a firm nod as the thin blond woman continues.


    "We don''t have much information on regions like this one. If I had a better map or more intel I''d love for you to have it. The problem is, we''re understaffed and overworked. Everyone who''s able to help fight is out on the front line for this grouping of breaks. Even the Director himself went to supervise the B and A-ss teams as they handed the corebyrinth break. That''s why he wasn''t able to see you at our meeting today."


    Leo jumps in with a hand raised and a smile.


    "Come on, let''s head out. We don''t want to miss the train. There''s one leaving in under half an hour, that''s our ride."


    Abby lets out a sigh, crossing her arms, then turning to face Leo. Her hair flies up in the air from the quickness of her motions as she begins to follow the silver-haired artificer.


    Maria grins and speaks up.


    "Alright, it''s settled, we''re off!"


    I smile back as she makes her way across the room to follow the others.


    I look down to meet Arie''s gaze. The archer makes an audible gulp as he stands to his feet, replying to my firm nod in a low tone.


    "Ready for this?"


    I throw an arm around his shoulder as we start to walk toward the elevator following the girls and our guide.


    "I am, are you? Is there something you want to get off your chest once we get outside?"


    He lets out a sigh and whispers under his breath so only I can hear.


    "The vige I grew up in is near section 4. I wasn''t expecting the breaks to happen so soon. I''ll be fine. This... was just unexpected. Thanks for asking."


    *Ding*


    I reply while watching the elevator door open on the other side of the room.


    "Understood. Looks like there''s more to this mission than meets the eye."


    Arie gives me a nod, looking over his shoulder, then back to the open doors of the elevator.


    "Indeed, I''ll fill you in on more detailster."


    The 4 of us crowd into the small elevator behind the silver-haired man. Leo hits the button to take us down to the Lobby. His cheerful attitude lightens the mood.


    He turns to me before speaking to everyone.


    "Well, I met Jayst night, but it''s nice to officially meet all of you. If you have any unique or abundant raw dungeon item drops, feel free to put in a request for my assistance at any time. Just tell the front desk Leo sent ya!


    He scratches his chin and pauses for a second before continuing.


    "Visitors aren''t exactly allowed down in myb unsupervised, but I''m almost always working, so never hesitate to put in a word. I''m happy to help. "


    I smirk and give him a nod. Maybe I''ll ask him to have something crafted in the future andpare it to Bri''s handy work.


    For quick crafts and items I don''t mind having made on the books, Leo will be a helpful asset indeed.


    Abby and Maria introduce themselves, then Arie speaks up.


    "So, we''re taking the train up north? That ride will take almost a full day. We''ll make it over to Section 4 by tomorrow morning. Right?"


    Leo nods as the elevator begins to slow.


    "Very astute of you, that''s correct. I''ve already made arraignments for your housing at the Gate 1 entrance, you''ll be able to begin your mission bright and early tomorrow morning once we arrive."


    *Ding*


    The elevator hits the bottom floor and we walk out into the lobby.


    The 5 of us walk through the front door and make our way to the train station without veering much from our path at all.


    Arie and Leo talk over details of the Dark Continent while Abby and Maria chat about their training. I enjoy the peaceful walk, listening to the merchants and people go by on either side of us as we stroll through town.


    It''s mid-day and there''s many E, D, and even C-ss hunters going about their daily lives in the central market.


    It''s a beautiful sight.


    The active marketce in a thriving city like this never gets old. I can smell food from many cultures and hear metal weapons being traded along with various crystals and magical items.


    Grinning ear to ear, the 20-minute walk through town goes by in a sh.


    Leo''s voice breaks me out of my blissful daze as we make it to the station.


    "Alright, the train should be here any minute now. Get out your IDs, we''ll be riding in a special section. This private cabin is one made for longer distance travel, it''s used by the Association higher-ups."


    We all nod and do as he says while walking up onto the train tform through the crowd of other hunters and adventurers getting ready to board. Each and every one of them is going to head off on their own missions and various journeys.


    No more than 5 minutester, just like the artificer said, the traines chugging towards us, screeching to a halt momentster.


    A few workmen hop out every few train carts. Hunters and businessmen flood out from the train and get straight to work in town.


    The worker closest to us throws two hands sin the air as the train''s whistle blows.


    "All aboard!"


    We walk over and Leo talks to the man, showing him his ID. The train worker points higher up the train tform. Leo nods and turns back to us, motioning for us to follow.


    We do.


    Less than a minuteter, we make our way to a new worker standing guard, show our Ids, and board into an exclusive-looking cabin. The worker lets us in and closes the small door behind us, waving goodbye.


    "A pleasure for you to be aboard the train today, we''ll be arriving at the Gate 1 stop early tomorrow morning, make yourselvesfortable."


    *Click*


    The door shuts and we''re all left in a rather fancy-looking private room.


    There are orange couches that line the walls andrge ss windows above them. I can see the busy city on one side, and another set of train tracks on the other.


    Abby speaks up as she walks over and lies down open one of the couches with fluffy-looking pillows avable for headrests.


    "Now this is how ya travel! Who knew the Association actually had perks like this for us? I thought only the higher-ups had luxuries like these."


    Arie smirks and walks over to make himselfpatible on the couch nearby. Feeling the soft fabric and kicking his feet up onto a darker-colored coffee table, he speaks up.


    "Not bad, I haven''t ridden in anything this nice in a while."


    Maria walks forward with a happy look on her face, sitting down on a couch on the opposite side of the cabin while letting out a sigh. I follow, sitting next to her and throwing my feet up on a small ck coffee table to match Arie.


    Leo stands by the train door with his arms crossed, staring at us, then lets out augh.


    "Ya know, I like you guys. This is how Elites should act, thest few teams have been a real pain... I think you 4 are definitely going to be different."


    The train begins to move, and a whistle blows again. I watch the crowds of people and bustling market slowly disappear from view.


    I smile and let out a sigh as the peaceful scene leaves my vision.


    We''re leaving the city. A new adventure awaits.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    I watch the busy marketce fade away in the distance as the train leaves the station. All my teammates and our silver-haired guide watch the capital disappear from view as we leave as well.


    Almost immediately, we enter a more mountainous region with heavy trees and smallkes that line the train tracks.


    We''ve headed almost a full day away from the capital. I''ve never been this far away from my hometown before. Going to the capital was a big deal the first time I left, so wherever we''re headed, this is all new territory for me.


    I''m not too worried about getting too far away, if anything goes south, I can just Dungeon Walk back to a number of marked locations. My MP stores have risen significantly, so even at a much further distance away, I should be able to teleport anywhere.


    We''ll see...


    The lush green nts and wildlife fill my vision through the wide open windows as the tall buildings fade away behind me.


    It''s both exciting and nerve-wracking.


    I''m pretty d the decision was made for us, it felt like we didn''t exactly have the option to say no... If given a choice I would have said yes to this mission anyways. I''m looking forward to seeing new things, but most of all, I''m d I get to go off on an adventure with my team again.


    It still hasn''t fully hit me yet...


    The fact that I''ve been gone off training for months in istion. I''ve had Ember by my side, but it isn''t the same as being around real people.


    It feels, warm.


    Being around smiles andughter is nice, especially Maria.


    I look over to the blond-haired blue-eyed hunter. She''s grown a lot, but every time I look at her it reminds me of where I came from.


    That tiny apartment building back in our hometown, farming goblins just to make rent. It''s only been a few months, but it feels like a lifetime has gone by...


    I sit back on therge orange cushioned couch of our private room and gaze out the window.


    As time goes by, Leo makes himselffortable and we begin sharing info back and forth as a team. We talk about past quests and association-hosted uing events, but nothing too speciales up.


    Everything about today''s mission is apparently easier to exin once we get there, so I''m still a bit left in the dark about what these "Gates" and "Sections" really are.


    The silver-haired artificer seems alright. He gets along fine with all my teammates, and I don''t mind hispany at all. He lightens the mood.


    My only strife is his unyielding loyalty to the Association. Sure, he gets to work his dream job, but the glossy-eyed trust is a character trait that''s hard for me toprehend...


    To each their own I guess.


    About 2 hours of small talk, window gazing, and interesting conversation pass before a dinging sound interrupts using from the metal door at the front of the private cabin.


    Leo replies.


    "Come on in!"


    The small silver sliding door opens and a light-skinned woman with dark hair tied up in a bun rolls a small trolly covered in a white cloth and tes of food and drinks.


    She greets us with a smile, letting her gaze wander over all of us, then back to Leo.


    "Here''s your order Sir, it''s a pleasure to have all of you aboard today."


    The thin woman ces the dishes and sses onto the various tables around us, then bows and rolls the empty cart out without saying another word.


    Leo points open palms at all of us, then at the feast.


    "Well, dig it, they made this for you, don''t be shy!"


    Our festivities continue as we eat up and watch the sun start to set over the horizon.


    Thendscape outside has been changing drastically the further from the city we travel.


    Every 50km or so, we stop at a new small town and I watch passengers board and leave. The cities we pass are getting smaller and smaller and the abundance of wildlife around us is getting much thinner too.


    The mountains far off in the distance are beautiful, but the dry aridnd outside is something I''ve never seen in the real world before.


    I''ve only experienced dungeons withndscapes like this and read about some in books. To see it out here is a whole new experience.


    The sun sets behind therge orange rocks and shines through the dry trees and dry yellow nts.


    We''ve made it out into a desert...


    Small towns and even single-family shacks pass by as the sun finally sets. As it does, my eyes close too.


    I''m not particrly tired, but these couches are veryfortable, and there''s something about transportation that makes it especially easy to doze off.


    With a full stomach of food, a setting sun, and Maria''s head resting on my shoulder, I fade off into a deep sleep with only the light sound of a rumbling train to fill my mind.


    Time passes.


    I''m awoken by the screeching sound of brakes, the whistle of a train. Leo''s voice is the next thing to hit my ears.


    "Rise and shine, we made it to the outer wall of Gate 1. Let''s go check in and get you guys situated."


    In a bit of a doze, I sit up, rubbing my eyes. My other 3 teammates are doing the same. I see the archer and the healer on the other side of the cabin and Maria is waking up by my side.


    I turn to look out the window.


    There''s even less vegetation than before, not a tree in sight, and hardly any mountains or teaus at all in the distance.


    Looking out the other side of the train window, I just see a few small wooden made townhouses andrger buildings. The oddity is the massive grey background that blocks the desert view.


    I bite my bottom lip and squint, standing to my feet as a worker opens the train door from the outside.


    I hear a man''s voice ring out as Leo jumps down and out of the train.


    "Wee to the Gate 1, Section 4 rest stop, we''ve been expecting you all. Company is scarce around these parts."


    Laughter is shared between the two men as I look back at my teammates, then jump down and out of the train myself.


    As soon as I hit the small wooden tform below, my gaze rises to look at the massive sight before my eyes.


    There''s arge stone wall, over 40 meters high that goes off in both directions. To my left and right, I see the solid grey wall curve off into the distance with no end in sight.


    Abby, Maria, and Arie all hop out of the train behind me. I whisper under my breath.


    "What is this ce...?"


    Dust fills the air as the others hit the old wooden train tform, and the silver sliding door shuts behind us. The man that greeted Leo hops on the back of thest cart. Before I know it, our ride has left the station and we''re all alone.


    I gulp.


    The morning sun is just rising behind us and the hot air of the desert is already making my mouth dry.


    There''s a few small wooden structures off in the distance closer to the wall, but behind us, there is nothing at all.


    Just sand and sky.


    The silence is off-putting.


    Arie speaks up in a sarcastic tone and begins to walk forward. He passes my left side.


    "Wee to the Dark Continent.... Home sweet home..."


    With a smirk across his face, the dark-haired archer looks up at the towering wall, then begins to make his way toward the wooden buildings that are built at its base.


    Abby follows and Maria looks over at me. I shrug, throwing my arms in the air, then turn to gaze up at the high wall myself.


    Maria and I follow, not wanting to be left behind out in the open nothingness. Leo lets out augh.


    "You city folks always crack me up! Come on, enjoy the peace and quiet while ya can!"


    He turns to face thergest building, pointing an open palm toward it.


    "Let''s head over to the official Section 4 rest area. There''s a long-time friend, short-time association worker that''ll make sure you''re taken care of there. I''m sure you''ll all get along just fine."


    I look at the 3 story building the silver-haired guide is pointing to.


    It seems to be made entirely of wood, like an oversized log cabin. Its light brown coloring matches all the other buildings in the area as well as the train station''s tform.


    There''s a small dirt road that leads us over to it. The closer we get, the higher the grey wall it''s built up against seems to be.


    Although not high in the sky yet, the morning sun is already starting to get unconformably hot. There is not a cloud in the sky either to block the rays.


    The 60-meter or so walk over to the cabin structure feels much longer than it should. Waves of heat are making the air ripple in the dirt road.


    Leo opens the front door without knocking and yells through it.


    "Hey, Charlotte! I got some visitors for ya!"


    He walks through, turning his head back and motioning for us to follow him through.


    I hear a woman''s confident voice reply.


    "Leo? Haha! Is that really you? I never would have guessed you were bringing the newbat squad here. Come on in! All of ya!"

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    I hear the confident voice of a woman fill my ears as Leo disappears through the front entrance of the wooden cabin.


    My other teammates are a few steps ahead of me, so they enter and I follow soon after.


    Taking onest look over my shoulder, making a mental note of the open desert and lonely deserted town, I walk through the tavern''s front door.


    A bit of dust has kicked up from the 5 of us walking through, but it settles as I shut the heavy wooden frame behind me.


    The sight inside is about what I expected.


    Theres a few rectangr tables that line the walls and a long wooden bar at the back of the room. Stone walls and visible support beams jut out, making the room feel much cozier and well-built than it seemed from the outside.


    To my right, about 5 meters away, there''s another smaller bar, but with no drinks or food. Mana crystals and potions line the shelves like a mini-mart and an old man sits behind it with a kind smile.


    It seems a bit out of ce at first, but still not too surprising. Hunterse through every town, it''d be a waste not to serve our needs.


    The sight that catches my eye next is the woman named Charlotte. This is the person that greeted the silver-haired artificer as he walked through the door.


    She''s.... also... almost exactly what I expected after hearing her voice.


    A slightly heavy-set, red-haired woman greets us with a wide white smile. Her voice is much deeper than Maria''s or Abby''s but still has a unique feminine charm to it. Herugh rings out through the room, making this woman the center of attention.


    "Wee, wee! You''re the new hunters they were telling me about aren''t ya! Come on, take a seat!"


    Still analyzing the scene, I walk forward. The 5 of us pass a few lone old men sitting at various tables with drinks and empty tes. If I had to guess, they''ve been here all night...


    Some stare, others keep their heads down, but none say a word as we make out way over to the smiling woman with rosy red cheeks.


    She turns around and starts gripping wooden mugs, filling them up with a golden brown liquid from a barrel behind the counter.


    "Wee to The Wall, or as the association calls it The Gate. We''re one of the only ways into Section 4."


    The genuine smile across Leo''s face grows as he watches the woman work. Eventually, he motions for us to sit down at one of the nearby tables up close to the bar area.


    As soon as we sit down, Charlottees walking over with handfuls of drinks. Every time she gets near all my worries seem to fade away, all I want to do is smile back.


    I hear Arie make ament from my left side.


    "Now this is how ya treat guests! Draft beers with the rising sun, we should start all our mission like this."


    The loose braided hair of our redheaded waitress bobs behind her as she sets our drinks down on the table. Leo speaks up the moment she does.


    "The usual, a te for all 5 of us. These 4 have a mission on the other side of the wall today. They need to be ready."


    She smirks, pushing a drink to each of us and letting her gaze wander up and down until her green eyes meet mine.


    "You, you''re the one Brutus told me to keep an eye on. No trouble until you leave, got it?"


    Leo shrugs while Maria and Abby giggle.


    I throw my hands in the air but graciously take the drink she pushes towards me while rolling my eye and responding.


    "Great to meet you too, I''m Jay."


    She gives me a firm nod, matching my smile, then begins to turn around.


    "I read up on each of you before you arrived, so save the intros. I know you better than you know yourselves."


    Leo smirks and whispers to us in a hinged tone.


    "She''s probably right. Charlotte is... very perceptive."


    I squint, activating my Inspect and Appraisal skills as she walks behind the cluttered bar, yelling something through a door to what seems to be a small backroom kitchen.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Lv. 243]


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Earrings] +55% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Charm [Special Grade]


    _________________


    I let out a light sign under my breath, relieved that she doesn''t have any perception skills that are able to pick out any details I''m not looking to share.


    This is the second person I''ve met with a special grade inspect skill, unfortunately, the first gave his up to me in the heat of battle back in my hometown.


    I know how it works because I have it. She can see all of our levels, that''s about it... Charm on the other hand, I''ve never heard of a skill like this.


    I can only imagine what It does.


    I deactivate my skills but continue to hold my tight gaze. Abby interrupts my concentration posing a question to Leo.


    "So, now that we''ve been blindly dragged halfway across the country, could you exin a bit about our mission? Gates? Sections? Why these dungeons are all breaking? I need some answers here."


    Arie tips the back of his mug to the ceiling as he finishes his drink in a single gulp. The archer ces the mug back on the table firmly, grinning, and crossing his arms without saying a word.


    Maria turns to the silver-haired man wide-eyed, ready to hear what he has to say. I do the same, but still, keep an eye on the redhead leaning up against the door of the backroom.


    Leo nods and replies.


    "Understandable. I think we can get into the details now."


    He leans forward, cing both hands on the wooden table with a light thud. Our drinks slosh and the room goes silent.


    "The wall outside stretches across the entire dark continent. It was built after the Great War just 50 years ago. The Association refers to thend inside this first wall as Gate 1."


    I bring my mug of cool liquid to my lips, chugging some, but immediately feel my passive poison resistance skill activate nullifying its effects.


    Leo goes on.


    "As you''ve probably inferred, the fact that the gate isbeled with a number means there are more inner gates. Our mission today has nothing to do with them. To make it easier on all of you, let''s say the dark continent is a perfect circle. Clearly, it''s not. It''s more of a jagged sideways egg shape, but a circle will be good for a visual."


    My mind begins to wonder, piecing together all the information that''s been given so far as the silver-haired artificer goes on.


    "So.... A Circle. With the inner walls of Gate 2 cutting out the center, we''re left with a doughnut-shapedndmass. It''s cut into 4 sections pretty evenly, leaving us with 4 curved sections. We''re on the lower east side of the continent. Section 4."


    The 4 of us at the table nod, thinking to ourselves as this all bes a bit more clear.


    Then, Arie speaks up.


    "What about the towns inside? I know the Association doesn''t care one bit to supply them with resources to survive, but I clearly remember back in our meeting we were told to protect them at all costs. You have anything to say about that?"


    Leo tightens his lips and nods.


    "They''re human beings. Of course, we''ll protect them. The government''s allocation of resources is not my field of expertise, I just work here... I''m not exactly sure what you want me to say about this. A lot of the Dark Continent towns and cities were founded by rogues and runways after the war. Even though the new generations may be innocent people, they still don''t have a right to citizenship in our nation. They''d have to go through immigration just like any foreigner would."


    Arie lets out a light scoff, rolling his eyes, then shrugging it off. He raises his mug and makes eye contact with Charlotte in the back of the room. She shouts back.


    "Another rounding up, your meals are almost ready too."


    Arie turns back to Leo.


    "I was just curious on your position, no hard feelings."


    Leo nods.


    "None taken."


    He looks over to Abby.


    "I believe you have the map that shows the rough positioning of each break. Also, you all know how to clear a dungeon right...? I assume you''ve done it before if you''ve gotten this far."


    Abby replies.


    "Yeah, all we have to do is take out the mutant boss and the dungeon will copse. Even the monsters that escaped from the break will disappear from the surrounding area."


    Leo nods.


    "Perfect, after we eat and get your housing situated. I''ll let Charlotte lead you to the gate so you can begin your mission."


    I grin excitedly. It''s been ages since I got to witness a break firsthand. There''s always much better loot from mutant drops, and even unique skills sometimes.


    This is going to be a fun mission.


    I hear the redheaded bartendere skipping over with two massive circr trays of steaming hot breakfast foods along with juices and water.


    "Dig in, you all have a long day ahead of you!"

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    Charlotte, the orange-haired bartenderes over to us with a bright smile across her face and two steaming hot circr trays of food.


    Pitchers of juices and ice-cold water slosh around, making my mouth water at the sight of them.


    "Dig in, you all have a long day ahead of you!"


    We do as she says.


    After 30 minutes of a satisfying feast, the 5 of us sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet of a near-empty tavern in the middle of the open desert on a full stomach of good food.


    Charlotte watches from the back of the bar, keeping an eye on the door and other lingering guests.


    I''m too curious to wait any longer. I look over to her and our eyes meet as I speak up.


    "Hey, great meal! I appreciate the hostility but could I ask... what do you do for the Association exactly? I''m just new around here, I didn''t even know these walls existed yesterday.."


    She replies in an excited tone as she makes her way over.


    "Well you''re wee, I''m d you enjoyed it. If you must know, I''m the Gate 1, Section 4 lookout. There aren''t many towns around here, so if anyone''s looking to catch a ride on the train out, they''ll have to stop by this town. I have a pretty good eye for troublemakers, and can get people to talk If I need them to."


    My gaze tightens.


    "You can... make people talk?"


    Leo interrupts.


    "Char''s the best the Association''s got. If you need questions answered, she''ll get ''em for ya!"


    The orange-haired bartender turns to Leo, tightening her lips and letting high a half-nervousugh before responding and hitting Leo on the shoulder with a yful p.


    "Hey you know I like to keep that a secret before I get to know new guests."


    He rolls his eyes.


    "Yeah, yeah. These 4 aren''t your average hunters though, try it out, let''s see if your smooth talk can do anything to this bunch."


    She looks back over to me. Instantly, I feel that soothing sensation I experienced when I first walked in.


    The first time around it was nice, but now, I know something''s up. My battle instincts kick in, and I activate my All-Seeing Eye. Something doesn''t feel right....


    The woman begins walking over to me and speaks in a slower rhythmic tone.


    "Sure Leo, I''ll give it a shot, but it''s always more fun when they aren''t suspicious."


    As my perception skill activates, I begin to see a light orange-colored mist surrounding her body. It spreads out and engulfs our entire table the second she gets close.


    I don''t feel threatened...


    Quite the opposite actually.


    The closer and closer she gets the more I don''t mind this odd invisible mist.


    My smile matches hers and my All-Seeing Eye deactivates once she puts her arm around my shoulder.


    "So, tell me something about yourself, Jay. Something I wouldn''t know."


    In a daze, I begin to speak.


    "Something you wouldn''t know? Well there''s-"


    I pause as I feel MP being drained from me...


    I tighten my jaw and lurch back, realizing exactly what''s going on. My poison resistance passive skill has kicked in, and it''s nullifying the effects of something...


    Everything clicks as I dart my eyes back and forth to see my teammates blissfully unaware of what s going on.


    Charlotte''s eyes meet mine, sharper than before. I reactivate my All-Seeing Eye to watch the light orange mana-imbued fig retract back into her body.


    She takes her arm away from my shoulder and lets out augh.


    "Well, I guess that answered my question, doesn''t it? You are a unique bunch aren''t ya? They wouldn''t choose you all as the next elites at such a young age without good reason I guess..."


    Leo smirks, and my teammates don''t seem to realize what happened at all.


    I keep my eyes locked on her, she speaks up again.


    "I won''t use that ability on you or your teammates, I promise. Sorry for the intrusion, I thought it''d be fun."


    I turn to the silver-haired artificer and he shrugs.


    "I knew you''d resist her charms. Well... I had a feeling at least, just wanted to see if you could. "


    Heughs.


    I swallow hard, then reply with a long sigh, sitting back in my chair.


    They''re just trying to have some fun...


    I guess I shouldn''t overreact too much, but I have too much at stake to be goofing around like this.


    This was a good wake-up call. Although this little train ride and team reunion has been nice, once we make it over that wall, our time for leisure will be over.


    There will be monsters trying to kill us at every turn. It''s time to get serious...


    Arie speaks up.


    "Alright, I''m just going to ignore whatever that was... Let''s stop wasting time. I want to get over that wall."


    Maria chimes in.


    "Me too, I want to test out my new skills on some real danger!"


    Charlotte smiles, and I hear a train whistle blow in the background. She turns to Leo.


    "That''s your cue, there isn''t another train for a few hours, you either take that one out of here or you''re stranded in the bar with these fes."


    She points at the near-lifeless drunks, scattered throughout the deste bar.


    Leo gets up from his seat at thatment and begins walking to the door.


    "Well, on that note I better be off. Char, be nice to them. You 4, good luck, bring me back some good loot!"


    He smirks and kicks open the tavern door to catch the iing train.


    We''re all left in silence.


    The bartender continues.


    "So, you all want to take a look at the other side of the wall? I can take you there now."


    I stare at the swinging door as Leo walks away towards the train. Abby''s voice snaps me out of it.


    "Yeah, let''s take a look. I''ve been itching to see what''s on the other side since we got here."


    Char replies.


    "Perfect. Follow me, we''re going for a short walk. It shouldn''t take more than 10 minutes to get to the first viable entrance point."


    She yells out to the older man running the small mini-mart at the front entrance of the tavern.


    "Hey Dan, take care of the ce. I''m taking the hunters out for a walk."


    He gives her a firm nod but doesn''t say a word.


    Charlotte begins walking at a brisk pace toward the front door.


    "Let go, no time to waste, one of the breaks is nearby. Maybe you''ll all be able to take that one out by lunchtime."


    I turn to all my teammate with a grin on my face. It seems like our monster hunting has about to begin.


    We all get up from the table and follow the redheaded woman out the front door.


    She takes a sharp left turn, following a small sandy dirt road away from town. Her steps are quick and nimble, much more agile and coordinated than she first lead on.


    No more than 3 minutes pass and we''re already hundreds of meters away from the small settlement of wooden buildings.


    She calls out.


    "Almost there, don''t you worry."


    I wipe sweat from my forehead and follow. Maria skips along by my side as Abby stares up at the high wall to our left side.


    Arie follows behind with his arms crossed.


    We''re walking closer to the massive wall, but also making out way parallel to it. I don''t see a gate or entrance in sight. All I can see for kilometers is an impossibly high stone wall...


    Something has been off ever since we left the small city. I can feel small vibrations in the air. I activate my all Seeing eye.


    The moment my skill activates, it all begins to make a bit more sense.


    The wall is mana imbued... just slightly. Not nearly enough to fully pick up without my precision skill, but clear as day with it activated.


    I whisper under my breath as my eyes follow the towering mana-shielded wall all the way to the horizon.


    "How odd..."


    Shielding like this would cost a fortune... and this wall was made 50 years ago....


    I ponder the thought for a few minutes but give up on trying to figure it out once Charlotte''s voice rings out from in front of us.


    "Here we are. The entrance to Gate 1, Section 4."


    We alle to a halt.


    The desert air is dry, there''s hardly a nt in sight, and the hot sun is beating down on the back of my neck is already burning my skin.


    I blink, staring nkly at rungs of thin dark metal that create adder jutting off from the side of the wall all the way up to the top.


    The corners of my mouth begin to curl and I let out augh followed by the chuckles of my teammates.


    "This is the entrance... to the wall... ha!"


    The orange-haired woman jumps up to grab one of the rungs and begins to climb quickly and gracefully.


    "The real section 4 entrance hasn''t been touched in decades. This is one of the only non-shielded portions of the wall that we can climb. Other than here, you''d be fried to ash the moment you got close. Come on, no more questions, follow me."


    I smirk, then jump up to grab one of the metal rungs. The moment my hand touches it my skin feels like it''s being seared on a hot pan.


    I let go and curse under my breath, regenerating my hand behind my back.


    Char calls out again.


    "Oh yeah, and be careful. The bars are hot."


    I activate my body hardening crystals to cover my palms. This makes holding the rungs a lot easier.


    I follow the redhead upwards.


    Maria activates her ice magic to do that same and follows behind me.


    Abby simrly covers her hands with ayer of stone.


    Arie grabs a pair of work gloves from his item storage.


    I should have thought of that...


    It''s a long climb upwards. Even at our fast pace it still takes a few minutes to get to the top. I''m sweating and breathing heavily by the time we do.


    The 5 of us look over the edge, and I can''t believe the sight before my eyes.


    Charlotte was right, the first dungeon break is nearby. It''s right below us in fact.


    Our mission in the Dark Continent has finally begun.

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203


    I peer down into the destendscape behind the stone wall that blocks the dark continent from the rest of the world.


    There are rolling hills or sand and jagged pirs of rock that stick out in seemingly random formations. Abandoned dirt roads lead off in all directions and the hint of civilization still lingers... barely...


    I can feel the slight buzzing vibrations of a strong mana shield not too far away both on my left and right sides.


    What Charolette said about the wall earlier makes sense To keep monsters inside these walls, a very strong barrier needs to be built in ce. I just don''t understand how exactly this massive structure was made.


    That''ll be a question for another time I guess.


    Looking out into the desert before me, I see multiple plumes of smoke way off in the distance, and approaching are smaller clouds of dust and sand.


    Their movements are definitely not human, the amount of material being stirred up is way toorge. They must be monsters.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "There''s at least half a dozen monster''sing our way right now."


    I smirk, looking down at the light golden brown dust clouds and swirling sand below. Activating my Inspect and Appraisal skills, I scope out the targets approaching right away. They''re under 200 meters from us and iing fast.


    [Lv. 395]


    [Lv. 395]


    [Lv. 395]


    [Lv. 395]


    [Lv. 395]


    [Lv. 395]


    _____________________


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core] +88% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Earth Summoning]


    ______________________


    The closer I look, the clearer those 6 clouds of dust flying up into the air distinctively be. I smile, looking over at my teammates, I see their excited looks as well.


    "Golems, I''ve never fought one of these before."


    Arie reaches into his item box to take out his bow.


    Maria''s hands begin to glow light blue, while Abby''s feet glow a deep emerald green.


    The orange-haired bartender that led us out here speaks up in a cheerful tone after she lets out a chuckle.


    "Well, you four look ready for battle already. I assume the Association received the copy of that map I sent over."


    Abby nods, and Char continues.


    "This is the closest break to the wall, there are no towns or people nearby. It was all abandoned years ago. This one should be one of the easiest breaks. Golems may be tricky at first, but once you get used to them they aren''t much trouble to take out... Well... that''s what some of the Elites that pass through have told me."


    I nod, trying to get a good view of one of them, but the 40-meter drop and long distance are making it difficult to see.


    Charlotte continues while pointing out into the desert.


    "The break shouldn''t be more than a kilometer or so that way. On a clear day, you can usually see the portal from atop the wall. This whole week the desert has been acting up. More sandstorms and dungeon breaks than ever before. The visibility has decreased a lot. I''m sure you''ll all manage to find it though."


    She smiles, crossing her arms as the ominous dust clouds get closer and closer to the base of the wall that we''re standing on.


    I look down, seeing nodder on this side of the wall...


    I could float us all down with my wind magic, but I''m not looking to do that with the Association''s charming lookout right behind me.


    Abby speaks up.


    "Well, what are we waiting for? Enough sitting around, let''s go kill some monsters!"


    She jumps off the side of the wall without a moment of hesitation and begins to glow bright green.


    My eyes widen as I watch stone materialize beneath her feet. A floating staircase leads downwards behind her as she gracefully jumps from step to step.


    "Follow me, I''ve learned a few tricks since we all fought together. It''s time to show off!"


    Maria lets out augh and jumps off the high ledge as well, following closer behind on Abby''s staircase of stone.


    Arie smirks and jumps after them, making his way down to the desert floor too.


    I turn to Charlotte and she nods, giving me a word of goodbye.


    "Best of luck down there. Come on back to the tavern whenever you all need a break. I''m sure there''s lodging in some of the smaller towns deeper into the Dark Continent. Staying there will make your travels easier, but my bar is always open to ya if you need toe back! May your hunt be bountiful!"


    I give her a firm nod, then jump off the wall tond on the first stone step made by Abby''s Advanced Earth Summoning.


    "Appreciate it. We''ll be back before you know it!"


    I turn and follow my team downward while reaching into my item box and pulling out my ming sword.


    I sense the stone staircase rumbling behind me. I turn my head to watch it begin disintegrating just a few meters from my steps, giving me just enough room forfortable strides.


    I think to myself as I make my way down.


    Materializing stairs like this is a neat trick, I''ll have to test out something simr with my own earth magic soon.


    Bursting into mes, I run down the steps and make it all the way to the desert floor mere secondster.


    The 4 of usnd on the ground with a thud. I look forward, activating my enemy detection skill to scope out the monsters ahead.


    The wide grins can be found across all of our faces. It feels like forever since I''ve been in a real battle. This is going to be good.


    [60m]


    [60m]


    [100m]


    [100m]


    [150m]


    [170m]


    I call out.


    "They''ll be attacking in groups of 2. Let''s split up and take them out. Then, we''ll make a game n for the actual break."


    A unanimous firm nod is my response as Maria and Abby start running towards the enemies without a moment of pause.


    I watch the green-haired healer take out two ck daggers, then they begin to glow to match her aura.


    Maria takes out a long thin silver sword, one I''ve never seen before.


    It begins to glisten and glow a simr color to her ice magic...


    I use Appraisal on the two items out of curiosity.


    [Enchanted Daggers [Q]][Earth Aspect][+89% Strength][+81% Agility][+81% Speed]


    [Enchanted Long Sword [Q]][Ice Aspect][+93% Strength][+79% Agility][+79% Speed]


    I do a double take, but it''s exactly as expected. They''ve managed to get element-imbued weapons, most likely a treat from the Director. Their stats are pretty good, almost on par with some of my gear. The only thing that I''m unsure of is that "[Q]" marking on both of them...


    The girl''s blue and green auras grow brighter and brighter as I watch the ground ripple beneath Abby''s feet and the sand and air around Maria freeze solid, leaving a 5m wide path of pure glistening ice behind her.


    Arie looks over to me, drawing his bow and creating a thin white arrow. I activate my All-Seeing Eye and am thoroughly surprised by the precision at which it is being summoned.


    His unique skill allows him to draw "Spirit imbued Mana" just like my fire magic has "Fire or Elemental imbued Mana". It''s formed into a dense and thin arrow with simr qualities to the attacks I release from my sword and dagger.


    It''s hard to tell its exact power from just a nce, but if I had to guess... It seems to be thin and dense enough to break through a Berserker''s shielding.


    This is most likely not his full power... Was he hiding his strength before? Was I too weak to tell? Or was his training that intense...?


    Arie speaks up.


    "Hey, you ready?"


    I shake my head, then smirk, igniting my entire body into a dark ball of dark fire.


    "As ready as I''ll ever be."


    We both turn and run toward the approaching dust clouds with our eyes locked on the towering shadows of the approaching enemies.


    I know they''re golems... I''ve even read about these creatures before...


    Massive stone semi-humanoid creatures without a soul. The power within them muste from their cores. I''m betting on that being their weak spot. Other than that, this ispletely new territory for me.


    I''ve never seen one before. I thought my first golem encounter would be in a dungeon, but I guess I''ll be facing them out here in the real world.


    My battle-ready smile grows as I begin to hear and feel the rumbling sound ofrge beasts approaching.


    The first two massive monsters begin to finallye into my visual range.


    [18m]


    [20m]


    Maria and Abby lunge straight into battle 10m ahead of us. My gaze begins to rise upwards as the monsters we''re about to face finallye into full view.


    This is it...


    Our first team battle in the Dark Continent is getting started.

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204


    Our first battle in the Dark Continent is getting started.


    The hard sand-covered ground feels like it''s rumbling beneath my feet. The cloud of golden brown dust in front of us growsrger andrger until one of the monsters finally shows itself...


    My gaze lifts upwards as Abby and Maria charge at the beast that finally reveals its form.


    A pair of dark orange glowing eyes is the first thing that I see appear through the cloud of sand, then a 2-meter-thick arm of stone reaches out to hit the ground by the two girls'' feet with a ground-cracking thud.


    Unlike the armor of the Behemoth I fought recently, the stone covering this beast''s body is part of its being. I watch the rest of the monstere out from its veil of sand.


    A massive stone humanoid figurees stomping out.


    The sound of stones scraping together fills my ears while I watch the 6-meter-tall monster let out a roar. It lunges forward.


    Glowing lines of dark orange energy begin to shine brightly around its chest.


    They look like pulsing veins of mana that spread all throughout its body. Their energy frequency gets lighter and lighter the further from its midsection they travel.


    I whisper under my breath as I watch Abby create floating stone stairs upwards gripping her daggers. The summoned rocks disintegrate the moment her feet leave them.


    My eyes are locked on the orange light within the golem.


    "That must be its core..."


    Maria runs around its left side and her sword begins to glow a much darker blue.


    The orange eyes of this monster track both of the girls at once. Its face shows a gruesome beast-like expression made out of sand and stone.


    It''s an imitation of a human''s face, but distorted and constantly shifting as it moves around the battlefield with slow yet powerful thrusts of its arms and legs.


    Abby jumps up at the monster with her ck des now glowing green, while Maria starts swinging her sword upwards from below.


    My eyes open wide as I watch 3 crescents of energy erupt from their weapons.


    Two green beams of lighte shooting from Abby''s daggers while a thick blue de of icees from Maria''s sword.


    I grin, letting out an impressedugh as the attacks hit the monster''s shoulder and lower leg.


    An explosion of rock and ice fills my vision, then the sound of a familiar metallic ng fills my ears.


    Arie and I jump backward while watching the dust clouds erupt upwards, then slowly settle.


    The attacks they let loose were powerful, but far from refined at all... It seems Maria and Abby are in their brute force phase of mana control training.


    The roar of the first golem sounds out and I see the orange glow of its eyes shine brighter. The sand and rock residue in the air starts to fall back into the monster''s injured arm and leg.


    Its limbs werepletely blown off in the attack, but it''s able to reform any part of its body at will.


    Abby and Maria are way ahead of the curve. Both of them have drank MP potions and are already charging up another attack.


    I watch the ground around the monster ripple.


    This is Abby''s magic, not the golem''s.


    Heavy mana-imbued stone holds its legs in ce, and Mariaunches an attack at its torso.


    A metallic twang and explosion of ice forces out a frustrated roar of agony from the massive monster stuck in ce. Stone flies in all directions as Abby releases her own dual attack into its weakened torso.


    Another metallic twang of mana on mana followed by flying stone and a bright explosion of orange energy concludes this battle.


    It''s over already...


    In a dazzling disy of bright blue and green light, the mighty stone desert golem is blown to pieces.


    I watch a shattered ck orb fall from the monster''s mid-section and its eyes fade from their fiery glowing orange hue to a pair of dull grey lifeless round stones.


    The remains of a fierce monster crumble to the ground, leaving nothing but sand and stone in its ce.


    With no time to waste, an identical golemes charging in from a nearby dust cloud and both Abby and Maria take it on without a moment to think.


    I stare in awe for a moment, then Arie elbows me in the side.


    "They really have grown a lot already, haven''t they?"


    He smirks, and I nod. The archer points off to the other clouds of dust and sand approaching. Two pairs of glowing orange eyes can be seen from a distance.


    "Come on, those two are ours. Let''s take ''em out."


    Without another word, the two of us begin running toward the pair of golems with our weapons drawn. Arie summons an arrow and I charge my sword.


    I''ll only use 300MP for this monster. With the density and control of my attacks, more would be overkill.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye and we run closer to the beasts, letting our attacks fly.


    The monstrous slow-moving golems activate their shielding moments before impact, but my thin ck crescent of mes glides right through its chest without any resistance.


    I watch the thin white arrow shot from Arie''s bow glide through the brightest point of the golem''s core right next to mine.


    Before we''re even 15 meters away from the two colossal monsters of stone, their roars have stopped and their circr glowing cores have gone cold.


    Both creatures of golden-brown sand and stone crumble to the ground. The dust clouds dissipate while Arie and I keep running forward. With eyes locked on the final two golems, the end of this battle is in sight.


    As I pass the rubble of the monsters we just took out, my eyes catch a glimpse of the leftover pieces of the glossy ck core. Using my Appraisal skill, I scan it as we pass.


    [Shattered Golem''s Core]


    Its mental strength boosting stat is gone, along with the [Enchanted] tag and its [Sand] description.


    Without a dungeon for the mana material to absorb back into, I wonder how drops will work out here. They may justpletely dissolve once the break is cleared... Or maybe a percentage of them will stay in solid form.


    In time, I''ll find out.


    Looking back up to the action, I see Maria and Abby both finish up theirst golem and join us on our run toward the final two.


    Each of us glows green, blue, white, and dark red as we charge at the monsters.


    Once within range, the orange eyes of the final two golems give us a clear target to strike. With wind in my hair and the excitement of a new adventure ahead, I let an attack fly.


    All of my teammates do the same.


    Releasing a wave of mana at the two approaching golems, we all celebrate early, knowing these beasts never stood a chance.


    A momentter, after a sh of blue and green light, both of the golems are torn to shreds, then finished off by a thin white arrow and a dark crescent of mes.


    Before the monsters are even within full view, they crumble to the floor and the dust of our first team battle settles.


    I slow my run down to a light jog, then even more into a slow walk. Eventually, we alle to a halt and the swirling dust around us clears to reveal the wide open desert.


    Arie stops right beside me and throws his bow back into his item box. I do the same with my sword after sending out an enemy detection pulse to make sure we''re all in the clear.


    There''s not a single being within over 500 meters of us, we''re safe for a while.


    I let out a sigh and take in the empty desert view as Abby and Maria approach. The blond-haired ice magic user yells out in an excited tone.


    "That was awesome!!! More, more! Let''s go find that break!"


    I smile, responding as both of them slow down ande to a stop.


    "I agree, moving onto the break next is a good n. We''ve all improved a lot... but this is just the beginning."


    Abby nods firmly and chimes in, pulling out the roughly drawn map.


    "You''re right. This break isbeled number 1, the weakest of all 6. Let''s collect these broken cores, then head out to clear the boss room."


    We all reply with a firm nod, then Arie points to the map.


    "It looks like there''s a small settlement we can visit afterward too, it''s not far. I know this portion of desert like the back of my hand. We''ll be entering The Sun Scorched ts over the next few days. Ourst break looks like it''s near a city named Sra."


    He stares out into the rolling sandy hills.


    "I guess all of you will get to see my hometown sooner than I thought."

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205


    The 4 of us backtrack and collect all the shattered ck cores from the fallen golems. Their bodies of rock and sand have not disappeared at all.


    They''re justying in chunks and piles all over the desert floor. It''s been close to 10 minutes now, so that confirms my theory that the monsters that die out here won''t dissolve until the Dungeon copses.


    The cores from the monsters that Abby and Maria took on are blown to pieces. The two of that Ari and I faced solo seem to still almost be in a fully salvageable state.


    They''re made of a hard ck glossy crystal-like material. It glistens in the mid-day sun as I pick one of them up to examine at a closer range.


    The core is palm-sized, and about 3kg. It''s pretty heavy and feels like it''s about to fall apart if I hold it any longer.


    I throw the fragments of one of the cores into my item box, and Aire does the same with his.


    Abby and Maria collect therger fragments of the other golems and store them in their item boxes as well. We might as well grab everything we can get, these fragments may be valuable if they don''t dissolve once the dungeon copses.


    Abby speaks up.


    "Alright, let''s all head to the break!"


    I activate Enemy Detection and start to sense more monsters in the direction Abby points. They''re approaching fast, in groups of 3-6.


    I reach back into my item box to pull out my ming sword, then think about throwing on my armor...


    It''s not necessary for these battles yet, but it wouldn''t hurt to be prepared for the boss if it''s a high-level mutant.


    I speak up before we leave, pulling out my bonded set of lightweight armor.


    "Hey, one second. Let me throw this new armor on."


    Maria''s eyes light up and she walks over while I fit the gear to my chest and arms.


    "These are nice, where''d you buy them? The Association shop? Or was it a rare drop? Or..?"


    I smirk, clicking thest silver piece onto my forearm, letting a few hundred mana points flow through the entire bonded set.


    "It was abyrinth drop, I got it in a boss room while training this week."


    Arie joins the conversion.


    "Nice set, you''ll have to show me around the capitalbyrinth when we get back."


    I nod, then he points to Abby already making her way into the open desert.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    The 3 of us follow, continuing our trek through the desert. ording to Abby''s calctions, the break is about 1.5km northeast of us.


    The closer we get, the more enemies I spot on my radar.


    They can be tracked by eye once theye within 200 meters or so. The visibility was alright up on top of the wall, but the rising and falling hill of the desertndscape make it harder to see where we were headed.


    I''m relying on Abby''s sense of direction and double-checking it by following the higher-density areas of enemies nearby.


    We run into another few groups of golems on the way, but easily take them out. Every enemy ranges from levels 394-396. Even fighting one on one, all 4 of us can take the golems out on our own without a problem.


    By the time we reach the portal, I have 6 full cores worth of fragments in my item box.


    Maria calls out from beside Abby up front.


    "That''s it! I see it, the break!"


    We climb up a final sandy hill and I see it as clear as day. There''s arge dark red swirling portal of mana-imbued transport magic.


    As we stare, more stone golems pour out.


    The sound of stone scraping stone fills my ears as they step into our world.


    The 4 of us jump down the hill and take out the final group in a matter of seconds, then jump through the blood-red gate.


    Once inside, I look around to notice thendscape of the golem dungeon. The ground is hard stone, the exact same light brown color as the monsters we''ve been fighting.


    There''s a bright blue sky above and raised teaus of rock walls and deep valleys for as far as the eye can see.


    What puts a smile on my face is the approaching hoards of golems, unaware that they''ll soon meet their end.


    Using Inspect and Enemy Detection I scape out the area.


    My teammates get situated and take in the view as well.


    Just like the monsters outside, mostly all the golems in here seem to be around level 395. Although, closer to the back of the boss room, I sense two readings well over level 400.


    It''s odd though....


    My Inspect skillbels each of them with a singr level while my Enemy Detection skill refers to these monsters as multiple enemies.


    I''ll have to face them and scan with my All-Seeing Eye to get a better sense of what''s going on.


    The 4 of us make our way through the uniquendscape for over an hour.


    For therge portions of deep valleys and canyons where it would take too long to walk down, Abby leads the way creating her floating stairs that crumble behind us.


    I could give it a try myself, but she seems very content as the navigational leader right now. There''s no need to show off just yet.


    I''m waiting eagerly for the Mutants and Boss toe.


    As we get closer and closer, the iing golems get stronger. They''re not powerful enough to put up a great fight yet, but their levels are nearing 400.


    Another oddity I''ve found is that these golems dissolve back into the stone ground after they''re defeated, even the shattered cores. None of the 2 dozen monsters that we''ve defeated so far have dropped a single item either.


    Finally, an hour into our trek, we make it to a point of very open tnd. There''s a massive structure of orange-brown stone to our left and a ravine to our right.


    Peering downward, I can''t even see the bottom.


    Wee to a halt and I take out some water to give to everyone in the group.


    Arie looks down into the darkness below with me, then turns around.


    "We''re about halfway there right?"


    Abby chimes in.


    "Yep!"


    I nod, picking up a few readings with my skills active in the background.


    [1200m]


    [Lv. 409]


    [Lv. 408]


    The distance between us and these final enemies is about the same as the distance we''ve already traveled into this dungeon so far. Between us and the mutants, there are about 40 more golemsing our way.


    I kick a rock down into the empty pit below.


    After waiting a few seconds, and hearing no impact with any ground, I speak up.


    "There''s two mutants about a kilometer away. If I had to guess, they''re in front of the boss room."


    We continue our short break and take out the golems that block our path. Not a single one of them drops an item.


    The 4 of us are definitely over-leveled for this break, but it''s a good warm-up for what''s toe. Finally, after nearly two hours in this mid-grade C-ss dungeon, the action finally begins.


    [100m]


    [Lv. 409]


    [Lv. 408]


    The t ground we''re been trekking on for over a kilometer makes a steep drop off and a cliff falls down below us.


    We peer over the edge, and the mutants I''ve been waiting for show their faces nearly 50 meters below.


    As we walk to the edge of the cliff, two sets of bright orange eyes lock onto us.


    These beasts are over 7 meters fall each and are made from much darker-looking stone. It seems to be stained orange from the energying out of its core.


    The small cracks and gaps in their bodies of stone shine bright with mana-imbued energy.


    Their faces look even more gruesome than their minions, and I can hear the light buzz of mana in the air from here.


    Their shielding is already activated even though we haven''t thrown a single attack.


    Right behind them is a dark grey swirling boss room portal.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye, and everything begins to make a lot more sense....


    The reason my readings showed 2 enemies per mutant is because they each have two cores.


    Clear as day, with my perception skill active I can see a glowing orange core in each monster''s forehead and chest.


    "How interesting...."


    Arie smirks and charges up an arrow, releasing it with great precision down at one of the golems below.


    I watch as it collides with the shielding in front of this golem''s chest. There''s a sh of white light and an explosion of stone that obliterates the core. Rock fragments are sent flying in all directions and a cloud of dust hides the two figures from view.


    He crosses his arms, but I watch attentively through the debris with my All-Seeing Eye on full st.


    As the rock and dust clear from the air, the scattered stone begins to reform and the golem stands up to its feet without a scratch on its exterior.


    The monster ispletely healed, despite its core being shattered to bits.


    I take a closer look to see the energy in its forehead''s core pulse brightly. My gaze drops down to its chest and the pieces of dead ck core fragmentse back together.


    Its chest starts to glow orange again. Secondster, both cores are as good as new.


    It lets out a murderous roar, taunting us toe down and face it.


    I let out augh, then turn to the archer.


    "Good shot, but it looks like it''s going to take a bit more than that to take out these Mutants."


    As soon as I finish my sentence, the swirling mass of mana behind the two monsters pulses to let out an eerie wave of energy. It can only be picked up by my All-Seeing Eye.


    Soon after, the Boss Room portal turns a slightly darker shade of grey.

 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206


    I watch the Boss Room portal turn a darker shade of grey after the eerie energy pulses out from it. I can''t feel it, but my All-Seeing Eye picks up a reading of a nearly invisible mana shoot out in all directions.


    More importantly, there are two Mutant Golems guarding the boss room portal with dual cores.


    Thendscape below is less dry and t than up here. Small green and yellow shrubs grow out from the bases of high orange rock structures scattered along the desert floor. A bright blue sky shines bright behind them in all directions.


    Arie''sst shot just confirmed that if both cores in the mutants aren''t broken, these monsters can regenerate back up to their full unaltered forms using just one.


    That''s my best guess.


    I look over to my teammates, then ignite my sword into mes. The rest of them all activate their active battle skills and we all jump from the high ledge down into action.


    Both of the vicious-looking monsters watch us fall, and they let out roars that vibrate through the air.


    Abby activates her earth magic for Maria and Arie to use as stepping stones while I free-fall with my eyes locked on the two now-approaching Golems.


    Less than 5 meters from the ground, I decide to activate some of my un-testedbat magic.


    If necessary, I can use my wind magic to slow my descent, but I know it won''t be a problem. Although I haven''t used these skills much yet, I can feel what they''re capable of.


    Activating my Earth magic, along with Mana Maniption I easily liquefy the ground below me.


    In my perception, with my All-Seeing Eye skill active, the ground below me looks like a bright white and pink glowing malleable form of pure mana to shape into whatever my heart desires.


    To anyone looking from the outside, the orange rock below me rises up in the shape of two thin pirs to touch the soles of my boots. The mana-imbued stone collides with my feet and instantly begins to climb up my legs as I fall to the floor.


    Instead of a loud thud and the cracking of stone, my impact is silent.


    The energy from the fall disperses across the stone floor and it ripples as the orange rock melts off my legs back into the ground below.


    I deactivate my twobat skills, stomping on the ground with my right foot to make sure it''s really solid. The dust and sand that flies up confirm my answer.


    I turn toward the two mutants to see they''ve already shortened the distance between us considerably.


    I use Appraisal on the closest one.


    _____________________


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core] +91% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core] +91% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Earth Summoning]


    ______________________


    Above, Arie jumps in to join as I run at the monster charging in.


    Both of its cores glow brightly.


    Theyer of shielding over its head and chest thickens as it makes the ground shake with every step.


    The glowing orange eyes match its core. Fragments of rock float in the air around it shifting and reforming into its arms and legs as it gains more and more speed.


    I charge my sword and let out a 500MP attack aimed at its chest. Arie charges this bow up for a few seconds, then lets a white arrow fly, shooting at the monster''s forehead.


    The moment we release our shots, the mana shielding around the beast''s weak points gets denser. The orange energy all throughout its body retracts to protect its power sources.


    The massive body of stone shrinks. Its arms and legs get shorter and chunks of rock fall away as it focuses its energy elsewhere.


    Both attacks make contact with its newly improved shielding. Mine glides through, being much too dense and thin to be bothered by the increased power of its defense.


    Arie''s arrow collides just like before letting off a bright white light and throwing stone chunks off in all directions before destroying the core.


    The golem''s lifeless body crumbles to the floor and shatters into hundreds of smaller prices by our feet. Two ck shattered orbs roll to the ground as well.


    Behind the monster we just defeated, Abby and Maria take on the second Mutant. I''m curious to see how their attacks will hold up against this slightly stronger shielding.


    They run in glowing bright, but don''t go in straight for the offensive at first.


    Maria runs around the slow-moving golem''s feet, summoning thickyers of cold magic to hold it in ce. Large blue walls of ice growrger andrger as the orange glowing off the monster''s head gets increasingly brighter.


    While holding the golem in ce, she charges an attack up in her sword, glowing darker blue and preparing for the best moment to strike.


    Abby runs in, jumping from summoned stone to stone, gracefully making her way through the air toward the beast. She activates her Earth magic. I watch the face of the Mutant Totem begin to bend and shift.


    The shoulders and neck of the beast start to liquefy as Abby temporarily takes control of the monster made of stone.


    The dark orange creature made from stone strains its body to move, focusing its energy on the affected areas of Abby''s Magic. It''s struggling to gain back control while the green-haired hunter exposes its weak points.


    Maria takes her opportunity to let out a dark blue crescent of ice-imbued mana straight at both of the glowing cores.


    Both of them jump backward to avoid the white and blue sh of light that follows. I cover my face with my left arm to shield myself from the iing debris.


    Fragments of stone and shattered cores rain from the sky, while Abby and Maria walk out from the settling dust without a single scratch on them.


    The Ice Wielder speaks up while powering down her sword.


    "Those Mutants were pretty strong, I almost had to use my full power!"


    Abby twirls her Daggers and agrees.


    "Yeah, I can tell they didn''t have Advanced Earth Magic from the start. Even so, their mana controlpensates for it."


    I raise an eyebrow and the green-haired healer continues.


    "A higher level of mana control can overpower any skill if it''s strong enough, even if it''s an upgraded version of it."


    I nod slowly, as this makes sense, but I never really gave it much thought...


    Abby turns to the portal, then it pulses again.... Another wave of manaes out and runs through all of our bodies.


    It doesn''t feel like anything, just likest time. It can''t be perceived with any normal senses. The portal behind the approaching girls gets slightly darker.


    The 4 of us regroup and try to collect the fallen fragments of cores left behind by the two mutants. Unfortunately, they dissolve into the rocky dungeon floor.


    "Still... no drops..."


    I turn to the twisting grey boss room portal in the middle of the rocky desert, then back to my team.


    "Ready to clear our first dungeon break?"


    With a resounding yes from all of my teammates, we waste no more time and jump through.


    The 4 of us activate our activebat skills and charge our weapons, ready to fight.


    Once transported through the boss room portal, anything can happen.


    We''ll be facing a Mutant Boss.


    Once through, a dry heat wave hits me and I activate my Enemy Detection, Inspect, and Appraisal skills while squinting to try and take in the view.


    The sky is bright white and the ground beneath my feet feels like it hasn''t felt rain in years.


    My eyes adjust to the light, and I see the readings my skills have picked up in my mind''s eye.


    _____________________


    [100m]


    [Lv. 443]


    _____________________


    Active Items:


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core] +105% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core] +105% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core] +105% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Sand Golem''s Core][Bonded] +120% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Earth Summoning]


    ______________________


    "It has, four cores...."

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207


    "It has, four cores...."


    My eyes adjust to the overly bright Boss Room light and see the readings my data collection skills have gathered.


    The final boss is 100m meters away. It''s level 443 and it has 4 cores, one of which is [Bonded].


    I''m not entirely sure what this additional detail means, but I do know is we have a monster to defeat. This is our first of many Boss rooms that I''m looking forward to this week.


    The 4 of us run forward into the blinding light ahead.


    I speak up as thendscapees into view.


    "The boss is straight ahead, it has 4 cores! Let''s split up and take each one of them out together from all sides!"


    Abby and Maria run off to my left and right while Arie trails behind me to take the rear.


    Even after my eyes adjust, the sky above is blindingly white, and the ground below my feet is made of dark orange rock and sand. There isn''t a nt in sight. There are rolling hills and a few rock structures in the distance, but overall the room seems pretty in.


    This makes finding the Golem much easier.


    The Boss Monster in question shows its face Immediately, growing up from the orange stone glow below I watch a towering 8-meter-tall beast materialize from the Dunegon floor.


    The sound of rocks scraping together fills my ears and its lifeless eyes stare us down filled with a desire to kill.


    I feel the air pressure shift all around us and the buzzing sensation of mana tickles my bones as an ear-shattering roar fills the room.


    The massive humanoid creature, made entirely of stone charges forward leaving mountains of stone in its wake. With every step it takes, the monster absorbs more dungeon material and leaves excess behind.


    I can clearly make out the 4 cores, even without my All Seeing eye activated.


    There''s one it is forehead glowing bright orange, and two on the back of each hand matching its hue.


    The 4th one in its chest is much different than the others... It pulses light pink, emanating pure mana rather than the orange-imbued energy from the other 3.


    This must be the [Bonded] core.


    Secondster, the monster is less than 20 meters away and readying its first attack. The Golem casts a dark shadow over us even from this distance.


    I charge up my sword with a 1000MP strike. There''s no reason to go easy on this beast, overkill is the best option.


    With a swift swing of my sword, the ck ming crescent flies straight for its chest.


    My teammates let out their mana-imbued strikes as well. Abby and Maria aim for the monster''s palms while Arie takes a clear shot at its forehead.


    As the monster takes its first right-handed swing at the 4 of us, our strikes make an impact with its body of stone.


    Bright shes of blue and green light expand quickly, and the sound of mana shielding being ripped to shreds fills my ears.


    I watch my attack slice the main core straight in two without a problem, and Arie''s arrow pierces its forehead too.


    The massive beast crumbles to bits. Chunks of orange stone fly all over and I track its shattered cores with my All-Seeing Eye.


    Each one of them is broken into hundreds of tiny pieces and the once-powerful Desert Golem Boss is no more.


    It didn''t even get a chance to follow through on its first swing...


    The dust clears and the 4 of us get a good look at the rubble. This monster was a much higher level than all of us, so I''m patiently waiting for some kind of level-up notification, but one neveres.


    "Something isn''t right...."


    We all slowly walk over to the pile of stone cautiously. Maria speaks up from 5 meters to my left time.


    "We hit all of its cores right....?"


    I nod, creeping closer and scanning the area with my perception skill. It isn''t picking up a single reading, but there''s definitely something wrong here.


    "We did..."


    Abby starts moving stones around with her earth magic, finding pieces of some of the shattered ck cores on the ground.


    "They''re definitely broken, what are we missing?"


    I tighten my gaze, then begin to hear a light hum from a rock pile on my right side.


    I turn around and pick up a dense mana reading right before a massive stone arm forms from the ground andes flying toward me with a dense white and pink mana shield surrounding it.


    Immediately, I raise my sword to block it.


    A loud twang of mana on mana echoes from our sh as I''m pushed backward by the sheer force of its blow.


    I nt my feet and hold it off as I watch the entire Stone Golem reform from the ground before my eyes.


    I burst back into mes and air step backward to face the beast again. I mutter under my breath as I focus on getting a safe distance away.


    "I knew this wasn''t going to be that easy..."


    The white and pink core in its chest is sucking energy up from the dungeon floor, recharging and healing it back to its original form.


    Just like the mutants we faced earlier, the shattered cores nearby all begin to shift back to their sphere shapes and roll toward the body of the newly formed stone golem.


    The Boss is as good as new and lets out another roar to prove it.


    Its eyes shine pink, tinted orange by the energy from its other reforming cores while swinging both of its arms around in a wide circle covered in a thinyer of mana shielding.


    All of my teammates go back into full attack mode again.


    I yell out.


    "We''ll take it out again! I''ll iste its main core, that''s its weak point. You all go for the other 3! I have an idea...."


    Without a word of response, my teammates attack the rapidly growing golem.


    Its broken cores have all been entirely mended themselves and positioned back onto the monster''s hands of stone and the center of its forehead above the glowing eyes filled with a murderous re.


    Ind on the rocky floor about 15 meters away and nt my feet while keeping my eyes locked on its main pink glowing core.


    While watching the blue, green, and white shots of energy collide with its body I propelled myself forward using wind magic to gain more and more speed aiming straight for the monster''s chest.


    Instead of releasing an attack to destroy its final core, I replicate the style of magic Abby used on the Mutants outside the Boss Room portal.


    Activating my Advanced Earth Summoning, and focusing on the stone around the remaining pink core, separating the surrounding dark orange stone.


    The closer I get, the easier it is to control the rock surrounding it. I can feel a pull from the monster, trying to regain its dominance, but its mana control is far too weak topete with my own.


    Especially with its other 3 cores destroyed.


    A 2-meter-wide hole in its now-liquefied chest allows me to fly through to grab the pink glowing sphere, tearing it from the enormous stone body.


    It buzzes violently as I hit the ground and activate my plundering skill.


    Dense pink and white mana seeps out for the palm-sized crystal and fills my MP bar to full as the creature made from stone copses to the ground.


    [Level Up]


    The familiar ringing sound in my head notifies me that it''s staying down for good this time around.


    The Golems core is still in my left hand.


    It''s mostly clear now, but is tinted orange and pink from the residual mana and artificial sunlight from above.


    Blue text floats above it.


    [Use Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Advanced Perk: [Temporary Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-423


    [YES][NO]


    My eyes open wide for a moment, then I look up to see my teammates running over to me. Abby is the first to call out.


    "Looks like you''ve picked up a few new tricks during your training too."


    I toss the clear crystal core up and down in my hand a few times, then decide using my Temporary Minion perk right now is not the best n...


    I look up to the green-haired healer and reply.


    "Yeah, looks like we have a skill inmon."


    Abby was the first hunter to ever learn about my unique skill. We haven''t talked about it much since... It''s kind of refreshing to hear someone say something about it out loud without using me of something.


    She gives me a firm nod and a light smile as both Maria and Ariee walking over.


    Fragments of the other 3 ck and dead cores begin to dissolve into the dungeon floor, but the crystal ball in my hand remains.


    Bright white transfer magic light blinds us, and before we can react, the 4 of us are back in the middle of the open desert.


    Aire is the first to speak up.


    "We''ve cleared the first break. That was... easy enough... If I''m not mistaken our next one is off in that direction."


    The dark-haired archer points deeper into the desert while Abby takes out the small map and tries to look forndmarks to pinpoint our location.


    She nods.


    "Yeah, it''s pretty far out! This trek could take us all day..."


    He responds, crossing his arms.


    "Perfect. It''s not on that map, but there''s a small vige on our way if we take a quick detour. I rmend we stop there for the night."

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208


    "Perfect. It''s not on that map, but there''s a small vige on our way if we take a quick detour. I rmend we stop there for the night."


    While Arie speaks about this mysterious vige, I stare down at the clear crystal ball in my left hand.


    The blue text from earlier still glows over it in my mind''s eye...


    [Use Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Advanced Perk: [Temporary Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-423


    [YES][NO]


    Maria looks over at me while my gaze stays glued to the palm-sized sphere gem. I finally raise my head as she speaks up.


    "Looks like there was at least one item drop from the boss!"


    The blond-haired ice user reaches into her item box, pulling out the ck fragments of broken core from our earlier defeated golems.


    The moment they touch the air, the ck crystal fragments begin dissolving into nothingness. I activate my perception skill to watch the tiny mana particles disperse into the air.


    I drop my sword into the sand and do the same, while my other teammates check their item boxes too. All of the ck fragments of cores dissolve before our eyes.


    All that remains is the empty clear crystal core from the boss. I turn it over in my hand a few times, then look up to my teammates.


    "Well, at least we got something out of the first break. Mind if I hold onto this core?"


    I get a reply of 3 simultaneous nods, then Arie starts looking out into the desert again.


    "1 down, 5 to go. Let''s start moving before it gets toote."


    I throw the core into my item storage while putting my sword and armor back into the item box around my waist. Later, I''ll have to take a closer look at this new item.


    We venture further into the open desert wastnd.


    The mountains far off in the distance seem to getrger with every step we take. The further in we get, the farther away they seem.


    All of the abandoned twisting roads and remains of human-made structures are now non-existent this far out in the desert.


    They were much moremon closer to the wall.


    We travel straight ahead for 2 full hours.


    Maria and I follow Abby and the archer as they take the lead up front. All of us continuously drink from my water supply, but with the heavy sun above forcing sweat from our pores, each new bottle never seems like enough.


    It''s a good thing I have over a 60-day supply of food and water on me. For the 4 of us, it should be more than enough tost the week.


    Arie speaks up as we take another break under one of the few light brown rock structures left in the rapidly ttening desert ne we walk across.


    "I know it''s far, but we''re almost a quarter of the way through."


    I choke on my water, looking up at him while sitting on the sandy ground under a shady portion of cover.


    "A quarter of the way through?? We''ve been walking for hours-"


    He smiles.


    "They don''t call these the sun-scorched ts for nothing. It''ll get even hotter once we get to the center. Don''t worry though, it''ll be worth it."


    Once we continue, Abby and I take turns creating barriers of stone above the four of our heads to block out the incredibly hot sun.


    The MP used is minimalpared to the energy exertion it''d take to handle this heat.


    Even with my fire aptitude, natural heat from the sun still takes a toll on my skin and bodily systems. Even for awakened hunters like us, some things are still a challenge.


    We continue onward.


    As Arie warned us, the sand beneath our feet and the sun overhead does get much hotter. Drinking MP potions and chugging water we make it through. The archer doesn''t seem to be phased by the heat one bit.


    Abby is toughing it out, and I am too. Maria starts to glow blue nearby, giving off a cool refreshing aura.


    About 4 more hours pass and we''ve hit the hottest portion of the desert.


    The sun beats down on us from above, and it feels like the sky is on fire. Every time the zing sun touches my skin I swear I can feel it sizzle.


    Thankfully, by now we have our system all worked out. With shade from the rock above and the cool melting ice below from Maria''s magic, our traveling situation has actually be quitefortable.


    "Just a few hours left, this is the hottest it''ll get! The vige is nearby, I''m sure of it! Although, thendscape has changed out here a bit..."


    I look ahead, seeing the rippling waves of heat distort my view of the desert ahead, so I activate my All-Seeing Eye to get an unaltered view.


    As soon as I do, I sense an approaching mass of pure manaing our way.


    It isn''t very close, but it''s not what I expected to pick up on my radar.


    I activate my Enemy Detection skill along with Inspect and Appraisal, reaching them as far out as they can all go.


    The abilities pick up a reading that puzzles me at first nce.


    ___________________


    [1100m]


    [Lv. 256]


    ___________________


    Active items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    ___________________


    Something or someone is approaching fast. From what I can tell, it seems like this is a monster... all the way out here...


    I speak up in a serious tone.


    "Hey. There''s a monster approaching, and it has fire magic... Level 250 or so. There''s nothing else in sight, it''s just one."


    The archer nods while Abby holds our cover of stone magic overhead and Maria silently takes the rear.


    Arie responds.


    "Well, it''sing from where we''re headed. So we''ll have to take it out either way. Maybe the break has already gotten worse."


    We continue forward for a few minutes, and the reading I picked upes closer and closer until I can see it with my un-aided eyes.


    The creature kicks up dust as It charges toward us. With light red skin and beady ck eyes, waving its long ming tail back and forth, I watch a 3-meter-long smander run straight at us with a look of determination on its face.


    I go to grab my sword but stop as I hear Arieugh.


    "This far out? One of these... Really?"


    The archer pulls back his bow and lets a barely charged thin white arrow fly out at the fast-approaching beast.


    It glides directly through its head and the monster copses skidding to a halt at our feet. The me on its tail flickers out and the lifeless body of a unique-looking monster sits still in the middle of the open desert.


    We wait for a few minutes, confirming that the monster isn''t going to dissolve anytime soon. We leave it on the desert floor.


    Once this next break is taken care of, it''ll disappear anyways.


    We continue to walk deeper and deeper into the hot wavering air of the desert for 2 more hours.


    Until finally, I see green...


    I rub my eyes a few times to make sure I''m not hallucinating. Through the wavering heat waves of the desert.


    I really do see green....


    Every time I blink, and re-focus my vision it''s still there.


    Activating my Enemy detection and expanding its range, I''m in for another surprise as I pick up on over 100 readings. They range from single-digit levels to triple digits rivaling my own.


    "This must be it. There''s... a vige ahead, and a lot of people too..."


    Maria peaks out from behind me to squint and take a look too.


    "Ohh! I see trees! And- is that? People! And buildings! We made it!"


    Arie smirks while Abby takes in the view ahead, making ament as well.


    "I guess it was worth the wait. You were right..."


    As we walk forward, a small desert townes into full view. With kids ying on the sandy roads and vendors with tents and tables set up leading all the way to the center of the vige.


    There''s a wholemunity of people living out here in the desert.


    High dome-shaped buildings can be seen in the background, maybe 2-3 stories tall with orange and blue painted markings on their roofs.


    Most of the houses that surround theserger buildings are small and made from desert stone with minimal wood and orange fabrics.


    There aren''t more than 3 dozen buildings in total.


    Off to the back side of the town, there''s a small stone well with shrubbery and trees nearby. It has a crowd of vigers and children around it patiently waiting their turn for water.


    No one has noticed us approaching just yet.


    Arie turns to us.


    "First impressions are everything in ces like this. Follow me, and don''t do or say anything stupid."

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209


    We approach the desert vige and my eyes widen as I take in the view.


    This ce looks so alive...


    There are kids ying and vigers buying and selling goods in the streets.


    Mana crystals, potions, food, handmade clothing, and all kinds of other magical items fill the tables and tents that line the streets.


    As soon as we approach, an older man greets us. He''s no more than 160cm tall, wearing a pale red robe, and sporting a wide smile across his wrinkled face.


    I use Inspect and Appraisal as he gets closer.


    _________________


    [Lv. 271]


    _________________


    Active Items:


    [Robe of Protection] +100 Defense


    [Enchanted Silver Ring] +40% Mental Strength


    [Enchanted Smander Leather Boots] +30% Speed +50% Fire Resistance


    Active Skills:


    Appraisal


    _________________


    Once I see his Appraisal skill, I activate conceal to hide the majority of my abilities and rare items.


    The man speaks up.


    "Wee outsiders. Please, do state your business."


    With a kind look remaining on his face after the initial greeting, the old man''s gaze scans over each of us. I watch his left eye twitch, but he keeps a cool and collected expression even after seeing some of my teammate''s gear.


    The man doesn''t seem overly impressed. He is a pretty high level, after all, maybe he was a hunter in his younger years.


    Arie speaks up.


    "I''m a native, from a vige right outside Sra. Just a few days from here by foot. These 3 are from outside the walls, but they''re with me. We''re just stopping by for the night on our way to visit my hometown. If you''ll allow it, of course."


    The dark-haired archer bows slightly, and the old man nods while sping his hands together.


    "Very well. If you''re from inside the walls, you know the rules. Whatever trouble you make is on you."


    He points off to one of therger buildings in the town and continues to speak.


    "I''m sure the mercenary guild has a few rooms avable for you if need be. A hot meal too. If you can''t afford it, there''s work avable for hunters of your caliber."


    Arie raises his head and thanks the old man. Maria, Abby, and I walk by giving him polite nods, but not saying a word.


    I whisper under my breath as we get further away.


    "That went well..."


    I look to my left and right, seeing the vendors at closer range.


    There are all kinds of E and D ss gear lining the tables and shelves of the wooden, fabric, and stone stalls. It looks like excellent quality.


    There arerge mana crystals glimmering bright pink out on wooden tables, and the rings, potions, and unique-looking artifacts are polished to look as good as new. It doesn''t exactly match the rugged handmade quality of the town around us.


    What''s even more concerning is theck of people buying this premium gear. The sellers all eye us as we walk by.


    I speak up louder, so Arie can hear.


    "Hey- where do all these itemse from? Are there dungeons out here? Or special trade routes...? All this gear looks brand new, it''s nicer than some of the stuff in the capital!"


    The archer looks back at me, with a puzzled look on his face.


    "Honestly, I have no idea. There are dungeons and some traveling merchants, sure... but thest time I stopped by this vige was on my way to take the C-ss exams. There weren''t nearly as many people, and that was only a few weeks ago... It''s more crowded than I''ve ever seen it."


    He looks to both sides, matching the friendly expressions of the vigers.


    The further in we approach the center of town, the more crowded it gets. More and more people, dressed in all different kinds of clothing, selling very different styles of gear and items.


    Something is definitely out of ce, Arie''s assessment of the vige seems to be spot on. I''m not sure how or when, but recently there''s been arge influx of new vigers.


    I wonder why...


    We make it to the front of the dome-shaped mercenary guide to see arge man standing out in front of wooden tavern-style doors.


    He wears a full set of lightweight leather armor and carries arge silver axe. The man has dark sun-baked skin and short dirty blond hair. He''s muscr and easily 190cm tall.


    Arie and I stand up front while Maria and Abby follow.


    He speaks.


    "You 4 new to town? What brings ya by the guild? If you''re looking for some decent work around here, you better be strong. Competition is tough."


    The archer nods and answers.


    "That''s fine, we''re not looking for work anyways. Just hoping to buy a few rooms for the night, that''s all."


    The brute grins.


    "Outsiders with deep pockets, huh? How could I refuse."


    He steps aside from the front door, and we walk inside. There are rows of crowded tables with rougher-looking hunters making a ruckus.


    The clean, well-dressed vendors and children lining the streets are nothing like the men and women inside here.


    Laugher, conversation, and the asional sound of metal on metal from armor and weapons clinking fill my ears. This is where rogues and traveling hunters congregate to make their money.


    We walk in and I feel the gaze of a few too many eyes on me.


    Over 2 dozen roughians turn to see who came in the front door from their tables filled with drinks, food, silver, and stacks of paper.


    There''s a massive pinboard to my left side. It''s one of the first things I notice when entering the room. Some of the quests posted immediately catch my eye. They''re made of the same tough paper material that is resting on many of the tables in the bar.


    ____________________


    [Smander Skin] x60 : 4 Silver


    [Mana Crystals] 5000MU : 6 Silver


    [Escort: 50km Travel] : 8 Silver


    [Element Stone: Fire] x1 : 27 Silver


    [Mana Crystals] 10000MU : 11 Silver


    [Escort: 120km Travel] : 15 Silver


    [Smander Skin] x100 : 10 Silver


    ____________________


    On it, there are dozens of quests and jobs with payment details.


    At the top of the list, there seem to only be items rting to pure mana crystals, escort protection through the desert, and some drops from Smanders.


    Coincidently, that''s the same mob that came running at us in the desert before we got here.


    The payment offers seem very low... I can get almost 10x the same rate for mana crystals back in the capital. Plus, I''ve never even seen an element stone for sale, I''d assume they''re worth many gold.... Not 27 silver...


    It is a bidding system, so the only offers are from people in town that need certain items or services. There''s no set price, it just depends on what people are willing to pay.


    Many other quests are buried below the current ones with lower bounties and more obscure items.


    My gaze finally leaves the pile of papers pinned to the wall when the bright ming magic enters my field of view.


    I swiftly turn my body around and hear the raspy voice of an arrogant-sounding desert rogue.


    "How about this old man! Another one in the books, hand over the 27 silver haha! It only took me a few hours to take that beast down. A good day''s work indeed."


    A tall hunter with ck slicked-back hair, a tight white shirt, golden jewelry, and very tan skin turns to show the room a toothy grin while he holds up a flickering Firestone in his right hand.


    I use Inspect and Appraisal on him and the item in his hand.


    ____________________


    [Lv. 326]


    ____________________


    Active Items:


    [Element Stone][Fire Aspect]


    [Enchanted Boots] +35% Speed


    [Enchanted Gold Ring] +50% Mental Strength


    [Gold Ne of Protection] +45% Defense


    [Enchanted Gold Bracelet] +45% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]


    ____________________


    An old white-haired man at the long wooden counter in the back of the guild room quickly rummages through items on the floor until he takes out a small humming containment tray.


    The rugged hunter drops the ming stone into the tray and It rattles, throwing sparks up in the air. The tray is clearly an old one and isn''t doing a perfect job of keeping all the element-imbued mana contained.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye to watchrge amounts of blood-red magic seep out.


    The man at the back table begins to count out silver coins with his head down, not making eye contact with the rude hunter.


    The moment he stops counting, the fire user grabs the coins and turns around to leave.


    "Thanks, I''ll be back to clear the highest bounty tomorrow too. Hopefully, there''s another request for those fire stones, they''re easy pickings. A great workout too!"


    With a confident look across his face, the man puffs out his chest and starts walking through the crowd of wondering eyes.


    A thin, younger looking light blond-haired man speaks up.


    I can feel the tension in the room as he raises a hand and jumps in front of therge fire-wielding rogue''s path.


    "H-Hey sir, how much would it cost for you to clear the break? Y-You seem to be strong enough to do so, our vige, a small one off to the east about 1km has been-"


    He cuts off the frail man.


    "Not for sale. This break is a cash cow! Haha!"


    He smirks, pushing the scrawny man out of the way as he passes paying him no mind.


    "I have 50, no 100 silver. Everything I have, think of the children in-"


    The fire user swings open the guild''s wooden doors and leaves without hearing another word.


    There''s an awkward silence in the air for a moment.


    The blond-haired man looks down at the ground with a frown across his face. I feel bad for the guy for a moment, but the mood in the room quickly changes.


    The chatter andughter of other rogues and mercenaries starts to pick up again. I watch the older white-haired man at the front of the room wiping his forehead of sweat, then he puts on a smile.


    The 4 of us take advantage of the situation and continue our walk through the guild. Now, with much less attention on us after that debacle.

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210


    All 4 of us walk toward the back of the crowded mercenary guild through the tables full of people, sloshing drinks, various colored coins, and magical items being traded.


    The situation with a presumably well-known fire-using grunt has distracted the crowd''s attention from our entrance enough that we make it to the front counter without any trouble.


    The old white-haired guild manager shows us a professional smile as we approach and gives a nod before speaking up in a much more confident voice than earlier.


    "Some new faces around here. Are you looking to fill a request? What difficulty level are you all looking for, we have plenty avable but for outsiders, the pricing may be rather low. Competition has been toughtely with all the new huntersing through. People are willing to jump at lower and lower offers every day."


    Arie steps up and ces a hand on the counter, leaning in and matching the gaze of the old man.


    "We''re looking to buy today, not get paid. Do you have a few rooms avable? Just for the night, we''ll be leaving to go further north in the morning."


    The old man raises an eyebrow at Arie''sstment. He begins to shuffle paper and small items under the desk, then speaks.


    "For the 4 of ya? The best I can do is a quad-bunk room. There isn''t enough space for single rooms in this town anymore I''m afraid."


    He pulls out a small partially rusted key and ces it on the counter.


    Arie turns back to us with both hands raised slightly to his sides.


    I shrug and reply while stepping up to the old man.


    "If that''s all ya got, then we''ll take it."


    I reach into my item box to grab a few silver coins.


    "How much is it gonna run me?"


    He nods.


    "That''ll be 40 bronze for the night."


    As the manager replies promptly, the grip on the coins in my item box loosens and my mouth hangs wide open. I swallow my next words before theye out.


    Sifting through my item box, but not able to find any coins lower in value than the silver and gold I brought along, I gulp and ce one of the shiny silver coins on the table.


    "Maybe we could get a few drinks and some hot meals with that too."


    He quickly takes the silver coin, throwing it under the long table between us while I take the small key and put it in my item box.


    He replies.


    "Room 117. You''re right down the hall."


    The white-haired man points to a hallway off on our left side that twists out of sight from the main guild''s main room.


    He continues to speak.


    "Drinks? We can fill ya up, for the extra coin ya gave me. Even if it''s not for now, I never forget a face, don''t you worry."


    He winks.


    "Food on the other hand, you''ll need to go find a restaurant in town. This isn''t a bed and breakfast."


    He lets out a chuckle. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the scrawny man that stood up to the fire user earlier approaches.


    The guild manager takes notice.


    "It was a good try earlier, Danny. Maybe the next crew of adventurers that roll in can help ya out. It could even be these fes."


    The manager points over to us.


    "You 4 are hunters, right? Just looking at the way you handle your money and wave that high-ss gear around like it''s nothing, I can tell you''re probably pretty good ones too."


    As we confirm his suspicions with slight nods and momentary silence, the white-haired man turns to the younger thin blond.


    "It''s always free to ask, might as well show them around town. They''re in need of some good food."


    The stick-thin viger looks over to me and puts out a hand.


    "H-Hi, sorry about earlier. I didn''t mean to cause a scene on your entrance. The name''s Daniel, o-or Danny, whichever you prefer."


    He gives off a nervousugh as I shake his hand.


    "Nice to meet you too... The name''s Jay."


    I pause, remembering back to what the man in front of me said to the arrogant grunt before he left.


    He wanted him to clear a dungeon of some sort to help people from his vige...? Or at least something along those lines.


    I put a kind smile on my face and speak again.


    "Whatever it is, we''ll hear ya out. Just find us a ce a good ce to eat and we''ll happily listen to your problems"


    His eyes light up and his posture straightens.


    "Amazing- I- I mean certainly, please,e this way. I''ll bring you to the best hot meal in town."


    He turns to the exit of the guild, with a whole new attitude about him.


    I shrug, and my teammates do the same. Maria chimes in as we begin to walk towards the door.


    "Works for me, I''m starving."


    Abby rolls her eyes but politely follows, and Arie crosses his arms, not saying much just moving his gaze across the room.


    Most people ignore us as we thank the old manager and leave with the thin hunter back outside into the desert town''s streets.


    The sun is starting to set now, and it''s beginning to cool off. Lantern lights pop up in the various shops as the small man, Danny, leads us to the far edge of the vige.


    We pass a dozen small square-shaped one-story huts and smaller dome-style buildings on our way. Behind me, the light yellow glow ofnterns disappears as I peer out into the open desert.


    On this side of town, the sun sets far off in the distance and the starry night skyes into full view.


    The world around me seems to fade away for a moment as a streak of light zips across the sky for a fraction of a second.


    A shooting star.


    The light echoes from the chatter of trade, children ying, and random vigers''ughter fills my ears.


    I let out a sigh, thinking about how simple life must be ...out here...


    After a brief moment of silence, the thin hunter''s voice interrupts my thoughts as he points to one of the dome structures ahead. A steady flow of cooking smokees from a hole in the roof.


    There''s a crowd outside, but not nearly as packed at the guild center we just left.


    Danny excitedly walks over.


    "Here it is, the best food in the whole vige. Come on, let''s grab a table!"


    We walk over, and the smell of rich fatty meats and spices takes over my senses. Peering into the hut, there are circr tables and many cheerful vigers eating steaming hot meals.


    The 5 of us sit down in a well-lit, cozy room with a view of the desert through an open window to my right side. We order our food from a kind woman and Danny begins to tell us his dilemma.


    "Thanks again for hearing me out, I hope your travels through the sun-scorched ts so far have been... uneventful."


    Arie nods and replies.


    "Since you already know what direction we came from, I''ll tell ya more. There''s no harm in it. We made it from the Section 4 entrance wall in under a day. No bandits, no sand storms, or any signs of trouble yet."


    Maria speaks up.


    "Hey that''s not true, we ran into one of those weird-looking smanders on the way here! Isn''t that what all of this is about anyways?"


    Daniel''s eyes widen.


    "You fought one of them on the way here? How terrifying! I- I mean, you must be pretty strong?"


    I raise an eyebrow while using Inspect and Appraisal on the man to see he''s level 134 with a Dagger Mastery skill. He''s not exactly the creme of the crop, but still higher than expected.


    I interject.


    "Yeah, we handled it fine. I''m assuming all of this is about a dungeon break? Rting to those monsters?"


    He nods.


    Then, the woman that took our orders earlier brings out trays of steaming hot food and drinks. We begin to eat as Danny tells us his problems.


    "Well, it all started about a week ago... There''s arge cave system in the center of the surrounding viges that has many of the dungeons we all mine resources from to survive out here."


    He pauses and takes a bite, chews, then continues.


    "Last week, the most difficult dungeon in that cave system changed... The portal turned bright red and monsters started to pour out. The Volcanic Smanders. Usually, our most proficient fighters are able to handle the heat, and farm materials without a problem. Recently, those that have Fire aptitudes are the only hunters able to get into that dungeon due to the extreme temperatures. Mutants that roam those caves are getting stronger and stronger by the day. We''re not able to safely live in any of the nearby viges or even think about farming loot in the other dungeons."


    Danny lets out a sigh.


    "I''d offer you everything I have, really! These creatures are drying up ourst remaining water sources and forcing all of the surrounding viges to move out here. That''s why it''s so crowded. We don''t have many options left. Is it possible that you 4 are strong enough to handle it?"


    I look at all of my teammates and they reply with shrugs and nods. After cing my fork down on the half-finished t in front of me, I point one finger in the air, and the tip ignites into a small dark me.


    "Sure, I think we can make a deal."

 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211


    "Sure, I think we can make a deal."


    I let the small dark red me on my finger flicker out as the frail hunter replies.


    "Really? You''ll help us out? What''s your price? I don''t have much at all, but I could get together 100 silver- or- well 1 Gold coin''s worth of silver and bronze that is. I''d have to collect it from everyone that''s willing to pitch in."


    I turn to my teammates.


    "What do ya think? A small detour can''t hurt as long as we''re getting paid can it?"


    Abby frowns, then takes out our map. She begins studying it carefully before turning to Danny.


    "Where exactly is this cave filled with dungeons...?"


    He scratches his chin, then replies while looking at the ceiling.


    "Well, it''s about half a day''s walk, or a few hours by Camel to the northwest of here. I can show you the way. There''s a tall mountain peak off in the same direction, if you stay headed straight towards it there''s no way you''ll miss the cave system on the way."


    Abby''s left eyebrow raises, then she looks over to me and nods.


    "We''ll take the quest, we''re headed in that direction tomorrow anyways. I want a different reward though... we don''t need the money."


    I sit back and cross my arms, watching the green-haired hunter take the lead on our business dealings.


    She definitely found something worthwhile on that map moments ago, and I trust her judgment. I''d like to face a new dungeon at any chance I can get, and helping out nearby viges is already a bonus on top of any money or resources we''ll get paid.


    If Abby can sweeten the deal, I''ll leave her to it.


    Danny replies to her semi-cryptic statement.


    "Money isn''t of value to you 4? I-I''m afraid I''m not sure what else there is to offer out here. We have food and water, but silver and gold are still the currency that''s necessary for trade. It''s the most I can really offer."


    Abby nods, taking a sip of her drink before replying.


    "You said we can make it over to the dungeons tomorrow morning by camel ride, correct? Are those easy toe by around these parts? We''re in need of a new ride moving forward on our journey through the desert. Are there any you''re willing to part with?"


    He pauses for a moment, and all that''s heard is the nking of silverware in the room along with conversation from the hunters and vigers at the surrounding tables.


    I take another bite of my food, enjoying the show.


    There are no major stakes on the line for me here. I''m fine with walking across the desert on foot if we really have to. A camel or two sure would make traveling easier though.


    He replies.


    "I''m sure If I get the people from my home vige to pitch in, they''ll be able to spare some transportation in return for your kindness."


    Abby and Danny go back and forth, negotiating for a few minutes while Arie, Maria, and I strike up a conversation of our own.


    The food and drinks on our table disappear one by one until there''s nothing but empty tes and dry mugs on the circr wooden table.


    As our serveres to collect our finished dishes, Danny and Abby shake on a deal.


    "If that''s your final offer, I''ll get it taken care of. Two camels in return for guaranteeing the Dungeon in question gets cleared. You sure are a confident one."


    He stands up, bows, then turns to leave.


    "As I said, I''ll have to talk with the others before it gets toote to organize the arrangements tonight. I''ll meet all 4 of you outside the mercenary guild tomorrow morning. Does that work for you?"


    Abby turns to us.


    "How about it? 2 camels to take care of their dungeon problem?"


    Maria nods, Arie smirks, and I reply.


    "Sounds good to me, we''re happy to help."


    Danny happily walks out the door in a half skip.


    Our server finishes collecting the dishes, then Abby speaks up to the waitress in a cheerful tone.


    "Another round of drinks, it''s been a good day!"


    She nods with a polite smile.


    "Of course miss, 4 more drinksing up."


    As the server walks away, the green-haired hunter leans in with a grin across her face.


    "That break we agreed to clear, we''re not only heading in that direction anyways, it seems like our second break is in the same cave... Possibly, the same exact break."


    Arie replies.


    "I had a feeling but didn''t want to step in on your first Dark Continent deal. It''s fair game out here, no judgment."


    He chuckles and shrugs.


    Maria chimes in.


    "Hey, so we were going to help him out anyways? That''s no fair! I think we should do it for free! Or at least pay Danny for the camels!"


    Abby starts to get defensive, but I step in before she can reply.


    "Actually, I think it works out better for both parties if he helps us out for a fee."


    I turn to Arie.


    "How would the vigers out here feel about the Hunter''s Associationing in and saving them from a break?"


    He sighs, looking up at the ceiling, then back to me before replying.


    "Not very kindly. There''s a massive grudge against most Association Hunters out here... It... would probably not be in our best interest to tell them we''re here on a mission ordered by the government that banished them to stay within the walls."


    Maria gulps, then I nod slowly before replying.


    "So, if we clear the break and Danny gets the credit for finding a team of traveling adventurers that did so, It''s a win-win. We might as well get paid for it! I mean...e on, I''m not the only one a bit tired of walking through the desert."


    Maria sits back in her chair while Abby smiles wide with a satisfied expression across her face.


    "See, I knew exactly what I was doing."


    I give her a firm nod, then our second round of drinks arrives.


    I''m not sure if she really did think about the possibilities here, or if it was in her own self-interest, but I''m not too worried about any of this much now.


    It''s time to enjoy the night.


    The 4 of us get a few more rounds of drinks, staying out for a couple hours until the bar closes and the sun fully sets.


    I''m still unaffected by the alcohol, but my teammates are having a good time. Another night with a full stomach and a happy team around mees to a close.


    We make our way through the now quiet desert town back to the guild.


    After opening the front doors and walking through the much less crowded lobby, the 4 of us make our way down the winding wooden hallway at the back left corner of the room.


    With the turn of a key, the 4 of us copse into our beds. The small rented room has a single window with a view of the starry night sky


    It''s been a long day, but a productive one.


    I drift off to sleep.


    Many hours of peaceful slumber pass.


    The next morning, my eyes open and I see Arie leaning up against the wall from across the room.


    "Come on, rise and shine. We''ll bete soon. Abby and Maria already got ready half an hour ago."


    I rub my eyes and hop out of the small bunk. Sunlight shines in from the window above my head and the small rented room looks even tinier than it wasst night.


    Arie lets out augh at the confused look on my face.


    "Get what ya pay for."


    I nod tightening my lips and standing to my feet.


    "I guess you''re right."


    We both walk out to meet the girls standing ready in the hallway, then head off through the main guild room. The white-haired manager waves us goodbye.


    "Have a safe trip you 4,e back any time! I still owe each of ya a drink!"


    I reply as we make our way through the slowly growing crowd of hunters piling in to get out the new quests avable on the pin board.


    "Sounds good old man, until we meet again."


    On our way out the door, I happen to see the tall hunter with slicked-back hair and a Fire Summoning skill that we saw yesterday. He''s looking over the quest board. Many hunters are standing back behind him to wait their turn.


    As we walk out the tavern-style doors, he snatches one of the quests down from the wall and lets out an excitedugh.


    "Another one, my lucky day!"


    After I hear him blurt this out, the noises of the guild leave my ears.


    I''m nearly blinded by the sunlight from outside, but as my eyes adjust I see Danny standing no more than 10 meters away on the crowded vige street.


    Next to him, there are two golden brown camels with light red cloth over their backs.


    The hunter turns to us as we walk over, I wave and call out.


    "Morning! Hope you weren''t waiting too long."


    He smiles and waves back.


    "Not at all, I sure am happy to see you too. How do you like your new rides?"

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    Danny waves to us as we approach.


    "Not at all, I sure am happy to see you too. How do you like your new rides?"


    Today he''s wearing a new long red robe with a light defense buff, just like the older man that greeted us on our way in here yesterday.


    The two golden brown camels have a simr colored cloth over their humps withfortable but lightweight-looking seating for two on each attached.


    He speaks again.


    "Hop on, I''ll take you to the other side of town to fill up on water and gear. My ride is over there too."


    Abby steps in.


    "Your ride? What do you mean by that? Who said we''d be bringing you along?"


    I let out a chuckle, then jump up onto the camel in front of me with an assist from some wind magic beneath my feet.


    Danny replies.


    "Well, hey... It''s not that I don''t trust ya. The vige elder just said it would be a good idea for me to go along, you know, just to make sure the job gets done."


    Arie smirks, then hops up onto the second camel next to me.


    "Makes sense, I don''t mind if youe."


    Maria nods happily, then jumps up onto the camel that I''m riding, hugging me from behind.


    "Works for me too!"


    Abby lets out a long sigh, then nods.


    "Well, then it''s fine by me. Where''s this water stock-up station you were talking about? I''m pretty sure we''re set for supplies."


    She turns to me.


    I nod in agreement. I have more than enough food and water for all of us.


    Then Danny points off down the same road we came back fromst night.


    "Just around this bend, and the supplies aren''t for you. Come on, follow me."


    He begins to skip happily down the street. Abby follows on foot as Arie and I get a hand of controlling the camels down the semi-crowded sandy backroads.


    Less than 2 minutester we make it to the edge of the vige, finding ourselves in front of a few small square-shaped huts that seem to be very recently built.


    There are a few children running inside and outside the huts ying while some women clean and craft items. An old man tends to a camel gulping down water at an rmingly fast rate from a tub on the sandy floor.


    Danny waves and speaks up.


    "Elder! These are the hunters I was talking about. We''re just about to head out. We''ll be able to go back to our home vige soon, maybe even tonight!"


    The older man with a horribly slouched back and half-closed eyes looks up at us with a nk expression on his face. It turns into a rehearsed kind smile, then he gets back to refilling the camel''s water tub.


    Danny turns back to us, now walking backwards and looking up at me as we approach.


    "The two you''re riding on are already set for water, over a hundred liters each! You should give them more as much as possible, but if worstes to worst, they''ll be fine for a few days. Even a week or more in the worst circumstances. Best to keep ''em happy though!"


    He smiles, turning around to pet therge camel behind him as it finishes the tub of water. The happy creature licks its lips and raises its head with a satisfied glimmer in its eyes.


    I reply.


    "I-uh- good to know."


    I look down at the short elderly man, then he finally talks in a low tone.


    "Best of luck on your travels young ones. I appreciate you helping out my grandson."


    Abby hops up to sit behind Arie as Danny climbs up onto his ride.


    I reply to the old vige elder.


    "You got it. The Dungeon will be cleared and Danny will be back in one piece before the sun goes down."


    He smiles, giving me a nod of approval then speaking to one of the older women behind him in anguage I''m not familiar with.


    Danny puts up his red hood and turns his ride to the open desert, pointing to arge mountain peak off in the distance.


    "Let''s get moving! We should be able to make it there in under 3 hours if we hurry."


    On that note, we leave the vige without looking back.


    It was a fun stay, but our mission onwards awaits. Not only this break, but all 5 of the remaining ones. The more I think about it, the more serious these situations be.


    Thest break we faced got stronger while we were facing it....


    This one is supposedly drying up nearby water sources and forcing natives to move out of their home viges. I really wonder what other interesting dungeons this desert holds.


    As soon as we leave the cover of the desert town, the morning sun begins to rise higher and higher into the sky. My skin starts to feel the burn of mother nature yet again.


    Abby and I both activate our earth magic abilities to create sun cover overhead. Danny seems to be used to the heat and is also properly dressed for the asion.


    Maria holds onto my midsection as we ride, and she activates a small amount of ice magic. The cool sensation covers my body, making it feel like we''re not in the desert at all.


    I can hear Dannyughing up ahead of us.


    "You 4 sure do travel in style."


    I grin and call back.


    "Yeah, yeah. We sure do."


    After about an hour of desert travel, our first visitor shows its face.


    A small dust cloud approaches. With my All-Seeing Eye, Inspect, and Appraisal skills active, I quickly deduce it''s another one of those Smanders. A level 257.


    Before I can get a word out, I watch Arie charge his bow and release a thin white arrow into the approaching cloud.


    The attack pierces the monster''s head and it tumbles out of our way before we get anywhere near it. I call out to him, 5 meters or so to my left side.


    "I guess you''re on Smander duty!"


    He shrugs.


    "Sure, for now."


    Over the next hour, another half a dozen slimy red-skinned creaturese running toward us. They''re all between levels 250 and 270. Arie takes them out with no problems at all.


    Another hour passes, and the base-level mobs just keeping. Over 20 more havee crawling our way.


    Danny speaks up as Aire shoots down another just 10 meters in front of us.


    "I had no idea it had gotten this bad.... The break is really getting out of hand..."


    He gulps, then points ahead to a small rock structure about 500 meters ahead.


    It''s barely visible, but I can see it.


    "That''s it, the cave entrance. We made it!"


    I squint, looking forward, turning on my All-Seeing Eye.


    I''m hit with a st of intense mana readings, then speak up to my group.


    "There''s at least a hundred of them down there, no, maybe more!"


    The corners of my lips start to curl up as I activate my Inspect skill to scout out any potential mutants. To my delight, there are a few, but unfortunately, none are strong enough to put up a real fight.


    One of them even approaches us now. A level 312.


    This one is nearly 5 meters long, and I can see mes from its tails catch its whole back on fire. The monster''s red skin glows with a yellow tint and its ck beady eyes stare us down without a hint of remorse.


    Arie stretches his bow back, taking aim, then Danny yells out in a terrified tone the archer releases an arrow.


    "No it''s a mutant, wait!-"


    The wide-eyed expression across the scrawny hunter''s face as he turns back at us waving his hands puts me into battle mode immediately.


    I know Arie is more than capable enough to take out this monster, and Danny knows that too.


    Why would he warn him to stop...?


    I turn to Abby, to see she''s already turned toward me. Both of us jump off the backs of our rides.


    I hand the reins to Maria in mid-air as I air-step over Danny in front of us.


    Abby follows on a floating staircase of stone.


    We both activate our earth magic and make a floating wall of desert sand mixed with summoned rock 5 meters in front of us.


    This allows Aire''s arrow to pass, but blocks us from whatever danger Danny is warning us about.


    It''s just a hunch, but the growing skin and intense mes of the mutant melt rock and sand beneath its feet. Combined that fact with the horrid expression on Danny''s face as the archer let his shot loose, it makes me think we just ran over and mine...


    Maybe we did.


    As Arie''s arrow glides through the monster''s head, a bright red sh of light fills the air. I feel an explosion of extreme heat, then rubble hit the opposite side of the summoned wall.


    Arie, Maria, and Dannye to a halt on the camels behind us.


    A few seconds pass and the white and red lights fade. Dust in the air begins to settle and we let down the wall to reveal a massive 8-meter-wide crater in the desert floor. It''s full of molten rock and sand.


    I let out augh, but Danny looks at it with widen eyes and a hunched posture.


    "T-This is what happens every time one of those mutants is taken down. They... destroy everything."


    Myugh quickly fades as I realize the seriousness of his tone, then reply.


    "We can handle the heat. Don''t worry."


    Maria points a finger down at the bubbling pit of molten rock and a stream of icees forth, consolidating theva to stone instantly.


    She grins as I hop back on our ride.


    Maria whispers to me.


    "Yeah. They''re hot, but their mana control is non-existent. These monsters won''t be much trouble."


    Carefully, we make our way around the now ice and rock-filled crater. Then, head to the rock structure we set out to find.


    My only readings of any mutant-level monsters are underground now. There are noneing towards us on the surface. Only base-level mobs.


    Arie takes care of them.


    After a few more minutes, we finally make it.


    A jagged light orange-brown rock structure juts out of the desert sand. It doesn''t look like it''s supposed to be here at all...


    Over 20 meters wide, and about 7 meters tall, a mound of rock sits in the center of the desert.


    The buzz of mana emanates from it very strongly.


    We all stop a safe distance away and hop off our rides. I begin to walk forward mesmerized by the circr 3-meter wide cave entrance.


    Rubble lines the inner walls, but the main path looks t enough to safely walk through. Many hunters must have traveled down here before us.


    I walk closer, staring in awe. A wave of heat hits me, but I keep moving forward. As far as I can see from the outside, this tunnel in the desert is most definitely not a normal one...


    Instead of getting darker further in, the cave seems to have a light source at the end of it. There''s a bright yellow glowing from deep inside. The orange stone walls reflect it off each other, causing the entrance to hum and shine with a warm hue, beckoning us to enter.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    I stare into the cave in front of me, and it stares back...


    The buzz of mana fills the air, even audible for those that don''t have advanced mana detection abilities like myself.


    The yellow light from within the cave reflects off its orange walls, shining out with a warm inviting hue.


    I take out my sword, and Maria follows behind me.


    Arie and Abby start to walk close behind.


    I peer into the open cave''s mouth. Rubble lines the walls and steam fills the air, pushing out hot waves of energy even more ufortable than the desert sun.


    The bright light from the back of the cave gives off a denser mana signature than anything we''ve seen all day.


    As I begin to stretch my perception skill out even more, one of the base-level red-skinned creatureses sprinting out toward me.


    I reflexively charge my de up and slice it in half before it can even take a step out of the cave.


    I hear Danny''s quivering voice speak up from behind me.


    "H-Hey ya know.. if you all go in there, I''m not so sure I can fend for myself. And- uhm. I told you all this before, but the only hunters that are even able to enter the dungeon break so far have been ones with the fire aptitude skills. Apparently, it''s not a matter of how strong you are, just the heat can only be withstood by those that can wield it themselves."


    I think to myself for a moment, doubting that these creatures could produce enough molten rock or mes to actually defeat a hunter with higher mana control...


    Then again, the whole concept of mana control was alien to me until very recently. Most people never find out about it their entire lives. Danny is most likely clueless when ites to the higher-ranking hunter''s abilities.


    It''s better I don''t make too much of a big deal here, ignorance is bliss.


    I speak up.


    "Well, I have a Fire Summoning Skill. So I''ll be able to withstand their heat, no problem."


    Then turn to Maria, then back to Danny.


    "She has an Ice Summoning skill, It''s a fairly effective counter to lower-powered Fire magic. Especially with the extreme level gap."


    Maria nods proudly, putting both hands on her waist and responding.


    "Yeah, I can handle it."


    Danny turns to Arie and Abby.


    The archer is the first to reply to his worried gaze.


    "I don''t mind staying back."


    He turns to me.


    "Jay, you and Maria can handle this one. I don''t think it''ll be too tough anyways."


    I give him a firm nod.


    Abby wipes sweat from her forehead, backing up from the steam-spewing cave.


    "I''ll... agree with Aire on this one. If you want to handle it, by all means, this dungeon is yours."


    I chuckle, then reply.


    "Great. You two take care of Danny outside, Maria and I will clear this break before you know it."


    I turn to Maria, watching her start to glow light blue while taking out her long silver sword.


    "Ready?"


    She nods, turning to the cave opening while the ground beneath her feet starts to be covered in ice.


    "Let''s do this."


    We wave the 3 others off and walk towards the opening of the cave. The light from inside shines bright, but seems to be inching further away every step forward we take.


    It''s almost like the cave itself is begging for us to walk deeper into it. Or maybe there''s a creature inside controlling the light.


    I happily do as it wants, drinking an MP potion and expanding the range of my perception and detection skills.


    Once Maria and I cross the border and enter the mouth of the rocky tunnel, a lot bes much more clear to me...


    At the same time, there''s so much more that bes unknown.


    My mind''s eye starts to fill up with a mapped-out version of the cave system we''ve just entered. It''s like the inside of a scattered and broken ant hill.


    Twists and turns of narrow tunnels fill my vision. Some lead to dead ends, while others go dark before I can make out where they even lead. Portions of the twisting mazes are blinding me with dense mana readings while others are dead and cold.


    Out here in the real world, my All-Seeing Eye and Detection skills have a much harder time mapping out my environment.


    They''re efficient at detecting mana. In dungeons, everything is made from mana so it''s easy to see all of my surroundings.


    Out here in these caves, areas that arecking mana all seem the same. Dark and undetectable.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "This... may be a bit harder than I initially thought."


    There are 3 mainrge sources of energy that I''m sensing. These must be dungeon entrances. There are over 100 smaller slow-moving readings. They''re most likely monsters that have escaped from the break.


    There''s one, deepest in the cave, that is giving off an incredible amount of energy. This is most likely the heat source and epicenter of the break.


    I smirk as wee to a crossroads. One path is light while the other is as dark as night.


    "Let''s head this way."


    Maria and I head off to the right, following the yellow-orange glow.


    Level 250-270 Smander mobs line the walls the further in we travel. Easily being able to cut them down with a single slice from our des, this doesn''t slow us down in the slightest.


    The only problem is, the small amount of light thates off the base mobs tails is definitely not enough to make therge yellow glow that we''re following. The denser mana that is creating it keeps moving further away the closer we get.


    Maria and I speed up, running through the cave and cutting down mobs at double the pace.


    The glow we''ve been following bes brighter and brighter.


    Finally, we take a turn and find what we''re looking for.


    "Another mutant."


    Standing before us, glowing yellow and orange, reflecting light off the cave walls, another mutant Smander stares us down. This one is level 314.


    Before I even have time to think, it lunges at us and I watch its back begin to glow a much deeper orange hue while dripping molten rock.


    Maria acts fast and creates a massive wall of ice.


    The moment the monster makes contact with the blue magic It quickly encapstes the entire mutant and smothers out its me in a matter of seconds.


    The light that had been illuminating the cave dies down and we''re left in near darkness. The only thing lighting the way is the dim glow of another yellow light at the far end of the tunnel before us.


    With a loud thud, the body of a frozen solid 4.5-meter-long Smander falls to the floor, blocking our path. Maria hits it with the tip of her sword and it fractures into hundreds of tiny pieces.


    To my surprise, there''s no fiery explosion.


    We''re also outside of a dungeon, so there''s no hope of any rare drops just yet...


    I speak up while igniting my sword into mes for a but of light.


    "Huh, well that makes things a lot easier."


    We continue forward, following the dim glow of the next mutant smander.


    My mind begins to wander.


    One thing that troubles me as we walk and farm lower-level mobs is the fact that the fire user at the guild yesterday brought in an element stone to sell...


    I assume he went diving here, but none of the mutants we''ve faced dropped a thing. Maybe he''s strong enough to enter the dungeon, that would be the only exnation.


    It''s the one I''m most hoping for, actually.


    If that grunt can pull off farming a Firestone, then we''ve struck gold. I wouldn''t mind taking home a few stones home myself before we clear the whole break.


    A grin creeps across my face as we near the first hyper-dense energy source on my radar.


    The tunnels are getting hotter, the light is getting dimmer, and the air is getting denser and denser with mana.


    Before we turn the next dark corner to see what it is, I turn my head back and call out.


    "Hey, Maria. How ya holding up?"


    Glowing bright with her magic, she gives me a bright smile.


    "Fine so far, I can tell it''s getting hotter, but my Ice is blocking it out fine."


    "Good. I think we''re about a third of the way there. If I''m not mistaken, there''s a dungeon around this bend... It''s not the break, but It wouldn''t hurt to check it out."


    We both step around arge pile of hot rubble and defeat 3 lower-level base mobs as we round the bend.


    My prediction was spot on.


    We both stop and stare, mesmerized by the sight of arge light blue twisting dungeon entrance portal...

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    The light blue spinning mass of energy shines bright against the rock wall of the cave.


    It lets off a barely audible hum.


    Maria shrugs when she sees it, letting out a sigh then begins to walk off to where we were initially headed.


    "Not the break. Let''s keep going."


    I throw a hand in the air.


    "Hey, hey! Wait a second, don''t you want to at least check it out? Ya never know what''s in there. And- well. I''d like to set a teleport point in this dungeon too, it''s always good to have a backup n."


    Maria turns, replying.


    "Yeah... I guess you''re right, I didn''t even think about that!"


    After this simple agreement, we both jump through the portal. White transport magic brings us to a forest-like dungeon. The grass beneath our feet is thick and lush green.


    Maria deactivates her intense Ice magic, as it''s not necessary anymore. I do the same, turning off my mes and looking around curiously.


    I feel like I''ve seen a dungeon like this before... but it''s been a while. The levels of mana my perception skill picks up tell me this is definitely a low-level dungeon. A mid-level E-ss at best.


    Using enemy detection and Inspect, I locate a few monsters between levels 30 and 40. This confirms my E-ss suspicions.


    Before I can let out another word, a group of 4rge wolveses running straight at us from a heavily wooded area.


    Maria takes care of them with ease, and I look up to the sky, taking in the beautiful view of trees and rocky hills raised off in the distance.


    It''s so peaceful here.


    After recollecting our thoughts and cooling off, we exit back into the steamy cave.


    It was a nice little break, and I now have my Dungeon Walker spawn points fixed. So even if we destroy the break, I''ll still be able toe back here if need be in the future.


    Maria re-activates her Ice magic and I burst into a light flicker of dark mes.


    We walk forth into the twisting maze of tunnels, taking out another 20 base-level mobs before facing another mutant.


    Again, Maria freezes it solid before the creature can explode like our incident outside. The level 317 breaks into a thousand tiny pieces as we continue on our way to the next glowing blue portal.


    The air has already gotten significantly thicker with both hot steam and pure mana.


    It bes much more difficult to see the yellow-orange light at the end of the tunnel, but I still have my perception skills to guide the way.


    After a few more in mutants and about 5 minutes of walking, the next glowing blue portales into full view.


    We jump through, just to take another rest and get out of the heat.


    Once we do, I recognize thisndscape too.


    Rolling hills of maroon-colored turned-up dirt. Plus, the disgusting smell of rotten flesh. The sky is grey, and the air is still. It''s silent.


    "A rat dungeon...."


    We both deactivate our elemental magic and take a breather.


    Maria is red in the face and breathing heavily. We both drink a bottle of water along with MP potions.


    I speak up after a few seconds.


    "We''re almost there. The only dungeon left after this one is the break. No more rest stops, it''ll be a lot hotter in there than in the caves we''ve been trudging through. So be prepared."


    Maria nods, beginning to glow blue again and turning toward the exit portal.


    "I''m ready. No point in wasting any more time."


    I pause, finishing a water bottle and throwing it into my item box.


    "You''re right."


    I begin to hear the scratching and wing sound of teeth and nails digging into the up-turned soil.


    A hoard of a few dozen rat mobs, all between levels 120 and 140 approach. The massive disgusting creatures peek their heads over a nearby dirt mound and the two of us take it as our cue to leave.


    We fully activate our elemental magic and hop out of the exit portal nearby before the fight even starts.


    I whisper under my breath as we leave.


    "Two sessful dungeon detours before the main event."


    My transport points are set, and we''re fully prepared to face the boss.


    There aren''t any crossroads moving forward, it''s a single tunnel down to the final point. Light from mutant monsters leads the way as we continue into the twisting underground tunnel.


    The cave floor has a slight descent, bringing us deeper and deeper underground the further we go.


    After 5 more mutants and about 100 meters of elevation change further down into the rocky desert cavern, the heat starts to get even more intense.


    I''m wiping sweat from my arms and face every few seconds. Maria is sting her Ice magic with much more intensity as well.


    White steam makes it hard to see even 5 meters ahead and my lungs feel like they''re being cooked from the inside out with every breath.


    I''m able to regenerate my minor injuries with ease, and there have been noints from the ice mage behind me yet, so we continue moving forward.


    Finally, the distant glow of yellow light from the mutants we ughter one by one begins to turn red. The mana density also spikes drastically as we round another narrow bend.


    "Finally, we found it."


    The cave walls around us start to vibrate the closer we get.


    The floor beneath my feet rumbles, sending vibrations through my whole body at the same frequency as the now pulsing red light that gets brighter and brighter with every step.


    The hot steam filling the air gets thicker, making full breaths close to impossible without breathing in fragments of burning cave matter.


    We continue forward until the anomaly I''ve been searching fores into full view.


    A full-fledged dungeon break.


    I''ve never seen one quite like this...


    The cave floor rattles and shakes. I can physically see hot white steam pouring out of the blood-red mass of energy spinning in front of us.


    It''s over 4 meters in diameter, and the edges flicker and pulse.


    The sour smell of sulfur fills the air and I hear Maria cough behind me while I stare into the twisting red void.


    My skin feels just like it did burning out in the hot desert sun, but all I feel is the excitement of a new adventure ahead.


    I turn back to the Ice user as she tightens the grip on her sword, giving me a nod.


    Flickering with dark red mes I jump through and Maria follows.


    White transfer magic fills my vision, and I instantly feel the heat around me multiply many times over...


    What felt like an intense sunburn moments ago now turns into the distinct feeling of sizzling flesh.


    I immediately activate my self regeneration skill while increasing the output of my mana to fuel my mes,bating the invasive heat.


    As my vision attempts toe back into full focus, all I see is red...


    The hard rock floor below me shakes and rumbles much more violently while the buzz of mana in the air has not left my ears.


    Blinking a few times, thendscape eventually makes itself very clear. I raise my head to see a massive volcano before my eyes.


    Over 2 kilometers high, it''s the only thing visible in this entire dungeon.


    The monstrous structure is made of jet-ck rock, and behind it is an even darker ominous sky.


    The rock beneath my feet slopes upwards at a slight incline. The slope increases the further up the mountain I look, making it easy to stand here, but rather steep when taking into ount the entire peak.


    The further up I look, the more oundish the sight before me bes. Portions of the sloped rock walls are cracked with magma flowing out.


    Huge clouds of white steam fill the air and the dungeon crawls with ming smanders eyeing us from the crevices of molten stone.


    Crimsonva trickles down from the top of the high volcanic structure and tunnels are being carved out by the hot molten material flowing down.


    I sense a massive increase in mana output behind me, then turn to watch Maria putting out a new intense royal blue aura.


    I''ve never seen her use this level of magic before.


    Steam ising off the ice she summons at an astounding rate, but the look of determination on her face tells me she''s dead set on following me into this battlefield.


    As I look back up at the volcano above, 3 mutantse charging down at us. They''re levels 322, 317, and 315.


    Their ming tails and backs match the color of theva flowing down from behind them. All 6 beady eyes, dark as night are locked onto us with intent to kill.


    We respond by jumping into action as well.


    With a sh of white, blue, and red light, it''s all over in an instant.


    Maria takes the two monsters that attack up front while I swerve off to the left side, to take care of an irregr mutant that stays about 30 meters behind.


    Even in this extreme sweltering heat, Maria can still freeze the approaching monster solid before they''re able to even think about a counter.


    Satisfied, knowing Maria can fend for herself, I focus on the mutant I''ve run off to face. From a safe distance, about 25 meters away now, I let a mana-imbued fire strike fly.


    On impact just like before, the mutant explodes into a disy of molten rock and mes.


    I use my Earth Summoning skill on the floor below me to create a ck stone just in case, but the aftermath of its self-destruct feature doesn''t reach me.


    It looks like 15 meters or so is its total st radius.


    I walk over to the crater of molten rock leftover by this mutant''s defeat and my eyes light up at item drop floating on the surface of theva pool by my feet.


    "A Firestone."

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    I use my telekinesis skill to lift the Firestone from the bubbling pit of molten rock.


    Its crackling and ming with intense heat, but not nearly as powerful as the two stones I''ve encountered in the past.


    There''s also a bright pink mana crystal floating by its side. I''ve never tried melting one since I was a much lower level, but it appears they''re heat-resistant even to molten rock. I chuckle and lift it out of the smallva pool with my skill as well.


    I ce the ming stone along with the pink gem into my item storage then turn to see Maria running my way. Her royal blue tint is giving on an intense low-pitched hum and she drinks another MP potion on the run over.


    The Ice Mage is definitely exerting a lot of energy tobat this heat.


    I''m profusely sweating and the air burns my skin and lungs, but it''s only mildly irritating. I''m used to the heat and have been through much worse.


    My mana-imbued mes ward off the natural heat in the air, pushing outside and fire magic residue away. The minor burns I''m receiving are healed with self regeneration magic.


    I can handle this all day. Maria''s mana-imbued protectiveyer of Ice magic seems to be holding up fine in the meantime as well.


    We continue to climb the volcano, passing wide gaps in the stone floor that leads down to bubbling pits ofva and fire below.


    Many base-level and mutant mobse at us, spewing mes and throwing hot and melted rocks from their bodies. Some even use the dungeon''s surroundings as natural weapons.


    The level gap between us is too great, they''re all taken down in an instant.


    We make our way upwards for about 30 minutes straight, winding through portions of the fiery mountain that aren''t covered inva.


    I air-step overrger pools that can''t be avoided, while Maria freezes solid pathways to walk across when necessary. Her ice melts quickly, but it stays in a crystal state for long enough that she can make it across with ease.


    The air up here is thicker with hot steam, forcing me to use more of my fire magic to block out the heat. I even activate mana maniption to imbue my own makeshift mana shielding.


    It''s been something that''s been itching at the back of my head for a while, and now is the perfect time to try it out.


    I let pure mana seep from my body, simr to the way I''ve watched monsters activate their shielding.


    In doing so, it creates a thin, yet denseyer of pink magic underneath my nket of dark red mes.


    Instantly, the hot pressure from the outside world vanishes. I almost feel cool... The heat hardly makes it through.


    With a clearer mind, I activate my All-Seeing Eye to scope out the environment in much greater detail.


    Dense magic fills the entire dungeon, and it all seems to being from the top of the mountain.


    We continue towards the source of the power.


    Mobs aren''t the problem at all, they''re quite easy to fend off actually. I''ve collected 4 Firestones in total so far.


    Every 20 seconds or so, I see Maria drinking another MP potion. Her ice is sizzling away into steam seconds after its summoned.


    She doesn''t have the advanced mana control and extra abilities that I do. This isn''t sustainable long-term, but she isn''tining.


    The tunnels of from downward-flowingva streams have carved out tube-like paths down the mountainside making oddly shaped winding trails down the volcanic rock face.


    Steam from above has a harder time settling in these crevices, but monsters love them.


    There are more item drops and less heat, it''s the best of both worlds. We travel through these tunnels for thest portion of our trek.


    After another 30 minutes of climbing and farming monsters pass I collect 3 more element stones and arge pile of mana crystals.


    We finally break through the thickyer of steam-filled clouds to reach the ming mountain''s peak.


    The sounds of crackling fire and bubbling molten rock pits are no more. The crumbling stones and slithering monsters arepletely out of sight and mind.


    I step onto a narrow t surface, then gaze down into a deep pit below... It looks as if it falls all the way to the Dungeon floor.


    An incrediblyrge pool of liquid dungeon mass glows dark red below. Hot air flows up, making it hard to look over the edge for too long.


    We stand on a thin ring of ck stone that stretches all the way around the mouth of a silent volcano.


    From edge to edge, the mouth of this volcanic mountain looks to be about 50 meters wide. On the far side, I can see exactly what we came for.


    "The Boss Room Portal...."


    Spinning slowly on the far side of the massive gaping hole, I see a jet-ck portal."


    When my eyes meet with it, and my perception skill examines its contents. The mana density rating is much higher than it should be...


    Most boss rooms tend to be tinted light grey, and some breaks or mutant bosses have been darker grey in the past, but this one is as dark as night...


    "It''s ck."


    The monster behind that portal is going to be a lot stronger than the monster out here.


    I was confused as to why this break was rated a higher danger level than the first, now it''s starting to make much more sense.


    I grip my de and turn to the right, starting to carefully make my way along the narrow edge of the volcanic rim.


    Maria follows close behind.


    No steam or visible magices up from the hot pit of molten rock below. It just sits in silence.


    Every time I peer down into it, the entire dungeon feels like it''s staring back at me.


    Magic fills the air, but I hardly hear a buzz.


    All I can really seem to focus on is the twisting ck mass of mana at the other side of the volcano''s mouth.


    We inch closer.


    The only sound that reaches my ears is Maria''s footsteps a few paces behind me.


    Wepletely circle the entire volcano''s pit without speaking a word and make it to the other side.


    The portal ominously spins, letting out waves of invisible, non-detectable magic by any normal sense. It''s only perceivable to me.


    It doesn''t let out a sound, and there''s no Dungeon matter being spewed from it like the entrance to this break. It''s just a dense ck hole of mass, waiting for us to step through.


    The closer we approach, the more I expect to feel extreme heate off of the portal, but it never does. It just slowly spins and waits for us to enter.


    Wee to a full stop 5 meters away.


    I speak up while strengthening my makeshift mana maniption-fueled shielding and gripping my sword.


    "You ready?"


    The Ice mage gulps behind me, responding in a low tone.


    "I think so.... There''s only one way to find out."


    On that note, we both jump through.


    The eerie silence put us both on high alert, but there''s no reason not to enter. We came here to face the mutant boss and clear the break, so that''s what we''ll do.


    The moment my hand touches the dark ck portal I feel the temperatures rise to an rming degree, even through my shielding.


    Out of instinct, I instantly increase the output of my mana maniption to nearly full st but continue to jump all the way through and let the white transfer magic light take me in without hesitating.


    The pressure of incredibly hot and dense fire magic fills all of my senses.


    I have to concentrate with arge portion of my mana control to keep this thin pinkyer of mana around me beneath my mes.


    Heat seeps through, burning the skin on my arms and legs, but I adjust the thickness of the mana that seeps out to counteract the breaking points.


    The Boss room finallyes into view as I get better control of my defenses.


    I look around and confirm it''s just like most other boss rooms. A t rocky surface with walls around the far edges a few hundred meters out in all directions.


    The only difference here is that it seems we''re on a melting ind of rock. The center is made of the same ck stone material as the volcano we just left.


    The further out that I look onto our new battlefield the lighter and lighter the rock''s color bes. It turns from ck stone to red, then orange, and eventually meltspletely yellow and white.


    All of the outer edges are melting away, slowly dissolving the tform we stand on.


    The floor rumbles, then I see half a dozen 7-meter-long Mutant Smanders crawl out from the bubbling pools of magma from all sides.


    Our Boss Room battle has begun.

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    I slowly turn around, taking in my surroundings from all directions.


    The air ripples and bends from the incredible heat, making it near impossible to see without the aid of my perception skills. The intense royal blue glow by my side from Maria shines brighter than I''ve ever seen before.


    Waves of fire-imbued magic force their way through her defenses, constantly inching closer to burn her skin, but the ice mage pushes onwards digging deep into mana stores unused in any past battles.


    Even without the level of mana control I possess, or the mana maniption skill, Maria manages to withstand the heat.


    She does have nearly double the natural mental strength attitude of a normal hunter, and she''s about the same level as me. Considering her stat-boosting gear as well, her magic power may be stronger than mine right now...


    Although Maria is burning through a full MP potion every 10 seconds, it looks like she''ll stand this boss room just fine.


    That''s the least of our worries though.


    Coming up from the bubbling pit ofva on all sides, I watch half a dozen 7-meter-long mutant Smanders emerge all around us.


    I turn, now standing back to back with Maria.


    There''s no exit portal in Boss Rooms like this, so we''re all alone, standing on a ck circle battlefield of stone. The two of us are about to face the final wave of mutants, then take on the master of this dungeon.


    The hard ground beneath my feet shakes as the group of ming Smanders walks onto my side of the ring. There are 3 more that approach on the opposite end, eyeing Maria down with the same amount of pure killing intent.


    I scan the trio in front of me to see what exactly I''ll be facing. I only let my gaze shift across their levels and skills.


    [Lv. 395]


    [Lv. 391]


    [Lv. 389]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    I grip my sword, holding the mana control output of my makeshift shield steady, and increase the intensity of the dark mes that surround my body.


    Then, speak to Maria as the ground starts to shift and crack as the mutants approach.


    "Whatever you do, do not get hit by their mes. It''s an advanced version of the fire magic. It... doesn''t go out easily. One hit could be fatal."


    She nods.


    "Understood, I wasn''t nning on getting hit anyways."


    We both run forward, separating from each other, charging our des, and getting ready to face the mutants that crawl towards us from nearly 70 meters away on both sides.


    This n quickly turns sour...


    After taking just a few steps away from the center of the battlefield, my heart skips a beat....


    "This... can''t be real..."


    I swallow hard, gasping for air as the temperature drastically rises. I stop running forward at once. I''ve barely made it 10 meters and this heat has tripled its intensity.


    I feel the burning hot pressure on my forearms and shins where my mana shielding is the weakest.


    After a moment of hesitation, I take another step forward. The intense heat that''s closing in on me breaks through my shielding, searing the topyer of my skin instantly.


    I let out a grunt and jump backward, meeting Maria breathing heavily while kneeling down on one knee. For a moment we stare at each other with the same concerned and disoriented look on our faces.


    My gaze immediately shifts to analyze our surroundings, there''s no time for concern.


    She gulps.


    "I-Impossible. It''s too hot."


    I nod, looking around and healing my minor burns while Smanders continue to approach slowly.


    The hard ck rock beneath their feet cracks and breaks away, so that every time they take a step more fragments of the small ind we stand on fall into the molten pit of rock we float on.


    I close my eyes and think... then speak.


    "Stand up, and get ready. We may not be able to make it far out into the dungeons, but we can still fight them once theye into our territory."


    Maria nods, replying.


    "I can withstand the heat until about 10 meters out from the center, any further and I can''tbat the heat."


    I nod.


    "Same, 10 meters is myfort point. I could make it further out if I push myself, but we haven''t even seen the Boss yet. It''s best not to put ourselves at risk until necessary. We''ll let theme to us."


    The mutants waste no time in crawling across the hard rock, making their move.


    At nearly 50 meters away, I charge up my de to roughly 1000 MP. An attack at nearly half my entire MP bar.


    The mutants outside weren''t proficient in mana control in the slightest. These creatures are nearing level 400, so I wouldn''t be surprised if they summon some kind of shielding.


    As my attack flies through the air, my prediction bes a reality. I watch the first mutant up front activate ayer of shielding, but my thin de of mana-imbued fire slices right through without a hint of resistance.


    A thin red line appears across the monster''s neck as its decapitated on the spot. Its entire body begins to glow yellow and orange while molten rock leaks from its back. The mana de continues to fly, missing the 2nd Smander entirely, but slicing an arm off the 3rd without a sound.


    The de is not disrupted at all, it just soars off into the distance. Before I can watch it make contact with the dungeon wall, the first mutant I beheaded explodes into a fiery molten disy.


    It''s much more impressive than the others outside, making a st radius of nearly 30 meters. It covers its counterparts in hot molten rock.


    They don''t seem to be affected, and continue to charge forward. Even the monster missing a limb runs at me like nothing happened.


    Dripping with yellow and orange rock, and staining the jet-ck battlefield with their trails of liquid stone, the two monsters stare ahead at me and charge.


    I let out another attack, with the same amount of power, slicing the closet monster in two. It explodes just like thest, glowing bright yellow for a fraction of a second before its demise.


    Once the mes and molten debris clear, I let out another, defeating the final mutant before it gets any closer.


    It erupts into a disy that shows my victory is final.


    With a grin, I turn to watch Maria.


    The approaching mutants aren''t injured at all yet, she just stares ahead, with her eyes locked on the monsters.


    I think about asking if I should step in, but the determination on her face tells me otherwise. I watch intently, staying on high alert, ready to defend myself if necessary.


    She whispers under her breath.


    "Stand back, and shield yourself. I can handle them."


    I do as she wishes and take a few steps backward until the heat from the Dunegon bes ufortable. I''m at the outer edge of our miniature safe zone.


    The 3 massive mutant mobse charging at her in an erratic fashion while Maria standspletely still watching them crack the ground, flooding more and moreva onto the slowly sinking battlefield.


    Only 5 seconds pass, but it feels like minutes in my eyes.


    The Ice mage glows darker and darker in the royal blue tone from before. Her sword glows and hums with mana-imbued ice magic.


    Finally, the 3 beastse within the 10-meter radius that we can handle moving around in. Maria makes her move.


    The ground beneath the Mage''s feet starts to turn white and blue. The mes of the Dungeon aren''t strong enough to fend off the cold at the rate of her ice magic being summoned.


    The monsterse closer, alling together with open mouths and heavy limbs reaching forward.


    Then, Maria lets out her full-powered attack.


    A massive thick crescent of white, baby blue, and dark royal blue energy all twist together to make a buzzing high-powered attack.


    It''s not refined magic by any means, but it''s more than enough power to get the job done. That''s for sure...


    It impacts the first monster''s head fractions of a secondter, exploding into a massive ball of mana, fire, rock, and ice.


    I activate my earth summoning skill to create a barrier imbued with mana to block out the iing debris. Maria created a dome of ice around herself.


    I hear massive chunks of monster parts and molten rocks fall from the sky as I shield myself from the gore-filled mess above.


    After the distant cries of dying monsters fade, and the room falls silent again, I lift my cover.


    The ground is covered in flesh and red hot rocks. Maria''s dome of Ice slowly melts away and she reveals herself to be unharmed.


    We both stare off into the burning abyss of ck and red mes with smiles across our faces. I lean over to her with a whisper.


    "Not bad, not bad at all..."


    Immediately after these words leave my lips, I feel the floor beneath our feet rumble again.


    The edge of the ind we stand on begins to crack and crumble away at an rming rate. I watch one side of it begin to raise. It looks like an enormous ball is lifting out of theva pool.


    Then, the rock fragments fall away to reveal what is really underneath.


    I see it...


    The head of an enormous beast peaks out of theva pit below. Covered in jet-ck skin matching the color of the rock we stand on. With fiery red eyes leaking dense mana, it locks its gaze onto me from across the entire room.


    I feel a shock wave of energy hit me at once.


    It''s a familiar feeling. I grit my teeth and bare the intrusive sensation while Inspecting and Appraising the monster that lurks deep beneath us.


    ___________________


    [Lv. 449]


    Active Items:


    [Skin of the Volcanic Smander] +80% Mental Strength +80% Fire Magic Resistance


    Active Skills:


    Intimidation


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    ___________________

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    The mutant boss peeks out from the bubblingva pit that surrounds us. All that''s visible are its bright red eyes, jagged white teeth, and scaly ck skin.


    The ind we stand on rumbles and shifts.


    Portions of the rocky floor begin to fracture and flood the ind with even more molten rock. The cracks are inching closer, threatening to copse the entire area we stand on at any given moment.


    As I stare into the lurking monster''s deep red eyes, I feel the intense waves of its intimidation skill running through my body.


    Unlike its underlings, this Boss monster has what seems like hard-scaled skin. It''s shiny and as ck as the rocks we stand on.


    I don''t back down.


    With a steady grip on my sword, I keep my mana shielding activated on full st, with a veil of dark mes around my full body. I stare back at the beast, sending a wave of intimidation back at it.


    The Boss lifts its headpletely out from theva. Molten rock drips from its mouth and rolls off its scales.


    The monster looks terrifying. It wouldn''t hesitate for a moment to end us if it gets the chance.


    I haven''t been this excited in a while...


    The head of the beast keeps rising out from the pool of molten rock. Over 5 meters and still moving upward before it ces its first front leg on the ind with an earth-shaking stomp.


    A long fracturing line of broken stone moves straight at us, it looks like it''ll crack the entire ind in two.


    Thankfully, it stops about 20 meters from the monster''s front leg, but another fracture appears once the monster lifts its second limb onto the ind.


    Glowing hot molten mass spews off in all directions and the massive Mutant Smander lets out a roar. The deep bellowing sound it lets out followed by an ear-shattering shriek fills the air, echoing off the edges of the boss room and seemingly getting louder and louder.


    It fully climbs onto the arena we stand to show off its full form. A 12-meter-long dark-as-night creature from hell, glowing with a murderous red aura. Its mouth leaks with hot molten rock and I can feel every step it takes as it sends shockwaves through the ind floor.


    Without a second to waste, the monster opens its mouth and spews an attack full of mes... or at least, what I thought were mes.


    A long 3-meter wide beam of glowing dark red and orange lightes flying directly at us. As the wave of blood-red magic rockets toward us, I realize it''s pure mana-imbued molten stone.


    Also, it''s very fast.


    I turn, locking eyes with Maria and following her to my left side to jump out of the way and dodge.


    Overwhelming heat fills my senses and my mana shielding is fried straight through the moment the massive beam of red-orange masses whizzing by.


    The attack misses me by about 3 meters.


    It was only for a fraction of a second, but my entire right arm, side, and back are covered in severe burns... Maria was much further from the st, but her arm and leg are severely injured too.


    Both of us fall to the floor, but quickly stand to get our footing again. We face the monster with no fear, about 60 meters away from us. Maria drinks an MP and HP potion while I heal my side and think of a n.


    I try to take a few steps forward, but the heat is too much.


    Just when I thought it couldn''t get any worse, I feel the ground shake... On the other side of the ind, 6 more mutants between levels 385 and 400 appear.


    I reach into my item storage to grab a Strengthening Fragment out of instinct. I need more power, and I need it now.


    I grit my teeth and murmur under my breath.


    "But... there has to be another way."


    Although It may get the job done, there''s a potential that I''ll be out ofmission for a few days if I try anything too rash here.


    Boosting my power once usually leads to doing it many times over without thinking about the consequences once I get started.


    "If only...."


    As the underlings of the boss step onto the tform behind me, I watch the boss charge up another one of its attacks.


    An idea clicks in my head.


    I let go of the shiny ck Fragment and grab the clear crystal core of the Golem Boss I defeated yesterday.


    "This will work..."


    I put my sword away into the item box around my waist, betting it all on my new n.


    The crystal-clear round orb glistens in the fiery light of the Boss Room Dungeon as I hold it up between my line of sight and the mutant boss before me.


    I drink an MP potion and speak.


    "Mana Maniption."


    [Use Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Advanced Perk: [Temporary Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-423


    [YES][NO]


    "Level 423."


    "Yes."


    Pink strings of energye off of my fingertips and begin to pour into the clear ball. I let go of it and stand back.


    Maria yells out.


    "W-What''s that, can we take this boss on? I-"


    I concentrate, cutting her off with a stern look while focusing on the intense amount of mana leaving my body to merge with the floating crystal ball.


    Still, I mutter out a reply.


    "Take out the approaching mutants and cover me from behind. I''ll finish this boss and cover your back as well. Trust me."


    Not another word needs to be spoken, I let my mes die down and solely focus mana on a thinyer of shielding around my body. The rest is channeled into the now brightly pink glowing orb.


    I grin as I feel the temporary minion perk fully activate.


    My mind''s eye connects to the orb.


    "I''m in full control..."


    The rocky ground below begins to crack and mold into liquid stone, toe up and meet the floating pink orb in the air.


    It forms into a ball of rock that looks like arge ck boulder levitating above the Dungeon Floor.


    Then, two arms and two legs form. The massive boulder grows and grows while the shape of a humanoid Stone Golem forms in its ce.


    With two loud thuds, its feet hit the ground. A 6-meter tall Golem Boss make of hot ck stone stands in front of me like an ominous imprable barrier.


    Its eyes glow pink, and I control its every move. I make the marite of a Golem let out a battle cry and begin to charge forward. It effortlessly moves through the portion of Boss Room too hot for me to handle.


    The Smander Boss reacts by releasing its charged-up attack of mes. I intend to take the brutal blow head-on.


    Concentrating on creating a denseyer of shielding simr to the one on my actual body, I drink another MP potion to fuel my power.


    It''s done with ease. The body of this Golem was able to summon shielding when I fought it, meaning, so can its manipted clone.


    Just, with my own personal twist.


    A buzzing pinkyer of makeshift shielding appears over the entire front half of the Golem as the spiraling molten rock attackes rocketing at it.


    The Golem and the fire collide. My minion doesn''t budge. It keeps moving forward.


    The loud twang of mana on mana colliding rings out andva spews off to both sides of the jet-ck Golem.


    A magnificent sight follows, I watch molten stone ssh off to both sides and settle into pools on the ind floor.


    Portions of my rock Golem are melted away where the shielding was weakest, but only 10% of its mass at most.


    I just concentrate harder and summon more rock from beneath its feet to heal the minor wounds.


    The Golem took on its full-powered attack head-on and didn''t back down for a second.


    The Smander Boss lets out an angry roar and finally makes its move. The beast takes a step toward us.


    I can hear the first sh of Maria and the mutants from behind me. I''m putting my full trust in her, as she''s put her trust in me.


    The sh between my Minion of Stone and the Dungeon''s Mutant Boss has begun.

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    As the Golem trudges forward, it takes hit after hit from the Smander''s molten attacks. Hotva spews out after every impact staining the battlefield with hot red-orange mass. I continue to drink MP potions and heal its wounds.


    Losing parts of an arm or a leg after every blow, the Golem moves forward without flinching. It only costs me minor MP stores that can be restored with ease, while the smander that''s attacking is bing more irritated by the second.


    The ground beneath the Golem''s feet is getting much hotter and more unstable with every new attack thrown. As it nears the outer edge of the ind, morerge cracks andva pools bemon in its path.


    Its feetnd into hot molten mass with almost every step. This slows it down but also heats up the average temperature of the rock that forms its body.


    As my jet-ck minion takes in more mass from its environment, it starts to glow red hot the closer it gets to the Mutant Boss.


    Every hit the minion takes from the fiery st, the less effective it bes. Once over 40 meters away from me, and less than 30 meters from the Boss, the Golem is made almost entirely of molten stone.


    It''s highly malleable and even easier to imbue mana into. This isn''t what I nned for, but has turned out even better than I''d hoped.


    I see the eyes of the Smander Boss widen as the Molten Golem approaches. It''s visibly surprised, having never encounteredva that fights back...


    I smirk, shifting both of the golem''s arms into ded edges mimicking the form of a very fierce Floor Boss opponent I faced in the past.


    The glowing red-orange arms of the Golem shine with a glossy finish as I cover them in the densestyer of mana shielding I can muster from this distance.


    Less than 15 meters away now, Iunch the Golem into the air with both des poised at the Smander''s neck.


    Another st of molten rockes flying out to hit my minion head-on at full power.


    With dense pink mana shielding focused solely on the Minion''s ded arms, this is enough to slice clean through the iing attack without a problem.


    The golem''s unguarded lower half is stripped away by hot debris and destroyed in the st. It doesn''t matter right now.


    I keep my eyes on the prize.


    Not slowing down for a moment, the top half of my Golem flies through the air, upwards, andnds two devastating hits on the monster''s tough ck-scaled neck.


    A white sh of light blinds me momentarily and is followed by the murderous roar of the heavily injured beast. It evolves into a loud shriek and the entire ind shakes and rumbles.


    Two deep shes can be seen in its neck, cutting almost all the way through.


    If I just had a little more power, I would have killed it right then and there. It knows this too...


    Ignoring the top half of the molten golem as it falls to the floor, the mutant shifts its glowing red gaze toward me. I feel another wave of intimidation, but it only makes me focus on the fight more.


    I''ll end this here and now.


    Its mouth begins to glow red, orange, and yellow as it prepares to send a final desperate attack at me, its actual enemy.


    "I can''t let that happen."


    As the injured Golem touches the floor, my strands of mana maniption glow and hum. I channel all of my remaining MP into the body of stone as it rebuilds its lower half making its full form able to fight again.


    Forming ayer around its arms of des again, I have the minion run forward, just like before.


    The boss lets out its attack.


    Well, it tries to....


    The dual gashes in its throat from earlier gush out with molten rock. Its attempts to shoot at me backfires, covering its ck-scaled body in man-imbuedva.


    Simultaneously, my Golem jumps for its neck, ignoring the flying debris of ming stone and finishing the cut from itsst attack. The monster''s head is sliced clean off.


    It flies up in the air, spinning a few times before falling into the pit ofva behind it.


    The body of the mutant boss copses to the cracked fiery floor with a loud thud, then I start to see it glow bright yellow. The ck scales, now growing brighter and brighter, expand outwards and my eyes open with shock.


    I know exactly what is about to happen next.


    While summoning a wall of rock to block the iing st, I hear Maria finishing off a final attack on the mutant mobs behind me.


    I hear explosions of fire and molten stone. They''re followed by the wall of ice that protects me from the aftermath of her finishing blow. Then, the ear-shattering eruption of mes follows on my side of the battlefield.


    Our magic stone and icebine together to form a dome. We both kneel on the floor, focusing on keeping our magic steady as the world around us explodes into chaos.


    Then, momentster, it all stops...


    We... won....


    The room falls silent. The violent shaking beneath our feet and against the walls protecting us stops.


    I let out a long sigh, and a grin creeps across my face as a familiar ringing tone fills my ears.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I check my status to see I''ve hit level 425, then simultaneously hear Maria''s cheerful voice behind me yell out.


    "Alright! Level 400, finally!"


    We release our magic and the dome around us fades and crumbles.


    Before I can turn around to congratte her, something else catches my eye. The fragments of ck scales and molten mass that remain from the Boss'' body start to dissolve away.


    Wanting to pick up the loot I reflexively try to walk forward, but the air is still too thick and hot.


    My Golem was torn to pieces in the st, but I quickly re-form it from the charged core. It picks through the hot rubble and I watch through its vision in my mind''s eye until I see two items on the floor.


    There''s arge pink stone and a dark red fabric. I reach down and pick them both up with the golem''s hands and bring them over to us quickly, knowing the transfer magic could trigger at any moment.


    Secondster, my Golem approaches and drops the items to my feet. I deactivate the Minion perk and the hot stone copses to the floor. I grab the empty crystal core along with the mana crystal and the odd fabric, then white magic fills my vision.


    Just in time.


    The entire Dunegon fades away. Both Maria and I are left in a dark cave.


    Instantly, the walls and floor are covered with ice, and I activate my mes to counteract the extreme cold.


    Maria shouts out.


    "Sorry- Sorry!"


    Iugh while she deactivates her magic and I keep a small flicker of mes activated to light up the cave.


    "No problem. We made. Another break cleared. 2 down, 4 to go."


    I nod as Maria stares at me, then down to the fabric in my hands.


    "Ohhh, a mutant drop? What is it? What is it?"


    I lift up the heavy fabric, then activate Appraisal.


    [Smander King''s Cloak] +80% Mental Strength +80% Fire Magic Resistance


    I grin and reply.


    "80% added Mental Strength and Fire Resistance. Pretty good drop. Along with the 7 FireStones from mutants we farmed, that''s one of the best loot dungeons we faced... probably ever."


    On that note, we begin walking back up the dark cave tunnels.


    It''s much cooler now.


    Some residue heat remains, but neither of us has to use any magic skills to block it out. We''re back into the normal non-magical temperature range.


    We agree to divide the lootter, but I hold onto it for now.


    The walk back up to the surface takes about half an hour. After passing the two remaining stable dungeons, we finally make it to the surface.


    As we start to walk out from the mouth of the cave, I hear an oddly familiar voice arguing with my teammates.


    The fire-wielding hunter from the mercenary guild that we happened to pass byst night yells out in a stern tone.


    "What are you outsiders doing messing with my dungeon?! I don''t want to see your kind around here anymore. Get lost before something bad happens to ya!"


    As soon as I hear him, I step out of the cave with Maria by my side.


    I see Arie standing in front of Danny and the camels with his arms crossed and a bored look on his face.


    Abby is butting heads with the arrogant grunt.


    She''s grinning ear to ear, having a great time watching the fire user get red in the face. She''s been antagonizing him for fun while waiting for us to return.


    The hunter notices our arrival and faces us as we step out of the cave.


    "Oh great. There''s more! Look''s like I''m going to have to teach all of ya a lesson!"

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    "Oh great. There''s more! Look''s like I''m going to have to teach all of ya a lesson!"


    The hunter with a fire aptitude that I saw earlier in the mercenary guild is out here in the desert, most likely looking to get his hands on another Firestone to sell.


    I walk closer to see him turn to me with a snide grin.


    His slicked-back dark hair glimmers in the sunlight and muscles budge from his tight ck shirt. He''s taller than me by a few centimeters.


    This hunter may look strong, but all 4 of us out-level him by arge amount... He has no idea what he''s getting himself into.


    The man scoffs, rudely pushing Abby to the side and puffing out his chest to walk over, making steady eye contact and beginning to ignite his right hand on fire.


    "Aghh it''s you, from the guild! I remember you. Ya know what? I''ll beat all of you so bad you''ll never show your faces in town again, how would ya like-"


    Before he can finish his sentence, the fire user stops in ce and bites his bottom lip.


    "H-Hey, what the-"


    The rocky sand around his ankles begins to twist and mold up his legs, making him unable to step any closer to me.


    I grin, as I see the angry Earth Magic wielder with bright green hair standing behind him. She has a stern expression across her face.


    The rock she''s controlling slides up the man''s legs and starts to cover his torso as well. His expression turns grim and sweat falls from his forehead as he bursts into mes while trying to escape.


    Abby walks over to the wide-eyed hunter, standing in front of the now half-petrified body of rock.


    The man yells out again, with a shakier, but still confident tone.


    "What is all this? You''re an element wielder? You-"


    He pauses, gulps, then rolls his eyes while the corner of his lips begin to curl upwards.


    "You all must be from the Association, that''s it. Right? Oh, you''re in for it now!"


    He squirms, trying to break free, but the stone keeps rising up his body. It''s now covering half of his torso.


    Abby now stands in front of the man, looking him straight in the face.


    "I don''t like being pushed around. What was that you said earlier? You were... going to teach us a lesson?"


    She smirks, stopping the rising stone just before his neckline.


    He lets out an audible sigh of relief but also looks pale in the face.


    Abby steps forward.


    "Come on, at least start with your name. Who are you? What are you doing farming these dungeons without even trying to clear the breaks? The viges around here are clearly suffering from your actions."


    He gulps.


    "Hey... It''s Issac. This... is just how it is around here. I didn''t start the breaks, I''m just taking advantage of an opportunity given to me. N- No harm done."


    He stutters at thest line, looking up in the air as Abby summons a thin spear of rock in her right hand.


    "Also, what was that you said about the Association? How''d you know we were from outside the walls?"


    He smirks, then makes a facial expression like he''s about to spit.


    Abby doesn''t flinch for a second and kicks his left leg at the knee.


    I hear a loud crack and don''t have to look down to realize it''s not only the stone that broke.


    The fire user lets out a grunt, ignoring the pain and looking forward with the same dumb smirk on his face.


    "I''ve got nothing to lose girl. I either live another day out in these ts, or I meet my demise just like everyone else that was abandoned by your leaders."


    Abby squints, unhappy with his reaction. The grunt continues.


    "Ha! The four of you are heading north aren''t ya? You''ll never make it into DryRock looking like that... and without a guide to get you in? Who do you think you are?"


    Abby tightens her lips, then looks down at the cracks in the stone around his left leg that gushes blood. She replies while reaching her hand into the item box around her waist, taking out our map.


    She shoves the paper in Issac''s face, pointing to the middle section.


    In between the next two breaks, there''s a small town noted down with 3 ck question marks scribbled around it.


    "Is this where you''re talking about? This... is this DryRock?"


    He goes quiet for a moment, then responds.


    "It is...."


    After, he lets out augh. Danny walks over, waving at the Green Haired mage.


    "I- uh- if you''re really going to DryRock, and- if you''re really Association Hunters- I- Well- He''s right. You''ll never make it inside those walls. Or- you may never even find the walls."


    I start to walk over now, curious to know what exactly is going on here. Maria follows and Arie takes a few steps forward as well.


    We all crowd around the captured fire hunter and he lets out another bellowingugh.


    "Oh you four crack me up, the Association has lower standards than I imagined. Sending out clueless uniformed scouts like yourselves to fix the problems they caused."


    I raise an eyebrow, then walk closer to stand face to face with the grunt.


    "Well... if we can''t get in without a guide, I guess you''ll have to show us the way."


    He rolls his eyes and throws his head back.


    "What''s in it for me, I-"


    He''s cut off by Abby kicking his leg again.


    He grunts, gritting his teeth the staring straight ahead at me to continue after a slow inhale and exhale.


    "There''s no worse fate than being outed as an Association''s ally out here you know. They have bounties on the heads of those who are known supporters of the Association. It''s even worse if you''re an actual partner of the Association like all of you. If you''re big shots, they might even have your face on the most wanted lists. The further into the wall, the worse it gets."


    I tighten my gaze, then respond.


    "Sure. There are risks. But... you''ll do it for a price."


    His arrogant grin gets wider as he nods.


    "I like you."


    I nod, not wasting a second.


    "So, name it. What do you want?"


    He pauses, looking up at the desert sky, then back down to me.


    "Those two X''s on the map around DryRock. They''re breaks aren''t they?"


    I don''t respond, but he continues.


    "Let me collect the bounties on each of them. I heard one of the breaks is in the middle of the town, the other is further northeast. In return, I''ll get you into the city. I''m well acquainted with one of the guards at the west gate. We... do business."


    I give him a firm nod, then turn to the rest of my team. I shrug, letting out a sigh.


    "I believe him. No reason for the guy to lie about something like this."


    While my teammates think of their responses, I turn to Danny.


    "You won''t say a word will ya?"


    I see the small hunter visibly gulp, then reply.


    "Of course not- I- had my suspicions that you were from the Association, but you all seem to be fine people. I have no qualms with the government outside the wall. I''m... not one to judge."


    He looks over to Issac, then back to me.


    "As he said, many of us further from Sra are very open to the idea of Association help. Or, well, not entirely opposed to it I guess. Once you make it to DryRock and beyond... this desert turns into a much different ce."


    Arie chimes in.


    "It''s a good idea."


    He walks closer.


    "I was hoping the breaks were outside of the town, so we could camp out away from the sight. It seems we''ll need a guide if one of the breaks is really in the center of town.... I vote yes."


    Maria nods.


    "Seems this is the only way. It''s a yes from me."


    I turn to Abby. She doesn''t say a word, so I speak.


    "I vote yes, and you can keep him in line if you''d like. Just... heal that leg. There''s no need to torture him. He was just doing what he felt was right. The way of the desert I suppose."


    She rolls her eyes, but agrees, turning to Issac.


    "It''s a yes from me. No funny business though, you''re under my watch."


    He gives her a look of fear for a split second, then reverts to his toughened care-free state.


    "Fine by me. Now get me out of this damn earth magic. I''ll take the 4 of you to DryRock so I can get paid."

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    "Fine by me. Now get me out of this damn earth magic. I''ll take the 4 of you to DryRock so I can get paid."


    Abby nods at me, then turns to Issac as the stone around his neck starts to melt away, revealing his torso, then flowing off his legs back into the sandy earth.


    The green-haired mage heals his leg, making it as good as new.


    I get a weird sensation as she activates her healing magic. It tingles throughout my body even from over 5 meters away and buzzes with an extremely high-pitched tone. It''s definitely much different in its upgraded form.


    It is a legendary skill, after all, there must be something very special about it now.


    I think for a moment, but shrug it off as my thoughts are interrupted by the excited cry of the fire wielder.


    "Hohoo, It feels good to move again!"


    He moves his arms and legs around while turning off his fire magic.


    "You 4 really are Association uh- what do they call ''em again? The special squads that are chosen every year... I forgot the name. Those are you guys right?"


    Maria proudly nods.


    "Mmmhmph. That''s us. The New Elites."


    I flinch, as she just outed and confirmed exactly who we are... but the ice wielder crosses her arms and beams with delight as the fire user looks down at his fully restored leg in awe.


    He''s not paying much attention to Maria right now.


    "I thought I''d be limping for weeks."


    He lets out a chuckle, but it turns into more of a nervousugh as all 4 of us walk forward to surround him.


    I look the man in the eyes, then let out a sigh.


    "Alright, let''s keep this all business. I know we may have started off on the wrong foot, but there''s no hard feelings from me. You get us into DryRock, we take out the breaks, you collect the bounties and we never speak of this again."


    I nod.


    "It''s that simple. You don''t want to be associated with us, and we don''t want to be associated with you."


    He looks up at me.


    "Perfect, just how I like it."


    We shake hands, then I turn to my teammates.


    "Got it? I want to fight some monsters, get stronger, and find rare loot. That''s it. There''s no need for any unnecessary attention from locals in this next town. Let''s keep our heads down and get the mission done."


    I get a unanimous agreement, then turn to Danny, putting out my right hand.


    "Pleasure doing business with you too. I hope your people can return to the vige unharmed."


    He smiles, shaking my hand.


    "Most certainly. With this break gone, the water sources shoulde back within a few days. It- uhm, may have just been a mission for you, but I''m very grateful. Please,e back to visit anytime. Your secret is safe with me."


    I give him a kind smile and the others bid him well as the scrawny hunter gets back on his camel with a cheerful skip in his step then rides away into the desert sun back to the vige to share the good news.


    I turn back to our group, now realizing there is a third camel tied to a portion of rock on the far side of the cave we just left. I point to it and turn to Issac.


    "That your ride?"


    He nods, slowly walking over to it as the 4 of us get on our two camels behind Arie.


    He makes his way over to us. Both Abby and I activate our Earth magic to create shields for the sun over our heads, preparing for the long walk.


    I see his eyes go wide as he moves his camel through the middle of both of ours, but he doesn''t say a word. The grunt knows to keep his mouth shut now.


    He may have sounded arrogant and hardheaded moments ago when we first met, but the second a business deal came up his true colors came out. Issac seems to be a pretty smart guy, just down on his luck.


    He speaks up, waving a hand and pointing off to the north.


    "Alright, If we leave now we may be able to make it there before the sunsets. It''s.... A long trek. You''re all ready?"


    I check my storage to make sure I''m stocked up on food and water, then give him the go-ahead.


    "All set. We''ll take your lead!"


    I turn to Abby as we get moving, now less than 3 meters to my left, and mutter under my breath.


    "Watch the map. Make sure we''re going in the right direction at all times. He knows better than to mess with us, but it never hurts to be cautious."


    She gives me a firm nod.


    We leave the rocky cave system just like that and head off to our next city. I hand out food and water to everyone and we share small talk on the way.


    Hours pass, but the desert terrain hardly changes at all...


    Rolling hills pass by on our sides with small yellow shrubbery begging for moisture. Rock structures asionally peek out of the desert sand and white clouds float by through the blue sky.


    It''s a beautiful day.


    We keep following Issac straight into the zing sun-scorched ts. It gets much hotter, but Maria''s Ice and my shade make it so this doesn''t affect us at all.


    The small talk we share starts to be less frequent until we all settle into silence, just enjoying the rhythmic footsteps of the camels'' feet on the hard sandy ground under the hot dry sun.


    I have a lot of time to think about my position in the world.


    To be honest...


    I think back to a few days ago before leaving on this new mission.


    Even after days have passed, I''m still a bit shaken up by the Floor Boss fight in the Vice City Labyrinth.


    We''ve fought some strong monsters here, but none of them havee anywhere close to the immense levels of power that beast possessed.


    It showed me what was possible. It forced me to push my limits and be much stronger myself.


    Battles like those are what give me the drive to keep pushing forward and create goals for myself to surpass.


    Although this mission to the Dark Continent is just getting started, and I''ve barely just recovered from another intense battle, I can''t help but wonder what the toughest Dungeon in this mysterious unofficial section 4 capital "Sra" will be like.


    I grin, staring off into the rising and falling hills before me for hours on end, daydreaming of what adventurers are toe in the near future.


    Hours and hours pass, but the sun still shines bright in the sky...


    A range of red rocky mountainses into view as I squint out into the horizon.


    Issac speaks up.


    "We''ve made it, in record time as well!"


    I sit up straight, straining my eyes to look ahead, but I''m missing what the fire user is pointing to...


    All I can see are a few medium-sized mountains off in the distance, and a small tight-colored tent about 500 meters away that we''re approaching on our left side.


    There''s at least a kilometer worth of t open sand between the tent and the mountain bases.


    Issac points over to the small structure.


    "That''s our way in. The Western gate."


    His eyes go wide for a moment as he turns back at us, then begins digging through an item box around his waist.


    He pulls out handfuls of red-colored fabric, then throws it at us without a second thought.


    "Put these on, all of you! Quick!"


    I use Appraisal to see they''re red robes simr to what the vigers were wearing back in the small town we left. The skin of the base-level smander mobs is made into protective gear.


    It must have been amon drop before the break.


    Each of us catches one and does as he says, then the grunt yells out again.


    "And put away that earth magic! We need to blend in, not stand out!"


    Sensing the seriousness of his tone, I nod and do as he says while turning to Abby to watch her do the same. We let the zing sun shine down on us and walk forward on camelback.


    We get closer and closer to the small tent and I begin to see supplies underneath. There''s arge green metal crate and a small wooden table along with a short old man walking over and waving us down.


    Issac speaks up, hopping off his camel to shake the old man''s hand, slipping him a few silver coins.


    "I have another order to bring through, not the usual time of the month. I''m on special business this week."


    The old man smiles, epting the bribe and throwing it behind his back while muttering words in anguage I''m not familiar with.


    Then, Issac nods, pointing off into the open desert before the mountains.


    "Here we are! Wee to DryRock!"


    I feel the air shift as he says this, and the once-barren desert changes in front of my eyes into a sight beyond what I ever expected to see...

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    "Here we are! Wee to DryRock!"


    Issac turns to the open area of deste sandy tnd in front of the Red Mountain range. Immediately after he speaks these words, I feel the space around me begin to tingle and buzz.


    The air before my eyes waves and shifts, giving off a rainbow hue. Almost like the rippling sensation of a heat wave, but there''s definitely some kind of mana-powered illusion at y here.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye and everything bes clear...


    Literally.


    A dome of transparent magic covers an entire city in the middle of the desert. It''s nearly 1 kilometer wide, stretching all the way to the base of the mountains andpletely hiding over 100 buildings in in sight.


    Smaller huts simr to the ones in thest vige we just left line the streets, but there are many taller buildings made from the same color stone as the mountains in the background.


    There are 3, 4, and even 5-story structures with modern windows and metal frames to them. There are t stone streets that divide merchants from residential areas.


    People line the roads, buying and selling goods, while the asional city guard walks by to keep order. This looks like a much more civilized city than I expected to see.


    Without my perception skill, this would have been invisible to the naked eye. I shut it off, then look at my teammates.


    They''re all still staring in awe at the twisting rainbow light in front of us.


    It looks like a portal is opening, but I know that''s not the case.


    The smaller man that Issac talked to before we entered walks in front of us, toward the light as it begins to expand.


    He taps the source of the illusion with a silver object and a small gap in the transparent seal opens.


    The hole getsrger andrger until it stops to make a 5-meter wide gate in the illusion magic to show us the city with our unaided eyes.


    As we walk through on our camels, the gate monitor speaks up, as the wobbling entrance of rainbow-tinted magic slowly fades shut.


    "Enjoy your stay at DryRock, hope your business dealings go well."


    The concealment magicpletely closes, but we can still see the man standing outside behind it.


    He stares forward with a nk expression for a moment, then smiles to himself and turns away walking back to his small tent like nothing happened.


    I look at him curiously for a moment, then Issac turns to me.


    "He can''t see us now."


    I raise an eyebrow, but Issac continues before I get a word in.


    "If you were wondering, he can''t see us anymore... This barrier is a one-way illusion. It''s pretty heavily guarded, I''ve just known that guard since I was a young kind. He''s one of the only exceptions to security."


    I nod slowly as I hear the camel''s feet below me transfer from the soft sand onto a hard road beneath us.


    I reply while keeping my face hidden under the red clock, looking around the town.


    "That... makes sense. I got it.... "


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye again, but the only reading I pick up are the various collections of mana crystals in shops. The massive mana-imbued barrier around the city is the only high-density magic I can sense.


    I mutter under my breath, squinting at the fire user.


    "There''s no breaks anywhere near here..."


    I quickly lock eyes with Abby, but she gives me a shrug while Arie also extends a confused but rxed expression.


    The green-haired mage speaks up.


    "Oh, we''re definitely in there right ce. He didn''t lead us astray. There should be breaks here..."


    I scratch my chin as I keep following Issac through the emptier streets of the outer area of the town.


    "Then what happened to them...?"


    Eventually, we hit a much busier street. The 5 of us begin leading our ride through one of the open market squares.


    There are all kinds of items being bought and sold from level E-ss to high D and even low C-ss rated items. They''re all mostly protection items and crafting materials. Combat items aren''t toomon out on these streets, but I still spot a few dozen shields and swords.


    Lush greens and ripe fruit along with glimmering potions and mana crystals fill my vision for over 200 meters as we walk through town.


    Kids ying by their parent''s merchant carts look up at us, pausing their games to admire the camels that strut through town.


    No one has said a word yet, and most people ignore us just like regrs in the streets. There are other groupsing from other directions on camelback as well, so we''re not too far out of ce here.


    The 4 of us keep our heads down and faces covered anyways. Issac leads without covering up.


    Finally, wee across one of the tallest buildings in the city.


    Issac waves us down to stop about 1 block away from a 5-story tower. It''s made of red bricks and blue ss windows.


    It looks newly built, and of great quality. The base is nearly 20 meters wide. It stands out from all the buildings surrounding it.


    "Alright, here''s the quest office. Wait for me outside, I''ll ept our two break quests and be right out in a minute."


    I grit my teeth and instantlybat his statement.


    "Hey! We''re still the ones in charge here. I''d like to see what all of this is about..."


    He rolls his eyes and hops off his ride, tying it to a rock structure on the side of the road. I hop down too, giving Maria the reins, and walking over to the fire wielder.


    He stares me in the eyes and leans in, whispering in a low tone.


    "You know... this building is one of the Dark Continent''s unofficial government hubs. It''s like the Association, but for the wall''s insiders. Basically, you''re walking into enemy territory. It''d be unwise to show your face in here. Especially as one of these so-called, Elites...That''s what you are... right?"


    I swallow hard, still staring at him with a stern expression, then begin to lighten up. I close my eyes for about a second, then open them to stare at Issac with a calmer tone.


    "That... makes sense."


    I pause, then turn to my team.


    "Stay back for a few minutes, out of sight. Issac and I will return shortly."


    They all agree without a shred of doubt but Issac looks at me like I''m crazy. Struggling not to raise his voice he speaks again through a clenched jaw as I start walking forward towards the quest office.


    "Did you not hear a word I just said?!?"


    I wave for the fire user to follow, keeping my head down and activating conceal.


    I turn my status into what looks like a mid-level D-ss Swordsman at level 220. Taking off all of my stat-boosting items as well, only to leave the red cloak of protection giving me a 100+ defense boost.


    I use my [Special Grade] Concealment attribute to disguise my face. I shift it to a generic tan-skinned, brown eyes, middle-aged, ck-haired man.


    I look like I could be any viger picked off the street.


    The only thing I won''t change is my voice, but I don''t n on doing much talking.


    I respond to Issac with my head still down.


    "Yeah, yeah. I heard you the first time. You make an excellent point. It''ll be fine, I have a n."


    The fire user catches up to me in silence, then we turn to face the front side of the tall building.


    He begins to say something to me but is cut off by one of the workers standing by the front door.


    He''s a tall, very skinny, dark-skinned man in a professional-looking ck suit. I see a bright smile from him as he speaks up, looking right passed me.


    "Wee back, Issac. We haven''t seen you here in DryRock in quite a while. Are you looking to pick up some new quests?"


    The grunt straightens his posture and takes a step back from me to greet this worker.


    "Oh- Good to see you too. Long time no see! I was just passing through, I thought it''d be a good idea to check out the guest guild. Old habits die hard.


    Heughs, shaking the worker''s hand and continuing, now in a much more confident tone.


    "You know this is where I got my start, It''s always nice toe back and see how much the ce has grown. Are there any good new quests up for grabs? I''m looking for some tough ones before I leave in the morning."


    The tall man grins and nods slowly.


    "Of course, we always have new quests avable."


    He turns to me.


    "And who might you be."


    He stretched out his right hand, looking me in the eye.


    I stare tight back, using Inspect and Appraisal. I only nce at his level and skills before shaking his hand with a firm hold.


    ________________


    [Lv. 297]


    Active Skills:


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    ________________


    I clench my jaw and squeeze his hand a bit harder than I mean to when I see he has a [Special Grade] Inspect skill.


    The guard winces, and I reply as we both step back from each other.


    "I- sorry about that- I can''t control my own excitement sometimes. Just- looking forward to some quests, that''s all."


    He lets out a nervousugh, then stands up straight with a smile, flustered at my strength.


    "No, no problem at all. Quite a firm handshake for a D-ss. You must have an extremely high natural strength aptitude. I''m impressed."


    He turns back to Issac, giving him a firm nod, then opening the heavy brown wooden front door.


    "Well, I see why you''re heading off for some quests. I can''t keep a man from his business for too long, please don''t let me keep you waiting."


    Issac smirks, walking past the guard.


    "Yep, appreciate it. Good to see ya."


    I follow quietly, speaking to the man in a suit in a low voice before ether door shits behind me.


    "Nice to meet you."


    He waves us through, not saying another word.


    I gulp.


    That was awkward...


    *Click*


    The door shuts and I step inside onto a smooth white floor. Immediately, the sound of abundant chatter fills my ears. There are hunters, businessmen, workers, and casual vigers going about their daily business.


    I lift my gaze, shifting my eyes left and right.


    There are quests on the walls, just like the mercenary guild. The ones here just seem to be a bit more ordered and much easier to read.


    There are basic mana crystal quests, various magic crafting items, escort missions, hunting gear, and even food and water requests.


    All of the prices are a bit more stable, not varying as much as the smaller town''s erratic pricing.


    I continue to scan the room, then my eyesnd on a troubling sight.


    There''s one bulletin board near the entrance that makes my stomach drop. It''s a wall with Large newspapers showing the faces of familiar-looking Association hunters.


    Some look very old like they''ve been on the wall for years, but sticking out like a sore thumb, I see 4 brand-new papers.


    It''s [The Newest Vice Region Association Elite Squad] in bold letters with all four of our mug shots posted and bountiesbeled underneath them.


    It looks like our dealings in DryRock are not going to be as easy as I thought they''d be.

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    It''s [The Newest Vice Region Association Elite Squad] in bold letters with all four of our mug shots posted and bountiesbeled underneath them.


    Our time in DryRock is not going to be as easy as I thought it''d be.


    I turn to Issac, now peeking my disguised face out from my hood.


    "Hey, I need to check these out."


    He stares for a second but recognized my voice. The fire wielder looks me up and down, then mutters under his breath.


    "You really are full of surprises."


    I turn left to walk over to the wall with our posted bounties to take a closer look. Next to our pictures, there are notes and prices for our heads.


    _______________


    Abigail Sotoro: [10 Gold][Dead or Alive]


    [Known Association Associate]


    [New Vice Region Elite Squad Member]


    [Healer & Earth Magic User]


    Maria Cortez: [7 Gold][Dead or Alive]


    [New Vice Region Elite Squad Member]


    [Ice Magic User]


    Jay Soju: [7 Gold][Dead or Alive]


    [New Vice Region Elite Squad Member]


    [Swordsman/Dagger Wielder & Fire Magic User]


    Arie: [8 Gold][ONLY Alive]


    [New Vice Region Elite Squad Member]


    [Bow/Dagger Wielder]


    _______________


    I get a chuckle out of Abby''s full name, sometimes I forget she is usually referred to as Abigail in more professional settings, but it must have slipped my mind.


    She''s the most wanted because she''s been with the Association the longest.


    Maria and I have lower rates and only have basic details that are noted in the Association''s system. Most likely these are what have been publicly shared, considering we''re the new Elites.


    I should get around to reading the paper again, It''s a habit I broke once I started hunting more.


    Arie''s poster stands out as well.


    He''s marked down for 1 more gold than Maria and I, plus he''s only wanted alive. The rest of us have no preference marked down


    I scan the posters back and forth taking in as much information as possible, then I hear the fire user gulp behind me.


    He whispers in a low tone.


    "Can all your friends do that same trick with their faces... because... it looks like the bunch of you are going to need it."


    I pause, then finally look away from the posters and back to Issac.


    "They can''t, it''s a- special item. I only have one. We''ll just have toy low and hope no one''s examining us too carefully."


    I let out a sigh, knowing this is far from optimal in a time like this, but I''ll just have to think of a better n before we have to meet any people face to face.


    I get a nervous look from the grunt, but he just nods, then turns to the back of the room.


    "Well, figure it out soon. This is getting way tooplicated for me. Come on, let''s ept the quests and get out of here."


    He starts to walk over and I follow. We approach a long wooden counter at the back of the room, polished beautifully, with 3 quest office workers standing behind it about 2 meters apart from each other.


    They''re all smiling and keeping a professional aura about them, then the one on the far right raises his hand.


    "I can help the two of you over here."


    I let Issac take the lead, keeping myself right behind him to let the man more used to this ce do the talking. It''d be pretty obvious I''m new to town if I tried to ask for the quests myself.


    So, I decide not to say a word.


    Immediately, they begin to talk.


    The two of them babble on about some changes in the capital, then switch to that samenguage I''m unfamiliar with before the man behind the counter pulls out two sheets of paper.


    I peer over the counter as Issac signs the bottoms and takes them, folding each in half before throwing them in his item box.


    [Mid-Town Break] [7 Gold]


    [Red-Mountain Break] [15 Gold]


    Each of the papers has crossed out numbers for their rewards. Each of them started out at 1 and 2 Gold respectively, but it seems they''ve been raising the number over and over.


    My wandering eyes move back to the floor as the two of them continue talking.


    Issac switches back to thenguage I can understand.


    "Thanks. We''ll head out tomorrow and clear ''em both."


    The quest office employee gives him a thin smile but replies professionally.


    "Best of luck Issac. We hope to see you soon."


    Both of us leave the office building immediately, I can see a look of concern on the fire user''s face, but don''t say anything until we walk out the door and make our way around the corner out of sight.


    The sun is starting to set, and the orange light from the sky is shining down on us.


    "So... we got the quests. What''s with the look? What else did that guy say?"


    His eyes shift back and forth, still not saying a word as we walk.


    I gulp and go along with his odd behavior...


    Both of us have quick steady footsteps and controlled breathing. The taps of our boots on the stone road are all I hear as I ponder what exactly they talked about.


    He speaks up as my 3 teammates finallye into sight.


    "He said, many hunters from surrounding towns have been trying to clear these breaks all week. That''s why the reward for the quests has gone up so much. No one can clear them.


    I nod slowly.


    "Alright... that''s good, right? More money for you."


    He pauses, and the silent footsteps continue for a few seconds.


    "He also mentioned a group of two elite hunters that came by a few days ago. A white-haired Ice mage and a blue-haired Water Wielder. Apparently, they''re fairly new Elites."


    I raise an eyebrow as Issac continues.


    "They showed their faces here before heading off in the direction of Sra without clearing a single break. They caused a ruckus in town though. Those two your friends?"


    I think for a moment, but he cuts me off before I can even begin to respond.


    "Either way, it doesn''t matter. All the hunters in town are on high alert for more Associationckeys. The bounty rewards are sky high."


    I give Issac a stern look as sweat rolls off his forehead.


    "We have a deal..."


    He replies.


    "Hey, I know- I know. I won''t run. I''m sure I couldn''t even if I tried on your watch... It''s just- be extra cautious. Alright?"


    I nod as wee within 10 meters of my teammates.


    "Got it. Appreciate the warning."


    Maria is the first to spot us, throwing her hands up in the air. I deactivate my conceal skill as we approach but keep my head down.


    Nothing has changed, we nned on not being seen at all in the first ce. I''m just feeling a bit more paranoid now than before.


    There are dozens of posters up on the walls, and the Vice Region is one of the furthest from the Dark Continent. So, it''s doubtful anyone has our facespletely memorized. At the same time, it''s not impossible...


    Both of us quickly walk over and hop back on our rides. Issac starts to leave immediately and I motion for us to follow. We swiftly follow in silence. Arie whispers under his breath as we head toward the outskirts of town in the opposite direction we just came.


    "What''s with the change of tone, did everything go okay?"


    I give him a thumbs up, tightening my lips, then responding in a hushed voice.


    "It''s fine. Business as usual, just, they have our faces from the newspaper stered all over. Each of us has a bounty."


    The archer''s eyes widen and Abby clicks her tongue, cursing under her breath.


    Maria holds me tighter from behind, and I exin all the details in a low whisper as we ride through a new part of town. I ry everything that happened inside and enlighten them on their bounty prices and details.


    Therger buildings, merchant stands, and storefronts are getting less and lessmon as we continue forward off to the far side of town.


    The sun sets more and the natural light fades away too.


    Smaller homes and poorly built residential areas made of less modern materials be more abundant.


    Most passers-by seem friendly enough, but it''s certainly a different vibe than the city center we just left. People are minding their own business even more out here, looking to the ground and staying out of trouble.


    I speak up to Issac guiding the way.


    "Hey- Where are you taking us?"


    He points straight ahead, then turns to respond.


    "We''re almost there, don''t worry. I know a quiet ce for us to crash for the night. Coincidentally, it''s right near the break. Well, that''s what the Quest Office worker told me at least. We''re headed to mid-town."


    I immediately respond.


    "The- The breaks nearby? How? There would be monsters everywhere... no?"


    Issac shrugs and turns forward again.


    "Your guess is as good as mine. All we can do is head over and find out."

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    "Your guess is as good as mine. All we can do is head over and find out."


    This is the response I get after asking Issac how the dungeon break could possibly be nearby when there are no monsters in sight.


    I can''t sense any mana disturbances at all...


    I''m pretty positive the barrier around this city isn''t interfering with my senses either. It''s a high-level D-ss spell at best, there''s no way it''s messing with my mind.


    We continue through the underdeveloped section of town and I murmur to myself while watching the sunpletely set over the horizon.


    "Impossible..."


    This break is a mid-tier C-ss break, minimum. The association wouldn''t have sent us out here if it was any lower, and someone from the town would have surely taken it out themselves by now.


    So many things aren''t adding up.


    The fatigue of our long travels today is catching up to me too. My mind is getting a bit foggy and my body is more tired than usual.


    I scratch my chin, thinking about it, but be distracted as troches begin to light our way and the buildings around us get muchrger and shinier again.


    There are 2, 3, and even 4-story shops and guild centers that start to pop up and the road beneath our camel''s feet has a much more sturdy feel to it as we walk through this portion of the city.


    It''s only been a few minutes and there''s already a drastic change in architecture and neighborhoodyouts.


    We approach a wide open square with many people out on the streets continuing to go about their nights trading, cooking,ughing, and sharing conversation with one another.


    From what I can piece together in my fractured view of the city''syout, there are 3 sections to this 1km wide circr city.


    The main square, where we entered today. That''s the portion of the city with a high-density area of merchant shops, guilds, government buildings, and housing for those that work there.


    The portion of the city we just walked through seems to be a lower-ie area. Not quite the slums, but much more independent housing and rogue hunters that make their money elsewhere or off a ck market of sorts... That''s my guess anyways.


    Now,stly, the third sector of this city is the one we''ve just entered. It looks much smaller than the other two, but very clean, well built, higher ie, and there''s not as much worry in these streets as the ones we just left.


    Buildings are mostly rectangr, made from either the same red brick that the office building in the main part of town was, or a lighter-colored stone simr to the hue of the desert sand. Most of the cloth and clothing used for decorations and clothing are the same red as the cloaks we''re wearing.


    My gaze shifts back and forth, taking in the view of the small town as Issac takes us on a sharp right turn instead of walking through the center square.


    I catch a glimpse of a crowd, but can''t make out what they''re surrounding in the center of the courtyard-like town center.


    He turns around as we make our way down a more narrow, but well-lit backroad.


    "This is midtown. Believe it or not, I lived here for a few years back in the day. Come on, the Inn I usually stay at is right over here."


    At this point in the day, my eyes are practically closing. The thought of a nice warm bed is slowly bing much more important in my mind than the fact that theirs a near B-ss level threat somewhere nearby...


    Wee across a generic red-bricked residential building with a man standing outside that takes our camels to the back of the Inn. He hands us a small ck token to fetch our rides whenever we''d like.


    They''ll feed, water, and take care of them in our absence.


    I give Issac a handful of silver to check us in using his name and we all go to our rooms and pass out without much dy.


    Today was a long day.


    We took out an entire dungeon break, traveled 10s of kilometers across the desert, and sessfully infiltrated a town that we''re wanted criminals in.


    The woman at the front desk pays us no mind and epts the silver with a smile. She offers us a meal at the bar in the back. I decline and head off to my room as soon as Issac tosses me a key.


    I''m too tired to even eat, most of my teammates share the same thought and say no to the woman''s kind offer for food and drinks.


    All 5 of us agree to meet each other in the lobby first thing in the morning, right as the sunes up.


    I make my way to my room, don''t bother turning on a light, and drift off to sleep with a million things on my mind slowly fading away into peaceful darkness.


    Time passes and the night turns into day.


    The hot morning sun wakes me up, causing the once-cozy bed I''m lying in to make me break a sweat.


    I jump out of bed and throw my cloak back on to meet the others in the lobby. We decide to eat breakfast on the way from the supplies I''ve brought, not wanting to take any extra steps or human interactions.


    As we walk out the front door Issac takes a sharp left turn back to the center of mid-town, in the direction of the square we didn''t get to facest night.


    "Come on, let''s walk. No need for those rides if you 4 are going into the break, right?"


    I bite my bottom lip as I follow, not responding, just thinking to myself.


    This break in town is worth 7 gold... but the one out in the mountains is supposedly 15. It''s probably much more powerful, hence the price difference.


    I''d like to head straight for the tougher break... If this one we face is anything like the others, there''s a good chance I won''t have a fun fight.


    I want a new skill or new information.... Or another mana control breakthrough. That''s why I came to the dark Continent anyways, to find opponents that wouldn''t be possible to find elsewhere.


    Also... of course, to appease the Director and buy more time while I build my strength. There''s no point in disagreeing with power magnitudes above mine. For now, I must continue training, then I''ll have more options.


    I mutter under my breath, gritting my teeth while thinking of Brutus'' face...


    "I need to get stronger."


    Issac turns around.


    "What was that?"


    I look up to him with an unnecessarily stern look on my face.


    "Nothing, I''m just ready to fight."


    He nods as we walk out of the small backroad and the main town squarees into view.


    "Great, it should be... right... about...."


    As the fire welder looks around, I do the same, and my teammates follow my gaze.


    In the middle of the sandy crowded square, there''s arge metal box with 4 guards all standing around it.


    The chatter of nearly a hundred vigers fills my ears as I try to concentrate.


    After a quick inspection, I find that the guards are all over level 275 and have decent basicbat skills. These men are all the equivalent of basic low-level C-ss hunters.


    I use my All-Seeing Eye on the massive mysterious box, but nothing can be found.


    Nothing at all...


    There''s an absence of space inside the box entirely.


    I didn''t notice it yesterday because I wasn''t fixated on it like I am now. I stare further, burning through a few hundred MP to boost my skill''s performance.


    Then, the hint of a dense mana signature deep within the box fills my mind''s eye.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "The break is in there..."


    Issac responds without looking back.


    "That''s what the quest office worker told me. He said just walk to the center of mid-town and you''ll see it. I guess- this is it."


    We walk forward, with our cloaks covering our faces, and Issac taking the lead.


    To make us a bit less suspicious I activate conceal and edit my status to that of a higher-than-average C-ss swordsman, about level 350. My disguise of the middle-aged tan-skinned hunter returns as we walk up towards the supposed break.


    People move out of the way as we near to the massive silver box. The closer we get, the less crowded the square filled with merchants, hunters, and vigers gets.


    Secondster, we''re no more than 5 meters away meeting the gaze of the nearest guard.


    He ces a hand up in the air.


    "Hey now, this is DryRock guarded property. Move along before you get yourselves hurt."


    Isaac rolls his eyes and reaches into his cloak pocket to pull out the signed bounty offer for the mid-town break.


    The guard''s eyes tighten as he reads the paper then looks up at both Issac and me.


    "You sure? We''ve had 4 casualties this week already. What level are you two-"


    He peers behind me to see the three figures covering their faces.


    "And who are they?"


    Issac gulps and turns to me, then I quickly respond.


    "Hired help. I''m just trying to get paid and save my vige from a drought. I heard there were some bounties for breaks out here. It''s either this or we starve..."


    I show him a saddened stare, then end with a more lighthearted statement.


    "Wanted to see if I could snag a fight with an Elite while I was at it, looks like I just missed ''em."


    I let out a fakeugh and a grin, but it seems rather convincing to me.


    The guard smirks, giving me a chuckle.


    "Yeah right. Those two Elites walked through town without any fear. Guards that got close were blown away by some weird barrier, you wouldn''t have stood a chance."


    I roll my eyes yfully.


    "I''m kidding, just a fantasy of mine..."


    Then pause before continuing.


    "Well, at least let us give this dungeon a shot, I hope to clear the one out in the mountains too..."


    The guard crosses his arms, staring me in the eyes.


    "A confident one aren''t ya?"


    He sighs and gives me a nod then calls out to the guard on his right side protecting another wall of the silver cube.


    "Hey, let''s let ''em in. We have some new break challengers today."

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    "Hey, let''s let ''em in. We have some new break challengers today."


    The second guard peeks his head around the corner of the box with a goofy grin across his face, making eye contact with me. This man is heavier set and has a body hardening skill, he''s most likely a tank.


    "Is that right? Are you all facing the mid-town break or the mountain break?"


    His silly grin turns into a more serious look as he walks from his post to stand by the other guard''s side.


    I raise an eyebrow and respond.


    "Well, what''s the difference? All I know is one''s worth more than double the gold to clear than the other."


    Both of the guards turn to each other and can''t help themselves from bursting intoughter. Eventually, they stop and therger guard speaks up again.


    "Let me see your status, I don''t feelfortable sending you off on a death mission. You better be over level 300."


    I nod slowly, turning my concealed status towards the guard.


    It shows a level 351 swordsman with various stat-boosting rings, but none of my actual powers.


    His eyes widen as he reads everything allowed. Both of the guards be much more serious, then I reply.


    "See, I''m not just messing around here. My teammates here are all at simr levels. Tell me about these breaks, we can handle it. Also, I''m smart enough to run away if I can''t."


    The guard that read my status allowed replies.


    "Ya know what, you may be the kind of guy we need for that mountain break- I-"


    His partner elbows him in the ribs, cutting him off.


    "The mountain break is where those 4 casualties came from that I mentioned earlier. There''s... also only been 4 challengers. No one that enters that break makes it out alive... we don''t have much info on it."


    The other guard speaks, after clearing his throat from being elbowed in the gut.


    "Y-Yeah. Sorry, you just wanted info on both breaks. I can''t tell ya much about that one. The one we''re guarding here is an old Griffin Dungeon. It used to be the perfect training ground for our higher-level 200s hunters to break into the 300s after farming the boss, but now it''s gone way out of control."


    He lets out a long sigh.


    "No one has dared to face the mutant boss, our teams of 5 have trouble with the regr dungeon-spawned mutants. They have some nasty wind magic... ording to a few of the break experts, the Boss is rumored to be almost level 400..."


    An audible gulpes from the other guard as he agrees.


    I nod slowly, thinking this information over my head for a few seconds, then respond.


    "I''d like to talk this over with my partners for a moment."


    I turn to Issac, motioning for him toe back over to my three teammates. They''re still standing together with their faces covered.


    Maria is the first to make ament once I get closer.


    "You want to go off and face that mountain break by yourself don''t you?"


    I let out a chuckle.


    "You read my mind..."


    I turn to look at the mountain range made of orange-red stone towering over the vige for a moment then back to my team.


    "You 3 handle this break, I want the one in the mountains. With a record of 4 attempts and 4 casualties... There''s something fishy going on, and I want to figure out exactly what it is..."


    I get a firm nod from Arie as he responds.


    "Finally, I''ll get to solo a mutant boss."


    Abby ps him on the shoulder.


    "Hey, I''ll be the one to take it out, just watch!"


    Maria looks at me with a serious stare.


    "Meet back at the Inn in 4 hours. If either of us doesn''t show up, go in to help the other with their break. Deal?"


    "Deal."


    Issac butts in.


    "H-Hey so what if- well, you don''te out?"


    Then he turns to me.


    "And- you''re facing the Mountain break by yourself? Are you deaf-"


    I cut him off.


    "It''ll be fine."


    I turn away from my team and ry the news to the guards standing by.


    "These 3 are going to handle this break. I''d like to take a crack at the one up in the mountains. Where is it?"


    Not expecting these words toe out of my month, the tank chokes on his own breath before responding.


    "Y-You''re not serious, are you? We were joking! Do you even have a signed bounty for it? A level 350 soloing the Mountain Break are you crazy? That''s suicide-"


    I roll my eyes and turn to Issac.


    He understands and shows them the signed paper with a worried look on his face. The fire user holds a second sheet of very small paper under the signed bounty.


    The guard takes both of them, reads them carefully, then hands the bounty paper back to Issac.


    The nervous gaze from Issac now transfers to the guard. The one on my right gulps then points to the highest mountain peak.


    "Your- paperwork checks out... See that middle mountain?"


    I shift my feet to face the mountain and cross my arms. The corners of my lips begin to curl upwards.


    "Yeah, I see it."


    He continues.


    "There''s a path all the way up to the top, you should see it about 3 quarters of the way up. It''s impossible to miss the break."


    I stare up at the peak, then reply.


    "Alright, then how do I get inside? Are there more guards like you up there? And another one of these shielding contraptions?"


    He looks over at Issac, then back at me.


    "All of the guards were called down after yesterday''s challengers didn''t make it out. It''s basically just left up to whoever wants an earlier death sentence."


    He pauses.


    "As I said, there''s no info on that break still... It shouldn''t be anywhere near as dangerous as it is. We lost a level 385 rogue the other day that attempted to challenge it. He''s known for taking about the toughest breaks, I didn''t even know that man could bleed..."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Oh yeah? He didn''t make it out? What kind of dungeon is this anyway-"


    Issac throws an arm around my shoulder and begins turning me away while whispering in my ear.


    "Enough talking, you sound like an outsider more and more every second you keep running your mouth. You''ll blow your cover."


    I yell out.


    "Hey!"


    Issac cuts me off, but I can sense some urgency in his tone now. He must be serious...


    I shift my gaze to see some wandering eyes and ears listening in, then shut my mouth. The fire user asks me another question.


    "Your friends can handle themselves fine?"


    I reply.


    "Yeah, a Griffin break? They''ll be fine."


    While turning away, I see Maria''s lips mouth "4 hours". I say "4 hours" back, confirming our deal, and wave the others off.


    I think to myself as both Issac and I walk through the crowd of people in the mid-town vige square.


    This break shouldn''t be much harder than the one we just defeated. The three of them are more thanpetent enough to face a break on their own. If for whatever reason they''re not up to the challenge, I''ll be back in 4 hours to help.


    I''d be very surprised if they don''t clear this dungeon without me.


    Issac responds, breaking my train of thought.


    "Whatever you say. The faster you clear these breaks the faster I get paid and can leave you crazies. I''ll be set for years off this payout!"


    He murmurs under his breath as we make it through the crowd and head off toward the mountains.


    "This will all be worth it in the end."


    The two of us walk in near silence again for what seems like a very long time. We make our way to the edge of town, step off the stone road, and begin walking on a much more sandy rugged one.


    As we stray from town, the wavering transparent barrier is easy to walk through without any resistance. When I look back., the town ispletely gone. I let out a light gasp at the sight, but Issac assures me we''ll be able to get back in without a problem.


    The twisting sandy road winds up the side of the mountain, and after half an hour of walking I wish we brought those camels along.


    I can see it in the fire user''s face too, he regrets leaving our rides behind. The hot sun is beating down on us overhead even though it''s still very early in the morning.


    There is a slight breeze thates through every few minutes, giving us a hint of cool air, but fading away before I''m fully satisfied every time.


    We''re about halfway up the middle mountain, and I already see a glimmer of something up ahead on the trail. I squint my eyes and activate my All-Seeing Eye at the same time.


    To my surprise, I pick up a faint mana reading....


    Then, activate it even further and pick up the traces of an entire dungeon portal... The pulsing was too weak to sense from the town, but now that I''m focused on it, there''s definitely something here.


    We trek upwards until ites into full view.


    I see a light red glowing dungeon portal sitting up on a high rocky ledge. It''s calmly swirling andpletely unguarded. The entrance to my next break is about 200 meters away on the path ahead.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "This all seems way too easy. Something doesn''t feel right..."

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    "...but something feels off..."


    As the two of us make our way up the narrow sandy path up the mountain''s side, a light red glowing portales into full view.


    It gives off minuscule amounts of mana radiationpared to what I was expecting to see.


    The closer we get, the more I prepare for a wave of intense energy toe pulsing out, but it neveres. The two of us approach the portal in silence, then I finally speak up.


    "This is giving off the mana signature of an E-ss dungeon at best..."


    Issac responds as wee to a halt about 10 meters away from the light red spinning portal.


    "W-Well, once you enter, I''ll be waiting out here. You heard what that guard said. Not a single person has walked into that dungeon and made it out alive. There''s no way it''s an E-ss!"


    I tighten my gaze and burn through a few hundred MP to examine every millimeter of this calmly swirling break. I don''t find anything different than thest time I scanned it.


    "Nothing... it''s just a normal E-ss break..."


    With a sigh, I begin walking straight toward the break while continuing to speak in a low tone.


    "I''ll be back in a few hours at most. See you soon."


    As I turn away, I catch a glimpse of his nervous expression turns into a slick grin. I don''t think much of it as I''m mesmerized by the odd portal in front of me... but shake myself from its trance before going into full battle mode.


    I turn to the grunt, looking him straight in the eyes to watch sweat roll off his forehead in streams.


    "Don''t try anything stupid while I''m gone... "


    I light the tip of my finger with a dark me, then grab it with my other hand putting it out in an instant.


    "We have a deal, but I won''t hesitate to make you disappear if you do anything to harm my teammates or put my mission at risk. Don''t mess up this life-changing payout for yourself..."


    He gulps, then shows me a slight bow, stuttering a reply.


    "O-Of course. I''ll be right here when you return."


    He steps back.


    I reply to his bow with a firm nod, then face the portal again.


    "Great. Now onto more important things."


    The light red mass of mana spins slowly and silently just above the rocky desert floor. It''s almost eerie how little energy it''s giving off.


    There''s not much use in thinking about it anymore, I''ll just need to jump through and figure out what the problem is from the inside.


    With a grin forming across my face, I jump through without a hint of hesitation. Instantly, white transfer magic brings me into the dungeon.


    My eyes open wide for a moment, then tighten and shift back and forth as I question what exactly is going on here...


    There''s tall green grass, asional patches of rocks and small trees, a bright blue sky with white clouds, and a cool breeze that pushes my hair up as I step into this new world.


    "A... goblin dungeon?"


    Blinking a few times, I activate my enemy detection and inspect skills as I see 3 small green creaturese running towards me with their small ck daggers held tight in their grips.


    [20m]


    [Lv. 16]


    [Lv. 13]


    [Lv. 12]


    I squint more, unable to truly believe what I''m seeing in front of my eyes.


    "Goblins... really....?"


    They''re higher levels than normal goblins, but still, these are double-digit-level mobs...


    I must have entered the wrong break. Maybe there is another one nearby that I missed on the way up? Or it''s further up the mountain?


    I wrack my brain for ideas as the 3 goblins continue toe charging my way.


    The group attacks, but I kick them to the side and incinerate the group with a small fireball from my right hand as I continue to ponder my predicament.


    The guard''s description of the dungeon break matches the location of this one exactly...


    "So what am I missing....?"


    I''m pretty frustrated, but decide to begin my trek forward into the dungeon anyways. It''s still a break after all. Someone has to clear it.


    I open up my item storage and let Ember fly out, it''s been a while since we''ve had some peace and quiet alone in a dungeon.


    The elegant glimmering ck wings of my battle partnere out of my white twisting item storage portal, then the crimson eyes of therge monster show themselves next.


    Instantly, I feel our telepathic link open up.


    "We''re a long way from home, and I''ve gained a few levels. It seems you''ve been busy."


    I smile and watch the magnificent beast p its wings and fly up into the open sky of the dungeon.


    I air-step upwards to climb on his back and respond.


    "I have. You haven''t missed any exciting fights yet, I''m hoping we''lle across one soon."


    Ember begins to fly his wings harder, bringing us higher up into the sky, then responds.


    "Maybe we''ll get one here. What a peculiar break."


    I raise an eyebrow, activating my All-Seeing-Eye and looking down from above.


    "I''m not sure what you- oh-"


    I sense something odd on the far side of the dungeon that was definitely not there when I scanned for enemies upon entry...


    "This is new...''


    Just as I catch onto the odd disturbance in mana that''s lurking back by what can only be the boss room portal, it disappears from my mind''s eye.


    "It- It''s gone?"


    Ember pauses for a moment before responding.


    "Seems like it is... My guess is a dungeon intruder. Something with a teleport skill."


    I nod slowly, continuing to extend my perception skill''s range, buting back with nothing at all over and over again. I did feel it, there was something there... It was strong too, very strong.


    Ember and I continue to soar through the sky for another 30 minutes. I catch him up on the whole Dark Continent situation, but the Dragon doesn''t seem to care much for our human issues.


    He''s more focused on the break''s themselves, hoping to snag more levels where ever he can. We''re only 75 away from his next rank up, so it seems like this is still the only thing on the forefront of his mind.


    It gives me more motivation to focus too. Leveling up and improving my skills is the only thing that matters.


    "Let''s find this intruder..."


    The moment I speak these words, its presencees backing my mind''s eye. Ember seems to notice a disturbance in the mana around us too and immediately changes directions, beginning our descent.


    Whatever is down there is giving off mana levels simr to the Smander Boss in full battle mode that I fought just yesterday. There''s also an odd shielding around it blocking me from reading into its full potential.


    As we plummet down toward the floor at blinding speed, I begin to activate my other detection skills... then the presence vanishes again.


    "It''s...pletely gone... again."


    I grit my teeth as we break through the cloud line and the light grey spinning boss room portales into view below us in the middle of a wide open meadow of tall green grass.


    Both of usnd to the ground with a thud and I hop off Ember''s back with my hands at my sides, looking around with both curiosity and frustration.


    The portal slowly spins and gives off a light grey tint.


    Even for a dungeon break, it''s hardly dark at all. The portal doesn''t buzz one bit, and there aren''t any goblin or hobgoblin mobs in sight. There is usually some kind of portal guardian or something...


    Nothing seems to be popping up.


    I reach into my item storage to cautiously take out my sword.


    "It''s way too silent."


    My eyes continue to dart back and forth, waiting for an ambush, but it neveres.


    Minutes pass, and nothing happens... that dense mana source that has appeared twice isn''t showing its face. I don''t understand why....


    Letting out a sigh, I walk back over to Ember who has now made himselffortableying down in the soft green grass. Leaning against his cool ck glossy scales I open our link.


    "Looks like it ran away.. whatever was here is definitely not here anymore."


    Ember replies.


    "What a shame. I thought we''d get to meet a real Arch Demon-"


    Ember''s voice stops mid-sentence and the air pressure shifts. The dense mana readings begin to pop up on my radar again out of nowhere.


    I grip my sword and turn around to see the source of the energy...


    An unexpected guest has arrived.

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    I turn to see what the source of this overwhelming power is and my jaw drops at the sight of a full-blown demon with red horns, white eyes, dark skin, and pointed white teeth staring at me curiously.


    Dense white mana shielding covers its bulging muscles and I see the thin ck line on its forearm stretch all the way up its nice, shoulder, and curl onto its chest just like mine.


    The monster doesn''t have any armor or gear on other than tight ck pants that hug its overly muscr legs.


    It looks very simr to the Greater Demon I faced in the past. The only difference is this monster looks much morepact, more muscr, and possesses the ability to control mana at a much higher level.


    Its skin is such a dark red color it almost looks jet-ck. The creature''s white eyes wander back and forth from me to Ember, to the dungeon behind us, then back to me.


    Then, it speaks...


    Breaking through my telepathic links defenses immediately, I hear the deep voice of the 3-meter-tall entity invade my mind.


    "A demon and a dragon, what a lucky surprise."


    Its eyes tighten on me like it''s looking straight through my body.


    I gulp as the monster continues.


    "Now how did the two of you get all the way out here...?"


    I don''t say a word, cautiously gripping my sword tight by my side and activating Inspect and Appraisal.


    ____________________


    [Lv. 450]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Body Double [Special Grade]


    Dungeon Walker


    ____________________


    No items and it has a skill I''ve never seen before. The other two aremon demon skills, but... There''s no core. Where is the Arch Demon''s Core?


    Ember stands up and begins to flicker with dark mes behind me. I put my left hand in the air as the Dragon stares down the demon in front of us.


    "Wait... wait. Doesn''t something feel off?"


    Ember nods but keeps his eyes locked on the potential enemy.


    The demon smirks and continues to talk through our link like nothing has changed.


    "Ohe on, don''t be like that. I haven''t had anyone to talk to face-to-face in years. I abandoned mybyrinth too, can''t you tell?"


    The demon takes a step forward, showing off its pearly white teeth, and stares deep into my eyes while continuing to speak through our link.


    "You''re an odd one, aren''t you? A shape-shifting perk? Well, it doesn''t matter. Whatever helps you blend in while outside the dungeons is none of my business."


    I look at the demon with a slightly confused look on my face, but pay close attention as it continues. I want to ask a million questions, but I''m better off just letting this monster continue doing the talking uninterrupted before it realizes what I really am.


    It takes another step forward.


    "I really have been getting tired of guarding that ce. Only in this recent surge have I been able to open my links to the dungeons that were formed during my creation."


    I squint my eyes as the monster continues its long strides, making the ground sink beneath its heavy feet with every slow step it takes in the tall green grass.


    "You know, if neither of us reports each other to the King, we can each go our separate ways like this never happened."


    I stare forward with half pure astonishment and half mind-bending curiosity. The words that this demon says as it continues to walk toward me without changing its emotionless calm expression one bit are keeping me on the edge of my seat.


    A shape-shifting perk? It abandoned itsbyrinth? Report to the King?


    So many things make my mind buzz with new thoughts.


    The shielding around its body is still glowing in the vision of my perception skill on full power. It''s spewing unnecessary amounts of MP into the air. If anything, its defenses are getting stronger with every step closer it takes.


    My shielding isn''t active at all, and Ember is hardly producing any mes.


    Either this demon is oddly confident that we''re already allies, or it believes the two of us are so inexperienced that this is the peak of our power.


    It speaks up again, now less than 5 meters away.


    "I heard there was a prematurebyrinth copse recently on one of the newer spawns. In a ce humans called, the Vice Region I believe. We were informed that you had perished in the defeat, but it seems this isn''t the case. I know your core signature very well. You''ve gone rogue."


    I nod slowly, remembering back to thebyrinth that I copsed following the C-ss exams. It seems I''ve really been mistaken for a demon again. All these monsters see is my core and my dragonpanion and believe everything they see.


    I let out a sigh and go along with its game. If it believes I''m its ally, this may be a positive.


    "That''s right... We''ve... beenying low. Looking for others to team with."


    The demon takes another step, then its demeanor changes entirely in an instant.


    The calm eyes turn fierce, its kind grin shifts to a devious smirk, and it begins to swing its left hand of sharp ws directly at my neck without hesitating for a moment.


    I hear it say a final line.


    "Too bad you''ve decided to betray us, I''ll make this quick."


    I activate my mana maniption to create a bright pink barrier of energy between my neck and the demon''s iing wed fingers.


    I use nearly half my MP stores on the shielding while activating my stat-boosting skills simultaneously. I''m not taking any chances.


    It forms fractions of a second before impact, and I watch the crimson-red ws fracture into dozens of pieces on my dense shielding. The demon''s eyes widen with fear, and a spinning ck and purple portal opens up behind it.


    I lift my sword, instantly charge it with 1000 MP, and swiftly slice the monster''s head clean off before it can take a step backward to blip away using its teleportation magic.


    I expected it to counter or fight back in some way, but the battle is over in an instant...


    As the head of the demon slides off its body, the portal behind it fades and a few final wordse into my telepathic link.


    "How interesting..."


    Its eyes close and the head drops toward the ground. The demon''s body falls backward. It whispers out a final line through our link before hitting the grassy floor.


    "Come see me in Sra, I''ll be waiting for you..."


    *THUDD*


    Its head and body hit the ground at the same time, then the entire dungeon falls silent.


    I look up at the grey spinning portal in front of me, then turn back to Ember, then finally back at the corpse on the ground.


    In just mere seconds, its body dissolves into thin air, not leaving a single thing behind.


    "A Body Double... That skill I''d never seen before. This is the only exnation."


    I turn to Ember again, he speaks up before I can get another word in.


    "That was far too easy to be the real thing, your thinking I most likely correct. A body double skill. Possibly simr to your Advanced Mana Maniption perk. Arch Demons aren''t easily fooled."


    I nod.


    "So it probably knew I was a human all along? Or... Maybe it was just testing my strength...? And how does it know all of these city names from outside the dungeons? It wants me to meet it in Sra."


    I gulp, then my facial expression slowly morphs into a grin.


    "That means there''s a Labyrinth in the Capital right? Or... maybe it''s just in another dungeon like this."


    I scratch my chin, looking up at Ember while standing in ce and thinking about our new situation for quite a while. So many things just got much moreplicated than they were just a few hours ago...


    "I''ll deal with this threat once I get to Sra. For now, one thing at a time, let''s clear this break."


    I open up my item storage to let Ember hop back inside. Thest thing I need is to have Issac see my 7-meter-long fire-breathingpanion when I leave the dungeon. That grunt already knows one too many things about me.


    After entering the boss room, a mutant hobgoblin appears at level 41. I take it out in a single swing of my sword and wait for the white transfer magic to take me back out to the surface.


    Putting away my weapons and powering down my skills, the white light takes over and the break is cleared.


    I mutter to myself as I feel the earth under my feet shift from soft grass to hard smooth flooring that does not feel like the rocky desert.


    "That went well... Easy enough, wait-"


    While transporting back to the real world I begin to feel a very odd humming sensation.


    As my visiones back I see white walls surround me on all sides and the buzzing sound of manmade mana shielding fills my ears.


    I''m in a box... It seems to be about the same size as the metal contraption I saw in the vige square earlier this morning.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye reveals that it is in fact, exactly the same as the box from DryRock.


    "What have I gotten myself into this time..."

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    "What have I gotten myself into this time..."


    There are 6 white walls, including the ceiling and floor all around me buzzing with the strong sensation of high-grade mana shielding in the air.


    My perception skills reveal the level of shielding to be more than enough to keep most C-ss monsters at bay.


    It seems as though the outside is made of a strong metal alloy while the inside is coated in dense white mana shielding. It''s simr to the kind used in the Vice City capital training rooms.


    Well, the public ones.


    "... how did I manage to get stuck inside one of these...?"


    I walk over to one of the walls and begin banging on it with a fisted hand.


    "Hey! Hello? Anybody there? I''m.... Kind of stuck inside here!"


    The pounding sounds of my fist against the imprable shielding fade instantly not even leaving me with an echo. These are some hard walls...


    No one replies. I can''t hear anything but the low hum of mana now that I think about it...


    I gulp, then begin to pace around the small white room in circles thinking about my options here.


    It makes no sense as to why I''m in a box like this.


    It''s only been 2 hours a most since I left the city


    Maybe it was some kind of weird linked dungeon that brought me back to the town center? Or... was I set up? Is this some kind of trap?


    I activate my plunderer skill and begin sucking the MP out of the floor beneath my feet while fully activating my All-Seeing Eye to look through the walls around me.


    The moment I do, I catch onto the faint sensation of magic items in my near vicinity.


    Not many, and not strong ones, but there''s definitely some mana-imbued gear lingering nearby.


    A few cloaks, swords, and item boxes are moving slowly in the open area all around me.


    I activate enemy detection too and find that all of the people around are between levels 275 and 330.


    I mutter under my breath.


    "Guards..."


    This was a setup.


    All signs only point toward one person. I roll my eyes and reach into my item box to pull out my sword.


    Using the excess mana from the shielding I''m standing on, I power up my own version of shielding using mana maniption. I cover my entire de in a thick pinkyer of mana while coating my body in a thinneryer of it as well.


    This may be overkill.


    If my calctions are correct, none of the guards outside have a clue what mana control even is, but there''s one that I''d like to teach a lesson.


    One of their levels matches Issac''s exactly... After activating Appraisal and doing a full sweep, his Fire Magic confirms his position as well. He''s cowering behind them.


    I grit my teeth and swing the mana-shielded de at the dense white walls. It slices through like butter... not even making a sound, leaving the full wall entirely intact.


    I hear the chatter of guardse through the white walls the instant the shielding is fractured.


    A raspy voice fills my ears.


    "It''s only us four... we''re the only ones that know about this Elite. The bounty on his head is all ours, we''ll kill him the second we get a chance. He''s a crafty one too, he can change his face to look like anyone... So don''t let that fool ya!"


    Another guard responds.


    "Yeah, and he wields two elements... Fire and Earth...This box better hold him. Ready when you are to set off the trap."


    There''s a pause.


    "3... 2... 1-"


    Without wanting to know what exactly will happen at the end of this countdown, I kick the triangr sliced metal shielding in to open the hole justrge enough for me to hop through onto the rocky mountain path overlooking the city.


    The 4 rougher-looking men in guard''s uniforms stop counting down and stare at me wide-eyed with shields, swords, and daggers pointed straight ahead.


    One of them in the back speaks up.


    "H-Hey, how''d he get out of there... T-That shielding is graded for up to level 400 monsters! I-I thought you said he was a level 351!"


    The guard turns to a nearby rock pile and I follow his gaze to see the back of Issac''s head running away down the path without saying a word to reply.


    My eyes shift back to the 4 guards as they begin to run at me with their weapons raised yelling death threats and baring angry expressions.


    The world around me seems to slow down...


    I take a deep breath in, then let it out. Watching the sand beneath the backs of Issac''s feet fly up in the air and the shining silver weapons of the guards before me slowly close in on my location.


    I think to myself.


    "It''s a shame you ratted me out... Once a crook, always a crook I guess..."


    I haven''t killed anyone in a while.


    Unfortunately, today I''ll break my clean streak.


    I''m not mad about it, just disappointed. Disappointed that even withmon interests in mind and what I thought was some mutual respect, it still wasn''t enough to tame human greed.


    Including my own.


    "This will be quick."


    I lift my sword, still covered in ayer of pink mana, and run forward while charging its core with fire-imbued MP.


    In the blink of an eye, I slice through everyst one of them.


    All 4 guards freeze in ce, unable toprehend what''s happening. I run through them without batting an eye, slicing while keeping my eyes focused on the man that revealed my secrets to these 4 grunts.


    Issac calls out, begging for something, but I don''t give him the time of day to say a single word. The backstabber is finished before he can even meet my gaze.


    I fly past him with a swift swing of my sword, thene to a halt using a hint of wind magic to stop my feet from sliding down the trail any further.


    My perception of reality speeds back up to normal, then the 5 astonished men all burst into balls of hot ck mes.


    In less than a second upon leaving that mana-shielded box, everyst one of them has beenpletely incinerated.


    One of the rare cool mountain breezeses through, making the ck mes waver on all of my targets for a moment. There''s a slight whistle in the air, I''m left in near silence.


    All that remains now are piles of sizzling ash and the inconsistent buzzing of a broken metal mana shielding contraption.


    I curse under my breath, realizing the seriousness of what I''ve just done... but don''t regret it for a moment.


    They were going to kill me if I gave them the chance, and letting them run free would have endangered me even more in the future.


    That was the right thing to do.


    Well... that''s all I can tell myself now. What''s done is done.


    After looking over both my shoulders, confirming there are no other wandering eyes, I throw all of their low-level gear into my item storage. Using my earth summoning skill, their ckened remains are mixed into the sandy dirt below my feet.


    Then, I stare at the massive metal contraption with a triangle-shaped hole in the side of it.


    "Now how did they even manage to get this thing up here...?"


    It''s enormous.


    "There''s no way I''m moving this thing in one piece."


    With a few swift swings of my mana-shielded sword, the metal box is sliced into 8 smaller prices that conveniently fit in my item storage without a problem.


    Each fragment buzzes and vibrates, giving off absurd and uneven amounts of mana. They rattle and shake the ground if not handled with my telekinesis skill. Even while flowing in the air they aren''t very easy to hold.


    It won''t be containing any monsters or people any time in the near future, but I''m sure these parts wille in handy at some point in the future.


    I let out a long sigh, confirming that all of the evidence has been scrubbed. Looking down at the city below, my heart skips a beat as I remember my teammates clearing the break in the town center...


    I wonder if more guards have set up a simr trap while waiting for their return.

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    I stare down at the city below, wondering how my teammates are fairing against a potential ambush.


    Remembering back to when we showed the guards in the middle of town our bounty to clear the break, Issac slipped him a second piece of paper.


    I grit my teeth and curse under my breath again.


    "How could I have been so careless..."


    Well... trusting is a better word.


    How could I have been so trusting of a grunt that would turn his back on his own town''s people for some gold? Of course, he''d turn his back on me once he got a better offer!


    I swallow hard, rolling my eyes, then tighten the grip on my de for reassurance while staring down the mountain trail that leads back to the town.


    "Think..."


    It''s been a little over 2 hours. Even if the 3 of them ran the whole, there''s a low chance they''ve defeated the entire break already. I still have time to scope out the center of town and prepare for what happens next.


    Thinking back to what the guards that attacked me said, they were the only ones that knew of my whereabouts and hidden abilities. Hidden in a much more private setting, they were going to cash out on my bounty alone.


    My teammates will re-appear in a much more popted area, it''ll be much harder to keep a secret, so I can only assume they have a lot more guards on the job.


    No one else has to die...


    If I can just get us out of the city quickly and quietly that would be the best-case scenario here.


    I''m sure, given enough time, they''ll figure out where their missing guards went. However, our immediate concern is to escape this city, all 4 of us have a bounty on our heads.


    I begin walking down the mountain at a quick pace while re-activating conceal and throwing on a new generic viger disguise while covering my face with my long red robe just to make sure no one identifies me.


    It takes nearly half an hour to get down the mountain. The sun has risen higher in the sky, making its hot rays much stronger, pulling moisture from my skin with every step.


    The city is still invisible to me too, the odd magic barrier shields any visuals from making it through. Maybe that''s it?


    I walk up to the invisible magical wall. Using my All-Seeing Eye it appears as a rainbow-pink-tinted wavering wall of light-imbued magic.


    In the silence of the desert, I look over both my shoulders but see no one to my left right, or back. There isn''t even anyone from the vige past the wall looking at me. It is a more unpopted portion of town with residential buildings facing away from the open desert.


    I slowly bring my finger forward and tap the wall of glimmering transparent magic 2 times.


    To my surprise, it sends rippling waves all throughout the barrier and actually stops my finger from pushing through it.


    "Well.. this is unexpected..."


    I tap it again with my outstretched pointer finger, but the vibrations just show up in my mind''s eye and flow throughout the entire town-sized curved dome. The waves look like the result of throwing a rock into a pond.


    "So... odd..."


    There''s a good chance that if I hit it hard enough, this barrier will most likely break. As I gauged it before, it''s a high-grade D-ss spell. I''m sure it does well at keeping most intruders out.


    I''m not exactly sure how it''s maintained or operated, so I don''t really want to break it beyond repair if the caster isn''t in town to fix it.


    I activate my mana maniption skill and coat my finger in ayer of pink shielding, then try my tapping again. To my amusement, my finger slips right through.


    Tiny fragments of clear shimmering energy fly off of the area my finger touches and dissolve into thin air. It looks like paper-thin ss being shattered. It only affects a small area that is touched with mana and disappears within seconds. The ripples don''t carry throughout the entire barrier like before.


    With a smirk, I coat the rest of my body in mana and take a few steps forward to walk all the way through.


    More small rainbow-shimmering, transparent fragments burst from the spell as I slip through and dissolve into the air. I do a final scan once I get to the other side, making sure that I''ve left the wallpletely unharmed and remained totally unscathed myself.


    Powering down my perception skill, the city is visible to me without any outside aid. I made it back inside.


    Immediately, I head toward the Inn we stayed atst night while using my Special Grade Conceal perk to shift my appearance around to something that''d help me out a bit more at a time like this.


    With long ck slicked-back hair, a beefier build, and a smug look on my face, I take on the appearance of the fire-wielding grunt that crossed me and head for the camel stand at the back of the town.


    Without even batting an eye, the kind old man taking care of the animals in the back gives me the reins for 2 of the 3 camels he was taking care of. I mention if we''re not back by nightfall, the 3rd one, Issac''s old ride, is his to keep, a token of my gratification. It may be better off with this caretaker anyway.


    He looks at me with an astonished stare, but graciously epts as I walk off with our two rides toward the town square.


    My heart beats faster and faster as I walk through the narrow alleyways holding the reins of both camels tight, leading them behind me.


    There''s a cool shade near the walls of the buildings that line both sides of the street. Every step forward I take makes me more jittery about the sight I''m about to see.


    Finally, making it to an opening that leads out into the bustling crowds of people, I tie the two camels up in thest bit of shade and slowly walk forward into the mass of people going about their everyday lives. The top of the massive metal box is visible, reflecting the mid-day sun right back at me.


    Still in full disguise, looking exactly like the fire-using thug that tried to have our heads sold off to the highest bidder. I wade through dozens of people, making my way closer and closer to the metal box.


    Theughter and conversations all around me fade away, all I can hear is my own breathing and my slow footsteps on the hard ground.


    The mana shielding contraptions gets closer while the crowd of vigers gets thinner.


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye and stay hidden by the hoard of people all around me and begin to walk around the open courtyard in slow circles while examining the mana in my close vicinity.


    There are tons of mana crystals and mana-imbued items being traded all around. Some wear item boxes while others are holding goods on their person. The 4 guards that stand around therge metal box are all stacked up with lower-level C-Grade gear. There are another 8 guards stationed all around the square, armed with simr gear.


    I continue to walk around in a slow circle stopping at random shops and switching directions every once and a while with the crowd''s natural flow for a full 10 minutes.


    Keeping my head down and out of sight, only using my perception skill, Ipletely blend in with every other merchant and viger that passes through.


    It''s been just over 3 hours now, so my teammates still have plenty of time before our decided meeting time, but I would have guessed that they beat this break by now.


    My breathing slows, and my eyes grow sharp as I continue to watch the box from all angles and wait.


    Finally... I feel something.


    The strong magic within the portal ceases to spin and I feel an intense wave of familiar earth and ice magic hit my mind''s eye seeping through the heavily shielded metal box.


    One of the guards takes out a glowing silver contraption from his pocket and yells out with a fearful tone to the guard next to them.


    "They''re here! Get into positions!"


    Just like before, moments prior to when I cut through the magic box up on the mountainside, I hear one of the nearby guards counting down.


    "3...."


    The 4 guards scatter, running away from the box while yelling at vigers in the crowd to stay back.


    One of the other guards continues to yell.


    "It''s a break! Get back! Everybody get back! The containment is failing!"


    My eyes dart back and forth while I watch everything go down in real-time. The men are clearly lying, they''re copsing the box from the outside.


    At least they''re getting the innocent citizens away, that''s good...


    The surrounding 8 guards begin to walk closer from all sides.


    "2..."


    The vigers and merchants all around me start to scream and smaller children in the streets cry in fear, but I run forward, making my way straight at the metal box.


    I pass one of the guards on my way through, locking eyes with him for a moment to see that it''s the same one that Issac handed the small piece of paper off to this morning.


    I get a surprised look from him, but pay it no mind. I''m still in full disguise.


    "1..."


    I lunge forward, then the countdown hits its final number.


    "0..."


    There''s a loud bang, and everything glows bright white.

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    "3..."


    "2..."


    "1..."


    I hear a nearby guard count these numbers down as I run toward the metal box in the middle of the square.


    All of the vigers and merchants run in the opposite direction, following the orders of the screaming guards that are lying to them all about a copse in their containment tech.


    In reality, whatever is about to happen is all their doing. It was triggered by that small silver contraption in the hands of one of the escaping guards.


    "0..."


    The countdown hits zero. I''m close to taking out my sword and slicing through the metal box myself, but I feel energy building up inside it.


    The district dense mana for Arie''s bow, Maria''s new royal blue ice, and I feel the ground begin to shake and ripple sending waves of earth magic all throughout the courtyard.


    I grin and tuck my sword back into storage, realizing they have this all under control.


    There''s an incredibly loud bang that''s quickly overpowered by the humming and buzzing sounds of excess mana shielding flying out into the air.


    A bright white sh of white light engulfs the entire square. To anyone without extreme perception awareness like mine, it''d be impossible to tell what is going on.


    So, in other words, I''m the only one that has a clue of what''s going on for the next 1-2 seconds.


    Metal fragments from the contraptions begin to burst out in all directions and my 3 team members jump out of the mana-spewing box with angry expressions on their faces.


    They''ve busted out at thest minute without my help. Arie''s arrow blew a hole right through the shielding and Maria''s Ice took advantage by freezing the whole box solid in fractions of a second. Abby finished the job by forcing the desert floor beneath the box to shoot spears of rock into the brittle outsideyer shattering it into thousands of pieces.


    This chain of events releases massive amounts of built-up energy into the atmosphere.


    I summon walls of rock to shield the innocent townspeople that may be caught in the st radius. Massive 5-meter tall walls of stone make a 20-meter-wide circle around the inner part of the town square. While doing so, I activate my telepathy skill and aim it directly at my teammates.


    It''s been used on intelligent monsters before, but never on other humans. In theory, it should work just fine.


    "Can you hear me?"


    About a second passes...


    Shards of metal and broken mana shielding collide with my walls of stone blocking them from hitting the vigers, but I conveniently let a few pass in the direction of the 12 guards now all running away in fear of the st.


    Maria''s voice echoes in my mind.


    "J-Jay? How-"


    Then Abby cuts her off with a confused echoing voice.


    "Hello?"


    Arie is thest to talk through my telepathic link as Abby''s voice fades off, he''s more calm and collected.


    "What happened...?"


    I reply while shooting a dark ball of fire in the air heading off in the direction of the camels I parked in the shadows of the narrow alley. The ck-crimson ball of mes shines through all of the dust and mana-imbued white and silver-colored debris.


    "It was all a setup. Issac betrayed us. Follow the mes, we''re getting out of here."


    Abby butts in with a sarcastic tone.


    "Who woulda thought? Issac betrayed us?"


    I cut her off with a serious reply.


    "Tease meter, for now, our only goal is to leave this square."


    I activate stealth to zip through and hop over the crowd with ease as the dust begins to settle all around. The disy of earth magic and metal fragments is revealed. The bow wielder, blond, and green-haired mages follow close behind me.


    I deactivate my concealment and stealth skill and hop on one of the camels while unhooking them from where I previously tied them up. My other three teammates hop on and we ride away through the empty ally way before the screaming crowd can escape the square.


    We leave the vige center in shambles.


    With bloodied guards cursing the elites they let slip through their fingers and yelling out words about the association, we''re leaving this town just like the other two hunters from a few days earlier.


    Although, the turned-up earth, and apletely destroyed mana-shielding contraption, this is a surefire way to get our bounties raised. We probably left a bigger impression on this city than we should have...


    I can''t help but tough at the chaos all around.


    A few small fires start in the confusion, but hunters and guards put them out before they spread too far. Clouds of smoke fill the air behind us.


    We twist and turn through the backroads until finally making it to the outer edge of town, then we go straight through the shimmering invisible wall without hesitating for a moment.


    Camels are surprisingly fast when pushed to run, I thought they were justzy slow-moving creatures all this time. Learned something new, these animals are quick.


    The 4 of us, on 2 rides, make our way straight for the mountains in the direction I just came from.


    Abby is the first to yell out.


    "Hoohoo! Now that''s how ya leave in style."


    She turns to me and changes her tone.


    "So, you finally got rid of that fire user I take it?"


    I nod, staring forward.


    "Yeah. He''s gone. A few guards were taken out in the cross fire too. Deserved... Just wish I got a skill or something out of it. I''ll sift through the gear another time. Oh- what about you all? How''d the actual break go?"


    Arie replies.


    "It was a good boss fight, the 3 of us nearly had to go all out. Maria, want to show what we got?"


    She nods and reaches into her item box behind me, pulling out a few random items. The only one that stands out is a long curved white talon with a 70% mental strength buff.


    I look at it curiously for a moment, then feel a buzzing sensatione from Maria''sp followed by a white glowing light.


    Her eyes open wide and she reaches down to pick up the transmission tablet that came out of her item box and is now vibrating like crazy. With a tap of one of the crystals, we all hear a loud voicee out.


    It''s The Director.


    "I''ve been trying to reach the lot of you for almost a full day now! What are you doing out there?? Give me a full mission status report right now!"


    Just hearing his voice makes me sick... I''m not sure why. Maria chuckles and responds while my stomach drops to the floor.


    "Oh, we just cleared the 4th break, only 2 more to go!"


    There''s a pause on the other end of the transmission tablet as Maria''s cheerful voice echoes in my mind and the clomping sounds of camel''s footsteps fill my ears while we begin to enter an alcove between two mountains.


    Instead of climbing up the path from earlier, we head off to the right side of the middle mountain. Red walls of rock line a narrow valley-like path cutting straight through the two mountains.


    A cool breeze even drifts through whistling past the tall rock cliffs on both sides as we continue forward. Finally, the director''s voice returns as we all wait in anticipation.


    "Good.. good. So you didn''t run into any trouble, this has gone much more smoothly than I expected. So you''ll be staying the night in DryRock before heading off to Sra I''d assume."


    Maria giggles again.


    "Well, actually we-"


    Arie reaches over to grab the tablet.


    "We''ll be heading off to Sra soon, yes. Why? There was no mention of giving mission updates until we finished the job. What''se up? Cut to the chase here. Why are you calling?"


    There''s another long pause.


    Maria is a bit annoyed that she didn''t get to finish her sentence but stares at the glowing tablet waiting for a response just like the rest of us, not saying a word.


    The Director replies.


    "You have less than 2 days to clear the final break in Sra. If by any chance you fail, there will be a major catastrophe."

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    "You have less than 2 days to clear the final break in Sra. If by any chance you fail, there will be a major catastrophe."


    The sick feeling in my stomach slowly fades as the conversation carries out, turning into pure anger rather than dread.


    I stare at the glowing transmission tablet in Arie''s hand and clench my jaw tight. I want to give the Director a piece of my mind, but there''s no use. It''d only be detrimental to this mission and there''s no clear reason for why I''m really that mad at him...


    It would be pointless to antagonize that man right now.


    I want to face the stronger dungeons toe, and he wants us to clear them. Even if we want the same job done for different reasons, there''s no use in sabotaging him or myself.


    Arie replies as I take a deep breath and stare forward still not saying a word.


    "You''re going to need to give us a few more details than that. At the rate we''re traveling, 2 days should be just enough time to take it to the big city. Even without calling, we would have made it in time, so don''t worry, Director. We''ll be well on our way soon."


    There''s a pause.


    The four of us travel further into the shade-filled valley between two mountains. The suddenck of direct sunlight cools my skin, making it a bit easier for me to think straight.


    The Director''s voice rings out from the tablet again. Instead of his slow and stone-cold usual self, he speaks fast with a hint of emotion in every word.


    "My apologies for being rash. There was just a minor dy. The scouting party we sent out 3 days before you gave us details of the final break. It... seems to be a multi-level dungeon break. Abyrinth with over 20 floors actually. There hasn''t been a break like this in Section 4 in years, and one to this magnitude would be devastating. There will be C and possibly B-ss monsters scattered across the continent. Worst case scenario we''d have to create another abyss to contain them."


    There''s another click and the transmitter goes silent.


    Abby, Maria, and I are all left confused by his final line. Another Abyss...? Even with that, I can''t help but think about what the Director said beforehand. A multi-level dungeon break...


    Arie''s eyes go wide, then tighten immediately on the small silver box in his hand. He stays silent.


    I finally speak up.


    "A Labyrinth break? I- Didn''t know that was even possible. How do we go about clearing one of those?"


    We all sit in silence waiting for a response as the camels continue to make their way forward at a much slower pace through the sandy valley. Any traces of the city we just left arepletely out of sight, and from what I can tell no one is following us.


    A light chucklees through the glowing tablet before hearing a response.


    "Good to hear you''re going alright, Jay. I assume you''re looking forward to a good fight in the capital. I wish I could say I nned this, but that isn''t the case. You may meet your training partner while you''re there. Fisher is the one who called and asked for backup after all."


    There''s another pause and I begin to think about all the details in the news he just dumped on us.


    Fisher called for backup, meaning he wasn''t able to beat the Labyrinth''s final floor. Then again... once you enter boss rooms there is no way out unless you die or defeat the opponent. So the fact that Fisher called for help probably means he didn''t even try to face the boss himself yet.


    Now that it''s been mentioned, abyrinth being in Sra does make total sense... This must be where that Body-Double Demon is residing.


    One thing doesn''t make sense though.


    I grit my teeth and speak up again.


    "Then why''d you send us? Our party is much weaker than that seasoned Elite. If he can''t beat it, then why would you put your faith in us? This makes no sense!"


    Arie butts in and speaks before there''s any response.


    "Hey. U-Understood Director. It doesn''t matter. If it''s vital to copse this break before it decimates Sra, we''ll do everything in our power to stop it."


    Abby sighs and Maria nods happily.


    I was going to agree anyways, and it seems like Arie knows something I don''t. So, I just shrug.


    Brutus'' voice rings out again. This time, in an even softer tone.


    "We''ve sent a team of B-ss Elites your way from Section 3. They''re finishing up a series of their own urgent breaks in the meantime. We didn''t intend for you all to be facing abyrinth mission at the start of this outing. This is just the way things turned out. As stated before, doubled credit rewards will be provided and you may keep all drops from thebyrinth. No questions asked."


    I think to myself for a moment.


    It does all seem very out of the blue, and he wouldn''t ask for us to try this near-impossible task unless very desperate.


    Usually, interactions with this man end in me being forced to do something I don''t want to, or him trying to pry some info out of me that I don''t want to tell.


    Neither of these are happening right now.


    Something else may be amiss, but it doesn''t concern me much. This seems like a great ce to end the conversation.


    I speak up in a positive tone.


    "Great. The pay rise and item drops are perfect. We''re on it. That 5th break will be taken out on our way and the 4 of us will face the Labyrinth break as soon as we get to Sra!"


    After a final pause, he responds.


    "Very good. I''ll let them know you''re on your way. Remember, 2 days remain. If it''s not cleared, millions may die. Best of luck."


    *Click*


    The tablet stops glowing and there''s no way to respond back, our transmission has ended. He left us on an unnecessarily ominous line there...


    Abby pulls out the map from her item box and speaks up.


    "Well, this doesn''t change any of our ns. I''d assume we''re not exactly wee back into DryRock anytime soon, and I don''t want to go back to check. The only towns nearby are way out of the way, it''d only make our journey to Sra even longer."


    Maria responds.


    "Agreed. We were headed this way anyways, now we just get an extra reward!"


    Arie replies while turning backward to look at the map.


    "Yeah, but now we have a reason to step on it. He wouldn''t have called if it wasn''t serious. Looks like the 5th break is in this mountain range anyways, there''s no point in taking any other path. We may have to camp out overnight in the desert."


    I nod, remembering the map earlier this week, but not being able to picture this mountain range. I wasn''t sure if all of those tiny poorly drawn triangles were an exaggeration for this mountain range or not...


    As we begin to walk out from the small valley area and re-enter the rays of the scorching hot sun, I see the vast mountain range before us that stretches off as far as the eye can see.


    There have to be hundreds of them, for as far as the eye can see stretching out into the deep blue sky in front of us. Sandy paths twist and turn throughout the Rocky Mountains guiding us onward.


    Arie speaks again.


    "If we travel non-stop, we may be able to find this 5th break by nightfall. I''ve heard of a powerful dungeon out in this mountain range, but never had the chance to face it myself. They''re rumored to be Blue Ogres."

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    "... They''re rumored to be Blue Ogres."


    Arie turns to me.


    "Maybe they''ll put up a good fight for ya. Huh?"


    I nod slowly while thinking about what these new monsters could really be like. The Director didn''t feel it necessary to mention them, confident that we''d clear it without a problem on our way to Sra, so I''ll just have to wait and see.


    Before I can even look up to respond, Arie continues.


    "Oh right- how was the dungeon break out here in the mountains? Seems like you cleared it pretty quickly, I never asked you how it went."


    Catching me a bit off guard with this question, I look up to the sky before answering.


    "The Dunegon break I cleared was so quick because... well-"


    I stop myself from continuing for a moment.


    There''s no reason to lie to my team here, but it may be for their own good.


    I''ve faced a floor boss on the 20th floor of a perfectly stablebyrinth and had to use every dirty trick in my book to beat it. I believe in my team, but there are some things I just know are impossible right now.


    It''s best that they don''t get involved with my future dealings involving that Arch Demon.


    I gulp.


    "It- was nothing really, I didn''t even get any drops. The strongest monster in there was as about as powerful as the Smander Boss we faced yesterday. Someone must have marked that thing wrong, I''m... not sure what all the fuss was about."


    There''s a pause from my teammates for a moment. Abby finally cuts through the silence.


    "Well, I don''t care if you don''t want to spill the details. As long as the break is cleared that''s all that really matters. We''ll just have to keep moving forward."


    I give her a firm nod, then turn away and grip the reins of my camel tighter.


    She lets out a sigh, poking Arie in the back.


    "Blue Orges? I read about a potential monster type like this in the Association advanced quest text a few months back. They were described to use strong energy shielding and possess strength and defense buffs."


    Maria responds.


    "So what? They''re just super strong Ogres? What''s the big deal about these things?"


    Abby shrugs, then smirks.


    "I believe on asion they drop very rare crafting items. There aren''t any of these Dungeons in the Vice region, the only mention of it I''ve seen in the files has been extraction missions to this exact mountain range every time there is a surge."


    I turn my head back to her, now interested.


    "Really? Just here? And what kind of crafting items? Like element stones? Or-"


    Abby clicks her tongue.


    "Ahh, it was a while ago when I read all of these details. Plus, they send extraction teams out to a lot of dungeons, it may not be that special.... I don''t believe they wield any elemental magic. We''ll just have to fight them and see what they actually drop. This is the extent of my knowledge."


    On that note, we continue to venture off into the desert switching the topic of conversation to what''s for dinner instead of the life-threatening battles ahead.


    The further we travel forward, the more spread out the mountains all begin to be. The tight rocky mountain range is now a wide-open desert in with mountains bing much further apart and valleys that dip much deeper than before.


    The earthy sand beneath our feet gets denser with stones and green shrubbery. The asional small desert tree pops up and the hint of water nearby seems more and more real.


    Although we''re stocked up on more than enough water for our travels, its always nice to have a more lively ecosystem around.


    We head further north for over 6 hours at a very steady pace.


    Intermittently, I activate my enemy detection and inspect skills to see if anyone is tracking us from the town we left in shambles.


    After a few hours, a few parties of level 250-300 hunters are sent out but they don''t make it very far into the mountains before turning back. It seems they''re just making sure we''re gone rather than trying to catch us.


    I''m sure they know what happened with the missing 4 guards up on the hill by now. The one guard in the vige that saw my face while disgusted as Issac may have even conjured up some wacky story by now too.


    If anything, it may seem like they were double-crossed...


    Whatever works. I''m just d we''ve left.


    Out of habit, I continue to check our surroundings in a few-kilometer radius every 20 minutes or so, just in case any stragglers or oddities pop up.


    As the sun begins to set, an oddly high level pops up about 3km ahead of us on the mountain trail.


    I use Appraisal and Inspect.


    _______________________


    [Lv. 440]


    Active Items:


    Blue Ogre''s Armor Set [+1400 Defense]


    Blue Ogre''s Club [+1250 Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening


    Extreme Strength


    _______________________


    The orange rays of sunlight are beginning to disappear over the horizon behind the rising and falling mountains off in the distance.


    No one has said a word for at least an hour now... We''ve all gotten used to the footsteps of our rides and are just now enjoying the cool air that''s started to fill the valley.


    But... there''s a Boss Level monster up ahead. Our moment of peace needs to be interrupted.


    I let out a sigh and speak up in a low tone.


    "Sorry to ruin the mood, but we havepany up ahead."


    Everyone begins to perk up, and I turn to Arie.


    "You were right, looks like we made it to the Blue Ogre Dungeon by nightfall."


    The Archer sits up straight, taking his bow out of the item box around his waist and looks forward with a focused stare moving his eyes left and right before responding.


    "How far out? I can''t see a thing."


    I point straight ahead.


    "At this rate, 20 to 30 minutes until we face the first one. It''s level 440. An Ogre outside the Dungeon is higher than some of the bosses we''ve faced so far this trip."


    My nk stare forward twists into the sliver of an excited grin.


    "Their mana output is off the charts."


    Maria chimes in.


    "Oh yeah? Just 20 minutes? Is it really that strong? What''s it look like?"


    I chuckle.


    "I don''t know everything. We''ll just have to go face it and find out. I don''t sense any others in the area, or even a portal nearby, so this may just be a lone stray. It''s a good start though."


    Abby takes out her map and looks it up and down in the remaining sunlight.


    "Yep, checks out. Considering our pace, we should be nearby the portal within an hour or so."


    We continue forward, now more on guard.


    Everything around us is silent.


    As we get closer I continue steering us in the right direction. The mana this beast we''re approaching only gets stronger in my mind''s eye with every minute that passes.


    It feels dense and cool. Certain high level creatures give off emotions with their mana auras. This one seems to be in a very calm state.


    We twist and turn through open ins and narrow valleys until we''re less than 500 meters away...


    Still, there''s no sound. All of my skills show that it''s just standing in one ce. The monster isn''t moving at all.


    Before we know it, the final turn is made and we see it right in front of our eyes.


    A 5-meter-tall beast with pale blue skin. Its overgrown teeth stick out of its mouth like white tusks.


    Leaning against its massive wooden mana-imbued club, the monster stands facing a massive red rock wall swinging its body back and forth slowly biding its time.


    The curved rock wall stretches out to make a circr t area about 100 meters wide. There are small piles of rock scattered about, and partial areas of rock wall that dip lower than others letting in more of the final rays of the sun.


    There''s a slight shimmer of silver armor on the beast''s arms and legs reflecting light from its armor. This gives my teammates a clear visual of the Ogre.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye from a distance... its power is incredible. There''s mana shielding activated around its whole body already. Thin, dense, and bright white, a strong shield of energy swirls around every millimeter of this beast. There isn''t a single weak point.


    I''m certain it hasn''t sensed our presence, but for some reason, it''s already prepared for battle.


    I speak up in a hushed tone while putting a hand in the air to stop my teammates from saying a word or moving forward.


    "It hasn''t noticed us yet, let''s take it out before it does."


    We tie up the camels on a small nearby tree with thick twisting branches.


    The sun is almostpletely set now. It''s cool and dark in the desert, but a tiny golden-orange hint of sun lights up our battlefield threatening to flicker out any minute now.


    The four of us split up, nning to surround the monster.


    Maria takes the right side while both Abby and Arie take the left.


    I take out my sword, activate stealth, and run straight ahead.

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    Activating stealth and gripping my sword, I run straight toward the light blue monster that''s less than 200 meters away now.


    My teammates have spread out on both sides of the circr sandy battlefield. High red stone walls surround the makeshift desert arena.


    Fragments of golden sunlight glimmer off my fellow hunter''s weapons as they charge forward. I watch the swaying monster before glowing blue and white with an ominous, slightly confusing aura. It stares straight ahead at the red rocky wall with its back facing me.


    Each step closer I take, the cool and collected mana radiating off the beast invades my perception skill. At under 100 meters away, I can finally hear the ground shift under its feet as it moves back and forth.


    Still, the monster hasn''t noticed us at all.


    Its shielding feels much different than anything I''ve faced before. Not strength wise though, that''s not what perplexes me.


    Usually, the shielding around monsters is thin and solid, like a skin-tight body suit fractions of a millimeter above their body''s surface.


    This monster''s aura twists and swirls around, protruding multiple centimeters outwards on some portions of its body. Even so, there isn''t a single area that I can detect a weakness.


    The swirling energy makes for a much greater volume of shielding, but the amount of MP stored in it is incredibly high... Astronomically high actually. To put a rough estimate on it, over 50k MP is somehow swirling around this beast''s body. This makes the density on par with the thinner shielding of other monsters I''ve faced at its equivalent level.


    It is odd, but this is not the most important detail for me. I''m almost positive I can take its head off in a single blow, I''m more curious about how my teammates with fair against it. This will be a solid test monster what the trials ahead. I''ll let each of themnd a hit before I go in for the kill.


    I watch the 3 of them veer in from my left and right side, beginning to glow with their respective skills.


    We''re less than 30 meters away now and the monster hasn''t changed its movement patterns at all...


    It really hasn''t noticed us.


    Arie''s bow glows bright white while Maria and Abby glow blue and green with their weapons at the ready.


    The archer is the first to release his shot.


    A thin white spirit arrow glides towards the back side of the light blue Ogre''s head timing the trajectory of the slowly swaying movements.


    It... actually didn''t notice....


    The arrow pierces the outeryer of swirling mana shielding with ease. Then, everything changes.


    On impact, the shielding beings to waver and ripple. I even see the white and blue edgy react with the sensation of a miniature ssh. It pushes out a shock wave of light blue mana followed by an impressive explosion of light.


    For the fraction of a second that we''re blinded, I feel the odd wave of energy pass through me. Then hear a ferocious roar.


    It doesn''t hurt... but it''s a very familiar sensation. One that I haven''t felt in quite a while.


    It feels like my All-See Eye. The wave of dense mana expands outwards in a dome shape, surrounding the entire arena for 50 meters in all directions with a light blue tint.


    This monster is using some kind of mana-pulsing ability for a makeshift perception skill.


    I grin through a clenched jaw and keep running forward, now charging my sword up and watching Maria and Abby both release their attacks.


    Two green crescents of energye out of Abby''s daggers while a royal blue shimmering lightes from Maria''s sword.


    The Orge is mid-turn as it''s hit at point-nk range with these three attacks.


    There''s another loud bang and sh of white, blue, and green light as another dome-like shock wave is forced through all of us.


    I run forward to make my move.


    The shelling around the monster is still vibrating and rippling from itsst barrage. It seems all 3 of my teammate''s attacks made it through, but this monster recovers its footing quickly.


    I see a chunk of flesh missing in the back of its head from Arie''s arrow, and multiple gash wounds in its torso from the mages.


    Not bad, but not good enough. It would take another 5 or so attacks from each of them to take this monster out. Those were cheap shots too, totally unguarded.


    The monster is in full battle mode now, but its level of shielding hasn''t changed at all. It seems its always on full st.


    The Blue Ogre begins to raise its heavy club as I run forward still using my stealth ability. I watch its eyes dart back and forth quickly, then lock onto my exact location.


    The massive monster lifts its club to block even before I release my attack...


    I charge up 1500 MP and let a dense wave of fire fly straight for its neck.


    Even with this odd perception ability, it''s a bit too slow, the ck crescent of mana glides just half a meter over the rising club and approaches its unguarded neck.


    On impact with its shielding, instead of gliding straight through, it ripples like water sending out another shock wave.


    I hear a sharp and concise buzz as the de moves all the way through its body.


    As ites out the other side, I hear a familiar ringing in my inner ear.


    [Level Up]


    "Instant Kill."


    Just like that, it''s dead.


    All four of usnd to the ground and the dust settles. We''re left in the silence of night and the sun finally falls below the horizon like it was waiting for us to finish.


    That wasn''t a hard fight, but there are a lot of unanswered questions I''d like to figure out once we enter the real break.


    What''s with that thick shielding, and the shock waves...?


    Maybe I''ll have an easier time examining it once I face more. This was just the first one outside the dungeon, it''s better to kill the first few quickly to make sure they don''t have any more hidden moves or special lethal abilities.


    In mid-thought, the corpse of the massive Blue Ogre falls backward with a thud and its head rolls to my feet.


    Maria is the first to shout out, staring to me.


    "I didn''t know that thing was so strong! Let me face one alone next round! Will ya?"


    I ce my sword into my storage and cross my arms.


    "As a team, they''ll be no problem. Solo, they will be tougher, but worth it for the levels and data we can collect. I''m really curious about these beasts, to be honest. I''d like to see each of you fight one."


    Arie nods and butts in.


    "Yeah that monster took a direct hit the other back of the head from me and survived. I''d like to watch them in action to find a weak spot too."


    Abby powers down her skills.


    "Yeah, but we should face them in the dungeon. The more of these we can actually get item drops from the better. Those rare crafting items I read about, the Association paid multiple gold for every one of them. They must be really valuable. I''d... like to see what exactly they are."


    I nod.


    "Me too.... So let''s conserve our energy for the real fights in the break. We''ll avoid any that are lurking in the mountains. There aren''t any viges out here to protect, so it doesn''t really matter if they roam free. All of them will dissolve once we take out the Boss."


    There''s a unanimous agreement, and we leave the dead Ogre corpse to rot out in the desert. It''ll also dissolve instantly once the break is taken care of, so there''s no point in lugging it around if we don''t have to.


    The 4 of us get back on our camels and continue into the night.


    I keep a small me ignited to light up the night as we move forward and Arie points a half-charged arrow to light up the path before him as well. The stars are beginning to shine from the ck sky and the moon lets off a low white glow, but extra light is morefortable for our travels right now.


    I expand my All-Seeing Eye out to a much greater range to find exactly what we''re looking for.


    The further into this portion of mountains we travel, the moremon these Blue Ogres be. They are rather spread out though, over the next few kilometers only half a dozen of them show up. Each one of them is level 435-445. So, either these are all mutants or this break is much higher level than any of us first expected it to be.


    Every mob we pass is calmly minding their own business in the cool night, swaying back and forth while emanating an odd blue glow.


    About 45 more minutes of quick-paced riding passes, and we sessfully weave our way through a portion of mountains to avoid every monster.


    Using my perception and enemy detection skills, I locate the final mountain we''ve been looking for. Pointing forward with a ming hand, I speak up.


    "The dungeon is less than a kilometer ahead now, it''s just up thisst mountain path. We have a clear shot, there''s no monsters in sight... It may sound too good to be true, but we''ve made it to the break."

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    We venture up the nearest mountain, following therge mana reading focused on a single area I''m picking up on my perception skill.


    All of the enemy Blue Ogres that we pass don''t seem to care much for us at all. They don''t turn our way when we get nearby and hardly make a sound.


    My first guess is it''s night. Possibly, they''re sensitive to the changes in light, so they be inactive when it''s dark out. Then again, there''s no difference between night and day in a dungeon, so this theory doesn''t add up.


    It must have something to do with its peculiar shielding, but we''ll have to enter the break and see for ourselves.


    After a final 20-minute trek up this rocky mountainside with the dim light of ck mes and a white arrow to guide our way we finally make it.


    Up on a t sandy rock ledge, a violently spinning crimson-red portal spews mana out in all directions. The low-pitched hum can be heard from about 100 meters away and the vibrations it''s sending through the air can be felt from almost 3 times that distance.


    It''s simr to the smander break that Maria and I faced in the cave system. The break is spitting out dungeon mass from within it. Light blue energy flickers out and dissolves into the open air escaping the blood-red portal.


    We tie our camels to a nearby tree and I leave food by their feet in case we''re gone for too long.


    The 4 of us walk toward the portal and draw our weapons. I take off the red cloak and switch it with my armor set from my item storage. I''m not sure what we''ll face in this break.


    I''m sure I can handle it, but there''s no reason to take any unnecessary chances.


    Momentster after a short walk, we all jump through.


    After being teleported into this new break the bright white light of transfer magic fades. When I open my eyes everything is tinted light blue...


    There are small shrubs and light green trees on the rising and falling high rocky walls, and curving natural pathways, mountains, and valleys are all made of incredibly light-colored stone.


    The trickling sound of water fills my ears and I see a gentle waterfall on my left side. The rock color underneath the crystal clear water is so light, it may even be white. I can''t tell for sure with this odd blue tint skewing my vision.


    There''s a deep canyon off to my right side and tall mountains straight ahead. They''re all made of the same white rock, like all the pigment has been sucked out of it.


    The humming noise from the portal we jumped through hasn''t gone away. It feels like everything in this dungeon is slightly vibrating.


    The mana density in the air is astronomically high, but It doesn''t seem threatening at all. I''m getting the same cool and calm feeling from the surrounding mana particle in the air as I do when passing the Ogres outside.


    We all stare at our surrounding for a few seconds.


    Then, we''re interrupted by a loud roar and stomping sounds approaching from a nearby downward-facing slope on our right side.


    I activate enemy detection and inspect to pick up a level 441 and level 440 enemying towards us less than 300 meters away.


    Arie turns to me.


    "Looks like they''re a little more lively in here."


    I point my sword down into a canyon of white stone, then see the outlines of two Blue Ogresing straight at us.


    "Yeah, that was fast. Two of them, about the same level as the one we faced outside. Who wants to fight them first?"


    Abby and Maria both light up with magic, but the green-haired earth wielder speaks up.


    "We''ll handle these two. Only step in if absolutely necessary. Our fight will be a good gauge for their actual power."


    I nod.


    "I was thinking the same thing."


    Maria and Abby run forward, down the wide sloping canyon towards the two 5-meter-tall monsters approaching.


    Arie and I follow close behind.


    I active my All-Seeing Eye and curiously watch the battlemence.


    Both of the Blue Ogres carryrge wooden clubs covered in mana shielding just like the previous one did. They''re identical in appearance, but their shielding is much different...


    Instead of beingpletely contained to a few-centimeter barrier like the monster outside, the white and blue energy that surrounds these Ogres extends outwards a few meters.


    My eyes dart back and forth at both of the creatures as theye closer and closer, trying to figure out what exactly is so unique about them.


    The mages let off 3 high-powered attacks. Two green des from Abby''s daggers head toward the Ogre to my left, while one ice-imbued crescent heads straight at the Ogre to my right.


    The blue-tinted light around us wavers slightly as the mana attacks slice through it.


    I whisper under my breath, watching the air react with their attacks.


    "It... really slices through it...?"


    I tighten my gaze, watching the energy shes collide with the outeryer of shielding on their intended targets only to be struck with an even more confusing sight.


    The monsters don''t even try to block the iing strikes with their clubs, they just let them hit, point nk in the chest.


    Instead of sending out a pulsing shockwave like expected, the shielding around these monsterspresses towards the Ogre''s bodies as the attacks get closer. They''repressing inwards at the same rate as the iing mana des.


    I can''t believe my eyes at first. It seems like an incredibly intricate technique.


    The humming twang of mana fills the air and a bright white light shes. To my teammates, it''s unknown what really happened, but I saw the whole thing and mutter to myself with a smirk.


    "I need to learn how to do that..."


    My eyes stay locked on the beautiful sight in front of me.


    The closer the shes got to their flesh, the denser these creatures made their mana shielding. Using the minimum amount of energy necessary to whittle down the iing blows to the maximum amount they could.


    Some of the attacks still made its way through, but hardly enough to amount to any real damage.


    The mana residue and white light of a reaction clear to reveal barely noticeable shes across each of the Orge''s torsos. At this rate, it''d take 40 shes to do any fatal damage.


    The Ogres don''t slow down for a moment, swinging their clubs at Abby and Maria as they jump out of the way wide-eyed, but already charging up more attacks.


    Maria calls out to Abby.


    "We''ll go full power again, as many times as it takes!"


    Arie and I jump backward and let the two of them handle it.


    Their attacks don''t do much damage, but it''s as clear as day the two mages have nearly double the speed and agility of these meatheads.


    Another sh of light blinds us and I hear the grunts of now partially annoyed Ogres sporting a new scar across their chests.


    Maria and Abby both drink an MP potion and weave around the attacking beasts to release another attack.


    I track all of their movements from a distance with Arie by my side.


    Every time attacks are thrown at these monsters, they prepare their shielding as the attackse at them from multiple meters out.


    It''s like the blue-tinted energy all around us is part of their mana supplies. It''s much denser around them, but the air is definitely directly connected to their shielding.


    "How...?"


    I don''t see any hidden abilities or special skills on their appraised status, so it must be some kind of mana control technique that I''m not aware of just yet.


    Both Abby and Maria are letting out very powerful attacks, using MP potions every 2 or so strikes. It''s no wonder these monsters were rumored to be so powerful. Arie was right.


    The girls keep weaving in and out of the monsters releasing attacks and the Ogres get increasingly agitated. Blood begins to drip from their wounds and their movements get slower and slower making it easier for vital point hits.


    The battle is over in less than 3 minutes. It takes 9 MP potions each, so I''m not sure how profitable money-wise this hunting session will be, but the level-ups will be very good. At this rate, all of us will reach level 440 before we clear the dungeon.


    It may take a lot of wasted MP potions to do so, but it will be worth it.


    As I''m thinking this, Abby and Maria both send out a final blow on the mutted creatures. The Ogres both fall to the ground with loud thuds and I hear Maria shout out.


    "I gained two levels?? Alright!"


    Abby spins her daggers around, then checks her status nodding.


    "Me too, Not bad."


    She puts both daggers into her item box then starts glowing bright green and ces both of her open palms on her upper chest.


    Abby closes her eyes, then glows bright white and green, exerting hundreds of MP in an instant.


    This looks like her restore skill. I don''t remember her ever getting hit during this battle, so I''m unsure why she''s healing.


    I turn to Arie, then back to the girls, and shrug.


    We walk over as the corpses begin to dissolve.


    The moment we make it to the group, I hear the sound of something very light hitting the stone. Two small white gems giving off blue energy fall onto the ground at Maria and Abby''s feet.


    Those... aren''t mana crystals...

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    Two gems no more than 3 centimeters wide fall to the floor where the massive Blue Ogres were defeated.


    They''re both pale white, semi-transparent, with a glossy finish, and radiate with light blue energy just like the mana shielding from the monsters that were just killed.


    Instantly I activate Appraisal to see what these odd-looking gems are.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this..."


    __________________


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    __________________


    I look closer and activate my All-Seeing Eye. The [i] icon shows up next to each shard on their appraisal text.


    I open the new information tab as all my teammates stand around the two crystals not daring to touch them just yet.


    __________________


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    Info: A shard of the Blue Ogre''s essence. Excess mana from a Blue Ogre Dungeon has been contained in crystal form.


    ss: C+


    Type: Consumable


    Durability[MP Output]: 50.2k/50.2k


    __________________


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    Info: A shard of the Blue Ogre''s essence. Excess mana from a Blue Ogre Dungeon has been contained in crystal form.


    ss: C+


    Type: Consumable


    Durability[MP Output]: 49.7k/49.7k


    __________________


    My eyes dart over the text that hovers above the two small white crystals, then I read every line out for my teammates to hear as well.


    Abby gulps, then picks one of the shards up in the air, keeping the glossy white gem at eye level.


    "So they''re mana-based consumables. Basically, overpowered and uncontroble MP potions. So, 50k MP means they''re 20 times stronger than a C-ss mana potion."


    She smirks, then turns to Maria. The blond-haired hunter lifts the other white gem and stares down at it in her open palm.


    I speak up.


    "So... we can potentially use them for mana control training."


    Ariees over with his arms crossed.


    "That''s exactly what I was thinking. If it takes Abby and Maria under 10 potions each to farm these gems, that''s a 2 times MP profit multiplier. It''ll most likely take me less, and Jay, near 0 I''d assume. If we stock up, we could have enough for months worth of training after this mission."


    Maria''s eyes widen as she continues to look down at the white gem.


    "But... 50 thousand MP... Won''t that be painful...Or dangerous? The recovery time for using that much mana so quickly would take days, no, maybe weeks!"


    I nod slowly but don''t say a word yet.


    Maria is right.


    These shards must work simrly to the strengthening fragments I''ve harvested from Titans. Although, by the sound of it, these shards are much less intense.


    A strengthening fragment allows the user to release as much MP as possible from an endless void of energy. In my experience, the more It''s used, the more it releases until an unknown timer finishes.


    Without an incredibly high mana tolerance, strengthening fragments can easily be fatal for the wrong user.


    I have a feeling these shards work in a simr fashion, but cap out at around 50k MP.


    Before I get a chance to voice my point, Abby does in my ce, making eye contact with each of us, then looking back down at the shard.


    "I''ll try one."


    Arie and Maria look at her with surprised expressions, I keep a nk face while trying to figure out why she''d say such a thing. Abby continues to talk while rubbing the small white gem between her thumb and index finger.


    "50 thousand MP will be a lot, but I can handle it. I have my restore skill if anything goes wrong."


    Maria replies.


    "Are you sure that''s a good idea? We should focus on collecting more shards before we do any tests, and more importantly, clear this break while we''re all at full strength! You could put yourself out ofmission for a long time by exerting mana like that. Didn''t your elite guide teach you about these thingsst week?"


    Abby nods slowly.


    "Yeah, I learned a lot. Especially about my newly upgraded legendary restore skill."


    None of us answer as the green-haired woman looks down at the small white crystal in her palm with a grin.


    The light trickle of water fills my ears from the small streams behind us, and the low buzzing sensation of the blue-tinted mana all around us still flows through me. Other than that, all I''m focused on is my heart beating slowly while watching Abby raise the small white gem to her eye level.


    She speaks up again.


    "On average, I''m able tofortably consume about 100k worth of MP per day in training. I can push myself to use closer to 200k, but the fatigue that follows after passing the 100k mark is very detrimental to the days that follow."


    Maria turns to her.


    "H-Hey, but we used up over 15k in that Ogre battle alone, and probably close to 50k each in the Griffin dungeon earlier today. If you use that now you''ll already be nearing your upper limit. Will you be able to keep fighting today? Or tomorrow? Are you thinking straight??"


    She nods.


    "I''ll be fine. Trust me. If this works, we''re all getting a lot more powerful than we could have ever imagined."


    Then right in front of all of us without a hint of hesitation, the green-haired healer throws the small white gem into her mouth and shallows it whole.


    I immediately re-activate my All-Seeing Eye.


    Abby isn''t stupid, she definitely has some kind of n here, but I''m not sure what it is...


    Maria, Arie, and I all quickly jump back as the gem disappears from sight.


    Almost immediately, my perception skill begins to pick up increased mana output. In the center of Abby''s chest, a bright white glow starts to leak out excess MP just like a strengthening fragment would.


    It''s happening much slower, and the mana looks pure white instead of the ck swirling abyss of unstable energy I''m used to seeing with consumables.


    Over the next 10 seconds, the white glow in her chest grows to take over her whole midsection and starts creeping down her arms.


    Abby is just standing upright with her eyes closed, breathing heavily, and holding a very stable stance.


    More and more mana is radiating outwards. After 10 more seconds pass, the outline of her full body ispletely white. It''s blinding to the naked eye.


    Instead of stayingpletely contained, mana particles start leaving in the same slow and controlled fashion. The white energy around the healer begins to fade and ispletely gone after another 10 seconds pass.


    Just half a minute, and it''s already over. She didn''t even let out a single attack. The mana just flowed right through her body.


    Abby falls to her knees, sweating and breathing heavier than I''ve ever seen her before.


    Her skin looks pale and her MP remaining is nearly non-existent to my perception skill.


    Maria runs over with a wavering tone in her voice.


    "A-Abby, why? Why''d you do this?"


    The green-haired hunter reaches into her item box with a shaky hand to pull out an MP potion while slowly standing to her feet.


    Before Maria can reach her, she''s already drinking the potion and using her restore skill just like after the battle against the Ogres.


    Green and white lights sh, outlining her body with mana for a split second once again.


    Once the energy fades she looks as good as new. Still covered in sweat, but her breathing is normal and her skin is back to its tan healthy coloring.


    I blink a few times, then realize what she just did. My eyes go wide as Abby speaks.


    "My restore skill is able to erase the effects of mana fatigue. As long as we have MP to continue training, I believe I can heal us indefinitely."


    Maria stops in ce just a few meters in front of Abby.


    "That''s... great... But you could have told us that first!"


    Arie lets out augh.


    "I was wondering what kind of upgrade that skill got. Legendary upgrades are no joke, I would know."


    Maria pouts as I walk over, mumbling something under her breath.


    "I wish I had a legendary skill..."


    Arie continues.


    "It looks like we have another secret to keep between the 4 of us."


    I make it over to the group after this line and we all nod in unison. I reply.


    "This also means we have a lot more farming to do before we clear this break. We''ve stumbled into a gold mine, and we''re not going to waste this opportunity for a minute."

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    "... We''ve stumbled into a gold mine, and we''re not going to waste this opportunity for a minute."


    We really have.


    After witnessing Abby restore her exhaustion in a matter of seconds with her new legendary skill, I can''t help but feel obligated to continue training as soon as possible.


    This whole mission to the dark continent has been interesting so far, but I haven''t made any real progress.


    This ability to restore mana fatigue indefinitely sounds like a dreame true. My past training in the Titan''s domain was very useful but takes a toll on my sanity, and wares my body out a lot. If I can do the same action quickly and efficiently outside the Dungeon, this could lead to a very intense power-up in the near future.


    Not just for me, this is an opportunity for my entire team to get much stronger.


    It''s not definite just yet, we''ll need to do more testing to confirm its limits. Either way, there''s potential for all of us to be multiple times stronger than we already are in just a matter of hours.


    Maria looks down at the glowing white shard in her hand as light blue energy seeps from it, then lifts her gaze to meet Abby''s.


    "I''ll try it too. I can handle 50k MP, I''ll just need a full restore immediately afterward."


    Abby nods and grins.


    "Let''s do this."


    I turn to Arie and we both shrug while jumping backward again, letting her give it a shot.


    Maria nervously tosses the white gem into her mouth and swallows it whole in a quick and concise movement. Then, widens her stance and braces for the reaction to take ce.


    The four of us are silent for a full 2 seconds, staring at the blond-haired mage with her eyes shut. Finally, the bright white light from the shard appears in her chest just like before.


    Just under 30 seconds go by as the light expands to cover her entire body. Then, the bright white mana disperses out into the open dungeon air.


    Maria falls to the ground covered in sweat, with pale skin, and breathing heavily just like Abby did before.


    She has a thin smile across her face as she catches herself from hitting the ground with an open palm.


    The green-haired healer runs over, cing both hands on Maria''s back and activating her restore skill.


    Another sh of green and white light appears, fading quickly to reveal both of the girls standing upright and giggling to each other less than a secondter.


    Maria ispletely healed.


    After a sigh of relief, I whisper under my breath.


    "Incredible...."


    Abby stretches her arms and speaks directly to Maria.


    "So how do you feel?"


    Maria looks down at her hands, then back up at all of us before replying.


    "It''s like I''ve slept a full night after a good day of training. I''m... fully healed... and if anything feel even stronger."


    I nod slowly, confirming to myself that the mana output of the shards does in fact move through the user''s body adding to their overall mana control capabilities.


    Arie speaks up.


    "Alright. So what are we waiting for? We need to go farm as many of these beast''s as possible. At this rate, we could get a year''s worth of mana control training done in just a few hours!"


    I nod in agreement.


    "If we split up and head in opposite directions, we can cover more ground. Eventually, I''ll be able to teleport us to each new target so we can spawn-kill these Ogres."


    Abby replies, taking out her daggers and twirling them around her fingers.


    "I say we forget about sleeping tonight, this whole mission is on a time crunch. We need to get to Sra in under 2 days, so we need to make every hour count."


    Arie looks up at the light blue-tinted sky, thinking to himself for a moment.


    "From here, the capital is still over 18 hours away if I remember correctly. We have time, we''ll just need to take turns resting on the way over... It''ll be close, but this will be worth i."


    I smirk, taking my sword out and letting a small ck me flicker on the tip of it.


    "Perfect, let''s get to work."


    Without wasting any more time, I activate my enemy detection skill and locate 6 Ogres between 900m, and 1300m away deeper into the canyon.


    Turning to my left, I sense another 3 wandering up on a nearby portion of the mountain we passed earlier about 1500m away. Up the rocky ledge covered in streams of crystal clear water, I sense an opponent much different than the rest.


    Actually, the more I search, the more peculiar readings pop up on my radar further into the dungeon.


    I turn back to the canyon and point my sword down the wide stone trail.


    "There are 6 more, at simr levels all within about a kilometer straight ahead. You take those out, and I''ll take care of a few up on the mountain."


    I turn to point at the towering white and green peak, then continue.


    "I''ll get it done quickly and meet down there once you''ve finished those monsters off. By then, I''ll have some teleport points set up for my skill to make farming a lot faster."


    It''s the perfect n.


    Everyone agrees and we immediately part ways.


    I activate my wind magic and start air-stepping into the sky towards the 3 Blue Ogres up on the mountaintop while my teammates turn to face their fights down below.


    Less than 10 minutes pass as I fly through the light shrubbery and jagged rock walls to make my way up the mountainside.


    Before I know it, arge natural pool of shallow water appears in my vision below as I float carefree through the cool dungeon air. There''s a t portion of a mountainside that opens up to a nature-dense clearing, including a crystal-clear pond.


    Two 5-meter-tall Blue Ogres carrying heavy clubs just happen to be standing in the middle of this beautiful sight. Both of them stare at me with bright blue glowing eyes, ankle-deep in the still water.


    Everything changes the moment I air-step into range.


    Sshing water around them and grunting aggressively while keeping their eyes locked on me, the two monsters begin to mindlessly run toward me.


    Dense mana shielding leaks off of both of them, swirling blue and white patterns of energy trail the beasts as one makes its way in front of the other.


    I begin to make my ascent while charging my sword and inspecting them both.


    [Lv. 442]


    [Lv. 439]


    With a 1500 MP strike at the ready, I release it just beforending on the ground with a thud. It glides forward in silence and hits the first Ogres at point-nk range in the chest.


    The swirling shielding around it wavers and reacts, but there''s nothing it can do.


    The slightest buzz can be heard as the densest part of its defenses scrapes the outeryer of my energy de, but does little to slow it down.


    Without any clear visual resistance, the ck de of mes slices both Ogres in half in an instant.


    Loud sshes and thuds follow as their bodies fall into the shallow pond, staining the water bright red.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I let out a sigh, then slowly walk over to the two dissolving bodies, igniting my lower body with mes to evaporate the water around my feet before every step.


    "Well, that was easy..."


    I find two identical white gems and use Appraisal before cing them in the item box around my waist.


    __________________


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    __________________


    They''re both 50k MP shards, but these two base-level mobs aren''t the reason foring all the way up here in such a hurry.


    I turn further up the rocky mountainside while activating my Inspect, Appraisal, and Enemy Detection Skills.


    __________________


    [450m]


    [Lv. 478]


    Active Items:


    Blue Ogre''s Armor Set [+1800 Defense]


    Blue Ogre''s Axe [+1550 Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening


    Extreme Strength


    __________________


    The mutant up ahead is what I came to see.

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    __________________


    [450m]


    [Lv. 478]


    Active Items:


    Blue Ogre''s Armor Set [+1800 Defense]


    Blue Ogre''s Axe [+1550 Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening


    Extreme Strength


    __________________


    The mutant up ahead is what I came to see.


    Activating my All-Seeing Eye, the mana radiating off this new monster is almost double that of the ones that were just defeated.


    I air-step faster and faster up the mountainside, whizzing past small trees, and pools of water, clearing rock faces in a matter of seconds.


    I elerate upwards, even faster through the thick mana-dense air until reaching another clearing, now over halfway up the entire mountain.


    The creature I''m searching for is already in mid-sprint, running at me with a glistening silver axe between both of its hands and thick armor to match it. This Ogre seems to be almost exactly the same size as the previous ones I faced but with a few major differences.


    Firstly, it''s color. The blue skin covering the mutant''s body is incredibly dark, from a distance, it almost looks ck.


    The mana swirling around its body is much brighter white and using my perception skill, I can tell the shielding that''syering this monster is on a level magnitudes above the base mobs.


    Its shining metallic axe reflects the blue glow from its eyes while running at me on a t section of the mountain trail.


    I glide down to the ground and grip my sword.


    The white stone and green shrubbery beneath its feet fly off to the sides, uprooting small trees and causing craters to be left behind after every step. Thin wisps of blue magic residue are left in its tracks.


    The air pressure around me shifts and I burst into mes activating all of my buffs and creating a thin pinkyer of mana shielding around my body and sword, realizing that this opponent is definitely a ss above the rest.


    I haven''t even let out a strike yet, but I don''t think a single hit will be all it takes to defeat the Mutant before me.


    Both my feet hit the hard rocky surface and I start ruining at the approaching monster with a grin stered across my face.


    There are less than 30 meters between us, and all I can see or think about is the fight that''s about to take ce.


    It lets out a roar, swinging its axe downward while swirling blue and white magic flows from its arms to cover the silver de.


    I do the same, shifting some of my bright pink MP to cover my sword while jumping up, and swinging my de. I charge the center with 1500 MP worth of dark ck mes.


    Both of our weapons stop in mid-air, less than a meter away from each other as the dense blue and pinkyers of mana collide.


    An ear-shattering twang is released that echoes all the way down the mountainside, sending a light purple shockwave through my body, and the Ogre''s.


    Fractions of a secondter, there''s a bright white sh of light and I feel my sword make contact with the monster''s axe.


    I let out a loudugh then grit my teeth as the monster roars back at me.


    My eyes meet its stone-cold gaze. I feel my muscles straining to hold my sword steady.


    Digging deeper, activating my plunderer skill, I use the blue mana all around me to charge up more of my own. More and more ck fire leaks from my de, it starts to cover the axe that I push against. Air-stepping forward for more force, clenching my jaw, and pushing the massive metal axe backward one millimeter at a time, victory is right before my eyes.


    As I begin to get the upper hand, the Blue Ogre starts to glow with a gold tint and pushes its axe back down toward me. I''m losing ground all of a sudden because of its extreme strength skill.


    Our level gap isn''t thatrge... This monster must have some insanely high natural strength stats.


    At this revtion I jump back, air-stepping up into the air to take in the sight before me. The monster carries through, thrusting the massive axe into the ground below where I previously stood.


    Rock breaks and fragments of light blue aura fly around the scene leaving residue on everything it touches. Almost immediately, the monster turns back toward me to show off its white overgrown fangs and keeps its gazeser-focused upwards, waiting for me to fall.


    I nod slowly.


    "Not bad..."


    It was a pretty strong sh and felt good to actually be countered by a monster for once. Unfortunately, I''ll still have to wait a bit longer for a fight that really pushes my limits.


    It may be strong, but the Mosnter''s speed and agility are horribly low.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Using its own plundered mana, I concentrate nearly my full MP bart into a concise attack. Channeling all of my energy into the tip of my sword, then teleport down to the back side of the Ogre to thrust my sword deep into the gap in its armor right above the neck.


    There''s an explosion of white and blue light, followed by red and ck mes erupting from the beast''s body that finishes with an agonizing roar.


    As the monster turns in anger, swinging its axe around to swat me away, but I teleport out of its range to drink an MP potion and wait for the fiery debris to clear.


    As it does, I see a furious ming Ogre with blood gushing down its armored body with blue eyes glowing brighter and brighter.


    It mimics the style of mana control I just used on it, moving the swirling energy around its legs, torso, and arms into its axe.


    This leaves its body exposed, but creates a weapon of mass destruction...


    I can hear the loud buzz of dense energying my way and estimate that there''s over 70k MP being wielded carelessly in its de. The rest swirls around its body in weak spirals.


    With crimson liquid draining from its neck at an rming rate, the Ogre makes an effort to take me out without wasting any more time. I respect its attempt, but it''s going to need to be a bit more intelligent to pull a feat like this off.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I blip behind the charging monster and let over 2000 MP worth of mana-imbued mes into the back of the bleeding monster''s already injured point to finish it off once and for all.


    Fire, flesh, and swirling magic fill the air as I teleport backward again to get clear of the impact zone.


    A final cry from the mutant can be heard until it''s snuffed out and interrupted by the ringing sound in my ears.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I grin, deactivating my skills while barely watching the massive cloud of debris settle to the dungeon floor.


    All of my strength buffs and two nearly full power strikes to take it out. If this monster was any smarter, it probably would have taken a lot more...


    I walk over as the pieces of scattered flesh disappear from the white rock, small pools of blood-stained water, and lush green nts. Then, right in front of me, less than 10 meters away another white gem sits on the dungeon floor.


    It feels just like the other two shards I collected from the Ogres on the mountainside opening below, but it''s almost twice the weight. It glows brighter white and the blue magic that seeps from it is much darker.


    __________________


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    __________________


    __________________


    Blue Ogre''s Essence [Shard]


    Info: A shard of the Blue Ogre''s essence. Excess mana from a Blue Ogre Dungeon has been contained in crystal form.


    ss: B-


    Type: Consumable


    Durability[MP Output]: 99.4k/99.4k


    __________________


    I expected as much, but it''s still surprising to see such an increase in the MP output in a single crystal.


    This one is getting on borderline dangerous levels, and may not be safe for consumption just yet...


    I throw it into my item storage for safekeeping though, it could possibly be used for some kind of crafting recipe in the future. That''s what Abby''s intel from the Association said before we got here.


    It could have just been a cover-up in the report to keep anyone snooping froming out here, but I''d like to check with an experienced crafter to make sure.


    I shrug, then turn back to the canyon down below me. Activating my enemy detection skill, I can see that my teammates are just about to meet their targets.


    "I have a bit more time... Perfect."


    Air-stepping away, I make my way up to the top of the mountain to set more valid teleport points for my Dungeon Walker skill to travel.


    Over the next 15 minutes, I take out 2 more sets of base-level Blue Ogres while making my way down the other side of the mountain, collecting their 4 shards and cing them in my item box.


    The new exp I gain from these new fights brings me up to level 432. With 6 shards ready for consumption, and 1 mutant''s shard in my storage, I teleport back to the edge of the canyon to start flying down the smooth sloping path.


    My teammates are waiting for me down below and their enemies have all been defeated.


    We have less than two days to make it to the capital. It''s time to make the most of our time left. This farming session is about to get serious.

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    I run down the canyon''s stone path using wind magic to elerate my movements. High white stone walls fly by on my sides and the reading on my enemy detection skill of my teammates nearby gets closer and closer.


    Soon, I see the 3 of them waiting beneath a small stone overhang on a very t section of rocky ground. Each of the holds two glowing crystals in their open palms.


    I wave while making my way over, then take the 6 base level gems from my item box as well.


    Arie is the first to speak as I glide to a halt.


    "Anything interesting out there?"


    I shake my head, handing each of them a shard, to make it even for all of us to have 3.


    "One mutant, but it wasn''t an issue. I have its shard saved in my storage... its a bit more powerful than the others.


    Then I pause.


    "Well, it may be an issue. If any of you want to be able to face one of those, I think you''ll need to consume at least..."


    I look up at the sky doing a few calctions.


    "Well, you''ll have to each consume at least 300 of these shards."


    Arie nods, replying almost immediately without a shred of doubt.


    "That''s what I was thinking as well. If they''re much more powerful than these base levels, I''d have to agree. 300 shards equals about 15 million MP. If I consume that much, my control will nearly double."


    Abby speaks up.


    "If I take in 15 million more MP, I''ll be over 3 times as powerful the I am now..."


    Maria chimes inst.


    "Same! 3 times for me too."


    I nod slowly, thinking to myself about my past training sessions in the Titans domain. On myst trial, I gained over 25 million MP, bringing my own controlled umted MP to around 50 million.


    For me to add 15 million, it would be a nice boost... but not a 2-3x addition like my teammates. There must be a way to get more....


    I speak up.


    "Well, let''s see how much we can handle. One shard at a time until we know for sure there''s no side effects. Plus we have to see if Abby can actually use her skill indefinitely. There has to be a limit. Right...?"


    We all nod in agreement, then look down at the glowing white gems in our hands, I turn to the archer.


    "Well, I think it''s our turn. How about it?"


    He smirks, cing two gems in an item box and tossing the other in his mouth without hesitating for a second.


    After a gulp, he responds while taking a step back.


    "I was thinking exactly the same thing."


    Maria and Abby jump backward as Iugh, throwing two of my gems into my item box and swallowing one whole while stepping away from all 3 of them as well.


    "Now, let''s see what these can really do."


    A few seconds pass, then a warm feeling starts to form in my chest. A white glow grows in its ce and begins to shine brighter and brighter. It''s not nearly as erratic and violent as a strengthening fragment.


    I was expecting much worse.


    All of the mana from this tiny gem is filling my chest with smooth and controlled pure light. It begins to flow into my shoulder and down my arms like trickles of water. The slow drip of mana falls down my legs as well.


    Over 10 seconds pass and the flowing mana grows more and more until the slow drips turn into fast-moving streams of steady magic coursing through my veins.


    My entire body lights up, making a bright white silhouette in the blue-tinted dungeon.


    I can feel every individual particle of the warm magic flowing through me, mixing with my own dormant MP supplies, and now beginning to drift out of my body at a constant rate.


    It feels like I''m using my mana maniption skill to create shielding. Instead of holding it like a barrier, it just flies off to be free.


    An odd sensation to say the least.


    Not painful at all, but the wasted MP just flowing out into the open dungeon is an ufortable sensation. Usually, when exerting this much mana, there''s a purpose behind it. Now, I''m being forced to use mana for the sake of using it...


    After just under 30 seconds pass, I can tell the process ising to an end.


    My body feels like it''s being sucked dry of energy, everyst drop of pure white mana is flowing out into the open dungeon air until the MP bar hits 0.


    To avoid the lightheaded, unmotivating feeling of having an empty MP bar, I activate plunderer and begin taking in energy from the swirling dense air around us.


    I haven''t tried this method of MP restoration in a dungeon for a while, but the dense mana-filled air around me makes it feel like just the right time.


    It works.


    Slowly and inefficiently, but it works.


    My plunderer skill brings in about 100 MP over the next few seconds as I steady my stance and let my eyes adjust back to the atmosphere around me.


    To my left, Arie is kneeling on the floor breathing heavily. Abby runs over to start healing him with Restore.


    A bright green and white light fills half my vision as I peer down at my empty hands still a bit flustered.


    It sure feels like I just used 50k MP...


    My body tingles a bit, and the sensation of mana overuse fatigue is beginning to set in. This is how I feel when I release too many MP-imbued attacks in a row too quickly. The after-effects are just like a strengthening fragment, but a bit less extreme.


    A quick self-regeneration would heal me up almost all the way up back to full, letting me continue my training. I''m able to handle nearly a million MP in a single day if I really push the limits, but that''s not the point of all this.


    This is about Abby''s power. It could help me surpass my limits.


    I nod firmly at the ground, then raise my head to meet the green-haired healer''s gaze as she begins to walk over to me.


    Arie stands up, looking refreshed, while taking an MP potion out of his item box and drinking it beforeing to watch.


    Abby speaks up.


    "Looks like you''re able to handle the shards a bit more efficiently than the rest of us."


    Shees around my back and ces both hands firmly on my shoulders.


    I begin to feel another warm sensation.


    This time, the energy entering my body feels like it belongs to me. It''s much different than the shard from a moment ago that felt like a foreign mana source leaving.


    Abby''s green and white mana is weing and cozy, seeping into my entire body and bing one with the skin, bones, and muscles. Secondster, the light stops and I let out a refreshing gasp, opening my eyes wide.


    "I''m...pletely healed..."


    I move my arms around, and hop around not sensing any sign of fatigue or minor pain.. none remains.


    With a grin ear to ear, I turn to meet Abby''s green eyes and speak.


    "There''s really no downside for you to use this skill? We can just heal over and over again as long as we have the MP?"


    She shrugs.


    "So far, that seems to be the case. You 3 are the only one that knows about this. I only unlocked this legendary grade rank recently."


    She pauses, looking around at the others, then back to me.


    "Other than the few minor tests I did alone with some MP potions in the capitals training roomsst week, I don''t have any other data. Whatever we figure out today is all new to me too."


    Maria jumps in, disregarding our conversation and grabbing Abby''s hand.


    "Our turn, let''s go!"


    Arie joins in, taking out his other two gems and lifting them in the air.


    "Let''s take turns and consume these as fast as possible."


    He turns to me.


    "Then, we''ll have to farm a lot more."


    On that note, Maria and Abby both start their next shard consumption processes. Just 30 secondster, Arie and I go for it again.


    A few minute pass and each of us has grown a little stronger just from a few shes of light. Abby heals each of us with ease, and there''s no sign of fatigue on her end or ours.


    This is going to work.


    I activate my enemy detection skill, and being searching the dungeon for more Ogres within my teleportation range.


    I''ve cast a wide all the way around thergest mountain in the dungeon, it''s a perfect ce for new monsters to respawn and wander in from the surroundingnd.


    The twisting tunnels and paths of the canyon we''re in are filled with new monsters as well. I can sense 4 more nearby and another 6 deep in the mountains.


    We hash out a n and all take out our weapons, preparing to fight.


    They all grab a hold of me and we begin.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Over the next 3 hours, we blip back and forth from the canyon below, to high up in the mountains, and even back to the waterfall-covered region near the dungeon''s start point.


    I leave each of them with opponents they''re able to handle, ande back once they''ve collected the shard to teleport them to another.


    In my downtime, while waiting for my teammates to kill their targets, I explore the dungeon further to keep expanding my teleportation range.


    There are incredible rivers and valleys or crystal clear water, enormous waterfalls, and hidden alcoves. Everything is tinted light blue by the dungeon''s magic.


    The longer we fight, the denser and darker the blue tint bes. It''s only just slightly, but there''s a difference. I can''t tell if we''re just heading deeper into the dungeon and it''s a natural phenomenon, or if the excess mana released by us farming is changing the environment.


    We fight 188 Ogres in total, and surprisingly, I only find 2 more mutants. They both droprger shards, but no other new gear just yet.


    The base mobs, on the other hand, drop 3rge clubs. A 2% drop rate is low, but the item has a 1250+ strength buff. It''s one of the highest I''ve ever seen, so it must go for an excellent price. Abby holds onto the gear for now.


    I make it to level 445, and my teammates share a simr sess. Each of us consumes over 2.3 million mana and we''re refreshed, good as new by Abby''s skill.


    This is more than double the output I''ve ever consumed in a single day, and it feels like I''m just waking on a freshly healed body after every [Restore].


    At this rate, we''ll be able to hit our goal of 15 million each within 24 hours. It''ll give us just enough time to make it to Sra.


    Assuming all goes as nned...

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    The 4 of us stand in a small circle after consuming ourst batch of Ogre Shards, concluding the first 3 hours of our training session.


    Over 2.3 million MP each has been consumed, and I feel more energized and ready to battle than when we started.


    Abby''s skill has always been a bit odd to me. It says [Restore] rather than [Heal] like many of the other healers. It may be a unique skill.


    Maria hops around, glowing bright blue after we''ve all fully rested.


    "I feel incredible guys! This is more mana than I''ve ever consumed! It''s like months of training in a couple hours!"


    Arie chimes in.


    "You''re right. I can already feel a difference. If we keep improving at this rate, we''ll be able to take the Ogres out even faster every hour."


    Abby is thest to talk, but she has a worried look on her face.


    "How... many MP potions do each of you have left? At the rate I''m using mine, I won''t be able to continue healing you all and fight Ogres much longer. Possibly 3 more hours at most."


    Maria stops hopping up and down, matching the healer''s concerned look, then starts shuffling through her item box.


    "I-I''ve run through about half my supply already too. I only have to use half as much to defeat an Ogre now, but it still won''tst more than 6 hours."


    I nod, considering the fact that the association loaded me up with 1 million MP worth of potionsst week. They must have given my teammates a simr amount.


    Arie crosses his arms, speaking up.


    "I have plenty, my skill didn''t need an upgrade, so the director never handed me one of those fancy crystals. I was just given extra MP potions to go along with my training."


    He takes the item box off of his waist and pours out an absurd amount of small ss corked bottles with glowing pink liquid inside them.


    "Take as much as you need. Although, by the time the sunrises tomorrow I don''t think MP potions will be much of a problem. We may be able to defeat these monsters in a single hit."


    My supplies are getting lower, but it''s nothing to worry about. Having potions is not a necessity for me. Even if they hit zero it wouldn''t be a problem. Plundering MP from my opponent is always an option.


    Abby and Maria need these more than me.


    The two of them restock their supplies while I continue to think to myself, widening my perception skill''s range.


    I can''t quite put my finger on it, but something feels different.... There''s more mana in the air, but I can''t tell how much for certain.


    We''re closer to the boss room, and the blue tint around us is almost identical to before, so it''s very hard to put a number on it.


    I shrug, then speak up to my team as they talk amongst themselves, solving their MP potion problem without me.


    "Ready for another run?"


    After a nod of agreement from everyone, we''re off to continue our farming.


    I keep expanding my teleport range little by little, moving closer to the back of the dungeon.


    I can sense the boss room portal way off in the distance, slowly swirling behind us as we hunt, but it doesn''t feel much different than the actual dungeon air. If anything, the Ogres that I''m fighting give off more MP radiation than the portal.


    Every 15-30 minutes, we all meet together for a quick shard consumption and [Restore] session, then I blip each party member off so we can get back to work.


    Over the next 3 hours, we manage to take out a total of 256 more Ogres.


    The further in we travel, the more often groups of 3 or even 4 begin to pop up. I take out 5 mutants, levels 475-480 on my own, not wanting my teammates to get involved with this level of creature just yet.


    Overall, I make it to level 451 myself, and everyone gains 3.2 million MP in control progress. This is a significant increase from ourst session.


    Once this 3-hour periodes to an end we all take a break near a calm pool of water on top of a smaller mountain behind the first towering peak from earlier.


    Abby and Maira update us with their potion count, then we consume thest of the Ogre shards before Abby heals us.


    All 4 of us can sense the pressure of an invisible clock ticking away.


    On top of that, we''re powering up so fast that the only thing on our minds is getting back out there to farm more....


    Even so, one thing that won''t stop itching at the back of my mind is the increasing levels of mana in the air.


    We are moving closer to the boss room, and the mana density is much noticeably different now. Even when we''re sitting alone, just the 4 of us off by a pond, it feels like an Ogre is lurking nearby at all times.


    The density isn''t very even, it''s starting to surge through us in wisps of blue and white shimmering clouds.


    There was nothing like this at all when I first entered the dungeon. I''m keeping a close eye on it, but even if it gets out of hand there''s not much I can do.


    We all continue to venture off further into this odd break.


    Another 3 hours of farming pass and we''ve nearly made it to the back edge of this pocket world.


    The swirling drifting sea of magic that fills the air continues to grow thicker the more we hunt. The denser waves of magic are almost bing moremon than the areas of dungeon air without it.


    We defeat 307 Ogres this round, plus 11 additional mutants. This is roughly 3.8 million MP each added to our control totals.


    Arie asks to fight one of the mutants in the middle of this session, so I bring him to one.


    The furious Mutant Ogre that he faces tears up the mountainside for over 200 meters in all directions with a supercharged axe. It sends shockwaves through the rock and makes the air around us waver and bend as it absorbs portions of the swirling clouds to add to its shielding.


    Even so, the total amount of mana surrounding its body decreases with everyrge attack it mindlessly throws.


    Recently when I fought mutants, I wouldn''t let them use their mana-imbued weapons much at all. Arie is fast enough to dodge and time his attacks to hit the monster''s weak point from a distance.


    It gives me the chance to study them for once. With just 8 arrows to the vitals, the Mutant Blue Ogre is in.


    A curious thing I noticed when scanning the essence shard after it''s dropped, the small white gem only has about 85k MP inside of it.


    My only exnation for this would be the extra energy being exerted from its use of the axe when fully charged lowers the total MP stored in its shielding. Mana crystals never worked like this in the past. Even if a monsterpletely ran out of MP, it would drop the same-sized mana crystal.


    These aren''t mana crystals, so theparison clearly isn''t perfectly urate.


    After this brawl, and a few of my own run-ins with mutants I''m at level 456. Arie is level 447. Abby and Maria are both level 445.


    We take another small break on top of a final small mountain. The boss room portal is off in the distance, less than 2 kilometers away now.


    After a brief food and water break, followed by a quick report of MP potion supplies we begin our 4th farming run.


    I''m getting closer and closer to the back of the dungeon, and the air is almostpletely filled with the dense waves of mana. In the open air, it feels like I''m standing less than 20 meters away from an Ogre.


    The humming sound of mana fills my ears. The sensation makes it feel like I''m back in that white-walled prison of the Titan''s domain.


    The blue tint is getting so thick, that the visibility in the mountain is being affected. It''s hard to see more than 200 meters away. Everything is covered with light blue fog.


    On the bright side, with so much more readily avable mana in the air, my plunderer skill allows me to absorb more and more. I don''t even need to be near a monster to recharge my MP bar, I can do it out in the open air of the dungeon.


    We continue to grow stronger, taking out 389 Blue Ogres in total this run. That raised each of our consumption by almost 4.9 million more MP.


    In addition to this, 25 mutants appear. Abby and Maria face one together this round and manage to defeat it with a simr difficulty to the regr Blue Ogre they faced before this training session started.


    We''ve grown a lot.


    After 3 hours are up, we near our end goal. In total, each of us has consumed just under 15 million MP.


    It''s been about 12 hours since we entered this dungeon, and nearly 24 hours since any of usst slept.


    The boss room portal is less than 500 meters away. It''s hidden deep behind the thick blue fog, but I can feel it slowly swirling awaiting our arrival.


    Now it''s time for us to decide whether we face the Boss and continue our journey to Sra, or keep pushing on with our training for a little longer.

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    I stare off into the thick blue fog ahead of me as we take our break after finishing the 4th 3-hour farming session.


    My teammates are all waiting around nearby, eating food and getting ready for what''s toe next.


    I can feel the boss room portal nearby, but there isn''t much point in venturing any closer to it right now. We''ll take that step once it''s time to leave.


    In thatst run, I hit level 460. The improvement in my mana control isn''t as drastic as my teammates, but it has be noticeable. A mutant Ogre can be taken out in just 1 hit if I concentrate.


    After stretching my arms and letting out a long yawn, I turn to my teammates.


    "So how are we feeling? Up for more or-"


    I''m cut off by a white glow that appears beside Abby in a pile of food, water, and loot.


    It''s her transmission tablet.


    The small silver tablet Is vibrating against the hard rock she sits on and creates an annoying buzz.


    Abby looks down at the silver contraption while picking it up, then looks back at me.


    "I have a feeling our decision is about to be made for us..."


    It shakes in her hand, and the white glow gets brighter and brighter. All 4 corner crystals begin to blink and shine until she answers the call.


    "Hello? Director? It''s Abby, what''s with the urgent news?"


    There''s a long pause.


    I take a step closer to listen. Maria and Aire start to walk in closer as well.


    Then, a woman''s voicees out of the metal box.


    "Brutus is out for the time being, I''ll be the one updating you from now on."


    The smooth familiar voice of the blond-haired assistant with the lie-detector skilles out of the small silver magic item momentster.


    I clench my fist at the sound of her voice. Whatever she''s calling about, it can''t be good...


    She continues.


    "You''re all needed at the Sra Labyrinth in exactly 18 hours. We''ve organized a raid in the morning with all able C-ss hunters or higher hunters in the area."


    Abby replies with a stern tone.


    "A raid? So there''s more people here than just us and those two scouts? Who else are we working with? Ourst run-in with locals dissent exactly go smoothly."


    Another pause follows, then the woman''s voice projects from the small silver box again.


    "Indeed. There was word of a small mixup in DryRock, but it shouldn''t be an issue. We''ve arranged to temporarily work with the Sran Government, they''ll be sending out some of their top-rated hunters to join us on the raid."


    I nod hesitantly, thinking to myself.


    If they couldn''t handle it themselves by now, I''m not sure just how effective these Sran top hunters will really be. Also... I''m finding it increasingly hard to believe they''re just going to let go of the damages done in DryRock.


    Even if it was their fault to begin with, they will most definitely push the me on us...


    The female assistant continues.


    "The support teams may not be able to help with the final boss fight, but help in numbers will be very effective on the lower floors.''


    There''s another long, awkward pause before she continues.


    "The Director has put a lot of faith in the 4 of you. Please, make it to the Section 4 capital before daybreak tomorrow. There will be a squad waiting to greet you in the lobby of the Tower of Dreams. I hope you''ll be able to find it.


    Arie smirks, then replies.


    "I know exactly where the Tower of Dreams is. Right beside the Tower of Strength and behind the Tower of Light."


    She replies.


    "Excellent. We''ve left a re-stock of MP and HP potions for you if necessary, so don''t feel like you need to save any up for the mission. Use whatever is necessary to take out the 5th dungeon break swiftly and be on your way."


    There''s a click and the transmission tablet stops glowingpletely.


    All four crystals go dark and the assistant''s voice stopsing through.


    I look around at my teammates, to see they''re all very visually tired. I think the confirmation that we need to be leaving soon set us all off.


    My eyes are threatening to shut during breaks and my reaction time during battle is most definitely slowing.


    There''s still an immense power gap between the Ogres in the dungeon and myself, so it''s not much of a problem, but facing a mutant boss in this state would still be risky.


    Maria speaks up to all of us.


    "Do we really have to leave? We could get so much stronger here if we just stayed a little longer. It feels like a waste to abandon this dungeon just because the Association says so."


    Arie replies after a long yawn.


    "I agree, but we need to get to Sra by daybreak. By the urgency of these calls, it seems like need all the help they can get. Even if we leave right now and travel at full speed, 18 hours is a tight deadline."


    Abby begins to speak but bites her lower lip and stares at the floor.


    We''re all thinking the same thing...


    We want to get stronger, but there''s a lot on the line here.


    I have a n, but it includes asking Ember for help. So to keep my teammates out of it, they''ll have to be left in the dark a little bit.


    It''s for the better.


    "I have an idea... but It won''t make much sense. We can make it to Sra on time and farm the dungeon to its full potential.


    Abby looks up.


    "W-What do you mean? What is it?"


    I step closer, scratching my chin.


    "Well, the three of you could start heading over now and I''ll farm this dungeon for another half a day. I can bring the remaining shards to Sra before the morning. I have a way to make it there quickly and quietly, but I can''t bring anyone else along."


    The green-haired healer looks at me with a confused, yet curious stare. Then, Maria chimes in without any hesitation.


    "That sounds like a good n to me! If Jay says he can do it, then Jay can do it."


    Arie speaks next.


    "I know you can travel fast with that wind ability, but do you know the way? Even with a map, the desert isn''t always easy to navigate."


    I reply with a shrug.


    "Just... travel north right?"


    He lets out augh.


    "I- mean I guess so, there is a border up north, so you can''t really overshoot the capital. You''ll just have to walk along the abyss until you find the city."


    He looks up in the blue-tinted dungeon sky, then uncrosses his arms, putting them on his waist then turning back to me.


    "Yeah, I guess you can''t miss it. I trust you''ll find your way. You always do."


    The archer and Maria both look at Abby, waiting for her response. She tightens her lips and lets out a sigh.


    "If you''re positive you can farm a considerable amount of shards and still make it back to us in time, then sure. It works for me too. I am... looking forward to getting some sleep. So I''m not exactly upset about this arrangement."


    She shows me an exhausted grin, then walks over and throws a hand on my shoulder.


    "Take us back when you''re ready."


    Although Abby''s power heals MP and HP instantly, also negating any mana fatigue, there seems to be one thing it can''t restore.


    Natural sleep.


    Maria grabs onto my other shoulder.


    "I''m ready when you are too, I''m looking forward to taking a long rest too."


    Arie rolls his eyes and walks over, cing one hand on my right arm.


    "Looks like I''m taking the first waking shift to make sure we''re on course. I''ll sleep eventually."


    Both Maria and Abbyugh as I teleport us back to the dungeon start point to find the exit portal.


    The moment we make it back, we''re all caught off guard by thendscape.... It''spletely covered in thick blue magical fog just like where we left.


    It''s almost impossible to see further than 100 meters away.


    Apparently, my predictions from earlier were correct. The mana in the air wasn''t just getting denser because we traveled further into the dungeon, the entire break''s atmosphere is changing.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "I knew it... we don''t have much time to farm this break either way."


    The 4 of us step out, back into the open desert, and I see the red portal swirling much more violently than it was before.


    More and more blue dungeon mass is being spewed from the edges of the rings and dissolving into the open air. An audible hum of mana can be heard from the outside matching the hum of mana that could be heard from within.


    The break has gotten considerably worse since we entered...


    The sun is rising, and the hint of day''s heat is starting to creep over the horizon. The sandy ground beneath our feet is still cool from the night, but it won''t be for long.


    My team gets situated on their camels, and I wave them off, swearing I''ll meet them before they even make it to Sra.


    Arie takes both of the reigns, leading the camels as I watch both Abby and Maria drift off to sleep before they even leave my field of view.


    I watch them head off into the open desert, then turn back to the blood-red Dungeon portal behind me.


    I re-enter the Blue Ogre break, then open my item storage to let Ember stretch his wings.


    "Wee back, we have some work to do."

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    "Wee back, we have some work to do."


    The ck-scaled dragones flying out of my swirling white spatial magic portal, immediately opening his telepathic link with me.


    "Good to see you again master, what a mana-rich dungeon... where could this be?"


    A toothy grin forms across Ember''s face as he begins to p his wings to hover higher up in the sky. The majestic creature begins to glow a light red tint, showing that his plunderer skill has been activated. He absorbs a few thousand MP from the air, then continues to speak.


    "This is very pure as well- and our level. We''re nearing my next rank up faster than expected. I''m pleased with this progress."


    I nod, struggling to keep my eyes from closing. The fact that I''ll soon get a moment to rest is making me more and more tired by the second. Sleep is within sight.


    I chuckle, then respond.


    "We have grown a bit, and I''m exulted from fighting. I''d like for you to farm in this dungeon while I rest. It''s not veryrge, so I trust you''ll be able to cover thendscape rather quickly."


    Ember lifts his head, then replies.


    "This is a Rank 3 Dungeon. You''re aware of this right? These are very rare to be spawned outside of abyrinth. Truthfully, a waste of mana."


    I raise an eyebrow, then shake my head. Realizing sleep will have to wait a little longer.


    "A... Rank 3 Dungeon? A waste of mana? What do you mean by all of this exactly?"


    Ember stops glowing red and glides down to the floor.


    "Well... I guess humans would call a Rank 3 Dungeon a B-ss Dungeon. It just means the boss monster is over level 500. This indicates that it has ranked up."


    There''s a moment of silence, and the buzzing swirling mana around us feels like it just grows louder.


    I reply.


    "Alright, so it''ll just be a lot stronger?"


    Ember pauses.


    "Something like that. Usually, the Rank 3 upgrade is a very noticeable one. An additional hidden ability or skill is awarded to all monsters that hit rank 3. In addition to that, it''s verymon for Rank 3 monsters to wield some level of Tier 2 mana control."


    My eyes open wide with curiosity.


    "Tier 2?"


    The ck dragon nods.


    "The ability to absorb mana from the surrounding dungeon and wield it as their own."


    He looks up at the thick blue fog-covered sky.


    I join in for a moment, trying to picture what Tier 2 mana control would look like. Is that what these Ogres have been doing in the dungeon? Using some advanced form of mana control to wield the mana in the air?


    If so, It doesn''t seem like they''re very good at it...


    The Blue Ogres just leaverge amounts of mana resting all around their body, not consuming it at a very fast rate at all. Even the mutants need work. Maybe the boss will be different, but I''m not too impressed just yet.


    I shrug, then reply.


    "We''ll face that challenge when ites. For now, I really need to get some rest. We''ll be facing the real body of that Arch Demon soon. Right...?"


    Ember turns his head from the sky back down to me very quickly with a look of concern.


    "You''re not ready."


    I tighten my gaze.


    "You were excited to face it back in that other dungeon, why not now? And how did you even know it was a demon in the first ce?"


    Ember looks back up at the sky, then starts to glow light red again.


    "Monsters have a distinct scent, or mana signature, especially demons and their cores. That''s why it''s easy to confuse a demon with a human that has absorbed its core. Arch Demons give off their own special mana signature that only dungeon monsters can sense, that''s why I knew it was near. It seemed to be in a very weakened state when we came across it, so I thought we may have caught a lucky break."


    I nod as Ember continues.


    "They''re known for being extremely Intelligent beings. It figures that it''d just be leading you to it. This is an borate trap, I''m sure you''re well aware."


    I reply.


    "The moment I saw it was a body double I realized something was up. Trap or not, I want that skill and I want its core... How powerful could the real body even be?"


    Ember looks back at me, showing me his deep crimson-red eyes.


    "More powerful than anything you canprehend. That floor boss you defeatedst week does not evenpare. We need to rank up before facing it at full power, no questions."


    I gulp, but the corners of my lips curl into a smile.


    "Well, that''s why we''re here."


    Ember nods.


    "I could tell as much. It seems the monsters here must droprge amounts ofpact MP. Are you looking to collect them as you sleep? Where are your teammates and what''s the rush?"


    "Wel...."


    I air-step up to hop on Ember''s back.


    "I''ll tell you the whole story."


    We begin to fly up the dungeon''s closest mountain peak while I fill Ember in on all the details of the Association''s time crunch and the new revtion about Abby''s [Restore] skill.


    Ember takes in all this information and understands exactly what he has to do. Collect as many Shards as possible while I sleep.


    The more he can farm, the better chances we have of being strong enough to face thebyrinth''s final Arch Demon boss.


    I create shelter in a mountainside, covering the outsides in dense earth magic, making sure to leave small holes for air and dungeon light. Iy out all my old sleeping supplies in my item storage, making the hard rocky ground much morefortable.


    The moment I close my eyes, I fall asleep.


    Time passes as I drift off.


    I''m not exactly sure how much time... but when my eyes finally open, all I can see is the color blue. A loud, horribly annoying buzz fills my ears, then it''s all interrupted by a more familiar ringing.


    [Level Up]


    Rubbing my eyes, my status opens to show I''ve grown to level 481 in my sleep.


    "21 more levels..."


    I was expecting to gain a few, but this is a lot.


    Immediately, I open up the shelter I''ve built using earth magic, but the blue veil covering my eyes doesn''t go away.


    It''s all pure mana, and it''s very thick. Visibility before I went to sleep was over 100 meters, now it''s less than 1.


    I use my All-Seeing Eye and let it stretch out to the far edges of the dungeon until I find Ember happily burning through Blue Ogre''s in a deep valley.


    Using my enemy detection skill and Inspect, I can see that they''re all mutants. There isn''t a single base-level mob in sight.


    I open top my telepathic link and call out into the blue void.


    "Ember, can you hear me?"


    Immediately I sense the dragon stop his battle against half a dozen mutants and fly up into the sky before responding.


    "Yes, Master. How was your sleep?"


    I use Dungeon Walker to teleport nearby, then air-step up towards the ming dragon in the sky before responding.


    "Good. How long was I out...? and what''s going on here? I can''t see a thing!"


    Ember chuckles slowly as Ind on his back. Then he ps his wings, taking us to the closest mountain peak nearby.


    "You''ve been out for just over 9 hours. I''ve farmed just over 500 of these monsters. They''re quite strong. Our level has increased a lot, the only downside is this dungeon is filling up with excess mana very quickly.


    I reply.


    "Yes... very quickly."


    What was only a foggy mist before, makes it hard to see my hands right in front of my face."


    Ember continues.


    "I would have absorbed it, but then fewer monsters would have spawned. So I decided to let this Rank 3 Dungeon run its course, the boss room will be much more rewarding that way. I assumed you would want a good fight."


    We arrive near the top of a high peak, and I can see a bright white glowing from below. I begin to answer but stop mid-sentence while mesmerized by the sight before me.


    The closer we get, the brighter it bes until we hit the rocky ground with a loud thud. The source of this bright white light reveals itself to me, leaving my mouth wide open.


    It''s the pile of Blue Ogre Shards Ember has farmed all this time. The amount of them isn''t what leaves me in shock. Ember told me he farmed just over 500 already.


    I jump off his back and plunge a hand into the piles of gems, scanning all of them, then turn my head in the direction of the presumably grinning dragon.


    "These are all from mutants... everyst one of them. This break ispletely out of control!"


    Ember replies in a cheerful, satisfied tone.


    "Indeed, it is."

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    "These are all from mutants... everyst one of them. This break ispletely out of control!"


    Ember replies in a cheerful, satisfied tone.


    "Indeed, it is."


    At the moment of his reply, I can feel the ground tremble and sense 10 monsters all over level 470 running our way.


    Without thinking much of it, I shovel the hundreds of shards off the rocky ground into my item storage, then air-step up onto Ember''s back.


    Without my perception skills right now, I''d be as good as blind in this environment. All I can sense are fuzzy mana outlines of the creatures that areing our way.


    If I concentrate harder, their inner bodies are easy to picture.


    Although it wouldn''t affect me in battle much at all, especially in a dungeon. It''s still a little unnerving not being able to see properly. I have to rely solely on my mana senses.


    Either a being is there, or not there. That is the only reading I can pick up. White blobs of varying mana intensities begin to fill my vision as Ember flies up in the air.


    He speaks through the link.


    "Is this not what you wanted? I can absorb the mana in the surrounding area if you''d like."


    I take a deep breath in.


    Even if the air is this dense with energy, the oxygen that fills my lungs is not affected in the slightest.


    It just feels like there''s a slight pressure on my temples.


    However, I''m not sure if that is a natural mana density property or just a side effect from the incredibly loud headache-inducing buzz that fills my ears.


    I reply through our link while clenching my jaw and both fists.


    "No, this is exactly what I wanted. You did well."


    A powerful p of the ck-scaled dragon''s wings sends us gliding off towards the back of the dungeon now, headed straight towards the boss room.


    The charging Ogre''s earth-shaking footsteps are left behind in the blue fog.


    I take out extra food and water to replenish my body after a long sleep as we glide through the ominous buzzing dungeon''s open air.


    Ember replies once we stop rising in altitude.


    "That''s good to hear master. While you rested, I had my fun, but the real challenge is still ahead. You''re about to face your first Rank 3 Boss Fight."


    I stare forward into the never-ending blue fog.


    "I know. I''m ready."


    Ember knows more about monsters and mana control than I do by a long shot. The hint of concern in his voice turns to my concern as well... I just still can''t wrap my head around a monster being that much stronger than the mobs we''ve been facing in the dungeon.


    A ranked-up Mutant Dungeon Boss... I guess time will reveal its true strength.


    Eventually, we soar into uncharted territory, thest 500 meters of open dungeon before the break that I haven''t ventured through just yet.


    The boss room portales into my perception skills radar, and it feels much more powerful than it did before.


    Almost, unimaginably more powerful actually.


    More and more mutants show up on my radar below as we fly closer.


    At first, it''s just under a dozen, like the group that started to attack us at the top of thest peak. Then, it turns into much more as groups begin to merge together.


    By the time we get within 200 meters of the portal, I can sense almost 40 mutants in total waiting around the energy-dense portal below.


    I speak up, while taking in an urate reading of our surroundings.


    "What... is this...?"


    Ember responds.


    "Shall we head straight for the Boss?"


    I nod, pulling out my sword and imbuing my armor with enough mana to keep it fully charged. This dungeon is so rich with mana, that it feels like it''s about to burst.


    "Yes, let''s head straight for the portal. It''s time to clear this break."


    I begin to power up, activating my stat boosting skills, and making the blue fog around me reflect crimson-gold light as we make our descent.


    Instead of just sensing the masses of mana below, I begin to hear the grunts and roars of Mutant Blue Ogres all fighting amongst themselves in the valley down below us.


    We''re less than 50 meters away, and the sensation of enemies nearby puts me on high alert but also excites me beyond belief.


    We soar deeper in, closer to the ground, now hearing constant cracks in the rocky ground on both sides as Ogres run our way. At the same time, the blue fog in front of my vision quickly begins to get much darker.


    "It''s turning ck..."


    The dense dungeon mana in front of us starts to twist and swirl, making a whirlpool-like effect in front of us as we soar forward.


    Instead of seeing all blue, streaks of dark ck lines start to form in the air. They twist together in a massive circr pattern with the dark blue fog. It looks like an ocean Maelstrom, sucking everything up in sight.


    The closer we get, the faster it spins, pulling in the air and energy around it. The swirling blue lines of magic in the air fade away and everything turns to ck.


    The sound of Ogres nearby fades away.


    There''s an ear-piercing buzz, making it impossible to think of anything but staring straight ahead and baring it.


    The reality here is, the Boss Room portal has grown to over 3 times its normal size. The once 3-meter tall light grey slowly swirling mass of magic has now turned into a towering 10-meter wide violently vibrating ck hole engulfing any and all dungeon mass that gets near it.


    The closer we get, the harder it seems to turn away. Luckily, our goal is to fly straight through.


    I point my sword forward, activate my mana maniption skill to create a thinyer of shielding around my body, and then Ember flies us through.


    My vision turns from ck for a few seconds, then shifts to bright white...


    We''re transferred into the boss room momentster.


    I was expecting to fight blind, having to rely on my perception skills to fight a massive mutant Ogre or something of that nature.


    To my surprise, that''s not exactly the case.


    Once I enter the room, a crystal clear mountain sits in front of me with flowing waterfalls, green shrubbery, and beautiful white rock walls.


    It looks just like the dungeon did when we first entered, but a more majestic version.


    The mountain is tall, about a kilometer high. There''s nearly 500 meters of t ground before it with very little dirt or nt life in sight. Just a wide-open in of t stone. It''s a clear shot, straight to the mountain at the Boss Room''s back side.


    This is one of the biggest Boss Rooms I''ve ever been in.


    Other than the 20-Floor Boss, nothingpares.


    I could have easily mistaken this for an entire dungeon itself. The only difference is the long stream of dense blue magic that trails from behind me, right where I entered.


    Constantly being transported from the outer dungeon, I watch a trail of blue cloudy mana float up towards the top of the mountain.


    It materializes out of thin air,ing through the Boss Room''s transfer magic and slowly rising in a thick cylinder of blue magical fog up toward the top of the beautiful peak above.


    I take in my surroundings in awe for over 10 seconds before finally being interrupted.


    The ground rumbles and my moment of peace ceases. Dozens of Mutant Blue Ogres wielding heavy silver axes start charging down the mountainside. Clouds of dust and magic residue trail behind them as they lock onto us from over half a kilometer away...


    This is the first wave before the boss fight. I open up my link with Ember.


    "Let''s climb the mountain, and face the Boss."


    We soar forward without a hint of hesitation, staying low to the ground. We leave trails of red, ck, and golden magic residue behind in our wake while heading straight for the Bright Blue Ogre''s stampede


    I scan them all as they cross over from the mountain onto the t in area, registering the mutants are all between levels 470 and 480.


    As I expand my range further up the mountain. Then, sense where all the mana from the outside dungeon is consolidating into what seems to be a massive ball. There''s a single reading in the center of it.


    "The Boss."


    ________________________


    [1200m]


    [Lv. 559]


    Active Items:


    Heavy Armor Set of The Blue Ogre King [+95% Defense]


    Dual Axes of The Blue Ogre King [+95% Strength]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Buffs:


    Ultimate Defense of The Blue Ogre King [Hidden Ability]


    King''s Summoning Call


    ________________________

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    ________________________


    [1200m]


    [Lv. 559]


    Active Items:


    Heavy Armor Set of The Blue Ogre King [+95% Defense]


    Dual Axes of The Blue Ogre King [+95% Strength]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Buffs:


    Ultimate Defense of The Blue Ogre King [Hidden Ability]


    King''s Summoning Call


    ________________________


    I finish scanning my surroundings and pause on the Boss'' status that waits for us on top of the tower above.


    "Level... 559..."


    A sound simr to thunder cracks throughout the boss room, but there isn''t a single dark cloud or sh of light in the sky.


    Its source is the top of the mountain, but even with my perception skill, I can''t make out the exact shape or cause of this odd phenomenon.


    All of the mana that''s being transported from the main dungeon is clouding the view. It''s all consolidating to make a massive blue ball of energy. The orb is impossible to make sense of from this distance.


    That isn''t my primary concern at the moment, the hordes of Blue Ogres running towards us are.


    I charge up MP into my de and send a shot off in the direction of one of the approaching monsters while Ember breathes a wave of dark mes straight at another.


    My recent level-ups, along with the nearly 25% increase in my overall mana control consumption has buffed my abilities a considerable amount.


    My high power sh slices through the front side of a mutant armor, cutting the beast in half with a single strike while the plume of ck fire destes the Ogres Ember attacks. Earlier today, an attack like that would have taken 2 or 3 hits.


    Although the opponent above is at a higher level than any monster I''ve faced before, I''m tingling with excitement at the opportunity to try out my new power.


    Maybe it will drop some interesting loot too.


    I decide to be as efficient as possible, taking off my griffin''s talon ne and throwing on the dark Red Smander King''s Cloak. It gives me an 80% boost in mental strength, rather than the talon''s 40%. I have a feeling I''m going to need every advantage I can get.


    With all these thoughts racing through my mind, Ember and I continue taking out mutants that stand in our path as we approach the mountain. Their shards are left behind for now. I''m focused on defeating the boss, nothing else.


    I attempt to use my plunderer skill to absorb MP from the environment like I did back in the blue-clouded dungeon, but it doesn''t work nearly as well.


    Without the dense atmosphere of avable mana, I''ll have to rely on my remaining MP potions for now or the monsters I can directly drain mana from in a physical attack.


    I manage just fine. It''s just a minor inconvenience.


    There are mutants that run down the mountain straight toward us from all directions. Most are very agile and powerful, but there''s asionally one or two in such a rush they fall or jump from unreasonably high ledges.


    This injures them even before making their way towards us. It doesn''t seem to matter much, the steady stream of them isn''t showing any signs of stopping anytime soon.


    Easily one-hitting each of them, but not ming the rewards isn''t doing anything very productive I decide to stop firing off shots. It''s best to save my energy for the fight above.


    Ember on the other hand keeps sending off his nearly endless supply of mes down at the roaring Blue creatures.


    We start our ascent.


    Flying past crystal clear water and rocky cliffs, the mountainside gets steeper and steeper. We fly further from the ground and my eyes are locked on the growing cloud of blue-tinted mana above the whole way up.


    It seems to all be consolidating in a sphere at the monitions top.


    Less than a minuteter, I see with my own two eyes.


    Over 30 more Ogres lose their lives while the trails of burning rocks and trees left behind from Ember''s mes. Tell the full story of our joinery up the mountain. We finally make it to the peak.


    It''s a ssic boss room style battlefield, with a 100-meter wide shallow bowl shape to the top of the mountain.


    Possibly, the remnants of an old dormant volcano.


    Near the far side, the massive glowing blue ball of mana can be seen. The orb is dark blue with lighter wisps of dust and pure white mana curling it. A loud ground-shaking buzz fills the air as hordes of Ogres run out from it.


    My eyes open wide and I whisper under my breath.


    "The King''s Summoning Call."


    This is one of the Boss'' hidden abilities. Taking in the sight before me, it seems like it''s able to summon endless waves of Ogres.


    We fly forward, just over 20 meters above the battlefield. I stare deep into the glowing blue ball of mass, but can''t see a thing. Just like before, the Boss Monster''s status stats and level pop up, but I can''t see its physical body.


    I charge up a fairly high-powered strike and send it flying in the direction of the royal blue, slowly spinning, 10-meter-wide ball.


    The moment my strike hits its outer wall, there''s a light buzzing sound and a miniature white sh before the ck de of firepletely disappears into the spinning mass of energy.


    Ember and I glide down, closer to the floor and begin taking out the mobs that are being spawned and sent our way.


    Each and every one of them explodes into mes or gets decapitated on sight.


    They fall to the arena floor behind us as we make our way toward the ominous orb that took one of my attacks without budging one bit.


    Now that we''re closer, I activate my All-Seeing Eye again and try to peer inside. It''s still incredibly thick. Possibly almost 2 meters thick actually, made of pure swirling mana.


    This time as I look deep into the barrier there''s the faint outline of a monster sitting down with its legs crossed inside.


    I almost do a double-take.


    The ground beneath it has sunk in half a meter, and even while sitting it''s much taller than the mutants that are continuously spawning out of its spinning dense mana.


    It''s at least 5 or 6 meters tall while sitting down, so whatever is inside there must be a 10-meter or taller monstrosity.


    It''s hard to make out exactly what it looks like, but the faint glimmer and mana output of its heavy metal armor can be sensed. Two massive silver axesy on either side of it as well.


    I grit my teeth, squint my eyes, and look closer.


    I have to drink another MP potion just to burn through enough mana to see the creature in its entirety.


    With eyes closed, legs crossed, a back straight, and the calm smile of a monk in meditation, the Mutant Blue Ogre King sits atop its mountain collecting mana and waiting for a worthy opponent to arrive.


    My first attack was aplete failure so I''ll have to try something different the second time around. To be honest, I''m not sure if the Boss even noticed.


    Ember flies over the slowly spinning blue sphere and we begin circling it.


    "Time to devise a n."


    Ember nods. We glide around in a circle 10 meters or so above the Dormant King of The Mountain.


    More and more mutants attack as we circle the Boss. They''re all dispatched in seconds by either dark red mes or a fiery ck sh whenever they get too close.


    The ball of energy doesn''t move at all.


    I''m almost at a loss for words. Usually, monsters are the first to make their move.


    I open up my link with Ember.


    "Is this Tier 2 mana control?"


    "Yes."


    There''s a long pause as the wind passes by my face and long ck wings p on either side of me in a slow rhythmic fashion.


    "...but that barrier may not be as imprable as it seems."


    I squint at the loud buzzing sphere of mana below as Ember points his head toward the blue cylindrical cloud of mana that''s still being sucked into the Boss'' defenses.


    "This ranked-up Ogre is definitely using Tier 2 mana control. It wouldn''t be able to move mana around and use it for its own so freely without it."


    I tighten the grip on my sword.


    "So then where''s its weakness? You must have found a break in its barrier, right?"


    The ck-scaled dragon lets out a thick dark crimson plume of mes down at the Boss in response without a second of doubt.


    The eruption of mes engulfs the entire dome, creating the illusion of a 10-meter-wide fireball sitting on the mountain''s peak as it flows off the sides onto the rocky floor.


    We rise higher in the air to avoid the residue and debris.


    Mutants are burned to ash in the process on all sides, but when the mes begin to clear the barrier ispletely unharmed.


    Well... almost...


    The monster inside sits still. The outeryer of the blue sphere begins to melt away as the fire dissolves into it. The barrier itself is putting out the mes of Ember''s advanced fire magic, but it''s using its own mass to do so...


    I let out augh, then begin to charge up my sword to its full power.


    "You''re right, the barrier has a weakness. It looks like we have an in."

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    "You''re right, it does have a weakness. It looks like we have an in."


    Ember''s dark mes that once engulfed the round blue sphere of mana begin to dissolve inwards. I watch the entire structure shrink. There are small explosions and it lets off white arcs of light simr to miniature sun res.


    It''s not much, but it definitely shrinks... We can work this that.


    "Again. Fire at it again."


    My continuous mana output is nowhere near what Ember can produce, so I''ll have to leave this part to him.


    "Understood."


    The glossy ck-scaled majestic dragon ps its wings slowly as we glide closer to the Boss again. A dense ck and red plume of mes shoots down at the dormant monster to cover the entire structure once again.


    Cries from newly spawned monsters can be heard while waiting for the sea of mes to clear.


    The outeryer shrinks a minuscule amount yet again.


    Blue mana residue takes in the mes, giving off a light buzz and shes of light that sound like fireworks.


    The blue and white magic residue disappears into thin air but the barrier''s mass slowly grows back the moment it''s destroyed.


    I smirk as Ember lets another attack go.


    "Again."


    Over and over, we spawn-kill the mutant mobs thate running out from the orb. As they dissolve, dozens of shards begin to pile up on the arena floor. I pay little mind to this, solely focusing on the diameter of the orb that has now shrunk almost half a meter after just a dozen attacks.


    Still, there''s no movementing from within, and the barrier itself is still being replenished by the cloud of blue mana-imbued fog that flows up the mountain from the original dungeon.


    Ember glows bright red, slowly plundering MP from the environment around him to fuel his attacks.


    If I''m seeing this right, the moment Ember lets up, this Ogre''s entire defense will be restored in just a few seconds...


    We continue to circle the Boss, 20-30 meters up in the air.


    "Again."


    I charge up my de, harnessing the mana residue around me to charge my de over a full MP bar. There''s over 3000MP ready to fire off. At this density and newfound power from all my level-ups, it will be the most devastating attack I''ve ever thrown.


    It takes nearly half a minute, but I''m waiting for the perfect time to strike.


    ck mes continue to rain down, tampering with the Ogre''s defenses as I take aim for the perfect shot.


    I can sense that the shield has been weakened now to under half of its normal thickness, so I let my attack fly. With a powerful thrust, the ck crescent of mes plummets down toward the mediating Mountain King.


    There''s a loud twang of dispersing mana in the air as my de cuts a deep hole right through the already-damaged blue orb.


    As the fiery de enters the structure, one of the Ogre King''s hands twitches and an eye opens wide staring through the clouds of mana to look directly at me. It shines a deep blue hue.


    Time feels like it slows for a moment, then Ember swoops upwards avoiding the debris from my strike breaking the barrier.


    In the blink of an eye, the mutant grabs both of his axes and swings them upwards to block my attack.


    Its speed and instant readiness are astonishing. With reflexes like those, it may be faster than me.


    A loud cracking sound echoes throughout the entire dungeon as my attack hits both of its axes. A loud gruntes from below as it''s deflected to the side, but still manages tond a hit on the Ogre''s upper arm.


    The fiery crescent then flies out the other side of the dome, trailing with a light drip of crimson blood.


    It wasn''t much, but Inded a hit...


    "A good start."


    We fly high into the air as the murderous roar of the awakened Mountain King shakes the entire Dungeon.


    The bright blue mana swirling around this beast begins topact, getting denser and denser until it covers the beast in a blue shimmering body suit.


    The once massive orb of energy now covers a dual axe-wielding Giant Blue Ogre Boss.


    Glistening blue and white, the entire body of the beast is covered head to toe with thick mana.


    I may have been very lucky to get a shot in before it fully woke up...


    Two dark blue lights shine from the monster''s face, showing me where its eyes are located, but I can''t see its actual body.


    All that stands before us is a glowing blue and white outline of a monstrosity.


    "So... much mana..."


    I''ve never seen or felt so much energy all in one ce since I fell into the Titan''s Domain. This ispletely different...


    That mana was freely floating in an open void.


    This mana is 100% in control of the monster before us.


    The air wavers before my eyes and the buzzing from mana in the air is so loud that everything around me sounds silent...


    The ming rock from our previous attacks makes a wall of mes and half-dying mutants create the perfect contrast to show off the Dungeon Break''s Boss in all its glory.


    The silence ceases and it lets out another murderous roar, pointing its axes straight up at us in the air.


    I yell out to Ember through our link.


    "Again, fire! The real battle begins now!"


    Thick mes engulf the 10-meter-tall Blue Ogre King, but it doesn''t move a muscle. The monster stays in ce and takes the attack.


    Its outeryer of mana crackles and pops as it eats up the mes and lets white mana disperse into the air.


    "Again!"


    We circle the monster as it calmly stands still, following our flight path with its dark blue gaze taking attack after attack.


    Meanwhile, I charge my de up just like before. It takes well over half a minute to use the dungeon air, but just a few seconds with MP potions. I release another 3000 MP attack straight at the King.


    "I wonder how it''ll react this time...."


    This is the same devastating strike that shattered its defenses just moments ago to draw blood.


    Instead of standing its ground and taking the hit, the massive beast finally lifts its axes again.


    This time around, they''re covered in a thickyer of dense blue mana. On impact, there''s a slight pause and reaction of light and twanging sound, but the strike I throw is defected off deep into the boss room without much effort at all...


    Then, the mutant finally makes its move.


    It turns and begins running in our direction. The ground cracks and shakes, leaving high craters behind in its wake. Dense blue mana drips from beneath its feet leaving pools of blue residue all over the battlefield.


    The monster gets closer and closer, but we''re high in the sky.


    Ember lets out another attack, covering the Ogre in a crimson wave of mes. Instantly, the monster retaliates and swings its axes as the mes dissolve into its armor of mana.


    We''re over 30 meters in the air, so there''s no way it can reach us. Even with a jump in the air, I doubt it can leap this far...


    While thinking this, my eyes open wide at the reality of the situation.


    As it swings its two axes, dark royal blue manaes shooting out of them, just like the attack I sent flying at it earlier.


    In an instant, It spawns mana crescents farrger and denser than my own.


    Amber senses the danger too and we dodge instantly. swooping lower to the battlefield.


    The Ogre King swings its axes again, sending two blue crescents of murderous blue light our way.


    A swerve to the right takes us out of its line of fire, just barely. The wind blows by me on both sides with vicious force as we speed up and the seriousness of this battle sets in.


    I grit my teeth while charging my de and we dodge another two attacks as it lets out a roar to shake the Boss room once again.


    Just when I thought it couldn''t get any worse... The pools of mana all around the dish-like battlefield begin to bubble and glow much brighter.


    Rocks start to braking and more Ogre''s roars start to fill my ears.


    Dozens of mutants start spawning from the residue pools left behind by the Boss'' footsteps.


    We fly around the battlefield as more and more mutants spawn with seemingly no end in sight. Ember blows mes down on them as the Boss tracks our movements sending off more mana-filled attacks.


    I let off attacks of my own, drinking mana potions to charge my sword as well as using some residue from the atmosphere to fuel my attacks.


    Every one of them is blocked with incredible precision, and every step this beast takes spawns more obstacles for us to avoid and take out.


    Ever since that first unguarded strike that made this Ogre bleed, I haven''t even gotten past its des. Not a single strike has hit its shielding yet.


    The blue fog from above is feeding its defenses even more, nearly negating Ember''s fiery attacks.


    The shielding around its body is growing back at close to the same rate the fire is burning it down.


    I have to do something.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Out of frustration and curiosity, I blip to the monster''s opposite side while Ember lets off one of his ming attacks.


    I let one of my own soar, right at its back.


    It can''t move in time, and Ind a direct hit...


    A red, ck, blue, and white explosion follows and I see its bright blue armor open up for just a moment to expose its skin.


    The time it takes for me to bring another mana potion to my lips is more than enough for it to heal the small hole in its barrier and turn my way...


    I blip back to Ember''s back and stare down at the monster as it turns its blue eyes to meet mine.


    "We''repletely outmatched... but I have an idea."


    The rumbling of newly spawned mutantses running our way, and the Boss holds both of its axes steady, covered head to toe in pure blue armor.


    It charges its des while I whisper under my breath and open my status screen.


    "It''s been a while, but it''s time to upgrade another skill..."

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    "It''s been a while, but it''s time to upgrade another skill..."


    While looking down at my status I check the proficiency points avable to me.


    ______________


    PP: 231


    ______________


    We continue to fly around in circles narrowly dodging the monster''s bright blue energy attacks.


    I need to make it through this monster''s defenses and take in enough mana to continue battling at a steady rate. I''ll either need to up my mana control drastically, or use the points avable to me and upgrade a skill.


    Leaving the dungeon right now isn''t an option. I told my teammates I''d clear it, so that''s what I''m doing...


    I''m less than 20 points away from being able to upgrade my next legendary skill, Absorption.


    That''s the only reason I''ve been saving them up for so long.


    It''s the skill that has gotten me this far. All thanks to being able to take the powers from monsters I kill, I''ve been able to defy the odds and get stronger much faster than everyone around me.


    Though... in a scenario like this, what''s absorption good for if I can''t defeat the monsters with the skills I''m trying to steal?


    I scroll down my list and choose the logical decision.


    If it''s Tier 2 mana control I have to contend with, then I''ll just make my own version of it.


    ____________


    Plunderer


    Info: Plunderer allows the user to take mana from opponents once physical contact is made. Mana crystals and other magic items may be plundered.


    The effectiveness of the user''s ability to plunder decreases if the average mana control output of their opponent is higher than their own. It is much more efficient to plunder weaker enemies.


    MP may be consumed in mana-rich dungeon environments, but effectiveness is severelyckingpared to direct contact plundering.


    Grade: [No Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I click Upgrade as two blue des shoot by my head and the rumble of dozens more freshly spawned in mutants approach.


    ____________


    Upgrade: 50PP


    [No Grade] -> [Special Grade]


    The [Special Grade] Plunderer skill allows the user to plunder opponents up to 50% greater mana control than their own with equal proficiency to their own level.


    The [Special Grade] Plunderer skill allows the user to absorb MP from dungeons with much higher proficiency. Even when mana is not visible to the naked eye, it may be plundered all the same. Contact with any dungeon mass is also considered a viable link to plunder MP.


    The [Special Grade] Plunderer skill will not affect the dungeon''s structural integrity. It will only limit the amount of monsters avable to respawn from the source.


    ____________


    Without batting an eye, I click upgrade and immediately feel a difference.


    I activate my plunderer skill, to charge up an attack, and feel every free-floating mana particle in the air begin to move in towards my body, down my arms, and into my sword.


    It''s like breathing in fresher air than I ever knew existed. No MP potions or strengthening fragments can beat the pure feeling of power that''s just entered my veins.


    With my All-Seeing Eye and Mana Maniption simultaneously active, it feels like I can see, touch, move, and absorb everything atop this mountain.


    No... in this whole dungeon.


    A faint pink glow, simr to my mana maniption adds itself to the mixture of blended colors in my dark red and golden aura.


    "The real battle begins now."


    I startunching off 3000 MP attacks at the monster one after another like it''s nothing...


    Every twist and turn through the air we make into new portions of mana-filled air allows me to charge up my des almost instantly.


    Sure, they''ll take a toll on me once I hit my daily MP consumption limit, but I have a few hundred shots at this power level left in me. So, it''s time to get to work.


    The first shot I fire off is blocked by the mutant boss'' de. The second one right after hits its left side.


    White and blue light appears followed by the explosion of mes as I watch its barrier crack over at the point of impact. Two more shots erupt from my de one after another and fly off in its direction.


    One heads straight for its outreached dual des while the other curves around to slip right through the cracked opening in its blue mana barrier.


    Another loud twang and cracking noise follows. A loud roar confirms I made a direct hit.


    As the residue clears and its shielding starts to reform, the crimson glint of blood dripping from a small cut catches my eye.


    I smirk as Ember dives downwards and we fly to its opposite side.


    "Another hit."


    To make things easier, I take out my dagger. It allows me to force the barrier open with one attack and send another strike in right after to do the actual damage.


    I let out more shots of mana as Ember spins and dives to avoid the rage-filled attacks of the boss.


    Fire begins to burn dark red on the ground below us. Every attack Ember and I send lets outrge plumes of dark mes that spread from mutant to mutant slowly burning them alive.


    Even if they''re not hit head-on with a direct attack, they''re killed moments after they spawn.


    The only thing immune to the mes is the merciless boss. Its suit of blue armor wades through the thick mes and puts them out on contact. A line of untouched rock floor trails behind it.


    We circle the beast as it lunges towards us again and again.


    It may be fast and powerful, but our speed and agility in the air are far above the Boss monster''s capabilities.


    The fallen mobs leave shards behind. They''re starting to pile up and give off a visible glimmer of white and blue light even from here.


    Everything is going as nned.


    The only problem is, as many shots as I fire off, it''s getting harder and harder to hit this crafty creature.


    I''vended 5 more sessful blows, but the shielding in its ce is getting harder to hit.


    It''s also predicting my attacks and dodging over half of them now. I''ll have to try something else.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I jump off of Ember''s back, now having more than enough teleport points plotted in the air to handle myself.


    With the element of surprise on my side, I can much more effectively send attacks into the monster''s bright blue armor. It takes 1 wind sh to break it, and 1 fiery attack to damage the beast. I can send off 2 before narrowly blipping away to avoid its counterattacks.


    There is some damage, but it''s not nearly enough... If only I couldnd one more hit per time I attack. A wind and firebo attack wouldplement each other and do much more damage.


    Gritting my teeth, Ind another 3 total hits while blipping around 7 more times. Small gashes appear on its arms, legs, and torso but all I''ve done is it angry.


    Every time I break through its mana shielding, the blue barrier just grows back stronger.


    I open my link with Ember as he continues to weaken the Boss'' mana armor while eradicating the mutants in the crossfire.


    "I need to you take out its source."


    I look up at the dark blue stream of mana that''s been continuously flowing down into the battlefield this entire time.


    There''s far too much mana for me to consume. I can sense millions of MP flowing out from the Dunegon and around the body of this monster.


    Ember replies while sending off a final fireball to destroy a wave of approaching Ogres.


    "Understood, I''ll block it from the sky. To Absorb this much mana, I''ll need to concentrate. I trust you''ll finish the battle."


    While gripping my sword I turn back to the Boss.


    "If it can''t regenerate its shielding any further. I can handle it."


    With that, Ember takes to the sky and I air step downward to let out another attack before blipping away to its blind spot.


    The monster is bing frustrated but keeps itsposure with dark blue eyes locked on me for the full time we fight.


    The more attacks Ind, the better it learns my movements too. Not only can the humming blue mass of mana dodge me more often than not, it''s also letting out its own attacks faster and with more precision as well.


    Sometimes, I even have to move out of the way before releasing an attack of my own. It''s predicting my Dungeon Walker teleports.


    Finally, Ember''s voice echoes in my inner ear.


    "It is done."


    I feel a familiar feeling crawl over my skin and my vision is tinted red.


    The ambient mana in the air drastically decreases for a fraction of a second while it feels like time slows down.


    I turn my head to see Ember high in the sky above the mountain radiating a dark red crimson aura. The blue mana clouds are reacting and glowing bright white.


    An incredible light fills the sky, and the flight path of appraising foreign dungeon mass is sessfully blocked.


    My perception of time speeds back up as a wide grin crosses my face. The Boss monster is distracted by the sight as well. Taking advantage of the moment, I release another two attacks tond a devastating blow on its left side.


    I let out augh and blip away while watching the monster heal its broken shielding.


    It''s not by much, but the dense shield shrinks ever so slightly to mend the hole.


    After a few more teleportation maneuvers, air-step dodges, and near misses, Ind another strike to the monster''s back.


    With a loud cry, the Boss'' dark blue eyes tighten, looking even more angry than before as it heals the shielding''s hole.


    It shrinks again.


    I''ve gained the upper hand.

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    I''ve gained the upper hand.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    To my surprise, the sound of level-up notifications rings in my ears as more and more mutants die in the burning fires below.


    I''m not that much higher of a level than them, so it would make sense that killing this many would continue to raise my own.


    With a bright red, white, and blue glowpletely covering the sky overhead blocking the energy that once added to this Boss monster''s barrier, I can face this beast on my own terms now.


    Without its constant energy renewal, it seems more on edge... but also more willing to fight. Its eyes glow darker and look more alert, fully aware of its situation.


    Thest remaining visible wisps of blue swirling magical fog make their way into its buzzing armor made of blue light, then the boss res at me to let out its loudest ground-shaking roar.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I teleport to its opposite side and let off a dual attack straight into its back.


    With a swing of right-handed axe, it blocks one of my des and the other collides with its shielding.


    Dungeon walking away, I let off another attack to strike the monster''s wide-open exposed sh.


    It predicts my movements, and I have to dodge an energy attack from its left de.


    "As expected. You won''t be giving up easily."


    A wide smile stays on my face as we fight to the death.


    Another dozen shots each fly back and forth, and I''ve managed to fit the monster 4 more times. Each attack draws more blood and now shrinks its mana shielding more than twice as fast as before.


    I''ve consumed nearly half a million MP tounch my attacks, but it keeps enduring my blows. Luckily, there''s an end in sight.


    Without the excess mana in the air, the shielding it''s using as a defense forms back at a rate almost 5 times slower than before.


    Each attack I start letting out does more damage to its energy supplies, sending offrger white explosions and releasing more ambient mana into the air.


    Every shot thatnds makes bigger breaks in its barrier opening up muchrger targets for my second strikes tond.


    Although the monster is adapting to my movements and bing much more agile on the battlefield, the longer this fightsts, the more hits damage the boss.


    Its blue eyes glow darker and darker as the shielding grows thinner and thinner. I can hardly even be spotted while teleporting and air-stepping around it in circles.


    With so much mana at my fingertips for use, the battle just gets more exhrating every moment I''m in it.


    Massive explosions of fire residue obliterate Mutants that spawn from existing pools of blue light.


    [Level Up]


    Easily another hundred are ughtered as our battle continues on.


    Due to my speed and agility in the air thanks to wind summoning and dungeon walking, I''m in no real danger of getting hit while focused on the battle.


    Mana flies, attacks are thrown, and the mutant''s eyes glow brighter and brighter as its shielding slowly fails.


    Almost 15 minutes pass, and I''vended 3 dozen more attacks.


    Sweating, breathing heavily, and nearing my limit, I stare down at the bloodied and beaten beast below.


    If I had to guess... This massive barrier of mana it was using isn''t just its Tier 2 mana control at y, it must be part of its hidden ability "Ultimate Defense of The Blue Ogre King".


    Without the avability of excess mana, it''s not able to be used. Or maybe there''s another hidden metric to its buff...


    Through my All-Seeing Eye skill, I can see it sucking in mana to create a base level of shielding, but the thick blue and white light that surrounds its body is so weak that I can see its torn-apart flesh even without my perception abilities now.


    It lets our roars of anger and frustration. The mutants spawn less and less from its excess residue.


    It desperately defends as I mercilessly attack, pushing most of its mana reserves into its axes to block my iing strikes.


    This allows it to block some, but the attacks that hit its wounded body just keep doing more and more damage.


    Every time it begins to cover up an area in defenses I let out attacks with blinding speed to break the barriers down and eventually bring the monster to its knees.


    With a loud ng of metal axes hitting the stone floor, followed by the thud of its tired body hitting the ground, the Mutant Ogre King Bows its head in defeat.


    With Hundreds of shardsid out in piles beneath its battered body, the monster begins to let its shielding drop.


    I tighten my gaze and whisper under my breath in a suspicious tone.


    "Too easy..."


    It doesn''t seem like the type to give up, but It was clearly outmatched....


    Not wanting to give it another second to re-think its decision, I send dual attacks of wind and fire straight at the monster''s midsection.


    Not making a sound, the des glide through, and two half of the 10-meter-tall mutted Ogre King fall to the Boss Room''s floor.


    I gulp, darting my eyes back and forth while waiting for the sweet sounds of even more level-ups to ring in my ears.


    But they nevere...


    The crackle of ck mes is all that fills my ears as the remainder of mutants perish all around me in the fire.


    I air-step down to the floor,nding on a thinyer of white and blue shards. The two halves of the Mutant Kingy dormant as I slowly approach...


    Even the buzzing sound of mana ceases. The dungeon bes eerily silent.


    I open my link with Ember.


    "It''s done..."


    The moment I do, the light buzz of mana in the air returns, but oddly enough it''sing from below me.


    The shards that cover the ground begin to glow much brighter than before...


    Then they all start vibrating at a simr frequency and move towards the mutant''s body that lies lifeless on the stone floor...


    It begins to glow blue and white as well, giving off the same dull hum.


    "This... doesn''t look like it''s going to end well."


    I grit my teeth and teleport as far up into the air as I can, calling out to Ember through our link.


    "Enough, we have to get back... Now!"


    The ck-scaled dragon swoops down at my words and I manage to touch his glossy wing just in time to teleport us to the far side of the dungeon where we entered.


    The glowing stones rattle more and more,ing together on the fallen corpse of the Mutant King.


    The light animating from the top of the mountain grows until the buzzing can be heard from over a kilometer away at the far side of the Boss Room...


    Finally, it hits its peak and there''s an overwhelming white sh of light.


    Secondter I hear a loud crack and the entire dungeon shakes.


    I watch the top half of the distant mountain explode, sending massive chunks of rock high into the air in all directions.


    Millions and millions of MP from the fallen Ogres have consolidated and let out their energy all at once. Ast-ditch effort by the Boss to protect itsir.


    A shock wave of energy and debrises flying our way, but all I can focus on is the constant ringing in my ears.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 495


    Hp: 2480/2480


    Mp: 2050/2480


    Strength: 1311 [+1849][+1481][+656][+656][+656]


    Speed: 1433 [+866][+717][+717]


    Agility: 1538 [+692][+1692][+769][+769]


    Defense: 1102 [+1223][+1014][+551]


    Mental Strength: 1230 [+738][+554][+1341][+1316][+984][+615][+615][+615]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Special Grade]


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Items Equipped:


    High Ogre King''s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+111% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Serpent King''s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    Desert Troll''s Charm [+45% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Fire Aspect][+141% Strength][+109% Mental Strength]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set:


    [Wind Aspect][+112% Strength][+110% Agility][+107% Mental Strength]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+92% Defense]


    Smander King''s Cloak [+80% Mental Strength] [+80% Fire Magic Resistance]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Buffs:


    [Berserker] +50% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +50% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength


    [Extreme Strength] +50% Strength


    _____________

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    "I just need another 5 levels..."


    Although a shockwave of excess magic and debris is flying my way at an rming speed, all I can do is stare down at my status and smile.


    I''ve gained 4 levels from the hundreds of in mutants and another 10 levels from defeating the boss itself. This brings me up to level 495.


    There are only 5 more until I hit "B-ss" eligibility. I know there''s an exam avable to hunters that hit level 500... but it''s not brought up in the news often. Not many make it this high.


    Without upgrading my plunderer skill to special grade, taking out this boss would have been near-impossible. I have plenty of other skills, yes, but the only thing that mattered in the end was my ability to wield mana at an elerated rate.


    It seems this is the secondrge bottleneck in the hunter''s natural rank-up process.


    There''s one that urs on the level 300-350 range, the introduction to mana control that allows only those with rare element aptitudes to progress at a quicker pace. The ones that are funded enough, whether that be government or private aid can one day make it to the level of the Elite Status.


    The next pause in progression has to be focused around Tier 2 mana control. Monsters that near level 500, bing ranked-up beings, able to take in MP through advanced mana control seem to be unbeatable opponents for a magic user that can''t keep up with their endless shielding.


    Sure, not impossible to defeat, but very unlikely.


    This is why there are so few B-ss Hunters in the world.


    I wonder how much mana control would be necessary to achieve this rate of natural environmental mana absorption without a special skill like mine...


    I let out a sigh, then turn my focus back to the white and blue energy waveing my way.


    Opening my link with Ember, I point to the sky.


    "We''ll fly above it. Before the Dungeon Copses entirely, I''d like to see if the Boss drops any loot."


    With a powerful p of his wings, we soar up into the air. The body of this beast is gone, but it must have left something behind.


    Ember replies.


    "Very good. That was an impressive victory, Master. We''re so close to ranking up. Maybe I''ll finally get to evolve after our next big battle."


    I smirk.


    "Maybe... even before."


    The shock wave of energy and flying rocks ripples beneath us as we travel higher into the air.


    Weaker energy makes it up to our altitude, but I teleport us into the zone of the obliterated mountain that has already weathered the shockwave. We avoid the st entirely.


    Activating all my perception skills, two items pop up on my radar. One of them seems to be a ring the Ogre was wearing with an incredible mental strength buff, the other item is one I''ve never seen before...


    The mana readings it''s giving off are unbelievable.


    Not just their mana residue stands out to me, but also their information on my appraisal skill.


    "This changes everything..."


    We glide forward as I point Ember in the right direction, then start digging through the piles of rubble and half-melted boulders.


    Using mana maniption, I easily part the stone and find exactly what I''m looking for, the first item drop.


    ________________________


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    ________________________


    Silver in color, I toss the ring up and down in my palm a few times. It feels even heavier than gold....


    I take off my desert troll''s charm, only giving me a 45% metal strength boost, and put on this ring with 100%. Immediately, I feel a small shift in my power as the buffs are recalibrated.


    Next, I turn toward the real treasure.


    Peeking out of anotherrge rock pile, the bright blue glow of another item calls to me. I move all the surrounding rock out of the way with ease revealing what''s underneath in all its glory.


    A palm-sized dark blue crystal gives off a loud low-frequency hum rests on the rocky floor.


    Wisps of blue and white mana trail off of it as I pick the crystal up from a distance using telekinesis.


    It floats in the air as I appraise it.


    __________________


    Blue Ogre King''s Essence [Core]


    Info: The umted Essence of the Blue Ogre King. Excess mana from a Blue Ogre King''s Dungeon Break has been contained in crystal form.


    ss: B++


    Type: Consumable


    Durability[MP Output]: 101.4M/101.4M


    __________________


    "One hundred... Million...."


    The crystal floats toward me as I grasp it between my fingertips sitting firmly on Ember''s back.


    The rings on my finger clink against the crystal''s hard structure. The deeper I look inside this gem, the more endless the swirling mana within seems to be.


    Before I can get out another thought, a sh of light engulfs me on all sides. The dungeon copses, consuming both Ember and me in the blinding whiteness of transfer magic.


    I feel Ember''s feet thud against the sandy yet rocky floor where we entered this dungeon.


    Opening my item storage I throw the blue vibrating gem inside and immediately open my link with Ember.


    "To the sky!"


    It''s nearly pitch ck out, and I can barely see a thing. A sliver of sunlight escapes the horizon telling me the approximate time, but I already knew that I slept all day before this raid began.


    My only worry and reason for being so quick to the sky is the off chance that someone were to see me with a dragone out of the break, it wouldn''t be good... Thankfully, after a quick enemy detection scan finding not a single soul around, I''m put more at ease.


    Ember ps his wings and carries us high up into the fly above the cloud line.


    To my surprise, the sunlight gets brighter the higher we travel upwards...


    The sun has really just gone down, but I''ll have the opportunity to see the sunset again.


    I let out augh while opening my link with Ember as the cool air passes through my hair.


    "We have to head north. About an 18-hour ride by camel, and my team should be over halfway there by now. It''d be best to slow time the flight speed down so we arrive just as they do. We''re off to Sra."


    "Understood."


    The sun sets again, leaving us in the cool darkness of night.


    As I begin to rx, the built-up battle fatigue hits me all at once.


    The aching bones, tired muscles, and tingling skin start to take a toll on me making my eyes close yet again. I make sure to drink water, and eat enough to satisfy my hunger, but drift off to sleep within the hour.


    A few questions race around in my mind as I fade away into dreand on Ember''s back.


    How can I use this new item to my advantage... 100 million mana will surely do irreversible damage if I try to consume it all at once.


    However, I could use Plunderer at its new special grade rank to absorb the mana while Abby constantly Restores my MP...


    This is a possibility.


    I also have almost 60 million MP worth of mutant fragments from Ember''s farming escapades too... My teammates will most likely be able to handle 100k MP at a time if they push themselves.


    That dungeon is gone, but we''ve made some serious gains in a short time. Once I meet back up with them after a long sleep, we''ll have a final upgrade session before facing off against the Labyrinth in the capital.


    I''m feeling a lot more confident in our abilities as a team than I did just a few days ago.

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    Leaving the setting sun behind, I drift off to sleep as Ember gracefully glides above the desert.


    The cool breeze and the dark night sky slowly calm the adrenaline pumping through my blood post-battle. All I can dream about are the new power-upsing soon and thebyrinth break in Sra that''s giving people so much trouble.


    The only logical exnation is that the two Elites sent to take care of it were not strong enough to face off against a ranked-up boss alone.


    Maybe they''re facing a simr problem, they can''t keep up with the higher levels of mana control.


    With that being said...


    One of them is Fisher. I''m at a higher overall level than him now, but in my current state, I believe our mana control is nearly even.


    I''m going to have to make use of this Ogre''s Core in order to make it to the next level.


    "... Master"


    Ember''s voice wakes me from my thought-filled sleep.


    My body feels exhausted still, and my head aches.


    "I think I might have overdone it again...."


    My skin tingles and my bones feel weak. This is exactly how I felt after using up too much mana in my Floor Boss fight. Just, nowhere near as bad.


    Rubbing my eyes, I look out into the distance of the night sky. Still, there''s only darkness in all directions. Ember speaks again to ease my confusion.


    "I believe we''re getting close."


    In response, I scan the wide-open desert in all directions as far as my radars will let me.


    A few things all begin to hit me all at once...


    Below us, no more than 5 kilometers ahead, I sense 3 enemies all between levels 460 and 470. There''s a very high chance these are my teammates. After a quick Appraisal, I confirm without a doubt it''s them.


    "How long was I out?"


    "Another 6 hours Master."


    I nod, sensing thousands of other data points off in the distance about 7-8 kilometers north.


    There are too many to count... Hundreds of the are over level 200, and thousands under 100. It''s the same leveling distribution as back in Vice City. It must be a very well-developed area, unlike the towns we''ve visited so far.


    "This must be Sra."


    There''s a very odd readinging from further out into the desert behind the city. Either my perception skill doesn''t reach far enough in my fatigued state, or there is some interference in the readings. It''s like there''s an outer edge to how far I can sense... anything...


    Maybe there are just no more mana readings to sense out in this barren wastnd of a desert. Well... I hope at least. This void in my perception skills bugs me a bit.


    There isn''t much I can do about it other than wait to see what the interference is myself. With all these questions racing through my head, I just shrug and focus on the more important data. My teammates are close.


    "Ember, I''ll be making my way down soon. Bring us right above the cloud line then leave the rest to me. I believe our next meeting will be in the Labyrinth, so get ready."


    I see a toothy grin form on the dragon''s face as its glossy ck wings tilt downward to change our flight direction.


    We soar toward the ground and I feel the presence of my teammates getting closer and closer. Once we approach a perceivable range I open up my item storage and hop off Ember''s back.


    "Thanks for the ride, we''ll be back in battle soon."


    As I fly ahead, the white Spatial magic appears behind me. Ember flies straight into my open white spinning portal and disappears.


    The fast-moving air flies by me as I begin to plummet toward the ground. It''s pitch ck in the cool of night, but I can tell how far away my teammates are and know just how much wind magic I''ll need to stop myself from hitting the ground too fast. So, in the meantime, I rx.


    It''s a calming sensation.


    The weightlessness of falling. Moving so fast through the air, feeling the wind push against my skin, but still feel like I don''t evenpare in weight to a feather.


    If I spin onto my back, and let the air push me up, it''s like I''m resting on an invisible bed of clouds.


    Close to a full minute of enjoying the moment of bliss passes, then I finally activate my wind magic and slow to a halt hovering just 100 meters over the desert floor.


    I can see the dim glow of a white magic arrow illuminating 2 camels slowly moving across the t sandy ground.


    I approach with causation, igniting a small me in my hand. After a few seconds, a wave of my telepathy skill is sent out to the online teammate awake right now.


    "It''s Jay. I''ve made it back. d to see you''ve made it so far."


    Immediately, I watch the archer turn and draw his bow in my direction. The arrow glows much brighter as I drift down to the desert floor.


    Once he sees my face, the arrow fades back to its dim glow and I see a sigh of relief wash over his face.


    "Good to see you too. You''re just in time."


    Both Abby and Maria are asleep again. It seems like they took the day shift, and Arie is up again in the middle of the night.


    I put out my mes ande down to sit back on the rightmost camel taking the reins from Arie with a firm nod. Maria turns in her sleep as I sit in front of her.


    Arie speaks up.


    "You flew all the way here in the dark?"


    I let out a sigh.


    "Yeah. Something like that."


    Then, open up my item storage and let a handful of mutant shards fall out into my open palm.


    "It was worth it. All 4 of us will be able to gain another 15 million in mana control. Minimum."


    I let the gems clink around in my hands while the archer responds.


    "How was the Boss? Did you get any good loot?"


    I smirk and show him my ring.


    "100% Mental Strength Buff. It''s a nice once isn''t it?"


    He agrees, eyeing it curiously.


    After that, we continue north as I update him on the break, details of Tier 2 mana control, and the power difference between the boss I fought and the ones we faced prior. Of course, without revealing Ember or any sensitive information that I wouldn''t like to share.


    Although I trust my team, I''ve run my mouth a bit too much about a few thingstely... If I want something kept quiet, I better not speak of it at all. Information is no longer a secret once more than one person knows about its existence.


    One thing I don''t mind showing off is the rest of the loot. I take out the core from my storage, but Arie hasn''t seen anything like it either in his life. It''s agreed that any loot from the boss is mine to keep. Well, more like it''s agreed that no one here can even make use of that core but me.


    Finally, the topic of Arie''s hometownes up again. We''re getting close to where he mentioned it was when we first entered the Dark Continent so I thought I''d bring it up. What he tells me is a bit off-putting, and not what I was expecting...


    "We can visit my hometown after the break is cleared."


    Arie points forward and off into the desert as the sun begins to rise.


    "It''s off that way, I''m positive. It''s been quite a while since I left, but it may be nice to see some familiar faces."


    I don''t say a word, realizing when I scanned the desert earlier, that portion of desert was impossible to detect.


    Not a single soul or mana reading came up in my mind''s eye...


    While thinking of an appropriate response, I hear Maria''s voice from behind me and two hands hug me from behind.


    "Jay! You made it back!"


    At the same moment, Abby begins to wake up as well, murmuring something while rubbing her eyes.


    The sunlight of day begins to flood in, ridding the desert of darkness.


    Our conversationes to a halt and all four of us stare forward at the sight before us...


    Shining silver towers glistening in the morning sun.


    I count 6 of them in total, each easily 30 stories tall. With long clear ss windows and the golden reflection of the rising sun showing the city in all its glory, I''m left speechless.


    Hundreds of small buildings line the grid-like streets below. Workers from all walks of life are already starting their daily routines.


    The 4 of us will be entering the city soon.


    We made it to Sra.

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    We approach the silver towers as the morning sun reflects golden light onto our approaching camels.


    This city looks a lot more developed than any of the other smaller towns we''ve been through in the Dark Continent so far.


    If I had to guess, it looks like tens of thousands of people could easily be housed here.


    With high rises of apartments in residential areas, shops indoors and outdoors selling hunter''s gear as well as basic necessities that un-leveled vigers can use.


    Even this early in the morning people are beginning to line the streets.


    Arie speaks up.


    "This is it. Wee to Sra."


    It''s huge... but honestly, with all the hype, this is about what I expected.


    "Where is the Tower of Dreams? That''s where we need to meet up with those two Elites right?"


    Arie points to a slim curved silver tower between a ridged rectangr one and a very light-colored one on its other side, each roughly the same height.


    "Right this way. We have two or three hours until the raid begins. How''s everyone feeling?"


    Maria replies, still staring up at the beautiful shimmering city.


    "I feel great!"


    Abby stares up while rubbing her eyes, not saying a word as we enter the city streets and off of the sandy desert sand.


    They''re made of tightly ced cobblestone, but in such a straight line and meticulously crafted it seems some heavy machinery or maybe magic kill was used to fit these streets together.


    The buildings for as far as the eye can see are made of very modern and most definitely imported steel and bricks. Possibly from outside the walls. I don''t see where all of this metal and building material could havee from otherwise.


    Unless there are factories and power nts out here that I haven''t seen, there must be more cooperation with the Association than it seems on the surface.


    This reminds me...


    "Hey, everyone, hoods up. We may have bounties in this city too..."


    Immediately, everyone follows my advice and we cover our faces with the red hoods of our cloaks. It doesn''t hurt to be cautious.


    Arie leads us into the city.


    The morning sun shines a yellow light on the street vendors setting up their shops while we walk further into town.


    Merchants begin shouting at us as we walk by.


    "E and D ss gear, straight from the dungeons, get ''em while you still can!"


    A woman''s voicees from behind us next.


    "Potions! Potions and mana crystals, 50% off until noon!"


    I look around curiously, then speak to Arie.


    "Is there a dungeon system out here? I don''t sense any active portals at all..."


    He slowly nods.


    "Yeah, they box each dungeon up like back in DryRock to make sure if one breaks it won''t destroy the city. A lot of them are closer to the center of town."


    I nod as the footsteps of camels echo against the street.


    "Interesting..."


    The 6 towers get closer and closer, and the shops that line the streets be more and more high-tech. It almost feels wrong to be walking through a city like this on two animals...


    "Training rooms! Graded up to B-ss shielding! 60 minutes for a room, only 1 silver per hunter."


    My head turns as I hear the sound of a young energetic man''s voice speak up. I bring my ride to a halt and whisper under my breath.


    "This could be perfect...."


    Maria speaks up from behind me.


    "What''s all this about? Why are we stopping for a training room?"


    I nod.


    "I think it''d be a good idea. I farmed a lot more of the shardsst night, we need a ce to absorb them before our mission, right?"


    "Hmm, I agree."


    Abby speaks up next.


    "I think this is a good idea too. We might as well use all the time we have left to get stronger."


    All of us jump off and I take 8 silver coins out while speaking up to the tall blond-haired worker.


    "We''d like a room. 2 full hours for all 4 of us."


    The man epts my silver as Arie ties up the camels to a post outside.


    The store in front of us is about 3 stories high. Its first-floor walls to the entrance are made of ss to show the white walls of the elegant-looking shop inside.


    It''s a long rectangr storefront, possibly 7 meters wide and no more than 15 meters long. We all walk toward the stairs in the back that lead us up to arge metal door on the 2nd floor.


    The man speaks up.


    "Here you all are."


    He''s surprisingly easygoing. No ID needed, no name, nothing at all. I guess this is just how they do things out here.


    With a swift motion, he taps on a small square ck te attached to the door.


    It begins counting down from 121 minutes.


    "I gave you an extra minute to get situated. The door will open if you push the handle or once the counter hits 0, so please don''t continue your training after this time. The shielding won''t be activated unless I enter the code."


    The door clicks open to reveal a bright white room, simr to the flooring downstairs. It has stations of shielding fitted together that all seem to be carrying shades of white.


    It hums and creates a perfect barrier all the same.


    I step inside while replying.


    "Sounds good. I appreciate it."


    On the inside of the door, there''s an identical timer, ticking down the minutes and seconds.


    [120:49]


    The moment we all walk inside and the door closes behind us with a loud click, I open up my item storage and begin dumping out the glowing blue shards.


    "Let''s get started."


    The shards begin falling down onto the bussing white floor.


    "There''s over 500 of them. Everyst one is from a mutant, so we''ll have to be a lot more careful about absorbing them at first. I think we can all handle it just fine though."


    I let out augh, but my 3 teammates stare down at the gems and then back up to me with wide eyes.


    Maria is the first to speak up.


    "Five.... Hundred... mutants?"


    There''s a glimmer in Abby''s eye as she prematurely glows green.


    Arie smirks and crosses his arms.


    "Well, let''s get to work."


    I pick up one of the blue stones in each hand and reply.


    "Let''s."


    Over the next hour, we all take turns burning through the white and blue shards.


    As predicted, everyone manages to absorb them just fine. At first, Abby and Maria were in pretty bad condition after each run-through, but by the end of our session, everyone can handle them with ease.


    In just under an hour, we manage to finish them all.


    I can sense the differences in mana output from my teammates already. Their power has grown drastically.


    Abby and Maria by almost 100% and Arie has grown nearly 40% stronger in just a short period of time.


    I''ve grown too... but not nearly enough.


    Looking at the clock on the door, I see 59:32 remaining.


    "Just under an hour left."


    Abby speaks up with sweat rolling down her forehead next to a pile of empty mana potions.


    "Not bad right? We made it through all of them with time to spare."


    I reach into my item storage and pull out the Ogre King''s Core.


    "Not all of them... There''s one more. I''m going to need some extra help for this one."


    I also pull out everyst MP potion I have on me.


    "I have a feeling you may need these. I''m going to need to be restored while simultaneously absorbing the MP from this final core to finish in time."


    Abby walks over while Maria and Arie watch from afar.


    She stares down at the vibrating gem for a moment, then looks back up at me.


    "Let''s do it."


    Arie knows exactly what''s about to happen, so he speaks up before we actually begin.


    "It may be a good idea for us to leave. This... may get intense, won''t it? Plus, it''d be best to let the Association know we''re in town."


    I think for a moment, then nod.


    "Maybe it would be best if we meet you at the tower."


    He looks over to Maria and she shrugs, replying.


    "That works for me. I''d like to have some time to talk with my Elite trainer before the raid too. Maybe she has some helpful tips about my new mana control abilities."


    I raise an eyebrow at this but know it''s not the time to ask. Her statement confirms my suspicions about the white-haired Elite being Maria''s Guide.


    "I''d like to meet her too."


    I turn to Abby, then back to Maria.


    "We''ll finish as fast as we can and meet you there."


    The archer and Ice mage both open the heavy metal door and disappear with a click. They''re leaving us with a camel and meeting in the lobby of the Tower of Dreams once we''ve finished.


    It''s best to think about thatter and focus on the important things now.


    I activate my plunderer skill while simultaneously turning on all of my stat-boosting buffs and perception abilities at once.


    I won''t be consuming this core like the other shards, I''ll need to burn through the MP using active skills...


    "This is going to be quite the challenge."


    Glowing bright gold, red, ck, and now a hint of blue from the Ogre King''s mana residue, I push my mind and body to the limits.


    As soon as I begin, the warm sensation of Abby''s hands on my back tells me that her restore skill has been activated.


    With just 1 hour remaining, I''ll attempt to absorb this entire core.

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    ck, red, pink, and golden aura fill the room.


    The green restoration magic blends with the blue swirling residue tobine with my own aura and make a light purple glow resonate through the entire training room.


    The entire facility shakes and trembles under the intense pressure of over 100 million MP flowing through it, but it holds together.


    An hour passes...


    I feel like the power coursing through my veins is on a level iparable to my prior strength.


    *Click*


    The door of the training room opens and I walk out.


    Visible light purple mana residue floods out from the white-walled room and fills the stairway. Some rises up to the 3rd floor, while most sinks down the steps to invade the lobby of the shop.


    Abby and I make our way down through the dispersing purple-tinted mana fog and I hear every footstep echo throughout my mind.


    The full outline of the man sitting in the lobby is so clear in my mind''s eye. The minuscule vibrating particles of mana in his body are as clear as day...


    My All-Seeing Eye isn''t even activated.


    I''ve started to develop a new understanding and control over my environment.


    I lift my hands through the air letting the excess mana swirl around my fingertips. Then, without my plunderer skill, I''m able to feel small amounts of the particles enter my skin.


    It''s not nearly enough to use inbat. Only 3-5MP can be absorbed per minute at this rate... but still. It''s a sensation I had no idea was impossible without my skills until now.


    I''m on the cusp of Tier 2 mana control. This is an entirely new level.


    A shaky voice rings out from the shop''s lobby.


    "H-Hello?"


    The now much more nervous store clerk''s voice rings out through the fog.


    I can sense that the front door is open. Most of the residue is pouring out into the street and dispersing, but it''s still very thick inside the room.


    He continues in a quick manner as I slowly walk through the shop with Abby behind me.


    "I hope your session went well. I- Uhm, please stop by again any time."


    I smile, looking up at the outline of the city through the ss windows as we approach them.


    "Sure, thanks."


    We walk out the front door and the morning sun hits us in all in all its glory.


    I take in a breath of fresh air and slowly move my eyes back and forth over the busy street.


    It feels like everything and everyone is moving a lot slower. My ability to perceive reality has shifted immensely... In just a few hours, I''ve grown 3 times as strong...


    Sra has be much more lively now too.


    The streets are filled with more vendors as well as townspeople heading to and from their work. Just like in the Vice Region, 50% of the people walking around are covered in good-quality magic gear and look like hunters.


    Theughter, constant chatter, and vendors shouting fills my ears.


    Staring off into the endless streets, I''m finally interrupted by Abby''s voice as she unties the camel and brings it over to me.


    "Ready? We''ll bete if we don''t head out now."


    Still staring out into the entire city. Lightly activating my perception skills, I can sense everything... and I mean everything.


    Every single person''s average mana controls reading, level, magic items, and even the locations of the closed-off dungeon breaks.


    Everything bes clear.


    I reply promptly, but still distracted.


    "Right. Let''s go."


    We hop on and head through the bustling city toward the Tower of Dreams. Both of us put our hoods up like before, but I can''t help looking around at every new market square or unique we pass.


    The world looks crystal clear.


    It''s like I''ve been missing out on all of this information in front of my face this whole time.


    Nothing looks necessarily different... it just all has new meaning.


    I slowly begin to adjust to my newfound sensory abilities as we approach the shining silver towers. The one we stop under is curved on all sides creating a long, yet thin point nearing the top. There must only be a single narrow penthouse up on the 30th floor.


    As soon as wee to a Halt in front of the blindingly silver and white entrance, Abby speaks in my ear.


    "You should probably use that disguise skill... Your eyes are glowing pretty bright."


    She takes out her transmission tablet and flips the backside toward me. I see two glowing white reflections in it.


    Immediately, I activate my special grade conceal perk and calm down their glow, reverting my appearance back to its darker dull state.


    "Good call..."


    Abby hands the camel to a vendor nearby with other simr rides. An old man is taking care of nearly a dozen of them for 20 bronze each a day. He smiles and thanks us, then we walk near the building''s entrance.


    Once close enough, the front sliding door opens and I immediately see a few familiar faces.


    Arie, Maria, and....


    Fisher.


    He smirks and waves to me from behind my teammates, speaking up in a loud confident voice.


    "Who would have guessed they sent you 4 after us? Good to see ya Jay."


    Before I can respond, I''m distracted by a tall fair fair-skinned, white-haired woman who walks out with a light white and blue aura trailing behind her.


    The woman''s eyes are the same as her aura. She puts on a thin smile, only making her presence more alluring.


    She wears ck clothing with no armor. It contrasts with her skin and hair making them pop even more. On her side, she carries two curved swords in light blue sheaths.


    From this distance, I can already sense her mana control is incredibly refined. Possibly nearing mine in my recently upgraded state.


    I instantly appraise and inspect the woman to find her level and skills.


    _________________________


    [Lv. 504]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    Dual Wielding [Legendary Grade]


    _________________________


    Then, my eyes shift to those swords.


    _________________________


    Enchanted Katana Set [Ice Aspect][Agility +131%][Speed +106%][Strength +105%]


    _________________________


    She''s an Ice magic user, with a legendary sword-wielding skill... Interesting.


    Also, with a level this high, she''d technically a B-ss hunter.


    My eyes shift back to the blue-haired swordsman, Fisher. He''s still waving to me with a smug yet happy look on his face.


    I can sense his approximate mana control output too. As I assumed, it was just a bit higher than mine when I entered the training room.


    Now, I''m at least 2 times more refined than him.


    He speaks up again.


    "These two told me you were getting in a little extra training before the raid? Ha, looks like you''ll need it."


    I let out a sigh, walking over to the 4 of them and replying.


    "Good to see you too."


    We all greet each other with smiles outside the tall silver building on the road''s sidewalk.


    I introduce Abby to Fisher, and it seems like the others have already been acquainted in the hour we were gone.


    Maria is the first to introduce me to her trainer.


    "Jay, meet Lydia. Lydia, meet Jay."


    The dual-wielding Ice mage eyes me up and down for a solid 3 seconds. Her blue eyes pulse every so slightly, I doubt anyone else can pick up the mana readings.


    She puts out a hand while speaking in a smooth and steady voice.


    "You''re much stronger than I was expecting, maybe the director hasn''t lost it. It''s nice to meet you, Jay."


    I take her hand and shake it.


    "You''re much stronger than I was expecting too. This break must be much more difficult than I was led to believe."


    Everyone else in the party doesn''t say a word. We all watch as she turns to the center of the city, beginning to glow much brighter white and blue.


    "Yes, there''s a lot to exin. We have a difficult mission ahead of us. Now, I''m feeling much more confident about our odds of sess."

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    "Yes, there''s a lot to exin. We have a difficult mission ahead of us. Now, I''m feeling much more confident about our odds of sess."


    The long white hair of the new mysterious Ice-Mage blows back and forth in the weak breeze as she looks off into the city.


    It''s in the exact same direction I''ve been probing out ever since I stepped out of that training chamber.


    The exact direction where I can feel a dense area of dungeon portals all covered up by denseyers of mana shielding. It''s less than a kilometer away and some readings are up to 30 meters underground.


    Others are near or closer to the surface, but the majority of the energy readings are clearlying from beneath the city.


    With my All-Seeing Eye on full st, it''s as in as day where they''re located.


    I''m the first to reply.


    "Alright, let''s head off then. I''m sure there''s not much time to waste. Exin the details on the way."


    She nods, and we''re off.


    We leave our camels behind and begin walking through the city streets. It''s getting too crowded and cluttered in town with everything now in full motion. Bringing them along would be a hassle.


    As we get further away from the towers, the streets open up even more into lively markets. Palm trees hand over the bright-colored shops and more towers can be seen off in the distance.


    This seems to be a much more casual restaurant and shopping district for locals.


    Both Fisher and Lydia walk with their faces fully uncovered, without a care in the world. I''m the first to ask about it.


    "Hey- Aren''t the people around here not too fond of Association Hunters? Especially Elites. I saw bounty posters with our faces on them, don''t you two have prices on your heads too?"


    Fisher smirks and turns around toment on my im.


    "Yeah, yeah. We''ve had bounties out here for as long as I can remember. It''s no big deal. No one''s powerful enough to contain hunters like us. If they were, they''d have much better things to do than pick a fight with the Association."


    I nod to myself as he continues.


    "Most of the smaller towns and settlements deep in the desert tend to keep the anti-hunter traditions alive. There isn''t much else to do out there, hating on a government is all they can really do to pass the time."


    I open my mouth, but Lydia begins to speak from my left side so I listen.


    "In short- don''t worry about it. The people here are just people. Like you and me, they have their own lives to worry about. We have a much more important mission to concentrate on."


    I nod, then take down my hood.


    I''m not fully convinced we''re in the clear here. There''s always an exception to the rule, especially when money is involved.


    It makes sense, but to be honest I''m a bit distracted by a whole lot of other things.


    The bounties were never too much of a worry for me. The thought still at the forefront of my mind is the immense power difference between Fisher and Lydia.


    More like, the power difference between Lydia and anyone I''ve ever met before.


    Although this is the first time I''ve truly ever been able to sense mana control levels, hers seems off the charts.


    Now that she''s less than 3 meters away, and practically leaking out pure ice-imbued energy, it''s clear her mana control is definitely at least on par with mine.


    I''ll have to see her in action to get a full idea of her abilities. Then again, I''ll have to test myself in action toprehend the full extent of my new power as well.


    I''m itching to try them out, so, I speak up.


    "Is there any important information about this break we need to know? We''ve all been inbyrinths before, is there something special about that one?"


    The white-haired mage nods, replying to me without looking over at any of us.


    Her cool blue eyes stare off into the city.


    "Yes, this one is... a bit different than most."


    Everyone listens, interested in what she has to say as we walk straight toward the mana readings I''ve been tracking.


    "Well, the Labyrinth break has already begun. There are a few teams inside right now."


    The moment she says this, a pulse of energyes from the dungeon zone and ripples through the entire city.


    With such a fine-tuned frequency, It''s near impossible to see the wave move by, but with any level of mana perception, the grey shockwave is clear as day.


    Lydia speaks right on schedule, with a smile.


    "Speaking of the break, did you feel that?"


    I give a firm nod, and to my surprise, my teammates do too.


    Maria replies.


    "Yeah, I feel all tingly."


    Abby speaks next.


    "Is that the break? Or just a coincidence...?"


    Arie stares straight ahead, focused, but not saying a word. Fisher does the same. Lydia exins.


    "That was another floor copse. I believe... it''s on floor 18 now."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "A Floor copse? So this break copses floor by floor?"


    Wee into visible range of what I can only assume is the City of Sra''s version of a Dungeon Hub.


    Lydia points forward.


    "Correct. The break was up to Floor 15 when Fisher and I arrived. Every floor from 1 to 14 has alreadypletely copsed and disappeared. This is the 3rd pulse I''ve felt since we explored the Labyrinth ourselves, so it must be the 18th. If we entered the Labyrinth now, that would be considered its 1st floor."


    All 6 of us walk toward the far side of the hub. There arerge metal contraptions simr to the one I was trapped in near DryRock all over the open cobblestone square.


    I count 8 in total.


    They each have a solid silver metal door on the front of them and using my perception skill, I can tell that half of them lead underground with the same level of mana shedding built into the walls and stairs.


    One in particr, near the far side of the square goes the deepest, has the most armed guards standing by it, and is giving off the most intense mana radiation from the ground below.


    I whisper under my breath eyes it.


    "That one''s the break."


    Hunters crowd the square as we walk forward past therge metal crates withrge ck lettering hung on their front sides.


    They''rebeled not by ss, but by level.


    [0-100]


    [100-200]


    [200-300]


    [300+]


    It seems like they have safety regtions out here too. Guards are checking each hunter''s status before entering any dungeon.


    I watch as certain hunters cover-up information with their hands or gear, and the guards don''t seem to mind. All they''re looking for is the level, and they aren''t asking for any ID or payment either.


    As we approach the final break, the sign above it doesn''t stay a level at all.


    It just reads out [Restricted] inrge ck lettering, and 8 guards level 300-350 stand outside of it.


    Fisher speaks up as we approach.


    "Ya know, Lydia and I made it to Floor 19 no problem the other day. The Director just wanted us to stay back and not take on the Floor Bo-"


    He almost chokes on his words, then looks over his shoulders to make sure no one''s listening in.


    The blue-haired swordsman leans in closer to us and talks in a much lower tone.


    "He told us not to take on the final Labyrinth Boss alone. We reckon this one goes up over 25 floors. Maybe more! Once we take out the Floor Boss, we''ll all be stuck in the Labyrinth until we finish the break."


    Lydia interrupts.


    "That''s true. And the breaks will continue to happen out here even while we climb. Sran hunters will have to keep the floors at bay, starting with the 18th while we climb and race against the clock to take out the final boss."


    I nod.


    "So... We have one try, and the Boss has to be defeated before the entirebyrinth copses."


    She responds while looking ahead as a guard waves us down with a friendly expression on his face, looking like he''s been expecting us toe.


    "That''s right. The Final Boss could escape the confines of its prison if we don''t defeat it in time. One shot, or else this entire City will sumb to a B-ss Level threat. If we can''t stop it, no one here can."

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    A friendly-looking guard, just above level 300 with a body-hardening skill in a full suit of C-ss grade armor waves us down from almost 10 meters away.


    Lydia raises her gaze to meet his as the man yells out.


    "You all made it back just in time, and you''ve brought reinforcements. Even better."


    She crosses her arms as we all approach and thenes to a halt right beneath the bold ck lettering of the sign spelling out [Restricted].


    "Yes, we have made it back. How are things on your end? It seems like we''re up to the 18th floor.''


    The man gulps and his tonepletely changes.


    "If that''s true, the copses are only happening faster. It was less than 6 hours since thest one."


    He pauses.


    "A-And 11 or 12 hours before that was the one before.. And almost a full day-"


    The white-haired mage cuts him off.


    "So, half the time between every copse. At this rate, it should bepletely break in 6 hours... The Director sure does like to cut it close."


    He nods in response.


    "It seems that way. We don''t have any hunters eligible to defeat floor 20 and above right now. We''ll have to leave the higher floors in your hands."


    His eyes move to me, then Abby, Fisher, Maria, and Arie. He looks back to Lydia before continuing.


    "A team of 6 Elites. I''m happy to see all of you here, but are you sure you''ll be able to make it up to floor 25? Even split up? That''s well past your ssification of a B-ss threat."


    I raise an eyebrow and interject.


    "What do you mean split up? Why would be have to do that?"


    Fisherughs and butts in.


    "I mentioned this earlier to your teammates, but you weren''t here to listen."


    Abby and I turn to each other, then back over to the smug blue-haired hunter as he takes the lead.


    "While we climb the Labyrinth floors, the ones we venture through won''t just disappear because we''ve passed it. The entire Labyrinth will only copse once the final boss is taken out."


    I nod slowly, piecing together this information.


    The water mage continues.


    "So, while some of us continue to climb, others will have to wait behind on lower floors to protect the city from the dangers within. If we just abandon the lower floors before they fully break, monsters can easily run loose through that shielding."


    He points to the massive rectangr metal contraption in front of us.


    The guard closes his eyes and nods while turning to bang on the side of the silver wall three times.


    "Yeah, this thing can hold back level 350 to 400 level threats at most. It''s nearly impossible to craft shielding at a higher grade than that in mass qualities without spending a fortune. The surges have never been this bad, we never thought the Labyrinth would break..."


    I stay quiet, as the chatter of my teammates and hundreds of hunters in the square all begin blending together.


    It seems this is really a one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Labyrinth breaks are this rare, that they never even though to prepare for it. There must be some incredible loot, and even stringer monsters in there.


    The face of that Arch Demon''s Body Double shes in my mind''s eye as I grin and mutter to myself.


    "Looks like I''ll get to go all out."


    Fisher throws a friendly arm around my shoulder.


    "Yeah, that''s right. Let''s see if you''ve improved this week. Maybe you can guard the 18th and 19th floor while Lydia and I finish the job up top."


    I reply, seeing my teammates get riled up behind me at this statement.


    "Yeah, we''ll see what happens I guess."


    The B-ss Ice Mage lets out a chuckle, then turns away back to the guard handing him a tablet. He begins to sign off and write information down as I think to myself.


    Fisher can''t sense my mana control at all.


    It makes sense why he''d think I''m still rather weak inparison to him. Just less than a week ago in real world time, he trained me to finally defeat a monster on the 19th floor of a Labyrinth. Those monsters were barely breaching level 400.


    Plus... I''m the strongest of all my team members. If that was my power back then, he must still think even more poorly of them.


    In reality, all 3 of them are nearing his mana control level themselves. I''m sure he''lle to his senses once we finally get onto the battlefield.


    The corners of my lips begin to curl. The now very stern and serious guard utches the thick silver door while speaking up.


    Mental on metal scrapes and a blinding white light pours out of the contraption. The light hum of shielding fills all our ears mixed with his steady voice.


    "Alright, you 6. On behalf of every Sran here, I thank you for fighting. The average citizen may not ever know the magnitudes of evil you''re about to face."


    The guard pauses as my foot touches the cool hard white surface of the shielding room. Then, continues.


    "I may not ever know myself, but we thank you. Best of luck in there."


    After that there''s silence. We all enter the metal box and see a white staircase heading down underground.


    Everything is white.


    The walls, the floor, the stairs, everything.


    It''s just like the training room we left in the city, but shaped like a stairway downward with twists and turns having no apparent end in sight. The 6 of us head down about 10 meters, then make a sharp right turn leaving us with t white slightly vibrating ground for another 5 meters or so.


    The footsteps of the 5 other team members around me are slowly drowned out by the increased humming noises in the tight white walls.


    Another staircase brings us 10 meters further underground.


    The small t hall leading to the next staircase glows a tint of red. Wisps of fog creep around the corner and I can sense there''s a portal very close by.


    As we turn the corner to head down the next staircase, it reveals itself before us.


    A violently spinning dungeon breakes into full view at the bottom of the next flight of stairs.


    The Labyrinth breaks spins and vibrates, shaking the shielding all around us just slightly.


    I''ve seen worse breaks, but the edges of the spinning mass on its edges is dissolving into the air and beginning to slowly fill this white-walled hallway with dark red mana-imbued mist.


    In a meter of hours, it''ll definitely be apletely different scenario here.


    I reach under my armor and cloak to pull out my sword.


    Everyone around me either begins to glow, draws their weapons, or both.


    The 6 of us all step down thest staircase and jump through without a word. This is our mission.


    We enter thebyrinth.


    Red swirling mist clouds my vision as I step through. The dark crimson fog slowly fades to white as transfer magic activates.


    Everyone is brought to a rugged mountain range, covered in rocks without many trees in sight. The ground is hard and brown. For as far as the eye can see it''s littered with stones and asional dark green shrubs.


    Looking ahead, the sky is grey and the mountains stretch out indefinitely.


    I whisper under my breath as we walk forward.


    "The 18th Floor... this should be a breeze. We''ll be fighting the Labyrinth Boss in no time."

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    The 6 of us walk out into the rocky dungeon under the grey sky. Rolling brown hills and valleys fill our vision as far as the eye can see.


    About 3km away, I can sense a few groups of monsters clumped together. Some even asionally disappear from my radar.


    The Sran Hunters must be here fending off monsters waiting for our Labyrinth Ascent.


    Lydia takes the lead and Fisher follows right behind her. I don''t mind. This climb will be fast.


    The fighting won''t get serious enough for me to want to join in until far past the 20th Floor.


    I follow, continuing to scan the environment around me and testing the limits of my newly enhanced mana control.


    With plunderer, I''m able to instantly take MP from the ground beneath my feet, and even the air around me.


    Mana is so abundant here, that I almost feel invincible.


    My perception range has increased dramatically too. The entire dungeon is clear to me without overpowering my All-Seeing Eye one bit.


    It may be a smaller dungeon, but I still would have had to re-up my MP bar with this much skill strain if I tried using this much perception ability even yesterday.


    Each individual object is much clearer to me too. I can sense and track the swirling magic in every rock, monster, and mountain within the confines of these dungeon walls.


    The closer it is to me, obviously the more detail I can perceive.


    I see small traces of MP entering Lydia''s body just like when I attempted to absorb mana from the mist upon leaving the treating capsule in the city. It seems she''s constantly working on her skills and pushing the limits as well.


    As for mybat skills, I won''t have a chance to test them out anytime soon. Though, my teammates might.


    Just 500 meters in, wee across a team of hunters fending off a group of mutant High Orcs.


    They wear red robes, all have decent gear and solidbat skills. A team of 5 level 350-360s is taking on these level 370-380 Orcs without much problem. One of them has a major team strength buff skill so they''re using it very strategically.


    He''s the one that calls out to us as we pass by in range.


    "The Elites! Good to see you''ve made it. We have two other squads on this floor, and one more up on the 19th. Everything 20 and above is up to you power holders."


    I raise an eyebrow at the "Power Holders" line. I haven''t heard that one used before... Maybe he''s referring to mana control users?


    Fisher replies.


    "Keep up the good work. We''ll have this Labyrinth cleared before you know it!"


    The hunter smiles, pushing out another golden wave of energy for his teammates as the Final Mutant High Orc is taken out.


    They wave us off and search for more.


    The further into the dungeon we travel, the more Orcs show up.


    Without much effort at all, each of us is able to one-shot the creatures without batting an eye.


    We pick up the pace and begin to run. After 40 minutes, and passing the two other groups keeping Orcs at bay, we mark it to the Boss Room.


    It''s a few shades darker grey than usual, but nothing too out of the ordinary. We enter immediately.


    Maria and Abby slice the Boss into pieces without a moment''s hesitation. The High Orc King falls to the Boss Room''s rocky ground and we''re all transported to the 19th Floor.


    As we all materialize back onto a t glossy hard ck surface Fisher turns to us and speaks.


    "Now- I''ll be the first to say that was pretty impressive, but let''s see how all of you fare against a floor like this!"


    He smirks and points out at the jagged crystal-like maze of a dungeon, then turns back to me.


    "Looks familiar doesn''t it?


    I nod.


    "It does..."


    The crisp air of a Berserker Giant Dungeon fills my lungs as we step forward into the mazes of glossy ck crystal before us.


    I could easily fly over all of this and avoid every Berserker with ease. Those green-eyed, muscle-covered, red-skinned fiends are rather annoying to deal with.


    It seems everyone else is thinking in a simr school of thought.


    Abby is quick to activate her earth magic and make stone steps above the floor, while both Maria and Lydia have the same idea to create waves of ice angles upwards to the sky at an angle easy to walk on.


    I follow on their leftover residue, using trace amounts of mana maniption in my feet to mold the ice to my liking. It ensures I don''t slip.


    Moving above the twisting ck mazes and caverns will save us a lot of time.


    As we walk further into the sky, bncing on the archways of rock and stone, I watch monster run around maniacally in the mazes below. We would have spent way too much time fighting if we stayed down there.


    The 6 of us almost make it halfway through the whole Dunegon before seeing anything too interesting.


    I spy a team of two hunters, a man with bright yellow hair using lighting magic and a dark-skinned woman wielding daggers moving with incredible speed.


    They''re facing off against a 4-meter-tall Berserker Giant alone... and winning.


    The Lightning Summoner continuously shocks the monster while the dagger wielder with an [Extreme Speed] Skill runs circles around the beast.


    In under a minute, the creature falls to the floor. Busted armor, sword, and all.


    We''re in quite a hurry, so Abby Maria, and Lydia don''t slow their pace as we continue to use elemental magic and travel through the sky above the dangers below.


    The Lighting user notices as we pass and waves while yelling out.


    "Just in time! We''ll hold down the 19th floor. Don''t worry one bit."


    With that, the 6 of us continue forward.


    My teammates are brimming with energy, I''m sure they''re all very confident they can take on the monsters down below.


    I''m confident in them too, but one person here isn''t.


    Fisher speaks up as we begin to near the end of the dungeon. The Boss room portales into view, this is what sets him off.


    "Hey, are you 4 going to do any fighting? Don''t you think we should gauge your strength? I''d like to see you fight one of these mobs."


    Arie shrugs.


    "Sure, I''d like to fight one too."


    Abby and Maria happily reply, showing their excitement and eagerness to fight one of the odd-looking creatures that we keep passing below.


    I speak up too.


    "I''d rather wait to fight something more interesting."


    As all of the misshapen crystalized ck mountain peaks and low maze-filled valleys pass, we finally make it to a wide-open area of t ground with the Boss Room portal just 100 meters away.


    It''s a hard ck floor that we can nearly see our selections in while looking down. To our left and right side, there are high jagged walls of hexagonal crystals in all shapes and sizes.


    Granting our wish, two Berserkerse running our way straight on. From the right side, I can sense a third slowly creeping in from behind a crystal structure.


    Abby and Maria run forward charging their des and let out attacks before any of us can even blink.


    The Berserker lurking off to our right, behind a small ledge jumps out with its green eyes locked straight ahead.


    Arie releases a fully charged glowing white arrow between Fisher and Lydia straight at the monster''s forehead.


    Secondster, the 3 creatures that attacked are blown to pieces on the spot.


    I let out augh, walking forward like nothing happened.


    My teammates basically do the same, powering down their skills and not bothering to check for loot, fully focused on the boss room portal ahead.


    The white-haired mage speaks to Maria before we enter.


    "Looks like you''ve gotten a lot stronger since thest time we trained together. How interesting..."


    She carries her gaze over all of us, stopping on me, then turning her head to the Boss Room portal.


    "Well, that''s good. The more avability of mana control users the better. We''ll need it."


    Fisher is left speechless. He just follows after that disy and glows a dull blue.


    Like that, we all step forward into the swirling grey portal to see the massive Berserker King waiting for us.


    I remember facing this boss vividly. Its Final Breath skill is a deadly buff... One that I have now, but would rather never use or face again if I didn''t have to.


    I murmur under my breath as my 3 teammates approach it.


    "One-hit kill that monster, it has a nasty buff on low health."


    Arie smirks, charging an arrow as the blue and green mages run ahead with their weapons drawn.


    "I was nning on it."


    A sh of white light along with flying ice and rock erupts from the scene as the monster lets out a single roar. The boss is defeated in an instant.


    I grip my sword and stare straight ahead, eagerly awaiting the transfer magic to take us to the next floor.


    After a small celebration, it does. Everyone is looking forward to fighting the stronger monsters that we came here to face.


    We''re all brought to a narrow ck passageway just like the two others I''ve been in before. It''s no more than 20 meters long and the walls are lined with dark stone.


    This small area is a floor connector that only spawns for very special events. The Lower Floor Boss and the Final Boss are the only times I''ve ever seen it before.


    As I grin and move forward while igniting my sword, the white-haired mage''s voice rings out in my ears.


    "So you''ve been in one of these before, haven''t you?"


    I pause, but she continues before I can think of a reply.


    "Every Labyrinth has very different Lower-Floor Bosses. So if you''ve faced the one in the Capital and think this one will be the same, you''re mistaken."


    I turn with tightened lips full of curiosity.


    She speaks again, moving forward at the same pace as me.


    "It should be at simr strength, but every Special Boss is unique to its Labyrinth. We''ve never found one that matches another. Unlike the dungeon floors. Even if you''re strong enough, it''s still best to be cautious. Anything can happen on a floor like this."


    We all stand in silence, staring at the slowly spinning dark grey portal at the end of the ck-stone hall. It vibrates and lets off a low humming waiting for us to enter.


    There are wisps of jet-ck energy trailing off its edges, slowly filling the small hallway with white, grey, and ck mana. It''s just like the manaing off of the break portal when we entered. Not violent or unstable, but emanating power.


    I pause and observe the sight before me for a solid 10 seconds, then finally speak up.


    "Understood, let''s do this."

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    We slowly walk forward while activating our skills.


    The white, green, blue, and red lights shine through the grey mana-imbued fog until we''repletely engulfed.


    White transfer magic blinds me as I push my perception skills to their limits.


    What Lydia said stuck out to me. Special Bosses are much more intelligent than most, it''s best to stay on guard even if I''m clearly strong enough to defeat it.


    If this is going to be a brand new Floor Boss, I''d like to find out everything there is to know about it before it gets a chance to make its move.


    The white light around me fades away, revealing the light purple tint of the Lower-Floor Boss'' domain.


    [400m]


    [Lv. 440]


    [Lv. 440]


    [Lv. 440]


    [Lv. 440]


    [250m]


    [Lv. 435]


    [Lv. 435]


    [Lv. 435]


    [Lv. 435]


    [Lv. 435]


    [Lv. 435]


    [100m]


    [Lv. 430]


    [Lv. 430]


    [Lv. 430]


    [Lv. 430]


    [Lv. 430]


    [Lv. 430]


    Readings pop up all over my inspect and enemy detection skills.


    The Floor Boss'' minion''s levels fill my mind''s eye as my gaze tightens and focuses on the enormous tree at the back of the dungeon.


    "Not what I was expecting at all..."


    Its trunk is easily 100 meters in diameter and grows high into the dark purple sky spreading green leaves in all directions. It''s creating cover from above for over a kilometer high.


    The thick brown roots of the overgrown nt twist and turn all over the dungeon floor creating mounds of rock and dirt hundreds of meters high and opening up earth down below for presumably the same distance.


    They''re ferociously searching for nutrients to support the massive tree to grow more, this creates a very oddndscape.


    Large red circr fruits hang from the branches that look big enough to crush a small town if they were to fall to the ground. They look like overgrown apples but have a thin mana shielding around each of them.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this..."


    As these words leave my lips, a pair of crimson-red eyes appear from the back side of the tree in the darkness. Dense invisible manaes radiating from them.


    I feel a wave of intimidation hit me as I appraise and inspect the lurking creature in question.


    I shiver out of reflex and watch my teammate''s bare mind attack, but manage to stay on their feet.


    My attention turns back to the Boss.


    Its dark ck scales glimmer purple and green as it twists and slithers around the branches near the top of the tree''s trunk. Still hidden in the dark purple fog and shadows, It lets out a loud hiss and shows off its white fangs, weing us to itsir.


    Another intense wave of energy hits all of us as the monster''s statuses into my mind''s eye.


    ____________


    [700m]


    [Lv. 483]


    Active Items:


    [The Ancient Serpent King''s Scales] +121% Defense +99% Speed +97% Agility +55% Magic Resistance


    [Lower-Floor Boss Identification Core]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Intimidation


    Buff:


    Poison Breath [Hidden Ability]


    ____________


    "It''s a serpent... and its enormous..."


    The Boss slowly moves its long body around the branches of the tree, eyeing us from almost a kilometer away.


    Normally, it''d be close to impossible to see a monster at this distance with the naked eye, but its sheer size is astounding. If I were to put a number on it, this creature is nearly 100 meters long.


    Another thing I notice is its "Lower-Floor Boss Identification Core". I''ve seen one of these before, but It didn''t dropst time. Or at least I didn''t have the chance to pick it up.


    Before I can think too deeply about this topic, I''m interrupted by 6 level 430 serpents thate slithering into all of our field of view.


    ____________


    [Lv. 430]


    Active Items:


    [The Ancient Serpent Scales] +81% Defense +79% Speed +77% Agility +50% Magic Resistance


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Intimidation


    ____________


    They move their bodies back and forth to traverse thendscape but also manipte the rocky root-covered floor beneath them to elerate their movements.


    With glossy ck scales, showing a hint of dark green as they slither closer, their glowing red eyes lock onto each of us.


    Loud hisses fill the air as they surround our team of 6 and go in for the kill just seconds after we''ve entered.


    Fisher is the furthest up front, he takes the first one on. With a swift slice from his de, a bright blue jet of mana-imbued water magices rippling out of his sword. The 20-meter-long snake is decapitated in an instant and its head rolls to the floor.


    Lydia is nearby, letting the serpent that''s challenged her get up close and personal. She doesn''t even bother to draw her swords. The mage just puts out a hand and begins glowing bright white and blue.


    Ice forms all around her and once the monstrous snake dives into her 5-meter-wide aura, its glossy ck and green scales begin to cover with crystal clear ice.


    In just fractions of a second, the monster ispletely frozen solid.


    It falls to the floor and shatters into thousands of pieces as Lydia shows a thin smile for all of us to see.


    Abby and Maria jump up in the air, propelled by ice and earth magic to take on two other snakes from behind us.


    These creatures are covered in thick shields of mana, but they''re nowhere near as powerful as the Blue Ogres we recently faced.


    The two girls slice each snake in half the long way without a hint of resistance.


    Arie and I turn our backs to each other in the middle of the other 4 other battles and fire off our respective shots at the final two monsters waiting to attack from a distance.


    My de of fire and his arrow of light hit both targets square in the forehead.


    The 6 serpents that attempted a sneak attack on us are all defeated in an instant.


    I can sense the excitement in the air as everyone keep''s their skills fully charged. We move forward without saying a word orplementing each other''s kills.


    It''s obvious we''re all ready for the real fight to start.


    The purple fog from above in the tree at the back of the Boss Room grows much denser and starts to creep down the trunk.


    Running forward through and above the twisting roots of the massive tree, wee across the next 6 level 435s. They''re ughtered in an instant just like the snakes behind us in a glorious light show.


    The glowing red eyes of the Ancient King lurk atop the tree, waiting for us to approach. The closer we get, the denser the purple clouds above the tree be. The green leaves are starting to fade out of sight and the fog drifts down to the Boss Room Floor.


    This reminds me of thest Lower-Floor Boss I faced. It had minions slow me down on the way, but they were nowhere near as strong as the Boss itself.


    It just waited for its prey to arrive. It seems this Boss has a simr n.


    Another few hundred meters pass and the final 4 level 440 Serpents are in.


    We all stand on top of arge root near the base of the tree and look up at the lurking serpent''s glowing eyes as the purple fog passes over us.


    The low buzz of mana fills the air and the presence of the Boss looms over us.


    Maria waves her sword in the air, pointing it up at the glowing red eyes in the darkness above. She speaks up in a cheerful tone despite the growing omnibus environment.


    "Come on down, we''re ready to fight!"


    Her voice echoes, and we''re left with silence.


    Seconds pass, and nothing happens. Those crimson eyes just continue to stare down at us through the purple fog and wait...


    Then, I feel my MP being drained.


    Not very much, but a noticeable amount. It feels simr to the effects of my self-regeneration skill''s perk when I drink alcohol.


    At this moment, I realize the battle has already begun.


    "This fog... It''s filled with poison."

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    As the thinyer of purple fog sweeps over us, I feel the special grade perk of my self-regeneration skill activate.


    Poison Resistance.


    My MP is being actively drained as the poison from the fog seeps into my body and bes instantly nullified before damaging my HP bar.


    The mana all around me is more than enough to counteract the slow drain. My only concern is my teammates.


    They don''t all have easy ways to counteract an ability like this.


    I yell out.


    "Hold your breath for as long as possible! The fog is filled with poison. It''s not strong, but I doubt it''ll stay that way!"


    Everyone around me begins covering their mouths and holding their breath. Abby starts glowing very brightly light green, putting out a restoration wave.


    I watch both Maria and Arie take their hand from their faces momentster, letting out sighs of relief as the green magic negates the poison''s effects almost instantly.


    I murmur under my breath.


    "Never mind... it seems I don''t have to worry."


    The archer turns to me.


    "Let us handle this Boss, you''ll get to have your funter. This may be the hardest opponent we''ll get to face today that we can actually handle. I want to see how tough a Lower-Floor Boss really is."


    I pause for a moment, looking up at the crimson-glowing eyes of the snake above, then nod and let my gaze hover over each of them.


    "Sounds good... I''ll be watching. Be safe, and enjoy."


    Stairs of ice and rock form, leading up to the higher regions of the massive tree in the sky.


    My teammates disappear into the growing fog above.


    It''s true. Based on the shielding that snake possesses, I could most likely defeat it from here if I really put my all into a shot.


    My teammates may not get a chance like this again to face a unique Lower-Floor Boss. It seems to be just about their mana control level too, so this will be an excellent training opportunity for them.


    I power down my skills, ce my sword by my side, and cross my arms.


    Lydia speaks up from my right side.


    "All of you are much stronger than any of the reports mentioned."


    I nod slowly and turn towards her, surprised she hasn''t powered down her mana shedding yet to conserve energy and start drinking HP potions to counteract the poison. The white-haired mage has actually turned hers up.


    A shimmeringyer of mana covers her entire body, nearly visible to the naked eye It is so dense.


    Under the gaze of my perception skill, it reveals itself to be more mana-rich than any shielding I''ve ever witnessed.


    Looking past her, Fisher has his shielding up too. It''s very powerful, and not wavering at all under the purple fog''s growing presence.


    Lydia speaks up again in my confusion.


    "Powerful enough shielding can block any magic effects, whether it''s a skill or a hidden buff. Mana control is the only thing that truly matters for Elites."


    She pauses, tightening her gaze on me.


    I''m standing in the fog with without a hint of shielding protecting my body, breathing in the poison without a care in the world, and using the ambient mana in the air to regenerate my MP bar.


    Her words echo through the heavy air.


    "Then again... I guess there are some outliers."


    Fisher walks over as the mana-imbued mist repels from his body with every step.


    "Now that we have a minute, I wanted to ask you alone. You got a lot stronger since we trained... All of your teammates too!"


    "..."


    I don''t say a word. I thought he''d ask eventually.


    "How''d you do it? There''s no way you were holding back while we were in thebyrinth, you were definitely clueless."


    I let out a lightugh, remembering back to my training session with the blue-haired swordsman.


    If one could even call that a training session... He just showed me his attack once and let me figure it out on my own.


    Either way, it helped.


    I reply.


    "Yeah. We all got stronger, but it''s a story I''d rather not tell. We promised to keep it a secret."


    He tightens his lips, shrugs, and lets out a bit of a grunt while turning to look up at the tree.


    "Well, I assumed you''d say something like that... At least I know I''m not going too crazy. The 4 of you are nearly as strong as me! Seems like I''ll have to work a lot harder to keep up now."


    I nod, looking up at the tree''s top as well.


    "Looks like it."


    It sure does...


    My 3 teammates make it to the top of the tree and begin splitting up in the branches surrounding the enormous monster.


    Its shielding buzzes loudly and shes of light fill the sky making the clouds of purple fog glow brighter and the monster releases more poison into the air.


    Arrows fly and des are swung. Blue, white, and green shes of light fill the sky. It looks and sounds like a rainbow-colored lightning storm form this distance.


    Through my perception skills, I watch the shielding of this beast begin to break and wear down more and more every time it reforms.


    Slithering through the trees faster than I ever imagined it would, the monster puts up a fantastic fight.


    The archer and two mages have to re-up on MP potions half a dozen times each to continue the fight, and constantly regroup near Abby to re-restore their poison injuries.


    Hissing and battle cries echo down from the tree above. The outlines of their figures and the presence of mana allow me to sense each teammate''s vitality and MP remainders almost perfectly.


    It''ll be a long fight, but they''ve got this in the bag.


    The purple-tinted fog grows thicker and thicker, but Abby''s restore skill negates its effects as they all beginnding hits on the snake''s actual body shing deep holes through its armor and leaving wounds in its purple armored body.


    Fragments of the snake''s scales begin falling to the Boss Room floor, along with branch fragments and magic residue.


    Large rocks and showers of ice erupt from the light show above littering the floor with debris.


    The trunk shakes as loud hisses continue to be interrupted by energy waves from the 3 hunters having the battle of their lives up in the canopy.


    Just 10 minutes pass before the battlefield above finally goes dark and silent.


    Cheers ring out through the ominous thick fog as an incredibly loud thud just a few secondster shakes the entire Boss Room.


    The ground ripples and shakes as a battered Ancient Serpent King''s corpse falls from the tree above.


    The 3 of us on the ground level jump into the air, propelling ourselves upwards with wind, water, and ice to avoid the shock waves and flying stone from the Boss'' fall. Once a safe distance in the air, Fisher yells out in a halfughing tone.


    "Looks like they really did it. They beat a Lower-Floor Boss. Congrats! Your team is really strong enough to call yourselves elites."


    I nod, showing him a smile and whispering to myself.


    "Yeah, yeah. I knew that before stepping foot in this boss room."


    A glowing green light from above approaches. Abby is healing everyone as they make their descent.


    I already knew they were strong enough now, but this really confirms it in front of my eyes.


    Maria''s voice calls out from the purple fog that begins to fade away from the top of the tree. I see her cheerful smile.


    "Ha-ha! Did you see that? I think this was my favorite fight yet... our new power is awesome!!"


    As they glide down, the corpse of the enormous snake begins to dissolve. I curiously activate my Appraisal skill to spy on their item drops. A few serpent scales or special items will most likely drop.


    As it fully dissolves, the blue textes into view revealing four items. Three of which seem to be the scales I was expecting.


    Once separated into 3 parts, their stat boosts have fallen a bit, but are still very impressive. Great rewards for a battle like this.


    ____________


    [The Ancient Serpent King''s Scale] +91% Defense +82% Speed +67% Agility +55% Magic Resistance


    [The Ancient Serpent King''s Scale] +91% Defense +82% Speed +67% Agility +55% Magic Resistance[


    The Ancient Serpent King''s Scale] +91% Defense +82% Speed +67% Agility +55% Magic Resistance


    ____________


    The final item on my radar is one I can''t say I was expecting... but definitely hoped it''d appear in the back of my mind.


    ____________


    [Lower-Floor Boss Identification Core]


    ____________


    I wonder what this will be useful for...?

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    The shockwave of the massive Boss'' corpse hitting the ground has blown most of the purple fog away revealing my 3 teammates as they make their descent.


    Maria and Aire are bloodied and bruised, but the green circle of light that encapstes them all slowly makes every wound on their body disappear before they meet the ground.


    The Serpent dropped 3 scales, but also... an item I wasn''t sure could even drop.


    The blue text in my mind''s eye won''t go away now that I''ve locked onto it.


    [Lower-Floor Boss Identification Core]


    All 6 of us begin to approach the long narrow crater made by the snake creature''s body after the fall. It''s fully dissolved now and has left a 10-meter deep, 100-meter-long ravine in the Boss room floor.


    We hop down into it, to get the loot and mana crystal drops.


    The items are giving off a white and purple glow, radiating with excess mana from the creature. Even after death, it''s still exuding power.


    Maria is the first to run over and pick up one of the glossy ck scales. It shimmers purple and green when light hits it.


    Like most item drops, it shrunk down to wearable size and it''s attached to a small ck string. All 3 of them put in their new battle rewards.


    My eyes move back and forth around the boss room floor searching for this mysterious identification core. I''ve never seen one before... So I''m not sure what exactly I''m looking for. My teammates haven''t found it, so it wasn''t in the loot pile.


    Technically it''s their kill, so it''s their loot. Though, I''m sure they won''t object to some reasoning.


    My main concern is finding it before we''re sent to the next floor. The blue text box hovers above the ground just 10 meters away under a pile of small rubble.


    I walk over and start moving stones out of the way with my telekinesis skill. No excess mana ising off of this pile, so all I can do is uncover the stone slowly. Pinpointing its exact location is oddly difficult.


    Arie walks over with his arms crossed.


    "What are you looking for?"


    My gaze tightens as I continue to move rubble.


    "I''m... honestly not sure."


    There isn''t even a hint of a mana signatureing off of this item. None at all.


    The only way I''m able to locate or sense it is with my Appraisal skill. The blue text just hovers over this pile of rubble in my mind''s eye.


    I Lydia and Fisher both eye me from afar, but decide to congratte Abby and Maria instead.


    The girls are very happy about their victory and need someone to share it with.


    My focus is solely on finding this Identification core. I must have missed my chance to obtain one in myst Lower-Floor Boss match. I did pass out after the fight. If it''s this hard to locate every time, I can''t me Ember for leaving it behind.


    No one else is able to sense its presence, not even the experienced Elites. So, it must be even rarer than I initially thought.


    Arie watches me sift through the rubble for a few minutes, then finally speaks up again.


    "Whatever''s under there, I can''t sense it at all. If you find anything, it''s all yours."


    He turns the ck scale to glimmer around his next.


    "This is more than enough for me."


    I give him a nod but stay focused on the rock pile ahead of me.


    The small blue name tag keeps shifting and changing exact locations as I throw rocks around. I''m narrowing in on its location.


    Finally, all the debris moves out of the way and I''m left standing in front of a small grey-colored stone...


    It has swirls of ck color over it, creating a stripe-like pattern. Looking at it through my perception skill gives me a very weird feeling, it doesn''t even show up at all.


    It''s not made of mana.


    The bluebel just floats above the floor over a tiny smooth oval-shaped rock. I lean down and pick it up.


    _______________


    [Lower-Floor Boss Identification Core]


    [Instant Low-Floor Boss Room Re-Activation]


    [Yes][No]


    [Automatic Timed Re-Activation]


    [6 Days 23 Hours 57 Minutes 11 Seconds]


    _______________


    I turn around, and Arie is still staring at me with arms crossed and a satisfied look on his face from a battle well-fought.


    Passing for a moment, the stone is the only thing I can think about. The countdown timer is 7 days long, the same as a Boss Room''s cooldown timer.


    I let out a long sigh, then turn to Arie.


    "Can you see anything unique about this stone?"


    He raises an eyebrow and puts out a hand.


    "No... Let me see it up close."


    I blink a few times while staring at the stone in a confused state of mind. Then, tightening my lips I drop the stone into Arie''s hand.


    "Just, tell me if you can see any-"


    The moment the stone touches the archer''s hand, it passes right through and hits the hand Boss Room floor at our feet.


    It doesn''t make a sound as itnds. Arie jumps back, cracking a smile but reacting in a surprised tone.


    "W-What was that? That rock just passed right through my- my hand!? What kind of item did you just find???"


    After Arie''s yell, this gets all of my other teammates interested.


    The 4 others walk over.


    One by one, I drop the rock through each of their hands and it does exactly the same thing.


    Even Fisher and Lydia.


    After almost another minute passes, I choose [No] on the instant re-activation and the timer continues to count down on its own.


    No one here has an Appraisal skill, so it makes perfect sense why they couldn''t see or sense the item. The one question that witches at the back of my mind is why I''m able to touch the core and no one else can...?


    Before I have too much time to question this more, a white sh of light begins to bring us to the next floor.


    I throw the Identification Core into my item storage. This will be exploredter.


    While the whiteness of transfer magic surrounds me, my brain churns through ideas, but it''s best to focus. I''ll ask Ember about it once we have a moment of free time. He''ll know more than I do about the inner workings of a Labyrinth.


    In the meantime, I''ll have to focus on clearing this break.


    We''re about to enter the 21st Floor.


    As my visiones back to me, the sight before my eyes is oddly familiar.


    My feet stand steady on a very hard white marble-like surface, and in front of me, there''s an eerie pale green sky.


    It''s not exactly the same, but quite simr to a dungeon floor I''ve been to before.


    Fisher speaks up from behind me, reaffirming my suspicions.


    "Hey Lydia, this floor is exactly the same as the 21st back in the capital. Who would have guessed?"


    He lets out augh, and it echoes through the endless white pirs that stretch down into the green abyss below and above.


    The blue-haired swordsman speaks up again, reaching down to pick up a green vine with healthy-looking leaves growing around therge pir we stand on.


    "Well, it is a little different. I don''t remember there being so many nts back in the Vice Region''s 21st."


    I nod slowly, still taking in the view, then activate my perception skills. The moment I do, a massive green creature approaches us from above. Its beady red eyes peirce through the misty sky.


    The creature''s white talons match its sharp teeth. With a 5-meter wide wingspan allowing it to glide around with great precision, the monster stares us down with an ugly monstrous expression.


    Its status appears in my mind''s eye.


    ____________________


    [75m]


    [Lv. 461]


    Active Items:


    [Gargoyle''s tinum Ring] +88% Mental Strength


    [Gargoyle''s tinum Amulet] +82% Defense


    [Gargoyle''s Heavy Armor Set] +2000 Defense


    Active skills:


    Life Steal [Special Grade]


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    ____________________


    "Gargoyles..."

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    The green dark-skinned creature ps its wings and soars down towards me. Its red demonic eyes are shining through the mist.


    With the face of a rabid dog mixed with a mutant goblin, its jagged white teeth shine in contrast against the hazy green dungeon background.


    I''ve never seen a creature like this.


    "It''s a Gargoyle."


    My eyes dart across its status, trying to piece together any extra information it''ll give me.


    At first nce, it looks quick and agile, but its stats show a different story. The monster seems to be mostly a defense type with high magic and HP-increasing skills.


    Body hardening and.... Life Steal.


    I smirk at the sight of this. If it does what I think it does, I''m in for a treat. I haven''t gotten a useful skill in ages.


    Come to think of it... If I waited on the 21st floor in the Vice region for a little longer or gone back to check things out after I fully recovered, I could have had this skill for myself a lot sooner...


    Gritting my teeth, but show a wide smile through my clenched jaw. I swing my de up in the air, releasing a dense ck wave of energy before anyone else can get a shot out.


    "This one''s mine."


    A loud screech fills the skies as my de of mana collides with the gargoyle less than a secondter.


    It doesn''t have much time at all to react, but the distance between us is still pretty far.


    On reflex, its body hardening skill activates, and all of its mana shielding moves to the exact hardened point as well. White mana residue and grey body hardening cover its cross and lower body in a thin line.


    That grey isn''t the same color as my hardening, It seems this creature must have an odd variation.


    The rest of its body ispletely unguarded. With every bit of energy focused on blocking my attack, it puts up a great defense in the blink of an eye.


    After a sh of white light and a quick buzzing sound, the outline of the winged monster flying through the aires out from behind the fireball of mana residue and broken body hardening.


    Shards of stone-like material fall into the pale green abyss below.


    With it, one of the monster''s legs covered in crimson blood spins downward with it.


    The screech for the wounded creature echoes throughout the dungeon, and I sense more monsters approaching from both above and below.


    "It broughtpany."


    Gritting my teeth, and aiming for the gargoyle trailing blood in the sky, I let off another shot.


    The same thing happens. It twists and turns away, this time avoiding my strike entirely.


    I am over 40 meters away. Even if my attacks are fast, it has plenty of time to move. This isn''t a low-level monster after all...


    Looking back and forth at my teammates as the creature''s backup approaches, I grip my sword tighter.


    "I might have to get a little serious."


    I activate my stat-boosting buffs and zero in on the twisting and weaving monster in the sky. It''s trying to get away, hiding behind white stone pirs covered in lush green vines.


    My teammates jump into action too. Just in time, as half a dozen mobs identical to the firste rushing out of the pale fog.


    Water, Ice, and stone form as we all jump from the white stone pir, forward into the endless dungeon.


    I air-step high into the air, following the monster that survived two of my attacks. It won''t be so lucky on my third.


    The towering structures of marbled stone pass me on both sides, and my teammates follow below as monsters emerge from the green foggy cloud on all sides.


    Smiling as I get closer and closer, I release an attack that would easily have split the Blue Ogre King in two.


    I charge up 2000 MP of my newly upgraded fire-imbued mana.


    Overkill, but letting out a full power sh is something I haven''t done yet with this new power. I''d like to see how powerful I''ve really be... plus, this shifty Gargoyle is getting on my nerves.


    As the Balck wave of magices out of my sword, the loud sound of buzzing mana erupts and hums through the dungeon.


    I can see the air quiver around it and the stone pirs nearby vibrate and shake just from being near it.


    It''s faster, stronger, and more deadly than anything I''ve ever produced before.


    The gargoyle is less than 10 meters above me. It''s desperately trying to get away but never stood a chance.


    It''s sliced in two without a hint of resistance, letting the Balck de glide far off into the dungeon behind it.


    I watch it soar off into the distance slicing through a few tall white pirs that grow high into the sky.


    More importantly, I lunge forward to be showered in the incinerated shielding and body hardening of the now-deceased gargoyle.


    I see blue text appear in my mind''s eye as it falls through the air.


    It''s a satisfying sight, one I haven''t seen in quite a while.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Life Steal [Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    Honestly... a little too satisfying...


    I don''t remember thest time I got a skill this easily.


    I quickly choose [YES] as the dark green corpse whizzes by my head and falls into the abyss below.


    I''m sure if we kill enough of these monsters, some kind of unique item will drop. However, I''m not diving down to try and catch that thing.


    It''s skill is enough of a reward for me.


    I smirk, opening up my status to see my new skill at the bottom of the list. Then, open it up to check the specifics.


    ____________


    Life Steal


    Info: Life Steal allows the user to take HP from opponents once physical contact is made.


    The effectiveness of the user''s ability to steal HP decreases if the maximum HP bar of their opponent is higher than their own. It is much more efficient to steal HP from weaker enemies.


    [Special Grade] Perk: HP may be consumed from direct contact with an opponent''s mana shielding or skill''s aura. Efficiency is reduced by 85% without physical contact. An opponent''s HP can only be brought down to 10% without physical contact.


    Grade: [Special Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I close my status with a smirk and turn back to my teammates, watching them decapitate, shatter, and explode their enemies to bits in a light show of blue, white, and green magic.


    I whisper under my breath while air-stepping back down to meet them.


    "Too easy... this is way too easy-"


    *CRACK*


    My inner thoughts are interrupted by the distinct crunch of stone scraping on stone.


    It sounds like massive boulders are colliding and breaking behind me. Not at all what I''d expect while high in the sky.


    I turn my head immediately to see dozens of marble-white pirs all tilting my way.


    It feels like the entire dungeon is falling toward me... In reality, there''s a chain reaction of pirs crashing and falling into each other in reaction to my powerful attack.


    The tops of these enormous structures are impossible to see. Some break off into pieces, and the sky begins to fill with falling white cylindrical stones.


    It''s a beautiful sight, but a terrifying one too.


    Our time in this dungeon has been short, but it seems we''ve already overstayed our wee.

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    The attack I sent out a moment ago was a bit too strong for this delicate dungeon to handle.


    The white marble pirs of stonee crashing down towards us, breaking into massive pieces and filling the green sky with an iing barrage of white-colored stone.


    I create ayer of pink mana shielding around my body and air-step down towards my team as they all begin to activate their powers as well.


    "A dome! We''ll make a dome!"


    I hear Fisher yelling at us as we all form together in a tighter circle, standing on floating earth magic from Abby''s skill.


    Ice, rock, and water starts to form all around us as we work together to create an imprable mana-imbued defense in mere seconds as the pirs of rockse crashing down.


    I contribute with ayer of rock, but my main focus is using my All-Seeing eye to gaze into the sky through our dome.


    For easily a kilometer in the air, more and more pirs are breaking and adding to the avncheing down from the sky above.


    I''ve started a chain reaction that doesn''t look like it''s going to stop until they alle crashing down.


    The thickyer of floating earth magic is steady beneath our feet. I grit my teeth and wait for the firstyer of stone to hit our dome of shielding.


    As it gets closer, I use telekinesis and mana maniption to slow its fall and liquify it as best I can. Unfortunately, there''s way too much massing down toward us to move it all.


    A loud crushing thud hits the top of the dome, splitting the pir into fragments and falling to the green abyss around the shield on all sides.


    "One down... and... too many to go..."


    Seconds after, another loud crunching and cracking sound rattles the entire shield and shakes the ground we stand on.


    More and more pirse falling down.


    I make sure to soften the blows as best I can with every passing impact.


    These are justrge pieces of dungeon mass after all. They''re not supercharged ultra-dense mana like our shielding.


    The only issue is the weight, size, and sheer amount of these falling death pirs.


    Over and over, for nearly 5 minutes straight we''re bombarded by rock.


    Everyone is breathing heavily and holding onto their shielding for dear life. I''m most likely the only one that can sense an end in sight.


    Everyone else is just biding their time and hoping for the falling stone to stop soon.


    Eventually, that endes...


    Thest pir falls and breaks in two, falling down to the pale void and knocking other stone columns down on the way with it.


    The dungeon goes down for quite a while. Almost as far down as it goes up actually.


    Many pirs and still breaking and falling into each other far below. The echos of stone colliding sound out through the entire pocket world we stand in.


    The collisions against our dome fade to nothing and not a single pir remains above us in the sky.


    I speak up.


    "It''s over... They''ve all fallen."


    Through the heavy breathing and bright glowing mana, everyone slowly releases their collective shielding, and we''re left standing on a single floating tform ofbined magic.


    I peer out into the dungeon to see nothing but a pale green empty sky...


    Lydia chuckles.


    Fisher starts tough.


    Then Arie, Abby, and Maria all join in too.


    The white-haired mage speaks up after we share a lighthearted chuckle over the absurdity we just witnessed.


    "Ya learn something new every day. I didn''t know a reaction that massive was even possible to tell ya the truth."


    She smiles and looks over at me.


    "That''s one powerful shot you''ve got there. You''ve taken on a Ranked-up monster, haven''t you? Control like that doesn''te easily..."


    I nod slowly.


    "Yeah. I''m looking forward to seeing what this Labyrinth has in store for us."


    She grins, then turns toward the direction of the Boss Room.


    "Well, one floor at a time..."


    There''s a long pause, then she speaks up again.


    "It seems like most of the monsters were taken out by the pir''s fall, but they will all be spawning back in soon enough."


    I activate my enemy detection skill to confirm most of the monsters really are gone.


    Lydia continues.


    "We''ll need one person to stay behind and guard the exit portal. This Dunegon should be breaking in just a few hours... none of the Sran forces can handle watching it."


    Fisher speaks next.


    "I''m not staying."


    He crosses his arms and looks over to me, then his teammate.


    "Neither of you are either. It''s clear we need to handle the highest floors."


    He looks over to the archer, healer, and blond-haired ice mage.


    "One of you needs to guard this floor."


    Arie shrugs and replies.


    "I don''t have an element summoning skill. It''s impossible for me to stay up in the sky like this."


    I think to myself as Abby and Maria turn to each other discussing the matter.


    We never witnessed the Gargoyles use the Life Steal skill, but the best way to counteract it would be a healing skill as well.


    Abby would be the perfect fit for this dungeon.


    She has an easy enough time staying up in the air on her summoned earth magic and I saw her take out a gargoyle at close range with a single swing from her daggers.


    She could collect a lot of loot and mana crystals too.


    "Abby, you''d be the perfect fit. Just don''t let these monsters get too close. They can steal HP even without touching you."


    Both of the girls turn towards me, understanding that it''s the safest bet.


    With her restore skill, even mutants won''t be able to suck the life from her, theoretically.


    The green-haired healer speaks up.


    "Sounds good to me. I''ll do my part, you all do yours."


    We work out logistics and say our goodbyes for about 3 more minutes while hovering back over to the spinning exit portal.


    Lydia exins that the circle of mana leads to the 19th floor. Once that floor copses the dormant boss room will be skipped and the 21st will be next.


    Abby needs to fend off monsters until the 21st floor fully breaks. No amount of killing the boss will speed this up.


    The Labyrinth is a ticking time bomb, almost nothing can stop it now.


    Once this floor breaks, all hunters inside will be transported back into the Sran shielding stairway underground.


    You may re-enter thebyrinth to help your teammate on the floor above once this happens.


    Meanwhile, the remaining hunters will race to the top to clear the Final Boss before the entire Labyrinth breaks releasing Elite level monsters into the city.


    On that note, we leave.


    Abby guards the first portal as we make our way to the Gargoyle''s Boss Room.


    It takes just under an hour, but we make it to the back of the dungeon to find a floating grey portal.


    Without wasting any time, the 5 of us jump through to face the Boss.


    The Room we''re transported into is like a miniature version of the pale green dungeon itself. It''s filled with high marble stone pirs and twisting vines growing up their sides.


    As soon as the level 484 boss appears, it''s sliced to pieces and riddled with holes by 5 Elite''s full-powered shots in a matter of milliseconds.


    The poor creature never stood a chance.


    There''s a miniature copse of stone columns just like in the dungeon, but it ends quickly as transfer magic brings us up to the 22nd floor.


    As my eyes adjust, the dry cracked orange stone ground under my feetes into my line of sight and an earthy herbal aroma fills my nose.


    The air is dry makes me lick my lips and the artificial dungeon sun shines down on us as I look out over a magnificent canyon.


    Dust clouds are visible in the distance, notifying us that monsters must be approaching already. I activate my inspect, appraisal, and enemy detection skills to lock onto the closest one.


    ____________________


    [400m]


    [Lv. 489]


    Active Items:


    [Lizard Tyrant''s Armor Set] +2400 Defense


    [Lizard Tyrant''s Heavy Axe] +2200 Strength


    [Lizard Tyrant''s tinum Amulet] +1800 Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    Extreme Strength


    Hibernation


    ____________________

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    An enormous brown-skinned lizard wearing thick shining silver armor approaches in a cloud of dust from the back side of the dungeon.


    On all fours, the mindless beast charges forward, waving a red tongue back and forth while letting out grunts and hisses.


    Thick mana shielding surrounds its body on all sides.


    It has a skill I''ve never seen before.


    Of course, it''s one I want, but I''m not drawn to it immediately like thest creature we faced.


    It seems my teammates are more trigger-happy than me on this floor, especially the blond-haired mage.


    Maria lunges forward, glowing bright blue and taking a swing with her sword smiling ear to ear.


    "This one''s mine!"


    Before the 7-meter-long lizard can even get within range, it is hit point nk with a powerful iing wall of ice.


    I watch its ck crystals of body hardening activate and the monster''s aura glow gold, but in a matter of seconds it''s already over.


    The iing blue and white light encapstes the lizard''s mana shielding in ayer of ice. It squeezes in tighter and tighter until a buzz of white light from the fractured shielding explodes outward in all directions and the feral beastes to a halt.


    Frozen solid, not moving a muscle, the Lizard Tyrant stands in front of us now in the form of a light blue statue.


    Maria sends out another wave of energy and the work of art explodes into a million tiny little fragments of ice that glimmer and shine while falling to the floor under the heat waves of the artificial dungeon''s sun.


    She cheerfully jumps in the air as we follow after her.


    "Alright! Another level!"


    A few more monsters appear as we continue onward. They are all between levels 480 and 490.


    Each of us sends out attacks, either splitting them in two or shattering them with just the touch of a finger. That''s only Lydia''s battle style. I still haven''t seen her put in any effort at all today.


    After defeating one of the rather easy-to-kill Lizard Tyrants myself, a familiar text screen pops up.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Hibernation -> Hibernation [Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    While choosing [YES], I whisper under my breath.


    "This is getting too easy..."


    I check my status, in a particrly good mood about the [Special Grade] perk on my Absorption skill automatically upgrading this one.


    ____________


    Hibernation


    Info: Hibernation allows the user to fall into a deep slumber and cure any curse, disease, or illness given enough time.


    Hibernation costs a set amount of MP upfront and the user will not require food, water, or excess mana until the process isplete.


    If awoken before Hibernation isplete, progress will be 100% negated.


    The effectiveness of Hibernation is greatly decreased if a curse or disease inflicted on the useres from a being of significantly greater mana control or level. It may take significantly more MP toplete a difficult request.


    The user''s defenses will decrease by 99% during Hibernation.


    The user''s defenses will decrease by 50% for 12 hours following Hibernation.


    [These De-buffs may not bepletely removed by any skill below the Mythic Rank]


    [Special Grade] Perk: Hibernation time is decreased by 50% and upfront MP cost is reduced by 35%. Post Hibernation De-buffs may be reduced by up to 50% with specified MP cost depending on the severity of the ailment cured.


    Grade: [Special Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    I scrunch my eyebrows as I read this description....


    It seems to be another healing skill, but useless if I already have Life Steal.


    Self-regeneration and HP potions should be more than enough for post-battle trauma too.


    With a shrug, I close my status and continue moving forward with my team. It never hurts to have another interesting skill in my arsenal for any unexpected issues.


    Wee to the first major cliff that leads down into the Orange Canyon below. There''s a water source down below, allowing for more nt life to grow in the deeper regions of the dungeon.


    Arie turns to Maria and speaks up.


    "So, I assume it''s either you or me. Who''s guarding this dungeon from the impending break."


    She smiles.


    "I''ll do it. I''d like to see what kind of loot these creatures drop after a few dozen more kills. There''s been nothing yet, but I''m feeling lucky."


    I nod and interject.


    "They should drop a solid mental strength buffing amulet if you kill enough. It''s definitely worth farming for."


    She gives me a firm nod.


    "Great. Plus, these creatures have a natural weakness to the cold. It''ll be easy enough, even if 10 attack at once. I''ll be nearing level 500 by the end of today."


    Arie turns to me, then back to Maria.


    "So, it''s settled. We should keep moving."


    Again, we go over logistics and Maria heads back to guard the gate.


    The 4 of us remaining head off down into the canyon and keep killing Lizard Tyrants as they show up sporadically.


    I sense some of them lying dormant at the backsides of the dungeon.


    There''s a high chance they''re Hibernating, but we don''t have much time to check it out.


    Deeper and deeper, we travel until we make it to the swirling grey portal at the furthest portion of the canyon.


    It''s located underneath a massive overhang that blocks out the sun, and two mutant Lizard Tyrants levels 491 and 492 stand waiting for us.


    Fisher and Arie take them out with ease as Lydia and I follow behind.


    The anticipation of what''s toe is building, but I still have a while to wait...


    Everything in this dungeon feels so weak. In reality, I''ve just grown very strong.


    "When am I going to get a good fight?"


    I murmur to myself as we''re transported into the Boss Room and the level 504 humanoid-looking Lizardman with dark brown skin, shining silver armor, and two enormous glowing red axes eyes us down.


    Orange stone walls create an incredible arena for a fight with a ranked-up beast, but I can''t help but feel irritated and bored by the sight of it.


    I could take this monster out in a single sh.


    Aire and Fisher lunge forward as I stand back and watch with Lydia.


    The white-haired mage chuckles and leans in toward me.


    "I feel the same way. Not even worth drawing your sword right?"


    I swallow hard, then reply while blue and white light begins to sh as the two hunters take on a ranked-up Boss of the 22nd Floor.


    "No... unfortunately it''s not.


    Just under a minute passes and the mutant creature falls to the boss room floor, dissolving and dropping a glistening silver armor set.


    Arie dly epts it and puts the new gear on.


    I Appraise the silver armor as we''re transported to the next floor.


    [Lizard Tyrant King''s Armor Set] +3000 Defense +1500 Mental Strength


    The white transfer magic fades and under my boots, I feel the earth shift and make odd scratching sounds.


    Once my full visiones back, the ck-colored gravel beneath my feet glimmers with a metallic shine.


    I look up, and all I see is an endless void of a very light grey sky. It''s almostpletely white, and the t ground stretches out for kilometers ahead. The end is further than the naked eye can see.


    Taking a step forward, the metal crunching under my boots fills my ears.


    My 3 teammates step forward as well, making the same twitchy reactions as the sound of a thousand tiny forks scraping across dinner tes fills everyone''s ears.


    "What... is this ce...?"


    The ground begins to vibrate. Less than 30 meters in front of us the metal fragments on the ground start to twist and turn, then float slowly up into the air.


    At first, it looks like a silver and ck bubble.


    The ball of metallic shards lifts from the ground, contrasting with the grey sky and glimmering as it shifts and spins to mold into a different shape.


    It floats higher into the air, pulling more metal with it, sporting arms and legs, now standing over 5 meters tall.


    The metal fragments look like tiny silver bugs as they shift and move around forming a humanoid body holding what looks like a long sharpened shining sword.


    A shadowy face, with faded features continuously shifting and moving appears. It''s trying to mimic the eye and mouth formations it sees on us as it creeps closer.


    The slow creep speeds up.


    Then, it lets out an ear-shattering metallic roar.


    It starts to run straight toward us leaving thousands of tiny fragments behind while scooping new ones up with every passing step to reforming its lost mass.


    I power up my stat-boosting skills and grip my sword, then use Inspect and Appraisal.


    ____________________


    [Lv. 495]


    Active Items: [Metal Warrior Core][Bonded]


    Active Skills: [NONE]


    ____________________


    "Interesting..."

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    A level 495 Metal Warrior stands over 5 meters tall, madepletely out of the shards that cover the dungeon''s floor.


    Its only active item is a bonded core, so my first assumption is that this monster is simr to the rock golems we faced not too long ago.


    If that core is destroyed, it will most likely just re-form until the mana within itpletely disperses.


    As it runs closer, a white light starts to shine from its chest and I activate my All-Seeing Eye.


    Sure enough, it''s the core. My guess is spot on.


    The growing light of Arie''s bow begins to match the luminosity of the core covered in metal fragments that charges toward us.


    I ready my de but know my teammate is getting ready to take the shot, so I wait. Arie is powerful enough to take this monster on alone, I''m sure of it.


    Once less than 10 meters away, the glimmering white arrow flies forward at the metal creature.


    Surprisingly, there is no mana barrier at all around the Warrior''s Frame. It only keeps a protectiveyer around its core. The creature uses scraps from the dungeon to re-form its body, so there''s no need to conserve anything else.


    The twanging sound that two mas make when they collide rings in my ears as Arie''s spirit arrow makes contact with the white glowing core of the charging beast.


    It cracks open and expels an enormous amount of energy, sending scrap metal flying in all directions.


    I grit my teeth and throw up a barrier of pink mana to block the debris.


    The bonded core of the mutant golem we faced before was only defeated once its MP waspletely expanded.


    The readings I''m picking up after this first st are impressive, it looks like that may happen soon.


    The core of this Warrior is already carrying a 3rd less mana than it did moments ago.


    Arie fires off a second shot without wavering for a second. The crisp arrow glides into the white ball of energy that skilles charging our way at an rming rate.


    Metallic sounds echo through my eardrums again. Another wave of intense energy shakes the ground, shooting more shrapnel our way.


    Fractions of a secondter, the archer fires off a third and final shot.


    This time around, the corepletely explodes with it. The heat from the st melts arge amount of the floating metal as it flies in the air.


    Lydia and Fisher put up walls of ice and water. My shielding is already raised. I watch Arie start to glow light white, simr to his arrow''s color, but surrounding his entire upper body.


    He still turns his back to the st. However, as the shards of metale rocketing toward his never-heavy armor, they slow down and stop before hitting him directly.


    The pieces of glimmering ck ore fall to the ground and bounce off in other directions just like the mana barrier of abat magic user.


    The remains of the metal monster fall to our feet in a wave of debris, but they all sink back into the floor within seconds.


    The Dunegon falls silent again, only allowing for the sound of our feet scraping on metal to be the sole sound filling our minds while powering down the shielding.


    Fisher turns with his arms crossed.


    "Three shots, not bad. Not bad at all!"


    Lydia walks over next, nodding with a smile.


    "Three shots, and you put up a solid Tier 1 mana shielding. I could sense it from here. With no elemental skill either, that''s pretty impressive."


    The archer stands up straight with a look of satisfaction as he eyes his open status.


    "Yeah, that was my first time trying it out."


    The fractured core of the Metal Warrior rolls to our feet, then starts to dissolve.


    Not even a mana crystal is left behind. All of the pure energy from this monster just floats into the air and returns back to the Labyrinth.


    Arie speaks up again, looking out into the dungeon.


    "I''d like to test this new shielding ability out a bit more. I think I''ll be able to master it, given a few hours guarding this Dunegon."


    I nod, finally speaking up.


    "Great, you''ll guard the 23rd floor."


    My eyes dart along the horizon in front of us, and I see another Metal Warrior forming about 100 meters away.


    Lydia speaks, turning her gaze from the newly forming monster back to the archer.


    "They never hunt in groups. Two at a time is the most I''ve ever seen from these Metal Warriors. You''re more than capable enough to guard this gate. Master that shielding in the time being, then help us out once this floor copses. I''m sure you can take on the 24th too."


    Arie gives her a firm nod. The Ice mage turns back to me and Fisher.


    "Let''s head out, we don''t have much time."


    Fisher runs forward at the metal monster as Arie begins to walk back toward the exit gate.


    I watch crescents of blue lighte from the water welder''s sword as he takes the Warrior out in two shots. A dazzling explosion of silver and white light follows.


    We venture off into the dungeon and continue to defeat about a dozen of these odd creatures on our way to the boss room.


    Fisher does most of the hunting, but I attempt to defeat a few as well.


    By one-shooting them with a half-powered strike, or draining their MP dry with plunderer, they seem to just dissolve into thin air dropping no items of mana crystals no matter how many of them we kill.


    Lydia makes ament on this as we approach the far side of the dungeon.


    "There''s never been any drops with these Metal Warriors, unfortunately. Good levels though."


    Fisher jumps into the conversation as the spinning grey Boss roomes into full view.


    "They sure are! I gained 3 levels in thest 30 minutes! That''s more than I''ve gained in months."


    He smirks, still glowing blue.


    "Come on, let''s face this Boss!"


    We all jump through the grey boss room portal that ominously spins on the t ground of this empty ck-floor dungeon.


    White transfer magic brings us to a room with ayout I was not expecting to see.


    The floor feels the same as the one we just left, the only difference is the fragments of material are as white as snow.


    I look up to see the sky...


    It''spletely ck.


    The Boss room is very disorienting.


    I blink a few times while looking around and kicking up some of the white fragments on the floor.


    It feels Like the ground and sky have beenpletely flipped.


    Metal scraping on metal still scratches at my ears as we all take a few steps forward, but the ominous dark void above us makes me want to look away and stare down at the ground out of instinct.


    As I do, the white metal shards begin to rumble and vibrate, just like in the Dunegon outside when a Warrior forms.


    Lydia''s voice hits my ears from the right side, and I sense Fisher powering up his long blue sword on my left.


    "Get ready, it''s a mutant. I''ve never seen a Warrior''s Boss room quite like this."


    The shards of white metal start to float away from me as I look up to watch them all form into a massive ball.


    It''s like a wave of white water is sucking the floor out from under us.


    We jump in the air, using elemental magic to hover and stand our ground.


    The white ball contrasting against the ck horizon shapes into a humanoid Warrior with a long sharp white sword.


    It''s the exact opposite of the monsters that form in the dungeon, and it feels at least twice as strong.


    The creature''s chest glows bright with 3 cores. Two of which shine with normal pure white mana, while the center core pulses jet-ck. Dark swirling mana-imbued energy leaks out of it, exuding great power simr to the Blue Ogre I recently faced.


    The magnificent metal creature stands over 7 meters tall. It forms a constantly shifting pair of eyes and a jagged mouth to let out a metallic roar.


    ____________________


    [Lv. 525]


    Active Items:


    [Ranked-Up Metal Warrior Core][Bonded]


    [Metal Warrior Core][Bonded]


    [Metal Warrior Core][Bonded]


    Active Skills: [NONE]


    ____________________


    I grip my sword and activate my stat-boosting skills as I read its status.


    This is a Ranked-Up Metal Warrior.

 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    Shimmering fragments that make up the white Ranked-UP Metal Warrior''s body reflect off each other as the ground beneath my feet gets sucked away.


    A ck void surrounds the entire Boss Room, and a dreadful monster''s metallic screeches ring through my ears. I try to concentrate and look for a weakness.


    I''m sure I can defeat it with brute force, but figuring out how a ranked up golem like this works may help me win further fights. It''s best I study every new opponent like they''re deadly to me.


    Its body ripples like waves and its facial features shift constantly to keep shape.


    Fisher is the first to jump into action. He throws an attack at the shimmering white titan.


    A thin blue wave of energy shes with the monster''s white sword, then slices right through almost instantly to head at its torso.


    The mana holding its fragmented body together is much weaker than that closer to the center.


    With a long crash, the attack collides with all three cores at once.


    At first, I was expecting this attack to instantly end our boss room battle. I even activated my All-Seeing Eye to watch how the mana de would leave the Metal Warrior in shambles.


    This Ranked-Up Boss seems a bit tougher than I initially gave it credit for.


    The blue sh of water magic cracks the two white cores on both sides of its chest but stops instantly once it reaches the middle ck orb.


    My eyes widen while watching the swirling ck aurapletely absorb every drop of MP from Fisher''s strike.


    The water wielder lets out another attack just after with visible frustration, but swift practiced precision.


    He mutters under his breath.


    "No way! That was almost my full power!!"


    The second crescent of light blue mana cracks through the white warrior''s sword shattering its de and full arm to pieces as it heads straight for the cores.


    There''s another sh of light and I witness the same result.


    More damage to the two outer cores is visible, but the middle ck core seems unaffected.


    It absorbs the entire shot without a hint of resistance. The Boss keeps moving forward as its jagged mouth opens wide to let out a screech.


    The two cracked bonded spheres in the creature''s lower chest begin to glow brighter as they heal themselvespletely with the absorbed mana from Fisher''s strike.


    There''s another frustrated grunt from the blue-haired swordsman as he drinks an MP potion and starts to move away from Lydia and me to face the beast at closer range.


    "I''ve got this, let me figure out how this monster operates. Then, one of you can step in if my mana control really isn''t up to par."


    Lydia crosses her arms, looking up at the monster then back to the swordsman.


    "Two minutes. Then we step in for the kill. These golem types aren''t easy to without rapid mana regeneration or a teammate."


    He turns while charging up his de.


    "Got it, watch close. I''ll have some fun with this Warrior. It''s not every day I get to face a ranked-up Boss."


    I power down my sword and let him fight his battle. The monster looks interesting, but we all know he''ll be guarding the next dungeon.


    If he wants to have some fun with this boss, it''s all his. It may be the strongest opponent he''ll get to face today.


    Two take each other on. Blue shes against a glowing ck core in a sea of white metal shards.


    The outer cores are destroyed over and over again, but the Metal Warrior keeps absorbing every one of the water weilder''s strikes with the miniature ck hole in the center of its chest.


    Fisher fights harder.


    Drinking more MP potions, but never releasing enough shots at once to truly damage the boss before it can regenerate entirely.


    It reminds me of the first half of my battle against the Blue Ogre King.


    The only difference is, it has a clear weakness.


    For a fraction of a second, every time the Metal Monster regenerates its outer cores the strength of the shielding around the middle ck life source flickers.


    The imprable swirling ck mass of mana dilutes its power by nearly 70%, sharing MP with the other two cores momentarily mending them.


    Fisherpletely destroys them every time with ease, expelling 100% of their mana. The only way to heal each one is with the help of an outside source.


    The Ranked-Up Core.


    It happens 5 times in a row, in a timeframe of under a minute and a half.


    Even with the naked eye, I can see that shimmering onyx ck core. It peeks through as the mana around it thins.


    Fisher lets out two more shots to obliterate the dual cores but fails to sh the 3rd in time after re-upping his MP again. He can see it too, but is too stubborn to ask for help.


    Or based on the wide grin across his face, maybe he just doesn''t want us to prematurely ruin his fun.


    Lydia turns to me.


    "That''s 2 minutes. Enough wasting time. Would you like to take a crack at it? Or shall I?"


    While watching the ck core glimmer again, I charge my sword.


    "I''ll handle it. I''d like to see this monster close up too.


    Air-stepping forward as white metal fragments fly around the air, I aim my de in for a clear shot.


    Fisher shows me a smirk as I approach and the white warrior shifts its gaze toward me. The blue-haired swordsman yells out.


    "You see its center core right? Try aiming for it after my next attack."


    This was already my n.


    I nod without saying a word, just putting up a wall of pink mana shielding to block the glistening white sword made of tiny fragments thates falling down toward me.


    It explodes into pieces as it collides with my shield.


    At the same time, fisher lets out two more shots one after another at the creature''s chest. Mana and metal fragments fly off in every direction.


    The beast lets out a high-pitched shriek as its sword, body, and two cores are all destroyed in fractions of a second.


    The final core is exposed, and its shifting face shows an expression of confusion as it struggles to re-form.


    Meanwhile, I let out a jet-ck ming de of energy straight toward the shining core that matches its dark hue.


    My mana de blends in with the sky as it effortlessly glides through the monster''s midsection and slices its main core in two.


    I air-step forward, absorbing the MP in the air as its expelled from the consolidated ck aura.


    I''m giving this beast no options for regenerating.


    A ranked-up boss like this wouldn''t be defeated just from a broken core. It must have more tricks up its sleeve, but there''s no reason to find out what they are...


    The white and ck swirling candle-smoke-like energy flows into me.


    The closer I get, the easier it is to fully absorb with my plunderer skill.


    In a matter of seconds, the Boss'' final cries cease and all of the white shards drop back down to the floor.


    The Boss Room is t and motionless again. Silence fills my ears.


    [Level Up]


    All 3 of us glide downward, powering down our skills to examine the debris leftover from the brawl.


    In the sea of white shards, a fist-sized glossy ck sphere rolls to a halt.


    I appraise it.


    [Ranked-Up Metal Warrior Core][Bonded]


    Then a second text screen pops up next to it as well.


    [Use Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Advanced Perk: [Temporary Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-496


    [YES][NO]


    I grin and bend down to pick up the item, but Lydia warns me to step.


    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you..."


    I pause, looking back at her with my hand centimeters from the ck ball.


    "Why not-"


    The floor beneath my feet begins to rumble, and the remnants of ck mana-imbued aura flicker around the monster''s core.


    The white-haired mage jumps up in the air, using ice magic to hover off the ground.


    "It''s always a pain when ranked-up golems drop their cores."


    She rolls her eyes, motioning for us to follow her up in the air.


    Fisher yells out as the dark core starts sucking in fragments of matter from the floor.


    The white shards start to disappear at an rming rate.


    "W-What? How? I even leveled up! I thought we killed that thing!"


    Lydia responds as the ck hole speeds up its absorption rate, taking more and more of this Boss Room''s mass into it.


    "We did. It''s just being a bit difficult to kill... even after death."


    My gaze tightens on the growing circle of darkness dragging dungeon mass into it as all 3 of us hover in mid-air.


    The advanced mana maniption perk screen still floats in front of my vision with blue text.


    "Well, two can y at that game."


    I choose [YES].

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    I choose [YES].


    As the fragments of white dungeon mass copse in on themselves, being dragged into the core and a very fast rate. I activate my Temporary Minion Perk, attempting to take control of the deceased Boss.


    It takes a moment to activate as I enter a lower level. Just 20% under the max will be much easier to handle.


    [Level 400]


    Threads of white and pink light attach the ck hole of mana to my fingertips.


    Just like the times before when I used this skill, I begin to gain full control of the deceased creature''s body.


    Even so, the swirling ck core has already absorbed more than half of the floor in the dungeon.


    We all float high above the ground as the swirling mass and light sh constantly below.


    A few seconds pass, and I gain full control. My mind''s eye can see exactly what the Metal Warrior see''s as it stores dungeon mass in its core.


    It seems it didn''t get to fully exploit this feature when we battled... but I''m curious to see how it works in the near future.


    I could stop the chaos, but decide to keep up the show. Fisher and Lydia probably have enough questions already, there''s no need to give them any more.


    Plus, absorbing everyst white metal fragment maye in handy if I want to summon this creature again. I knew something felt off about this material, it''s not normal dungeon mass, but I can''t quite put my finger on what it is.


    Our main mission is still to get to the top of this Labyrinth. Not much else matters right now, so it''s a question for another day.


    Simultaneously, the blinding white transfer magic of the Boss Room activates, bringing the 3 of us up to floor 24.


    "Item Storage."


    Not wanting to miss out on the potential loot of a ranked-up mutant boss like this, I ce the bonded core into my item storage.


    My mana threads snap and dissolve the moment it enters my pocket world. Then, the white transfer magic fades.


    My ck boots sink into the ground as the familiar sensation of hot sand under my feet and the glimmering rays of sunshine beat down overhead.


    I take in a deep breath and the smell of salt water and fish fills my nose.


    The crash of a nearby wave makes me raise my eyes to see an ocean in front of us for as far out onto the horizon as I can see.


    I turn around to be surprised by the sight of an ocean off in that direction too.


    To my left and right, the waves of a deep blue sea fill my vision once again.


    Lush green palm trees grow high in the sky to give off a bit of shade, and smaller nt life grows below it.


    We all rx knowing that the Boss Room fight is over, but I can''t help but realize the new problem we''re facing.


    I whisper to myself.


    "This is a desert ind..."


    Fisher replies with augh, pointing his de into the deep blue water.


    "Yeah, there''s more too. Plenty of inds for as far as the eye can see!"


    He''s right.


    There''s dozens of them way off in the distance, simr to the one we stand on now.


    Every few hundred meters, a small golden desert ind with a patch of palm trees pops up.


    In between each of them, there''s deep blue water and calm rolling waves.


    It''s a beautiful sight.


    The only thing that bugs me is how silent it is. With rolling waves, golden sand, and lush green trees, It''s like this is a string of paradise inds.


    A vacation resort even.


    It''s a nice thought, but I know this isn''t true. We''re in abyrinth.


    Lydia turns to me as I activate my All-Seeing eye and search the dungeon for a Boss Room portal.


    "We''ve already spent nearly 3 hours climbing, there isn''t any more time to waste."


    I nod, locating the Boss Room''s precise resting point as the white-haired mage speaks again.


    "We should get moving, now."


    I nod, pointing my gaze off into the distance past the countless inds.


    She summons ice and jumps into the air, motioning for me to follow.


    Meanwhile, much closer to us, the sea nearby begins to bubble and swell.


    The water of the shoreline rises, making me snap out of my dungeon scanning process and air-step upwards to avoid the iing flow of water.


    Lydia and I float about 10 meters off the ground, but the water mage stays down below letting the crashing waves hit his ankles.


    Fisher yells as he backs up toward the exit portal.


    "I got this, you two keep climbing! Guard duty is up to me!"


    My Appraisal and Inspect skills pick up the reading of the creature that''s causing this ocean swell.


    _______________


    [Lv. 504]


    Active Items:


    [Shell Armor of The Ind Crab] +2750 Defense


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening [Special Grade]


    _______________


    The sand caves in and the water explodes into the air toe crashing down flooding the entire ind as an enormous red and orange crab bursts out from the ocean floor.


    It''s a newly Ranked-Up Monster.


    Its long wed arms and legs grip the sandy shore of the ind pulling it forward as Lydia and I float Higher into the air upon Fisher''s request.


    Looking the crab up and down, I can tell its deadly. The monster''s defenses and shielding are much more powerful than the base-level Metal Warriors on the floor below, but it''s decided to y in the water.


    This is Fisher''s element.


    I grin as I watch the blue-haired swordsman glow bright and the water that floods the ind begins to rise into the air and surround him.


    It spins and blends with his glowing magic, creating a whirlpool of energy to form in the air around his body and sword.


    A bright sh of light and the twang of mana on mana shing fills the entire ind as we leave the two to have their duel.


    Stepping on air and Ice Lydia and I, the final duo, run off to find the Boss Room Portal.


    Meanwhile, pincers fly and shells are cracked.


    I sense the crab''s level reading disappear on my radar before we even make it to the next ind.


    He took the ranked-up crab out in under 3 hits.


    I smirk, turning back around, now fully confident in the water mage''s abilities to see a stern look on Lydia''s face.


    "What''s wrong?"


    She pauses as we continue to run through the air on tforms of ice and wind just 30 meters or so over the open ocean. The woman doesn''t respond until we pass the first ind.


    "Nothing. This is all just new territory for me. I haven''t trained in many dungeons more powerful than this. We could be walking right into a death sentence for all I know."


    I nod, sensing another massive crab break through the ocean floor below us, but ignore it.


    "One dungeon at a time. We''ll face the 25th Floor and see who is most capable of moving on. I just hope it''s me... I''m looking forward to a good fight."


    I smirk and push off the air while activating my stat-boosting skills to move even faster.


    She responds, with a light blue pulse of her own as we speed up towards the back of the dungeon.


    She responds.


    "You''re right. One dungeon at a time..."

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


    We ind hop above the massive crab creatures that explode from the sand below devouring every bit of sandy beach one after another. The string of inds slowly sinks into the ocean floor as we move forward.


    The orange and red culprits all range from level 495 to 505.


    I send an asional ming shot down, but Lydia doesn''t bother. I kill 3 in total, but unfortunately don''t gain any levels.


    I''m sure if I stuck around and farmed here for an hour or two I''d be able to reach level 500 in no time.


    There are only 4 levels left, surely I''ll make it there soon.


    After another half an hour of flying passes, we make it to the final ind. A lone Boss Room portal sits on the sandy shore next to a single palm tree.


    The deep blue ocean gently crashes and ripples behind it.


    Like clockwork, as a mutant crab erupts from the ground below, we jump through letting the creature throw a fit by itself and destroy the ind.


    Transfer magic shes and brings us to a nearly identical ind. The only difference is, behind us there aren''t any remains of fallen sandy shores.


    It''s a deep ocean on all sides, a small sandy beach devoid of life is all we get. The sand stretches out on all sides of 20 meters or so and the ocean waves crash onto the shoreline.


    I shift my feet in the golden ground, preparing for something to attack. While gripping my sword, my gaze moves around the ind and I power up my stat-boosting skills.


    It''s best not to be overconfident. Like Lydia said earlier, everything beyond this point will be uncharted territory for her and myself.


    The unstable ground starts to shake and churn under our feet. This is definitely the time to make some distance between us and the iing threat.


    The white-haired ice wielder and I both leap into the air as more sand crumbles away beneath our feet.


    By the time we make it up 10 meters half of the small ind has sunken into the ocean''s depths. A dark red colored crab waves its pincers and long legs in our direction in its ce.


    It''s a level 530 King Crab.


    I glow red and Lydia glows light blue. She actually draws one of her des this time. The hunter is finally starting to get serious.


    With two downward swings, the dungeon boss doesn''t even get a moment to think.


    It''s sliced in half with des of ice and fire in a matter of seconds.


    It does show some resilience, as its shielding and body hardening activates. White light shines bright but its hell shatters still, failing to stop either of our iing strikes in the end.


    The Boss Room of the 24th Floor ispleted in under 10 seconds.


    [Level Up]


    We glide down to the sandy beach to collect a massive pink mana crystal and a fragment thick red glowing shell.


    It''s a piece of the crab''s shell with an impressive +3000 Defense buff. I''d like to have it, but considering I stole thest mutant Boss'' core without asking, letting Lydia keep this one doesn''t bother me.


    The mage holds onto it as we''re transferred to the next floor.


    Her voice can be heard through the bright white transfer magic.


    "Floor 25... We''re getting into the real dangerous territory now. The Association usually only lets teams of 3 seasoned B-Rank hunters farm on floors above this level. Prepare for the worst. Anything can happen."


    My heart starts racing with both nerves and excitement.


    The white light fades and my feet hit the hard Dungeon floor. It feels chalky and t, hard to grip with my sandy boots.


    Taking a deep breath in, I can feel the air is dry but the temperature is cool.


    It''s silent.


    Way too silent...


    The ground beneath our feet is grey. It feels like hard rock, but it''s so artificially smooth it''s eerie.


    That''s not the most off-putting part of this mysterious dungeon.


    Looking up at the sky, it''s nearly the same color as the floor, just a shade or two lighter.


    The horizon line slices thend and the sky into two halves creating a perfectly even cutoff. There isn''t a hill, nt, or rock in sight.


    It''s just apletely t grey ne.


    I gulp, taking a step forward and hearing the sandy crunch echo indefinitely.


    Lydia steps forward too, with both hands on her des fastened to her waist.


    She whispers.


    "I''ve never witnessed anything like this..."


    I nod in agreement.


    The Titan''s Domain I was trapped in and trained in for months on end gives off a simr feel. However, there''s a huge difference between them.


    This Dungeon may have a t floor of a single shade, and a sky that nearly matches, but it clearly goes on in all directions for as far as the eye can see.


    From here, it almost seems like there''s no end.


    I activate my perception skills and stretch them out as far as they can go.


    Nearly 10 kilometers in, I pinpoint the Dungeon''s Boss room...


    Easy enough.


    The odd part is, I don''t see or sense a single monster in this entire search.


    Taking another step forward, the pressure in the back of my head that I''m very familiar with starts scratching at my telepathy link.


    Someone or something is trying to talk to me.


    I''m guessing I know exactly who it is...


    Gritting my teeth, keeping all my perception skills activated, I allow the nagging voice to enter my mind.


    The Arch Demon form the Dungeon in DryRock speaks loud and clear directly into my mind.


    I stop mid-stride listening to the creature speak.


    "You''vee much faster than I expected, and have grown a lot stronger too. Maybe this won''t be boring after all."


    I reply instantly, turning my head in all directions unable to sense it at all.


    "Where are you-"


    It cuts me off.


    "Our battle shallmence soon on the 26th Floor. I''ll see you there."


    Its voice cuts off with no link to reply...


    My eyes dart around the boss room frantically, scanning every angle as far out as I can sense, but still nothing shows.


    The moment these words cut off, from the corner of my eye I see ck and purple magic begin to swirl around in the shape of a teleportation portal.


    It''s on my left side, closest to Lydia.


    My eyes open wide and I turn to it with my de raised, watching a 3-meter-tall ck suit of armor walk out making the ground shake with every step.


    Its entire frame gives off a ck aura, simr in color to the warp portal it leaves.


    Once both feet hit the grey stone floor with a thud, the portal disappears.


    Surprisingly, the floor doesn''t crack or fracture one bit.


    The ck armored Knight''s status finally shows up in my mind''s eye.


    _______________


    [Lv. 525]


    Active Items:


    [Armor Set of The Demonic Guard] +120% Defense


    [Long Sword of The Demonic Guard] +115% Strength


    [Amulet of The Demonic Guard] +110% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Dungeon Walker


    Swordsmanship


    _______________


    It''s an impressive item and skill set, but the one thing that bugs me is how it and the Arch Demon possibly escaped my perception skills earlier.


    Unless this monster came from another floor, it managed to slip under the radar and away from even my All-Seeing Eye.


    Even now, as it lifts its long ck sword with a matching ominous aura, the magic powering off it is mixed with something very odd...


    Something that feels like it shouldn''t even exist.


    It''s a sensation that I''ve only felt a few times before.


    The feeling of energy and matter being there, and not there at the same time.


    Like the Titan''s invisible readings on my enemy detection radar. Or possibly that ominous void of space out in the desert behind the city of Sra.


    Whatever it is... It doesn''t feel right.

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    Something feels very wrong.


    The jet-ck magic circling the Knight''s equally dark armor sends shivers down my spine for a fraction of a second.


    The more I try to use my perception skills and figure out what it is, the more it evades my All-Seeing Eye.


    This energy feels like it shouldn''t even exist.


    Whatever it is, It''s not made of mana...


    The other half of my mind can''t stop thinking about the message I just received from the Arch Demon supposedly running this wholebyrinth.


    Just one more floor and I''ll be able to face the opponent I''ve been fantasizing about fighting for days.


    With a smirk, I release a de of energy at the armored Knight as it charges toward us with its de at the ready.


    Lydia unleashes both of her katanas and lets two shimmering white crescents of ice fly beside mine.


    The three charged mana des head straight at the monster''s armor. The shimming ck fire attack heads straight for its chest te, while Lydia''s strike curves inwards at the weak points in its upper leg and lower torso.


    Surprisingly, the ck armored Knight lunges downward changing the trajectory of my attack to a non-vital spot.


    My ck de collides with its right shoulder and to my amazement, sparks fly.


    It almost looks like metal on metal. It''s been a long time since I''ve seen anything like this.


    On impact, the moment the shielding around my shot collides with its ck energy a light show of white and yellow sparks erupts into the air.


    The popping and buzzing noise of mana being released into the atmosphere fills the room.


    That mana is mine.


    The edges of my attacks look as if they''re melting away while passing through the hard mental armor of the Knight with rtive ease.


    With a loud ng, its whole right arm falls to the floor and my energy de curves upward into the sky.


    There isn''t anything in the armor, it''spletely hollow.


    My gaze follows my own attack in awe as it continues popping and buzzing while slowly melting away high up in the dungeon sky.


    The ck energy of this odd creature is able to erode and destroy any concentrated mana attacks.


    Not very fast, but the fact that it''s able to use an unknown source of energy like this is definitely rming. There''s no sign of a hidden buff or special skill in its status.


    It doesn''t matter right now.


    As my attack damages its right arm, the Knight lunges to the opposite side right into Lydia''s iing crescents of Ice.


    Just like my attack, light-colored sparks fly, but the bulk of the strike pierces all the way through its intended target.


    More loud ngs of armor sound as the ck Armored Knight falls to the grey floor in pieces. Ice residue creeps over all of the armor, and a chain reaction of sparks flies as it spreads.


    Both Lydia''s remaining shots and the residue left behind disappear into the air in just a few seconds. The ck-colored aura starts to disappear from the enemy too, leaving a dark sliced-up suit of armor on the Dungeon floor less than 10 meters away from us.


    I stare at it with a nk yet curious expression, then speak up while blinking a few times.


    "Did- it jump into your line of fire? Or was I seeing things just now...?"


    We both slowly walk forward, still glowing in full battle mode.


    She replies.


    "It did..."


    Our footsteps echo while we draw closer and the wisps of ck aurapletely vanish into thin air.


    There isn''t a trace of this monster''s essence left, but cold shed through armor and a sword on the floor.


    Using appraisal, it all registers as non-buffed gear. It''s all just normal armor now.


    Lydia speaks up again.


    "It negated both of our high-concentration mana attacks. I''ve never seen anything like that."


    Her eyes are wide, showing emotion I''ve never seen on the white-haired mage''s face before.


    I turn around, scanning the entire dungeon again, but nothing shows up. ording to my senses, there isn''t a single other being present on this floor but us.


    I highly doubt this is the truth.


    We wait for over 3 minutes and finally, the armor begins to dissolve. It drops a mana crystal, but also a tiny ck gem smaller than my fingernail.


    It doesn''t register in any of my skills and gives off no magic power. If I didn''t see it with my own two eyes, I wouldn''t believe there was anything here at all.


    The rock doesn''t glimmer or shine, and there isn''t even a hint of transparency to it. It''s dull and ck but is cut in the shape of a factory diamond.


    I lean over and pick it up, bringing the odd stone to eye level.


    Looking deep into the gem it still just seems like an ordinary rock. The only odd thing about it is I can''t sense inside. There''s a mini pocket of space that''s invisible to me no matter how hard I focus.


    About 15 seconds pass and I let out a sigh, throwing the gem into my item storage.


    Lydia yells out as my mesmerization with the stone finally finishes.


    "There''s another! Get ready!"


    A swirling purple and ck Dungeon Walker Portal shows up and an identical knightes running out with its sword raised. It''s on my far side, closer to the mage.


    She lets two shots fly from a close range and they collide with the armored Knight''s torso sending sparks of white and yellow lights flying in the air.


    Her des of mana dissolve after they slice through and the Knight falls before it can even attempt to take another step forward.


    She murmurs under her breath, running over to the fallen Knight.


    "So... fascinating..."


    I follow, and she turns back to me as I do.


    "You''re eager to move to the next floor right?"


    Lydia turns to the pile of metal scraps, then back to me.


    "I''d like to fight as many of these Knights as possible. This... is a unique dungeon, there isn''t a single one like it in that I''m aware of. If-"


    I cut her off.


    "No need to exin. I was nning to move to the next floor whether you liked it or not. However, I''m curious about these creatures too."


    The armor starts to dissolve and it drops a mana crystal along with that tiny ck gem again...


    Lydia picks it up, stares at it for a moment, then activates her ice magic while tossing it up in the air.


    My eyes open wide as sparks fly and a yellow and white fire burns bright for 2 seconds straight above her open palm.


    It sucks in all of the ice magic she produces, thenpletely disappears. The stone leaves nothing at all in its ce.


    Both of us watch in awe. Then, Lydia speaks again.


    "I''ll find out everything I can, but time is not on our side. We have less than 2 hours to clear this break."


    I give her a firm nod.


    It was easier than I thought to convince her to let me go alone.... Although this dungeon seems rich with rare resources, the final room is the only destination on my mind.


    "Understood."


    She replies.


    "The Director has full confidence in your squad, especially you. If we fail, hundreds of thousands die."


    I smile, turning away towards the exit.


    "I''ll clear the final room by any means necessary. Focus on guarding this floor and collecting those gems."


    Another ck and purple portal forms and I air-step away leaving Lydia to farm the abnormal dungeon and guard the 25th floor from its impending break


    Finally, I''m off to face the Final Floor alone.

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    I leave Lydia behind as she battles the jet-ck suit of armor that spawned in moments ago.


    It dives for her directly, ignoring me as I air-step away in the direction of the dungeon''s far side.


    Oddly enough, over the next half an hour there isn''t a single monster thates onto my radar. Not a single one even spawns a portal below to try and fight me.


    I just fly through the sky in silence, letting the eerie silence of the grey-colored world aid in my building anticipation for the boss that''s toe.


    I continuously try to re-open the link from earlier, but the Arch Demon''s presence is nowhere to be found.


    I''m itching to try out my new increased power. Even with these unique Knight creatures appearing a single attack slices through them like butter.


    This final challenge better be worth it.


    Slowly letting the grin of excitement grow on my face, the final glowing portal of the Knight''s Boss roomes into view.


    I let out a satisfied chuckle while gliding down to the floor and stepping through without a second thought.


    "Once I defeat this room, I''ll be one step away from taking on that demon."


    The white transfer magic takes me in and fades all the same as I activate all my battle skills in preparation for a fight.


    Once my vision returns, It feels and looks like I''ve been transported back to the start point of the original dungeon.


    There''s no difference at all.


    A grey floor and grey sky surround me, plus the absence of any Boss makes me even more confused.


    With a step forward I grip my de and take a deep breath.


    All I have to do is wait. It''lle.


    Pushing my perception skill to its limit and absorbing the MP in the air, all I hear is my own heart beating in my ears while my eyes scan the room over and over again.


    Despite its simrities to the endless dungeon I just left, this ce seems to have a barrier-like cutoff around 700 meters away from me. I couldn''t tell at first, the walls just looked like the sky from the 25th Floor.


    I''m standing in a massive grey cube.


    Staring outwards, I feel a gust of wind hit the back of my neck. Instantly, I jump high up in the air while expanding a t rectangr shield of pink mana behind me.


    Explosions of white light and sparks follow as my shielding is melted. A wavering ck crescent of energy tears through it with ease...


    Under close examination, the de that cuts my shielding isn''t slicing through in a conventional manner at all.


    It''s destroying the mana itself as it collides with my shield. The two masses of opposite matter collide,pletely destroying each other in a magnificent st.


    My gaze shifts from this disy as I lock onto the menace that sent this shot.


    _______________


    [Lv. 540]


    Active Items:


    [Armor Set of The Final Demonic Guard] +125% Defense


    [Long Sword of The Final Demonic Guard] +122% Strength


    [Amulet of The Final Demonic Guard] +119% Mental Strength


    Active Skills:


    Dungeon Walker


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    _______________


    This Knight is nearly a full head taller than the ones back in the dungeon, and it exudes much more of that glowing ck energy. Easily 5 times as much.


    Its final kill catches my eye as it lets off another shot directly my way.


    "Demonic Energy...?"


    A wave of undetectable ck mass soars toward me, but I dungeon walk to the floor to dodge and point my sword forward erupting into dark mes of my own.


    Not wanting to give it another chance to attack, I let out a destructive blow. It matches my attack with blinding speed and both of our attacks collide.


    I dungeon walk up in the air above it to let out another attack while the exploration of sparks and swirling ck energy fills the battlefield below.


    Like a ck hole, the reaction sucks in pure mana from my strike the two attacks that collide cancel each other out. It all fades into nothingness as the magical ming debris dissipates.


    Meanwhile, my second attack is on a crash course for the Knight''s unguarded chest te.


    With incredible agility and reaction time faster than any beast I''ve faced in my life, the ck helmet turns toward me and it lunges out of the way while forming a purple dungeon walker portal of its own.


    Not having an upgraded skill like my ability may be its fatal w. The milliseconds ofg time between summoning a portal and jumping through are more than enough for me tond a shot on the Guard''s left forearm.


    Yellow and white sparks glint in the air as it slips through the portal and bespletely invisible.


    I grin, watching the left hand of the creature hit the solid grey floor with a ng while covered in popping magic reactions to the remaining energy surrounding it.


    Secondster it all dissolves and a cold ck metal glove sits on the dungeon floor.


    The room is silent once again....


    Deathly silent.


    I stay high up in the air, using wind magic to keep myself about 10 meters off the ground and slowly spinning to scan the room in all directions.


    Over a full minute passes.


    The monster doesn''t show up. I grit my teeth and glide down to the floor muttering under my breath.


    "I don''t have time for this... "


    Nothing again for the full 10 seconds I glide to the floor.


    It''s just silent.


    "Come on out...."


    The Guard only attacked mest time when it had a clear advantage and the element of surprise from behind. If that''s what it needs to spawn back in again, then that''s what I''ll give it.


    However, it won''t be able to dodge my attack this time around. I''m sure of it.


    I smirk.


    The moment my feet tap the light-colored ground, I spin and release a shot from my charged sword.


    I couldn''t sense a thing, but nheless, my predictions are spot on.


    The obsidian-colored Guard emerges from its swirling portal and releases an energy de of its own, not waiting for a second.


    As it''s released from the Guardian''s sword, the ck energy is so close to the ground, that it begins to react with the mana in the dungeon floor.


    A white and yellow light forms underneath it as a half-meter-deep hole trails the Knight''s demonic attack. It''s eroding mass from the Boss Room.


    I Dungeon walk above it to shoot off another attack, then Dungeon Walk to its opposite side to let out a 3rd.


    Over and over, before our first attacks even collide, I send 4 more flying at it from all directions.


    It has no time to think, and nowhere to hide.


    They all make contact at a single point.


    With an explosive crackle, it looks and sounds like a house full of fireworks all ignited at once.


    The violent popping sounds and expelled mana and mes are mind-boggling.


    I smile ear to ear while air-stepping backward to watch the attacks hit the Knight straight on from every angle.


    It attempts to portal out, but theg time doesn''t allow it to do so at this range.


    ck armor flies, and the eruption of energy explodes over 15 meters in the air before quickly dying down and copsing on itself disappearing into nothingness.


    In less than 4 seconds, the entire reaction ceases to exist and not a single drop of mana or swirling ck magic is left behind.


    The lifeless armor falls to the floor.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    "That''s level 499. Just 1 more.."


    I Dungeon Walk over to the now, most definitely lifeless Knight.


    The colliding shots cracked the floor and made a small crater, but it''s not nearly as deep as expected. Possibly half a meter to a meter at its deepest point.


    My eyes lock onto the center of the armor as I slowly walk over and it dissolves before my eyes.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    [YES][NO]


    Blue text hovers above the remains of the Knight. With a grin, I choose yes without a moment of hesitation.


    The Knights from the dungeon below were covered in this energy despite not having the actual skill to wield it.


    "Something isn''t quite adding up here."


    My thoughts are interrupted as the loot finally drops.


    With a light-sounding clink, arge mana crystal, along with a ck rock over 3 times the size of the previous drops are all that remain.


    The ck stone has t crystal-like edges. Unlike the rocks in the Knight''s dungeon, this one gives off a faint ck aura. My eyes fill with curiosity as I ce the crystal and stone into my item storage very carefully.


    My heart pounds faster and faster with excitement as I wait for the transfer magic to take me up to the final dark hallway. I''ll have to talk to Ember about this new demonic power. I''m sure he has some valuable insight. It may be of great aid while facing the final Floor.

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    My vision begins to fill with the familiar white light of transfer magic bringing me to the next floor.


    So many questions fill my mind as a ck hallwayes into view and my feet fall onto the hard rocky ground.


    I defeated that Knight with ease, but it''s only because my mana control is on par with monsters much higher than my own level. With my armor buffs and an array of skills, that level gap can be raised even more.


    It was using Demonic Energy, not magic... It''s odd attacks were able to destroy minepletely despite the overwhelming strength difference. If it had even a moment to think and dodge, my strikes were somewhat useless.


    It''s time to get some answers.


    "Item Storage."


    The white spinning portal of my spatial magic lets Ember walk out. It''s a tight fit in this narrow cave, but heading straight into the final Boss room without a n would be far too reckless.


    He takes a step forward and immediately opens our link.


    "You''ve gained a lot of mana control. I take it those stones were all absorbed...? Our levels have risen as well. Just one more before the rank up."


    Ember pauses, then looks me up and down warily.


    "What trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"


    He stares straight at me not moving a muscle. It seems like he''s looking right through. I respond.


    "What do you mean? I already told you we were headed for abyrinth. The trouble hasn''t even started yet."


    I turn and point toward the end of the hallway at the swirling ck portal. It''s oversaturated with energy, but not nearly as bad as some of the violent eruptions of mana I''ve seen from some Boss Rooms.


    This one is calm, and waiting patiently for the floors below to copse before releasing its magic on the world. In the meantime, it''s inviting anyone in who wants to try their hand at battle.


    Ember nods slowly, looking at the portal, then back to me.


    "I don''t mean the Labyrinth, I mean the Demonic Energy around you... I haven''t felt an aura like this in ages."


    The ck-scaled dragon tightens its gaze and gives me a curious nce, but I can see genuine concern in his eyes.


    I reply.


    "Demonic Energy? Is it that dangerous? I haven''t even used that skill yet. How can you even tell It''s around me? I can''t sense a thing."


    I stomp my foot on the ground.


    "I only got it moments ago on the 25th Floor. There were huge ck Knights covered in it."


    A toothy grines my way, this time with much more excitement.


    "The guardians.... So it''s a skill? You''re not channeling it through your core?"


    A sigh of relief follows as I nod. Ember continues.


    "That makes much more sense. A Demonic Energy maniption skill. Interesting. I thought we''d at least rank up before having to deal with power like this."


    I tighten my gaze too.


    "Well, we are and we don''t have much time to spare either. Tell me what I need to know before facing the Arch Demon. Will I be able to use this ability against it? It seems like I''m going to need to use every dirty trick I can get my hands on."


    Ember pulses red, activating his plunderer skill momentarily then responds.


    "You should know, Demonic Energy is the opposite of mana. If one essence touches the other in a fully active state, the two energies with cancel each other out. Demonic Energy destroys Magic at the cost of its own mass. Magic attracts Demonic Energy. The two are always bound to meet, but chaos is unleashed when they collide. Both destroy each other entirely."


    I nod, thinking about every attack the ck Knight sent out. They all disappeared after a ball of sparks ate up any mana in its path.


    Ember carries on.


    "Most monsters are incapable of using this power, it is undetectable to them. Arch Demons and other ranked-up demonic monsters that serve directly under the King are the only beings capable of wielding it. Even so, with an advanced maniption skill, using it incorrectly can still easily be fatal."


    He stares into the portal, then turns to me. I raise an eyebrow at his mention of a King. Ember continues as I listen curiously.


    "Even with your greater demon''s core, it''s not a safe power to use. If you have any active magic skills present while manipting demonic energy, an unstoppable chain reaction could ur within you. Extensive training is necessary to use both in unison. I advise against trying out that skill until youprehend what you''re dealing with."


    I think to myself for a moment before responding.


    This is both an amazing power beyond belief and also very disappointing.


    It all adds up... mostly...


    There''s just one thing I don''t want to gloss over. Ember said it in such a nonchnt manner, but it may be even more important than this new skill.


    "The King? Who''s the King? Like.. a Demon King? No one at the Association has ever talked about a King. Wouldn''t that be the number one priority to take this monster out?"


    I stare at Ember wide-eyed, then let out a sigh after a moment of pause.


    "Then again... They hardly ever leak information to the public anyway. I wouldn''t be surprised if they were hiding this too."


    Ember nods.


    "I''m not sure what humans n to do this time around. It''s been over 50 years since Ist got word of a n. Usually, the King stays out of worldly matters. An Arch Demon serves directly under them, so if you want to find out any more information you''ll have to find out from the source. Abyrinth of this size is definitely farming a considerable amount of mana resources. It being destroyed moments before a full copse will most likely raise some questions."


    He hesitates, then stares at me.


    "Copses like these are never randomly-"


    Mid-sentence, the ck swirling portal at the back of the room pulses with a wave of mana. It feels simr to the wave of energy I felt outside when one of the floors copsed before we entered.


    I grit my teeth and turn toward the mass of spinning darkness.


    "This is it. If I want to learn more, we''ll have to jump through."


    With a grin, I step forward and motion for Ember to follow.


    He finishes his sentence.


    "Copses like these aren''t random. A Labyrinth Master of this magnitude won''t go down easily, and I can tell this one is not a young one. There''s no time for fun, do not let your guard down for a second."


    I nod.


    "You''re right. There''s no turning back now. We both go all out from the start, got it? No holding back. This isn''t a training session, it''s a mission that needs to bepleted."


    There are many lives on the line outside, it''s all up to me.


    Ie face to face with the final entrance, then speak again.


    "I just need the final strike, that''s the only rule. It''s time to rank up, and obtain another core."


    We both jump through.


    The swirling ck portal fades to white. The further I step through, the faster the darkness fades away bringing us to the Final Boss Room.


    However, once through the whiteness doesn''t fade.


    My lungs fill with cold air while I take my first deep breath. I activate my fire magic and feel Ember do the same as he transports in behind me.


    The mes around my body melt white snow away as I take in the view.


    The sky is crystal clear and bright blue without a cloud in sight.


    There''s a range of tall mountains off in the distance that all line up in the outer edge of a semi-circle. They''re all almost entirely covered in snow and the open half of the circle faces me.


    Leading up to this inviting mountain-coveredndscape, there''s a kilometer-long stretch of powered white snow.


    The air is still, not blowing any frozen precipitation around. Ember and I release clouds of steam that slowly float high into the sky as the cold reacts with our fire magic residue.


    It''spletely silent...

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    There isn''t a single snowke out of ce in this vast whiteness.


    It''s a pure solid white.


    I''m not even sure If I could make out that the structures in the distance as mountains unless portions of their cliff edges showed dark stone pointing up into the sky.


    The sizzle of water being evaporated into steam is the only sound that reaches my ears. Everything else here is eerily silent.


    Well, it''s actually not that eerie, more like peaceful silence. I''m just on edge because I know what''s waiting for me.


    With each step forward, the snow beneath my feet continues to melt. I do find a glossy blue floor now far below to ce my feet. It feels like ice but doesn''t immediately sizzle away like the snow. Thisyer takes a few seconds to melt from my fire residue so I''m able to walk across it.


    Using mana maniption and wind magic to guide my steps, slipping around isn''t an issue.


    After a few seconds, I air-step into the sky and Ember follows.


    My prescription skills are on full st, but nothing is showing up on my radar yet again.


    "Why do these Ranked-Up opponents always make me wait..."


    I hear a reply as I hop on his back and we begin soaring toward the back of the Boss Room.


    "Stay alert. It could be lurking anywhere. Even if it''s been watching you this whole time, I doubt it''d show its face the moment we enter itsir."


    I stay silent and follow the wise dragon''s advice. We glide over the tter portion of thendscape with ease, then arrive at a section of rolling hills.


    Beyond these, there''s a wide shallow crater of blue ice with little to no snow at all leading up to the base of the curved mountain range in the back.


    The moment we cross over into the new section of dungeon, I feel a pulse of manae out from the mountain.


    It''s pure, crisp, and cold. This is nothing at all like I''d expect from a demon.


    Gritting my teeth, I stare forward and concentrate.


    The top of the mountain begins to glow light blue filling the sky with its magical essence. It shes, sending out another pulse mere seconds after the first.


    Emberes to a halt, hovering in mid-air a distance away from the mountain.


    As the sh of white and blue light stops a transparent shimmering circle of energy has formed behind the mountain''s peak. It''s enormous and gives off a mana signature that I''ve never felt before.


    It''s mostly mana, but there''s something about this ring that feels very offputting.


    I can see the sky behind it, and the curved edges glimmer with silver and white light even after the sh but have be much dimmer now.


    Ember''s voice echoes in my mind.


    "The Arch Demon''s battle partner hase to greet us."


    I clench my jaw and grip my sword.


    "You were right."


    As these words transfer over our link, we''re interrupted.


    A loud metallic twang and cracking noisee from the ring in the sky. It shes silver, blue, and white again, sending out a final pulse much more bright and intense.


    This is followed by a deafening screech that distorts into a vicious roar.


    All I can see is snow from all the nearby mountains fall from their high points and tumble down in a mass avnche.


    Ember reflexively ps his wings bringing us high into the air away from any future debris from the snowfall.


    Simultaneously, my enemy detection, inspect, and appraisal skills finallytch onto something.


    ___________________


    [750m]


    [Lv. 608]


    Active Items:


    [Tier 3 Dragon Scales] +144% Mental Strength +90% Magic Resistance


    [tinum Amulet of Frost] +137% Mental Strength +90% Ice Magic


    Active Skills:


    Plunderer [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [Ice Dragon''s Spawn][Hidden Ability]


    [Ultimate Ice Defense][Hidden Ability]


    ___________________


    Two enormous white wings emerge from the sh of light.


    With each p, they moverge amounts of wind to push the remaining snow off the top of the furthest mountains.


    Although I''m nearly a kilometer away I can tell the creature that teleports into the dungeon is monstrous in size.


    Possibly over twice asrge as Ember...


    Its jagged white teeth glimmer brighter than the snow and its royal blue eyes glow darker than the ice bowl below.


    With a twisting pointed tail and dark underbelly a simr hue to its eyes, the white-scaled dragones into full view and lets out another roar while hovering above the mountain.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "It looks like we get a warmup round..."


    Ember replies to my mumbles through the link in a calm voice but with an undertone of anger.


    "An Ice Dragon... It sent its partner to test our strength. Their souls are linked just like ours, so don''t think for a second that monster will go down easy."


    The monster in question stretches its wings after the second roar, then finally locks eyes on us.


    It begins to p its wings and fly toward us with impressive speed.


    I switch into full battle mode, thinking about its status for possible strengths and weaknesses.


    There are a few things that differ from theirs and Ember''s.


    Firstly, its plunderer skill is a rank lower. It''s still higher than mine at a Legendary Grade, but one under Ember''s who has a Mythic Grade skill.


    Itsbat magic skill is straightforward. A clear difference. Ice and Fire are clear opposites. Luckily, Fire-based attacks are very effective against Ice. Although both dragons generally have high magic resistance, there is still a clear advantage here.


    Next, this dragon doesn''t have a telepathy skill. I''m positive the body double for its master had one, so it canmunicate, but only if directly talked to... Interesting.


    Lastly, its buffs. These must be an innate hidden ability or a gifted one after the rank-up process... We''ll find out soon enough.


    Either way, the fight is getting started.


    I reply.


    "Let''s do this."


    I activate all my stat-boosting skills to their fullest capacity while reaching into my item storage to pull out my dagger.


    Ember glows beneath me and I feel the heat of his mes growing hotter as dark mes build up inside of him.


    [500m]


    The enormous white-scaled dragon swoops downward, gaining speed while soaring less than 30 meters from the side of the mountain before hitting our eye level. It begins to glow light blue. The closer it travels, the brighter it shines.


    [300m]


    Dark mes surround my right side carrying a sword, and the same colored aura leaks from Ember''s mouth ready to release a wave of high-powered fire magic at a moment''s notice.


    My left side is surrounded by wind magic aided by my mana maniption skill, giving it a sharper and more concise edge.


    [150m]


    I''m not just looking at the Dragon through my perception skills anymore, its features are crystal clear and even more menacing than I expected up close. With glossy white scales, and ws bigger than my entire torso, this Ranked-Up Dragon is quite possibly thergest monster I''ve ever seen.


    Definitely the strongest.


    My entire body glows in a golden white light as it''s surrounded by mes and dark red swirling magic. A long trail of fire and steam falls behind us.


    I stand on Ember''s back with my eyes locked forward, preparing to let out a devastating blow then Dungeon Walk us away to fire another or find cover... depending on how this attacknds.


    The iing Ice Dragon''s eyes tighten as particles of Ice leave its mouth waiting to be let out in a violent explosion as well.


    [50m]


    "It''s time."


    I swing my sword and dagger across my body while Ember opens his mouth wide.


    Two supercharged crescents of white and ck mana-imbued light twist together and head straight toward the glowing White Dragon. Beneath these mana des, a thick dark crimson cylinder of mes erupts from the ck-Scaled dragon and follows the same path toward our enemy.


    The air around us ripples with intensity. The buzzing sound of mana, and hissing sound of steam are all drowned out by what I hear next.


    The Frost Dragon''s screech returns as it releases its counterattack of blinding white and blue light.


    The intensity of its st is overwhelming. So much mana in such a small space...


    [0m]

 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    The attacks of fire and mana-imbued Ice collide, shaking the entire Boss Room. Shockwaves of pure mana pulse from the collision as a wall of ice is summoned many timesrger than the dragon I shot at.


    An adjacent wall of mes is produced as Embers fire spreads over the st radius.


    My wind and fire attacks hit straight on and ring out in an ear-shattering collision.


    They pause in mid-air letting out the head-spinning reverberations followed by the sound of a loud crack.


    We swoop upwards to avoid the st, but I watch with my All-Seeing Eye in anticipation while th thick sheet of ice fractures at its contact point.


    Splintering ice, fire, wind, mana, and intense plumes of steam fill the air in all directions for at least 100 meters as the thick wall of ice splits in two.


    Ember and I aim for the sky charging up another attack as the summoned blue and white shield falls to the floor in pieces. Following very close behind is the uninjured Frost Dragon grinning wide with its teeth leaking ice magic. The creature''s royal blue eyes are locked on us and it''s shortening the distance gap fast.


    Our first attack may have broken through its firstyer of defenses, but the fiery des werepletely destroyed before they managed to even hit its scales and mana shielding.


    It''s a 2v1 and ourbined mana control seems to be about the equivalent of our opponent even with an elemental advantage.


    We''re facing a superior monster. Finally.


    I smirk and speak through our link.


    "We''ll have to outsmart it andnd a heavy hit early in this battle. To the sky, don''t slow down even for a second. Prepare to release an attack on my cue."


    Still moving upward, Ember responds.


    "Understood."


    Another p of his wings increases our upward velocity and the crackling dark red aura around us grows.


    We break through the clouds of debris and begin soaring into the sky, only going faster and not looking back.


    A screech sounds from beneath us and I grip my weapons even tighter channeling mana from the surrounding air into them preparing for an attack of equal power to the one we just released.


    The fast-approaching dragon breaks through the cloudline less than a secondter with its ws reaching up at us. Its mouth is glowing brighter blue ready to fire an offensive attack this time around.


    We fly higher and higher.


    With each p of the White Dragon''s wings, it gets closer and closer to us. Ember may be more agile, but out in the open air his wingspan is less than half of the Boss Dragon''s so we''re losing ground fast.


    The air is getting thinner and the sky is turning into a blue void of cool calm air. It''s silent up here, just like when we first entered this Boss Room.


    Not even our enemy is making a sound. It''s just keeping its eyes locked on us like it''s stalking prey.


    Every fraction of a second that passes, meters of distance between us are being lost. The monster will inevitably catch us soon.


    However, this is exactly what I hoped for.


    "It''s almost time..."


    We rocket up into the air so fast that the mountains below start to disappear. The glowing beast is less than 3 wingspans away now.


    "Just a little longer..."


    Then, I feel it release an icy st pointed right at us. This one is much more concentrated than itsst disy by far. With the mana density less spread out, I believe an attack like this would be very close to fatal if it hit us.


    I''ll make sure that doesn''t happen.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I teleport both of us below the Frost Dragon to the point in space where we were flying upward just moments ago.


    Ember ps his wings, and we keep rocketing forward. Now instead of being chased, we''re the chasers.


    An eruption of deep blue glowing ice in the shape of a deadly spear shoots into the air, lighting up the sky and slicing through the empty space we just left. I open my link while swinging my sword and dagger across my body.


    "Now. Let''s take this monster out of the sky!"


    Ember breaths a dark crimson wave of mes while my des of mana circle around it making for a devastating attack.


    It collides with the underbelly of the Boss Monster and tears through its mana shielding just like it did the barrier of ice earlier. Not easily, but still does a considerable amount of damage.


    My des dig deep into its exposed scales and its entire body is engulfed in Embers mes.


    Its upward momentum doesn''t allow the creature to stop, turn, or dodge.


    It doesn''t have more than a fraction of a second to do so in the first ce, but by the sound of its murderous roar, I can tell it probably won''t fall from just one attack.


    I let out augh as Emebr swoops down outside of the st radius. Any sound I make is drowned out by screeches and metallic ringing noises that continue to echo in my ears and through the entire floor around us.


    "That did some serious damage..."


    Glowing blue eyes shine through the swirling debris of magic and matter thrown around from the bast. Then, the entire white-scaled dragon erupts from the clouds of residue.


    Tworge gashes are visible on its underside and burn marks are apparent on its wings from Ember''s fire magic. Using ice and mana control of its own, our opponent has managed to put the mes out and temporarily cover its wounds with Ice.


    It barely lost any blood, but it is definitely injured. This is a good start.


    The anger on its face is clear as day, and as it ps its wings and shoots toward us, I can tell exactly what it''s thinking without telepathy. "No more messing around, you''re dead now."


    I concentrate on the fight ahead. One solid attacknded, now it''s time to keep this momentum.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    We teleport to the White Dragon''s back and let out another attack.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Then, as it''s hit from the sky, we release another from below.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Again, a dual attack hits the dragon and tears through its shielding and mana-resistant scales leaving gashes and burns all over.


    It just roars and follows our lead. The Dragon gets quicker to react every time. It''s studying our fighting style but is hit with a devastating blow before it can counter.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    We teleport to its opposite side again and release a wave of fire and wind magic just thest few.


    However... this time is different.


    Instead of iling in pain or trying to helplessly dodge the Dragon stays still and begins to glow white and silver.


    Ayer of shimmering metallic-colored Ice covers its entire body in an instant. If my All-Seeing Eye wasn''t activated, it''d be near impossible toprehend what just happened.


    Our mes collide with its white scales covered in glimmering silver icy armor, then explode on impact into a ck and red ball of mes.


    I Dungeon Walk backward as the glimmering silver and white dragon turns around to look at us with a new lighter colored more refined aura.


    There isn''t a single new scratch on it after that attack.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "That''s one of Its hidden abilities. Ultimate Ice Defense."

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    My des summoned from fire and wind explode into magnificent balls of man-imbued mes. The white and ck des intertwine with Ember''s magic and cover the Silver Dragon, outer shellpletely.


    It stays silent, unharmed by the st and waiting for us my make another move. My best guess is it''s plotting to finally counter when we do. The Dragon studied our movements, flight patterns, and attack styles while taking damage just to get the upper hand.


    "I knew it wasn''t going to be easy. Bring it on!"


    Yelling out into the magic clouds of debris as we soar upward, the shimmering dragon follows closing the distance just like before.


    Our full-powered attacks can''t even make a scratch on its new armor, so I''ll have to try a much more unconventional way to bring down more of its health.


    The moment it erupts from the clouds below, I expand my perception range and activate one of my newest abilities.


    "Life Steal."


    A pulse of mana with a green huees emanating from my body and I feel the life force of the approaching Drogon grow stronger and stronger the closer it gets.


    The shimmering green energy of my mana collides with the monster''s white aura. I instantly feel the hint of a refreshing sensatione over my full body. From this range, it''s hardly taking in 5 HP a second at most, but that''s still something.


    I smirk as the approaching creature roars and sends a wave of offensive ice magic my way in the shape of a long spear.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    We teleport away from its clutches and I do the same thing again. By allowing the enemy toe just within range, I suck a small portion of its HP away from it each time. It''s growing weaker for every teleportation we use up, but not by much.


    Ember and I both send off attacks to counter its fury. This gives me a fraction of a second more time to drain HP before teleporting away.


    The only way to do a considerable amount of damage would be to get up closer, but every time I try to teleport a little further into range, the faster an Ice attack sts at me or we narrowly avoid the massive ws of the enraged beast.


    The Boss Monster is getting very frustrated, but its eyes never leave our position. Despite its roars of anger, it stays in full battle mode, only improving with each and every one of my teleports.


    By the time another dozen more attacks pass, it''s guessing over half of my transport points before I even move there. Despite this, I''ve drained another hundred or so of its HP.


    All I need is time and this battle is as good as won. As long as we stay out of range and keep up this pace, the fight will be over before the copse gets anywhere close to the final floor.


    I charge up my des and Ember ps his wings preparing another dual strike to distract it. We blip to the opposite side of the shimmering beast, but the voice that enters my mind catches mepletely off guard.


    "No more ying around. It''s time to get serious."


    In an instant, the sky turns dark and a shadowy figure teleports in between me and the Frost Dragon using a purple and ck portal to do so.


    Before I can even think to teleport away or stop swinging my des, the wave of mes already flies forward.


    I watch the figure raise its hand and block my two shots and Embers fire with ease.


    Through the explosion of mes and excess mana, a pair of long red horns emerge on top of the dark-skinned Arch Demon''s body.


    It''s no more than 3 meters tall, but there''s so much power emanating from its small frame the creature seems evenrger than the dragon ring at me from behind it.


    The Demon stares forward with a wide smile, bulging muscles, and a dreadful dark aura. It looks identical to the body double it sent to me back in DryRock. The only difference is, that this real body seems as though it''s leaking with power just begging to be used.


    The air around its exposed chest and legs wavers and the loud hum of mana fills the area even though its mana shielding isn''t active yet.


    The blindingly white eyes with tiny ck pupils look more cold and ruthless than any creature I''ve ever witnessed or imagined.


    This is the result of harnessing mana from the Sran Labyrinth for years.


    This is a real Arch Demon.


    ____________________


    [Lv. 608]


    Active Items:


    [Arch Demon''s Amulet of Protection] +140% Defense +110 Strength


    [Crimson Ring of Truth] +135% Mental Strength +120% Perception


    [Obsidian Ring of Deception] +120% Speed +100% Agility


    [Arch Demon''s Core] +100% All Stats


    Active Skills:


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Body Double [Special Grade]


    Dungeon Walker


    Buffs:


    Enrage[Hidden ability]


    ____________________


    The silver Frost Dragon begins to glow brightly again behind the Demon and lights up the sky.


    Our chances of victory in this fight just fell from ''within possibilities'' down into the ''slim to none'' range. The overwhelming power before us is over double our ownbined mana control and the growing white light is only increasing that gap.


    Three portals of white spatial magic appear over the Dragon''s head as it lets out a roar. Out of each one, smaller white-scaled lizard creatures with wings materialize from thin air. They''re over 5 meters long and have the same royal blue eyes and dark underbelly to match their summoner.


    Iment to Ember through our link.


    "It''s the second buff. A summoning spell just like the Blue Ogre King we faced...."


    Using inspect, I see [Lv. 550] above each of their heads while they p their wings and begin to glow blue with their own ice magic.


    This may have been a n to deter us from trying, or a way to move me away from its source with this Life Steal skill. Or... they''re just summoning backup for fun to crush us into the ground with a single attack.


    We''re outmatched and out of time, but I can''t help but smile with wide eyes.


    It may seem like all hope is lost, and it''s time to run, but that''s far from the case. Without realizing it, our opponent just gave us the perfect opportunity to get on equal ground.


    I eye the three winged lizards as they slither out from their portals and the white light fades


    The 5 of them stare across a 50-meter gap in the air at the 2 of us. All the debris from our explosions has drifted down to the ground and we''re left in a standstill, waiting for the other to make their move first.


    The Arch Demon summons a purple portal andnds on top of the silver dragon''s head, motioning for the underlings to move forward.


    They do, and I hear the monster''s voice in my inner ear again.


    "You have a few more skills than I gave you credit for. It seems I''ll actually have to join to show you our true power."


    The Demon''s toothy grin matches its bonded dragon. The cold demonic eyes of both creatures stare into our souls, knowing we don''t stand a chance now.


    I take a deep breath and continue charging my des with a straight face.


    The underlings fly closer, and I calmly wait.


    It feels like hours go by in thesest few seconds before the final dual.


    My heart rate speeds up and my grip on both weapons tightens.


    "Finally, it''s time."


    I shift my gaze to the sky as the first Ice Lizard Spawnes diving in to attack us head-on.


    Both Ember and I let out a full-powered blow, slicing the creature in two and showering the battlefield with remains to announce the Labyrinth''s Boss Room fight has begun.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    __________________


    [Rank Up]


    [YES][NO]


    __________________

 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    "It''s time to Rank Up."


    A glowing blue text floats in front of my eyes after 3 level-up notifications bring me well past the level 500 threshold.


    __________________


    [Rank Up]


    [YES][NO]


    __________________


    I choose [YES].


    Time feels as if it temporarily stops around me the moment I make this decision.


    The two other ice lizards stille at us from above on both sides, but so much slower than before.


    My breathing is loud in my ears and my perception of magic around me only gets more heightened the longer I''m exposed to this odd flow state.


    As my gaze shifts over my surroundings, a white glow starts to shine below me and I feel Ember''s scales begin to shift and vibrate.


    Looking down, the ck-scaled dragon glows white too, and my body begins to react.


    The base of his back I''m standing on begins to expand, the scales growrger.


    The white light feels warm.


    It''s pure energy expands in my chest distributing itself evenly throughout my entire body.


    I take a deep breath in and my eyes open wide. It feels like the first real breath I''ve ever taken. The air tastes sweet and the world around me looks even more crystal clear than I already thought it was...


    It''s like my All-Seeing Eye is activated at all times, not just the hint of passive control I had before.


    The efficiency of my mana usage just drastically increased, and I didn''t absorb a single MP.


    This exins how Lydia kept up with me earlier. She didn''t absorb the same amount of MP as me, she was just ranked up. Odds are, the ice mage probably hasn''t absorbed much more than Fisher...


    My mana control easily doubled in a matter of seconds. I check my status and see a single change under the buffs section.


    ________________


    Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability]


    ________________


    I take a closer look.


    ________________


    Rising Emperors Domain[Hidden Ability]


    Info:


    This is a hidden passive ability for a spell caster with the traits of an Emperor in the making. The Rising Emperor''s Domain allows the caster to share skills in their status with any party member who has sworn their loyalty. A copy of the exact skill shared will appear in the party member''s status. If this member betrays the caster or leaves the Domain''s range, the skills will be deleted from their status.


    ________________


    An invisible domain expands around my body. I have no control over how far it pushes out, but my reach seems to be just over 10 meters.


    This has the potential to be an incredibly powerful skill...


    The grin on my face starts to grow wider as I activate appraisal to see the new buffs Ember has received in addition to his mana control increase.


    ________________


    Buffs:


    Ultimate Fire Defense[Hidden Ability]


    Crimson Aura of Attack[Hidden Ability]


    ________________


    I skim the details as I steady myself on his moving back. The ck-scaled dragon has grown in size by almost 100%. Ember is over 15 meters and his scales have be even darker. The crimson shine in his eyes is more radiant and the blood-red underbelly emanates strength.


    His new buffs add to the significance of this change. He''s just received a simr ability to the Frost Dragon we''re facing, but one morepatible with his mes. The Crimson Arua buff seems to be a perk like my berserker skill, just a ranked-up version.


    The glowing sensation in my chest starts to fade and the one around the growing dragon stops too.


    Reality speeds up and the iing Ice lizards shriek as they''re blinded by the white sh of light followed by two shes from my des and an eruption of dense ck mes from Ember''s mouth.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    They''re incinerated in seconds and we reach level 506.


    A shock wave of energy from our rank up bursts out like the pulse of a Floor breaking and I can''t help but let out augh while pointing my sword forward at the Demon and Dragon in front of us.


    We hover nearly a kilometer over the highest mountain in the boss room and radiate with energy that rattles these copsingbyrinth walls.


    The Arch Demon Stares forward, and it''s the first time I get the sense of any true emotion on its face. It''s surprised... no, it''s in fear.


    No... it''s excited.


    A shimmering silver sword materializes into its hands and the red-tinted dark-skinned menace jumps off of the dragon''s back heading straight for us.


    In response, I do the same.


    It pushes itself forward by creating small mana-shieldingyers under its feel and using them as footholds to walk through the sky in a simr fashion to my wind-powered air-steps.


    As the two of us run up at each other, both dragons swoop down.


    Ember''s ck scales start to glow red, orange, and yellow as he activates his defensive buff, looking like a bubbling pit ofva. His entire body is covered in a thick coat of armor glowing even brighter than the silver dragon diving his way.


    Then, I watch the fire dragon''s crimson eyes pulse and his ws shine with the same dark red aura. His attack buff has been activated too. Ember is a much more cautious fighter than I am, he clearly has a strength and defense advantage if he''s facing his opponent straight on.


    I won''t have to worry about him one bit, I''ll focus on the real danger in front of me.


    With all my stat-boosting skills on full st, my vision tunnels and all I see is the demonic presence ring back at me with its sword raised.


    Just moments ago, I waspletely outmatched. Now, this is an opponent for me to finally use all my new skills and strengths to their full potential.


    I swing both my dagger and sword across my body while the Arch Demon brings down its silver sword.


    Coated inyers of aura and shielding, the three des let out an echoing twang as theye to a halt over a meter away from each other. Both release white explosions of energy and attempt to break through the other''s thick defenses.


    The corners of the Demon''s mouth curl and so do mine.


    It speaks through our link as the shockwaves of energy fill the Room.


    "So, you really are the one they''ve all been talking about, aren''t you?"


    I grit my teeth and push my des further toward the buzzing energy and light.


    Then, reply.


    "The one who''s been talking about?"


    The Arch Demon tightens its gaze and follows my lead pushing its own sword closer in tearing through a portion of the pink mana shielding letting elemental magic leak out.


    It replies.


    "It doesn''t matter who. Word is.. a stray Demon and Dragon have been challenging Labyrinths and stealing the abilities of those within. However, you''re a human... bonded with a... Fire Dragon..."


    I erupt into ck mes, pushing my weapons in even more. They''re less than half a meter away from touching now. The energy pulsing out from in between is on a magnitude greater than anything I''ve ever experienced before.


    It seems rumors of our existence somehow made it out here... If I want more information, I''ll have to rile up this Boss and keep him talking.


    I reply with a smirk.


    "So what if it is?! After I''m done with you, I''ll face the King!"


    I let out a wave of intimidation and push my des even closer.


    The Demon''s eyes open wide, horrified by my statement and momentarily caught off guard.


    I thrust my dagger and sword forward again and they collide with its long silver sword to create a ng that distorts the air around us.


    The final battle in the Labyrinth has begun.

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    After our des collide, we''re both sent flying back as energy is expelled. A series of attacks follow at blindingly fast speeds.


    Air-stepping through the sky, all that can be seen from a distance are shes of red, ck, and white light colliding as pulses of energye out from the impossibly loud metallic ngs.


    We both go into full battle mode. Each of us is solely focused on destroying the otherpletely at any moment of weakness.


    Every time I gain a tiny bit of ground, the Arch Demon slips through on a side where I''m unprotected. The same goes for it. Each attack it throws leaves fractions of a second of leeway for me to Dungeon Walk in and block it. One slip-up with be the end for either of us.


    The monster''s senses are on par if not greater than mine.


    It''s able to manipte its mana shielding faster than I can swing, while I''m able to blip away faster than it can attack.


    The only way for either of us tond a hit is to get in close and risk getting hit ourselves. It''s a perfectly even match-up.


    Our battle styles are very simr too. Rigid and rational movements driven by hunger and greed for any room to strike.


    The Arch Demon speaks up again as our endless sh of metal on metal continues.


    "If you''re unable tond a scratch on me, you have no hope of stopping the great copse."


    It grins, letting out a pulse of new red magic that covers its body.


    Without teleporting, the monster moves over to me with blinding speed and eyes that seem to stare straight through my soul.


    After just 20 seconds of numerous blocks, it seems like its activating a trump card and already going in for the kill.


    The devious creature''s silver swordes down at me with nearly untraceable speed.


    I block it with both my weapons at thest second but am pushed downward under the pressure of its attack.


    It speaks again as I realize it activated its [Enrage] hidden ability. This is where this new power ising from.


    "A human has never challenged thisbyrinth''s top floor since it was created. I''ve had to travel to the nearby linked dungeons for my fun."


    It grins while pushing me down toward the mountain below.


    I''m clearly overpowered but can teleport away if I wish. However, it''s spilling good information now that I''d rather not miss out on. I let the Arch Demon push my des back as we fall through the sky.


    It continues to speak through our link in a deep echoing voice.


    "As my first and only challenger, I have to say your power ismendable. Unfortunately, a human can never truly surpass a demon in its element."


    It pulses darker red, showing off even more power.


    We fall past the two dragons as they sh. Fire and Ice explosions fill the sky lighting up the face of the Demon that angrily stares into my eyes.


    A full second passes and I feel it activate another skill.


    It pushes its sword forward with a powerful thrust, sending me down toward the base of the mountain and slicing into my side drawing blood. At this rate, It''ll take less than 3 seconds to hit the center of the shallow area-like floor Ember and I flew over earlier.


    I smirk, activating my self regeneration and life steal skills as we both fall.


    The Demon continues as I watch two exact copies of itself emerge from the monster''s back.


    "I''ll show you the full power of an Arch Demon and make you pay for your foolish remark against the King. You have no right to challenge the creator. The one true Demonic Emperor that will conquer this world like it has many others."


    The beings that emerge from its back separate and I watch two body doubles at level 575 each detaching from its main body carrying the exact same long silver sword.


    The two of them dive forward in front of the Arch Demon''s main body and swing their swords down at me as the ground gets closer and closer. I finally reply, content with the information I''ve gathered.


    "Bring it on."


    My feet collide with the icy floor beside the mountain''s base creating an impact crater tens of meters wide while blocking the two silver swords with my own weapons. The main Demon''s bodyes plummeting through and I Dungeon Walk backward to avoid its deadly red glowing strike.


    Breathing heavily, I stare down the 3 crimson demons now 30 meters away as the ice chunks from our impact settles. Their 6 glowing white eyes lock onto me, and I stare back.


    I can easily take out its doubles if I have a second or two alone, but focusing on one of them now would leave me wide open for a fatal blow.


    Activating my item storage, I let the golem core from the dungeon break and the metal warrior core from the floor 23 boss room fall to the ground. I re-active my mana maniption perk on both of them and allow both to respawn at level 500.


    I clench my jaw as thousands of MP leave my body, but regain it instantly with my plunderer skill.


    The ck core of the Metal Warrior starts to pour shards of white metal from its abyss and form the monstrosity I fought earlier.


    The shimmering clear core of the stone golem lies on the ground vibrating violently. The floor shatters and rock from deep underground forms around it to build up into a grey stone golem the same color as the exposed stone of the bare mountain in front of us.


    Dense pink strings of mana are visibleing off my fingertips as I manipte my minions to move forward. They''re covered in shielding and are constantly being replenished from the source.


    The two Demon body doubles run forward at them and leave the middle of the battlefield open for the main fighters to sh.


    The Arch Demon snarls and lunges forward at me with blinding speed.


    I smirk and push myself forward to match it.


    All 6 of us sh at once, while both dragons collide in the sky.


    A series of Dungeon Walker portals and teleportations follow as we chase each other around the battlefield. One slip-up from either of us will result in a fatal blow that finishes this battle.


    sh after sh only leads to minor arm, leg, and flesh wounds that I heal with self-regeneration and life steal. My mana sources are nearly unlimited, so I never need to worry about this.


    The Demon is faster and stronger than me by about 30% with its new hidden ability activated, but theg time between our teleports gives me just enough time to block and counter whilending quite a few hits of my own.


    The Rock Golem and Metal Warrior are putting up a good match against their opponents. Even when their cores are shattered, the influx of MP heals them back to 100%. A distraction is all they need to be right now, so it''s perfect.


    Just 30 seconds pass, but it feels like hours. In such a short time, I''ve received over 30 small wounds andnded 10 of my own back on the menace.


    I heal my HP and MP every time, but this doesn''t help my mental and physical fatigue. I''ve never moved this fast and exerted this much power in my life.


    Multiple times a second my MP bar''s full capacity is used on the golems, my shielding, as well as full power attacks and healing spells.


    It''s invigorating and exciting... but the physical damage done to the Arch Demon is nowhere near enough to continue this battle style and have any hope of winning.


    I push through and continue to wrack my brain for ideas...


    The base of the mountain bes aplete and total war zone.


    All of the blue ice that covered it previously has melted away due to the enormous sts and residue of my hot mes.


    A full minute of endless shing continues.


    I heal over 60 more non-fatal wounds andnd almost 2 dozen of my own back on the Arch Demon''s arms and legs along with about 1000 HP from life steal. It''s still at over half health, and the tingling sensation of overusing mana is starting to spread to every point on my body.


    I won''t be able to keep this up for much longer...


    All of my stat-boosting skills are raging like a furnace and any sneaky tricks will take far too long to activate. A risky tactic would be to allow this monster to get me to under 10% health and activate [Final Breath], but I''d be putting myself in a vulnerable position with a limited amount of time toplete the task.


    Thest time I activated that move, I was asleep and out ofmission for many days after.


    I''ll just have to endure...


    Another 30 seconds pass and my body feels like it is being torn apart from the inside. I''ve burned through millions of MP in just a few minutes. I can''t go on much further.


    Dungeon Walking away isn''t an option right now either. Even if I try to find Abby on another floor for a quick full restore, I imagine this Arch Demon would follow. It''d lead to me having to protect much more than just myself.


    Every one of my teammates would be in danger then.


    There''s only one other option I can think of. It may be even riskier than the others but my intuition is telling me this may be the only way. Plus, when else will I get to try an ability like this one out...?


    I stop in the center of the shallow arena as the golems sh by my sides and the dragons let out another magnificent ball of mes and ice high up in the sky above the mountain.


    The Arch Demon flies my way with increasing velocity. It grins wider and wider as I stand still and take a deep breath while deactivating all of my active and passive skills.


    Its voice echoes through my inner ear.


    "A valiant battle for a human, but you see the result will only end in your failure. I have won."


    It swings its sword, enjoying every moment that passes as ites closer. The Demon believes in its heart that it''s the winner.


    I stare back with a confident grin and activate my newest skill.


    "Demonic Energy Maniption."

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    My Demonic Energy Maniption skill activates and I feel all the tension and mana fatigue soreness in my bodypletely disappear.


    Actually, all feeling in my body dissipatespletely. My perception of reality shifts, making the world around me move much slower than the thoughts in my brain race to piece together this new puzzle.


    The blue ice turns white from my point of view, and all the color is sapped from my vision.


    The furious mutted Arch Demon is running my way with its silver sword outstretched, but I can''t see the shielding or aura surrounding it like earlier. The ground cracks beneath its feet with every step, but the calmness of the air around me is both ominous and soothing.


    There''s no loud buzzing, no constant strain on my muscles and bones, and most importantly no.... mana.


    My eyes shift back and forth, then down to my sword and dagger in my hands. They''re both dull, not glowing, and after what Ember warned me of, I don''t dare channel any magic into them. Now that I think about it, I don''t think I''d be able to channel mana into them if I tried. Not while this skill is activated at least.


    Both of the golem cores I was manipting moments ago fall to the floor and the matter surrounding them crumbles as well.


    The Arch Demon still approaches fast, now half the distance away from when I first activated my skill. A shiver runs down my spine, then I feel an instant shift in my perception again. My mind is being thrown for a loop over and over as I try toprehend what''s happening.


    The long ck line on my arm pulses with a ck outer glow and a veil of brighter light filters my vision. The Greater Demon''s core that bonded with me after defeating a Labyrinth Guardian activates fully for the first time and I see the world around me in a new light.


    Or.. well, a new shade of darkness.


    In the air of this Boss Room, tiny particles of ck energy float in thin nearly imperceivable wisps of smoke-like waves. Less than 1% of the air contains what I can only guess is Demonic Energy.


    Not only can I see it, I can feel it. The moment I focus on pulling the matter in, silently drifting clouds of dark matter swirl toward me.


    I hold both my dull lifeless weapons, and let the skill take over.


    The streams of ck matter that hit my back feel like someone dumped boiling water on me. I tighten the grip on my sword and dagger while clenching my jaw and baring the pain.


    It flows through my veins and gives the sensation of searing my body from the inside out. The hot mes in my veins make their way toward my chest. It''s heading to the source that draws them in. It all collides at one point, my core.


    As this energy filters through my Greater Demon''s Core, ites out the other side as a cool and refreshing counterpart to the violent burns of the raw energy. It''s almost like crystal clear chilled water from a faucet flows through me now.


    It glides down my arms and into both des as I swing them across my body to collide with the Arch Demon that makes its final attack.


    Its glowing white eyes meet mine as our des sh. Mine are cloaked in dense ck energy without any trace of magic and undetectable by any means except a refined Demon Monster''s hyper-focused senses.


    We collide.


    The expression on the overly confident Arch Demon''s face changes from pure joy to absolute terror as yellow and white sparks begin to fly.


    I hardly feel any pressure from the impact, cool streams of energy leave my fingertips and be amplified by the swing of my sword.


    I''m not controlling it at all, merely letting waves of it flow from the air through my body and out my sword and dagger in a more condensed form.


    The moment it leaves my des and touches the Demon''s Silver sword, the energypletely closes its form and sshes out onto my iing target.


    This is what activates an incredible light show.


    The violent crackling and popping expands exponentially reacting with what I can only assume is its mana-imbued aura and shielding. I''m unable to sense any of it in this state, but I jump to the side and run as fast as my base stats can take me.


    I monstrous roares out of the Demons''s mouth. It''s one that sounds more like a dying monster than the intelligent creature I was talking to moments ago.


    It turns to follow me.


    I grit my teeth, and deactivate my Demonic Energy Maniption skill. Simultaneously, the creature speaks through the link in an urgent and malicious tone.


    "Demonic Energy. A human wielding the pinnacle achievement of Demonic Power. You''ve just ranked up, t-this is impossible."


    The furious voice in my head turns to a tone of confusion and fear as the world around me begins to be much more vibrant and colorful again. The hot and cold sensations of Demonic energy entering and leaving my body haveply vanished and the buzzing of mana returns to my ears.


    As I start to reactivate my buffs to outpace the Demon, it bes clear this won''t be entirely necessary.


    The chain reaction of jet-ck energy covering its full body and eruption of sparks explodes outward over 5 meters on all sides.


    The loud crackles almost drown out the violent hums in the rest of the Boss Room.


    Its two body doubles turn toward me. One of them raises its sword while the other stands silently with its eyes closed. The main body still screams in agony.


    A purple Dungeon Walker portal opens next to one of the doubles while the second lunges at me with rming speed.


    I grit my teeth and channel mana into my sword and dagger to block the iing attack.


    Following a loud ng, the Demon speaks up again. Its main body falls to its knees a distance away and its other clone disappears through the portal it created.


    The Arch Demon''s voice is slower but still steady. It''sing to terms with the reality of this situation.


    "I''ve Lost. I''ve lost to a human. A message has been sent across the abyss to the superior Arch Demons. They will know your battle style and all of your skills. You''ve bested me with your filthy imitation of Demonic Energy Control, but this is as far as you''ll go."


    I power through the body doubles defenses and slice it in two.


    The main Demon''s body begins to fizzle out and the crackles of sparks cease. It leaves me with a final remark.


    "You cannot stop what''s already in motion. In time, your world will be ours."


    The sparks stop, and the arena falls silent.


    All that remains is a melted silver sword and a pile of ck ash.


    ______________


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Body Double [Special Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Bonded Familiar Skill Link]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    ______________


    Multiple lines of text hover over the Arch Demon''s remains as I eye my status screen reading out Level 514. I choose yes on both options and two new skills enter my skill slots.


    The Frost Dragon dies once its master ceases to exist. Bonded Demons and Dragons seem to share an essence upon death.


    I whisper under my breath in confusion, sporting a wide grin.


    "It''s... over...?"


    Usually, battles like this end with me critically injured or unconscious when I try out a new skill orst-resort option to defeat a truly superior opponent.


    I assumed today would be no different...


    The body of the enormous ice dragon falls from the sky and Ember hovers above the mountain pping his wings.


    I gulp, taking a step forward as the remains of the Final Boss begin to dissolve.


    Before they do, a small yellow glimmer of sparks glisten from the tips of my sword and dagger.


    I feel a sharp pain in my chest, then my vision pulses to ck and white. I gasp for a breath of air and fall to my knees.

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    After what feels like a hot sword thrust through my chest and an electric shock rippling through my body, I hit the ground struggling to breathe.


    Shock and confusion fill my mind as the room''s colors fade to ck and white again.


    "W-What''s going on...?"


    Thest few seconds of this battle are mostly a blur, but I''m positive I won.


    I defeated the Arch Demon, and it told me everything I wanted to know. This doesn''t make any sense.


    Actually, now that I have a moment to think... nothing that demon said makes any sense.


    It''s sending a message across the abyss? Demonic Energy being the pinnacle of Demon''s power? The King is trying to take over this world?


    Also... the fact that I wasn''t able to sense any mana while wielding this new skill and defeated a Labyrinth Guardian with a single attack is mind-boggling.


    With so many unanswered questions swirling around in my head, it makes it difficult to focus on the real problem at hand.


    The grip on both of my des loosens, and my knees rest on the cold hard floor of the Boss Room.


    Yellow and white lights still crackle from the tips of the two weapons. My eyes widen as the reactions slowly start to grow. It looks exactly like the result of mana and demonic energy canceling each other out.


    *Clink*


    In the same moment, a palm-sized ck sphere falls to the floor in front of me out of a dissolving pile of ash. Blue text hovers above it.


    [Arch Demon''s Core] +100% All Stats


    Letting go of my weapons, I grab the orb and it instantly sinks into my palm just like the previous one I bonded with. The stat boosts are immediate, and the natural perception additions are very noticeable.


    Before I can enjoy this moment in my dazed state, the sharp pain in my chestes back. This time around it''s even more intense. I can feel a headacheing on too.


    I rest both hands on the floor and watch another dark ck line appear on my other forearm. It winds up to my shoulder and curves to my chest. I can only assume my eyes have grown much lighter after this core absorption too.


    My gaze darts back and forth as I try to catch my breath and stand to my feet. The sword and dagger I left on the ground are crackling and popping with sparks. The reactions are only growing, so all I can think to do is open my item storage system and put them inside.


    The white spatial magic portal opens and a voice enters my ears as Ember flies down from the sky with a shiny silver amulet hanging from his mouth.


    "Stop."


    I look up and appraise the item he''s holding on instinct.


    [tinum Amulet of Frost] +137% Mental Strength +90% Ice Magic


    The sharp pain in my chest returns, but bare it without falling over. It keepsing back every time I use magic.


    Ember keeps speaking.


    "That was horribly reckless, but I believe it may have been one of the best options to secure a guaranteed victory."


    I grit my teeth while nodding and look up at the enormous ranked-up dragon thatnds in front of me on the hard ground. He''s excited about this new upgrade, but the worried expression tells me now isn''t the time to celebrate.


    I use self regeneration on my full body and dump out an HP potion from my item box to attempt to heal whatever is making this horrible pain.


    Once all the shimmering green liquid from the bottle disappears, I feel as good as new...


    Sporting a grin I let out a sigh and use telekinesis to grab the swords on the ground, as well as the golem cores I disconnected from during my match earlier.


    "I''m alright."


    I open up my storage portal wide.


    "Come on, the transfer magic will activate soon. It''s best to-"


    Again, the world around me pusles back and white and I fall to the dungeon floor.


    Ember speaks.


    "Demonic Energy Poisoning."


    "..."


    "You''ve given yourself Demonic Energy Poisoning."


    I slowly struggle to stand to my feet, then see the ck lines that run down my wrists start to glimmer with the same yellow and white glow as my swords.


    My heart skips a beat as I piece together what''s happening. I whisper under my breath.


    "There''s... no way to stop this is there...?"


    All I get in silence in return. Ember nods slowly as my mind runs wild. I quickly open my status and scroll through my new skills.


    "Ice magic is great... but it can''t help me right now. Self-regeneration and HP potions won''t help so life steal is a dud too... Body Double-"


    _______________


    Body Double


    Info: The Body Double skill allows the caster to create an exact copy of their being up to 75% of the mana control and 90% of the level and natural stat capacity of the original form. This double will obtain every skill the original body possesses, but none of the active buffs.


    Magic items will also receive a doubled form, but cannot be transferred to any other being. Once a double is killed, all items and the essence of the doubled being will dissolve into pure mana. No experience points can be earned from killing a body double.


    The [Special Grade] perk allows the caster to control doubles while asleep, unconscious, or in suspended animation indefinitely. Up to two body doubles may be controlled at once.


    Grade: [Special Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    _______________


    I scan this new skill, and ideas start churning.


    Ember''s voice echoes in my mind as my wrists begin to crackle and spark with very visible light now.


    "That''s right. There''s no known cure. I''ve heard of skills that dull its effects, and certain monsters that can cut off their magic supplies to pause the reaction, but the process has already begun. At this rate. You''ll bepletely consumed in less than 5 minutes... I will too."


    I grit my teeth and respond.


    "I''ll find a way..."


    Ember smiles and gives me a slow nod while closing his eyes.


    I keep scrolling through my status, thene across a skill I didn''t think would be useful.


    Ember''s words repeat in my mind so many times, that I speak them out loud.


    "A cure..."


    ____________


    Hibernation


    Info: Hibernation allows the user to fall into a deep slumber and cure any curse, disease, or illness given enough time.


    Hibernation costs a set amount of MP upfront and the user will not require food, water, or excess mana until the process isplete.


    If awoken before Hibernation isplete, progress will be 100% negated.


    The effectiveness of Hibernation is greatly decreased if a curse or disease inflicted on the useres from a being of significantly greater mana control or level. It may take significantly more MP toplete a difficult request.


    The user''s defenses will decrease by 99% during Hibernation.


    The user''s defenses will decrease by 50% for 12 hours following Hibernation.


    [These De-buffs may not bepletely removed by any skill below the Mythic Rank]


    [Special Grade] Perk: Hibernation time is decreased by 50% and upfront MP cost is reduced by 35%. Post Hibernation De-buffs may be reduced by up to 50% with specified MP cost depending on the severity of the ailment cured.


    Grade: [Special Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    ____________


    My eyes open wide as another blue text box shines in front of my eyes


    [Use Hibernation]


    Cure: Mana Fatigue[Jay Soju], Demonic Energy Poisoning [Jay Soju, me Emperor''s Sword, Wind Tyrant''s Dagger]


    Cost: 523.06k MP


    Time: 9.2 Days


    [YES][NO]


    "I got it."


    If I ept right now, odds are I''ll be incapacitated before being transported back to Sra. This doesn''t seem like a good option to me. It''s not that I don''t trust my team, it''s just that I''d rather not bet on chance when there''s a much better option in front of me.


    I walk over to Ember, making contact with him, and my two des


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Using the minimum amount of MP possible, I teleport us back to a dungeon that I conveniently made a transport point to not so long ago.


    A wolf dungeon in the cave system where the Lava Smander creatures lived. It was either this or the rat dungeon. Teleporting back to the capital may be too risky in more ways than one. I think about the Titan''s domain. Using a time dtion would make this a lot quicker, but I''m not quite sure how that much mana would react to Demonic Energy. Today isn''t the day to find out.


    Rocky and grass-covered ground spreads throughout a mountainous forest-like E-ss Dungeon I''ve teleported to instead.


    Ember speaks as the lush trees and warm air contrast the Labyrinth''s freezing cold Boss Room we just left to the most extreme degree.


    He raises his head.


    "Master, what''s the n?"


    I fall to the ground as the mana usage blinds me.


    The sparks on my forearms are only growing in size. I need to finish this now before I pass out or worse.


    I reply through a clenched jaw.


    "Body Double."


    Just like the Arch Demon, a sh of white light and sparks create a second copy of my being. It hurts, but this needs to be done. Now I have two simultaneous perspectives.


    I gulp, then fall to the floor with my main body and activate Hibernation. More and more sparks climb up my arms every second.


    [Use Hibernation]


    Cure: Mana Fatigue[Jay Soju], Demonic Energy Poisoning [Jay Soju, me Emperor''s Sword, Wind Tyrant''s Dagger]


    Cost: 752.89k MP


    Time: 14.4 Days


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes and activate my plunderer skill to feed it everyst drop of mana it requires without a moment''s hesitation. The MP needed and time required has risen since thest time I checked. The reaction has be worse, this all makes sense.


    A few seconds pass as I take in mana in the surrounding dungeon. Then, my main body''s vision fades to ck.


    From my double''s perspective, I watch my body fall limp and the violent sparks cease to climb my arms. I''m surrounded by a very light green aura and blue text hovers above my body.


    [Hibernation Activated]


    Time Remaining: 14.4 Days

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    It''s a very odd feeling... Looking at my own body lying asleep on the rocky floor.


    I peer down at my wrists and see that the sparks havepletely stopped for this body too. However, I feelpletely normal.


    I open my item storage, and all of my items are there. Including the exact sword and dagger on the floor by my feet. I''m level 462... and my mana control is much lower than it was moments ago. Even so, it''s still much higher than it was before I ranked up.


    These items are just mana-imbued copies and will disappear once my cloned body fades and this temporary power debuff will leave soon too. They look and feel exactly the same are real items, even with my perception skill activated, I can''t tell a difference.


    It doesn''t matter at all what happens to this body. Even if I''m killed, I''ll still wake up in my original form in 2 weeks.


    After letting out a long sigh, I look up at Ember and he''s already speaking through our link.


    "A new trick saves the day again. How interesting..."


    We make eye contact, then both stare at my body on the floor for a few seconds.


    The realization that the Labyrinth is copsing as we speakes across my mind. I need to teleport back there, or my teammate will think I''ve died... I open the link with Emebr.


    "This is urgent. I have to leave. Just 14 days... I need my body kept safe for 2 weeks in this dungeon while it''s being healed. Absorb all the mana you want, and take out monsters too. Just no killing humans or being seen by anyone, and don''t copse this dungeon."


    He nods.


    "Understood. Be safe."


    I grin, nodding back.


    "I will. See you soon."


    I Dunegon Walk back to the Boss Room, and just in time.


    A celebration with Ember would have been nice, but there''s no time for that. I tested a new dangerous ability and my gamble paid off. There are consequences to ying with the odds. Sometimes not everything falls in my favor. Then again, maybe it does.


    My feet hit the cold ground. The Boss Room is empty and silent. There isn''t even a hint of a breeze to push the remaining snow back onto the naked mountains or rock-covered battlefield.


    I do a quick scan of my surroundings and confirm all my senses and skills work fine...


    I reach into my item storage and even pull out a copy of my sword to check it again too. Its buffs have dropped down to the equivalent that they were when I was at level 462 before.


    With my conceal skill''s special grade perk I hide my new ck tattoos and glowing white eyes, reverting my appearance back to the normal human state. Even my Demon''s cores were replicated.


    Almost 50 seconds pass before the world around me fades to white.


    "Just in time. It''s over..."


    The entire Labyrinth fades into nothingness and transports all its participants back to the small mana-shielded room where the entrance portal stood spinning just a few hours ago.


    The hunters that were guarding the 18th and 19th floors must have left. I don''t sense their presence, and there''s no way they could have managed to climb any higher to help us out.


    Once the bright sh of light clears and the buzzing sound of shielding fills my ears, I see all 5 of my teammates in front of me.


    They''re all breathing heavily. Some covered in sweat, and all of them exhausted. My main body was on the brink of copse before I used everyst bit of strength to activate my hibernation skill. My double''s body that I''m currently using is seemingly fine...


    The first excitedughing voice I hear from my left side is Maria''s.


    Her wide smile, blond hair, and bright blue eyes are the first thing I see once my feet hit the solid floor.


    "We did it! In record time too! Haha, good job guys!"


    She jumps around glowing light blue as Abby starts to make her rounds healing everyone up from mana fatigue and checking for any extra injuries.


    Both Arie and Fisher are practically leaking with new power. My eyes widen as I start to speak up to ask a question, but I get my answer as the water wielder speaks first.


    "I finally Ranked Up!"


    He smirks, looking down at his body then back up at all of us with a confident stare.


    "I got an awesome new water defense buff too, nothing can get past me now. I''m on a whole new level. I''m easily on par with you now Lydia."


    He turns to the white-haired mage with his arms crossed.


    She gives him a thin smile and replies in a sarcastic tone.


    "Yeah, maybe."


    She practically ignores the blue-haired hunter and eyes me up and down curiously. She starts to walk over.


    "You defeated the Boss Room quickly... in less than 10 minutes by my calctions. That''s... very impressive. I can''t say I wasn''t doubting you..."


    She gulps, still struggling to understand something as her eyes scan my body up and down faster and faster.


    The mage tightens her lips, unable to piece something together, then speaks up again.


    "You seem stronger too. Congrats on the Rank Up."


    I nod, understanding there''s something more she''s trying to say, but now isn''t the time.


    "Thanks."


    Then look to Arie. He seemspletely distracted by his open status, so I don''t bother. We''ll have plenty of time to show off our new skillster.


    I speak up.


    "Let''s get out of here. Our mission in the Dark Continent is finally over. The City of Sra is safe."


    A round of smiles andughter follows and we start to climb the mana-imbued stairs up to the surface.


    The closer we get, the darker the mana shielding around us bes. I don''t remember it being this color on our way down...


    I activate my perception skills and am shocked to find I can''t sense anything outside of this structure.


    At first, I just push through thinking it''s a side effect of my weakened state, but the harder I try the thicker the walls seem to be.


    "Hey... this shielding is a lot different than when we entered isn''t it?"


    The smiles and cheerful conversation stop as everyone else begins to notice too.


    Lydia speaks.


    "You''re right."


    Her expression darkens.


    "This looks like A-Rank graded shielding. I didn''t know they even had this kind of supplies out here in the desert."


    I clench my jaw, assuming the worst.


    Fisher rolls his eyes.


    "They thought we would fail. That''s it, isn''t it? There''s nothing to worry about guys. The Srans just wanted a failsafe for their city if we all died."


    He lets out a sigh, then yells up thest flight of stairs as we continue forward.


    "Real nice of you all! Appriactae the faith you put in your saviors."


    He smirks.


    I don''t buy it, continuing to expand my perception range, but an impossibly dense wall of pure magic blocks me. The particles are so thinly locked together that it''d take me hours to see through.


    Then, I feel a crack in the shielding just 15 meters ahead. The entrance door opens for a split second, allowing me to feel the entire city outside, then ms shut with a loud thud. I''m cut off again.


    A loud bang shakes the floor, and a strange cloud of invisible mana-imbued energy shoots out of it. I can only barely sense it with my skills, and utter out a few words before the wave of bizarre matter hits us.


    "Watch out for- the- a...."


    My thoughts go nk as soon as I''m enveloped in the invisible silent cloud. My vision goes blurry and all of my skills automatically deactivate as I fall to the floor. It feels like electricity is shooting through my veins.


    The 5 teammates around me falling in a simr fashion to my sides is thest thing I see before everything goes ck.


    Is this the Sran government? The Association? A team of rogues?


    I can''t figure out what''s happening, and for some reason, my poison resistance nor any of my other active skills are activating.


    I manage to swing in and out of consciousness as a team of men in jet-ck hazmat suits open the locked door of the special shielding and take our bodies away.


    The light outside is bright, but it''s impossible to make out where we''re headed before I pass out again.


    My head hurts and my body is numb. I desperately attempt to move my limbs or activate my telekinesis, but something is interrupting my ability to cast magic. None of my skills work at all. There''s a horrible ringing in my ears that makes it impossible to keep my thoughts straight and the rhythmic pounding of my heartbeat is only getting louder.


    As I wake up again, it''s unclear how much time has passed. I know one thing for sure, I''m being carried down a flight of steps. It''s dark and the ringing in my ears has only gotten worse. This time, unbearable.


    I pass out again.


    Everything goes dark.


    I wake up a final time and the ringing in my ears and pain in my temples has finally subsided.


    I''m sat in a chair and my wrists are both cuffed to a table. The space around me is dark, and my mouth is dry.


    All I hear is a woman''s voice echo from the darkness at the back of the ominous underground cement-walled room.


    "Congrattions on clearing the Labyrinth. Wee to your debriefing."

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    A tall woman in dark clothing walks out from the shadows in the back of the room. Her voice echos as she gets closer and my eyes slowly adjust to the dim yellow-tinted lightinging from a single flickering bulb.


    Short blond hair hardly reaches her shoulders but covers her face enough so that shadows hide all of her defining features.


    The woman wears a tight ckbat suit with silver daggers, and assorted magical items on her midsection and tied around both thighs.


    I gulp and squint my eyes, attempting to activate inspect and appraisal, but they won''t turn on... My cuffs tighten around my wrists even more and I feel a wave of fatigue pass over me.


    My eyes widen more as her footsteps get louder and she continues to walk forward at me.


    Her face is bing visible now and isn''t familiar at all.


    The woman has mature and stern features, but they''re symmetric and devoid of any imperfections. Her hazel eyes glimmer in the dim light as she speaks up again, now across from me at the opposite edge of the table less than 2 meters away.


    "Good to see you''re finally awake."


    She crosses her arms and a silver badge on her chest shimmers. It''s 3 numbers on a small pinbeled "005". My gaze tightens as I attempt to activate my skills and tear my hands from the ck metal cuffs holding me to the grey metal table.


    Again, nothing activates and my muscles be extremely tired after attempting to brute force my way out. Just a fraction of a second worth of exertion feels like I just finished an hour-long battle. The fatigue hits me instantly, and I let my head droop.


    I should be able to break through metal like this easily, but it gives off the same odd feeling as the gas-like substance that was used to knock us out.


    I let out a sigh, raise my head, and reply.


    "What do you want with me?"


    She tightens her own gaze in response and a corner of her lip turns up.


    "You''re cool-headed now, aren''t you? No where am I? Who are you?"


    She leans in over the table and her grin widens.


    "Most of your friends had a much more aggressive response when waking up. Especially that green-haired girl, she was a nightmare."


    The woman chuckles.


    I clench my jaw and scan the room as my eyes adjust more and it gets much clearer than moments ago.


    There''s a heavy metal door at the back, no more than 5 meters behind the blond. The walls are made of pure cement with no decorations or even windows. The floor matches the dull grey coloring and it''s damp covered in dirt and shallow pools of water.


    I''m sitting on a small wooden stool and my hands are attached to a cold metal table by a pair of cuffs that must be a magic dampening item of some sort. Dark linese out from under the cuffs and move up my forearms...


    My conceal skill is deactivated, she can see my true form.


    I want to curse her out and break the walls down, but I swallow my words, not wanting to provoke this woman in this weakened state. There''s not much I can do other than hear what she has to say for the time being.


    "I''ll say it again. What do you want from me...?"


    She continues to grin, looking down at my wrists, then up to stare directly into my white eyes.


    "I want to know what you saw up there. It appears you''re the only member of your squad that made it to the final Boss Room. I need a full report."


    I gulp again, staring back at her unwavering expression.


    The woman''s outfit looks like a uniform but has no branding or special marks to signify she''s from the Association. This could be a special unit I''ve never heard of that deals with higher-level matters, or possibly a Sran-exclusive organization.


    Myst guess would be rogues, but to pull off a heist to this degree without fail, it''s highly unlikely.


    I reply.


    "I defeated the final floor. A sh of white light brought me back and the Labyrinth copsed just like a dungeon."


    She rolls her eyes, then leans in even further less than half a meter from my face.


    "I''m not stupid. You have two cores. This isn''t your first time... I''m not sure how you managed to get away with copsing a full Labyrinth in the past without us noticing, but we have you now so crisis averted."


    I freeze up.


    She knows about the cores... which means she knows exactly how Labyriths work. The only other notable hunters I know that have this kind of knowledge are the A-ss, Rodrigo, and the Regional Director, Brutus.


    Who is this woman...? Who does she work for...? And What does she really want from me?


    I grit my teeth, but she speaks again before I get the chance to.


    "Come on, spit it out. Was it an Earth Dragon? No, Lightning, it was a Lighting Dragon, wasn''t it? It was a-"


    I cut her off.


    "Tell me who you work for and I''ll tell you what I saw."


    Her expressionpletely changes. The air pressure in the room shifts too.


    Instantly, she reaches for the silver dagger strapped to her thigh and makes it glow white while pointing it straight at my throat.


    "This isn''t a negotiation. I ask questions and you answer, got it?"


    She thrusts it forward, stopping millimeters away. I can feel the thinyer of mana shielding react with my skin but can''t activate my own to protect myself.


    She''s definitely an Elite level hunter or higher, but without my perception skills, it''s hard to tell more.


    Her expression grows more stern and she takes the knife from my throat and stabs it straight through my right hand without a hint of hesitation.


    "You single-handedly took out an Arch Demon and sessfully absorbed its core without suffering a single scratch or showing any signs of mana fatigue. This is a feat less than 5% of Elites ever reach in their entire careers."


    I roll my eyes, gritting my teeth and bearing the pain of a dagger through my hand dripping blood, I respond.


    "I''m sure plenty of Elites could have taken that Demon out."


    She smiles, taking her hand off the de but leaving it stuck through my hand and the metal table underneath it.


    The blond crosses her arms and starts walking back and forth side-eyeing me.


    "Good. Information. We''re getting somewhere."


    She stops pacing.


    "Now, what unique skills did this Demon have?"


    Blood flows from my hand as I stare up at the woman in anger.


    She''s not going to tell me a single thing about her. The only clue I have is the number on her uniform and the fact that she can wield mana shielding. Her fair skin makes it more likely that she isn''t from around here, and most likely from outside the walls. Other than that, It''s hard to tell anything else for now...


    I curse under my breath, then respond through a clenched jaw.


    "Association, or Sran? At least tell me that much."


    She smirks, grabs a knife from her other pant leg, and begins twirling it around her fingers.


    "As I said before, I ask the questions and you give the answers. This is how it''s going to work."


    She points the knife to my neck again and asks the same question.


    "What skills did that red-horned creature have? We know most Greater Demons have a teleport skill, but Arch Demons often have varied abilities. What did it have?"


    I feel the tip of the cool de touch the upper side of my chin and blood trickles down to make clinking sounds as it hits the metal table.


    I whisper through gritted teeth.


    "That''s it. It only had a teleport skill."


    Her eyes sh white, then she stabs my left hand with the new silver de. She gets close to my face again and yells with a twisted grin.


    "Don''t lie to me."


    I feel blood flow from my other hand as well now as I feel her breath on my nose and mouth.


    "The only way you''re getting out of here is if you tell me what I want to know. Do you understand? If I kill you here and now, I''ll take your cores and that''ll be the end of it. So it''s in your best interest to spill it. You may get a chance to walk."


    This time around, I don''t even react. If she''s really going to torture me until I talk, the best thing I can do is stay silent and think of a way to escape. If she kills me, those cores will disappear once my real body wakes up anyway.


    I tighten my lips and don''t respond, deep in thought.


    She leans in even closer to me, less than a few millimeters away, and whispers.


    "No one knows you''re here. No one ising to save you. No one can-"


    I back my head up slightly, then swing forward and smack my forehead against hers, stopping her from speaking mid-sentence.


    Pain splinters through my skull, down my spine, and makes its way through my full body, nearly knocking me out.


    The instant fatigue from these ck cuffs hits as I exert any excess force, but It''s worth the pain and energy.


    I let out augh as the blond-haired woman falls backward onto the floor wide-eyed with an expression of shock on her face. There''s a light sloshing sound from a shallow pool of water as she hits the floor.


    My interrogator immediately scrambles to her feet, unharmed but covered in green and ck grime and red-faced with anger.


    "You want to y games? I can y games... I said I''d kill you if you don''t tell me what I ask you! Do you not value your life?"


    The woman puts her hands on her hips and stares at me.


    "You asked for it..."


    Her eyes fall to her soaked uniform, disgusted by the sour-smelling liquid covering her left side.


    "You may be tough now, but let''s see how you handle a few days without food and water. Those wounds on your hands won''t heal easily without magic. You''ll talk. They all do."


    I smirk, still amused by her fall.


    She turns around, unlocking the metal door at the back of the room and speaking in a lower more serious tone."


    "Really think about your situation. Just answer my questions and all of this can be over. I''m not an enemy, so don''t turn me into one."


    I give her no response, and she slowly nods.


    "Looks like you''ll be difficult. Enjoy your peace of mind while you still have some left."


    She turns back to me with an indifferent look on her face, then ms the door.


    It echoes for a moment before I''m left with a knife in the back of each hand sitting in a damp empty room.


    Letting out a sigh, I talk out loud to myself.


    "Well, that probably could have gone a lot better... Now, how am I going to get myself out of this one?"

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    My eyes dart around the small room looking for any possible ways to break free, or even narrow down where I''ve been taken.


    Nothing appears after minutes of searching. I''m really just stuck in a nd empty room.


    One thing I know for sure, once I get out here I''m not going back to the Association with open arms. This is all their fault. Withholding information and giving constant orders for worthless store credits was what I needed to do to get ess to more powerful dungeons and learn more about the world.


    Now, getting involved with these organizations has proven to be much more trouble than good.


    I''ve grown exponentially, have teleportation ess to the Vice Citybyrinth, and wield more than enough skills to blend in wherever I need to.


    Whether it''s finding a home in Sra, or venturing out to one of the other regions other than Vice, they all seem much more pleasing than working like a blind ve moving forward.


    I take in a deep breath and talk to myself again.


    "No more following orders... and no more helping the weak... someone always takes advantage of my kindness."


    Sometimes I forget why I started all of this.


    I just wanted to get stronger and have fun doing it. This isn''t to help people, I''m here to help myself. I only got involved with the Association because I had to. Look what that''s led me to. Handcuffed in the basement of some rival organization''sir.


    Or even worse, this could be the Association''s doing. There''s definitely of chance I was betrayed by that grey-haired regional director.


    Whatever the truth is, I''ll figure it out in time. Now, all signs point to getting the hell out of here and not looking back.


    "But how...?"


    Sitting in silence, I try to activate my magic again. I scroll down every skill on my list and not a single one activates. Each time I try, not even a hint of magic is produced. My natural mana stores have been drained to 0 and these cuffs are blocking off any ability to wield or gather in more from around me.


    It feels like an invisible veil has been cast over my skin, blocking me from sensing or using mana.


    "Breaking out with magic is not going to be an easy option..."


    Next on my possibilities list is just sitting here and taking the beating for 14 days until my real body heals itself and wakes up. That woman says she''ll kill me if I don''t cooperate, but she wouldn''t have gone through all this trouble to keep me alive and give me time to think if that was the case.


    Little does she know, killing me is my most sought-after option. I shrug.


    "I guess I''ll wait."


    That''s exactly what I do.


    An hour passes, and nothing happens at all. The room stays silent, and my mind keeps wandering to try and piece together where that woman could possibly be from.


    None of the clues given so far make any sense, and thinking about it more is just making my head hurt.


    Another hour goes by.


    The pain from the knives in my hands hurts, but the fact that this flesh is a meaningless clone mentally dulls the pain.


    Two more long hours slowly pass.


    Footstepse by my door, but trail away as fast as they came, leaving me in silence again.


    "Looks like she really meant it. I''ll be alone here for quite a while."


    I''ll have to do something productive to pass my time. There must be something I can work on that won''t waste these 14 days of waiting. I let out a sigh.


    "There''s only one skill I haven''t tried yet."


    The reasoning behind this is that it backfired horribly thest time I tried.


    Demonic Energy Maniption.


    There isn''t a drop of magic running through my veins, so if there was ever a time to practice, it''d be now...


    I take a deep breath and then activate the skill. Instantly my vision goes ck and white, just like it did back in the Boss Room. Back then, I could see and sense particles of ck energy floating around the air very clearly. Now, I don''t sense any at all.


    The only things perceivable to me while using this skill are my two Demon''s Cores, and the thin pathways leading from my fingertips through my arms and to my chest. The same paths leave my chest and are used to distribute this energy to my brain, back to my arms, and down my legs.


    These are the same pathways used for mana maniption, but I don''t often think about it much. Wielding magic is easier to use instinctually than focusing on the exact position of the individual particles.


    Maybe learning how these pathways work would help me improve in the future.


    "Or right now..."


    I get the faint sensation of Demonic Energy far up above me. It''s difficult to picture the exact distance, but it seems to be over 500 meters away up and to my left side.


    It''s the only hint of energy I can sense, so Itch onto it and pull it closer.


    At first, my weak pull hardly moves it, but the closer it gets the faster I''m able to reel it in. The tiny wisp of ck energy is minusculepared to the amount I was wielding in the boss room. It''d take a few thousand of these strands to stack up to that energy I was handling earlier.


    It makes sense. I''m not even in a dungeon. There''s hardly any natural mana out in the real world, so I''m lucky to have found any Demonic Energy at all.


    Its origins and exact properties are still a mystery to me, but I assume this must be some residue from the copse. Or possibly just natural demonic energy floating in the world.


    Either way, I''ll absorb it soon.


    It takes nearly 5 minutes, but the small ck cloud of twisting matter finally enters the room. It slides through the ceiling without any resistance and seeps right into my fingertips.


    I grit my teeth as it feels exactly the same as it did before. The sensation of boiling water makes its way through my veins and slowly flows toward my cores. Thest time I tried this, I only had one core, the Greater Demons. This time, I have two.


    Although they''re technically imitations, they work exactly as they should. Therger Arch Demon''s core takes dominance and filters the dark-colored energy. The moment it hits the small ck orb in my chest, the cool feeling of fresh natural flowing water pours out the other side.


    It starts to spread all throughout my body and I stop to think.


    There are still small amounts of residue from the hot raw energy creeping toward the core. The bulk of it is cool and flows easily. The refined energy is much easier to control, It''s also what I used to attack the Demon.


    If I were to expel this now, the trace amounts of hotter raw residue would definitely still be in my wrists and arms leading up to my chest.


    A grin of satisfaction and realization crosses my mind...


    If I were to activate my magic in those same pathways while the residue is still present it would create the same chain reaction I witnessed earlier.


    "It all makes sense now..."


    I focus on the tiny remaining wisps of ck energy to filter through my core. Within a few seconds, just over 90% of it is gone.


    After a few more minutes, I''ve squeezed almost everyst bit through.


    It takes 20 full minutes to double and triple-check that everyst particle has made its way through. Now, the only energy that remains in my pathways is the cool and refined version.


    I think to myself again.


    This energy reacted even more extreme when it hit the Demon''s shielding. If my thoughts are correct, having any amount of even this refined Demonic Energy in my system when switching back to magic triggers the reaction.


    I decide to release an attack.


    Staring forward, I point my right index finger up in the air and let all of the power flow toward it.


    Instantly, a thin line of ck light flows out and shoots up about a meter into the air. Moments after it leaves my hand, it disperses and loses its tight thin shape then falls to make a miniature puddle on the silver table top in front of me. It swirls around like heavy air.


    It wasn''t much, and it all happened so fast.


    There''s no magic for it to react to, so it just sits there for a moment, not doing anything.


    I stare forward at the tiny thin palm-sized puddle of spinning ck energy.


    The puddle starts to shrink.


    It begins to evaporate.


    I watch with eyes wide open in awe for a moment, then try to pull it back in toward my fingertips again with my maniption skill/


    It doesn''t budge.


    "So interesting..."


    There''s still about 10% of the refined residue still flowing around in my pathways. After careful maniption, referencing the ways I tried to move the raw energy around, releasing thest bits of refined energy through my fingertips only takes a few minutes.


    By the time everyst drop is released, it all dissolves into thin air.


    "I did it."


    Ember said it would take extensive training to properly wield Demonic Energy and filter it through a core. He''s right, but I have a loophole that will make it much easier. I''ll master this new skill.


    These magic-dampening cuffs are a blessing in disguise. They may seem like an effective way to trap an elite-level hunter in normal human restraints, but in reality, whoever put me here has given me a perfect training ground to perfect my Demonic Energy Maniption.


    I focus on my surroundings and search for more. Using this skill actually causes me quite a bit of fatigue, but it''sbined with the fact that I''m locked to a table in a dark room without food or water.


    At this rate, I''m sure I''ll be fine for a few more hours of training this new skill.


    A few hours pass.


    I''m able to find 3 more simr-sided clouds of Demonic Energy all hovering around the same general area. Just over 500 meters away. I''vee to the conclusion that I''m about 100 meters underground, and a source just under half a kilometer away leaks out a small amount of energy every 60 to 90 minutes.


    I still can''t tell what the source is, or why it''s onlying from one direction, but that doesn''t matter much to me.


    All that does is I''m now able to filter through all of the raw energy in just 10 minutes and expel pure demonic energy up to about 95% on the first try. Slowly dripping the rest from my fingertips takes under 2 minutes in total on thest attempt.


    This is a huge improvement from my first, but there''s still a lot of work to do.


    Unfortunately, I''m exhausted after a long day of training.


    I deactivate my skill and rest my head on the cold hard table between my handcuffed arms.


    My stomach growls and my lips are dry, but that doesn''t stop me from falling asleep just minutester.


    Everything goes dark.


    Time passes.


    I''m not sure how many hours exactly, but it feels like almost half a day goes by before the loud sound of banging on a metal door wakes me up.


    It''s followed by a familiar blond woman''s voice.


    "Rise and shine Demon Boy! Let''s see if you feel like talking today."

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    As my eyes adjust to the dim yellow light again after a long night of rest the metal door at the back of the room swings open.


    The short-haired blond walks in with two new silver daggers on her thighs and a leather pouch over her shoulder that seems to be some variation of an item box. She sports a wide grin, showing off her annoyingly symmetric pearly white teeth.


    The woman takes a few steps forward and then reaches into the item box to pull out a small wooden stool, a long leather whip, and a silver key. Next, she takes out a small brown box and a crystal clear bottle of water. The scent of spices and hot food fills the air, there must be food in that box.


    She ces all of the assorted items on top of the small stool simr to the one I sit on at the back of the room as the door ms shut.


    The blond gets close, but far enough away this time that I won''t be able to reach her with my forehead. She speaks while grabbing one of her knives and twirling it around.


    "How was your night? Any trouble sleeping? I bet you''re feeling more talkative today, aren''t you?"


    She smirks, but my eyes are more lively than yesterday after the great night of rest I just woke up from.


    I reply, looking at her, then moving my gaze to all of the gear she brought in.


    "Just fine. What''s on the menu today?"


    My mouth is dry and my stomach is empty, but oddly enough it''s not as extreme as I would have expected. This may be a positive side effect of using a body double skill. These clones may need less food and water to exist than a regr person, I''m not positive yet.


    She replies, ripping out both of the knives from the back of my palms with her free hand in one rough motion.


    "If you cooperate, maybe you''ll find out. It''s all yours if you talk."


    The blood-soaked des hit the ground behind her with a ng and a ssh. Crimson liquid starts to leak onto the table again as she''s reopened my wounds.


    "Now, where were we?"


    The woman looks up at the ceiling and then back to me.


    "What unique skill did that Demon have, and what element did its Dragon possess?"


    She puts a foot up on the table and continues spinning her de, then takes out her other one. My eyes gloss over and I just stare dully ahead while replying in a monotone voice.


    "It''s just going to be the same as yesterday isn''t it."


    She angrily reacts.


    "Yeah, and worse is you keep that attitude."


    She points the des to my fingers.


    "We''ll do one nail for every hour you don''t cooperate."


    She turns to the pile of gear, pointing out the whip.


    "Then move to more extreme measures if you still have nothing helpful to say."


    I still don''t budge. I''m unsure if the fact that I know nothing that happens to this body matters is the mainponent of my calm attitude right now, or if this woman is just imperfect at her job... Telling your captive exactly what you''re going to do to them isn''t exactly prime torture tactics.


    Thinking about my situation even more, with a single release of Demonic Energy while she has her shielding activated, it would most likely be more than enough to take her out. However, if pushed hard enough she''ll leak information of her own. ying along for now may be beneficial.


    Returning my gaze back to her, I reply.


    "Do your worst."


    She does.


    Five hours pass and my entire left hand''s nails have been taken, but I don''t react much to the pain or the situation of guaranteed demise I''m trapped in from her perspective.


    Every time the woman asks what power the demon has or the element its bonded dragon wields, I continue to ignore her. asionally, I''ll return some questions back to her.


    "Who do you work for? Maybe I''d be more inclined to answer if I knew where this information was going."


    All I get in response each time are shes to the arms from her daggers and threats to take off my fingers instead of just the nails. I don''t react.


    Three more hours pass and I can tell she''s getting much more frustrated.


    After a bloody barrage of attacks followed by an indifferent dull response from me every time, I hear her curse under her breath as she paces near the back of the room.


    "If only it wasn''t for these cuffs, I could use mind magic on this brat. I need to figure out which one came back."


    I raise an eyebrow, then show a grin. This is the first bit of emotion I''ve shown all day.


    "Mind magic huh? Why can''t you use it now? What''s so special about these cuffs? Take them off, try it out."


    The most interesting detail that piques my interest is herst line. She needs to figure out which one came back...? Which what? Arch Demon? Dragon Type? Or something else...


    She scowls and grabs the whip at the back of the room letting out a fit of rage.


    "They said you''d be a special case and not to take those cuffs off for any reason for the chance that this special investigation would all bepromised."


    *Crack*


    Thesh hits me across the chest. Gritting my teeth and exhaling loudly I reply through the stinging sensation that rips my shirt.


    I mock her words from yesterday.


    "Good. Information. Keep iting... Now we''re getting somewhere."


    I chuckle.


    This only pisses her off more, leading to more cracks of her whip and bloody muttion from her daggers. The remark and info gathered were worth it.


    Two more hours pass, and we''re both exhausted by the end of it.


    Possibly her more than me. Both covered in blood and sweat, she decides to end today''s session here. The one thing that irks me a bit is the satisfied look on her face.


    With a smirk, the blond opens the door and turns back to me.


    "Now you understand what the next few days will be like. I can do this for as long as I need to, it''s best you cooperate. If not, tomorrow will be even worse."


    She ms the door shut, and I let out a long sigh while cing my head down on the blood-soaked table. My entire body burns with gashes from that whip and my hands can barely move from the knife marks andck of nails.


    I take a deep breath in and out, then begin my Demonic Energy Maniption training without a moment of hesitation.


    The small trace amounts of ck wisps continue to spawn every 30 minutes or so just 500 meters away. If I don''t grab onto them within a few minutes of them spawning, they float away.


    I manage to filter the energy 6 times this session. Even though I''m on the verge of exhaustion, it''s much easier to manipte the ck matter this time around.


    By the time the 3 hours of training are up, I''m able to filter the raw power through my core to 100% refined energy in under 2 minutes. Expelling it in a single thin de-like line has be easier too. The initial expulsion uses up almost all of the energy and I can propel it all the way to the back wall of the room. It hits the metal door, but doesn''t do any damage and hardly makes a sound. It still takes 15 seconds to drip out all of the remaining matter.


    The refined Demonic Energy dissolves away without a trace.


    "Good progress... but I need to get better."


    The fatigue catches up to me, and I begin to drift off.


    Before I can attempt to tamper with these cuffs or make an attack on the woman, I need to get more proficient. Plus, every day I keep her talking will potentially bring me more information. My goal is to absorb, refine, and expel Demonic Energy almost instantaneously before attempting an escape.


    At first, I just thought I''d just let her kill me and forget about all of this to go rogue in silence, but the more she tortures me the more it seems she''s enjoying herself. It doesn''t matter if she''s just a hired grunt, or doing all of this by her own free will. I''ll get revenge on this woman no matter what.


    My new mission is to make her suffer the same fate as she''s given me, then burn the organization that trapped me here to the ground.


    Everything fades to ck as I fall asleep.


    Many hourster, I wake up to the sound of loud metal banging and the woman''s voice as she barges in through the door.


    Today, I have a new n.

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    "Rise and Shine. Today''s the day you spill it."


    The womanes in with her usual food, water, and torture weapons wanting to know more about the Demon and the Dragon I fought. She''s much more straight-faced today and doesn''t fold under any of my initial questions or tauntings.


    I lose a lot of blood from deepshes and she even tries cutting my fingers rather than just the nails.


    Her newest method is a torch soaked with a mmable substance that she continuously uses to poke and prod me while asking questions. I don''t even flinch from the heat so she stops this after just a few hours.


    My month-long training sessions of solitude and battles with ruthless monsters have been much worse than this. I can handle a few cuts and burns from a human. My physical appearance on the other hand tells a different story.


    This only works in my favor.


    The woman''s cooler demeanor flips back to the same hint of rage I witnessed yesterday.


    "What''s with you? Is this information really that valuable that you''d rather die than give it away?"


    Instead of my usual silent or dull generic one-word answers, I decide to entertain her now. Last time she was in this state she leaked much more than intended.


    The woman tightens her lips while taking a step back.


    I respond with a smug look on my face.


    "Is the information that important that you''d waste days down here instead of killing me?"


    I get another angrysh across the chest as her eyes glimmer with rage.


    "I''d face a worse fate than you if you died before giving me any information."


    Then another.


    *Crack*


    She keeps yelling.


    "You''re just a nut case. It''s been 3 days since you had any food or water and you''re mutted beyoing repair yet you''re smiling like you have the upper hand here."


    I cough and spit out blood showing her the grin that she despises.


    "So you can''t kill me until I talk? That''s good to know."


    *Crack*


    Her face goes red again and any hopes of a conversation dwindle.


    Another long day of torture continues.


    However, I''m not sure who''s in a worse position.


    A few more hours pass before she''s had her fill of action. The anger, frustration, and rage have turned into maniacalughs while she continues using every torture trick in the book.


    My questions and taunts aren''t getting through to her anymore, she doesn''t reply with anything meaningful. She just keeps asking the same questions in response.


    A few hourster, the blond tires out and begins to pack up to leave. Before doing so, she force-feeds me half a bottle of water, then walks out the door with a final line.


    "That''s so you don''t die overnight. You were correct. I can''t kill you until I get what I need, but you''ll wish I could."


    The metal door ms closed and I begin my Demonic Energy Maniption training almost immediately.


    I don''t have a status screen that gives me the exact amount of Energy I''m wielding, so to make things simple today I decided to name each individual wisp of energy as "1 Unit of Demonic Energy". They''re all roughly the same size, so it makes things simple.


    The unexpected cool liquid refreshment gives me enough energy to train for 5 hours straight. I manage to refine 9 wisps of energy and make a very intriguing discovery.


    I can achieveplete refinement in just over 1 minute per try. It''s some improvement, but not nearly as fast as I would have wished. It''s been mostly muscle memory and perfecting the flowing movements, not an innate power-up. So, I may just need much more practice and possibly more levels to get faster at this.


    Expelling the energy on the other hand has managed to be nearly instantaneous.


    I''ve figured out a method to speed up this process.


    If while absorbing the Demonic Energy in the surrounding area, I don''t allow it to leave my core after being refined I''m able to keep this refined ck swirling matter inside my core and not touching any of my pathways.


    When all of the refined energy is released at once directly from the core to whichever part of my body would like to release it from, 100% of the matter is expelled in a single shot.


    On my 9th and final attempt of the night, I manage to hold the Demonic Energy inside my core, deactivate my skill, and confirm that it remains refined even 10 minutester once I activate it again.


    The energy shoots out all the same creating a thin ck de-like shape before hitting the door in the back of the room with a loud ng.


    I fall asleep from the fatigue after this.


    Everything goes dark, and then my day of torture starts up the moment my eyes open again.


    "Rise and Shine!"


    I hear her voice ring out after the metal door swings open.


    There''s already a twinge of anger and frustration in her tone as she walks in. This is a good sign.


    I''ll just say quiet today and see if she lets anything out during her moments of rage. One or two more training sessions will be enough to start tinkering with the cuffs and nning my escape.


    The woman begins her punishments.


    An hour or so of the usual goes by. Then, she tries a few different tactics.


    "Don''t you want to see your friends? Tell me what I need to know and I''ll let you all go free!"


    The woman takes out the silver key that she shed to me on the first day as well.


    "There''s no need to be stubborn. Drop your pride and choose to survive. I''ll unlock your cuffs."


    I roll my eyes and don''t give in. Although, I''m jumping with excitement on the inside. There''s a small hole in the metal linking the ck cuffs together that looks like a key could fit inside. I wasn''t sure if that silver item was used for the cuffs or the door outside. Now It''s very clear to me.


    She taunts me more about my teammates, and her eyes get wider and crazier. I don''t bother reacting, I''m busy thinking about other things. Whatever is happening to my squad is beyond my control at the moment. Based on her previous actions and statements, it seems like there isn''t anything they have that she would want to know.


    I have no reason to trust this woman, so there''s no point in worrying about them now. I''m solely focused on myself.


    She can''t believe thisck of reaction, and the torture just gets more violent.


    Eventually, she says something new under her breath that piques my interest.


    "Everyone else is done with their interrogations, but I''m stuck working overtime for you."


    *Crack*


    I get hit by her whip again.


    I decide not to push her over the edge, thest time I did she gave me the silent treatment. The fact that she isn''t working alone is news to me. Now I know this is an organized operation. She''s working overtime...


    Instead of making a smug remark, I let my head and full body go limp. If she''s already talking to herself, I might as well let her keep it up.


    She murmurs inaudible curses, while continuously asking about the Demon and Dragon again, but gives up about 30 minutester. She lets out a long sigh and lifts my head by the air while staring into my half-open bloodshot eyes.


    "Looks like you''re too worn out for the day to be of any good use. We''ll pick this up tomorrow."


    She lets out a chuckle and forces a small amount of water down my throat. I don''t react, acting as unconscious as possible in the hope she lets another thing slip.


    The woman packs up her gear and opens the door.


    Her next words make my heart skip a beat...


    She murmurs under her breath.


    "Brutus could have given us more information on this bunch, I can''t get a word out of this brat. It''s going to be a long week."


    The moment the metal door ms shut, my blood begins to boil.


    Brutus. The Regional Director has something to do with this... I don''t know if she''s a private 3rd party hire, an association secret branch, or something different altogether.


    The only thing I know is I''m getting out of here tomorrow and getting to the bottom of this.


    With a clenched jaw, I begin my Demonic Energy Training. Another breakthrough is necessary today.


    I manage to refine 1 unit of energy, store it in my core, deactivate, and reactive my skill to expel an attack 3 times. Each time I would wait increasingly longer in between reactivating the skill just to make sure there''s no time limit.


    By the 3rd time, over an hour goes by while deactivated, so I''m fairly positive I can store this energy indefinitely.


    Next, I''ll find out how much I''m able to store at a time.


    Over the next 2 hours, I absorb 3 units of Demonic Energy into my core all at once. I turn off the skill, then turn it back on, allowing me to expel the energy in the same fashion nearly instantly without any issue.


    The form of the attack is a bit more distorted and imperfect, showing simrities to the blob of ck energy I released on the Arch Demon by the time it reaches the back wall. However, for the first few meters, the energy stays in a very concise and sharp knife-like form.


    I take 2 more hours to try it again.


    This time, I hold 3 full units in my core and release them in 3 separate 1-unit attacks. Each is much more stable for longer than the full 3-unit strike.


    This will do. I''ll have to train more another time to perfect it, but it''s not necessary right now.


    I absorb and refine 3 more units of energy, then wait with my eyes wide open until morning.


    My heart beats out of my chest and the final words that blond woman said repeat in the back of my head over and over keeping me awake and alert.


    Only 4 hours pass before I hear her voice ring out as the door flies open.


    I fake raising my head and show a disoriented squint.


    "Rise and Shine! Looks like you''re feeling much better thanst night! Shall we get started?"


    She smirks, taking out her gear and cing it at the back of the room.


    My jaw tightens and I stare forward at her with built-up anger waiting patiently for the perfect moment to make my move.


    She picks up on my tension and takes advantage of the situation.


    "Would you look at that. Finally realizing I''ve got you exactly where I want you, huh? It''s pointless to resist. Tell me what I need to know."


    She shows a devious smile with her eyes lock on me like she''s eyeing her prey.


    With her hips swaying back and forth, the woman walks over while reaching into her item box to pull out the silver key.


    She starts to spin it around her index finger as she gets closer and closer.


    "Just one word could set you free. Come on, I already told you I''m not the enemy. These may be harsh methods, but I''m on your side here. Trust me."


    Her footsteps get louder, and her voice gets muffled in my perception as she continues to talk.


    All I can see is the key...


    She leans over the table dangling the silver magic item right in front of my face.


    The woman is taunting me again, saying something about my teammates, and how long I''ll be in here if I refuse to speak. I can''t make out the full sentences.


    I''m much more focused on my Demonic Energy Maniption Skill activating.


    I take aim and prepare to attack. It''s time to make my escape.

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    It all happens in an instant.


    I shoot a thin ck de of refined energy from the tips of my fingers out of my bloodied right hand. It flies up in the air, heading straight for her left shoulder.


    The woman''s expression changes to disbelief, and she activates her mana shielding before the collision. She''s an elite-level hunter, so even whenpletely caught off guard her shielding activates for protection.


    Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, this is the worst move the blond could have possibly done.


    She lets out a scream as yellow and white sparks fly.


    Her mana shielding gets sliced clean through and her left shoulder takes the brunt of the explosion that follows.


    With no way of avoiding or blocking the iing attack, this results in a loud thud and ng as her disconnected arm hits the table in front of me. The rest of her body is blown backward from the st of expelled mana shielding.


    The silver key falls from her fingertips into a puddle of blood on the table between my cuffed wrists and chest.


    I tilt my head down and grab the key with my teeth, craning my neck forward to position it toward the keyhole during all the confusion.


    Her disconnected arm rolls off the table to hit the floor, and the woman looks at me from the other side of the room in utter shock. Her wound is dripping blood, but more importantly, crackling with yellow and white sparks on the parts exposed to my Demonic Energy colliding with her shielding.


    Even her disconnected limb is crackling and slowly dissolving into a pile of ash on the floor as I finally manage to get the key in the small hole.


    *Click*


    I deactivate my Demonic Energy Skill, making sure the only remaining 2 units of matter are locked away in my core.


    The cuffs both open at once, and I feel the world around me begin toe back to life in full color once again. The mana in the air is very weak but it''s more than the 0MP I''ve been subject to for thest few days.


    I immediately plunder just enough from my surroundings to use self regeneration on my burns and scars while re-growing my fingers and missing flesh.


    The silent shock turns to screams of horror from the woman sat in the back corner of the room. She just speaks in a frightened tone as I get up from the table.


    "N-No... H-How?"


    I use inspect and appraisal on her to make sure I''m not in over my head here.


    _____________


    [Lv. 312]


    Active Items:


    Golden Amulet of Protection [+70% Defense]


    Golden Ring of Power [+65% Strength][+50 Mental Strength]


    High-Grade B-ss Shielding Artifact [31/100][IC]


    Active Skills:


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Dagger Mastery


    _____________


    A ton of red gs pop up in my mind. Her level is way too low to operate mana shielding, but there''s an artifact in her status that somehow allows her to activate an artificial one. The [31/100] must be an amount of uses remaining, but the [IC] is a mystery to me.


    Her top skill on the other hand... I''ve seen it before, just not a legendary-grade version. The Director''s assistant has the same one. It makes sense someone with a simr skill would be put in a position like this.


    I make a mental note and take a step forward.


    She speaks again.


    "T-This is... W-What power did you just use? I-Impossible. Even A-ss hunters can''t use magic in those cuffs. It''s not-"


    I roll my eyes and cut her off while reaching into my item storage to take out my imitation sword, letting it flicker with mes.


    "Enough talking. I''m in charge now. I ask the questions."


    I turn my gaze to the remains of her severed limb as it has almost entirely turned to ash.


    "If you don''t want the rest of you to turn into that, I rmend you do as I say."


    She gulps, shedding tears while frantically looking at her wound and trying to use mana shielding to block out the reaction. I watch the artifact tick down to [30/100], then [29/100], and finally [28/100] before she stops.


    Every one of her attempts only makes the sparks fly even higher, speeding up the effect.


    She replies.


    "Y-You can stop it. Can''t you?"


    I smirk.


    "Of course, I''d just like you to answer a few questions first. Then I''ll stop it and let you go free."


    My version of stopping the reaction is killing her and letting it fizzle out on its own. Other than that, I''m as clueless as she is. There''s no way I know of that can stop this reaction once it''s started.


    Again, the short-haired blond weighs her options, but the sparks growing closer to her vital points only get worse for every second she stalls.


    It seems my twisted version of stopping the reaction is enough for her lie detector skill to believe I mean it.


    She nods.


    My questioning begins.


    "Who do you work for? How is Brutus involved? And why do they want this information about a Demon and a Dragon so badly?"


    She starts to speak but swallows her words.


    I light my sword on fire and point it at her while gritting my teeth.


    "You have less than 3 minutes to live if that reaction continues. I suggest you speak now."


    This is also true. Based on my experience, this is about how fast the sparks spread.


    She wipes her eyes with her remaining good arm, takes a deep breath and replies.


    "T-The Inner Circle."


    I raise an eyebrow as she shutters before continuing.


    "I''m just following orders... I-I don''t know why they want this information. A-And the Regional Director was just our information gatherer. He told us exact times, dates, and your physical descriptions."


    She gulps.


    "N-Now, please! Make it stop!"


    I yell back.


    "Who is the Inner Circle? Where can I find them? Does the Director run this group?"


    Her face goes white.


    "I-I don''t know. I just follow orders. I don''t know anything. I- I- Please help me-"


    I cut her off as the sparks start to spread to her chest and lower torso. It seems I''ve already hit a dead end here so some more urgent questions are necessary to answer now.


    "Last one and I set you free."


    Her eyes widen with hope as I continue.


    "Where are my teammates? How many others are working here? And who''s in charge?"


    The yellow and white crackling light particles move up her throat and down to her legs as she replies.


    "Th-Three floors up, your teammates are in the cells unit. Right now there 8 followers like me on duty and 1 Inner Link. That''s William- I mean number 1, he''s- he- h-"


    Her words begin to fade as the dazzling light show takes over.


    I nod and sigh, then point a finger at her forehead while acting my earth magic as well as my conceal skill.


    With the special grade conceal perk, I shift my face, body, and even clothing to look exactly like the woman. Her ckbat suit and daggers are replicated perfectly down to the silver pinbeled "005".


    Her eyes widen as she realizes exactly what''s happening.


    I shoot a small stone projectile through her forehead setting the woman free as promised.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Lie Detector[Legendary Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes as her remains sizzle away in a final violent disy of sparks.


    Even the magic items get destroyed in the reaction. I was looking forward to checking out that unique artificial shielding item. It''s a shame, but on the bright side, I got a new skill out of all of this.


    I check my status to see more details.


    _______________


    Lie Detector


    Info: The Lie Detector skill allows the caster to determine if the words an enemy speaks are true or false while making physical contact.


    The perk granted for surpassing the [Special Grade] rank allows the caster to use this skill on any words they hear. It doesn''t matter who speaks, or what distance they speak them from. The caster will know if it is a truth or a lie.


    The [Legendary Grade] perk allows the caster to know if the inner thoughts of a person are true or false with physical contact. It is reliant on audible answers, but if the truth is being bent the skill can tell.


    [Unique Perk] [Telepathy Holder] Physical contact is not necessary if this skill is paired with the Telepathy skill to temporarily perceive an enemy''s inner thoughts as spoken word. Only mana control of a significantly higher power can block this perk from activating.


    Grade: [Legendary Grade]


    [Upgrade]


    _______________


    "Incredible..."


    It''s an amazing skill, but I have no time to worry about this now.


    Left on the woman''s wooden stool, there''s a cold bottle of water and a box of steaming hot food. I dly ept both offerings and store the rest of her D and C ss magic items in my item storage.


    Then, I turn to the ck metal cuffs and silver key still resting in a puddle of my own blood on the table in the back of the room.


    Curiously enough, the cuffs never turned on or off. Even now, I don''t feel any magic powering from them. To me, they just seem like normal metal even while using my All-Seeing Eye.


    I walk over and try to pick them up.


    The second my finger touches the cool ck metal, all of my magic senses shut off in an instant. I pull my hand away and they turn back on.


    I attempt to put the cuffs in my item storage by leaning the table forward and letting them fall into my portal, but the moment they touch the white spatial magic, it disappears and the cuffs hit the ground with a ng and a ssh.


    I let out a sigh.


    "I guess I can''t have everything...."


    If I can''t transport this item without deactivating my magic, it''s best I leave it be. The key, on the other hand, I grab and throw in my storage just in case


    I do a scan of the room, making sure I''ve taken everything I can. I double-check my concealment disguise and confirm I still look like a perfect replica of the womanbeled number 5. Then, begin walking to the metal door.


    After a deep breath in and out I open it up and walk through into a narrow cement-walled corridor. It''s dimly lit with the same flickering yellow bulbs as the room I just left. The crimson liquid staining the floor and walls behind me turns it into more of an orange hue.


    Closing the door behind me quietly, I turn right while activating my enemy detection skill to scope out each floor of this undergroundir.

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    My footsteps echo in the hallway and the flickering yellow lights above mask the grime that covers the grey walls, ceiling, and floor.


    There are metal doors every 10 to 15 meters that lead into simr-sized rooms, but the long curved hallway seems to go on forever as I make my way forward. My enemy detection skill only shows one other person on this floor and they are still rather far away at the end of the hall.


    It''s a level 202 with a swordsmanship skill as well as that same High-Grade shielding artifact activated. It must be something their boss hands out to each of them. However, a defense item of this ss can''t be cheap...


    As my footsteps echo further and further down the hall, a raspy middle-aged man''s voice eventually calls out.


    "Number 5, back so soon? Did the kid finally talk?"


    I don''t respond, but pick up my pace slightly to see who made this remark. My appearance may resemble the short-haired blond woman, but my voice is still the same. Responding would not be the best idea.


    I turn the final bend of the long narrow corridor to see a mean-looking man whose appearance is exactly what I''d pictured. Dark eyebrows and a buzzcut with poorly inked tattoos on his visible skin. Three bottles of alcohol are all half empty on a small table next to him along with a few piles of paper and a pen.


    He crosses his arms and raises his head as we make eye contact.


    "Come on, it was that bad again? You were hardly gone a few minutes. The boss is getting restless you know. We have another job to tend to 3 days from now so you better hurry it up."


    I tighten my gaze and keep walking toward him. The rough-looking man has a silver pin on his shirt too,beled "009". I get within 3 meters and see a stairway leading up to the next floor on my left side. He speaks again.


    "What''s with you today, you''re acting differ-"


    Before he can finish speaking, I get close enough to the man that he starts eying me up and down with lust-filled eyes. Reaching out my right hand I activate my newest ice magic skill and freeze him solid before he even knows what hit him.


    I let out a sigh while manipting the mana within my ice to phish out thebeled pin. I shatter him to pieces without a second thought and stare down at the small silver item using appraisal.


    High-Grade B-ss Shielding Artifact [64/100][IC]


    It''s exactly the same as the one this woman was wearing. I throw it into my item storage and begin walking up the industrial-grade stairs without another thought. They''re split into 2 sections of 12 steps, sturdy enough for dozens of people to walk on at the same time.


    This ce must have been built and used by arge organization a few decades ago but seems to have been forgotten by time. All the rooms are empty or filled with old tables and chairs. They''ve been stripped of their valuable items multiple times over.


    The next two floors turn out almost exactly the same as the first one I just left. Each of them consisted of a long narrow corridor, abandoned rooms, and a guard watching the stairs leading up to the next floor.


    Number 8 and number 7 are levels 245 and 269 respectively. They each have mediocrebat skills and the same enchantment shielding artifact linked to their numbered pins, I put each of these items into my storage after leaving them on the ground in pieces.


    I move up to the next floor, this is where my enemy detection skills start to act up. I sense 8 people on this floor, but only 3 of them show their status. The first one I meet is level 286, number 6 at the top of the stairs.


    Unlike the floors below, it seems this one has heightened security.


    The skinny red-haired man with a stealth skill doesn''t stand a chance and is taken care of before he can say a word or even realize what''s going on. I take his pin and walk down the hall slowly toward the 7 people remaining on this floor.


    One status holder stands at the far end of the hall, while another is in one of the rooms about halfway down the long passage. They''re only level 337 with a body hardening skill so I open the heavy metal door without a moment of hesitation.


    A short brown-haired man with freckles and a scar across his cheek shows me a smug look as I walk in and close the door behind me. He sits at the back of the room on a wooden stool reading a newspaper while jingling a ring full of silver keys. A pinbeled "004" glimmers on his ckbat suit.


    To my left and right side, there are thick metal bars blocking off the sides of the room into two separate cells. It only leaves a 10-meter by 2-meter-wide walking space in the middle of the dimly lit room.


    My eyes widen as I see exactly what I''ve been looking for on my left side.


    It''s very dark at the back of the cells, but I can see a faint outline of green hair on a short woman sitting against the wall. As my eyes adjust even more a blond is sat next to her and the tall archer lies t on his back in the same cell. Another faint outline of the blue-haired mage rocks back and forth a few meters beside them.


    It''s my team.


    I quickly turn to the right side, as there is one more presence in that cell too. I assume it must be Lydia, but the man speaks before I get a closer look. I turn my head back to him to hear what he has to say.


    "Finally. Did that brat finally talk? You killed him so we can go home and get some rest, right?"


    I clench my jaw and don''t respond. My eyes dart back and forth as I slowly walk forward. They meet both Abby''s and Maria''s. Each of them looks angry enough to kill me on the spot if they had the chance. With sharp eyes and gritted teeth, they haven''t lost their will to live one bit.


    Both of them wear the same ck metal cuffs as I had on earlier. This exins why I can''t appraise or sense their magic at all.


    I''m happy to see them alive and well, but I can''t celebrate just yet.


    I bring my eyes back to the short man and nod slowly a few times. He smirks, responding immediately.


    "Excellent, Excellent. Wait. In that case, why are you here? Why not just go directly to the boss-"


    Raising my hand in the air, I activate my earth magic and shoot a stone bullet through the man''s forehead before he can finish his final question.


    His time is up as well. I''ve killed a lot of people today, but they all know too much and have hurt my teammates unprovoked. They deserve worse. I''m doing them a favor by making it quick and painless.


    His eyes go nk as he stops mid-sentence and the ring full of silver keys falls to the floor with a series of ngs.


    I hear gasps from my left side while I lean down to grab the pin and keys before turning to the cell. I walk over still in full disguise.


    The sight before my eyes is horrendous once ites into full view. It makes me want to look away immediately.


    Each of them looks like they went through simr, if not worse torture than me. They''re all covered in burns, gashes, and clothes stained with blood.


    In the cell, Maria, Abby, and Arie are sat together with Fisher shaking and looking at the floor a few meters away. He''s alive, but in the worst condition out of any of them, pale as snow from blood loss and shock.


    The women both stare at me with the same angered expressions while Arie looks up at the ceiling calm and deep in thought.


    I take another step closer. Then, speak in my undistored deeper-toned voice while deactivating my conceal skill and tossing the keys through the metal bars.


    "Sorry for the wait. Let''s get out of here."


    My appearance shifts back to my original form, minus the white eyes and ck arm tattoos.


    I smirk while watching both Abby and Maria shift their expressions from anger to joy, even Arie sits up realizing what''s going on. His indifferent gaze turns to curiosity, but still, something seems very off.


    Fisher doesn''t budge. He continues to stare at the floor, murmuring something to himself.


    I turn to the other cell, expecting to find Lydia behind bars once the yellow light illuminates the back of the room. Unfortunately, I''m mistaken.


    An old man with a long grey beard stares back at me with cold and tired eyes. He doesn''t say a word, just lifts his cuffed wrists up toward me.


    There isn''t anyone else in his cell. The white-haired mage is nowhere to be found...

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    Despite the happy sounds of my teammates unlocking their cuffs and slicing through the metal bars of the cell behind me, there''s still a major issue to still be solved.


    Lydia is missing.


    The other presence on this floor that was masked by the cuffs happened to be this bald and bearded old man, not the white-haired katana-wielding mage I expected to see.


    My mind races and I activate my enemy detection skill along with my other perception perks to scope out the floors above me. There isn''t any sign of her, only more enemies.


    I scoff and curse under my breath. The old man speaks as I start to turn away.


    "Please, if you would be so kind as to free me too young man."


    I look him in the eyes and he stares back with the same cold eyes, now with a glimmer of hope at the back of them. His wrists are bloodied and bruised, but it seems they''ve healed many times over. There is food and water near the back side of his cell


    I respond.


    "Why do they keep you around? It seems like you''ve been locked up for quite a while."


    He gulps, giving me the hint of a thin smile.


    "Wrong ce at the wrong time I suppose."


    I scrunch my eyebrows and tighten my lips, questioning his statement.


    A loud ng sounds behind me as thest portions of metal bars crack the cement floor and my teammates start walking out. White and green light casts a glow that reflects off the old man''s face. Abby is restoring everyone''s wounds. I respond, intrigued by the old mans words.


    "What for? There''s a lot of things that aren''t quite adding up here."


    He replies.


    "I was doing research on the Abyss. That''s all it was, unfortunately. A northern section of the city links to the source, a man named number 1 found me while I was doing a few tests. He wanted my data, and I- well- I believe you can infer the rest."


    I try to activate my Lie Detector skill, but it doesn''t give me any readings. My eyes shift down to the magic-blocking cuffs that must be the cause of the interference. I want to believe what he has to say, but the easy thing to do would be leave him behind and not carry any extra baggage.


    My teammates are the only people I care about right now.


    Before I make my decision, Maria hugs me from behind.


    "I knew you''de. I knew you''d find a way!"


    She''s half crying and halfughing. I forget about the old man for a moment and turn around to hug her back.


    Abby gives me a smile and mouths a thanks but is still busy working on Fisher''s wounds. Arie walks up stretching his arms with a calm expression.


    "Thanks for the save, but this is no time to celebrate. You know better than I do, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Not a single one of us is safe, and I don''t even know who the enemy is."


    I grit my teeth, holding Maria even tighter.


    "It''s everyone. The Association. Sra. Who ever this damn Inner Circle organization is. Plus... where is Lydia? Could she be tangled up in this mess too?"


    Silence fills the room.


    Maria steps back, catching her breath and putting a more serious look on her face.


    "No. You may not know her as well as me, but Lydia wouldn''t betray us. I''m sure of it."


    I nod slowly, not wanting to doubt her words, but the passive perks of my lie detector skill activate, and a soft green light envelopes her body.


    It fades soon after, and based on everyone''sck of reactions it seems I''m the only one that can perceive it. It isn''t blue text like my other skills, but I can instinctivelyprehend that these words are the truth in Maria''s mind.


    I nod.


    "I believe you. I''m just...ying out all of our options here."


    A muttered tone escapes fishers lips.


    "S-She''s right. Lydia is as loyal as theye. That woman puts up a cold front, but I''ve teamed with her for years. She''d die before selling us out."


    He coughs blood as Abby continues to restore him. The same faint additional green glow confirms these words are the truth.


    My thoughts start racing.


    Every second that passes in this escape n of mine is making things more and moreplicated. I don''t necessarily care for her as much as my teammates that I''ve grown with, It''s just that I hate not knowing the full truth. It makes me very irritated.


    Being manipted and deceived left and right by higher-ups and organizations that are supposedly stronger than me is not something I can put up with any longer.


    I grit my teeth, trying to think things through. Before I can piece anything new together, the locked-up old man''s voice echoes through the silence of the cell.


    "Your white-haired teammate. I believe I know where she is."


    All 5 of us turn his way, and I raise an eyebrow.


    "Okay. Go on..."


    He lifts his hands again.


    "Please, help me out of here and I can lead you to their boss'' room. The man with the pinbeled number 1 on his suit. I''ve been there a few times in the past, and I saw a young woman with white hair being brought in as I left just a few days back. She was yelling about how they;d regret this when her teammates came to save her. I thought it was a hopeless threat, but it seems what she''s said wille true."


    I look down at his cuffs, then back up at the man.


    "Fine. Uncuff him. We''ll give this guy a chance."


    I''m sure I could make it to the Boss''ir myself, but just to make sure it wouldn''t hurt to have someone lead the way. Plus, he definitely holds resentment toward this organization same as me.


    "For now, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."


    Abby throws the keys into his cage and I use sharp mana-imbued earth magic stone fragments to slice an opening in the metal bars, I use my perception skills to watch closely as the man''s ck metal restraints fall to the floor with a ng.


    _________________


    [Lv. 89]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Appraisal


    _________________


    I activate my conceal skill immediately, changing my status to read that of an average level 350 hunter with only swordsmanship and the earth summoning skill that I''ve shown already. I''m almost positive Appraisal skills not of the special grade can only identify item stats, but its better safe than sorry.


    I speak.


    "Any suspicious movements and you''re dead. Got it?"


    He nods as I continue.


    "Now, confirm everything you''ve said to me so far is true."


    I point an earth magic imbued index finger that just cut through steel bars at his forhead, but all the man can do is smile.


    "Of course it''s true. Please, let me lead the way."


    His demeanor flips from hopeless to joy-filled and helpful despite the deadly weapon pointed straight at him.


    He walks out of the cell and begins making his way to the door at the back of the room. The same light green glows around his body then dissipates just as fast.


    The man is no more than 150cm tall, just a bit shorter than Abby. He walks with a limp on his left leg, but the speed at which he hobbles toward the door makes it almost unnoticeable.


    He doesn''t speak another word before making it to the exit. The 5 of us stand in awkward silence as well. He speaks again while turning back to me.


    "The name''s Chester by the way. You''ve saved a stranger''s life on a gamble, now I must do the same to pay you back. Please, allow me to help you find your friend."


    His eyebrows shift up and down as he is clearly thinking deeply about something while struggling to keep eye contact with me. His attention darts around the room, but the genuine smile stays on his face.


    Technically from his perspective, this is true. In reality, I saved him because I''m curious about a few things. What kind of loot this Bossman may be stashing in their office is first on the list... A close second is finding and saving Lydia. Third is one other thing that won''t stop lingering in the back of my head. It''s the question of what research this old man was doing on the so-called abyss that was so important that he was locked up for not sharing his data.


    If I had to make an educated guess, the abyss is the nk energy reading that stretches out from the northern border of the city. This is what I sensed days ago upon our arrival, but haven''t gotten a chance yet to check it out.


    As odd and awkward as this man may be, he holds the key to many answers I seek.


    I reply with a smirk.


    "I''m Jay, nice to meet you too."

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    Chester makes a quick nce at each of us. I''m fully on board with following him for my own selfish reasons, but I''m unsure exactly what my teammates think of him.


    "I''ll ept your help, but I will have a few questions for you once we make it out of here."


    I give him a nod, he returns one. Then, I shift my gaze to my teammates to see their reactions. To my surprise, most of them are hardly paying attention to our deal at all.


    They''re all more worried about getting out of here and thankful to Abby for restoring their horrendous injuries.


    Fisher stands up, looking a lot better but still as pale as a ghost. He''s the first to speak.


    "Let him lead the way. If this is our only clue, then so be it. Now that these cuffs are off, we can actually think straight and defend ourselves. Maybe our gear is locked up in that office too."


    I examine all of them more closely, realizing their item boxes and magic items are all mostly stripped from their bodies. A few rings and pendants remain, but their weapons have all been confiscated.


    My sword and dagger are kept in my dimensional storage, so I didn''t think much of my replica item box being stolen from me. The contents of these storage pouches are much more valuable to them.


    "Here. These should be enough for now. "


    I take out a few higher-level long swords and daggers from various High-Grade C-ss dungeons for them to arm themselves in the meantime.


    Arie and Abby seem to agree with Fisher''s earlier statement, they look ready for war. I''m not quite sure what they''ve been through over thest few days, but I get the feeling they''re looking for revenge. Each of them takes a pair of silver daggers, unfortunately I don''t have a bow for the archer.


    Maria stays close to my side and nods while picking up a long silver sword from my loot pile.


    "It''s alright for me. Whatever is fastest. I just want to save my training mentor."


    Thankfully her cheerful attitude remains.


    Fisher finds a long sword that suits him and I ce the rest of the gear back into my storage. We all walk through the metal door and out into the hall.


    I shift my appearance back to the blond-haired woman who tortured me. If we''ll be facing the boss, I might as well get some information out of him if possible. He''s expecting number 5 to report, so it would be an immediate red g if anyone but her shows up.


    I take the lead while scanning the floors above. The old man quickly follows on my left while Maria stays close to my right.


    Abby, Fisher, and Arie trail behind in a triangle formation.


    There are a lot more enemies that pop up on my radar. Dozens in fact, just on the floor above us.


    The odd thing that sticks out to me is that there are only 2 of any considerable fighting status. One is on this floor, and another is two floors above. Various level 50 to 200 workers are scattered across the upper 3 floors.


    It doesn''t make much sense to have guards at such a low level when one Elite would do the trick and probably cost much less to manage. However, who am I to judge the inner workings of an enemy organization?


    It takes less than 30 seconds before the guard at the end of the hall shows his face. With tan skin and short ck hair, a muscr grunt pulls out a white glowing dagger. He''s level 365 and has the build of a man who weighs twice as much as me.


    Using appraisal, I find he has a wind-summoning skill and carries a bonded de.


    The silver pinbeled "003" shines on his shirt cor.


    As we turn the winding corner, the man stares us down with anger and surprise in his eyes. He begins to swing his glowing white weapon immediately to stop us from approaching.


    He yells.


    "Number 5 what are you doing bringing the prisoners here? If they make it up to the next floor we''ll be in big trouble. Have you gone mad-"


    I cut him off.


    By propelling a single mana-imbued fragment of stone, a hole in the man''s forehead materializes before he can even warn us not toe closer. The grunt falls to the floor in a pool of his own blood.


    It seems there are actually some highly skilled hunters working here. I haven''t met a wind summoner before, but our meeting didn''tst too long. It''s a shame that dagger is worthless, once bonded with another human it''s not like anyone else can use it.


    I speak up to my teammates while collecting his pin.


    "We have to be very careful moving forward. There are dozens of guards up above us."


    I grit my teeth.


    ''They''re low leveled, but they still may know too much. It''s best we take care of all of them."


    Before stepping onto the stairs, Chester interjects.


    "As far as I know, the only ones who are in on this operation are the numbered guards with pins. I doubt those innocents know you even exist. The next floors are much different than the ones you escaped from below."


    I tighten my gaze, not fully grasping his statement. I see the wisps of green energy shine from my Lie Detector skill all the same. He knows something we don''t, but I''m still not going to trust these words blindly.


    "I''ll see for myself."


    We walk up the stairs and the sound of a moving crowd, conversations, and evenughter start to fill my ears.


    This set of stairs is painted white and has newly installed handrails attached to the walls on both sides. There''s a bright bulb at the top of the stairs that lights up the area more luminous than I''ve witnessed in days.


    Once the 6 of us get to the top of the second flight, a shiny silver double door waits for us to open it. It has a series of mana-imbued locks that would keep almost anyone below Elite status out from the other side.


    I mutter to myself.


    "This doesn''t make sense. Why would the Boss have his room so close to the surface and neglect the floors below?"


    Footsteps are walking by and the presence of weak E and D-ss magical items is much more apparent now.


    Chester replies in a hushed tone.


    "The floors above are even more concealed than the floors below. Hiding in in sight is what these crooks do best."


    I raise an eyebrow but am more focused on the passing hunters on the other side of this door.


    When old ones leave new ones keeping. Some go upstairs while otherse down from higher floors. Half of the hunters on this floor are just standing still. None have the shielding artifacts or any identifiable features I can pinpoint.


    They''re all just low-level grunts.


    Letting out a sigh, Ie to the conclusion that I won''t find a moment free to make my way through the door without being noticed. I slice through the locks with a thin strand of manipted mana and let the door slowly swing open.


    Chester speaks again while I do.


    "Wee to the bottom floor of the unofficial Sran ck Market."


    The voices, moving magic items, and abundance of low-level hunters finally begin to make sense. We all walk out onto the floor and it opens up much wider than the corridors below.


    Turning to my left and right, I see a few vendors with mana crystals, potions, and low-ss gear lining the walls every few dozen meters. They have small wooden stands and bright-colored nkets on the floor with their best-selling items on top to attract customers. The floor is made of hard concrete, but the lighting systems are more modern making it brighter up here.


    There''s enough room for all of us to walk side by side if we wanted, it''s far less cramped than the dungeon-like environment below us. There''s a curved nature to this floor structure. Based on the mana signatures of people moving around, it feels like a massive circr loop. Like any good shopping center, the customer can wander around and look at the selections forever.


    It''s simr to the underground market in the Vice Region''s Capital, just much smaller and less popted.


    A team of men in red robes walk by and point their heads to the floor to avoid eye contact. Everyone here would rather not be seen. They aren''t guards, they''re just citizens in the market.


    Chester points to the left as each one of us walks out from the silver double door.


    "The fastest path to the second floor is this way. That''s where we''ll find the Boss."

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    I do another quick scan to find that including the floor we stand on, there are only 3 more to the surface.


    Just as Chester said, there''s only one hunter of any power level even close to ours in the immediate vicinity.


    Considering this... another issuees to mind.


    The numbered badges on the agents that I''ve been killing have only been rising. Thest one on the floor below was number 3. If this were to follow any ordinary pattern, there should be at least 2 more left. Number 2 and number 1... plus, I can''t sense any other presence near the high-level hunter on my radar.


    Maybe they''re more skilled at hiding than I thought. I speak up in a hushed tone to Chester as we begin to walk.


    "So, do you know anything about this guy? What''s the point of having a ck market in a city like this anyway? Isn''t the entire desert its own off-the-grid market isn''t it?"


    He chuckles.


    "Right, right, you all aren''t from around here."


    I never mentioned that to him, but maybe given our circumstances, it''s fairly easy to tell. So, I don''t mind his whispered statement. The old man continues as we pass the first concentrated region of merchants that chirp at us with prices, but stop as soon as we show our disinterest. Chester ignores them entirely.


    "You''re intuition is correct. There''s no real reason to have a ck market district in a settlement like this. The tax on dungeon loot is so low, and rarely enforced that there isn''t much of a market difference between selling on the street or here underground."


    I nod slowly as we pass silver doors simr to the one we walked out from and step over old wooden crates that must havee from makeshift stands or raw materials being sold here in the past.


    The old man keeps talking, I listen with interest.


    "Still, this isn''t awless city. There are government officials in charge, and basic humanw must be followed or it''d be utter chaos. Even if we are disconnected from the outside world, that doesn''t mean the hierarchy of power structures change overnight. There are always people that want things done without those above knowing about it."


    I smirk.


    "Yep. Understood. Paranoia runs deep everywhere, even if the Association isn''t in control. Some citizen don''t want anyone messing around in their daily lives, especially their money. No questions asked. It makes sense."


    Chester shrugs.


    "Sure, that may y a role. More importantly, special artifact crafting orders are ced here. It''s known that for the right price, anything can be bought. Nothing is off limits, not even items or information from the outside world. When a problem can''t be solved by regr means, moste here to get it solved."


    He pauses.


    "Confidentiality is tight as well. No one knows who runs the ce, and no one really bothers to ask. No matter the request small orrge as long as you have enough money, it''s alwayspleted and no one will ever know you asked."


    We round another bend, passing a few groups of men and women in robes and cloaks that hide their faces. asionally, the familiar-looking silver doors that are usually tightly fashioned to the walls are missing entirely or severely damaged.


    Some lead down flights of steps just like the ones we came up, while others show wide-open warehouse-like rooms. On even rarer asion, there are deep holes in the floor dropping further down into the shadowy depths of more abandoned underground hallways and dark rooms.


    The underside of this city isrger than I''d ever imagined.


    Everyone following is tense, I can feel their mana flowing through them at a much faster speed than its normal resting rate. They''re on the verge of activating their skills at any sign of trouble. I''m the only one here that knows a major threat isn''t nearby.


    I speak up as arge opening in the cement wall shows a sturdy-looking staircase up to the next floor.


    "Stay on guard, but there''s no need to be so nervous. The Boss isn''t a high-level elite or anything. I''m sure any one of us could take them on alone. If he was powerful enough to take us on, I''m sure he would have cleared thebyrinth himself and wouldn''t have been in this mess."


    The grips on their weapons loosen, and I feel the hot churning mana in my teammate''s veins being to slow as they realize I have a good point.


    We walk up the flight of stairs to the next floor.


    This section of the market is segmented out into more district regions. Every vendor has their space, and it''s marked off by a straight ck painted line every 10 to 20 meters.


    The gear is more organized, and of much higher quality. There are long tables, white cloth coverings, and even multiple workers at some of the stands. There are full businesses down here. It''s mostly High-Grade D-ss gear for sale. The perfect bnce of affordability for themon hunter, and increased quality to drive a high and consistent price.


    Chester speaks while pointing down the hall.


    "It''s this way. I can take you near, but I don''t know how I''d possibly get you inside. You''ll have to figure that part out on your own."


    I nod, extending my perception''s range to find a level rating over 400 behind a few odd mana-imbued barriers. They seem like more than enough to keep out a B-ss threat. The unique structures are a simr strength to the mana shielding in high-grade training rooms, possibly even greater. Plus, there''s 3yers of them. The readings are no more than 200 meters away, and hardly 15 meters off from the main path.


    I''d like to get a closer look to see exactly what these barriers are.


    This boss is hiding in in sight, yet he''s behind a fortress in the center of a ck market that is more secure than most government training facilities.


    I grin.


    "Interesting."


    Chester looks at me with worry in his eyes. I reassure him by pointing to my face.


    "I''ll have an easy enough time finding a way in with this disguise. Don''t worry."


    We make our way down the brightly lit hall until the buzzing sound of mana is audible. The vendors thin out around this section of the market and most hunters that are shopping walk around the loop in the opposite direction so as not toe in contact with this deadzone.


    The ck lines that separate the hall into sections stop and the area is empty. The lights shine white instead of their usual dull yellow. The concrete walls and floor are clean, like they were scrubbed clean with water magic recently.


    It''s the pr opposite of the sight we just left.


    I speak.


    "It may be best if I go in here alone. I''m sure it would only lead to an instantaneous fight if you all showed your faces. If only I show up, there''s a possibility for me to scrap some more information."


    After a few murmurs and back and forth, they agree.


    All 5 of them step back as I walk forward into the buzzing and empty section of the market.


    The curved nature of the walls makes every step forward feel like I''m walking much further and faster than I actually am. My teammates disappear behind me, and a square-shaped silver door almost twice as tall as me appears in my field of view. It looks like a bank vault, and hums loudly even shaking the floor with its power.


    The metal wall is thick and reinforced with mana shielding on both sides. There is a thin 1-meter wide gap between two more vault-like doors of the same caliber stacked behind it.


    I''m curious to know If a fully powered fire-magic imbued sh could make its way through. They may pose a challenge if I have to break in with force.


    A voice rings out from a small ck box above the door before I have the chance to test out my curiosity.


    It''s a woman''s voice.


    This surprises me, it''s not the ck market warlord of a man I was expecting.


    Her soothing tone echoes through my ears.


    "Number 5. Back so soon? This must mean good news. Please,e in."


    The circr handle on the front of the vault turns on its own, swings open toward me reveals the picture-perfect copy of a door behind it.


    A moment of silence passes, then the second metal door''s handle spins, clicks, and swings open just like the one before.


    Thest door opens in the same manner and I begin to walk forward epting my invitation into the Boss''ir.

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283


    The silver doors slowly open and I walk through as the woman''s voice from the ck box stops.


    The buzzing sound of ambient mana surrounding me is very loud. It only gets more violent the deeper I walk through. A glowing white light distorted the air in front of me, but using my perception skills I can tell there''s a room just 5 meters ahead.


    There''s another odd barrier that connects the 3rd door to the room before me, but I sense no ill-intent or power-draining abilities attached to it. It''s light grey and would not be perceivable without my All-Seeing Eye. The odd energy is in the shape of a small dome surrounding the person inside. I step through.


    The buzzing stops entirely.


    The bright white glow of mana shielding fades away behind me too.


    The room is silent.


    All I''m left to see is a fair-skinned woman with long ck hair and violet-colored eyes. She sits in a tall ck chair behind a mahogany desk. The room is circr and feels like a private study. The walls around me are covered in artifacts, colorful paintings, and intricate maps of the desert.


    Beautiful furniture lines the walls and are separated by tables covered by velvet cloths and lush green house nts liven up the mood. There are potions in colors I''ve never seen before, and weapons that must drop from monsters I''ve never fought before.


    The floor beneath my feet makes an eye-catching pattern of red, yellow, and orange material to create an extravangent-looking carpet.


    I try my best to keep my eyes facing forward acting natural as I''m in disguise, but the room around me leaves me in a state of awe. The woman in front of me pays no mind to my wandering gaze and continues to speak in the same tone as she did over the ck speaker.


    "The Boss is out for a while. He left for important businesstest night. Whatever news you''re here to tell him is going to have to wait."


    A shiny silver pinbeled "002" is on the upper portion of her tight ckbat suit raises more questions.


    I use inspect and appraisal.


    _________________


    [Lv. 414]


    Active Items:


    tinum Amulet of Protection [+85% Defense]


    Golden Amulet of Strength [+70% Strength]


    Golden Ring of Magic [+65% Mental Strength]


    Silver Ring of Protection [+45% Defense]


    High-Grade A-ss Shielding Artifact [4/10][IC]


    Active Skills:


    Hush [Legendary Grade]


    Stealth


    _________________


    She has an upgraded version of that shielding artifact and her hush skill must have something to do with theck of noise in the room around us.


    The woman continues as Ie to a halt less than 2 meters in front of her desk.


    "He''s obsessing over those ck stones that Elite mage had on her."


    I raise an eyebrow, thinking back to Lydia telling me she would collect more drops from those Demonic Energy wielding Knights. I haven''t fully examined those stones myself yet, but it seems their boss is taking an interest in them.


    The woman sees my confusion and continues.


    "I don''t get it either. That Ice Mage wouldn''t say a word so he''s taken her to the observatory for a private interrogation. The Boss knows best, so we shouldn''t question him."


    I nod slowly. still examining the room around me carefully. I spot a collection of item boxes at the back edge of the wooden desk in a small open-topped ck box.


    The woman sitting down gives me a re and changes her tone.


    "Yeah. These are the captive''s items, don''t get any bright ideas. They''ll be going up for auctionter this week."


    I tighten my lips and gulp.


    She chuckles and continues.


    "Anyway, how''s the interrogation going? Will you be ready to present him and that old man by sunrise in 3 days? We''ll have the crafter bring a one-time use artifact to scrape any leftover information together that your lie detector missed."


    I stand in silence thinking to myself.


    Everything she''s saying is clicking together like a puzzle in my mind. The observatory must be where the old man was doing research and was kidnapped by this organization. The stones Lydia collected are drops from monsters wielding Demonic Energy and they''re somehow rted to the abyss. Lastly, the Labyrinth and Arch Demon are connected to all of this too. But how?


    I need to know more...


    The woman''s voice enters my ears again, interrupting my racing thoughts.


    "Hello? Is everything okay? Did that Association Hunter finally break you? You didn''t kill him, did you? The Boss would not be happy about that."


    She''s waving her hand in front of my face waiting for a response.


    The longer I don''t give her what she''s expecting the more suspicious she''ll be.


    I set out a sigh.


    It seems like this is all the information I''ll be extracting today. She knows too much, but luckily she''s given me many clues to help my hunt near its end. Just one more after her it seems.


    I begin charging up by absorbing the mana in the air from the doors behind me. In one swift movement without changing the expression on my face, I grab my sword from item storage and swing it across my body at her at point-nk range to release a wave of pure pink mana.


    I would have used fire magic to ensure a quick victory, but if anything were to go wrong the entire room would go up in mes and that could lead to many other problems.


    To my surprise, she reacts quickly.


    Her eyes open wide while activating her shielding artifact while jumping to my right side out of her chair.


    Her easygoing smug expression instantly changes to cool and calcted killing intent.


    An explosion of white mana vibrates through the air as my light pink crescent of pure energy collides with the Shielding. It holds up for a moment, but cracks under pressure and my attack manages to pierce through leaving a horrific gash across her body.


    Although A-ss in name, I have my suspicions the craftsman who made these items is overhyping his work with the artifact names. The B-ss shielding from earlier grunts was sliced through like it wasn''t even there, and this A-ss is hardly on par with a ranked-up Boss monster.


    Still, it is impressive that a magic item can replicate such intense mana control without apetent wielder using it.


    She dives to the floor and reaches her hand to the underside of the desk while boosting her shielding artifact again. I hear a click, then she rolls to the floor away from the wooden table and ck armchair. Anotheryer of mana envelopes her. Fractions of a secondter, it pulses again. Anotheryer forms and the protective white glow around her only gets thicker.


    I throw another bright pink mana-imbued sh at her while she activates stealth and tries to evade my vision.


    Unfortunately, It makes no difference at all. I can see her as clear as day.


    The attack hits her straight on and destroys both newyers of her shielding, but does manage to slightly weaken the brunt of the st.


    I grit my teeth in annoyance and throw another.


    "You put up the best fight so far, I''m looking forward to meeting your leader."


    The final attack finishes her off. I don''t give her the chance to respond.


    A series of blue text pops up over her body.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Hush [Legendary Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes quickly, collect the artifactbeled "002" from her body, and then run over to the desk to store the item boxes of my teammates in my item storage.


    Before I get a chance to look around the room for any more clues I hear a loud thud. It''s followed by the splintering and cracking of wood. Then, another loud thud. Then, another.


    The heavy metal doors that were previously open behind me shut one by one in rapid session.


    On top of that fact, the walls and ceiling start to slowly close in. The magic items and paintings on the wall shake and rumble as the room begins to shrink.


    The loud buzzing sound of mana creeps back into my ears from all sides as the woman''s hush skill is no longer active. She lies in a puddle of blood with dead eyes and a wide grin. Her final gaze points toward the glowing red button she pressed underneath the Boss'' desk.

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284


    She triggered a death switch...


    That red button activated a security precaution to destroy evidence and trap any intruders inside if their room ispromised.


    I''ve got to give this woman credit, she caught onto the situation pretty quickly and reacted in a professional and timely manner.


    Nevertheless, I have to focus and get as much gear as I can. Then, get out of here.


    My eyes dart to the other side of the wooden desk to see a bundle of mana crystals and two piles of potions. One half of them glows bright white and the other glows gold. Without thinking twice I open my storage and let them all fall in.


    The buzzing mana shielding from the doors begins to spread throughout the outer walls of the whole room as they shrink toward me fast.


    I take out my de and begin to charge up an attack, but hesitate on going all out.


    There''s an entire floor above me, not to mention an entire city above that. If I damage the structural integrity of this marketce, I''ll be in a much bigger predicament.


    I don''t mind killing those who get in the way of my freedom, but innocent bystanders don''t need to get hurt if I can manage it.


    I release a refined strike of pure pink mana at the silver door, it''s simr to the strength I threw at the woman earlier.


    A loud crack and buzzing sound splits through the mana shielding and leaves a thick cut on the hard metal, but my sh is stopped by the nextyer of shielding behind it.


    The energy dispersed from the st makes the walls and ceiling above me shudder and creak as they close in at a steady rate. The shielding on the door regenerates almost instantly, bringing me back to square one.


    Rolling my eyes, I mutter under my breath in a sarcastic tone.


    "Great..."


    I react and try to let out a mana de with 25% more power. On impact, even more white energy erupts from the broken shielding and the ground shakes. The de slices through the first door''s front and back shielding but gets blocked by the 2nd.


    My jaw tightens as the room shakes and deep cracks start to form in the ceiling and walls. Small bits of rubble fall and the sound of heavy metal support beams around me quivering and bending at odd angles makes me start to rethink my approach.


    To make it through all 3 doors, it''ll take a full-powered strike, but the bacsh will surely take out everything above and below me for at least 15 to 20 meters... There''s only a singleyer of shielding behind these walls floor and ceiling, it''s a weaker point than the door, but attacking it directly would end in a simr result. If I don''t destroy this shielding mechanism entirely, it seems it will regenerate indefinitely.


    sting it to pieces could work, but it may be futile as well. An act of mass destruction may just be for nothing, it would be best if I avoid that option.


    My eyes dart around the room as the tables and small dressers begin to tip over. Painting and magic items fall off the walls. One of the works of art shows a man in a silver suit of armor holding a golden sword on top of a green hill. He''s facing off against a ck dragon with a red underside covered in dark mes.


    I turn to the other wall as one of therge trophy cases full of jewelry, daggers, and swords starts to tip over and fall. The front ss rattles as it falls toward the floor.


    Fractions of a second before it hits, I open a spatial magic portal below it, and dozens of items and artifacts fall into my storage.


    "Might as well take something if I''ll all just be crushed or destroyed anyway."


    I step back, bracing myself against the mahogany desk.


    Then, something clicks.


    "Right... if It were destroyed..."


    I deactivate all my active skills and ce my de back into my storage system while expelling any hint of magic in my system before attempting my next idea.


    The room around me goes ck and white as my Demonic Energy Maniption skill activates. The buzzing noises stop, and all my mana sensory shuts off too.


    It''s still a strange phenomenon, but familiar enough now that I don''t hesitate to eject a full unit of Demonic Energy from my core directly at the door.


    The second I do and my pathways are clear, I deactivate my skill and reboot my mana senses. I don''t dare activate my shielding.


    The color sshes back into my vision as the crackling sound of mana forcibly being destroyed in a violent chain reaction fills my ear. The entire front door of the chamber door bursts into sparks. It spreads around the outeryer of the room and seeps into the doors behind it as well.


    The overwhelming power of the shielding was a burden when trying to sh through it with brute force, but it''s a blessing in disguise when reacting with this dark foreign matter.


    The stronger and faster the mana flow is, the quicker and stronger it burns and crackles away.


    My eyes open wide in awe as the violent sparks engulf the doors and the entirety of the room in a matter of seconds. The walls continue to close in as the sparks get more and more violent, making it hard to even hear myself think.


    From the data I''ve gathered so far, as long I don''t use any mana shielding, or directly touch the sparks while using an active skill, it will not harm me.


    I stand my ground and wait as the disy of light hits its climax. The walls around me are covered in yellow and white miniature explosions and any magic items with enchantments or pure mana flowing through them getpletely destroyed on the spot.


    It''s a scary sight, but I trust my intuition. I grin as the reaction starts to get quieter. As it does, the moving walls around mee to a halt too. Whatever magic mechanism was pushing them toward me has been destroyed.


    After just 15 seconds, the entire room is left in a state of dust and ash. A few sparks crackle here and there. Then, they all gopletely dark.


    The three sets of silver vault-like doors have crumbled to pieces, fallen victim to my unique attack.


    Other than the small cracks and falling dust from the ceiling, the room is silent.


    All I can hear is my heart beating and footsteps crunching the decimated furniture, art, and magic items as I walk out the front door.


    I take a right turn to make my way back to my teammates, but the sound of running footsteps tells me I won''t have to wait long.


    All 5 of theme running around the corner with weapons in hand and stern expressions across their faces. Even Chester trails behind keeping up with the other as best he can.


    However, they slow their sprint and power down their skills as they see me walk out from the ckened doorwaypletely unscathed. No one says a word, they juste to a halt.


    I''m alone, not with our teammate that they all expected me to rescue. It''s clear there was a power struggle that just took ce, and I appear to be the lone survivor.


    I let out a sigh and put on a confident smile.


    "Don''t worry, it isn''t as dire as it seems. Though, I''ve got good news and bad news."


    Silence fills the well-lit hallway as my words echo through their ears.


    The final charred remains of a structure fall over in the room behind me, making a loud thudding sound before I continue. It only heightens the suspense.


    "The bad news is, the Boss wasn''t here. Neither was Lydia. The good news is, I believe we have more than enough information to find out exactly where they''ve taken her. To find our teammate, we''ll have to venture near the Abyss."

 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285


    "It''s not urgent, but we have some work to do. We''ll save Lydia in 3 days."


    The meeting at sunrise in 3 days is supposed to take ce at an observatory by the Abyss. This is where I''ll be able to find this mysterious Boss, as well as a new hidden variable. A craftsman capable of making mind-reading items.


    The exact location of this hideout is still unknown, but at least we have a reference and some very solid clues. We may be in a rush to get information, but the immediate threat to Lydia''s life has been averted for now.


    I reach into my dimensional storage and take out the pile of item boxes that were lying out on the desk before the room waspletely destroyed.


    "Here, I managed to find all your gear too."


    My teammates pause for a moment, still taking in my words from earlier and staring at the sight before their eyes.


    The burnt and decimated remains of the office behind me raise too many questions to ask, so they just take their item boxes and sort out which one belongs to each of them.


    Arie speaks up first.


    "I think our best n of action is to get out of here... then everyone can share their findings once we have a safe and secure ce to talk."


    I nod.


    "Agreed."


    My gaze travels left and right while I scan the marketce, finding the point nearby on this floor where most people are traveling upward.


    I point in that direction, but the old man speaks while facing the same way before I do.


    "If you need a safe ce to stay, my home may suffice. It''s small, but not near the center of the city. I''m happy to let you stay for a while. Plus... Now I feel obligated to help. I had no idea you were heading to the Abyss."


    Abby looks hesitant and speaks while tying her item box around her waist.


    "What''s the Abyss? A-And how can we trust him? Won''t an old man just slow us down?"


    The green-haired healer has been in a very bad mood ever since we were released, and rightfully so. I understand why she''s pissed off, so I respond mid-sigh trying to de-escte the situation.


    "We can trust him. Chester is as much a victim as all of us. He actually has the key to solving the final clue in finding Lydia. We just need a moment to talk without wandering eyes."


    I look around the corridor, implying that anyone could be watching.


    Abby begins to interject but decides to nod and tighten her lips.


    Maria chimes in.


    "I''m exhausted and starving. I think we''re all in the same boat here."


    Both Arie and Fisher shrug and Agree. The Archer looks like he''s thinking deeply about something still while the water mage appears paranoid and pale in the face.


    Hopefully, a hot meal will get his color back.


    I turn to the old man with a smile.


    "Great, it''s settled. Lead the way."


    He happily agrees and we make our way through the next section of the ck Market.


    A few heads turn as we walk out of the marketce''s dead zone, especially following the loud ng and explosion that could be heard throughout the entire floor.


    A few lights flicker, and it''s clear we were up to no good but we run into no trouble while getting to the surface. We keep our heads down and mind our own business. I''ve reverted back to my original form, but keep the picture of the number 5 and now number 2 agents clear in my mind.


    I have a feeling their appearances maye in handy moving forward.


    As the 6 of us make it up a final flight of stairs, two oversized and under-leveled guards open the silver doors to the surface. They''re both between level 250 and 300. They don''t say a word, but nod and let us by. It seems they''re just put in ce for appearances, to make sure no troublemakers act up down here.


    For all I know, they could be grunts for the Inner Circle organization too, but with no identification pins or acts of hostility, it''s very unlikely they''re high up enough in teh chain ofmand to know who we are.


    Once we walk through and set foot on the street outside, I''m surprised to find we''re in the middle of the city.


    The blue sky and golden sun are directly overhead. It must be around noon. I put a hand in the air and squint as everyone else follows.


    The high-rising silver towers shoot up from the earth all around us and the Sran Dungeon Hub is nearby too. Less than 500 meters away in fact. From a quick deduction, it''s clear that that was the source of my Demonic Energy Absorption while locked up.


    One of those dungeons is giving off more than just excess mana into the environment.


    Other than these fewndmarks I''mpletely disorientated. This city is a foreign ce to me. I''m sure I could find a ce to eat and sleep on my own given enough time to wander around, but taking one good look at my party, they''re beyond tired.


    It wasn''t as clear to see down in the cells or open market, but they''ve taken a serious beating and need a ce to rest as soon as possible.


    I take a deep breath in and out of fresh air, then speak up with a smile.


    "Chester, take the lead."


    We make our way through town following the old man as he confidently makes sharp turns and weaves through the busy mid-day city streets.


    We pass the towers, then walk through a high-tech training and magic item marketce, then a middle-ss residential area.


    The 6 of us take a quick detour as the old man stops to go into a grocery store at the edge of this district. We spot him a few silver coins and he does a bit of shopping before finally leading us to his neighborhood.


    We''re on the northeast portion of Sra, and apartment buildings along with small single-person-owned homes are much more spread out. Some even have small front yeards.


    There are little to no shops, and hardly any people walking out on the streets. It''s not a poor area, but not a rich one either. It''s just an oddly undeveloped outer region of the city.


    Some of the empty lots are covered in sand as they haven''t been cleared after thest sandstorm. No residents care to clean upnd they don''t own and the Sran government seems to neglect this part of town more than its richer areas.


    The old man''s home is cozy andpact, but muchrger than I expected it to be. It''s on its own small plot ofnd, with other simr two-story houses lining the streets nearby as well.


    He walks up the front steps of the porch and waves for us toe in while holding a bag of freshly purchased food in his free hand.


    "Come on in. Please, rest and make yourselvesfortable. I''ll make us something to eat in the meantime."


    With the door propped open, each of us walks inside with curiosity.


    His home is covered in magic items and trinkets. There are maps and artwork on the walls of the main living room even more engravement than the office I just blew to pieces. I assumed he was a researcher or a merchant, but this was not what I imagined at all.


    Chester walks through a door to the kitchen and points to the three long couches lining the walls of his wide-open living room. Some are covered in artifacts and magic item clutter, while coffee tables and dressers are stacked in between.


    "I wasn''t expecting guests. Feel free to move everything on the couches to any of the open tables. It''s not delicate."


    Then, he points up a narrow flight of stairs.


    There''s a shower upstairs and an extra bedroom on the right. Clean up and I''ll have a meal ready for all of you soon. Then, we can get down to business."


    As urgently as we all want to get to the bottom of this, Chester is right. We will all function better with full stomachs and some real rest.


    One by one we agree and clean up to change into spare clothes brought along in our storage. Meanwhile, the scent of spices fills the air making my mouth water while waiting.


    Maria and I make ourselvesfortable on the couch nearest to the door leading to the kitchen, Aire and Abby in the middle, then Fisher near the exit.


    "Order Up!"


    The old manes around the corner as we''re all on the verge of dozing off the sleep. He carries steaming hot bowls of vegetables, meats, and soups, with rice and fresh fruits on the sides.


    He pulls up a small table and afortable-looking chair of his own.


    With a quick thank you, we all dig in without saying another word.


    After nights trapped in a cell and chained to a table without food and water, it''s hard to tell if Chester is a master chef or if we''re just severely nutrient-deprived.


    Either way, Abby finally lightens up and speaks out loud what we''re all thinking.


    "This is the best meal I''ve ever eaten!"


    Only smiles fill the room as we finish our food, but the threat to our teammate and the questions of the Abyss still loom in the back of all of our minds.


    After a satisfying meal, we all sit back and enjoy our small moment of bliss.

 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286


    "Alright, let''s get down to business."


    After a nice meal and a hot shower, we are all aware that the nightmare of captivity and torture is over. Our new mission is to piece together every bit of information we have to save our friend.


    After my initial statement breaking our fooda, all eyes are on me.


    I look around the room a few times, then activate my newest skill.


    "Hush"


    A near-invisible grey orb of energy expands from my index finger and surrounds the entire room. All sounds of the outside worldpletely vanish, and we''re isted by an imprable sound barrier.


    It doesn''t hold any physical mass and can be walked through without any external sensation. Unless you''re of an Elite level mana control status, it would not be possible to detect.


    My teammate''s eyes begin to wander, so I exin.


    "It''s a sound barrier. A new ability I picked up recently."


    Arie, Abby, and Maria are used to my random odd new abilities, but Fisher and the Old man look amazed.


    Still, they let me continue in the silence.


    "Let''s recount thest few days. Mention any slip of the tongue from the guards, or even a painting on the wall that you noticed off. Anything and everything helps. All extra information is good information. Our first priority is finding our teammate, but there''s something much bigger at y here too."


    With a round of attentive nods in my direction I begin to recall the events of thest few days.


    I start with the pins that act as shielding, then the name of their organization, and finally the ranking system they seem to follow.


    cing the silver "002" badge on a small coffee table I look over to Chester.


    "What do you think? I''ve never seen a shielding artifact like this before. It''s easily on par with ranked-up bosses."


    He examines the pin as I continue on about the short-haired blond''s torture techniques and how she mentioned Brutus giving up information on all of us.


    Abby gets red-faced at this point and interjects through gritted teeth.


    "So they were involved. That''s the final straw... Ever since I joined the Association they''ve only treated me like a well-paid ve. All of this information being held from us while we risk our lives only to be sold out to the highest bidder. I don''t know about you guys, but I''m not going back."


    I nod with a grin.


    "Agreed. Brutus deserves a taste of his own medicine. I''m in the same boat, but for now this isn''t our top priority."


    Next, I carefully exin why they were interrogating me for so long, and the reason for their questioning Lydia. While leaving out the part where I myself have the power to wield Demonic Energy, I exin how they wanted information on the final boss room as well as details on items Lydia was farming on the floor below.


    Maria and Fisher are angered by this point.


    The blue-haired mage is the first to speak.


    "So that''s what they meant."


    I raise an eyebrow as he continues.


    "While I was being questioned, the guard wouldn''t stop asking me about ck stones. He wanted to know if I was hiding any. Over... and over."


    He looks back down at hisp.


    "We''re known to party together, so maybe they had some past intel and wanted to be thorough."


    He mutters to himself and and blue light flickers in his eyes.


    "I''ll make their leader pay. They have no idea who they''re messing with."


    My gaze turns to my right as Maria begins to speak, adding to his frustration.


    "I just want to get Lydia back and make whoever took her away suffer."


    A cool sensation fills the room as her ambient ice magic drops the temperature by a few degrees.


    Arie doesn''t seem too concerned with the current matter at hand, he speaks up piecing together a separate matter.


    "The Abyss. What do you know about the Abyss?"


    I sigh, turning to Chester.


    "Not much at all actually. I was hoping our researcher here could fill us in on the details. Their number 2 in charge said they would be a meeting at sunrise in 3 days at the observatory near the Abyss."


    With enough All-Seeing Eye and enemy detection scans of the city with days to do so, I''m sure I could find this ce on my own. However, Information from this source may give some extra insight.


    He chuckles.


    "I''m just an old curious Merchant, researching the old artifacts I''ve collected over the years is more of a hobby than an official title. But, I''ll dly take the role."


    He smiles and holds the silver pin up in the air.


    "First things first. This is a fascinating piece. It''s made by a craftsman on a level I''ve never witnessed before. There are no items like this avable on the open market, and it''s manmade without a doubt."


    He sighs.


    "With that being said, the organization we''ve made an enemy of is one that has been running the underworld of this city for quite a while. Their leader is slick and elusive, while the underlings are killed, captured, and swapped out often. There have been a few asions in which average Sran hunters turned in the Inner Circle''s thugs."


    We all stare at him wide-eyed, keen to hear what he has to say next.


    "It''s known that a near imprable base was operating in the ck market, but not even the Sran government cared to step in. Sometimes when they have a task too heavy to handle, they''ll ask the Inner Circle to get it done."


    Silence fills the room again.


    I speak up with a suspicious tone.


    "So these guys are well known? So much for a secret organization..."


    Chesterughs.


    "No, no. You''ve got a point. They''re only well known in the higher circles. I would never know much about them if their underlings hadn''te to my old pawn shop for rare items every once and a while over the years. I''m retired now, but I''ve watched this city grow along with the people in it. I''d be blind to not know how things work around here."


    There''s a long pause, then he stares me in the eyes.


    "I know you''re strong. Stronger than any hunter I''ve ever met in fact. Just know, If you make an enemy of the Inner Circle, you''ll either die or be forced to see how deep the rabbit hole really goes."


    Another long pause follows as I ponder the old man''s words.


    Then, I respond.


    "I understand. I''d like to know everything."


    A thin smile curls onto the corner of Chester''s lips, then he gets up from his seat and starts to head upstairs.


    "One moment, I have exactly what you''re looking for."


    Less than 30 seconds pass, but the building tension in the room grows making it seem like an hour passes before he finallyes walking down the creaking wooden steps holding a stack of papers.


    "Here. Everything I know from researching the anomaly known as the Abyss."


    Chester ces the papers on a center coffee table and we all lean in to take a look. There are illegible scribbles and drawings of the city within the desert with red Xs around its bordersbeled with dates.


    "I''ll start from the beginning. The more context you have, the more this will make sense to you younger ones."


    He exins.


    "Out in the Dark Continent, each sector has a major city capital with a Labyrinth attached. This is Sector 4, technically the weakest region of them all."


    We all nod, not wanting to miss a word.


    "Just like major countries outside the walls, the more magic energy enters the Labyrinth, the bigger it bes."


    He swallows.


    "If you don''t mind me asking, how many floors did this one have?"


    I reply.


    "26."


    Chester thinks for a moment.


    "Interesting. Considering that The Vice Region Capital you all came from has well over 10 times as many inhabitants and divers that we have here, it''s safe to assume it has 50 or more floors."


    Fisher interjects.


    "So what? The floor number doubles for the increased poption of a region for every power of 10. This isn''t secret information. What''s that have to do with any of this?"


    The old man chuckles.


    "It has much more to do with it than you may think. The 8 major powers partnered with the Association rule the world in modern times. The Vice Region may have one of thergest economies and highest poptions today, but many forget about the capital city that stood here in the 9th region before the War."


    The old man takes a long breath to cool his nerves.


    "Deep within the Abyss, you will find the greatest forgotten Labyrinth of them all."

 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287


    I whisper under my breath.


    "No way... Of course..."


    Chester smiles and points to one of the more precisely drawn maps on his notebook papers, happily eyeing me as he realizes I''m piecing together the puzzle on my own.


    One of the papers has a ring separated into 4 sectionsbeled 1-4 and a ck void in the center of it. He moves it out of the way and points more specifically to a detailed map of Sector 4 with detailed markings.


    The drawings show the city of Sra, then a series of structures with notes and descriptions right between the city and the approaching ck void. One of the structures isbeled "The Observatory". There''s a small map key that outlines the rough distance between points. It''s about 10 kilometers off the northeastern border. So, about a few hour-long trek at a moderate speed.


    He speaks.


    "This right here is the region I was doing research on over thest few weeks before I was kidnapped by the Inner Circle and questioned for days. There''s an abandoned stargazing observatory that is atop arge cliff right on the edge of the iing Abyss."


    Arie interrupts.


    "Iing? What do you mean by iing? And... North... East...?"


    Chester interrupts.


    "Yes, Northeast. This is the closest portion of the city to the Abyss. With every surge, the darkness grows closer. It''s only gotten significantly worse over thest few months. Most of the neighboring viges outside the city were evacuated. We..."


    Chester pauses.


    "We... have no idea what happens once they''re swallowed up."


    Arie keeps his cool calcted expression, seemingly not disturbed by this news but thinking hard.


    The old man goes on.


    "Most of the tests I''ve been doing have been to find the best way to reverse its spread, but the matter is impossible to manage and has a violent reaction to any magic that interacts with it. The most fascinating discovery so far is that if a person doesn''t activate their magic skills and caries no enchanted items, they can walk through like it is heavy air."


    I nod, realizing exactly what this substance is.


    He continues.


    "It isn''t harmful to humans as long as no mana interacts with it. Actually, if we take sight and touch out of the equation, the substance is basically not even there. It doesn''t show up on any radars and gives off no heat or energy readings no matter what I do. The only problem is the darkness, and increasing density the further we travel in. There have even been rumors of monsters that lurk deep within the Abyss... No one has managed to kill one yet or directly prove their existence, but I''ve heard one roar with my own ears just a few nights back before I was caught."


    Chester stops talking, giving all of us a moment to digest everything he''s just said.


    To me, it sounds like this abyss is refined and used up Demonic Energy. The properties he''s described and the inability for me to sense or absorb it add up. This is the excess energy that is produced from some reaction that happens every time there is a surge.


    The monsters he talks about, on the other hand, confuse me quite a bit. For a monster to survive or even thrive in an environment like this, it would need the ability to control its mana output and not react with the energy around it. Meaning they''re all at least ranked up beasts. Or, an even more interesting idea, they''re not wielding mana at all. Just like the ck Knights. Demonic Creatures.


    I point down at the map and finally speak up. The corners of my lips turn up with curiosity.


    "So it''ll be quite simple. We show up at their meeting spot and rescue Lydia, just like that. If their underlings were this weak, I''m sure the 5 of us can handle their leader."


    This is the main n, after all, I''m just more interested in what lies beyond.


    Chester nods slowly, looking down at the silver "002" pin that is still in his hand, then up at all of us.


    "I wouldn''t be so sure about that. As I said before, his underlings are merely pawns in the operation. Considering the rare gear I''ve seen move through Sra over the years, and the equipment that man had on the one time I had the chance of making his acquaintance, I''d say he''s at least on par with all of you."


    There''s a long pause before he continues.


    "Plus, whoever made this artifact must be on another level altogether, it almost feels mythical. If you''re positive they''ll be at this meeting too. I''m sure they will not go down easily. This pin is just the tip of the iceberg when ites to their potential power."


    My heart skips a beat at his wording. I interject.


    "Mythical... why use that term?"


    I swallow as he shrugs and replies.


    "No reason. I''m not sure. I''ve just never seen an artifact of this caliber. It feels as though it''s a natural dungeon drop, but it is clearly manmade. The inner circle branding makes that known. The craftsmanship of an item like this is second to none. That is why."


    He looks up at me but changes his tone when he sees my confusion.


    "All I''m saying is, it''s best not to be overconfident in a situation like this. The Inner Circle is known to never fail a request, so don''t take them lightly just because you''re Elites. This organization is muchrger than just Sector 4. There are powerful people in every region of the Dark Continent. More powerful than you, I''m sure of it."


    I nod with tightened lips.


    "Understood."


    The rest of my teammates take his warning to heart as well. We all shift to a much more serious and strategic conversation.


    The 6 of us begin to devise a simple n of action to follow over the next couple of days to prepare for our surprise attack. Taking Chester''s words into consideration, all 5 of us will use our strengths to ensure the sess of this assault.


    We all have simple tasks to carry out.


    Maria and Abby will stock up on Mana and HP potions in the city while not being seen by wondering eyes. Their smaller frames will draw less attention, and natural charm may make it easier to interact with the public. They will spy on nearby mercenary bars as well as government buildings to be on the lookout for Association activity, Sran guards, or any whispers in the underground market. Just to make sure we''re not being targeted or found out.


    Next, Fisher and Arie are both newly ranked up so they want to get some training in. Both of them have yet to see their full potential inbat, so the two of them will be training in shielding rooms as well as the dungeons at night during their less crowded hours.


    Chester exins that it takes roughly 1 bronze to enter an E-ss Dungeon, 10 bronze to enter a D-ss, and 1 silver to enter a C-ss. These aren''t exact prices because daily rates change and there are no letter ratings out here in the desert. The rates are low, and the security is even lower. Their dives will be more than enough to turn a profit while training.


    The old man has a job of his own too. I take the disy case from the Inner Circle office out of my item storage with dozens of magical artifacts, items, and those odd-colored potions. His task is to find potential anonymous buyers for all of it and to make surebat items helpful to us will be left behind for personal use.


    His Appriasial skill may be at a lower rank than mine, but his eye for items and connections in this city are far greater. All items will be run by me before he ces them up for auction, just in case.


    Finally, my job will be to venture out into the desert and use my long-range perception skills to keep an eye on the observatory. I''ll be standing guard to see if anyone enters or leaves the general area. More precisely, I''ll be doing some of my own research on the Abyss.


    I want to see this phenomenon for myself.


    If any unusual activity urs or oddities in our assignments need to be made known, we report back at Chester''s home every night and share our findings.


    After delegating responsibilities for tomorrow, all 6 of us fall asleep in thefort of Chester''s cozy living room.


    It''s going to be a long 3 days ahead of us, but now we have a n.

 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288


    The next morning we all wake up at the crack of dawn. Falling asleep early in the day gives us more than enough time to fully recover.


    After a quick breakfast made by Chester, we all leave to start our daily assignments and agree to meet back before the sun goes down.


    My 4 teammates head southwest back into the more dense parts of town to scope out the markets and get in training while Chester waves us goodbye from his porch. I make my way further north, bringing some extra food and water along as well as a detailed map of the region.


    Chester promises me he''ll have all the gear sorted with reasonable price tags that he''ll be able to auction them for.


    Knowing this, I leave with a smile full of energy.


    Less than 10 minutes of walking through the thin region of the suburb-like residential area goes by before I''m met with the outer edge of Sra. The vast desert in front of me leads off only to the mysterious Abyss.


    Although I can''t see it from here, I can definitely sense its presence.


    I step off the stone road onto the cool sand. Then, activate my wind magic to start propelling my steps forward to make my way northeast at double speed while gliding a few meters above the ground.


    The sun is still rising, and the desert is still not too hot from the midday rays. However, the blue sky and yellow sun are slowly making themselves known.


    It''s just sand and rock with the asional rolling hill and valley to spice up thendscape. After almost an hour of travel passes, the sand below my feet is getting hot and I''m actively using my new Ice Magic skill to keep my temperature regted.


    The rising and falling dunes of sand don''t change much at all, and the far-off mountains hardly get closer the further I travel. One thing that drastically shifts is the amount of open desert between me and the eerie nk spot in my perception.


    Just as the mapys out, I''m nearly 10 kilometers in and it''s getting very near.


    What I''d thought was just a nk region of the desert a few days back, now finallyes into view as I make my way over a hill of sand to look down into a deep valley. From over 800 meters away, it''s very visible with the naked eye... A jet-ck wave of fog looming far off in the distance is stopped at a halt just waiting to flood the desert.


    I''s edge is t like a wall standing at least 25 meters high, but squinting off into the distance, it looks like the ck matter gets thicker and taller even farther out.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "This is definitely refined Demonic Energy... but why is it acting like this?"


    There''s so much energy in such a wide open space that it doesn''t make a hint of sense. Whatever being orary disaster expelled this energy is capable of feats my mind cannotprehend.


    My body lets out a reflexive shudder, but I take a deep breath and continue examining thendscape.


    I take a few steps forward to walk down the valley, but my eyes drift downward at the even more fascinating sight in front of me.


    Split in half by the edge of the wall of Demonic Energy, there are the remnants of an old town.


    It looks simr to the unnamed vige my team stumbled upon when we first entered the Dark Continent. It was most likely home to just a few poor families sticking together as they''re not wee in neighboring cities for one reason or another.


    The streets are sandy paths and the houses are made from leftover wooden building materials, cloth, and stone.


    Less than 20 one-story homes are left sticking out from the ck Abyss.


    My heartbeats start to pound in my inner ear as my eyes scan the area carefully while moving forward on high alert.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this."


    Far off to my left, the valley curves upward with a single path leading to a rock-filled potion of desert. Its peak is only half a kilometer away. The orange rocky cliff hangs over to top of the ck pool of darkness and a white dome-shaped building sits on top of it.


    My eyes light up.


    "That must be The Observatory."


    I activate enemy detection and inspect from a distance to see if there is anyone inside or nearby. To my disappointment... no one''s home.


    There are hints of leftover mana residue inside from recent low-tier skills and item usage, but no actual people.


    I scan the rest of the abandoned vige to find small hints of simr mana reading remaining from weak magic items and most likely healers or merchant skills, it''s impossible to tell. There isn''t any sign of movement or life.


    They must have all evacuated before the abyss got too close.


    I decide to walk closer to the vige. As I approach, the wall of ck mass seems to get taller from my point of view, and the darkness within is even more ominous.


    After a few quick sweeps through the streets and snooping through the open homes, I confirm to myself that it''s really abandoned. From here, I can see the faint shadows of homes within the Demonic Energy. This is the other half of the town. The structures are not damaged at all, just engulfed in the energy.


    I let out a sigh, walking along the edge of the barrier.


    At closer inspection, it''s clear to see that the energy is beginning to dissolve and float into the sky dispersing in the air just like the remnants of the energy I expelled while training in that cell.


    The only difference is that more energyes flooding in from what seems to be an unlimited undetectable source deep within the continent.


    None of my perception skills can tell the actual scale of this phenomenon, all I have to examine this mass are my eyes...


    After walking over 100 meters from the town, I make some distance between myself and the wall of ck fog to take out my sword and attempt some tests of my own. I believe everything the old man said, I just want to see it with my own eyes.


    Charging up a decent amount of mana into my sword, I swing it from a safe distance away and let the pink mana crescent collide with the ck wall.


    It pops and crackles on impact in a violent yellow and white disy, but is eaten by the wall of ck mass in a fraction of a second. The sparks stop just as fast like nothing happened.


    The desert falls silent.


    I can see some of the energy was disced as the mana it reacted with mutually canceled each other out. Before I can blink, the damaged region ispletely restored.


    I pace back and forth, trying again and again with all of my elements. No matter what, the same instantaneous reaction urs, and the mana is swallowed up into nothingness while the barrier heals.


    "Great. This confirms it really is some variant of refined Demonic Energy. As expected... Now, let''s see what''s inside the Abyss."


    I put away my sword andpletely rid my body of mana before activating my Demonic Energy Maniption skill.


    The world around me turns to ck and white. All perception of mana residue in the nearby settlement disappears from my mind, and the only thing left before me is the Abyss.


    Most of it is hollow and empty, unable to be manipted at all like toxic waste. However, to my surprise, there are small wisps of raw usable energy floating not too deep inside the ck wave.


    Less than 50 meters inside, there are nearly 10 units of Demonic Energy swirling around a central point.


    I raise an eyebrow and step closer while attempting to pull the energy toward me. I can''t visually see a thing, but my maniption skill lets me feel that there is raw energy there without a doubt.


    There''s only 1 unit left in my core, so absorbing more when it''s avable in such high density is a great opportunity.


    As I pull 1 unit toward me, the entire bundle of 10 drifts my way too. It starts spinning around a center point in an erratic fashion but is still manageable to control and manipte while reeling it in.


    I take another step forward, closer to the edge of the Abyss. Eager to absorb the energy, but now on guard because of the unnatural ease of extraction.


    The energy I''m pulling in begins to move toward me at a faster and faster rate the closer it gets.


    As I stare straight ahead into the darkness, two glowing red eyes appear staring right back.

 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289


    A pair of crimson eyes peer at me from within the Abyss. They''re filled with the anger and killing intent of a wild beast.


    I jump backward at the sight of it.


    My vision ispletely ck and white, making this bright red gaze stand out even more to me. I can''t sense any monsters nearby, but I begin to connect the dots while skidding to a halt on the desert sand a ways back from the ck wall.


    Expecting some horrific and bloodthirsty Demonic Creature to crawl out from the fog, I grit my teeth and deactivate my maniption skill.


    If it''s anything like the Knights I fought on the 25th floor, one solid wave of mana will take it out no matter how strong it is.


    To my surprise, the moment I deactivate my skill the glowing red eyes disappear from my vision.


    Golden sand below and blue sky abovee back into full view and the ck Abyss slowly churns lifelessly in front of me.


    My breathing is heavy, and my eyes shift back and forth. I''m positive what I just saw was really there, but now.. it seems to have been an illusion. I use all my mana-powered perception skills, but they do nothing for me.


    There is no level that pops up, no readings on my enemy detection radar, not a single bar of text from my appraisal skill, and most importantly my All-Seeing Eye draws a nk.


    I gulp, taking another step back, then reactivating my Demonic Energy Maniption skill again.


    A loud growl fills my ears and the crimson orbs stare at me from the edge of the ck Abyss yet again with unwavering resolve. The outline of arge wolf begins to form around the floating eyes. It waits patiently for me to approach, but doesn''t show any signs that it will willingly walk out from the wall of darkness.


    Its eyes burn red, and the vague outline of its body from behind the ck wall has 10 units of raw energy swirling inside it.


    My mind begins to race at the thought that the only reason it let me manipte its energy earlier


    was because it was curious to see what was greeting it from outside its domain.


    With this Demonic skill activated, I can''t use any of my magic. However, without it activated, I can''t see or sense this creature at all.


    I have no gauge of how strong Demonic Monsters are, and I''m not sure if right now is the time to find out.


    "Well... First things first, I''ll need to check if you''re working alone"


    Extending the range of my Demonic Energy maniption skill, it can be used as a makeshift radar system. It seems like whatever this wolf creature is, they store raw energy deep within them.


    If there are any like it in the vicinity, I know exactly what to look for.


    After about 15 seconds of searching, 3 other simr bundles of roughly 10 units of Energy just like this one scattered around the edge of the Abyss waiting for something to draw their attention. Luckily, they aren''t too close by.


    I let out a relieved sigh, powering down my skill to let mana flow through me again. Taking out my sword I release a barrage of high-powered attacks at the portion of the wall where the crimson-eyed wolf stood moments ago.


    It may be invisible to me now, but if anything is caught in a chain reaction like this it''s as good as dead.


    As the sparks fly and the thinyer of ck wall mends itself I put away my sword and switch back to my ck and White Vision.


    The final remnants of the wall are forming back to their original form, but the glowing eyes of the wolf creature don''t budge. It''s waiting too far into the Abyss for an attack like that to affect it at all.


    I assumed so, but wanted to give it a shot.


    Its burning red eyes still stare at me from a distance, but it refuses to walk out from the safety of its dark protective veil.


    Curiously, I take a step forward.


    With only a handful of the monsters in the area, and just one within a range I''d like to try another test. This one has a more promising potential oue.


    Taking another step forward, I point a finger straight ahead. The closer I get to the red eyes the deeper and louder the guttural growl bes. With every step on the hot sand I take, the more clearly I see this beast for what it is... Less than 5 meters from the slowly churning ck wall, I let my final remaining unit of Demonic Energy flow from my core, through my right arm, and out my finger as a cool dense de.


    Unlike the magic from my previous attack, the thin crescent slices through the less dense refined ck energy and heads straight for the outline of the wolf''s neck.


    At this close range, its eyes shine bright and its thick ck fur and muscr body be visible too. The creature stands nearly half my height and is over twice as long. Its ws dig into the sandy ground below and its curved white teeth reflect the red glow from its eyes.


    As my thin de of energy gets close to the beast, its gaze sharpens and it twists its body away with a snarl.


    The energy hits the side of its body missing any direct vital points, but leaving a heafy wound behind on its side.


    It''s hard to tell exactly how baldly it''s been injured, but considering the ear-piercing howl it lets out I''m guessing it''s pretty bad.


    "Great hereespany..."


    Not wanting to bite off more than I can chew, I do a quick scan of the environment to find the other creatures start running my way almost instantly.


    They''re fast.


    I grit my teeth. Not knowing enough about the enemy is the most powerful advantage it could have on me.


    The only two things keeping me from running away are the desire to see what loot this monster drops and the fact that they''re potentially very easy to kill...


    I''vee to this conclusion because an energy de that hardly made a dent in my cell door a few days ago managed to critically injure this beast. It must either be much weaker than I first thought, or my energy attacks have a higher effect on Demonic Monsters than regr material objects.


    I''m hoping it''s both.


    My look of concern turns to a confident grin as the essence of raw Demonic Energy leaving its body shows up in my mind''s eye. Small ck wisps start to leak out from its wound as the monster attempts to crawl away into the void undetected.


    "Not so fast."


    With my same outreached right hand I begin to manipte the escaping Demonic Energy and filter it through my core. There''s no resistance at all and the whimpers from the creature get fainter and fainter.


    It never stood a chance.


    At the same time, 3 distant howls from the wolves I detected earlier ring out in reply over and over while drawing closer.


    Almost half a minute goes by and the wolves only get louder.


    All 10 units of the fallen monster''s energy reside inside my core now and the wolf lies lifeless 15 meters away behind a wall of darkness. It''s hard to make out its body, but I''m positive its red eyes go dark.


    "One down, three to go."


    I raise my hands and get ready for another fight. The howls stop and 6 crimson eyes appear from behind the fallen monster deep within the darkness.

 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    Three more Demonic Wolves slowly make their way toward me through the darkness. This time around I''m much more confident in my abilities and have a core full of Energy ready to coarse through my veins for a barrage of deadly attacks.


    Once the first pair of red glowing eyes gets close enough, I let my attack fly without hesitating for a moment.


    The thin de of darkness cuts through the fog and ends in nearly the exact same fashion as its fallen foe before. The monster realizes it''s being shot at and moves out of the way only to be critically injured before it''s toote.


    It whimpers as it''s thrown backward and the two wolves behind it growl while speeding up toward me jumping past their injured ally.


    I smirk, sending off another de of energy at the next closest one to watch it swerve to my left and narrowly dodge a vital blow. It still skims its hide, but the wolf continues charging on with its remaining partner not too far behind.


    Another attack flies out from my fingertips, but the monster lunges to the right to avoid most of my strike. It gets hit again, but its speed doesn''t slow.


    I clench my jaw and focus as the two remaining wolves start to approach the barrier between the Demonic Energy and the clear air of the outside world.


    Using both hands, I let out a dual attack to make sure no matter which side it jumps to next the creature will be wounded. As predicted, the monster faces its final moments just a few meters from the slowly shifting ck wall of matter.


    The remaining wolf on the other hand seems to have different ns.


    It jumps over its fallen ally and breaks through the wall of darkness with a growl and pulsing red eyes. I wasn''t sure if it was even possible for them toe out from the Abyss, but it seems my question has been answered.


    The wolf creature is no longer just an outline of fur, teeth, and glowing red eyes.


    The monster looks like an alien being.


    "This is no normal dungeon monster...."


    Its thick fur gushes out Refined Demonic Energy with every step it takes. Not much, but enough to notice that trace amounts of the raw material in its body are being used and dissolved into the air like a life force.


    It wasn''t very clear when it was under a veil of ck clouds, but out in the open it''s clear that there is a ck and dark purple aura constantlying off of its body.


    Saliva drips from its row of fangs and the beast follows a random zig-zag pattern kicking up sand as it runs closer. It watched me take down its friends and has already learned from their mistakes.


    I react by releasing 2 more waves of thin energy toward the wolf, but its erratic movements and sand in the air allow it to only be grazed by one de. Again, I release two more as ites closer and closer only to hit its side making a deep gash but not slowing down the Demonic Wolf by any means


    It jumps in the air with ws outreached and fangs ready to sink deep into my flesh. I release my final 2 waves of dark energy and they impale its body from close range. One through the heart and the other straight through the underside of its neck to pierce its skull.


    I fall backward onto the hot sandy incline behind me and the Demonic Creaturends with a loud thud as well.


    I let out a sigh, then chuckle to myself while standing to my feet.


    If I was in my normal form not wielding Demonic Energy, these beasts would be a breeze. With their speed and reflexes taken into ount, the wolves I just faced are hardly that of a level 100 mob.


    I''m just not used tobat without using my mana-imbued items and skills. They caught me off guard, but I easily handled it before it was toote.


    "Well... that''s one problem taken care of, but my questions are not answered... In fact, now I have more."


    I put my hands on my waist and stare down at the lifeless wolf creature pretending to wait for a response, then use my maniption skill to refine the the raw energy seeping from its fallen corpse.


    Not wasting any time, I absorb the energy from its two partners as well. Each of them has between 7 and 10 units floating inside them. The more strength and power they exert, it seems as though they would use up more of the energy leaving less raw matter behind.


    As tested previously by the first wolf, the moment their raw energy stores run out, they die. It''s their life force energy, but also their means to use strength and power.


    Even now, an odd phenomenon is taking ce. The corpse of the fallen monster is beginning to dissolve into the air at a rapid rate. Just like the refined energy from the Abyss, it is being consumed and evaporated by the atmosphere.


    Wracking my brain for a better exnation than my loosely thrown-together theory, I deactivate my Demonic Energy maniption skill to let the color of the world flood back in around me.


    It would have been a refreshing shift, if not for the fact that the corpse of the ck wolf disappearspletely from my vision.


    All that remains in its ce is a tiny ck gem. Its glossy surface reflects the sun''s rays.


    I gulp, walking over to it and switching my vision back and forth to see the monster reappear and disappear every time I change my skill. For every passing second the remains of the creature get smaller and smaller in my Demonic Vision, while for some reason I''m unable to see the beast at all while using my mana senses.


    It takes less than half a minute before the only thing remaining in both of my visions is the ck stone on the floor.


    Picking it up from the golden sand and holding it in my palm, I can confirm it''s exactly like the stone from the Knights in the Labyrinth. The only difference is their size. This gem is not even 1/5 asrge as the Knights from the 25th Floor.


    "Still.... It''s a clue."


    Putting the stone into my item storage, I think about whether or not I should enter the Abyss to try and scavenge the remaining stones.


    For now, it''s not a smart idea to step into unknown territory without more information. It''s best I battle more of their kind at this lower level before doing anything rash.


    I begin walking along the edge of the abyss while scanning for more enemies.


    A few hours pass and I repeat more of the same.


    Using Demonic Energy as well as mana crescents every 500 meters or so to attract trouble, a few low growls and glowing red eyes pop up in my vision and a simr scenario ys out.


    If I release two shes at once I can take down the lone wolves without giving them the option to call for help.


    Aside from the wolves, the further from the city I get, the more I extend my maniption sensors into the darkness. Deep within, it''s harder to sense at this distance but I feel the presence of a few creatures wielding well over 30 Demonic Energy in their bodies.


    This is another reason for killing my prey swiftly is to not alert these friends. I''m curious to know what these powerful monsters are, but I''m unsure if my crude attacks will be as effective on thempared to these wolves.


    No more unnecessary risks. Today, I stick to what I''m good at.


    I manage to defeat 6 more wolves of simr strength and stature in total, but only 1 more allows me to kill it outside of the Abyss.


    While absorbing thest opponent''s energy my core nears 50 Demonic Energy Units stored inside. To my surprise, I begin to feel an odd pressure in my chest. I begin to have trouble holding all of the refined energy inside.


    Trace amounts of ck energy leak from my core, through my energy pathways, and out all my pores very slowly in a dark mist-like form.


    It''s a cool sensation. Almost invigorating.


    It doesn''t hurt, but I don''t like the fact that I''m not doing it on purpose. If I were forced to switch back to using mana right now, it wouldn''t be pretty.


    "Whatever is happening, it can''t continue until I understand this better."


    I release enough energy from my core in thin streams from my fingertips to allow it to rest at a stable level. Around 45 Units seems to be my max without it spilling out in an erratic fashion or that odd pressure in my chest getting worse.


    With a sigh of relief as the oozing ck energy stopsing out, I whisper under my breath again.


    "That''s enough for today."


    At this point, I''m far from the city and observatory I was meant to keep an eye on, and over half the day has already gone by. These have been some interesting tests and a great step forward in my research.


    I step away from the edge of darkness and begin walking back to the abandoned vige.

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    The sun has already hit its high point in the sky and is beginning to fall down toward the horizon. While the sand is still scorching hot, the dry air is starting to cool off as the light rays aren''t directly pointing at the top of my head anymore.


    While walking back through the rolling dunes of the desert to the abandoned vige the sensation I felt earlier keeps relying in the back of my mind. The pressure in my chest and the core overflowing with energy are all I can think about.


    The more I ponder it, the more simrities it has to the way the wolves were leaking ck fog containing trace amounts of refined energy.


    Demonic Wolves seem to have raw energy swirling around inside them, ready to be used as a power source at any moment. My method of use is fairly different. I''m able to keep energy in my core in a state of limbo. It''s resting between raw and refined. However, once released it can''t be absorbed back inside.


    I''ve lived most of my life without a drop of Demonic Energy in me, so I''m sure it''s not vital to my survival like the wolves... I am curious If I''d be able to use it in a simr fashion to increase my physical attributes if I mastered my output better.


    While silently daydreaming about the possibilities of my new discovery, the abandoned vige finallyes back into my field of vision.


    Along with it, the white dome-shaped building up on the hill does too. I do a quick scan of my surroundings and confirm yet again there isn''t a single human or monster in sight.


    Other than the beasts lurking deep within the ck void to my right side, there is no life for kilometers in this abandoned wastnd.


    The sun is getting closer to the desert horizon, so I turn to walk back to Sra. We all agreed to meet back at Chester''s before sunset, so it''s best I break my habit of always being fashionablyte. Sometimes I have a good reason for it, today it would just be unnecessary.


    I make my trek back through the rolling hills of golden sand.


    It doesn''t take long before the wooden porch of the old man''s housees into view. I make it just in time to see Abby and Maria walking up the steps as the setting orange sun starts to disappear from the sky.


    A blue light bursts out from the door as I approach.


    Fisher''s voice yells in a happy tone to those listening inside.


    "Pretty awesome right? I can control its level of protection on demand now! It''s like an extrayer of mana shielding made from water magic without using up nearly as much energy."


    I step through the door to see where exactly this blue light ising from.


    The swordsman is standing in the middle of the living room emanating a light blue glow. A thin veil of shielding covers his whole body, and it''s visible to the naked eye.


    Using my All-Seeing Eye for a closer look, I confirm his words with a smirk and a nod as we make eye contact before speaking up.


    "Not bad... That''s your ranked-up perk? The water defense you mentioned earlier."


    My eyes scan it up and down before continuing.


    "I had no idea it could be manipted to different intensities, interesting."


    He smiles and turns to Arie.


    "We found out all kinds of things about our ranked-up buffs. There isn''t much known about them from my standard education, all I know is this is a high-tier perk. Sometimes people don''t even get a buff at all! Often a hunter''s skills just get upgraded. I think the fact that we''re already maxed out at legendary grade means we got something extra. Show him yours!"


    Arie nods and stands to his feet.


    "Sure, I got some practice in too. Take a look"


    The archer begins to shine bright white.


    Meanwhile, I think about what the water mage said. I know for certain legendary is not the maximum skill rank. Upgrading further would just require a lot more Proficiency Points(PP). If a hunter''s skills can''t be upgraded manually, a buff is rewarded.


    Then again, I received a buff with plenty of points left to use. Maybe it has to do with a hunter''s nature. A ranked-up perk could be different depending on the wielder''s goals and desires.


    I give up on my train of thought as Arie begins to materialize white magical objects in his hands. They glisten and shine like his white arrows, but shape shift from the form of daggers, to arge shield, then into a long sword, and finally a fantastic glowing bow.


    He holds it tight, then lets the object disappear into thin air.


    Not even mana residue is left behind, it gives off the same reading as when an item is ced into an item box. The energy is gone from this dimensional ne.


    He speaks.


    "Whatever weapon or physical item I picture in my head can be created with the same essence as my spirit arrows. It uses very little mana and they''re much stronger than normal magic items."


    Fisher crosses his arms.


    "Very strong indeed. One of his conjured des easily went toe to toe with my bonded water sword. Not to mention our base level increase in overall mana control is astounding. It''s like I''m breathing in magic with every breath I take. We''re on a whole new level..."


    I nod with a thin smile, happy to see Fishering back to his old self.


    "Good. Great to see some fast progress. If the boss is ranked up and as strong as Chester says he is, we''ll need all the help can get. Tomorrow, both of you should train more and see if you can push those abilities to any new heights. A single day of practicing a skill often doesn''t show you everything it has in store."


    I turn to Abby and Maria.


    "How about you two, anything unusual to report?"


    They both shake their heads and then Maria speaks.


    "We went to the mercenary guilds, snooped around the bars, popped into the government office in disguise, and even checked out the dungeon hub. There was no sign of anyone talking about us, the Inner Circle, or the Association. It''s like we were never even here. Business is moving like usual."


    Abby crosses her arms.


    "True, but it''s not exactly like we were never here."


    She chuckles.


    "The mess you made down in the ck market raised a few eyebrows. However, no one dared to walk into the dead zone region of the 2nd floor to check it out for themselves while we were down there. At the front gate, the guards just let us in and out without any mention of it. There were some whispers from nearby merchants, questioning why there had been no one entering or exiting the dead zone today. Most of them are convinced the boss and his minions are out of town, but I''m not sure how long their blind fear willst. People will get curious."


    I nod.


    "Good. We just need to hold off any wandering eyes for one more day. Tomorrow, both of you stay down there to make sure no one messes things up. We don''t want the wrong person to see something they''re not meant to see."


    Finally, my gaze shifts to Chester. He has an excited look on his face and stands next to the tall disy case of items I tasked him to sort.


    Each of the items has small notes on them with descriptions and price points for market value and expected auction price, plus their specific perks and buffs.


    He speaks.


    "If we were to sell all of these slowly over the next few months, I''m sure a small fortune could be made."


    I nod, letting him continue.


    "But, you said you wanted them all sold by tomorrow. If I go to some of my old connects in town and sell to some trusted anonymous buyers, they''ll purchase bulk items for a seller''s price... About 100 gold for everything is my modest appraisal."


    I shrug with a grin.


    "Great, get them sold tomorrow. Anything over 0 is profit, but try to get the best price you can."


    Chester turns around to pull out the blue and gold potions along with a smooth curved glossy ck dagger as dark as night.


    "These items, on the other hand, I think are far too unique to sell. There are no merchants or hunters in town capable of giving me a reasonable price for them. It may be worth keeping them for the future battles."


    I look down at the gear and activate appraisal.


    [Extreme Strength Potion] x10


    [MP Invigoration Potion] x10


    The potions show interesting readings in the familiar blue text boxes, but the dagger shows nothing at all. It''s clearly a monster drop, but there isn''t a hint of magic in it.


    I use my All-Seeing Eye to get more information.


    _____________


    Extreme Strength Potion


    Info: This Extreme Strength Potion will boost the user''s base strength stats by 120% for 5 minutes. If initially consumed while on full HP, It increases the speed and agility stats by an additional 25%. The user will have a 50% debuff of all base stats for 30 minutes following potion use.


    ss: C+


    Type: Consumable


    Durability: 1/1


    _____________


    _____________


    MP Invigoration Potion


    Info: This MP Invigoration Potion will boost the user''s base mana control capabilities by 50% for 5 minutes. If initially consumed while on full MP, It increases the user''s environmental mana absorption rate by 200% for the full 5 minutes of activation. The user will have a 75% debuff on all base stats and a 99% debuff on mana absorption for 30 minutes following potion use.


    ss: B+


    Type: Consumable


    Durability: 1/1


    _____________


    "I''ve never seen anything like this..."


    The potions look interesting, but what stands out most to me is the endless ck void within the glossy curved dagger.


    It gives off the same lifeless undetectable readings I get from staring into the Abyss.

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    I take the ck dagger from Chester''s hands disregarding the glowing crate of potions in his other and begin twirling it around my fingers to view the weapon from every possible angle.


    It''s smooth and incredibly lightweight.


    The old man starts to exin how the potions work based on a book he read about simr items years ago, but I drown out his words while staring down at this unique artifact.


    The base of the grip fits tightly in my right hand, and the curved de is about the length of my forearm. My eyes practically sparkle while looking down at the incredible item. It feels as if there''s a bottomless Abyss within the de yearning for power. I''m sure this item cannot wield mana, so I don''t dare risk it and try. All I want to do right now is activate my Demonic Energy Maniption skill and test out my theories.


    Its surface is made of the same hard stone-like substance that the crystals dropped from the ck Knights and Demonic Wolves. The origin and specific details about this substance are still unclear to me, but with every passing day, it''s starting toe together.


    I need to get some alone time to test this de''s capabilities.


    I''m mesmerized.


    After a few dozen more spins and swirling motions through my fingers, I grab the de tight with a smirk. My vision finally lifts from the knife and I snap back to reality, listening to the conversation going on in the living room.


    Chester continues to speak about the potions with a kind smile.


    "...so if you''re ever in need of a boost during a battle against an overwhelming opponent, these may save your life. Just remember the debuffs are pretty intense. You''ll have to rely on your teammates after the 5 minutes is up, or ensure the battle can be finished within that time frame."


    I nod slowly, still only thinking about the weapon in my hand.


    My teammates on the other hand are staring wide eyes at the potions. Then, they all turn to me.


    I shrug, eyeing the potions for a moment, then take two of the golden extreme strength potions for myself, leaving the rest.


    "Have at ''em'', I think you''ll make better use of them than me."


    Anything with debuffs this high is not optimal for my long-term battle style. The mana absorption rate is pointless for me as well. With Plunderer, I can take in all the MP I need without the negative side effects of a potion. The Extreme Strength, on the other hand, I''ll keep on me for a rainy day. It wouldn''t hurt to hold onto a few, but my gear and skill buffs are better than anything these potions can add.


    The 4 of them dly ept and start splitting the potions amongst themselves. They put them in their item boxes and examine the ss jars in amazement. Abby is the first to look up from their newly gifted loot.


    "Now that we''ve all given our reports, that just leaves you. What''s the status of the observatory? You found it right?"


    The room goes silent.


    "I did."


    There are a few gulps, but everyone waits patiently as I go on.


    "Nobody was home. I take it they''re either concealed in an area I can''t sense or held up waiting somewhere else. The entire town was abandoned and the observatory up on the cliff didn''t have a single living soul inside."


    I reach into my storage and pull out the two ck Demonic Stones.


    "However, there are some interesting monsters in the Abyss."


    Chester''s eyes light up from across the room as I let the small glossy gems with the middle coffee tables surface.


    His gaze darts back and forth from the dagger in my right hand and the gems rolling to a stop on the wooden surface. The old man''s eye for rare itemses to the same conclusion as me in a matter of seconds.


    As he walks over, I speak again.


    "They were right by the edge. One of my abilities allows me to see them. It makes sense that you weren''t able to while conducting research, it''s an advanced technique. However, the fact that you said you heard some is fascinating. Am I remembering this correctly?"


    Chester picks up the gems and starts examining them with a small bronze-colored circr tool while replying.


    "Indeed. All I heard were growls from the border when I got too close. Also, an asional roar followed by the sound of metal on metal ringing out from deep within caught my ear every few days."


    He gulps.


    "I''ve stepped inside a few times to conduct some tests, but never made it further than 10 meters. The darkness is sickening."


    There''s another moment of silence before Arie speaks.


    "The Monsters in the Abyss. How would I stack up against one?"


    A semi-worried expression crosses his face. I reply.


    "Oh, you''re definitely stronger than the monsters I faced today, the only problem is you wouldn''t be able to perceive them. They... seem to exist on a different frequency than regr mana-based monsters."


    The room is taken aback at this remark. Everyone''s eyes open wide, wanting to know more.


    I throw my hands up in a yful manner.


    "Hey, I don''t really understand it much yet either.... I need to do more testing tomorrow."


    I hold up the ck dagger tighter.


    "This weapon may help me uncover some more clues."


    A few sighs and slow nods are all I get in return as they realize we''ve hit a dead end for information gathering today. We all start to settle down for the evening, as the distant city lights are the only source of brightness that shines through the open windows.


    Chester cooks up another meal and we spend the night rehashing our ns for tomorrow and start discussing potential options for what we''ll do once we get out of this whole mess.


    The only things thate up are starting a new life here in the Dark Continent, Moving to another one of the 8 Regions or Directly confronting the Association back home. There are other options too, but these seem to be our top 3 options.


    All of them have their advantages and drawbacks, but we still have a lot to get done before making a decision. The conversation was only brought up to keep our minds busy while waiting for the impending confrontation ahead.


    ¡ª


    Morninges and we all leave to continue our respective roles. Maria and Abby head out to keep watch on the ck Market, Arie and Fisher go to the training rooms to refine their new ranked-up powers, and Chester leaves to sell off the High-Grade D and C-ss gear to his various merchant friends.


    I excitedly make my way back toward the desert.


    Although I like to keep my abilities as hidden as possible, that is not the full reason I didn''t activate my Demonic Energy while with my groupst night.


    We''re all in the same boat here, enemies of two foreign governments and only have each other to count on. There''s no reason to not trust them, but at the same time, there''s no reason to overshare.


    My main worry is the potential dangers of the excess mana from their auras or magic residue in a room full of Elite Mages and rare items. One wrong chain reaction and we''d all be doomed.


    "It''s better I keep this to myself for now" I whisper under my breath while walking out of town and into the rolling hills of the open desert.


    "Today... I''ll learn how to use this de, and enter the Abyss."

 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    As the silver towers in Sra begin to fade from my line of sight, I take my new dagger out of item storage and begin twirling it through my fingers again.


    It looks like it should be made of heavy metal or dense stone like obsidian, but this long de can''t be more than 100 grams. It''s made of a foreign substance I''ve never felt before in high quantity.


    With too many questions begging to be answered, I activate my Demonic Energy Maniption skill and the world around me shes ck and white. The rising golden hills of sand in the desert turn white in my vision, and the only darkness in thendscape is the shadows from the sun.


    I''m starting to get used to the switch.


    However, the de in my hand now glows with a dim purple hue.


    "This is new..."


    It''s barely visible, but from the contrast of the bright sand below me and theck of color in my vision otherwise, I''m sure it''s there. It''s the exact same color as the wisps of matter that dissolve off Dungeon Walker portals I used to make when it was a base-level skill.


    I take a deep breath, then allow a full unit of Demonic Energy to flow from my core into the de through my fingertips.


    It feels natural to do so.


    Once in contact with my energy, the dagger starts to glow light purple closer to the sharp edge of the de. Its intensity and luminosity increase but the shade of purple hue darkens as more energy seeps into it.


    The denser the energy is packed the closer to the base color of a jet-ck de the weapon returns to.


    I take a few more steps forward while examining the dagger further. The outer glow now has taken a somewhat physical rippling form. Light wisps of dark purple energy float around the weapon. Trace amounts of the excess refined Demonic Energy dissolve into the air.


    Out of curiosity, I feed it more.


    Another unit flows from my core into the de and the purple hue darkness again. Thicker wisps with the consistency of candle smoke form around the ck weapon and it only temps me to give it more power to test its limits. One unit at a time, I continue sending refined cool energy from my body to the de.


    It hits 5 units, and the dark aura around it nearly covers my hand it''s so thick.


    While the matter still rests in the de, it feels like the energy is still connected to me.


    It feels powerful, but at the same moment, I have nothing topare it to. It isn''t simr to when I imbue my bonded des with mana at all. Instead of energy being ready to expel at a moment''s notice like my fire or pure mana attacks, this one is just powering up the weapon itself.


    I can feel the ck dagger being saturated, but that''s about it. There is no extra control or immediate buffs gained, I''ve just created a stronger de.


    Wisps of ck energy continue to surround the weapon. The more that''s in the de the faster its residue dissolves into the atmosphere.


    I give it a test swing through the air.


    The motion is quick and silent, leaving a thin trail of dark purple energy behind it.


    Sporting a grin, I swing it again.


    It leaves another streak of ck and purple cloud-like residue across my vision as if I''m peering into the night sky through the desert sand.


    The trails of energy disappear into the air, and I whisper under my breath.


    "The Midnight Dagger. That''s what I''ll call this de."


    I continue to get a feel for my new weapon while admiring the sleek, stealthy, and dangerous aesthetic.


    With every sh I conduct, the power within the de is expelled little by little. After about 2 dozen movements, all 5 units havepletely dissolved into the air. It''s devoid of energy just like the moment I picked it up for the first time.


    The weapon uses up Demonic Energy while in its base resting state, and a significant amount more when moved around at high speeds by the user.


    I''m much morefortable wielding my new weapon, but I still have to try it out on a monster to see how it really works.


    With a satisfied sigh, I reactivate my mana sense and ce the dagger in my item storage to continue the long walk back to the Abyss.


    It does not take long before the ck voides into view and the vacant townys silent below me in the valley. With an All-Seeing Eye scan along with enemy detection, I confirm there''s nothing out of the ordinary in the town itself.


    However, the white dome up on the hill shows an interesting reading that was not present yesterday.


    There''s a weak pulse of grey energying from the top of the observatory every 10 to 20 seconds. Without my perception, it''d be invisible, but I can see clearly that the mana-based energy wave is pointed straight at the Abyss.


    Surprisingly, as it makes contact with the ck void, it glides right through and fades away out of my detection range but creates no yellow sparks or hint of reaction with the darkness.


    Despite the odd new sonar-like energy reading, there aren''t any people nearby. It''s tempting to peek inside and find out for myself what''s really going on, but if by chance there''s surveince in the area I don''t want to ruin my chances of meeting the Boss and his Craftsman tomorrow.


    I grit my teeth and turn away.


    The information is noted. I''ll re-assess the situation in time. If there''s no one home, I''m better off not knocking at the door.


    Taking a hard left, I begin my walk along the Abyss just like I had the day before. Activating Demonic Vision and pulling out The Midnight Dagger, I patiently wait for a wolf to appear from the ck fog.


    After no more than 500 meters of travel away from the abandoned town, the first pair of red glowing eyes stare at me from within the dark border. It growls and tightens its jaw while digging its sharp ws into the sand, but doesn''t budge from about 7 meters deep in the Abyss.


    I take a step closer, channeling 5 full units of Demonic Energy into my sword just like when I tested it out earlier.


    With every step closer that I take, the wolf''s growl sounds louder and deeper. Its crimson eyes shine brighter through the darkness and the creature stands its ground.


    Other than the two asions where the wolves jumped out of the void to attack me, this is the closest I''ve gotten to one of these monsters. More importantly, this is the closest I''ve ever been to the Abyss itself.


    With de in hand, and confidence coursing through my veins I continue to draw near.


    The hot sand beneath my feet crunches with every step, and my eardrums echo with the monster''s deep growls.


    I take a final step close enough to the swirling wall of darkness to the point where reaching out a hand would allow me to touch the barrier.


    The wolf finally snaps and lets out a battle roar while jumping forward.


    I do the same, plunging dagger-first into the Abyss.

 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    The tip of my de pierces the ck veil of darkness. The crimson eyes and dripping white fangs of the Demonic Wolf lunge toward me while my de points right back.


    It cuts clean through like butter.


    Not only the ckness of the abyss but the wolf creature in front of me as well.


    With little to no resistance at all, my dagger strikes the iing wolf head on and it''s cleaved in two before I even make another step.


    Plumes of dark energy seep from my de as it tears through the monster''s flesh, killing it instantly.


    As impressive as my destructive feat may be, my attention is much more focused on the darkness around me that I delved into unannounced.


    With a thud, the two halves of the wolfnd at my sides and my gaze locks onto the reflection of my glowing white eyes in the base of the glossy de. I look around, and my vision isn''t filled with pure darkness as expected...


    It looks as if I''m just wearing dark purple sunsses inside. Dark, but still more than visible enough to move around undisturbed. My vision is equal to that of a day that has turned to dusk. The rolling sandy hills are visible for hundreds of meters ahead of me, unlike moments ago when staring into the ck void I could hardly make out the wolf''s outline at 10 meters.


    "This isn''t right..."


    I remember Chester''s words well.


    He mentioned he could enter the Abyss unharmed, but couldn''t make it more than a few meters without the darkness bing unbearable.


    I''m having a much different experience.


    Activating my maniption skill, I absorb the energy from the fallen wolf. It brings my core back up to full and my vision lightens even further. My visibility reaches nearly half a kilometer.


    Although the outside of the Abyss looks like a thick ck cloud of fog, the air quality actually has no difference. It may be a bit thicker, but the amount is minuscule. My movements and breathing aren''t affected at all. If anything, I feel even more energetic and ready for a fight than before.


    As the two remaining halves of the wolf monster dissolve, the tiny ck gemstone is left behind on the sandy floor. As I pick it up, the purple glimmer and glossy reflective surfaces shine in the light of my eyes again.


    I throw it in my back pocket, not wanting to find out what would happen if I were to activate my spatial magic in here.


    Wisps of energy still leak from my de. After replenishing my stores from the world, there are just under 45 units in my core and a little over 4 in my dagger.


    Turning my head to the edge of the Abyss behind me, the bright open desert is visible just slightly through a distorted white veil. It''s the pr opposite of what the Abyss looks like from the outside. Impossible to miss from a distance, but with no way of tracking where I am in here other than my positioningpared to monsters, my n is to keep close the the outer edge.


    Or, at least within a visual range.


    "It looks like I have some work to do."


    With a grin, I move forward deeper into the purple-tinted realm without another thought. Tightly gripping my de and scanning the area for dense pockets of raw Demonic Energy, I start my trek.


    I continue making my way east, and slightly north walking deeper into this unknown. It feels eerily silent, but then again so is the entire desert...


    About 20 minutes pass before a grouping of 4 wolvese charging my way with glowing eyes and no fear or hesitation in their movements. I sensed theming from a distance, but their travel trajectory hints toward the fact that they could sense me too.


    Plus, there are many of them traveling together now. Not just the scouts at the border.


    I run forward to meet the small pack head-on while channeling more energy into my de to make up for the lost charge.


    Two wolves jump out in front, and with a wide sh from right to left, I cut them down. The creatures'' heads roll to the floor behind me while I prepare to attack their backup.


    Just like mindless dungeon monsters, these beasts show no fear. They only run straight ahead attacking me with the intent to kill, nothing else.


    The ck and purple wisps around my knife start to grow as I continuously channel more energy into the de to prepare for a second strike. In doing so, the second my legs hit the ground I feel a surge of power.


    My next step is considerably faster than the previous attack and I lunge forward with blinding speed and precision. All of my perception senses increase for a moment as well.


    The wolves don''t have any time to howl for backup, they''re defeated before they even know what hit them.


    I smirk and turn around as all 4 fallen enemies stop moving and begin to dissolve.


    Simr to my de, ck and purple wisps of energy evaporate from my arms and shoulders, adding to the refined energy of the Abyss. Once it leaves my body, it is lost from my control.


    It stops flowing the moment my heart rate slows and my quick movements cease while absorbing all the raw energy from the wolves.


    There is some leftover that I can''t absorb, it just floats slowly into the air as the remains of the monsters'' bodies dissolve.


    I collect the 4 ck gems and continue my walk making a mental note of the energy surge I just felt. It was like a temporary speed, strength, and perception buff, but with such weak opponents, it''s hard to tell by how much.


    It activates when my de gets fully saturated with Demonic Energy and the output I''m channeling through my pathways has nowhere else to go. The power slowly seeps through my muscles and invigorates my body.


    Afterward, I don''t feel tired or fatigued at all.


    "I need to conduct a few more tests..."


    Over the next few hours, I run into more small wolf packs of 2 to 6 monsters per grouping every kilometer I travel.


    My newest power-up is useful to take the wolves out quickly, but I''m only able to activate it when my de is full. Even while battling 6 demonic beasts at once, I hardly have more than a second to produce any results. The phenomenon''s true capabilities are still an unsolved mystery to me, I curiously continue to probe the void for something stronger.


    Eventually, as I travel further east than I did yesterday, and nearly half a kilometer north into the Abyss, the remnants of an abandoned towne into my field of view. It''s much deeper in than I''d initially nned on diving, but something interesting catches my eye...


    I''d brush it off as just another evacuated settlement if it wasn''t for the odd light purple, almost white, aura hovering over the vacant houses.


    There aren''t more than 20 houses in total, and most are made of wood and leftover scrap metal.


    Squinting from this range the outer glow of the oddity is visible, but the only way to see what it really is is to walk over and check it out for myself.


    The closer I get, the brighter the aura bes. Once less than 20 paces away, the aura turns out to not be what I expected at all...


    White and purple fire burns bright, flickering slowly and scattered in small patches along the sandy streets and even crackling atop a few small huts and houses.


    It looks like it was thrown about by an angry fire wielder randomly. The fact that the mes are here isn''t the odd part, it''s that they don''t show any signs of growingrger or flickering out. They just burn in ce, giving off the light glow that drew me in.


    Every step closer I take, the more it doesn''t make any sense at all.


    The moment I make my first step into the vicinity of the vige onto a well-traveled path, I feel the sand shudder and vibrate beneath my feet. It stops for a moment as my eyes dart back and forth, then a loud fearsome roar followed by a metal ng rings out from even deeper within the Abyss.


    Tightening my gaze on the direction it came from and letting my energy sensors search for power, I pick up on the essence of a monster with nearly the same amount of raw energy in its core as me...


    This isn''t a wolf. It''s my chance to face a Demonic Monster with real power.

 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    I take another step into the town.


    After the first ground-shaking roar, the air stays still, and silence fills the dark Abyss. The only movements I can sense are the white and purple flickering mes ahead of me.


    Cautiously, I take more steps forward while gripping my dagger. The roofs of the small huts I walk past are torn off, and some are missing doors and walls. It''s difficult to tell if this destruction was man-made before evacuating, or if the monster that released its battle cry earlier had something to do with all this.


    Using my maniption skill, I sense the dense grouping of raw energying my way at a steady rate. If I''m picturing it correctly, there are nearly 40 units swirling around inside this beast.


    In response, I channel energy into my de and start moving in its direction.


    I make it all the way through the deste vige, peering out into the purple-tinted horizon awaiting its arrival.


    At first, I thought it might be some kind of mutant wolf, or a humanoid version of one. However, considering its roar, it sounds too familiar to a type of monster I''ve fought in the past to resemble a wolf howl.


    My suspicionse true as the 4-meter-tall shadowy figure of a high orces stomping toward me from over a risen sand dune.


    Its skin is dark purple, and its armor is jet-ck. The creature''s crimson eyes are the first thing that bes visible while it charges my way.


    The monster raises a long glossy sword simr to my dagger''s coloring and lets out a roar. It locks its gaze on me while its body begins to exude high amounts of Demonic Energy.


    In doing so, it elerates much faster. Sand flies up in the air to its sides as I finish channeling excess energy into my dagger. This activates my buffs to let the dark matter leak out from my body as well. The creature is fast, but I''m faster.


    "It''s time to fight."


    Grinning, I lunge forward and match the Demonic High Orc''s speed without an issue. My gaze tightens on its armor the closer I get, darting my eyes up and down to try and pinpoint a weak area to strike.


    It''s almost entirely covered from the neck down.


    Other than its head, the areas I can strike are the backs of its knees, elbows, and a small area around its waist. That''s where a majority of its Demonic Energy is leaking out from, so it''s signifying holes in the defenses.


    With eyes locked on the prize, I continue running forward as the armored High Orc runs down the sand dune with its ck de raised.


    I jump upward, powered up with my new speed and strength buffs, as the Demonic Creature swings its de down at me.


    A ng rings out on impact. The heavy breath of the beast can be felt from less than a few meters away, and its red eyes illuminate the area where we sh, announcing the battle''s start.


    It''s strong...


    Much stronger than I initially imagined.


    Once we collide, even with my buffs, I''m slightly overpowered strength-wise.


    My mana control is worthless, and my stat-boosting gear can''t be used. I''m reliant on the base stats of this body double''s nerfed form plus whatever extra power the Mysterious Midnight Dagger can lend me in the heat of battle.


    Although it slightly overpowers me, I still clearly have the upper hand. The monster''s long sword begins to crack against the flowing essence of my dagger. My de sinks into the metal of its weapon as it attempts to push it down further toward me.


    Surprisingly, neither its sword nor armor glows, channeling energy like mine. It seems this de is special.


    It realizes its sword will break if it follows through with this swing any further, so ites at me from the side with a tightened fist covered in Demonic Essence.


    Hit straight on from the side, I''m sent flying down the desert hill while coughing up blood.


    "I''ll give it to ya, you can hit hard. Unfortunately, that''s not going to be enough."


    I smirk, catching my feet on the desert floor and repositioning myself for our second iing sh.


    It has the strength advantage over me, but I have speed. As long as I don''t let it catch me in the air again, this battle is as good as won.


    I turn to let it follow me to a more t area of the desert right outside the vige. Battling on a hill is giving it the unnecessary advantage of high ground. It takes less than 5 seconds to get the beast exactly where I want it. The High Orc lets out a roar while following and swinging its arms and de, frustrated that I keep it meters out of reach at all times.


    Then, once the battlefield is to my liking, I turn to face it, activating my buffs.


    In the blink of an eye, I swerve around the creature''s left side, narrowly avoiding its de and aiming for the back of its knee. There''s a small gap in its armored leggings, so I aim for it.


    The sound of metal on metal rings out as my energy-covered de chips a hole in its armor, exposing even more of its hind leg. The monster swings its de around to hit me, but I lunge away, shing at its exposed free elbow.


    With every step I take, I burn through more Demonic Energy.


    Each powerful stride of mine uses up about half a unit, and just dodging burns through another half a unit every 3 seconds that I partake in battle.


    I could take a few hits from its charged fist if I needed to, but that first one hurt quite a bit. If I were to quantify it, the attack felt like the strength of a level 350 to 400 monster with a strength-based natural affinity.


    Considering this, and the fact that the wolves I faced earlier with 10 units of demonic energy felt like level 100 monsters, I can safely assume that a single unit of Demonic Energy is roughly equivalent to 10 levels, stats-wise.


    In my weakened form, I only have a few dozen levels up on this creature. It''s best for me to stay cautious moving forward. There may be many other opponents like this one that I can''t always brute force my way to victory; I''ll use a more tactical battle style here.


    shing at its weak points until massive holes in its armor be visible, the High Orc roars with frustration. These roars turn into cries of agony as I begin aiming for its flesh, not only aiming to weaken its defenses.


    Focusing on speed, and using up a lot of my energy stores, I''m able to bob and weave around the brute with surgical precision. Hit after hit, the beast''s vitality is brought down to a critical level. In doing so, the monster gets much slower as well.


    Every attempt it makes to block uses up more of its own Demonic Energy, and every swing of its de bes sloppier by the minute.


    The ng and crack of metal echo through the vacant town as its final desperate attempt to cut me down ends in its de being sliced in two by my dagger.


    The dark-skinned High Orc falls to its knees, unarmed and riddled with sh marks on its arms and legs. I jump above it and deal the finishing blow to the center of its forehead.


    The corpse, shattered armor, and broken de fall to the sandy floor with a series of thuds. I step away while breathing heavily.


    I check the contents of my core.


    Less than 10 units of Demonic Energy remain. I''m a bit fatigued, but the physical stress on my body is mostly forgotten as I''m invigorated by the fact that I took down my first difficult opponent in the Abyss.


    "That was the first time I''ve managed to go all out with this new power... and it felt good."


    The remnants of the High Orc start to dissolve, and I absorb the remaining raw energy it releases, bringing me almost back up to a full core, but not quite. The monster used up a lot of its own energy stores in our battle.


    I bend down to grab the glossy ck gem it leaves behind, but the ground starts to shake violently as I do.


    Just like before I met this High Orc, the sand beneath my feet shifts. This time there''s no roar...


    I feel exactly where ites from.


    My eyes open wide and my heart skips a beat as I sense a monster wielding over 90 units of raw Demonic Energy lurking nearby in the Abyss. It''s been waiting patiently for me to finish my battle before making its presence known.

 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    The sand beneath my feet shifts again, even more violently this time.


    I''m frozen in ce, feeling the presence of a Demonic Creature magnitudes stronger than the one I just faced.


    I had to use all my tricks and mental power to stay ahead of a creature with a level lower than my own...


    Lurking less than 500 meters away from me, I sense a monster stronger than anything I''ve ever faced in battle before, inside or outside of this Abyss.


    "This would be a good time to run..."


    Without thinking twice, I grab the glossy ck stone off the floor from the High Orc I just defeated and turn to leave immediately.


    There''s a difference between seeking out a strong opponent for training my new powers and the death wish I''d be asking for to face whatever this monster may be.


    Sand flies up from my heels as I sprint back toward the direction of the abandoned town.


    I''m not sure how, but I feel the re of something watching me from afar. I can''t see it, but I know it''s watching...


    Using Demonic Energy to increase the strength of my footsteps, I race off at full speed toward the direction of the outside world. The ground starts to shake more and more violently, and the sand beneath my feet starts to churn and move.


    It gets harder to find solid ground with every step I take.


    I finally make it right to the edge of the eerie town of abandoned homes and crackling mes. This lets me know for sure the border of the Abyss is less than a kilometer away, but with the heavy looming presence behind me, it feels like much further.


    My maniption skill starts to go haywire. Over a dozen enemies ranging from 10 to 50 raw units of Demonic Energy start to surround me on all sides.


    They appeared from nowhere... And the presence behind me is not weakened in the slightest.


    To make things even more strange, they''re alling up from underneath the sand.


    It''s as if they spawned in.


    I stop in ce and grip my dagger as the ground beneath my feet bes so unstable it''s impossible to stand. If I had my wind magic right now, I''d fly out of here in an instant, but right now, I''m a sitting duck.


    An explosion of white and purple light bursts from the ground no more than 10 meters to my right. It nearly blinds me before another of the same size erupts on my left.


    Then another in front, and more behind.


    Monsters are popping up from the sand one by one and igniting their bodies with a bright purple glow.


    It''s hot. Very hot...but luckily, the heat doesn''t bother me much.


    Everything clicks in my head as the sand clouds start to settle, revealing over a dozen monstrous Demonic Worms covered in mes closing in toward me.


    This is apletely new species of Demonic Monster. The disgusting creatures range from 2 to 5 meters long and all share the same features: rows of white teeth that rotate in their open maws.


    The skin around their bodies looks slippery and wet, yet despite that, it''s covered in purple mes.


    One of the smallest creatures of the bunch closest to me lunges in, targeting my right leg.


    Gritting my teeth, not having any room to step back, I swing my charged dagger, slicing it in two.


    Both halves of the slimy ming creature wriggle on the ground as another one of its kind squirms in to attempt to take a bite out of my left side.


    Again, I spin around and slice the ming creature in two. Only the lower-level ones are attacking right now. They''re scoping out my capabilities with their young and trying to identify my strengths and weaknesses. They may look stupid, but as a group, it seems they have a brain.


    "Not good..."


    As more of the 10-20 unit creatures throw their bodies at me, I feel the monstrous entity approach at an unnerving pace.


    It''s getting closer by the second, and I''m stuck slicing worms on the edge of town, not making any progress toward my n to flee.


    As soon as I attempt to escape from the circle that surrounds me, one of therger creatures lunges in. Its wide-open mouth has 4 rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its diameter is close to the width of my body.


    I activate my Demonic speed buffs and use up a full unit to jump out of the way as fast and far as it will take me.


    In doing so, this allows others its size to squirm my way and go on the attack rather than just sitting back to watch.


    All of the slimy monsters leave trails of purple mes behind them, and long indents in the sand look like the well-traveled roads in the vige.


    The mysterious sight of the ming abandoned town is starting to make a lot more sense. I''m just wishing it didn''t...


    Smaller worms still lunge at me, but I cut them down with ease and absorb their Demonic Energy on the fly as best I can. They aren''t a threat to me at all.


    There are 3rger worms, all over 40 Demonic Energy units. These are the ones that give me trouble. One bite from a beast like that, and I''m surely a goner. Every time I lunge out of the way and dodge an attack, the other two block my way to exit.


    They''re leading me back to the vige, and there''s nothing I can do about it.


    I grit my teeth and turn to face the closest monster with my de in hand. As it slithers toward me, I run back at it.


    It''s not the safest option for me to choose right now, but with a near A-ss level threat behind me, fighting 3 monsters near my own skill level is a much more reasonable goal.


    Charging my de to the max, I lunge at it straight on. As the worm tries to swallow me whole, I duck to the side and leave a deep gash along its slimy skin.


    My de rips through its flesh like butter, but the worm doesn''t hesitate to bend its head backward and go for the kill.


    I charge my steps and jump in the air high above the worm to dodge whilending another devastating blow on its exposed side. From what I can tell, this one is as good as dead.


    All seems to be going well, but its two battle partners see that I''m not doing my usual running away tactic and join in on the fun to avenge their fallen partner.


    "Dammit..."


    As I fall to the desert floor after critically wounding one of the worms, I fall straight toward the other two with no way of changing my trajectory in sight. In ast-moment decision, while falling toward one of their open mouths, I point my left hand straight ahead and channel pure demonic energy out in its purest refined form.


    The ck matter hits the creature''s rows of jagged teeth and punctures its jaw from the inside, causing the stream of dense energy to flow out the other side. Its head ils backward, but it''s back in action the instant my feet hit the ground. The second worm, on the other hand, has no such obstacle and is now out of my field of view.


    It slithers in from my blind spot and goes in for the kill.


    If not for the vibrations in the sand below my feet, I wouldn''t have noticed before it was toote...


    However, maybe it already is.


    I manage to spin my body out of the way, but the creaturetches onto my left arm. It sees it as the weapon that injured its partner.


    I clench my jaw as its rows of white teeth crush every bone from my shoulder down in a single crunch. Simultaneously, I use my free arm to cut the head of the beast clean off along with my now unusable arm.


    It falls to the desert floor squirming covered in my blood as well as its own.


    The final worm turns to me. Its teeth are even more jagged than before because of myst attack on it. The hole from my attempt to kill it earlier makes the desert sand behind it visible through its open maw.


    It faces me with its two in allies scattered on the ground around us. I stare back, slowly bleeding out and breathing heavily.


    The worm slithers forward; I power up my energy stores and lunge at it.


    With no support, this mindless worm is no match. I cut it down in three clean shes, and it lies lifeless by its allies.


    The remains of the dozen enemies that sneak-attacked me are scattered across the desert floor, covered in the purple ming residue even after death.


    They all begin to dissolve, and I absorb enough energy to bring myself back to full but don''t waste a second to stop and collect their ck stones.


    The monster I''m dreading to meet finally decides to make its move.


    I shudder as the ground shakes and rumbles. This movement is nothing like the squirming, shifting sensation of the previous attackers.


    This feels like an earthquake. The only thing that could make such world-shaking movements is a true behemoth, slithering beneath the desert floor, stalking its prey with no thought of danger.


    I run.


    The ground beneath me starts to slowly rise, and all I can do is use everyst drop of Demonic energy my body will allow to propel my steps forward. The white edge of the Abyss to the outside world seems to get further and further away the faster I try to run.


    I manage to outpace the rising hill of sand beneath me, leaving the vige about 100 meters behind, but the sight I witness does the opposite of giving me any extra sense of relief.


    The desert floor rises and pops like a bubble as rows of house-sized teeth erupt from the sand in a perfect circle to swallow the entire vige whole.


    A tidal wave of rippling sand violentlyes my way as the A-ss threat makes itself known.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    I can''t believe my eyes...


    "Impossible..."


    I''ve never seen a creature this size, and have most definitely never faced one this powerful either. If my estimate is correct, the monster before me has the raw stats of a level 900.


    It''s a ranked-up version of whatever the tiny insects were that I just fought... This creature is on a whole different level.


    The entire vige of two dozen homes is swallowed into the open maw of this beast without a hint of restraint.


    With four glowing eyes, tough spiked scales around its body, and waves of Demonic Energy pulsing from its very being; one thing is very clear.


    I''m no match, no match at all.


    I continue to run.


    The rippling rubber-like consistency of the sand floor sends me flying through the air with every few steps I take. It''s like attempting to stay upright in a raging storm on the open sea.


    This Demonic Worm has control of the entire desert around it. The power feels simr to an Earth Maniption ability, but without my mana senses, it''s impossible to tell.


    Still, using my remaining energy stores, I push myself to run with everything I''ve got.


    Turning my head back onest time, its open mouth stares at me. It leaks a dark purple aura with hints of crimson light mixed within. Behind that, hundreds of meters of bodye slithering out from the crater it''s made on the desert floor. The creature''s movements are that of an enormous serpent.


    From here, it looks as if a skyscraper just erupted from the earth.


    Just when I thought things couldn''t get any worse, its entire body ignites into purple mes and dives forward into the ground. The luminescent beast begins swimming through the sand like it''s water. I can instantly feel the immense heat its body produces even from here.


    I turn back to focus on the glistening white wall to the outside world and burn through Demonic Energy at a rate faster than I even knew was possible. Gritting my teeth and making massive holes in the sand beneath every one of my steps as I propel myself forward with refined energy, I reach for the light.


    Even so, with every powerful stride I take, the worm creature gets closer and closer.


    Waves of sand start to distort the desert floor even more violently. They form in front of me now, and not just under my feet.


    With wide-angled swings of my dagger, small holes in the mounds are blown away for me to lunge through. My vision attempts to tunnel on the approaching white wall to freedom ahead.


    The worm behind me is getting so close that I can feel the vibrations of its teeth scratching against each other, and the presence of its glowing eyes burn into the back of my neck. Just being near it feels like there''s an intimidation skill active on full st.


    At the same time, the edge of the Abyss is getting even closer. It''s less than 30 strides away.


    All of a sudden, the smaller mounds of sand that previously formed barriers in my path start to drift away. They all head toward the white border, and now the sandys dormant around me on the desert floor...


    "This is my chance."


    Not questioning it for a second, I continue to run forward with even more speed. Without having to swing my de or watch my footing for sinkholes, this makes things a lot easier.


    The desert is t and silent; the path before me is clear.


    My remaining energy stores are under a third. At this pace, I''ll be swallowed and ripped to shreds the moment I break through to the outside world. Still, if I can activate my mana-powered skills, I may have a chance. Every small advantage counts.


    For a full 5 seconds, I manage to match the pace of the worm, but my luck doesn''tst. Of course, my hunter wouldn''t let me go free that easily.


    Just a few dozen meters from the border, the sand dunes that moved away earlier begin to swell up together. Instead of dozens of smaller intricate distractions, the desert floor is starting to rise into a massive wall before my eyes. The ming worm has led me to a dead end.


    However, there''s still hope.


    I run up the swell of sand as it begins to consolidate.


    The upward incline slows my forward momentum, allowing the worm to gain even more distance on me while I climb the ever-rising incline of desert sand.


    I burn through everyst drop of energy in my body, leaving a trail of denser ck and purple refined Demonic Energy in my wake. With every lightning-fast stride, I jump an additional 5 to 10 meters higher into the air. The enormous worm dives directly below me and disappears into the steadily forming wall of mass that I climb.


    Each step feels like an eternity, but I persevere and manage to reach the top of the moving sandy mound before it fully forms into an enormous sandstone wall.


    As I jump over it, the ming worm from the Abyss crashes through the base of its own creation, leaving nothing below me but its rows of sharp teeth and the void of swirling energy within its open maw.


    I pass through the barrier of darkness to light. The purple tint from within the Abyss begins to fade.


    The only thing on my mind is activating my mana sense again to fly away from this creature as fast as I possibly can.


    The only problem is the Demonic Energy coursing through my veins and the de that ispletely saturated in my right hand. If I were to try and use mana now, I''d light up in a sea of sparks. My teammates would never know the full story.


    Most importantly, I wouldn''t get the information I''m looking for on the Inner Circle and its possible ties to the Association. If I die right now, I''ll actually be in a lot more trouble when I wake up...


    The view below me is almost entirely a mouth full of teeth, actively swallowing thousands of metric tons of sand in its path.


    I let out a yell with no better idea than to throw my de downward, fully charged with energy, as the rows of teethe up to chomp down on me like an insect in the wind.


    It glides through the air with wisps of ck energy trailing behind it, then hits one of the monstrosity''s teeth, letting out a light clink. It manages to leave a small chip in its tooth and bounce off to the side into the desert sand like nothing but a pebble.


    Meanwhile, I expel everyst drop of Demonic Energy from my veins while the mouth of teeth and violently swirling energy start to close around me.


    Jets of ck energy spill from my right hand out of every finger as I try to expel all of the remaining residue from using my power-ups moments ago.


    "Finally..."


    The world around me shifts from ck and white to gold and blue as I reactivate my mana sense and step off the open air using a desperate full-powered wind summoning spell.


    I thrust myself high into the sky, away from the Abyss, expecting to hear the loud chomp of the monster''s closing maw echo through my ears and down my spine. It neveres... I don''t make it a point to look back and continue using my wind summoning along with every active buff in my arsenal to fly away.


    The enormous worm fades from my vision. Without switching to Demonic Energy as a power source, I''m unable to perceive it at all... Only the outline of sand around its body is left in its ce. It looks like the desert has a mind of its own, trying to swallow me up into its depths.


    Using all the air magic I have ess to, I shoot straight up for the sky, not thinking about anything other than survival.


    The churning, grinding, and crashing sounds of sand in the back of my mind start to fade, but I continue upward for a full minute straight.


    Adrenaline is coursing through my veins, and only when I make it to the cloud line do I think to slow down.


    I turn to take a look behind me, but there''s nothing but open desert and the endless void almost a kilometer away far below.


    A deep trail of sand follows me but stops about halfway between where I float now and the abyss.


    I stop air-stepping and only slowly glide backward now to assess the situation further.


    "I made it..."


    A chucklees out.


    "I really made it out of there alive..."


    Blood still leaks from the wound on my missing left arm, so I use Self Regeneration to heal my injury. My de, on the other hand, seems to be a lost cause...


    "I really liked that dagger..."


    I bite my bottom lip ande to a halt in the air to stare down at the unmoving desert below.


    "Something isn''t right, though. Why would it stop chasing me?"


    I remember back to the Demonic Wolves that wouldn''t take a step out from the abyss unless threatened or it was deemed necessary. They fought their monstrous instincts to stay within the Abyss at all costs.


    Maybe the worm turned back when it lost its prey to the sky.


    I curiously look closer but see no other sign of the creature in sight.


    It''s like it vanished.


    My eyebrows scrunch, and my lips tighten while trying to figure out what happened during my run to the sky...


    Staying on high alert with my heart still beating out of my chest, I slowly drift down to the desert floor a safe distance away.


    After a slow descent, Ind myself atop one of the highest sand dunes far from the Abyss. It overlooks the stadium-sized crater left behind by the monster.


    My feet touch the desert sand, and I activate my Demonic Vision to get a picture of what''s really going on.


    The sight before my eyes is not what I expected to see at all...

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    The purple worm''s body lies on the desert floor, and it doesn''t move forward at all.


    Other than its mouth opening and closing with rows of teeth churning and grinding against each other and the Demonic Essence leaking out, the monstrosity stays eerily still.


    The creature has made its way entirely out of the ck Abyss, showing off its full body''s length of just over 200 meters. ck refined energy oozes out from between its scales, floating up into the air and dissolving while the flickering purple mes begin to die down to conserve its energy.


    A sight even stranger to my wandering eyes appears. There are small rips in its flesh that are starting to form. The scales curl at their edges, and some even dissolve entirely, falling off to the desert floor. It looks like holes in burning paper as the sun''s rays shine down on it.


    From the growing breaks in its skin, more and more of the ck ooze leaks out and floats into the sky, while the desated bits drop to the ground.


    Not only is refined energy dissolving in the air, but raw unfiltered energy also flows upward, being released from its insides too. The purple mes are hardly visible now.


    Once the reaction starts, it only speeds up from there.


    It looks simr to the wolf that I defeated outside of the Abyss earlier. The remains of its body are dissolving along with the energy inside of it.


    As the reaction continues to get worse, it begins to finally move again, writhing in agony. A deep, mind-numbingly loud roar escapes its maw. The refined energy that leaves its body doubles in an instant, and a shock wave of matter pulses from the creature''s core.


    The desert floor shakes as it attempts to manipte the sand, but the more power it uses, the faster the dissolving rate increases. More pulses of ck energy shoot out from its body.


    My eyes and mouth stay wide open at the sight before me.


    The worm''s head curls up in the air, and its tail end does too. The massive movement lifts immense amounts of sand over 100 meters into the air while it shakes the entire desert to turn its body a full 180 degrees to face the Abyss.


    Huge portions of its scales and body mass fall off and dissolve into the air. Other portions are left to depreciate on their own in the open desert as they fall off the creature''s now mutted body.


    It lurches forward to crawl back into the Abyss, but its skeletal structure begins to show beneath the decaying body.


    A near A-Rank monster, impossible for me to defeat, is being killed by the sun.


    Or so it seems...


    Maybe it''s just the open air or theck of Refined Demonic Energy in the atmosphere.


    Whatever the cause of this phenomenon is, it saved me from certain doom.


    As the 4 glowing eyes of the worm creature plunge back into the darkness of the Abyss, the reality of the situation hits me.


    The gut-wrenching feeling following mypse in judgment and crazed battle sense finally catches up to me. The monster in front of me is an opponent I have no chance of defeating.


    If Demonic Creatures can get this strong, then so can mana-based monsters. If mana-based monsters can, this only leads to the conclusion that there are surely hunters capable of subjugating them.


    This is Sector 4 after all, the weakest of all the Dark Continent Regions.


    I only scratched the outer edge of the Abyss.


    If a beast like that roams nearby without a team of A-ss Hunters on standby to kill it, that only begs the question: What could possibly be more dangerous than this that they''re busy with...?


    Then again, there could be no one else with the ability to wield and perceive Demonic Energy like me. Maybe they don''t even know what possible world-ending threats are lurking so close nearby.


    It''s a reassuring thought. However, I doubt the powers above me are that oblivious.


    If they can hide the simple fact of mana control from the general public, I''m sure an even deadlier power source can easily be hidden away and only used by those who can wield it.


    So many questions start racing through my head, and it begins to make me sick.


    As I watch the back half of the Demonic Worm start to disappear into the darkness, my clenched jaw and tightened fists begin to rx a bit.


    I let out a long sigh as the tip of the monster''s tailpletely vanishes into the void.


    The only remnants that remain are the enormous pieces of decaying flesh and scales.


    They too dissolve entirely as I stare into the crater left behind by the monstrous force I narrowly escaped from by the skin of my teeth.


    I gulp. Then, drop to my knees and deactivate my demonic vision.


    Letting the hot sun beam down on me feels very rxing. I lie on my back and let out a relieved sigh.


    For the next half-hour, I stay in the same spot atop the tallest dune, switching from my Demonic Vision back to my mana senses over and over to make sure the Worm has really left. In the meantime, I eat some food from my item storage and try to heal up as best I can.


    After that scare, and immense use of Demonic Energy, my body is very fatigued. My mind is a bit rattled as well. It may be from the elerated forced activation of energy while running away, or it could just be the craziness of thest few days finally catching up to me.


    Either way, until I don''t have any other responsibilities, I won''t face the unknown monsters in the Abyss again.


    My entire n to pick information from the Inner Circle and find the links to the Association, along with saving Lydia, was almost ruinedpletely by my blind curiosity.


    "There is onest thing I need to check..."


    I hop down from the dune and activate my All-Seeing Eye along with Advanced Earth Summoning.


    All of the Worm''s fragments are long gone and dissolved, but I''m hoping I''ll be able to find something that I left behind. Even in a damaged state, it''d be nice not to waste nice things.


    I sift through the sand near the Edge of the Abyss from a safe range using my elemental earth summoning skill until a glossy ck glimmer catches my eye.


    The dagger that managed to make a chip in the monster''s tooth floats toward me from over 50 meters away as I use my telekinesis to bring it near.


    After a quick examination with both my Demonic Vision and Mana Sense, Ie to the interesting conclusion that it''spletely undamaged...


    Also, the de leaked out all of its remaining energy stores on its own; there isn''t a hint of power remaining in it. If I''m not constantly feeding it energy, the de bes dull.


    "Good to know..."


    Airstepping away from the Abyss, I ce the dagger back into my Item storage while pondering its origins. The fact that the High Orc I faced in the Abyss had simr weapons and gear, but couldn''t imbue energy into them, piques my curiosity.


    On top of that, to stand up against a creature with A-ss strength and not chip or crack at all? It''s another baffling thought. Although it didn''t do much damage back to the monster either, I''m still impressed at the raw strength my new de holds.


    I fly through the air while keeping my distance from the darkness on my left side; meanwhile, a thin smile grows on my face.


    At least I learned some valuable information from my experience with an overwhelmingly powerful entity. It''s better to be happy I didn''t get a major setback, rather learn to step with more caution in unknown environments moving forward.


    The sun will set in a few hours, so I still have plenty of time to do a check-up on the vige and observatory before heading back to Soloara.


    Over an hour passes as I make my way back.


    Once the vacant desert huts and white dome atop the cliffsidee into view, I activate all my perception skills to do a full detailed sweep.


    I pause my flight path in mid-air and activate stealth as 2 unfamiliar mana-based enemy readings pop up on my radar.

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    Up in the observatory, I sense the mana readings of two humans.


    Although I''m a great distance away, I still instinctually hide with stealth and drop down closer to the desert floor for cover after the events that unfolded just over an hour ago in the Abyss.


    To my surprise, the two readings are both between levels 300 and 330.


    My gaze tightens, and I start to drift closer again. One has a swordsmanship skill, and the other has an extreme speed buff skill of 35%. These are fairlymonbat skills... but considering their levels, these two are far from amateurs.


    They could be grunts for the Inner Circle, but they don''t wear those fancy pins. So, possibly they''re Sran guards tasked with searching the abandoned observatory to collect equipment they missed during the evacuation. My guess is the former. Either way, this is very suspicious and worth my while to check out.


    My only task for thest few days has been to keep an eye on the town and observatory; I should take it seriously now that there''s actually something going on.


    Lower levels below 400, like these, can''t perceive me while I''m in stealth mode, no matter what; it''d just look and feel like a breeze is passing through when I approach. Especially those with zero perception skills or any signs of mana control.


    I continue to drift closer, making my way past the abandoned town and higher into the sky, just to be extra cautious not to turn up any loose sand with my wind-summoning ability.


    As I do, a grey pulse of energy flies out from the top of the white dome. It vibrates as it disappears into the Abyss. My eyes track it all the way into the darkness.


    I''ve seen the white dome expel this energy a few dozen times now, but it still makes no sense to me. If I get the chance, I''ll have to figure out what that beam really does too. It''s not at the top of my priority list but does stick out in the back of my mind.


    As I get closer to the white dome up on the hill, the size of the structure starts to be clearer. The observatory is muchrger than I initially thought.


    At closer inspection, it''s a lot more detailed too.


    Now that I''m floating up above it, I can see the back that faces the Abyss in full view. Instead of just t white walls that curve up into a dome on all sides as it appears from the vige area, there''s a 7-meter wide rectangr opening in the roof.


    It starts at the point where the dome begins to curve and stops close right at the top of the structure.


    This makes sense. It''s where all of the star-gazing gear and technology would point up to the desert sky, facing away from the town.


    However, from here it seems the old telescopes and astronomy tech have been stripped out, and new silver magical poles and wires create this oddly shaped sonar device. All of the misceneous gear and materials dully glow and pulse with the same grey energy I witnessed earlier. The scattered wires and magical items are charging up a thick metal rod that leads to a clear orb at its top, peeking out from the opening in the roof.


    The longer I watch and stare, the more the orb fills with the grey glowing energy. It gets brighter and brighter, almost turning white.


    Seconds pass, and it fills to the brim before releasing another crescent of the energy substance out into the darkness. It vanishes again once entering.


    I attempt to use my Appraisal skill along with my All-Seeing Eye to understand what this structure is doing, but the readings I get back only confuse me further.


    Half of the text boxes show up as nk or question marks, while the other half just show dozens of mana crystals that power up the makeshift device. While attempting to decipher what all the text says, another charged-up pulse flies into the darkness like clockwork.


    Meanwhile, the two figures I caught on my radar earlier start toe closer.


    I''m over 20 meters in the air above the structure and in my full stealth mode, so there''s no way they''d notice me. I drift down closer,nding gently on the roof of the dome of the observatory near the opening. I''m close enough to snoop through the rectangr opening but far enough away that the next pulse of energy won''t hit me.


    The device is buzzing and humming. It only gets louder the closer I approach, and it grows in volume even greater the closer it is to being fully charged.


    One of the worker''s voices sounds out through all the noise. I use my heightened senses to make out the words of a young man''s voice. He can''t be older than his mid-20s by the sound of it.


    "Hey, it''s about that time again. We have to restock the mana crystals or they''ll run out soon."


    Another older-sounding raspy voice replies as the device nears its limit, rattling the surrounding roof and supporting beams.


    "Yeah, I know. We have to clean up the basement area beneath the shielding once the boss is done too. They''re having an important meeting tomorrow morning. Another Sector leader ising to town."


    The buzzing is starting to be unbearable, but I still hear the younger man reply in a surprised yet shaky tone.


    "Really? Another leader ising to Sector 4? No wonder we have the day off tomorrow."


    The older manughs and then starts to speak, but he''s cut off by the st of the sonar beam. Another grey crescent of light shoots off into the dark, foggy Abyss below the cliff area.


    It takes a few seconds for the ringing in my ears to cease, but by the time I recover, the two men are already walking away.


    The younger one keeps talking in a more rxed manner now.


    "Well, the restock is done. Now we just have to sort that gear and wait for the boss to open the shielding and give the okay to do our cleanup."


    The older one replies, talking about what he had for lunch before their voices start fading and the buzzing of the mechanism increases, overwhelming my senses again.


    My mind is piecing together their words, but only some things are clicking.


    First things first, I have verbal confirmation that we''re in the right ce. Talking about Sector leaders and this mysterious Boss being here, along with an important meeting scheduled for tomorrow, is a good sign.


    Second of all, if my assumptions here are correct, another Inner Circle higher-up ising to meet here. That''s most likely the craftsman, but I won''t know for sure until I see for myself. If this is the case, it also means that this number 1 Boss of the Sector 4 Region is not at the top of the food chain.


    How interesting.


    Puzzled over the new information I''ve gathered, I sit and wait, letting the st of energy from the makeshift device shoot off into the Abyss over half a dozen more times.


    Then, my perception senses pick up arge mana reading appearing from underground. My All-Seeing Eye perceives a massive door sliding open, shedding new light into the inner workings of the basement of this Observatory.


    Just moments ago, thisyer of the building waspletely invisible.


    I try to fathom what''s going on, stretching my perception into the new area to search. It''s impossible to see anything exactly, but with all the new excess mana floating in the air, I''m able to pick up on the presence of two more people.


    I gulp.


    Unable to read any of the status features of one of the newly found members, I can only assume they''re locked in the same mana-binding cuffs I was trapped in days earlier.


    The other reading drops my jaw as the blue text appears in my mind''s eye.


    _______________


    [Lv. 651]


    Active Items:


    Enchanted Ring of Protection[IC] [+125% Defense]


    Enchanted Ring of Protection[IC] [+125% Defense]


    Enchanted Ring of Protection[IC] [+125% Defense]


    tinum Amulet of Protection[IC} [+110% Defense]


    tinum Amulet of Strength[IC] [+100% Strength]


    Red Ogre''s Ring of Attack [+100% Strength][+100% Speed]


    Red Ogre''s Gauntlet of Rage [+100% Strength][+100% Speed]


    Magma Serpent''s Scale [+90% Fire Magic Resistence][+40% All Magic Resistence]


    Dark Goblin King''s Charm [+10% Mana Control Output]


    High-Grade AAA-ss Shielding Artifact [9/10][IC]


    Active Skills:


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Defense [Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Strength [Special Grade]


    Stealth


    Buff:


    [Solid Steel Defense]


    _______________


    Only one thoughtes to mind. This must be the organization''s leader; Number 1. The man in charge of the Inner Circle''s dealing in Sector 4.

 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300


    Whoever this is, they''re definitely the leader.


    They have the [IC] branding all over their gear, along with that shielding artifact that every one of theirckeys had on.


    With Demonic Energy, I''m sure I could take him out, but not questioning him and killing the man on the spot would do more harm than good. I''d have to use mana to subdue him properly, and his level and gear''s stats are much higher than mine.


    The idea of breaking through the ceiling and rushing down to fight this mob boss crosses my mind, but after the mental and physical fatigue from my defeat just hours ago, it does not seem like the best option. I may have dozens of skills at my disposal, but raw strength may win if we were to fight right now.


    Plus, with the recent close call and lesson learned about fighting unknown enemies when more than just my own well-being is on the line, I decide to take this small victory of information and retreat. Before I slowly glide away from the white dome in silence, a stern man''s deep voice rings out. With my enhanced senses, it''s audible from two floors below.


    I stop, hovering in mid-air to listen.


    "Alright, you two, I''ll be examining the sonar''s data for the rest of the night. Clean up the cells downstairs, then give number 2 her reminder to meet here at sunrise with the captives and a written list of all the information they''ve gathered. After that, you''re both free to do whatever you''d like tomorrow. I don''t need your assistance."


    There are a few replies from the grunts as I feel the presence of the strong man walking up the stairs to the main top floor.


    Their voices arepletely drowned out by the loud sound of the sonar device sting off another energy wave.


    I take this as my cue to see myself out, continuing my flight path upward and not looking back until the white dome ispletely out of view.


    There''s no telling how long I could stay hidden with a monster of a man lurking below me. His mana control is most likely on par with, if not greater than, my main body. Not to mention the nearly 10x natural defense stat bonus he has with all the buffs.


    If I have to get into a physical confrontation with him tomorrow, I''ll need to spend tonighting up with a n to safely deal with the matter.


    Plus, another sector leader ising too. Preparing for the absolute worst is necessary. There are a lot of unknown factors at y here, and with the limited time allotted to me, I can''t do this one all on my own.


    If this craftsman requires my full attention, I may have to rely on my teammates for help.


    While these thoughts race through my mind, I finally break through the cloud line above and whisper under my breath.


    "Bottom line is, all of us are going to have to get a lot stronger."


    I air-step all the way back to Sra, only touching down to the ground and turning off my stealth skill once I make it into the outer residential district on the northeastern edge of town. The sun is starting to set, but it''s still fairly light out. There should still be over an hour left of golden rays.


    Once I make it back to the familiar front porch of the two-story home, the only one waiting there is Chester. He''s outside, peacefully admiring the city.


    It makes sense; the others are still off training and guarding the ck market''s dead zone.


    The old man raises his hand and waves as I approach.


    "Wee back so soon! You''ll be happy to see the haul I pulled in for your loot today."


    I raise an eyebrow, turning my stern expression from being deep in thought all the way here into a grin.


    "Oh yeah? How much did you manage to sell?"


    The grey-haired man turns and opens his front door, letting mee inside to see three brown leather sacks on the middle table of the living room.


    Gold coins are flowing from their openings, and at least 10 or 15 coins are scattered across the counter.


    Chester lets out a chuckle as he sees my eyes light up at the sight.


    "Last I counted, there were about 263 gold coins. More than double my expectations. Most of the High D-Grade and below gear was sold off at standard quick-sell pricing to my usual contacts, but I managed to snag an over-the-market price at one of the old trading dens. A few old clients happened to be all in the same ce. There was quite the bidding war for a few of therger C-Grade weapons and enchanted battle items."


    I cross my arms, and my smile only widens as he continues.


    "There''s apparently a Sran government-hosted auction tonight. Many merchants and spectors are trying to get their hands on worthy items to enter and see massive gains. It''s just your lucky day; I was able to get exceptionally inted prices."


    I pause, thinking to myself about the amount of money I just pulled in.


    At first, I only wanted to sell it off because most of the gear was worthless to me. D and C rank items will break on impact with any of the monsters I''ll fight in the future. I''d be better off using my fists.


    If I can''t channel mana into it or the gear gives me close to a 100% buff or greater, I hardly bat an eye.


    However, now that I''vee into contact with the leader of the so-called weakest Sector, my head is spinning for other options.


    Fisher and Arie are ranked up, but they still will not stand a chance against that menace.


    Maria''s Ice magic may give them an edge if she jumped in, and Abby is the perfect support. Even so, they''re all too weak to confidently put them up against a level 651 tank alone.


    Their lives are on the line this time, not mine. If I want to fully prepare for what''s toe, I need toe up with a way for us all to get a lot stronger overnight.


    I let out a long sigh, then finally turn to Chester, asking a question.


    "What''s the lowest cost you can get high-grade mana potions for on short notice? Let''s say I were to use that entire gold stash to purchase."


    His eyes widen, but he scratches his chin and starts thinking too.


    "You really know how to keep an old man busy now, don''t ya?"


    He stares up at the ceiling and mumbles under his breath.


    "Now let''s see... Down at the dispensary, the owner can turn raw mana crystals into potions. At the market price of 1 bronze per Mana Point worth of crystal, and 100 bronze equalling 1 silver..."


    He pauses.


    "100 silver equals 1 gold... So each gold piece here would be equivalent to around 10,000MP worth of potion."


    I roll my eyes at the thought of it. 10,000 times 263 gold we have is only 2.6 million MP. This is a small fortune worth of mana, but it''s nowhere close to enough to raise our mana control considerably. Tens of millions each is the only amount that would raise any of us by a measurable amount.


    Chester speaks again.


    "However, here on the Dark Continent, the demand for potions and high-grade crystals is far less than that of the cities youe from. Weapons are the higher-tier items that people are usually looking to buy. It''s more practical to make a living with them. I''d say if we''re buying any potions or crystal items, it could knock the price down by 2 to 3 times. So, 30,000MP per gold coin."


    Shaking my head while realizing even at this price drop advantage, it''s still less than 8 million MP, I reply.


    "Still, this isn''t enough..."


    Silence fills the room as we think.


    My recent shift in necessities is due to the fact it''s the only way we could all get immeasurably stronger in the next few hours. With Abby''s restore skill, and an unlimited mana supply, maybe our control levels could hit a point where handling these threats wouldn''t be so stacked against us.


    I speak up again, thinking of a new idea.


    "You mentioned the Sran Government is hosting an auction. What exactly is sold in a gathering like this?"

 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301


    Chester looks at me with a confused expression, not exactly catching on to why I''m asking about the auction. He replies anyway.


    "Well, anything really. There are a few of them every month, but I''ve heard this one is supposed to be one of the most interesting ones in a while."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Why''s that?"


    "Well, with the recent surges, not only was Sra hit hard. One of the prospectors at the old den told me that the Sector 2 Labyrinth had a copse as well. Luckily it was defeated by an A-Rank from the Association, but loot always manages to slip out. People have to make their money somehow."


    He smirks.


    I reply.


    "Interesting... So could we find any mana supplements there? Like bundles of potions or possibly even high-density mana crystals, like monster essence?"


    My mind immediately thinks back to the Blue Ogre break my team and I subjugated on our way over here. Those mana supplement crystals and Abby''s restoration magic are the only reason we were able to make it this far. Without them, I''m unsure if the Labyrinth run could have gone so smoothly.


    While deep in thought, remembering back to this time, Chester lets out augh.


    "You never cease to amaze me, kid. Ha! I know you all are strong hunters and all, but monster essence? You think you can handle one of those? I''m surprised you even know what they are."


    Heughs again.


    "You know what? This might actually be the one time of the season when they would show up at the auction."


    He scratches his beard.


    "After a Labyrinth break would make sense. Essence crystals are rarely farmed from anything under a B-ss Dungeon. Even so, unless the dungeon is breaking, there isn''t enough mana for them to consolidate in the fallen monsters. They''re fairly hard to find on the market because the hunter that farmed them would most likely be the only one capable of absorbing the energy within. They''re useless to almost everyone except those with exceptional mana control."


    I nod. Curious about the true depths of Chester''s knowledge on dungeons and magical items, but I brush it off for now to focus on the main concern at hand.


    "Okay, but just assume I can handle it. Or better yet, say I wanted to buy a few of them. What could the 263 gold here possibly get me?"


    Chester pauses, thinking to himself again for a moment, then lets out a reply.


    "It''s hard to say. If any show up at the auction and there are no high rollers, any essence you find is as good as yours. Mostmon people don''t know its capabilities nor know anyone able to even absorb them. If you''re not an experienced trader or an elite diver, the items just look like fancy gemstones. It''s a niche material. Extremely valuable, but only to the right buyers. This is a special auction, so anything can show up. I''m sure there will be many other crystals and enhancement items aside from just essence stones, so the only way to find out is to attend the auction and see for yourself."


    I gulp, thinking over the logistics in my head.


    "Fine. Let''s head to the auction¡ª"


    The front door swings open as I make my decision. Both Fisher and Ariee walking in with grins on their faces.


    I mutter under my breath to the old man as they do.


    "We''ll continue this conversation once everyone arrives."


    The archer is the first to make eye contact and speak up.


    "Hey, look who''s back so soon! How''d everything go out in the desert today? Any new discoveries?"


    I nod, still thinking about Chester''s words about the event tonight but now switching my train of thought back to my adventures in the desert today.


    "Yeah, a lot, actually... I think it''s best we wait for Maria and Abby to get back before sharing."


    He nods, letting the door shut behind him before the two getfortable on the couches and eye the bags of money just like I did on the way in.


    Arie speaks up again after crossing one leg over the other and taking a moment to get situated.


    "So, what''s the n with all that money? You getting a fancy new sword before we take out this Boss or something?"


    I nod slowly.


    "Something like that. I was thinking of buying us all an upgrade, but the right offer hasn''te to the table yet. How has refining your new ranked-up abilitiese along so far?"


    Arie replies in a satisfied tone.


    "We had a solid training session today, the buffs feel much more natural and adaptable to our fighting styles now. I''m looking forward to trying out these special abilities on the real thing."


    He turns to the blue-haired water wielder, who speaks up with his arms crossed.


    "Yeah, I''m looking forward to going all out too."


    He cracks his knuckles.


    "This bossman will be no match for me in my current form."


    The swordsman glows dark blue but settles down after a moment just to make his point clear, then he continues in a lighter tone.


    "Anyways, I was almost positive the girls woulde back from the ck Market before you. Looks like you''re changing your ways, huh?"


    I give him an eye roll, noting his usualment on my punctuality but not in the mood to push it any further.


    Then, my gaze widens.


    His wording reminds me of something the Sector 4 Boss mentioned to the guards as I left. He told them to update number 2 once they finished their cleaning task. That''s the elusive ck-haired woman with the hush skill I defeated not so long ago. Considering my flight speed away from the observatory and the fact that they''re finishing up work, I can assume we have some time to spare. Still, it''s not much.


    I reply.


    "Actually... that reminds me, there is something pretty urgent to report. A lot of things, actually."


    Like clockwork, the door gets a few loud knocks then swings open as both Abby and Maria walk in, practically glowing with the setting sun''s golden rays on their backs.


    The green-haired healer speaks first.


    "Looks like it''s a full house! What did we miss?"


    Theye over, and I catch everyone up to speed on the events that urred today.


    After a few greetings and Chester making a quick meal, I decide not to leave out a single detail about today''s events. From the monstrosity I narrowly avoided in the Abyss, down to the percentage of stat buffs in the Sector leader''s gear; they hear it all.


    The only thing I leave out is the inner workings of how exactly I''m able to channel Demonic Energy; there''s too much going on to exin this carefully now. I chalk it up to a unique skill acquired recently. I''ll leave the important details for another day if the asion makes itself necessary.


    "If we are going to have any chance of taking on two leading members of the Inner Circle, every one of us needs to be on the same page here. We need to get stronger, and with the info provided; we need a n."


    After my exnation and a few surprised looks, the six of us start to brainstorm. It may sound crazy, but considering the undergroundir of a secret organization we just left, along with the high-tech shielding artifacts and never-before-seen magical items, my words of a new power source and mountain-sized monsters aren''t difficult to believe.


    We devise a n.


    I''m going to the auction tonight with Chester, bringing all the gold to attempt to buy any and all essence shards, fragments, or upgrade crystals of any kind if they show up.


    Arie and Fisher are going to guard the ck Market. With my exnation of the two grunts'' level, voices, skills, and general age range in mind, they are confident they can subjugate the guards before they get to the office in the dead zone.


    Maria and Abby have an interesting night ahead. One that was only made possible by a suggestion from me. I''ll be dropping them off at the Vice Region''s Labyrinth. To be more exact; the 21st floor where I left offst.


    It''s a risky y, but one that will be worth the reward. The two of them are so close to ranking up. It will be a much-needed power boost to give us the edge.


    The sun sets as we walk out the front door of Chester''s home, preparing for battle.

 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302


    After Arie and Fisher head off to the ck Market to keep an eye out for the guards, I walk with Chester, Maria, and Abby to the above-ground dungeon hub while carrying the gold coin stash in my item storage. We all wear red robes to stay anonymous.


    Chester heads off to a local market to buy a few items for the auction that he says we''ll need, while the three of us remaining walk through the thick crowds of low-level hunters who are finishing up their daily dungeon dives.


    Most areing out of the gates, rather than going in. It''s gettingte.


    After paying 10 bronze each to enter one of the rectangr metal shielding cratesbeled with [Lv. 1-100] on top of it, we easily walk down the stairs of the buzzing contraption and step through the blue glowing portal.


    Itsyout is eerily simr to the one we were trapped in, but the shielding levels are hardly that of a mid-grade D-ss Mob.


    The three of us find ourselves in a rocky dungeon with brown dirt and ck rocks; thendscape is mountainous with a few sturdy trees, and the air is cold. Doing a quick scan, I find a few level 50 to 60 monsters but don''t bother finding out what they are. One could only assume many lower-level Sran citizens make their living by diving here daily.


    Both Abby and Maria grab my shoulder, and I Dungeon Walk them to the 21st floor of the Vice Region''sbyrinth.


    The three of us stand atop the same white pir I rested on after my battle with the Behemoth. Looking out into the eerie green gargoyle dungeon that feels almost exactly the same as the one we all left in the Sran Labyrinth days ago, we agree to meet back here on the 21st floor in no more than 4 hours. That should be enough time for them to rank up ande back down. However, it won''t be nearly enough time to practice their buffs.


    Still, Chester and I will have finished our dealings at the auction. The goal is to spend everyst coin on optimal upgrade crystals for the uing fight.


    I teleport away as the two of them use their elemental magic to hurry toward the boss room and onward to higher floors where they can level up much more easily.


    I''m a little jealous. I''d like to see what''s high up in thisbyrinth too. As Chester said, ording to the poption of the surrounding city, it should have at least twice as many floors as the one I just defeated.


    After this is all over, I''ll have plenty of time to explore.


    I teleport back to the Sran dungeon hub and exit to find Chester waiting exactly where we decided on the outer edge of the square.


    He hands me a ck mask.


    "You''ll need this for the event. Other than the security detail, all faces and identities are kept secret during the bidding. It''s only fair, letting outsiders be morefortable in their business dealings."


    I take the smooth face-covering, about the same size as a transmission tablet, only able to cover the top half of my facial features. There are holes for eyes, and at the bottom half, there''s a curved section that stops halfway down the nose.


    I use my appraisal skill, but nothing shows up. It''s just a dark ceramic mask.


    Even though there are no enchantments, it reminds me of my time back in my hometown when I wore a mask to fight in that underground fighting ring. It''s how I earned my fire-imbued sword titled "The me Emperor."


    The thought of this also brings back a few memories of the time I was ambushed after leaving my first auction just a few days before then... However, it''s more nostalgic than frightening. If I can grow as much as I have from then to now, it just means I can do it again.


    I reply, cing the mask on my face and covering up with my red hood. For an extrayer of security, I shift my face and hair to look more simr to the citizens of the Dark Continent. Even if my eyes are covered, it''s still a safe bet to make the rest of me unrecognizable as well.


    "Got it, lead the way."


    Chester holds his own identical mask by his side and turns to walk through the busy nighttime city streets.


    The crowds of hunters, businessmen, and normal city folk, along with the cool night air, are calming. I follow the old man past a few of the silver towers near the middle and northern edge of town until wee across a well-lit sand-colored building with tall steps that lead up to an impressive entrance. There are many tall pirs across the building''s front side, over 20 meters high, sporting arches between each of them covered in intricate hand-sculpted art.


    Many guards stand at the bottom of the stairway but don''t seem to move or bat an eye as people walk by up the steps. They must be looking out for certain individuals. There are a few well-dressed parties in masks simr to the ones Chester purchased moments ago.


    Ours look dullpared to the red, orange, white, and bedazzled designs that catch my eyes. Men arrive in suits while women walk in bright-colored dresses.


    Aside from the couples, there are a lot of lone hunters in higher D and C-grade gear with simple masks like ours, making us seem much less underdressed.


    Lastly, there are a few groups of businessmen that crowd the entrance at the top of the stairs.


    If I had to guess, these are agents and spectors hired bypanies whose CEOs are too busy to show up themselves. They most likely give these men a budget and offer a small percentage of the profits back on any earnings after the fact.


    With my careful gaze satisfied at the information gathered so far, we walk past the guards and climb the sturdy sandstone steps.


    A tall and thin man in a suit with an even thinner mustache greets us at the top of the steps and offers to check us in.


    "A party of 2? Will you be watching, selling, or buying tonight?"


    Chester replies, "We''ll be buying. A premium booth would be appreciated."


    The greeter''s eyes glisten as he nods and turns around. "A premium buyers'' party? Excellent, right this way. We''ll do a screening before I send you to your seats. The event is about to begin; both of you are right on time."


    There''s a red-carpeted entrance hall, and the walls are lined with artwork and disys of interesting-looking items, to say the least, but nothing that I haven''t seen before in my travels. Still, investors are surrounding them, cing bids in increments of silver coins.


    I''d pay more attention to the beautiful architecture, but the man that we follow has a status that piques my interest.


    He''s level 264 and has simple rings and amulets of protection on, but he also has a unique skill [Privacy Cage]. It''s one I''ve never seen before, but I have a few interesting theories about what it does.


    He turns to a hallway near the back of the entrance hall, and we''re brought to a small corridor that seems to lead upward. Before we can walk any further, the greeter activates his skill.


    A cube of grey light encapstes the three of us, and the bustling crowds outside stop chattering in my inner ear. It''s also impossible to see outside the skill''s walls. I''m sure I could break through with my pinky, but it''s very intriguing. Simr to my newest Hush ability, but with an addedyer of protection: sight.


    He takes out a silver tablet. "I''ll need your full name, upation, a look at your status, and visual confirmation you''vee with over 25 gold to be appointed a premium buyers'' booth."

 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303


    The minimum amount needed on hand to be eligible for a premium buyers'' booth is 25 gold coins. Inparison to my stash, it isn''t much, but to the average citizen, it''s quite a lot.


    Even well-off level D ss hunters would be lucky to make even 5 gold a year. Most of the poption could only dream of surpassing this rank, and that''s back in the Vice Region. The sries of upper-middle-ss families hardly breach 10 gold coins. With average meals costing just a few bronze, and a rented room less than a few silver a month, 25 gold is an absurd amount to be spending on art or gear at an auction.


    Considering this, I''ll need toe up with an alias. No normal citizen woulde walking in here with hundreds of gold.


    The guide casting a sound and sight barrier around us waits patiently.


    Chester is the first to take off his mask, pulling up his status and telling the man all the necessary details.


    Meanwhile, I change my numbers on my status to look strong, but reasonable at the same time. I end up leaving my advanced fire magic as well as special grade body hardening active for the man to see. They''re strong skills, but not incredibly rare to the point where I''d look like a unique talent.


    Along with this, I change my level to 439 and my name to Thorne Darkwood. It''s the first idea thates to mind and feels fitting to my altered appearance.


    I flip the blue text screen toward me and take the mask off my face to reveal a face simr to that of a battle-seasoned Dark Continent native underneath.


    "My upation is a mercenary, and my budget tonight is well over 25 gold."


    I reach under my red cloak and into a secret spatial magic portal to pull out one of the money bags. There''s nearly 100 gold in one of these.


    "I''m looking to buy a few items to aid me in my work. Weapons or crystals that catch my eye."


    His eyes gaze upon the bag of gold but hardly react. The man is a professional. He writes down a few things on his tablet, nods, then motions for us to put our masks back on before taking the barrier down around us.


    "Very well. Chester, it''s good to see you back here again. I hope we didn''t catch you too off guard. The new identification requirements are for premium buyers only because of a few unique items brought in tonight. If you''d like to staypletely anonymous, just keep in mind that the top two listings may be monitored post-purchase."


    Chester nods, and then the man turns to me.


    "Thorne, I hope you find your time at the auction tonight sessful. It''s wonderful to see new rising talents in Sector 4. With your budget, I''m sure you''ll find exactly what you''re looking for."


    He shows a kind smile, then turns.


    "Please, right this way."


    We''re led up the narrow corridor about three-quarters of the way until our guide unlocks a sturdy wooden door. It clicks open, and we walk through.


    My eyes widen through the ck ceramic mask as I take in the view.


    The door leads to a small balcony that looks over a sea of people. With red velvet couch-like seating and a thin golden privacy curtain with the option to close off the entire curved edge of the booth, we walk into the premium seating to look down at the stage below.


    Our guide hands us a silver lightweight paddle with the number 12 in bold ck lettering on the front of it.


    He bows.


    "Again, I do hope you enjoy the event tonight. I''ll be your representative and the only one who knows the identity paired with your number paddle. Please do meet me in the entrance hall after the auction to pay for the items you''ve won."


    The subtle green mist from my lie detector skill activates as I try to decipher his words about our identities. It seems they really are confidential, as far as this man is concerned. He speaks the truth.


    The door closes behind him with a click, and I let out a sigh of relief that I wasn''t even aware I was holding in.


    As we sit down on opposite sides of the booth while taking in the view around us, the lights in the wide-open auction house begin to dim.


    There''s an echoing click as the stage below has a bright white light shine upon it, then a well-built Sran man in a royal blue suit walks out from behind the right side of the tform to make his way up toward a podium at the front. There''s an empty disy table in front of him.


    His voice rings out clearly as if he''s speaking right in my ear.


    "Wee, all. I hope you enjoyed the pre-auction events and made your purchases on the overflow of items outside."


    The room is silent with all eyes on him.


    "But tonight, this is the event you''ve all been waiting for. One of thergest Sran-hosted auctions to date; with 189 individual parties here and 12 premium buyers, I''m sure we''re in for quite the show."


    Another bright white light flicks on, and a beautiful woman in a shimmering red dress walks out with a collection of silver daggers all floating around her body in a circle. The stage light reflects off the des in a dazzling disy.


    "We''re not here to waste your time, and I''m sure you''re all eager to start the bidding, so I''ll keep my introduction short. The top 30 items have been appraised by our board and will be presented to you all today in ascending order of value. Some of which are rare high-grade battle weapons only avable to the elite, while others are unique artifacts that have never seen the light of day."


    Some oohs and ahhse from the crowd as the woman ces the swords in the disy case in front of the speaker using an ability simr to my telekinesis, not touching any of the items with her hands.


    "No matter who you are or where youe from, there is only one rule tonight. Whoever pays the highest price may take the item home. Now, let''s begin."


    My gaze starts to wander around the event hall after appraising the daggers to see they''re a set of 5, all with 20-50% Strength and Agility Buffs. A great item set for a C-ss squad, but far under what I care to pay attention to right now.


    People begin bidding in increments of 10 silver on the floors below as I appraise my realpetition: the other Premium Buyers.


    There is one booth below the one Chester and I are sitting in, and two more columns of dual booths to the right of us on the same side of the auction hall, moving further away from the stage. Out on the other side of the room, I see 6 more premium buyer parties filling the other booths in an identical fashion.


    Some have their curtains closed, while others peer out to observe the crowd and event just like me. None care to bid on the item set being offered now.


    The announcer''s voice rings out as I concentrate back on the main event.


    "Sold! To the man up front, buyer 103. A bid for 91 silver has won the set. What a wonderful start! Let us continue the auction!"


    The red-dressed woman continues to bring weapons and artifacts out, and the bidding numbers get higher and higher. Even bundles of extremely rare potions like the gold and blue ones Chester pushed us to save pass by. As the items get pricier, fewer and fewer people make offers.


    However, there are still a lot of back and forths happening down below. Well over a dozen listings go by.


    I hardly bat an eye until the 16th item of the night finally piques my interest.


    The announcer speaks up as my eyebrows raise.


    "Now, we''ve hit the halfway point. This is where the real fun begins. To start the second half of our night off right, I''ll be bringing out one of the stars of the show. A truly unique collection of magic stones. This will surely turn the heads of our highest esteemed collectors in the house tonight."


    The womanes walking out from backstage with a dozenrge emerald-green stones floating above her head. They give off a powerful mana-imbued glow. Activating my appraisal skill, I find each of thembeled [Serpent King''s Essence] with between 600k and 700k MP avable for absorption in each of them.


    This bundle alone is almost 8 million MP.


    My heart starts to speed up, and I lean over the edge of the booth just slightly to get a closer look.


    This is exactly what I''ve been waiting for. This being the middle point of the event, one can only assume the strength of the stones will only go up from here. If I cannd a reasonable price for a few sets of these during the auction, it will be a great sess. We''ll get another serious upgrade, and I won''t have to worry as much about my teammates in the heat of our future battle.


    I whisper under my breath, "Finally, we''re getting to the good part."


    As soon as I subconsciously let out a wide grin and get ready to raise my paddle, a young man across the room in the Premium Buyer boothbeled number 1 raises his own.


    "I''d like to start the bidding at 25 gold."


    His shimmering silver mask and sharp blue eyes are visible even in the dim light of the auction house. With a tall stature and bright blond hair, sporting a light grey suit, I suspect he''s no more than 30 years old.


    Cursing under my breath at his overly inted starting bid, I do a full scan using inspect and appraisal.


    _________________


    [Lv. 824]


    Active Items:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Active Skills:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Buffs:


    [??? ess Denied]


    _________________


    The results are not what I was expecting to see...


    Whoever this is, it looks like he''s my realpetition tonight.

 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304


    He bid 25 gold... for an item only halfway into the auction. This mystery buyer is already making himself known.


    As I calcted before, the bundle of stones is nearly 8 million MP, so it''s over 90% off the market price. If I were to buy this much in potion form, even with the Dark Continent price discount, it''d take all of my 263 gold. Still, I''m trying to get as many of these essence stones as possible for the lowest price.


    A bid of 25 gold for 8 million MP is pushing my limit. If this is the going price, I''d only be able to buy 10 of the same value, averaging about 80 million total MP for the night. Divided by all 5 of us that are looking to absorb it, that brings our total down to 16 million MP each.


    It''s an exorbitant amount, but it''s not the overwhelming advantage that I''m looking toe out of here with. Plus, the bidding hasn''t even started yet. This would be the best-case scenario... hoping that this man in the silver mask doesn''t bid too much higher.


    The announcer speaks, replying to the offer received.


    "And we''ve got our starting bid of 25 gold from Premium Buyer number 1! These items are truly a unique collection of gems, farmed from a copsing B-Grade dungeon out in Sector 3 following the most recent surge."


    The eyes of the crowd down below reflect the green gems'' vibrancy as the woman ces them on the red velvet disy table.


    I can''t help but notice the fact that the announcer did not go into detail on what exactly these gemstones do. Unlike his in-depth descriptions and stat readings of some of the past items. It seems at the higher-priced portion of the auction, it''s more of a ''if you know, you know'' type of deal.


    He continues.


    "Now, let us start the bidding in increments of 1 gold coin."


    I raise my paddle, but to my surprise, almost half of the other premium buyers do as well.


    The crowd below erupts in whispers as the announcer''s voice rings out clear as day in all of our ears.


    "That''s 26 gold from number 12, no, 27 gold from number 5, 28 from..."


    He goes on and on, and the buy price keeps rising higher.


    I back out once the price passes 35 coins, observing the event unfold before me.


    The buyer in booth number 1 stands out over his balcony while raising his paddle as the announcer epts a 36 gold bid from the buyer right below me.


    The silver-masked man speaks in the same voice he did previously to make his first bid.


    "I bid 75 gold."


    The room falls silent, but the announcer fills the vacuum in a professional tone.


    "Our new highest bidder! Booth 1 bids 75 gold. Going once... Going twice... Three times... and sold!"


    After a few sighs from other booths and the excited whispers of crowd members, the green gems are taken offstage, and I''m left in a state of shock.


    Whispering under my breath, "This is not going to be as simple as I initially thought..."


    I turn to Chester; he''s thoroughly enthralled by the gems as well as the woman in the red dress as she walks backstage to retrieve the next item.


    As soon as he feels my gaze, the old man realizes what I''m implying and responds.


    "Toughpetition tonight. It seems there are some other strong parties involved."


    I nod while thinking to myself.


    Sure, 75 gold for 8 million MP is still well under market price, but it''s much worse than my initial estimate. Three times as worse, actually...


    I clench my jaw as the next set of shimmering silver swords with 70% strength buffs are all brought out to be disyed.


    My eyes gloss over without a care in the world for thesemon items as the auction continues.


    Armor sets, tinum rings, and enchanted artifacts all found in high C-Grade and low B-Grade dungeons from Sectors 3 and 4 are brought out. They all sell for between 10 and 15 gold to premium buyers and a few members of the general audience.


    Nothingpares to the excitement in the air from those green gems until the 24th item set of the nightes forth.


    My eyes perk up as a bundle of grey stones with white energy swirling through them catches the corner of my eye and activates my appraisal skill.


    [ck Stone Golem Fragments] x11


    As my careful eyes closely inspect each of them, I conclude that these may be worth my while. Each of them holds over 4.5 million MP, some of them nearing 5 million. The total here is about 50 million.


    Whatever monstrous golems these fragments dropped from are no joke. Back when I farmed Blue Ogres, the mobs only dropped 100-250k per stone. Even the anomaly that took in nearly the entire dungeon''s mana expenditure and hundreds of essence shards is only twice as much as just these 11 stones.


    One can only imagine how strong they are, but my daydreaming about them will have to wait.


    The announcer''s voice begins the next round of bidding.


    "A collection of magic stones from the Sector 2 Labyrinth break. A very rare item set indeed. Considering ourst batch of simr items sold for an extraordinary price, one can assume the price on these will climb much higher."


    He pauses.


    "Just a word from the auctioneer to buyers out there, our appraisal team has gauged the rmended use for these gems to be around level 700 and above. High-grade gems like these don''te around often; this is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure."


    Silence fills the room once again, but the first to break the noise is the silver-masked man.


    "100 gold coins."


    With a wide smile, the event host replies.


    "Very well. 100 gold to number 1! We shall raise the bids by 5 gold per offering."


    I raise my paddle.


    "That''s 105 gold from number 12!"


    No one but the silver-masked man raises their paddle back.


    "110 gold to number 1!"


    "115 for number 12... 120 for number 1...."


    We go back and forth, raising the price on each other with every bid.


    Not a single paddle raises from any of the other buyers. From a quick appraisal scan to appease my curiosity, I see none of them are anywhere near number 1''s level. Whoever this is, he must be investing for his own personal use.


    As Chester exined before the auction, items like these hardly sell on the open market. This is because, to most people who can''t handle absorbing millions of MP, they''re just pretty gems that depreciate over time as the mana flows out of them. To the man across the room and also to myself, this is a 50 million MP pool of mana waiting to be absorbed.


    I grit my teeth as he yells out, raising his paddle high into the air.


    "200 gold! I bid 200 gold!"


    The entire room falls silent, and so do I as a pearly white grin can be seen under the bottom portion of his mask.


    I could bid higher, but who''s to say he won''t just let me take this and burn my pockets for the still 6 remaining items toe?


    His inted prices now could all be a tactic to bleed the medium-sized fish like myself early on to get the best prices on the rarest items near the end.


    I let out a sigh and take a step back as the announcer looks around and counts up to 3.


    "Sold! To number 1 for 200 gold! What a show! We have a real magic gem connoisseur on our hands tonight, crowd!"


    The audience is going wild with whispers,ughter, and cheers.


    Even Chester''s eyes are open wide. He whispers to me.


    "I''ve never seen such a lively event in years. If this isn''t even the main star of the show, I''m sure we''re in for quite the treat. Don''t worry, the best is yet toe."


    I tighten my lips as they prepare the next item for public sale.


    I''m not quite sure what to think. It''s almost impossible topete with a masked man and his endless pockets.


    Then again, I''m happy I didn''t bid higher and spend all my gold on 50 million MP when there''s a possibility of a better deal toe.


    However, my happiness wanes as the next few items roll out. Sets of enchanted gear passing 100% buffs and bundles of element stones in containment cases ready for fusion into weapons are the next few items that show.


    Most go for 20-30 gold, sold to the other regr premium buyers. These are all incredibly rare pieces, and they can be used by anyone, so keeping them in their possession and waiting for resale in a shortage or using the items themselves to fight off stronger monsters is well worth the investment.


    Most practical investors and collectorse to the auction for items like these. I, for one, am looking for something else... As more and more items pass, the growing feeling of dread fills my stomach.


    If I can''t manage to buy any items tonight that will boost my entire team''s strength to new heights, our extraction mission to save Lydia and my curiosity to confront the craftsman from another sector may all be verypromised.


    I''d have to rely on the newly ranked-up abilities of my team members, plus my ability to wield demonic energy as a trump card.


    There''s too much uncertainty in this loosely strung-together excuse of a n; I need something that will help change the odds.


    The announcer''s voice and the sight of over half a dozen blood-red crystalsrger than my open palmpletely change my growing anxiety into a source of hope.


    This reliefes in the form of hundreds of millions of MP swirling within just 7 stones.


    "Our second tost item set of the night. A collection of ruby red gems. Collected as the final drop from the Sector 2 Labyrinth Copse, we''ve managed to bring them all the way here for all of you to see! Now, without further ado, let us start the bidding at once!"

 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305


    I scan the crimson gems with every one of my perception skills as they float around the gorgeous woman until each of them rests gently on the disy table at center stage.


    [Red Hydra''s Soulstone Fragment] x7


    They don''t bear the usual ''Essence Fragment'' or ''Essence Shard''beling, but ''Soulstone Fragment'' instead. These are definitely much different than the magic stones I''ve seen before.


    Clearly, in my appraisal skill''s text boxes, two more readings catch my attention. The first is the 45 to 50 million MP stored in each one of these stones avable to be absorbed, and the second is the line of text beneath it.


    [Permanent Buff: Red Hydra''s Rage]


    There''s no in-depth description or conditions to go along with it, I''m just left wondering what exactly these gems can do...


    However, before I''m kept deep in thought for too long, the announcer''s voice breaks my concentration.


    "This bundle of items is truly unique. A batch of stones with its exact capabilities has never met the open market before and will most likely never meet the market again."


    They sparkle under the spotlight, captivating the audience with their endless dazzling radiance.


    I rethink the announcer''s previous words.


    He did say they were the final drop from the Sector 2 Labyrinth. If he really speaks the truth, this could be one of the special floor boss drops that is unique to every 20 floors. It could quite possibly be a one-of-a-kind item, never to be seen again.


    This only makes me more curious about what the added buff can do.


    My only problem will be if premium buyer number 1 is just as eager to find out as me.


    The announcer continues.


    "Now, the seller who brought this item in tonight dered they would not take less than 100 gold, so we''ll start the bidding there. Based on our magic stone track record so far, I have a feeling this won''t be an issue to match."


    The gentleman on stage smiles brightly as the woman in the red dress walks over to stand by his side.


    Meanwhile, the room goes silent.


    I gulp while expecting the silver-masked man to make an outrageous bid.


    However, for some reason, the bid neveres.


    Whispers start to fill the room, and the joy-filled smile of the announcer starts to droop.


    He gulps nervously but keeps a professional face while staring out at the crowd.


    His eyes dart to the side as I decide to start the bidding myself, raising my paddle and stepping forward into the dim light.


    He calls out immediately as I do, bringing the energy back to the room.


    "That''s what I like to see! 100 gold for premium buyer number 12! We''ll be raising the bids by 10 gold for every offer from here on out."


    The man in the silver mask steps forward and slowly raises his paddle in reply, and the announcer gets back into his groove.


    "110 gold from buyer number 1!"


    I retaliate with a grin to cover up my nerves while raising my paddle.


    "120 gold for buyer number 12! 130... 140... 150 for buyer number 1!"


    My stomach drops lower as the bids get higher.


    So far, the good news is he didn''t immediately bid over my budget and make it impossible for me to win.


    Also, the man across from me takes longer to raise his paddle every time, leaving the crowd in silence before he does. I raise back immediately each time.


    The bad news is, even though it takes him a moment, he keeps raising it and bidding anyway.


    This mystery buyer has already spent hundreds of gold tonight and seems to have pockets with no bottoms in sight. I need to change something up, or else I''m going homepletely empty-handed.


    I could wait for thest item of the night after this one, but that would be foolish. I already tested my luck to its limit waiting this long. I have exactly what I need right in front of my eyes.


    If I bid all in at 263 gold right now, it would seem too odd a number to be random. To any logical buyer, this would seem like I''m going all in because I am. Number 1 would just have to bid one more time, and I''d be out of luck.


    Bidding 260 is a cleaner number in the designated increments of 10, but it gives the same effect. It''s too random to mean I''m not at my limit.


    A much safer bid is 250 gold. It''s clearly an inted price to scare away thepetition. It is higher than thest absurd price number 1 threw out, and it''s a significant leap up higher than anything I''ve bid on other items tonight. It would show that I want this item and will pay whatever I need to to get it. However... If anyone calls my bluff and bids 10 gold higher, I''m out of luck yet again.


    My final option other than incrementally pushing the price up is arge 240 gold bid. This may be the worst option. It tells my opponent exactly how much gold I have to pay. It shows I''m scared to bid 250 to provoke my opponent to challenge me, and it also implies that I want to have a safety of 1 bid just in case they do... It''s basically yelling out to the crowd exactly how much gold I have on hand.


    I grit my teeth, raise my paddle, and make the most reasonable choice there is.


    "I bid 250 gold."


    The announcer points upward and opens a palm in the air at me, and the crowd fills with even more energy.


    "A new highest bid of the night! Buyer number 12 bids 250 gold!"


    He walks around the stage as the crowd dies down.


    All eyes are on the man in the silver mask now as he stares forward and begins to scratch his chin.


    The announcer continues to speak.


    "Are there any other bids? That''s 250 gold to buyer 12! Going once..."


    My heart starts to beat loudly in my chest.


    "Going twice..."


    I can''t help but dart my eyes back and forth from the glistening stones to the man who could bid just 10 more gold and take them away from me.


    "Going..."


    He grips his paddle as the announcer begins to finish his words.


    "Three times..."


    My breathing bes heavy.


    "And..."


    The silver-masked man releases his tight grip and takes a step back, disappearing into the shadowy privacy of his booth.


    "Sold! Our second tost item of the night is sold to buyer number 12! Please don''t forget to see your guide in the entrance hall after the show. I hope you''re satisfied with this one-of-a-kind purchase!"


    The crowd erupts again, and the pressure in my chest subsides.


    Iugh and fall back onto the red cushioned couch next to Chester, letting out a long sigh.


    "I pulled it off. I managed to get exactly what I came for."


    As the crowd settles and the gems are brought backstage into storage, they get ready for the final item of the night.


    I''m overjoyed, but Chester looks concerned. He whispers to me, and I reflexively put up a small Hush barrier to listen.


    "You''re aware of the strength of those stones, aren''t you?"


    I nod.


    "Yes, of course. Almost 50 million MP each. A steal for 250 gold, right?"


    He looks at me with a puzzled expression.


    "They''re one-time-use gems. Once absorption starts, whatever you can manage to take in during one sitting is all the mana you will receive. Plus, that buff is only avable to those who absorb enough of the Soulstone for it to bond with you. Well¡ªthose are the conditions for simr items I''ve dealt with in the past. Nothing of this magnitude, but I''ve seen lesser variants of Soulstones, so I''m positive that is how they work. This is easily an A+ rank item; I doubt there are more than five people on this whole continent that can handle absorbing it fully..."


    The old man continues his nervous rambling, but I can tell he''s secretly excited to get the chance to examine the crystals once I let him get his hands on one of them.


    I, on the other hand, piece together why buyer number 1 most likely dropped out of the bidding.


    If these are truly one-time-use A+ Rank gems, they are graded for over level 1000 or higher for minimum consumption. If this man is just shopping for his own power-boosting needs, bidding a small fortune on a gamble item is senseless.


    My satisfaction only increases as I conclude that I snagged an even better price than I initially thought. If there was an A-Rank in the audience or someone who could actually absorb these stones, I would have surely been outbid.


    Before I can celebrate too much, I lower my Hush barrier and sit straight up as the final item of the nightes out from behind the curtains of the stage''s back side.


    It''s a single jet-ck sword without a hint of mana present in it.


    My perception skills also don''t pick up any readings at all.


    Only one thinges to mind as the white stage light reflects over the glossy weapon''s surface.


    It''s a Demonic Sword.

 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    A long ck sword with an identical dark glossy shine to my newest dagger floats around the woman as she brings it to center stage before resting it on the red velvet disy table.


    I immediately recognize it as having a Demonic Origin.


    The announcer speaks over the whispers of the crowd.


    "This is an item confirmed to havee from within the Abyss."


    At these words, all chatter ceases.


    "Found near the border of Sector 3 and Sector 4 by a group of mercenaries, it was covered in a pile of gear from a party that set out to explore the day before. The seller, who is a leader of the mercenary group in Sector 3, is unaware of how exactly this item came to be. Only one thing is clear, the monster that used to wield it came from the darkness that constantly approaches our cities. Everyone knows the Abyss is only a recent phenomenon. It could disappear tomorrow, or it could consume us all. Hardly any information is known about its nature. This treasure could be the key to unlocking countless more lost to its dark depths, and on top of that, it''s a once-in-a-lifetime piece to add to your collection."


    He pauses, inwardly smiling about the pitch he''s so intricately announced.


    "The seller of this item will take no less than 500 gold for the item presented. It is, after all, the first artifact to hit the open market in Sector 4 confirmed by our appraisal team to be a genuine piece from the Abyss."


    Silence follows again.


    "Now, do we have any takers?"


    No one says a word. Everyone in the premium booths takes steps back away from the balcony, and the floor seats below seem to be in shock.


    The looming Abyss that many fled from over the past few months is a taboo to bring up out of the blue. The tension in the air is eerie; mention of the unknown threat is a topic that everyone delicately tiptoes around in their usual day-to-day lives as if navigating a minefield.


    However, one man relieves the crowd of its silence.


    "I''ll dly take it. I bid 500 gold."


    The man who withdrew from my 250 gold bid for a priceless set of gems moments ago now bids double on the ominous ck sword. He did so knowing not a single other buyer would dare to bid against him.


    This brings up the question of: why? Why did he actually withdraw from purchasing those stones if he has this much spare cash on hand? Is the dagger in my inventory made of the same material worth just as much? Did he know what the final item was going to be and wanted to save his gold to purchase it? Does he have other motives for letting me win those gems?


    Or am I just overthinking things...


    All these questions twist through my mind as countless others at the event ponder questions of their own.


    Meanwhile, the announcer counts to three and the sword is sold. Not a single other bidder tries to step in. On this odd ending note, the woman in the sparkling red dress brings the ck sword backstage, and the announcer closes out the show.


    Everyone is left speechless.


    It''s a very awkward ending for tonight''s auction, but once the sight of that sword leaves the room, many begin to lighten up again and the normal chatter starts toe back. As the doors in every booth open, and many exits in the auditorium below click to follow, the announcer speaks.


    "Thank you all foring out tonight. It''s been one of our mostpetitive auctions in years. I hope you all got what you came for and enjoyed the show. Please exit in a timely manner and meet your identification guide to purchase your won items. Again, I thank you all. Have a wonderful night."


    The curtains on the stage close as the lights all turn back up to their full luminosity. People begin to leave therge room at once.


    I sit back and wait for the rushing crowds to calm down. I''m in no rush to leave and would rather not have over 100 people''s prying eyes looking at me as I go to im my winnings. As anonymous as I may be in a mask and with my conceal skill activated, it never hurts to be too careful.


    More than 5 minutes pass, and hardly a peep can be heard from the main room. At this, Chester and I make our way down the narrow corridor back to the entrance hall.


    Waiting just outside is the tall guide with his distinctive thin mustache that brought us in. He''s having a hard time containing his smile. My guess is he''ll be getting quite the perks from handling this transaction. Still, the man speaks up in a smooth and professional tone.


    "I''m happy to see you found an item you liked at the auction tonight. Please, right this way and we''ll make the transaction final."


    We''re led through the entrance hall where a handful of identically dressed guides are leading other buyers to small tables that line the walls, as well as a few side trading rooms where the purchased items were saved and sorted during the show.


    It seems a lot of themon items sold during the first half of the auctions are here outside, while the more valuable gear and materials are traded in private.


    Chester and I are brought into a small room consisting of only a table, a notepad, and arge ck briefcase with a silver handle.


    We''re enveloped in a barrier of sound and sight-blocking magic as the man activates his skill and the door closes behind us. He opens the case with two clicks.


    The low hum of a containment field sounds out, and the 7 beautiful crimson gemse into view.


    At the same moment, I reach under my cloak and pull out the three bags of money. I take 13 coins back from the pile to make it an even 250.


    "That should be everything."


    He nods, diligently counting as I closely examine the gems.


    Even through the white glow of the containment artifact lining the inside of this case, I can feel their power emanating out, and a red aura seeps from the magical seal. They''re yearning to be absorbed and used, and I''m eager to see the power they''re capable of granting.


    The guide looks up from the piles of gold and smiles.


    "Looks like you''re spot on; this is everything we need from you. The gems are now yours to keep, and please take the containment case as a token of our appreciation. We look forward to seeing you again in future auctions, Mr. Darkwood."


    I smile, taking 3 of the 13 remaining coins from the leftovers and cing them on the table away from the stash.


    "Thank you, I appreciate the help tonight. I''ve got exactly what I came for."


    He dly epts, bringing down the privacy shield while cing the piles of gold into an item box with a Sran logo printed on the side of it and cing the 3 gold I tipped him in a separate pocket of his suit.


    I stare down at the gems for a few more moments, then close the case and ce it in my item storage beneath my robe.


    As the door to our private trading room opens, the person who greets me on the way out takes me by surprise.


    The friendly gesture of an outstretched hand raises toward me.


    It belongs to the man in the silver mask.


    "Nice to meet you, buyer number 12. I don''t often find such interesting biddingpetition out here in Sector 4."

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    As my gaze lifts from the outstretched hand before me, up to the shimmering silver mask of the man I was bidding against all night, I immediately go on high alert.


    Activating my perception skills, Ie to see his status is still blocked to me for some reason. It is only showing those odd "???ess Denied" messages next to every spot where items, skills, and buffs are meant to be. His tone while greeting me isn''t hostile, and it would not be logical to pull anything too nefarious while under the roof of an event hall like this.


    If we were outside orpletely alone, it would be a different story.


    I shake his hand and put on a professional smile to reply.


    "Nice to meet you too, Number 1..."


    My stomach still drops while looking at the man''s intensely sharp blue eyes, but my battle experience has taught me it''s best to put on a cool front at all times.


    He smiles, showing perfectly straight pearly white teeth.


    "The name is Lith Galeheart. I prefer not to go by number 1. So please, call me Lith."


    He continues after a short pause.


    "We were the top two buyers of the night. Our names will be in the public sales records anyway; there''s no point in keeping secrets that will be shared eventually."


    His words remind me of the warning my guide said before the auction: the top two items of the auction may be tracked because of their perceived value. I have an alias, so it doesn''t matter much. Chester, on the other hand, will be linked to this sale.


    I respond while releasing the grip of our firm handshake.


    "Thorne. Thorne Darkwood."


    I wasn''t expecting to get so much mileage out of this name, but it seems my choices tonight will have much longersting effects than expected.


    He responds.


    "Association, Inner Circle, ck Ops, or A Solo Mercenary? Who do you work for?"


    My eyebrows raise higher and higher at every word thates out of his mouth, but I instantly reply once he finishes speaking.


    "Solo. I work by myself."


    The tightening of his gaze makes me wonder if he really believes me or if he''s able to see right through my disguise.


    Now that I have a moment to think about my situation, I can''t tell a thing about him, actually. With such a level of difference andck of information, this silver-masked man is in total control of the conversation.


    He reaches into a chest pocket and pulls out a thin silver piece of metal in the shape of a rectangr card. It''s a few millimeters thick at most but carries some weight to it. Lith motions for me to take it.


    "No matter what your actual origin is, you''re a very intriguing individual, Thorne. If you''re ever in the area around Valor City, know you can always get work from my guild. No strings attached."


    I hesitate to grab the metal card, so he continues, sensing the tension.


    "Really, no strings attached. We offer jobs asked by anonymous buyers. If it''s within your capabilities, the guild will offer it. You may ept and get paid uponpletion or decline without consequence."


    I nod, understanding the line of business he''s describing very well, but not understanding why he''s exining it to me here of all ces.


    I let out a sigh and ept the silver card. However, the moment I do, he turns to leave, disappearing into the crowd of people behind before I can think to get another word in. With my mouth left open, I look down at the shimmering piece of metal and let out the breath that was just about to ask him why he chose to invite me. Instead, I stay silent while reading the line-lined text over the glossy silver surface of the item.


    It just has the logo of swirling lines that mimic a breeze with hisst name printed above it: "Galeheart Mercenary Guild". Below the logo and guild name, there''s an address in Valor City.


    My eyebrows scrunch as I try to make out what just happened. Did he just try to recruit me for his mercenary group? Where is Valor City? And are there really no strings attached? There''s always strings attached...


    I continue to stare down at the card in confusion as the hall starts to clear out,ing to the consensus that all of this recent backstabbing, betrayal, and running away from monsters that want to kill me has made me more paranoid than ever.


    Still, it''s for a good reason. I''m still working on slipping away from the Association that sold me out and tried to have me killed. Plus, I''m working on dismantling the Inner Circle and rescuing my teammates from the inside before they catch on. Things are a bitplicated right now. It''s not in my best interest to get a third party involved for no reason.


    I put the card away and begin walking toward the door. Chester follows close behind with a puzzled expression on his face. I can''t tell if it''s excitement or terror; his skin is a few shades paler than usual, so the safe bet is thetter.


    We step out of the auction house''s front steps and make our way down the street we came from, back to the dungeon hub square, before I finally put up a small hush barrier.


    "What''s going on? You''ve been pale and silent like you''ve seen a ghost. Did you know that guy? Is it something else? He''s gone now, and he doesn''t even know my real name. I doubt he''lle after you."


    Chester doesn''t reply.


    "Come on... I''m sure he would have made things a lot more hostile if he was really mad at me for outbidding him on these Soulstones. He could have bought them himself if he really wanted to!"


    Chester gulps and finally responds.


    "Oh, he most definitely could have bought those stones if he wished. That was the leader of the Galeheart Guild. They call him The Man Hidden in the Wind. The fact that he came from Sector 1 all the way to Sector 4 just for this auction... No... the fact that we even saw him in person... He talked to you directly..."


    There''s a smile growing across Chester''s face now that makes it seem like he''s more of a fanboy than afraid of this so-called "Man Hidden in the Wind".


    I reply.


    "Who is he? I know he''s strong... Stronger than me... But what are you talking about? He''s from Sector 1? A well-known Mercenary or something?"


    The old man nods, letting out a breath and bringing himself together.


    "Well known? Sure... A mercenary? No... I''m not sure you could call him that. He''s mostly talked about in the high-end collector''s circles. For the right price, he''ll get teams to farm any dungeon you need or retrieve any order of materials no matter the drop rate. He''s the main supplier for legitimate businesses in the craftsmen and collectors fields here in the Dark Continent."


    I nod, but Chester keeps speaking before I think to get a word in.


    "It''s rumored he came from the maind outside the walls of the continent to make a name for himself in a newer growing market with lesspetition. His only truepetitors out here are the Inner Circle, rted gangs, and other smaller private mercenary groups. However, his group is known to be the best and most legitimate. That''s why long-term public contracts with the Galeheart Guild are a big deal. I haven''t done business with his guild in well over a decade, but I still keep close tabs on the collector''s world."


    Chesterughs.


    "Oh, how the times have changed."


    The fact that this man is a well-known collector and businessman in the strongest Sector of the Dark continent isn''t what stands out to me the most. It''s the fact that Chester said he hasn''t done business with him in over a decade. The man I met tonight was no more than 30 years old by the look of his visible facial features.


    Either he managed to build a business empire in his teens, found the cure for aging, or his whole getup was a carefully concealed disguise. Given the nature of his blocked status, thest doesn''t seem too far-fetched. Although, scarily enough, the first two don''t seem unreasonable either.


    Deep in thought, the two of us make it back to the above-ground dungeon hub one step at a time.


    With the presence of a strong 3rd party making himself known in the city, it only reminds me of how much I don''t know about this continent as a wholepared to the maind. Everything that goes on here is kept a secret from the outside world.


    However, as the rectangr shielding contraptions that guard the dungeonse into my line of sight, a new thought creeps into my mind. I wonder what buffs Abby and Maria got from their rank-ups.

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    Thete-night city streets are dark, calm, and quiet.


    After going back to the same Shielded Dungeon entrance and paying the 10 bronze fee to get inside, I step into the E-ss portal to teleport back to the Vice City Labyrinth''s 21st floor. Chester waits near the outer rim of the Dungeon Square as I do.


    It''s been a few hours since we left for the auction house, so I should be right on time.


    The moment I teleport back onto the marble white pir standing high above the green clouds, my sense proves my assumption right. The presence of two familiar readings shows up in my mind''s eye, but with significantly higher-powered stats and mana levels. Just like when I ranked up, and just as Fisher and Arie, their natural mana control both received between a 100 and 200% boost.


    However, their position is almost a kilometer away. Although I did say that we would meet back in this dungeon, I never really specified where. It may be easy for me to find the exact teleport point from before, but to anyone else, all these white pirs look the same.


    I smile, air-stepping in their direction and using my Appraisal skill to examine their new status to check for any buffs. Both Maria and Abby''s skills are already maxed out at advanced and legendary grades so the rank-up wouldn''t target advancement there; they would most likely give unique abilities based on their battle style.


    The sight of the healer and ice mage bothe into my field of vision and two buffs pop up in the form of blue text boxes.


    [Area of Total Restoration]


    [Ice Age]


    At first nce, the names just seem to be more extreme versions of their normal skills... A restoration buff for Abby and possibly an Ice defense or offensive boost for Maria. However, the names could be misleading and my Appraisal skill doesn''t allow me to check the details with more depth. All of the ranked-up buffs I''ve seen so far have been incredibly overpowered, so I''m sure there are hidden metrics to these too. I won''t know for sure until the two of them go to battle.


    I wave from a distance, and they wave back as I approach. Both of them made it to level 505. They seeded in the rank-up and got some extra training in too, it seems.


    I get much closer and speak up.


    "How''d everything go? A smooth rank-up process? What floor did you have to climb to?"


    Maria smiles wide and replies as I drift down to meet them on the stone pir.


    "It went really well! We made it up to the 23rd floor! That''s where both of us started getting really consistent level-ups with every kill."


    She pulses dark blue with excitement as Abby gives off a slow and consistent green flow of energy. Her eyes dimly shine, matching the bright emerald hue as she jumps into the conversation.


    "Yep, sess on our end. How about you? Did you find any Essence stones at the auction?"


    I smirk, letting them both grab onto my shoulders as we teleport back to the Sran Dungeon Square.


    "Yeah, I got us the most powerful gems I could afford. They''re simr to the shards we all absorbed before the Labyrinth. To use these new ones, you''ll need to push that new restoration buff of yours to the limit."


    As we leave the square and meet back up with Chester, the four of us walk back to his home. I can clearly feel the mana control difference in these two. It''s near the point where I was post-absorbing thergest Blue Ogre King''s Essence. So, in other words, just under half the control of my newly ranked-up real body''s control level, nearly even with Lydia when we first met. So now they''re forces to be reckoned with.


    Even with such increased power, the question that still runs through my mind is how are they going to handle absorbing these Soulstones? The temporary MP absorption buff potionse to mind, but even with a few hundred percent increase for just a handful of minutes, I''m not positive that''ll be enough to pull it off...


    It''s not so much the MP itself I''m concerned about; it''s the possibilities of unknowns that rub me the wrong way.


    Pondering these thoughts, we make our way home to find Arie and Fisher waiting for us.


    They''re both standing with arms crossed and confident looks on their faces as we approach. The blue-haired swordsman is the first to speak up.


    "You were right. Two guards came wandering into the ck Market''s dead zone trying to tell their boss something."


    He chuckles.


    "We took care of them."


    I pause, wondering if they killed those two...


    It wouldn''t be the worst option, but they never really did anything to harm us, so they don''t deserve it as much as our direct captors. I shrug, but Arie interjects, rolling his eyes before we step onto the porch and walk inside.


    "By ''took care of them'', he means we stripped them of any identifying items, knocked them out, tied them up, and locked them in a cell down below the market. The same as they did to us. When we manage to take out their boss, maybe we''ll think about questioning them further. Neither of them saw our faces, so no harm done. Mission aplished."


    I nod, a little relieved that my teammates aren''t as ruthless as I had imagined, but more interested in the really important topic at hand.


    We all sit around the living room as I pull out the briefcase from the auction.


    "This is what I managed to buy."


    With two clicks, the containment field begins to buzz in our ears and the crimson gems light up the room with a red tint. Everyone stares in awe for a moment before Chester speaks.


    "Now, I believe I heard your earlier conversation correctly. You said all of you managed to absorb essence stones?"


    There''s a round of nods from each of us. I step back from the open case and motion for him to continue on, he knows much more than me about the stones, so it''s better for him to exin.


    "Well, these are Soulstones. They''re quite different, but share simr properties to the items you''ve sessfully consumed before."


    Everyone gets closer to the gems, eyeballing them from close range, and Fisher even goes in to touch one. Chester urges him to stop.


    "On physical contact, the process will start so be careful. Unlike consumable gems, Soulstones are a bit more vtile. Just like the Essence you all absorbed, once the process has started, it can''t be stopped. You either sessfully absorb the Soul Energy along with its absurd amount of mana keeping it contained, or you will give up early and only take in a fraction of the mana while losing the benefits of a soul bond taking ce."


    My eyebrows raise at hisst statement. I''ve only heard of a soul bond one other time in my life; it was when I was making a pact with Ember.


    However, I don''t interrupt and let Chester continue.


    "I''ll take it most of you don''t have the Appraisal skill, so I''ll exin its strength and properties in full... This is a 7-piece Red Hydra Soulstone collection. Each Fragment has roughly 50 million MP, that''s hundreds of times greater than the average Essence stone. If sessfully bonded, each of you will receive the Red Hydra''s Rage buff."


    There''s a long pause.


    "I for one have never seen an item of this ss on the market. Anything over B+ is hardly sold; it''s usually kept by the hunters that farm it. However, I have seen simr lower-grade Soulstones with buffs attached. This will be of a simr nature to your ranked-up abilities. A permanent buff on your status, avable to use like a skill at any time you wish. The stronger the monster''s soul, the stronger the buff it gives. The stronger the buff, the harder it is to bond."


    The pause continues as everyone stares down at the stones and rethinks Chester''s exnation along with his implied warning. These are unknown powers with unknown buffs. Even with Abby''s Restoration skill in mind, the overflowing Red Aura from the containment field still makes this seem like a gamble.


    My words cut through the silence after almost half a minute goes by.


    "I''ll go first. I''ll absorb the first stone."

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    After my statement, there''s some hesitation from my teammates. They look at me wide-eyed from every corner of the room.


    I reply.


    "You heard me, I''ll test it out first to see if it''s safe. I''m the one who brought them here, it''d be rude not to absorb my gem first. If everything goes well, we''ll know it''s safe for you to try too."


    The expressions on their faces are a mixture of concern and curiosity, but mostly concern as I shut the case on the table and motion toward the door. I''d like to not let anyone think too long about it ande up with any good points to talk me out of trying.


    Remembering back to the immense amount of energy expelled by absorbing the Ogre King''s Essence in that shielding room, I point toward the door.


    "We''ll need a lot more wide-open space than this. I''m sure it will give off quite the charge."


    Maria stops me and is the first to voice her concern.


    "I know you have higher absorption capabilities than all of us, I''m sure out of anyone you''d be able to handle that; but are you sure you want to risk acquiring an unknown buff from an A-rank monster soul bond?"


    She''s genuinely concerned.


    Arie tilts his head to the side and adds to her im.


    "Maria has a point here. We may need an edge, but killing yourself a day before the battle won''t help us much. We need to be certain these stones are safe before any of us try them out. That includes you."


    Abby joins in too.


    "I know my restoration skill has worked without any problems so far, but don''t you think this is an unnecessary risk? How strong will those Sector Leaders really even be? We may be able to beat them as we are now."


    Her eyes re green for a split second, reminding me of her newly ranked-up abilities.


    Fisher nods.


    "Yeah, as long as I''m not in those cuffs... these leaders don''t stand a chance."


    "..."


    I reply to them all after a long pause.


    "Unfortunately, the Sector leaders are much stronger than you think. Much stronger than all of usbined. As I said before, one of them is level 651 and their visitor is from an even stronger sector. For all I know, they could be an A-ss-level threat. We need all the advantages we can get."


    My teammates don''t know I''m not in my real body, so their worry makes sense. I can tell the reason they''re audibly doubting the strength of our opponents is to urge me away from making the rash decision.


    However, absorbing these gems may be our only shot at saving Lydia while also getting to see who this craftsman really is.


    A massive mana control boost plus an offensive buff from an A-ranked monster is just the trump card we need. It''s likely more powerful than that worm I just barely managed to escape from. With the power of a monster like this on the outside, even in the form of a buff, we''ll all be much better off. With my self-regeneration abilities on hand plus the added benefit of my body being a copy, it isn''t much of a risk for me to try. Going first is the best way to confirm it''s safe for my teammates to absorb too.


    The only problem is they believe this is my real body.


    I bite my bottom lip and pace for a moment.


    While thinking to myself, the room is left in silence.


    Once a few long seconds pass, I let out a sigh.


    "I''ll be trusting all of you with another secret."


    The best way to convince them this is a good idea without thinking I''m insane is to keep those who will be fighting with me in the loop. Or in other words; tell my teammates the truth.


    They all listen as I describe the body double and hibernation skills I used after a severe poisoning I received from the Boss of the Labyrinth. While divulging some information, I still keep my bond with Ember and the fact I carry 2 demon cores allowing me to wield demonic energy a secret.


    Even Chester is interested in what the Boss monster looked like, but I keep my descriptions vague to focus on the main points of why it''s best to let me test this out. It seems that Demonic Guardians and Dragons are seriously well-hidden knowledge even to high-end collectors and researchers.


    Telling my party even these small details feels like a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders. Still, due to my cautious nature; it doesn''t feel necessary or optimal to burden them with the whole truth all at once. Too much information can lead to unforeseen problems in the future.


    Once I''ve finished my exnation, tiptoeing around the parts I''d like to keep hidden, Maria responds with a much more rxed expression and calm bodynguage.


    "I knew you had a n." Then she rolls her eyes. "You just sometimes make me worry, Jay."


    The others nod and let out sighs of their own. Unexpectedly, they take my ount of the bizarrest few days pretty lightly. I expected them to be mad.


    Arie points toward the door.


    "This makes a lot more sense. Let''s get to it, you had me convinced at body double. I trust you as a squad leader. However, it''s nice when you keep us in the loop."


    Abby smirks.


    "Agreed. Now I have all the reason to push my new buff to its limits without holding back, I''m in."


    Fisher shakes his head but smiles.


    "It''s always something with you, isn''t it?"


    I nod, epting their responses, and releasing all the remaining tension in my clenched jaw.


    With more confidence in my im to test out the stones first, the 6 of us leave through the front door and head off into the desert. We walk out toward the east for 20 minutes before the lights of Sra begin to slightly fade.


    The desert is dark, and the night air is cool. Every few minutes a light breeze passes through calming the nerves of the group.


    Although they all agreed with cheerful attitudes, I can tell everyone is still on edge.


    A small valley in thendscape dips far below the natural desert''s rising and falling altitude.


    "This is the perfect ce."


    The dunes that surround us create the perfect light-blocking barrier to conduct this test.


    I take out the briefcase and open it up on the desert floor. The stones light up the surrounding area with a red glowing light instantly.


    Everyone takes a step back.


    Using telekinesis, one of the crimson gems floats into the air and I hand the case containing the other 6 to Arie; he stands by my right side. With two clicks, it closes and the archer leads Chester, Maria, and Fisher a safe distance away.


    The red stone floats above my head. Only Abby stands near me, less than 2 meters in front, staring straight ahead.


    Everyone watches with anticipation, readying their magic skills for whatever happens next.


    I take a deep breath in, then out; letting the glowing red gem drift down toward my fingertips.


    Abby''s eyes track it, glowing brighter green as the stone gets closer. She whispers under her breath.


    "Area of Total Restoration."


    Beneath the healer, the same green energy that glints in her eyes erupts outward in a wave of light flowing in all directions, creating a wide circle. It covers a diameter of almost 10 meters and glows brightest beneath my own two feet, gliding upward and encapsting me in a green humming glow. It feels warm and soothing, just like her normal healing magic but with an aura of strength deep within it far beyond her capabilities before.


    At the same moment, the red gem falls into my open palms and thick red wisps of energy start to leak from its core. On contact with my skin, it burns. The sensation feels as if boiling water is being slowly poured down my wrists.


    The Soulstone''s contents twist slowly around my arms and energy makes its way to my shoulder and eventually over my chest.


    The searing pain is intense but bearable as it hasn''t even entered my body yet...


    I''ve felt the agony of many mortal wounds far more painful in my previous battles to make these burns feel like a walk in the park, but I''m well aware the worst is yet toe.


    I grit my teeth as the dark blood-red matter seeps into my chest and the absorption process begins.

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    The sensation of boiling water trickling down my skin is almost soothingpared to the searing hot waves of energy that begin to enter my chest next.


    I can sense the nerves and anticipation from the people watching around me, but out of anyone, I''m the most calm one here. Even without the fact that we all desperately need a power-up, I would have attempted this bond myself if there was only one stone.


    My intuition on energy signatures is pretty refined from past battles. Despite throwing myself into dangerous situations, I know when something is actively trying to kill me or not.


    These stones, in particr, feel as if they''re reaching out with immense and overwhelming power. They may be dangerous, but they don''t have the intent to harm anyone without good reason.


    As the energy seeps into my chest, it feels like molten rock is soaking in through my skin deep into my heart, then pumping out and spreading through my veins. My blood feels as if it''s boiling, and my bones and joints heat up like hot stones in the sun, cooking me from the inside out.


    To say there is an instantaneous overwhelming feeling of agony that reaches every corner of my body is putting things lightly.


    A shockwave of truly overpowering energy ripples through me, but at the same time, it carries an aura that feels invigorating while it injects itself into my mana pools.


    Hundreds of thousands of MP instantly enter my bloodstream, filling the pathways in my arms and legs with the hot red light that slowly oozes out from the crystal''s core.


    I think about activating my Plunderer skill as well as Self-Regeneration to ease the violent nature of the absorption process, but I decide against it to simte how it would be for my teammates. This isn''t just for me; I''m trying to make sure the process is safe for those who follow my lead as well.


    The zing hot energypletely fills my body. Boiling mana flows through my veins, and my pathways are filled to the brim. Easily over a million MP has made its way into my body, but there''s still so much more to go.


    Barely a second has passed, but one thing concerns me...


    Although the pain is harsh, overall it''s bearable. The damage being done to my insides and skin will be repaired with ease, either through Abby''s restoration on the spot or my Self Regeneration after the fact. These sensations don''t bother me. The crux of my concerns is that the red energy entering my mana pool is not leaving at all.


    In the Essence shards and fragments I absorbed previously, the moment the absorption process began, mana was expelled from my body as it was used up. This is how the mana control refinement process works.


    The more mana processed through one''s system, the more open and able it bes at processing and wielding it in the future.


    This energy I''m taking in is not leaving my body; it''s just continuously pouring into my mana pathways.


    The rate at which it flows from the ruby-red gemstone increases, and the searing pain envelops every surface of my body, inside and out.


    The Soulstone''s energy covers my line of sight as my absorption rate fails to keep up with the rate at which the energy is being expelled from the stone.


    I''mpletely covered in a red aura from head to toe.


    I attempt to look around through the thick, smoke-like, energy-dense fog that encapstes me, but everything shifts from red to white in an instant.


    Completely white...


    nk...


    The desert is gone.


    Abby is gone.


    All of my other teammates are gone.


    The only thing left is the blood-red gem in my hands and the powerful aura that flows out of it like an ocean''s raging current.


    This makes no sense...


    My surroundings are invisible, even though my eyes are open. Every direction I point my gaze turns out to just be white. The pain from the heat bes so intense that there''s nothing else I can think about but the non-existent mes that surround me.


    My body feels as if it were burned to ash in an instant as the fiery red aura engulfs me.


    I can''t hear anything. I can''t feel anything. Worst of all, I can''t see anything but white.


    This is worse than the darkness of the Abyss. At least when everything is dark, one can hope for light; but in the presence of blinding light that blocks everything out, what more could I hope to see?


    I''m left in a state of shock.


    I can''t tell if this is reality or my eyes ying tricks on me.


    My mind is still intact, and my perception of the space around me flows normally, but there''s nothing to take in. All I can do is think.


    This isn''t the experience I expected to go through at all...


    Before I be used to the illusion of the white void, a pair of ck eyes appears, soaked in the same crimson aura that engulfed me.


    They''re enormous and exude pure power. As they appear, wisps of dark red and ck energy fill the empty bright void and creep forward. A Hydra''s head materializes around its eyes, and the most intense wave of intimidation I''ve ever felt hits my very soul.


    It''s not filled with killing intent. It''s more of a show of dominance.


    The sudden profound sensation vibrates through me, allowing my mind toprehend the presence of my body once again. Its mana ripples through me, amplifying the output of the millions of MP coursing through my energy pathways. With such a deep and intrusive wave, even the depths of my soul link with Ember are touched.


    The sensation allows me to feel two paper-thin connections to both my real body in its hibernation state and Ember hundreds of kilometers away, even deep within a dungeon. It''s like a silver shimmering spider''s silk thread of a substance not quite made of mana, but powered by it. The thread is only visible to me in this exact mental state.


    I''ve never physically seen our bond, but now that I have... I may be able to tap into this feeling again in the future.


    However, despite my momentary dose of rity, I''m still paralyzed with what I can only describe as fear. The head of a Blood-Red Hydra towers over me and continues to pulse with dark red light.


    Every wave that hits me invigorates the mana inside me back to its original state, making the searing hot boiling sensation return greater and greater with every pulse. This makes my skin and energy pathways hotter by the second.


    What felt like slow-moving molten rock before now feels like fiery eruptions coursing through my veins, threatening to rip my body apart from the inside.


    I can''t move.


    It''s like I''m chained to an invisible wall, just watching the events unfold before me.


    The constant waves of the Hydra''s magic push my mind into a numbed state, but I don''t give in. As I bear the pain and stare straight at the unwavering beast before me, I slip further and further from reality.


    I can''t tell if it''s been seconds, minutes, or hours.


    Everything starts to blur as the eyes of the Hydra creep closer. I see six more heads behind it with twelve more glowing red eyes staring deep into my soul as my vision starts to fade. It looks like they all want to say something. Their mouths hint at opening, but they never do.


    All I do know is I have to hold on. My jaw is clenched, and all my muscles are tight, but the pressure of the energy waves that hit me over and over holds me down in this illusion of a spiritual prison.


    It''s taking every ounce of my willpower to stay conscious.


    I can''t even attempt to use my mana control or other powers to fight back. The thought of exerting any force other than keeping my eyes open feels like a death wish.


    Closing my eyes seems like an even worse option.


    The seven heads just watch as I''m filled with the remaining wisps of red aura from the main monster above me.


    Its head begins to turn lighter and lighter as more energy spills out. As the red aura that leaks, it takes the Hydra''s pigment with it, making it fade closer and closer to match the white color of the void.


    As it fades, the Hydra bows its head. The waves of its energy cease.


    At the same moment, my feet feel as if they''ve been sshed with cool water.


    The sensation travels up my calves and to my knees, then around my thighs and all the way up my back to trickle down my arms into my fingertips.


    Theyers of molten hot mana that flow through my veins are covered by this new energy, cooling the Hydra''s power to lukewarm.


    Once the cold energy reaches my neck and seeps into my mind, I receive a refreshing boost of power, allowing me to move and think freely once again.


    I look down to see the waves of green light that cover my body, intertwining with the red aura and rejuvenating my charred skin and fractured bones. Abby''s skill is bringing me back to the real world.


    The eyes of the monster in my mental prison fadepletely into the whiteness, and only six heads remain, watching from far behind.


    I take a deep gasp of fresh air, and my awareness of the calm nighttime desertes back into full view. The white void is gone...


    The gem in my palms haspletely dissolved into grey dust. The eyes of everyone around me are wide open in awe.

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    I hear my system notifications ringing in my head.


    [Soul Bond: Complete]


    [New Buff: Red Hydra''s Rage]


    [Body Double Attribute Transfer: Sess]


    Everyone is frozen in ce.


    Everyone but Abby. She concentrates on me with total focus and continues to pulse with green light.


    My gaze follows her eyes, and I look down at my own body to see the dark red plumes of energy still swirling all around me. My veins glow bright red, and the thick clouds of residue continue to seep in through my chest. However, the pain is gone.


    It''s not burning my insides.


    In fact, I don''t feel different at all...


    I was expecting to feel a huge uptick in my natural mana control, but the reminder that this energy was only absorbed and not expelled or refined is most likely why the effects haven''t taken ce.


    I immediately open my status with the All-Seeing Eye activated and peer to the bottom of the screen.


    Its text is glowing red, standing out on my light blue status screen.


    _______________


    Red Hydra''s Rage


    Info: This buff is a unique attribute gifted by a Divine Beast. It is limited to 7 individuals maximum per resurrection of the Red Hydra. It grants the user a 141% increase in all stats. Capabilities to absorb mana and the efficiency of one''s mana control will increase 79% upon use.


    This buff grows with the user possessing the soul bond. The percentage increases will rise as the user''s level rises. Jumps in buff percentages may also rise with excessive use of this ability.


    If the user has abilities that separate their mind from their body, the buff, and corresponding soul energy will be avable wherever the bonded user''s conscious state of being is the strongest.


    Surplus battle instincts and abilities of the Red Hydra will be granted to the user in times of need.


    _______________


    The crimson glow of the text I read is both exciting and eerie. Its contrast on the light blue text screen stands out significantly from all my other skills, but with a quick use of conceal, I confirm even this can be hidden from sight if necessary.


    A few lines of text pique my interest.


    The rule about the buff following wherever the conscious mind goes is a very intriguing condition. It exins why the transfer to my real body was sessful, yet the buff is still active on my copy here. I''m not quite sure how this will work, but I''m interested in doing some tests once I get the chance.


    In the meantime, I''ll need to test out how well the buff itself actually boosts my stats and mana control like it says. The 141% increase in base stats is great and all, but my Demon''s Cores, as well as an assortment of gear and magic items, do the same thing. A 79% increase in mana control is the boost that really catches my eye.


    A 79% boost is well over the expected 50 million MP. It''s nearly double that actually... And there doesn''t seem to be a time limit or cooldown visible in the description either. It means every point of new mana I refine is basically much more efficiently used while this buff is active.


    As I grow more, the percentage will only go up. This is an extremely rare and powerful trait to have. My rate of growth will increase even faster.


    If there are any downsides, now would be the time to find out.


    I look up from my status to see the eyes of my teammates still on me. Abby is now looking much more rxed, most likely because the red glow has almostpletely vanished from the dark swirling clouds that surrounded me just moments ago.


    "I did it. I sessfully bonded."


    As the remnants of the twisting red energy enter my chest, Abby is the first to speak. She''s breathing heavily, and her eyes are still open with concern.


    "T-That was... that was it? No more than 5 seconds went by. Your whole body just glowed red, and your skin and bones started bubbling and breaking under the pressure. I had to use my ranked-up restoration skill''s full power on you and myself to keep up. It... I¡ªThest shard you absorbed took hours. This one... is a bit more violent in nature, it seems."


    Another awkward moment of silence passes as I open and close my fists and stretch my arms and legs.


    "Everything feels fine to me. Looks like you did a good job putting me back together. However, I don''t recall the physical pain at all. Plus, that definitely took much longer than 5 seconds in my mind..."


    As they all listen closely, I recount the events that just took ce. Then, I also share the wording beneath the buff on my status.


    The groupes to the consensus as me; that the original Hydra had 7 heads, and each fragment grants a fraction of its power in the form of a buff. The bonding process is a test of the mind rather than a test of one''s mana control or strength. Other than the basics of having to withstand 50 million MP of A-Rank or higher mana. This is what would instantly kill most, but we have a way to get past the physical limits, negating its overwhelming strength with Abby''s skill.


    Even after my vivid description of the past, Chester is left clueless about the true nature of these Soulstones.


    "I''ve never heard of a hunter actually meeting the creature the stones belonged to before bonding with them. Until now, I assumed Divine Beasts were only myths. Absorbing a soulstone is usually a simple process to raise a user''s mana control and give a basic perk or special move. A progressively growing buff that rises in power as the user gets stronger is incredibly rare..."


    Fisher chimes in.


    "Okay, but how does it work? Try the buff out."


    I grin.


    "Sure, I was thinking the same thing. Everyone step back."


    They all do as I say while I, too, back up to the lowest point in the valley once again to activate my new buff.


    It''s as simple as turning on a skill. Just thinking of the name triggers its abilities.


    The moment I do, my veins begin to glow red just like they did before, and the crimson energy from the Hydra is seemingly summoned from thin air, wrapping its thick mana-dense clouds around my arms and legs.


    It seeps out from my chest, but I don''t feel the sensation of mana being used up at all.


    My vision bes tinted red, but my senses are significantly heightened. It feels as if my All-Seeing Eye is activated but finely focused on only small movements and abnormalities in the desert around me.


    The darkness of night looks as bright and clear as day. I can notice the sand grinding and shifting beneath my teammates'' feet over 20 meters away.


    My body feels lighter too, and my muscles feel stronger.


    I take a lunge forward, and my speed surprises me. It''s increased dramatically. The only feeling I can rte it to is the one time I used my skill [Final Breath] against my first-floor boss opponent. The world around me feels like it''s slowing down as my feet leave small craters in the sand behind me while running forward.


    A cloud of dark red magic residue is left behind in my wake.


    My old berserker skill and bloodlust abilities share simr traits but have nothing on the pure power and release of animalistic instincts this skill allows me to wield.


    It doesn''t affect my mood... Despite "Rage" being in the buff''s name, I''m as calm as can be.


    Ie to a halt after zipping forward tens of meters in the desert in the blink of an eye, then activate my mana maniption skill to attempt to create my normal shielding effect.


    Bright pink mana is summoned from my skill bar, draining my MP like usual, but it''s tinted dark red as the buff boosts its overall control. The loud buzz of my shielding can be heard from a distance, and I''m confident it''s much denser and more resilient than anything I''ve ever faced or created myself.


    "Nothing is getting through this..."


    I air-step upward, leaving trails of red mana-imbued air in long trailing wisps behind me. With every step I take, I fly faster than I ever have before.


    It feels so natural. It''s clear that I''m much stronger, but the way my body moves and the amount of mana I exert for each action feels exactly the same. It''s just being boosted upon expulsion.


    Next, I summon fire, and the ck mes that erupt from my hands are intertwined with the crimson energy.


    Earth magic too, as well as ice; they create blood-red stone and beautiful pink-tinted ice shards.


    All of my abilities are boosted by this buff. Not by pure stats, but they gain unique properties being intertwined with red mana.


    I feel invigorated, and much more capable. My awareness of the environment is heightened to new heights too. Considering all of this, I won''t know for sure how impressive these buffs really are until I fight something to push them to the limits.


    Deep in thought with a growing smile across my face, I turn back and air-step into the small valley to meet my teammates and report the good news.


    My feet hit the ground, and I deactivate the buff.


    The second I do, my body feels fatigued and heavy. My eyelids droop and begin to close.

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312


    The red aura around me dissipates, and in turn, my entire body feels like it just went through hours of intense training.


    My mana bar is far from depleted, but my mouth feels dry, and my head starts to ache.


    I stumble in my steps for a moment, and my eyes threaten to shut, but I catch myself before falling and keep walking straight ahead.


    I wince at the sharp pain that flows through my legs, but activate my self-regeneration skill to try and heal my sore muscles as best I can; as expected, it hardly helps. Abby reacts instantly too, using her restoration skill. Its green healing magic expands beneath my feet before I get another word in.


    The soreness and body fatigue start to fade as I face my teammates.


    Behind me, high in the sky, red trails of magic residue stay stagnant and slowly swirl in the light nighttime breeze. It gives off a weak and spread-out energy signature but doesn''t dissolve into the atmosphere like normal mana or even Demonic Energy.


    It''s just left behind in trails, following where I previously was.


    The healer speaks.


    "So how do you feel? And how does the buff feel? I assume it lives up to its description?"


    Even with a full restore from Abby, my joints feel stiff, and my muscles are sore. I''m much less fatigued, but my body is stillpletely exhausted... So that''s a good sign. If I needed to jump into battle right now, the minor side effects wouldn''t be much of an issue. However, it feels like this kind of fatigue is something only a real meal and sleep can heal over time.


    It''s a good thing I didn''t go all out and only tested this power to a minor extent. It seems the drawbacks of using aggressive amounts of the Red Hydra''s energy will have unforeseen fatigue and stress on the body.


    "We''ll only be able to use this buff in emergencies, or near the end of a battle as a finalst-ditch effort. Even after the full restore, I''m not back to 100%. However, the power increase was incredible... and you won''t feel the negative side effects until you deactivate the ability. I don''t have anything to test it on orpare it to, but it was like I was moving over twice as fast and wielding denser magic while only using my normal energy output. The Hydra''s mana intertwined with my own and boosted every movement and attack."


    I go into more detail about the whole experience one more time, preparing them to face the Hydra, assuming they''ll experience the same mind-bending reality shift that I did.


    Arie steps up.


    "This makes sense. I''ll go next. I know the risks and trust I can handle it with your help."


    He turns to Abby as she begins glowing green to power up her restoration circle.


    In the meantime, I use telekinesis to float a gem out of the briefcase and up above Arie, waiting for his signal to let it down. We all step far away from the interaction taking ce, just like they did for me.


    A sh of green light washes over Arie, and he nods, letting me drop the crimson stone into his palms.


    Waves of red energy soak his body, and pulsing green energyes from the desert floor, constantly rebuilding and regenerating the archer''s bones and flesh.


    This is pretty gruesome to watch.


    I could only imagine what everyone was thinking the first time around when they were unsure of what the end result would be.


    Arie doesn''t scream, move, or do anything but stand still with the red gem in his hands, allowing the energy to seep into his body and bond with his soul.


    The swirling red aura seems very familiar. Of course, it seems this way because it''s exactly the same as the aura that surrounds me when I activate the buff; but just feeling its presence makes me subconsciously connected to it, even without my buff activated.


    Less than 5 seconds pass, and the bright red violent wisps of energy subside, allowing Abby to engulf the archer in the full extent of her healing light. Momentster, she takes down her emerald veil to reveal Arie grinning and moving his limbs around to make sure everything is working normally.


    Upon his sessful bond, the others go through one by one. Maria next, then Fisher, andstly Abby bonds with it herself.


    Impressively, her [Area of Total Restoration] stays active even while she''s unconscious. It''s a perk of her ranked-up buff. If the main body or mind of the user is in mortal danger, the buff activates itself as a passive skill.


    It has simr traits to my poison resistance, just a lot more extreme.


    We all let out long sighs of relief as the green-haired mage walks out from her own disy of red and green light as thest remnants of red wisps leave her body.


    Each of them gives me a nod, then turns around to test out their buffs together. They know not to push it too hard after my initial warning, but the allure of trying this new power is too strong. I can''t me them for trying. Plus, knowing how it works so as not to be surprised in battle is important too.


    I''m left standing next to Chester as the four of them run up the closest dune with trails of red energy following them, all surrounded by the very essence of the Red Hydra''s soul.


    The old man speaks up.


    "You surprise me again and again. This is one of the most interesting items I''ve ever seen, and each of you have skills and abilities beyond what I ever thought was possible."


    He gulps, letting out a thin smile.


    "No wonder you have so many people after you."


    Chester lets out a nervous chuckle as four shing red lights illuminate the desert sky above us. Below, four hunters zip across the sand, testing out their newfound power. I reply.


    "Yeah, I''m sure us sessfully absorbing these stones will only bring more problems in the future. Though, I''m grateful that it will give us the edge in the short term."


    My teammates alle back, showing the exact same signs of weariness that I did, all to be healed by Abby''s restoration momentster. They''re all brought back to their normal healed states, but the same hint of fatigue remains. Maria has a cheerful grin on her face.


    "We''re more than ready now. It''s like we all just ranked up again! This strength and power is on another level!"


    I smile back as the others agree with her and close the case with two gems remaining before tossing it into my item storage.


    Each of them shares their experiences while testing out their new buff for just under a minute. It''s been a long day no matter how you frame it. We need sleep before confronting the Sector leaders tomorrow.


    My four teammates and Chester all leave to go back to the house. I stay behind, letting them know I''ll catch up soon. The streaks of red energy left behind in the desert are very interesting. No amount of mes, MP absorption, or wind magic can get them fully out of sight. They only fade and spread out. Like toxic waste, unable to be destroyed or dissipated entirely, clogging up the air.


    After a few minutes of attempting to clear the residue, I shrug and move on to greater matters. No one ventures out into the desert this far, and we''ll be leaving the city tomorrow anyway. It should dissolve or be blown away by the winds given enough time. There is onest preparation that needs to be taken care of. I silently air-step back to the Abyss.


    While running from the massive worm monster previously, I drained my Demonic Energy stores to 0. Although I could probably absorb 1 or 2 units from the dungeons back in Sra, filling up from the source will be much more efficient.


    I won''t venture into the Abyss; I''m not looking for a fight. I''m just looking to fill my core to the brim, making sure I''m fully prepared for what''s toe.


    About an hour and a half of scouring the edge of the Abyss goes by before I take out 4 Demonic Wolves and fill my core up past 40 Units.


    I''m missing out on precious hours of sleep, but I''m pretty d I didn''t go through that whole soul-bonding process with any Demonic Energy in my core. Even with my skills deactivated, I''m unsure what all the magic pressure would have done to my body while my mind was elsewhere.


    I return to the house to find everyone else already sleeping. Worn out from the day''s work, my eyes close and I soon fall asleep as well.


    ¡ª


    Hourster, I''m woken up by Maria''s voice and her lightly shaking me.


    "It''s time to go, the sun is about to rise."

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    The five of us set off in the morning, leaving Chester behind.


    It''s still dark out, but hints of day creep up on the horizon as we venture off into the desert toward the abandoned town and observatory I''ve been keeping an eye on for days.


    Our movements are a bit slower than my usual pace because we''re not all air-stepping through the sky.


    This may slow us down some, but it''s also a bit more of a stealthy approach.


    My perception skills are on full st our entire way to the destination. I don''t expect to find anyone out here at this hour, but keeping an eye out on our surroundings is a no-brainer.


    The path over is quick and silent. Anticipation grows with every step.


    Once within less than a kilometer of the destination, we all slow down. Eventually, the five of us make it to thest high-rising dune of sand leading down to the abandoned vige on the other side. Simultaneously, the sun begins to rise. Its golden rayse down to light up the white dome atop the cliff that overlooks the Abyss.


    Its sonar is still active even this early in the morning. A grey pulse of energy beams from the rooftop and soars into the darkness. The act lets out a light buzz that vibrates through all of our ears.


    Wee to a halt as I do a full scan of the building up on the cliff, then whisper under my breath.


    "Just as I expected."


    Three figures show up on my radar.


    One of which is still in the mana-blocking cuffs. They show up in my enemy detection skill, just like the others did back in the undergroundir when they were in cuffs. My appraisal and inspect skills cannot sense a single thing about their status. All signs point toward this being Lydia.


    Next, the level 651 with his full wardrobe full of +100% or greater defense items and multiple legendarybat skills appears. My eyes wander down to his [Solid Steel Defense] buff again, wondering exactly how it works.


    However, these thoughts soon get pushed to the back of my mind as the final figure''s information shes into my mind''s eye.


    The sight of it makes me feel uneasy.


    _____________


    [Lv. ??? ess Denied]


    Active Items: [??? ess Denied]


    Active Skills: [??? ess Denied]


    Buffs: [??? ess Denied]


    _____________


    The eerily familiar [??? ess Denied] symbols pop up all over the third figure''s status screen within the observatory. Even their level is blocked from my vision.


    It looks just like those error messages that showed up on the man''s status from the auction. Lith, the man who runs the mercenary guild in Valor City. This has to be some kind of special concealment item. If not, it has to be some kind of special buff or skill...


    I''m unsure why else their status would be blocked from my vision.


    I grit my teeth and duck my head down; my teammates follow my lead without knowing exactly why.


    "They''re definitely here. Two Inner Circle members, and one hostage. Lydia is still breathing."


    Sighs are let out all around me, but my mind is elsewhere.


    As these words leave my lips, our possible options for infiltration begin to race through my mind. I knewing into this, there was going to be a mystery man; the craftsman. However, I assumed said mystery would be much easier to solve the moment I got a proper scan of him.


    This is not the case.


    Fisher replies to me, eagerly waiting to jump over the edge of the dune down the valley and toward the observatory.


    "So it''s confirmed, they''re here. Let''s go take ''em out."


    I stare at the desert floor, thinking to myself, but reply after a short pause.


    "We will, we just have to take it very slow. I can''t get a good read on one of the members. I''ll have to separate him from the others and handle him myself. You all will take on the man who took Lydia. The Sector 4 leader. Got it?"


    Arie replies.


    "Sure, if it''s just brute strength and high mana control he''s wielding, we can handle him no problem."


    Abby and Maria nod as Fisher''s eyes re blue.


    I let out more waves of mana-imbued perception waves to use my All-Seeing Eye and make a mental picture of the room our enemies are in. Usually, this would be impossible if not inside a dungeon, but with the high-density mana radiationing off of the device upstairs, it''s easy to see how the mana flows in and out of all the nooks and crannies. It''s a long distance away, but I have a good enough image to draw the structure in the sand for everyone to see.


    "There are two main floors to the observatory, not including the basement."


    I point to a 2D ring-shaped drawing on the sandy floor. There are three Xs marked in its center.


    "This is the bottom floor. It''s arge circr hallway that wraps around the entire building. There''s a main living area in its center, a small circr room at the core of the base. This is where the two enemies are keeping the captive, and also happens to be the only entrance that leads down to the basement. I''m unable to fully see what its contents are."


    Abby''s eyebrows scrunch up like she wants to ask why but does not want to interrupt, so I continue, giving her a quick exnation.


    "It seems the basement is lined with that same ck shielding that we were trapped in previously at the dungeon hub in Sra; I''m unable to sense how deep it is or what''s inside."


    Next, I point to a circle right next to my first drawing.


    "This is the top floor. It''s a circr room, with high ceilings."


    I peek my head over the dune''s edge to point at the white structure being lit up by the morning sun.


    "This is the top of the dome. There are many high-density mana items and unstable high-powered equipment being used to power a device on this floor. Keeping the fighting far away from these items would be wise."


    A moment of silence passes before I carry on.


    "Right now, all three people are in the holding room at the core of the base."


    Abby replies.


    "So you''ll lead the oddball out while we confront the Sector 4 leader together."


    I nod slowly.


    "Yes, but first we''ll need to gather a little more information. It''s never a good idea to go in blind when we don''t have to. We know they''re here, but they don''t know we are. They''re expecting number 2 to show up with the prisoners in hand..."


    Arie smirks, catching on.


    "So we don''t want to keep them waiting."


    "Exactly. The longer we wait, the more restless they''ll be."


    I use my [Hush] skill in arge radius, and the five of us begin sneaking toward the observatory mountain''s base. The two leaders I''m keeping an eye on aren''t moving at all; they just stand in the center room of the fortress waiting for us to arrive. Possibly, conducting an interrogation.


    Once we dip down through the vige and carefully make our way up the side of the cliff, the entrance to the observatoryes into view. I speak out loud with the [Hush] barrier still active. Only my teammates can hear me.


    "The main room is just through the front door and halfway down either side of the curled circr hallway; there are entrance points on both sides. You can''t miss it."


    I bring my [Hush] barrier down and switch to speaking through my telepathy skill.


    "Once the coast is clear, I''ll give you the word. Be ready for anything."


    I activate stealth and jump high into the air, lightly air-stepping up to the roof area where the sonar device sticks out of the open dome.


    Muffled voices can be heard from below me. With the mana-powered device buzzing in my ears, grasping the faint sounds of a hidden conversation one floor below and through multiple walls proves challenging, even for my enhanced senses.


    I hold my breath and jump down onto the top floor of the observatory, using abination of stealth, hush, and wind magic to hit the floor without making a sound.

 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314


    I walk across the room, passing the buzzing machine with crates of mana crystals by its side.


    The wooden boxes filled with pink gems glisten in the morning light.


    As I get closer to the stairway that leads down to the first floor, the muffled tones of two men having a conversation hit my ears. The first voice I recognize is the Sector 4 leader that I ran away from previously. He has a happy tone to his words today.


    "So what do you think about them? They''re the real deal, aren''t they? Just like that dagger I have back in the trading office. Genuine Demonic Matter."


    He lets out a chuckle and starts to walk around the room, leaving a long pause between his statements.


    Using my All-Seeing Eye, I can sense the high-density mana items all over his body.


    I slowly step forward, trying to get a better ear on what the response will be. Any clues about the man with an unreadable status will be of great help before I have to confront him. Or better yet, slip in unseen and take him out without any risk to myself or my teammates. By the looks of things, thetter won''t be a viable option.


    The items the second man wears aren''t even showing up in my perception skills; there''s an odd barrier between my mind''s eye and whatever item or skill protects their identity. All I can do is try to listen.


    Still, there''s no response, so I creep closer and closer to the stairs.


    An electronic voice, full of static, monotone, and extremely low-pitched finally replies.


    The scratchy nature of the static makes me wince.


    "Yes... these seem to have Demonic properties..."


    Even so, his voice is clear, slow, and concise.


    It makes my heart start to race.


    This is the furthest thing from what I expected to hear from the room down below. There''s a long pause before the slow and calcted robotic words escape this person''s lips again.


    "But they''re impure... Replications... Intertwined with Demonic Energy from a mana-born Demon, not from the Abyss..."


    The voice stops as the sonar beam behind me sends out another pulse deep into the darkness below the cliff. Then, the Sector 4 Director starts to speak again.


    "Well, yes. These were the stones found on this team member from the Vice Region''s Elite team. The attack on the City of Sramissioned to take out the Labyrinth, along with many of the higher-ranking dungeons nearby. They''re a fairly good team; once my number 2es back, I''d like to see if I can whip any of them into shape to work for me. Ha, I even-"


    The monotone voice cuts him off.


    "Enough... Chit-chat... I don''t care about your ns... Do what you want with them when I leave... You''re telling me this woman cleared the Final Floor...?"


    There''s a pause.


    I swallow saliva and listen intently. My heart is racing, and I staypletely still, not wanting to miss a word thates out of their mouths. There''s still no information on this mystery man. The Sector 4 leader replies, with a bit of nerves to his voice now.


    "No, apparently a younger man cleared the final floor. He didn''t have any items of value on him, so we threw him in the mana-negating cuffs and let number 5 take care of him. You''ll get to meet him soon too, but this one here has the stones you''re always looking for to aid in your creations, so I assumed you''d like to see her first."


    The air falls silent again.


    "Yes... Good, good... I wouldn''t have made the trip from Sector 2 if there wasn''t something worth my while...."


    Silence fills the entire Observatory once again before the sonar breaks the awkward lull.


    Meanwhile, a few thoughts start racing through my mind. This man just said he was from Sector 2. Based on the superior tone used while talking to the Sector 4 leader, it''s safe to say he''s a leader too. This means he''s probably stronger than level 651... but by how much?


    He continues speaking.


    "I''ll use my artifact... We''ll see what''s really going on in the mind of the mage who brought us Demonic stones..."


    I sense arge amount of mana starting to build up into a small space on the floor below me. All of my appraisal skills are constantly blocked by the man''s odd armor, so I can''t get a real read on what''s happening. However, it''s clear arge amount of energy is being exerted.


    This isn''t good. It''s most definitely a crucial moment, and I need to act fast.


    Whatever the Sector 2 leader is charging up, it''s about to be used on Lydia. I have to make a decision, but there are too many unknown variables.


    The mana buildup gets more and more dense, tens of thousands of MP are being channeled into a tiny space. An equally loud buzzing noise starts to pulse from below me as it does behind me from the sonar.


    This artifact is extremely powerful.


    Pulses of white energy start toe up through the floor.


    Then, I hear a scream...


    A very familiar scream. One that belongs to my teammate.


    The Sector 4 leaderughs through the noise.


    "Look who finally woke up. You sure do have bad luck with timing. Hold tight, this will only hurt a lot."


    Sarcasm fills his twisted words as the buzzing of the mana gets louder and louder, and the readings show it covers the entire body of the other man but concentrates most densely on his palms. Still, his armor suit distorts the waves about a meter from all sides of his body.


    The man moves toward Lydia.


    So, I make a decision to stop it. I make my move.


    I let out a deadly wave of intimidation from above, rippling through the metal walls of the Observatory, focusing right at the Sector 2 leader with all my might.


    It''s not so much an attack; it''s more of a distraction. This is my attempt to bring their attention elsewhere before it''s toote. I don''t know what that device does, and it''s better I don''t find out; but I have my suspicions. Lydia knows a few of my secrets. Having someone digging around in her memories would be directly against my best interest.


    The buzzing halts, and the static-filled voice continues in an irritated tone. It''s much louder than before and not focused on anyone in particr, more so to everyone who can hear it.


    "Do we have... unwarranted visitors...?"


    I feel a wave of intimidation exactly the same as the one I justunched downwarde flying back up through the floor to ripple through me.


    The Sector 4 leader''s voice follows in a shaking manner.


    "N-No, there''s no way anyone woulde out here. It''s been abandoned by the city for weeks; there''s-"


    The angered static tone cuts him off again in slow, calcted words, pausing every few.


    "That doesn''t.... exin... the clear act of aggression...ing from the floor above..."


    Down below, in the center room, a door swings open, and heavy footsteps walk out. Each one makes the very structure of the observatory shake and quiver.


    A trailing voice of the Sector 4 boss replies but is overpowered by the static tones once again.


    "This will only take a moment... I''ll handle the intruder..."


    The concentration of mana from the device the man was using fizzles out, but a new glow starts to cover his entire body. It looks almost like an impossibly thick suit of mana-imbued armor in my mind''s eye. Over a meter away on all sides of what normal human size would be, just like before. It makes him look very round in my mind''s eye, like a pure ball of energy stomping my way.


    Even so, the mana density he''s wielding is impressive. Still, it''s impossible to get a proper read on with all the blockers in ce.


    I hop backward, making my way to the other side of the room closer to the sonar. With crates of mana crystals around my feet and the open sky above my head, I''m ready to leave and lure the man away so my teammates can infiltrate the base with better odds.


    Still, my stealth skill is fully activated, while using air magic and small hush barriers around each footstep. I don''t want to give away my exact position until it''s necessary.


    Other than the one wave of intimidation, it''s close to impossible to notice me unless I wanted to be seen.


    Or so I thought.


    Heavy stepse up the stairs and are soon followed by the ear-piercing static squeaking and scratching sounds.


    A suit of ck armores walking up the steps onto the top floor. He stands over two meters tall with a mixture of grey and white light twisting around his entire body.


    The armored Sector 2 leader looks straight at me as if my stealth skills are meaningless. Then, lets out another wave of intimidation, multiple times stronger than before.

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315


    In a brief moment of shock, my stealth skill is lifted, and I''mpletely visible on the open top floor of the observatory, facing off against a ck-armored knight with unique magic swirling around his body.


    If I had more time to analyze andpare, I''d like to see if the energying out of the sonar has simr properties to the knight''s armor. At a quick nce, they feel and look awfully simr.


    However, I don''t have the time to run tests.


    The static rumbling voice that I heard only mumbles of before pierces through the open air to hit my ears at full st.


    "Who... are you?... Intruder..."


    The heavy footsteps of the Sector 2 leader make deep indents and cracks in the floor as he walks closer. The swirling energy stays close to his armor at all times, not even a tiny wisp of it drifts away.


    I don''t take this moment to respond but reach down and throw a crate of mana crystals into my item storage. This opens a spatial magic portal right in front of my enemy, but revealing this one trait is the least of my worries. I turn around and air-step upward out of the observatory roof, grinning that my n has worked out well.


    I''m very excited to see what unique skills and items a stronger Sector leader has avable to him. At the same time, I''m a bit nervous to face this oddball one-on-one. The power gap may be much bigger than I imagine.


    A momentter a human-sized hole in the top of the observatory cracks open, blowing metal and stone in all directions as the energy-covered man follows me into the sky.


    I open up my telepathy link as the morning sun hits both of us with its golden rays; giving all of my teammates a message.


    "The coast is clear. Lydia and the Sector 4 leader are alone on the bottom floor in the center room. I''ll keep the bigger threat busy."


    The sensation of my teammates moving toward the opposite side of the building lets me know they received my message. I turn off my telepathy and activate all my buffs while taking out my fire sword and wind dagger to fight.


    I want to take him out quickly, but I also need to stall him long enough for him not to get involved in the rescue mission going on behind us.


    "Let''s see what you''re made of!"


    With the golden red streaks of my buffsing off my body and the ck mes starting to dance on my de, I air-step down toward the abandoned town at full speed. The armored giant behind me is gaining distance much faster than I thought, somehow elerating faster and faster the closer to the ground we get.


    Both of us make it all the way down the cliffside in a matter of seconds, and I duck behind a few of the vige huts for cover, charging up my des with enough mana for a proper strike.


    The atmosphere is not mana-dense at all... I can get a few strikes off, but my plunderer skill can only take in as much energy as my surroundings have to offer. There are small traces of mana in the air, but not nearly enough to charge my des up to full multiple times in the heat of battle.


    This is the reason I grabbed a crate of crystals on my way out, it should be enough to keep me going as long as I use them conservatively.


    While going over my possibilities, a loud crack sounds, making the t sandy ground of the town shake, making me grip both my des tighter. The static-filled voice of the man ripples through the air, making himself known.


    "Who are you...? Association? ck Ops? Or a Private Mercenary?"


    I grit my teeth and dart behind a different abandoned hut as the armored manes closer. His grey and white twisting energy making the air crackle and let off high-frequency squeaks and static sounds.


    I can feel the man''s footsteps approach, so I jump out from hiding and release a wind and fire de directly at his torso. These attacks are strong enough to make any Ranked-Up Floor Boss evaporate before they even know what hit them.


    To my surprise, the man doesn''t even attempt to move. The ck and white mana des hit him straight on.


    The sounds and eerie feeling of static grow as both des of energy sink into the ball of energy surrounding the man. Theypletely disappear before my eyes...


    It doesn''t make any sense.


    Even the mana readings from the two des disappear behind a veil of distorted energy, just like my intimidation wave; and just like the status of the man behind the ck metal suit.


    He turns my way, then a de of fire and a de of wind exactly like my owne flying out of the man''s aura.


    I jump high into the sky using air-steps to dodge, but the lines of houses left behind in my wake are all sliced clean in two, erupting into ck mes after the fact.


    He copied my skills, or so it seems.


    The ear-piercing voice rings out through the now ming town.


    "A dual element wielder... Rare one, aren''t you... My guess is ck Ops..."


    He releases more waves of fire and wind up in the air straight toward me. They seem brighter, denser, and more amplified than before, almost like he is mirroring my attack but imbuing more energy into it, making it his own.


    In response, I throw up a pink barrier of mana, using my maniption skill burning through hundreds of MP to block the iing strikes. The overwhelming buzz of mana on mana fills the air and explodes on impact, throwing me back down to the desert floor. Uninjured, but a bit frazzled at the events that just took ce before my eyes.


    He keeps taunting me while slowly making his way over to the untouched section of the vige where I fell.


    "Whoever you are... whoever sent you... it does not matter... I''ll be killing you and leaving shortly anyway..."


    I let out a barrage of attacks, bringing my MP down to 0, but letting a few of the mana crystals fall out of my spatial magic dimension to touch my skin and be absorbed to force out more. I zip around the town quickly and quietly at my top speed as the Sector 2 Boss runs through buildings without a care in the world. I''m much more agile than my adversary, but in pure speed and resilience he''s got me beat no matter how it''s looked at.


    Every attack I throw at him is absorbed into the suit of armor that''s surrounded by the grey glow.


    He doesn''t even carry a weapon, the person just absorbs every one of my attacks and throws that back at me with ease.


    After over a full minute of ying cat and mouse, the entire vige goes up in mes. My breathing starts to get very heavy from narrowly avoiding my own attacks being thrown back at me.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "It has to have a weakness."


    Right now, the Sector 2 leader seems to just be ying around with me as its prey.


    He''s making small talk, and only using my own attacks against me.


    It seems his defenses can absorb any mana-imbued strike I throw at him. Elemental aspect or not, it doesn''t matter the skill, he can absorb it and throw it back at the same or even higher intensity. Nothing I''ve managed to attack with has even scratched the surface of these mysterious defenses, my battle n needs to change.


    I should use his overconfidence to my advantage and strike while he''s still mocking me with a lowered guard.


    The powers I''ve made known to him are only a fraction of what I''m capable of. However, more tests need to be conducted before I can go all out or put myself in real harm''s way.


    Sitting back against a building split in two, covered in my own ck mes I put away both my mana-imbued weapons and pull out the glossy ck de. I whisper under my breath in an inaudible tone.


    "We''ll see how well that armor of yours defends against Demonic Energy."

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    I hold the glossy ck de tight in my grip.


    My demonic de, or better known as the midnight dagger doesn''t have the same properties as my elemental attacks. So, in switching energy sources the safety of my long-range strikes will have to be sacrificed in order to test out my next move.


    This is one of my two trump cards, the other being the Red Hydra''s buff, but I want to save that for when I''m sure I can take this man out.


    Using something that saps my strength and power afterward at the beginning of a fight is not the right choice to make right now. Using my agility and adaptability to thendscape, however, may be the edge I need to make sense of this barrier skill the Sector 2 leader has.


    If mana-based attacks are useless against it, he''s basically invincible to anyone that stands in his way. The confidence in his voice and fearless movements make sense.


    What he doesn''t know is my Demonic Energy may be his only weakness.


    The de in my hand clinks against my rings, momentarily making me worry about all of my mana-imbued items I wear on me now. My cloak, boots, chestte, rings, and amulets all give off minor mana readings. I took off everything near my dagger hand when I went into the Abyss previously, although I didn''t take off my boots or cloak.


    They werepletely fine even when my body was leaking tens of units of demonic energy.


    The only mana-imbued things I''ve seen react negatively are active skills, and active mana-wielding weapons.


    I don''t have the time to change my whole outfit, so I''ll have to assume my theory is sound.


    While deep in thought about my next attack, this has given him enough time to locate me and continue his charge.


    Loud crashing noises followed by violent static wavese closer. Multiple burning huts get holes sted through them as the Sector 2 leader approaches again. I jump to the sky, putting up a mana barrier on my exposed side and air-stepping a safe distance away.


    My own fire and wind des erupt from his grey energy and fly up in the air to collide with me while the Boss charges forward in a straight line, crashing through the house I was just sitting behind. A straight line of destruction follows his path. The voice speaks up again.


    "A Demonic de... Now you''ve really got me interested... A worthy prize for when I finish you off..."


    The static tones arebined with a deepugh this time, sending shockwaves through the air.


    "Maybe I''ll actually have some fun..."


    He turns and runs my way again, as I drift down to the fiery mess below.


    Deactivating my mana-imbued buffs will negatively affect my speed and awareness of my surroundings, but to pull off this test I''m going to have to take the risk.


    My feet hit the ground, and my stat-boosting gold and red aura vanishes as I clear my pathways of mana. The heavy footsteps draw closer and closer at an incredibly fast rate. However, my heart beats faster and the corners of my lips curl upward.


    I stand behind a burning building, letting him approach ever closer.


    "Demonic Energy Maniption."


    My vision shifts to the familiar ck and white tones as I channel energy into the dagger gripped tight in my right hand.


    A wave of relief washes over me as the wisps glide over my silver and gold rings, but don''t erupt into an array of sparks.


    Over 5 units pour out instantly, allowing for the excess matter to leak from my footsteps through the soles of my ck boots.


    Just because my mana-imbued buffs are gone, doesn''t mean I''mpletely helpless in battle. The speed and agility boost this Demonic Energy Overflow is more than enough for what is needed. I still have the element of surprise, as well as being hidden behind walls as the man runs at me in solely straight lines.


    His movements are easy to predict.


    I can''t sense his mana anymore, but the loud static can still be heard and the vibrations of his footsteps are very loud, practically sending ripples through the sand beneath my feet.


    I jump out of the way as the Sector 2 Leader plows through the small hut I''m taking cover behind. His voice also sounds happy now, but still covered up by a low monotone rumbles.


    "Come on, don''t give up so easy... Show me what other skills you''ve got..."


    The small hut erupts into mes and its two halves fly to the sides. I''m within 5 meters of the walking menace. Even with my demonic vision, the swirling grey cloud remains, covering a ck suit of armor.


    I lunge in and swipe at the energy, swerving out of the way fractions of a secondter, leaving traces of the ck de''s refined demonic energy to poison the imprable defenses I''ve been throwing mana at for this whole battle so far.


    To be safe, I only scratch the surface, allowing the ck de to glide through just like it''s cutting through air.


    I shift my body to boost off the ground with a hard step in the opposite direction once the deed is done, only looking back when I''m sure I''m out of range.


    The sight before me puts a smile on my face.


    As the Sector 2 boss turns to face me, arge portion of the grey mass around his body is torn away. The invincible swirling energy ball now spews off in many directions as the familiar golden-yellow sparks fill the erratic wisps.


    The portions of matter that leave the man''s body armor crackle and disappear into thin air as the sparks engulf thempletely. His voice yells out from the bright yellow growing disy.


    "You can wield it too...? I''ve never met a human capable of such a feat..."


    The sparks grow more and more, but this doesn''t stop me from running further away.


    This battle may basically already be won, but there''s no point in dragging myself down with him if I don''t have to. The irreversible reaction will destroy him, but if he gets a hold of me beforehand, I could very well be a goner too.


    "Boy... I still have to kill you, but I would like to at least know your name..."


    The cool and calcted tone of the man facing certain doom echoes behind me without an ounce of fear.


    Demonic Energy still leaks from the bottoms of my feet as I dash away, but as I nce back the sight behind me wipes the smile right off my face.


    Although the grey wisps are in fact disappearing as they''re eaten up by the sparks, that''s all that is affected...


    The aura of energy around the Sector leader crackles away into nothingness, but the ck suit of armor remains. It''s eerily simr to the Demonic Guardians I faced on the 25th floor of the Sran Labyrinth right before the boss room.


    Before I can even gulp, his robotic tone rings out again while the final spark sizzles out.


    "It''s time to get serious..."


    White and grey wisps erupt from his armor once again, and he pulls a long ck sword out from seemingly nowhere.


    In the blink of an eye, he runs toward me, now with nearly twice the speed and much lighter, carefully ced steps.


    The static crackles get louder and louder before the armored Sector leader is less than 10 meters away.


    I grit my teeth and attempt to lunge to the side, but he glides into my path with ease. With this movement speed and precision, he was clearly in control the whole time. He was merely ying around.


    The ck de slices right through my stomach before I even get a chance to defend.

 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317


    As fast as the de enters my stomach, it leaves in the same manner, making me cough up blood and my vision go blurry while the outline of an armored man slowly steps away from me, pulling out his sword.


    In the same moment, a tingling sensation starts to make waves over my body, alling from the stab wound''s source. My arms and legs grow slower while my senses also start to dull. Static fills my ears and white and grey wisps of energypletely cover my vision momentarily before Ind on the solid ground, letting the dagger fall from my hand.


    It''s still covered in ck and purple wisps, but grabbing my weapon is the least of my worries.


    Blood pours from my midsection, and even worse, the man turns to face me from about 10 meters back. He towers over me and speaks again.


    "This battle was one-sided from the start, but you still interest me... I''ll give you onest chance to give me your name, I''ll remember it every time I use that de..."


    His armored gaze turns to the dagger on the ground as I continue to cough up blood. My body is starting to freeze up. As much as I want to stand to my feet, it feels as if my arms and legs have be paralyzed and I can''t move a muscle.


    If this was any normal de, I would have been right back in battle even with a mortal wound like the one I received. There must have been some kind of poison on that long sword he uses.


    I begin to push out the remaining Demonic Energy overflow from my pathways and deactivate my maniption skill. I don''t bother to answer his final offer to give my name, because I don''t n on losing this battle.


    Although he''s overpowered me in this small sh so far, the test I managed to pull off has given me an idea of the nature of his defensive power. The aura that surrounds him is a feature of this suit. It''s not limitless, but the only time I''ll be able to break through it is when my speed and agility are severely lowered. So far, all mana based attacks have been useless, and that''s the only time I''m able to ess all my buffs.


    Using Demonic Energy while my buffs are active or there ispeting mana in my pathways can only end poorly. Doing so is how I got into this whole body double situation in the first ce. Which has turned into quite the blessing, allowing me to fight without the fear of death, but also the curse of not being able to use my true power.


    However, letting this Sector 2 leader defeat me or even get away to take on my teammates is an even worse option. I''ll take him out here and now, whatever the cost.


    He raises his sword up in the air, walking closer to me and speaking up again.


    "The silent type, aren''t you? Well-"


    Before his long sword swings down, the passive poison resistance skill begins to clear the toxins from my bloodstream. I wait for thest moment to activate my stat-boosting buffs once more and dart out of the way, then zip into the air using wind magic.


    He follows in an instant, cracking the ground and releasing a burst of static and white energy beneath his feet.


    A shock wave of energy ripples through the town, and the remnants of demonic energy on my dagger that still rests on the sand below goes up in an eruption of sparks but leaves the solid ck core of the de perfectly intact.


    Retrieving my weapon is the least of my worries right now.


    The more important thing is getting high enough into the air and changing my direction erratically to lose the armored man on my tail.


    Every fraction of a second that passes, I lose a few meters of ground. Every turn I make, he follows with incredible precision. The speed and uracy of the Sector 2 leader''s movements are on a whole different level than when he faced me in the town earlier.


    I have nowhere to go.


    Especially up here in the sky. I assumed my air magic would give me the advantage, but my opponent uses a simr technique, stepping off of clouds from the grey mist that dissipate the moment his feet leave them.


    There''s no point in taking out my mana-imbued des, they''ll just give him more energy to hurl back at me. Still, I pull my me-imbued sword from my item storage to prepare for the worst.


    Using Demonic Energy seems to be out of the picture too, in the air would just leave me stranded like a sitting duck. Even with the capabilities it has of breaking through the firstyer of defenses, he''ll surely release a much more powerful strike than before, now that he''s seen me get up so easily from what should have been a fatal injury.


    There''s only one logical option I have left to try.


    "Red Hydra''s Rage."


    The sun fully rises above the horizon, casting its light upon the observatory, the burning town below, and the two of us soaring high into the sky above it all.


    Red wisps of energy materialize around my arms and legs, then more dark crimson light surges from my chest.


    In a moment, the battle scene around me feels very different.


    The charging suit of armor air-stepping up my way seems much slower, and the flickering ck mes on the town below crackle as each individual particle of sand tens of meters away shifts and churns from falling nks of charred wood and burnt brick hit the desert floor.


    Closer to me, I get an actual close up look at the man trying to kill me.


    The fluid flowing motion of the energy around him has intricateyers of mana shielding wrapped around each other so finely packed I still miss some even with my All-Seeing Eye now being boosted by the Red Hydra''s aura.


    I take a deep breath in and the air that fills my lungs invigorates me to charge my sword with mana. Pure pink and white energy courses through my veins, but the red aura around my armsbines with it as the two seep into my de. It glows red hot, imbued with magic ready to strike.


    I stop my upward trajectory and release an attack down on my enemy before zipping across the sky. My speed and awareness have more than doubled, and in the blink of an eye, the upper hand in this battle has shifted too.


    A muffled static yell of surprise rings out as my ck ming mana de, shrouded in a crimson aura, collides with the grey protective energy barrier.


    The wisps of energy and light react differently to the red aura on impact, slicing through the shielding rather than just being engulfed.


    A loud metallic ng rings out even as I air step away. Red Arua erupts from both sides, flowing out of the protective barrier, unable to be absorbed.


    I curve around the man''s opposite side to let out another charged attack of mana and Hydra''s aura. This is more of a distraction for me to gather enough time to make a n to use Demonic Energy against him, but the results of this distraction seem to be of much greater power than expected.


    Metallic ngs that sound like mana on mana echo in my ears as the ck and red des of energy I''ve thrown make contact with the loweryer of the ck Armor the Sector 2 leader wears.


    Secondster, a ck de of meses erupting out.


    I easily dodge and send in a few more from various angles.


    It happens again. The ngs of my de hitting his armor sound, the red arua flowing out unaffected by the odd grey energy, and then finally that static filled voice yells at me again.


    "A soul bond too... And a powerful one at that... this must have been from at least a level 1000 beast to actually hit me..."


    His tone is still unwavering, rippling through the air with confidence as he knows the attacks I''m throwing are severely weakened even if they make their way through his defenses. Still, I zip around the air, leaving crimson trails of energy behind me while swinging my sword almost a dozen more times and dodging the attacks thate flying back.


    The ngs of my upgraded and imbued de ring out over and over again as they hit the armor and some attacks are even countered with his sword.


    However, even though the red streaks make their way through, the damage is negligible.


    "The more you use that power of yours, the worse the after effects will be... No one hase up with attacks capable of breaking through my creation''s defenses in years, and you''ve managed it twice. Imend you for that... Truly a fine fighter."


    At these words, I realize he''s right.


    Every attack I throw barely damages his armor at all, and without Demonic Energy, the swirling mist around his body absorbs most of the power behind every one of my strikes. I grit my teeth and mutter under my breath while releasing two more blows from over 15 meters away.


    "I need to get a clear strike on him without that defense up. There has to be a way to attack him while that shielding is inactive. A full powered strike without anything holding me back could do some serious damage."


    While dodging the returning mana des, a glimmer of my glossy ck de reflects the sun''s light up at me. My Demonic Dagger.


    "I need to use Demonic Energy and Mana at the same time..."

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318


    The only clear path to victory in my mind is taking advantage of the destructive properties of Demonic Energy and the raw power of my mana-imbued strikes, buffed by the Red Hydra''s aura, to obliterate the grey energy-filled defenses andnd a clean attack right on the main body of the Sector 2 leader.


    From what I''ve heard him yell, he''s proud of his creations. So much so, that it seems like he''s fully reliant on them.


    If I''m only the second person to ever even hit him through his armor, I''m sure he won''t see what I have in store for him next. This blind confidence of his will be brought down by a sprinkle of chaos.


    He won''t expect me to do what I''m about to do next. There''s no nning for an attack like this.


    I start air-stepping downward, keeping my eye on the glimmering ck dagger below me. For maximum speed, I switch my long sword out for my wind dagger and only block with a pink and red mana shield while dodging attacks and sending back small wind des to deter him from following too closely.


    The man yells out as I zip down past him.


    "Giving up the high ground so easily? You''ve made your final mistake..."


    Heughs as more of my mimicked wind strikes rain down on me from above.


    Even the amplified attacks are easily blocked by my Red Hydra''s Aura. The Sector 2 leader may be adding his own energy into the attacks before sending them back, but the mana he''s absorbing is still only that of my base form. So, the buffed strength of my full power easily defends this.


    The man now towers above me high in the sky.


    "Now let''s finish this..."


    Waves of static fill the air as he propels himself down toward me.


    At the same time, I''m falling down to the ground with immense speed, with eyes only targeted on one prize.


    Hitting the sandy floor with a thud, and picking up the glossy de, I reply under my breath.


    "Let''s."


    Now with a wind-imbued dagger in one hand and a Demonic weapon in the other, I jump up off the ground toward the man swinging his sword down at me.


    Through the rippling swirling waves of white and grey magic, each one of my previous strikes with the Hydra''s Soul energy fully imbued in it has managed to leave small scratches and dents behind.


    This isn''t nearly enough.


    Checking my item storage, I find that the crate of mana crystals I''ve been draining MP from to power up my stat-boosting buffs and mana-imbued attacks is running low. There''s less than a few thousand MP worth of crystals remaining.


    A few high-powered mana attacks are all I have left to throw; I need a clear shot without this shielding to make them count.


    "It''s now or never..."


    The Sector leaderes down at me as I elerate, air-stepping faster and faster into the sky.


    I recall Ember telling me that truly wielding Demonic energy takes a lot of time and practice. If Demons and high-powered, ranked-up monsters can wield it while also using their normal mana-imbued skills, then it must be possible for me too.


    The conversation between the two Sector leaders shes in my mind as the perfect imagery of the 25th-floor ck Knight''s armores soaring down toward me.


    He mentioned that those guardians were creations of a mana-born Demon. This further confirms my theory that it''s possible but also makes me frustrated at the fact that there is so much I don''t know.


    "Demonic Energy Maniption," I mutter under my breath with gritted teeth.


    Mid-airstep, still covered in the blood-red aura of the hydra, and charging up a de of wind in my opposite hand, I activate my Demonic Energy ability.


    It instinctually feels right, but the sensation that follows is far from pleasant.


    My vision shifts to ck and white but flickers back to color in an instant. A sharp pain moves through my body, and the skill is deactivated before I can even summon any refined energy from my core.


    "Demonic Energy Maniption," I repeat the words, still air-stepping up to my attacker, closing in, and relying on my final trump card to work.


    My vision flickers to ck and white again, this time for a moment longer. I know what I''m about to do will most likely lead to my own demise, but this being a copy of my true form and considering the risks that allowing this man to fight my teammates poses, it will be worth it.


    The cool sensation of refined Demonic Energy gushes out from my core and starts to move down my left arm, solely headed toward the ck de in its grip. I push out a full 5 units, saturating the de before the sharp pain cuts my vision back to full color.


    The Sector 2 leader is nearly within striking range, and things are moving far too fast for me to second-guess any of my actions. I swipe the ck dagger across my body, following the movement with my wind de wrapped in mana and the Red Hydra''s soul energy.


    The moment I release the two, I watch sparks fly and immediately dive away to avoid the reaction that takes ce.


    The increased speed and agility my buff grants allow me to dodge the iing long sword, but not with ease. Even with all my items, abilities, and buffs, this man''s base stats are close to my own right now. His level could be over double mine, but all of his status data is still unable to be seen.


    The grey barrier around his whole body goes up in a sea of sparks, and the wind de I threw out after soars through without a hint of resistance.


    To my surprise, the white wind-imbued mana within my attacks goes up in sparks too, but the Red Aura around it flies through unharmed.


    A loud metallic crunch is heard and through the violent golden disy of sparks, fragments of ck armor fly into the sky too. The frustrated static yell of the man calls out, this time sounding less robotic and a bit more human than it did before.


    The armored Sector leader falls to the floor as I take the higher position but turn to make another attack. There''s no time to waste.


    A pair of frightened eyes peer at me from a cloud of sparks, red aura, and disappearing white and grey energy. The full right side of his ck armor has been cracked and sliced through, and part of the man''s helmet is broken too.


    As the sparks start to vanish, the man''s eyes turn more stern, and the fragments of ck armor start to grow back piece by piece. The red aura is being left behind as we both fall toward the floor.


    I mutter to myself.


    "That wasn''t good enough... I need to-"


    What I was about to say was I need to send out a stronger attack, but this brings a much more urgent matter to my attention.


    As the sparks disappear on the man''s armor and are reced by a new white and grey mist, the exact same golden crackles of energy on my own left wrist carrying my demonic dagger be much more apparent.


    I knew this was a risk, and quite honestly thought it''d be worse... but I thought the damage to my opponent would be worse too.


    "I need to finish this."


    I air-step down at the falling suit of armor faster and faster, using everyst drop of MP from the crystals in my item storage to charge up my wind dagger. More importantly, the Red Hydra''s Aura grows deeper and darker red around my de, amplifying the base energy waiting for the attack to be pushed out.


    At the same time, the sparks grow on my opposite hand, and I wait patiently for the ground to get closer.


    "Closer..."


    "Just a little closer..."


    Finally, I air-step within range and activate my Demonic Energy.


    My ck-and-white vision appears, and it''s much more stable this time around.


    At least, for a moment.


    I take less than a second to channel another 5 units into my dagger, but in doing so, I momentarily lose speed in my fall. To continue air-stepping in rhythm, the skill needs to erratically switch my vision back from ck and white to normal color. This is the only way I''m capable of using both at once...


    There must be a better way, but this is how I''ll have to do it for now.


    Every time my vision goes ck and white, it''s nearly impossible to feel the mana flowing through my body, much less see the mana attacks at all. When I use my normal mana abilities, sensing Demonic Energy is an impossible feat.


    The only thing inmon with both is that the Red Hydra''s Aura can be sensed and manipted by me in both states of mind.


    Still, this conclusion hardly helps as I''m less than 10 meters from my target, and we''re both less than 20 meters from the ming town and the hard desert floor below.


    I grit my teeth and power through; shing both des across my body as I get closer to my enemy and the ground.


    The closer the ground gets, the faster the swapping of ck and white vision to full color gets. The more I concentrate on one, the less effective the other bes, but I need to use both right now for maximum damage.


    Violent golden sparks growrger andrger on my left arm, moving toward my shoulder, but I pay them no mind. What''s done is done, I need to focus.


    There''s a loud crack as we both hit the desert floor.


    A rippling shock wave sts all of the remaining houses out of the way, creating a crater in the sand.


    On impact, I stab the armored man through his center with both my Demonic Dagger and Crimson Colored Wind de.


    The shielding around him is instantly evaporated by the overflow of tens of units of Demonic Energy from my core, and the armor is shattered by the amplified power of the Red Hydra''s Wind de imitation.


    The man within the suit is sliced in two, and the eruption of mana energy and sparks flies high into the sky.


    With no regard for my own safety, I hit the ground with equal force. At thest moment, I instinctually brace myself, but the speed at which I hit the ground makes me lose over half my HP.


    Even through the immense pain, and the sparks beginning to take over my body, all I can do is grin as a few ringing sounds fill my head.


    __________________


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [...]


    [Level Up] x46


    [48 Levels Transferring to Main Body...]


    [Level Transfer Complete: Sess]


    [Body Double Level Adjusted: Sess]


    [Body Double] Rank Up


    [YES] [NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Mental Strength


    Points: 377


    [YES][NO]


    __________________


    My vision is distorted by the violent explosions of energy and fragments of burning vige all around me. On top of that, the sparks on my shoulder have now traveled down to my chest and are starting to spread even further.


    With all the adrenaline coursing through me, plus the sparks growing toward my neck, the only logical decision to choose is yes on everything and hope for the best.


    [Begin: Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade] Transfer to Main Body]


    [Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade] Transfer: Sess]


    The sparks engulf my full body, and my HP begins to fall very quickly.


    [Begin: Mental Strength Stat Point Transfer to Main Body]


    [Mental Strength Stat Point Transfer: Sess]


    My Red Hydra''s Rage Buff Deactivates. The extreme fatigue makes my limbs feel too heavy to move and my eyes shut.


    [Begin: Rank Up]


    My body starts to glow white, but my mind is in a daze.


    [Rank Up: Sess]


    My HP bar hits 0 before I can see the final result.


    [You Have Died]

 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319


    Red wisps of energy float up in the air as a briefcase, ck dagger, silver card, and some gold coins along with small numbered pins, demonic stones, and misceneous items fall to the desert floor.


    Beside this pile of loot, the shattered armor of the Sector 2 leader sits in a pile. It''s inactive, and there''s no sign of the body.


    Actually, there''s no sign of any bodies.


    The small abandoned vige continues to burn down to the desert floor, and the ck mes flicker out.


    The golden sun continues to heat the sand in the surrounding area just like every other day. A light breeze passes through, recalling the battle that just took ce and moving the crimson residue around, but not fully ridding thendscape of its streaks.


    Meanwhile, up the cliff atop the observatory, another battle is about to take ce.


    Maria leads the group of four as they enter through the front door of the white-walled dome on top of the cliffside. She whispers under her breath.


    "Jay can handle himself, he''s trusted us to do our part. So we''ll trust him to protect us and do his."


    The metal door swings open with a click, and Arie, Abby, and Fisher follow Maria down the curved hall.


    Everyone glows lightly using their personal magic while gripping their weapons tight.


    A loud man''s voice can be heard through the halls of the building echoing louder as they approach one of the doors that leads to the center room.


    "You sure got lucky, but we''ll find out everything soon."


    The sound of keys being twirled around his finger jingles as he continues.


    "Did you hear all those loud bangs out in the desert? I''m sure he''ll being back any moment now. They don''t call the Sector 2 leader the Untouchable One for nothing. He''s a master craftsman, supplying most of the higher-ups in the dark continent with unique gear and items that can''t be found anywhere else. That suit of armor has fended off A-Rank beasts. Whoever came by just made theirst mistake."


    A manly arrogantugh can be heard as the four team members line up at the door. No one says a word, there''s a unanimous nod of agreement that leads to the door being kicked down and the sight in the center room is revealed.


    A tall, well-built, middle-aged blond man wearing impressive enchanted gear, including a silver pinbeled "001" and a Golden onebeled "004", stands over a table, looking down on a bloodied and battered young woman with white hair and determined ice-cold eyes.


    "Lydia!" Maria yells after the metal door is sted down, and a barrage of ice, water, earth, and spirit-imbued crescents fly toward the surprised sector leader. An equally caught-off-guard look appears on the ice mage''s face at the appearance of her teammates after many long days of being told they''re also being held and tortured.


    Therge armored man glows in a silver light on instinct as the attacks all hit him.


    Arie lunges forward, eyeing the keys that were jingling in the man''s hand fly through the air. Meanwhile, Abby, Maria, and Fisher charge extra attacks.


    This man is over 100 levels above everyone else in the room, and his gear is a step above theirs too. It''d be naive to think one sneak attack is all it would take for someone like him to be taken out.


    The second barrage of energy crescents hits the same area of the room as the walls shudder and debris from the attacks fill the air.


    The Sector leader lets out a pulse of his own mana while yelling.


    "It''s you? How? What is the meaning of this?"


    The angry man''s face is revealed as more of the debris falls and it shimmers silver like metal.


    All of his body is coated in the same metallic coloring, and even after taking on a ton of high-powered attacks there isn''t even a single scratch on him. He yells out again, raising gauntlet-covered fists in the air as they begin to glow white.


    "I''ll kill everyst one of you. This is what I get for handing out favors to the Association, isn''t it?!"


    His expression gets angrier and angrier as more crescents of energy continue to barrage his silver-colored body. More pulses of white lighte off the gauntlets as Fisher yells to the group.


    "It''s his buff... The Solid Steel Defense!! Plus that shielding artifact. We''ll need to attack with more than just this if we want to do any real damage."


    At these words, the Sector 4 Leader turns to the swordsman who outed valuable information about him that no one should know and makes a punching motion in the air.


    A wave of bright white energy is released from the right fist and hits Fisher head-on. In response, the water user activates his ultimate defensive buff in return, but is pushed back by the immense power of the st.


    He''s propelled through the side of the observatory making two huge holes in the metal and stone. The desert sand and morning sun can be seen from inside.


    Without hesitation, the Sector Leader punches with his other fist at Maria, who is running up on his opposite side trying to get an attack in. The same result happens. Although Maria doesn''t activate her ranked-up buff, for fear that it may get everyone else in the observatory hurt, she is still pushed through multiple walls of metal and stone while blocking with mana shielding and an ice-imbued sword.


    The angered shimmering man turns his gaze to Arie next, the man that stole his keys and is running to Lydia to unlock her from the mana-negating cuffs.


    "Not so fast!"


    In an instant, the Sector leader charges up his gauntlets and throws another attack at the archer.


    Arie saw what happened to the other two teammates when they tried to block, so he jumps off a summoned white orb of spirit magic to narrowly dodge the iing attack. Even so, it''s very close and smashes another massive hole in the observatory''s side.


    "Impossible!"


    He punches with his opposite arm while lunging forward to let out an attack at closer range.


    Arie summons another orb of magic and speeds out of the way, letting the unique energy attack narrowly miss him again.


    In the cover of the falling debris and exploding walls behind him, the archer throws the keys downward for Abby to catch. Then, peeks out, waving his arms at the angry metal man.


    "Pathetic, you couldn''t catch me if you tried."


    He smirks and turns away, hopping on summoned orbs of spirit energy through one of the holes the Sector Leader''s Attacks just created.


    The ground rumbles beneath the building as the silver-coated man jumps out following the archer that baited him to do so.


    "You''re all dead. Everyst one of you!"


    Before flying through the hole in the wall, he turns back with a surprisingly cool and calcted expression.


    "I''ll be back for you two when I''m done with them. Don''t worry. I won''t forget."


    His sarcastic, sly tone shifts back to an angry yell while flying up into the air after the archer. His yells turn into an uncontroble battle-crazedugh. Abby mutters to herself, running over to the portion of the room where Lydia got sted back in the rubble, still connected to the table with cuffs.


    "I guess anyone that joins an organization like this has to be a little crazy..."


    She gulps, chuckling to herself while gripping the keys tight and using earth magic to sift through the debris to uncover Lydia.


    At the same moment, the silver-coated man flies through the air on a crash course for the archer, gracefully soaring through the sky. He''s making his way down the cliffside toward the open desert, right between the destroyed town and the observatory up on the hill.


    Fisher and Maria both see the silver man glistening in the sun, following their teammate down the cliff. They use water and ice steps to follow and support Arie in the battle that''s about tomence.

 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320


    "If all of you were easily pushed back by my gauntlet attacks, do you seriously think you have any chance of defeating me? You should have run while you still had the chance!"


    Anotherughes from the silver-coated man as his fists continue to charge up, glowing brighter and brighter white.


    "I''m the strongest one in this Sector! I can feel the manaing off you three, you''re all newly ranked up. You may be skilled, but you don''t stand a chance against me!"


    The white glow from his gauntlets begins to spread down his arms and soon covers his body until the Sector 4 leader is covered in a glistening silver and white aura. He hits the desert floor feet first with a ground-rattling thud.


    Arie, Maria, and Fisher allnd around him in a triangr formation, glowing with their respective personal magic.


    In the blink of an eye, blue mana crescents and white arrows are released in a barrage against the man all at once.


    But before they even make contact with his defenses, the white aura of mana around the enemy expands in the shape of his body to deflect every single attack. He swings his fists two times, letting out dual pulses of energy at Maria and Fisher.


    This time, instead of trying to block, the two of them have time to dodge.


    "Like I said before, it''s pointless to run!"


    The white energy that''s usually propelled from his fistses out from his shoes secondster, shooting the silver man forward with blinding speed. He aims right for Fisher as the swordsman jumps out of the way from his previous attack.


    The air ripples as the two metal fists sh with the ultimate water defense, mana shielding, and dark blue sword of the water mage.


    He grits his teeth and looks the man in the eyes who captured and tortured his longtime teammate.


    Still, even with all of his strength, the newly ranked-up Elite hunter gets pushed back with ease. Mana residue flies in the air as Arie and Maria fling attacks from the side to support, but none make it through.


    The silver-coated man charges up his fists again all while continuing to punch the blue barrier over and over, pushing Fisher back.


    He continues tough manically while pushing at the barrier.


    "You kids really thought you could take on 2 Sector leaders and make it out of here alive. You must have been given false information, or-"


    But his words stop as the blue eyes of the swordsman start to show a glimmer of red.


    An odd feelinges over the Sector 4 leader as his heightened mana control senses pick up the odd shift in power that fills the air.


    Crimson tendrils of dense red mist start to wrap around Fisher''s arms and flow down his sword. Next, the bright blue shield of water starts to be stained blood red.


    As the Leader hesitates to make his next punch, the swordsman takes this opportunity to send out an attack of his own. A dark red crescent of wateres out from his sword, but the man manages to snap himself out of it and block before it''s toote.


    An incredibly loud ng shakes the desert sand as the Aura of the Red Hydra fully covers Fisher, and his attack makes a dent in the Sector Leader''s armor.


    The man is shocked... He jumps back in surprise, cing both gauntlets up in a fighting stance with a baffled expression across his face.


    "How- What is this skill...?"


    As he says this, the eerie feeling of the red energy that activated around the water wielder starts to creep into his mana senses from behind him as well from two directions.


    A blood-red arrow and an icy crescent surrounded in the crimson energye flying at him to pierce through the solid steel defense of his back and right leg. Blood trickles out onto the desert sand.


    The Sector leader yells out in pain, glowing brighter white and recovering his body in ayer of silver to protect the sh mark and arrow hole from the previous two attacks that broke through.


    "There''s no way! You all have this skill? So are you not from the Association? Is this a private dealing, is this-"


    Another three crimson attacks manage to hit the man mid-rant. Fisher collides with the man''s charged gauntlets again, expelling energy and leaving another dent while Arie and Mariand blows to his exposed back and legs.


    The three team members now zip around, leaving trails of red energy behind.


    Just moments ago they were entirely outmatched, but now it doesn''t even seem fair. Although it''s impressive the leader has enough strength, defense, and mana control to block one Red Hydra aided attack at a time, that''s not enough. His speed and agility are severelycking to stack up against these 3.


    While upied with Fisher in one-on-onebat, Maria and Arie zip around sending one attack after another to weaken him slowly.


    Over a dozen attacks are sent out, and the desert sand is stained with the silver man''s blood.


    He continues recharging his gauntlets and activating his steel defenses in hope that one of the three attackers misses a beat.


    In the pattern that''s urring now, he only has enough time to cover his vitals and slowly use up his own MP stores.


    At the same time, Arie, Maria, and Fisher are meticulously sending off attacks to wear down the man like he''s an overpowered boss in a dungeon. Their main concern is the low amount of mana stores left too. Plus, the possible dangers of exerting this much MP with the buff in such a short time.


    Arie sends off another arrow and steps off a red orb of light to get a better position for his next attack, while Maria sends off an ice-imbued attack, thinking carefully about when to activate her buff.


    Fisher shes again with the man as all their mana collides with another loud ng.


    In all the noise, Arie yells out as he feels the presence of another huntering from up above on the cliffside.


    "It''s time, let''s finish this!"


    The desert floor begins to rumble, and glowing red spears of rocke from below to fill the battlefield.


    Abby flies down to enter the fight, yelling for Fisher to move out of the way.


    The swordsman allows himself to be blown back by the remnants of the final bursts of the Sector leader''s gauntlets as the green-haired healernds on the desert floor, pulsing red. She uses her earth magic to wrap Hydra-imbued liquid rock around the silver man''s ankles.


    He takes a step back, channeling white energy into his boots just like his fists to crack the stone away, but Abby has already sent up more to cover his legs and wrap around his chest and arms.


    More pulses of energy crack the stone, but in his weakened state, the leader is trying to conserve as much mana as he can. Abby has just shown up with a full MP bar.


    He lets out a muffled yell while trying to run from the assault, but Abby''s earth magic is slowing him down to an rming degree.


    She turns to Maria and nods. Maria ces her sword in her item box and takes a step forward while raising both hands toward the Sector 4 Leader.


    A whisper can be heard escaping from her lips after a deep breath in and out.


    "Ice Age."


    The blue glow that erupts from Maria''s hands outshines the crimson aura of the Red Hydra momentarily but is engulfed in a blood-red veil a fraction of a secondter.


    Arie and Fisher both run in opposite directions away from the st as Abby slowly backs up while hovering higher and higher up on a tform of stone, keeping the struggling Sector leader in ce.


    Beneath Maria''s feet, the desert freezes solid, and out from her hands, 7 pirs of crystal-clear ice shoot forward. The first impaling the leader straight through, and the 6 that follow trap his frozen body in a hexagonal-shaped pir of ice.


    It''s all over in an instant...


    Everyone watches in awe at the sheer amount of Ice summoned from the blond hunters palms. It wouldn''t seem believable if they didn''t see it with their own eyes. Even with the red wisps of Hydra''s soul creeping around the impressive mass of ice, the power exerted from a single strike is far greater than any attack they''ve ever witnessed.


    The desert falls silent, and the sand starts to settle.


    Golden rays of the morning sunlight glimmer through the structure of ice down on the frozen sand below.


    Level-up notifications ring in Maria''s head before her buff automatically deactivates and she falls to the ground, passing out. Soon after, Arie and Fisher instinctually power down their buffs too, copsing to the desert floor.


    Abby falls to her kneesst with a grin across her face while activating a restoration circle, spotting Lydia make her way down the cliffside with a million questions racing through her mind.

 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321


    The dust settles, and Abby restores everyone including herself back to her best ability. It''s clear there is still some leftover mental and physical fatigue; all four team members are moving slowly with sore muscles and aching bones.


    Lydia, approaching, previously restored by Abby after being freed from the cuffs, has her eyes wide, and an expression of pure shock and awe is stered across her face.


    "W-What happened to all of you? This..."


    Her voice trails off as she looks at the ice sculptures before her and the burned town off in the distance. Streaks of red energy cover both of them, reminiscent of the aura that was engulfing all of the fighters moments ago.


    Abby replies, "It''s a long story, we''ll fill you in on the way back."


    She turns around, making eye contact with every member of the group.


    "Before we do anything else, we need to find out what happened to Jay."


    Arie points a hand toward the ashes of a burned abandoned city. "I have a hunch if anywhere, that''s where we''ll find some clues."


    Everyone shares a few thin smiles, and a few hugs with Lydia, but quickly make it to the ckened and demolished vige. Everyone''s excited to have sessfully saved Lydia, but there''s a much more important matter to focus on.


    Once everyone is safe and ounted for, then the team can finally rx.


    "Over here!"


    Abby finds the crash site first using her earth magic. After a few minutes of searching, the hot morning sun has started melting Maria''s Ice, but the light breeze is still pushing cold refreshing air over to the burn site.


    Fisher and Arie walk over together while Abby continues to catch Lydia up to speed. Although the white-haired mage is saved, she looks awfully on edge, still looking over her shoulder at every crunch or crackle from the fallen burnt debris of the town left behind.


    On the way to the town, a loud crash from up above on the cliffside followed by a rumbling buzzing noise for a few seconds makes everyone''s head turn for a moment. However, it''s just the observatory''s top floor copsing down to the first due to the severe damage done before the battle. This only makes the white-haired mage''s paranoia worse.


    Abby''s voice rings out again as she stands over the briefcase and item drops next to the shattered uniquely ck-colored armor.


    "I found the soul stones... and the leftover gold... this is everything left in Jay''s inventory..."


    Ariements on the odd metal scraps. "He never wore armor like that."


    Lydia peers around a charred woodpile, and her eyes open wide at the sight of the gear. "That''s- That''s the Sector Two Leader''s Armor, I''m positive."


    Tons of theories are thrown out as all five of the remaining members debate what could have happened. The red aura and the contents of the briefcase are even brought up, and the pile of silver numbered pins that specifically represent ranks within the organization look just like the ones on the Sector 4 Leader they fought.


    Fisher breaks the tiptoeing conversation with the truth of the matter. "Whatever way we look at this, there are two things that are clear. Jay isn''t here, and neither is the Sector 2 Leader. It looks like one of them must have used a self-destruct-type move. That''s the only way a battle like this could have ended."


    Everyone looks around, seeing the craters and me marks along with an unmistakable red aura staining the air.


    There are a few gulps that fill the silence.


    However, Maria''s cheerful attitude breaks the tension. "It must have been the only way. It may not be convenient, but he said he''d find us back in Sra in just over a week if anything like this were to happen. His real body will fully recover soon. I didn''t think it''de to this, but in the end the battle has been won. We took back what was taken."


    She holds onto Lydia''s hand tighter, looking up to meet her eyes. The rest of the teammates jump in, talking over the matter and what to do next. In the end, there''s only one option.


    Arie is the one that says it to the team. "We''ll have to clear this ce out, then wait for Jay in Sra. We move as a team. I have a feeling this is only the beginning. There''s going to be a lot more eyes on us soon. We''ve been outcast and sold out by the Association, they''ll want to cover their tracks. Now, we''ve just taken out 2 of 4 Dark Continent Underground Sector leaders. These two organizations won''t take it easy on us, plus I''m sure our actions have most likely affected many lines of business and trade in many areas of the world. Our actions thest few days have real consequences."


    Abby interjects. "They had iting to them, so what?!"


    Arie chuckles in reply, putting his hands up in a yful manner. "Hey, I''m not saying they didn''t ask for it. I''m just saying we''re not just basic low-level hunters anymore. We''re ying a more dangerous game with even more unknown powers. Many of which can''t just be punched harder to defeat. We''ll need to get stronger in more ways than one before a force like this challenges us head-on."


    There''s another long pause as the group reflects on the past few days.


    A round of nods follows, as the seriousness of the situation stacks up more and more the longer the sun rises overhead.


    The discussion fizzles out, but it''s decided that the only thing to do now is clean up the area then wait out of the public eye for a week before the whole group cane up with a n together. To Lydia; the Soulstones and mention of a skill that allows one to seemingly return from the dead after just a few days is mind-bending news, but with all that''s going on Maria assures her it will make sense once fully exined.


    Abby ces all of the assorted gear into her item box including the Soulstones and even the broken armor of the Sector 2 Leader.


    After further rummaging, she manages to find the shattered ck longsword too. Once the ice melts from the Sector 4 leader, the only item still left intact and unshattered from the ice and battle is the golden "004" pin.


    Arie and Fisher try clearing up the Red Aura that still fills the air, but despite their trial and error, nothing seems to work.


    During all of this, the remains of the observatory up on the cliff start to hum, and a white and grey glowes from all the fallen debris from the previous copse.


    Another loud bang echoes down into the valley as the white and grey energy expands, destroying the entire building along with a portion of the cliff.


    The team still exploring the burning town are a safe distance away, but the immense power of the st still turns heads again.


    Maria chuckles. "It was probably that equipment Jay was talking about on the top floor, it must have been damaged in our battle."


    Fragments of metal, rock, and debris roll down the cliff in unrecognizable shapes. Some burning with orange mes while others are covered in the greyish glow moments before it dissolves into the atmosphere.


    Fisher sighs. "Dang, I wanted to see if there was any good leftover gear in there too. I guess we still could find some... but I doubt it''s in good condition anymore."


    More time passes, and the area is stripped clean of any valuables or identifying items. The only thing that can be known from the sight here is that a battle definitely took ce, and one or more users wielded some odd crimson energy.


    Arie''s guesses it will all be covered by the Abyss in the next surge anyway. So, it isn''t optimal to leave the ce like this, but it isn''t the worst situation that could have urred. There isn''t anything more to do.


    The group of five makes their way back to Sra and finds Chester nervously waiting for them to return.


    Everyone is mentally and physically drained, so there''s a happy greet and quick run through of events that took ce with the old man, but everyone eats and falls asleep within the hour of stepping in the door. It''s only been a few hours since they left, but it feels as if the many days of fighting have finallye to an end.


    ¡ª


    *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*


    There''s a light knocking on the door that evening, but the team of five are still sprawled out and sleeping in the living room.


    Chester hurriedly nudges Arie awake.


    He wasn''t expecting any visitors, and Arie is the only one here who looks like a Sra native while being much stronger than Chester if there''s any issue. If it''s a government official or just an old business friend, Arie would be the least suspicious out of anyone to answer.


    He whispers in a low tone as the archer wakes up. "There''s someone at the door, and I''m not sure if I should open it. I can''t see who it is."


    Immediately, Arie peers out one of the windows to see the setting sun. He uses his mana control to feel around the house and whispers under his breath. "There is definitely someone there, but the feeling of this reading is odd. The person is strong, very strong. However, It''s impossible to tell how strong they really are..."


    He wakes everyone else up to be on guard before approaching the door.


    Ready to summon an arrow and even activate all of his buffs again, the archer slowly opens the door.


    "Who is it, what do you want?"


    A confident voice responds. It''s paired with a bright white smile and sharp blue eyes.


    "My name is Lith Galeheart, I''d like toe in and have a chat."

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322


    ____________


    [Level Up] x48


    [Addition New Stat Points] +377 Mental Strength


    [New Skill] Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    [Red Hydra''s Aura Detected: Bond Sess]


    [elerated Hibernation: 56%]


    [elerated Hibernation: 89%]


    [elerated Hibernation: Sess]


    ____________


    I open my eyes to see over half a dozen blue notifications covering my vision.


    The sun is bright, making me squint my eyes as a cool breeze passes through my hair. I''m lying t on my back, but when I try to sit up a dizzy, lightheaded feeling takes over before I rest my head back down onto a glossy cool surface.


    White clouds pass by on my sides, and the sound of two massive wings pping are the only things that my senses pick up.


    In my mind, it feels like only a moment ago I defeated the Sector 2 leader, but to my body, it feels as if I haven''t taken in sufficient nutrients or even moved a muscle in weeks. My bones ache, my mouth is dry, and my head is pounding.


    I need to get back to my teammates. I''m sure I defeated the immediate threat, but it''s unclear how much time has passed and what happened afterward.


    Still, I can''t let these notifications pass me by without taking a look... I finally got a crafting skill, on top of that it''s a very high grade. Even in a dazed state, I know a Mythic Grade skill is something I''ve only seen on one other status before; Ember''s.


    At the thought, another realization hits me like a brick wall as I open up my telepathy skill.


    "Ember! I''m awake. The Hibernation process is over!"


    There''s an instant response, and the slow rhythmic pping of the wings on both sides of me starts to speed up.


    "You''re finally awake, Master. This is great to hear. It seems we''ve leveled up quite a bit too. You''ve been busy in that second body."


    There''s a small pause, then I respond.


    "How long was I out for? I got a notification the process ended early, but I''m not sure how early."


    At this, the throbbing sound of my own heartbeat in my temples only gets worse. I reach into my item storage and pull out leftover water and food from our travels through the desert. As I eat and drink while using self-regeneration, all of the aches and pains go away, but I''m still a bit disoriented. Ember responds.


    "I''m unsure too. At least a week, two at most. Up in the skies, with only an unmoving artificial dungeon sun, it''s difficult to tell the exact time."


    "Understood."


    I take another minute to gather my thoughts.


    It may have been weeks to Ember since Ist left him to calmly roam the skies in this dungeon, but it''s only been mere minutes in my perception since I just finished up one of the most intense battles of my life.


    "Let''s head to the dungeon exit, slowly. I need some time to think."


    He turns his body, gliding down. The wind in my face slightly picks up, but it feels good.


    The calm and nonchnt attitude of Ember is always nice, but sometimes he could be perceived as a bit too calm or uninvested in situations. However, I like it this way. As long as I''m alive and we''re getting stronger he''s happy to not ask questions. The simplicity of our rtionship isforting.


    [Status Open]


    [Lv. 562]


    My eyes immediately drift down from my updated level to my new skill. I activate my All-Seeing Eye for more information.


    ____________________


    Craftsmanship


    Info: Craftsmanship allows the caster to mend, adjust and create magic items. The quality of these crafted items is based on their level, mana control, and the materials used in the crafting process.


    Before crafting each item, the caster must choose a tier.


    The first tier of Craftsmanship [No Grade] allows the crafter to mend, adjust, and create magic items with additional stat points in one category.


    The second tier of Craftsmanship [Special Grade] allows the crafter to mend, adjust, and create magic items with additional stat points in two categories. It also grants the caster to convert these two stat point categories into percentage-based buffs.


    The third tier of Craftsmanship [Legendary Grade] allows the crafter to mend, adjust, and create magic items with additional stat points in three categories. It also grants the caster to convert these three stat point categories into percentage-based buffs. The caster is capable of bonding element stones to items making unique growth-type weapons to be solely paired with a user.


    The fourth tier of Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade] allows the crafter to mend, adjust, and create magic items with additional stat points in ALL categories. It also grants the caster to convert these stat point categories into percentage-based buffs. The caster is capable of bonding element stones to items making unique growth-type weapons to be solely paired with a user. In addition to outside materials, the caster is able to imbue copies of any skills or properties they own or make contact with.


    Unique items, bonds, and materials used will vary the oue of every crafting process.


    Grade: Mythic


    [Upgrade]


    ____________________


    My eyes move back and forth over these words for a full minute, thinking of all the possibilities there are with this skill.


    The Sector 2 leader''s armor must have been a product of a Mythic Grade Craft. Something that scrambles my perception skills while eating up all mana-based attacks with ease, as well as taking on Demonic Energy without much issue either.


    Just as we break through the cloudline for the trees and mountains of wolf dungeon below toe into view, my eyes catch hold of another exciting number on my status.


    ____________________


    Proficiency Points(PP): 262


    ____________________


    "First I get a Mythic grade skill, now I even have enough points to upgrade the skill I''ve been saving up for this whole time. I''ve waited a long time for this moment."


    A grines across my face, and my eyes practically glimmer as I scroll down and immediately use 250 points to click [Upgrade] on my very first skill.


    ____________________


    Absorption


    Info: This is a unique skill. Upon dealing the final killing blow to any creature, the caster has the capability to absorb its skills. Absorbed skills will be adapted to fit the caster''s biology.


    A [Special Grade] hidden ability: After defeating opponents of considerable strength, there is a chance the caster will be able to absorb 5% of their opponent''s highest stat points. This will permanently increase the caster''s status. For every 5 levels that the opponent surpasses the caster''s own, the probability of triggering this passive ability increases by 1%.


    Skills acquired using absorption will now increase in grade ss up to [Legendary Grade] upon casting. Old skills already obtained by the caster can now be upgraded to [Legendary Grade] after defeating an opponent with the same skill.


    After an opponent is defeated, their Mana Control Proficiency(MCP) may be absorbed. For all opponents below 80% of the caster''s level, 0.1% of MCP will be absorbed. For all opponents between 80% of the caster''s level and the caster''s level, 0.25% of MCP will be absorbed. For all opponents between the caster''s level and 120% of the caster''s level, 0.5% of MCP will be absorbed. For all opponents above 120% of the caster''s level, 1% of MCP will be absorbed.


    There is a 5% chance that any opponent above the caster''s current level will allow 1 Proficiency Point(PP) to be absorbed.


    Grade: Legendary


    [Upgrade]


    ____________________


    The smile on my face grows and grows as Ember touches down to the dungeon ground. The new upgrades only made possible from myst battle make the opportunity ahead feel endless.


    So, to make things simple... 120% of my current level just means adding 20%. If I were at level 500 and fought a level 600 or higher monster, I''d absorb 1% of their total mana control upon defeating them.


    In addition to this, I finally have a way to upgrade my skills faster. I won''t have to only rely on 1 PP per level up, I can farm them from monsters that are at my current level or above.


    On top of all of this, I don''t have to be cautious about absorbing [No Grade] skills anymore. With this new perk, I''m able to upgrade skills up to [Legendary Grade] as long as I absorb them from a newly defeated monster.


    I sense the exit portal nearby, and want to check out one more thing before we leave.


    Instead of just 1 from ranking up, there are now two permanent buffs in my status. One is the Emperor''s Domain, and the other is the Red Hydra''s Rage.


    I haven''t yet used my Emperor''s Domain because my body double wasn''t ranked up when I previously attempted to use it.


    This is the ability that allows me to share my own skills with party members who are loyal to me within a given range.


    The skill is a passive one, that I don''t even notice is on unless I concentrate. Previously it pushed out about 10 meters on all sides, now after the whole ordeal I just went through it just barely touches 13.


    "This one will take quite a while to upgrade."


    There''s no way to level up its effectiveness at the moment other than getting stronger. Although 13 meters of range is a neat trick, it won''t be very useful in battle just yet. I still have to run a few tests with my team once I get back to Sra.


    We make our way through a few patches of trees and finally make it to the blue swirling dungeon exit portal. I open up my item storage for Ember to get inside, but he hesitates and speaks through our link.


    "It seems you''ve made another soul bond, haven''t you?"

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323


    With my white Spatial magic portal slowly spinning next to the light blue humming exit portal of the dungeon, I answer Ember''s question.


    "I... guess I have."


    Thinking about it further, the process wasn''t the same, and the rewards were different too; but this soul bond does feel very simr to the one Ember and I made back when he first hatched from his egg.


    I continue again. "Is there any problem with being soul bonded to more than one entity? It''s not like I can talk to the monster physically, we bonded through a soul stone."


    A grin forms across Ember''s face. "Oh, you bonded through a stone... That makes much more sense, the aura I felt link with your main body was a familiar one, who was it-"


    The ck Scaled dragon looks up into the sky, trying to remember something, but I reply before he cane to the conclusion on his own. "It was a Red Hydra, I only bonded with 1 of the 7 stones."


    A loudugh erupts from Ember through our link. I''ve never heard him speak so loudly or show this much emotion about anything. It was not the expected reaction, the surprised and confused look on my face shows this clearly.


    After a moment, Ember responds between chuckles. "That old beast really went and got himself killed, didn''t he. Well, I have to say, he was one of the strongest back in my era. What ability does the bond grant? I''m curious, It has to be a good one."


    Again, this isn''t the reaction I was expecting either. "It''s a stat-boosting ability. While active, all of my movements and mana-based attacks are aided by a red aura. It''s called the Red Hydra''s Rage... but what do you mean by the beast was killed? Back in your era? Could you exin what exactly this soul bond is."


    Ember''sughs finally cease, but a toothy grin is still present as he goes into detail. "There are two types of soul bonds that can be made with certain monsters that have made it to level 1000 or higher once in their lives. Once a creature reaches this stage, another rank-up process happens and often strong monsters be Immortal Labyrinth Guardians on the 40th, 60th, or final floor. Even after death, most are reborn or reincarnated once their energy ispletely gone."


    I nod, piecing together his words. "So, just like you? You were reborn as a level 1, still holding all your memories... Does that mean there are tons of immortal monsters roaming the Labyrinths?!"


    "No, no... Only a select few are chosen by the King after the second rank-up process. New members are only chosen after incredible feats. Last time I was alive there were only 9 of us, I doubt many changes have been made in just 50 years."


    I interject. "So... I''m bonded with you and now the Red Hydra. What''s the difference between a living bond and a dead one."


    "There are many differences between every bond, living or dead. Some grant buffs, some give instant level experience, some share attributes. It''s impossible to predict, as every Immortal has slightly different powers and knowledge after each rebirth. The fact that the Hydra was split into 7 parts is definitely a unique trait, he was strong enough to do so. Therefore I''d assume there''s even more to the ability once all of the stones are bonded. The only difference between a living bond and a dead bond is that the creature being bonded cannot be reborn until their soul energy is fully dispersed and free."


    Emberughs again, continuing. "So that means I can keep that old beast dead for as long as I''m alive."


    I assume there''s a rivalry between these two, but it''s not one I care to pry about now. Ember seems to be having fun boasting about it to himself.


    I speak up again, pointing toward the portal and my spatial magic. "This all makes sense, but we have a much more time-sensitive matter on our hands. Let''s at least get in the sky before continuing this talk."


    Ember lets out a final chuckle before jumping into my item storage.


    I step out of the dungeon, making my way through the cave system beneath the desert from the start of our mission in the Dark Continent. It would have been much easier to Dungeon Walk into one of the dungeons in Sra, but for some reason the one we used earlier is not showing up in my mind''s eye.


    The only logical exnation I have is that my body doubles are able to teleport to points where my main body has been, but my main body is not capable of teleporting to a point where a deceased double has marked.


    Whatever the case may be, I make it out of the cave system unnoticed and let Ember out free for us to soar high up in the sky.


    For the first time ever, I use my [Rising Emperor''s Domain] hidden ability buff on Ember once we get high enough in the air.


    A blue text box fills my vision.


    [Use Rising Emperor''s Domain]


    Range: 13.2 Meters


    Skill: [Stealth]


    [YES][NO]


    I click yes, and Ember is able to conceal his entire body, making him invisible while soaring through the blue sky above the desert. I''m surprised at how seamlessly it works. Now every time I look in Ember''s status [Stealth] shows up like it was always there.


    In his newly ranked-up form, our flight speed is even faster. We should make it to the city in no time, a few hours at most. Much quicker than our flight from here to the Labyrinth break previously.


    This reminds me of onest question I had. "Hey Ember, is it possible to wield Demonic Energy and Mana at the same time?"


    The memory of switching back and forth between states followed by the violent sparks fills my mind. This reaction has happened two times now, as well as with every enemy I defeat through the ability.


    Demonic energy is incredibly powerful, but dangerous and vtile at the same time. It''s one of my much-needed trump cards against opponents stronger than myself, but I can''t keep putting my body and life at risk just for 1 simple attack.


    Ember responds. "Of course, now that you have a body double ability to test it out with, I''d be d to train you once you''re ready. It won''t be easy..."


    Ember starts to fill me in on the details, but says it''s better for us to go in-depth once we''re in a secluded dungeon and able to train. There are so many new abilities for me to try out soon, I''m excited to test them all.


    Time passes in the air, and the beginning of another sunset can be seen as the City of Sra finallyes into view. We made it here just before dusk.


    We touch down just outside Chester''s home, and the eerie silence that fills the air along with ack of people on my enemy detection radar inside the home are not the signs I was hoping for. Ember gets into my spatial magic portal before we get too close.


    Even with a ton of questions spinning through my mind, the presence of a familiar briefcase with a slowly leaking containment field can be sensed inside.


    It''s not in my item storage, so my only guess is that it fell from my body double with all the other real physical gear upon my death.


    This means someone must have brought it back...


    I knock on the front door a few times, then decide to turn the handle once there''s no response.


    *Click*


    It''s already unlocked...


    The house is in much different condition than when I was herest. Most of the magic items, paintings, and valuables are all stripped from the walls.


    The curtains are closed, and the smell of Chester''s cooking no longer fills the air.


    All I see in front of me is a long wooden table with a paper note and pen.


    It''s in Maria''s handwriting, so I begin reading.


    ____________


    Dear Jay,


    We''re all safe, and we saved Lydia. If you''re reading this,e meet us in Valor City.


    There''s a lot we didn''t know about the-


    ____________


    Before I can finish reading, a slight whistling sound bes louder and louder in my right ear. Out of instinct, I put up a pink mana barrier. The ng of a thin silver needle shattering into tiny pieces can be heard as an attack is blocked right before it hits my neck.

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    The sound of shattering metal fills the room, and my gaze turns to watch the figure of a man dressed in all ck disappear from my sight and out of the open door behind me.


    "Not so fast..."


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye along with all of my stat-boosting skills to feel a surge of power greater than anything I''ve felt before in my base form. It''s not that my mana control is stronger, it''s my base stats. The recent level-ups as well as the Arch Demon''s core have definitely made a noticeable difference in my awareness and capabilities.


    I was just careless walking in here... After seeing the note, now I''m on high alert.


    The outline of three figureses into my mind''s eye, and I pull out my wind dagger to fight. Using my me-imbued sword would be a bit overkill for the levels I sense.


    [Lv. 491]


    [Lv. 477]


    [Lv. 474]


    They move quickly and all have a stealth skill activated. The one that threw the needle attack at me and ran outside is the level 477; they''re circling the house with one other teammate. The highest level, 491, is upstairs, standing still.


    I grit my teeth and activate my own stealth skill before running up to face the intruder.


    He''s crouching above the top of the staircase, unable to read or see my fast movements.


    This team is skilled, an elite-level force in many people''s eyes, but unfortunately, they''re outssed by my raw power.


    I release a low-powered wind sh against the unsuspecting man''s chest, throwing him backward over 5 meters to hit against a wall with a horrible wound across his body before deactivating my veil of invisibility.


    "Who are you three? What do you want from me? Speak now if you-"


    I stop mid-sentence with my dagger pointed forward, as I watch the man in front of me bite down on something hard in the back of his mouth. Before I can even ask another question, he''s foaming at the lips and limp on the floor.


    "Not one to talk, I guess..."


    Reactivating my stealth skill, I run downstairs to face the two others circling the house. If their partner was defeated, they may set up a trap to take out the entire house with me in it. I don''t know who these people are, but I need to take them out and get some answers.


    The front door swings open as I zip out and catch one of them mid-stride with the same low-powered wind attack. His stealth skill deactivates and blood stters in the sandy street as the man dressed head to toe in jet-ck gear and armor tumbles across the road.


    I air-step over to him in the blink of an eye and begin asking the same questions, but he''s dead with the same white foam leaking from his mouth before I can even see his face.


    "Fine. If you won''t talk, I might as well get something out of all this."


    Thest concealed assassin is on the other side of the home I just left, but with the level and mana control difference, it looks as if he''s standing out in in sight.


    I don''t bother revealing myself or asking any questions this time around; I just release a full-powered sh.


    The enemy is cut in two before he realizes what hit him.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Stealth


    Upgrade Perk: Legendary Grade


    [YES] [NO]


    I choose yes without hesitating. I didn''t think I''d be using my Absorption''s Legendary perk so soon, but this is a valuable skill to use it on.


    A slight breeze rolls through the streets, and the sun glistens off the towers in the distance of the city as I let out a long sigh and power down my stat-boosting skills. I walk over to each of the fallen bodies and use the ck mes of my advanced fire magic to incinerate them on the spot.


    This may be a less busy part of town, but leaving as little evidence as possible is never a bad idea.


    I walk back inside and read the rest of the note.


    ____________


    Dear Jay,


    We''re all safe, and we saved Lydia. If you''re reading this,e meet us in Valor City.


    There''s a lot we didn''t know about the Dark Continent.


    Our recent meddling has affected the power bnce much more than we ever expected, and we have teamed up with The Galeheart Mercenary Guild to set things right.


    Once you return, meet us in Sector 1.


    It''s time to be much stronger, in more ways than one.


    ~Team Red Hydra.


    ____________


    I chuckle at thest line, thinking it''s a fitting name. The Red Hydra''s aura is a power we all share.


    However, I am very hesitant to believe this at first sight. Even if it is in Maria''s handwriting, why are they working with Lith? How did he even find them?


    "How much time has passed...?"


    I turn my head to the briefcase underneath a small table in the back corner of the room, then open it up on the table as well. Inside, there''s just one crimson stone remaining. With it, is that same silver card with the Valor City Mercenary Guild address on it.


    I nod, thinking to myself deeply while closing the briefcase shut again.


    None of this makes any sense. The men outside that attacked me were too low level to be sent from the mercenary guild. If this is all a trap set by them after capturing my teammates, they would have sent a much stronger team to subjugate me too.


    After cing the note and briefcase into my inventory, I clean up the final assassin''s body and head into town.


    Trap or not, I need to find out more information about Valor City and this mercenary guild; it''s my only lead.


    The golden sun falls lower, closer to the horizon as I walk into town. Palm trees and shops start to line the streets and the smell of food and drinks fill the air as the nightlife crowd rolls in.


    While making my stroll, my perception skills are constantly on full st. Another sneak attack won''t catch me off guard again.


    I could sit down at a nice restaurant for a good meal, but there''s a much better ce to find out information than this. An old-fashioned dungeon bar.


    It takes quite a while to find through all the higher ss, more modern ces formon city folk and businessmen in Sra, but after walking for a while, I find one that suits my taste just right.


    Before walking inside, I change my facial features with the conceal skill. Though, I doubt it''d matter much because I still wear the red hood of my cloak.


    Upon entering, the sound ofughter and sses clinking is all I hear. Levels 10-350 all line the wooden tables and share stories from the dungeons while getting ready for a long night of drinks and celebration.


    There are quests pinned to a wall behind the bar, and a middle-aged, muscr, and tall bartender who looks to be a retired hunter himself at far past level 300.


    I sift through my item storage beneath my cloak before sitting up at the bar, putting a silver coin on the counter.


    "Your special, food and a drink, whatever you''ve got. Keep the whole silver on my tab."


    He takes the coin and nods.


    "Very well,ing right up."


    I sit down and let out a sigh to let my gaze wander around the room, then back behind the bar to the quests. They range from just a few bronze to up to a few gold, mostly looking for mana crystals and specific item drops. Some of them are even bounties for criminals and wanted individuals.


    My eyes widen in shock as I gaze at the wall a bit closer. Each of my teammates'' faces are disyed on posters with red X''s marked over them. The word "Collected" is written in the same red colored ink underneath each one.


    A million thoughts start racing through my mind, then my eyese across the final poster with the same red marks across it.


    The face on this collected bounty is my own.

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325


    Although a ton of possible negative possibilities cross my mind at first, the fact that my own poster with the bounty marked out as collected still stands on the wall makes me question the validity of the posters.


    I doubt they''d put up a false collection notice; it wouldn''t make any sense.


    The odd string of logic that crosses my mind is that someone tricked the Sran government or paid them off to get rid of our bounties. If my group is off the map, there would be a lot fewer prying eyes.


    While deep in thought, the bartenderes back with a steaming te of food and a tall cold drink. He smiles while cing down the order and speaks up as I''m eyeballing the posters on the back wall.


    "Looking to ept some quests? Or just reading for the fun of it?"


    He chuckles while giving me a nod, then showing off a charismatic smile.


    I reply.


    "No, no. Probably not. Though I do have a question, when were these bounties all collected? Do you remember?"


    He stares at me with a curious gaze.


    "Just 4 days ago. Can you believe it? A full Elite squad of 6 taken down by a single bounty hunter. He caught them in their sleep of all ces. Makes the Association look pretty bad, doesn''t it?"


    His voice carries a mocking tone, but I only smirk back to y along.


    If what he said is the story the city is going with, that only confirms my theory further; this is definitely a cover-up. My assumptions are leading me to believe the Galeheart Mercenary Guild owner has a lot to do with all of this. It also gives me a pretty clear idea of how fast my Hibernation time was sped up. Still, I need to get more answers.


    Iugh with him and start to dig into my meal before taking the conversation any further.


    "Say, what''s the fastest way to get to Sector 1 from here? I need to meet a friend."


    The bartender continues pouring a few drinks for another customer at the other end of the bar but turns to reply.


    "Sector 1? You''ll have to take the train outside the walls, it''ll cost you a few silver at most. Ever since the surges started, the central terminal has been abandoned."


    He grins and looks up at the ceiling, thinking of something. Then, turns back to me and continues.


    "Where to in Sector 1? I''ve only been a few times in my younger years, but I''ve heard it''s nearly 10 times thend mass as our 4th Sector here."


    I remember back to the first time we entered the Dark Continent. The train we rode on to get here didn''t seem to be at itsst stop. It would make sense for it to continue running around the entire continent.


    That''s one possible option, but there must be more.


    "There''s a faster, more direct way to get there, right?"


    He takes two tall sses of brightly colored mixed drinks to a couple at the other end of the bar, thenes back to answer.


    "Sure, if you don''t want to spend a few days or even a week of travel time, I''m sure you could pay the Sran government office a visit. They have some transport crystals avable for sale, but they''re far too pricey for the normal citizen to buy."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "How much?"


    He shrugs while taking another person''s order.


    "Depends on the season, and how high in demand they are. Usually no less than 10 gold for a one-way trip, but considering all the tensiontely, I wouldn''t be surprised if that price tripled, or possibly more."


    I wince at the prices, considering I just spent a small fortune at the auction. It was well worth it, but burned all of my cash in one purchase. Right now, I don''t have more than a dozen gold left over on me. It''s more than enough to live off for a long time, but I''m sure a day or two of farming could me enough to build up my stash again, plus have enough to buy a transport crystal to Sra.


    "On second thought, I will take on a few of those quests."


    He smirks, pointing at some of the newer-looking posters.


    "I knew you''de around to it. It''s that look in your eyes. A man can''t hide his ambitions from another man''s gaze. What level are you at? I''ll pick out the best ones for you."


    I pause but take a sip of my drink to think in the brief moment of silence. Even wihtout the transport crystal in mind building up my gold storages would be a smart thing to do. It never hurts to have more cash on hand.


    "Whatever your top quests are, I''d like to buy that transport crystal soon. So, the highest gold in the shortest time. The difficulty doesn''t matter."


    The bartender soon turns around with a pile of papers, all with rmended level ratings on them, outlining the monsters that drop each item, their apparent drop rate, and finally, the total payout on each of them.


    He speaks up again as I continue sifting through the papers.


    "Here''s a copy of all the quests rmended for level 200 and above; they''ll get you the cash you''re looking for in no time. Back in my prime, I remember profiting a few gold every month off quests like these. Once you''ve collected the rmended materials, you can bring them back here to the bar. It''s much less crowded in the morning hours, so I rmending then."


    He points to the far side of the long room. There''s another counter, flooded with even more papers and quests.


    "Either me or one of the newer recruits will be on duty. Most of the mana crystal quests and higher-ranking monster drops are backed by the city, so bring as much loot in as you''d like. As long as it meets the quest requirements, we can pay in full."


    I look up from the papers, giving him a nod.


    "Alright, if you say so. Don''t say I didn''t warn you when I clear you guys out of gold."


    He cracks a smile, and we bothugh at my remark while I finish my food. The bartender thinks I''m just joking around, but I''m speaking the truth.


    After finishing my meal and allowing my poison resistance perk of my self-regeneration skill to negate the effects of my drink, I make my way back to the dungeon hub with a few things on my mind.


    I''m hoping to multitask while I farm materials. By multitask, I mean I''d like to get some extra training in while collecting the loot dropped from these low-level mobs.


    What better way to do so than allow Ember to teach me how to wield Demonic Energy.


    To make sure there''s a source to replenish my stores, I wait outside the outer ring of the dungeon hub square intermittently turning my Demonic Energy Maniption skill on and off to wait for a unit or two to show up.


    The moment one finally does, I pinpoint the dungeon where it leaks from, and check it out.


    There''s at least 1 or more quests for every high-level dungeon here, so I''m in luck. It happens to be one of the level 250-300 dungeons.


    The guard gives me a peculiar warning after I show him my concealed and edited status.


    "Careful not to go too far northwest from the entrance, there have been some unusual disappearances from squads in that direction."


    I reply but don''t bat an eye.


    "Understood."


    Then, walk down the shielded steps and enter the dungeon.


    It''s very familiar to one of my old training grounds back in Vice City, a Minotaur dungeon.


    There''s multiple quests requesting minotaur horns from the mutants in this dungeon. Apparently, only 1 of 20 mobs are mutants, and just 1 of 10 drop a horn after defeat on average. That means only 0.5% of monsters I encounter will drop what I''m looking for. This is a low drop rate, but for the multiple gold being offered for just 1-3 horns per quest posting, its one of the most alluring offers to take.


    With t ground and minimal patches of trees, I do a scan of enemy detection and inspect to make sure no other hunters are present before opening my spatial magic to let Embere out.


    Once he does, we fly deep into the dungeon, directly in the direction the guard warned us about. It''s where the Demonic Energy is pulsing the strongest.


    Although there isn''t nearly as much as the Abyss, it will be just enough to train with.

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    We make it to a clearing in the dungeon where the grass covered, rocky ground ttens out, and a small source of Demonic Energy can be sensed nearby.


    It''s releasing 1 or 2 units every few minutes, and the raw energy is floating high into the dungeon''s sky. Some are dissolving into the open air, and other portions are floating toward the exit portal.


    Still, over a kilometer away from the source, I''m confident the natural output will be enough to begin my training.


    I look toward Ember and whisper under my breath.


    "Body Double."


    A second copy is created to look exactly like myself. The only difference is, one is slightly weaker and if killed won''t affect my main body at all. Last time I did this, my main body was unconscious momentster. This time around, it does feel a bit odd looking myself in the eyes.


    To make things even weirder, I can''t simultaneously see what my double sees...


    The copy of myself in front of me opens his status, opens his eyes wide, and looks up to me to speak with my own voice.


    "It looks like the body double has a different ranked-up perk. I''m going to test it out."


    Before I reply, the doubled version of myself air-steps away nearly 100 meters before glowing in a bright white light.


    The double''s movement speed increases drastically for a matter of seconds, then a sh of mana and a loud twang erupts from where they once were, blowing an enormous hole in the side of a nearby rocky hill.


    A blue text notification pops up in my vision.


    [You Have Died]


    A flood of memories from thest 30 seconds fills my mind, as I feel as if I myself lived them.


    The vision of opening my status, and seeing a brand new ranked perk on the double''s status screenbeled [Instant Finale].


    The sensation of every ounce of mana being used up in a matter of seconds, propelling the double''s movement speed faster and faster until it explodes in a devastating self-destruct attack, is fascinating and unexpected...


    This adds an interesting move to my arsenal but also confirms my theory that rank-up rewards are very dependent on the user''s current circumstances and state of mind. The fact that my double''s rank-up process urred during a simr attack can''t be a mere coincidence.


    On another note, the notification will allow me to be notified and send another body double every time my current double fails in its process. At the same time, every failed attempt will fill my mind with the exact memories of what happened just like I was there doing it myself.


    I smirk and look up to Ember.


    "Perfect, are you ready to train?"


    "Of course."


    I create another double, then leave the Midnight Dagger behind before air-stepping off into the dungeon to start my Minotaur farming.


    There were a few possible monster targets I saw on the way here, and luckily flying on Ember''s back I''ve already set Dungeon Walker points all over.


    I teleport to my first target and cut them down in a single sh.


    A blue text box appears in front of my vision.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,281


    [YES][NO]


    I grin, epting the 0.01% mana control from defeating a mob below 80% of my level, and carry on. If it weren''t for my new legendary perk that absorbs small amounts of all opponents'' mana control, I wouldn''t bother fighting anything in here that isn''t a mutant.


    However, if I''ll have to sift through hundreds of monsters, possibly thousands to farm what I''m looking for, there''s no reason not to kill and absorb everything in sight. It will be great practice for farming higher-tier mobster.


    I look down at nearly a dozen Minotaur-rted quests, asking between 1-3 horns each, and get to work.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,984


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 8,006


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,490


    [YES][NO]


    ---


    Meanwhile, back with Ember, another stream of consciousness is beginning training.


    "I''ve only met a few Arch Demons that could wield Demonic Energy wlessly through their cores while producing Mana-based attacks simultaneously. It''s possible at your level, but will be difficult. So don''t expect things to work out on the first try... or even the 10th try... or even 100th. This may be a long process. First things first, I''d like to witness the proficiency of your attack."


    I sit down and take in a few units of energy from the air before showing off a few of my attacks.


    The first few are just basic control from my fingertips, like I used to free myself from the underground prison, and the second style is imbuing the ck dagger as well as powering up my movements and steps to ess more speed while running and lunging to practice moves.


    Afterward, I recall the events of each and every time I''ve used Demonic Energy. From training int the Abyss to defeating the Sector leader, I ount for everything, not leaving a single detail out.


    Ember gives a nod of approval.


    "Very good. You''ve mastered the basic Demonic Energy techniques on your own in a short amount of time. Even with a maniption skill, your speed and precision are impressive for a mana-born user."


    I raise an eyebrow at the use of that term again.


    "A mana-born user? I''ve heard someone say this before. What''s it even mean? Are all monsters not born from mana? Are the monsters in the Abyss really that different?"


    Ember replies.


    "Yes, there''s a very big difference. Those born from mana can only wield mana until they''re proficient enough to feel and wield the energy around them with pristine focus down to the individual particles. Most mana-born users hit this breakthrough point somewhere around level 350 to 550. Once someone can wield mana, technically they''re able to wield Demonic Energy too if they can perceive it. The same goes for Demonic Monsters and beings born from that realm. Not until they''re proficient enough in their own domain are they possibly able to wield more than one energy source."


    I nod, tightening my lips.


    "Okay, so then once someone like me hits this threshold, how can they possibly learn to wield both at once? Every time I try, well- you''ve seen what happens."


    Ember nods slowly, but I continue to speak.


    "Demonic Energy is a great weapon against mana-based opponents, but my speed and power are verycking when I can''t use my mana-based buffs and gear. I''m sure mana would also be an excellent attack against Demonic Monsters too, but when wielding mana I can''t even perceive Demonic Beasts."


    Ember finally replies.


    "Yes, this is amon problem in the beginner stages. One of the reasons Demons are chosen to protect Labyrinths is that they''re the most likely creature to wield both mana and Demonic energy with the help of their cores. Other high-tier beasts are capable or manipting Demonic Energy, but even one slip-up while practicing and the one wielding is dead. So, its very rare to see anything other than a Demon wield both at once."


    The ck-scaled dragon closes his eyes and glows red. His entire body shimmers in a crimson aura, then he raises a single wed hand.


    The aura around itpletely changes, shifting to a dark red, then finally jet ck.


    I activate my Demonic Energy skill to witness many units from the source fly toward us and they all begin swirling right above the ws of the dragon.


    He turns his head, letting out a pir of mes on a nearby tree, then shooting a ck ball of energy in the same direction.


    They collide and both erupt into an incredible disy of sparks and mes, decimating the tree, not leaving a single me or piece of wood remaining.


    My eyes stay open wide and I look back and forth at the scene I just witnessed.


    Ember powers down his skills.


    "By the time we finish training, I believe you''ll be able to do something just like this."

 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327


    "As you know, there''s arge difference between raw Demonic Energy and refined Demonic Energy. Raw Demonic Energy is simr to the ambient mana around us in the air. It has the potential to be used as an attack but won''t react or be easily manipted unlesspacted and filtered by the caster."


    I nod slowly as Ember continues to talk.


    "There are two ways of doing this. Two that you''re already capable of, but only one that you use. The first is filtering energy through a Demon''s core, and the second is naturally refining energy in your body. Demonic monsters refine energy since the day they''re spawned. This is why you most likely sense their raw energy from a distance. Unless this energy is refined, it''s as harmless as being struck by a gust of wind filled with thick mana. The air may feel heavy, but no harm is done."


    I finally reply.


    "Understood, now how exactly is this rted to the training?"


    Ember starts to glow red again, raising one talon-covered w in the air, shifting it to jet ck in an instant.


    "I''m telling you this because for some beasts it may be instinctual, but you will have to learn the process of splitting your energy focus manually. Considering the events where you switched your control back and forth to defeat a sector leader, you''re on the right track."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "It can''t just be as simple as swapping back and forth faster than the eye can see... that would be pointless, and dangerous to try with my main body."


    Ember chuckles, releasing another plume of mes from his mouth and throwing the ball of darkness with it to disy another explosion of sparks. Following this, he sends out another plume of mes and ball of darkness secondster. Then, once the second barrage hits, he sends another. Then, another.


    He sends balls of darkness and pirs of mes back and forth at the same charred tree until it''spletely gone, and he''s made his point.


    "No, of course, it''s not that simple, but it''s a good start. The act of switching back and forth needs to be second nature, closer to instinctual muscle memory before we can begin to concentrate on wielding it on a concentrated specific body part."


    I scrunch my eyebrows, beginning to grasp the odd training method. Ember''s words make sense; every time I swap back and forth I do have to adjust my body and mind each time. It''s far from being ingrained as muscle memory.


    "Got it. Let''s begin."


    Ember points to a fresh tree nearby.


    "To start off we''ll just be using energy, no swords or special moves. Demonic Energy from your left hand and pure mana from your right. I want to see 30 attacks from each hand in under a minute, simr to the attack i just performed. You have 3 hours toplete this portion of training. There''s no secret tricks, or specific techniques to use. You just have to practice and get used to it before we get to the hard part."


    I nod and begin taking in the Demonic Energy from the source to build up enough for this first trial.


    ---


    Meanwhile...


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,014


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,756


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 11,685


    [YES][NO]


    It only took me just over 15 minutes to find a mutant that drops a horn.


    "One down, a few dozen to go..."


    In total, the avable quests for Minotaur horns are asking for about 25 horns. Outside, the sun is setting, and there aren''t any other hunters in this dungeon with me. If I hand everything in tomorrow morning, all of the quests are as good as mine.


    While I''m at it, 25 Minotaur horns mean I''ll be farming thousands of mobs. I''m absorbing minimal MP from the crystals I gather from drops, and the more I teleport around and air-step to new monsters, the more vast my dungeon walker range bes.


    I collect these crystals in my item storage too. The timeg between the mobs dissolving and the actual kill is a bit of a time suck, but I go around and collect all of the drops after defeating every few dozen mobs to make it as optimized as possible. There are quite a few quests for raw mana crystals. Although the price varies per quest and is far below the usual market price, I''ll be able to get a simr amount of gold from the mana as I do the horns.


    On top of all of this, every few defeated opponents give me a minuscule boost in mana control. Each individual monster may not give me much, but they will make a fairly noticeable difference over time.


    ---


    [You Have Died]


    [You Have Died]


    [You Have Died]


    Every 10 to 20 minutes, I absorb enough Demonic Energy to attempt Ember''s test, but switching 60 times in just 60 seconds is much harder than it seems.


    I push through the pain, and allow the sparks that build up in my wrists, shoulders, and chest to grow across my body to engulf me every attempt, continuing to switch back and forth through the certain demise.


    [You Have Died]


    [You Have Died]


    [You Have Died]


    Each time, new memories of my attempts flood back to my main body, and my understanding of the training bes clearer. Each time, I spawn a new body double and they teleport back to where Ember is waiting to continue.


    As well as the swaps between Demonic Energy and Mana Control bing a bit more natural, the fact that my body doubles are being destroyed in front of my eyes is not much of a big deal either. At first, it was jarring to die and trust that it''s not really the end. Something in the back of my mind questioned it the first few times.


    However, as I carry on, the ease of destroying a body double of the sake of progression gets easier and easier.


    [You Have Died]


    [You Have Died]


    [You Have Died]


    By the 10th attempt, I''ve learned to use less Demonic Energy per attack, limiting the output to fractions of a unit, for the sake of the exercise. It allows me to retry every few minutes.


    At first, the constant swap back and forth felt more tiring and disorienting than anything else, but now after a few hundred swaps, and almost a dozen body double deaths, the transition is feeling much smoother.


    Unfortunately, every time I use a mana-based attack, my whole body res up with energy, so no matter where I push the Demonic Energy, it still reacts every time while I''m switching back and forth at such fast speeds.


    However, not starting the reaction is not part of this training exercise. Just speed and usability is what I''m aiming for. So, this is what I focus on.


    ---


    Just under 3 hours pass and I''ve conquered the entire Minotaur dungeon. About halfway through my farming, I collect more than enough crystals to fulfill the mana quests, so I focused on mutants only for the remaining hour.


    Every 10 or so drop a Minotaur horn, so I only have to farm 150 more toplete all the Minotaur quests as well.


    Along with all of these drops, a few hundred swords and axes drop too. They''re all 200-400+ additional strength buffs. Worthless to me, but it won''t hurt to ask if anyone wants to buy them while handing in my other quests.


    After cing all these items in my storage, I take a look at a handful of other quests. There''s only two other dungeons ofparable rewards, the Steel Tortoise dungeon, and the Giant Rats.


    There''s half a dozen quests for Tortoise shells in asks of 2-10, 36 are needed in total and payout simrly to the Minotaur Horns. Apparently, they''re high defensive buffs used for crafting. The drop rate is about 1 in every 50, and it''s a very stable dungeon. There aren''t usually any mutants, so this ask is just for the normal mobs.


    This is a new type of dungeon, with a monster I''ve never fought before. I''m looking forward to seeing if they have any interesting skills for me to absorb while farming.


    The Giant Rat quests ask for their ws. The drop rate is 1 in 20 mobs, and there are 3 quests asking for 200-450 ws each. Each pays out just under a dozen gold per 200 ws. Rats are low-level mobs, usually below lv150, and they travel in packs. This should be a breeze.


    I Dunegon Walk back to Ember to let him know the n. Once inside these other dungeons, I''ll be able to move freely between all 3.


    Simultaneously, my body double dies on a nearby hill in a sh of white and golden light. I form another, to rece it and Ember replies.


    "Perfect timing. Your 3 hours are up. Let''s see how well the practice is going so far."

 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328


    I stand back with Ember to watch my body double attempt toplete the 30 Demonic Energy attacks and 30 Mana-based attacks in just 60 seconds.


    With a minute on the clock, I watch the small streams of dark ck Demonic Energy as well as pure pink mana both collide to erupt into sparks against a nearby tree. Just fractions of a unit are used in each projectile, and a few dozen MP at most per mana-based attack.


    The swaps back and forth are almost seamless. From an outside perspective, it almost looks as if the two attacks are being thrown simultaneously. But of course, at closer inspection, I can tell there is a switch being made every second.


    The gold and white lights engulf my double expanding from the arms and chest until it takes over entirely.


    [You have Died]


    The memories of the test fill my mind, and I smirk while turning to Ember.


    "66 swaps, that was 33 attacks from each hand. I passed."


    Ember nods slowly.


    "Very good, now we''ll move onto the next portion of training; concentrating your energy to a single portion of the body. Once this is mastered, you''ll be able tounch multiple attacks without even having to switch. Both Mana and Demonic Energy will be able to be wielded at once. This shouldn''t take more than 3 hours at your rate of improvement, with enough practice it''ll click."


    I acknowledge this im and make another body double before leaving the dungeon to go farm the other quests.


    After paying a guard and asking around I enter a lv100-150 Dungeon and a level 300-350 dungeon to make Dungeon Walker points on both of them and begin my hunting. One of them is a Giant Rat Dungeon, while the other one is a Steel Tortoise Dungeon.


    The Rat Dungeon is simr to the other old rat dungeons I''ve been in before. With rolling hills of dark-colored dirt, and eerie grey skies above, it feels very familiar. The scratching sounds of dozens of wse over the hills in packs and the horrific odores along with it too.


    In the past, I''d be disgusted, but right now it just sounds and smells like money to me.


    With a grin across my face, I begin obliterating packs of rats with advanced fire magic shes while air-stepping and teleporting across the dungeon.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 1,016


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 842


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 909


    [YES][NO]


    The Mana control absorption is incredibly low, but the pure crystals they leave behind I collect to put in my storage for an emergencyter. Having extra mana in my storage leftover for potential fights outside of the mana-rich dungeons is a smart thing to stock up on while I have the chance. Each group of rats drops 1-2 ws on average. It will be a slow grind, but a profitable one.


    ---


    After creating a few body doubles to send back to Ember and collecting a few hundred rat ws, I decide to take a breather and test out the Tortoise Dungeon too.


    Thendscape inside is very different than any dungeons I''ve been to before. The ground consists of chalky red-colored dirt and simrly crimson-colored shrubbery growing from it. Above these, there are short but thick trees every few dozen meters that go on as far as the eye can see.


    Large rock formations and boulders obstruct the tnd, but other than that it looks like a t y desert.


    I air-step in to explore and set more Dungeon Walker points, soon finding the native monster; a Steel Tortoise.


    It looks like a normal tortoise, just enormous in size. Standing on 4 sturdy legs it''s almost 5 meters long nose to tail. The only thing that gives away why the locals may call it this is its single skill at the bottom of its status.


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    As I get closer, Its shell shifts from the desert-colored reddish-brown to a shimmering silver, producing a slight white aura around it, almost as if the creatures are on the verge of unlocking their potential to wield mana control.


    Nevertheless, I swing my de across my body to let out a single fiery strike and cut the monster in two. I''m not using my full power, but the sh leaves a deep slit in the rocky ground after the mana crescent goes all the way through.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 15,336


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Body Hardening


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes on both before moving on deeper into the dungeon.


    In the past few hours, after upgrading my Absorption skill I''ve already obtained 2 new legendary grade skills. Stealth and Body Hardening. On top of that, millions of MCP are being absorbed with ease.


    By the time morning hits, I may even be proficient in Demonic Energy Maniption.


    However, a thought resurfaces in the back of my mind as I air-step across the desert sky while looking for another tortoise to defeat.


    "My new Crafting Skill, I wonder how exactly it works..."


    The moment my mind thinks of the skill, a blue text window pops up in my vision.


    [Use Craftsmanship][Mythic Grade]


    [NEW] or [Upgrade]


    I raise an eyebrow, and click new just for the sake of my own curiosity.


    Raw Base Material: [NONE]


    Item Type: [NON]


    Raw Imbuement Material: [NONE]


    Skill or Special Attribute Imbuement: [See Avable]


    Bonding Ingredients: [NONE]


    Stat Bonus: [NONE]


    Name: [Input Name]


    Complete: [YES][NO]


    My eyes shift up and down the menus provided.


    I even take out a few old items from my spatial magic to begin testing to see what all of thebels mean. I''m able to ce all kinds of raw dungeon materials into the [Raw Base Material] slot. This includes the horn of the behemoth I''ve been saving, the Minotaur horns I just farmed, and even old weapons and item drops. They can be repurposed into base materials to begin a new craft. All of the possible options for a craft show up in the [Item Type] menu once a single base material is added.


    Next, the Imbuement Materials. I''m able to put the leftover firestones from the Volcanic Smander break in my inventory into this slot, and can even stack multiple of them. I already have a sword with a fire aspect, so there''s no reason to waste these on a new craft.


    Once I click into [Skill or Special Attribute Imbuement] my entire skill list pops up, allowing me to attach the properties of my skills into whatever item I''m crafting. I choose one, and all of the other attributes be greyed out. So it seems only one attribute can be imbued at a time.


    "Even a mythic grade skill has its limits..."


    Then, for bonding ingredients, the only thing that shows once clicked in is [0/500mL]. In my previous crafts, Bri back in the Vice Region always needed a portion of my blood. This makes sense.


    Nothing shows up in the [Stat Bonus] section. This may only show results once the crafting process begins.


    Lastly, [Name] Is self-exnatory, I can name whatever I craft anything I''d like.


    With a tightened gaze, I switch over to [Upgrade] instead. A simr status shows up.


    Upgrade Item: [NONE]


    Additional Raw Imbuement Material: [NONE]


    Additional Skill or Special Attribute Imbuement: [See Avable]


    Stat Bonus: [NONE]


    Complete: [YES][NO]


    Immediately, this gives me an idea as I ce my me Emperor''s sword into the Upgrade Item Slot.


    The moment I do, the [Additional Skill or Special Attribute Imbuement] goes from lit up to dull.


    "So if an item already has a special attribute like the fire aspect, and I can''t add any additional ones."


    With a nod, I start sifting through my items to see what can be ced in the sole slot remaining. My eyes widen once I attempt adding a Firestone to the sword.


    The slot changes to [Additional Raw Imbuement Material: Firestone 1x], but it continues to glow, signaling there''s more room for additional items. The more I ce in, the higher the number climbs. I add over half a dozen stones, even therger boss''s stone before looking down at the [Stat Bonus] tab with wide eyes.


    Before thinking twice, I choose [YES] toplete the transaction and a series of notifications fill my vision.


    The Firestones dissolve into the sword in a sh of white light, and I''m left in awe.


    [The me Emperor''s Sword has been Upgraded]


    [Fire Aspect]->[Advanced Fire Aspect]


    [Additional 29% Strength Buff Added]


    [Additional 26% Mental Strength Buff Added]


    [New Stat Bonus Added]


    [+100% Defense]


    [+100% Speed]


    [+100% Agility]


    The long ck sword in my hands glows red hot as a ck and deep red aura slowly fades from it and the blue text notifications leave my vision. All I see are its improved Stats.


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+188% Strength][+152% Mental Strength][+100% Defense][+100% Speed][+100% Agility]


    Another Steel Tortoisees into my line of sight momentster, and I cut it down with ease from the sky. However, still using the same powered-down strength I was using before to hunt these low-level mobs, the size of the ck crescent that erupts from my de is over three times its normal size. This leaves a crater in the groundrger than anything my full-powered attacks have ever produced previously.


    ck mes flicker burning away dungeon mass, slowly making the crater even wider even after the attack.


    Grinning while collecting the MCP and twirling the de in my hand, I continue air-stepping forward to find more mobs to farm. One of the top things on my mind are the possibilities of new items I can craft if I find even better materials in the future.


    I''ll definitely have to go farming in a Labyrinth or higher-grade dungeons once I find my team and get the chance.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, after a few hours of farming and training pass back in the Minotaur dungeon, I throw a line of Demonic Energy out from my fingertips while the pink light of a pure mana dees from my right hand.


    Ember speaks up to my body double once they collide and erupt into an explosion simr to the one he showed me earlier as a reference.


    "You catch on quick. Over 10 sessful attacks in a row without a single negative reaction. Pick up that dagger and one of your swords. This will be thest stage of training, imbuing weapons and fighting real monsters. I think it''s time you test this new ability on a few fast-moving targets. If you can manage to fight the Minotaurs here with ease, I say we venture out to the Demonic Energy Source. You may be surprised at what you find."

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329


    The next 3 hours of training pass, bringing this session deep into the middle of the night. My real body has just finished up the Steel Tortoise and Giant Rat quests, and has moved onto some of the lower-level dungeons with easier tasks for lower rewards.


    There aren''t many left now, so I might as well try to speed-run the rest of the quest papers I took with me before the sunes up. Each one will me a few more gold, so even if it seems like mindless farming; in the end, it''s worth the effort.


    Back in the Minotaur Dungeon, I get ready to test out my technique with a dagger in my left hand and a copy of my newly powered-up me Emperor''s sword in the other.


    Ember speaks up as we begin venturing further into the dungeon to find a group of Minotaurs to hunt.


    "I''d like to see 100 kills in a row, then we can go check out the rift."


    Ember''s wording of a so-called "rift" instead of just the "source" he called it before does raise some interest in my mind, but I decide to focus on the task he''s given me first. With a tight grip on both weapons, my mind is absorbed in the mission ahead. Over thest 6 hours, the process of using both Demonic Energy and Mana has be much different than before.


    Previously, trying to activate both at once would be as impossible as attempting to ride a bike for the first time bncing on a thin tightrope across a kilometer-wide canyon.


    Although it was possible for me to brute force my way across this canyon with the metaphorical bike in my hands and disregarding the tightrope entirely. Learning how to systematically seed in this task by mastering each step drastically improved my capabilities.


    Learning to ride the bike is the first step, that is just like the action of switching the energy sources back and forth.


    Then, focusing these sources of energy in certain portions of my body is like bncing atop a wire. It took lots of focus, but with my maniption skills in both Mana and Demonic Energy, this process was expedited.


    Putting both together is the final step, it''s like moving forward while bncing on that thin wire. With enough practice, it will be as easy as breathing.


    As long as I leave the process to my subconscious mind, and only focus on the energy itself, it is possible to feel and separate the sources. My left eye, arm, and singr pathway leading from my Demon''s core are able to focus on channeling and visualizing Demonic energy, while the rest of my body continues to wield mana.


    This keeps my buffs active, while allowing me to wield the Midnight Dagger and see both sources in split vision.


    It took many failures before it was possible to not identally intertwine the two. Isting the Demonic Energy to just a portion of my body and a fraction of my mind is the key. The less I think about it, and let the energy flow just like it did while training, the more sessful each attempt bes.


    Putting these two talents of focus and bnce together, it''s now time to put it into action.


    "Let''s go fight some monsters."


    I airstep forward with my ck dagger coated in purple and ck aura, while my sword glows dark red with flickering ck mes glistening around its sides. Even though it''s not the real version of the me Emperor''s sword, the upgraded power still emanates from it at 90% of its base stats.


    The first Minotaures into sight, and I swing my sword from a distance. A wave of mes splits it in two.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,929


    [YES][NO]


    A window to absorb the monster''s MCP shows up following its demise, but once I ept it, the notifications that follow are surprising.


    [Attempting MCP Transfer To Main Body]


    [MCP Transfer To Main Body: Failed]


    Still, the usual mana crystal drops once its body dissolves.


    Momentster, I turn to air-step toward another, as themotion makes nearby mobs charge in my direction.


    I air-step up close and sh the beast with the Midnight dagger and it tears through the mana-based flesh like butter. A violent explosion of sparks erupts from the wound, and it''s annihted in an instant.


    Unlike the previous mob, not a single crystal or item drops once it''s defeated. However, the MCP Absorption window still shows up.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 7,304


    [YES][NO]


    After choosing [YES] I''m struck with the same messages.


    [Attempting MCP Transfer To Main Body]


    [MCP Transfer To Main Body: Failed]


    My thoughts begin to race as I continue practicing with my dagger and sword for a few hours all throughout the Minotaur dungeon.


    It seems training in my body doublees with its own set of odd rules and boundaries.


    As tested previously multiple times, I''m able to kill monsters at a higher level than myself and the levels gained transfer to my main body. Skills and buffs gained in my body double form are able to transfer over as well, but after the tests carried out here it seems like mana control is not transferred over.


    There may be more conditions I need to meet, but for right now it seems to be impossible.


    Thest thing I''ve noticed is that every time I take out a monster using Demonic Energy, I''m still able to use my Absorption skills on them post-death even if the body ispletely gone, but there''s a near-zero chance of them dropping any mana crystals or physical items. They all seem to be eaten up in the reaction of sparks and destroyed with the body itself.


    This has been a very enlightening training session so far. I only had a few slip-ups where a new body double had to be sent over and continue the training, but now it''s starting to feel very natural. I''m still not confident enough to try this method with my main body, but a lot of progress has been made.


    I grin and yell out to Ember as I slice the final Minotaur in two.


    "100! There we go, 100 in a row without messing up!"


    The ck-scaled dragones over, pping his wings with a grin across his face, then points back in the direction to where we started training.


    "Very nice. Then I think we have onest thing to do before leaving this dungeon; it''s time to get rid of that rift. Although it''s a great source of energy for training, I don''t think leaving one around in a dungeon without any guardians nearby is a safe idea. This could cause quite the incident."


    I raise an eyebrow at this, being the second time I''ve heard the word rift today. This time with a much clearer and focused mind.


    "The rift?"


    My gaze points toward Ember, then up to the sky as I try to think about when other than today I''ve heard this term being used before.


    I murmur under my breath.


    "The rift... where have I... oh-"


    An ominous feeling washes over me as I realize exactly when I''ve heard this term before.


    "Titans?? Are there Titans in this dungeon? Or- Void Creepers, whatever you call them?!"


    My heart skips a beat as I remember back to my experience in the Great ins. We never actually went to the source, so I''m not sure where these beings came from. Although, the one thing I do remember is Ember telling me that Titans were the weakest of all these creatures...


    Ember chuckles at my paranoia and replies.


    "No, no. I doubt there are any of those mana-hungry Void Creepers around here. Although, the rift we''ll be checking out works in a simr way."


    I immediately let out a sigh of relief at these words, then raise an eyebrow momentster.


    "A simr way? How so... exin..."


    "Rifts are the term used for gates to other worlds. Just like the titanse from their own small pocket of mana-dense space, many Demonic Creatures spawn from pockets of Demonic Energy in the Demonic World."


    My eyes widen, but Ember continues.


    "It''s like a Dungeon Portal, but into a Demonic Realm. The Demon you defeated that ran the Labyrinth around this city must have opened it up for some reason. It takes an immense amount of Demonic Energy and permission from the King to do so."


    Ember shrugs, thinking to himself for a moment before finishing his thought.


    "Or not... This rift could be a coincidence. With all the Demonic Energy nearby from the Abyss, there is a chance it could be a natural phenomenon. It''s hard to tell. All I know is if it''s not dealt with, this could end very poorly. Demonic Rifts are far more unstable than Dungeons, so if left to its own means a break will surely take over this dungeon given enough time."


    I nod slowly to myself, then power down all my buffs and ce a hand on Ember''s back before Dungeon Walking back to the spot where we first started this training.


    "A Dungeon, but with Demonic Monsters? So like a pocket dimension with andscape simr to the Abyss? I''m interested to see what a Demonic Realm actually looks like."


    The two of us begin flying in the direction of the rift.

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    The closer I get to the rift, the more Demonic Energy fills the air nearby. It''s alling from a single area near the furthest point in the dungeon where the guard previously warned me not to enter.


    Even the minotaurs steer clear of this area, and the lush green grass doesn''t glow as bright. The closer we get to the source, the more dull the dungeon mass around us bes. Less and less trees grow and the mana in the air gets much thinner as well.


    Finally, as we fly over a small hill and look down, the riftes into view. My eyes open wide at the sight of it.


    "This isn''t what I expected to see at all..."


    What seems to be arge tear in space itself ominously floats right above the ground. It''s jet-ck in color and looks like someone tore a hole in the open air with a massive knife. It''s nearly 3 meters wide and over 10 meters tall.


    The top and bottom edges narrow in to make points and the middle is the widest. Small amounts of raw demonic energy leak out from its edges, and it gives off a pressure unlike anything I''ve ever felt before.


    It''s simr to the abyss, but sends chills down my spine with every step closer I take.


    Ember stops in ce as he touches down about 40 or so meters away from the tear in space. He opens up his link.


    "I won''t be following you through the first time. It would be wise to leave that Dagger behind as well. We don''t know how strong the monsters in that rift are yet. Demonic Realms can be very unpredictable and vtile, so it''s best not to go in with anything you don''t want to lose."


    The Midnight Dagger is the one item in my item storage that doesn''t duplicate when I create a body double. It also isn''t affected by the sparks produced from the mana on demonic energy reaction. I haven''t done enough tests yet to understand why either of these phenomena ur, but now isn''t the time to test it out.


    I reply while throwing the dagger into the dungeon floor by Ember''s side.


    "Understood, I''ll leave it behind."


    While continuing to take steps forward closer to the rift, the pressure it gives off increases. It feels simr to the thickness in the air I felt while in the Abyss, but with every step, it''s bing multiple times greater; like boulders are being stacked on my shoulders.


    "Is there anything specific I should be looking for, or any important details I should know before entering this realm? Although this is just a test with a body double, all the information I can get would be a great help."


    Ember immediately replies through the link.


    "Refrain from using any mana-based skills when you first enter. Depending on the rift strength, even the simple use of a buff could cause a problem. The first thing you should do is get a feel for the terrain and scope out the average level of monster inside. Once you do this, report back and I can give you more instructions on what to do and what kind of Demonic Realm we''re dealing with..."


    I take another step and the pressure intensifies even more.


    My heart rate increases, and a grin that onlyes across my face in the heat of a life-or-death battle creeps upon my lips.


    "Finally, something really interesting."


    I take another step forward,ing within 10 meters of the ck tear in the open air with my eyes practically sparkling. I deactivate all my mana-based skills, just like Ember said to before taking a moment to stare into the darkness.


    Then, after taking a deep breath in and out, I sprint forward and take a leap through into the rift.


    My vision goes ck, and the immense pressure around me increases even more. My head starts to ache with all the pressure, and I tighten both my fists while the feeling of weightlessness takes over.


    I float in a sea of darkness for a few seconds as the pressure continues to grow in my head, andpress all parts of my body. Eventually, the weightless feeling turns into the sensation of falling, and my vision slowly returns. Purple and ck energy swirls around and I brace for impact as my feet hit the solid ground.


    A loud crunch follows, but surprisingly it''s the rock beneath my feet that breaks, not my bones.


    Although the invisible pressure that pushes down on me is intense, the raw Demonic Energy in the air is so abundant it feels like mana in a regr dungeon. Without wasting even a second, I begin absorbing as much as I can, maxing out my core at just over 50 units.


    With no reason to hold back, I let the energy flow through my pathways while constantly absorbing more. At full core and pathway saturation, letting the energy seep from my pores to power my footsteps and extra Demonic Senses feels like second nature.


    After doing this, my vision adjusts to thendscape, and I''m equally surprised at what I see.


    The raw energy in the air swirls around me in all directions, limiting my range of vision to a few dozen meters ahead. It''s like a very foggy morning mist covering everything in sight. That mist just happens to be purple and ck.


    The ground is made of what feels like hard rugged stone but its covered with wet shrubbery that''s tinted red and purple. The sound of light trickling and dripping water is nearby in every direction, and my footsteps echo making it seem like I''m in some kind of vast cave system.


    The ground below my feet rises up and down in jagged and uneven pathways with awkward sharp pirs of stone-like stctites jutting up from the ground and down from a ceiling far above me in random ces. They range in size from my own height to the size of multiple-story buildings as the cave structure expands outward.


    Through the mist, I can make out small streams of what i can only assume to be water, and the smell of iron fills my nose and lungs. The surroundings are so odd and foreign, that it''s difficult to even walk straight. If I don''t take careful steps, I could easily pierce myself with something sharp, step into a pool of mystery liquid, or fall headfirst into a ravine.


    Even with the odd environment, my curiosity of this new world has my eyes wide and senses on full alert. The only real goal of my venture in here is to find out as much information about this realm as possible beforeing back to Ember. I''d also like to know what treasures it potentially hides.


    At the thought, I turn around and my heart skips a beat when the rift I entered to get here ispletely gone.


    Boss rooms in mana-based dungeons work in a very specific way. Once a hunter enters, they need to kill the boss before the transfer magic activates. This is the only way to get out. My guess is this rift works in a simr fashion... Some kind of condition needs to be met before I can escape.


    I let out a sigh and begin walking forward while expanding my Demonic Energy senses.


    The dense swirling energy in this cave makes it very hard to see what''s in front of me, but I can tell there''s an opening and a pocket of much less dense air nearby.


    I carefully walk forward to search for this opening.


    Although I''m able to feel every bit of raw energy around me for almost a kilometer on every side due to my skill, the atmosphere is so dense with it that it''s difficult to tell if there are monsters nearby or if they''re just thick pockets of energy.


    I continue up and down small hills and pathways within the cavern, dodging spiked pirs of jagged stone, and making sure not to touch the streams of running liquid to try and get a better view of what''s at the end.


    Once I finally reach what feels like the exit, I step through a finalyer of mist into the outside world and stare down into a valley while taking in a breath of fresh air. The exit of the cave leaves me stranded on the side of a tall mountain''s cliffside, looking down into a shadowy world below.

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    As far as I can see on both my left and right is the cliffside of other mountains, all sloping downward into the same deep valley.


    Although the air is less dense with Demonic Energy up here, I can sense there arerge pockets of close to zero energy down below in the shadows of the ravine. Above me, dark clouds fill the sky, and the iron smell is even stronger out here than within the cave. After careful consideration, I''vee to the conclusion that the water is what gives off this odd smell.


    With eyes full of curiosity, I start walking down a winding mountain path toward the bottom.


    My feet crunch against the uneven ground, and the soggy red and purple shrubbery that grew inside the cave bes even denser the further down the mountain I climb.


    Every link between Ember and the outside world ispletely severed right now. I don''t dare activate any mana-based skills until I''m sure it''s safe to do so, but just feeling the pressure around me, all my senses are screaming not to.


    Almost 30 minutes pass as I slowly make my way down the mountain, the whole time I''m on high alert, but I''ve still yet to see a single monster in here.


    "How odd..."


    Usually, I''d be met with at least one monster mindlessly charging at me by now, but not a single one makes itself known.


    The swirling purple and ck energy thins out more and more the further down I get until eventually, it''s non-existent. I step onto the t ground to take in the world below with the ominous towering mountains I just left behind me.


    There are streams of water that smell of metal that twist off into the open in-like environment as far as I can see. The only nt life grows along the water''s edge in small clumps.


    There are awkward jagged mounds of dirt and rock that rise up tens of meters in the air with the asional tree devoid of leaves. None of them grow much higher than 5 meters in height.


    An invisible pressure very simr to the one I felt when entering the portal returns as I continue taking steps forward to explore.


    The ground bes softer the further in I travel, and the smell of iron starts to turn sour. Thendscape stays exactly the same as I leave the dark mountains behind. The air is still, and the only noises I can hear are my own heartbeat, wet footsteps, and the trickling water of the streams that have separated off in many directions.


    Then, out of the corner of my eye, I finally see something out of ce.


    Arge tablet rests out in the open. It''s made of a lighter grey-colored rock that contrasts the purple and ckndscape.


    The closer I get to it, the more questions I have.


    Three holes are chiseled out in therge stone, and once I''m close enough, its size is much more impressive. The tablet stands over 3 times as tall as me, and upon further inspection, each of the holes looks like they can fit a key.


    The closer I get, the louder my heart beats in my chest. I ce a hand on the cool stone, then run my fingers up and down its smooth surface, but nothing happens.


    I''m left in silence, and take my hand off the tablet with a disappointed expression.


    However, the moment I do, it immediately pulses light purple one time before going dormant again. It was so sudden and without warning or any consequence that if I blinked, I could have missed it.


    I start to circle it with a tightened gaze, questioning if that purple pulse was my imagination or not. My eyes scan the tablet again and again, looking for any other markings or clues, bute up with nothing.


    I let out a sigh and look off deeper into the open in and talk aloud to myself.


    "Is this ce abandoned...? I must be missing something."


    Less than half a minuteter, I start to feel the ground rumble beneath my feet. At the same time, dozens of ck figures appear on the horizon.


    I try to use my maniption skill to tell how strong they are, but being so close together, it''s nearly impossible to tell.


    Nevertheless, I step forward to meet the wave of iing monsters. I was starting to think this ce was really empty, so some signs of life inside is a good thing.


    "Betterte than never."


    The ground shakes more, and water that soaks the wends beneath my feet starts to ripple and ssh around the closer the figures get. I stand in a fighting stance, channeling demonic energy through my body and squinting to get a closer look as they continue to approach at a steady speed.


    "A stampede...?"


    Once within visual range, the ck horns and the muscr bodies of dozens of bulls on all fours charge toward me. Their eyes are glowing red, and their minds are set on one task: attacking me.


    Now that they''re within my maniption range, I can feel that each of the charging bulls has around 30 to 40 units of energy inside them. So, they''ll most likely have the average strength of a level 350 monster.


    Fighting without a dagger in hand is tough, but with opponents of this strength, I''m a bit more confident.


    I run forward with energy coursing through my body, leaving a faint trail of purple and ck refined energy behind me.


    The bulls don''t flinch at my sudden charge; they continue their rampage forward until we finally meet in the center of the wide-open wends. Now that we''re closer, I count 44 of them in total.


    "Let''s do this."


    Quickly and carefully, I bob and weave through the charging beasts. They have a very hard time changing directions, so as long as my movements are fast and unpredictable, I''m not worried about getting hit by their horns.


    A demonic energy-imbued punch to the side is enough to knock one over, and even send blood flying, but surprisingly it isn''t enough to kill the first couple that Iunch attacks at.


    "Tough ones, aren''t you..."


    Seeing this fail, I resort to releasing streams of ck energy from my hands in thin des, just like I attempted the first time fighting against wolves.


    These monsters are much stronger, so I up the strength on my energy des just a bit. Roughly 5 concentrated units in a sh are just enough to cleanly cut a bull deep enough in a vital point to kill it. There''s only one downside. I have to be within about 3-4 meters of range for these attacks to be dense enough to do any damage. When further away, the refined energy disperses into ineffective mist before it hits the target.


    With my natural agility and speed advantage, this is not a crippling problem to have.


    The pack starts to grunt loudly and roar as their members are picked off one by one. Absorbing the fallen bulls'' demonic energy isn''t a simple task while dozens are still charging at me, so I resort to punching those thate near while I refill my core.


    Just 3 minutes pass, and the entire herd is dead on the damp floor, and the excess energy dissolves into the sky.


    I breathe heavily and stare down at my bloodied fists and wait for the monsters around me topletely disappear.


    As they do, small ck glossy stones are left behind. I try to use all my senses to figure out what''s so special about these stones, but just like thest few times, they appear to be just tiny obsidian-colored pebbles with no unique attributes.


    Once I begin picking them up, a roar echoes through the wends, and the air pressurepletely shifts.


    A single figurees running toward me from the same direction as the bulls. It has the same ck horns, bulky body, and red eyes. However, this one stands on two legs, wields a long sword, and around its neck, there''s a glowing purple key.

 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332


    The silhouette of an enormous Minotaur draws closer on the horizon. Its skin and fur are jet ck, and its horns glisten with their obsidian-like gloss, reflecting the crimson light from the demonic creature''s eyes back at me.


    My gaze is fixated on the glowing purple key around its neck. It''s most likely linked to one of the conditions to unlocking whatever is behind this stone.


    I lunge forward with my fists ready, and every step trailing energy behind me as I pick up speed. As we draw closer to each other, I finally manage to get a good reading on the monster''s strength as well.


    "55 units, looks like this one may not be that easy..."


    Although it''s nowhere near the goliath of a worm I ran from in the abyss a few days back, it''s no mere wolf or raging bull.


    This time around, I''m in their domain, without a weapon, and at a lower level as well.


    Fighting a monster this size and power could actually be quite the challenge, but it''s one I''m ready for.


    The wind in my face picks up as we both elerate, and once finally within range, I jump to my right side, narrowly avoiding its sword and hearing the roar of battlemence.


    I don''t bother attacking, nor do I try after it turns to run at me again.


    For the first half a dozen exchanges, I''d like to gauge its speed and movement patterns. Just from the run over, I can tell our base speed stats are simr, and from the near miss of that sword swing, our agility seems to be nearly on par as well, though I have a slight edge.


    Ind a single punch to its hind leg after dodging, and it feels like I''m hitting a brick wallyered with meat. The muscles and flesh ripple, but the monster hardly moves or reacts.


    The next exchange ends with a demonic energy sh leaving my right hand filled with double that of the bulls I fought earlier. 10 units of refined energy hit the Demonic Minotaur at point-nk range in the same ce behind its left leg.


    A deep gash opens up, but it doesn''t even hit bone, and it''s not nearly enough to slow its movements. This only angers it more.


    While watching the beast turn around, getting ready for our next exchange, I channel my maniption skill to absorb raw energy from the atmosphere above, but only manage a few units before I have to cut my concentration and dodge its next strike.


    This happens three more times before I''m back up to my full stores, but the sh on the back of my opponent''s leg seems to have closed up while I''ve taken the time to restore my energy. A scar is left behind but is quickly covered by a few wisps of purple and ck energy and the previously injured flesh looks as good as new.


    I smirk and run forward.


    "Looks like you have some tricks of your own too..."


    As time goes on, the grunts get louder, and the movements get sloppier. I manage tond 4 hits of 10 demonic energy strikes per full core, using up almost 10 units to power my movements while dodging and building up enough speed to ce attacks.


    Every time I take the time to restore all 50 units of my own raw energy from the atmosphere, the wounds on the beast somehow heal on their own.


    However, every time it heals a wound, the energy in its body depletes further and further down. This is what gives me the spirit to continue my seemingly meaningless attacks. It may look like the battle is going nowhere from the outside view, but I know it''s only a matter of time.


    Two more full cycles of my 50-unit core get drained and used, and the Minotaur continues to get angrier and angrier, swinging its de at me. The crimson eyes glow so bright with rage that the beast doesn''t even realize its energy stores have nearly run to zero, and the sh marks stop healing.


    Its movements slow, and my barrage of attacks eventually bring it to its knees.


    I use four final 10-unit shes on the same area at close range to slice its head clean off. It doesn''t budge easily, but eventually, I free the heavy chain ne from its chest. The purple glowing keynds in my grasp before it can hit the muddy ground.


    *THUD*


    The corpse of the Minotaur falls behind me and slowly starts to dissolve.


    Letting out a satisfied sigh, I start to catch my breath and slowly recharge my core while twirling the key around through my fingers.


    It glows bright purple and gives off an intense pressure around it. My gaze switches from the key, to the dissolving corpse, and to the stone tablet off in the distance.


    The sound of something sshing into water sounds out as my eyes turn back to where the fallen Minotaur was before. In its ce, a ck stone remains. I step over to pick it up and examine it.


    Unlike all the other demonic stones I''ve collected before, this one has a light purple glow to it. Wisps of energy circle around it and it gives off a pressure just like the key in my other hand.


    I grip both the stone and key tight, then start walking over to the tablet again.


    Once standing in front of it, my heart starts beating louder, but I don''t hesitate to stick the glowing key in the bottom hole and twist.


    As I do, the tablet pulses purple just like before. Then, in an instant, turns dull along with the key.


    The same rumbling is felt beneath my feet just a few secondster.


    "Just as I thought."


    I ce the glowing stone from myst battle at the base of the tablet.


    "I''ll be back here with another one soon."


    I smirk and begin running toward a stampede of bulls.


    In a matter of minutes, everyst one of them is defeated, and their small ck gems are scattered across the wends floor.


    This wave had a few bulls that were pushing 45 units, a bit more than I expected, but not more than I can handle.


    Once finished collecting all of these stones and restoring my demonic energy, the presence of another creature simr to thest boss enters my senses. The ground starts to vibrate and I feel its footsteps approaching quickly.


    As I turn my head to see what direction it''sing from, the sight of it charging toward me at less than 100 meters away gives me a bit of a shock. I put my hands up, ready to do a simr longsting battle as the previous boss, but before I can even think of which direction to dodge in, it''s already closed the gap.


    "Too fast..."


    A glossy double-sided axe swings my way through the air, and the only thing that fills my vision are the glowing red eyes and another purple key dangling from the creature''s neck as I use all my strength and demonic energy stores to jump out of the way to dodge.


    I can feel the razor-sharp edge of the de tear the back of my red robe as I roll to the floor out of the way, but am hit with a heavy fist in the stomach that''s easily 5 timesrger than my own.


    It came out of nowhere, the speed and power of this next boss are levels above thest one.


    I cough up blood while analyzing the monster before me to contain over 65 demonic energy units.


    Then, I get struck in the back before my vision goes dark.


    [You Have Died]


    ---


    My main body receives this chain of memories while burning a group of monsters in a far-off dungeon to a crisp.


    I stop mid-fight and let out a chuckle before creating a new body double to send back to Ember to report the news. After this, I air-step downward to see if any more items have dropped while talking to myself under my breath.


    "Looks like my training today isn''t over just yet... There seems to be a few more things I need to learn."

 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333


    I teleport back to the Minotaur Dungeon and recall the events inside the Demonic Realm to Ember, who replies with a sly grin and eyes full of interest.


    "So it''s a trial realm. Once the three stages of tests areplete, the realm will copse and bring you back here, I''m positive. I''ve seen these used before many times by newly ranked-up demons. They''re usually used forbat training once you reach a certain point, passing level 500 or so."


    I reply to this.


    "Training? For what? Don''t demons naturally rank up and gain levels as they guard a Labyrinth?"


    Ember replies.


    "Some do, some don''t. Others practice with trials controlled by the King, preparing for a possible future when they''re allowed back into the Demonic World. This one is one of the Tier 2 trials, three stages of waves with increasing difficulty. Rewards for trials like this would be items like the dagger you already hold, or the special Demonic Stones you mentioned dropped from the first boss."


    I ponder to myself for a moment.


    "So my dagger came from one of these realms?"


    Ember shrugs and turns to the rift.


    "It''s impossible to know. There was nothing like the Abyss in my previous knowledge, so the source could possibly be different. Times are changing. What I do know is, you''ll need to use mana and Demonic Energy to take out the opponents ahead if they''re as powerful as you say. Use the training we''ve gone through so far, but be mindful that contact with any outside Demonic energy with your active skills will cause a reaction. You''ll have to worry about other monster''s energy as well, not just your own."


    I stare down at the dagger still half-sunken into the ground by Ember''s side, then look up at the rift, deciding not to take the de with me just yet.


    "Got it. I need to do some more tests."


    Without another moment to think, I jump through the rift and start trekking through the dark cave again.


    The pathways and tunnels feel much more familiar this time around, and I make it out to the side of the mountain in a matter of minutes.


    The climb downward is much easier as well.


    Once the Demonic Energy-filled air clears up and the open field belowes into view, the stone tablet far off in the distance is visible to the naked eye. Not too far from it, a Minotaur almost double the tablet''s size begins running toward me.


    "Good. The trials don''t restart. The second boss is still here. It can sense me from here too..."


    I run forward and attempt my first mana-imbued skill attempt, activating berserker, bloodlust, and extreme strength to boost my movement speed and many other stat points. The red and golden aura that forms around me manages to stay active while I reach into my item storage and pull out the duplicated me Emperor''s sword.


    With each step closer I take, my anticipation grows.


    My recent increase in speed and ability to use buffs allows me to perceive the enormous ck creature in front of me. My left eye continues to watch the demonic energy swirling around the massive monster that runs my way.


    I make it down the mountain entirely and begin charging my sword.


    I decide not to air-step right away unless necessary because there''s no mana in the air. Previously, I tested absorbing duplicated mana crystals on a body double, and it didn''t work as well as I hoped. The crystals dissolve upon absorption and don''t add any MP to my body or status.


    My full bar is all I have to work with right now, so it''s best not to waste anything.


    Eventually, Ie within attacking range and let a low-powered mana-based strike fly toward the demonic monster.


    It''s initially just a test to see if I can evenunch an attack like this in here, but also I''m trying to gauge the new monster''s real reflex speed and note down its movement patterns.


    As the flickering de of fire soars toward the monster, it ducks and sidesteps with ease, hardly changing its forward momentum one bit.


    In reaction, I don''t flinch either and keep running forward at its iing double-ded axe.


    Just like ourst encounter, I dodge its downward strike, but with much more ease this time around because of my mana-buffs, and let out a sh of fire at its back.


    A smirk creeps across my face as I use a small pocket of air magic to propel myself away faster and watch sparks begin to form where my mana makes contact.


    The loud roar of an injured beast rings out.


    "In the end, you were no match."


    I whisper under my breath as I turn around, but the sight before me doesn''t match the sound of the roar.


    Arge gash is visible in the monster''s hide, but the sparks are starting to fizzle out and there''s no sign of my fiery strike ever being there. No burns, nor excess residue is visible on the beast. All that remains is a wound that barely goes as deep as bone, and the light crackle of a few sparks remaining before the reaction goes out entirely.


    "W-wait, how?"


    My mind doesn''t register what happens at first, and I nearly get hit by the next charge by the beast but use another few dozen MP of wind magic to jump up high enough in the air to dodge.


    I shake my head and get back into battle mode, releasing another mana de with a few hundred MP worth of energy down at the Minotaur.


    "I''ll figure out your weakness soon enough."


    Five more exchanges go by and I continue tond hits on the beast''s blind spots as it tries to attack me.


    The speed and power of this creature are quite frightening. Even when using my mana-powered buffs, our speed and agility stats are nearly even. My only advantage is the use of wind magic to get out of its way in a bind.


    Pure strength and attack power, it''s got me totally beat. As seen from ourst exchange, one hit from that axe and I''m dead.


    So far, I''vended 7 clean fire-imbued mana des on the creature''s chest and back, and the same thing keeps happening.


    Upon impact, there''s a huge explosion of sparks, but once all of the mana is disintegrated, the demonic energy swirling around the monster remains.


    Unlike how even a tiny bit of demonic energy hits mana, it destroys everything it touches; when mana hits demonic energy, it only destroys enough to get rid of the mana itself.


    "This is going to be a lot tougher than I thought."


    With half a bar of MP remaining, I continue to wear the beast down. Its movements are getting much slower, but not at the same rate as me. I''m going to have to think of something new if I want to kill this beast in one shot.


    In between my next few attacks, I try a few demonic energy shes at close range too. The amount of damage one 10-unit sh causes is minuscule whenpared to the destructive force of a 100-200MP mana de. It''s hard to get close enough for Demonic Energy to be effective, but I continue to try. The Demonic Energy in the air high above can replenish my core while I have no mana avable to continuously charge this source.


    However, on myst demonic energy attempt, the Minotaur catches on and turns its gaze toward me mid-stride.


    Before I can think twice about changing my trajectory, its axe has shifted directions and ising straight at my right side.


    Thinking fast, I reflexively activate Dungeon Walker to teleport out of the way.


    Air-step would not be fast enough, and I haven''t tested a demonic de on mana de contact yet. I''m not 100% confident in its ability to block an iing attack.


    "Dungeon Walker-"


    "Dungeon-"


    "D-"


    The moment it activates, there aren''t any points to warp to. This skill doesn''t work in here. My mind is nk, and I grit my teeth. The second-best option will have to do.


    Reluctantly, I swing my sword up to block the axe before ites crashing down on me while summoning a barrier of pink mana along its edges for extra support.


    A loud crackle and twang ring out in the air as I drain my MP stores down to under 15%.


    The explosion of sparks and immense pressure released sts me backward over 20 meters, and I air step upward to get out of range from the mad monster''s attack radius.


    My expression is filled with frustration and a hint of anger, but deep beneath my eyes, there''s a glint of pure battle-hungry glee.


    Though, that shimmer in my eyes may just be the reflection of the sparks crackling off the tip of my shattered sword. Half of it has disintegrated in the st and is slowly moving downward toward the handle.


    My gaze points down to the monster''s weapon that has suffered a simr fate. Arge chunk of the ck axe de is missing, as well as one of its long glossy horns atop its head that got caught in the st.


    I throw the de to the ground as it crackles away into nothingness and reach into my item storage to grab my wind dagger.


    Using its special perk, I separate the weapon into two parts to grip one in each hand while quickly air-stepping back down to the ground to conserve the small amount of mana I have left.

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334


    With only a few hundred MP remaining, I rush at my opponent with two wind daggers in my grasp. The remaining raw energy inside the monster I run toward is just over a third of what it started with.


    If I continue using my mana at the same rate, with the same strategies, I''ll surely lose. I need to get up close and try a more powerful technique. One that can finish it off in a single shot.


    With this in mind, the next time I narrowly avoid the Minotaur''s axe and air step away, I continue my upward trajectory to position myself dangerously close to the beast.


    I haven''t let my usual shot of energy off yet. I''m still charging everything I have into both my des. Thisck of attack notifies the monster that I''m doing something different, it instantly catches on.


    I hear a grunt as it quickly turns my way with an upward swing of its axe.


    With everyst drop of MP going into my daggers, I swing down, pointing at the side of the demonic creature''s neck while the sharp side of its axe slices me clean in two.


    The final thing I see is an explosion of sparks, and the head of the beast topple off its neck.


    [You Have Died]


    ---


    The memories alle back to me as I finish up farming another quest in one of the level 100-150 dungeons. I chuckle to myself while making another body double.


    "That''s one way to do it."


    At the same time, I reach into my inventory and take out about 30k MP worth of crystals to give to my double before it teleports back to Ember in the Minotaur dungeon. That''s over 10 full recharges. Ifck of MP is the issue, this should be enough for my next opponent


    Then, I get back to farming. Only a third of the quests remain, and I alreadypleted the hardest and highest paying ones. At this rate, I''ll finish every one of them before the sunes up.


    ---


    I carefully separate the real mana crystals in my item storage, not mixing them up with the duplicate copies. To the naked eye, the duplicates look exactly the same, but under any amount of mana control or perception skills, it''s clear they''re fakes.


    After reporting the events of myst fight to Ember, I jump back into the rift to see what exactly happened after the fight.


    Less than half an hour passes before I find the second glowing purple key on the ground. It glows even brighter, and right next to it on a path of crimson-colored shrubbery is another Demonic Stone the size of my entire palm.


    It glows the same purple color and gives off a simr invisible pressure.


    With a grin across my face, I walk over to the stone tablet and ce my winnings from the second battle next to the other one on the ground below before twisting the next key into the middle hole.


    I have to hover about a meter off the ground to ce the key inside, as it''s fairly high up in the air.


    Once I do, the purple pulse repeats just like before, then the entire tablet goes dull.


    A rumble immediately shakes the ground, and a herd of bullses charging my way. From here, it looks and feels like nearly a hundred of them this time around.


    I run at them and start the third wave.


    No more than 5 minutes pass before everyst mob is dead on the floor. Every one of them was between 40 and 50 units. I decide to use my wind daggers to make things quicker. I don''t need to use much MP at all, and one wind sh can take out multiple.


    The small ck stones that drop to the floor without even a hint of purple glow after they all dissolve are disappointing, but at least I''m warmed up for the main event with over 90% of my MP stores remaining.


    As I turn around while catching my breath, the presence of a single beast fills my senses.


    "It''s here."


    With 75 units of raw demonic energy swirling through its body, the outline of a shadowy Minotaur appears on the horizon of the realm.


    Before I can even grip my des and prepare myself to fight, its outline disappears from sight.


    I immediately turn on my mana senses and full buffs to jump in the air with my air-steps, then the overwhelming presence and pressure of a powerful being surges beneath me. It seemed to be using a teleport skill at first, but once I use all my senses to perceive it, the monster just ran at me too fast for my unaided eyes to see.


    It stands over 10 times my height and wields two long ck swords that reflect its glowing red eyes in their glossy shine. The final purple key rests around its neck.


    Two enormous twisting hornse off its head, and the entirety of its body is pouring out refined energy. The monster before me came in aggressive from the start, using demonic speed buffs and swinging its swords in an elegant disy.


    If I didn''t instinctively jump in the air with magic once the Minotaur left my vision, I''d undoubtedly be defeated already.


    Gritting my teeth, I still let off two high-powered mana des in its direction, but before they even make it halfway to its neck, the beast turns and makes eye contact with me before dodging and pointing its two des in my direction.


    To my surprise, the swords in its hands begin to glow purple, the same color as the key around its neck.


    The next thing I witness is it swinging both des across its body in synchronicity, and a purple crescent of light shrouded in darkness with ck energy trailing behind it erupts from the Minotaur''s weapons.


    "An energy attack...?"


    It looks just like my mana des, but is clearly made of Demonic Energy. It''s charged to glow bright purple, unlike when I release dark ck refined energy straight from my hands. I''ve seen a simr effect take ce in my dagger, but have never been able to send it flying from the de like this before.


    All I can think to do is send my own attack back and move out of the way.


    With arge amount of my remaining MP, I air step away from the st and send a white crescent of my air magic back at it to further propels me out of the way as I watch an eruption of sparks destroy my full-powered attack.


    In less than a second, my energy de ispletely destroyed, and over half of the demonic energy de''s size still remains as it rockets further into the sky.


    My gaze locks onto the Minotaur again, and I see it powering up another attack.


    I''m nowhere near its speed on the ground, and I''m a sitting duck in the sky.


    Taking a quick nce at my MP bar, it''s already below half. I try to air-step further away to catch my breath ande up with a strategy to take on this new opponent, but there''s no time to think.


    The murderous roar of the final Demonic Boss echoes all throughout the realm and another full-powered shes flying my way.

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335


    Thinking fast, I use up my remaining MP stores tobat the second iing Demonic Energy de.


    There''s just enough time for me to use the propulsion of my strike to move myself out of the way, and a simr disy of sparks erupts in the sky.


    "Not good..."


    My MP remaining is at less than 5%, and using Demonic Energy against an opponent like this is pointless unless I can figure out how to charge my attacks like his swords do.


    Bringing my dagger into this realm has its own risks. If I lose it, I''m not sure I''ll easily be able to find another one. I have to be absolutely sure I can defeat this monster before gambling with a weapon so unique. The only thing I should focus on right now is the monster''s movements, and try tond an attack to gauge its strength and see how many it will take to defeat it.


    With this in mind, I air step into the air and open my item storage to pull out a few thousand MP worth of mana crystals to recharge my magic.


    The moment the pink gems touch my skin and the absorption process begins, the crackle of sparks starting to form on my contact point makes my stomach drop. My gaze turns to witness my MP bar not budge even slightly, the roar of the Minotaur below me sounds for the iing Energy de to finish me off in an instant.


    [You Have Died]


    I make another double to send myself back to the rift.


    Ember greets me before I jump in.


    "Back so soon? I take it the final boss is more difficult than you thought."


    My mind is moving in a million directions trying toe up with a way to actually harm the beast in that rift. I fill Ember in on what urred, and my list of potential battle strategies for the next few attempts. He thinks to himself for a moment before replying.


    "That does sound like a good n. Have a few battles using every trick you''ve got to learn its attack patterns and look for a weakness. A 75-unit Final Boss is a difficult task, but I don''t think it''s impossible. Just be wary, monsters of this tier if left to their own means for long enough will get stronger on their own. I wouldn''t be surprised if it tried to cause a rift break by absorbing the Demonic Energy inside and focusing it on a single point to make a tear if you don''t keep it busy."


    My eyes widen but Ember keeps talking through our link.


    "It shouldn''t be a problem as long as you take care of it today, there''s plenty of time. Just, not an unlimited amount of it."


    I turn back to the rift, but ask a final question before stepping forward.


    "How about my mana problem, is there really no way to absorb it without setting off the reaction? It doesn''t make any sense. Why am I able to use my buffs and regr skills without a problem, but the crystals I used immediately backfired on me?"


    Ember replies.


    "I for one have never attempted to absorb mana in a demonic realm, there''s never been any need to do so. I have a theory as to why the realm can''t handle mana in its purest form, and there is a way to mask it along with your aura. This may make the absorption process possible. However, there isn''t enough time to teach you mana suppression before this rift breaks down. You''ll need a much higher mana control to learn such techniques."


    I let out a sigh and jump through.


    "So it looks like I''ll just have to work with what I''ve got for now."


    Although this new technique of mana suppression sounds interesting, Ember knows my strength well. If I''m not strong enough to handle it yet, it can''t help me for the time being."


    I make it through the cave in a matter of minutes and jump down the side of the mountain using up tiny amounts of mana to safely make my way to the bottom. It may be a small waste of magic, but time is of the essence here. Burning through a few MP is worth it if I get a few more fights in against the enormous beast that''s been patiently waiting for me in the open field.


    The second Ie into its view, the monster dashes over with blinding speed and glowing swords. I take out my wind daggers and attempt a few attacks.


    The next two hours go by in a sh.


    After 5 body double deaths and just over 20 shes from the Minotaur, I''vee to the conclusion that this is going to be close to impossible.


    Its speed and power are too overwhelming. Every single base stat of the monster in front of me is higher than my own, even with my buffs activated. It''s not that its using any unique skill I can''t handle, it just has be outssed on natural abilities in every category.


    I attempt to use my Red Hydra''s Rage, but it doesn''t even show up in my status. This is most likely because as long as my main body is conscious, its mental strength stat will be higher and therefore the holder of the buff.


    With an increase in stats like that, I may have a fighting chance, but as I am right now, it''s starting to seem hopeless as I haven''t evennded a single bit of damage, nor have I even fully destroyed one of its energy des.


    "Well, I might as well see if this will work."


    On my next attempt, I go in with one mission: tond some damage by any means necessary. I want to see if I can make this monster bleed, and possibly wear it down more and more one battle at a time.


    After running through the caves and jumping down the mountain, I aim straight for the boss with my [Instant Finale] ranked-up buff ready to use.


    After narrowly dodging one sh, I don''t duck for cover, I continue forward and activate all the remaining mana in my body to let out a sh of white explosive light.


    I hear the monster roar, but everything goes ck before I can see the aftermath. My memories are transferred back to my main body and I make another double to repeat the process. Quickly, I run back into the rift to see if my attacknded and have my buff ready for another just in case I need to use it again.


    The burnt flesh and injured left side of the beast that I see once breaking through the Demonic Energy cloudline brings a smile to my face.


    Although, the wisps of ck and purple energying from the clouds above down to the beast and the slowly healing flesh is not at all what I wanted to witness following.


    Still, I charge forward and manage to pull off another [Instant Finale], making the beast roar out in pain.


    It got very used to my old attack strategies, making it impossible tond a hit. After a few attempts, it catches onto what I''m doing here too, but it''s clear the beast does notprehend how I''ve managed toe back to fight it again and again.


    All it knows is it needs to avoid getting hit and heal as much as it can before the next energy stes to meet it.


    Nevertheless, Ie running through the rift and back down the mountain again for a third time to witness the scarring and damaged flesh on its right side from my second attack. This excites me. However, its left side from my first is almost healed entirely. I set off another self-destruct move again, aiming straight for its nearly healed side.


    It''s a sess, but ining back for a fourth time, I find that now its right side has nearly healed too.


    Although I managed tond some hits, this endless cycle will only anger the beast more and won''t end in its demise. I''m traveling as fast as I can and using my full power every time, there''s no attack more powerful and mana efficient than this.


    The timeg between each of my deaths is too long. I''m going to have to risk more than just a body double to win this fight.

 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336


    After being defeated a few more times, and even managing tond a few regr mana hits on the monster to gauge its strength further at the cost of valuable positioning that resulted in being defeated momentster, I''vee to a conclusion.


    I stand outside the rift with my hands on my hips in my true form, not bothering to make another body double just yet. I''ve finished every quest and have all the item dropped stored away in my item storage, and the only thing left to do is clear this rift. I recall the events of myst few battles to Ember, then let out a sigh.


    "I won''t be able to beat this monster in my doubled form if I want to take it out by sunrise. I''m not fast enough, nor strong enough, and don''t have the means to defeat it with this nerfed strength."


    My eyes wander down to my dagger stuck in the dungeon floor, and I hear a reply.


    "Based on what you''ve told me so far, it seems like you just need a little boost. Your base form is much stronger and has ess to the Red Hydra''s buff. It may be a tougher battle, but I see you winning it, no question. I''ll even join you inside the rift now that we know exactly what we''re working with."


    I nod while bending down to grip the ck dagger.


    "Are you sure the buff won''t react in the same way mana crystals did when I absorbed them? This is the only part of all this that I''m hesitant on."


    "Soul Energy cannot be destroyed by Demonic Energy. Whatever skills were safe before will be safe while using the buff as well. Plus, like I said, I''lle along and help if you need. We''ll call this battle the grand finale of your training session today. I think you''re going to be surprised at how far you''vee."


    I twirl the ck dagger through my fingers, then make a body double before walking through the rift.


    "I''ll need all the help I can get. I want to see what reward I''ll receive for winning a final boss match like this."


    After this, I''m transported into the Demonic Realm with a body double on my left side and Ember on my right.


    We begin venturing through the cave to face the final boss. Maybe ever since thisbyrinth run, I''ve been too dependent on my body double. It is a great tool to use for information gathering and help with some leveling and item farming in the future, but there are some opponents that need my full strength.


    I take my walk through the cave and down the mountain a bit slower this time around, and for the first time, properly channel demonic energy into my real body.


    The sensation feels exhrating. Unlike my double, this body allows me to hold over 55 units in my core. I can already feel the difference.


    As we get down to the bottom of the mountain, and away from the dense clouds of raw energy, I begin to focus my own into just my left side like in training. With the rest of my body, I activate the full force of my buffs and perception skills as the sound of the Minotaur''s roars fills our ears.


    Ember ps his wide ck scaled wings, flying in the direction of our enemy, while my double charges forward to be a distraction.


    My eyes stay locked on the beast as ites forward.


    Even now, with a small boost in stats, its movements don''t look as unbeatable as they once were.


    I take a deep breath in and out, then whisper under my breath.


    "I only have one chance this time, so I have to make every strike count."


    As these words leave my lips, a ck wave of fire leaves Ember''s mouth, and I watch him send a ball of ck Demonic Energy from his right front ws.


    I grin and activate my Red Hydra''s Rage Buff, then run forward at the towering monster that begins throwing an energy attack at my body double.


    The glowing purple crescent of charged Demonic Energy cuts through the air, but as the crimson power of my buff envelops my entire body, it seems like everything around me has slowed down almost by three times.


    The de soaring toward my double seems easy to dodge, but my copy releases an immense amount of MP to st out of the way.


    As soon as this happens, the wave of fire from the dragon in the sky rains down on the Minotaur, burning off ayer of its flesh with sparks and the Demonic Energy attacks that follow do a bit of damage too.


    Ember''s attacks from the sky do a simr amount of damage as my body double''s self-destruct move. Strong, but it would still take over a dozen of them consecutively to put this beast in bad condition.


    Seeing this, I run forward. The Demonic Minotaur does the same, bursting through a wall of ck mes and sparks. It has disregarded the small amount of damage from the mes to focus on the real enemy before it.


    Its glowing purple swords are both swung toward me, but it''s now even a challenge for me to dodge. I easily change my trajectory with a side step and use a small amount of air magic to twist out of its way.


    In doing this, I see the monster''s blind spot for a split second and release a wave of mana-imbued fire wrapped in the Red Hydra''s Aura straight toward the beast''s back.


    It slices through the air without a sound and cuts cleanly through the monster''s hide without a single spark.


    My eyebrows raise in confusion, then the explosion of flesh, mes, and sparks that follow exhrate me more.


    The soul energy covering the de didn''t react with the Demonic Energy one bit, slicing through the monster''s flesh without causing a reaction at all, but once inside the energies escaped and an eruption of its full power could not be held within.


    Another murderous roar from the beast shakes the very floor we stand on, but my body double has already sent a few more attacks in as a distraction for the monster to easily block with its purple des.


    As the residue clears, the creature turns to me. The look in its eyes tells me it won''t underestimate me again. However, the Demonic Energy attempting to heal its wounded back will not be enough to heal it in time like our previous brawls. The attack it just took head-on expelled over 25% of the energy in its body.


    If the boss is anything like the previous few, that means 3 more hits like this will end the fight.


    I grip my dagger in my left hand and ming sword in my right and run forward again, releasing a wave of mes straight at it.


    Even with my stat buff advantage, at this distance, the monster has more than enough time to dodge and throw a counter, but that''s exactly what I''m hoping for.


    A de of its own energyes my way, but I jump high in the air and move to the right side as I see Embering up behind it on my left.


    The dragon in the sky releases a wall of mes behind the beast so that when Ie in close and dodge its next iing swings, the creature has nowhere to hide.


    Ind another perfect sh on its blind spot.


    However, this time around it pushes through the pain and throws around a counter with its swords alone at me.


    I could burn through MP to air-step away, but I can sense its strength and decide to take it head-on.


    Raising my Dagger in the air, I''ve had it charged to full saturation this entire time ready for a moment like this.


    I hold the jet-ck de covered in a veil of red light above my head to block both of the enormous purple swordsing down toward me.


    The pulsing light from the key around its neck and its two des are strong. Musch stronger than my own dagger, but with my vision tinted red by the buff covering my body, I let out a yell of my own to match its roar while pushing through and overpowering its sh. Raw strength, and the positioning of my de out maneuvers its counter. The beast stumbles backward, and I take this opportunity to release a mana-based attack at its front side.


    A ck de of mes covered in an ominous red aura enters its chest and disappears entirely for a fraction of a second.


    Next, a golden glowes from within, lighting up the sh mark like a crack in the earth and the rapid explosion of mana and demonic energy follows outward.


    I air-step back while sending out more attacks straight toward the source, adding to the intense mes, sparks, and growing cloud of red aura residue. Despite this barrage, the faint purple glow of its charged des at the explosion''s center still remains.

 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337


    My eyes dart back and forth, watching both my body double and Ember on either side of the beast. The growing explosion of sparks and red aura from myst barrage of attacks is gettingrger, and I feel an ominous pressure emerge from the Minotaur taking my hits head-on.


    Gritting my teeth, and looking down at my MP bar that''s just fallen below 30% of its remaining stores, I decide I need to finish this now.


    I don''t know what kind of hidden ability or special ending move this boss has, and I don''t n to give it time to show me.


    I yell through my link to Ember as well as my body double while charging everything I have into my ming sword.


    "We''re finishing this right now, everything you''ve got before it has a moment to recover."


    The enormous ck dragon in the sky releases a wall of mes over twice the thickness as before, and my double charges in, glowing white, to explode at the center.


    I grin while swinging my ming sword across my body and letting out a final sh with nearly every bit of MP left in me.


    A glimmer of the beast''s glowing red eyes can be seen through the debris, and the crossing of both its purple swords appear in the trajectory of my attack.


    An earth shaking sh rings out and the two swords are shattered to pieces as my final wave of crimson and ck mana-imbued fire slices the final boss in two.


    Simultaneously, it flies backward into Ember''s wave of mes, and the destructive force of my double adds to the magnificent disy. The same golden crack in its chest like my previous strike starts to form, but this time it''s followed by the release of a ball of energy that cracks the ground with a shock wave.


    I''m thrown backward by the st, and everything within 20 meters of the monster is decimated.


    The streams of water are evaporated and the ground below is dug out for many meters down in a huge crater.


    I still grip my dagger and sword tight, on guard for if anything happens next, but eventually see the dust settle and the burnt flesh and shattered des all remain in a ckened pile.


    Ember ps his wings slowly, hovering in the air high above it all, and I creep forward after confirming there''s nothing left of the final monster.


    "We did it... just like that...?"


    As the purple glimmer of the final key and arge purple stone make themselves known beneath the dissolving remnants of the beast, I let out a sigh and deactivate all my buffs.


    The immense fatigue and pain throughout my body that follows is far worse than I expected...


    I take a step forward to continue and collect my loot, but both of my feet feel as if boulders are tied to each of them.


    My shoulders droop and my eyelids are so heavy that they shut on instinct as I drop to my knees and let the dagger and sword in my hands hit the floor.


    I cough up blood and grunt but manage to stay conscious through the pain.


    It''s just the side effects of my Red Hydra''s buff, but don''t have Abby to heal me at a moment like this.


    Ember flies down to meet me by my side.


    "The battle is over, you did well."


    I hear his voice in my head, and want to keep my eyes shut and fall asleep, but decide to ignore my instincts and power through.


    "It''s not over just yet. There''s onest thing to do."


    Pushing myself up off the ground with closed fists, I ce my dagger and sword back in my item storage before walking over to the ce where the monster was in.


    The movements feel like I''m lugging around so much extra weight that my feet have to be dragged and my bones ache more with every step, but once I set my mind on what I need to do, I put myself into a tunnel vision trance-like state to get it done.


    I''m sure once out of this realm, I''ll be able to heal myself without a problem.


    I tighten my grasp around the key and enormous stone, and stare down at both of them.


    Ember''s voice echoes in my head again.


    "Let me take you to the tablet. The hard part is done, we can leave now and you can im your rewards."


    Turning to my right, I see his ck scaled wing and walk up to hop on his back.


    We soar through the air for a moment before touching down in front of the tablet with a final keyhole remaining.


    I pick up the two other stones from my previous fights, then Ember lifts me up to eye level with the final hole to insert the key and turn it in ce. With a click, the curved stone glows bright purple like it has many times before. This time, however, it stays glowing for much longer and doesn''t go out after a single pulse.


    In this moment, my eyes don''t have any trouble staying focused on the events taking ce in front of me. All I see is the purple light grow brighter and brighter until it''s almost white.


    As the light grows, the area around me starts to fade from view. Eventually, I begin to feel the same weightless sensation I felt when entering this rift for the first time.


    I hold my breath, and look back and forth over both shoulders as we''re transported back into the grassy and rocky Minotaur dungeon we initially came from like nothing happened.


    The moment mana fills my senses, I immediately begin to plunder it from the dungeon around me and activate my self-regeneration skill to repair the small amount of mana fatigue I can manage.


    It helps a bit, but does not do much to negate the effects of this buff''s aftermath.


    Regardless, I stare down at the 3 purple stones that still glow bright on the rocky dungeon floor. They range from the size of a small fruit I could hold in my palm, to the final boss'' crystal beingrger in diameter than my entire open hand.


    Each of them has their own unique shape, with jagged glossy ck edges, but their cores all glow bright purple with a hint of white light deep within.


    While fully consumed in these item drops, wondering what I''ll be able to do with these stones, Ember brings two other items to my attention.


    Off to my left, there''s a small ck key along with a ring of the same color. They both look exactly like they''re made from the same material as my dagger, and they fell from the rift after itpletely copsed.


    Taking these 5 items, I store them all in my item storage to examine once I have a clearer head. Now isn''t the time to experiment.


    I may be tired, but the grin across my face confirms that this mission isplete.


    After attempting to use lifesteal for extra HP, but it having no effect because I''m already at a full bar, as well as my Hibernation skill oddly giving me no messages stating there is anything wrong with my body, the only other option on my mind is to sleep.


    Without another thought, I hop on Ember''s back and do exactly that. He ps his wings and brings us high in the air above the dungeon''s cloudline and out of sight. It feels like the natural thing to do before the sun rises. I''ll need to be in better shape before I can hand in my quest rewards at the mercenary bar in the morning.

 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338


    I finally open my eyes after a long rest and am greeted by Ember as I do.


    "Good morning, you''ve gotten back into your habit of oversleepingtely."


    The white clouds and crisp air of the dungeon''s sky brushes past my face at a calm speed.


    I stretch to rub my face, but the feeling of pins and needles all over my body makes my movements much more difficult.


    Even so, it''s not nearly as bad as before I knocked out. Letting out a light cough and feeling the soreness in my abs squeeze tight as I sit up, I reply to Ember.


    "How long was I out...? don''t tell me it was longer than a day."


    The grumble of hunger from my stomach and dry mouth tell a different story.


    There''s a chuckle from Ember, but he replies in a half-serious tone moments after.


    "Just over three days... That Red Hydra Buff is more dangerous than I thought. It may give you power, but if we''re alone on the battlefield, you''re going to have to use it only when absolutely necessary. These side effects aren''t something you can afford to deal with on a whim. If I were to absorb one, I''d wait until my next rank up before even thinking about attempting it."


    I nod, biting my bottom lip. Ember has a point. His statement makes me rethink asking him to absorb thest remaining Soulstone. If even he thinks it''s too dangerous, I won''t push him to do it either. Ember is naturally powerful enough without it. I''ll have to save it for when he''s ready and really needs it.


    Considering this fact, there are two other main things that are less urgent but still lurk at the back of my mind. The first is my trip to Valor City is dyed. Although my hibernation was cut short, I did tell my teammates it''d take over a full week, so this detour actually evens things out.


    The second thing is I won''t get to show off to the bartender that I cleared every quest in a single night. Three days will have to do, it''s probably far less suspicious this way too.


    I smile at the thought, then anotheres to mind.


    "The loot!"


    With my eyes wide open in anticipation, I reach into my item storage and pull out everything that dropped in the Demonic Rift.


    Sitting on Ember''s back while clouds still pass me on both sides, I carefully examine the three obsidian-textured purple stones first, and ce the small ck key and smooth ring beside them to check outst.


    I use all of my perception skills, but not a single detailes up. When activating my Demonic Energy maniption skill, I feel an eerie pressureing off each of them unlike anything the regr non-glowing ck stones showed before.


    Even so, I can''t absorb any energy from them, or even get a hint at what these rocks can do.


    Letting out a sigh, I open my link with Ember.


    "Do you know anything about these gems? You mentioned each boss would drop them before... but I can''t figure out what they do."


    "Tier 2 Demonic Stones? What can you do with them? Ha! All sorts of things..."


    My eyebrows raise as Ember goes on.


    "That is... if you were a true Demonic Monster. I don''t think you''ll have the ability to fuse with these stones without giving up your ability to wield mana as your base power source. So, I don''t rmend it."


    My excitement leaves me as fast as it came, but Ember keeps exining.


    "However, I have heard of master craftsmen fusing stones like these into armor and weapons. Simr to your Firestones and The me Emperor''s Sword. Certain Demonic items are capable of being upgraded too."


    At this news, I activate my Mythic Grade crafting skill and reach into my item storage to pull out my dagger.


    Going through a process like this never urred to me, but now that I think about it...


    "My dagger can turn into a weapon like that Minotaur''s swords."


    The moment these words leave my mouth, I activate my Demonic Energy vision in my left eye out of instinct, and keep all my perception skills active in my right.


    Instead of blue text, I can see faint system messages popping up over the dagger in light purple text as well.


    It works all the same as the mana system.


    The actions happen in real time. The item in front of me is re-named to [The Midnight Dagger] and a series of options to upgrade it pop up just like with my sword.


    I pick up the purple stones, and just as Ember said, [Tier 2 Demonic Stones] pop up as their identity in the system.


    Upgrade Item: [The Midnight Dagger]


    Additional Raw Imbuement Material: [3x Tier 2 Demonic Stones]


    Additional Skill or Special Attribute Imbuement: [See Avable]


    Stat Bonus: [+15 Units Capacity]


    Complete: [YES][NO]


    My eyes are glued to the text before me.


    I don''t utter a word, just read the system messages over and over to make sense of it.


    I click into [See Avable] and the only skill that pops up is Demonic Energy Maniption. Seeing no downsides to this, I choose to ept here too. Then, pick [YES].


    A sh of blue, purple, and white light glows bright in front of me and the gems in my hands start to fuse into the dagger.


    I try to use my All-Seeing Eye to understand the process, but even to my refined gaze, it just seems like energy is swirling faster and faster until it stops.


    Once it does, the white light dissipates, and all that remains is a weapon before me.


    "It''s different... but I like it..."


    Grinning, I grip the new de in my hand tight. It looks as if it''s grown almost 30%rger, and its ck color is somehow even darker than before.


    I try to focus and find a pocket of demonic energy around to test it out, but to my surprise, there isn''t a drop remaining in this dungeon.


    It all must have left with the rift. Even the small amount of energy I had in my core has dissolved away as I slept.


    Nevertheless, I still stare down at the new de in awe, wondering how this rise in capacity will affect its use.


    I know the previous capacity was 5 units, and when I wielded it fully, it allowed me to battle with 60 units total. Without the de in my hand, my attacks and pool of Demonic Energy was a small amount less dense, making my use less efficient. With another boost of 15, making its capacity 20 in total, that brings my full wielding capacity up to 75 units. The same as the Minotaur I just defeated...


    This leaves me with some questions.


    With this new weapon upgrade, will I be able to send out energy attacks like the Demonic Boss? If so, does this mean my strength while using Demonic Energy alone has increased close to the strength of that beast too?


    With these, and many other questions racing through my mind, I still ce the Dagger back into my storage.


    "There will be time to figure these things outter."


    My eyes fall to the key and ring next.


    I try a simr technique of using inspect and appraisal while activating my demonic vision on these items, but they don''t show any signatures or readings back at all.


    I throw them into my crafting skill, and still have no results either.


    After a few minutes of tinkering, I decide it''s a lost cause and ask Ember after cing them both into my storage too. He responds.


    "The ring, I''m not too sure of. You may need to channel Demonic Energy into it to find out its power. That key on the other hand is definitely a Rift Key."


    "A Rift Key...?."


    "It''s a sign that you''vepleted the Demonic Rift trial. If you hold onto it, that key may open up another trial if you channel enough energy into it."


    My eyes light up at the thought, but Ember shuts me down instantly.


    "Don''t even think about it. Considering the strength of the one you just faced, the next trial will most likely be a Tier 3 rift. You''ll need to get much stronger before trying something like that. I''ve seen a few Tier 3 trials in my day, but haven''t met a Demon capable of passing the test. Don''t lose that key, I can only imagine what kind of loot it''ll drop."


    This upgrade to my Demonic gear, and possibilities of future treasures puts a smile across my face. Both of us are in great spirits as we near the exit portal of the dungeon.


    Once we touch down, I open up my storage for Ember to enter, then I step out through the blue exit portal with my next mission on my mind.


    I''ll be handing in my quests back at the bar.

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339


    I walk out from the dungeon hub square, and the early morning sun shines down on Sra.


    The guard outside gives me a nod, followed by a weird look as he doesn''t recognize me. It''s not unusual for hunters to stay overnight in dungeons. It''s easy to assume I entered when he wasn''t on his shift. He shrugs and continues on with his day.


    With this, I look out at the city with a brand new disguise but still keep my red hood covering my face.


    My muscles are pretty sore, but I manage to still walk down the streets at a moderate pace without signs of any limp or slowness. If I were to jump back into battle right now, it would be a bit more painful, but I''d be able to fight at 90% power without much problem.


    Although I may feel a bit better, it doesn''t mean I''m not exhausted for the time being. I drink some water and left over food in my item storage on the way. It perks me up a bit.


    Minutester, I walk through the front doors of the bar and see the same middle-aged bartender talking to a few lower-level hunters at the side table he mentioned to me a few days back.


    The bar, once crowded with almost a hundred hunters and tables full of multicolored cocktails and drinks with shing lights and full ofughs, is nowpletely empty.


    As I walk closer, the man and woman turn away from the bartender at the side tables with a few handfuls of silver each and smiles across their faces as they pass me. A voice sounds out in the calmness of the morning.


    "I recognize that quality of red cloak you''ve got there, son. You''re the hunter that wanted to make his way to Valor City a few days back. I knew you were just messing with me when you said you''d show back up the next day with all the questspleted."


    He lets out a chuckle, and I y along while reaching under my cloak to grab the quest papers.


    "Yeah, something came up. However, I do have them allpleted for you now. Three days wasted is still better than taking the train."


    I smirk and ce the pile of papers onto the counter.


    His eyes widen with surprise, then tighten with suspicion. The battle-seasoned bartender sifts through each of the papers one by one, reading them and doing math in his head.


    "Yeah right... These are quests for thousands of the highest-tier beasts in the city. It would take a team of our best fighters months to finish all these. There''s no way-"


    *THUD*


    I begin pulling out the Minotaur horns first, stacking the ck and red shimmering high-grade items in a pile on the bar''s wooden floor.


    It begins to creak under the pressure, and my thin smile grows the longer he''s left speechless.


    The man keeps his mouth open in shock, but doesn''t say a word until I turn and start pulling out piles of rat ws and turtle shells next.


    I can hear wood splintering under the weight, and he puts his hands up.


    "H-Hold on a moment, let me get some item boxes from the back. We can store and count these for you in a moment."


    The bartender runs into a backroom andes out a few minutester with a handful of small item boxes along with a kid no more than 16 years old wearing an apron. The dishwasher came out to help with the extra work.


    We begin going through every quest from top to bottom. The highest paying ones like the Minotaur horns and bulk mana crystals pay out a few dozen gold each, while the middle-ranged quests pay tens of silver to a few gold coins, andstly, some smaller ones are just a few silver.


    Both the bartender and the dishwasher can''t believe their eyes as I continue pulling more and more items from my cloak to match with every single quest paper.


    It takes over 2 hours to sort and count everything, but finally, I''m given a total for everything by the man.


    "That''s the final one right there, your total after the 2% Sra Government tax onrge payouts is 138 gold and 42 silver."


    I nod, and the corner of my lips curls up as he starts stacking gold out from a silver safe with the Sran Government logo on it.


    This brings my total gold to just about 150, counting the leftover I had stored away from previous quests and missions back in the Vice Region. It''s over half way up to where I was before spending it all on those soulstones. This time around, there''s no emergency so I''ll be sure to save and spend it wisely after purchasing the transport crystal.


    Also, the fact that I''m capable of clearing out the quests in any city I go to and make a hundred gold a day if I please fills me with confidence. Maybe I''ll do the same at the Capital in Sector 1.


    "Great. Which way is the Sran Government office?"


    I grab stacks of the coins and put them under my cloak and into my storage as the man responds, giving me directions.


    With that, I turn around and raise a hand in the air to wave.


    "Appreciate it. Maybe I''lle back soon for some more quests."


    Then, I walk out the door.


    Both the bartender and the dishwasher lean back against the wall with looks of awe, but also nervousness on their faces.


    I hear the kid speak under his breath as I turn the corner.


    "Hey boss, that was all the high-grade quests the capital had to offer this month. The hunters aren''t going to be happy about this. Who is that guy?"


    He replies, but I only hear hisst remark.


    "Doesn''t matter. Whoever hands in the quests, we''ll get the samemission. It''s better not to question the actions of a man who can pull something like this off in just 3 days."


    I smirk and chuckle to myself. If only they knew I finished everything in a matter of hours.


    If there''s any bacsh from me clearing all these quests, I''ll be out of here before they even catch wind of it. Considering all the trouble this city has brought me, I hope I leave them with a little chaos.


    With a single coin being twirled around my fingers, I finally make it to the government office and walk up the long rows of marble steps before walking through the front blue ss doors that slide open.


    Chatter fills my senses as I''m met with the blinding whiteness of mana shielding on the floor and walls.


    Cityfolk stand in lines behind 4 separate workers sat behind a curved white marble counter at the back of the room to look like a semicircle. Each worker has a small booth with the same clear blue ss as the door, covering their upper bodies above the counter.


    Upon closer inspection, it''s filled with mana too, simr to the walls, ceiling, and floor. Everything is protected by shielding in this office.


    *Ding*


    A green light pops up above one of the booths and a line moves forward. Once someone steps up to be helped, it changes to red just like the other three.


    I cross my arms and wait my turn.


    "How can I help you today, Sir?"


    After less than 10 minutes of waiting, a young woman greets me at her booth with a smile. I reply.


    "I''d like to purchase a transport crystal to Sector 1. Valor City, to be exact."


    Her eyes widen, then her mouth opens but no wordse out. She swallows, raises a finger, then looks down at a small silver tablet before tapping it a few times and looking up at me again.


    "Of course. It''s not every day someonees here to buy one, but we still have a few left in stock. Usually, people just take the train."


    She looks down at her silver tablet and taps it a few more times before turning it to me to show bold ck numbers.


    "The current going price is 24 gold and 11 silver."


    I reach into my storage and ce the requested amount on the white marble table without hesitating for a moment.


    "That''s perfect. I''ll take one."

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340


    The woman behind the counter takes my coins, then walks into a backroom before finallying back with a small white concealment case. She opens it up for a moment just to show the white crystal inside, before closing it quickly and pressing a small button on her workstation beneath the counter.


    A portion of the blue ss window slides open, and she pushes the rectangr case through. As I grab it, she speaks to me.


    "I''m sure you know how these work. You don''t need an exnation, do you?"


    I nod while epting the box, remembering back to the crystal I used after defeating the behemoth in the Vice Citybyrinth a while back. It transported me beneath the Association building right before we headed off as a team to the dark continent.


    "Of course. It''s a one-time use transport spell. I just break the crystal and I''ll be teleported to Valor City, right?"


    She smiles and nods with a sparkle in her eye.


    "Yes, exactly that. You''ll be sent to a teleport tform right outside. Valor City is the City of Commerce, so keep an eye on your coins at all times. Those without them very seldom leave. Though, I don''t think I have to tell someone like you that twice."


    She gives me a thin smile, and I give one back with a quick nod. However, the atmosphere slightly shifts, and a hint of sorrow shows in her eyes.


    Then, she gives another bright smile just like when I entered making me question if I imagined her brief change of tone.


    "Anyway, is there anything else we can help you with today, Sir?"


    I open my mouth to ask what she meant by that but decide to brush it off. Keeping track of your money is good advice for anyone.


    "This is all I need, thanks. Have a good rest of your day."


    I turn and walk out the door I came, then begin making my way down the marble steps.


    The morning sun is about toe directly overhead to mark the middle of the day as I step into a less crowded street and take out the white concealment case.


    "Well, there''s no reason not to go right now. I''ve waited long enough."


    After taking a deep breath in and out, the concealment container pops open with a light click and I waste no time in taking out the crystals and crushing them in my fist. A white light takes over my body and I feel weightless for a fraction of a second before my boots squeak against a glossy tile floor.


    The deste desert city street around me fades, and the chatter of what sounds like a crowded train station fills my ears.


    Once my visiones back to me, that''s exactly what I see...


    Looking down, I''m standing on arge circr tiled surface about 10 meters in diameter, with arge white sign above me on the wall just behind my headbeled [Teleport tform]. In front of me, a subway system is moving like any normal city would.


    Everyone is dressed in much darker clothing here; the red cloak I wear sticks out like a sore thumb. My darkerplexion also doesn''t match the majority of much lighter skin tones of the locals here.


    My gaze travels over everyone and I quickly change my appearance to match the average person in the crowd before taking my hood down.


    I slowly step off the raised tform and walk through the crowd. As I do, a small transport train pulls up, simr to ones used in the Vice Region. Its brakes screech to a halt and a sh of white light appears behind me as another man appears on the transport tform right where I left.


    A long moving staircase is visible off to my right about 30 meters away, and that seems to be where everyone getting off this train is moving to. I follow the crowd and ride it upward.


    The blue sky of the outside worldes into view as I step off the top of the esctor and breathe in the crisp and cold air while taking in my surroundings.


    There are small shops that line the streets, selling all kinds of items. Not just hunting gear, but home appliances, food, and even children''s toys and personal gadgets.


    Everyone that gets off the train below begins heading off in all directions, but again, most head primarily one way.


    I scan the streets one more time before deciding to follow the crowd.


    The sidewalks are hard, and the smell of food from nearby shops fills the air. People of all background line the streets. Some are beggars, others are busy srymen, and a couple stand outside shops yelling out deals while holding up signs to try and get people toe inside. Most of the storefronts rise up 1 or 2 floors at most, and some even have apartments above them. Off in the distance, I see a fewplexes rising up to 4 or 5 stories, but nothing is close to the high rises in Sra.


    I murmur under my breath.


    "Is this really what they call the City of Commerce?"


    It''s hardly even as impressive as my hometown back in the Vice Region. It''s definitely interesting, but not what I expected to see from the so-called strongest and richest city in the Dark Continent.


    Still, I enjoy my time and stroll the streets, enjoying the sight of a new city. The crowds from the station start to disperse more and more to the point where I''m not quite sure who came off it and who is a native citygoer here.


    I decide to fit in as well and drop into a hunters'' clothing store that looks to be my style. Although I could use my conceal skill to make a disguise myself, I''d rather not constantly think about and use up mana on something I could just buy cheaply at a store. Keeping my face concealed is more than enough of a mental drain.


    I''m greeted by a kind old man at the back of the shop with a wave as I walk in the door and begin browsing their selection. However, I''m soon disappointed by none of the items surpassing 20-30% buffs even in their most expensive sections of the shop. This seems apparent on my face. The man who greeted me speaks up again.


    "Is there anything in specific you''re looking for, Sir? You seem to be from out of town. That cloak is of incredible quality, I can see from here you may need to go into the city to find what you''re looking for."


    I turn to him and raise an eyebrow.


    "If it''s that obvious I''m not from around here, then yes, I''m looking for something to substitute for this gear. But-"


    He finishes my sentence before I even realize it.


    "But none of my items stand up to the buffs given by your current ones, it seems."


    He gives me a sly smile.


    "Well, if you''re just looking to fit in for the time being, I have something that may suit your fancy."


    He shuffles under his desk counter, and I walk over out of curiosity. This old man knows exactly the situation I''m in from a single nce, so whatever he has to offer must be worth a look.


    He ces a small silver ring on the counter, and I immediately use my appraisal skill to see what it is.


    [Silver Ring of Appearance v16][72/72]


    My eyebrows scrunch, and I don''t know what to make of it. The old man speaks again.


    "You''ve never seen one before. You really are new to town, aren''t you?"


    I nod, but he continues.


    "Now before youin about wasting an item slot on your status, I assure you this doesn''t count as an active item. It''s already infused with all the mana necessary to do its job."


    He slips the ring on his finger, and his entire appearance shifts. The old man''s outfit changes to a long ck ssy coat and formal pants and shoes to match. It looks just like what the business men in the crowds outside are wearing. My smile widens and I reply.


    "A one-time use concealment item."


    I think back to the time I wore contact lenses simr to what this ring does, but the fact that it''s already infused with mana is another thing that catches my attention.


    "And you said it doesn''t count as an active item? It''s already infused with mana?"


    He takes off the ring and ces it back on the counter.


    "That''s right. This modelsts 72 hours, and ites in 20 different versions. This one is version 16."


    He smiles wide while pulling up a case of identical rings from beneath the counter.


    "Feel free to try as many on as you''d like. Just don''t wear them too long, I don''t want future customers to have too much time missing. They''re just a silver each, by the way."


    I nod while picking up the ring he just took off and sliding it on a finger.


    Nothing changes at all in my eyes, and when I check my status, nothing pops up at all. I move over to the closest mirror, and sure enough, the same ck coat and outfit is on me now, fitted perfectly.


    However, less than a minute goes by before the [72/72] on the ring ticks down to [71/72]. I let out a sigh as I realize this is the customer copy he shows everyone. I roll my eyes, but then smirk as an idea pops into my head.


    Using my mana maniption skill, I infuse a few dozen MP into the ring, and the bar turns back up to [72/72]. I let out a chuckle and think to myself. It looks like I don''t have to buy more than one after all.


    I reach into my storage and put a single silver coin on the counter.


    "I''ll take this one; that''s all I think I''ll need for my time here in Valor City."


    He quickly takes the coin off the counter but looks up to me with a concerned impression.


    "You''re really going up to the City? What business do you have there?"


    I look back at him with an equally confused and concerned look.


    "I thought I was already here...?"

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    The merchant looks at me with a curious gaze.


    "What did you evene here for? It''s not often people make their way this far north into Sector 1 by ident."


    I think to myself for a moment, but shrug and reach into my storage to pull out the silver card with an address from the guild leader on it. While showing the card to the man I reply.


    "I''m here to meet a friend, they said I could find them at this address."


    His eyes start to widen as he scans the card, and I can visibly see his skin begin to turn paler. After a few seconds pass, he points to the door and speaks in a low tone.


    "Just- Just keep making your way north. Once you make it to the walls, I''m sure you''ll be able to find that guild."


    He audibly gulps and refuses to make eye contact with me again, but I still give him a smile while walking out the door.


    "Well alright, thanks for the concealment ring."


    There''s no response as I walk out into the town''s streets and keep walking north as he said to .


    His strange behavior makes me be a bit more wary of my surroundings. Just the Sran worker acting off when I mention Valor City is one thing, but now a second person gives me an odd look when I show him a guild address.


    The town goes on for another kilometer uphill, and I make my way through a few smaller districts of residential and green park-like sections with winding paths, small ponds, and healthy grass and trees. The soil is hard, rocky, and cold, but the wildlife seems tough enough to survive in this environment.


    Eventually, I finally get a peek at these so-called walls the man in the merchant shop was talking about.


    Once far enough north, the apartment buildings be lessmon, and I actually get a view of thendscape behind this settlement.


    What I see is shocking.


    As the city thins out, more green grass, winding roads and trails, and wildlifee into view. There''s a tall range of mountains behind the city with lively grassy green bases, and snow-capped peaks.


    They go on for as far as the eye can see in the distance, and shadows of even taller ones lurk in the background behind the clearly visible ones before my eyes.


    The more incredible sight of all is the enormous city atop one of thergest mountains.


    It looks like its top was chopped clean off and a city rests on an elevated teau kilometers above this small town below.


    Silver walls surround it, making the height look even greater, and the only reason I know there''s a city inside is because of the towering skyscrapers stretching out from the circr walls up high through the cloud line.


    My eyes are glued to the magnificent structure as I continue to walk further away from the town behind me and up the winding mountainous paths toward the city.


    Many others take the same routes. There are a few silver and red trolley carts that make their way up and down the main road to the city, bringing people to and from, but I decide to enjoy the view and crisp cold air to walk on my own.


    Quite a bit of time passes before I start to make my way toward the crowded base of the mountain.


    The towering silver walls look even more enormous now that I''m so close. It takes almost an hour to make my way up the mountain to the gate. There are hundreds of people standing in an orderly line, and to my surprise, there are only 2 guards in silver armor that match the walls.


    The line slowly moves forward as I prepare toe up with a disguise and pay a fee to enter. One of the masked silver guards speaks up.


    "What''s it going to be? Silver, Gold, tinum, or the Royal Coin today, Sir?"


    I freeze for a moment, as these words don''t make much sense. The guard senses my hesitation and continues.


    "This is the city ofmerce, what amount of money will you be spending during your stay? Silver, Gold, tinum, or the Royal Coin?"


    I pause again but clear my throat and reply, this time more aware of the question.


    "Gold, I''ll most likely be spending gold in the city today."


    He pulls out a small wristband and replies again while motioning for me to give him something.


    "How much gold would you like to insert for starter credits? You may add to your total credits or cash out your credits back into gold at any given time at the credit stations all around the city."


    I pull out a small handful of gold and ce it in the guard''s hand.


    "I''ll start with 5 gold. Maybe I''ll add moreter."


    He nods and presses a few buttons on the small wristband before allowing me to ce it around my left wrist.


    The moment it clicks into ce, it changes colors from a nearly transparent coloring to now shimmering gold. A few thin ck numbers show up on the underside right beneath my wrist.


    _____________


    ID: C#129880


    Rank: Gold


    Credits: 5.0000


    _____________


    "There you go. Enjoy your time in Valor City. Just scan your wristband at the golden wall if you''d like to enter further into the markets today. You''ll need to add more credits if you''d like to travel inside any deeper. To find the gates just walk north from here. You can''t miss it."


    The guard motions for me to walk through the gate, and I make my way into the silver walls of the city.


    High-quality densely packed stone makes up the streets, and the storefronts that line the streets exude prestige the moment I look. With white marble columns and ss windows disying magical items and jewelry, I walk forward into the city with my eyes open wide.


    Everyone within this city is dressed properly in suits and higher-ss items. I''m d I bought the ring to change my appearance before entering. Even if my hunter''s gear is worth a small fortune, it still looks rough on the eyes to these cityfolk.


    As I walk further into the city, the fact that there aren''t people yelling out sales on the streets is rather soothing. It seems as though the shops just disy what they have to offer, and customers either buy or they don''t.


    My eyes sparkle more and more the further into town I get. Using appraisal on every item I can, some of the gear even surpasses 40-50% buffs. If these are the items within the silver walls, I can only imagine what''s behind the gold.


    This portion of the city looks like an upscaled version of the town I just left. There''s not a single apartment, only storefronts and high-ss restaurants line the streets.


    Further north in the distance where the guard mentioned the next wall was located, the sky scrapers I saw from afar tower above and look even more impressive than I previously thought they were.


    However, the further I walk forward, the more I feel as if I''m being watched.


    The high presence of mana in the air feels eerily simr to my all-seeing eye skill, but I can''t quite pinpoint where it''sing from.


    It''s not abnormal for a city to have a surveince unit, but I''m usually able to pick up exactly where it''sing from in a matter of seconds. Today, I''m not having such luck. It seems to be a very intricate system. Though, I''m not breaking anyws or rules, so there shouldn''t be anything to worry about.


    Another 20 minutes pass before I finally see the golden wall the guard mentioned to me when I entered. As I walk closer, I realize I never even asked the first guard where the Mercenary Guild was located. Hopefully, there''s someone at this entrance that can guide me to it.


    As I approach, two guards stand in front of the tall golden wall in shimmering gold armor that matches it.


    The wall to this next inner wall isn''t quite as tall as the one outside, but I can tell it''s imbued with mana all the way through and would be much more difficult to break through than any C-Grade mana shielding.


    One of the guards holds up a silver tablet, and I raise my wristband to scan it.


    As the tablet shes green, the other golden armored guard opens the wide gate for me to walk through without a single word. I take this opportunity to ask one of them the question that''s been on my mind.


    "Hey, where exactly can I find the Galeheart Mercenary Guild?"


    Simultaneously, I show them the silver card.


    The guard that scanned my wrist just stares down at the card through the small slit in his golden helmet before ncing at my wristband and shaking his head.


    "Stop messing around, and put away that card. The Royal Guild isn''t something to joke about. You''ll need 200 times more gold to even think about stepping into the Royal Coin Section of the city."


    His eyes dart around underneath the armored helmet like he''s watching out for someone or something as he says these words.


    I take a step back to make a mental note of his actions just like everyone else I''ve interacted with today. Third time''s a charm, and this sets it in stone. Something is not right here, and I''m going to find out what it is.

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    I let out a sigh.


    My 5 gold in the credit system apparently needs to be 200 times greater in order to enter this Royal Coin Section of the city. Making the necessary total 1,000 gold coins. Just 100 gold is equal to a tinum coin, so this must mean a single Royal Coin is 10 tinum. I''ve never heard of this currency before, so it must be a special region-specific one in this city.


    I''d have to clear out all the quests in cities simr to the Size of Sra for the next 10 days straight to make that kind of money.


    "Is there any way I can contact that guild without entering the inner-most wall?"


    He lets out augh.


    "This is Valor City kid. No one cares who you are, and no one will believe a word you say unless you have the money to back it up. I don''t know how you got that card, but I can guarantee you, you won''t even get a smell of a single Galeheart Guild member unless you have the coins to enter their domain. Money is everything in this city. That''s just the way it works."


    I nod, seeing he''s not going to budge on this point.


    "Is there anywhere in this city one can make money? Or can we only spend it? I''ve brought quite a bit of gold with me, but unfortunately not enough to make it into that Royal Coin border."


    The armored man lets out a long sigh and points off back to the direction I came, then turns his hand to point to a portion of the Silver-walled city I haven''t been to yet.


    This city stretches all the way around in a circle, so my walk here has hardly scratched the surface of all the sights to see.


    "Go check out the arena. People from every rank in the city reside there to ce bets and make money on the fighters that take on beasts. If you''re feeling lucky, I''d say go check it out. Walk that way and you can''t miss it."


    I take a look at the open golden gate, then turn back toward the direction the guard pointed with a firm nod.


    "Thank you, I''ll be back soon."


    The gate closes up and I head off in the direction of the arena without another word leaving the inner city behind me for now.


    Considering the expression on the guard''s face, even if I walk through the golden gates and even into the tinum walls, I won''t be making my way all the way through without the money to back myself.


    This city doesn''t care about your identity. If you have money, then you have power...


    I grin to myself with my arms crossed as I walk through the rows and rows of high-end shops.


    Eventually, people in the streets start to crowd around and congregate to a single area off in the distance. I follow the crowds until a stone arena that looks simr to a coliseumes into view. It''s right up against the back of the golden wall, and it looks like one of the entrances actually allows people to enter from there.


    However, here within the silver walls, there are 3 arching entrances with people flooding in. Outside, projected onto the stone walls above each entrance, there''s a disy of a blond man with arge scar over his left eye holding a long silver sword.


    He stands alone, gripping his de with two hands, fighting against a massive cyclops.


    There''s no sounding off the projector, but as the beast opens its mouth I can imagine the roar it lets out.


    The hunter and beast run at each other, but the creature is sliced to pieces in an instant. The ground around the hunters feet rises and crumbles, making it look like he''s an earth magic user.


    The view on the projector shifts to the rows of seats and cheering crowd. I can''t hear a thing until I walk through the lightly humming archway of an entrance with everyone else and enter the arena.


    The cheers of a crowd full of hundreds fill my ears and I walk up a few rows of steps to find an empty seat to watch.


    The sound of an announcer''s voice rings out.


    "Stage 2 isplete. The Hunter ''Stone Breaker'' has defeated the cyclops and has now decided to move onto the 3rd stage. He''ll be facing off against a level 240 High Orc in the next round after the 5-minute cooldownmences. Please feel free to ce your bets."


    As I hear these words, a small blue window automatically pops out from my wristband.


    ____________


    ce Bet


    [Hunter] Stone Breaker: 1.35x


    [Monster] High Orc: 2.79x


    ____________


    My mind races to do the math on these odds.


    I even try to use inspect and appraisal on the man''s gear down below me to get an edge, but there''s a mana imbued protective dome that covers the main arena. It must be used as an anti-cheat, but also protects people in the audience from getting harmed by whatever beast is fighting as well.


    Clearly, the hunter is the safer bet. By the sound of the crowd, he seems to be a regr.


    Some of the voices I hear around me double down on this notion.


    "I''m all in on Stone Breaker, this Orc doesn''t stand a chance!"


    "Yeah me too, he made it to stage 5 before quitting yesterday, so I''m sure he''lle out on top!"


    "10 Silver on Stone Breaker!"


    I watch the odds of the hunter get closer and closer to 1.00x and the High Orc''s payout skyrockets past 10.00x.


    However, I''m in no mood to gamble. After a quick calction, the house takes about 10% of all bets ced here. They win no matter how the fight goes. So, the more bets ced the worse off I''d be. This is not where the money is made.


    The real money must be in the fighting itself...


    As Ie to this conclusion, the announcer''s voice echoes throughout the stadium again.


    "Thank you all for cing your bets, you have 1 minute to finalize them. The Stone Breaker vs the High Orc match is soon tomence. If any of you are new to the arena and stopping by for the first time, this is how it works!"


    I listen attentively, and many others stop their chatter as the announcer continues to speak.


    "Every stage, the beasts that are captured by the Valor City Royal Guard are brought to our arena for your entertainment. Stage 1 begins with a monster between level 1 and 50. Stage two, the monster is always above level 100 and below 200. From here, the level range rises by 100 every stage. Every round, the hunter may choose to proceed or stop and take their winnings. All of you are able to bet on the odds of our prized hunters. There is no lower or upper limit to your betting amount. However, every bet ced affects the odds."


    The announcer stops talking for a moment, and silence fills the arena. All eyes are on the hunter below as arge red timer counts down from 10.


    Once it hits 0, the betting screen disappears.


    "Let the battle begin!"


    On the opposite side of the stadium, a red-skinned High Orc appears in a sh of white light, wielding tworge silver axes full of rage.


    It lets out a roar and storms forward, and the hunter runs at the monster with his own de drawn.


    The ground rumbles and the sound of metal on metal fills the area, but in less than 20 seconds the crowd is cheering and erupting with noise again as the monster falls to the ground and the hunter takes his victoryp around the ring.


    I chuckle to myself, sit back and cross my arms to enjoy the show.


    The next match ends in a simr fashion with the hunter taking a victory in stage 4 against a level 320 mutant wolf-shaped monster I''ve never seen before, but he doesn''t fare as well against the familiar enormous Berserker Giant at level 405 in the 5th Stage.


    He''s defeated by the monster in the ring and disappears in a sh of white light the moment he''s torn to shreds. It seems as though they''re using some kind of magical item to ensure the fighters aren''t actually critically injured. The beasts on the other hand, they''re real and are really in every match.


    The same cheers still ring out in the stadium as he''s transported back to a small fighter''s booth outside. The fans are here to see a show, they don''t care who wins or loses.


    A team of 3 guards in ck Armor quickly subjugate the final beast that wasn''t killed by the previous hunter.


    The Announcer''s voice echoes through the room again.


    "After a quick intermission, our next fighter will take the stage. For anyone that would like to sign up for tonight''s fighting slots, we still have a few avable. If you believe you have what it takes to challenge the Arena, pleasee down to the registration table at any time to talk with a representative and secure your spot."

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    ??The announcer calls for a 30-minute intermission as the next fighter gets ready in the ring.


    In the meantime, I make my way toward the registration desk at the far side of the arena. There are two separate booths in the vicinity. One has [Bidders] in bold letters above it, and the other says [Fighters].


    I walk up to the fighters'' booth in full disguise to meet a blond man in a white suit smiling brightly as I approach.


    "The name''s Mr. Wright. How can I help you today? Would you be interested in joining the event tonight? We still have time slots open."


    I nod slowly before replying.


    "Nice to meet you. I''m new to town. Could you run me through the numbers? How does the event work in terms of fighters'' pay?"


    He nces at my golden wristband, then looks up to me to reply with a bright expression.


    "Well, as I''m sure you''ve already guessed, the city takes a percent of all bids in the arena. This facility and the auction house in the tinum district are the two main ie sources for the Valor City Government. It''s what allows business in the city to run tax-free."


    I raise an eyebrow at his remark but decide not to question it too much. As he said, I already did the math and know 10% of all bids don''t get paid out to the bidders. So that money has to go somewhere.


    "As I assume you watched at least some of the previous event, Stone Breaker walks away with a few gold coins every showing, I''m sure of it. Stages 1-3 are what we call the beginner stages. If you pass stage 1, the arena will pay you 1 silver coin. For passing stage 2, you''ll receive 10 silver, and for stage 3, you''re awarded 30."


    I tighten my lips and give him a confused look, but he replies, catching onto my disappointment.


    "I can see you''re already a gold rank guest to Valor City, so these silver rewards may not be very enticing to you. Stage 4, the level 300 monster threshold is where things get interesting. If you win your fight in stages 4, 5, or 6, you earn 1% of all bids on the show. Just a single stage 4 victory on a busy night can set up hunters for life. What do you think?"


    I smirk.


    "What about the higher stages? How far up can it go?"


    This seems like a good money opportunity, but also a controlled environment to farm levels and skills.


    The man behind the counter lets out augh.


    "Yeah right. If you make it past stage 7, 5% of the biddings go straight to your credit ount, but no one other than one of our top fighters and members of the royal guard can beat monsters like that. Here, walk this way with me, let''s do the registration test to see if you''re even strong enough for the nighttime event."


    He exits the booth and we walk around its right side.


    Against a stone wall, there''s a rubber-like padding that I can feel mana seeping out from. It''s almost as dense as the shielding dome that covers the arena. At first, I thought it was just a protective measure for the people behind the booth, but now upon closer inspection, it seems to be some kind of testing device.


    The man in the white suit points up at the digital screen above therge ck square on the wall.


    "I''ll need proof of any elemental abilities you im, then I need a punch or a kick on this device to break 300 points. The use of strength-boosting items or buffs is allowed, use everything you''ve got. That''s the baseline forte-night hunters, we want to make sure everyone can at least make it to stage 4."


    I step forward with a nod, putting a finger in the air and lighting it with a dark red me before putting it out a momentter and squaring up against the testing device.


    "I''ll be using fire, and 300 points... what exactly does that mean? How strong is a single point?"


    "Points are calibrated to the average strength per level gained. The baseline of a level 300 hunter''s strength is what we''re looking for."


    I focus on the wall, and slow my breathing while trying to tone down my power to just over what a level 300 hunter might be. To be honest, I''m not quite sure how to hit this measurement exactly, but I don''t want to use too much of my power and cause any problems right now.


    So, I stand casually with both my feet in ce and use a small fraction of my strength to release a punch while lining my fist with a small amount of mana not to unnecessarily injure my hand. I imagine the strength I would use to send a level 300 hunter flying back, but not kill them. This seems to be enough strength.


    On impact, the entire ck square ripples and shes bright blue. I hear the stone wall behind it crack slightly, but luckily as I bring my fist back everything is still standing and still in ce without a problem.


    My gaze turns to the 3 ck numbers on the digital screen above that continue to rise while calcting my power.


    [479 Points]


    I curse under my breath as the man that brought me out here lets out an excited sound from behind.


    "Ha! Look at you. You must have some great gear on to push a number like that. Maybe you''ll join the legacy fighters and make it past the 5th stage. It looks like Valor City is in for an interesting show!"


    Heughs again, and it only makes me realize how out of touch with my strength I am. With all my gear on, even if I hardly try, my strength is near what a base-level elite association hunter would be.


    Even so, it looks like this reading isn''t going to be much of a problem. Whoever these so-called legacy fighters are, they seem to be on par or higher than the reading I just threw. This only makes me more excited. The fact that there really are monsters here avable higher than my own level means I can''t miss out on an event like this.


    I join in with hisughter before replying.


    "Sign me up for tonight''s event. I''d like to give it a shot."


    Money signs practically light up in the man''s eyes as he walks back behind the counter. He picks up a silver tablet and begins tapping it a few times.


    "Sure, let me scan your wristband ID and get you connected to the system with the number of points you just had recorded. With a reading like this, you''re allowed toe by anytime you''d like to participate. The limit is one entry per day. It''s fully confidential, so we don''t need your actual status level or any specific gear stats, but we would like to know your mainbat skill that you''ll be using and a stage name to go with it. I''ve already recorded that you''ll be using fire, but what would you like us to call you?"


    shbacks of my time in the underground fight arena back in Vice City pop into my head and I smirk inwardly before replying.


    "My stage name? Call me The me Emperor."


    After a few more taps on the silver screen, and the smile across the man behind the counter''s face growing wider and wider, he looks up to me.


    "I like it. You''re all set. The midday fights still have a few left to run through, then there will be an intermission before the main events tonight. So, feel free to enjoy the show or explore the city for a while longer. A reminder will be sent to your wristband an hour before the night events. During this intermission, you''ll have toe back here to be granted ess into the ring and given the proper gear to prevent real injury during the show."


    "Sounds good. I''ll see you very soon."


    With that, I turn to walk out of the arena and back onto the streets. I''d like to keep up my appearances, so I weave in and out of item shops in the streets before I find what I''m looking for.


    A glossy ck mask with the appearance of obsidian stone, but the weightlessness of a feather. The youngdy at the front of the store greets me with a smile as I bring her just the one item.


    "Just the mask? Are you sure there aren''t any non-ornamental magic items you''re looking for today, Sir?"


    I shake my head.


    "No. Just this."


    "Alright, That will be half a silver credit."


    I put out my wrist and she scans it with a small silver device.


    Before my eyes, the 5.0000 gold credits drop to 4.9950 credits. I ce the mask into my coat pocket, but it really falls into my item storage as I walk out the door.


    "Thank you very much,e again soon!"


    Her voice trails off as I explore the city more. I keep an eye on the golden wall and think about entering the firstyer of the inner city, but decide it''d be best to take things slow and finish up this event before I explore too far into this ce.


    I won''t even be able to get much further than the gold walls without putting every gold coin I earned in Sra into this credit system. I don''t quite trust a digital system like this to hold all my money, so I''m better off earning as much as I can from a special event tonight and see how far that takes me.


    Before I know it, the sun starts to set slightly and the sky turns orange overhead. My breath in the cold aires out as frozen mist and mana-powered streemps automatically turn on at every corner.


    As this happens, I get a notification on my wristband telling me the intermission has finally begun and it''s time for me to check in and verify myself before the main event.


    I put on the glossy ck mask and make my way back over and walk in as crowds of people walk out to nearby restaurants and shops in town to spend their time before tonight''s show.


    When I walk in, the ce seems eerily empty, but I see the blond man in the white suit waiting nearby the registration booth. He stands with a silver tablet in hand and 7 other fighters talk amongst themselves in a semi-circle.


    He recognizes me even with the mask and waves me down from a distance and speaks up as I join the crowd.


    "Very good, everyone''s made it here. The preparations can begin."

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    As I walk up to the seven other fighters, I can clearly see they''re split into two groups.


    One group of four, off to my right, is dressed in high-ss gear, simr to what I''d expect an Elite to wear. The first to turn their head is a slim, womanly figure in armor that seems to be made of stone. She has sharp eyes, dark brown hair, and holds a spear, but shows me an interested smirk as I approach and speaks up.


    "Finally, some fresh meat that looks worth keeping around. They call me the Stone Maiden; I''m the opener for the legacy fighters. But outside the ring, you can call me Sia."


    She steps forward to give me a handshake.


    Before I put out my hand, I decide to take off my concealment ring to show my fighting gear and other buffs.


    We shake hands and make eye contact while I take a look at her status to find she has an advanced earth magic skill and is level 512. The buff below her status shows "Rock Prison," but there isn''t any extra information I can take away at a nce.


    I''m about to introduce myself, but a man in dark ck clothing approaches from behind. He has two blood-bonded swords on his sides that both have high strength and speed buffs surpassing 100%.


    He looks me up and down, then nods.


    Sia speaks up for him before releasing our handshake and pointing a thumb backward.


    "That''s Ace, the Swordsman of the Legacy Fighters."


    I quickly scan him to find he has one legendary-grade skill; extreme speed. He''s level 531 and has a ranked-up buff called "Divine Speed."


    A tall and heavy-set manes over with a legendary-grade body-hardening skill next to greet me with a jolly smile. I see his level 548 status sh in front of my eyes along with a ranked-up buffbeled "Iron Body."


    He gives me a tight handshake, but I return the favor. He squeezes harder like he''s trying to test me, but I don''t give in until he lets out augh and releases his grip.


    "Ha! You''re the real deal. They call me The Shield. I''m a Legacy Fighter as well. But, you can call me Max if that''s easier for you! I''m not trying to hide from anyone."


    I nod slowly, a bit taken aback by their friendly gestures while scanning the rest of the contestants around me. The three others that stand alone, closer to the man in the white suit, are all below level 450, and don''t immediatelye up to me, and none have elemental or legendary skills, so I can only assume they''re newer here or not top-ranked fighters like the ones that greeted me.


    However, there''s a young man with a shaved head in an orange robe who stands still behind all the other legacy fighters.


    He doesn''t wear any magical gear and has no skills or buffs at all.


    Even so, his level is higher than anyone else''s here. It clocks in at 694.


    I try to do a full scan to see what kind of base level mana control he lets out while in a resting state, but to my surprise, there isn''t even a single MP of excess mana leaving his body.


    He doesn''t raise an eyebrow or care to walk forward and greet me at all. This is the response I was looking forward to when meeting fighters of this caliber. Max catches me looking at him and puts a hand up, motioning not to get involved.


    "That''s Monk. We don''t know much about him, but he''s been here the longest out of any of us. He''s the strongest too, so let''s just leave it at that..."


    I sit in an awkward moment of silence as all the top fight members here just openly told me their names, so I reply with mine.


    "Well, thanks for the warm wee. My fighter name is The me Emperor. For now, that''s all I have to share."


    I turn back to the man who checked me in at the registration desk.


    Although I appreciate the introductions, people don''t just be ranked-up battle-seasoned fighters by smiling and ying nice.


    I need to sit back and observe more about this ce to understand what''s really going on.


    The man in the white suit finally speaks up and leads all of us behind the registration desk and down a flight of stairs to the training room beneath the stage. He goes over all the basic fight details and instructions that were outlined for us earlier.


    We''re stood in arge, wide-open white-walled mana-shielded room with a staircase that leads back up to the surface behind us, and a small isted circle on the other end of the room that transports contestants into the ring.


    In between, there are punching bags along the walls, special ck squares just like on the surface to test powers, and even weapons and shields avable for fighters to use in the arena as they please.


    It''s all C-Rank gear and below, but it still looks like it would be useful for the average fighter during normal daytime fights.


    As we all get situated, a crowd of bidders and audience members enters above us, and a moving picture of the stadium and empty fight ring is shown on a projector against one of the side walls for us to see.


    I hear Mr. Wright''s voice echo through the training room once the seats fill up about halfway.


    "Alright, the first event is going to begin shortly! Everybody line up, I''ll assign your fighting order for the night along with setting up safety precautions."


    Everyone does as he says and gets in line as he takes out a small device to scan each member''s wristband. My eyes wander as I see gold and tinum bands in front of me get scanned in by Mr. Wright''s device. He speaks again while scanning my band.


    "You all know how it works. If your HP goes under 10% you''ll be automatically teleported to our medical team to receive a full heal from one of our two healers on standby. Lost blood, missing limbs, whatever the injury may be, given enough time you''ll be healed back to 100% before the next fight dayes around."


    *Ding*


    As he scans my bracelet a small green plus sign with 100% appears next to it. Beneath this, the "Fight 008" shows up in thin ck text as well. He continues.


    "We have 8 fights tonight, and I''ve staggered the Legacy fighters in with the newbies as usual. Stone Maiden, you''re up first for fight number 1, so finish your warmups and get ready to board the tform. Let''s put on a great show tonight and make some money!"


    Sia, the Stone Maiden, walks over to the tform with the same grin across her face that she greeted me with and begins twirling her spear around.


    "Ready when you are! I don''t need a warm up."


    As the people outside pile in more and more, the same announcer''s voice from mid-day fights speaks up in a loud and excited tone.


    "How are you all doing tonight? Let''s make some noise! Our opening event is about to begin!"

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    The stadium fills up to its limit. The crowd that piles in is almost three times asrge as the mid-day fights. From the projector screen below, I can see that every seat is filled and people are attentively waiting for the night show to begin.


    With the dark star-filled sky above, and mana-imbued light sources illuminating the arena below, it''s almost impossible to see the invisible protective dome between the actual fight ring and the cheering crowds ready for a blood bath.


    Sia stands on the transport tform with her spear in hand and a serious look on her face.


    Then, she disappears from the warmup room, and is teleported into the ring.


    "Let''s hear a warm wee for our nightly opener! She''s been a regr the past few months in the arena, with a standing record of 46 Stage 5 Victories and 3 Stage 6 Wins. The Stone Maiden is here to put on a show for you all tonight, so get your bets ready, and enjoy!"


    She waves to the eruption of noise in the stands and takes ap around the arena as the announcer continues to exin the event rules to anyone new that has joined for tonight''s event. Soon after, the stage 1 monster is brought into the ring and bets are ced.


    A small white rabbit with a long brown horn on its forehead materializes into the ring and the battle begins, but is over in an instant.


    As Sia shows off with an overpowered spear throw, tossing her weapon across the ring while raising the ground beneath the creature all around it so it has nowhere to run or hide. It''s defeated and explodes into pieces along with the rock wall disy that held it up in an explosion of stone.


    Max smirks and walks up to my side with his arms crossed down below in the training rooms as we watch it all happen on the screen.


    "She''s just getting the crowd excited. No one bets on the first couple of fights because the odds and payouts are nearly nothing. Stage 5 and 6 is where the real money is at... Just wait and see."


    He grins and stares up at the screen as the stage is cleared and the next monster is brought in without a moment of wait.


    Stages 2, 3, and 4 end in all simr results. Beasts of level 118, 249, and 326 are all brought in and one-shotted in a magnificent disy for the crowd to enjoy. This is why Sia didn''t bother to warm up, the first 4 fights are more than enough.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Now this is where the real fights begin..."


    Sia takes the full 5 minutes to rest in between this stage and the next before the announcer speaks up again.


    "We have a monster that many of you witnessed take out our best midday fighter today. The Berserker Giant. A level 405 beast with impressive battle IQ and destructive power. Will the Stone Maiden face the same fate? ce your bets and find out!"


    I grin as I watch the numbers on my wristband actually show some different odds. All of the previous stages there was not much movement on the bets, but now people are much less sure if she can beat the monster before her.


    I''m confident in her ability, and turn my gaze to see every one of the legacy fighters looking down at their wristwatches and cing bets.


    Max speaks again as he sees my confusion.


    "You can bet on any fight you please, even your own. But you''re only allowed to bet on yourself winning, other than that, there are no rules against betting on other fighters."


    I raise an eyebrow at this. Apparently, insider betting isn''t frowned upon at all...


    However, there''s always someone deeper in with more information calling the real shots. I won''t risk any capital until I''m in control of the fight itself. For now, I''ll observe and enjoy the show.


    A few minutes pass and the giant humanoid monster with sharp teeth and green eyes carrying a shimmering silver sword is teleported into the ring.


    "Bets are now closed, let the battle begin!"


    Sia uses simr tactics as her previous matches, but to my surprise, the monster isn''t killed in a single shot.


    The spear hits and its armor is severely damaged with blood dripping out, but this is the first monster with mana control in the event that I''ve seen so far. She''s able to break through. But just enough to injure the beast.


    It breaks out from the rock that creeps up its ankles and jumps toward the spear wielder with battle-crazed eyes and blood-stained armor.


    She activates her ranked-up buff and I see two semi-circles of stone materialize out of thin air on both sides of the beast.


    A loud thud sends ripples through the air as the stone crushes the life out of the monster. The crowd stands up and goes wild. Sia drops to a knee with a smile, then takes a victoryp to retrieve her spear and let the remains crumble from her rock formation.


    As she takes a break, the announcer hypes up the crowd again.


    "A rare asion for the Stone Maiden to take on the 6th stage. You''re all in for a treat tonight, will she be able to take on the level 566 Red Ogre, or will this be a one-sided battle?"


    My eyes light up and are locked to the screen at this mention.


    A new monster at a level higher than anything I''ve ever seen in dungeons other than a few extremely rare breaks andbyrinth boss fights. Yet, this city just lets people fight them like it''s an every day thing.


    The crowd starts to yell so loud, I can feel the entrance of the training room rattle, and people start to stand up in their chairs.


    The odds on my wristband are against the legacy fighter for the first time in this whole event. Based on what I''ve seen so far my bet would be against her too, but I can''t wait to get in that ring myself.


    Minutes pass, and the monster is transported into the ring.


    It towers above any creature I''ve seen in here all night, easily 4 times my own height and carries an enormous ck club. Its skin is dark red, and teeth are bright white. The silver chestte it has on reflects off the mana-imbued light fixtures as it lets out a ferocious roar.


    At this, the battle begins.


    However, it glows bright gold and zips around the ring with agility far greater than the Stone Maiden attempting to dodge.


    She activates her Stone Prison Buff that took out the berserker giant in one hitst round, but the red ogre smashes it to pieces with a single hit from its club.


    Sia is hit next, and is teleported out of the ring as her wristband hits 10% HP in a matter of milliseconds.


    The crowd roars louder and the excitement in the ring grows even greater while the ck Knights are sent in from seemingly no where to defeat this beast in an instant while the arena is cleaned and the announcer hypes up the next uing fighter.


    I murmur to myself.


    "They sure do know how to open a show..."


    My eyes stay glued to the screen, and I tingle with excitement. I can''t wait for my turn in the arena toe.

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    The next contestant is one of the newer fighters. He''s a dagger user with considerable skill, making it past stage 4 unscathed but losing in the 5th to arge snake creature with scales too hard for his weapons to prate.


    This event was a nice palette cleanser for what''s toe next, the announcer speaks as Max walks onto the tform.


    "I wee the next Legacy fighter you all know well back onto the stage, The Shield!"


    The crowd perks up and starts to cheer just like they did in the first event.


    "With 91 Stage 5 Victories and 16 Stage 6 wins, you''re in for another incredible show. Let the fight begin!"


    Max pulls arge war hammer out from an item box around his waist, then throws it to the ground by his side outside the transport circle before he''s sent to the arena.


    I hear the whispers of one of the fighters behind me remind his friend that no item boxes or potions are allowed in the event. This wasn''t mentioned to me before, but I take note of it now. I''ll have to take all my items I wish to use out of my storage before getting on stage not to cause suspicion.


    Just like the contestants before, he does ap to hype up the crowd before the event even begins.


    Once the battles start, it''s a picture-perfect version of Sia''s run.


    The moment an opponent appears, he runs across the ring and strikes them down with his hammer. For stages 1 through 4, every beast is killed in a single strike.


    The tank looks like he would be slow, with a heavy shield and massive hammer, but his speed and agility are no match even against a level 430 Mutant Yeti in the 5th Stage.


    The monster''s mana control looks fairly developed, but Max takes the beast out in 3 swings, leaving the creature lifeless in a pile of its own blood in seconds.


    He gives the announcer the go-ahead to start the next round without a break, and the same thing happens. All the betting odds flip against the legacy fighter. It seems round 6 is their usual limit.


    A huge scaled lizard creature standing on two legs is transported in. It wears light silver armor with various weapons strapped to its sides, and the creature carries a bow. The mana shielding around its body is visible to the naked eye, and it''s clear the creature is imbuing its weapon with mana as well.


    It''s a level 549 lizard archer of some sort; it looks nothing like anything I''ve seen in any dungeon.


    The fight begins and it zips around the arena with blinding speed.


    Although I thought Max was quick for his size, this creature is nearly twice as fast.


    The crowd goes crazy, and many members of the audience yell out in excitement and fury, contradicting each other and arguing about who is going to win this fight. Others just cheer and keep their eyes glued to the fight below as it''s a very interesting one to watch.


    The lizardman readies a shot, and for the first time, Max activates his ranked-up buff. Along with the silver coating from his legendary body hardening skill, and a thinyer of mana shielding he''s just capable enough to conjure, the "Iron Body" buff he uses ces anotheryer around both of the lower ones, including his shield and hammer in a dark Iron coloring.


    The mana-imbued arrow bounces off his shield and shatters into pieces as the metallic twang of mana being dispersed echoes through the air.


    Then another hits him from the opposite side, and the same result repeats itself.


    Over and over, the lizard archer zips around the dirt floor with incredible speed, firing off arrow after arrow directed right at the tank''s vital points. They''re blocked time and time again until the monster runs out of arrowspletely.


    The moment it does, the monster throws its bow to the floor and grabs two daggers from its sides. Its battle IQ is off the charts. If I didn''t know this was a monster, I could easily confuse its movements for a human''s.


    The projector zooms in on Max as this exchange urs, and a smirk can be seen across his face.


    Close-rangebat begins, and the lizardman begins to try slicing through the Iron Body defenses but is struck with the same predicament.


    Its daggers are blown back by miniature explosions of mana every time it attempts to attack, and after half a dozen lunges in, one of its silver daggers breaks in two. This is when the battlepletely changes...


    It''s clear the tank can''t follow its opponent''s movements to the exact points of contact, but with his defensive abilities, it''s not even necessary.


    Every time there''s contact with his Iron Body, the tank spins around and attempts tond a blow with his hammer. It take''s quite a while, but the lizard''s movements are limited when it''s surprised at the dagger breaking on impact.


    This small hesitation gives Max enough time to finally make contact with one of his hammer strikes and send the lizard flying in the air to hit the clear barrier of mana shielding high up in the ring''s inner dome.


    Another small explosion of white mana erupts from the barrier, propelling the monster back as it makes impact, sending the creature flying toward the floor at double the speed it came up at.


    The lizard hits the floor, creating a crater, and before it can think to move, Maxes swinging down on it with his hammer tond a final strike.


    The crowd around the ring can''t believe their eyes, and everyone goes wild as the announcer yells out, only to hype the crowd up more.


    "Can you believe it? The Shield! He''s done it! Our first stage 6 victory of the night!"


    Max raises his shield and hammer up in the air to celebrate. As he yells this out, the buffs and active skills on him deactivate, and he falls to the floor next to the lizardman because of ack of MP.


    The announcer ys it off as a usual urrence, and many from the crowd don''t even seem to care that he''s unable to move on. Everyone is still excited for the first event of the night with unexpected results. Some people that still bet on Max just made over 3x their money back.


    Before the hype is lost, another newer contestant is brought onto the stage to give the crowd a cooldown again. People continue to talk about the results of the final match for many fights that follow, not paying much attention to the fighter that makes it through the 4th round and gets defeated in the 5th just like the other newbie.


    Ace, the swordsman, takes hold of both his des and walks up to the transport tform. He doesn''t say a word, looking very serious as he''s teleported onto the ring and the announcer gives his introduction.


    "Everyone wee one of our newest Legacy Fighters, Ace! With a record of 14 Stage 5 Victories, and 13 Stage 6 Wins, you''re all in for one of the best fights of the night here! Make some noise!"


    Ace stands still in the ring as each new opponent is spawned in and runs toward him. Stages 1 through 4 go by in a sh as he raises a thumb after each match to continue without the rest period offered in between.


    After all 4 of the starting matches, he hasn''t even moved a foot out of ce. The swordsman just waits for the monster that spawns in to attack him and he swings a glossy ck de from his right side every time theye in range.


    There''s a thin white light that appears around the de each time he swings it, showing it''s imbued with mana.


    As stage 5 starts, I expect the fighter to act differently, but he still just stands still. However, this time the swordsman grabs both of his swords and slices the level 446 creature into pieces in an X formation without batting an eye.


    Stage 6es around, and the betting stats are going wild when the announcer yells out that the same type of monster that defeated the Stone Maiden opener in a single hit will be his opponent too, a Red Ogre.


    The crowd fills with whispers, and the odds for the fighter and monster fluctuate greatly as mystery fills the colosseum.


    Once the level 569 Red-Skinned Ogre is teleported to the arena, the crowd starts to cheer louder and louder. Instead of the huge metal club thest variant had, this one carries a long ck sword.


    Ace smiles and his eyes finally show a hint of life.


    Before the battle even begins, the swordsman shifts his stance and readies his des. Then, the roar of the beast and its shimmering glowing golden strength allow the battle to begin.


    The man dressed in ck activates his legendary grade extreme speed skill and matches the impossible agility of the Red Ogre in an instant. There''s a loud metallic ng and scraping sound that rings out as the two des of the fighter collide with the Ogre''s.


    The moment they do, a blue light shes around the swordsman''s body, and he twists around the Ogre''s de with ease. If my natural perception wasn''t so high, I''dpletely miss what just happened. I''m sure 99% of the audience did.


    The swordsman activates his divine speed buff andnds two clean hits on the Ogre''s torso before shing across the area to prepare for another exchange.


    Two open wounds appear on its frontside, and before it even turns to see the swordsman facing its back, he already deactivates his buff and stands in a ready position to fight again.


    Consumed with rage, the monster runs forward and following the loud ng of metal on metal, there''s a small sh of blue light and the swordsman is on the other side of the ring without a scratch on him. Meanwhile, two more open wounds cover the beast''s chest.


    This repeats 4 more times until the Ogre''s movements start to slow down.


    Its body gets covered in a red veil of energy. I can''t use my inspect or appraisal skills from here, but I can only assume it''s a conditional stat-boosting final move.


    The swordsman sees this and glows bright blue before their next exchange even starts. He starts zipping around the ring at speeds I doubt anyone here can even hope to perceive in their lifetime. In less than a second, the swordsman returns back to the position he stands in and turns off his buff while falling to one knee.


    In the same instant, the ferocious glowing red ogre falls into pieces, and the red glow fades as a crimson liquid stains the floor below it.


    The audience goes wild. They have no idea what just happened, but know the fighter won.


    Ace wipes his swords clean of the monster''s blood while standing back to his feet and giving the Announcer the go-ahead to push him to the next round.


    "That''s right, folks! Our second stage 6 win of the night! This brings us to our first stage 7 duel."

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    Ace seems to be extremely strong. He just took out a monster many levels higher than himself with ease, using only his swords and mana, no extrabat skills. However, I can tell he''s breathing heavily. That divine speed buff he uses in a sh of blue light looks like it takes a lot of MP out of him.


    "Please would you all begin cing your bets, the Royal Knights are preparing a level 672 Mutant Ghoul."


    Just by hearing its level, my mind is running wild. On top of that, its name is like nothing I''ve ever heard before either. They really do have unique and powerful monsters here.


    The crowd goes silent as they whisper to themselves and ce their bets.


    When I look down at the odds, the favor is against Ace many times over. I sit and wait, hoping to gauge the strength of what this creature would be that is about to be released into the ring.


    Once the announcer closes the bets, a sh of white light wees the Ghoul into the fight. I get a glimpse of its tall humanoid frame, just a head or two taller than the swordsman across the ring. It wears ragged clothing and has pale white skin tinted almost yellow in color.


    It has no hair on any part of its body. Its eyes glow orange and its teeth look rotted away. There''s a light aura around it that matches its eyes, and the faint glow reflects off its two silver swords.


    On its left wrist, I notice a shimmering tinum wristband, but can''t make out what it says on it or figure out how or why a monster would have one of those on them.


    In bare feet, the creature sprints forward at its opponent the instant it''s teleported into the ring. Its body leaves the orange mist behind and Ace reacts by activating his divine speed buff without hesitating at all.


    There''s a loud ng less than half a secondter as the two collide in the middle of the fight arena.


    It''s followed by shing orange and blue lights as the two match each other''s speed without a problem. Seconds pass, and the blue glow around the swordsman weakens while the orange mist around the Ghoul only grows denser.


    I can see the grin and sparkling eyes of the swordsman grow with anticipation after every sh they exchange. His eyes track the monster''s de, but with his ranked-up buff slowly shutting down it''s clear he doesn''t have much time left.


    Still, the swordsman is using every exchange as a learning opportunity. His reason foring out to the ring makes a lot of sense to me now. He just wants to fight stronger swordsmen, monster or human I can only assume it doesn''t matter. Right here is exactly where he can experience it every night. Win or lose, this is a sessful match in his eyes.


    The blue buffpletely dissipates, and as a result, the swordsman''s divine speed goes away with it.


    In less than half a dozen more exchanges, the fighter is outssed by the pure speed and battle IQ of this mysterious Ghoul Monster. Ace is transported back to the medical team once he hits 10% HP after a number of deadly hits.


    It didn''t make a sound, and only mimicked the swordsman''s battle style.


    Before I can study it anymore, a sh of white light brings the Ghoul away from the ring as well. This isn''t the normal way they''re usually taken out of the arena, but the only thing I can think of is its wristband that I spotted prior to the brawl. Maybe it would be too difficult or take too long for a guard squad to take a monster like this out. So, it must be standard procedure to teleport them to a save containment chamber after the match.


    After this fight, there are a few cheers, but mostly whispers and small talk about the Red Ogre fight beforehand. Most people predicted the oue of this match without a problem, and a lot of the audience couldn''t even perceive what really happened.


    While the audience continues to gossip about Ace, the next newbie fighter is brought on and clears the first 4 stages without much issue. He''s able to defeat the 5th stage with a desperate move, but both him and the monster fall to the floor in the end.


    He''s unable to move on to the next round, but fights like this are what the crowd loves to see. The excitement is coursing through the ring once again. Especially in anticipation after the mention of the next fighter.


    "Now, it''s the moment you''ve all been waiting for. The main event of the night. Our longest standing legacy fighter. You all know who I''m talking about... let''s make some noise!"


    The crowd''s regrs start cheering loudly and stomping their feet to make as muchmotion as possible. The new watchers that havee into the city for the first time all join in on the fun and the energy in the air is ecstatic.


    Underneath the ring in the training room, there''s only one other person left other than me; the bald young man in the orange robe.


    He steps onto the transport circle and is teleported in an instant.


    "Wee, Monk! With a standing win record of 316 Stage 5 Victories, 204 Stage 6 Wins, and 141 Stage 7 Clears, please make some noise for the champ!"


    He appears in the center of the stage with his head down and his hands sped.


    The crowd only goes more wild, but is calmed down after a few minutes once the announcer brings in the first fight and everyone ces their bets.


    A single green hobgoblin with a pair of daggers at level 30 enters the ring and runs toward the man in the orange robe.


    The crowd goes silent as the man steps forward to put his hands up in a fighting stance.


    Still, there is no visible mana surrounding him or any sign of skills or magic being used. I''m thoroughly confused.


    As the monster steps closer he does too, adjusting his hand positioning ever so slightly with every movement the hobgoblin makes.


    Once they''re close enough to sh, the young man throws a punch at the monster''s side while narrowly dodging its iing des.


    The punch sends the monster backward a few meters and it lets out a shriek, but to my utter shock, the beast isn''t defeated.


    It runs close with its des at the ready again and all the man does is dodge them just barely and throw another punch back.


    The monster is visibly hurt with some broken bones and much slower movements, but this doesn''t make any sense at all.


    Monk is nearly level 700, and he''s not even able to one-shot a level 30 hobgoblin...


    My eyes track the two opponents on the screen for another dozen exchanges until the monster''s movements slow down more and more after every hit. After 16 attacks, the hobgoblin finally falls to the floor in a bloodied and bruised state.


    The fighter is unscathed and the crowd erupts into cheers, I on the other hand have no idea what just happened.


    I murmur to myself as the announcer begins hyping up the next stage.


    "How is this guy the number 1 fighter in the arena?"

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348


    The next few fights that follow y out exactly the same as the first. Monk adjusts his speed and power to whatever opponent he''s facing and takes them out in about 2-3 minutes each time; dodging the iing hits and only throwing normal punches at the monsters'' vital points.


    In stage 2, a level 113 Orc gets pummeled around the ring and is defeated in 17 punches.


    Next, in stage 3, a level 251 bloodhound gets circles run around it and is defeated in 14 punches.


    After this, in stage 4, a level 340 humanoid creature with three eyes and a heavy club is taken out in 15 punches.


    Every round that passes makes me question what powers this man really has more and more. He''s clearly using mana in some way, but it''s invisible to the naked eye. There''s no shielding that covers his body, and not even ayer of mana over his punches either.


    I know there''s a trick, I just don''t know what it is...


    Stage 5es along, and he takes out an enormous mutant bear-like creature with long white ws and a thick brown hide in just 13 hits.


    The man doesn''t break a sweat.


    Every round that passes, the fights look exactly the same. Each time I think I''m going to witness him slipping up and showing a hint of mana or hidden ability, but I''m mistaken with every stage that follows.


    The 6th stagees around, and the man gracefully jumps around the arena with ease, twisting and turning away from the same lizard archer creature that Max faced in his fight.


    Monk''s speed matches the lizardman without a problem, and the arrows seem to fly by him mere millimeters away every single time. After his careful dodges, he manages to get in close, and just like every other opponent, the monster is taken out in just 14 punches.


    My mouth is left wide open after this fight.


    I saw how fast and powerful these stage 6 monsters were against seasoned battle veterans even with their ranked-up skills activated. For this man, he''s using the same effort in this fight as he did in the first hobgoblin''s brawl.


    "This makes no sense...."


    Although I may have this reaction, the crowd outside is going wild. Neers to the arena don''t know what to make of his battle style and are hesitant to bet on him in these higher rounds, opting for the monsters, while regrs are betting solely on Monk every round and making a small fortune.


    This must be the real money maker of the night. Even if it seems predictable, there are always new peopleing into the city to enjoy the show.


    My eyes stay glued to the screen as stage 7 begins, and the exact same level 672 Ghoul from the previous round against Ace enters the ring.


    Monk does a bow before the match starts, unlike any of his other matches. Then, begins his fight with the pale-skinned beast with orange energy leaking from its eyes and pores.


    Because of the starting bow, I thought maybe this fight would be different, but the man just speeds up more, running around the ring with ease and punching the Ghoul with lightning fast fists when it leaves itself open after each sword swing.


    Without activating my perception buffs, it''s almost difficult to track their movements. However, the fight just looks exactly the same. Dodge and punch, that''s all this man does.


    None of his punches show any signs of mana imbument, but an interesting phenomenon I see is every time he makes impact, the glow in the Ghoul''s eyes gets brighter for a fraction of a second. Then after, it dims slightly lower than before it was punched.


    Over and over, 15 punchester and the orange light in the Ghoul''s eyes goes out. The creature falls to the floor, seemingly unharmed on the outside, but devoid of energy remaining within.


    It''s overwhelming speed and strength against Ace, the swordsmanst round seemed as if it wasn''t even there anymore. The creature in the ring seemed like it was helpless against just simple punches.


    Monk steps back and bows again at the spot where the remains of the monster once stood. Its teleported away and the crowd erupts in cheers.


    "There you go folks! Our one and only stage 7 victory of the night! What an amazing showing! That only begs the question, Monk, are you ready to proceed to the 8th round?"


    The moving picture disy pans to the fighter standing alone in the ring. He crosses his arms and shakes his head.


    "Still not ready yet I see! Well, you''ll all have toe back tomorrow to see if Monk will take on the undefeated 8th stage..."


    Monk is transported back into the training room in front of me as the crowd cheers his name and the announcer continues.


    "Now... We usually end our showings on this stage 7 victory, but tonight we''ve decided to throw in an extra wildcard that you''re all sure to enjoy!"


    The audience goes silent and begins to whisper among each other, trying to figure out what''s going on.


    Monk gets off the transport tform and makes eye contact with me for the first time. I see an orange shimmer beneath his gaze for a split second but can''t tell if it''s just his robe''s reflection or my imagination.


    Either way, the announcer''s words are my cue to get onto the stage.


    I reach into my item storage beneath my cloak and pull out The me Emperor''s sword while smirking inwardly and whispering under my breath.


    "Now, it''s time for the real show to begin."


    The moment I step on, the transfer magic of the teleportation circle reacts with my wristband, and I''m sent into the fight arena with hundreds of people looking at me from every side. The blinding mana-imbued lighting fixtures make it almost impossible to see outside the ring; the only thing clearly visible is exactly what''s in front of me.


    "Wee, The me Emperor! This is a fighter debut, with 0 wins in any event so far. A true wildcard, and an exhrating event to end the night off. He could be defeated in stage 4, or he could make his way to the 8th. We have no information on this fighter other than his signature elemental skill, fire."


    At this, there are some oohs and aahs from the crowd around me, then a notification pops up on my wristband in blue text asking how much I''d like to bet on myself.


    I smirk and ce 1 gold credit on myself as a starting bet to see how it all works. In the same instant, the announcer starts the show.


    "The stage 1 fight against a level 17 horned rabbit will begin in 10... 9..."


    As he counts down, I hold my sword steady and point it forward where the monsters appeared in every event prior to this one.


    I have two options right now. I can take things slow and work my way up like Monk and Ace did, or be shy from the start like the Stone Maiden and Max.


    Once the transfer magic on the other side of the ring begins to shimmer and a fluffy white rabbit with a long brown horn appears in front of me, I activate my fire magic and run forward.

 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    Showing off my full strength from the start is not a good option; it wouldn''t be an optimal move. Having the odds stacked against me in theter rounds would be the best strategy for potentially greater payouts from betting on myself.


    However, there''s no reason not to put on a show and get the crowd excited. I get paid the same amount for the first three stages regardless, so I might as well build up some hype.


    With this in mind, I raise my left hand above my head and begin forming a ball of fire that growsrger as I approach the tiny rabbit.


    Just at the sight of my dark red mes, the crowd begins to cheer and be excited.


    Instead of swinging my sword, I throw the ming ball of magic, about five times the size of the rabbit, down onto it, instantly incinerating the miniature beast. Plumes of fire erupt from the ground, and dirt and stone fly off in all directions.


    It was overkill for a small monster like this, but nothing so immacte as to raise any suspicions that I''d be any better than any of the other newbiespeting in the previous rounds.


    Fire magic may be amon elemental ability, but it uses up a lot of MP for the average user. Unknown to me, it''s unusual for many fighters to use an attack like this in the first round.


    *Ding*


    A string of notifications pop up on my wristband.


    [Congrattions! 1.12x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 1 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [0.12 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 1 Fight Victory: Reward: 1 Silver Credit]


    [0.01 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 5.1250 Gold]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 104


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes to absorb the small amount of mana control avable.


    Before the debris even clears, the crowd is roaring with cheers, and some are even chanting my fighter name over and over as the announcer is already hyping up the next stage.


    I went from a nobody to a fighter to put their money behind in a matter of seconds with that shy attack.


    I just need to continue building up this hype for the stages toe. The bets that really matter are on stage 4 and further when the total amount won will be a percentage of the bets and not just a set win amount. I won''t be able to do much damage with a 5 Gold bnce.


    The stage 2 bets are ced, and I throw 3 gold on myself because I''m much more confident in the system and oue now.


    A cyclopses into the ring, and I decide to run at it this time to slice it in two with a single ming strike but make sure that the mes on my sword don''t leave the de until contact is made. While slicing through, I plunder every drop of its MP in milliseconds, bringing my own bar back up to full. The two halves melt with dark mes on them that don''t go out until itspletely turned to ash.


    [Congrattions! 1.08x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 3 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [0.24 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 2 Fight Victory: Reward: 10 Silver Credits]


    [0.1 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 5.4650 Gold]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 915


    [YES][NO]


    "Another Win, just like that."


    I take notes from watching the previous legacy fighters and do ap around the ring, raising my sword in the air and covering it in a bright flickering veil of mes until my stage 3 beast is announced.


    "Stage 3 will begin shortly, The me Emperor will be facing off against a level 247 bloodhound! ce your bets!"


    At the sound of this name, my mind starts to race, thinking back to the time I faced a simr beast in a dungeon a few months back.


    A sly grin starts toe across my face as I think about it more and more while cing a 5 Gold bet on myself with 1.11x odds.


    It''s not the money that excites me, it''s the potential for another powerful upgrade that makes the gears spin in my head.


    Once the ferocious-looking dog is finally brought into the ring via teleportation, it runs toward me, glowing bright red.


    I run forward too, activating appraisal and seeing [Bloodlust] in its active skills.


    The grin across my face only grows, and instead of killing it right away on the spot, I let the hound run by me and attempt to grab an arm. I dodge with ease and position myself for an attack, but then think about the possibilities of leading on the crowd right now. Making them underestimate me as much as possible will be beneficial in the uing fights.


    As the hound circles back again, I light up my sword with mes but let the hound in close and allow it totch onto my arm, iling in the air as if it was unexpected.


    In the same moment, I ignite my left arm with fire magic and blow the beast that''stched on to pieces.


    [Congrattions! 1.11x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 5 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [0.55 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 3 Fight Victory: Reward: 30 Silver Credits]


    [0.3 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 6.3150 Gold]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 3601


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Bloodlust


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    The crowd explodes into cheers as the remains of the beast hit the mana-shielded barrier of the arena along with my eruption of mes.


    I stay on the ground for a moment, excitedly choosing yes to the bloodlust upgrade and checking my status while using self-regeneration on my arm beneath my cloak. The extra MCP is asbsorbed as well. In the meantime, the announcer hypes up the crowd for the next round, allowing me to take my 5 minutes of rest.


    Standing to my feet, I grip my sword and give the go-ahead.


    "Next up, we have a special monster for you all in the 4th stage. As you all know, this is the round that separates the regr fighters from the fighters that face off in the main nightly events. To face the me Emperor, we''ve found a formidable opponent known for taking out fighters well above its level 365 rating. It''s time to ce your bets on the Mutant High Orc Matchup. A sword wielding monster with a fire aspect."


    The reaction from the crowd is mixed.


    Some describe the power of my fire, while others point out the fact I was taken off guard by a mere level 247 bloodhound.


    I smirk inwardly while cing a 6 gold bet for myself to win at a 1.37x payout multiplier.


    Once the High Orces into the ring, I can feel the heating off of it immediately. The beast runs at me, wearing silver armor head to toe, wielding a long shimmering sword with golden ents, and bursting with mes out of the armor''s holes.


    It has a regr firebat magic skill along with swordsmanship skill.


    The same twinkle in my eyes from the previous roundes back to me, and I decide to put on a show for the crowd yet again.


    Even though my movements are clearly much more crisp and practiced, to the naked eye of a fighter below level 300, it all looks the same. This is most of the audience.


    As long as I get hit with fire and take longer than a few seconds to defeat the monster that''s attacking me, to the crowd, it means I''m having trouble.


    "Come at me, it looks like you''re going to need to give me a hard time," I whisper under my breath while blocking a hit from its long silver sword and taking a firest from it head-on without even attempting to move away.


    My gear and natural fire resistance are so strong, it just feels like a warm breeze passing by to me. However, to the crowd, it looks like I''m being burned alive. The erupting cheers are ear-shattering.


    Through all the noise, there''s one thing on my mind that is crystal clear. I''ll be taking this audience for every bronze, silver, and gold coin they have to spare.

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    The plumes of fire clear, and I jump backward, igniting myself with my own mes to y the part. It''s a cool shy power-up to hype the crowd, but also shows that I''m trying to mitigate the supposedly brutal attack that I just took head-on.


    For the fun of it, now that I have a natural veil of dark red mes surrounding my body, I activate my newest bloodlust skill to see what improvements going from no grade to legendary grade provide.


    The aura that envelops me is much darker red than the usual bloodlust buff, more so matching the darkness of my mes now. The surge of energy is not what I was expecting to feel at all either. The no-grade bloodlust skill used to give a 50% buff to speed, agility, and mental strength. Now when I look down to check my status, it says 125% buff on each of these options and a 50% natural perception buff is added as well.


    I instantly feel like I just activated my final breath skill or my red hydra''s rage buff, but immediately decide to turn it off because, in a matter of seconds, my MP bar almost falls down to half.


    It is definitely an intense boost, but the cost is significant too. This arena isn''t the ce to test its potential.


    I get up close to the High Orc by outpacing its movements anding around to ce a hand on its back.


    In the same manner it attacked me, I plunder all of its MP to bring me nearly back up to full while sting a wave of fire through its body and sending it flying backward in a simr fashion to the attack it just threw.


    Moments before its lifeforce hits zero, I stop my attack and let the High Orce running bakc at me while letting out a roar of pain and frustration.


    In seconds, the intensity of my mes will burn it to ashes, but i want to have a final sh to put on a show for the crowd.


    As our des ng again, each of us releases a wave of mes at each other and I jump back for dramatic effect as the Orc is incinerated in the final st. I fall backward and let the force of my own attack throw me to the floor. Leaving my own mes burning on my body for a matter of seconds before putting them out.


    [Congrattions! 1.37x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 6 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [2.22 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 4 Fight Victory: Reward: 17.8950 Gold Credits]


    [17.8950 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 26.4300 Gold]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 12,966


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Swordsmanship


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes on both, upgrading my swordsmanship, and my questions about upgrading my fire magic skill are answered too. The Advanced version of this skill is as high as legendary grade absorption will upgrade it too, for now.


    The new skill upgrade is great, but the fact that I just made over 20 Gold Profit in a single match is the more exciting part of this string of notifications.


    It looks like the crowd agrees with me too as they shake the arena, and the announcer continues to yell out in an excited tone as I give him the thumbs up to move on to the next round.


    "Can you believe it? The me Emperor has taken a hit at point-nk range and retaliated back to finish off the High Orc with a taste of its own medicine. That begs the question, will he be able to defeat the level 481 Volcanic Smander King? It''s not everyday we get a fire wielder in the ring, so we''re saving opponents like this for the special asion."


    As the announcer goes on, I realize the fights being sent to me are not random. Thinking back even further, every fight in the ring today has been very selective.


    Sia had tough fights against opponents in theter rounds she had no hope of beating to set a standard for how tough each event would be. Max got opponents he has a defensive edge against monsters he could barely beat. Ace had only sword wielders to battle in theter rounds, and now I''m getting solely fire element fights.


    Someone is pulling the strings and clearly not randomizing these monsters, but I''m notining.


    "Finish your bets up soon, the match is about to begin in 10... 9..."


    I lock in a 25 gold bet at a 1.59x multiplier. I''m still the crowd favorite, but the odds are beginning to shift against me. This is good, its exactly what I want to happen.


    During this next fight, I need to make sure it looks like nothing close to an easy win.


    "2... 1... 0!"


    A sh of white light brings the crimson-scaled beast into the ring. Its body is dripping withva and looks exactly the way it did when I faced the same type of creature in a dungeon break way off in the desert of Sector 4.


    It has advanced fire magic and a body-hardening skill. Two skills I myself already have at their maxed-out ranks, so this fight will be purely for the fun of it and putting on a convincing performance for the crowd.


    This may be the first monster strong enough to take hits from my attacks if I go easy on it. That will add to a much more convincing disy.


    With a smirk on my face, I run forward with my sword aze and my fire magic enveloping the red cloak.


    Its body glows orange, red, and yellow, producing more molten stone as I charge forward to throw down a low-density attack at its scaled armor.


    Legendary Swordsmanship is automatically activated as I swing downward, making the movement feel even more precise and natural. However, this opponent isn''t a weapon wielder so I won''t be able ot test its full range of possibilities until another fight.


    The instant my de makes contact, I feel its scales beginning to crumble and its insides start to burn. I let up on my downward motion, and soon see its tailing toward me.


    Everything looks like it''s moving in slow motion, but I pretend not to see the tailing and let it hit me and send me flying toward the arena''s mana-shielded dome.


    I cover my side with a thinyer of mana before making impact. Once I do, all of the shielding I created explodes in a loud metallic twang sending me flying toward the arena floor twice as fast as I was moving upward at the wall.


    I manage to turn my body tond on my feet, but the ground beneath me cracks, and a small crater forms.


    The audience erupts into cheers of madness. They all remember the fight with Max and the lizard archer earlier, and what''s happening right now looks to be a repeat.


    The Smander King takes the time I was in the air to its advantage toe down on me, spewing molten rock.


    I jump out of the way just in time andnd another low-powered attack on the monster scales, making a small mark to show the crowd I''m not entirely powerless.


    However, I let the smander throw me around the ring a few more times to make a point. Ind more small hits on it while plundering just enough MP to refill my bar, and using my lifesteal skill to drain the monster''s HP at an even faster rate than doing physical damage. This restores my own health bar every time I lose a few points from bouncing off the mana-barrier above the ring.


    The crowd goes crazy, and the announcer begins describing the fight y-by-y to those who are watching as I narrowly avoid death over and over just tond small hits each time.


    "He''s done it again! The 9th exchange between the me Emperor and the Smander King! I can''t believe it! Another escape from near elimination just tond a hit! I have to give it to our newest fighter, he''s not one to give up easily!"


    Half a dozen exchanges go by, and the arena itself is full of molten rock and covered in craters. In the eyes of the crowd, it''s a miracle I''m still breathing, but there''s one thing that is starting to be clear.


    "He''s really going to do it! There''s no way! The Smander King''s Movements are really slowing down!"


    After excess MP and HP drainage to restore my own, and many tough hits through the monster''s scales, the beast in the ring naturally begins to slow down.


    I startnding 2 to 3 hits each exchange instead of 1 and, in a matter of minutes, I release a final blow to the back of the smander''s head with a fireball to top it all off.


    "He''s done it! The Winner of Stage 5 is the one and only me Emperor!"


    The screams of excitement and cheers, along with anger and frustration, fill the air, and I fall to my knees to y the part with my head down.


    It may look like I''m out of breath and trying to stay conscious after such a strenuous battle, but in reality, my eyes are glued to the notifications popping up over my wristband.


    [Congrattions! 1.59x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 25 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [14.75 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 5 Fight Victory: Reward: 38.1050 Gold Credits]


    [38.1050 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 79.2850 Gold]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 24,178


    [YES][NO]


    The smile across my face grows wider and wider as I see over 50 gold coins enter my credit ount.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Now, it''s time to get serious and go all in...."

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    To make the previous match even more convincing, I stand up and start walking with a limp before facing the crowd again and cing a thumb in the air to begin the next match.


    The announcer yells in an excited tone.


    "That''s what we like to see! At this rate, The me Emperor could actually do it, he could defeat the 6th stage monster and be a Legacy fighter on his first time in the ring!"


    The crowd erupts with cheers again, but I don''t like how positively they''re taking things. I want them to have no confidence I can defeat the next opponent that is teleported in.


    At this thought, I cough and drop to my knees, holding my chest and let my sword hit the ground with a ng.


    This makes the announcer pause, and the crowd begins to whisper and talk amongst themselves. Still, I raise a thumb and slowly get back up to my feet while using my sword as a crutch.


    My wristband clearly states that I''m still at 100% of max HP, but I cover it up underneath my red cloak in case anyone in the audience has extra keen eyes. Unlike them, the announcer is not worried at all. His voice still rings out as enthusiastic as ever.


    "Here in the Valor City fight arena, we don''t hold back. Even if you''re injured from the past stage, we won''t go easy on you. Everyone ce your bets! The me Emperor will be facing a level 599 Red Ogre Tyrant in the Stage 6 matchup!"


    My eyes widen at the announcement.


    The crowd goes silent too...


    My opponent in this next round is going to be the maximum level avable for a stage this high. I don''t know who is choosing these opponents behind the scenes, but it''s like they read my mind... This is exactly what I wanted to hear.


    After the awkward moment of silence, the crowd begins to cheer again and rumble the stands around the arena and even slightly shake the floor itself.


    The odds that pop up on my wristband make me smile inwardly, but I don''t dare show even a little bit of emotion before the match begins.


    For the first time in the event tonight, the betting odds are stacked against me. I stare down at the numbers, and it says 2.67x for a bet on myself and it keeps on rising.


    I make a slow walk around the ring, just to make sure everyone can see the sorry shape I''m in and the crowd''s confidence toward me as the potential winner in this fight lessens more and more.


    The odds raise past 3.00x and I hear a few people yell out in the front rows down to me.


    "Forfeit while you still have your dignity!"


    "This will be the easiest money I''ve ever made. I''m going all in on the Red Ogre!"


    "Look at him! He can barely stand. Thatst battle was all luck, there''s no way he bes a legacy fighter with moves like that."


    "The Red Ogre Tyrant is more powerful than any normal Red Ogre, he doesn''t stand a chance! Even Ace lost to one of thesest week, my bet is on him losing too!"


    I walk back to the center of the ring after my fullp and the announcer starts counting down for the fight to start.


    "The match will begin shortly! Get ready in 10...9...8..."


    More and more bets are ced and I peek at my watch to see the odds against me rise to 4.29x.


    "7...6...5..."


    I enter 75 gold into the betting notification, and wait longer for everyst bet to be ced. The odds keep rising, and I want to lock in my bet at the highest payout I possibly can.


    This opponent is going to be a higher level than me, but I''ve faced much more difficult monsters in battle before. I may have to pull out some more tricks, but I''m confident in my abilities to defeat it.


    "4... 3... 2..."


    The odds that I''ll win have fallen so low, that the payout on me is now at 5.41x. I lock it in, draining most of my credit wallet, then finally standing up straight with a wide grin as my bet is now set in stone.


    "1... 0... Let the Stage 6 Match begin!"


    A blinding light transports an enormous Red Ogre Tyrant into the ring. It looks very simr to the Red Ogres in the previous matches I saw, but this one is much more muscr with crimson veins bulging out from its silver armor.


    The beast lets out a roar as it begins to glow golden the moment it steps forward and swings a massive metal mace in the air. A thick chain that looks like it would hold an anchor to the sea floor connects a spiked metal ball as it swings it above its head.


    The sharp eyes of the beast lock onto me in an instant as I approach and activate my own extreme strength and berserker skills as well.


    As it swings the mace, a glimmer of pink mana starts to cover the entire weapon and its two skills show up in my mind''s eye.


    [Extreme Strength][Legendary Grade]


    [Combat Magic][Advanced Mana Maniption]


    My gaze falsl down to its ranked-up buff too.


    [Ogre Tyrant''s Dominance]


    It storms forward with incredible speed, and I jump out of the way using my full strength and speed to dodge.


    "No more ying around. This fight is for real."


    I use wind magic to propel my movements away from the golden glowing beast and turn back to release a mana de imbued with fire from my sword at point-nk range at the Ogre''s back.


    The moment it''s released, the instincts of the beast kick in, and it senses the shift in mana density that fills the air. Its shielded spiked mace spins back around to collide with the iing attack and an explosion of mana and mes instantly fills the entire dome.


    I activate my all-seeing eye, and sense the creature not taking a moment of rest. Through the chaos of the st, it uses the plumes of mes as a smokescreen and runs at me to throw another hit.


    I swing my de up to collide with its spiked mace. The physical weapons don''t collide, but the denseyers of shielding around them do. Another mana-on-mana eruption sts both of us backward, sending the ogre and myself flying into the dome''s mana shielding, then into the floor below with two loud bangs.


    However, we got much closer this time around. Our energies colliding is close enough range for me to use my MP plundering skill along with Lifesteal to take as much MP and HP as I can before we''re both sent flying to opposite sides of the ring.


    The fire from ourst attacks dissipates, and the audience can clearly see the next exchange. Just like before, the battle-hungry monster doesn''t take a moment of rest, neither do I. We both run forward and sh again.


    I can feel an invisible subconscious pull much stronger than normal guiding my sword with precision. It''s the legendary swordsmanship skill at work, but the movements that enter my mind like instinct are very different than my normal fighting style. I suppress the urge to try anything too new and risky right now.


    At this point in the battle, its best I stick to what I know and observe my opponent.


    The speeds we''re fighting at, and the precision of each hit is far greater than what I''d assume most of the audience has the ability to perceive. But if there are any highly skilled fighters or ex-hunters in the crowd they''d see us both collide in mid-air fighting with waves of mana, trying to cut through the other''s defenses while regenerating our own before being thrown back from the excess energy.


    My ming sword covered inyers of pink mana shielding collide with the shielding that surrounds its mace. We both have a mana maniption skill, so the shielding being used is just being constantly regenerated by the mana within our bodies.


    The real test of strength will be who runs out of MP first.


    Pure level numbers suggest this Ogre has higher MP stores than me, but each exchange we share drains its own stores and adds them to mine.


    Although it looks like an even match, it''s really a matter of time before the Tyrant runs out of MP and I can send a fatal attack that sts through its weakened shielding.


    Another four exchanges pass and just like the smander in the previous round, I start to sense its movements slow.


    At this point, the crowd realizes what''s going on to an extent too. A few angry voices start to stand out to me in between the next few attacks the Ogre and I send at each other.


    "He was strong all along? Was this guy ying us for our money?"


    "There''s no way... He set us up..."


    "Could the Ogre Tyrant really lose?"


    "Boooo!"


    Half a dozen more exchanges pass and the audience has resorted to throwing things down at the ring. The mana shielding blocks anything from actually flying in, but the sounds of random items hitting the dome make me smirk.


    In the meantime, I can tell the Red Ogre Tyrant is frustrated out of its mind as it roars louder and louder after every exchange we have. Its eyes start to shift from the jet ck they started at to now a crimson glow.


    After our 15th collision, I''m almost positive I''ve stolen over half of its HP and MP. It has noticed and is making its move.


    The red glow that has slowly grown in its eyes begins to spread into the golden shimmer of its extreme strength skill. A shimmering red wave of energy surrounds its body and I feel a shockwave vibrate through the arena floor.


    The air pressure shifts, and I feel most of the ambient mana from our previous shes begin to gravitate toward the Ogre at the opposite side of the ring.


    I use my own maniption skill to attempt bringing it back my way, but the force at which it''s being pulled in at the monster is significantly stronger than before.


    Even the dome around the ring starts to vibrate. It hums loudly as it tries to stay in ce, but the new buff my opponent is using seems to be pulling in every spare mana particle in the area. This feels extremely dangerous. Not only for me, but nearby audience members too if this monster is doing what I think it is.


    It''s using its ranked-up buff as ast-ditch effort, Ogre Tyrant''s Dominance is being activated.

 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352


    The Red Ogre Tyrant''s golden veil of energy starts to shift to red as its rank-up buff activates.


    The dome that surrounds us, protecting the audience outside the fight ring, is now rippling and bending toward the monster on the far side of the arena.


    I''m sure they fight monsters of this caliber very often, but none of the past monsters could have had a buff and skillbination like this... With the name Ogre Tyrant''s Dominance, and the absorption of MP it''s taking in from all directions, I can only assume this rank-up perk allows the monster to take superior control over all of the mana in the nearby atmosphere.


    Along with its onlybat skill being advanced mana maniption, my confidence in the barrier overhead to keep our dangerous attacks contained is dwindling.


    It runs forward at me with its spiked mace swinging in the air once again, this time aroundyered in a much thicker mana shielding, and I can tell its MP bar has raised far past full. The monster is wielding more energy than it did at the start of the match.


    I can sense mana seeping out from the shielding above our heads, aiding its next attack.


    Still, I grit my teeth and counter, activating the newly ranked-up legendary bloodlust skill in small bursts to increase my speed and magic power.


    It burns through a lot of MP to use this buff now, but with the massive cloud of mana swirling around my opponent, the moment I get in close I can easily restore myself to full.


    As we''re about to sh, I sense my swordsmanship skill begin to activate, instinctually pointing me to swing in a different direction than I first nned to.


    I hesitate, and the feeling goes away...


    Our shielded weapons collided and we''re both sted backward to opposite sides of the arena. Even with my new buff activated, I wasn''t able to overpower this tyrant. Each time we collide, our shielding is nearly equal in density and strength, but the weight and power of its weapon is intense. The precision at which it swings won''t allow me to get a proper hit in, getting hit by that mace may mean the end for me.


    However, If I can get past it andnd a good hit on the Ogre, it would mean the end for this beast as well.


    Once I stand up off the ground, my mind races over the odd sensation I felt before our attacks met. It was like a subconscious pull, leading me to use my de in a much different way than a regr straight-on attack.


    A roar echoes out through the ring again as the Ogre charges at me.


    I run forward too, activating my bloodlust buff again, and hoping that feeling from my swordsmanship skilles back.


    At this rate, I need to switch things up. Just colliding over and over, stealing a few HP every attack won''t cut it. The shielding in the arena may give out before I can finish this monster off.


    As we''re about to collide again, I feel the same pull, and decide to give in to it and let my instinctspletely guide my de.


    I change directions in mid-air with an airstep, and a faint silver line that looks like a nearly invisible spider''s thread shows up in my mind''s eye, but projects itself into reality.


    Almost like the system text hase to life, and is showing me a holographic path to follow with the tip of my de.


    It twists and curves, but I shut my mind off and follow. With every airstep and curving swing of my sword, I narrowly miss the fast-spinning mace that constantly soars toward me.


    Even so, the end of the thread is in sight, and it ends right on the Ogre''s neck. The closer the thread gets to my opponent, the more it changes color. At the tip of my sword it shimmers silver and glows almost white, but near the monster''s vital point the thread is stained blood red.


    I twist my body out of the way of the beast ande within a 5-meter range of the end of the thread. The creature''s mace is all the way on the monster''s side of its body. The world feels as if it''s slowed down, and everything except the thread and the monster that is my target has been muffled out and faded from existence. My swordes down with all my might in a graceful swing, and I slice through the creature''s mana shielding along with argeyer of flesh.


    An eruption of mana explosion, crimson blood, and dark mes sends both of us flying backward and reality creeps back into my senses all around me as I hit the back of the mana dome.


    The mixture of cheers and boos fills my ears, but it doesn''t matter to me at all.


    I raise my sword in the air and light it on fire, letting out augh, as the injured monster starts to run back at me filled with rage.


    I grip my de with both hands and smirk.


    To anyone in the crowd that could follow my movements before, they''re already aware of the fact that I can use air magic, so there''s no reason not to show a bit more of my hand.


    As I run closer, the instinctive feeling begins to grow more and more, but I activate my earth magic first to give myself an additional edge.


    With a simple thought, the ground beneath the Ogre turns to liquid stone and begins slowing its footsteps. Every meter closer it travels, the more rocks form around its ankles and shins. Once it''s close enough, the creature has to physically break free from the mounds of rocks on its legs every step.


    I jump in the air and search for the thread.


    Breathing in and out, the world around me disappears again, leaving just the shimmering silver line leading to the monster''s neck, and the slow-motion mace spinning around in the air with a clear path before me making it easy to dodge.


    In a graceful fluid movement, taking 5 airsteps in total, I get in close and release another full-powered sh, slicing through the excess mana shielding around its neck, and also cracking the top portion of its chestte, sending it flying backward, now dripping blood all over its silver armor.


    This time; mana, rock, and mes erupt into the air but I still feel its life force pulsing strong.


    Once the debris begins to clear, the red glow around its body besrger andrger. Instead of running at me, it backs up and ces its free hand against the shielding dome. The energy starts to ripple and vibrate more than ever before.


    The dome''s inner surface looks like a thinyer of water being bounced around by the vibrating frequency of a powerful music ying device.


    The more vtile the shielding around the ring bes, the more the red aura around the creature grows.


    The boos in the crowd against me begin to turn into whispers and frightened screams as people soon realize what''s going on.


    I run forward gripping my de with one thing on my mind, finishing this battle once and for all.


    I decide not to hold back one bit. If this monster manages to take out the shielding around the ring, there will be many more problems than one...


    The audience wouldn''t be safe, they may send in extra guards to subjugate the beast and I wouldn''t get my level-ups or skill upgrades, and worst of all; the bets could be off. My chance to 5x my money and fool the crowd would have all been for nothing.


    "I need to kill this monster now."


    Without hesitating, I activate every single skill that will allow me to get closer to the beast as fast as possible, and keep it stuck in ce tond a finishing move without any interference before any announcements can be made.


    With my wind magic and buffs on full st, propelling me forward, and earth magic surrounding the creature at the far side of the ring, the distance between us is negated in milliseconds.


    Its legs are held in ce by rock reinforced by telekinesis while waves of intense intimidation are sent straight into its psyche. Meanwhile, my de is being charged up to its maximum potential and the world around me is fading away as a single shimmering crimson line of mana leads to the same unguarded blind spot on the Ogre''s neck.


    I jump upward and swing the de with unmatched strength and precision. The head of the Red Ogre Tyrant is sliced clean from its body and begins spinning high into the air before anyone in the audience can even blink.

 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353


    The edge of my de shortens the distance between the deep crimson red thread and the neck of the monster threatening the lives of everyone in this arena.


    In an instant, using over 1000MP in a single strike, I release a mana de while making direct contact with the monster''s neck and its head is sliced clean off in an instant.


    My boosted perception is so much greater than the world around me, that even as the beast''s head slowly spins in the air disconnected from its body, the wide eyes and mixed reaction from the crowd seem so slow that they''re not even moving...


    The severed head collides with the rippling mana shielding dome and instantly stters into indistinguishable parts.


    [Congrattions! 5.41x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 75 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [330.75 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 6 Fight Victory: Reward: 68.4450 Gold Credits]


    [68.4450 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 4.784800 tinum]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 1,034,980


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Extreme Strength


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    The moment the Ogre Tyrant''s head leaves its body, the red aura that fills almost half the rings dissipates in an instant.


    However, the vibrating and churning mana shielding that makes up the arena''s dome gets more and more violent following the explosion of the Ogre''s head.


    I jump back andnd on the floor, choosing yes to all the notification options that pop up and excitedly look at my wristband as it shifts in color from golden to a shimmering tinum glow.


    My eyes dart around the ring at the dome. I assumed it would calm down the moment the Ogre''s skill dissipated, but the turbulent nature only grows worse as the seconds pass and the crowd erupts into cheers, yells of anger, boos, and frightened screams.


    Four shes of white lighte into my peripheral vision for a fraction of a second, and knights in ck armor teleport in on opposite sides of the inside of the dome.


    I turn my head to try and scan one with my appraisal skill as they all ce their armored hands on the vibrating shielding.


    Wisps of grey and white energye out of their gauntlets and the violent unstable nature of the ring ceases, leaving the stable humming mana shielding in its original form.


    The 4 of them disappear along with the corpse of the monster I defeated before I can even blink again.


    The only reading I managed to see from one of them leaves my mouth wide open underneath my mask in a state of confusion.


    _____________


    [Lv. ??? ess Denied]


    Active Items: [??? ess Denied]


    Active Skills: [??? ess Denied]


    Buffs: [??? ess Denied]


    _____________


    These readings look eerily simr to the odd ck armor of the Sector 2 Leader I defeated not so long ago...


    The announcer finally speaks up, quieting the crowd down.


    At this disturbance, my natural perceptions of time begin to go back to normal.


    "We... have a winner... The me Emperor! Give it up for our newest legacy fighter! Can you believe it? From an unknown name, to a man that beat all the odds. What do you say, will you be taking on the 7th stage?"


    I''m in quite the daze after what I just witnessed, but still slowly put a thumb in the air.


    Almost all my HP and MP were restored after that final blow using plunderer on the body and excess energy that escaped from the shielding in the ring.


    Although it wasn''t a walk in the park, I was far from being in real danger while facing that monster, if anything, the audience was in more trouble than me. It seems the announcer isn''t going to bring attention to this fact at all. They did have safeguards in ce just in case any events like this were to happen.


    The sounds of the crowd aren''t the excited screams that were rattling the stadium earlier, but the quick thinking of the announcer changes their minds.


    "You all know we have only had one contestant get anywhere close to beating the stage 7 Ghoul in years. This is another major step up from the stage 6 fights. Even if the me Emperor finally showed you all his full strength, we know that''s part of the fight game. You can''t hate the yer."


    The angry words and whispers start to change their tone, and I hear a few members of the crowd speak up. Instead of all hatred, I''m beginning to get mixed reviews.


    "He''s right, the rules of the arena never said any bets were fair."


    "No kidding, I''m d I took the risk. I can''t believe it, I bet on him as a joke and just 5x''d my money!"


    "I lost everything. I hate the me Emperor, he''ll get what''sing to him in this next round."


    "You''re right! Monk is the only one I''ve seen beat that Ghoul monster in the 7th stage, and I''ve beening to this arena for years now. There''s something really off about those monsters. Pure magic power, or even superior skill never seems to be enough to kill them."


    "I bet my whole wallet on thatst round, I''ll be kicked out of the city if I''m still here at midnight."


    "Ha! Then you better leave now. This is a gambling area! What do you expect, never bet what you can''t afford to lose!"


    By the time the announcer speaks up again, all hatred has left the crowd''s mind, and they''re all fully consumed with the next round.


    "Everyone, ce your bets on the next Stage 7 matchup of the night! The me Emperor will be facing off against a level 689 Mutant Ghoul."


    The crowdpletely flips tones again. As the betting odds pop up in front of their faces and they''re consumed with greed.


    I take my slowp around the ring as the announcer continues on and on, hyping up the fight more. This time around, I''m more confused at what the purpose of this arena really is.


    The man at the registration desk did say it''s one of the main ie streams of the city along with an auction hall in the tinum district, but after that disy of power from what I can only assume is the royal guards, something isn''t adding up.


    Why do they really have a fight arena in this city, and where are they getting all the incredibly high-level monsters to teleport in like it''s easy? Who are the legacy fighters...? Why does no one seem to care about anyone''s true identity here...? And why did my teammates agree toe to this city in the first ce?


    For some reason, all these questions start to hit me at once as the announcer counts down the betting timer as the show is about to begin again.


    "10...9...8..."


    I take a deep breath in and out, then shake my head while staring straight ahead to where my opponent will be standing next.


    Then, look down at my wristband and see the odds for me to win are still stacked against me, but much less so than the round before. People seem to be more confident in my abilities after thatst disy of strength, but the prestige of the final event in the eyes of the crowd is still a very tough challenge. The payout on me winning is 2.09x.


    This will most likely be myst event in the ring... A level 689 is far above my own level, but it''s still within reach of an opponent I can potentially defeat. I''ve taken on a Demon of a simr level, and a Demonic Minotaur recently of strength that may match it.


    "7...6...5..."


    I''m going to have to n for this to be myst event. I need 10 tinum coins to make it into the final gate, so it''s all or nothing right now.


    "4...3...2..."


    The payout raises to a 2.51x multiplier and I bet 400 gold credits, equal to 4 tinum coins on myself to win.


    "1...0.... Let the Stage 7 Match Begin!"

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    As the announcer''s words fade away, I grip my de and get ready for the real fight to begin. From my understanding of the crowd''s reaction and the words echoing through the arena, close to no one is capable of defeating this ghoul monster. The fighter known as Monk is an anomaly to this rule.


    Even with the disy of strength I showed in the round before, defeating a monster at the peak of stage 6, the crowd is confident enough to ce their bets against me still. I showed nearly all my skills in thest event.


    My hopes are that I''ll be proving them wrong once again.


    I have a few more tricks up my sleeve, and I may have to use them all in this next uing fight.


    The transfer magic lights up a small portion of the arena near the back side where the opponents are usually spawned in.


    A familiar-looking pale-skinned figure appears. With orange glowing eyes, and rotting yellow teeth, a Mutant Ghoul locks its gaze on me in fractions of a second. It''s height is simr to mine, possibly half a meter taller than me at most.


    This variant of Mutant Ghoul only carries one long silver sword, and its body is barely covered in clothing. They''re more like rags that are held on by threads.


    Its eyes pulse brighter, then the beast runs forward at me without making a sound.


    I activate all my buffs to try and scan the creature for any extra information while lighting my sword on fire and positioning myself for a counter.


    Its status throws me for a loop when it shows up in my mind''s eye.


    _____________


    [Lv. 689]


    Active Items: [Enchanted Long Sword] +200% Strength +200% Speed +200% Agility


    Active Skills: [NONE]


    Buffs: [Curse Mark of The Lich King]


    _____________


    All it has to its name is a single sword and a mysterious curse in its buff slot. To my surprise, there aren''t any active skills either. Something is very off about all of this.


    Nevertheless, I hold my sword up to position myself for a block to test the monster''s strength. It falls for the bait without hesitation for a moment and there is a loud ng that echoes out in the arena.


    It''s the sound of pure metal on metal... A noise I haven''t heard in quite a while.


    The moment its sword touches my mana shielding barrier, an orange glow surrounds its own and the two barriers of energy pass right by each other without reacting at all.


    The swords meet, and our strength is nearly even. The oddity of the creature just slipping through my defenses without any resistance throws me off guard, and I take a step back, but soon decide to activate my bloodlust and newly upgraded extreme strength skill to counter before it pulls any other moves on me.


    The moment the crimson and gold lights begin to shimmer around my body, I feel MP being burned at an immense rate. The buff percentage rises on my extreme strength skill. Instead of just a 50% boost at its normal no grade ranking, it''s risen to 125% at legendary grade and shimmers so bright golden white it almost looks tinum.


    It''s worth the burned MP. I lunge forward and swing my de across my body to propel the Ghoul away from me, airstepping back and deactivating my buffs to reassess my situation.


    At the same time, I try to use my plunderer skill to siphon some MP off my opponent to restore the mana used in my buffs and sh, also attempting a minor lifesteal to weaken it as much as I can from a distance, but my heart skips a beat at what I soon realize.


    "No mana... and no health points either..."


    The Ghoul in front of me doesn''t have a drop of MP in its body, despite the glowing orange aura that now covers its sword, arms, and is slowly expanding to engulf its entire body. It also has no HP to be stolen either.


    This monster may have unfathomable defenses, or some way of masking its inner mana control, but all my senses are pointing to something else.


    "Its Buff... The Curse Mark of The Lich King..."


    I have keener senses than any hunter or monster within hundreds of levels, there''s no way I could visibly see an energy source, and not be able to sense any of the mana flowing through it. Not even my all-seeing eye can pick up the presence of even a bit of flowing energy.


    The only reasonable exnation in my mind is its buff giving it some type of power source that isnt mana. It''s using energy I''m unable to manipte.


    It runs forward and we sh again. The sound of metal on metal echoes, but this time I use my buffs much more conservatively while straining my senses to attempt to find any more clues.


    Three more equally powered exchanges take ce, and already over 30% of my mana is used up and I''m as clueless as I was when I started examining the ghoul.


    This next attack, I''m going in for some blood. As much as I want to understand what makes this creature tick, winning the battle is much more important right now.


    Instead of the equal exchanges we had earlier, I start charging my footsteps with wind magic and strategically activate my buffs as I move and turn to use them as efficiently as possible without draining massive amounts of MP and get in line for my swordsmanship skill to slowly activate.


    As my ming de gets closer and I run around the Ghoul in circles, dodging its de, the thread finally begins to form in my mind''s eye, attaching the tip of my sword to the Ghoul''s midsection in a winding shimmering line.


    I take a deep breath and begin to follow the path.


    After half a dozen sweeping motions, I lunge in close after multiple near misses from its own sword before mine makes contact with its upper torso.


    The searing sound of my fire magic melting its flesh and tearing the monster clean in halfsts only for a fraction of a second before I''m raising my de in the air for the audience to react as two pieces of the Ghoul rest behind me covered in mes.


    Cheers of joy and boos of hatred don''te as I expected at all...


    The crowd doesn''t react at all actually, minus the few intoxicated bettors yelling out loud. Most of them just point straight at me with devious grins or wide-eyed in horror.


    It isn''t until toote I realize they''re not pointing at me, but at the two halves of the Ghoul I just cut down crawling back together and reforming its burned tissue and skin in the areas where it was sliced.


    The orange glow that surrounds its body and now pours from its gaze grows brighter and brighter as my confusion grows at the same rate.


    I turn to the monster, and my conclusion that its buff is giving it power bes my number one theory.


    The only time I saw its kind defeated was Monk beating it down with nothing but his fists. However, I never saw that man use a hint of mana either.


    One thing I do know, by the end of this fight, I''ll either be broke and out of luck, or know exactly how the arena champ defeated a nearly level 700 creature without a hint of magic power.

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    A monster with no MP and no HP...


    It can survive my advanced fire magic, and also can reform and regenerate without any skills or extra visual energy exertion whatsoever.


    The only clue I have of how to defeat this thing is the single encounter I witnessed of monk punching the ghoul to death.


    Every time his fist would impact the monster''s body, I clearly remember its eyes glowing brighter for a fraction of a second, then the glow of the entire beast bing dimmer every time.


    Whatever this life force or energy is, most likely provided by its curse, it needs to be extracted from its body slowly, and the monster will die once sucked dry.


    The real question now is, how...?


    "I''ll have to figure this out fast."


    The Ghoules running at me again without a moment of rest with its silver de glimmering orange, and leaving a trail of its residue behind.


    I''m struck with a moment of rity as I use my strength buff to counter the iing strike of the ghoul and send it flying back again.


    The faint cloud of orange mist that trails behind it looks eerily familiar, and things are beginning to add up. Notpletely, but enough for me toprehend what''s going on to a certain extent.


    "Soul Energy...."


    I''m just unsure how and why this works, but theres a high chance I''m dealing with the soul energy of a Lich King. It''s orange energy reacts to the air just like the red aura of the hydra''s soul energy I''m able to use.


    Our weapons ng against each other again and again, and I begin going down my list of skills one by one to see if anything works other than the one thing I''m hoping I don''t have to do... After trying to intimidate, plunder MP, lifesteal HP, equivalent exchange health, and even attempt to use telepathy, nothing seems to be getting through to this mindless battle machine and my MP falls down to about half as I sporadically use my buffs to keep up with the monster.


    It doesn''t slow down at all. The movements of the ghoul are as precise and clean as the moment it was transported into the ring.


    Even after slicing the Ghoul in half 4 more times, the crowd only gets more excited every time it gets back up.


    The announcer begins to egg them on to start getting rowdy. After thest match of maniption, the crowd deserves to have a nice win.


    However, my mind is running at a million beats per minute trying to figure out a way to injure this monster or replicate the way Monk drained its life force.


    Even if I had Demonic Energy on hand, I''ve found that it doesn''t even react with soul energy either.


    The only way I''m going to be able to fight on equal grounds with this monster is to use my own soul energy buff.


    Its side effects are brutal, but weeks of work in gaining money are on the line here. If I lose now, showing off all these powers to tons of prying eyes would have been all for nothing.


    I''ll do a single hit, put my all into it, keep it quick, and if this fails too... then there''s nothing more to do tonight. I''ll have to grind in the arena for a few more days regardless, or find another way to make money and get into the inner walls of the city.


    We run at each other once again, and moments before our des collide, I activate my buff again.


    "Red Hydra''s Rage."


    The less time I''m activated in this state, the better off I''ll be afterward.


    The shining orange eyes of the creature in front of me pulse brighter and brighter as a veil of red energy floods out from my chest and covers my entire body in an instant. My perception boosts drastically, my speed and power increase at an rming rate, and my strength increase is so immense the ground beneath me starts crumbling away with every extra wind imbued step forward I take.


    Our swords begin to collide, but the moment they do, the crimson energy surrounding my weapon finally reacts with the orange glow around the Ghoul''s, disintegrating it on impact.


    A chain reaction like lighting fire to tissue paper travels down the contact point of our swords and the Red Hydra''s energypletely destroys the orange light that envelops the ghoul in milliseconds.


    For the first time in our entire match, I hear the monster screech.


    Before it can retaliate, my sword slices straight through its own, sending the two silver halves of metal flying off in opposite directions.


    Right after this, the edge of my de slices the Ghoul in half once again.


    This time, obliterating every bit of orange energy and letting the two halves of the ghoul finally fall to the ground with lifeless eyes.


    I nt my feet ande to a halt on the other side of the ring, looking back and confirming the ghoul is really defeated before deactivating my buffs and all my skills.


    [Congrattions! 2.51x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 400 Gold Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [604 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 7 Fight Victory: Reward: 171.3000 Gold Credits]


    [171.3000 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 12.5378 tinum]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [114/1000 Mutant Ghouls Defeated]


    As I deactivate my buff, the extreme fatigue hits me like a rock as usual, but I didn''t have to use as much of my skills as I thought I would. The adverse effects aren''t as extreme as after defeating the Demonic Minotaur a few days back. A single night of rest will heal me up just fine. Even now, I''d be able to fight at at least 80% of my fight capacity if needed.


    As the announcer yells out the final results of the match, I still manage to stay on my feet and stare down at the odd text disying a number of Ghouls defeated.


    It itches at the back of my mind, but I soon forget about it and be more consumed in the 10 levels gained and the fact that I reached my money goal in a single night. I''ll be able to see my teammates very soon.


    The echoing voice of the announcer continues in the ring.


    "The me Emperor! Will he be taking on the 8th Stage of the arena tonight?"


    I ponder to myself what kind of monstrosity they possibly have to offer that''s between the levels 700 and 800, but before I even get to make a decision for myself, the same four ck knights enter the ring, moving so fast without my buffs active I can''t even see them.


    The only reason I realize they''re here is because one stops no more than 5 meters in front of me and I see a pair of sharp eyespletely orange peer through the slit in the ck helmet. I activate my all-seeing eye and buffs momentarily to see the other three.


    An echoing noise simr to a telepathy skill sounds out in my head.


    "Drop out of the match. The 7th Stage is as far as you will go."


    Before I can even think to respond, the ck Knight is gone, and its other partners with it.


    I''m left in a state of awe and disbelief, wondering what that was about... and if Monk had the same thing happen to him each time he makes it to this point in thepetition.


    I gulp, and decide to take my winnings while I''m still up.


    Crossing my arms and shaking my head, I look exactly like Monk did declining the man''s offer.


    "Another pass on the unbeatable 8th Stage of the arena. Maybe one day, we''ll get to see our two new champions have at it and see who can defeat the 8th stage first! Next time-"


    The Announcer goes on, but I''m teleported back to the underground training room in the same moment.


    Facing me with looks of awe on their faces less than 10 meters from the teleportation tform are 3 out of the 4 legacy fighters. Max, Sia, and Ace don''t say a word as I step back onto the white glossy mana-shielded floor.


    Status Updates:


    ____________________


    Pre Arena:


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 562


    Hp: 2815/2815


    Mp: 2815/2815


    Strength: 1491 [+2803][+2058][+746][+1491][+746][+746][+2237]


    Speed: 1625 [+975][+1625][+813][+1625][+813][+2438]


    Agility: 1733 [+780][+1733][+2080][+867][+1733][+867][+2600]


    Defense: 1262 [+1401][+1262][+1742][+631][+1262][+1893]


    Mental Strength: 1787 [+1072][+1787][+2716][+2109][+1430][+894][+1787][+894][+894][+2681]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Legendary Grade]


    Swordsmanship


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Special Grade]


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodlust


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Special Grade]


    Hibernation [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Special Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Legendary Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Items Equipped: [12 Slots Avable Post-Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    High Ogre King''s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+111% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Serpent King''s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+188% Strength][+152% Mental Strength][+100% Defense][+100% Speed][+100% Agility]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Wind Aspect][+137% Strength][+120% Agility][+118% Mental Strength]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+138% Defense]


    Smander King''s Cloak [+80% Mental Strength] [+80% Fire Magic Resistance]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Midnight Dagger


    Buffs:


    [Berserker] +50% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +50% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength


    [Extreme Strength] +50% Strength


    [Final Breath] ~ +150% All Stats (Exact % will vary, conditions & circumstances apply)


    Permanent Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability][Passive]


    Red Hydra''s Rage[Soul Bond Attribute][Active]


    _____________


    ~


    Post Arena:


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 576


    Hp: 2885/2885


    Mp: 2885/2885


    Strength: 1526 [+2899][+2090][+2091][+763][+1526][+763][+2289]


    Speed: 1665 [+999][+1698][+833][+1665][+2081][+2498]


    Agility: 1773 [+798][+1808][+2128][+887][+1773][+2216][+2660]


    Defense: 1295 [+1437][+1308][+1800][+648][+1295][+1943]


    Mental Strength: 1822 [+1093][+1822][+2806][+2150][+1458][+911][+1822][+911][+2278][+2278][+2733]


    Skills:


    Absorption [Legendary Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Special Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Special Grade]


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation


    Dagger Mastery


    Stealth [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodlust [Legendary Grade]


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Special Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Special Grade]


    Hibernation [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Special Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Legendary Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Items Equipped: [12 Slots Avable Post-Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    High Ogre King''s Ring [+60% Mental Strength]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+111% Defense]


    Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]


    Serpent King''s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+190% Strength][+154% Mental Strength][+101% Defense][+102% Speed][+102% Agility]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Wind Aspect][+137% Strength][+120% Agility][+118% Mental Strength]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+139% Defense]


    Smander King''s Cloak [+80% Mental Strength] [+80% Fire Magic Resistance]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Midnight Dagger


    Buffs:


    [Berserker] +50% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +125% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength , +50% Perception


    [Extreme Strength] +125% Strength


    [Final Breath] ~ +150% All Stats (Exact % will vary, conditions & circumstances apply)


    Permanent Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability][Passive]


    Red Hydra''s Rage[Soul Bond Attribute][Active]


    _____________

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    The first fighter to walk forward is the friendly face of the shield, Max. From being on the verge of death less than an hour ago andpletely exhausted, it looks like they healed him up nicely.


    "You''re more of a fighter than I thought... Are you from the Royal Guard? A country leader in disguise or something?"


    He lets out augh, but I don''t respond.


    I''m very fatigued from the use of my Red Hydra''s buff, and the majority of my energy is being used to scan the room and keep myself from limping or looking hurt in any way.


    Max stands next to Sia, and Ace is close behind them. Far off in the back of the room, Mr. Wright talks with a few of the newer fighters, logging in their fight records and signing them up for future events. Monk stands by in the back of the room silently staring at me but doesn''t move forward.


    Sia speaks up as I take a step off the tform.


    "You were really something out there, what''s the trick? How''d you beat the 7th Stage? Monk will never tell us how he kills those things, you have to let us in on the secret."


    I smirk inwardly beneath my mask, then finally respond.


    "I''m not sure what the trick is either, I''d love to ask that man the same question."


    I get some confused looks back, but that doesn''t stop Ace from walking forward and putting out a hand.


    "I didn''t know you were such a skilled swordsman, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier."


    I nod and shake his hand.


    "No problem. Your speed and precision in the ring is some of the best sword technique I''ve seen myself as well. I''m impressed."


    We release our grip, and Max interjects again.


    "You know, we''re going to get dinner in the gold district tonight, I''m sure you won more than enough to afford a nice meal." He chuckles. "Would you like to join us?"


    I shrug and think to myself. Maybe it wouldn''t be a bad idea. Picking their brains and asking normal higher-tier city goers about the inner workings of this ce could be exactly what I need to do right now. Every one of us has a tinum wristband after tonight.


    Considering the amount of money making potential in the ring and their fight records, I''d imagine they have well over 10 tinum too. However, no one wears the color of the Royal Coin. For some reason, no wristband changes color automatically like it did back when I hit over 100 gold. This and many other things confuse me about the city.


    "Sure, a meal in the gold district would be great. I''d love to join."


    We all begin to walk over to the back of the room together just as the newbie fighters leave and we''re met by the man in the white suit.


    Each fighter lines up single file without him saying a word as they register and log their names for the next event scheduled tomorrow night.


    Once the single file linees to me, he looks me in the eyes through my mask and speaks up.


    "You put on quite the show there, kid. I''m d I put youst, I knew you''d be a fun wildcard performance. However, you certainly out performed by expectations."


    His eyes look up and down a silver tablet in his hands before looking back up to me.


    "Would you look at that, over 10 tinum in a single night. Not bad at all... so, What do you say? Are you interested in signing up for tomorrow''s showing too? I''m not so certain you''ll be able to fool the regrs in the crowd for such incredible odds like you did tonight, but you can see the earnings will be considerable."


    I stay silent and think about the offer.


    Coming back into the arena again would be a money machine. Even if the odds are always in my favor, just on the percentage revenue share the event provides, I''ll still be earning hundreds of gold per night.


    However, I need to stay focused on my mission to get to the center of the city.


    "I''m sure there will still be a slot open for me in the morning, right? I''m going to need some time to think about if I''ll being back."


    He lets out a light sigh, tapping the silver tablet and looking up at me with a curious gaze.


    "Of course. Come by any time, I''ll be looking forward to seeing you fight in anotherte-night event."


    At this, he turns around and walks up the stairs, waving goodbye to everyone.


    "As usual, wait a few moments before you all leave. You know better than I do how fans get sometimes. I''ll open the golden gate entrance for anyone of you that would like to use the stadium-only pathway. If I don''t see you until ater date, I''d like to say thank you for visiting Valor City."


    The coat tails of the white suit disappear up the steps as we''re all left in silence together.


    Ace, Max, and Sia all start to slowly climb the stairs, but I turn my head around to still see Monk staring at me with a serious look on his face. It''s not an intimidating gaze, it''s more one of concern mixed with curiosity.


    Once he sees me turn to look at him again, he begins walking over to me in a slow and calcted fashion.


    The young bald man stops less than 2 meters from me and bows just like he did in the ring, then whispers under his breath in such a low tone that it''s nearly impossible for me to hear him.


    I boost my senses momentarily to make sure I understand what he says.


    "Thank you for the help, you have set them free, 114 down, 886 to go. Be careful who you side with, even the strong can fall to its curse. This city is not what it seems."


    At this, the manes up from his bow and walks up the steps past the 3 other legacy fighters patiently waiting for enough time to pass after following in Mr. Wright''s footsteps.


    I myself am frozen in ce trying to figure out what Monk possibly meant by those words.


    It''s clearly a warning rting to the opponent I just faced. 114 Ghouls defeated is the exact message I received for taking out one of the monsters, meaning he receives a simr message when defeating them too. The mention of a curse is rted to the Lich King''s curse on the monster''s status, but how would he possibly know this without some kind of appraisal skill or seeing the buff on their own status?


    I want to open my mouth to ask him more, but before I shake myself out from the slight daze, he''s already left the ring and disappeared into the crowd.


    Letting out a confused sigh, I wait on the steps wracking my brain for ideas before Max finally speaks to break the awkward silence.


    "Alright, that''s enough waiting, let''s head to the golden gate and get some good food. I''m craving barbecue, how about all of you?"


    There''s two replies from Sia and Ace as they walk up the stairs to follow.


    "Works for me."


    "How about Elen''s ce? Can''t go wrong there."


    They all nod and agreement.


    I follow close behind, pushing Monk''s warning to the back of my mind and focus on extracting more information about this city itself during our uing dinner.

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    The stadium is almost empty now, and the shielding that lined therge dome in the middle of the arena is shut down and not buzzing with power at all anymore.


    We walk over to the far side of the ring together, near where the announcer''s stand is, and just like on the far side of the ring, there''s an exit back into the city. However, instead of regr stone arching doors that lead out to the silver city section, there''s a single golden gate with Mr. Wright standing nearby, typing in a code on a small tablet next to the door.


    "Alright, everyone just scan your wristbands here and you''re free to enter the golden gates. I''m sure you can all afford to stay outte, so there''s no point in warning you it''s getting close to midnight."


    Max is the first to scan his wristband.


    The golden door opens with a click, then Sia and Ace proceed to do the same before walking through.


    I bring my wrist to the silver tablet held by Mr. Wright and he gives me a nod as I follow them.


    Once the golden gate closes behind me, I murmur under my breath.


    "That was surprisingly easy..."


    At the same moment, I reach beneath my cloak and take the ring of concealment I bought from out of town and ce it on a free finger. My appearance changes in an instant, and the dark ck suit and formal wear cover my body.


    I even take off my mask but leave my concealment skill activated in order to shift my face to be a generic version of a city-goer in the area, but keep my ck hair the same.


    Max turns back as we walk forward into the town.


    He pauses for half a second before replying as this is the first time he''s seen me without my gear on or a mask, but doesn''tment on it. He directly answers my question of why it''s so easy to enter the inner walls of the city.


    "Technically we''re all independent contractors. As fighters, our security clearance is much morex than the average visitor."


    I nod to myself as this makes sense and take in the view of the shops and crowds of new people that go about their nightly shopping routines under the bright mana-imbued streetlights that illuminate the town in a soft yellow glow.


    It almost feels as if we''re inside. The lights perfectly bnce with the outside ambiance, making it easy to forget that the dark sky and twinkling stars are above us.


    A light hum sounds in my ears as we walk closer to the shops, and I immediately see what''s causing it. The sidewalks on both sides of the middle stone road are moving on their own.


    Many businessmen, women in high-ss dresses, and established hunters in phenomenal looking gear stand on the moving walkways examining the items visible through crystal clear ss windows in the shops.


    At closer inspection, I use my appraisal skill and see items in every single shop window that could easily be sold at the Sran Auction house as a top 10 item.


    Every store in this section of the town has small fortunes for sale and up for disy.


    By the looks of many wristbands that glimmer gold and tinum as the 4 of us board one of the nearest moving sidewalks, everyone walking these streets has the capabilities of buying the items in the passing shops.


    "What a different way of life this is..." I unconsciously whisper under my breath.


    Sia leans in with her arms crossed, but her eyes are pointed at the ss disys of the passing buildings.


    "This is really your first time in the city, isn''t it? You may dress the part, but you''re definitely not from around here."


    I gulp softly but reply honestly. There''s no reason to lie.


    "Yeah, I''ve traveled quite a way to get here. I''m looking for a few friends. There''s a good chance I''ll be able to find them here if I look around for long enough."


    Sheughs.


    "Well, I won''t pry. But, we owe you one. I''m sure after tonight''s performance, there will be many more high rollersing out to watch tomorrow''s show."


    Ace smirks and turns around.


    "True. I made quite the killing tonight. After that performance you put on, I wouldn''t be surprised if the average betting size doubles tomorrow. Dinner''s on me."


    Sia ps him on the back in a friendly way.


    "Alright! That''s what I''m talking about!"


    Max points across the street as the moving sidewalk rounds a corner and he steps off onto the solid road.


    "We''re here. Wee to The Moon Bar, Elen''s ce."


    As we all step off and approach, faint calming music begins to y through the street and it only gets louder and more beautiful as the red doors of an exquisite restaurante into view.


    A woman in a red robe with white skin and white hair walks out to greet us, and Ace is the first to put out his hand with his wristband up in the air.


    "A table for 4, I''ll pay in advance for the premium service."


    A transaction of 20 gold credits takes ce between the two tinum wristbands and the woman nods gently with a thin smile.


    "Very well esteemed guests. Wee back, please follow me to your table."


    She turns and walks through the red doors, and as soon as we follow inside, I can feel a shift in the air pressure. The mana density in here is far greater than outside. As I activate my all-seeing eye, it''s clear as day the air is full of pure dense mana particles and they''re passing through everyone.


    The restaurant isrge inside with floating orbs of red, white, and purple light in the air. Each table seating is far enough from each other than noise does not travel between them well. It''s at most a muffled chatter.


    The air feels crisp and rxing. At the level of skill and mana control I''m at, even without consciously attempting to absorb MP, the environment around me naturally re-ups my bar to full and constantly fills me with a rejuvenating feeling.


    "A premium booth with your personal tree of life. Order as much as you''d like, the bill is already covered."


    A circr red booth, the same hue as the doors,es into view and behind it, a faintly white glowing tree no more than 3 meters tall. It''s purple blossoming branches curve over the top of our seating, and the feeling of fresh rejuvenating energy entering my body bes even stronger. With my perception skills all still on high, it''s clear that this tree is what is putting out about a thousand MP into the air every minute from the flowers blooming on its branches.


    As we take our seat, I sense 3 other trees on opposite corners of therge open room doing the same thing and other guests are spending their night here too.


    The moment we sit, blue menu screens pop up in front of us from our wristbands on the table.


    Simultaneously, other screens with options for drinks and other items and services pop up. Each of them has the option to X them out at any time. Most options are already paid in full by the premium service fee Ace paid in advance. However, one of thergest screens catches my eye. It isn''t a screen to buy anything, it is one that looks more like free entertainment, or the news.


    My eyes widen as I realize exactly what''s ying on the screen. It''s a picture perfect disy of my final fight against the Ghoul in the fight area from less than an hour ago.


    I watch my ck de covered in a red aura slice right through the Ghoul''s silver sword and disintegrate its orange aura in slow motion over and over again. Each time, the angle shifts and the final strike is examined from every possible side. The program shes to a man with a charismatic smile as he begins to go over the fight y by y for an audience like this is a nightly sports re-cap program.

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    The three other legacy fighters start tapping the blue panels that pop up, ordering food and drinks at a rapid rate.


    I''m too focused on the moving picture disy of my fight being analyzed on the nightly Valor City News Program like it''s no big deal. After a few more seconds pass, the images shift again and one of the sword moves that Ace used to defeat his final opponent shows up on the screen.


    He chuckles and turns to Max.


    "Hey, look at that, my finishing move of the Red Ogre made the news."


    Max crosses his arms to reply.


    "Not bad, not bad."


    He turns to me, and I''m still staring at the blue boxes that float around my vision in a dazed state.


    "What? You''re not gonna order anything?" He leans over to look into my status view, and the only thing ying now are the fight matches. I reply in a low tone, still captivated by the screens. "I''ll get whatever their most popr item is, and uh- a few of their strongest drinks."


    Max lets out anotherugh, opening his own menu boxes up again and pressing some on the item options.


    "Sure, I''ll throw in a few orders for you. Did you-" Sia leans over too to see what I''m looking at, finishing Max''s sentence.


    "Did you not know the event was being recorded or something?" She pauses...


    "Hey, that does beg the question, how''d you use all those skills? I know your main element is fire, but the ground clearly moved beneath some of your opponents'' feet, I know better than anyone that is earth magic."


    Ace jumps in too.


    "Your buffs alsoe from a skill too. That red and golden glow, it''s the same as the bloodhounds speed buff and the red ogre''s strength..."


    Max finishes off the sudden array of questions in a hushed tone.


    "You''re a multi-skill user, aren''t you?"


    I let out a long sigh, turning my head from the screen while X''ing out the remaining blue boxes. Meanwhile, I''m thinking whether or noting to dinner here was a bad idea.


    I assumed I''d get an unfiltered conversation while everyone was drinking, but the heavy questions have already started and we''ve hardly been sitting down for half a minute.


    Instead ofpletely outing myself, or resorting to violence like usual, I decide to just deflect the question with a few additional details and hope that''s enough to curb their interest for now.


    "It''splicated. You''re right though, I had no idea it was recorded. I would have probably fought differently had I known prior... how many people see this news program?"


    Sia smiles and looks at me with a very curious gaze.


    "Everyone in the city of course. A few thousand people minimum, I''m sure you caught some attention from the investors and guild members in the tinum district."


    I raise an eyebrow and reply.


    "What about the Royal Coin Sector? Would anyone there be watching?"


    There''s an awkward pause, then Sia replies.


    "Well, I wouldn''t know that."


    Max replies too.


    "Not our business."


    Ace shrugs and doesn''t say a word, his eyes dart around for a moment then the awkward silence continues.


    I''m at a loss for words at their reaction, but the calming sound of a woman''s voice cuts through the air to alleviate the tension.


    "Wee back Legacy Fighters. You all put on quite the showing tonight. Please, enjoy your stay as always."


    A woman with smooth white skin and long white hair to match walks over to us with many circr golden trays of food and bottles of drinks floating around her in a slow-moving circle as if she has a telekinesis skill.


    She looks very simr to the woman that greeted us at the door, almost as if they''re rted. The only difference is her eyes are much sharper and her curves are far more mature.


    The woman wears a red dress and points her finger down toward the table in a gentle manner as our orders find their way in front of us before she turns to leave and disappears into the darkness of the restaurant''s privacy before anyone can say a word.


    The moment she does, it still feels like her eyes are staring right through me. Her image is burned into the back of my mind.


    I''m left speechless, but Max hits me on the back in a friendly way while grabbing one of the bottles to pour us all a drink.


    "That''s Elen, the owner of this ce. Kind of her to stop by and say hello, I haven''t seen her in ages."


    Ace and Sia take their drinks, so I do too.


    *Clink*


    We tap our sses together and begin to enjoy the meals.


    Any thought of the previous conversations about my skills and the question about the royal coin are in the past. The only thing that fills the table now isughter, drinks, food, and talks of what kind of matchups they think will be in the 5th and 6th rounds tomorrow.


    Apparently there''s a pretty normal rotation of 3 or 4 monsters per stage. Meaning there''s a limited amount of dungeons they capture the monsters from.


    I take a sip of alcohol, but just like usual my poison resistance passive ability kicks in and it''s negated instantly. Still, I keep up with their drinking speed and slow my speech while widening a smile to y the part and not sour the mood.


    Once I take a bite of the premium cut meats and incredible cooking however, the euphoria that hits my body and mind is one that I can actually feel.


    Light plumes of mana flow through every bite, and a notification pops up on my status window once I finish the first te.


    [Congrattions! Elen''s Dish consumed.]


    [Temporary Buff Added: 30 Minutes: +5% Strength +5% Mana Regeneration]


    I smile at the sound of this. If it was harmful, my poison resistance buff would have negated it already. The woman that came over earlier must have some kind of mana imbument abilities. It makes sense why this restaurant is so expensive.


    Maybe I could pull something like this off with my crafting skill if I tried.


    The 4 of us drink and eat for about 45 more minutes. An interesting phenomenon I find is that every time a new dish is finished, the 30-minute buff timer is reset. The buffs don''t stack as I initially expected they would.


    I turn to Sia as Max starts pouring a 3rd bottle out into sses. Each of us drinks a considerable amount.


    "Could you tell me more about this city? As I said before, I''m pretty new here. I''d like to know as much as I can if I''m going to be here for a while."


    She smiles and responds as we all clink our drinks together again.


    "Well sure, what do you want to know? This is known far and wide as the city ofmerce, but in reality, it''s the city of gambling. The only ones that make any money in this ce is the city itself."


    She looks around and whispers under her breath.


    "Until yound amerce contract, work for the royal guard, or live in the monastery; there''s no way of walking out of this city with more money than you came in with."


    Ace keeps his mouth shut, staring up at the shimmering purple and white tree with glossy eyes and a smile uninterested in our conversation. Max, on the other hand, overhears what Sia has to say and jumps in.


    "It wasn''t always like this you know. My father used to work in this city as a merchant before the..."


    He gets in close to me just like Sia did before whispering again.


    "Before the mercenary guild came to town about a decade ago."


    He leans back up to sit straight.


    "The city used to run just like any other, with taxes on merchants, and rxed security that let citizens of any financial ss explore wherever they pleased."


    Ace finally turns to us with his arms crossed.


    "That was before our time. Who cares about the good old days. We''re seeding in the system that exists today, so it doesn''t matter."


    Max shrugs and lets out a sigh, then decides to pour another drink.


    "I guess you''re right. I just think it''s sometimes a bit unfair. People are lured in by the shiny walls and stripped of every dor they have before they''re thrown out. Most of the gear, services, and items here are overpriced; but the only other ces to find stuff like this would be in Sector 4 to a certain extent. For real luxuries, they would have to go outside the dark continent. That''s not an option for almost everyone here."


    *Clink*


    We say cheers and the strong liquid consumed shifts the conversation in an instant back to a more mundane topic.


    Another 30 minutes or so of the fight arena talk and meaningless gossip about their lives outside Valor City goes by. Theirughter gets louder, and their words get slower. Now is the time I''ll get to start asking some much more serious questions.


    As I''m about to interject again, a ding sounds in my head and a blue text box pops up in front of my eyes. By the reaction of everyone else at the table, they have received it too.


    My heart skips a beat when I read the message.


    [00:00 Midnight Tax: Golden Gates Area: 1 Gold Credit has been deducted from your ount.]

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    "What''s this? A city tax? I thought there were no extra taxes in this city! That''s what the fight arena is for... What''s going on here?"


    Sia turns to me.


    "The citizen tax is standard. It''s only business owners and city officials that are exempt from paying it. However, even for visitors, it''s not mandatory. The tax can be avoided as long as you leave the city before the local time hits midnight. Whatever wall you''re standing in, you''ll get taxed 1 credit of that specific coin."


    Max sighs and replies under his breath.


    "It''s another one of Valor City''s new rules..."


    He leans in closer.


    "They''ve really been cracking down sincest year. There was a big shift in the way the Royal Guard protected this city. It seems like every year they want less and less peopleing closer to the inner walls. This tax definitely keeps people away."


    Ace talks for the first time in a while.


    "I agree, the guards have been getting way too close forfort in thest few months especially..."


    He pauses, staring up at the shimmering purple and white lights for a moment before speaking again.


    "You know what? This all started when Monk beat the first stage 7 monster. I don''t want to point any fingers, but I never even saw a single guard pass the tinum walls until then. Now they''re watching matches in the silver gates."


    Siaughs and responds.


    "It''s true, but you weren''t even a fighter in the ring at that point; were you really paying attention to all this?"


    "Hey, I was studying the arena for a while before I entered..."


    He crosses his arms and sits back in his seat, fading out of the conversation again.


    I speak up.


    "How strong were all of you before you started fighting in the ring? You''re all pretty young at levels of strength most could never dream of achieving."


    Max replies.


    "I could ask you the same thing."


    He smirks and continues.


    "We were all under level 400 when we started; we could hardly pass the 4th stage. Sia and I started around the same time, then Ace joined from the crowd like one of the newbie fighters we saw in the ring today and rose through the ranks pretty quickly."


    I turn to Ace, expecting an eye roll or a snarkyment back, but he''s checked out. The swordsman either doesn''t care or really wasn''t listening to Max''s remark.


    Max continues.


    "There are no dungeons free for public use within over a hundred kilometers from here. I grew up in one of the viges near the border of sector 1 and sector 2. It''s easy to grind levels and make money from the unregted dungeons out in the wilderness, but not many of the smaller vige dungeons ever pass more than level 200 or so for mobs. It''s known that if you have the talents, you have to move to Sra and use their dungeon hub to reach your full potential here in the dark continent. Everyone that passes level 300 has trained in that hub; it''s well known."


    I nod, replying again.


    "So why aren''t there any public dungeons here? Wouldn''t it be in the city''s best interest to let people farm them? Just using the monsters for the fighting ring seems like a pretty wasteful use of materials and energy."


    Max shakes his head.


    "It used to be that way. The mountains this city was built on used to be inhabited by farmers, miners, and hunters that respected thend and many men like my father got wealthy off the rich resources."


    I reply, remembering what he said earlier.


    "Then you said a mercenary guild came in and took over?"


    "That''s right. Some businessman from outside the continent came in and teamed up with Sector 2 and waged war on the monastery atop this mountain, and took control of all the dungeons and raw resources. Instead of the people in surrounding viges getting resources at premium prices, for thest decade everything is farmed solely by the Royal Guard, and all resources are shipped off to Sector 2 to be crafted into magic items and gear, sold around the world, even outside the dark continent walls."


    My eyes widen at this statement.


    Unless they have a team of craftsmen working under the Sector 2 leader, my recent escapades may have unknowingly halted an ongoing multinational trade deal.


    I gulp, but keep asking questions as Max pours out the final bit of alcohol from the table''s 4th bottle.


    "Okay... this is all starting to make a bit more sense. The only thing that confuses me is the monastery you keep bringing up. What is this?"


    Sia slips into the conversation to answer this.


    "It''s where Monk lives, I''m sure of it."


    Maxughs at her remark.


    "Yeah, yeah. I''ve never actually seen him go in that ce, but it would make sense."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What ce, what do you mean?"


    "There''s a huge temple in the tinum District. It''s on the opposite side of town to the auction house. People say it''s the remnants of the old monastery that stood on top of this mountain before the walls were put up, but I was too young to remember what it even looked like."


    He shrugs, then we clink our sses together and take a final drink for the night.


    The conversation shifts back to what gear they''ll get tomorrow morning, or where sales are for collecting mana potions so they can all work on their mana control training like usual before the matches. Then it just falls back to friendly arguing over who is going to beat the 7th Stage first out of all of them. Even Ace joins back in to duke it out.


    A long time passes as I ponder to myself about the information I just heard.


    The deeper I dig into this, the moreplicated things are beginning to be.


    Max finally is the one to let out a long sigh and pull up a blue text box on his wristband status.


    "Alright, it''s starting to get veryte. I say we turn it in for the night. We have to be well rested for the big matches tomorrow."


    At the click of a button, the slender white-haired woman that greeted us at the door appears from the darkness surrounding our booth with a thin smile. Her soothing voice replies to the summons.


    "I''m d you all enjoyed your meals here, please follow me; I''ll dly escort you to the resting quarters if you wish to spend the night."


    The three of them all stand up from the table and stretch their bodies before following the woman, so I decide to do the same.


    We walk to the back of the restaurant, leaving our table behind. There are a few customers still finishing off drinks, smoking, and rxing as the calm music continues to y in the background. However, almost 90% of people have left for the night.


    The white-haired woman brings us to a ck staircase. As she moves her foot onto the first step, it glows light red to illuminate the walkway. Every step upward lights up red under her feet too, and the lighting slowly fades after she makes it a distance away from it.


    We all follow up and are given ess to separate rooms with argefortable bed along with a shower and a view of the city. There are paintings on the walls and everything is ented in ck red and gold to keep the theme of the restaurant.


    The woman that brought us upstairs leaves as fast as she came, speaking the same final line as the bedroom door of each of us closes.


    "Please notify us from your wristband if you wish for any further goods or services. Your Premium membership extends until tomorrow at noon."


    The air in the room feels just as rich with mana as the restaurant below.


    I look around for a moment, scanning the walls to make sure there are no listening or recording devices present. Then, once I''m content the ce is clear, I take a long hot shower and go to bed with all the new information from tonights talk on my mind.

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    Only a few hours pass before I wake up feeling great. The morning sun is just peeking through the windows, and it''s clear I''ve only slept a few hours, but it feels like I''ve been resting for an entire day.


    Even with the use of my Red Hydra''s buff in the arenast night, the constant rejuvenation of mana in the air heals me up good as new.


    Another interesting phenomenon I''ve noticed recently is that the higher my overall mana control increases, the less food and sleep I need to recharge back up to 100%. Although after intense battles I need a long rest, if I''m just going about my daily life without any physically or mentally exerting challenges, I can go almost 3 times longer without food, water, or sleep than I would have been able to a few months back.


    My eyes re-examine the extravagant room, then I hop out of bed and walk out into the hall to make my way down the steps.


    The ck stairs still glow red under my feet, but the general lighting of the restaurant is much brighter now, slightly lit up by the morning sun.


    As my feet hit the bottom step and I walk onto the main floor, a woman''s voice echoes through the ce.


    "I hope you enjoyed your night."


    My eyes dart around, but I don''t see anyone. In response, I activate my all seeing eye to spot a figure at the far side of the room waiting for me to walk closer with no ill intent. So, I continue to make my way past the empty tables and light purple glowing trees.


    The concentration of MP in the air is strong, but no where near as intense as it wasst night with al the guests here.


    Once I''m within 5 meters of the exit, the store owner appears in front of me, popping out from behind the closest crimson red bar booth.


    Instead of her tight red working dress she worest night to exaggerate her curves, the woman wears a ck one that contrasts even more against her snow-white skin and hair.


    "I didn''t get to fully introduce myself yesterday. My name is Elen. I watched your match and was very impressed. It looks like there''s a new top tier legacy fighter in town; Mr. me Emperor."


    The corners of her lips curl as she says my fighter name.


    My gaze narrows, and I finally get to use appraisal and inspect the woman that disappeared from my sightst night.


    A few readings pop up in my mind''s eye; [Lv. 344] and [Mana Imbuement][Legendary Grade].


    The mystery of how she''s able to add buffs to food items, and most likely the trees in this ce too, is exined in an instant.


    There''s nothing too special about this woman, but she''s clearly apetent businesswoman and respected by the locals. On top of that, she''s interested in me, so I''ll y along.


    I respond.


    "Oh yeah? You watched the matches? Do you usually introduce yourself to all your premium customers?"


    She takes a slow step forward.


    "Not all of them, but you spike my curiosity. I''ve never had a customer consume more mana than they paid for in a single night. I keep close track of the energy in this establishment and can''t fathom where it''s all gone."


    Her eyes lock with mine, and shees to a halt less than a meter from my face.


    I let out a sigh, thinking this was going in a different direction.


    "So what, you want me to pay extra or something?"


    She smirks.


    "No, no. It wasn''t much, just the cost of doing business. You''re wee back anytime. Just know, we offer many other goods and services here as well that maye in handy for a hunter like you. The two most popr ones would be temporary buff enhancement pills or discreet housing to disappear and heal with no questions asked.


    "How much for one of each of your strongest buff enhancement pills? I''d be interested in that, nothing else is necessary right now."


    The tension of her elusive arrival and my attempt for a sneaky exit deesctes as I purchase 10 small red pills that boost all stat points by 30% and increase mana absorption rate by 15% for 3 hours. I transfer 5 gold credits over to her wristband and ce the pills into my pocket, but underneath my disguise, they go straight into my item storage.


    ording to Elen, they can''t stack; each time a new one is consumed, the 3-hour countdown just resets back up to full.


    I''m interested in examining theseter and trying to recreate them with my crafting skill, making a quick deal with her here may also but me in better faith for future business. It''s better to be remembered as the new legacy fighter that is ready to do business than a spoiled young man thates in paid for by a friend and absorbs as much mana as they can.


    I nod and turn to leave after our quick interaction.


    "Hey, if the other legacy fighters ask where I''ve gone off to so early, just tell them I''m off to continue looking for my friends. Maybe I''ll show up to the event tonight, but if not, that just means I''ve found what I''m looking for."


    She gives me a nod.


    "Of course, I look forward to seeing you again."


    "Likewise, maybe I''ll see you soon."


    At this line, I walk out the door and back into the city within the golden walls.


    The first step I take, there''s a moving sidewalk nearby, and small golden arrows with shop names guiding city-goers to any specific ce they wish to travel to. As I round a corner, one of the pathways on the opposite side of the street sports a small tinum-colored arrow.


    I hop off this one and get on the route that will take me to the entrance gate of the tinum walls.


    The streets are much quieter right now than they werest night.


    Almost no hunters, businessmen, or high-ss shoppers are on the street at this time of day. I assume most of them left the cityst night to avoid the tax or are sleeping in still from the long night.


    Artifacts, gear, and magical items line the shopping windows as I continue to pass them. The price tags range anywhere from 10 to upward of 100 gold. I even scan a few items on the way past to see a few break 100% buffs. However, the pricing is a bit unreasonable. I can easily farm gear like this for free or craft even better gear once I have the raw materials ready and a moment free to rx.


    Right now, I only have one thing on my mind; using the money in my bnce to make my way into the inner wall. I have just over 12 tinum, it''s barely enough to make my way in. Spending exorbitant amounts would not be a good idea even if the gear looks incredible. Which many of them do.


    Finally, I make it to the tinum gates and, just like the silver and gold, there are two knights in shimmering tinum-colored armor standing in front of it.


    I hop off the moving sidewalk and raise my wristband in the air. Immediately one of the knights steps forward and moves a tablet close to my wrist to scan me in.


    It goes off a light dinging sound, and the reflection of a green light is visible in the glossy armor of the knight. Simultaneously, the tinum gate opens slowly behind them and the knight that scanned me in steps back into his previous position.


    Neither of them say a word as I slowly walk through the open doors.

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    The tinum doors close behind me, and I look up at the skyscrapers towering over the outer city.


    These are the tall buildings visible from a distance, but it was hard to tell whether they were in this district or one deeper when I was in the golden walls.


    As I take a step forward onto the single moving walkway that begins to give me a tour around the city, I take in the view.


    Blue text boxes automatically pop up from my wristband, naming each tall building that passes. The buildings are mostly business centers and privately owned real estate. There are options to set up appointments on some, and others just disy the name of thepany that owns them, and I can see personalized guards outside each one.


    My stomach drops when I turn my first corner and see two guards in ck armor standing in front of a skyscraper easily 40 stories tall.


    The guards look just like the ck knights in the arena that told me not to continue to the 8th stage. This is the Royal Guard... I can''t read any of their stats; they all have that appraisal-blocking armor on.


    I slowly move past on the moving sidewalk, and the guards don''t even bother to turn their heads my way, so I decide not to overthink it too much.


    As more privately owned buildings pass, it bes moremon to see anywhere from 2 to 8 Royal Guards standing outside each one, depending on how many entrances there are and how extravagant they are, more guards stand on duty.


    Half of the buildings have silver knights that seem to be private security, and others just have businessmen out front, but upon closer inspection, the casually dressed hunters are of high levels. Mostly between level 350 and 450. It''s possible anyone higher would be hired by the city, but that is only a theory.


    The further I travel around the slow-moving circle of the city, the more I get an understanding of the way things work.


    Before I know it, a building that looks unlike any other in this districtes into view. It has white marble pirs and a long staircase up to its front entrance. No more than 5 stories high, but in a wide concert hall-like shape that takes up the full corner of the block.


    I can see a few people walking up the steps and others loitering around at the top near the entrance. This is the first time I''ve seen anyone other than the guards in this district at all today. Out of curiosity, I wait for the moving stairway to bring me near and step off to make my way closer to the stairs.


    The moment I ce a foot onto the first step, a ton of blue text boxes pop up from my wristband.


    [Wee to the Valor City Auction House!]


    [The Morning Auction will begin in 1 hour and 31 minutes.]


    [Would you like to reserve a seat?][YES][NO]


    [The Mid Day Auction will begin in 4 hours and 31 minutes.]


    [Would you like to reserve a seat?][YES][NO]


    [The Night Time Auction will begin in 10 hours and 31 minutes.]


    [Would you like to reserve a seat?][YES][NO]


    I X them all out and take a step back from the towering structure and decide to hop right back on the moving stairway.


    The auction house is thest ce I want to be right now...


    From theck of people in the area, it seems like the night showing is the more popr event. At least I know where it is for visual reference, I can attend here when I have more money to spare, or possibly something to sell.


    Everyone within these walls has over 1 tinum coin in their wristband ready to spend, I''m sure the high rollers in Valor City make Sran bidders seem like lower ss citizens.


    I hop back on the moving sidewalk and recall the conversationst night I had with Max. He said the monastery is on the opposite side of the tinum district to the auction house.


    Before making my way into the innermost walls, I might as well check the ce out to see if it''s worth investigatingter or not.


    The moving walkway takes me past more of the tall silver towers that are built up high in the sky. Every few buildings that pass have a wide open road with small ck arrows on it that curves off the central path and leads toward the inner walls.


    If I squint, I can see the tall ck walls in the distance at these few open arena turning points, but everywhere else the buildings block out the view of any scenery.


    The closer into the walls I travel, the morepact the city bes. Taking another half loop around the entire city on this moving walkway takes less than 20 minutes before I find the structure I''ve been searching for.


    The moving walkway stops in front of a wide open lot ofnd simr to the auction house.


    There''s no tall skyscraper or extravagant temple like I was expecting.


    In reality, there''s a small pyramid-shaped structure made of glossy ck stone eerily simr to the coloring of the walls that I''m trying to reach.


    The structure has 4 sides and stands a few dozen meters tall. There''s a small rectangr opening on the side facing the walkway that''s ended at the side of thend lot.


    As I take a step forward to see if any status notifications pop up like the auction house, two robed figures step out from the dark open doorway.


    I don''t recognize either of them, but they wear the same orange clothing as Monk wore in the arena. Both of them have shaved heads and seem to be younger than me, or the same age as me at most. Sia''s words earlier of her believing Monk lived here are starting to add up.


    I put a hand up in the air and wave, but get no response back.


    The two figures cross their arms and stare at me with indifferent gazes as I walk forward and use my appraisal and inspect skills.


    My eyes widen as not a single number or stat shows up in my status when I try to scan them.


    I activate enemy detection, and to my surprise, they do show up in this reading... Not as a number, but as the presence of life and that''s it. The only other time something like this happened to me was when I used this skill on my teammates when they were trapped in mana-negating cuffs beneath the City of Sra.


    I stop my steps forward with a tightened gaze, examining the material this structure is made of more;ing to the conclusion it is much different than the armor of the Royal Guard...


    After taking a deep breath, I finally speak up with the most friendly look on my face I can muster.


    "Ie in peace. I was the other fighter that made it to stage 7, just like Monk."


    There''s no response from either of the young men that stand right inside the entrance.


    I think about taking another step forward, but it''s clear they have no intent to engage with me and also don''t wish to cause a problem. I''m the one making amotion here.


    I let out a sigh after attempting to scan them and the structure 5 more times but fail to get any different results.


    No readingse back at all... I decide to turn around and leave.


    "Well, I''ll be heading off now, I guess. The reason I came is to ask your top fighter how he does that soul energy trick. I''d be happy to show him how mine works as well."


    With a shrug, I leave and step back onto the moving walkway.


    The moment the ck pyramid gets out of my line of sight, the two figures that stood guard at the open door entrance turn around as well and walk back into the darkness.


    I stand in silence trying to wrap my mind around all the oddities that I''ve encountered recently as the sidewalk brings me to one of the roads that leads to the Royal Coin''s Gate.


    I hop off and start walking toward the enormous shadowy wall in the distance.


    My perception skills are on full st, scanning everything in sight, even the shimmering ck wall that approaches falls under the gaze of my all-seeing eye.


    It gives off an odd energy signature simr to the Armor of the 4 ck Knights that stand in front of the gate.


    All of their status windows pop up in my mind''s eye, but are still scrambled by whatever powerful enchantment these armor sets have.


    I raise my wristband, and one of the knights takes a step forward to scan it with a tablet.


    A small red light reflects in the shine of its armor, then it takes a step back and doesn''t say a word.


    I gulp, thinking to myself if maybe that guard at the golden gates made a mistake with his math and the royal coin is really 100 tinum, or if there''s another reason this isn''t going as smoothly as I thought it would...


    "Is there any reason I''m not allowed in?"


    There''s no response from the guards. On both sides of the ck gate, 2 of them stand with silent professional stances.


    I wait a few seconds before asking again, looking down at my tinum wristband, then back up at the guards.


    "Do I not have enough money? Are there some other requirements I haven''t met?"


    Still, not a single guard bats an eye. They all stare straight forward and pay me no mind as if I''m not even here.

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    "I have to meet with the leader of the Galeheart Mercenary Guild. Please, tell me what requirements must be met for me to pass."


    I get no response.


    Eventually, I resort to waving my hands up and down as no words I say seem to make it through to the 4 Royal Guards standing outside the final inner wall.


    Without the grey mist activated, these ck armored suits seem much less intimidating to me. I witnessed a few of them activate in the fight arena earlier, so I''m almost positive that these are the exact same armor suits worn by the prior Sector 2 Leader.


    I let out a long sigh after standing in front of them for another few minutes, then reach into my item storage and pull out the silver card with the mercenary guild address on it to show it to the closest guard''s vision.


    "I need to get here. I was invited. There are a few people I need to meet."


    Finally, I get a response, but it''s not the one I was hoping for.


    The closest guard takes out his tablet again and turns it toward me, disying the shing red message that popped up before, but he didn''t care to show me.


    [User ID C#129880: Unregistered]


    [Royal Coin District ess: Denied]


    [Reason: No formal Invite]


    An electronic static voicees out of the man''s helmet. It sounds just like the Sector 2 leader''s did. The awkward pauses in between every phrase are replicated as well.


    "Please... Scan an ID with your full name and picture... You may be on the green light list..."


    My eyes scan the tablet for a moment before I respond.


    "I don''t have an ID on me to share."


    He puts away the rectangr piece of technology again and takes a step back before looking forward off into the distance, not acknowledging my presence at all.


    To this guard, and the entire city, I am just an anonymous visitor... If the inner city is really invite-only, this exins why they''re treating me like this. However, if I were to give them my real identity, that would open up a whole new box of issues I''m not interested in entertaining just yet.


    I''m supposed to be captured and dead to the world, along with my teammates handed in to the association. Showing my face inside a secure city filled with guards isn''t the right thing to do, even if my name would get me inside the inner walls, letting any rumor of my existence out might not end well.


    I nod and slowly back away from the guards, thinking over my predicament.


    There may be a way to get into the city without showing ID. I could build a reputation up in the fight arena or maybe start selling and buying very rare items in the auction house. Both of these will surely bring attention to me, but may have their downsides too.


    The biggest one being time.


    I don''t know if my teammates really consentually followed the leader into this ce and are just waiting for me to arrive, or if they''re stuck behind these walls in trouble.


    Putting my index finger and thumb to my chin, I turn around and start to walk back to the moving walkway.


    This is going to be tougher than I imagined... I need to think...


    As I take a step on, a familiar voice sounds from nearby from the side of one of the unguarded buildings. I turn to see who it is as their words trail closer to me, following me onto the moving tform.


    "What business do you have with the Galeheart Mercenary Guild? Whose side are you really on?"


    To my surprise, I see the fighter from the Arena that I''ve been most curious about ever since I left that ce. It''s Monk.


    Gracefully and silently, hees closer to me with eyes full of curiosity, but with movements not showing any malice at all. The orange attire he wears contrasts the dark grey tones of this portion of the city. He has a small backpack on now that he didn''t wear while fighting.


    The man sticks out like a sore thumb, but somehow I didn''t notice him until now. He must have been following me for quite a while.


    My first instinct is to do a full scan of his body and skills, but it instantlyes up the same with a level nearing 700, no skills or buffs, and oddly, still not a hint of mana in his entire being.


    I respond.


    "There are some people I need to meet behind those walls. I don''t work with the guild if that''s what you''re asking about."


    He crosses his arms and nods, staring off into the distance where we''re headed, in the direction of the auction house.


    There''s a pause for about 15 seconds where neither of us say a word, but I speak up.


    "So I assume you heard my proposal before I left the monastery. You''d be interested in sharing techniques?"


    His eyes look around up in the air and around the tall buildings, then he brings an index finger to his lips.


    I let out a sigh and look around in a much slower and less careful manner on the verge of boredom. Just like everyone else in this city, he''s acting sketchy too like someone is watching or listening.


    Monk responds.


    "Come to my home, then we''ll talk."


    "Sure."


    I shrug and agree. I nned on trying to enter before, now that I have an invite it''d be rude not toe over.


    We stand in silence for the rest of the walkway''s ride, passing tons of skyscrapers, the auction house, and even the exit back into the golden district before wrapping all the way back around to the ck pyramid-like temple made of mana-negating stone.


    Once both of us step off the moving tform to make our way to the dark hallway, I spot two men in robes disappear into the darkness again after they make eye contact with Monk and bow.


    My perception skills are back on full st as we get closer to the structure.


    I''m less than 3 steps behind Monk as he leads the way.


    Before I know it, I take a step onto the ck stone material and enter the doorway. The moment I do, all of my skills cease to function.


    It feels just like the cuffs I had on that blocked all my skills. I don''t feel tired or weak, I just cant sense or manipte any mana in the air. Any and all mana from the city around us disappears from my mind''s eye.


    Even the wristband around my arm powers down and returns back to its natural transparent state.


    I see Monk''s wristband do the same, but he doesn''t slow down his movements at all. The young man continues walking down the long dark hallway and I question if It''s a good idea to follow.

 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363


    .rad6fe7e669454422b95cec3a16399719{ disy: none; }


    I stopped my forward motion for a moment, looking back at the sunlight behind me.


    "What is this ce made of? I''ve felt material like this before. It blocks me from using mana... Is this¡ª"


    Monk turns around and, cing a finger over his lips again, motions for me to walk further into the dark hallway.


    "Hold your questions a little longer."


    I try to activate my status window to see if anything works, but the only two things that seem avable to me right now are my demonic energy maniption skill and my red hydra''s rage buff. None of my items are giving me any buffs, and even my base stats from leveling up are negatedpletely. I feel just like I did in those cuffs a few weeks ago, weak like a normal human.


    However, the exit is near, and I''m not restrained. The fact that some skills that don''t need mana to operate still function is a little bit of a relief too.


    I continue to follow him down the hallway. Whatever he can tell me would be the biggest lead I''ve had yet. So far, no one wants to say a word about this city. Even the legacy fighters were pretty tight-lipped while drunk, or they just didn''t have the information I was looking for.


    We make it to the end of the single hall, and the two younger men that stood at the front of the open door previously now stand in front of a solid wall. It''s the only thing this ce leads to...


    They both step aside as Monk presses his hand on the ck wall and pushes it forward. A white light pierces through the darkness on all edges as we step through and the door closes behind us.


    Fluorescent lighting that seems as though it''s not powered by mana at all hangs from the ceiling, giving off a small amount of heat and filling the small room with light.


    The walls and floors are still made of the same ck stone, but now I hear chatter from many people. The sound of music and evenughter sounds like it''sing from below me.


    The only thing in this small room is a handrail on both sides that leads to a hole in the floor spiraling downward with a narrow staircase.


    Monk doesn''t slow down one bit; he just begins walking down the stairs and finally speaks.


    "We''re contained now; we may both talk freely. No one but us can hear or record us."


    I scrunch my eyebrows at this statement, and am about to ask who exactly we should be worried about here, but the sight in front of me as we take steps off the spiral staircase makes my eyes widen with awe.


    Easily 50 men, all between 18 and 30, are in arge open room underground. Every one of them wears the same orange clothing as Monk. There are about 2 dozen circr tables, and many of them are eating food together, reading books, and sharing conversation.


    Half of them wear transparent wristbands, deactivated just like mine. Others don''t even have wristbands on at all.


    There are many rectangr door-shaped slits in the walls all around the room that look like they could be pushed in just like the one Monk pushed forward to bring us down here.


    He walks forward through the crowds of people.


    Some of them stare at me for a moment but look over to Monk, and their expression changes; most smile or bow as we walk by and go back to minding their own business.


    One very young manes close and bows very low, speaking in a rxed voice.


    "Wee back Elder, your travels have concluded faster than expected. Shall we continue mid-day training without you as scheduled, or now that you''re back, do you have other ns?"


    Monk pauses and smiles at the younger teen, while I contemte why he''s calling a man no older than 25 an elder.


    He responds, stopping his steps and sping his hands.


    "Yes, continue training without me today. I believe I''ll be busy with a private session for quite a while."


    He continues walking forward until we make it to the back of the room. The man in the orange robe ces a hand on one of the rectangr doors and presses on it with an open palm to open it up again.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it.


    Just like before, it opens slowly and another narrow hallway appears behind it.


    I follow him through and down the hall again before he turns to another door on the wall.


    "This is thest one, thank you for being patient with me."


    The door opens silently just like all the other ones, and we walk into what seems to be a training room.


    It''s almost asrge as the recreational dining hall we just passed, but this area is almostpletely empty.


    On the left side, I see some wooden spears and metal weapons. Some of them look jet-ck as if they''re crafted from the same stone this fortress is made of. By all the gear, there''s a table and a fewfortable-looking chairs too.


    Monk walks over and sits down in one on the far side of the long wooden table.


    "Please, take a seat."


    I do as he says, sinking into the chair and looking out at the dark ck open room dimly lit by the white lights surrounding the gear and over the entrance door.


    There''s a long pause of silence before I break the awkwardness.


    "I understand you''ve brought me here to be much more discreet and out of the eyes and ears of anyone listening, but why? What have you brought me here for? Is it the soul energy technique? Is it because I brought up the mercenary guild to those guards? Is it another reason?"


    He looks at me with a curious yet indifferent expression again before responding.


    "The simple answer is; I''vee to ask for your help. Your soul energy is not your own, yet you''re able to control it with ease to take down soul bound opponents. It''s power like this that may help us finally defeat our enemy."


    I raise an eyebrow, thinking very carefully about what he just said.


    "This enemy is... who? The Galeheart guild?"


    He pauses again. The room is eerily silent.


    "Yes, but no... the man you are trying to meet with, Lith Galeheart is the reason we''re in this situation to begin with but he isn''t my main concern."


    I gulp, but Monk continues.


    "Technically they''re the ones we''ve opposed ever since they took ournd and built this fortress on the mountain, but the mercenary guild is not the enemy I wish to ask for your help to defeat. If anything, they could be an ally in the battle that may unfold."


    There''s another awkward pause of silence. Everything that was just said makes no sense... It seems like Monk knows much more about the inner workings of this ce than any of the legacy fighters knew, so I might as well dig for more and give him some information about myself in return.


    From what I understand, Monk has no reason to harm me. He''s the one asking me for help. I finally respond.


    "I don''t know much about this city, but I do know from talking with the legacy fighters that things have changed a lot over thest year or even a couple of months."


    Monk nods as I continue.


    "I only came here originally to find my teammates. They''re supposedly in the inner walls with the leader of the mercenary guild."


    I lean in and whisper under my breath.


    "They''re also able to wield the same soul energy, if that makes things any clearer for you."


    His eyes widen.


    He covers his mouth with his hand and thinks to himself for well over half a minute before responding again.


    "If this is the case, I believe the guild leader already knows you''re here and chose not to put your ID on the green list for the inner walls. Your showing in the arena made you a direct threat to ourmon enemy. Just like me, you have a target on your back, and Lith does not want to jeopardize whatever he''s nning to publicly allow a soul energy user into the inner walls."


    I respond.


    "So, who is the enemy...?"

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364


    "Well, to exin this, I''ll have to recall some events that go back about a year."


    I nod as Monk continues.


    "My monastery here and the Galeheart Guild came to a reasonable agreement ages ago. They have overwhelming power in numbers, so in theory, they could wipe us out in a turf war, but many of their men would die as well. It would make us both too weak, and thend beneath our feet is far too valuable to leave us vulnerable to attack from a third party. We thought if we worked together, we''d be strong enough to keep anyone from attacking."


    "So you have an alliance?"


    "More like an agreement."


    Monk stands up from his seat and starts pacing slowly along the back wall with the weapons lining it.


    "Lith gives us work sometimes to farm or subjugate dungeons, and in return, he allows us to live rent-free in the city behind manyyers of defenses."


    I nod slowly, sensing this isn''t the root of the problem.


    "Although many in our group resent this city, others are grateful that we still get to live peacefully as we once did in the changing world. Almost all the animosity has gone away, that is, until earlier this year when the Dark One attacked."


    My face lights up with curiosity.


    "The Dark One?"


    He nods and continues.


    "Yes, ever since the abyss in the center of the continent began to grow, many dungeons in the area have been breaking constantly. Every few weeks there''s a new surge that needs to be taken care of."


    Monk''s eyebrows scrunch and his jaw clenches as he says his next line.


    "Usually, my team was more than enough to handle any breaks within 100 kilometers of this ce. The poption in sector 1 is fairly spread out, and even though this is the capital, there aren''t many people that stay for long as their money gets eaten up and they move back to the surrounding viges."


    "So what happened? Was there abyrinth break or something?"


    "There are nobyrinths in this sector, only a few very strong dungeons. We often code them with the outer continent''s grading system. There are many C and B ss dungeons deep in the mountains, and quite a few that have formed beneath the city itself from constant tourism. This is how the arena we fought in earlier easily farms level 500 and higher monsters with ease. However, the day the A-ss Dungeon broke was the day we lost our freedom."


    Stolen novel; please report.


    There''s a long silent pause, then I speak up.


    "So what happened? Was there a break in the city? Everything seems fine to me... Someone must have handled it."


    "Something... Something handled it."


    There''s another pause before he continues again.


    "You remember that notification you received after defeating the Stage 7 Ghoul in the arena, right?"


    I nod slowly as he keeps speaking.


    "That''s one of the monsters from the A-ss break. In the almost year-long process of hunting them down, there have only been 114 defeated, including the one you killed in the arena. They cannot be killed with mana. None of my disciples are strong enough to take them on solo just yet. They need training outside the city or would have to fight in the arena like me. Allowing more attention toe on my people as the only soul energy users in this city would be a fatal move. My desperate attempt of fighting in the arena to slowly knock down their army is risky enough. This is why I ask for your help specifically."


    I stare at the man in the orange robe with another thought on my mind for a moment, then decide to let it out.


    "These monsters are middle B ss at best. How is this an A-ss break? Wouldn''t the Royal Guard just handle them? How do they keep them contained in the arena and let people fight them in the first ce if they''re so hard to defeat...? Wouldn''t it just be best to kill them as fast as possible once they''re contained?"


    Monk shakes his head.


    "The Ghouls are just a tool for the Dark One. That being is the true monster that came out from the break. It leads an army of 1000 Ghouls, and they follow its every order. It may be a monster, but it''s highly intelligent; smarter than any human by far. I never got the chance to fight the leader myself, but this may be a blessing in disguise. All the strongest Elders before me with far more power were all defeated in a single battle. After both my troops and many of the Galeheart Guild''s highest paid mercenaries were defeated entirely, the Dark One made a deal with Lith in his weakened state and took over the city..."


    "Just like he did with you? So you''re saying there''s a secret leader to Valor City?"


    Monk nods.


    "Simrly. However, the real intentions of the Dark One are unknown to me. All I know is, the Royal Guard is controlled by that creature now. It is not in human hands. Still, even though it''s an entity that came from a dungeon, the select few that know about the break refer to it as the Sector 1 Leader. Others are in the dark. Many think all the recent changes in the city are because of the Galeheart Guild, in reality this is not the case. It''s the Dark One. The strongest Entity ruling the economy and trade deals of the Dark Continent as well as some stretching into other far-offnds."


    I remember back to seeing the eyes of one of the Royal Guard glow orange through the slit in its mask, and theories begin to creep into my head.


    I respond, now thinking about the "Lich King''s Curse" that was on the Ghoul''s buff slot when I fought it.


    "You mentioned to me after the fight that even the strong can fall to its curse. What did you mean by that?"


    Monk stops pacing and stares at me.


    "All of the elders and paid mercenaries that were defeated by the Dark One were killed and turned into undead puppets. Every one of the current Royal Guard is not a human anymore; they''re monsters in disguise, being manipted by the soul energy of an unbeatable Undead King. I''ve never felt soul energy as powerful as its in my life... that is, until I saw the power you wielded in the arenast night."


    He walks over and sits back down at the table with a hand stretched out to meet mine.


    "If you unlock the power of your own soul energy, I believe you may be the key to saving this city. Please, allow me to train you."

 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365


    I let out a long sigh, looking down at Monk''s outstretched hand.


    "Save the city? Fight a monster that''s killed thousands of men stronger than you? The only reason I came here was to get my teammates and leave this ce. I''m always up for a good fight, but it has to be winnable in some capacity and have great rewards afterward. Do you expect me to just agree to help because it''s the right thing to do...?"


    There''s a pause and a moment of silence, but Monk doesn''t move from his position.


    I speak again.


    "What''s in it for me? What kind of training can you provide, and what other information do you have on this Dark One that may be useful to know?"


    He nods, still keeping his hand outstretched.


    "There are no conditions to the training. You may take any gear or materials you need from our monastery if you wish. That includes knowledge, ask me anything. If you don''t think you can win the fight, then there''s no reason for you to put yourself in harm''s way. However, I have a n to lure them out of hiding. I''m sure you want to fight more of those Ghouls if you could get the chance to, right?"


    I think about it for a moment, then reply.


    "Yes, if you say there are nearly 900 of them left. The level gains could be very profitable. I''m just... unable to use my soul energy for very long. One or two long battles at most before I need to take a long break to heal."


    Monk''s gaze tightens, then he looks around the room.


    "It''s only us in here. Whatever you tell me will never leave my lips. I need to know as much as I can about the Soul Energy you used during your matchst night to help with controlling it. On my ancestors, your secrets are safe with me."


    He looks me in the eyes and continues to speak, exining that the rate at which high-level fighters, mercenaries, and even strong travelers thate to this city are disappearing the moment they''re put in a verypromising position. The new midnight tax has taken many good people''s lives, turning them into tools for the Dark One. At the rate the city is changing, the deal with the Galeheart Guild for protection will be meaningless and the Dark One''s army will force them to leave or fight very soon.


    In response, I decide to give a rough exnation of how my teammates and I came to obtain the soulstones, bonded with them, and how they work. Of course, excluding the parts about many of my unique skills and our past affiliation with the Association, but there''s enough information for him to fill in the nks.


    "Very interesting... So it seems borrowing the power of a monster with soul energy even after their death has major side effects and limits to the user''s body. I''ve only ever seen Manifested Soul Energy like this from the Top Elder who passedst year and the Dark One itself..."


    Monk pauses again.


    "I''ll teach you how to wield your own soul energy. Well, in its base form when not linked to a user, we call it Qi. The soul energy that is linked to the system reacts with mana or certain rank-up processes. Some buffs like the one you have allow the user to manipte Qi along with the mana manifested essence of a creature. Just like the Dark One. However, Qi itself does not react to the system or mana at all. It is the power passed down from the originators."


    He looks down at the floor, stomping lightly two times to show me he is pointing at the ck material itself.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    "Qi can''t be learned naturally, it needs to be shared. Either from a person that awakens another, or through powerful deposits like the soulstones you mentioned. I''m sure if you used those stones enough they''ll either run out eventually and the buff will stop working, or you''ll unconsciously absorb some of the energy it grants you and awaken yourself. That would take quite a while though."


    My mind races at this information, thinking back to some of the exnations Ember gave me when I asked him about the Soulstones and the Monsters that rank up again at higher levels. Pairing this knowledge with the fact that this "Dark One" is most likely a monster that ruled an A-ss Dungeon, we could be dealing with a monster over level 1000.


    If what Monk is saying is true, Qi is another power source like Mana or Demonic Energy. Though, it seems not to be rooted in the system. At least, not for anyone below A-ss.


    Just like Demons and Demonic Energy are a mystery to most of the world, this seems to take things a step even further.


    I take much longer to think about my response, but finally do.


    "I''d like to learn more. If you''re able to teach me this power with no strings attached, I''d dly ept."


    Monk smiles and I see his eyes sparkle with excitement.


    We shake hands, then stand up from the table and walk over to the center of the ck-walled and glossy-floored training room.


    I speak, very excited, but pretty nervous at the same time.


    "Let''s do this."


    I knewing in here he would have a proposition of some kind for me, but I didn''t think it''d be this intense and secretive. However, this only makes it more intriguing. If I can learn how to wield this new energy source stronger than both Mana and Demonic Energy without the bodily harming limits of the Red Hydra''s Buff... I could be unstoppable.


    Monk instructs me to sit down on the floor with my legs crossed and close my eyes as he ces a hand on my back.


    "Ready?"


    I nod, and Monk exins to me I need to stay still until he speaks again. It may feel unnatural, but that is part of the process.


    The moment I take a deep breath in and out through my nose, I feel a warm energy in the shape of an open palm leave Monk''s fingertips and enter my back. It immediately spreads through my shoulders and down my arms. Simultaneously, it flows down my spine and into my hips to trickle through my legs.


    After just a few seconds, it feels as if my entire body is full from my toes to my fingertips.


    It feels like warm waters flowing through my body, but there''s no weight to it at all, it just feels as if a liquid is constantly flowing through me until Monk releases his palm from my back and the stream of more warmth stops.


    After a few seconds, my fingers and toes start to get colder.


    The warm water flows away from them and it all begins to settle near my stomach. There''s no weight to it, only warmth.


    As the energy leaves my hands and feet, then even my arms and legs, I feel Monk''s palm fall onto my back again.


    The flow of warm energy crashes in like a calm ocean wave, filling my body entirely just like the first time before it even got the chance to settle in the invisible resting ce in the center of my being.


    He releases his hand and the warm energy goes through the same process, eventually trickling back into my core and leaving my extremities.


    Then, again.


    Monk does the same thing a third, fourth, fifth, and finally a sixth time before finally stopping.


    At this, all of the warm energy leaves my body and finally settles in my invisible core near the bottom of my stomach. This leaves me shivering as if I just walked out of a hot bath without a towel.


    Monk''s voice calmly speaks to me.


    "You may open your eyes now. You have an impressive amount of energy capacity. Even without any formal training, I can tell your natural talent will be incredible."


    I open my eyes and take a deep breath, still shivering. The more I move, the colder I feel, but I manage to stand to my feet and face the man that just shared his power with me.


    I feel disoriented, but the sensation of being powerless and systemless while making contact with this mana-negating stone is gone.


    I can sense something in the air, there is definitely energy to feed off of here that I couldn''t sense previously.


    Monk speaks as we make eye contact.


    "You took the instant exposure very well too. Most people can''t move for hours or possibly days after an awakening like this."


    My vision is doubled, and it looks as if I should feel dizzy, but my mind is actually crystal clear. My body just needs to catch up.


    A momentter, my vision focuses and I see Monk bow in front of me with sped hands.


    "Let us spar. We don''t have much time, and you have much to learn."

 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366


    I put my hands up to show Monk I''m ready, but I see an assortment of rings on my fingers, and the ends of my red robe limit the movement of my arms. Even my armor feels heavy on my chest. Without the magic buffs these items give me, they''re very movement-limiting.


    For a split second, I re-consider the fact that none of my skills are activated at all. That includes my concealment skill changing my face, but Monk didn''t say a word about it... My eyes track over to the wooden table at the back of the room, and Monk gives me a nod to remove my gear. Ie back with just my boots, ck pants, and a T-shirt on.


    My body still feels cold, but the light walk has warmed me up and I can feel energying out of the floor and walls. It slowly flows through me, and warms me up, replicating the process Monk did on me. It''s far slower, like the hint of a warm breeze, and the absorption process feels more like condensation from a water bottle.


    Particles that float around the roome to me and stick to my skin, slowly soaking through and warming my body up.


    I can''t manipte the energy here, I can only wait for it toe to me.


    Monk speaks as Ie back to him.


    "Ready? I''ll start slow and we''ll train until one of us can''t go any further."


    I lock eyes with him and imitate his bow, then our mock matchup begins.


    There were no rules outlined, and he hasn''t given me any tips or techniques, so my guess is the best way to learn is to just spar...


    Monk runs forward, so I do the same.


    As he does, I can faintly sense the buildup of pressure in his body, and as he pushes a fist forward at me, a wave of hot white energy rushes up his arm and into his hand.


    The movement isn''t fast. A normal fighter without a leveling system could easily dodge it. However, I''m not quite sure getting hit with a punch like this would be as simple to brush off.


    I spin my body out of harm''s way, and Monk instantly shifts his feet and lunges in with a spinning kick. I duck and dodge this slow-moving attack too.


    Even when my eyes momentarily leave the target, I can still sense the same wave of white energy flowing from the middle of his body down his leg and into his foot.


    To the naked eye, it doesn''t look out of the ordinary at all... but I''m sure he''s using Qi to bolster these attacks.


    Monk stares at me with a straight face and motions for me to attack now.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    I take deep breaths and slowly step forward with both my palms raised. My eyes are staring straight forward, but my mind is entirely focused on the hot invisible core of energy inside me.


    My first thought is to try and move it around like Mana Maniption or Demonic Energy but the feeling I get fromtching onto every individual particle when wielding those energies neveres.


    With every step closer to Monk I take, the more frustrating it gets.


    The core of warm watery energy doesn''t budge. I can feel it as clear as day in my lower stomach, but it won''t move like I want it to.


    I''m frozen in ce, clenching my fists.


    "Too slow."


    Monkes running at me with another attack with quite a bit more speed, The white energy pulses in his heels before every step, and I can sense the growing power in his fist is much more concentrated than before.


    I jump backward, and the fighter''s fist flies by my face mere millimeters away.


    There''s another source of energy forming behind me and flowing upward like a gust of wind before I can even react.


    I try to dodge again and jump out of the way, but a white hot kick hits me in the gut and I''m sent flying backward almost 5 meters.


    On impact, I feel a wave crashing into my side. Most of it feels like a wall that forces me away, but a small amount of it sticks to my body just like the ambient Qi thates off the walls and ceiling.


    As I hit the floor and stand back up to my feet, I feel the slow slosh of my own energy settling after the hit.


    Monk yells out as I put my hands up.


    "Don''t think, just fight."


    I run forward taking his advice, and actually throw a punch this time. However, there''s no Qi in my attack at all, it''s just a normal fist.


    With quick footsteps and precise blows, I get my punch blocked with ease and another foot to the side of my ribs sending me flying back.


    It feels the same like a wave of hot ocean water hits me across the body with no warning at all.


    Still, I get up and fight again to get thrown into the same situation over and over.


    Monk doesn''t make it harder for me, he just stays at this same strength and speed difficulty. After I fall to the ground for a fourth time, he speaks as I get up.


    "Guide the flow of energy. You don''t have to be in control, you only have to lead it to the path of least resistance."


    I nod, but scrunch my eyebrows inwardly, trying to figure out what his phrase means.


    Then I''m hit with his kick again.


    Every time I think I have his movements figured out and am ready to dodge, he always switches things upst minute and I''m hit point-nk with the same crashing wave of energy.


    However, each time I''m hit, I feel my own core of energy ripple and slosh.


    After two more falls, I mumble to myself while running forward at Monk.


    "Guide the energy... don''t force it..."


    I sway my body back and forth synchronizing with the light ripple and shifts of energy that settle in my stomach and for the first time as I throw a fist, I feel warmth flow up into my shoulder and down my arm.


    It''s not much, but I can feel trickles of warm energy reach my fingertips.


    As Monk''s forearm collides with mine for his usual block, instead of his energy bouncing my arm away it feels as if two ocean waves collide and a shimmering invisible essence of energy fills the air as both sides of the watery flow fall back.


    Almost instantly, all of the Qi in my arm flows back into my core and I feel another roundhouse kick to the side, but I see Monk grinning with pride as he does so.


    "Not bad, you''re a quick learner. Let''s do it again."


    I stand to my feet with a smile of my own. I''m not quite sure how I did it, but I know exactly how it felt. It''s one thing just seeing it happen, and another actually experiencing it. I''m much more confident I can replicate and improve this movement.


    With both hands guarding my face, I run forward again.

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    We continue to spar.


    The more times I get hit and knocked down, the more I understand the mechanics of this new power source.


    Every fist I throw has to have meaning and focus. It feels very simr to my newest swordsmanship skill upgrade. Every time I throw a fist, it feels as if I''m guiding the warm energy in a perfect line to a certain point.


    If I ever second guess myself or waver from the correct path, the flow of Qi halts and it all trickles back into my core. The movement has to be done all over again to get the energy to flow perfectly.


    I''m able to let Qi flow from my core to my fists, and even manage to replicate the movement technique by allowing energy to flow into my heels. It''s much more difficult than my fists. Every step I take has to be with confidence and precision. Even one change in position and the extra propulsion is negated instantly.


    Once I manage to block both the punch and kick from Monk a few times in a row, we move onto another exercise.


    Monk''s feet light up with Qi just like before, but this time with much more. The concentration is easily 5 times as much.


    "Catch me. You need to touch me once, then we''ll spar again. This exercise will teach you the volume of flow. Only use what you need, but learn how to open the floodgates when necessary."


    I nod, focused already. Then he begins jumping around the room with Qi-powered footsteps.


    I try to follow, but my style is more like a charging bullpared to his graceful movements.


    Every turn made makes me halt for a fraction of a second in my mind to reassess the situation and locate the target, but in doing so the flow of energy to my feet ceases. I lose my speed and have to take a moment to lock on and charge toward him again.


    Just like my punches, it''s all a work in progress. The more I guide the energy, the more natural it bes.


    After almost 45 minutes pass, I''m able to curve my movements in sweeping strides in order to not stop altogether, and after another 45 minutes pass I''m finally able to move quickly and gracefully simr to Monk.


    Not much more time passes before I finally manage to nick his shoulder with my right hand on a passing sprint.


    We both stop in our tracks and let outughs.


    "Good job, your speed of progression is quite frightening honestly."


    I''m too out of breath to respond, but I muster a "thank you" as I ce both hands on my waist.


    There''s a high reliance on the Qi for energy in these movements, but it''s still pretty taxing on my physical body. It feels as if I just ran 20 kilometers.


    Although I''m used to stretching long distances like this in training before, it''s usually fighting monsters. I can''t remember thest time I fought with a human on equal terms for this long. Plus, it''s clear Monk is still holding back a lot.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    I look up and put my hands up again after taking another long deep breath.


    "What''s next?"


    "We spar again."


    I run forward with a Qi charged fist with multiple times more power than it had just hours ago. I''m pulling from the same exact energy source, but the more control I have over it, the better I can guide its flow.


    The energy doesn''t leave my body at all, but it feels as if it''s right on the edge of my outeryer of skin. Invisible to the naked eye, but more dense than diamonds.


    Two massive waves ssh together as our fists collide in the center of the training room and our second sparring match begins.


    Punches and kicks are thrown in rapid session as we sprint around the room. I use my full power every time I throw an attack. With an opponent that''s able to increase his skill level ordingly, making himself just slightly stronger than me and slightly faster every time I make a breakthrough leads to the perfect training environment.


    I''m pushed to my limits for another full hour until what I didn''t know was possible happens.


    As I throw another fist at Monk full of confidence, the endless pool of power that filled my stomach reaches its bottom.


    My eyes widen and Ipletely lose control of the energy in my feet and fists as there''s not enough left in me to send another full attack at the fighter in front of me.


    In this moment caught off guard, the familiar feeling of a kick to the gut sends me flying into the back wall of the room over 15 meters away.


    A loud thud of me hitting the stone floor ends our training session.


    "Your Qi stores have finally run out. It took over 3 hours of full-on fighting. Again, very impressive. I''d say it''s time to take a break and recharge."


    I push myself up from the floor and walk back over breathing heavily andpletely exhausted. However, the smile across my face is wider than any post-battle victory I''ve had in months.


    "That was one heck of a workout."


    I imitate the bow he always does and continue.


    "Thank you."


    He bows back, then points to the floor.


    "One more thing before we make our way upstairs to rest."


    He sits in the position I was in earlier with legs crossed and a straight back on the floor.


    "Join me."


    At his words, I do the same, facing him and closing my eyes expecting something interesting to happen.


    About 30 seconds pass and nothing does. I open one eye, but he''s sat there sitting still with his eyes closed motionless.


    I take a deep breath in and out of my nose and close my eyes again to be polite.


    My heavy breathing from training eventually ceases and the endorphins rx me even more, putting me into a calm state mindful of all the energy seeping out from the ck stone around me.


    The longer I sit, the more of the energy passes through me on its natural flow through the air and sticks to the outside of my body slowly being absorbed into every ce it makes contact. Tiny streams of energy lead back to my inner core.


    Over 20 minutes pass and I feel the Qi inside me slightly growing. It''s an incredibly slow process. The amount I naturally took in while sitting here for almost half an hour is just enough to throw one more punch. At this rate, it''d take weeks to bring me back up to full capacity like I was before training begun.


    Once my concentration finally breaks, Monk senses my movement and opens his eyes while standing up to his feet.


    "Very good. You now know how to perform natural Qi gathering too."


    I stand to my feet and follow him back over to the wooden table at the front of the room.


    "It''s more like just sitting and waiting to recharge."


    He nods as I start putting my gear back on. Even though it doesn''t give me buffs, I don''t have any other way to carry it right now, so wearing it is the simplest option.


    "Yes, the natural process does take time, but understanding the process is how you will increase your capacity in the future. If you gather more Qi while your core is full, your capacity will slowly grow."


    I think about that for a moment as he leads me to the door.


    "Understood."


    Monk presses his hand against the rectangle of ck stone and I sense the warm energy flow from his palm into the door. It lights up white and shifts open just as it did on our way down here.


    He turns back, motioning for me to follow.

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    We make our way through a winding ck hallway before Monk leads me to a room that has dozens of rectangr doors on it.


    He turns to one, then points to all of them.


    "Choose a room; there are showers and fresh clothing in all of them."


    I walk up to the closest door and pause for a moment, then ce my palm against the cold stone.


    I push on it with a lot of force, but it doesn''t budge at all. It''s like a solid wall.


    Monk speaks.


    "All it needs is a small amount of Qi. Less than you would use to throw a punch. Channel a small amount into your hand while making contact with the door, and it will open wide. The stone won''t budge unless a Qi user opens it."


    I do as he says, letting a small amount trickle into my fingertips, then the panel of stone swings open.


    There''s a small dimly lit room with fresh white shirts and pants, along with the orange robe everyone wears in this ce.


    On the back wall, there''s a shower and bath.


    I take 10 minutes, and the room steams up nicely as all my soreness and fatigue from our training goes away.


    I change into the shirt and pants provided, but decide against wearing the robe, putting my armor and cloak back on as an oveyer beforeing out.


    Monk greets me, and we make our way to the Dining hall as initially intended.


    There are many bows and greetings as we get food from a fast-moving line. Everyone gets a very simr meal, but it smells delicious.


    I sit down across a table from Monk and we begin to eat.


    There''s meat, vegetables, rice, and plenty of water. It''s all very standard food, but I''m grateful for the hospitality.


    The only thing that stands out to me is a small spherical white pill thates in a ck cup next to the water.


    Monk swallows his whole without a second of hesitation, and I watch many people at the surrounding tables doing a simr thing. They all take the pill before even starting the meal.


    I pick up the tiny ck cup with the pill inside and look straight ahead.


    "What''s this? Why is everyone taking it?"


    I can sense there is energying off it, but it''s unclear what exactly it does.


    "A Tier 1 Qi pill. Everyone takes it after training."


    He points to the floor and continues.


    "Natural Qi resides in these mountain stones; we''ve mined and harnessed the power for centuries waiting for a time like this. Everyone restores their Qi after training instead of waiting weeks, months, or possibly even years to fully restore one''s core."


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    I stare at the pill with a curious gaze but ce it back down on the table.


    Monk begins to eat, but nods.


    "You don''t have to take it now, but it would make you feel much better and prepare you for the next stage of training."


    I take the pill out from the cup and hold it between my thumb and index finger, examining it carefully.


    "What''s the next stage?"


    Monk replies.


    "You need some practical training, and you''ll need to adapt to a fighting style that includes both your mana-based skills and new Qi Techniques. The Arena event tonight will be a great ce to test out what you''ve learned."


    My gaze tightens on the pill for a final time before I decide to throw it into my open mouth. The moment it''s swallowed, it feels as if a warm ocean wave hits my stomach and rushes through my entire body.


    The tiny puddle of Qi that was left in me has turned into a raging river, igniting my body with energy.


    As my eyes light up with power, Monk speaks again.


    "Feels good, doesn''t it?"


    My gaze wanders around the room as everything looks just a tiny bit brighter and more colorful.


    The feeling from empty to full is nearly instantaneous. It feels as if I have almost double the energy stores that I did at the peak when fighting Monk earlier. This confirms my Qi stores weren''t even on full before, I was just working with shared power.


    Soon, my sparkling daze settles down and I raise the question back to Monk as we finish our meals.


    "So we''ll go back into the fight Arena tonight...? What''s the n you mentioned earlier? To fight more Ghouls? Didn''t you say the Royal Guard keep an eye on Soul Energy users?"


    He nods.


    "Sure, yes. I''m sure the moment you leave this building many eyes will be on you. So, be careful where you go, who you talk to, and what you say if you don''t want them involved."


    I gulp at the sound of this, thinking about my teammates potentially stuck behind the Royal Guards in the center of the City.


    We finish all the food on our tes and bring them back over to the ce we got them.


    Many other men in robes do the same, leaving through seemingly random doors on all sides of the room. Some mention a nightly training session, others talk of Qi gathering to raise their natural capacity, and some talk in a tongue that I can''t understand.


    Monk and I walk back up to the surface.


    I use small amounts of Qi to open each door as we walk up until making it to the final narrow hallway that leads to the outside world within the tinum Walls.


    Two men bow as we leave and stay guarding the doorway, but if I remember correctly, the two there are a different pair than when we entered before. They must have rotating shifts.


    Monk speaks as we approach the light.


    "Brace yourself."


    "For what?"


    As both my feet leave the ck stone structure, I understand exactly what...


    The wristband on me turns from transparent to tinum again, the containment ring on my finger puts my formal outfit on, and every option on my statuses back to me all at once. There''s a barrage of blue text screens that pop up in my mind''s eye, ready to be used.


    Best of all, I take a deep breath of fresh air in through my nose. Mana fills my body once again, and it feels as if I didn''t even know what I was missing out on.


    A few steps of euphoria is all it takes before my body and mind get used to it, and the world around me goes back to normal again.


    Apart from one thing...


    There''s always small trace amounts of mana in the air that I can absorb, but now I can faintly sense Qi in the atmosphere too. It''s barely 1/100th of what it feels like inside the monastery, but I''m sure I sense it in the air even far out into the city.


    After I let out another long sigh and use conceal to change my face back to a disguised version, then rummage through some items in my storage system beneath my clothing to make sure everything is still in the right ce where I left it.


    Monk and I step onto the moving tform and make our way to the gate that leads back into the golden walls.


    A pair of tinum Armored guards scan our wristbands and allow us to move through without a moment of hesitation or a single word.


    The same process happens at the next gate, and before we know it, both of us are walking side by side into the fight arena as the midday events start toe to a close. I throw on my mask, and both of us walk over to the registration table.


    Mr. Wright, the man in the white suit, spots us from afar and his eyes light up as he realizes his two top prize fighters have arrived earlier than expected.

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    "Wee back, Mr. me Emperor. I wasn''t sure if I''d be seeing you again. However, I''m even more surprised to see you here with Monk. What are the odds?"


    Mr. Wright smiles wide as he gets a tablet ready and I reply.


    "I wasn''t sure if I''d be back either, but I had a change of heart. The show must go on, right?"


    He taps on the silver tablet a few more times before giving me a nod and looking up.


    "Indeed, I like the way you''re talking. You''re registered for thest spot in the nighttime event, just like before. There''s a lot more people watching tonight, even in the midday events there has been over double the usual betting volume."


    I raise an eyebrow as he continues.


    "We epted a few more fighters into every event as well. There won''t be any break time between the midday and the evening event. So make yourselffortable."


    He points to the stairway behind the registration desk, then looks up at both of us.


    "You can mingle with thepetitors downstairs, or enjoy the show out in the open air. You two are the exception to the rules, just make sure you make it downstairs in time for your match to begin. What you do before then is none of my business."


    He gives us another smile as Monk gives him a slight bow. I nod and turn away, looking for some seats in the crowd.


    Monk whispers in my ear.


    "I''ll be heading down to scope out the new fighters."


    "Sounds good, I''ll be watching from the stands. I''ll be down before my match."


    We split off in opposite directions.


    The familiar sound of the announcer''s voice echoes in my ears as hementates on a sword wielder fighting a monster in the 4th Stage.


    The crowd is pretty rowdy, and there aren''t many free seats avable even though the main event hasn''t even started yet. I whisper under my breath as I find a spot about 10 rows away from the ring.


    "This will do just fine."


    I sit down and let out a sigh. After a great workout, a solid meal, and aplete recharge in Qi, everything feels amazing.


    There''s a few hours before my fight starts, so for now I''ll let my meal digest and enjoy the show.


    That''s exactly what I do.


    The crowds around get more and more packed, and after watching 6 matches the betting odds be more and more vtile in the 4th and 5th stages. There are huge sways in the payouts at the start of every betting sequence, it''s clear to see there are some high rollers in the crowd betting hundreds of gold for fun. Even on these midday matches.


    One of the midday fighters manages to defeat the 5th Stage monster, but other than that there wasn''t anyone skilled in the ring just yet. Still, it''s fun to watch the talent here and study some of the lower-level monsters'' fight patterns.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Eventually the announcer''s voice rings out into the crowd.


    "That brings our midday fights to a close! We will have a short 10-minute intermission if you''d like to take a breather, buy some food, restock or cash out some credits. Afterward, our opener for the Late Night Event will begin."


    The energy in the arena shifts to a serious tone then a burst of excitement. All the tension from watching the lower level fights all day has been building up and the anticipation for the real events to start is finally getting close.


    Many people leave their seats and small scuffles start up when even more people walk in from outside and either steal taken ces or can''t even find room for more.


    The arena is overpacked, and even I''m getting hyped up to see what''s in store.


    A few minutes pass, then a disy of rainbow lightsing from charged mana crystals beheath multi-colored ss sends radiant beams around the stadium as the night sky bes dark overhead. The crowds are overflowing as the announcer speaks in an excited voice again.


    "Would you all give a warm wee to our firstpetitor, the opening act. A legacy fighter we all know well, the Stone Maiden!"


    After her fight record is shared with the crowd, and more words of encouragement to give more hype; A sh of transport magic brings the familiar legacy fighter to the stage.


    The ear-shattering roar that follows shakes the arena. I decide to ce a 100 gold bet on Sia, the Stone Maiden.


    A few minutester as the announcer''s voice sounds again, an eruption of stone blowing a small horned rabbit to pieces is followed by a notification alerting me I won 2 gold on a 1.02x bet.


    The next few matches go almost exactly the same. I bet 100 gold on stage 2, 3, 4, and 5; winning another 56 gold in total. The odds raise more toward her losing as the rounds get higher. I decide not to bet at all on the 6th round, it''s not a guaranteed win in my mind.


    She loses to a Red Ogre, and my suspicions are confirmed.


    I smirk, crossing my arms and wait for the next event toe about.


    Two newbies follow and I decide not to bet, just watching both of them make it to the 5th round. One taps out after barely winning, and the other gets defeated in seconds in the 6th.


    Next up, Max, the shield takes the stage. Just like Sia, I bet 100 gold on him winning every event from stage 1-5. I make another 74 gold in profit and decide not to bet on the 6th round. He wins, but I don''t feel bad about not taking the gamble. He doesn''t move onto the 7th round by choice.


    More newbies follow, and they''re better than thest ones. Both make it to the 6th stage but neither of them defeat it. I don''t bother betting on them.


    Ace takes the stage next and I watch closely as he slices through every one of his opponents. I bet 100 gold on each fight, and even take the chance to bet on the 6th stage with another 100 gold bet at 2.16x odds. People are voting against him, but I''ve seen this swordsman''s buff in action and trust he''ll get it done.


    As he defeats the massive beast in the ring with a series of shes, covered in a blue aura, the notification dings on my wristband and the crowd goes wild. My credits have risen up to 15.1077 tinum. Almost 300 gold profit and it''s not even time for the main event.


    I sit back and watch the 7th Stage Ghoul take Ace down with ease, and many drunken betters cheer or get angry at the results.


    The announcer hypes the crowd even more, hinting that there may be more stage 7 fightsing up again in the future.


    More people pile in from the streets, and the stadium bes even more overpacked.


    The announcer introduces another newbie, and I decide to stand up and squeeze through the crowds back down to the registration table to make my way underground to the training room. My fight is up soon, and it''s best I get there earlier rather thante.


    While I do, the next unknown fighter''s match begins and a sh of bright blue and white light fills the ring.


    I turn my head to see pirs of ice form all over the stage 1 goblin, showing an unnecessary disy of strength.


    One of the disy screens zooms in on the fighter that ced this attack as the announcer starts hyping up the 2nd stage.


    A womanly figure stands tall holding a silver sword covered in ice. She glows blue and wears silver lightweight armor too. Through a white mask covering her face, I see familiar bright blue eyes and long flowing blonde hair.

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    "Could it be...?" I whisper to myself as I continue squeezing my way through the crowd to get to the underground training room.


    My seat is already lost, so there''s no point in trying to go back to the ring to see her up close for myself. The screens that appear all over show the blond-haired woman with a white face covering. Her blue glow has ceased as the announcer hypes up the crowd to bet on the stage 2 matchup.


    I start walking underground behind the registration table, and the words that echo through the arena confirm my suspicions.


    "The Ice Empress will now be moving on to the 2nd fight in 10... 9... 8..."


    I roll my eyes and smile at the tantly copied version of my fighter name but don''t mind much as I have many other questions running through my head. As the noise of the crowd bes muffled, the white walls and glossy floor of the training roome into view. Some familiar legacy fighters stand around after their matchups watching a big fight screen. Maria is on the big screen, instantly taking out her opponent in the ring with another overwhelming wave of Ice magic.


    With my mind racing at why she''s here of all ces, and if any of my other teammates may be nearby, these thoughts are soon put to a halt as Max spots me from the other side of the room.


    "Hey, it''s you! We missed you this morning, I wasn''t sure if you''d being back to the ring! Just in time!"


    At his loud wee, almost every hunter underground turns their heads to watch me walk over to the legacy fighters watching the fight over by the transport tform.


    Monk doesn''t get up from his seat on the ground on the other side of the room. His eyes are closed, and he''s preparing for his uing match.


    I''m greeted with more warm wees from both Sia and Ace, then we continue to watch the matches. I bet 100 gold on every one of the following fights, making 132 gold back on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th roundsbined.


    She moves onto the 6th and the payout on her winning is over 2x again and rising. I throw another 100 gold on the Ice Empress, and she freezes the stage 6 monster in an instant, winning without any resistance.


    There were already murmurs about this newbie before, but now the topic of conversation has shifted to only her. Maria raises her thumb in the air, and the crowd outside goes wild as the announcer hypes up the 7th stage match.


    Max turns to all of the other legacy fighters, ripping his eyes away from the bright screen on the wall.


    "Do you see this? She''s stronger than all of us... she just took out the stage 6 monster in a single hit."


    He turns to me with wide eyes, then something clicks in his head.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    "Wait. Her name... It''s just like yours. Do you know this woman?"


    My gaze is still on the screen as I wait for the betting odds to get high enough to ce a bet. I just shrug and reply to Max in a low tone.


    "First time I''ve seen her in this city."


    His eyes move down to his wristband.


    "Over a 3x payout if she wins? Ha! I''m in!"


    There must be some high rollers that understand how tough that 7th stage monster is... Based on her performance in the ring, no casual viewer would bet against her now. However, I agree with Max on this one. Maria has the same buff as me; she''ll be able to beat this Ghoul without an issue.


    I smirk and nod.


    "Me too, let''s get a nice payout."


    Ace and Sia stay away from betting, but their eyes don''t leave the screen as the announcer counts down and the match begins.


    A white-skinned creature with yellow teeth, a long sword, and a faint orange aura around its body teleports in, and the match begins.


    Maria glows bright blue and runs forward with a trail of ice behind her. The Ghoul runs forward to match her speed in silence. Both of them swing their des at each other.


    Moments before impact there''s a sh of red light. Maria''s de releases a pink-colored ice that slices the Ghoul in two, freezing both halves faster than normal eyes can see.


    The orange aura of the Ghoul disintegrates in milliseconds, and Maria nts her feet to turn around and sh the frozen Ghoul with her sword again. By this point, the crimson buff covering her body is alreadypletely powered off. She didn''t have it activated for more than half a second.


    The red-tinted ice shatters into a million pieces like snow, and the crowd roars as the announcer yells out in awe as the 7th stage was taken out in record time.


    A dinging notification brings my coin total up to 21.5056 tinum.


    Then, it''s followed by the ice wielder in the ring putting her sword on her waist. After, she refuses to move onto the 8th round. I don''t spot the royal guarding into the arena to stop her, it seems like she said no on her own.


    A blink of transport magic brings her right back to the small tform in the training room, and every head in the room turns to her.


    Beneath the bright white mask and form-fitting lightweight armor, her eyes scan the room before locking onto mine for a split second, then facing forward again. She walks forward, and no one approaches.


    I activate my telepathy skill instantly, and send a link directly to her. Before I get a word in, her voice sounds in my head.


    "Meet me at the restaurant you went tost night after your match. They''re watching and listening, I had to get your attention somehow, it seems like this did the trick."


    She pauses for a moment, then goes on.


    "Plus, I wanted to see how tough that stage 7 Monster really was... I''ll exin everything once we''re in a secure ce to speak."


    I gulp and look away before replying.


    "Understood... Good match, you''ve gotten much stronger."


    Maria sends a final message back before closing our link.


    "You have too. Good luck on yours, I''ll see you soon."


    She continues to walk through the room and makes her way up the stairs. It''s not until then that I turn around again and activate my inspect and appraisal skills out of curiosity.


    Her gear is almost all the same, but her level has risen to 612... That''s higher than me. She''s been training while I''ve been asleep and trying to get to this city.


    Just like Monk said before, there''s some kind of widespread surveince in this city, so we need a safe and quiet ce to talk. However, this begs the question, how did she even know I was at a restaurantst night in the first ce? Or, why not just leave the city to talk in private?


    More questions race through my mind now than they did when I walked in here. I thought seeing her here would exin a few things, but it''s only made things moreplicated.


    Thest glimmer of her silver armor disappears through the staircase upward and I see Monk approach the transport tform as he''s next up in the fight arena.

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    My mind is trying to fit more pieces of the puzzle together, but there are too many unknown variables in my way.


    Clearly, Maria isn''t trapped or herepletely against her will, and this most likely means my other teammates are fine too. Her level has grown significantly, and fighting ability too.


    Although quite a few things don''t make any sense here, at least I don''t have to rack my brain for ways to get into the center of the City anymore. Maria will have some answers for me.


    It''s best I push any more questions to the back of my mind for the time being and focus on my match ahead. The sole reason foring here tonight is to fight in the ring. If I wanted to just practice on more people or normal monsters, I could have gone outside the city.


    What I''m really curious about is how my new ability to wield Qi will help me against the battle with the Ghoul. If I can avoid using my Hydra''s Buff, and still take this monster out, I''ll be much more confident in taking many of them on at once if need be.


    I take a deep breath and calm my mind, crossing my arms and looking up at the screen as Monk begins his fights.


    Just like the other rounds, I bet 100 gold on every one of his matches, bringing my total up to 23.1901 tinum by the end of the 7th stage. Monk has a picture-perfect run, punching the monsters with fists of Qi and not taking a single bit of damage himself.


    I would bet more, but anything can happen in the ring. The only person I''d trust to win with 100% certainty is myself.


    Monk steps off the transport tform, and I get the cue to step on.


    I''m transported into the ring, and the announcer hypes up the crowd while I start to walk around the dirt circle and wave to the audience.


    Some people are cheering my name, others are booing, and others are just screaming and yelling in a drunken state for the fun of it.


    "Everyone, I''d like to give you the final event of the night. With only a single match in the fight ring previously, The me Emperor has made it to the 7th round and won with flying colors. You''re in for quite the show!"


    The betting odds are in favor for me to win in such a skewed amount, the number on my wrist just says 1.00x.


    I don''t bother betting on the first round, I just take a deep breath and concentrate on the Qi in my body. Although I''m here to put on a show, I need to warm up for the match that counts in the end.


    A level 31 hobgoblin is teleported into the ring, and I keep my sword at my waist as I run forward at the monster.


    Letting the warm wave of energy build up in my core and allowing it to flow into my fist, I jump forward andnd a punch on the monster''s chest.


    Instantly, as it makes contact, an energy wave ripples through the monster and it flies backward, disintegrating into so many pieces it looks like red dust.


    My eyes widen as the crowd cheers.


    I absorb the small amount of MCP offered from my absorption skill and ept the silver for winning the match.


    I know my base level strength from my levels gives me more than enough power to take out this low-level mob without Qi, but the violent shockwave of energy sent through its body is a very new feeling.


    When I sparred with Monk, it felt like a crashing wave was hitting a sturdy barrier.


    This felt more like a tsunami destroying a sea wall with ease.


    The energy trickles back into my core and the announcer brings out the stage 2 monster. The betting odds now say 1.03x, so I decide to just throw my entire credit ount in on the match. Some return is better than nothing.


    A level 122 cyclops creaturees out for my next match, and I decide to try something a bit different.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    There''s hardly any difference in strength between these low-level opponents. Controlling my strength to be able to spar with low-level mobs is not the kind of training I''m interested in. Monk may do it so he can teach his disciples, but I''m here to try and make the most deadly technique.


    I activate my fire magic and light my fists with mes.


    Running forward just like before, I let another wave of Qi flow into my arm as I punch the Cyclops at point-nk range.


    The same thing happens...


    On impact, a great pressure builds up and ripples through the monster''s body, instantly breaking the tension and disintegrating the monster into nothing.


    The fire magic around my fist reacts with the flying monster matter and erupts into a huge dark red explosion. However, the fire had nothing to do with the attack itself. It''s more like confetti for the crowd after the fact.


    The audience cheers as usual, I get paid a set amount of silver for winning along with my bet payout, and the matches continue.


    Stage 3, and 4 are almost exactly the same.


    A single hit obliterates my opponent, and the eruption of mes makes the crowd cheer.


    Stage 3 rewards the usual set price payout, but after winning stage 4 I finally get my 1% cut of the arena betting and the notification puts a smile on my face.


    [Stage 4 Fight Victory: Reward: 79.5540 Gold Credits]


    Last time I won in stage four, the payout here was under 20 gold. That means over four times more people are betting tonight.


    I win another 1.04x bet and a 1.07x on these rounds, but my main focus is figuring out how to use both my Qi and mana together in the same attack.


    It feels as if there''s something I''m missing, but it''s so close. I just need to send out this attack many more times before I''ll understand it.


    The 5th stagees along, and a very familiar opponentes to the stage. A level 405 Berserker Giant. The same monster from the 19th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth.


    The betting odds reach 1.10x and I go all in again.


    As soon as the dark-skinned, green-eyed, sword wielderes into the ring with mana-bonded swords and a berserker skill I grin and run forward.


    I don''t use any of my buffs, and am not using the full power of my fire magic or Qi. I know these monsters can take a hit, and won''t give up no matter how dire the situation seems. In fact, they get stronger and more lively.


    This will be the perfect time to finally learn something.


    As my fist makes contact with the monster''s chest, just like all of the ones before, I feel the wave of energy ripple over the entire outside of its body. Then, the portion where I exert the most force cracks like an eggshell, sending the monster flying backward with blood and fire trailing in the air.


    It hits the back wall of the mana-shielded dome and falls to the ground, but begins glowing red and smiling wide with its creepy jagged teeth.


    I smirk back, whispering under my breath.


    "That''s what I like to see... I can finally get some practice in."


    There''s a chunk missing in the middle of its chest, but it sprints forward with almost double the speed and power now. It''s enraged and has activated its berserker skill.


    I gracefully dodge its attacks while paying close attention to my breathing and sending in another Qi-infused punch to hit its left side.


    As I make contact, a very interesting reaction urs. Simr to the time before, the contact point explodes, taking another chunk from the beast, but the moment it does, the red aura surrounding its body vanishes in the spot that I hit it.


    It didn''t negate the whole buff, it more so pushed through it, forcing the aura to the side and making contact for the fist.


    The monster goes flying into the side of the ring again, but quickly stands back up and faces me holding its long silver sword and staring at me with its sharp green eyes showing no fear.


    I nod to my opponent out of respect, then use a gust of wind magic in my feet to push myself forward and collide with the monster again, this time punching it right across the face. Its head is hit with a wave it can''t just walk off. A stter of blood and eruption of mes ends the match.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 22,795


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Berserker


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    [Stage 5 Fight Victory: Reward: 210.8045 Gold Credits]


    I ept both options, and a ding from my wristband showing the 1% payout for this betting exchange hits a record high. Last night, the payout was just under 40 gold for this round, now it''s over five times. People are betting more and more as the rounds go on. I get my 1.10x bet payout back as well and my tinum bnce hits 32.2261.


    People in the crowd are chanting my fighter name over and over as the announcer continues to yell and hype everyone up to bet more.


    The Announcer speaks to the crowd.


    "For our 6th Stage match tonight, we''ve brought in a monster from a brand new dungeon to spice things up. Get ready for a very special round. The me Emperor will be fighting a level 595 Blue Wyvern."


    There''s oohs and ahhs from the crowd as this name is brought up.


    The odds start to shift much more than any of the previous matches, giving me a 1.37x payout if I win.


    I was expecting to fight the same Red Ogre King they had me fight before, but it seems the event nners have something new in store.


    "Maybe this one will be strong enough for me to actually go all out..."


    Full of confidence, I throw 30 tinum on myself and wait for the timer until the fight to run down.


    I light my fists with mes, but keep my sword ready at my side. It is a new monster at a higher level than me, so it''d be best not to underestimate my opponent before seeing it face to face.


    White transport magic brings the monster into the ring, and the cheers of the crowd fill the air with excitement. A loud screech slices through the noise as my opponent stares me down and announces to the stadium that our match has begun.

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    A Blue Wyvern.


    As the white sh of transport magic brings my opponent into the ring, it spreads its long pale blue wings and jumps high into the air.


    The ear-shattering screech provokes the crowd to yell louder to match its sound, and I get a good view of the 10-meter-long lizard creature doing circles over my head.


    It looks very simr to Ember''s younger form, only this monster doesn''t have front legs. It just has long taloned feet, a white underbelly, and long out-stretched wings.


    Its sharp eyes are locked on me from above, waiting for the perfect time to plummet down and strike.


    The announcer''s voice echoes through the ring as I use appraisal on the level 595 ranked-up creature above.


    It has 3 skills and 1 ranked-up buff.


    Active skills:


    [Intimidation][Special Grade]


    [Body Hardening][Legendary Grade]


    [Combat Magic][Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [Blue Wyvern''s Inferno]


    Another screech fills the ring, and it dives down at me, releasing a wave of its intimidation skill.


    It sends shivers down my spine, just like the first time I felt this skill in the bloodhound dungeon months ago.


    I activate my buffs in reply to boost my mental strength as much as possible, counteracting the psychic attack and throwing back a wave of intimidation myself. The invisible waves of energy collide and make a loud cracking sound like thunder, but the monster uses this opportunity to dive down and ignite its body with dark red mes.


    Its skin shifts colors too as body hardening is activated, shimmering silver beneath its veil of mes. Its wings look like sharpened silver butcher knives falling from the sky. Its entire body is covered with a denseyer of mana shielding as well.


    I make the split-second decision to grab my sword and brace for impact. Although I''d like to train my Qi, there''s a time and ce for testing. Right now I need to properly gauge my opponent''s strength and guarantee the upper hand before I do any experiments.


    My entire body ignites with mes, and I swing my de upward at the monster''s iing attack.


    On impact, both of us let immense balls of fire go from our advanced fire magic skills and for a moment the audience can''t see a single thing.


    The whole dome fills with dark mes and the echoing twang of mana des colliding keeps everyone on edge.


    I grit my teeth with pain and excitement, as the edge of the Blue Wyvern''s wing stops the upward motion of my sword. At the same time, the Wyvern is shocked that my swing stopped it from crushing mepletely.


    With a wide stance, I stand my ground above the crackedyers of earth below my feet.


    The monster swoops upward as I begin to activate lifesteal and plunderer. It can sense the energy leaving its body, but I hardly manage to take more than 2% of its overall health.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Another loud screech fills the air as the plumes of mes dissipate and both of us stare each other down.


    "This is going to be a long one... Isn''t it...?"


    Another few waves of intimidatione down at me while the Wyvern circles in the air waiting for a perfect time to strike.


    It''s taking a lot of energy for me to keep my mental strength buffs activated. Thankfully, the recent upgrade to my berserker skill to legendary grade has brought its buff to 125% on both strength and mental strength, but just like the bloodlust upgrade, it uses up much more mana to activate it now.


    Timing is everything.


    The monster dives down a few more times in a simr fashion, trying to tire me out with long-range intimidation and use its ws and wings in an aerial attack, but each time we collide, it''s a very even matchup.


    Massive balls of fire fill the fight dome every time we make contact.


    I begin using earth and ice to trap it in ce, but its mana shielding and raw strength destroy these attempts in an instant each time. After this result, I stick to restoring my MP and stealing small amounts of its HP every time it attacks.


    After 4 more collisions, the Blue Wyvern stays high up in the air on 90% HP, thinking of a smarter way to take me out. It realizes mindlessly diving in is a losing battle.


    As I''m continuously hit with waves of intimidation with no end in sight, I try toe up with a n of my own.


    I could use my Red Hydra''s Buff, but it may wear me out for the next round... I need it to be a failsafe for my fight against the Ghoul, so I can''t use it here. Plus, using that power isn''t why I''m in the ring again tonight.


    Learning how to use Qi is.


    If Ind a solid fist on that monster''s defenses, my theory is it would break through its tough shielding and hardening like it''s not even there. However, one slip-up and I''m done for.


    I think to myself for a moment, then smirk as a an interesting thoughtes to mind.


    A new strategy that will confuse the monster, and allow me to test out a unique technique. I''m unsure if it will work exactly how I''m envisioning it, but the logic seems sound.


    "I won''t know unless I try..."


    Another intense wave of intimidationes down on me from above as I grip my de and prepare to airstep upward.


    Once taking the mental attack straight up, I jump up to the sky. The Wyvern sees this as its opportunity to strike as well. While in the air, it can move with much more agility, and as far as it''s concerned, I''m very low on mana.


    That may be partially true, but the attack I''m trying to throw isn''t relying on the power of my magic.


    I let my legendary swordsmanship skill activate and the silky thread colored bright red appears in my vision. While taking airsteps upward, the crowd all around me disappears from my vision and the only thing on my mind is my sword, my body, and my enemy.


    I slow my breathing and concentrate on the Qi in my body and how I''d normally throw a punch filled with a raging wave.


    This time, however, I picture the ck sword in my right hand as an extension of myself. With the mental rity and 100% conviction of my swordsmanship skill, I feel the warm wave of Qi flow down my arm, through my wrist, into my fingertips, and fill my sword to its sharp edges.


    Not a single drop escapes my de. It''s saturated up to the thin outeryer of the blood-bonded weapon, and I''ve never been so sure about an attack in my life.


    We collide, and I see theyers of mana and steel-colored body hardening get pushed to the sides of my ck sword covered in a dull white glow.


    Even my own fire magic and mana shielding get pushed aside as the extension of my body, my sword, cuts through a portion of the Blue Wyvern''s wing, thennds a deep gash across its entire torso.


    Blood gushes out, and as my de leaves its body I lose concentration out of pure excitement.


    This causes all of theyers of manipted and unnaturally twisted mana shielding to release their energy. Both the Wyvern and myself are thrown backward in a st of fire and excess mana.


    There are two loud thuds as we both hit opposite sides of the mana-shielded dome.


    An angry screeches from the Wyvern and a light chucklees from me.


    "It works."


    I take advantage of the impact touching the shielding dome and absorb enough MP to bring me back to full, however, my HP has dropped about 10% from that st.


    As the mes clear, the pping of wings alert me to the creature up in the air again. Its wing is injured, and its front side is covered in blood. However, its sharp eyes are filled with conviction and its bombardment of Intimidation continues.


    I stare up at the beast, reying the feeling I just felt that attack over and over in my mind.


    The next goal of this fight is not only to win, but to use that Qi-powered sword strike again and master it.

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    The imagery of white-hot Qi energy rushing from my core into my sword repeats over and over in my mind as I stare up at the Wyvern dripping blood in circles above me.


    It continues to throw intimidation attacks down at me over and over, and they seem to be getting stronger with every time it sends one.


    My MP is full after recharging from the Dome''s outer wall, so I manage to boost my mental strength with buffs, fending off the psychic bombardment.


    However, it gets to a point much more powerful thanst time, and a light blue glow begins to form around the outside of the hovering creature. Every pulse of energy it sends out starts to be tainted with this blue energy, and the temperature inside the dome begins to rise.


    I realize it''s activating its buff, but have no idea what it''s going to do.


    The blue light around it starts to flicker, then begins to grow in size, and in a matter of seconds, it envelops its entire body igniting into a bright blue disy of mes.


    I start to sweat as the ring gets hotter and hotter.


    The mes in this monster''s buff are significantly more intense than the advanced fire magic it was using earlier, potentially more powerful than my own.


    However, using my All-Seeing Eye, I can tell it''s a 100% mana-based attack. I can still use my trump card and break through any attack it throws at me.


    The Wyvern swoops down, and I brace myself, waiting for it toe.


    I control my breathing, activate my swordsmanship skill, and allow a wave of Qi to flow from my stomach to my sword.


    A crimson red string twists around in the sky leading to the Wyvern''s front side, so I air-step upwards following the path of least resistance.


    All I hear are the whooshing sounds from my feet, crackling mes around my body, and the crashing wave shing through my sword.


    The Blue Wyvern screeches and erupts into an enormous ball of blue mes as we collide.


    As predicted, the magic fire is hotter than my own, and the intense concentrated mana embedded in its attack sears through my own mes and eats away at my mana shielding. My arms, legs, and joints where the shielding is the weakest instantly feel like a bucket ofva was poured on them.


    My gaze is focused on my sword attack, though.


    Even with a buff over twice as powerful as its previous mes, the ck de infused with Qi slices through without a hint of resistance. Its fluorescent blue mes are pushed to the side like leaves in the wind. Its shielding is melted through in the same fashion.


    Without any doubts or breaks in concentration, Ind a much deeper cut this time, severing its right wing almost all the way off its body and making arge X across its chest to match the previous hit.


    The moment my de leaves its flesh, I purposefully allow the Qi to release, making both of our mana shields be disrupted, and another explosion of red and blue mes throws both of us backward.


    What felt like buckets ofva on my limbs before, now feels like I''m diving straight into a volcano as my body is enveloped in its blue mes.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    I let out a yell and push all my buffs to the max while summoningyers of ice magic and pure pink mana to put out the mes even before I hit the dome''s wall behind me.


    The Wyvern, on the other hand, is having a much more difficult time.


    As the fires in the rings begin to disperse, it stands up on its two back legs, realizing with a severed right wing and an injured left, its time in the sky is over.


    It''s still flickering with blue fire from its buff, and sending weak waves of intimidation my way, but itsst dive bomb took a lot out of it.


    I hit the ground and don''t take a moment to waste. If my enemy is weak, this is no time to rx.


    Using earth magic to move the ground to my liking and wind to propel me forward faster, I activate swordsmanship again, and replicate my Qi-infused strike without having to force it.


    After just 3 tries, and the help of my swordsmanship skill, it feels almost as instinctual as throwing a punch.


    There isn''t even a single sound as my sword slices the helpless monster in half.


    Its two sides fall to the floor, and a barrage of notifications hit my ear from both the system and my wristband.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Intimidation


    Upgrade: Legendary


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 930,645


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Proficiency Points(PP): 1


    [YES][NO]


    [Congrattions! 1.37x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 30 tinum Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [11.1 tinum Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 6 Fight Victory: Reward: 439.8955 Gold Credits]


    [439.8955 Gold Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 47.7251 tinum]


    I ept every notification given, and soon after, the magic residue in the air starts to clear. My eyes scan the text boxes and I get excited to see a proficiency point was finally absorbed from my opponent.


    This is a special trait from my legendary absorption skill, allowing a 5% chance for me to absorb 1 PP from opponents at a higher level than my own. Although it''s not much, and I have the ability to upgrade skills if I just find a monster with the same one using absorption, more PP wille in handy if there are unique skills that other monsters don''t have.


    I smirk, looking forward to reading the perks of my upgraded Legendary Intimidation skill once I have a moment alone, but I don''t want to open my status screen in front of so many people and recording devices.


    The mes finally dissipate, and the Announcer yells to the crowd as they erupt into cheers. I give a thumbs up to allow them to move onto stage 7 while using plunderer to absorb any remaining MP in the air to bring myself up to full before the next round starts.


    I''m on about 85% HP and have a few burns from the blue mes of that final attack, but don''t want to take an HP potion and be used of cheating. Technically I could argue that my spatial magic skill is not a storage item, but would not like to expose the fact that I have this skill unnecessarily.


    I feel fine, but my breathing is a bit heavy. I take a slowp around the arena while the timer counts down and the betting odds show up for my next fight.


    As the timer reaches the final 10 seconds, my winning payout is 1.55x. It''s nowhere near the massive 5x+ wins I had avable to mest night, but I''ll be betting more on myself this time around, so I don''t mind.


    To y things safe and leave my bnce full, but still make a killing if I win, I throw another 30 tinum on myself, and the 7th Stage begins.


    The audience is chanting my name, and the ground rumbles with the excitement from the crowd.


    A bright white light shes at the far side of the arena, and a level 688 Ghoul appears with a long silver sword, no skills, and the same buff at the bottom of its status [Curse Mark of The Lich King].


    Standing just over 2.5 meters tall, slowly exuding an orange aura, its eyes lock with mine, and immediately charges at me with incredible speed, far quicker than the Wyvern I just faced.


    I activate all my buffs and raise my sword, then allow swordsmanship and Qi infusion to take over my subconscious.


    No more than 2 seconds after the Ghoul teleported into the ring, my de shes with its silver sword.


    The moment they sh, I visibly see the orange energy around the monster sh directly against my Qi-infused sword. It feels just like when my fist shes against Monk''s when we trained this morning. However, a new sensationes over me as I feel the Ghoul''s Soul energy begin to seep into my sword.


    Before my eyes, the white-hot Qi in my de begins to disintegrate into thin air.

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    The reaction taking ce looks exactly like what happened when I used my Red Hydra''s Buff on its Soul Energy in my match against a Ghoulst night.


    The crimson energy melted away the orange aura in an instant, letting my de slice through the ghoul and defeat it without a problem.


    Although it is happening at a much slower rate, I can see the Ghoul''s soul energy disintegrating the Qi in my sword.


    My concentration breaks, and I immediately air-step backward and up in the air to avoid the rest of the motion in the Ghoul''s swing.


    The remaining Qi, that wasn''t sucked away, trickles back into my core.


    I can sense less energy within me. It really overpowered mepletely using a single attack...


    I burst into a huge ball of mes to block out the wandering eyes of the audience as I reassess my opponent.


    Using all my new buffs, I have the upper hand on it speed, power, and agility. On top of that, my Red Hydra''s Buff can annihte it in seconds just like Maria did a few rounds ago.


    However, I need to figure out why my Qi attack was negated so easily.


    "Is our power gap really that wide?"


    I hit the ground again and start to zigzag over to the Ghoul as it runs at me, covered in an orange aura swinging its silver sword.


    My breathing slows down as I channel more Qi into my de and allow my swordsmanship skill to form the perfect attack. Meanwhile, all my buffs are enhancing my speed, power, and precision to dodge the monster''s iing de andnd a sh right into its torso.


    A wide-open gash appears across its side, erupting into a huge ball of mes, but the look of dissatisfaction on my face as I skid to a halt on the other side of the ring tells the full story...


    The moment my Qi-infused sword sinks into its orange aura, the same reaction takes ce.


    My mana-based attack hits its flesh, causing a fiery explosive result, but every drop of Qi in my de melts away as it is engulfed by the monster''s soul energy aura.


    Just like our match before, the Ghoul quickly heals its torn-up flesh without a moment to waste andes running at me again like nothing happened.


    The sensation of my energy being ripped away twice now repeats over and over in my head.


    I activate all my buffs and dodge its iing strike, not countering, just thinking to myself while air-stepping to the far side of the ring.


    Its buff must be really powerful... or maybe my Qi is just that weak...?


    I took out a nearly level 600 Wyvern just minutes ago, so thetter can''t be it. My Qi isn''t weak.


    Just like the Power from the Red Hydra is shared with me, it must be getting a lot of shared energy from a higher being; The Lich King.


    Maybe there''s a way to overpower it without activating my buff. Just like mana control, maybe Qi just needs to be used in much denser points with less surface area, or possibly just more volume of Qi overall.


    "I won''t know unless I try."


    The Ghoules running at me for another attack, and I decide to take it on this time to test my new theories out.


    First, after outmaneuvering the monster again, I try to push the wave of hot energy into a more finite point in my de as I slice through the Ghoul''s white flesh.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I focus on the feeling I used every time I would move up a skill level in training with Monk, especially when using Qi for fine movements in footwork. Using denser amounts in smaller surface areas gives a much more powerful effect.


    The majority of the Qi in my attack here is positioned all to the tip of my de.


    As it makes contact with the Orange Veil of energy, the small dense tip of Qi pushes it inward for a fraction of a second. Instead of sinking in, the aura of the Ghoul is pushed to the side, just like the weaker mana-imbued energy all around us.


    However, it fails to make it to the Ghoul''s skin as the surrounding pressure of soul energy evaporates the iing Qi before I can sessfullynd the attack.


    Another explosion of fire follows as a gash is made in the monster''s side and healed momentster.


    I''m partly discouraged that that attack didn''t do any damage, but also very excited to see there are limits to its power. My own Qi can scratch the surface. Knowing this, it''s time to open up the flood gates.


    I smirk, eyeing down my opponents again as we both run at each other.


    After taking the Qi pill from Monk, my stores of energy seem to be filled to the brim. Used conservatively, this couldst hours of intense fighting. Even against an opponent like the Blue Wyvern, if there were many of them in a ring, I could easily go a few hours using only the Qi stores I have left in me.


    When Qi is thrown with a punch, or swung in a sword, most of the energy trickles back into my core after using the attack. Only trace amounts leave my skin or de on contact.


    However, this Ghoul is different. Every time I touch its aura, the entirety of my attack is taken away, and my core is being drained at a rapid rate. Just from thest 3 attacks, already 1/10 of my stores arepletely depleted.


    It''s an odd sensation, but one I need to embrace to continue this fight.


    If dense attacks work, maybe I just need to use a bit more Qi to increase the volume too.


    In our next exchange, I allow over three times as much Qi to flow through my de, oversaturating it to the point where energy stays in my wrist and arm still while throwing the attack. This nears my limit.


    The movement feels much heavier, and not as natural, but using my swordsmanship perk, I still manage to keep it on target and maintain a peaceful state of mind while making contact with its aura.


    The same thing happens as it did on my previous attack, only just a bit more. The edge of my de pushes the orange soul energy away for a fraction of a second before it''s fully engulfed and dissipated and the fiery st concludes our exchange.


    We turn to each other and try again.


    Each time I swing my sword, I try to add just a little more Qi into the attack andpress it into the tip of the de as much as I can.


    We sh half a dozen more times before I take a breather to stop.


    The crowd is roaring loudly, as to them it looks like an intense battle with fireballs and sword shes is taking ce.


    To me, it''s been a fruitful string of experiments that have led me to one conclusion; I''m too weak.


    My MP stores are at 20% and my Qi is just below 40%.


    I could absorb mana from the arena dome and continue, but from the fact that myst 2 attacks have been identical, and both of them hardly pushed through 25% of the monster''s Orange Aura at most makes me believe no matter how hard I try, that Soul Energy is too strong.


    I need many hours of practice, and a new style or technique to make any actual progress.


    I take a deep breath in and out as the Ghoul screeches and runs at me, sensing the fact that my guard is down.


    In this moment, I activate my Red Hydra''s Rage Buff and run forward covered in a veil of Crimson Energy, slicing the Ghoul into pieces without a hint of resistance.


    Before my buff is even activated for a full second, I turn it off and the ringing sound of notifications fills my ears and cheers from the crowd overpower the loud voice announcing me as the winner.


    [Congrattions! 1.55x bet won on Fighter: The me Emperor]


    [Your 30 tinum Base Bet has been returned to your ount.]


    [16.5 tinum Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Stage 7 Fight Victory: Reward: 1.6450 tinum Credits]


    [1.6450 tinum Credits have been added to your ount.]


    [Total ount bnce: 65.8701 tinum]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [117/1000 Mutant Ghouls Defeated]


    I''m hit with a wave of exhaustion post buff, but manage to stand my ground and wave to the crowd as the rest of the mes clear.


    This was a good eye-opener for me to see I have quite a ways to go. I need to train with Monk much more to get my attack power magnitudes higher before I''ll get a chance to take a Ghoul down with my Qi alone.


    The announcer asks if I''d like to move onto the 8th stage, but I show two thumbs down. The crowd is more than happy enough to end on an epic battle like that.


    I was so concentrated in my own world trying to figure out how to use my new power, that I didn''t realize I just put on one of the most entertaining high-stakes performances of the night.


    The cheers of the crowd and yelling announcer fade from my senses as I''m teleported back into the underground training room.


    My mind switches from wondering how I''ll be able to raise my Qi capacity with Monk to wondering how fast I can get to Elen''s Moon bar to finally speak with Maria.

 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    Slow ps from Max, one of the legacy fighters,e my way as he speaks up in a cheerful voice.


    "Another interesting show from you. Tonight was one of the biggest events I''ve ever seen, and as the closing act, you didn''t disappoint. I was worried you''d end it in a single move likest time, but it seems you really do know how to put on a show."


    I shrug, walking off the tform and replying.


    "With the money they''re throwing down tonight, I had to give them what they paid for."


    Everyone in the training room nces down at their tinum-covered wristbands, agreeing with my statement, not knowing that stretching that final fight was not intentional by any means.


    Max speaks up again.


    "Round 2 at Elen''s ce? What do you say? Ace boughtst time, how about drinks and food on me tonight?"


    I smile beneath my mask. I''m going there anyway, so there''s no point in saying no.


    "Why not, I''m down for another night out."


    Both Ace and Sia congratte me on my shy victory too, and we make our way over to Mr. Wright in his bright white suit at the back of the room.


    Many of the newbie fighters stare at us in awe and fear, not knowing how to properly react to fighters so far out of their league.


    I can see many of them tremble in fear, and a few from the midday fights that stuck around in the training room actually faint as we walk by.


    I''ve never seen such a reaction before, but maybe they''re just still worn out from the match...


    Their wristbands notice that their vitals have been altered, and a few are teleported out of the room to what I can only assume is a medical facility.


    My eyebrows are scrunched and a confused look is stered on my face beneath my mask, then I get a nudge in the side from Sia and a whisper.


    "You know that match is over, turn off whatever ability you''re using. The fighters that can''t use mana control are having a hard time handling it."


    I''m even more shocked at herment, until I activate my perception skills to scan the room and sense that she''s right. There''s a very dense and menacing auraing off of me. However, I''m not activating any skills on purpose...


    I try to calm my breathing and turn off my mana, but despite that, the rippling aura striking fear into the newbie fighters won''t stop. I conclude it must be a passive skill trait of some sort.


    The only thing that heavily suppresses it is putting up a thin but very dense wall of mana shielding around my whole body. However, I decide to stop this as it drains my MP at a rapid rate.


    I could take in energy from the shielding in the training room, but if anyone noticed that''d raise too many questions for my liking.


    Aceughs and speaks up too.


    "Nah, keep it activated. Shows them that there''s levels to this fight game."


    I nod at Ace, keeping it activated because I still don''t know how to turn it off. The pressure being sent out feels almost as intuitive as breathing. Now that I am aware of it though, I can tell it''s using up MP at a very slow rate; about 1 point per minute.


    I naturally regenerate MP at about the same rate, and with ambient mana in the atmosphere almost everywhere I go, I use Plunderer in small amounts to stay at full anyway, so it''s not going to be a problem.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    My best guess right now is it has something to do with my Intimidation skill upgrade. It feels like I''m sending out weak waves of intimidation without even trying, but I''ll know for sureter when I''m in private.


    For now, we focus on the shortening line in front of us as the rest of the fighters register for tomorrow''s events. The Legacy Fighters do the same and step aside, as I put my name in for tomorrow''s nighttime event. I can tell Mr. Wright is having a hard time handling the mental pressure I''m putting out, but he doesn''t say a word and carries on business as usual.


    Monk''s voice sounds in a low tone behind me as he''s waited for everyone else to get out of line before approaching.


    "Here, a gift for you after a great match."


    I turn to see him holding a small silver container in his hand.


    I take it politely and reply.


    "Thanks. It was... harder than I thought it''d be."


    He shows me a thin smile, speaking in a low tone only I can hear.


    "Yes, you''vee far, but there is a long way to go. Come meet me in the tinum district tomorrow if you wish to continue what we started. I already gave you the key, so you cane in whenever you''d like. Enjoy your night out."


    He bows, and I nod back, moving out of line back to the legacy fighters as he checks in with Mr. Wright for tomorrow''s event too.


    "Sounds good."


    The crowds of people above us make their way out of the stadium, and we wait patiently by the stairs.


    Out of curiosity, I open up the silver box Monk gave me with my back to the wall. It seems to be made of normal steel, not a special containment case, and inside, I can sense arge amount of Qi from within it.


    Once my gaze reaches the inside of the small container, my suspicions are proven right. I see about a dozen Qi pills on one half of the box, on the other, a small bar of smooth ck stone.


    I didn''t sense its presence before, but once I see it, I know what it is and ce a finger on the bar.


    In an instant, the world bes dull, the wristband on my arm bes transparent, and the aura around me ceases to emanate such a monstrous force.


    A few sighs of relief follow around the room, but just to confirm what I''ve felt, I take my finger off and all of my mana sensese back. The aura returns too.


    I smirk inwardly, then take the bar out from the case. cing it in an inner pocket of my cloak and maintaining a small amount of contact on it to suppress my mana.


    Sia stares at me with a half-annoyed stare and Ace struggles to keep in hisughter as another one of the new fighters faints from the small burst of aura I put out after he let down his guard when he thought it was finally over.


    I guess I''ll be holding onto this until I can figure out how to control this new passive Intimidation Buff.


    Eventually, the crowds clear and we''re brought up to the empty arena. Mr. Wright manually registers each one of us to get through the gate and happily sends us off on our way.


    As we walk through the Gold district, the legacy fighters ask a few questions about how I beat the 7th Stage monster and also ask about what Monk gave me, but I dodge both questions and they decide not to pry. Soon, they forget all about it and the conversation then turns into what kind of gear they''re going to buy with the massive winnings from the fights today.


    Ace says he''s looking to get a new sword, Max wants a set of bonded armor but needs to find a reliable ranked up craftsman to make it, and Sia is hoping to find enhancement crystals to raise her base stats by a few points to get past the 6th Stage more consistently.


    I raise an eyebrow at her words, as she says sometimes they show up at the auction house, but very rarely and it''d cost her whole tinum bnce.


    These crystals seem very interesting to me, and I''d like to know what she''s talking about in the future. However, I don''t interject as I have even more important things on my mind.


    We enter the same red gates of the restaurant after Max pays for the premium service, costing 20 gold in total. The young white-haired woman leads us through the dimly lit tables over to the ce setting with therge tree overhead we sat atst night.


    Once within very close range of the tree, I release my finger from the piece of stone in my pocket, and put up a dense mana shielding around my entire body instantaneously. I activate my concealment skill to alter my face and take off my mask as well.


    With the overflowing amount of mana in the air, it doesn''t take much effort to keep my aura suppressed while rejuvenating my MP bar from the tree above our table. I still let out some pressure, but anyone over level 100 won''t be affected.


    It''s nowhere near the same aura that made level 300-400 fighters faint just being nearby.


    The moment we sit down, everyone begins to order, so I do too. Sinking my back into the soft seat cushions allows me to let out a sigh of relief and while typing in details to order a feast from my wristband.


    Once our foodes and the first round of drinks are gulped down, the joyfulughs and shenanigans begin. My demeanor changes to fit in with the group, but inwardly I begin scanning the restaurant for my teammate. She told me toe here, but never specified where she''d be and when she''d arrive...


    In the meantime I enjoy the good food and pure source of mana.


    It takes well over 2 hours before I sense the presence of a level 612 Ice Magic user appear nearby.

 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376


    A woman with long flowing blond hair, fair skin, and piercing blue eyes approaches our table. The status readings I''m getting from the woman say without a shadow of a doubt, it''s the same person I met in the arena.


    The Advanced Ice Magic, Red Hydra''s Buff, and unforgettable blue eyes seal the deal.


    However, the altered facial features, slight body type changes, and item on her hand that shows up with my Appraisal skill, but isn''t present on her statusbeled [Ring of Total Alteration] seems to be just like the ring of concealment I use to wear a suit. However, hers changes her facial features.


    The moment shees over to the table she waves at every one of us and smiles wide. The way she carries herself shifts from stiff and serious to overly bubbly. I open up my telepathic link with her, and she immediately answers.


    "y along. I need a believable excuse to have actually met you in case I was tailed."


    The corner of my lip curls up as I realize it''s all an act.


    She speaks out loud to all of us, but fixes her drunken gaze on me.


    "Fellow Legacy fighters, care if I take a seat to celebrate our Victory?"


    Max''s eyes widen as Maria slides into the red booth right next to me without waiting for an answer.


    He lets out augh, looking at me, then back to her.


    "The Ice Empress? It''s you?"


    He chomps down on his bite and washes it down with another gulp of his drink.


    "What are the odds?"


    Sia interjects in a low tone.


    "It must be, Elen wouldn''t have let anyone else near our table. Her or Monk, and I doubt this is what that brute looks like out of the ring."


    Ace smirks at Sia''s joke and is the only one who replies to Maria''s question.


    "Sure, join us. We''re almost done here anyway, but a fellow strong fighter is always wee."


    He leans in over the table to grab another bottle.


    I shrug and turn to Maria.


    "Fine by me-"


    Before I can finish my sentence, I get a tight hug from Maria and a loud voice echoes through our link.


    "Good to see you''re doing well. I knew you''d make it out of there alive."


    I squeeze her back and she speaks outloud to please those watching.


    "The me Emperor, your performance was amazing! I''ve been looking all over for you!"


    I let out a chuckle but reply inwardly through our link.


    "Happy to see you safe and sound too."


    Then, give a response outloud.


    "Nice to meet you too... Your fight was impressive."


    We stay embraced for a bit longer than strangers should, but the drunken act that Maria ys off is impable.


    She continues letting out a bubblyugh, and details a backstory of how she saw The me Emperor on her wristband while visiting town from Sra and how she needed ast-minute name to see if that 7th stage was as hard as the rumors made it. These tales are followed by another few rounds of shots, and it''s more tha enough to dissuade the other legacy Fighters from digging too deep into the situation.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Apparently new strong fighterse through town pretty often. In their intoxicated state, Maria''s story seems like a usible scenario.


    Before another hour passes, the midnight tax dings in all our ears, deducting 1 gold credit from our wallets.


    The rate of drinks earlier has made the 3 legacy fighters much drowsier than when we first came in here, and less than 30 more minutes after midnight pass before talks of hitting the hay to rest up for tomorrow''s fightse up.


    Each of them leaves to their respective rooms, one by one, Ace being thest to go with a final shot and a salute before both Maria and I let out long sighs and I pull up my wristwatch window to find the premium feature called [Ping the Host].


    I press it and speak out loud to Maria.


    "Now that we''re alone, let''s get a room for the night."


    She nods, and before she can even reply, the outline of the restaurant owner approaches our table from the darkness.


    I turn to her and ask for the most secure silent room she has avable.


    "I remember you told me you could make it seem like we''re not even here."


    Elen nods and taps her wristband with a thin smile, a few momentster a ding pops up on mine, asking for 5 additional gold. Next to it isbeled [Secure Room + Excess Mana Usage].


    I roll my eyes, silently cursing my new perk''s ability to drain thousands of MP while concealing it with shielding; but ept. We both follow the woman from our table up to the rooms where I stayedst night.


    She brings us upstairs, and Maria puts on quite the act with wobbly steps and giggles all the way to the end of the hall upstairs before two sets of mana-shielding imbued doors open up to show a premium suite.


    There''s a living area with fancy furniture, then a master bedroom with a single massive bed connected to the main area without any door.


    There isn''t a single window in sight, but there are holograms projecting a city view onto the walls to make it feel real.


    She turns away and speaks while leaving.


    "Enjoy your stay."


    Maria and I walk in and the mana-imbued doors close behind us.


    I activate my Hush skill to make a precautionaryyer of security, then scan the room to double-check for recording devices or extra pockets of energy and find it''spletely empty, I deactivate all my skills except the hush bubble and fall right onto thefortable couch in the center of the living room.


    My real face is revealed and the monstrous aura from my intimidation skill is let out.


    Maria does a simr thing, sitting back on the couch beside me and taking off her ring.


    I let out a sigh and look up to finally see her real face, she looks even older and more mature. It''s a simr change to the one time she took that upgrade crystal. I blurt out my thoughts.


    "You''ve changed... a lot."


    She chuckles, curiously looking at my face. Her eyes track all around my body before replying in a bubbly drunken fashion.


    "You''ve changed quite a bit too."


    Her smile is a bit too wide, and her gaze seems to be going right through me, then I realize her drunken state might not actually be an act anymore.


    I sit up straight and look her in the eyes, concentrating on one of my buffs I haven''t gotten the chance to test out yet.


    The moment I think of [Rising Emperor''s Domain] a blue text box appears above Maria''s head only avable in my mind''s eye. Asking [YES] or [NO] if I''d like to activate my buff.


    I can sense the range has grown quite a bit since Ist thought of this buff, it''s almost 20 meters in diameter. It epasses most of the restaurant. Enough for close-rangebat, or in this case, using it on someone in the same room or general vicinity.


    I choose yes, and a list of all of my skills appear.


    I choose [Self Regeneration][Special Grade] and the moment I do Maria''s eyes widen.


    Excitement fills me for a moment too, as this is a sign it''s working. I speak up.


    "ept it if you want to have a much clearer head. We have a lot more to talk about than just how good each of us looks."


    The moment she epts it, I can see the gloss clear from her eyes and her posture straightens more, but her cheerful attitude stays exactly the same. The passive poison resistance nullifies her drinks for the night.


    "W-What kind of skill is that...?"


    "It''s my ranked-up buff. I haven''t been able to use it much yet because we''ve all been separated. It lets me share my skills with anyone that trusts me and acknowledges they''re on my team. Looks like it worked on you without having to ask."


    Maria opens up her status and turns it to me.


    "It''s there! A new skill, I didn''t even know that was possible, it''s really there! How many more could I add? Is it unlimited? Is it only temporary? Are there other conditions?"


    I let out augh, also excited to see the [Self Regeneration][Special Grade] skill show up on her status.


    "I haven''t tested it much yet. It is temporary though. We''ll need to try some things out once we get the chance. However... there are some more urgent details I''d like to ask you..."


    There''s a pause and silence in the room.


    I continue.


    "Like how we got here in the first ce...? From the Battle in Sra to here and now, I need a full exnation."

 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377


    We sit in the middle of the living room of the premium suite, and Maria recounts the events of the past week in full detail.


    The fact that my ranked-up buff worked on her without any resistance, and the plumes of green energying off of her from my lie detector skill reassure me that everything she''s saying is the truth and her mind isn''t altered in any way.


    She goes over the battle that took ce at the observatory, and I''m impressed with their quick and powerful victory.


    Maria begins to exin what happened after they went back to the house.


    "Then, a man named Lith Galeheart showed up at the door once we got back to Chester''s home. He said he knew you and gave us an ultimatum with an offer we''d be stupid to refuse."


    I raise an eyebrow, not liking the sound of this, but let Maria continue.


    "Go on... what did he offer?"


    "Well, Lith said we coulde with him and he''d fix the mess we made. That includes faking our deaths, giving us the means to get stronger, and the opportunity to be forces of political pull in the world to make sure scenarios like the one we just left never happen again."


    She pauses.


    "Sometimes punching things in the face isn''t the best way to solve every problem..."


    Although the offer sounds good, a lot of things aren''t adding up still.


    "Okay, and if you refused? What''s the other option? How''d he get everyone to ept ande here so easily?"


    Maria lets out a sigh.


    "Well, the other option was for him to just walk away and let us deal with the situation we created on our own. He never forced us toe to Valor City, he just gave us the option."


    I think about what we''d do if we were still in Sector 4 right now, and the gears in my head start to turn as a fascinating idea fills my mind.


    Maria continues as my eyes start to sparkle with curiosity.


    "We killed 2 out of the 4 main powers on this continent over a single kidnapping. These powers maintain peace, order, and massive trade deals across this continent and even to cities outside the walls. For anyone connected to the Association, or with advanced intel on missions, our fingerprints are all over their disappearances. With no help, we''d be on the run for the rest of our lives. Permanent enemies of the Dark Continent Underground leaders, and the Hunter''s Association world widework."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I nod slowly, and the room fills with silence. It takes me about 30 seconds to formte my thoughts before replying.


    "So, what you''re saying is... Someone needs to fill those two empty leadership positions."


    Maria grins.


    "Exactly."


    She reaches into a small item box by her side and pulls out 2 teleport crystals, tossing me one.


    "These will take us directly into the inner wall undetected, straight into the Galeheart Tower. Lith would like to formally meet you. Abby should be just about done with her training for today too."


    I catch the crystal and toss it up and down in my hand before replying immediately.


    "What about everyone else? Arie, Fisher, Lydia? And even Chester? What happened to all of them?"


    "They''re all out on missions of their own to make preparations for what''s toe. It will take quite a while, but we''ve got a pretty good head start going while you were asleep and healing. A lot can get done in a week."


    She looks at me in the eyes and keeps talking.


    "Arie and Chester went back to Sector 4 not too long ago. Arie has been power leveling him in the dungeons out there to raise his base stats up high enough to fend off low-level thugs if needed. Meanwhile, Chester has been using all of his old business connections to fix up the undergroundir beneath Sra. With some extra funding from the Galeheart guild, they reinstalled even more powerful shielding and security to the whole ce in a matter of days."


    My eyes widen at the thought.


    "So that means... Chester is taking the ce of the new Sector 4 Leader?"


    Maria shrugs andughs a little.


    "Who else would be better for the job? He knows every merchant and every crook in the city already. After Arie pushes him over level 400, he trains the guards sent over by the Galeheart guild, and throws on a mask, it''ll be like nothing ever changed."


    My shock turns to a smile, then I speak up again with another question on my mind.


    "What about Fisher and Lydia? Where are they off to if not in Sector 4 or here training with Abby?"


    "They went to scout out the Sector 2 region. Even Lith said most of it is a mystery to him. Many of the scouts he sent out over thest few years just went missing or turned back before getting any information on the region. The old leader didn''t like visitors."


    I scrunch my eyebrows, remembering the mysterious Sector 2 leader I fought with the Mythic grade crafting skill.


    "That''s where a lot of the rare items were produced and shipped out from, right? Meaning soon supply will be very limited, and the demand will only rise."


    Maria nods.


    "Yup. We still haven''t heard much back from them, only a few transmissions. They haven''t made it to the capital city yet. The Sector''s size is simr to the 4th, so it figures they''re taking time to note down everything important. Both of them have transport crystals, so they''ll be back once all the proper intel is recorded."


    After this, my mind races to the only logical conclusion. I could take the craftsman''s ce, and be the leader of Sector 2. Lith wants our help taking over the region. Whether he knows about the fact that I have the Mythic Grade skill or not, it doesn''t matter. The guild leaders intentions are pretty clear.


    However, that''s a lot of responsibility, and with such immense help from the Galeheart Guild, this must alle with an overwhelming cost.


    Nothing in this world is ever free.


    I tighten my gaze at the floor, thinking deeply to myself, then finally look up.


    "What''s in it for Lith? Is this all in exchange to help him fight against the Sector 1 Leader? Does he want us to work under him? He''s sending out subordinates to work for Chester in Sector 4, will he do the same for all the other Sectors? Are we just pawns in his master n, ying along for a small slice of the pie?"


    Maria looks at me with a troubled but curious stare. Then, replies.


    "I''m not sure. These are good questions."


    She lifts up the transport crystal in line with my gaze.


    "There''s only one way to find out, ask him yourself."

 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378


    I stare at the shimmering crystal in Maria''s hand, with a million questions still on my mind after the hour-long conversation we just had catching up on everything my teammates have been through while I was away.


    Now, I finally have a way into the Inner walls of the city, but I''m hesitant to make the first move.


    "How will we get back out? Won''t a sudden transport into the city''s inner walls alert the wristband system that we''re not where we''re supposed to be?"


    Maria gets up from the couch.


    "You''re right, we''ll leave the city and transport in from outside the walls. Getting out is the easy part, there''s a private teleport tform in the Galeheart Tower that connects to the station in the town below the mountain that can be used at any time, leaving is the easy part."


    The room goes silent as my curiosity hits an all-time high. It''s a roundabout method, but the logic adds up.


    I nod in approval and stand up to move toward the door.


    "Fine, let''s go then."


    Maria follows close behind, putting on her Ring of Total Alteration while I put up a strong mana shield along with my concealment skill to alter my face. Both doors open, and we walk out together into the dimly lit hall from the private suite.


    I feel a warm hand interlock between my fingers, easily bypassing myyer of mana shielding and putting up her own to keep the seal of intimidation energy constant.


    My gaze falls down to Maria holding my hand, but her grip only tightens and a whisperes from her lips.


    "Don''t overthink it, I just missed you while you were gone. Don''t pull anything stupid like that again without warning me first."


    Her face blushes slightly, but in the dim light and concealment items, it''s hard to tell if I''m imagining it.


    Ie to realize I really didn''t leave many clues behind when I decided to self-destruct my body double to win that fight back in Sra... My teammates had to have faith that I''de back with no solid proof I was still alive.


    My mouth opens, and I look her in the eyes, but don''t reply for a few seconds.


    "I''ll try my best to make sure that won''t happen again. "


    We walk down the hall and make our way to the exit.


    Every table is empty, and the concentration of mana in the air has lowered to save energy while customers aren''t around. A familiar woman''s voice rings out as we step toward the restaurant''s exit.


    "Thank you again for stopping by. I hope both of you enjoyed your stay. Come back anytime."


    Elen''s white outline is visible as we leave the restaurant, walking out into the cool nighttime air with bright stars overhead.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Making our way back through the Gold District is quick, and neither of us say a word to each other. We just enjoy thepany in the silent night. My mind is still racing over all the information Maria just dropped on me about the Dark Continent takeover n.


    Up until now, I''ve only ever had to worry about myself. My only goals have been to survive until tomorrow and to be a stronger fighter after every battle. This focused and single-minded mentality is what has gotten me this far, changing what''s working is a scary thought.


    Maybe, just maybe, if I just get even stronger, it''s a thought I won''t have to worry about anymore...


    However, the window has been opened in my mind again. The reality that my new enemies are much bigger than just a strong monster in front of me is starting to sink in.


    The night sky always makes my thoughts go wild.


    As I ponder my new fate, the guards let us through to the outermost walls of the city.


    The walk through the Silver District goes just as quickly as the Gold. Most of the shops are closed and their lights are out, but the mana-powered streetmps on every corner still dimly light up the whole area.


    We make it to the final outer wall of the city and are met by two silver-armored guards.


    They both step forward and speak to each of us separately but in unison.


    "Thank you for visiting Valor City. We hope you enjoyed your stay. Would you like to save your credit ID for another stay or cash out what you have in your ount?"


    Maria replies.


    "Cash out, please."


    So I repeat the same thing to the guard in front of me.


    "I''d like to cash out too."


    Both of the guards bring a tablet to our wristbands, and they glow light green before a white sh of light that feels like transport magic envelops the entire tablet.


    My eyes widen at the sight before me on top of the tablet the guard is holding.


    There are piles of thin rectangr tinum bars and a mountain of gold coins beside them.


    In the same sh of white, the wristband on my hand turns clear, then breaks in half, falling off my wrist and to the floor.


    "Here is your 65.8201 tinum bnce, paid out in full. We look forward to seeing you in the city again soon."


    My head turns to Maria as she collects a sum of precious metals about a quarter of the size, but still enough to set up a normal family for generations.


    She throws the tinum bars and gold into her item box, and I do the same.


    I count all 65 of the small shiny bars and shovel the gold into my item storage beneath my clothing as the doors open, showing the long trail down the mountain. In the same motion, I decide to push the silver container holding my Qi pills and block of ck stone into my item storage. It disappears and sits inside like any other item without a problem.


    Both of us walk off, and therge metal doors close behind with a thud.


    "65 tinum, not bad. I was wondering if you were betting all in on yourself every match, that answers my question."


    She lets out a chuckle as we continue to walk down the mountain.


    The lights of Valor City fade away until it''s nothing but a faint glow, and we''re walking through the wilderness under the gaze of no one but the night sky.


    Maria is the first to speak up.


    "I think we''re far enough away, we won''t cause any disturbances teleporting from here."


    I take out the transport crystal from my storage, and Maria does the same.


    Without saying another word, we both crush the crystals in our fists, and a blink of white light brings us into a white room with no ability to sense the outside world at all... The air is so dense with mana I can''t help but start plundering it.


    My eyes begin to focus, and I see the outline of two men in suits behind a white desk fall over onto the ground to either side of where they''re sitting.


    I curse under my breath as the instant we were teleported in here, my mana shielding was disrupted and a pulse of intimidation energy was released.


    The moment I start to walk over and apologize with a friendly expression across my face, two ck Suits of armor emerge from white doors that open in the walls. I reach into my item storage to pull out my sword on the spot.


    The small wave of energy I was letting out before is a drop in the oceanpared to the wave of fury that erupts from my body when my real intimidation skill is actually activated along with every one of my stat enhancing buffs.


    One could say I''m overreacting, but the sight of 2 Royal Guards emerging from nowhere in a concealed room is not the weing invite I was expecting to receive.

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379


    The men on the ground begin foaming at the mouth, while the two Royal Guards freeze in ce as my wave of buff-enhanced legendary Intimidation hits them.


    They don''t move a muscle as I run forward with my sword trailing ck mes.


    Given a few more fractions of a second, I would have turned on my Red Hydra''s Buff and sliced the two guards clean in two, but a familiar voice echoes through the white-walled room, causing me to stop my attack.


    "Enough, enough. You always do seem to keep things lively wherever you go, don''t you?"


    As a third door at the back of the room opens up from a t wall, the tall, fair-skinned, blue-eyed hunter walks toward me, the corner of his mouth turned upward.


    Clear wisps of magic flow from his fingertips in the form of miniature tornadoes, lightly bringing both the men on the floor to their feet.


    In the same gusts of air, green potions float over and tilt into the men''s mouths before they both begin coughing and open their eyes back to reality.


    At the sight, I turn my high mana consumption buffs down and intimidation skill off, but keep my sword pointed straight ahead and eyes locked on the frozen Royal Guards at the back of the room.


    "What do you expect? Ie in here and get attacked seconds after being invited..."


    Lith''s curved lip breaks into a smile before he replies.


    "Well, you knocked out my lobby men, so of course my Royal Guards came in to see what the issue was."


    He looks left and right over his shoulders at both of them, the guards still trembling from the wave of magic that just shocked their systems.


    While this goes down, I attempt to do a status scan on all of them, but the readings I get back are exactly the same as thest time I tried.


    _________________


    [Lv. 824]


    Active Items:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Active Skills:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Buffs:


    [??? ess Denied]


    _________________


    The two Guards show levels of 605 and 606. Their items, skills, and buffs have ''ess denied'' written all over them too.


    He replies after confirming his guards aren''t permanently harmed.


    "It seems you weren''t in any real danger if you can freeze two of my guards with a mental attack in mere seconds."


    He looks at me curiously, then continues to speak.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "If you were thatbative from just the sight of a few Royal Guards, it appears you know more than I thought already. The Origin worshipers didn''t make me look too bad, did they?"


    He takes a step forward as I raise an eyebrow at his remark.


    "Origin worshipers? You mean...? How do you know I went in-"


    Lith brings his hand up in the air again, and the tall walls around us change color to dark ck with hints of white light. It looks as if the night sky is all around us.


    Secondster, the view shifts, and moving images of the city in a fast-paced slideshow begin to zoom in and out of all angles of the city. It looks like a video recording of the entire town, just like the arena.


    A few lonely souls roam the streets, and some are still at some of the bars drinking in the golden district. I whisper under my breath.


    "Real-time surveince... but how? I couldn''t sense a thing..."


    The images cease, and a massive circr map of the city shows up on the ceiling for us all to look up at. Hundreds of tiny red dots cover it. Each of them has an ID number and a credit bnce next to it.


    Lith zooms in and out at each one.


    "It''s not exactly video surveince. The system is a bit more unique than that... You see, each wristband tracks the user''s ID, and money usage, but there''s no way to physically see or hear what you''re saying just from the wristbands."


    My eyebrows scrunch in as the 2D map of the city rotates into a 3D model, and a visual re-creation of sonar-like waves are being sent from the walls,mplights, and storefronts. The ripples of energy ovep on each other, bouncing off the structures and people between each wall.


    The sonar beams are eventually caught by a transparent mana-imbued overarching dome above the city.


    Lith speaks again.


    "The only picture we ever take of you is when you enter from outside the walls. Our advanced pattern recognition security system uses that image to urately recreate exact images of individuals based on where their wristband is located in the city at all times. The only way out of the eyes of the surveince is behind strong walls of mana."


    He points to the walls around us.


    "Or a ce where mana can''t be found."


    The holographic picture on the wall shifts to show the ck pyramid-shaped structure in the tinum district, with an image of Monk and me walking in and disappearing into thin air the moment we touched the inside wall.


    Then it shifts again to show Maria and me walking into the suite just a few hours ago. We disappeared into an indistinguishable white box the moment the mana shielded door closed behind us.


    Lith continues.


    "I''m not the only one with ess to the surveince system, so just try to be a bit more careful within these walls."


    He lets out a sigh.


    "Anyway, how about youe upstairs and we have a talk. I assume you have a mountain of questions for me."


    My eyes are still open wide at the tech Lith just showed me.


    The fact that I couldn''t sense any advanced surveince systems, but felt like there were always a light set of eyes on me makes much more sense now... but it''s even less settling to think about now that this is the fact.


    "Yes, I have quite a few."


    The same door Lith walked in from opens in the back of the lobby area, and he turns around motioning for me to follow.


    I turn to Maria.


    "Youe too, whatever is discussed, I''d like everyone to be in on it as a team."


    She nods and follows with a smile, and we walk through a door into a smaller white rectangle that rises quickly the moment all of us are inside.


    No more than 2 seconds pass, before it feels like we''ve risen hundreds of meters in the air.


    I get a slight head rush, and my stomach drops, but I keep myposure as the door opens and Lith walks out into an impressive-looking office. There''s art on the side walls, fancy-looking furniture, and racks of armor and magic items all surpassing B-Grade rating.


    The back wall of the office is a nk white wall with arge desk and a fewfortable couches facing it.


    As we walk over, Lith snaps his finger and the wall behind his desk projects a hologram of what an incredible view looking down on Valor City would look like from a tall building in the center of the inner wall.


    Three curvedyers of tinum, gold, then silver-tinted walls and establishments look tiny from up here.


    I''m almost lost in the beauty of human architecture before finally sitting down on afortable white couch next to Maria while Lith sits at his desk facing us.


    I cross my arms, and Lith picks up a silver colored, thin tablet device from a drawer in his desk.


    He speaks.


    "Jay. Nice to finally meet you face to face for a real chat. Let''s get down to business."

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380


    Lith repeats most of what Maria already told me back in the hotel suite, just in case anything was missed, recapping where Arie, Chester, Lydia, and Fisher have been. Then, he gets to the point.


    "So, my offer to you, as objectively the strongest and most versatile member of your group, is to offer you the position of the new Sector 2 Leader."


    There''s a pause, but he expands on the point.


    "I have a team of craftsmen that could work under you, and some of the old leader''s business dealings could be mended if someone were to step up and take the leadership position in the Sector 2 region."


    I stay silent and let him continue his offer, despite my clear hesitation to ept.


    "We have all the contact information and trade deals from Sector 4, and Sector 1. With Chester in control of the underground market there soon enough, business may resume, and with me being arge buyer in sector 1, business will go back to nearly normal here. There just needs to be new negotiations done in Sector 3, The Vice Region, and The Apex Region."


    My eyebrows raise at the sound of this.


    Lith sees my surprised look and continues his exnation.


    "The Sector 3 Region is mostly a farming region. A lot of food productse out of that region and supply the entire Dark continent. They''re a simple and peaceful sector, as long as a contract is set, I''m sure a new trade deal can be met. The Vice Region, which you''re all very familiar with, may be a harder ask. The contact for trade deals is Brutus, your previous handler. You''ll need a damn good disguise or separate team that I can provide to renegotiate that deal. They bought mostly upgrade crystals and enhancement items. With a team of a few legendary craftsmen, this can be handled, however, some of the multi-enchanted custom gear orders won''t be able to be carried out with the old leader gone. That goes for the Apex region too. With all of the highest grade hunters for the Association staying there, most of the orders were only special enchants, so striking a new deal with them may be out of the question. Though, it''s worth a try."


    Lith lets out a long sigh.


    "That means we won''t be getting any more unique armor or high-grade concealment items either. I don''t know of any craftsmen on par with his expertise. However, it''s not worth getting upset about now. What''s done is done. It was good while itsted.


    We sit in silence for a moment, then I finally speak up in a slightly angered tone.


    "You expect me to do business with the Vice Region? With Brutus? That old backstabber? The guy who sold out our mission information and screwed me and all my teammates over into this whole mess to begin with?"


    I start sitting up from the couch, but Maria holds my left arm back, so I sit back down after taking a deep breath in and out.


    Lith goes on.


    "Raise the prices on them, make them an offer they can''t refuse, or just don''t do business with the Vice Region if you really feel passionate about it."


    He shrugs.


    "I''m not here to force you into anything. I''m just giving you the option to reconnect Sector 2 with that trade partner if you wish."


    I ponder the thought, but not even considering this fact, there''s way too much that makes no sense in this offer to me.


    "Why are you even giving me these options? We met on a whim a week ago, now you''re offering to help me take over half of the dark continent with no strings attached. This doesn''t seem like a smart business decision for you on the surface. There has to be a hidden agenda. I don''t feelfortable epting this at all..."


    If youe across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Yes, yes. I see how it looks on the surface, but think about your unique position for a moment."


    We both stare at each other.


    My gaze is full of confusion and a hint of anger, while Lith''s is filled with confidence and hopefulness. He continues.


    "Our city has beenpletely taken over by the Dark One. Before it came, I was in total control and ran a much more fair economy. I had nearly a thousand royal guards that watched over the city I managed to build from the ground up using the natural resources from this mountain range."


    I murmur under my breath.


    "That you stole..."


    "That I managed to take under control... The world is full of war and conquest. Only the strongest can call anything rightfully theirs. Unfortunately, the same thing I did to your new friends in the monastery is happening to me, but with a much less peaceful deal. My thousands of troops have been dwindled down to less than 50 remaining. Those guards you saw in the lobby are the real Royal Guard under mymand, the ones outside in the tinum district and in the fight arena are being manipted by the Dark One. They''ve been turned into Ghouls. Monsters in human''s armor, roaming the streets and pretending to protect the people."


    "And...? You''re hundreds of levels above me. With all the resources in the world? You can''t handle this problem yourself?"


    He nods slowly with a solemn expression.


    "I''ve been trying to for months, but the issue is only getting worse. At my peak, I can handle one of those Ghouls you took out in the arena if I went all out, but one or two may be my limit... The Royal Guards don''t stand a chance. Every time they get into an altercation, the Dark One manages to turn more of my loyal men to its side. Your team, on the other hand..."


    His eyes move back and forth between me and Maria.


    "Your entire squad managed to control a power that may bring freedom back to my people, and save my decade-long business venture. I thought by letting you win those stones in the auction, you''d go off and kill yourself trying to absorb them and maybe I''d be able to pick up the leftovers for free. But to my pleasant surprise, I witnessed a team of barely ranked-up hunters take out two sector leaders like it was just another Tuesday."


    Heughs out loud while thinking back to it.


    I reply with an unamused tone.


    "So what''s your real offer here. Tell me what you really want me to do, and what you''re giving us in return."


    His expression turns much more serious as well before responding.


    "In exchange for granting you a permanent leadership position as the Sector 2 Leader, funding to fix up the region, a team of craftsmen to fulfill orders, and ess to high-grade dungeons in Valor City to train and get stronger; I ask that you and your team kill the Sector 1 leader and everyst one of the corrupted Royal Guards."


    A million thoughts go racing through my mind as I scan the room with my perception skills and senses out of instinct.


    The first thing I notice is the extremely strong shielding that is constantly around Lith''s body. It''s packed with mana and scrambles my appraisal skill, but I''m certain there is no high concentration of Qi within him.


    The fact that he mentioned he could take out one of the Ghouls in the arena makes me think maybe there are other ways to defeat them than just the method I''ve been using. Or, possibly he''s absorbed some weaker kind of Soulstone in his past. It''s impossible to tell without viewing his status.


    Next, my thoughts go over the offer itself.


    The lightly tinted green mist thates off of a person when they tell the truth under the gaze of my lie detector skill constantly pours out of Lith from the very start. He hasn''t tried to deceive me one time.


    Considering my circumstances, if I refuse this offer I''d just be on the run from the governments of two continents for the rest of my life, just like Maria said back in the suite. There''s no point in saying no other than the possible dangers of facing off against this mysterious Dark One, and the responsibility I''ll have to take on for managing a massive trade region.


    I don''t like the fact that Lith would be sending in hand-picked craftsmen to work under me, but that also means he doesn''t know that I myself have the Mythic Grade craftsmanship skill.


    If I were to take control of any project, I''d be the one picking the people that work for me exclusively. I don''t want unknown eyes and ears to be where they don''t need to be.


    Even with all downsides considered, this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be one of the strongest hunters in the world. Both in political pull and raw power.


    I stay silent as my mind continues to race over the possibilities. More than a full minute passes before Lith interjects again.


    "Of course, you don''t have to ept on the spot. If you''d like to spend some time here in the city and use my resources to get stronger until Fisher and Lydia return with detailed intel, that is fine by me. However, I''ll need an answer or counter offer in the next 3 days. We don''t have much time."

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    I continue to stare down at the floor, pondering what to say back to Lith''s offer.


    Then, I turn to Maria, and she speaks in a soft tone while still holding onto my left arm from earlier in the meeting.


    "Whatever your decision is, I''ll follow it."


    I nod in response.


    "I know. I just need some more time to think about this...."


    At all this news, and life-changing decisions that have been thrown at me all of a sudden, I almost feel sick to my stomach.


    I turn back to Lith.


    "I''d like to train in the high-grade dungeons you mentioned you had ess to. A good workout and training session would be enough to clear my mind and think things through."


    He smiles back at me and stands from his seat.


    "Very well. Seems reasonable to me."


    He turns to Maria.


    "You can show him to the dungeon ess portal; I''m sure both of you have a lot to talk about."


    *Ding*


    Before Maria can respond, the white wall behind us opens up, and an elevator door swings open to let out a green-haired woman emitting an impressive aura.


    I turn my head at the sound and appraise a level 604 hunter with healing and earth magic, then see the much more matured face and athletic body of Abby, my other teammate.


    As my eyes meet hers, the corner of her lips turns up into a smile.


    "Look who decided to finally wake up out of their early grave."


    She practically skips out from the elevator door andes over to the couch, cing a hand on on both Maria''s and my back, glowing with a faint green light.


    Simultaneously, I feel all the leftover fatigue from my fight in the arena go away, and hear Abby speak again.


    "I watched both your matches on the big screen downstairs, now I''m itching to try out my chances at fighting one of those monsters in the 7th stage too."


    Sheughs, thenes around to the other side of the couch to greet us.


    Lith stands up from his desk and looks at me before walking toward the elevator himself.


    "Well, enjoy. Jay, consider my offer and enjoy the amenities for the time being. I do hope we get the chance to work together soon. I have a busy day tomorrow, so I''m going to take a quick dip in the istion pods before the sunes up."


    There''s a click and a ding, followed by the elevator going down.


    I wonder what he''s talking about but assume it''s just some more fancy tech. I''m more focused on the arrival of another one of my teammates.


    After a short greeting, it''s clear my mind is in turmoil, and Abby points to the door Lith just left through.


    "I just finished up a training session, but I''d like toe and watch the two of you if you''re nning on ate-night dungeon dive. Maybe I''ll even go for round 2."


    I nod.


    "Yes. Bring me there."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    All 3 of us board the elevator, and it flies downward faster than it went up.


    Any normal human would be scared out of their minds and most definitely break a few bones on impact when the floor stops. I brace myself and don''t say anything, but Abby chuckles at my small facial reactions.


    "You get used to it."


    The door swings open, and we''re brought into another blinding white room.


    Inside, there are 3 stairways that lead downward with letters on the floor right in front of them.


    [Lv.1-200][Lv.201-400][Lv.401-600]


    Thebeling is pretty self-exnatory, but Maria points to therge transport tform to their left side with a big bucket full of shimmering crystals next to it.


    "Oh yeah, take 1, or even a few of these just in case we get in trouble. These are the transport crystals that will bring us right back to the lobby. This tform can bring us to the train station in the town below the mountain if you want to leave the city. I assume that''s how you got to Sector 1, right?"


    I nod, grabbing a handful of crystals and putting them into my item storage.


    "Right, never know I guess..."


    Abby and Maria both take one for themselves, then we all walk down the [Lv.401-600] Stairway.


    It leads down almost 10 meters, and to my surprise, there''s another small transport circle on the ground and a wall behind it.


    We all hop on, and as the white light blinks and transports us away, I hear Maria''s voice begin exining.


    "Where we''re going can be considered the Valor City Dungeon Hub. Though, it''s not really called that, that''s just how I think of it."


    The white sh ceases, and we''re all standing in a very dimly lit underground cave.


    There are faint glows of blue portals nearby, and the cave system itself is overflowing with mana.


    I pull out my sword and light the tip with a bright me to make it easier to see, and Abby begins to speak up as we walk over to one of the nearby dungeon portals.


    "We''re deep below the city right now. The corrupted Royal Guards sometimese down here in the day, but as long as you don''t antagonize them, they won''t bother you much. This is shared territory by everyone within the inner city. If you have ess to a portal thates down here, you won''t be interrogated. However, if you go missing, there won''t be any questions asked either."


    "Hmm."


    I expand my All-Seeing Eye to study the entire cave system.


    There seem to be over a dozen portals in various points, the ceiling is almost 20 meters high in certain areas and as low as 2 meters in others.


    As we step up to one of the strongest mana-reading portals, I sense the abundance of a high Qi concentration deep down one of the cave''s pathways as well. Nowhere near as much as Monk''s fortress, but far more than anywhere else I''ve ventured since I''ve awakened this new sense.


    Maria pulls out her sword and starts to glow light blue, almost matching the portal''s hue.


    "Alright, ready? It''s pretty hot in here. This is the dungeon that holds one of the monsters you fought in the arena, the Red Ogres. The Boss monster can sometimes be very close to or just over level 600. This is where I''ve been doing most of my leveling, buff control practice, and mana control training over thest week."


    Abby pulses green.


    "Yeah, this is where I just finished up my solo session, let''s head in!"


    She jumps through, then Maria and I follow.


    Thendscape inside is not far from what I expected. A very rocky, mountainous region, with very few nts, and dark soil. It has unique bright red crystal-like rock structures that pop out of the ground in certain points.


    These stones are much denser with mana than the surrounding terrain, but far from as pure as actual mana crystals.


    The air is humid, and the temperature is hot like we''re under the desert sun, but there''s hardly any light source in the sky. It''s mostly grey, giving off just enough light like a very foggy morning.


    We begin to venture through for no more than 10 minutes, and almost immediately, one of the towering sword-wielding creatures at level 566es running at us. It stands tall with an impressive mana shielding and golden glow, showing off its extreme strength skill.


    Abby and Maria step back to allow me the first kill of the hunt.


    I take this opportunity to practice my Qi a bit more, along with getting used to my swordsmanship buff while I''m at it.


    Before a second passes, the warm wave of Qi and the blood-colored thread connect on the Ogre''s neck, granting me a small amount of MCP to absorb, followed by arge mana crystal after it dissolves onto the rocky floor being burned away by the residual ck mes of my attack.


    Abby ps slowly, and Mariaes walking over with a grin ear to ear.


    The moment they do, another Ogre''s roar rings out from not too far away.


    Abby turns to it, summoning a spear of stone in her right hand.


    "Another one so soon? Dibs! This one''s mine! It looks like we''re going to have a busy session today!"


    She starts sprinting away as we agree. Once she''s out of earshot, Maria asks me a question.


    "Hey Jay, do you think I could try out more of your skills? Like you did back in the hotel suite with Self Regeneration, but with somethingbat-rted. Do you have anything that might improve my current fighting style?


    I pick up the mana crystal from the ground that dropped from the fallen beast, then think about her question very carefully.


    While throwing the stone up and down in my hand as I walk closer, an ideaes to mind. A skill that could potentially make her and every one of my teammates exponentially stronger if it works how I think it will.


    "Maybe... I think I have just the one."

 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382


    I think about my Rising Emperor''s domain buff and look at Maria to watch the blue text stats notification pop up the moment I summon them into my consciousness.


    "Let''s see what happens when I do this..."


    I remove the self-regeneration skill from Maria''s status, making all of its buffs and capabilities go away with it.


    I stare at her for a moment then raise the question.


    "How do you feel? It''s only been a few hours since we were drinking... Is the alcohol in your system still negated?"


    She looks around for a moment, then takes a few steps forward in a straight line, followed by a shrug.


    "I think so, why?"


    "I''m just trying to make sure whatever skill I give you, the effects willst."


    I think to myself while scrolling through my list of skills, then finallynd on Absorption.


    If self-regeneration had longsting effects, it would make sense that Absorption would allow users to keep skills that they obtain while using it even after the skill is taken away.


    "I''m going to let you in on a secret. It''s even more important you never tell a soul this, even more than my ranked-up buff."


    She nods without a hint of hesitation.


    "Whatever it is, my mouth will always be shut."


    She makes a cute motion of locking her mouth with her hand and throwing away an imaginary key while the plumes of green mist pour out around her from my lie detector skill, proving without a doubt she''s giving the honest truth.


    "Try this."


    I press absorption on the long list of blue glowing avable stats, and they all go grey once it''s added. It seems like sharing one skill at a time is my limit.


    I re-check the description of my ranked-up buff with my All-Seeing Eye because I don''t remember any limitations like this.


    ---


    Rising Emperor''s Domain [Hidden Ability]


    Info:


    This is a hidden passive ability for a spell caster with the traits of an Emperor in the making. The Rising Emperor''s Domain allows the caster to share skills in their status with any party member who has sworn their loyalty. A copy of the exact skill shared will appear in the party member''s status. If this member betrays the caster or leaves the Domain''s range, the skills will be deleted from their status.


    ---


    Just like the size of the active radius circle, there''s no mention of this limitation that can be seen. My only guess is it will grow in power in time. The name itself gives the notion that this is only the beginning of this skill''s potential.


    While reading the status, Maria speaks up when she sees a new skill on her status.


    "Legendary Grade Absorption? Wait- What kind of skill is this?"


    I sense another Red Ogre about 200 meters to our east, and point in that direction.


    "I''ll have to stay fairly close to you while you use it. It''s not abat skill, but it will be very valuable. We can''t be more than 20 meters apart, but take out that monster like normal and you''ll know exactly what the skill can do once the match is over."


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    In a white and blue sh, the battle is over almost as quickly as it started. A massive ice sculpture covers the ogre and it shatters to pieces before it can even attack Maria back.


    Once its remains begin to dissolve, she stares down at where the mana crystal spawns with her eyes open wide.


    "Is this real...?


    I sense a flow of energy surging into her body, and note down that it must be the MCP absorption perk activating after killing an enemy. Next, Maria picks up the mana crystals and shimmers with a golden glow.


    My appraisal skill picks up a legendary extreme strength skill on her status, the skill the red ogre was using just moments ago. The corner of my lip turns upward to unconsciously start grinning ear to ear.


    This will be a way to raise our mana control exponentially quicker and cheaper than buying special stones or mana crystals on the open market. Each kill brings in tens to hundreds of thousands of MCP. Stronger monsters could even bring in millions per kill.


    On top of that... if the skills gained during the buff stay on the user''s status even after the buff is deactivated, this could be a truly overpowered perk.


    "I''m going to deactivate it now, I need to test something."


    Maria stares in awe at her status as I walk out of range, deactivating the Emperor''s link.


    Before my eyes, both Absorption and Extreme Strength disappear from her status on my appraisal skill.


    My eyebrows scrunch, and I reactivate it walking closer again and giving her Absorption for a second time.


    When it reappears on her status, Extreme Strength doesn''t show up.


    "How odd..."


    Maria gazes up at me, stretching her arms and legs.


    "I still kept the mana control, if that''s what you were trying to test. It isn''t much, but I feel slightly stronger like I just absorbed a dozen of those Blue Ogre Essense Crystals we all used a while back. At this rate, I could double my control after beating just a few hundred monsters of this level."


    I nod, scratching my chin.


    "Well, at least there are some perks that still stay."


    My mind goes racing as I ponder the possibility that maybe it needs to be upgraded further to allow others to share the ability to permanently gain skills. Or maybe it will only work within my domain radius forever. Only time will tell.


    I let out a sigh after noting to a precise conclusion.


    "I''d like to do some more tests. I need to make my way up past level 600 like you and Abby, then make it back to a meeting in the city before noon."


    As we continue to talk, Abby approaches carrying arge mana crystal along with a sword dropped by the Red Ogre she just fought.


    Both get ced in her item box before she waves and yells out from afar.


    "Hey, we facing the boss? Or using your teleport skill to go farm in the Vice City Labyrinth?"


    I cross my arms and can''t help but to let out augh.


    "I missed this. It''s good to be back with both of you. I think both of those options are a great idea. We''ll go and face the Red Ogre Boss, then climb the Labyrinth as far as we can go. However, I have to fill you in on a few things before we do."


    I spend the next 10 minutes exining and showing Abby how my ranked-up buff works too.


    Her reaction is simr to Maria''s, but a bit more entric.


    "Finally! I''ve been wishing I could use that skill of yours since we met at the Association building back in your hometown. It''s a shame the skills aren''t permanent, but rapid mana control growth is probably even more powerful if you think about it..."


    We spend the next hour making our way through the Red Ogre Dungeon taking out all of the monsters we see on our way to the boss portal. We take it moderately slow, and I tell a few stories about what kind of trouble I got into while trying to make my way to Valor City.


    This includes the info about Monk, my run-in with Royal Guards in the Arena, and the training I''ve been going through to attempt to procure my own soul energy with a power source called Qi before the borrowed soul stone energy we''re using runs out.


    Neither of them has ever heard of anything like it, simr to the position I was in when I first met Monk; but they agree toe along with me to the meeting tomorrow to request that Monk teaches this power to them as well.


    Though, we mostly focus on the time we have now in the dungeons and enjoy the moment. Each of us gains Millions of MCP, and Maria and Abby be overjoyed by the use of temporary legendary Extreme Strength buffs while we train.


    I get to witness how far they''vee, but also keep picturing a Ghoul glowing orange in ce of the monsters in front of me every time I make a Qi-infused strike. I focus on making each attack denser than thest, and overflow with energy, but my attacks stay almost exactly the same. I''ll need to face the real thing to make any substantial progress.


    We make it to the boss room portal and Abby points to it with a raised glowing fist.


    "Here we are, the strongest dungeon boss in the city. Once you max out your level gains here, we''ll have to move to thebyrinth to continue progressing."


    We all grip our weapons and jump through.

 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1 PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1 PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+29,046,990 MCP]


    After farming the Red Ogre King Boss over three dozen consecutive times along with its two mutant subordinates that spawn with it in the boss room, I raise my level to 599. While dungeon walking back to the portal to face it again after every victory, I realized that along with excessive MCP gains, I started to gain an additional Proficiency Point every few matches too.


    The conditions of this perk are that every time I defeat an opponent of a higher level than my own, there''s a 5% chance they will drop 1 PP. Considering the only other way I can gain these points is the standard +1 per level up; fighting monsters one level above me to get a maximum chance of extra points would be the optimal method of farming.


    Sharing the EXP gain with Maria and Abby in the boss room after I surpass the boss'' maximum level spawn rate of roughly 598 allows me to farm this stat for longer.


    Once I pass this limit and tell my teammates, Abby is the first to speak up.


    "Alright, let''s go, let''s go to thebyrinth!"


    They both take my wrists, and we teleport to the highest floor I have ess to. The gargoyle dungeon on the 21st floor.


    After my first kill, the notification box for upgrading my skill pops up.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Lifesteal


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    After epting and trying it out on my next opponent, I realize the range and strength of the skill have increased very drastically. As long as my base of mana control is much higher than my opponent, and they''re within close range of my aura, their HP can bepletely drained and added to mine in seconds.


    Abby and Maria absorb the skill too and try it out on monsters that appear nearby as we make our way to the boss room that leads up to floor 22.


    Before entering, I stop in ce and voice a thought.


    "Now wait for a moment, I need to check something."


    I think to myself, activating my Dungeon Walker skill while opening my status and making a mental note of every avable dungeon I still have on record and avable for transport.


    I look back at the swirling boss room portal, then to Abby and Maria.


    "You climbed this dungeon before to rank up, right? If you were to estimate, how high up will we have to climb to reach the level 600 mobs?"


    Maria scratches her head and ponders for a moment before responding.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I think floor 27 or maybe 28. Around there is where we''ll all start to level up again. Well- Assuming this Labyrinth goes that high."


    I nod.


    "It definitely should. I believe it''s well over 40 floors if what Chester said about it a while back is true."


    Abby interjects.


    "So we''re climbing? Or what?"


    I nod.


    "Yeah, but you two go on without me, I''ll catch up before you make it to any of the exciting floors, I promise. I need to do a few errands and upgrade my skills while we have this leisure time."


    "Sure, I guess we needed a head start anyway. Race you to floor 27."


    Abby smirks and jumps through the boss portal.


    Maria waves and jumps through too.


    "Sounds good to me, Jay. See ya"


    Then I''m left in the silence of the light green gargoyle dungeon all alone.


    I take a deep breath, then start my hunt to upgrade every single skill on my status that still has a dungeon avable to farm it.


    Checking through all 20 floors below me, then each dungeon I managed to get into in the wilderness of Sector 4 and the Sran Dungeon Hub. After all of these, obtaining legendary Dual-Wielding and Dagger arts allow me to do simr subconscious movements following an attack line with both smaller and multiple des like my swordsmanship skill. One of the most notable skills I gain is the legendary version of [Final Breath]. The skill used by the 19th-floor Berserker King Boss. All of the buffs from previously are boosted by an additional 100%, but so are the side effects.


    I n on never trying this skill again... It was hardly worth using thest time. However, it can''t hurt to have the option in case of emergency.


    After this, I circle back to the Vice Region in full disguise and blip in and out of the Vice City''s avable farming Dungeons with impressive skills. The most notable finds here were the slime dungeon and troll dungeon. With an upgraded plunderer skill, my speed and rate of MP absorption nearly quadrupled.


    With every new breath I take, even outside the dungeons, a passive feature of the skill now takes in mana from any environment I''m present in until my MP bar is full.


    Self-regeneration now has an added HP recovery feature to it as well. It takes up a considerable amount of MP and adds mental and physical fatigue to the user after the HP is restored, but this maye in handy if I''m without HP potions or any nearby enemies to steal health from.


    Lastly, I do a final sweep of the dungeons in my hometown. There isn''t much here that I don''t already have, but manage to upgrade one more from an old bat cave dungeon I farmed with Abby a long time ago. Legendary Enemy Detection is obtained.


    Instead of just the depiction of small dots on a map in my mind''s eye, a crystal clear image of my enemy is visible to me like video footage as long as there is enough mana present in their body to pinpoint them. In this moving image, their level and skills are visible too.


    I''m easily able to see around dark corners, or even halfway across a dungeon, pinpointing enemies before they know I exist. It feels like an upgraded version of my All-Seeing Eyebined with a basic Appraisal and Inspect Skill. However, it only works on living beings and cannot see the mana flowing through them, only an external image.


    Happy with my incredible progress in just 2 hours of farming, I take a look at my skills while Dungeon Walking back to the 21st Floor of the Labyrinth.


    Skills:


    Absorption [Legendary Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker [Legendary Grade]


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    Intimidation [Legendary Grade]


    Dagger Mastery [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Stealth [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodlust [Legendary Grade]


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Legendary Grade][New!]


    Hibernation [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Special Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Legendary Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    There are still a few skills left on [Special Grade] and [No Grade],


    but they''re from very rare dungeons that have disappeared in break andbyrinths, while other skills were farmed directly from humans.


    I''ll have a hard time finding upgrade options for them, but now I''ll be much more diligent and on the watch. If I''mpletely out of luck, I can always upgrade them manually, but saving up proficiency points for ater date is a smarter decision for now. I don''t desperately need anything to be upgraded for the time being.


    I close my status and smile while opening up my item storage. Ember ps his wings and flies up into the dungeon sky.


    "Well, now that the hard part is all done, let''s have some fun."


    As I open our link, my fightpanion responds.


    "It seems you''ve been quite busy again. A solid amount of level ups... and..."


    I see the ck-scaled dragon''s toothy grin from over 100 meters in the air as he raises a question, but clearly already knows the answer.


    "Is that Qi in your body I sense?"


    ____________________


    Author''s Note:


    If you''re enjoying Dungeon Diver and want to follow Jay on his journey <strong>20+ chapters </strong>ahead of schedule, check out the <strong>Patreon</strong> link in my profile bio.


    There''s custom chapter art for every new daily upload too!


    Thanks for reading:)


    ____________________

 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384


    "It is Qi."


    I peer up at my partner in the sky and do a full-body scan, expecting to see a monstrous wave of Qi flowing through Ember as well.


    Every time I get a new power-up, he seems to know something about it or straight up already have it himself and keep it a secret from me.


    However, there''s no such thing in his system. The core where Qi would be is empty. The only thing remotely close is a hint of energy with the same reading as my Red Hydra''s buff circling around his eyes.


    It''s like a miniature pocket of Soul Energy, but just as fast as I see it, it dissipates like it was never even there.


    Ember ps his wings andes down near me, then I notice his eyes re up with the same crimson aura momentarily again while he touches the ground and looks me up and down.


    "What did you manage to do? Find an Originator''s tomb or something? I didn''t even know natural sources of Qi were still around in this era."


    We both stand on opposite sides of the tallest white marble pir, raised high above the rest of the gargoyle dungeon. The slowly turning boss room portal lets off a light buzz behind me as I think of a response.


    "No... I didn''t find a tomb... I just met a friend who gave me this power."


    Ember lets out a resoundingugh through our telepathy link.


    "What friend? The Demon King? There hasn''t been anyone in centuries in control of the Origin Particle other than him. Since that Demon took control of all the tombs, humans have been confusing legends of its power with Demonic Energy and trying to hoard those ck stones like gold. Come to think of it, we''re not even at level 600 yet... so I know he didn''t grant you soul essence as he did me in a past life."


    Ember pauses.


    "So you really found someone that can wield Qi... I assume that''s why we''re back in this Labyrinth. We have some leveling work to do, don''t we?"


    I nod slowly at hisst line, but so much of what Ember just said went right over my head.


    "Well, yes. I''m in a hurry to get up to the 27th floor, but that can wait... This is more important. Exin everything you just said. In full detail. I''ve never gotten a clear answer about all of this. Let''s back it up to when you first mentioned soul energy, like when I managed to absorb the Red Hydra''s Soul Stone. This is Essence granted by some powerful Demon?"


    Ember nods his head slowly, walking over very close to me.


    "Yes, the most powerful Demon there is. I don''t believe you could fathom his strength at your current level. There''s a lot to get through, and if you''re in a rush, maybe we should climb while I talk."


    I take out my sword and air-step onto Ember''s back.


    "Fine, good idea. Let''s go."


    We blip through the boss room portal and face the Gargoyle Boss without breaking a sweat. I channel my Qi while Ember summons even more of the Crimson aura around his talons for a split second to attack one of the mutant spawns that tries to attack us.


    While bothy on the ground motionless and we wait for them to dissolve, Ember continues his point.


    "What you''re using is a basic pure form of Qi. If it''s in your system, I''d assume you can now sense my soul energy as well even when I don''t make it fully visible to your mana senses."


    My eyes dart from his eyes to his ws and I nod, giving him more than enough of an answer to continue.


    "Well, the two are very simr, but not exactly the same."


    We teleport to the next dungeon and begin flying through the air straight to the boss room once I do a scan and find that the monsters below have nothing but body-hardening skillst.


    "Qi is the essence of a fundamental power known as soul energy. All basic Qi users have the same tricks in their arsenals; Block, Bash, Imbue. Although these attacks in their basic forms can trump Mana or Demonic energy even twice or three times their rtive power, it is not the true peak evolutionary state. Once Qi rests in your body for long enough, and you begin to control it as instinctively as breathing, your being melds with the energy and you will awaken a unique form of Qi. A Soul Energy Awakening is what many of the Divine Beasts call it."


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    As we approach


    the next Boss room portal, Ember charges a w with the crimson aura again and sends a dense ball of it down at a tree on a nearby mountaintop.


    As it makes impact, the entire tree melts away, and the mountainside bursts with very lightly tinted red-orange mes.


    From here, it looks like the mes are almost transparent, but they''re destroying everything they touch.


    "An attack like this is irreversible. My soul energy has the ability to cleanse with fire. Not even the dungeon''s natural regeneration can heal something like this. As my strength grows greater back to my old form, its abilities will be stronger once again too."


    My eyes widen as I watch the side of the mountain continue to melt away.


    We take out the next boss together and continue soaring through the next floor before I get the mental rity to ask another question.


    "So... what are the odds that once I awaken my Soul Energy, I be immortal, like you?"


    Emberughs as we both burst into mes to negate the frosty blizzard winds of the floor 23 dungeon.


    "Zero. It a takes a bit more than just wielding Qi to negate the rules of death. That process was a lot moreplicated... and I think a story better saved for another day."


    "Hmm. Well, at least tell me how long it would take to awaken this Soul Energy if I already have Qi flowing through me? And if I can''t do it very soon... how can I defeat a monster with Soul Energy granted by one of these Divine beasts, simr to my Red Hydra''s buff. I''ve been having trouble, just making my attacks denser or filled with more Qi isn''t enough."


    Ember turns his head while flying to look back at me for a moment.


    "You''re fighting someone now with the power of a soulstone too? What other Divine Beast died while I was asleep?"


    He chuckles and turns back as we arrive at another Boss Room in mere minutes.


    I respond while jumping through.


    "Oh, they''re not dead yet. And I don''t know if they''re one of these Divine Beasts you keep talking about; It''s the Lich King if that makes it more clear. I''ve been battling its subordinates for a few days, but can''t manage to defeat one without using my borrowed energy. I need to find a way to beat one only using Qi."


    Once we appear on the other side of the portal, instantly melting the Ice Wielding monster to the floor, Ember responds in a surprised tone.


    "The Lich King, huh? It hasn''te around to y in forever. This might actually be interesting."


    We teleport to a new dungeon filled with sand. Enormous Golems erupt from the ground as Ember takes flight again, soaring over the 24th floor.


    "However, you''re nowhere near strong enough to face it. I rmend you don''t go back to whatever Region you were fighting its subordinates in. Not even as a fun training exercise, if we both went all out right now, I doubt we''d evennd a finger on that monster. I bet it''s watching you fight with its underlings andughing on its throne. If you''ve killed its mindless monster ves and haven''t received a response, it doesn''t even consider you as a threat."


    I gulp at the sound of this, remembering just moments ago when Ember literally disintegrated a mountain with a power I didn''t know existed until today.


    "Wouldn''t stand a chance?"


    He shakes his head and I don''t push the point further. I just sit and think to myself as the artificial desert sun beats down on me from above.


    We take out the golem boss without issue, then soar through the 25th floor full of fast-moving lizard creatures wielding des and spears. Unfortunately, their speed onlyes from a ranked-up buff, while most of them use dagger arts and dual wielding which is already fully upgraded for me.


    We take out this level 556 boss without an issue and move onto the next dungeon.


    "I''m going to train with the man that gave me Qiter today, but do you have any advice or training methods for me? How can I expedite the process of awakening my soul energy."


    The mountainous region of the 26th floor passes below us as Ember responds.


    "There''s really no secret. It just takes time, many years of growing and training with the Qi inside you. You''ll have to step back from this one and take things slow."


    "Not what I wanted to hear... there must be some way to expedite the process..."


    After a ride of silence, we defeat the level 589 boss together, and the 27th Floor''s transport magic is just waiting to be triggered.


    "Alright, I''ll be meeting back up with my teammates now to do some slow level grinding, but good talk. If there''s an actual tough battle ahead, I''ll summon you back out."


    Ember nods as I open my Spatial magic.


    "Again, this is a real warning. Wherever you are out in the world right now, I rmend you turn back until you''ve gotten much stronger. Don''t go picking a fight with the Lich King unless you know what you''re up against. I assure you, you don''t."


    Ember disappears into my item storage, and the White transfer magic of the boss room brings me up to the next floor.


    A million things cross my mind, like all the reasons these countries and businesses are really after Demonic Energy because they mistake it for some old legends of a God Particle Ember mentioned. The potential that my new abilities have excites me, but the biggest looming thought of all is the constant warning Ember gives about the enemy that controls Valor City.


    There seems to be very good reason people are calling it The Dark One.


    Maybe leaving town while I''m still not a nuisance to get stronger out in Sector 2 wouldn''t be such a bad idea...


    My thoughtse to an abrupt halt as the transfer magic finishes.


    The light dissipates and I take in my surroundings to see Maria standing proud with both hands on her hips and Abby letting out augh to herself in a joking tone.


    "Haha! Beat ya! I knew we''d make it to this floor first!"

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    The floor below my feet is glossy and clear with the faintest blue tint, as if I''m standing on a frozenke.


    Maria and Abby stand on a raised ice sculpture, a creation of the blond-haired hunter''s magic. The entire dungeon around us doesn''t look much different. As I activate my fire to counter the cold, plumes of steam starting off my body, and each step I take sinks into the ground, lightly melting the icy floor.


    After a quick scan of the area, I find dozens of level 600 to 608 mobs within 3 km of us. With the new high-definition senses of my enemy detection skill, I can see they are all frost blue serpents slithering over the ice.


    Each has deep royal blue eyes and a change in scale pattern around their heads, tinted gold to resemble a small crown.


    The moment my heat waves and the radiation from my passive intimidation skill enter the dungeon, many enemies turn our way. Some even shift colors to a metallic silver as they activate a body hardening skill and lock eyes in our general direction.


    "Looks like we havepany already."


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1 PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+44,120,650 MCP]


    The monsters are incredibly quick and agile, but with my buffs on full st and a dungeon full of mana to consume, my abilities match and surpass theirs with ease. I reach level 608 and gain an additional 1 PP from my absorption perk.


    The three of us fight in a group, starting off by sprinting from monster to monster. Then, once points are set, I dungeon-walk us from opponent to opponent, taking turns on monsters so my teammates can stay within my domain and keep their skills and MCP absorption perks.


    Farming alone might be a little faster, but it''s not too much of a time suck. They can both take out their enemies in one to two hits, and the serpents travel in groups of one to three, so sometimes it''s in our best interest to fight together.


    I work on my Qi control a bit, but even my normal Qi-infused sword strikes are more than enough to obliterate the opponent. This session is more about raising my level and gaining more base stat points.


    A few monsters drop an item called [Ice Serpent''s Scale] with two stats on it [+80% Ice Magic Resistance][+50% All Magic Resistance].


    I ce 5 of them into my item storage to sell another time and don''t think twice about the drops in this dungeon until I hear Maria scream in excitement after about an hour of farming.


    "I got one! Look at this!"


    Arge serpent dissolves by Maria''s feet, and what''s left in its ce is a dark royal blue stone pouring out heavy plumes of light blue mist.


    As I approach and my footsteps melt the icy floor, the waves of energying off the crystal refreeze the puddles into their original solid form. I cross my arms and reply as Maria lifts it in the air with the tip of her sword.


    "An Ice Element Stone. Pretty rare one, and extremely strong too, from a level 605 monster."


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    "Yeah! Maybe I could make a new weapon out of this, or some armor, or some interesting gear from one of the Craftsmen back in Valor City."


    I nod but don''t reply for a moment as I think.


    My sword took in over half a dozen firestones, upgrading its power to a whole new level.


    If the drop rate of these ice stones is close to 1% as it seems, Maria could farm a ton of these gems and make an overpowered set if she knew this was possible.


    She turns to me while I ponder.


    "Hey Jay, could you hold this for me in your storage system? I don''t want it to lose its power...and I don''t have a containment case on me."


    I nod, opening up a small spatial magic portal and letting her drop it off her sword to fall inside.


    After, there''s another pause as it''s clear I have something to say, but both Abby and Maria are waiting for me to say it.


    "You know, I was the one that killed the Sector 2 leader... I absorbed his Craftsmanship skill."


    I deactivate the Domain to cancel out their current shared skills and add the craftsmanship skill to their status to show them exactly what I''m talking about.


    Abby''s eyes go wide as she stares down at her status, and pulls a few dropped items out of her storage.


    In a matter of seconds, and a small white sh of light, old useless dropped items in her inventory turn into high-quality ck glossy daggers.


    Maria looks through it too, pulling out a few items of her own to test out.


    While they look down at their status screens in awe, I smile, pulling out the 5 serpent scales I farmed from the mobs in the dungeon earlier, and add them all together on a single craft selection to create a pendant. The option goes grey once I add my 3rd scale. So, it seems I either need to be of a higher level to merge more of these, or this is just the maximum I can craft for this specific item.


    Slots to add a blood bond as well as imbuing skills and element stone still glow blue, ready for use, but I don''t click any of them.


    There''s still a lot to learn about this craftsmanship skill.


    The 3 scales all merge together in a sh of light and create a tiny white pendant with a silver string around it. After a quick appraisal, I see the vast improvement.


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [+110% Agility] [+75% Magic Resistance] [+95% Ice Magic Resistance]


    I decide to swap out this item I made on a whim for my Serpent King''s Scale [+45% Agility] [+45% Magic Resistance] that I received a long time ago, improving the optimization of my item slots. They basically give the same buffs, my new item is just much better.


    After swapping pendants, and a few more shes of light from Abby, Maria looks up at me and raises a question.


    "Mythic Grade? This is the skill you got from the Sector 2 Leader...? Is that why he was said to be an irreceable genius craftsman? I''ve never heard of a skill rank like this...."


    I nod.


    "Yes, it has far more capabilities than any legendary grade skill. Merging items, adding multiple element stones to an already crafted item, and imbuing skills into gear and equipment are a few."


    Abby looks up.


    "So we wouldn''t even need Lith''s team of craftsmen then. This is why you''re hesitant to take his help, isn''t it? Because you could just do it all yourself?"


    She lets out augh.


    "Yes, that''s part of it... However, I''m definitely considering his offer. There are just going to be some very drastic changes and counterpoints I need to make."


    I pause.


    "And- I think this goes without saying, but not a word of this Mythic Grade Skill to anyone."


    Two nods and replies of agreement from Maria and Abby followed by the wisps of green magic from my Lie detector skill solidify the point. Then, I bring up why I showed them the skill in the first ce.


    "If you want to farm Ice Element Stones, I''m sure it could make an incredible sword. Maybe even an Ice Imbued armor set... Or something unique."


    I let my de flicker.


    "Mine took in quite a few fire stones to get to this point. Hopefully, I find another dungeon with fire stone drops again soon, the one broke in Sector 4 so I have nowhere to farm them."


    She looks around the Dungeon then replies.


    "I think that''s a good idea. How much time do we have until we need to meet with Monk?"


    "Well, he''s expecting me at around noon. That gives us just under 6 hours to farm, unless we want to try and get a few hours of sleep in between and pick up this session tomorrow."


    I let out a lightugh, realizing we''ve pulled an all-nighter.


    Abby interjects.


    "We can always use the Istion Pods before we leave. All of us have really high mana control bases, so it''s not like we need as much sleep as lower level people. An hour or two in the pods should rejuvenate us just fine. My restoration magic can take care of the rest."


    Maria agrees.


    "True, so we have 4 hours to farm. Maybe at this rate without your dungeon walker skill, I can get 1 or 2 more stones. It''s not much if you say each item can hold up to half a dozen. If that''s not enough, it''s not like this Labyrinth is going anywhere anytime soon, I can keep farming until I get what I need."


    I turn to the direction of the Boss room at the back of the dungeon, then look at Abby.


    "True. Alright, so in the meantime, we should venture up to the next floor and set a few Dungeon Walker points for ease of ess in the future."


    I turn to Maria.


    "We''lle down to check on the farming every hour or so for updates."


    She glows light blue in response.


    "Sounds like a n."

 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    I make sure to reactivate my Rising Emperor''s domain buff and give Abby Absorption to aid her in farming MCP and more temporary skills as we travel higher up the Labyrinth.


    The level 623 Ice wielding Serpent King Boss is taken out in a single blow.


    [Level Up]


    I gain a single level, bringing me to 609. The excited look on Abby''s face shows she gained a level too.


    We''re teleported into the next dungeon, and the scenery isn''t like anything I''ve ever seen before.


    The ground is fairly even, but colored a pale red. There are somerge structures in the distance that block off areas, making it seem as if there''s only one path to travel in this dungeon. There are no trees or nts in sight, just the crimson-colored stone. It''s almost pink, but is dark enough to contrast with the white sky and radiates just enough mana to give an eerie feeling.


    As I take a step forward, I feel the grip on the bottom of my boots is more secure than ever. It feels like I''m on a track field, ready to sprint. The floor is covered in tiny little bumps, and the further we walk in, the more odd this ce bes.


    Approaching the firstrge rock structure, I can see multiple pathways that go right through it, twisting and turning, but all making it to the same endpoint on the other side.


    There''s even the faint pathway of a trail going around the rocks, looking as if all of this is man-made.


    I activate my enemy detection skill and get to the bottom of this mystery in an instant.


    In the entire dungeon, there are no more than 10 monsters in total, and they seem to be traveling in groups, and at speeds faster than any creature I''ve detected before.


    "Get ready to fight.... And go all out. These ones are fast..."


    There''s silence in the air, but Abby does as I say, getting her earth magic ready, glowing light green while looking around the dungeon with a curious gaze.


    "Any second now... two of them areing our way."


    Another half a second passes, then the ground below our feet begins to vibrate and make a rumbling noise.


    Then, from seemingly nowhere, two bright white shes of lighte from two separate paths in the rock structure ahead of us.


    Abby''s aura shes from green to red as she immediately activates her red hydra''s buff.


    I erupt into mes, activating every single one of my stat-boosting buffs to get a simr effect. It''s not until the two creatures are less than 20 meters away with their silver long swords drawn that I get a good look at them.


    They''re very humanoid-looking beasts with light red skin that is just a faint shade darker than the rocks and dungeon around us. Standing at roughly my height, but not wearing any clothes or armor. They have no eyes, no mouths, and no distinguishing body features. They''re just a pair of arms, legs, and nk faces; carrying long swords. Both are level 630 with two skills, Legendary Grade Swordsmanship and Legendary Grade Extreme Speed.


    They don''t make a sound and sprint toward us without any warning or emotion in their steps.


    As they get even closer, the white aura around them shifts to red, and I witness both of their ranked-up buffs [Crimson Speed] activate, doubling their momentum.


    Both Abby and I run forward the instant they emerge from the rock formation and the sh of intense buffs, mana shielding, ranked-up skills, and my own wave of Qi imbued in my demences.


    I feel my wave disintegrate the faceless monster before me, and feel Abby''s Hydra buff do the same to the one she was facing to my side.


    However, this doesn''t stop the eruption of built-up power that follows. Fire, rock, mana, and blood from our enemies are released, blowing us backward in the st.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    A warm green glow of energy from Abby heals my fatigue from the attack, and a denseyer of mana shielding around both of us easily protects us from the st.


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Extreme Speed [Legendary Grade]


    [YES] [NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 1,521,890


    [YES] [NO]


    I choose yes on both options, bringing my level to 611 and obtaining a new skill.


    As the dust clears and Abby''s restoration magic fades, I walk over to the ce where the item drops will be.


    "That was a bit overkill, don''t you think?"


    Abby follows and replies.


    "Can never be too safe."


    She pulls up her status, activating the copied extreme speed buff from the mobs we just defeated, and zips around the rock formation in a sh of white light. When shees back, she deactivates it with an astonished look on her face.


    "125% speed buff huh? It drained my MP dry in under 2 seconds, but still, that''s a pretty neat skill."


    She drinks an MP potion from her storage while the two monsters dissolve back into the dungeon at our feet, dropping two mana crystals along with one tiny red stone thats leaking a small amount of white energy.


    My eyes narrow as I pick it up.


    [Crimson Speed Shard][+80% Speed]


    I toss it into my item storage. It has a simr buff percentage as my boots but isn''t quite wearable.


    "That was either a really lucky drop, or these red shards have a very high drop rate."


    Abby shrugs, cing the mana crystal that dropped from her mob into her item box.


    "Well, I guess we''ll find out."


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    Over the next three and a half hours, we continue to roam around the red-tinted dungeon. I gain an additional 2 Proficiency Points, and my level rises to 622.


    Theck of farming speed isn''t because the monsters here are difficult to defeat; it''s just that their spawn rate is very limited.


    Once Abby and I have killed the first 10, it takes almost 45 minutes for them to spawn back in. They spawn sporadically and change positions quickly, so once one appears, it turns into a time-consuming hunt-and-kill mission.


    On the bright side, the drop rate for the crimson speed fragments seems to be roughly 25%. After 40 total kills, 20 each, 10 fragments have dropped.


    I turn to Abby once we clear the 4th wave, pulling out a few fragments from my storage.


    "I think we''re getting close to the time we have to leave. We can pick back up here tomorrow."


    Simultaneously, I open my crafting status window to see what these fragments can be made into.


    "Mind if I craft us some items from the loot drops? I think I can make some good speed gear with these stones."


    "Go for it."


    I immediately begin testing. It seems I can merge three of them together, just like the scales from the floor below.


    In a sh of white light, a few of the tiny shards merge together to form a red ring.


    [Enchanted Crimson Ring][+110% Speed]


    "Hmm..."


    I toss the ring up and down in my hand while continuing to scroll through the crafting menu and my status until I see the option to upgrade my boots.


    With a grin on my face, I stack three fragments into my boots before the option goes grey. Then, another option pops up, asking which skill I''d like to imbue. I select my newest one: Extreme Speed. After choosing [YES] on all options, a sh of white light makes my whole body glow, and the fragments merge with my boots, creating a new item skill on my feet.


    [Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed] [+152% Speed]


    With four fragments left in my hand, I decide to use three to make another Enchanted Crimson Ring.


    "One for you."


    I toss the newly crafted one to Abby, then hold the other in the air. "And one for Maria."


    I throw thest leftover fragment into my item storage and do some sifting around to look for any old gear that I could swap out for better items while I''m at it. I switch out my old High Ogre King''s Ring with a 60% Mental Strength Buff for the Amulet I received from the Sran Labyrinth''s Frost Dragon.


    Its stats read [tinum Amulet of Frost] [+137% Mental Strength] [+90% Ice Magic Strength].


    I look down at my status, pulling out all my gear to simte what I''d be wearing in a full-out battle, and nod with a satisfied stare.


    Items Equipped: [12 Slots Avable Post-Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    tinum Amulet of Frost [+137% Mental Strength] [+90% Ice Magic Strength]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+111% Defense]


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [+152% Speed]


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [+110% Agility] [+75% Magic Resistance] [+95% Ice Magic Resistance]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+199% Strength][+162% Mental Strength][+104% Defense][+106% Speed][+105% Agility]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Wind Aspect][+137% Strength][+120% Agility][+118% Mental Strength]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+144% Defense]


    Smander King''s Cloak [+80% Mental Strength] [+80% Fire Magic Resistance]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Midnight Dagger


    "That''s as good as it''s going to get for now."


    Abby and I Dungeon Walk back to meet Maria for a final time, ande to see she''s farmed one additional Ice Element Stone. I throw it into my storage to save with the other one, and show her the new ring I crafted in return. After she happily epts it and tests out the speed buff for a few minutes on a nearby pair of serpents, we all take out our transport crystals and crush them in our palms.


    The magic brings us back to the lobby of the white-walled building, and Abby leads us to the back elevator right away.


    "Come on, this way. I''ll show you where the Istion Pods are."

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    We board the elevator, and it brings us up a dozen floors in what feels like no more than half a second.


    After a light ding and the door quickly opening, all three of us walk out following Abby''s lead into an oval-shaped room with six cylindrical metal pods lining the back wall. There''s nothing else in the room but these.


    Five of them have green lights above them, while the pod all the way to my left side has a blue light above it and a timer counting down. It''s currently at [1:51:44], the seconds continue to tick down as I watch, showing that there''s just under 2 hours left on it.


    Abby stops in front of the middle pod, ncing over to the blue-lit pod, then back to us.


    "Looks like Lith is doing a long session. He must have a lot to think about if he''s in here for so long. If he''s been in istion since we started farming, he must have been in there over a full day already."


    I raise an eyebrow at her words, but Maria just nods and agrees, walking over to an istion pod of her own.


    "Yeah, I don''t know about you guys but an hour will be more than enough for me."


    Abby shrugs and nods.


    "Yeah, an hour is fine with me."


    They both press small buttons on the sides of the pods, and the cylinders split in half the long way, opening up and exposing a bright white glowing inside.


    The intense mana radiation that pours out is overwhelming, giving me an eerily familiar feeling, but I can''t quite put my finger on what.


    Abby walks inside first, pressing a small number pad on the inside of the pod, then giving us a smile as she closes the heavy-looking door.


    "See you all soon."


    It clicks closed and all of the mana that was pouring out moments ago disappears from my senses.


    The green light above the pod turns blue and a one-hour timer counts down right below it.


    Maria looks at me next, typing on the small number pad just as Abby did.


    "Just hop in and rx, time moves a bit slower inside, so in an hour outside, about 6 or 7 passes in the pod. Soak up all the mana you want too, it''s really rxing."


    She smiles and therge metal casing clicks around her too, showing the same blue light and 1-hour countdown begin.


    Curiously, I walk over to the next pod down the line and open up the door with a click. It swings open with little to no friction, and I step inside to be surrounded by warm mana tens of times more potent and dense than the mana in the restaurant in the gold district.


    As I type in the code to begin a 1-hour session, the metal door clicks shut and my vision turnspletely white.


    Everything around me begins to hum and buzz, and I can''t even sense the world around me.


    I whisper to myself.


    "This really is like I''m in total istion..."


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    It gives me a really familiar feeling now that I''m inside.


    The noise from my mouth doesn''t bounce off the close walls as it should, it just fades off into the artificial domain that surrounds me.


    As I take a deep breath in and out, starting to passively plunder MP, I reach into my item storage and pull out the small metal container containing Qi pills and the bar of ck stone.


    I''m careful not to touch the stone, and just take a single pill from the casing before snapping it shut again and cing it into my storage.


    With a gulp, I take the pill and feel a rush of energy restore my Qi.


    After the fight with the Ghoulst night, I was drained down to about 40% capacity, losing 60% in minutes. From training all night with Maria and Abby, I only lost another 10% or so of my Qi in over 6 hours. Fighting monsters that don''t have Qi is much easier than ones that drain me and evaporate my power after every hit.


    I chuckle to myself as the warm sensation fills my body and brings me up to full again.


    "Maybe that''s how most monsters feel fighting me."


    I let out a satisfying breath and close my eyes to let the domain around me fade away.


    There are tiny particles of Qi within this chamber, but their concentration is no greater than it is outside or at any other ce in the outside world.


    I would take this moment to plunder as much MP and gather as much Qi as possible right now if it was worth my while, but the minuscule gains I could make in the next few hourspared to the trade-off that an actual good 7 hours of sleep would do me is not worth it.


    Without thinking any further, I fall asleep standing up in the Istion pod. As I drift off, my body feels weightless, and it''s the most rxing sleep I''ve gotten in ages.


    *Ding*


    A light dinging sound wakes me from my slumber and the metal door I forgot even existed swings open to reveal Abby and Maria both standing out in the open room stretching and looking around with rxed expressions.


    I feel equally refreshed, practically overflowing with Mana and Qi.


    As I leave the pod and it clicks closed, Maria points to the elevator door.


    "So, seems like it''s finally time to go!"


    The wall opens wide as we get close to its motion sensors, and while it closes I look at the numbers on the one pod left in the room still with a clock ticking down.


    [0:50:09]


    As the elevator door shuts, the familiar feeling of inside the pods washes over me again like dj vu.


    "That''s what it reminds me of..."


    I remember being trapped inside the mana-powered time prison that was the Titan''s domain. The blessing and curse that helped me bond with Ember, train my mana control up, but also scar me with some of the worst mind-bending torturous experiences of my life.


    I reflexively shudder at the thought of going back to that Great ins Dungeon, but as the elevator stops and we approach the teleport tform that leads away from the city, I think of the possible benefits of bringing my teammates there too.


    Maybe it wouldn''t be so bad if we nned everything out in advance.


    Abby''s voice breaks my train of thought.


    "Here catch, we''ll need these to get back here once we''re done."


    I catch the teleport crystal she throws to me, adding it to my handful of others in my storage that I took just in case earlier and nod.


    I put my ring of concealment on and change my face with my skill, and I watch both Maria and Abby do the same with identical rings of alteration.


    We all step onto the tform together and end up in the bustling train station down below the mountain right where I started my journey in Sector 1.


    Not that much time has passed, really only a couple of days at most, but it feels like I was a much different man thest time I stepped off this tform.


    The three of us step off and make our way through town and up the mountain in a rushed manner.


    The breeze is cool and the weather gets chilly as we climb the mountain path back up to Valor City, but the sun above asionally sends warm waves of light that make the constant breeze more refreshing.


    The crowd outside the first Silver wall is fairly long, just like the first time I entered this city, but it moves fast and we each get registered with new wristbands, and I load 5 tinum into my credit ount. There''s still over 60 tinum profit in my storage from myst time through these outer walls.


    My teammates load the same amount into their bands, and we all get a few jealous stares from a few passersby, but the guards don''t bat an eye. They get rich folking in with much more than this all the time.


    Once we step through the inner walls, it''s a quick walk from here. After passing through the high-end shops and going through checkpoints at the gold and tinum wall, it only takes another few minutes before we finally make it to the tinum District. The privately owned skyscrapers loom above us as we make our way past therge auction house and approach the ck stone monastery.

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    The two orange-robed figures stand in front of the same opening in the pyramid-shaped structure.


    My initial n was to walk in myself, and notify Monk that I''d be bringingpany, but before I even get close enough to the fortress, a third head emerges from the dark hallway and the kind face motions for all of us toe in.


    He holds up three fingers from deep inside the tunnel, then presses one to his lips.


    I nod, understanding the message; all three of us approach without saying a word. I take the small silver container out of my item storage and into the inner part of my robe before we walk in, guessing the pills inside may be usefulter.


    Two light gasps escape from Maria and Abby''s lips as they enter the mouth of the walkway. The absence of mana can be a surprise, and the disappearance of our concealment items is even more of a rush, even though I warned them and briefly described the experience back when we were trainingst night.


    "Don''t worry, it''ll be fine."


    Last time I entered here, I felt that abrupt drained feeling too, but this time walking in, I can feel the dense Qi stores seeping from the stone and floating in the air, already starting to gather into my body as I walk forward.


    With an already full and nearly overflowing core of Qi, the high amounts in the air feel warm and soothing, like I''m walking around with an ultra lightweight heated feather nket.


    Monk leads us into the tunnel, still not saying a single word. He presses his hand against the back wall, and it glows white with Qi before all 4 of us walk through and it closes with a light click.


    Monk turns to face me, nods, eyes Maria up and down, nods, then looks at Abby for longer than expected before turning back to me.


    "I was expecting you to bring the ice user along, but who is this? Another soul energy user I suppose?"


    I quickly respond.


    "Yes, these are some of my teammates. Whoever my enemies may be, they will fight with me."


    Monk doesn''t speak for a few seconds but nods and continues down the spiraling staircase, motioning us to follow.


    "This is good, I will teach them too. We''ve already been spotted together, so there''s no turning back now. If they learn Qi control half as fast as you, they will be forces to be reckoned with in a matter of days."


    I smirk inwardly and follow, hearing sighs of reliefe from both Abby and Maria''s mouths as they follow close behind me.


    We walk through the cafeteria, and many younger men in robes greet Monk as we pass, but very quickly we make it to the same training room I practiced inst time I came.


    Monk stands in the open ck-tiled room, while the three of us stand near the table and gear station, listening to what he has to say.


    "First of all, I''d like to congratte you on your match against the Ghoulst night. I watched very closely. It seems you only need to roughly double your base of Qi stores to break through its soul energy."


    He crosses his arms.


    "At the normal rate of a natural cultivator''s Qi gathering, if you sit down and start now, you''ll achieve that in just 50 years."


    My eyes widen as he starts tough.


    "I''m messing with you. I can tell you''ve leveled up quite a bit even since thest time we met, and your mana control has increased drastically as well. This kind of progression is not normal."


    I nod as he continues.


    "Although it doesn''t directly contribute to your Qi base, having a stronger body, and more experience controlling powerful energy allows the user to refine and gather their Qi faster."


    I finally reply, looking at Abby and Maria.


    "So that''s why I progressed so fast when we first started? Meaning, these two will probably grow at a simr rate?"


    "Yes, to a certain extent. Everyone has a natural talent and pace of growth, but if you''re already strong, you will grow faster at the start. Making a stronger body and pathways is like you''re expanding the potential for your core to store Qi. Not only in your physical capacity, but also in your mind. When there''s more space for potential stores, the rate of growth tends to heighten as well."


    I smile, thinking to myself that this MCP absorption perk is paying off in more ways than one. What would take most hunters days, weeks, or possibly months to absorb through potions or stones can bepleted with a simple press of a status button using my skill. Also, with rare items that contain lots of MP, if there''s any negative bacsh on the body or mind, Abby''s restore skill can heal anything almost instantly.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Monk responds, as if he knows exactly what I''m thinking.


    "You can''t just power level in dungeons to raise your Qi capacity. You still will need extensive Qi sparring training, real battles against monsters like the Ghouls to really go all out for the kill, and of course time spent gathering Qi can''t be rushed."


    The room is silent.


    "Even though I raised my level to almost 700, pushing my natural body''s limits and increasing my capacity to hold mana, it still took me over a decade to master Qi to the point at where I am now. That being said, my natural talent was one of the best in my generation. It is clear the 3 of you have some uniqueness to your natural talents too."


    I think about his words and inwardly recognize they''re correct. I awakened a unique skill, and so did Abby as far as I''m aware. There are many healers in this world, but I''ve never heard of anyone that can restore full body parts and training fatigue instantly.


    Maria too, awakened with a base stat that raises her mana four times faster per level up than the average user. Maybe we do have the talent to refine our Qi fast like Monks. But still, 10 years is far too long to wait.


    He speaks up.


    "With that being said, you twoe here if you''d like to be awakened."


    We all nod and take off our useless heavy gear and ce it on the table, leaving all three of us in light casual clothing. With a skip in their steps, both Abby and Mariae to the center of the training room.


    Monk instructs them to sit on the floor in the lotus position, then motions for me toe closer.


    "Would you like to do the awakening yourself?"


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Is it safe for me to perform it with no practice?"


    He smiles.


    "Probably safer than if I were to perform it myself, actually. The more the person being awakened trusts the Qi user awakening them, the more efficient the process is. If you were paying attention when I awakened you, I only filled up your core to about 40% capacity, that was the maximum I was able to connect with. With training and Qi pills, you were able to bring it up to full yourself."


    I nod, standing next to him, behind both Abby and Maria sitting on the floor.


    "So how do I do it?"


    "Remember how you imbued Qi into your de like it was an extension of yourself?"


    I picture the wave of energy that rushed through my body into my de while fighting the monsters in the arena.


    "Yeah."


    "Well you''ll have to make your friends here an extension of yourself as well. Imbuing them with Qi, then releasing the bond and allowing them to retain the energy you gift them. Your control is already far past the ability of many Inner high-ranking disciples here, I have no doubt you can manage a sessful awakening. It''s only up to them to ept it."


    Maria''s voice replies to this immediately.


    "I''ll ept it. I trust you, and wouldn''t ask for any better person to awaken me."


    I nod, walking closer as Abby speaks too.


    "Me next, I trust you''ll do a fine job."


    "Understood."


    I ce my hand on Maria''s back and we synchronize our breathing. I feel the air going in and out of her body, then match this rhythm to the flow of the Qi in my core.


    Slowly, I begin to picture my hand connecting directly to her back and the warm trickling sensation of Qi rolling down my arm flows right through her. It''s as if the thin shirt between my hand and her back is not even there.


    Once the first trickle rolls through, I let a stream trickle in two, then a wave.


    I can feel and control the energy now flowing into Maria''s body. As easily as it flows in, it flows out as well. Waves of Qi circte through her body, and back into mine.


    After a few cycles through, small amounts of the warm energy find a resting point in her core right below her stomach.


    She doesn''t move a muscle, and I continue to fill her body with Qi until I hit a limit.


    It feels simr to my sword, like the natural saturation point is met. It''s possible for me to force more in, but I instinctively feel as if there''s no reason to do so. It would just overflow and leak out without being used.


    At this, I slowly take a step back, and release my hand away from her body.


    A wave of exhaustiones over me as I feel the connection sever, and I lose over 90% of my Qi in a single instant.


    My body feels cold, and I shiver as the shock from breaking the link washes over me.


    I feel a bit dizzy and light-headed but catch myself before falling as Maria rises from her sitting position practically glowing with power.


    Her eyes are wide, and she can''t stop staring at her open palms in front of her face.


    In the same moment, it feels like the room is closing in on me, and a ringing sound gets louder and louder the longer I wait. It feels like my mouth is dry, but I''m not thirsty. My stomach wants to cave in on itself, but I''m not hungry. I''m in pain all over, but there are no injuries. Wincing, and not wanting to deter from Maria''s beautiful awakening moment, I slowly walk over to the table with all our gear and grab a Qi pill from the silver container.


    I grit my teeth and gulp it down to feel a rush of warm energy fill my body again.


    I take a gasp of fresh air, and the ringing stops while the room expands outward back to its original form in my perception.


    I grab a second pill from the container and ce it in my pants pocket, whispering under my breath.


    "Note to self, never run out of Qi..."


    I let out a nervous chuckle and walk back over to see Maria still in awe of the power system she can now see so clearly.


    It wasn''t my first time sensing new power when I awakened Qi. I already had a few eye-opening Demonic Energy experiences that showed me there''s more than mana in this world. I guess if it was my first time seeing something like this, I''d be pretty lost in its glory too.


    Monk steps closer to me as I get ready to awaken Abby next.


    "I didn''t realize you''d manage to let out so much Qi. Her natural capacity must be equal or even higher than yours. I would have warned you if I knew you''d sink so low."


    I nod and reply.


    "It''s fine. I should have expected it anyway."


    I ce my hand on Abby''s back and take a deep breath.


    "Ready?"


    I feel her breath rise up and down.


    "Ready."


    After synchronizing and allowing my Qi into Abby in the same manner, I connect with her and let my energy flow.


    Upon our initial link, at the first trickle, I can already tell Abby has a smaller capacity than Maria''s, but it''s not by much. I''m still able to fill her core to the brim using up almost 80% of my power.


    As I release my connection, the same severed link hits me like a wave, but I immediately take the Qi pill in my pocket to not let it take over.


    I stand up straight as Abby gets to her feet as well, looking down at her hands, then looking at me, Maria, Monk, and the entire room with a dazed expression.


    I smile at them, then turn to Monk.


    "They''re having a bit of a different reaction than me."


    "Yes, the energy wasn''t as foreign to them because it came from you. Your instant exposure was a bit more intense. Still, even if it was calmer they handled it well. We can spar while they get used to the new energy."

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    "Sounds good to me."


    While Maria and Abbye to their senses, I square up with Monk and we both pick up our sparring session where we left off.


    With Qi powering every step I take, and hot waves of energy filling every punch; Monk and I go at it and spar harder than we ever have before.


    Sweat drips down the sides of my forehead, and I even see a droplet or two on Monk''s, with his breathing getting heavier too.


    Loud echoing thuds and cracks vibrate through the room as our bodies and fists collide for a full 30 minutes straight before stopping.


    "You''re getting a lot quicker, and your natural Qi control has even risen a bit since thest time we sparred. That fight against the ghoul must have really pushed you to your limits. Facing it, and actually being able to incorporate your magic with your fighting style is the only way you''ll truly get much stronger."


    I nod slowly, understanding that he''s basically telling me training and sparring with him has already reached its limit. He''s right, I''m subconsciously holding back while sparring. With the match against the Ghoulst night, I used every drop of energy to try and go for the kill.


    On top of that, I had my buffs, sword, and skills to boost my perception and abilities. The effort and power in a life or death battle can''t be matched here.


    "I understand. However, these two are still in their beginner stages. They need to be taught the basics as I did when I first came in here."


    Monk smiles.


    "My specialty."


    After the half an hour session, both Maria and Abby have started to adapt to their new environments. They stopped staring at the walls with eyes filled with awe, and slowly began watching our match, concentrating on reality again.


    Monk walks them through the basic information they need to know about Qi. Using it as a power source, showing them a Qi pill, and detailing the simrities that their Qi has with the borrowed power of the Red Hydra.


    Hearing Monk''s exnation of soul energy again makes me realize he understands exactly how it works down to its core. The old story of his past leader awakening soul energy of his own resurfaces in my mind. The fact that this leader of his was defeated by the Lich King when it decided to take over is a scary thought.


    Pairing this with the exnation and warning from Ember, my wishes to stay in this city any longer are seriously starting to wane.


    I zone out in my own thoughts, thinking of a new n while Monk continues the basics of Qi and starts to make both Maria and Abby throw punches at him just like he did for me.


    I look up and smile to myself as I''ve thought of what to do next. At the same moment, both of the newly awakened Qi users throw over half a dozen punches, but get no result yet. However, the determination on their face is just like mine when I started.


    I speak up to Monk.


    "This will take you all a few hours right? You''ll bring them through all the basic steps."


    He replies while blocking two fists from both girls flying at him.


    "Yes, at least 4 to 6 hours. Just like you, I will get them ready to fight in the Arena tonight for more practice."


    "Good. In that case, I''ll be back soon. I have something important to do."


    "Fine by me, I''ll have my hands full here."


    Two waves and goodbyes sound out from the two young fighters too.


    I walk over to the table at the back of the room and start to put all my gear on. Then, as I turn to leave, I hear an excited yell from Maria.


    "Ha! I felt it! I did it!"


    Then a thud, followed by Monk''s voice.


    "Good, now try it again. Allow the Qi to flow more instinctually, like a wave of ocean water..."


    I can''t help but chuckle a bit, watching both of them struggle toy a finger on the experienced Qi user as he uses a fraction of his power.


    I move toward the exit and as I press on the Qi infused door, an excited yell from Abby rings out too.


    "There we go, I got it to flow through my arm and into my fist that time!"


    Another thud and calm exnation from Monk follows as I walk out the door and it clicks shut.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    I make my way out of the fortress and make sure my disguise is fully present before walking out into the open air.


    It takes a while, but I walk through every gate in the city before exiting through the silver walls and cashing out my 5 tinum.


    I walk a ways down the mountain, then activate my stealth skill once I''m out of anyone''s sight. Afterward, I crush a transport crystal in my palm and teleport into the Galeheart tower lobby.


    I make sure to fully suppress my intimidation skill''s passive ability this time, and the two lobby men that greet me nervously thank me for being considerate as they remember what happened thest time I showed up unannounced.


    "Is Lith avable? I have some questions for him."


    There''s a ding and a door opening in the lobby before the lobby men can even respond.


    Lith walks out in a brand new jet ck suit, making his piercing blue eyes pop. He stands out like a magazine cutout against the white walls.


    "What can I help you with today? Have youe to a decision about my offer, or just want to chat."


    I turn from the registration desk to look the powerful businessman in the eyes.


    "A little of both, I suppose. I''d like to speak in private."


    "Very well."


    Without another word, we board the absurdly fast elevator and make it to the top floor before I can count to three.


    Both of us stand next to the desk at the back of the room where we metst night, staring out at the hologram of the now daytime projection of the city below us on the mana-shielded walls. If I don''t activate my perception skills, it almost looks like a real ss window.


    Lith breaks the silence.


    "So, it''s not going to be a simple yes, I assume. Tell me your conditions, what do you want?"


    I stare out the fake window a few seconds longer, then reply.


    "First, I''d like a list of the old export volume from each region that Sector 2 used to provide materials to, as well as rough locations for the dungeons that have materials necessary to make the gear and their crafting recipes."


    He nods with a thin smile as I continue.


    "I want to know where this potential team of craftsmen ising from, and information on the guards you say you would assign to help revamp the city and keep Sector 2 in line."


    He nods again.


    "And on top of that, I''d like the power to reject any workers you send my way. If I don''t like the entire team of craftsmen and guards, I''d like to send them back and hire my own team. No surveince of me or my team is allowed in Sector 2 and 100% of profits from the new trade business will be mine. I decide the pricing, and I decide who I do business with. If I take full responsibility for thisnd, I want to reap all the benefits. Your payment will be my team taking out The Dark One once we''re strong enough."


    On that note, we both stare out the fake window for a moment longer without saying a word.


    Lith replies.


    "That''s quite the bold proposition there. Don''t you think you''re biting off a bit more than you can chew?"


    I shrug.


    "I''d say it''s a good start to our negotiations. You gave me an offer, I''ve voiced my own. If you''d like to meet in the middle somewhere, how about you give me the lists of items needed to be sent to each region as a start, and you can think about my offer and give me a counter whenever you''d like."


    He lets out a sigh while looking out at the view, then turns to walk over to his desk.


    "That sounds reasonable enough. I''ll be giving these to you to manage no matter the final agreement wee across, so this is fine."


    He takes out 5 pieces of paper, with long lists on them. They''rebeled [Sector 4], [Sector 3], [Sector 1], [Vice Region], and [Apex Region] at the top.


    He hands them to me, and I give a quick nce at the top paper that''s the Sector 4 list.


    It has hundreds of armor and weapon set requests ranging from 1 silver per unit, up to 5 gold per unit. Magic items from low E grade to High C grade in the magnitudes of ten to a hundred units too, ranging in the same 1 silver to up to 5 gold range here.


    There''s nothing truly special or unique here, but with a total of almost 8 thousand units at an average sale price per unit of close to 1 gold. This order is not a cheap one.


    Lith speaks as I nce at the paper.


    "Exactly. It''s a big business. That''s the average monthly order from the Sector 4 Region. 80 tinum. That''s not counting any customs or special orders, we don''t have a hold of those contacts or exact items because it was handled directly by the Sector 2 leader."


    I flip to the next page, seeing the Sector 3 region mostly only buying potions and buffing gear, but their order value is close to that of Sector 4, nearly 5 thousand units at an average of 25 silver per unit. Still, that''s 10 tinum per month.


    Next, I flip to the Sector 1 page and see its only half the size of the Sector 3 list, but my eyes widen at the pricing next to most of the items here. No gear under C Grade rating is on this order page, some of it even surpasses B grade rating, and there are item names I''ve never seen before. The average price per unit is over 10 gold. That adds up to roughly 250 tinum per order.


    Lith peers over at the paper and nods.


    "This is for Valor City only. High-Grade gear is the only eptable option. Most of the Silver District and Commerce Town below the mountain rely on trade from outside sectors. The Gold District here buys from the tinum District suppliers, who buy from me. And well, I used to buy from the Sector 2 leader, but there will be some changes,"


    He pauses, pointing to the Vice Region and Apex Region papers that have simr orders as Valor City. The Vice Region is about 30% less, and the Apex Region is 200% more. Only high-grade gear that can''t be crafted or farmed anywhere normally.


    "Most of these deals, we''ll be unable to maintain. Even a ranked-up legendary craftsman can''t do some of the things that old leader could do. However, we''ll get close. 100% of Sector 4, and 3, and maybe 20% of the other regions'' deals can be saved. We''ll have to start somewhere and build up from there."


    I nod, epting the papers and cing them under my cloak and into my item storage.


    "Good. This is all I need for now, I''d like to study these numbers before I hear your counteroffer if that''s alright."


    "Fine by me. I assume you''ll be heading out to the arena tonight and farming afterward, correct?"


    "Yes, Maria and Abby too."


    "Well, excellent. I''lle up with a few options for you by tomorrow morning then."


    We both nod and shake hands.


    He shows me to the elevator, and I press a small white button near the entrance that says [Dungeon ess].


    With a wide grin across my face, I use the teleportation tform to make my way into the cave system below the city and jump into the Red Ogre dungeon. Secondster, I dungeon walk to a random D ss dungeon in the Vice City dungeon hub and walk out with a full new concealed facial disguise.


    The light breeze and fresh air of the citybined with the bustling crowd of chatter of hopeful hunters is nostalgic. I walk straight through it all on a mission, approaching the rougher part of town to find the ck market. I''m on my way to see an old friend.

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    The clean and shiny inner city is left behind as I walk into the much more dangerous and less regted side of town.


    Wearing my ring of concealment from Sector 1, the high quality ck suit makes it look like I''m not from around these parts. However, as long as no one sees who I really am, I don''t care if I stick out like a sore thumb.


    The faint smell of garbage and the suspicious wandering eyes from everyone I pass aren''t a sight I missed very much, but it feels nice to know I''m really back roaming the streets of the capital.


    Less and less people line the roads, and the houses and shops be more dpidated until the familiar 3-story brick buildinges into my view. With my advanced perception, I can see the tworge-bodied guards that stand outside the front entrance, and over a dozen workers inside are sensed by my enemy detection skill.


    I slip into an alley without anyone nearby and activate my legendary stealth skill. Itpletely conceals my presence to anyone near me below my mana control base. The veil of energy around me acts as a skill imbued nket and even fully suppresses my intimidation''s passive outgoing energy. So, it''s safe to say I''mpletely invisible.


    Stepping out from the shadows, I walk up to the guards and neither of them see or sense me from even 10 meters away.


    If I just revealed who I was, they''d surely remember me, and I''m positive Bri, the legendary Craftswoman, would dly take me as a guest.


    However, I''m supposed to be dead. As far as the Association knows, and many people that follow the paper, every single one of my teammates was killed on a mission out of the continent.


    This is far from the truth, and I don''t n on revealing this to anyone. On top of that, I''d like to give my new potential business partner a loyalty test.


    With all this on my mind, I wait by a nearby building, keeping an eye on the two guards and the door behind them. They chat between themselves, and not much happens until the top of the hour when a short man in a grey suit walks up to them with a confident stride.


    He shows them a piece of paper, and one of the guards nods while the other opens the door of the building.


    At this, I jump forward and make my move.


    With less than 5 seconds to act, I maneuver my way through the guards and into the building undetected while the businessman walks through the bottom floor over to a thin metal spiral staircase at the back of the room.


    As he goes up, the door behind me clicks shut. I''m left with my stealth skill activated in a room full of workers sifting and sorting through random E and D ss items.


    There are rows of tables, and about 16 workers here all going about their daily tasks, cing groupings of items into boxes, taping them up, and writing shipping details and names on the front sides.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    I watch a short brown-haired woman pack a 12-pack of [Temporary Strength Enhancement Potions] with a 3-minute 25% buff on them into what looks on the outside to be a children''s toy box. In a matter of seconds, with a vacuum seal and an extrayer of lightly mana-imbued tape around the outside, my appraisal skill senses start to pick up its reading fainter and fainter.


    By the time an extra box and packing peanuts are put around the mana-imbued tape, it''s nearly invisible.


    With my high level of mana control, and special grade appraisal skill, I''m still able to see through it faintly, but I wouldn''t be surprised if anyone below a ranked-up level couldn''t see through it. It''s a smart way to transport and ship valuable materials far distances without the worry of them being detected and stolen.


    I smirk inwardly while continuing to look around the room.


    Some workers have basic nonbat-rted skills like inspect, imbue, small mental strength buffs, and even a few with a basic no-grade craftsmanship skill.


    Others are just weaker hunters, withmon skills like swordsmanship or body hardening.


    No one in this room is above level 200. Getting stronger and risking their lives in dungeons is not part of their daily lives. Some look like thugs and runaways, while others just look like simple family men and women that are bringing home money to raise their kids. These are all workers for Bri. Nothing more, nothing less.


    I nod to myself while walking around the room for another minute or two, observing the work being done a bit longer. Then, I make my way up the stairs.


    Even the sounds of my steps are drowned out by my stealth skill as I make it to the second floor and see the tall thin man in a suit and sses reading a dark purple hardcover book at his desk at the back of the room. Bookcases line the walls behind him, and every book on the shelves look as if they''ve been thoroughly read many times over. His right leg is crossed over the other, and his chair is pushed back in a much more casual position than I remember him looking.


    The two twin girls on the far right wall of the room sort and test higher grade magical items along with books and some potions. Some of the gear here reaches high grade D or low grade C gear at most.


    I wait patiently, then hear a familiar voice echo through the staircase above me.


    "Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Garcia. Your new updated subscription will be processed today. I''m d you decided to increase the volume, you''re always wee back."


    A high-pitched and slightly nervous voice replies.


    "Of course, Ms. Briana, the pleasure is mine. I''ll be sure toe by again for any future changes."


    Footsteps begin toe down the stairway, and the man passes right by me. Bernard looks up from his book with one raised eyebrow, but goes back to reading once the man starts walking down to the first floor.


    On this cue, I walk up the stairs myself and enter the very dimly lit room on the top floor.


    Walking back to her desk, I see the tight ck clothing and curvy figure of the olive-skinned businesswoman who was my first reality check to the harsh world of hunters.


    She crafted my me Emperor''s sword and gave me a much-needed boost in gear, money, and underworld reputation back in the day. Along with that, she was the only one to warn me about joining the Association. Maybe that was just a personal grudge, or a one-time thing. Time has passed, and people change. I''d like to get some firsthand insight into her current style of business before asking for her help.


    Revealing myself in front of her now could elicit a shock-driven or overly emotional response. I want to know her baseline morals and how she treats all clients, not just me.


    The n I have may be a bit harsh, but I''m sure she can handle it.


    The moment Bri turns around and sits back at her desk, shepletely turns off her light magic skill, and the room returns to total darkness.


    To my surprise, she speaks in a calm and calcted tone.


    "Whoever you are, show yourself and tell me what intentions you have spying on my operation. I thought we came to a clear agreement that the Association''s hands do not belong in my business."

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    I think quickly, reacting to her words and decide to go along with what she thinks this intruder may be. If she thinks I''m from the Association without me having to lead her to believe it, that''s even better.


    Stepping forward, I activate my Hush Skill and let it expand justrge enough to epass both of us. The light sounds of magic items clicking together, boxes being taped, and people moving around vanish from our audible senses.


    I deactivate my stealth skill, and activate my mana maniption skill to summon two humming pink daggers in my hands.


    The ring of concealment along with my skill makes me look as if I''m just some random man with two high-level assassination skills. A noise-canceling perk, along with some ability to conjure knives that don''t leave a trace.


    The pink glow from my hands lights up the room just slightly, and in the same moment, I see the tips of Bri''s fingers flicker with white light as well.


    I speak up.


    "Well, there''s been a change of ns."


    She stares straight ahead, standing up from her desk without a drop of fear.


    "That''s not how things work. We had an ongoing agreement. No messing with me or my business, it''s part of Rodrigo''s soul pact."


    I step closer but stop in ce at herst line. Rodrigo is her brother, the A-ss hunter that was the head examiner of my C-ss advancement event. To date, that''s the strongest hunter I''ve ever seen in my life. Hearing his name brought up here is a bit confusing.


    "He doesn''t matter. This is about you."


    I continue to step forward, letting the pink des in my hand glow brighter and brighter before continuing to speak.


    "Would you like to make a deal? Hand over the names of just one of your high-paying clients. We''ll need a time and date to seize illegal products on their premises, along with their past order numbers. A lot of people in Vice City have been getting far toofortable in the shadows away from thew."


    Bri''s hands glow even brighter white, now illuminating the full backside of the room.


    "You''re not allowed to ask a favor like that of me. No one below a regional director rank should even be standing in this facility. We had a 0 tolerance interference policy. The only way you could be showing up here now is if Rodrigo either betrayed you, or he''s dead-"


    Her eyes widen for a fraction of a second as I jump forward and put both des right up to her neck, reflecting a pink glow off her body.


    Even in her moment of hesitation, I''m impressed with her reaction time as she counters by moving her left hand hot with light magic toward my waist and her other hand grabs a knife from her desk.


    However, I have the high ground and the closer hand to the kill shot.


    I reply.


    "You give up one client, and you keep your life. A simple exchange. We''ll even make it look like an ident, andpensate you for long term business losses."


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Her eyes remain fierce, and she grits her teeth.


    "Piss off. I''d never give up a single client unless they themselves backstabbed me first. On top of that... I''d never help the Association after what you did to my family.


    I bring my des even closer, just millimeters away from her neck.


    "Is this really how you want to go? All I ask for is a simple name. If you''re doing this because you''re worried about your brother, I have nothing to do with him. Our meeting here is only about you."


    I let my des pulse pink, and all I get in response is her resolute stare. She continues to charge up her left hand with more and more light magic, bringing the room we stand in to fully lit.


    "So you''re from one of the special units?"


    Her expression changes to anger.


    "He can take care of himself, this is more personal."


    I nod, keeping a straight face, but smiling inwardly.


    "Last chance."


    "My answer is no. I''ll never go back on my word. Kill me if you can."


    I feel a warm sensation hit my stomach. It''s a light magic attack that''s easily deflected by my manyyers of dense mana shielding.


    I don''t budge, and based on Bri''s reaction, she expected this. Her de in her right hand immediately bes covered in ayer of mana shielding and swings up and across her body to bash the two pink daggers in my hand away.


    On contact, I deactivate my maniption skill and let the des shatter into a glimmering pink glow while airstepping backward and putting my hands up in the air.


    I can tell she''s surprised it was so easy. It was clear in her mind that I was a much stronger opponent since the second I walked into the room.


    "Good. You passed."


    As Bri runs at me glowing with light magic all over, and pulling even more items out of a small item box, I take off my ring and deactivate my concealment skill to reveal my regr form.


    She stops mid-stride with a look filled with shock, and before taking another step a wave of understanding washes over her.


    "J-Jay? You''re alive?"


    Her blinding lights dim, and she takes the weapons aimed at my vital points down, releasing her tight grip.


    I reply, taking out the sword and dagger she crafted for me from my item storage for a moment, then put both the weapons away once she confirms they''re really the ones she made.


    "Yes, it''s really me. Sorry to rm you, I just wanted to get a genuine reaction before I decided to fill you in on what happened to me."


    The green mist of the lie detector skill still radiates off of Bri, telling me every word she said was the truth. She''d rather die than give up her clients to the Association.


    She lets out a long sigh, and walks back over to her desk and sits down.


    "Never a dull moment when you''re around, is it? You know, you could have just knocked. I have truth detector items and bonding agreements if you were really that in need of a definite answer."


    I shrug.


    "Well, how was I supposed to know that? At least I heard what I wanted to hear my way. What do you say we get down to business?"


    I walk over to one of the cushioned seats in front of her desk and take a seat. She replies.


    "Give me a moment."


    She takes a deep breath in and out before organizing things on her desk and looking straight up at me.


    "You may have known that was just a test, but for me I was sure a ranked up assassin from the Association''s ck Ops Unit just came in to kill me."


    She breathes in and out one more time, wiping all worry from her face entirely. I''m impressed how unphased she is by all of this. Or, how good she is at hiding it.


    "Anyway. I take it with an introduction like that aftering back from the dead, you didn''t juste over to say hi?"


    We chuckle at her statement, and simultaneously, I take out the 5 pieces of paper from my item storage with regional order details on them.


    "It''s a bit of an urgent request actually, and a very big one at that."


    My Hush skill is still blocking out everything not on this floor, and the only noise hitting my ears is Bri''s elerated heartbeat and fast breathing the moment her eyes meet the details written on the page before her.


    Over a minute goes by as she flips through each of the pages and examines each item order very closely.


    Finally, after an awkwardly long pause, she speaks.


    "How did you possibly get a hold of these lists? Does this mean what I think it does about the rumors going around about the Sector 2 Leader being missing?"


    I slowly nod.


    She looks at me straight in the eyes, then back down to the papers.


    "Impossible- But- I guess it''s not..."


    There''s another long silent pause before she speaks again.


    "So, what exactly are you asking of me?"

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    "Well, let''s say I provided all the raw material necessary to make these items, could you and your team get it done?"


    She looks down at the papers again, flipping through and making notes on a paper beside them all.


    "The volume is way too high for me to do alone. I have a few craftsmen under me, but none of them are high enough grade or level to handle a majority of these orders..."


    Bri continues flipping through the papers, so I reply.


    "What if I power-leveled your craftsmen in a dungeon, and gave them upgrade crystals to bring them all to legendary grade?"


    Bri looks up at me.


    "If you can get your hands on enough of those for all 6 of my craftsmen downstairs, that would work."


    She looks at the papers very thoroughly, making more and more notes on a separate sheet, then hands it to me.


    "We could fulfill these orders. Everything from Sector 3 and 4 would be manageable. All of the Sector 1 and Vice Regions standard items are doable, but the above 120% buff enchants are not capable at my level no matter the crafting materials. The upgrade and teleport crystals aren''t possible for me to do either, I assume all of those used to be sourced from Sector 2. Unless excessive mana crystals are provided andrge amounts of specific blood to bond certain skills or abilities to items, a lot of these higher grade enchants are not easily replicable."


    She pauses, thinking to herself for a moment before carrying on.


    "Anything over a double element stone bonds won''t be possible for me either - and yeah, not a single one of the Apex Region''s order items can be done by team to fulfill either. Even if we were all legendary grade, each one of these items are priceless treasures. I had no idea that region was buying items like this, but it makes sense... That Region has 4 A-ss hunters and tons of B-ss hunters too, recruited from the yearly exams. They probably run through gear like this in training all the time. I''m sure they''d want to stock up a lot right now, considering another wave of new recruits will being in soon."


    I nod slowly, looking at the paper.


    "Still, this is enough to move over 100 tinum worth of product per month."


    I reach into my item storage and pull out a single tinum bar, along with one of the speed fragments, ice scales, and a few swords from the Red Ogre dungeon I farmedst night.


    cing the rare items that most likely have never seen the light of day outside Valor City, I speak up.


    "So, will you take these as an apology for the scare earlier? I just wanted to be positive I could trust you with my n to take over the Sector 2 trade route."


    Bri''s eyes scan the gear on the counter, and she even touches some, activating her craftsmanship skill to analyze the rarity and stats on the items before her.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Apology epted."


    She smiles.


    "Although, there''s no need. We''ll just call it payback for the first time you showed up here asking for your sword and I almost got you killed by forcing you in that fight ring."


    I sigh and roll my eyes while she lets out a chuckle.


    "Sure, we''ll call it even."


    "Anyway, these materials are at a higher grade than pretty much anything I usually craft. I''d be hitting my upper limits using them. Any higher quality and the end crafting result would all be the same."


    Her eyes track over to the small bar of tinum beside all the materials.


    "So, this is the kind of money you''re working with now, isn''t it... I''d like to know what happened to you, and what exactly I''m getting involved in before I fully agree. Start from the beginning. Who did you get these lists from? What is your true goal with this business deal? And most importantly, how did you die, who knows you''re alive, and how long is it going to stay that way?"


    I lean in and start to exin.


    With the Hush Barrier raised and still on full power, for the next hour, Bri and I talk business.


    First, I start with the power imbnce that urred after the Sector 2 leader was defeated, and my meeting with the powerful Sector 1 businessman, Lith Galeheart.


    Bri surprisingly reacts in a calm manner.


    "Yeah, I''ve heard of him. Never formally met, but I''ve seen him show up to a few auctions."


    Next, we discuss logistics. I don''t know what the situation in Sector 2 is yet, so building thisrger scale operation might be better off done right here in Vice City.


    I smile to myself once finishing my proposal.


    "That''s right. Everyone that does business with me will assume everything is produced in Sector 2, but in reality, it will be a front. All valuables and production will be kept here. With your zero-contact agreement already in ce with the Association, it''s like my enemies are protecting their own worst nightmare."


    Bri gets a kick out of this idea but won''t go into full detail about the exact conditions of her brother''s contract. However, by the end of our conversation a few details be a bit more clear.


    I exin the situation in the dark continent, when my team''s mission all started. It was all going fine until the total freakout happened with a few organizations once they learned we ran into demonic energy.


    Her eyes widen at this portion of the story and I remember Rodrigo having multiple Demon''s cores, and even an Arch Demon''s core so he''s definitely cleared abyrinth over 20 levels in his past.


    "So they know you have a core too? That''s exactly why they forced my brother into a life-binding contract at such a young age."


    "Well - they did. Until Lith faked our capture and deaths, every single one of us. I''ve been hiding very carefully since then. Other than 2 rogue assassins a while back, no one else hase looking for me. The cover up seems to have worked pretty well."


    Bri replies.


    "Over here outside those walls, there''s a whole different story going around. Two years of Elite Squads killed in a dungeon break to save millions of lives. What a headline."


    She pulls out a new paper from a few weeks ago, and we both have a goodugh reading it.


    Another hour passes, and we consolidate potential ns for expanding her building of operations here but put it on hold until I get confirmation back from all the buyers involved along with the dungeons to get all of the crafting materials needed for this job.


    "Sounds like we''vee to quite the agreement here. I look forward to making a lot of money together."


    I stand up to shake Bri''s hand.


    "Pleasure talking over our future business too. Come back once you have all the ns for moving forward. Next time, just knock."


    I smile and release her grip.


    "Got it."


    I deactivate my Hush skill, throw my ring of concealment on, reactivate stealth, and disappear before her eyes. I walk down the steps right out the front door.


    While walking down the street away from the brick building, the two guards out front scramble to close the door that just mysteriously opened on its own.


    One argues that it was the wind, while the other looks around with a serious expression trying to find an intruder. About 15 secondster, they forget about it once they can''te to a conclusion and go back to their usual business standing guard as I turn a corner and make my way back to the dungeon hub.

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    When I make it back to the dungeon hub in full stealth mode, I look at all the avable dungeon entrances for a moment, and my eye catches the B ss gate.


    I never really thought twice about it when I was spending most of my time around this ce. My level and power were never high enough to even think of going into dungeons like this.


    I use my perception and scanning skills to find that the two guards standing in front of the gate are level 556 and 509.


    The higher level guard is ranked up with an advanced earth magic skill while the other is stacked with two special grade party buffing skills. One for strength and the other for speed. They''re wearing very high-grade gear and looking straight ahead as no onees near their gate.


    I was going to hop back into an E ss dungeon with stealth activated, but now I''m curious.


    Bri mentioned something about the Apex Region recruiting B ss hunters soon, so out of curiosity, I walk over andpletely change my status to an E ss businessman to match my concealment ring''s suit and alter my face to look much older.


    With a professional smile, Ie out from the shadows and walk over with a hand raised.


    "Good afternoon gentlemen, I have a question for you if you don''t mind me asking."


    The higher level tan-skinned earth magic user turns my way with jaded eyes and a course toned reply.


    "What can I help you with, sir?"


    Ie to a halt, scanning him up and down to see [Damien S.][B-ss Hunter] on two small silver pins on his Association uniform''s cor.


    "Oh, I was just wondering what the date and location of the B-ss exams were? I know they''reing up and may have a client or two eligible to try out."


    His expression doesn''t change, but the guard nods and replies in the same tone.


    "They''re a month and a half away. Anyone above level 500 can enter if they wish, but the exact location and time is not avable to the public. You''ll have to check in with an association office with your clients present to sign them up."


    I nod and begin to turn away.


    "Very good, that''s all I wanted to know"


    "Sir, could I ask to see an ID or your status? It''s not every day we get questions like that."


    I shrug and show them my doctored status, showing lv79 and a no-grade Appraisal skill before walking off. Although appraisal skills are fairly rare, many top businessmen have them. Snagging some for the association would always be helpful, but they''re really better off working on their own.


    A lower level hunter would have tried to recruit me to get some good faith, but this man just nods and doesn''t even wave me off as I leave. He faces straight ahead as I disappear into the crowds of hunters.


    Oncepletely out of sight, I activate stealth once again and slip into a dungeon before teleporting back into the Labyrinth to continue farming with my time remaining.


    Monk said it''d take 3 to 4 hours, and I still have a bit of time, so I dungeon walk around the red-tinted dungeon full of speedsters for the remaining hour and a half I have left, bringing my level up to 629, gaining 1 extra PP, a few million MCP, and collecting 5 more crimson speed fragments to add to my item storage.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    I attempt to practice my Qi control further, but it''s not even worth trying. Every time I make an impact I deste my opponent.


    "Not bad... but I''m ready for a real challenge."


    Crushing the transport crystal in my hand, I''m brought back to the Galeheart tower and go through the process of exiting the walls and reentering under a new wristband ID. This time, adding 14 tinum to my bnce, keeping a clean 50 bars in my storage.


    As I walk through the walls to make it back to Monk''s base, I think about how much easier all this traveling would be if I learned how to craft and set points for transport crystals myself. I begin outlining where I''d ce points around each Sector and Region for quick teleportation without the use of dungeons, but these thoughts start to fade once I enter the monastery again.


    There''s more important information to know right now. I speak up while pressing the wall open back into the training room to hear loud cracks of Qi on Qi echoing throughout the room.


    "How''s the progressing along? Are they proper Qi fighters yet?"


    With a grin on my face and the door shutting behind me, I watch both Abby and Maria fight Monk with Qi-infused steps and white-hot fists colliding over and over at lightning-fast speeds.


    Monk turns to me while blocking one of Maria''s punches with his forearm just centimeters from his face.


    "Oh, they learned real quick. All three of you were born to be monsters."


    Heughs while blocking a kick from Abby at the same moment.


    Then, everyone steps back, stops, and Monk bows.


    Maria starts tough, and Abby crosses her arms as I walk over, showing an impressed look on my face.


    They''re both covered in sweat, and Maria is the first to speak.


    "Spar with us next, I want to see how we stack up against you!"


    "Sure, why not. A little warm-up before we head to the Arena again would be nice. Don''t hold back."


    Both of them reply.


    "We won''t."


    I take off my gear, and Monk stands back as I get into a fighting stance.


    Maria and Abby face me, forming a triangle, and forcing me to pay close attention right from the start. It looked like they were very skilled opponents when fighting Monk, but I don''t want to use my full strength just in case.


    I''ll limit myself and only block until I can gauge their actual skill level.


    Monk''s voice starts the match.


    "Begin"


    Both of them immediately lunge forward with fists full of Qi at an incredible speed.


    My eyes widen as I have to use my full power Qi-infused step to spin and dodge, knocking their wrists to the side with a reinforced forearm of Qi only after I manage to slip through.


    Simultaneously, two kickse from both sides of my back after blocking their punches, and I have to spin again, thinking fast and letting a wave of Qi flow through my torso to block the kicks as they collide with my body.


    All three of us are thrown back at this collision, and I put my fists up above my face to hide my grin.


    "So, it seems I really can use a good bit of strength. You learned much faster than I thought."


    We jump back in, and I start throwing real punches to gauge their actual strength. Maria''s waves of Qi seem to be pulling from a bottomless base of energy, powering her footsteps and the strength of her punches much faster and harder than Abby''s. However, Abby''s agility and precision make up for it.


    They learned how to focus their Qi together, so it seems they developed an interesting battle style to deal with Monk or any high power enemies like him.


    They use the same techniques on me.


    Maria is the powerhouse, bringing all attention to her while Abby guides the attacks, andnds her own in between while I make sure to dodge Maria''s.


    I do still have the upper hand from pure battle experience, as well as being morefortable with using Qi for more than just a 4-hour session. However, we have a great spar, and I can tell they''re both going to be more than capable of defeating at least up to the 6th stage of opponents in the battle arena.


    We''re all going to have to use the red hydra''s buff on the 7th... but that''s why we''re here to practice.


    After some more basic tips from Monk, we all head to the individual shower rooms and eat together in the cafeteria hall. Once we''re done, and consume a brand new Qi pill, we all stand up with satisfaction and head over to check in for the Arena.


    Abby''s voice echoes through the narrow stairway up to the surface as we start to leave.


    "I''m excited to try this out on some real monsters... Especially that 7th Stage Ghoul..."


    Maria replies as Monk presses open the door to the outside world as we leave the monastery.


    "Me too! I wonder what kind of monsteres after it. Has anyone ever faced the 8th stage?"

 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    "The 8th stage?"


    Monk looks back at Maria as he leads us out.


    "I''m not sure, I''ve never seen anyone face it. It''s probably better that way."


    Each of us nods and doesn''t reply after that note. We follow Monk, walking out of the fortress and regaining our mana sense.


    Our rings of concealment and alteration activate the moment we step out from the dark tunnel.


    Abby and Maria''s faces light up as they take their first breaths of both mana and Qi-infused air.


    "Feels nice, doesn''t it?"


    "Sure does..."


    The walk back to the arena goes pretty quickly. Although my mind is still racing through possibilities of how to set up a business with Bri, and the potential offer Lith will give me tomorrow morning; once the sounds of the yelling crowds hit my ears, my brain switches gears.


    I will have to save up a lot of money for startup costs if I want to do all of this on my own. Farming every single material for crafts may not always be feasible, I''ll have to pay a team to farm for me. It may not seem optimized on a small scale when I can do everything myself, but I have to think bigger...


    So, the mission right now is to make as much money as possible before my fight, and practice my Qi to its upper limits during my actual time in the ring.


    Maria and I put on our ck and white masks, while Abby just stays content with her ring of alteration.


    "Masks are too stuffy, I don''t need an extrayer of disguise just to look cool."


    Monk gets a chuckle out of her line.


    The four of us walk through the crowds of people in the lobby and make our way behind the registration and down the steps to the training rooms.


    The announcer''s voice is echoing through the stadium as usual, hyping up some of thest remaining midday fights while the sky above begins to shift from the golden yellow sunset to a ck sky with twinkling stars.


    Mr. Wright greets us as we make our way down, and his eyes practically light up with joy when he sees yet another fighter appear from nowhere next to the three others that broke record high numbers in the fight arenast night.


    "Do we have another future legacy fighter on our hands?"


    I nod, grinning under my mask and replying.


    "Yeah, it''d be best to put all of us into theter rounds. You''re in for another great showing tonight, I believe."


    We mark our names, and Abby gets registeredst minute without even having to throw her punch on the block upstairs.


    "If you''re attending with this group, I assume you''re more than strong enough to handle yourself, Ms. Emerald Warrior."


    Abby smiles and turns away, and Maria does too.


    Monk and I follow close behind, we walk over to where the usual legacy fighters are standing by the teleport tform.


    He speaks up with his arms crossed.


    "I''m curious to see how they perform in the ring today. They seemed to be of a simr strength to you when you first awakened, let''s see how they deal with real enemies in front of them."


    I cross my arms as well, replying as wee to a halt to look up at the holographic disy of the final midday fight taking ce.


    "That''s right, we will see."


    As the final match ends, and even more people pile in above us in the arena, Max, Sia, and Ace walk over to greet us.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Max, the shield, looks at all of us together and just smiles and shakes his head.


    "More and more of you keep appearing. It''s time I stop questioning it and just enjoy the extra eyes you new Elite arena fighters bring to the show. No one other than Monk has ever even made a scratch on that 7th stage until recently."


    Heughs, and Sia interjects.


    "Hey, we''re notining, more eyes just mean a bigger prize."


    Ace flips a gold coin up in the air with his thumb and catches it.


    "Yeah, keep the biddersing, let''s put on another good show."


    He smirks, and with perfect timing the announcer upstairs begins to yell again.


    Sia turns to the teleport tform and waves us goodbye.


    "That''s my cue."


    The nighttime fights begin right after the midday without much intermission at all. And from the overview shots of the crowd, it looks like equal if not even more people are at the event tonight than yesterday''s show.


    I immediately bring my wristband up to my eyes and watch the betting odds tick up and down as the matches begin.


    All the legacy fighters'' matches along with a few familiar newbie faces, and I bet nearly my full bnce on every fight. Though, I y it very safe, never betting over stage 5 for any of the matches other than Ace. I take the chance on his stage 6 match and he wins in a sh of blue light.


    I turn my 14 tinum bnce into just over 32.


    Monk goes next, and his matches go just as usual. I turn my 32 tinum into 49 betting all in on wins from match 1-7.


    Maria is up next.


    Monk gives her somest-minute tips, and I describe how I was able to channel Qi into my blood-bonded sword when I concentrated hard enough.


    She smiles beneath her white mask and gives a firm nod before turning to enter the teleport circle and entering the arena.


    With her sword on her waist, the first stage begins.


    A low-level hobgoblines running at Maria, and she stands her ground using just her fists to counter.


    On impact with the monster, the wave of hot Qi disintegrates it in seconds, but Maria activates her Ice magic the moment after to create an exciting performance for the crowd.


    Everyone goes wild in the stands, and the next few rounds go just the same.


    She gets used to using her Qi to kill opponents for the next 4 rounds until it''s possible for the monsters to actually withstand a hit if it''s not in a vital area.


    Upon this realization, Maria takes out her sword to practice with one of the Mutant berserker giants that''s ced up against her in the 5th Stage. It''s the same opponent I had when I first started learning.


    The ngs of metal on metal ring through the arena. Maria hardly uses any mana shielding and focuses on her bonded sword after every attack to attempt to channel Qi into it.


    I can tell the first few attempts don''t go as nned, but once it clicks, I watch her sword slice through the Berserker''s weapon like butter, and basically melt the monster in half before our eyes.


    She excitedly jumps in the air in the ring, celebrating the fact that she figured it out.


    The 6th round goes in a much simr fashion. A Red Ogre King is brought out, a monster Maria is very used to fighting.


    Once the match starts, it takes less than 5 seconds for her to replicate the sword motion from the previous match, and channel Qi into her de.


    Surprisingly, it takes a few hits for her, unlike the precision of the de swings I was able to achieve with my swordsmanship skill. However, it doesn''t seem to matter, in 3 clean swings of her sword, the monster''s arms are sliced clean off and its head topples to the floor.


    All of her movements are masked with an extreme wave of ice magic. The floor is covered in glimmering light blue crystals, and the pieces of fallen monster are frozen solid as well.


    The crowd goes nuts again, and the announcer yells with excitement while Maria raises a thumb in the air to move to the next round.


    "That''s what we like to see! The Ice Empress is moving on to the 7th Stage! She''ll be facing the one and only Mutant Ghoul. A level 691 at that."


    There are some oohs and ahhs, but most of the crowd remembers her 2-second performance fromst night, so they bet as if they already know how the match is going to end.


    I do the same, putting all 66 of my tinum on her with a 1.23x payout on the 7th Stage.


    The moment it starts, the stadium goes silent in anticipation.


    It''s fairly hard to pick up what really happened on the big screen without examining it closely with my perception skills, but Maria went head-on against the white-skinned, orange-tinted beast without her buff activated.


    However, the instant it touches the creature''s orange aura, the red Hydra''s buff activates and she blips away from the monster in the middle of the ring.


    Her eyes look very focused and she deactivates her buff the second she''s out of range of the Ghoul.


    She activates her Ice magic on full st to attempt freezing the monster in ce next.


    Its orange aura melts through the prison of Ice in an instant, but while distracted she still slips through to force another attack.


    The same exact reaction urs.


    Maria plunges through the orange aura but activates her Red Hydra''s buff before sinking in too deep.


    She jumps back and deactivates her Buff again, filling the arena with Ice and reassessing her options.


    It seems as though the same thing is happening to her Qi, like it did mine. Every time she makes contact with its borrowed soul energy, the Qi is being destroyed. She''ll need to learn to focus her Qi control much further if she even wants to make a dent in that monster''s orange energy.


    Even if she does, it''d be a miracle if she actually broke all the way through it without help from the Red Hydra. Without a higher overall capacity, it may just be impossible to beat this monster naturally.


    I let out a thin smile beneath my mask and look to my side, speaking up in a low tone only loud enough for Abby to hear.


    "Looks like she''s really pushing her limits on this one, we should do the same."

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    The pirs of ice summoned from Maria''s feet and sword nearly fill the entire arena''s dome. However, the unyielding orange aura and ferocious speed of the ghoul tear down her mana and Qi-imbued attacks one by one without slowing down in the slightest.


    Over 10 more shes go by, making bigger and more extreme explosions of blue ice crystals each time. Every sh they have ends with Maria sinking slightly deeper into the ghoul''s aura, but activating her Red Hydra''s buff moments before disaster.


    I can tell she''s growing at a rapid rate, channeling more qi into her de, and making it denser and denser every time. She''s learning her upper Qi imbuing limits just like I did in my fight yesterday.


    However, this doesn''tst forever. Every attack into that orange aura evaporates arge amount of Qi, and it''s clear she''s starting to run low when on her next attack, a red aura envelops her entire body before her de even makes contact with the Ghoul.


    In a glimmering disy of pink-tinted ice, the monster is defeated, and the crowd erupts into cheers that even shake the ceiling above us.


    What the audience thought was going to be a one-attack match turned into an epic duel.


    I smile as she walks around the ring in a victoryp, destroying the leftover ice in the ring and politely declining the announcer''s offer to move on to the next stage.


    Over 81 tinum rest in my bnce as she''s teleported back into the training room and Abby steps up to the tform.


    "Good luck out there, put on a show and take your time in the earlier rounds. There''s no rush."


    She continues forward and the two female fighters exchange words as they pass too.


    "shy match out there, good job."


    "Thanks, I think you''ll enjoy fighting that 7th Stage too!"


    A few people overhear their back-and-forth, and already begin whispering and readying their bets on an unknown fighter closely associated with the woman who just put on the performance of the night.


    Abby teleports away, and Maria stands next to me, letting out quite the long sigh.


    "I dropped down to nearly 20% in my stores, that was exhausting... But very eye-opening."


    I cross my arms and look up at the screen disying Abby readying a fist-fighting stance with her two bonded daggers on her waist.


    "Yeah, It''s not going to be easy figuring this out. I have a few ideas, but we''re going to need a lot of time and practice."


    We ce our bets and the matches begin.


    Rounds 1-5 go just the same as Maria''s.


    I turn 81 tinum into 89, going all in every time. At this point in the tournament, everyone knows that a new participant named the "Emerald Warrior" won''t lose early thiste into the night.


    The crowd still enjoys her presence, and in return, Abby puts on quite the show. Using her stone magic to hop around the ring while glowing bright green, she punches her opponents into bits with Qi-infused fists.


    sts of rock and green energy fly around in all directions to mask her blows, making it seem as if the monsters she''s defeating are turned to stone the moment they''re hit and crumble to pieces.


    On the 6th stage, she''s matched up against one of the extremely quick lizard creatures that carries a spear.


    Using her earth magic, she materializes a floating spear of her own to block the monster''s fast-paced constant attacks. Meanwhile, the green-haired hunter focuses very hard on infusing Qi into her daggers.


    The understanding of Qi imbuement doesn''t happen instantly, and she faces off against the lizardman for much longer than needed. Over 30 seconds of back-and-forths go on before the first wave of Qi finally enters one of her daggers and shends a body shot on the lizard.


    It doesn''t instantly get blown away like the other opponents, but arge chunk of flesh on its side is missing.


    Abby grins, and a zoom-in on the holographic fight disy shows this very clearly. The mood in the arena shifts, and everyone knows she''s going to go in for the kill.


    A series of Qi-infused shester, and every new hit is getting more and more powerful as the stone mage bes morefortable infusing this new power into her bonded weapons.


    By the final attack, it only takes a single clean blow to slice the lizard creature''s head clean off and end the 6th stage with a roaring apuse.


    A full 96 tinum are credited back into my ount and Abby takes a victoryp while giving the okay to move onto the 7th round.


    Based on her performance in the 6th, the odds on the 7th begin leaning against her because the victory wasn''t as swift and clean as Maria''s, opening up a 1.52x bet that I take full advantage of and go all in.


    The grin on my face beneath my mask gets wider and wider as the same results as Maria''s match unfold before me.


    Abby continuously shapes and molds the arena floor with walls of rock to limit the Ghoul''s speed, while getting in close enough to attempt some Qi-infused shes. Her attacks are instantly absorbed by the dangerous orange aura, and the Red Hydra''s buff is activated just in time for the healer to jump away.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    The stone being manipted beneath Abby''s feet is tinted crimson while her buff is activated, and the sharp glimmer in her eyes every time she jumps back in at the monster before her makes the crowd roar with excitement.


    As her Qi gets sucked away more and more, her reliance on the Red Hydra''s buff increases. However, unlike Maria and I, Abby is able to use her buff almost indefinitely as long as she continues to heal her fatigue after it deactivates with [Restore].


    This allows her to be more conservative and precise with her Qi cement, and use her Hydra''s buff to dodge instead of striking when the angles aren''t ideal.


    Her matchsts almost twice as long as Maria''s but ends all the same, with a sh of dark red aura eating through every drop of the possessed Ghoul and leaving it in pieces on the floor while she circles the ring and uses earth magic to bring the rocky arena floor back down to a t ring like it was before.


    She''s teleported back into the training room as just over 146 tinum are credited into my ount.


    Mixed cheers and boose from the audience, but they''re almost immediately drowned out when the announcer says a familiar name.


    "Now, I know there''s been some entertaining fights this evening, but we''ve saved the best forst. I assure you this will be a night you won''t forget. Please wee, The me Emperor!"


    The rumbling noise of the crowd above and overview shots of the arena confirm that there are definitely more people at this showing than any of the other times I came...


    Abby gives me a smile as she steps off the tform, and I get a round of good luck remarks from everyone I pass before stepping on myself. I''m teleported into the ring with my sword on my waist as a weapon.


    "Let''s get started..."


    The matches go on, and I bet all in on myself every round, turning 146 tinum into 172 by the time I finish round 6. Though, 21 tinum was from exclusively my % gains of the fighter cuts, hardly any winnings have been from the actual betting payouts themselves. All of the odds are constantly on me.


    I''ve made quite the name for myself, and no one wants to bet against me other than a few drunkards that want in on the potential 20x+ payouts for me losing.


    The announcer yells out with a happy tone as I move onto the 7th Stage.


    "It looks like we really have a crowd favorite tonight! Let''s make some noise for the main event!"


    I grab my sword tight and watch the level 685 Ghoul appear before me while the crowd goes wild.


    Everything slows down as I breathe in and out, focusingrge amounts of Qi into my de.


    It almost overflows as I let every drop trickle in and run forward with all of my buffs activated including my new and improved extreme speed skill.


    The instant the announcer gives the go-ahead for the match to begin, my Qi-soaked de is already challenging the edges of this monster''s borrowed Soul energy.


    I smirk as my first attempt slices through over a full third of its depth before the density of the energy is too much, and it begins eating away at my sword''s infused Qi.


    I activate my hydra''s buffs and jump backwards with the insane multipliers boosting my already monstrous speed and power.


    I doubt anyone in this ring can perceive what''s happening below them. The only ones with any possibility of understanding what''s going on are Monk, Maria, Abby, and possibly the other legacy fighters to a certain extent.


    With none of this on my mind, and only the enemy before me in my sights, I dive back in.


    Over and over, I attempt slicing through with more refined and different shapes of Qi infused into my de. After over 10 attacks go by, my Qi stores are already nearing half, and I think of an interesting idea.


    "Maybe this could work..."


    Throwing out the same attack will only get me so far. It''s great practice in refining my Qi control bit by bit, but it''s clear I won''t be able to break through its energy without drastically increasing my Qi capacities base.


    But, what if I just made the energy I''m trying to cut through weaker?


    With a sly grin, and de tightly grasped, I activate my Hydra''s buff before I even run toward the Ghoul on this attack.


    When I swing my de, I don''t even aim to kill it.


    I just narrowly miss, aiming only for the aura surrounding its body.


    On contact with its energy, my crimson veil disintegrates its orange energy in an instant as I fly past.


    Once I turn around, the energy seeps out from its body and begins to grow back, but that doesn''t stop me from running at it again.


    Over and over, just like my previous attacks I fly by the Ghoul with speed too fast for it to track over 10 more times in under 2 seconds. Chunks of its energy are melted away, and I get more efficient at moving my des and body to cover higher surface areas and take more energy each time I pass.


    At first it doesn''t make a dent, but by the 10th try, I can see the aura around this Ghoul has dwindled slightly.


    Doing all of this work with the Red Hydra''s buff is not going to be pretty for me afterward, but at least I get to test my theory out.


    Another 10 shes go by, and to the audience''s around streaks of red aura fill the stadium as another 2 seconds pass.


    The orange aura falls to less than half of what it was when I started this match, and I give it yet another 10 shes to bring it to a state where I''m almost certain my de could prate solely infused with my own Qi.


    Ie to a halt on the far side of the ring, deactivating my crimson aura, and feeling a wave of fatigue and difort fall over me.


    Using my newly upgraded self-regeneration skill, I heal myself to the best of my abilities, but it doesn''t do very much at all with the limited time I have to act.


    I still get the sensation of wanting to fall to my knees even as I see the angry screeching ghoule running at me from my left side.


    "This is it..."


    I push through the pain and reactivate all my skills with active battle buffs and turn straight toward my enemy wielding a Qi-infused sword. I allow my swordsmanship skill to take over and my aching body and bones follow the guiding line right at the monster''s midsection.


    The orange cloud around the monster looks one fourth the thickness it did at the start of this match, and my de filled with Qi has not wavered in strength at all.


    The Ghoul shielded by a dwindling orange light is sliced in two by a crisp white hot wave.


    Both of its halvesy motionless on the floor.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I hit level 633 and 226 tinum are credited to my bnce while the crowd erupts in cheers. The announcer hypes up my victory, while I smile and deactivate my buffs.


    I continue to self-regenerate my aching muscles and bones, standing straight with my sword raised in the air.


    It really wasn''t that difficult to defeat as long as it''s worn out. Maybe if I were to battle it long enough with its aura activated, it would run out naturally. Or if I used multiple Qi pills in a match, and made it use up its power destroying my own that might be faster.


    I start scratching my chin, thinking of more possibilities of how I could get the same result without my Red Hydra''s buff for the future. The announcer continues to stall while the crowd is still hyped, showing close-up recaps of the fight to the entric audience.


    It doesn''t seem too odd to me, but at the back of my mind, I''m waiting for the announcer to ask me if I''d like to move on so I can leave the ring and get fully healed up by Abby.


    However, it seems there are more reasons than one for this dy... Before I realize what''s going on, out of the corner of my eye I see multiple ck Armored Knights enter the ring via small white blips of teleportation magic.


    I activate my perception skills and turn to see a main guard unlike all the others. It''s twice the size of the other 3, and already less than 5 meters from my back.


    The monstrous guard''s metallic voice rings through my ears like some kind of telepathy skill.


    "Congrattions... You''ll be participating in the 8th Stage."

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    I start to step back, grab the handle of my sword, and activate all of my stat-boosting skills at once.


    However, the other three guards blip over to me faster than I can even react.


    Two ce their hands on my arms, and another stands at my back, raising a dark ck sword of its own, not letting me move anywhere but forward, closer to the 3.5-meter tall Royal Guard.


    Its robotic, static tone vibrates through my head again.


    "This is an order, from the Dark One."


    Almost immediately, before I can react, the guard with his sword at my back speaks in a low static tone too.


    "You''ll be awarded the full 10% of betting transactions on this match. Consider it a gift for entertaining the King."


    I think about activating my Red Hydra''s buff and breaking out of this dome entirely for a moment, but stop myself before doing anything too rash.


    The taller guard looks down at me and speaks again.


    "Use all of your abilities. Stolen power or not, you''ll need it."


    Before I can blink or even try to respond, all 4 of the guards disappear in a sh of white light.


    Using all of my scanner skills, their items and status came up with distorted [ess Denied] messages covered in weird letters and question marks. Our interaction onlysted a second at most, but I couldn''t gauge their strength or capabilities at all...


    The roaring crowd and the announcer''s voicee back to my senses.


    "Let''s give it up onest time for The me Emperor! Now, I''m sure we all thoroughly enjoyed the show, but I have to ask; Will you be moving on to the 8th Stage?"


    The arena goes silent, and some audience members in the crowd are already turning to leave in order to beat the lines and crowds that follow after an event like this.


    However, people start to grow restless when I don''t immediately decline.


    "What''s taking him so long?"


    "Why isn''t he moving? Is he that hurt from the fight before?"


    "There''s no way he''s actually considering it... A monster over level 700? Is that even possible?"


    "I don''t know, man, I''ve never heard of anyone challenging the 8th Stage."


    I take a deep breath in and out, assessing my situation. Ember, Monk, and Lith; all possibly stronger and wiser than myself, told me I''m surely not strong enough to fight the Dark One. Considering this... it would not be a good idea to get on its bad side right now.


    If I''m still just this entity''s evening entertainment, it''s best I don''t disappoint. On top of that, opportunity awaits. It''s time to push my limits even further and put on one heck of a show.


    Once I''ve made up my mind, I step forward and raise a thumb straight up in the air.


    "Bring it on!"


    The audience and the announcer both stay silent again.


    Whispers and small talk in the crowd cease while their minds begin to register what''s happening.


    An eruption of cheers makes the stadium shake, and after a 10-second pause from the announcer that seems like a lifetime of waiting, he finally speaks again.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Our First Challenger of the 8th Stage. The me Emperor, will be facing off against a level 779 Wraith. Let the betting begin!"


    I can barely hear myself think with the crowd yelling around me and the announcer''s voice echoing through the stands. He''s continuously hyping up the next match and yelling out the live betting odds while I lean against my sword dug into the ground by my side.


    Controlling my breathing, I take the remaining time I have in between matches to use my self-regeneration skill while plundering as much excess mana in the ring as possible to heal my fatigue.


    About 3 minutes pass before the fans begin getting extra rowdy, but this is enough for me to heal myself back up to fighting condition. Luckily, I only had my buff active for a few secondsst match, and didn''t have to use too much extra power. I may not be at 100%, but I''ve fought in worst condition.


    The announcer begins counting down from 10, signifying the betting is close to ending, and that the match will soon begin.


    I raise my sword in the air and let it flicker with mes to show the crowd I''m ready to fight, and bet 26 tinum on a 1.87x multiplier for me to win. This leaves a clean 200 in my bnce. I have no idea what my opponent will really be like, so it wouldn''t be wise to go all in on a gamble match like this...


    It seems like a lot of people still believe in my abilities to win, but there are definitely a lot of doubtful bettors that feel the oue of this match is unpredictable. Considering the 10% take from the house, the audience''s bets are nearly split 50/50 down the middle.


    The screams of anger and joying from the stands show the conflicting opinions are mostly just excited fans throwing their money on an extra bonus event they never knew was even happening tonight.


    Not a single person in this stadium knows what''s about to happen in this Stage 8 matchup.


    "3... 2... 1..."


    I activate my perception skills to their max, and ready my weapon along with my other abilities at a moment''s notice.


    "0... Let the match begin!"


    Arge white sh of light appears at the far side of the ring.


    My scanner skills immediately pick up a simr status to the Ghouls I faced in the round before...


    A [Lv. 779] rating pops up on the top, and no skills or items appear in its other status boxes.


    The only thing I see is the familiar-looking buff [Curse Mark of The Lich King] at the bottom of its status before my attention is brought to the hand of a skeleton that emerges from the white light.


    I activate all my stat-boosting buffs in this moment.


    As the rest of the teleportation magic fades, a ck cloak hovering about half a meter above the arena floor is left in its ce.


    There are no facial features visible through its shadowy hood, and the bony hands I watched emerge from the white magic before are connected to thin bone-white arms that protrude from the wavering ck mass.


    It looks as if there is a breeze fluttering the edges of its ripped-up and tattered cloak, but the air in this arena is still...


    An overwhelming aura fills the ring like a dreadful version of my intimidation skill, so in return, I activate mine and let our invisible energies sh.


    The ring fills with a buzz of power, and an orange auraes seeping out from the creature''s robes. Streaks of ck energy leave the Wraith''s body as the Orange Soul energy leaks out, mixing into the aura and staining it a much darker color closer to crimson-brown.


    It raises both of its bony hands in the air, revealing 10 individual bones for fingers, then moves its shadowy hood right in my direction. If it had eyes I could see, they''d definitely be staring directly at me right now.


    Two orbs of dark orange and ck energy begin to grow in both of its hands, and I take this as a cue to activate my Red Hydra''s Buff and prepare for the worst.


    An eruption of power beams off me as I grip my sword and run in a zigzagging pattern as fast as I can, but the monster''s jet-ck hood tracks me with ease.


    The orbs in its hand glow brighter and brighter, as it concentrates soul energy in its bony palms and I wait for it to make the first move.


    I don''t want to get anywhere near it before I know its capabilities.


    Just from my visual senses, along with my enhanced mana and Qi perception, I can tell this energy is multiple times denser than the Ghouls in the previous round. However, these ck streaks are a mystery to me. The only thing clear is this is a monster on a level I''ve never witnessed in person before.


    Controlling my breathing, keeping my eyes locked on my enemy, and channeling Qi into my sword along with the overflowing fire magic of multiple element stones, my own skill, and the overwhelming buff of the red hydra coursing through my body; I feel like an unstoppable force.


    However, as the Wraith swings its left hand, sending an Orb of Hot Orange energy hurtling through the air toward me, my survival instincts scream for me to run. Without a moment''s hesitation, I harness every drop of energy I possess and lunge to the opposite side of the ring, driven purely by the primal urge to escape imminent danger.


    My neck cranes to the side as it swings its right hand too, releasing the second orange orb.


    My heart races faster, and I use Qi-infused steps, extreme speed buffs, and even wind magic to push myself away from the ominous approaching ball of light.


    But it''s no use. The attack I previously dodged turns in mid-air, rocketing back toward me at an even faster speed than it started.


    In the same instant, the other orb shifts its momentum to follow me too.


    Fractions of a secondter I''m backed up against a wall, with both orbs of energy closing in.

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    With nowhere to run but up. I use two massive air-steps full of wind magic to boost myself upward, nearing the upper limits of the mana-shielded dome.


    The orbs follow, but I swing my ming crimson aura-covered sword downward as there is nowhere left to run. If I can''t block this long-range attack, I might as well just forfeit now... That would be the easy way out.


    If I fall below 10% health, I''ll be instantly transported outside the ring and lose the match. If I allow that to happen, I won''t be able to learn the secrets of this stronger version of the Lich King''s soul energy.


    It may be the one and only chance I get... So I have to continue.


    As I swing my sword down, the two orange orbs continue to rise up at a faster and faster speed.


    I can see the ck-robed wraith far below me with its skeletal arms lifted in the air, somehow manipting this energy.


    Once the energies collide, a sizzling sound vibrates through the entire arena.


    I put my feet backward to hit the mana-shielded wall, and an extra additional force pushes me forward to face the iing attack.


    The glowing edge of my de sinks deep into the orbs, and the energy around them starts to bubble like a hot knife dropped into a tub of butter.


    The deeper it sinks in, the more they bubble, and the closer my body gets to the approaching orbs, the more the energy is dispersed.


    By the time my de slices all the way through, both balls of energy explode into sma that continues its upward momentum to ssh against the top of the arena dome. I feel an outeryer of my red hydra''s buff tear away from my sword, and every point that made contact with the orbs. But in the same instant, I see the explosion of orange energy being eaten away and dissipated in the same reaction.


    I continue to fall downward and catch myself from hitting the floor with abination of earth and air magic before I get too close to a dangerous impact.


    However, my eyes still stay locked on the orbs of energy dispersing above me.


    Along with the trail of red energy leaking from my de and body, the even more fascinating part about it is the two energies destroying each other on contact.


    The sizzling and bubbling reactions from before were just the two soul energies fighting and disintegrating each other upon making contact. Theyer around my entire body as a whole stayed intact, but this is the first time I''ve seen any part of the Red Hydra''s buff be destroyed.


    By the time the two energies colliding above mepletely eat each other up, the thin crimsonyer of energy that was lost from the attack regenerates around my body and sword.


    It reminds me exactly of how the Ghoul''s soul energy regenerated in myst matchup. Up above me, there is still some leftover red aura stagnating in the air, but it is impossible to control just like the natural red cloud that is left behind me when I activate this buff.


    Before I can think too hard about it, the activation of another two orbs of magic appear in the Wraith''s open palms.


    I run forward in a zigzagging pattern again, but it tracks me perfectly and throws both orbs of light at once.


    I go through the same gut-wrenching instinct driven battle before the orbs of light are destroyed by my aura covered sword, but a small portion of my buff is stripped away and destroyed as well.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    This time when I hit the floor and see it charging up another attack, I decide to take a different n of action.


    I''ve already used my buff to the point now where if I deactivate it, I''m most likely going to be out ofmission until an outside force heals me.


    So, I might as well go all out...


    This ability allows all of my skills to be aided and boosted while activated, so I''m going to y every card in the hand I''ve been dealt.


    Once the next double attack of orbs is sent toward me, I burst into a deadly disy of jet-ck mes that fills a quarter of the arena up with fire almost instantly.


    The edges of the mes are coated in a crimson veil, constantly being buffed by the Hydra, and when I jump to dodge the iing orbs, my mes only spread further.


    While covering nearly the entire arena floor with mes, I use earth magicbined with telekinesis and wind to summon spikes of stone from the ring floor and send them hurtling toward the Wraith. Even these are coated in a thick red aura.


    The tone of the battlepletely shifts in an instant.


    For the first time since the beginning of the match, I watch the monster at the back of the ring move. It shifts, floating quickly and gracefully through the air about 10 meters to the side to avoid the iing crackling mes.


    However, when it sees the spears and pirs of stone approaching, the monster does not even bother to move...


    I block its orbs of light with my sword again, releasing a portion of crimson aura to nullify its attack. Then, simultaneously see my massive stone bullets hit the creature at point-nk range.


    Grinning wide underneath my mask, I jump backward after deflecting its attack and generate even more mes to cover the floor while plundering thousands of MP from the dome behind me.


    During this explosion of ck and red mes, the supercharged fragments of stone pierce right through the Wraith''s body.


    I watch 6rge sharp stone spears stab right through its midsection, while smaller ones collide with its head and arms.


    A loud series of cracks is followed by dozens of bone fragments flying high into the air. Fingers, arms, and shattered white fragments of mass fly off in all directions as the excitement of the kill powers more and more hot ck fire from my body.


    Therger attacks that hit its torso and head, however, have a much different reaction than the exposed limbs...


    My eyes widen as I watch the stonee out the other side of its wavering robes without a single drop of red aura left on them.


    It''s almost like the ck cloak turned into an energy-sucking ck hole, and once the stones fall out the other side, I even lose the connection of my maniption skill with them. They fall to the ground with a loud series of thuds.


    At the sight of this, I begin to gather even more power together.


    If these attacks didn''t do enough damage, I''ll hit the monster straight on with my strongest element.


    I charge my sword with all the mana I can infuse from the wall behind me, as fast as possible before the Wraith can recover or throw in an attack it can''t possibly take head on. Then, in an instant, I swing a dense dark fire imbued de of mana covered in a veil of crimson aura.


    The monster''s arms have been blown away, but it''s still floating in the air, unmoving, staring straight at me.


    As the de of mes rockets directly at its torso again, I feel the dreadful aura from the beginning of the match return in even greater intensity.


    The ring feels as if it''s being suffocated with a dark and heavy force, but none of it is visible to the naked eye, it''s all in my mind.


    The second this happens, the fractured bones, hands, and arm partse floating back to the Wraith, covered in a dense orange energy that is swirling with more ck streaks than before.


    Each of the fragments and bones reconnects to the Wraith''s torso at the same instant that my ck de of mes makes contact with its body straight on.


    The Wraith shifts its stance, taking a step to the left right before it''s hit and split clean in two.


    However, my mana de''s red veil of energy disintegrates and the innards of ck mes fall to the floor behind it, even as it''s split in two.


    Its ck cloak separates in half, exposing a full bone-white skeleton in a sea of churning ck energy. The cloak itself isn''t even a cloak, it''s just an energy manifestation covering its skeletal body and keeping it floating in the air.


    Deep within the Wraith''s bony ribs is a bright orange pulsing heart.


    My mana de missed it by just a few centimeters... if it hadn''t moved its body right before being hit, that heart would have been split in two as well.


    I jump to the other side of the ring, charging up another identical attack while summoning ice, earth, and wind magic to act as miniature distractions in the meantime.


    While I do, the ominous creature keeps its head pointed at me and both of its halvese back together.


    Two more orbs appear in its hands. These ones are tinted ck and hardly show the glimmers of orange beneath their surface.

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    "It has a heart..."


    My eyes lock onto the bright orange energy source beneath itsyers of ck energy manifested cloak. It avoided being hit there on purpose, so I know this is exactly where I need tond my final blow.


    The moment its halveses back together, the battle is back on instantly


    I release another mana de full of fire, and in response, the monster throws its swirling ck balls of energy my way.


    The Wraith doesn''t bother dodging, but to conserve energy and test out what this new attack will really be, I do.


    I immediately air-step back and recharge my sword with the mana in the air and dome behind me while two orbs of ck swirling energye rocketing toward me.


    They pierce through the flickering mes that grow higher on the arena floor, disintegrating the red aura around them, and even putting out some of the roaring mes.


    Wisps of orange seep out from the orbs as their energy is used up to extinguish the mes in their path, but the jet ck core only gets faster the closer ites to me.


    I use the same strategy as before, pushing myself off the arena dome for extra momentum to face the attack full-on with a charged de, but upon impact, I face a lot more resistance than I initially expected.


    Instead of sinking through, the edge of my crimson aura reacts to the ck aura in the orb like two identical mas repelling each other.


    For a moment, I stop in mid-air, and there isn''t even a sound on impact.


    Then I''m repelled backward and the ck orbs are too.


    I''m thrown back into the arena wall, but get my footing before I hit the dirt floor.


    Both of the orbs follow with incredible speed, one attacking from the left and the other on the right.


    I use all my might to block again, but the angles and speed of this secondary surprise attack are too awkward to perfectly line up. I manage to block and repel one with my sword as the other ck orb collides into my blind spot on my upper back''s left side.


    There''s a moment where the energy repels just like before, but on collision, the orb self-destructs and a wave of orange light erupts from inside. It is hotter, denser, and brighter than any light I''ve ever witnessed before.


    On top of that, it''s all focused on a single point as the ck swirls of energy disperse into the air.


    The intense sizzling and bubbling soundes back as I turn around.


    A massive hole in my Red Hydra''s Aura has been burned straight through, and the smell of burnt metal in the air and plumes of smokeing from my back signal something is very wrong...


    The orange light dims, but the sensation of my own power being drained as well doesn''t make me feel any better about it.


    I turn and use my perception skills to see not only my aura has been burned through, but myyer of mana shielding, Smander King''s Cloak, and even a portion of my Berserker King''s blood-bonded armor set.


    The moment my Red Hydra''s aura seeps out from my body to refill the hole in my defenses, I use the self-regeneration skill to heal the portion of bonded armor, but the burn hole in my cloak remains.


    While gritting my teeth and charging my sword back up, the second orbes flying my way in the same fashion as before.


    I block it and it''s repelled with a bounce that does not give off a sound at all, but out of the corner of my eye, I see the Wraith charging up two more ck orbs.


    It throws them my way, and before I know it, I''m forced to block two more with my sword and I''m hit at point-nk range with another attack. The ck outer casing of swirling energy dissipates the moment it contacts the area just a little to the right of itsst attack, releasing another wave of the orange energy that shes so bright it''s almost yellow-white.


    Sizzles, bubbling, cracks, and smoke erupt from my body and I jump away again with an even more determined gaze.


    Anotherrge hole is torn through my cloak and armor, but I have no time to think about aesthetics.


    The Wraith has already formed another two orbs and the two remaining in the air are alreadying my way.


    If I keep ying on the defensive like this, I''ll surely be battered down until I lose.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    My natural aura and armor are enough to take its attacks head-on, and clearly, it won''t give me an opportunity to block. This monster is only going for the cheap shots when I''m distracted. It may be a cowardly method, but it sure is the smart one.


    It''s keeping me at a distance for a reason. My best guess is it can''t take a hit as well as I can...


    My eyes lock on its torso, using every drop of my Red Hydra-infused perception skills to try and locate the orange glowing heart I saw before. However, in the small moment of time I have before a whopping 4 ck orbse flying my way, I can''t manage to pick up a single reading.


    I make the decision and run straight forward, continuously charging my sword up in order to make the most powerful attack, andpletely disregard the orbs of energying my way from the sides.


    One after another, I''m hit on the back, shoulders, and sides as I zip across the ring swinging my sword in an upward motion.


    I release an energy de equal to the full power strike I did before while showering the Wraith with the same earth spikes and spears as a bonus.


    The aura around my body is bombarded by hot acid-like soul energy attacks, and my Smander''s cloak is decimated even more than I imagined it would, My chestte bes cracked and melted in ces, but I push forward to watch the ck de of mes slice the Wraith in half once again.


    It gives minimal reaction, releasing another set of orbs my way before the stone bullets destroy its boney hands and arms.


    I tank the two iing attacks before my aura even fully recovers from thest barrage, and the impact isn''t pretty. Almost half of my cloak is burned away, and a huge hole in my armor is made too. This time, it even managed to burn through and touch my skin...


    I feel a horrific burning sensation, hotter than being covered inva, but it onlysts an instant.


    My aura leaks out from deep within me to nullify it almost instantly, and I self-regenerate my skin and armor given the time I have until the Wraith''s hands and arms need to be put back onto its body.


    In the same instance, I see its glowing orange heart emerge from the two jet ck halves, and the only thing on the front of my mind is iming that prize.


    I swing downward again, releasing another ming mana de, now at such close range, it''s nearly impossible for me to miss.


    As the crimson-covered mana de closes the gap, the half of the Wraith without a pulsing orange heart shifts its body in front of the attack.


    It slices right through like butter, but the moment ites out the other side, the red aura surrounding it is significantly weaker.


    The other portion of the Wraith reconnects one of its arms to the half with the heart, and creates a miniature orange orb, shifting its body, and taking the brunt of the st with its summoned energy.


    The red and orange masses collide and disperse, nullifying my attackpletely, but I still run forward getting closer and closer to the dismembered Wraith.


    It''s half with the heart attached floats backward, and its dismembered half is left in the dust as I run past.


    The arena around me feels as if it''s slowed down so much in this moment that time has almoste to a halt.


    The amount of energy being plundered from the arena and put out to charge and block attacks is unfathomable to the average person. To anyone watching from outside the ring right now, it must be nothing but a blur of bright lights and series of loud sounds.


    What feels like a long series of exchanges to me in here has been less than 5 seconds to the rest of the world since the battle began.


    I run forward as my ck mes from earlier continue to rise higher and fill the arena floor everywhere I step.


    Charging up another mana de, the gap between us lessens to 5 meters, and I swing again at its main body.


    I can hardly even see its arms, energy cloak, or even other attacks being thrown at me.


    My eyes are on the pulsing heart in its chest, and nothing else matters. I''ll kill it here and now. Retreating again will only lead to more cat and mouse, draining my precious energy. I''ll have to go on the offensive eventually, and right now is the only time I can catch it by surprise.


    I have to go all in.


    The red and ck de slices through the Wraith again as it shifts its body, narrowly twisting its heart away from the dense part of my attack.


    I get less than 3 meters away now, and feel another two balls of hot energy hit my back.


    The intensity burns the remainder of my cloak away and severely damages my armor more, but it''s far from the first thing on my mind.


    I focus deeper, allowing even more of my surroundings to fade away, activating my swordsmanship skill, and see a very faint thread to follow. All I can truly see now is the swirling ck energy, a skeletal ribcage, and a bright pulsing heart deep within it.


    My de swings right through the Wraith''s remaining ck body, but my eyes are filled with shock once the eerie feeling of dreades over me again...


    The same dark feeling I felt when I entered the ring, again in the middle of our fight, and now again the instant my de makes contact with its darkness. I can feel the swirling darkness of its energy cloak split in half as my de pierces through it. However, the more I push through, the more energy I feel leaving my own body.


    The Red Hydra''s aura is being sucked away from the outeryer of the de the deeper I pierce through, and the thread from my swordsmanship skill bes dimmer and dimmer.


    I have to dig deep to follow it.


    Pushing through, the tip of my de is less than half a meter away from the heart, but the red aura around it bes so thin that holes in its outeryer begin to let ck energy seep through.


    I let a wave of Qi rush into the de, but it doesn''t do a single thing to help.


    The darkness envelops my sword, and the edges of it begin to crack and crumble. The de''s tip is less than 10 centimeters from the pulsing orange heart, but every ounce of power and momentum has been used up from it to make it this far.


    Pushing my sword any further may damage it beyond repair, and most likely not even make a fatal blow.


    My eyes widen and Ipletely change my momentum. I let the sword fall short, downward, without piercing the heart and take another step forward plunging my other free hand deep into the darkness covered in The Red Hydra''s Aura following the open path carved out by my sword.


    The tips of my fingers hit the edges of the darkness and it immediately feels as if I plunged my hand into a bucket of boiling water.


    However, I don''t hesitate to push it further, reaching closer and closer to the bright beating heart.


    As the skin is melted away from my hand, and the essence of the Hydra is burned away again, I tighten my grasp to feel the pulsing heart and let out a victory yell.


    I activate Life-steal and Plunderer the instant I make contact, and a rush of MP and HP fills my body. I fully grip the beating heart and rip it out of the monster''s body.

 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    I pull my hand out of the darkness right through the path it entered, and tight within my grasp is the orange beating heart.


    It''s hot to the touch, and the skin on my hand and arms is continuously being melted off and regenerated with my skills.


    My mana stores are draining a dense supply from the creature''s main power source, and my HP is being brought up to full over and over again as well.


    Red Aura from my Hydra''s buff is constantly flowing down my arm to refill the areas that are being burned away, and portions of the Wraith''s ck swirling energy body swirl toward the heart in my grip. Piles of its shattered bones gravitate toward me, but I don''t hesitate to activate more of my skills.


    ck mes cover the heart while spears of pink mana, stone, and ice are all forced through it as I air-step upward and hold the glowing mass to the sky.


    In the same instant, I activate one of my oldest skills, Equivalent Exchange. The ability allows me to sacrifice as much of my own HP as I want in order to do the equivalent amount of damage on an opponent.


    It only works when I can maintain contact with the target until the skill activates. This is the perfect moment to do so.


    I input over half of my HP as coteral, and a blinding white light forms in my palm. My full body pulses, and I feel my health disappear instantaneously. However, with my lifesteal skill still activated, more HP soon returns.


    After this barrage of attacks, the orange heart still glows... but once the casing of mana mes and elemental spears all fall from the punctured and battered heart, the bright orange light begins to dim.


    Its bones and dark body attempt to follow me upward even further as I near the top of the dome, but its movements slow and the bright light flickers like a candle at the end of its wick.


    I grasp it tighter, using a reinforcedyer of legendary grade hydra infused body hardening in my grip, and finally, the heart bursts into pieces, and the light goes out.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [1/13 Wraiths Defeated]


    The outer flesh-likeyer of the heart begins to dissolve into thin air the instant I hear all of the level-up notifications going off in my inner ear, bringing me to level 644. With it, the remaining orange soul energy leaves with it, drifting higher into the air and leaving my grasp. However, I still feel something round and extremely hard left in my hand.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I release my soul-crushing grip and my appraisal skill scans the clear marble-sized stone left in my hand.


    [Wraith''s Essence Stone][+155% Mental Strength][Hidden Passive Ability]


    Inside the tiny clear orb, there''s swirling ck energy, simr to the mass that surrounded its energy attacks as well as the manifestation of its ck cloak-like body.


    My eyes dart downward to see the aftermath for myself.


    Its white bones are left shattered in pieces on the arena floor, now being consumed by my residue of ck mes. The body it once had dissolved away into the mes as well the moment its soul energy was dispersed.


    I begin to smile, and ept my victory, but I''m stopped before the corner of my lip can turn up any further.


    Deep in the back of the ming arena floor, 4 blips of white light appear.


    The extremely tall royal guard''s voice resonates through my mind before I can even make eye contact with it.


    "It seems you''re weaker than we thought. You are not a threat, but I thank you for the show."


    A notification pops up on my wristband, alerting me that my new tinum bnce is just over 326.


    The main guard disappears in a sh of white light, and one of the others speaks again continuing in its ce while the two by its sides retrieve all of the leftover bone fragments of the Wraith.


    "You''re authorized to challenge stages beyond the 7th now if you desire. Just know, that was the weakest of the 13 Dark Guards. The Dark One is always watching."


    This guard disappears too, and the other two that recover the ashy remains of the wraith disappear soon after. I don''t even get a chance to respond. I''m still grasping the Wraith''s Essence stone, floating high above the ck mes in the stadium below.


    Once I finally fall to the ground, I ce the item drop under the ripped and burned rags that remain in the front of my Smander''s Cloak. It''s beyond repair, but a fine cover for me to use to ce the clear marble into my storage with no prying eyes.


    I take a deep breath and put out the mes around me, finally deactivating most of my perception and stat-boosting skills. I keep my Red Hydra''s Buff activated, as I have no idea what will happen to me if I shut it off right now. I''d like Abby by my side before I try.


    The overwhelming roar of the crowd finallyes back to my senses, and my adrenaline spike ceases, letting reality flow back in at a normal rate and the excited announcer''s voice echo through the entire arena.


    "What a show! Our first challenger to ever face the 8th Stage! And he won! Let''s hear it for the me Emperor, everybody! What an epic battle we just saw!"


    Recaps and slow-mos are shown on a big screen while the announcer continues.


    "Would you like to go on to the next-"


    Before he can finish his offer, I put a big thumbs down in the air, and put my sword on my waist. Crossing my arms and shaking my head consolidates the point.


    Heughs over the loudspeaker.


    "Very well, have an excellent night. Until next time. Let''s all make some noise onest time for The me Emperor!"


    I feel the teleport magic kick in again, and the announcer keeps hyping up the recaps to the crowd as they continue to shake the arena with noise louder than any gathering I''ve ever witnessed.


    The intensity of my aura that radiates from my body once Ie back to the training room below the ring is powerful enough to instantly knock out every single non-ranked-up hunter down here.


    Over a dozen people hit the floor at once, and even Max and Sia lean against the wall holding their heads. Ace manages to stay upright while Maria, Abby, and Monk stare straight ahead with serious looks on their faces.


    A blinding green sh of light fills my vision, as the massive summoned rune of Abby''s restore skill stretches toward me.


    She walks closer at a quick rate, but even from a distance the skill is already taking effect.


    I feel the warm energy seep into my body. Simultaneously, I take a deep breath in and out before deactivating my buff.


    My body instantly wants to fall limp with fatigue. Every bone feels as if it''s been shattered to dust and my muscles feel like they''ve turned to hot jelly. In the same instant, Abby''s warm rejuvenating energy courses through my veins and keeps me standing upright.


    Only a few seconds go by as I stand in ce, but the mental battle feels like it goes on much longer. Both extreme pleasure from being healed and pain from the Hydra''s aftermath sh at once making my mind want to go nk.


    Staring forward, the white room blurs more and more, begging to go dark. However, I hold on tight to my consciousness and endure it.

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    Slowly but surely, my vision begins to be clear again, and my legs stop trying to give way under me.


    I begin to focus on my heart beating and heavy breathing slow back down to normal.


    The pain in my body ceases, but most of the fatigue stays the same. Even so, I step off the teleport tform back into the white training room, and the green glow of Abby''s rune on the floor dissipates as well.


    I ept the iing hug from Maria and hear her speak in a worried tone.


    "What was that all about? Don''t you think that was a little too risky...?"


    We step back from each other, and I reply.


    "Yes... it was, but I didn''t quite have a choice in the matter."


    My eyes dart around the room and see the scene I just caused. Some hunters are waking up, while others are still out cold on the ground or foaming at the mouth.


    "I''ll exinter."


    She nods, and I watch Abby turn around to use a much lighter version of healing magic on the entire room for a split second before turning back.


    "Pretty impressive fight. It looks like you actually went all out."


    I sigh and walk closer as she eyes my burnt cloak up and down.


    "Yeah... If I had the option, I wouldn''t do it again..."


    Even walking now, my energy stores feelpletely drained. I don''t know by how much exactly, but it feels as if a portion of my red Hydra''s Buff haspletely been destroyed.


    It really is borrowed energy. Just like the Ghouls, once it runs out, I''ll be left with only my own power. I may have another stone left in my storage, but this only proves my point further that this energy resource is finite.


    "We need to get stronger."


    I whisper while walking past both of my teammates with a half-dazed look in my eyes.


    The only thing on my mind is every moment of that battle reying in my head. The Wraith had the upper hand every instant of that match. It was only defeated because of brute strength, will power, and the perfectbination of using multiple skills and hidden abilities.


    On top of all of this, that was the so-called weakest of the Dark Guards. There are 12 supposedly stronger... and one can only assume the Dark One is much stronger to order these guards around.


    The monsters in this city are far out of my league... So far out that they don''t even see me as a threat, more so just entertainment. They let me do as I please while inside these walls because they know I can''ty a finger on them.


    I continue walking forward slowly through the training room, now suppressing my mana aura as many other fighters get up from the floor.


    The Legacy Fighters congratte me on my victory, and Monk praises me for my talents in the ring, but I can hear by his undertones he understands the seriousness of the situation as well.


    Above us, the crowds slowly disperse, and many fighters get in line to sign up with Mr. Wright again before leaving the room. Once he gets to me in line, I politely decline.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "I may be busy tomorrow. I don''t think I''ll be showing up."


    He smiles and nods.


    "Very well, even if you show upte, you''re always wee here."


    The crowds finally calm down, and we go upstairs to leave the arena. Max invites us all to the restaurant bar again, food and drinks on him to repay the gamble payout he won on my 8th Stage match.


    Maria and Abby look excited and want to celebrate their match victories. I nod and ept.


    "Why not, let''s have a good night!"


    I want to let my teammates celebrate their progress, so there is really no reason not to go.


    We leave through the golden walls, agreeing to meet with Monk tomorrow around the same time for sparring, and go to the bar with Sia, Ace, and Max.


    Maria and I take off our masks, but use our concealment items and skills once we leave the public eye, and everyone introduces each other while Abby makes up a backstory about being Maria''s old friend visiting the city.


    As they chat, I look up at the night sky and continue to think about the impossibly high power gap between myself and the monsters lurking in this city.


    Even as the night goes on and we get luxurious drinks and food, I''m barely present in the conversations. I just rewatch the match clips on my wristband and picture myself fighting the Wraith over and over again.


    By the time the midnight taxes around, I still haven''t found any solid solution to my problem.


    The only right answer here is time. I need more time than I physically have to raise my Qi Capacity. Whatever the Dark One is nning, it knows I won''t be capable of stopping it.


    After another hour or so passes, the Legacy fighters get rooms in the upstairs lounge for the night while the three of us leave to roam the city streets.


    Once we make it to the silver walls, each of us receives a massive payout. My item storage now holds 390 tinum Bars. My teammates cash in a hefty sum too, cing their arena winnings in their item boxes.


    Abby is capable of restoring herself to negate her intoxication but doesn''t until we get far outside the city walls. Maria tells me to let her enjoy the walk too, but once we''re ready to head back to the Galeheart Tower, I share my Self Regeneration perk with her, and she sobers up.


    Once far out of sight from the city, we all take out a teleportation crystal and find ourselves back in the lobby. Maria speaks up.


    "So, back to farming?"


    Abby replies as we enter the elevator and go toward the dungeon ess room.


    "Yeah! We have a lot more time than yesterday. We can gain some serious levels and resources."


    "Right, I really want to get enough Ice stones to craft a nice set."


    The elevator door opens as we walk into the teleport room and grab a few transport crystals each. I reply as we make our way down to the cave system.


    "How about I let you two farm alone tonight. I think I need to rest up in an istion pod... I have a lot to think about."


    Simultaneously, I reach into my item storage and pull out the containment case that holds the remaining Red Hydra''s Soulstone.


    I open it with a click and ce the stone into my storage without a casing. Its violent swirling energy ceases to react the moment it hits the pocket world in stasis just like the element stones.


    After closing the case, I hand it to Maria.


    "You can use this to hold any new stones you farm without worry of them going bad."


    She smiles and takes it.


    "So, our exnation of that 8th Stage fight is going to have to wait?"


    "Yeah. I really need some time to rest."


    Abby interjects.


    "My restoration really didn''t do the trick?"


    I shrug and let out a tired chuckle.


    "It did more than enough. I''d probably be passed out or worse if you didn''t heal me on time, I just pushed the limits too far. After some time in a pod, I''ll be better at exining things and have a clear next n of action."


    "Fine, don''tin when both of us blow past you in levels tonight."


    Abby smirks and jumps through the swirling portal of the Red Ogre''s dungeon.


    Maria smiles at her remark and jumps through too.


    I follow, teleporting them into the icy serpent dungeon and red speedster dungeon in thebyrinth before crushing another crystal and blipping back to the Tower. I agree toe back to train with them if I''m feeling better, and if not, they''ll use their teleport crystals toe back to the tower in 10 hours before the training session with Monk.


    Once I return, my eyes are threatening to close as I make my way to the istion pod room.


    As I walk in, I notice there''s already a pod in use on the far left side that says just over 4 hours remaining on it.


    [04:06:55]


    Considering the pods make time pass roughly six times faster inside, 4 hours would be a full day.


    I whisper under my breath while getting inside the pod all the way on the other side.


    "That''s exactly what I need."


    I enter 4 hours on the touchpad, close the heavy metal door to surround myself in the dense mana-imbued mist, then finally take a Qi pill to restore my core back to full. My eyes shut, letting the dense waves of mana rejuvenate my body, and I fall asleep in a matter of seconds.

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    After a long rest, my eyes finally open.


    The white void of the istion pod that surrounds me fills my vision, and I take in a deep breath of mana-infused air.


    I''m unsure how much time exactly has passed, but I do know there can''t be more than 24 hours remaining.


    Based on how my joints, muscles, and bones feel, I assume I just slept for roughly 10 to 12 hours. With the massive influx of mana, it''s almost like I''ve used my hibernation skill to heal all my fatigue and injuries.


    I take off the remains of my smander''s cloak and sigh, cing it into my item storage and freeing up a new slot in my gear possibilities.


    Considering the fact that I usually only use one weapon per fight, and I hold my wind daggers and midnight dagger on me as backup to switch out. I could technically add on gear in these areas too. So, I could add two new items, possibly just leaving one slot open in case I want to wield two des at once.


    I take out my sword and examine my armor as well, making sure my blood-bonded weapons have all properly healed and let out a sigh of relief once they do. I murmur under my breath.


    "Looks like I just need a new cloak... and maybe something to protect my hands."


    I don''t want to go through that horrific pain again. I need to get stronger gear to prepare for a fight with a being with those heightened Soul Energy capabilities.


    Most importantly, I need to raise my Qi Capacity, and fast...


    With a sigh, I sit down in the lotus position inside the pod, and begin to tap into the same feeling Monk showed me when I practiced Qi gathering in the monastery.


    There is far less Qi in the air here, but I can still sense an unusually high amount.


    It''s actually much more than the open air outside, and as my mind slips away to a calm state of being, my subconscious gets to work.


    I took a Qi pill before entering the pod, and a rush of energy filled my core to the brim. All of the excess energy slowly seeped out of my body because I can''t hold anything above my natural saturation point.


    However, this is a closed-door pod, almost like a miniature pocket world.


    I can faintly sense traces of Qi leaving through the borders of the containment casing, but a majority of it is staying inside.


    It circtes around the small white room, and continuouslynds on the outeryer of my body.


    I''m only capable of naturally gathering Qi so fast. The absorption rate is more instinctual like breathing rather than an active action.


    While my eyes are closed, and I concentrate on the cirction of Qi throughout my body, the Qi in the atmosphere naturally gravitates toward me at a faster rate. The difference between sitting and cultivating and walking through an area high in Qi density is not astronomical, but it is noticeable.


    My only drawback is time.


    After another few hours of gentle gathering and rxation pass, my mind gradually falls back into the confusing spiral of reying the fight with the Wraith over and over in my head.


    I need a major power-up, and I need it now.


    I fall in and out of a restless Qi gathering cycle for the remainder of the time in this pod, but for some reason, everything clicks the moment the metal door of the pod opens on its own in front of me.


    Mana and Qi are released from the small containment pod, and I whisper under my breath.


    "I need to go back to the Titan''s Domain."


    Feeling like I just had an epiphany, I step out of the pod and look around like this is a whole new world...


    I always kept the thought at the back of my mind that The titan''s domain could be used to train my mana control up in an emergency situation. But, ever since Ember''s warning about scaring them away and their decreasing numbers thest time I used them to train and defeat the Behemoth on the 20th Floor of the Labyrinth, I''ve been hesitant to go back.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    On top of all of that, the act of sitting in a nk white room for days and weeks on end is a mind-numbing experience.


    Last time I left that white-walled prison I was not the same since.


    I let out a long sigh, pacing back and forth in the small room for a few minutes, thinking about preparing better. If I buy enough food, water,fort items, and entertainment; I could stay in there much longer with less of a problem.


    I have 10 Qi pills left in my silver case... If I were to use all of them, flooding the Titan''s domain with Qi just like I did an Istion pod, I wonder how well it would act as an instor, and how fast I could grow without the burden of a time constraint?


    These istion pods slow down time, but as far as I know, the titan''s domain brings time to a halt... Or at least the dtion is sorge, it seems that way.


    The grin across my face widens as a n begins toe together, but my train of thought is momentarily broken when the blue light above the other pod at the back of the room opens and Lith walks out with his hands sped and a very rxed look on his face.


    I turn to see him, and his gaze bes sharper and his rxed face turns to a thin smile.


    "Fancy seeing you here so bright and early."


    His eyes shift to the other pod on the side of the room that is still open, slowly leaking some mana from my session.


    "Looks like you had a nice session as well."


    I nod, facing him with a more professional look, trying my best to keep my excitement of my recent potential discovery under control.


    He continues, walking over to the back of the room nearing the elevator.


    "Well, I do have a meeting to attend to, but I havee up with a reasonable counteroffer to your demandsst night if you''d like to hear."


    He turns to face me, and I give him a motion to carry on.


    "Sure,y it on me."


    He smiles.


    "Well, I think giving you authority to fire or hire new craftsmen from the team I provide is reasonable. If by chance you have the connections to form your own team capable of doing the volume necessary, that is fine by me."


    I cross my arms and grin back slightly as he carries on.


    "The guards on the other hand, I''ll have to push back on this point. I''d like some of my men stationed in Sector 2 permanently. I run a business of trade and information, it''s in my best interest to know what''s going on everywhere at all times."


    My expression changes to one of distaste, but Lith exins further.


    "We''re still waiting on the details of the current Sector 2, but if you end up forming a ce of operations there, I will promise to give you full privacy for you and your teammates. My men won''t go near it, just like this tower is in Valor City, a safe and private state of operations."


    I nod and rx more as he goes on.


    "Thenstly the trade profits. Although it is a bit of a stretch, me giving you so much help to establish this business and you taking all the profits in return; I''ll ept this portion of your initial ask."


    My eyebrow raises, as this was one of the points I was sure I''d get kickback from.


    "But, in return I''d like to ce orders for Sector 1 and only pay the amount that it costs for you to farm the materials and pay your workers. Every other deal you manage tond, you''ll get to keep 100% of the profits."


    I pause and think about it for a moment, but I''m unsure how to counter everything he''s said in a quick manner. He''s respecting my privacy, promising full autonomy and no prying eyes, but wants rights to ce guards and eyes around the territory itself. On top of that, he''s willing to give up a percent of global trade profits in order to get his own products at a highly reduced cost.


    "Interesting... I''ll have to think on that too. I think we''re getting much closer to a middle ground."


    Lith smiles again and turns to open the elevator door.


    "I think you''re right, we are. Take your time. We still need intel from Fisher and Lydia before we can fully consolidate a deal anyway. I''ll be back in the tower in a few hours, just ask my lobby men to ring me if you''d like to continue negotiations."


    "Sounds good."


    He leaves through the white doors, and I''m left in silence as more mana pours out from the istion pod I left open.


    I walk over and close it with a click, and the sound brings me right back to the state of mind I had before my surprise interaction with Lith.


    "Even better. I''ll have more time than I know what to do with to think about his offerter. For now, I have some tests to run."


    I enter the elevator, put on my ring of concealment and activate my skill, then use the Red Ogre Dungeon ess to teleport myself back to Vice City.


    I walk out in full disguise and make my way to themerce section of the city. It''s barely 6 in the morning, and the sun isn''t even fully up yet, so not many merchants are active at this time of the day.


    All of the outside shops are closed up, waiting for the morning rush of trains full of hunters toe in, but there are a fewrge shopping marts with tired-looking workers manning the registers.


    I walk through a couple, stocking up on gallons of water and piles of food.


    Most of the night shift workers give me side eyes and odd looks, but none of them say a word as I leave them a full gold coin as payment and leave with 4 shopping carts full of food and water only to ce them all into my item storage the moment I leave the store and get out of their sight.


    Next, I go to another 24-hour store filled with misceneous items. I manage to pick up a few sleeping bags, a blow-up mattress, pillows, some casual changes of clothes, and a few additions of the newestics and novels I''ve yet to catch up on while traveling around the Dark Continent.


    Lastly, I find a camping section of the store with a portable bathroom and shower set. My eyes light up at the sight of these, and don''t even mind the 2 gold price tag.


    Again, when leaving this store I get a few odd looks, and I even buy a premium C-grade item box from their magic items section to allow me to take therge overweight items with me. I doubt any of them would overthink it much if I just left without one, but it doesn''t hurt to be extra careful. Once finally leaving the store, I just ce the entire item box full of materials into my storage system for convenience.


    As the sun begins toe up, I activate my stealth skill and walk right past the E-ss guards in the dungeon hub.


    I enter one of the low grade dungeons momentster and Dungeon Walk directly to The Great ins.

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    Activating my enemy detection skill, I scan the entire dungeon in search of the odd readings Titans give off.


    With my more recent mana control and skill upgrades, my skills nearly spread across the entire dungeon as I teleport around from all the old points I used to hunt here.


    Finally, a familiar 500-meter radius nk blotch of high-density manaes into my mind''s eye. There are only two of these blotches in the entire dungeon. Fewer than I hoped for, but one more than I need.


    Even with my legendary skill upgrade, for some reason, it still doesn''t show me a clear image of these creatures. However, I teleport to the closest one nearby, and the sight of a 30-meter tall ck outline of a Titanes into view.


    They look exactly how I remember. A jet-ck void of darkness with no defining features in the form of a massive long-limbed human. They walk slowly around these great ins looking for weaker beings to suck into their domains and steal their mana.


    Even portions of the dungeonndscape are sucked away.


    Staring up at it now, hearing the ominous buzz of mana, and watching it take slow footsteps toward me is not nearly as frightening as they used to be.


    It approaches me from across the rolling hills of a grasnd in, and I wait for a few seconds inspecting and appraising it but gather no new insight. It really is just a massive blob of walking mana.


    "Well... it''s now or never..."


    I run forward and air-step closer to the creature.


    Without a hint of hesitation, I plunge headfirst into the dark void and the familiar sensation of falling takes over. I manage to bring myself upright and activate my wind magic before hitting the white floor of the rectangr white walled trap set beneath me.


    Its ceiling closes the moment my feet touch the floor, and the low buzz of natural mana shielding fills my ears as I find myself back in the Titan''s Domain. It''s a fairlyrge rectangle, big enough for me to run back and forth in like a small sports field.


    The ceiling is high enough to jump around a bit, and the four walls are far enough apart it isn''t too cramped... but it''s definitely a tight fit in here especially if I''m going to be doing primarily training.


    I let out a sigh with my hands on my waist, then get to work.


    I have three major goals for this session.


    The first and most important one is increasing my Qi Capacity.


    Even now, I can sense very small trace amounts of Qi in the air. Even in this very unique space, there''s about 1/10 of the natural Qi in the air that there is in the outside world.


    It makes me really wonder where Qies from. It seems to be everywhere in trace amounts, no matter where I am, but doesn''t interact with anything unless a user can guide it. This energy is very different than Mana or Demonic Energy...


    The second thing on my list to do is raising my Mana Control. While I''m here, I''ll have an unlimited amount of mana to plunder and train with. Focusing on my Qies first, but I believe I can do both at once.


    Thenstly, the third goal for this training session is figuring out how to get out of the Titan''s Domain without the help of Ember''s Mythic Grade Plunderer skill. I can always ask him for help, but I want this to be a replicable process that I can do in front of my teammates without revealing myst and most important secret.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    I smile, reaching into my storage and pulling out my sword getting ready to face the back wall of the Domain.


    "Alright, this is a trial run. Let''s see how much I have to grow before I can get out of here by myself."


    I charge up my de to maximum strength, activate my buffs, get in a sturdy stance, and swing my de with all my power to release a dense ck wave of mes at the white wall.


    Unlike the times I previously tried cutting this wall down, my attack doesn''t make much sound or give any reaction at all.


    It just slices through like butter.


    A massive gaping hole in the shielding before me is ripped open, and the ck void is visible to all my senses. My attack makes it out the other side of the nearly endless void, and I watch an explosion of light as it bursts back into the outside world.


    "It doesn''t even seem that far..."


    If my energy attack can burst through like that, why wouldn''t I just be able to make it out if I tried?


    The thought of activating my extreme speed buff along with a few gusts of wind magic behind me to try following the path of my attack outside into the void crosses my mind, but I decide not to test this n. I can think of more ways than one that theory would not work out well.


    "Though, I do have one way back that''s easier than all the rest."


    I pull out a transport crystal from my item storage and hold it in my open palm.


    If this works, I can bring Maria and Abby here right away and we can all start training.


    I concentrate, and destroy the glistening stone in my left hand.


    The fragments of crystal rock fall to the white domain''s floor, and I don''t budge. Teleport magic activates, covering my full body, but as soon as the sh of light covers my vision it dissipates just as quickly.


    I''m still standing in the titan''s domain with shattered crystal by my feet.


    "Interesting..."


    I remember my Dungeon Walker skill not working correctly in here either thest time I was trapped, and now this teleport crystal too.


    "Well, the easy way out isn''t going to work. I''ll focus on goals 1 and 2 for now."


    Pulling everything non-perishable out of my item storage, I set up a nice living area on one side of the room, and decide to do all of my training on the other.


    The slice in the walls mends itself in a matter of minutes while I sort through my gear.


    In my misceneous items pile with myics and clothes, I bought a mana-imbued digital clock.


    [06:21]


    I take a look at it before I focus on my Qi control. This time around in the Titan''s domain, I''m going to keep close track of the time that goes by.


    Sitting at the far side of the room in the lotus position on a red-colored nket with nothing but water bottles and a clock by my side, I take out one Qi pill and swallow it whole, oversaturating my body''s already full core.


    Closing my eyes and focusing only on the energy circting through me, I constantly push waves of energy in a calming motion through my arms, legs, and torso. The excess Qi from the pills leaks out and begins to fill the room.


    In just a few hours, I''vepletely expelled the excess Qi ande back to my natural maximum saturation point.


    The excess energy in the air slowly flows around the contained room, and starts to gather on my body at a much faster rate than it does outside.


    However, this is not enough.


    I swallow another pill and wait a few hours for its energy to flow through me fully too. The excess Qi fills the room, making the air much denser with energy.


    Then, again.


    After the third pill, I look at the clock and over 8 hours have passed.


    However, the entire room is filled with a much denser mist of Qi. Every time the waves of it pass through me, more and more


    sticks to my skin in trace amounts and is absorbed into my capacity.


    The density of Qi in the Domain is nearing what it feels like to gather energy inside Monk''s Monastery.


    I continue to take the pills, oversaturating my core for 20 more hours straight until the room ispletely full and I''m entirely out of pills.


    The amount of Qi that escapes through the micro tears in the walls is so minuscule, I can''t even sense any leaving.


    By the time I''m finished, the density in here is almost 3 times as much as it is in the monastery, and I can feel my rate of absorption increase just slightly as the density in the room increases. It''s not exactly 3 times as fast, but the difference is noticeable.


    Now that everything is contained inside, I won''t be attempting to break through the walls again anytime soon for fear that the energy may seep out. However, I do test plundering mana from the floor below me and activating all my buffs to burn through MP while simultaneously cultivating Qi.


    It doesn''t affect the absorption rate at all, and allows me tofortably burn through 5 to 6 thousand MP per minute at a fairly constant rate. I could do more, but this is the perfect rate to use my self-regeneration ability to heal my fatigue just as fast as it naturally builds up.


    I let my mind wander, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    I don''t get hungry or tired for another full day. Not doing overly strenuous activity along with my increased mana control base has made it much easier to go long stretches without these necessities. Other than a few small breaks to get up and stretch or drink water, I gather Qi and train my mana control for an additional 24 hours.


    Over 15 million MP is absorbed over the 2 total days, and a good amount of Qi has entered my core, raising my capacity. It''s not visibly noticeable, but I feel as if I''m filled with slightly more energy.


    It may be just a cebo affect for the time being, but I''m excited to push the limits.


    With my stomach rumbling and a few yawnsing out of my mouth, I walk over to the opposite side of the Domain and take a nice hot shower in the portable camper set using ice and fire magic summoning as to not waste too many resources.


    Once changed into a fresh pair of clothes, I reach into my storage to make myself arge meal. On top of that, I crack open a new edition of one of my favoriteics and sit back on an air mattress covered in nkets and pillows up against the mana shielding''s white wall.


    I fall asleep and have a long and rejuvenating rest, then rx in the morning for a few hours as well before venturing back over to my cultivation area.


    Just existing in the dense energy-filled environment naturally gathers Qi, but when I sit down and concentrate, the absorption rate increases much faster.


    I get in the cycle of training 2 days on, 1 day off.


    The rxation state of Qi gathering puts me in a flow state, making time feel as though it doesn''t go by. All I have to do is focus on naturally moving my Qi around in a constant pattern around my body while letting my perception and stat-boosting skills activate at a low rate while my plunderer skill replenishes my MP.


    I get into the rhythm of a zombie-like trance where the only time I need to stop is for water breaks and, of course, food and sleep once roughly 48 hours is up.


    On my 24-hour off cycles, I read, sleep, and journal. Using a few notepads, I meticulously write down what I was doingst in the world outside over and over. I repeat a few conversations and actions that have urred over thest few weeks in a notebook just to make sure the memory of these events doesn''t slip too far into the back of my mind.


    This is the error I madest time I used this Domain to train. I didn''t take into ount that reality hase to a halt outside and wasn''t well prepared to re-enter society. This time around, I''m covering all my bases.


    My schedule is very rxed, and I grow more every day, making a tally on another separate page every time the clock hits [00:00], signifying another day has passed.


    Ten cycles go by, meaning a full month passes, and a few huge changes start to ur.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The Qi in the air noticeably lessens.


    Not because it''s leaving the Walls at a rapid rate, but because it''s staying contained in my body.


    Before, I thought it might just be my mind ying tricks, but now, I''m certain that I feel at least a 10% increase in my Qi capacity.


    My mana control increase is much more trackable. I''ve processed over 150 million MP, and I''m practically glowing with extra power. It''s not as fast as just killing high-level monsters and using my MCP absorption skill on them for maximum percent gains, but it is fairly efficient, and my control is raising without having to level up.


    As another 2 months pass, I get in the routine of doing pushups, sprints, squats, and pullups with heavy stone manifested weights and equipment. I''d like to keep my body in the state of being active even if I don''t technically need it. This doesn''t cut into much of my gathering time; I just add it into a few hours of my 24 hours off-time routine.


    More and more of the Qi in the air begins to fade away during this time too. It''s about half as dense in the air as when I started. My base raises from what I can tell, another 25% or so, making an educated assumption that I''ve gained over 1/3 of my initial base since I entered. My mana control, on the other hand, has raised by an even higher amount, roughly 500 million MP.


    The rate at which I''m fatigued lessens, and the efficiency that I can heal my fatigue increases. Since entering this session, my mana control has raised over double what it was when I began.


    I continue to train.


    All the stress and worry that has built up over thest few weeks and months in the outside world starts to dissipate too.


    The stronger I get, and the more time I have to formte a n for when I get out, the more rxed, calm, and calcted my overall demeanor and outlook on my situationes to be.


    Another 3 months in the Domain pass before the Qi circting in the air has either been fully absorbed by me, or it seeps out through the walls of the domain very slowly. I gain roughly another 1/3 of my initial base. If the Qi in the air stayed as dense as it did at the start, I would have been able to most likely absorb more in the time I was sitting in here.


    However, my mana control only continues to rise at a slow and steady exponential rate. I manage to burn through nearly 1 billion more MP. This over doubles my mana control base again, bringing me to a much higher level than when I entered, almost a 2.5x increase.


    Although I''m brimming with power, I haven''t gotten to truly test things out.


    I stop gathering Qi in the middle of my session today and stand to my feet. The Qi around me is less dense than the natural air in the outside world.


    "I''ve hit the limit. It''s time to break out of this ce."


    I put theics and novels Ipleted into my storage and let out a sigh looking at the ones I still have yet to catch up on. Most of the good food and misceneous items stay in my storage, but I decide to leave all the dirtyundry and used camping gear sets behind. It''ll be easier to just buy these again rather than try to salvage them of any usable materials.


    Once holding everything I care to keep with me, I reach into my item storage and pull out my sword.


    "Let''s see how much I''ve grown."


    I charge up my de with as much mana as possible, activate my skills, and get into the same powerful stance I did before entering this domain. Then, let a wave of dense ck mes erupt from my sword.


    It''s impressivelyrger, hotter, and denser thanst time; tearing an enormous hole in the shielding wall that wraps upward to break part of the ceiling and downward breaking the floor in sections too.


    It hits the back of the void in mere seconds and a huge sh of white light shows that it''s made it to the outside world. The rectangr room I stand in shakes, and my theory that Qi would escape through the open holees true as I watch some denser pockets drift out into the less dense atmosphere in the void.

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    Even with this powerful attack, in a matter of minutes, the massive tear in the shielded walls heals back to as good as new.


    I try using the same attack a few more times, tearing massive cracks in the rectangr prison that open the floor and ceiling up to the ck void surrounding me. Each time it soars through the darkness and makes it out, but nothing changes.


    The walls continuously heal on their own, and I''m left alone in the nk white room.


    Letting out a sigh, I whisper to myself.


    "Well, there''s still one thing I can try."


    Facing the back wall of the room, I charge up my sword with mana and fire magic just like before, but before releasing the attack, I activate my Red Hydra''s Buff.


    A dense crimson aura forms around my mana de and once I release my attack from my sword, the impact makes the entire structure of the room I''m in shake multiple times more violently than before.


    It slices through, and the red aura that remains begins to eat away at the mana-imbued wall that ites in contact with very quickly. Burning it away like tissue paper to a hot me.


    A sh of light tells me the brunt of the attack has hit the outside world through the void, but what fascinates me even more is the sight of the entire back wall of the room beingpletely destroyed.


    The red aura exhausts itself eventually, but it does some serious damage. I can''t even see the corners of the room; it looks as if it was sliced offpletely with a jagged de.


    However, soon enough, the white mana-shielded wall begins to heal itself up.


    I let out a sigh, realizing the more I throw attacks at that wall, the more useless things may be. The only thing it will do is increase my fatigue from using the buff over and over, and possibly just destroy the entire room I''m standing in and leave me floating in the dark ck void of energy all around me.


    I open my item storage and let Embere out. If anyone has insight on my situation, it''d be him.


    As he ps his wings once, thennds on the ground with a thud, he almost instantly curls into afortable-looking ball and looks at me with interested eyes.


    "So you took my advice? I can tell you''re a lot stronger..."


    He looks around, pausing his gaze on the open wall that''s slowly closing up still, then back to me holding a ming sword.


    "You need help getting out of here, don''t you?"


    He starts to chuckle as I nod and reply.


    "Well, yes. But I''d rather find a way to get out of here myself. I''d like to train with my teammates here, but don''t want to expose you to any prying eyes. I have a feeling that would be problematic."


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Ember nods, returning his gaze to the wall as it fully heals up.


    "Yes, anyone that has knowledge of thest war knowing of my existence may bring more problems than good for you if they knew of me. Even if you trust your teammates, I advise you to follow your gut and not tell a soul until you''re much stronger."


    I raise an eyebrow at his mention of a war, but reply with a much more important series of questions.


    "So, is there any way for me to break out of this Domain myself? My attacks are much stronger than before, and my Hydra''s Buff increases that attack power by a considerable amount too. But, that doesn''t ount for the void around us. It doesn''t seem to have any effect on it, and I''m hesitant to dive into it without knowing the dangers."


    Ember smiles.


    "Well, to put it bluntly, you''re too weak. The Titan''s domain is a pocket world formed by magic far greater than your own. It is supposed to be a trap impossible to escape. The only reason we can is because of my skill that retained its Mythic grade status. Time dted pockets of space can only exist when immensely high density amounts of mana are stored in a small ce."


    I nod, crossing my arms trying to follow along as Ember continues.


    "We''re just packets of information stored inside a small domain deep within a titan. Think of this Domain as its own Dungeon. Can you throw energy attacks at a dungeon floor enough times and break out?"


    "No..."


    "A Titan''s domain acts no different, it''s just a much smaller version, with more mana. This leads to very odd space and time-bending properties. The only way to weaken its defenses is to turn off its energy sources entirely. It''s simr to copsing a dungeon and forcing a dungeon break. However,, we''re the only monsters inside this pocket world trying to get out."


    I respond in a disappointed tone.


    "So there''s no other ways to get out? What about jumping in the void? My energy attacks can make their way through, why can''t I?"


    Ember replies.


    "Are you sure they leave the void? My theory is energy distorts more and more the closer it gets to the outer edge. The shes of light and disappearance may just be the attack dispersing into the darkness."


    Then he sighs.


    "Though I could be wrong, I haven''t studied these Domains very much. The Void Creeper''s Rifts are rare toe by, even more so than Demonic ones in recent times."


    I reply.


    "So it''s just not worth the risk. What if I increase my mana control high enough to the point where my legendary plunderer skill has enough power. Or.. maybe if I just upgrade-"


    The ideaes to mind and I immediately open my status with my all-seeing eye activated to check how many PP it would take to upgrade my skill further. I had nned to save up all of these points to use on Absorption, but if this is an easy fix to my issue it would be worth a shot.


    My eyes widen at the sight of glowing blue text before me disying the details of my plunderer skill. Below it is a greyed-out text box showing how much an upgrade would be.


    [Upgrade]


    [Legendary Grade]->[Mythic Grade]


    [1,000PP]


    [YES][NO]


    Even at the increased rate I''m gaining PP with the help of my absorption skill, this option is far out of my grasp.


    I look back to Ember with a hopeful gaze.


    "What about Qi? My Red Hydra''s buff did a lot more damage than my base level mana attacks. What if I just continue to raise my Qi Capacity and tear it open with pure power?"


    Ember thinks for a moment, then responds again.


    "It''s possible, but highly unlikely. You''d need to awaken a very specific Soul Energy designed to drain energy. On top of that, you would need to be much stronger as well. My Soul Energy with the unique trait to cleanse may be able to deteriorate this realm if I tried, but it may be detrimental to my growth if I used that much of my inherited power from a past life in this weak of a form. Plundering the mana is our safest bet."


    I think to myself for a few seconds too, but Ember interjects again before I think of a response.


    "Speaking of Soul Energy, how far have youe along? I can tell you''ve improved a lot. Are you able to manifest Qi outside your body yet?"


    I turn to Ember with wide eyes.


    "No. I don''t think so. Well- I haven''t tried."

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    "Well then, try it. Let''s see. You might as well give it a test run in here while I start the copse and get us out."


    I look down at my sword, then back up to Ember.


    "How?"


    The dragon starts to pulse red, signifying the mythic grade Plunderer skill is activating, but he responds.


    "You either know how to do it, or you need to continue working on raising your capacity. There''s no special technique or secret. It just takes time to build upon your base. If you don''t have control, you won''t be able to manifest it outside your body."


    Ember closes his eyes and his body bespletely engulfed in the red aura of his mythic grade Plunderer skill.


    His words echo through my mind before he closes his eyes and begins.


    "Try it with your sword. It should feel like you''re throwing a punch, but allowing the Qi to flow out simr to how you release mana from your weapon. I''ve gotten a lot stronger since ourst time copsing a domain like this, it shouldn''t take more than a few hours. So practice all you want, I''m sure that will be enough time to understand your natural limit."


    The floor beneath Ember begins to rattle slightly and a deep red colored aura seeps out of him at a fairly quick rate.


    "Looks like you really have gotten a lot stronger..."


    I give a light smile, then turn to walk over to the opposite side of the room holding my sword.


    While Ember starts to take in all of the mana in the atmosphere, I concentrate hard on only my Qi and let it flow through my sword just like I would in a normal fight.


    I haven''t tried this in quite a while, and the nearly 70% increase in my capacity and the constant state of control I''ve been practicing while meditating over thest few months, ites as second nature.


    Saturating my de with Qi up to its optimized potential is as easy as raising a hand to get ready to punch.


    I swing it through the air a few times, activating my swordsmanship skill to help practice a few foot movement patterns I learned from Monk, then stop with my de pointed at the wall.


    "I do feel quicker... and this is all much more crisp and natural, but manifesting Qi outside my body? Where do I even start...?"


    I close my eyes and try to focus on the waves of white-hot energy circting through the blood-bonded sword in my hands. In the same moment, I repeat the swings and foot patterns I used before, and increase the rate at which Qi flows from my core into my sword.


    The speed and force of the flow begins to create a strong sensation like an ocean wave''s currenting from deep within my body. The waves of Qi sh against the outer edges of the de as I continue to practice the movements and be more in touch with this increased power.


    As the crashing waves collide with the edges of my de, particles ssh out into the open room, and every strike slices through the air with increased vigor. My attacks seem more deadly than ever, but I can''t seem to get more than just a few microscopic particles of Qi to drip out like condensation on a ss.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    It''s progress, but I still need something to test it on to know what its true capabilities are.


    My eyes open, and I see Ember''s cloud of red aura has expanded even further, and the portal of Domain he sits on is beginning to fall away already.


    "I don''t have much time."


    I smile and my focus shifts to the nearest white wall to my left side.


    Using the same technique as my test run, I begin slicing through the mana-shielded wall as if it''s made of styrofoam.


    I''m not using any mana at all in my strikes. The only thing I''m doing is oversaturating my sword and allowing Qi particles to be released at an even more rapid rate on impact.


    For the next hour or so, I slice holes in the back wall of the Domain over and over getting better and better at releasing trace amounts of Qi through the edge of my de. The hundreds of cuts in the wall heal up almost as fast as I make them, and the small amounts of Qi that escape from my de float off into the endless void around me.


    Once the red aura from Ember''s skill fills the entire room, I simultaneouslye to a halt in my training.


    "Ember was right... There is a limit."


    For the first few dozen strikes on a real target, it felt as if I was improving each time, releasing more and more Qi in each attack. However, once I got used to the feeling, and even releasing energy became almost second nature, the natural limit to my attack is met.


    What started as just a few tiny particles is now a faint mist.


    After all of this, about 30% of my Qi base has been depleted. A single Qi pill will bring me back to full without a problem. The depletion rate is slightly faster than normal training with my fists. It is still sustainable for long battles, but I can tell if I raise my capacity and control, I''ll have the ability to release attacks that use up higher percentages of my entire base.


    While pondering this, content with my progress so far, I let all the Qi in my body and sword trickle back into my core and prepare to meet the outside world again.


    Ember''s Mythic Grade Plunderer skill begins to take up more and more of the area and the white-walled structure around us begins to crumble. It''s just like the time before. Once it starts, the reaction won''t stop, and I let out a wave of fire magic nearing the end of his plunder to help break down the dwindling outer edges of the domain.


    A multicolored re of light leaves us both on the grassy Dungeon Floor of the Great ins momentster.


    Ember wakes up from his slumber-like state and I point to the sky.


    "Want to stretch your wings before I get back to work?"


    I air-step onto Ember''s back while he ps his wings and flies high up into the sky into the artificial dungeon clouds and away from anyone''s sight.


    As we soar through the air, I fill him in on the progress of my Qi and he exins that this is a very good start. The gathering and meditative state has brought my control up considerably, so practicing more won''t do much more to raise my ability. More time and more Qi will.


    Aside from that, as I look out at the open dungeon, my mind feels crystal clear.


    I read through my journal to make sure I know exactly what I have to do next. Abby and Maria are still in their training session high up in the Vice City Labyrinth. This was all 6 months ago in my time, but merely 4 hours ago in the real world before I entered the istion pod in the Galeheart Tower.


    After their farming is done, I have to meet with Monk for a training session. I''m going to make sure to load up on Qi pills when I do.


    Thenstly, I have a counteroffer for Lith that I''m sure he won''t refuse.


    With sharp eyes, and a barely visible grin creeping across my lips, I speak out into the open air.


    "I have some work to do. This will be quite fun."


    Usually, after a great awakening or rise in power, I see the world in a whole new light.


    The sun looks brighter, the trees look greener, people''s smiles even seem wider, and it feels as though whispers of the universe have entered my mind.


    This time... it feels different. The world around me has not changed at all. It feels as if I''m looking out at a puzzle that is already solved.


    My mindset is exactly the same as it was when I entered the Titan''s Domain, the only difference is I know exactly what I have to do next. The situations I put myself in are veryplicated. However, now that I''ve had enough time to think things through, it has all be very simple.

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    After about 30 minutes of soaring through the sky, we finally decide toe to the ground.


    I activate my Enemy Detection skill to scope out the dungeon and thankfully pick up on the other Titan''s reading at the far back point of the Great ins. I think to myself it would probably be best not to mess with it. Destroying the one I just left is enough to frighten them already.


    I Dungeon Walk to a lower level E ss dungeon and use the exit portal while putting my ring of concealment on and activating my own conceal skill.


    I step out and make my way through the underground dungeon hub''s pathways before making my way to the surface and taking in a few deep breaths of fresh air, along with letting the morning sun hit my skin.


    However, the sun is higher up from the horizon than I remember leaving it.


    I specifically wrote down in a journal that the starting time of my training session was [06:11].


    As I walk by a clock on a nearby shop, I see [07:17] in bold ck digital lettering.


    I''m positive I spent no more than half an hour in the sky with Ember, and hardly wasted any time getting up to the surface. If my guess is correct, it seems another 30 minutes went by in the world outside... Time doesn''te to a full halt; it''s just incredibly slow.


    I nod,ing to terms with it and ducking into an alley before activating stealth and walk even further away before crushing one of the transport crystals in my hand.


    Once I make it to the Galeheart Tower, a glint of fear shows in the two lobby men''s eyes as I appear, but thanks to my new increase in mana control it''s be even easier to suppress my intimidation skill''s passive trait.


    The veil of mana shielding I keep around my body at all times is thinner and denser than the one I used before, allowing even level 1 hunters to walk by me as if I''m a normal person. Thises as natural to me as walking, and is just a perk I picked up while using my buffs at a constant rate for so long.


    I walk up to the two men with a smile.


    "I''ll be out for a while. If the two women I usuallye with teleport in before I leave, could you please tell them I''ll meet them at our usual training spot? I have a few errands to run."


    They both nod willingly, and I waste no time in using the teleport tform to take the usual route back to town to re-enter the city walls like a normal citizen would. Once I re-enter, I load up my wristband with 40 tinum bars. This leaves 350 remaining in my item storage.


    Even this early in the morning, there are some wandering eyes, and even the two guards outside are pretty surprised at such a high bnce for a random visitor they have never seen before, but they don''t bother to ask questions.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    This is one of my favorite things about Valor City.


    Once I make it inside, I immediately make my way to the Gold District and start window shopping.


    With golden entrances to dozens of shops, all sporting high ceilings and disy cases full of glimmering gems and hunter''s gear, this portion of the city certainly knows how to put on a show. Every wall is decked with paintings and hand-sculpted artwork, setting the tone for a specific type of customer.


    The top items on the main disy cases were far too pricey when I first entered this city, but now seem like they''re almost free with the budget I''m working with. However, I''m not here to clear out every store. The real reason I''m shopping right now is to buy two items good enough to fill up my free slots. Along with that, any stones or gear that look like interesting crafting materials will be perfect.


    I walk around for about 3 hours, ducking in and out of shops. The streets aren''t too crowded to begin with, but by the time the sunes fully up overhead, and the time passes about 11am, the shops be overly crowded with people.


    However, I get exactly what I need from two of the highest-end shops in the city.


    [Cloak of Total Darkness][+120% Mental Strength][+105% Agility][+50% Perception]


    [Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets][+125% Defense][+90% Strength]


    I put both items on immediately, and their effects take ce instantly. I even take off my ring of concealment to see how they both look in a mirror on a shop''s wall. However, I still keep my face disguised.


    The Cloak was 3 tinum after haggling down the shopkeeper because it was their most expensive item in the shop. Along with it, I spent an extra 1.5 tinum on dozens of stones, gems, and misceneous items with buffs ranging from 30-80% in all categories.


    Nothing stood out extraordinarily, but they''ll be interesting things I can test out using my crafting skill in the future.


    The cloak makes me feel lighter on my feet and more nimble, and its jet-ck sleekness matches my other gear very well. The perception increase is a very interesting unique stat boost. It feels simr to adding an additional greater demon''s core to just my perception. Or, in simpler terms, activating my all-seeing eye at a very low frequency at all times without using any excess mana.


    I purchased the gauntlets from another shop.


    They were just under 2 tinum in total, and have pretty basic high-level defense and strength-boosting stats, but they are made of a lightweight shiny silver metal that fits over my hands and forearms so smoothly it feels like I''m wearing silk gloves.


    It even has a form-fitting hidden ability that avoids my rings and allows the gauntlets to fit skin tight, making the jewelry sit outside of the shimmering metal.


    The urge to blood bond and craft unique attributes into these two extremely unique high-grade items is very strong, but if thest 6 months taught me anything; patience is key. I smile at the final shopkeeper after cleaning out his entire misceneous section of gems and interesting-looking crafting materials for another 2 full tinum before walking out the door.


    Buying some of the highest-grade items in the city avable for public purchase was actually much easier and far cheaper than I imagined they''d be. I''m sure if I used Lith''s name, or visited the auction at the right time I could find different items at better prices to suit my taste. But, for what I''m looking for right now, I got exactly what I needed.


    I leave the gold district and make my way into the tinum walls.


    In a matter of minutes, I made my way through the towering skyscrapers and finally find myself near the ck stone pyramid.


    With a smile, I enter, walking past the two robed men in the dark entrance hallway without them even batting an eye. Surprisingly, Monk didn''t immediatelye out to greet me this time. However, he did say toe by the monastery anytime I''d like. I ce my hand on the back wall and channel a small amount of Qi into my palm without thinking much of it.


    The door glows much brighter white than it ever did previously, but opens in the same manner. I walk through and make my way down the spiral steps to the main dining hall.

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    Once I make my way down the steps of the monastery into the main hall, it seems very quiet, and much more empty than usual.


    There are a few people dressed in the familiar orange robes walking around, and some eating meals at the tables, but very few.


    I make my way toward the usual training room, and press my hand on the door to open it. To my surprise, I see Monk with both of his hands raised in the center of the room as I enter.


    The Qi within his body is glowing hotter and flowing faster than I''ve ever seen it before. Small particles even drip out like a light mist from his fists and create a visible white glow around his forearms and fingers.


    The moment our eyes make contact, however, the glow ceases and he drops his battle stance while greeting me with a sigh of relief.


    "I didn''t recognize your aura. You''ve... changed a lot."


    As the door closes behind me, I cross my arms and walk over to the table at the back of the room. I reply in a nonchnt manner.


    "Well, nice to see you too. I tried out some unorthodox training methods."


    While taking off my useless gear in this mana-negating room, Monk continues to stare at me and responds.


    "H-How? You raised your cultivation base this drastically in just 24 hours..."


    I turn, once taking off the final gauntlet, facing him in just my casual workout wear.


    "If you have more of those Qi pills I can use, I may be able to tell you. I need to do some tests. Until they''re done, unfortunately, I need to keep my method a secret."


    He walks over to the opposite side of the table at the back of the room, then turns and starts sifting through one of the crates with gear in it before taking out a small ck box.


    Once opened up, the bright glow of Qi pours out, and he tosses me another pill.


    "That is fine. I''ll fund your research if you really believe my disciples and I can replicate it too. Let''s spar and see what you can do before I give you any more of these. We may have a lot stocked up, but it is still a finite resource."


    I catch it and swallow it instantly, bringing my base back up to full, and Monk''s eyes widen even more when he sees my true capacity. I respond while raising my hands and channeling Qi into them.


    "Sure, let''s spar."


    For the next few minutes, Monk and I increase our ability level bit by bit as we normally do in sparring sessions. Starting off slow, then continuously testing each other''s strengths.


    My movements flow much quicker, and I''m more graceful on my feet, having to use less Qi to get the same effect as our previous sessions. My eyes are more focused on his footwork and Qi flow, rather than just blocking punches and sending my own back.


    I match Monk''s speed and power to perfection the faster-paced the mock battle bes. Eventually, we surpass the skill level point at which ourst spar took ce, but neither of us slows down at all.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Our punches be more full with Qi, and it even gets to the point where on impact, small particlese flowing out creating the sensation of two tsunamis crashing against each other and spraying hot energy around the room.


    Loud cracks echo through the training room, and I even begin to see sweat droplets form on Monk''s forehead.


    Another 15 minutes pass as I begin to near my full strength, and by the looks of it, Monk is nearing his too.


    Both of our breathing begins to get heavier, and we both be covered in sweat. We both burn through over 10% of our energy stores in just a half-hour session. Excess Qi fills the room, much denser than it was when we started and Monk''s usual serious straight face shows signs of a joyful smile.


    Eventually, we stop and step back from each other, and Monk is the first to bow. I return the gesture out of respect as he begins to speak.


    "You''ve really managed to start summoning Visual Qi... In just a few days... I thought at your growth rate it''d still take at least a year, or maybe a few months if you spent some time in our most Qi dense gathering room, but-"


    He pauses, and looks at me again with a curious gaze.


    "Somehow you''ve managed to defeat the most powerful opponent in the world, time."


    At the same moment, the door at the side of the room glows white and opens as Abby and Maria walk in with smiles wide as can be. As I turn my head, Abby is the first to speak up,


    "You missed out on one of the best farming sessions ever! We got all the materials we needed, and even some extras on a higher floor!"


    They both chuckle and begin to take off their gear on the table next to mine, and Maria speaks next,


    "But it''s okay that you didn''te along, it seems like your rest healed you up more than fine."


    They both walk over in more casual clothing, and Abby questions me with a tighter gaze than usual.


    "Now that I have a better view, you look a little different than before... stronger..."


    I reply, choosing my words carefully, and remembering what I wrote down in my journal about where my conversation with Abby and Maria left offst 6 months ago in my perception of time.


    "Yes. That matchup in the 8th Stage gave me some new insight into how strong we''re going to need to be. Let''s just say, I''ve begun experimenting."


    Maria jumps in.


    "Oh yeah? You said you''d exin what happened in your match. Let''s hear it!"


    With everyone''s interest in the room piqued, I shift the conversation toward the matchupst night in the real world''s time and recount the events as best I can.


    From the force field-like energy balls, to the flesh melting soul energy of the wraith, and some energy from the Red Hydra''s buff permanently disintegrating from my stores; I tell them everything. The shocked look on all their faces only grows once I describe the encounter with the Royal Guards and the fact that the Dark One knows exactly what is going on and doesn''t even care.


    After these bombshells are out of the way, I mention the fact that I''m working on a new training method to increase our Qi capacities, but still need a bit of time to perfect it. With their attention so focused on the mind-blowing story of the 8th Stage, this unfinished method of Qi gathering isn''t the main attraction.


    Less questions the better, but I still need support from Monk, so my n to bring it up again interlocked with a more serious matter worked out very well.


    To process this information, we all begin sparring again.


    Maria and Abby start off facing Monk, then both of them face me as well. I keep my Qi control much lower and now I can really understand how much I progressed. What felt like actual dangerous punches from Maria and crafty moves from Abbyst time now seem like slow-moving objects and not even a real threat if I were to be hit.


    I allow some punches and kicks to get through my defenses to simte a very close battle, making their training to seem more realistic. But the full powered attacks that hit me don''t hurt at all. They''re easily negated by increasing the density and rate of Qi naturally flowing through my body in the areas of impact.


    After this light session, Maria and Abby spar with each other and Monk and I have another session of very intense fighting on the opposite side of the training room.


    We all get a very good workout in for the next 4 hours or so, draining our Qi stores to low, and showering before making our way up to the dining hall to eat and refresh our energy bases.


    Monk raises the question across from me at the table once we all sit down.


    "So, how many pills are you going to need for your next trial of testing?"


    I reply after taking a bite of food,


    "Well, how many do you have to offer?"

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    "Considering we''re in the 10-week training season of the year, the monastery allows each individual a maximum of 3 Qi Pills per week. There are over 30 members just working here, helping with cooking, cleaning, and maintenance; consuming an average of 1 pill every 2 weeks. On top of that, roughly 20 of us do extensive training, using the full 3-pill max; we run through about 75 Pills a week in total. However, in the off-season, we consume little to none, only taking in Qi from the gathering rooms."


    I respond with an eyebrow raised.


    "Oh, so you go through hundreds without much issue on draining your supply?"


    "Yes, and no. This is only in response to the Dark One''s recent changes to the city. There are some exceptions like me; I bring in most of our ie, so I''m allowed to restore my Qi before tournament battles. Plus, some of us sent out on missions away from the city takerger portions of pills along. And of course, I''ve made an exception for you three."


    Monk bows his head at each of us before continuing.


    "We would be rationing our supply much more heavily if there was no immediate threat. There is only so much stored up in the supply chamber, and we run through them faster than they can be created. We have to think of our future at all times."


    I nod slowly.


    "But if I helped rid you of this impending threat, cutting into a chunk of your supply wouldn''t be the end of the world. Let me do a test with a two-week supply, 150 pills. It won''t go to waste."


    Staring forward with a confident expression, I eagerly await Monk''s response. Considering his exnation of their pill usage, this whole monastery uses up 750 total pills in their training season, and most likely not much more than 1000 in a given year. I know 150 may be a lot to gift to a random person who showed up this week, but going back into that Titan''s domain just to raise my base by 10 pills worth of Qi doesn''t seem worth another 6 months of perceived time.


    Monk responds with little to no hesitation in his voice.


    "This is fine. It seems like a good investment. I''ll retrieve them after our meal."


    Then, he takes another bite as I grin.


    "Excellent. That was easy."


    Our meal finishes, and the conversation is mostly a few questions about what my Qi gathering technique is, but I deflect it multiple times to say it''s a work in progress before the topic switches to the items Maria and Abby farmed and both of their advancements to level 645.


    Once Monk gets up to retrieve the pills, Maria turns to me and speaks in a low tone so no one can hear.


    "We should stop by the restaurant in the gold district before we go to the fighting ring tonight. I want to craft some new items with our loot."


    I agree to the idea, but break the news that I''d like to go experiment more with Qi gathering while they fight in the arena. Monk overhears the end of our conversation as he returns with arge metallic rectangr box in hand.


    "Well, we have about an hour and a half until the matches begin. If you don''t show tonight, it may build your fighter hype even further. Just leaving without a word of goodbye after a record-breaking match like that is a good marketing stunt. Higher-ups in the tinum district will surely be curious where you''ve gone, and many fans will be waiting for your return."


    I shrug.


    "I''ll be back to give them a real show once I''m ready."


    After I ept therge metallic box and ce it under my robe, Maria, Abby, and I head out of the monastery as Monk waves us goodbye.


    "Update me on your process as soon as possible, I''d like to see those pills go to good use."


    He turns to the girls.


    "And I''ll see you in the ring tonight."


    In full disguise, we walk through the tinum district together and into the gold to greet Elen in the empty restaurant. The young white-haired woman greets us with a smile.


    "A fully sealed room for just an hour? Right this way, we have the same one fromst time ready for you."


    After transferring 5 gold credits through my wristband, we''re brought upstairs and down the hall, to walk through 2 heavy-duty mana shielded doors before all sprawling out on thergefortable couch in the middle of the suite.


    We all take off our concealment items and disguises, then Abby is the first to speak.


    "So, I was thinking a new pair of boots, a dagger set, and maybe a ring too. I''m looking to upgrade my speed and agility stats even further."


    Over a dozen crimson speed crystalse pouring out of her item box as her eyes sparkle with possibilities.


    I activate my Rising Emperor''s Domain to share my craftsmanship skill with both my teammates while Maria reaches into her item box too.


    Once she opens the concealment case, the gems that glow bright before my eyes aren''t exactly what I was expecting. There are 10 royal blue ice stones pouring light white and blue mist from them, but next to these, I see 4 clear-colored stones that push wisps of air in miniature tornadoes.


    "Wind Stones too? Is this what you meant by the extra item drops on the 29th floor?"


    They both let out a chuckle, while Maria responds, confirming my suspicions.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    "Yeah! These are for you. I know your dagger set could use them. There are these giant white bird creatures with intense wind magic on the 29th floor. They''re really strong... But Abby and I managed to kill a few. Their element stone drop rate is very high, close to 20%."


    My eyes widen as I ept the 4 stones, then her the leftover ice stones in my item storage I was holding prior and think of the possibilities of a drop rate that high with these new wind stones. While I do, each of their blue status windows pop up as they scroll through the crafting options on their new borrowed Mythic Grade Skill.


    I begin taking out some of the items from my storage and look at what new upgrades I can do to my gear too.


    I tell Abby and Maria to feel free to use any of the misceneous items I purchased from the shops if it helps with their crafts.


    We get to work.


    I merge 3 of the element stones into my dagger set, and their buffs raise drastically.


    _______________________


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Wind Aspect][+137% Strength][+120% Agility][+118% Mental Strength]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Advanced Wind Aspect][+159% Strength][+141% Agility][+140% Mental Strength][+120% Speed][+120% Defense]


    _______________________


    Seeing the new [Advanced Wind Aspect] perk on my set makes my anticipation to check out this 29th floor for myself grow. I''ll finally be able to upgrade my own wind summoning skill.


    After admiring my dagger set for a moment, I move on and begin to upgrade some of my lower-rated gear items. Their stats can easily rival my newer gear by imbuing them with the buffing stones I bought in the market earlier along with attempting to imbue skills into gear too.


    I imbue a few defense items into [The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet] as well as my Berserker skill.


    _______________________


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+111% Defense]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+141% Defense][+125% Strength][+125% Mental Strength]


    _______________________


    I imbue a few defense items into the [tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King] as well as my Bloodlust skill.


    _______________________


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+100% Mental Strength]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+131% Mental Strength][+125% Speed][+125% Agility][+110% Defense]


    _______________________


    Next, I turn to my new pair of gauntlets and decide not to imbue any items into them just yet. However, I do imbue my body hardening skill into them, and there is a drastic change. They be much shinier and harder to the touch. Some stats boost as well.


    _______________________


    [Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets][+125% Defense][+90% Strength]


    [Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets][+165% Defense][+120% Strength][Hardening Attribute]


    _______________________


    Thenstly, I look down at my cloak and take out the item I''ve been most curious about since I got it; [Wraith''s Essence Stone][+155% Mental Strength][Hidden Passive Ability].


    I merge this clear marble with swirling ck energy inside it with: [Cloak of Total Darkness][+120% Mental Strength][+105% Agility][+50% Perception]


    Then, imbue my conceal skill.


    The result looks and feels eerily familiar to the Veil of manifested darkness that was around the Wraith I fought in my 8th Stage Match. However, I''m in full control, and it feels like pure power is swirling around me. My cloak is made of dark ck, dense energy that flutters in the wind, but there isn''t even a breeze in the room.


    _______________________


    [Cloak of Total Darkness][+179% Mental Strength][+155% Agility][+75% Perception][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute]


    _______________________


    At just the thought of it, I activate the Concealment Attribute, and the cloak shifts into the form it was before I merged it with the Wraith''s Essence stone. Then, I think of a different outfit, and it switches instantly, looking just like the red cloak that burned up in my match. Finally, my cloak engulfs my whole body and shapeshifts into the suit and business wear that my concealment ring used to create.


    I release the skill and let it fall back to its original dark ck flowing form and can''t help but grin.


    "Now that''s a serious piece of gear..."


    Abby and Maria stopped what they were doing moments ago and already watched my entire shape-shifting performance, but I was too mesmerized in my crafts to care that they were watching.


    Maria walks over with a bright blue armor set in hand, also gripping a glistening white sword, and some blood dripping from her hands showing that she must have made some blood bonds with her gear.


    "All set! My Ice Magic is going to be unstoppable with gear like this!"


    I nod with a smile, seeing stats on some of her gear surpass +150% buffs.


    "Very nice."


    Abby has two ck blood-bonded daggers of her own in her hands, imbued with her own earth magic skill. The boots she was already wearing now are maxed out with crimson speed crystal imbument, and sitting on a nearby table there are 3 HP potions that glow much brighter green than anything I''ve ever seen before.


    While using my Appraisal Skill, I see what they say but do a double-take to make sure.


    [Full Restore Potion]


    [Full Restore Potion]


    [Full Restore Potion]


    She speaks up when she sees me looking at her creations.


    "Oh yeah, I made those out of curiosity. I just imbued my Restore Skill into a normal HP potion. I''m not sure how well they actually work, or how potent they are. But... I can only assume it''s nothing like normal healing potions."


    I nod while walking closer, attempting to examine the items with my All-Seeing Eye. However, nothing other than "The [Restore] skill will be activated on the user if this potion is consumed" shows up.


    Abby gives me two to test out in training, then hands the other to Maria to keep on hand in case of an emergency.


    I thank her, cing it in my storage very eager to try it out too, but see a portion of my crafting skill''s description while my all-seeing eye is still activated and can''t help but continue to read it.


    _______________________


    The fourth tier of Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade] allows the crafter to mend, adjust, and create magic items with additional stat points in ALL categories. It also grants the caster the ability to convert these stat point categories into percentage-based buffs. The caster is capable of bonding element stones to items making unique growth-type weapons to be solely paired with a user. In addition to outside materials, the caster is able to imbue copies of any skills or properties they own or make contact with.


    _______________________


    I read thest three words of this description over and over to make sure I''m seeing things correctly. The potential to use another Mythic Grade skill in a very creative way crosses my mind.


    _______________________


    Post Chapter Note:


    _______________________


    Updated Inventory:


    _______________________


    Items Equipped: [12 Slots Avable Post-Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    tinum Amulet of Frost [+137% Mental Strength] [+90% Ice Magic Strength]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+141% Defense][+125% Strength][+125% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [+152% Speed]


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [+110% Agility] [+75% Magic Resistance] [+95% Ice Magic Resistance]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+131% Mental Strength] [+125% Speed][+125% Agility][+110% Defense]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+205% Strength][+166% Mental Strength][+109% Defense][+110% Speed][+111% Agility]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+148% Defense]


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+179% Mental Strength][+155% Agility][+75% Perception][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute]


    [Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets][+165% Defense][+120% Strength][Hardening Attribute]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Final Slot[12th]:[Interchangeable]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Advanced Wind Aspect][+159% Strength][+141% Agility][+140% Mental Strength][+120% Speed][+120% Defense]


    Midnight Dagger


    _______________________

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    I turn to Abby.


    "Hey, can I try something... I want to test one of the perks of my craftsmanship skill."


    She nods as I reach into my item storage and pull out an old C-Grade HP potion of my own. I take off my gauntlets, then ce a hand on her shoulder.


    I scroll through my list of skills avable to imbue into the HP potion with my mind, but nothing new shows up.


    With a look of dissatisfaction on my face, I move my hand down and eventually hit her smooth skin right below her shirt line. The moment the warm sensation hits my fingertips, a new blue text box fills my vision.


    [Restore][Legendary Grade]


    I immediately choose it and a white light shes in my opposite hand, transforming the HP potion into the same Full Restore Potion that Abby made moments ago.


    I release contact and hold the ss bottle glowing with bright green liquid in both hands. My appraisal skill proves it worked.


    [Full Restore Potion]


    "Now I''m onto something..."


    I toss the ss bottle up and down in my hand a few times before Abby replies.


    "So it worked?"


    I nod in response.


    "Yeah, looks like it worked... I''ll try out these potions if I get the chance, I''m curious what they can do too."


    We rx and chill around the hotel suite for another 15 minutes or so. Abby and Maria upgrade and imbue some of their other gear and armor with my stat enhancing buffs like extreme speed, bloodlust, and berserker. Then, we all continue tinkering with the magic items remaining from my haul at the market today, and clear out all theplementary foods and drinks in the hotel room before finally leaving because it''s gettingte.


    Maria and Abby head off to the fight arena while I leave town cashing out my remaining 31 tinum bnce and some change before using the transport crystal to find myself back in the Galeheart tower lobby.


    As I make my way to the elevator one of the lobby men speaks up.


    "Sir, you just missed Mr. Galeheart on his way out. He should be back in byte tonight if you''re avable. We just got news that two of your teammates got back from sector 2 with information on its general state and functions."


    I turn my head with both eyebrows raised at this news.


    "They made it back? Can I see them?"


    The lobby man points to the elevator with a nod.


    "They got in just about an hour ago, breathing heavy and both of them were covered in dirt and grime from head to toe. It looked like they hadn''t slept in days and just left a long battle..."


    He pauses for a second, and I look at him with a confused gaze before he continues.


    "Last I heard they went to clean up in the lounge area and use the istion pods, I''m not sure how long they went in for. However, I do know Mr. Galeheart wanted them to attend whatever meeting you are having with him tonight."


    I nod, thanking the man and pondering all the possibilities of what could really be in Sector 2, and how this could derail the conditions I already nned toy out to Lith in our meeting. Fisher and Lydia were gone for well over a week, whatever they were doing must have been extensive.


    Once I board the elevator and check on the istion pod room to see two of the pods glowing bright with text above both of them.


    [05:14:39]


    [05:13:20]


    I whisper under my breath, staring forward.


    "Five more hours, huh? That should be more than enough time. I wonder what you two found in Sector 2..."


    With a shrug, I turn back around and walk into the elevator, taking it down to the dungeon ess room and hopping into the Red Ogre Dungeon.


    I immediately Dungeon Walk back into The Vice City Labyrinth''s 28th floor and defeat the crimson Speed Demon Boss without breaking a sweat.


    Even the base level monsters in this dungeon were pretty quick thest time I fought them, but with all my new gear upgrades, and mana control far over double what it was thest time I faced this floor, these creatures are nowhere near my level.


    They feel as if they''re the same low-level mobs of non-ranked up creatures. It''s hard to even tell the difference...


    I''m spawned into the 29th floor and start exploring the mountainous forest region with thick dark green lush trees. Just as Maria said, a white bird with sharp focused eyes and a wingspan over 7 meters widees dive-bombing in to attack me.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    It looks like an overgrown hawk, bleached pearly white, blending in with the artificial sun''s light rays as ites closer to the ground where I stand.


    Extremely visible wisps of advanced wind magic trail its flight path, but I swing my sword upward filled with Qi and easily slice it in two without activating any of my stat-enhancing buffs.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Wind Summoning]


    Upgrade: Advanced Grade


    [YES][NO]


    I ept the skill upgrade and push myself off the ground into the sky using a massive gust of new and improved wind magic.


    The ground below my feet is ripped to shreds by its powerful gusts, and I''m propelled into the air over 10 times faster and more efficiently than I did thest time I used my wind magic. It''s hard to tell if it''s mostly from my mana control increase, or my skill upgrade, but it''s clear to say I''ve gotten immensely stronger.


    With a single wind-powered kick, I change direction and start soaring through the dungeon''s clear blue skies to slice through another dozen white-winged birds.


    Just as my teammates said, 2 of them drop windstones, making me a tad unlucky for the 20% drop rate that was promised, but I did gain 1 level in the process.


    [Level Up]


    This brings me to level 645.


    After the leveling notification rings in my head, and I throw the loot into my item storage, I stop and look around the 29th floor before letting out a sigh.


    "Alright, that was fun, but staying here any longer is not a good use of my time."


    I teleport back to the Great ins Dungeon, high up above the cloud line to a teleport point I set while Ember was flying up in the sky.


    Using a few air steps to hover in ce, I open up my storage and let Ember fly out too.


    He ps his wings and begins to glide while looking around.


    "Back so soon? What''s on the agenda today? You don''t seem any stronger... but I like the new cloak. It has an interesting aura."


    "Thanks, I just made it. Today, we''re going to run a few tests."


    I do a scan of the dungeon with my perception skills to find only one blotch on my radar. I dungeon walk both of us closer, and point in the direction of the back of the dungeon as Ember flies us closer.


    Once in range, the slowly moving mass of ck energy wanders around the back of the dungeon, further than I''ve ever traveled in the Great ins before. Ember speaks up as we approach.


    "The rift ising up, less than a kilometer in. We should probably get to work before it closes. I can sense it''s a lot more unstable than thest time I checked on it."


    I respond as we soar over the Titan so high in the air we''re undetected.


    "When was thest time you checked? How do you know the rift is unstable?"


    With a p of his wings, we begin to descend.


    "Last time I checked was when you needed me to farm strengthening fragments for that Association Quest. So, before you even left for the dark continent."


    I nod, thinking back to then as he continues.


    "There were sometimes close to a Dozen Void Creepers wandering these Great ins at a time back then. We really overhunted them, the fact that there''s only 1 left in the entire dungeon means they''ll surely be moving their rift point soon."


    The Rift Ember was talking aboutes into view.


    It''s eerily simr to the Demonic Rift I challenged not too long ago. Arge tear in space, making an elongated diamond shape, raised a few centimeters off the ground. It''s jet-ck and stands over 20 meters tall, making it almost 5 times asrge as the Demonic Rift I challenged before.


    The aura it gives off is extremely dense with mana, simr to just staring into the Void of a Titan''s Domain. However, it doesn''t seep out, I can only sense that the energy is inside.


    Ember speaks again.


    "Believe it or not, Void Creeper''s Rifts are usually even bigger than this. I can tell it''s been shrinking slowly for weeks."


    I turn around in the direction of the wandering Titan, then back to Ember.


    "So, If we were to defeat that one, would that be it? Thest one?"


    Ember stares into the void for a moment before responding.


    "Maybe. Another few may still spawn, but we''re getting to the end of the rope here. It wouldn''t hurt to treat that one as yourst chance in this spot. Rifts are very different than dungeons, there''s never a guarantee that they''ll be where you left them if you don''t have a rift key."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Like the one I got from the Demonic Rift? What do you mean? How are they different than dungeons?"


    "Sure, simr to the Key you obtained from that Demonic Trial. Rifts are like stepping stones between worlds. Dungeons, on the other hand, are self-contained pocket worlds that have specific rules and need a predetermined amount of energy to maintain their form."


    I nod, thinking to myself.


    "So what you''re saying is that Rift leads to another world...?"


    "Of course, so did the Demonic Rift you traveled throughst time. We were fighting a trial set up in the Demonic Realm, or better known as the World of Demons. Humans and Demons have simr anatomy and biological needs, so it is a happy coincidence our species can survive on each other''s worlds. The Void Creepers'' home world, on the other hand, is not inhabitable by humans, so I would not rmend we go through for any reason. If that rift closes, there may be no way to return."


    There''s a pause of silence as I take in and process the information Ember just dropped on me out of nowhere.


    "Got it..."


    Ember nods and goes back to looking around the dungeon like he didn''t say anything too out of the ordinary, but my mind begins to do backflips.


    If rifts are pathways to other worlds... and dungeons are just pocket realms, or predetermined constructs like Ember says, this puts everything into a different perspective for me.


    I speak again after a few more seconds go by.


    "So a dungeon can break when too much mana is present inside it, letting monsters out, right?"


    Ember nods.


    "Right."


    "Then, could a dungeon break if there was too little mana in it as well? You often mention you could copse a dungeon or entirebyrinths by plundering its mana, is that simr to what you do when copsing a Titan''s domain?"


    Ember grins and nods again.


    "Yes, very simr. Like I said before. Dungeons are just masses of highly condensed mana with predetermined rules, or settings. When portions of a dungeon are destroyed, they always heal back up if you give them enough time."


    I remember all the tests I did in the Vice City Labyrinth dungeons when Fisher was training me, testing this theory for myself.


    Ember continues.


    "So, if the predetermined energy levels of a dungeon get too high, it will break and spill out monsters made of mana. If it gets too low, it may downgrade to a lower-level dungeon. However, if the mana content gets drained too quickly it may copse and disperse into the atmosphere like it was never there to begin with."


    I whisper under my breath.


    "So a Dungeon and the Titan''s Domain work in very simr ways."


    Ember nods as he sees a spark of creativity ring up in my eyes.


    "Sure, they have simr structural qualities."


    "Good."


    I take off my right gauntlet and ce my bare hand on Ember''s smooth ck scales while air stepping up to sit on his back.


    "Let''s move away from this rift."


    He ps his wings and we make our way up into the sky as I begin taking random items out from my item storage and activate my crafting skill.


    At the bottom of my skill list, avable to imbue, I see [Plunderer][Mythic Grade].


    "It''s time to do some testing."

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410


    I begin holding random items in my storage with my left hand while keeping contact with my right hand on Ember''s scales, attempting to imbue the Mythic Grade Plunderer skill into them, but I''m not getting the results I imagined I would.


    Some of my failed crafts sit on myp as I appraise them and use my all-seeing eye to check their abilities.


    _______________________


    [High Orc Ring][+70% Mental Strength][Plunderer Attribute]


    All enemies below the user''s mana control rating will lose 5% of their MP every time the caster makes contact with the target. The caster will gain 100% of their lost MP.


    _______________________


    Another one reads out a simr ability.


    _______________________


    [Enchanted Dagger Set][+80% Agility][+65% Speed][Plunderer Attribute]


    All enemies will lose 1% of their MP no matter the mana control difference each time they have blood drawn by this dagger. The caster will gain 100% of their lost MP.


    _______________________


    Thenstly, I even try to imbue it into a random item that can''t be worn, and it transforms into a wearable ne.


    _______________________


    [Enchanted Lizardman''s w Pendant][+55% Mental Strength][Plunderer Attribute][Cursed]


    [Cursed Item Created!] The holder of this item will lose 1% of their remaining MP every minute. If the item holder hits 10% of their original max MP with this cursed item still on their person, even if MP is restored and the item is removed, the item effects will not leave the user''s status.


    _______________________


    I hold the green w in my hand, examining it closely and feel a trace amount of my mana seep through my fingertips into the item. A new text box shows up in my status, under a new sectionbeled [Debuffs] with a [-1% MP Per Minute]beling.


    My eyes widen, and I throw the item into my item storage.


    The debuff disappears and no more mana drains from me. I let out a relieved sigh and can''t help but to smile inwardly as I continue sifting through items to try. I murmur to myself as I imbue more misceneous gear with the Mythic Plunderer skill.


    "A cursed item, huh?"


    This is not what I initially thought the items created would be when I imagined imbuing a Mythic Grade skill into them.


    They are very unique, and unlike any items I''ve ever seen before, but none of them allow me to use Plunderer at its full capacity like I imagined they would.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    "It must be the quality of the crafting items."


    With a disappointed expression, I start cing every item back into my storage.


    Upgrading from [No Grade] to [Special Grade] costs 50PP, and upgrading from [Special Grade] to [Legendary Grade] costs 250PP. The jump from [Legendary Grade] to [Mythic Grade] is another 1000PP.


    With 1PP being distributed for every level up, this means a hunter would need to be level 1300 to obtain a Mythic Grade Skill naturally. This is a skill for A-ss hunters only.


    Using high-grade D and C-Grade items as crafting materials will not bring out the skill''s full potential. I need something extremely rare and High Grade to mix things up. Something equivalent to a B-Grade rating at minimum.


    While sifting through my storage to try and find something worthy to interact with, my attention finallyes toward one of the element stones I recently harvested from the 29th floor.


    I pull it out of my storage and use telekinesis to let it hover above my left hand. Violent waves of wind magic spiral out of it, but once my crafting skill activates, and the option to imbue it with plunderer is shown, I select yes with curiosity.


    A bright white light shes and the wisps of wind around the stone only growrger.


    In an instant, tornadoes of energy erupt from the stone and I feel my MP get drained down to under 50% almost instantly.


    Out of pure instinctual reflexes, my left arm fills with Qi and I grab the stone out of the air, throwing it downward toward the dungeon floor. Even Ember reacts to the huge disturbance in energy, opening our telepathy link as I recharge my MP from the surrounding dungeon air while the tornado-filled stone plummets to the ground.


    "That''s a dangerous item you''ve created. I don''t believe you want it touching the dungeon floor..."


    I respond as Ember ps his wings to bring us upward for a moment, then he dives downward to follow the falling stone.


    My eyes sharpen on the stone, using Appraisal and my All-Seeing Eye.


    _______________________


    [Advanced Wind Element Stone][Plunderer Attribute][Cursed]


    [Cursed Item Created!] This element stone has the fighting spirit of its past life monster to guide its actions. It will Plunder Mana from its surroundings at an exponential rate. If the influx of mana from its environment ceases to please its needs, or the item''s maximum storage capacity is met before all mana in the surrounding area is consumed, this item''s structural integrity will copse.


    _______________________


    "You''re right... not good."


    In the blink of an eye, Ember soars through the air and gets us closer to the bright white stone. The closer I get to it, the faster I feel my mana being drained again. I activate my own plunderer skill to try and counteract its pull, but my MP bar barely manages to stay over 20% even while all my buffs are activated to help my skill''s efficiency.


    This is more than enough for me to open up an item storage portal underneath the falling stone and its vtile absorption mixed with swirling energy ceases once it falls inside.


    I let out a sigh as Ember swoops upward and lets out augh.


    "You made a cursed item with my Mythic Grade Plunderer skill, didn''t you?"


    I nod, thinking very deeply to myself about the item''s description as he glides high into the sky again back to the cloud level we were at before.


    "Yes. It seems I made exactly what I was trying to. Just, not in the form I thought it would take. This could be what is needed to copse a Titan''s domain... right?"


    Ember replies.


    "Maybe. By nature, cursed items are unpredictable. It''s what urs when powers that shouldn''t be mixed are forced together. Whether the strength between an attribute and the material are unique and different, or possibly the quality gap between the material and skill being imbued are too far apart. Cursed, or uncontroble items with minds of their own, will appear when an item that is not supposed to be craftedes into this world."


    The wind flies by us on both sides as Ember breaks through the cloud line again and continues.


    "Some curses are more mild than others, but a cursed item is still a cursed item. It''s no joke. I rmend you test that stone out on something before attempting to copse a Titan''s Domain. It''d be smart to test it and watch from afar to make sure there aren''t any hidden traps."


    I cross my arms and stay quiet for a moment, then finally reply.


    "Alright then. What dungeon should we copse as a trial run?"

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411


    I lightly activate my Dungeon Walker skill to sift through all the possible warp points I have in mind, but none of them seem like good options.


    The ones out in the desert of the Dark Continent are way too far away from civilization, and the ones near dungeon hubs are too close to towns and have too many people currently farming in them.


    I want to test this cursed item out on an abandoned dungeon, and not unnecessarily hurt anyone or be seen by prying eyes in the process.


    I search a little further, then decide there''s probably a faster way to find an uninhabited dungeon around here. If anyone would know where to find one, it''d be Bri.


    "Hey Ember, I think I know where I''ll find a good dungeon to test it."


    He responds as I open my item storage to let him fly inside.


    "The stronger the dungeon, the better. Weak ones will not beparable to the titan''s domain in mana output in the slightest."


    As he disappears, I nod, teleporting back to one of the dungeons in the underground dungeon hub Bri showed me in the ck market.


    Activating stealth, I hop out and make my way through the dark underground markets below Vice City. It only takes me a few minutes to speed walk through using enemy detection to pinpoint Bri''s level 488 status with light magic and a crafting skill.


    Dungeon Walking directly here from now on for future meetings with Bri will be a bit quicker than using the capital''s dungeon hub, and probably a bit less risky too. If someone with high enough perception skills can see me through my stealth skill, it''s better they see me down here than up walking through the city.


    Another minute passes, and I make it to the set of heavy metal doors and stairs that lead up to the workshop. There''s a tall blond-haired guard out front with lightweight armor and daggers on his waist. To make sure I don''t make a fuss, I shift my face and appearance using my conceal skill and the concealment attribute of my new cloak to look just like a generic businessman in a ck suit and tie before confronting him.


    With a doctored status to look like a random level 440 hunter with a swordsmanship skill, I reach into my pocket and take out a few brightly glowing items from my storage along with a handful of tinum bars.


    "I''m an old friend of Bri''s. I have a few items I want her to look at, and I''m on quite the tight schedule."


    The guard is over 200 levels lower than my own doctored status, and I made sure to show off enough riches that he wouldn''t think twice about letting me through.


    It''s not like I couldn''t force my way past, but I''d like to be civil this time around.


    He opens the metal door and leads me up to the first floor of the brick building without questioning my actions. It''s clear he knows I''m far stronger than him as well, but I made sure to make myself look weaker than Bri to make him feel morefortable with letting me up into her office. A few heads turn from the workers on the bottom floor, but once they see the guard escorting me up the stairs, they go right back to their usual tasks.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Bernard on the middle floor looks up from a new book but goes back to reading when he sees the guard as well.


    Therge blond tank goes back down to continue his guard duty while I step into Bri''s dark office on the top floor, knocking on the wall as I enter and deactivating my concealment skills.


    The lighting in the room brightens and the curvy craftswoman stands from her desk in a brand new jet ck skin tight outfit. Her gear today gives off a strong mana shielding glow and the two daggers on her waist hum lightly with energy as well.


    I either caught her off guardst time I stopped by, or she got a major wardrobe upgrade.


    As I approach, Bri''s voice echoes through the room.


    "Back so soon? I''m d you decided to knock this time."


    I activate my Hush skill before responding, epassing her whole study just to make sure our words are confidential. Bri continues, asking another question once the grey dome surrounds us.


    "Do you have more important information on our deal?"


    I shake my head.


    "No, I think it will be a bit longer before I have any information pertaining to the trade and crafting agreement. The reason I stopped by now is that I need a favor."


    She smiles and steps around from the back of her desk to meet me eye to eye in the middle of the room.


    With her high heels on, she''s even taller than me by a few centimeters.


    "Oh yeah? What kind of favor?"


    I pause for a second before answering.


    "I need ess to an abandoned dungeon. Or at least one with no people allowed inside. Preferably high C Grade or even B Grade if possible, and it needs to be far away from the city with no humans nearby."


    She looks at me curiously, then nods and turns around to walk back over to her desk and sift through a few papers.


    Without turning around, she responds.


    "I know of one just perfect for you, 20 kilometers or so outside the city. However, if you don''t mind me asking, what''s this for? You need to do somest-minute training?"


    I shake my head and respond as she pulls a paper out of the pile.


    "No, I have the Labyrinth for training if I need. I just need to test out a dangerous item I came across recently. It would be best if there aren''t any witnesses or innocents nearby in case something goes wrong."


    I see no point in hiding what I''m doing, we will be close business partners in the near future, so it''s best toe clean if I''m already asking for favors.


    As she turns with the paper in hand, I see the craftswoman''s eyes light up. I can tell she''s thinking of more than just my mention of a dangerous magic item. Bri raises a corner of her lip into a smirk, tightening her eyes on my own before responding.


    "I''ll show you exactly where you can find a dungeon to do whatever test you need to do. But, did you just say you havebyrinth ess?"


    My eyes leave hers and track to the paper in her hand. The edges of it flop over and I can see it''s a map of a forest region.


    "Great- and, yes, I can get into the Labyrinth undetected to train. This dungeon ess is strictly to test the item out. It may actually copse the entire dungeon... so make sure you''re giving me a location that you won''t miss."


    I let out a chuckle, but Bri''s eyes widen in response.


    "An item that can copse a high-grade dungeon...? And unregistered ess into the Vice Citybyrinth...?"


    There''s a moment of silence in the room as I nod and she walks closer with the paper outstretched in her hand. However, the moment I ept it, she doesn''t let go immediately.


    "In return, could I ask two favors of you? One to pay me back, and another so that I owe you one."


    I nod with a thin smile still on my face.


    "Depends what it is, but I don''t see why not. I''m sure they will be reasonable."


    She releases her grip of the map and continues.


    "Firstly, I''d like to go with you to see you use this mystery item, and witness what you say it might do... and- Second, If you have ess to the Labyrinth, could you get me inside? I''ve been dying for a chance to finally reach level 500 and rank up."

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412


    I ponder the two favors Bri just asked me for, considering their true meaning.


    Asking to see the mystery item I have seems likemon sense for a legendary craftswoman. She''s definitely curious about what kind of item is powerful enough to copse a dungeon on its own.


    Her request to enter thebyrinth and rank up, on the other hand, seems to have some hidden meaning behind it.


    It isn''t a mere coincidence Bri is wearing far superior gear today than at ourst meeting, and the fact that her eyes immediately perked up the moment I said I had ess to the Labyrinth adds to my curiosity.


    Bri speaks up again before I have the chance to respond.


    "If I''m going to be working in the big leagues of the international trade scene, I''m going to need to level up and pull my weight."


    I smile as my suspicions were correct, and she continues.


    "My mana control is on par with some of the Elites in the Association, and rivals many ranked-up hunters."


    I nod, thinking back to ourst meeting how she somehow sensed me using my legendary stealth skill while being ranked up and 150 levels above her.


    Considering that ranking up over doubles a hunter''s mana control in seconds, and usually grants them a unique buff; Bri could be an even more formidable opponent than I imagined.


    "True, your mana control is impressive for not being over level 500."


    "It''s from the years of light magic usage and consumption of mana consumables whenever theye by in the local market. I have to stay on my toes to stay stronger than the other ck market crooks in this city but have never had the chance to get much stronger. Considering my ck Market position and the Association''s knowledge of it, I can''t get clearance to enter the Labyrinth and rank up."


    "So my little stunt before ourst meeting gave you some perspective?"


    She nods.


    "I need to get stronger; it''s about time."


    I smile and reply.


    "Sure, guide me to the dungeon so we can do my item test, then I''ll bring you to the Labyrinth right after."


    We shake hands and I turn to leave, but she stops me mid-stride.


    "Hold on a minute, I have to get all my gear and supplies ready. It should take over 2 days to make it up to a floor with ranked-up monsters, right? And you''re sure the 20th-floor boss room isn''t in its 7-day cooldown period?"


    Iugh and wave my hand for her to follow.


    "Just grab whatever you''ll need for a single short hunting session. I know a way to bypass the bottom floors and bring us directly to where you need to be, don''t worry about it."


    She looks shocked for a split second, but shrugs it off.


    "The surprises never end when you''re around, do they?"


    I shake my head.


    "Oh I''m sure they won''t. I have a lot to fill you in on, and I''m hoping I could learn a thing or two from you about crafting in the near future as well."


    "Of course, I''d be happy to answer any questions you have."


    I turn to wait by the stairs while holding the map she gave me of a dense green forest, showing a small ck Xbeled "Green Ridge Lookout Dungeon". There are no other markings on the map, and a few trails that lead to it.


    Bri gears up even more, throwing on a few extremely high-grade rings and nes, even putting on a matte ck tight-fitting breastte with an extremely high defense stat. More of her exposed skin is covered, and she even wears a pair of ckbat boots for better agility and speed. She''s fully decked out with 10 full slots of +100% multi-stat boosting items along with some element imbued gear as well.


    One of the items is a pair of gold-colored contact lenses that once she ces on her eyes, her entire face shifts to an unrted person. However, using my extremely high mana control and perception on full st, I''m able to see through it and she looks no different to me.


    She walks across the room and passes right beside me down the stairs.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "Follow me, I''ll lead the way."


    I activate conceal and make my cloak shift back into its business attire form. Then, follow right after her, deactivating my hush skill.


    As we pass Bernard on the 2nd floor, Bri speaks up.


    "I''ll be out on business for a while, close up the shop once it getste if I''m not back in time."


    He looks up from his book, stands from his chair, and bows slightly.


    "Of course, Ms. Briana, have a good night."


    Then, we leave through the front door momentster and walk to the outer edge of the city in the direction that I remember taking my C-ss Exams.


    As we step onto the dirt trail out of the city into the forest, I ask a question.


    "Are there a lot of dungeons like this out here? This forest is where that Labyrinth was in myst exams."


    Bri nods while she picks up the pace.


    "A lot of dungeons pop up all over the outer regions of the city. Of course, not as concentrated in areas of high poption skill users, but there''s always overflow."


    I match her speed, and the lush green trees by our sides start to zip by in the blink of an eye.


    "And no one guards or monitors them? They''re just abandoned out here?"


    The craftswoman reaches her top speed, and we stay at the same pace, zipping through the forest as the sun begins to set.


    "Some lower-level ones are left unguarded, but they''re always patrolled by the association. Some are even farmed exclusively for their rare materials. The one we''re headed to is a high C Grade dungeon. Anything over a High D Grade rating always has armed guards watching in case of a break that needs to be dealt with or reported."


    We run through the forest further until Bri points to a tall mountain in the distance. It reaches up into the sky almost 2km high and is fully covered in dark green trees. With my excellent eyesight and increased perception, I can see a closer-up view even from far away. Near the top, there is a huge 100-meter stone cliff wall drop off with a natural t overlook above it.


    If one were to stand on top of that cliff, they''d get a view of the entire valley we''re running through right now.


    "That''s it. The dungeon is right on top of that ridge."


    I activate a gust of wind magic beneath my feet and turn to Bri.


    "How about we take a shortcut?"


    In the same moment I see the bottom of her boots light up with a white glow, and wisps of her own wind magice out. We''re both propelled into the air at the same moment and begin walking through the sky, and up toward the top of the mountain.


    "Element imbued boots to fly? Interesting craft, I didnt know a hunter without the same skill as the element imbued item could wield it."


    "Not usually, but if blood bonded and the user has high enough mana control to overpower the fighting spirit of the original in monster its possible. Even same element imbued items can be tricky. I''m sure you remember the deadly nature of your sword before you got strong enough to control it."


    "Yes, I remember. That makes sense."


    I activate my all-seeing eye as well as my enemy detection skill and sense the swirling blue dungeon portal right atop the ridge like Bri said. However, I sense two other readings up there as well...


    I whisper under my breath as we fly through the sky at a constant rate.


    "You were right, it is guarded. We have what seem to be two elites, or at least two guards that are nearing the Elite status. A level 424 and a level 439. They''re strong, but sneaking past them shouldn''t be an issue."


    She agrees as we change trajectories and curve our upward motion around the mountain''s backside. Bri activates her light magic in a shimmering wall in front of her, and I activate my stealth skill as we finallynd on the opposite side of the mountain''s ridge.


    The wall of magic Bri conjures distorts the light in front of her, making anyone of lower mana control looking straight at her believe there is nothing there at all. She''s able to make multiple light magic walls in a cube formation to be invisible from all angles. My stealth skill makes mepletely undetectable too as we both slowly walk into the clearing that opens up to the view atop the valley.


    The sun begins to fall below the horizon, and the lights of the city are visible in the distance as the entire valley below the mountain is covered in the remnants of the golden sun''s glow.


    On the other side of the clearing, the blue spinning mass of energy is visible with two armored guards standing on either side. They look tired and bored but don''t move from their posts about 5 meters away from the dungeon portal.


    One guard has a legendary grade extreme strength skill while the other has an advanced fire magic skill. They either got very lucky to awaken upgraded skills, or they''re very well situated with the Association to the point where they would give them upgrade crystals. My money is on thetter.


    It doesn''t matter though, Bri and I slowly walk right past both of them, and neither bats an eye as we walk straight into the swirling portal.


    The bright blue sky, beating hot sun, and yellow sandy desert floor hit my senses as we''re spawned into the dungeon.


    Bri lets out augh as our feet hit the sandy floor with a light thud.


    "I haven''t done anything like this in quite a while. It feels nice to get out of that workshop."


    I nod, deactivating my stealth skill and replying with a chuckle of my own.


    "d you''re having fun already, but the real show is about to begin."


    My gaze spreads across the rolling sandy hills, and in the distance, rock formations arise from the desert floor.


    "What kind of dungeon is this?"


    We walk further in, and Bri responds.


    "A sand golem dungeon. If my memory is correct, they spawn in around level 360 to 380. The boss sometimes passes level 400. These monsters are great for training Association grunts that want to give their try at being elites one day, but it''s hardly used anymore because most golems don''t drop any loot other than mana crystals."


    I nod, using enemy detection to see a few of the sand golems Bri was talking about in my mind''s eye using the skill''s new legendary grade perk.


    "I see... this dungeon should be a great trial run. Let''s get deeper inside; I don''t want the exit portal to be harmed by my test."


    We airstep upward and get much deeper into the dungeon, soaring high enough to avoid all pointless mob fights before I finally stop in mid-air. We hover about 30 meters off the ground with endless hills of sand and rock on all sides.


    Bri speaks up.


    "I''ve waited long enough, the anticipation is killing me. Let''s see this magic item you im can actually copse a dungeon."


    I do a final scan of the dungeon to make sure no humans are inside other than us, then activate my item storage skill.


    "I think I''ve waited long enough too. I''ll take it out right now."

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413


    Arge white portal of spatial magic opens up below me about 15 meters down. It''s halfway between me and the ground.


    Without waiting any longer, I let the Cursed Windstone fall from my storage and plummet toward the sandy floor.


    The moment it emerges, the wind picks up and the mana manifested sand from the dungeon floor begins to float up into the air to meet the falling stone. In mere fractions of a second, a twisting sand tornado is created, and I turn to Bri and grab her wrist.


    "To be safe, we''ll need to put even more distance between us and this test."


    The craftswoman''s eyes are locked on the items below us as I Dungeon walk us over 200 meters away in the direction we just came from. Before blipping to safety, I could feel the mana seeping out of me already.


    Once we re-materialize, a loud metallic twang like two mana shieldings colliding hits my ears. It''s followed by thuds, cracks, and a massive explosion of sand.


    The violent Windstone hits the dungeon''s sandy surface and in turn, a rippling shockwave follows but weakens into a light breeze as it nears us over two sports fields in distance away. The impact makes a dome of swirling sand that expands outwards, then gets sucked back into the impact point like a dense center of gravity is pulling it in.


    I let out a small sigh of relief seeing that the damage isn''t instant, but also keep the thought at the back of my mind that this item''s description said its mana plundering speed was exponential. Meaning, it''s only going to get more powerful from here.


    Bri speaks up as we both air step higher into the sky with a half frightened, half excited tone.


    "What kind of item is that...? A special kind of wind element stone? Or-"


    She thinks to herself, staring out at the item ripping through the dungeon floor like it''s paper, wondering what exactly she''s looking at. My eyes tighten on the dome of swirling sand in the distance as it slowly expands.


    A deep-toned buzzing sound begins to fill the air.


    My all-seeing eye picks up on the intricacies of what''s actually happening.


    Through the expanding dome of sand, arge hole in the dungeon floor is being created as the element stone sinks deeper into the desert.


    Sand, which is really just pure mana manifesting as dungeon mass, twists around it like a whirlpool and disappears into a dense center point once it gets close enough to the stone. It expands quickly, and I respond to Bri''s question as we both watch in awe.


    "Yes, it''s an element stone. Well- it used to be. Have you ever heard of cursed items?"


    She nods and her eyes widen, focusing even more on the violently spinning rapidly expanding dome of sand.


    "Yes, I''ve made some myself, but nothing of this magnitude... Where did you get it? Or- don''t tell me you killed a craftsman and made this thing yourself...?"


    She turns her head to look at me as she pieces everything together.


    Bri is one of the only people that has ever seen my true status. It was a requirement for me to show it when I first got my blood bonded sword and entered the underground fight arena. Her memory is very good, I guess that''s why she didn''t question any of my other skills like stealth, wind magic, or dungeon walker when I used them in front of her.


    She''s aware I''m no normal hunter.


    So, I respond in a sarcastic tone with a rxed shrug.


    "Yes, I killed a craftsman to get the skill. You''re lucky I didn''t set my sights on you earlier when I was spending time in Vice City."


    She rolls her eyes and snaps back with her own joking remark.


    "Yeah right, I doubt you could haveid a finger on me even if you found me sleeping back then."


    We both chuckle, but stare back at the growing dust cloud as I exin how it was really triggered.


    "I managed to get a crafting skill of my own in the Dark Continent and mixed two of the wrong ingredients together to create this... Or depending how you look at it, maybe two of the right ones. It''s a long story, one I can tell you after we witness this creations full power and get out of here."


    The corner of my lip curls upward as the swirling dome of sand expands even further and the wind starts to pick up even 200 meters away from the eye of the storm. The deep low-toned buzzing gets louder and louder too, expanding throughout the entirety of the dungeon. I feel a small percent of my MP get drained with every gust.


    In just about 60 seconds, the diameter of the cursed element stone''s pull has increased over 10 times, and the gaping hole in the dungeon floor has be over 40 meters wide and deep.


    Bri responds.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "I think we should get back... Or possibly leave this dungeon for good."


    She reaches for my hand and I grab on to teleport us backward again another few hundred meters.


    The entire dungeon shudders as we do and the dome of destruction growsrger at a faster and faster rate. Massive hills of desert sand and rock formations begin to fall away into the growing mass of violent wind.


    Just 30 seconds after, the stone has created a 100-meter deep hole in the desert floor, making a dome over twice that in diameter, and its mana draining winds reach us even half a kilometer away.


    Sand golems are being sucked into the enormous wind-powered ck hole, and everything made of mana does too. My rings, nes, and even the direction of my fluttering cloak have a slight pull toward the center of the mass. Trace amounts of mana are sucked from both mine and Bri''s bodies.


    However, the interesting part is we''re not being pulled in ourselves, only mana. While the environment around us is getting sucked in and even the helpless dungeon mobs, our flesh bodies are not affected by the pull at all.


    This doesn''t mean I want to find out what would happen if we get any closer, but it is an interesting phenomenon.


    I dungeon walk both of us backward again, over a kilometer away to find ourselves at the dungeon exit portal.


    Far off in the distance, the dome of sand and energy continues to grow. Even here, the buzzing mana and MP draining winds reach us slightly. It''s been just under 2 minutes since the stone was dropped, and it''s already done this much damage.


    The entire dungeon shudders again and the blue spinning portal near us shifts to a crimson tint. A grin crosses my face as I speak up.


    "Let''s let the guards report the break, then get them out of here before they get themselves killed."


    Both Bri and I activate our light magic and stealth skills, then walk out of the red glowing portal back to the outside world.


    The higher level guard with a fire magic skill awakened is staring straight in our direction, but can only see the spinning red mana glow as his partner speaks through a silver transmission tablet.


    "Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? I''d like to report unusual activity at the Green Ridge Lookout Dungeon. The portal has turned from blue to red, this is a break. I repeat. The portal has turned from blue to red, this is a break."


    His partner looks back at him as we walk past in full stealth mode.


    "We should stand guard inside to make sure no mutants escape into the forest. We may be over 20 kilometers away from the city, but we wouldn''t want to take the chance of any monsters slipping out and harming civilians."


    The guard with the transmission tablet finishes up reporting the break to the Association and responds.


    "You''re right, we should."


    Wisps of sand and wind magic start to flow outside of the portal now, pushing manifested dungeon mass into the outside world. The only other time I''ve seen anything like this was that one time I faced the Volcanic Smander dungeon with Maria in the Dark Continent. The heat expelled from the dungeons out into the cave. This was only because the dungeon was on the verge ofplete copse.


    The fire magic user points it out to his partner.


    "Look at that.... We must be in the midst of another intense surge. This was a stable dungeon as far as I knew. I have no idea what could have caused it to act this way... Let''s go-"


    As soon as they both turn to enter the portal, I whisper under my breath to Bri by my side.


    "Brace yourself for a high-powered mental attack. This might hurt a bit."


    Fractions of a secondter, I turn around and release my stealth skill and take down all my mana shielding barriers to activate my intimidation skill on full st focused at the two men that are about to step through the red portal.


    Their eyes roll into the back of their heads and they both fall to the forest floor knocked out from the burst of intense focused mana attacking their psyche.


    "Body double."


    Next, I create a body double and use it to run forward and plunge deep into the red portal to watch what is about to unfold inside with no risk to my real body.


    It disappears into the crimson swirling mass of mana, and in my real body, I turn back to Bri.


    "Help me carry these guys to a safe distance away. I have a feeling once this dungeon fully breaks and copses, it isn''t going to be pretty."


    Bri deactivates her light magic while holding her head and shaking off the effects of getting caught in the crossfire of my intimidation skill.


    "You weren''t kidding. That''s a pretty strong mental attack. I''m d I''m not on the wrong side of it."


    We take one guard each and sling them over our shoulders while air stepping away from the mountain off the cliffside. The sun has almost fully set over the horizon, but with my enhanced sense and eyesight specifically, it''s basically as light as day even at night.


    We make it to the ground in the valley just below the mountain and the memories from my doublee flowing back into my mind.


    "I already died..."


    Inside the dungeon, the moment my double entered, the light swirling winds had already reached the exit point.


    Considering my double is fully made of mana, it began getting sucked in toward the center of the swirling mass. Using plunderer and my other stat-boosting buffs, my double was able to resist the pull for about 30 seconds as Bri and I made our way down the mountain, but ultimately the dome expanded too far out to resist any further.


    All of the sandy hills and rock formations have copsed and been sucked into the windy mass, and dozens of sand golems have faced their demise all around the dungeon.


    The hole in the dungeon floor reached a depth of over 400m and the diameter of the swirling dome hit over 1km as my body double got sucked in and broken down into pure mana to add to the central mass.


    Once these images show up in my mind I imagine the possibilities of what will happen once it has no more energy to pull from.


    My all-seeing eye can sense the red portal swirling more and more violently now, starting to spewrger amounts of wind magic and mana into the real world.


    However, suddenly it stops.


    The twisting wind and violently glowing crimson portal stops expanding with power and contracts on itself quickly and instantly.


    Everything is calm and peaceful.


    Bri and I don''t stop moving forward toward the city, and the sun fully sets, leaving us in the dead of night for a full 20 seconds of silence.


    Then, a glimmer of transport magic brings all foreign material out of the copsed dungeon.


    The foreign material being a highly concentrated, extremely vtile, unpredictable, cursed element stone imbued with a mythic grade skill holding billions of MP from a high C Grade Dungeon.


    Once it spawns in, my All Seeing Eye picks up on it like a bright candle burning through paper on the radar in my mind''s eye.


    It gets hotter and hotter, reaching out for mana to drain, but out here in the in old real world, there isn''t much of that to go around.


    It sucks up the trace amounts of mana in the atmosphere, but soon begins to crack and splinter as its needs are not satisfied.


    The item description warning about it''s structural integrity copsing repeats in my head as I watch the outer crystal walls of the stone break down in my mind''s eye.


    A few secondster, and the eruption of power that is released is far greater than anything my imagination had in mind.


    The dark night sky is lit up like its daytime as the element stone explodes.

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414


    It looks as if a new sun has risen from the horizon as a sh of bright white light makes every rock and leaf in the forest visible as clear as day.


    I turn my head back to watch the eruption of power unfold.


    From a tiny point on the mountain''s top, a sphere of energy expands to envelop the entire top half of the mountain in an instant. Massive skyscraper-sized des of wind erupt from the ball of mass momentster, ripping through the earth all the way down the mountain, and for over a kilometer on every side in deep gashes, making instant valleys in the forest terrain.


    Thousands of trees are disintegrated in an instant, and once the sphere of bright white light hits critical mass, it envelops over 3/4 of the mountain''s top, leaving only the base visible when it finally explodes.


    A second even brighter sh of light blinds me, and only my All-Seeing Eye can watch the damage unfold as the entire mountain is torn to bits and decimated like it was never even there.


    More violent tendrils of wind magic erupt from the center point and carve deep gashes into the earth. A crater over 2 km in diameter is created, and the outward destruction of leftover wind spreads out even further


    The eerie part of all this is the sight I''m witnessing ispletely silent... that is, until the shock wave of leftover energy, wind, and sound finally hits me.


    I ce massive walls of mana shielding behind both Bri and me as we continue to airstep away, and the mountain we passed does create a bit of shielding from the st, but despite that, a wave of horror hits our senses anyway.


    Ites in two rounds, the initial detonation, and the eruption of power once the mountain breaks and all of the built-up mana is actually released into the forest.


    It all blends together, sounding like thousands of boulders are falling on top of each other, while bendable metal sheets are simultaneously hit withrge sledgehammers, and in the process, countless thick trees are being split in two with dull axes. The metallic ngs, splintering rock and tree sounds, and overwhelming gust of wind that follows shows me power beyond anything I''ve ever felt before. It''s hard to conceptualize, especially this far away from the st zone.


    The shock wave ripples through us despite all the energy barriers in ce, andsts for almost a full minute. We don''t look back anymore, just continue to airstep forward and allow the leftover energy of the explosion to add power to our steps.


    The fact that arge portion of the st dispersed into the air makes me think we were lucky to have it explode on top of the mountain, so high above ground level. Even so, its aftermath is no joke.


    Trees are pushed down and earth is turned up by the wind for over 10 km in all directions. As we near the outer edge of destruction, about half way to Vice City, Bri speaks up in a stern tone.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Did you know that would happen...? That sure is a lot more than just a dungeon copse. We could have been in deep trouble if we were any closer."


    I take a moment to respond, wondering what emotion is building more inside me; excitement or dread.


    "I had a feeling something like that would happen. But, wasn''t expecting it to be that massive... However, I didn''t count out the possibility. There''s a reason I asked for a dungeon away from civilization."


    Bri looks at Vice City''s night lights getting near, then back in the direction of the st.


    It was pure mana and wind magic that erupted, so once dispersed, the light dissipated too. The darkness of the night sky haspletely taken over again and the mountain that is missing from the horizon won''t be noticeable until morning.


    "There''s going to be a lot of search teams out here tomorrow... or even tonight! I''m sure quite a few people in the city saw that sh of light.The Association isn''t going to just let this off as a natural phenomenon."


    I point to an open clearing on the direct path under a low-branched tree.


    "Let''s set down the guards here right outside the st zone, I''m sure if the Association has any questions to ask, these two will be the ones closest to the cause."


    We glide down and sit them up against the tree''s trunk and I put my hands up in the air, replying in a carefree tone.


    "They reported an unusual dungeon break in a stable dungeon, and minutester this happens. If they happened to be passed out during the st, but somehow survived it, seems like they''re the ones to me for any misinformation."


    I activate my stealth skill, and Bri takes the cue to do the same.


    Before we leave, I grab one of the full restore potions out of my item storage and crack it open out of curiosity. I use telekinesis to feed them both half the potion as we walk away and store the empty bottle into my item storage from afar with a spatial magic portal once I''m done.


    As we walk out of sight, the two guardse to their senses and immediately start talking to each other, trying to figure out where they are and what happened.


    Their confused voices are drowned out as we airstep away. I murmur under my breath once we approach the city''s entrance and put on my concealment skill disguise.


    "I still need to do some more tests."


    If that was the result of a wind stone explosion, then what would the difference be with a fire stone or an ice stone, or something else? The fact that it only sucked up mana means I could probably just use Qi to get away from it while its still expanding in the initial stages even if I couldn''t use my dungeon walker skill.


    This means it is possibly a sess. Maybe I could use it in the Titan''s domain as intended to copse it from the inside without Ember''s direct help. If it were to copse into another dungeon, the great ins, it would take plenty of time to copse that second dungeon as I escape with my teammates. Then again, this is all theory, and risking putting off an explosion like this inside the Dungeon Hub Beneath Vice City would not be very safe either.


    As I wrack my brain for more ideas and definitive answers, Bri interjects.


    "Absolutely not. Whatever you''re thinking of doing, keep it away from the city, much further away. This was already far too reckless for my liking."


    When she looks back at me, the corner of her lip is turned up despite her serious expression and tone.


    I let out a sigh and agree, but can tell she secretly enjoyed witnessing that st too.


    "I''ll keep my next tests to myself, that''s fine. I''m d at least no one got hurt."


    Then I shrug and point in the direction of the Dungeon Hub.


    "This way, you delivered on your end of the deal, now it''s time for me to deliver on mine. I''ll get you into the Labyrinth so you can rank up."

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415


    While we walk through the portion of town filled with small shops and street vendors, the tone ofmerce is much more scattered, and many hunters and merchants look up to the sky with confused gazes.


    There are some whispers that escape from a few mouths as we walk by.


    "Did you see that sh of light?"


    "What could it be? Lightning?"


    "No- That was an explosion! You all heard the rumble. The Association must be doing some testing... They could have at least warned us!"


    "Does that mean there''s another surgeing?"


    The closer we get to the center of the city, nearing the Dungeon Hub, the more intense the chatter bes, and the sound of yelling guards hits my ears once the esctors to the dungeonse into sight.


    "We''re having a full lockdown! No hunters are allowed in dungeons until Association Squads can safely search all dungeons to make sure no abnormal breaks are in progress. The evacuation has just begun, please bear with us. This shouldn''t take too long! If there are any breaks present, please be ready to show your Hunter''s ID. You must be one Letter Grade above the dungeons that break to qualify for exploration."


    The city lights illuminate the entrances to the dungeons, and a few hunters are being escorted out as we stop right behind a crowd of curious onlookers.


    It''ste in the day, so most hunters would be finishing up their farming sessions for the evening anyway. There aren''t manyints, mostly just confused people and the asional salty hunter that wanted to spend an hour or two more inside a dungeon to sneak in a little extra profit.


    Bri leans in close to my ear and asks a question.


    "How are we going to do this? The Labyrinth entrance is surely on much higher security now than it was before."


    I point to an empty shadowy spot behind a building devoid of people.


    "I have a n, don''t worry."


    We walk over as everyone else focuses on the guards yelling the same thing over and over in hopes to get the first pick at rare dungeons that break. In times like these, exclusive and valuable loot can be found that usually wouldn''t be avable in the City.


    Weaker E-ss hunters have to go home, but D and C-ss hunters with the confidence to fight off mutants are looking to make out with a haul.


    Unfortunately for them, this whole situation is most likely all a misunderstanding following the stunt I just pulled, but, it doesn''t matter to me. The more chaos, the better.


    I activate my stealth skill, and Bri does the same with her light magic.


    Without anyone batting an eye, we slip out from the darkness and back into the crowds in full stealth mode. Then, move past every guard and hunter down into the E-ss Dungeon station.


    The underground transport trains still move on autopilot, and association workers leveled 100-200 stay on guard by the tforms and on the trains themselves. However, Bri and I stand next to them without having to worry at all, making it to the closest E-Grade dungeon less than a minute away.


    Once we step out and make our way up another flight of stairs, we hop through the blue spinning portal, and Bri questions me again.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "An E-ss Dungeon? What''s this about? How can we-"


    I lightly grab her wrist and activate dungeon walker to bring her to thebyrinth in an instant.


    "Your Teleport Skill..."


    I nod and finish her sentence.


    "That''s right, I can ess any dungeon I''ve been in before, evenbyrinth dungeons."


    I see thoughts racing through her mind behind a focused gaze, but she doesn''t question it more than necessary and just nods firmly with tightened lips.


    "Makes sense."


    We both activate our air steps because the only teleport point I have avable in this dungeon is from high above the ground when Ember was flying me through these floors to make it up high enough to meet Maria and Abby on our training and farming excursion earlier.


    Bri looks down at the lush and colorful jungle region of the 25th floor while I reply.


    "We can start on a lower floor if you want, but this is the 25th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth. Every creature down there will be over level 500, some over 550 even. You''ll definitely rank up after a few kills."


    She looks down at the jungle below with wide eyes filled with more awe than shock, and replies while pulling the two ck daggers off her waist, gripping them tight and letting them glow bright white.


    "No need to go easy on me, I''ve been waiting to fight some actual ranked-up monsters for a long time. I think these will be a perfect warm-up."


    I nod with approval, curious to see what kind of fighting style she really has in store for me to see. We glide down to the jungle, through some thick trees and into a less dense clearing where I sense a level 549 monster lurking down below.


    Once we break the treeline, a humanoid lizard creature standing upright on two feet wielding sharp silver daggers looks straight up at us. It is simr to the monsters that are released on the 6th stage of the arena back in Valor City. This one has a bit darker skin, and much brighter beady eyes, but its movement speed and raw aura of mana control are right on par with those ranked-up monsters that give Ace, Sia, and Max a run for their money every time they fight them.


    The moment it spots us, Bri takes a powerful Air step forward and yells out.


    "Now it''s time for me to have some fun. Let me handle this."


    I nod and slow my downward motion, eventually stopping and standing on arge branch that overlooks the clearing.


    "All you."


    I keep my eyes locked on them as the lizard creature jumps up and Bri charges down. Both of them have mana shielding that grows in power as they point their daggers at each other with killing intent.


    As their daggers sh, the metallic twang of shielding colliding fills the jungle and both fighters stand in ce on equal footing. The lizard creature activates a speed buff, and Bri pushes herself forward with wind magic while blinding the creature with shes of light to prepare for a surprise attack.


    She flips over the creature using air magic and excess mana to boost her agility in a cartwheel motion, catching the lizard off guard and slicing its throat open with one of her des while she''spletely upsidedown flying through the air effortlessly.


    There''s a loud screeching sound as the lizard tries to retaliate, but more shes of blinding light and wind-boosted strikes follow.


    Bribines the walls of light that make her seem almost invisible to her barrage of attacks and the monster bes very disoriented in a matter of seconds as des are breaking through its mana shielding at all angles from seemingly random positions.


    It can''t see what''s going on at all, but my eyes are wide as I can see her as clear as day. I''m thoroughly impressed at her agility, speed, and battle IQ.


    I always assumed Bri was strong, and some mentions of her fighting in the Underground ck Market Arena in the past have crossed my mind to consolidate this thought, but I had no idea this was her fighting style.


    From the moment the battle started, she already knew a perfect n and had her attack pattern figured out. From the looks of it, Bri even knew if the lizard creature could fully activate its speed buff and utilize it she may be at a disadvantage.


    To make sure this didn''t happen, from the moment the two of them shed, she took dominance and controlled the entire battle.


    Less than 5 more seconds pass, and another dozen bloody shes covered up by shes of light and gusts of wind bring the battle to its end. The mutted body of the defeated lizardman falls to the jungle floor with a thud.


    Bri lets out a satisfied sigh while walking over to its corpse, twirling her des in her hands while deactivating her light magic.


    She hasn''t even broken into a sweat.


    I can''t help smiling and hover down with slow ps to congratte her.


    She looks up at me as the creature dissolves.


    "That was a fun one. I gained 3 whole levels from it too. I''ll be ranking up pretty quick."


    She picks up therge pink stone it leaves behind as loot as I reply and point off deeper into the jungle.


    "You''re right, this will be quicker than I thought. I sense another one nearby, just 400 meters that way. I''m curious to see what kind of unique buff you''ll receive from ranking up."

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416


    Over the next half hour, I point out new monsters in the jungle region on the 25th floor and Bri takes them out in style.


    After just four additional mobs, the agile light magic user opens her status over the corpse of a fallen lizardman.


    "Level 500... It''s finally time."


    From above in the trees, I watch the silhouette of her body immediately be enveloped in a bright white light. The blue text box of the system vanishes and pure mana flows through Bri''s body at a rapid rate, circting through all of her mana channels as the glowing light around her gets stronger and brighter.


    In a matter of seconds, the sh bes overwhelmingly bright, but also vanishes to leave us in the silence of the wide-open empty forest just as fast.


    Stood in the ce where the experienced craftswoman once stood is now an indistinguishable aura.


    Her mana control is crisper and more elusive. I can still sense her presence because I''m looking straight at her, but it may be significantly harder if she actually tried to hide.


    I can tell she''s leagues above her strength just moments ago. The density of mana shielding that forms around her des as she swings them through the air to test her new strength is so much more refined than in her previous battles. I wouldn''t be surprised if the lizardmen in this dungeon couldn''t even pierce her shielding now.


    She throws a few kicks and even jumps up into the air using wind magic from her boots toe up near me in the treeline.


    Her sharp eyes make contact with mine, and a wave of new confidence and certainty is in her gaze.


    "Now this feels good... I should have ranked up sooner..."


    Bri twirls her des as I step out from the branch above and we glide down to the jungle floor in the clearing where she got herst kill.


    She picks up the mana crystal of the dead lizardman, and by chance, I sense another oneing at us at full speed about 150 meters in the direction we just left.


    Before I even mention it, Bri''s gaze turns to it and she swings a glowing dagger in its direction. A nearly invisible, thin, and densely packed de of pure manaes flying out of the bonded weapon''s edge. It flies through the forest in silence, leaving trace amounts of glimmering energy behind while gliding through full trees and boulders to finallynd directly on the monster''s neck.


    Before it takes another step, the lizard creature''s head topples off and rolls to the forest floor. I watch using enemy detection in my mind''s eye with my arms crossed.


    "Not bad... not bad at all..."


    She turns back, twirling her daggers a few times before cing them on her waist and replying.


    "Can we move up a few floors? I need something a lot more powerful to test out my new buff. I have a feeling I know what it can do, but I''m not certain what its full capabilities are."


    My appraisal skill activates on instinct, and the buff''s title enters my mind''s eye.


    [Domain of Total Illusion]


    I raise an eyebrow because I also am very curious about what a power like this can do. Then, ce a hand on her shoulder while activating Dungeon Walker to bring both of us up to the red-tinted dungeon of the faceless speed-monster creatures.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "You want a challenge? I can give you that. This is the 28th floor, everything here is well over level 600."


    As soon as Bri''s ckbat boots hit the crimson floor, she takes out her des and charges them with mana.


    I teleported us in close enough to a nearby mob that she could have time to see iting and assess her options, but still be plunged right into action. Seeing that she''s already turned in the direction of the sh of blue light from the creature''s extreme speed skill being activated, I jump backward but pull out my sword and keep it on my side just in case.


    This is a huge jump in level and power all at once, so I''ll stay on guard until I see Bri take a few out herself.


    Once the dual long sword-wielding red-skinned humanoid monster glowing with a bright blue auraes within 30 meters of Bri, she jumps forward with wind-powered steps and a look of concentration on her face.


    The monster senses its opponent is very strong and immediately activates its ranked up speed buff, shifting its aura from blue to red.


    Their des sh fractions of a secondter and the eruption of mana shielding breaking on both of their weapons explodes in all directions.


    Both Bri and the monster fly backward with equal force.


    The dagger-wielding craftswoman at level 500, and the humanoid monster with silver swords at level 633 are on almost equal footing.


    The beast doesn''t lose a second of battle time to grip the track material-like floor and reactivate its speed buffs, shortening the distance between Bri and it in an instant.


    Using the wind from her boots, Bri just barely twists out of the way to dodge its attack, but she doesn''t seem worried at all. Her face is calm despite the clear difference in their speed. Her perception, agility, battle IQ, and raw power seem to make up for it, for now.


    The monster continues to charge at the craftswoman in erratic patterns, swinging its de, trying tond a hit with greed and fury. However, Bri continues to track its movements with sharp eyes and dodge over and over.


    asionally she blocks with her own des and their shielding cancels out equally in power, forcing both of them to fly backward over and over again.


    I can''t quite figure out what her game n is, but it seems she''s just trying to get aplete understanding of its movements.


    Just when Bri''s repetitive motions start to get dull to me; the corner of her lip curves upward, her pupils dte, and a shimmering white orb of energy expands around her in all directions for about 5 meters in diameter.


    As she does this, the red-skinned monster is charging toward her, swinging its des and plotting its next strike.


    It doesn''t seem to notice the shimmering orb of mana at all, and plunges headfirst right inside.


    The creature doesn''t hesitate, flinch, or seem hurt at all once it enters; but something peculiar happens once its des swing down to meet Bri''s.


    It loses its footing, and its sword strike misses the mark by over half a meter. Bri counters andnds two deep gashes in the monster''s side, bursting through its shielding with ease. It looks as if the monster didn''t even see Bri''s attacking.


    It almost falls to the ground, but as it continues the momentum and leaves the outer edge of the shimmering orb on the other side, it fully regains its bnce and turns around in a blue streaking arc of light with des poised ready to kill. Blood drips from its wounds and it attacks Bri again with no fear.


    It runs headfirst into the glowing orb of mana and the same exact thing happens. The creature loses its bnce andpletely misses its attack by a long shot. Brinds another deep blow.


    Two more exchanges pass, and it ends with both of Bri''s des slicing the disoriented monster''s head off while it swings its swords in the opposite direction helplessly.


    She deactivates her buff as it falls to the floor in two parts and begins to dissolve.


    I walk over with a look of curiosity on my face. I have my own assumptions of what this ability can do, but want to hear it myself from the source.


    Bri speaks up as I get closer.


    "12 more levels from that one, nice! It was definitely a strong opponent, without my new buff this would have been a totally different fight."


    She shrugs in a nonchnt manner while putting her bloodstained daggers on her waist.


    "I probably still would have been able to win, I just wanted to test it out."


    I reply.


    "Oh yeah? How does it work? I could tell something was happening from the outside, but hard to know exactly. You''re messing with your opponent''s sight?"


    She smiles and replies while activating her buff again, making an orb of shimmering clear light expand around her.


    "Good guess, it seems to be that I can change my opponents'' perception of reality within a certain domain of concentrated mana. Not only sight, but other senses too. I knew ranked up buffs were unique and usuallye to be based on your usual battle style or simr to your regr skill usage but this kind of ability is far greater than I expected."


    I''m face to face with the shimmering barrier as I hear her continue.


    "Step inside, I''ll show you how it works."

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417


    I take a step forward at her request, doing a full analysis of the curved wall of shimmering mana in front of me.


    My perception skills and buffs are activated out of instinct at a constant rate just like they were when I was training in the titan''s domain for 6 months straight. With this, and my absurdly high level of natural mana control, I''m able to see through the barrier and still make eye contact with Bri standing inside through what looks to be a semi-transparent mirror made of water.


    However, my goal here isn''t to overpower her new ranked-up buff, I''d like to see what an opponent at simr or lower mana control would experience if they walked into this [Domain of Total Illusion].


    So, I deactivate my buffs and limit my mana control to not add any extra power to my senses. Instead, it just acts as a dense defensiveyer. My perception of the flowing mana in the dungeon around me drastically drops and to my surprise, even the shimmering sphere of mana around Bri''s body disappears too.


    I reply to her request for me to step inside.


    "Sure, show me what you can do."


    Then step forward, plunging headfirst into the space where moments ago I perceived a wall of mana.


    The moment my face enters her domain, I feel a cold gust of wind blow my hair to the side. As I take another step closer, the t ground beneath my feet bes rocky, then a cold sensation creeps up my shins.


    I take in a deep breath of air and look around as frozen air enters my lungs and the view from the peak of an icy mountain materializes all around me.


    I look down at my feet, and I''m stood on a small rocky surface with no more than a meter of room on either side to walk. There''s a cliff-like dropoff and a huge mountain range covered in light snowy powder in all directions for as far as my eyes can see.


    I turn my head back and forth, then bring my hands up in the air to look at them both in front of my face to see how real it all feels...


    Then, with no warning at all, reality around me begins to shift. The sky changes from the light blue coloring to a shade of green and leaves and branches start to materialize above me. The mountains down below in the snow-covered valley rise up to make t ground and morph into dense trees and lush greenery as the snow melts away.


    The air bes hot and humid as the jungle clearing we just left on the 25th floor feels as if it''s real and right in front of me.


    Birds chirp and insects even buzz as my eyes wander around the lively lush greenery for a few seconds.


    Just as I''m getting used to it, the ground beneath my feet disappears and the sensation of falling takes over my senses. My feet hit a hard wooden floor, and Bri''s dimly lit 3rd-floor officees into full view.


    The walls have random rare trinkets and items, and even her desk is covered in papers and gems. I hear footsteps approach from in front of me, then out of nowhere, Bri materializes in the middle of the room less than 2 meters away. She smiles and brings a finger up in the air, swiping it like she would on a tablet or screen.


    The world around me shifts every time she does, switching from grasnd dungeons, to mountainous regions, to soaring high through the sunset clouds, to dry hot deserts, on the edge of a volcano, and even in front of a roaring ocean wave about to crash down on us.


    She finally speaks up as she shifts the world again, right before the sea''s heavy water crushes us, and we sit back in the image of her office room.


    "It''s pretty interesting, isn''t it?"


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I nod with a spark of awe in my eyes.


    "Yeah, fascinating... This is quite the ranked-up buff."


    The thought of all its possibilities runs through my mind. Not only is it an excellent skill mid-battle topletely confuse an opponent, it could be excellent to use for business too. Bri has really only showed me the nice and sunny side of things here, but it could surely be used as a negotiating tactic or way to interrogate enemies without doing them any real physical harm. It would only be psychological.


    I chuckle to myself as I think of a few less productive use cases for this buff too. It could make any ce you wanted be a bed or rxing beach.


    Interrupting my train of thought Bri replies again.


    "Try to break out of it, I''m curious how strong my illusions really are."


    I let out a sigh and nod.


    "Sure, I was curious too when It started."


    I activate my buffs and skills very slowly, letting my mana control work its way up to full capacity.


    The moment they begin to amp up, the office room around me starts to distort. The walls look like they''re bending and the floor beneath my feet is getting more textured. I look up at Bri again and my buffs and mana control hit about a third of their total capacity and the shape of a sphere bes visible around both of us.


    I can see the projected image of Bri''s study on the curved mana-imbued walls, but can also see the red-tinted dungeon behind it.


    By the time I''m back to using half of my control, the illusion I''m standing in looks like no more than a mirage of a see-through hologram. I can tell it''s here, and attempting to cover my senses, but it doesn''t distort my reality any more than a light breeze would push me back while running in a straight line.


    I smile and nod, not seeing any reason to up the ante on my perception abilities any further and step backward right outside the sphere.


    Bri sees that her illusion has been cracked and deactivates it. I speak up again.


    "Not bad. I did some recent unorthodox mana control training, so it figures I''d be able to get out with ease. However, as you already tested, it could easily trick any normal ranked-up monster. Even up to level 650 or so I''d say you could take them on. I''m not sure what the baseline for mana control above this level is though, I''m only level 645 myself."


    Bri replies with a satisfied look.


    "Yeah, it takes a lot of MP to keep it active for that long. I burned through almost half of my bar to show you that."


    She reaches into a small ck item box on her waist behind one of her daggers and drinks an MP potion before continuing.


    "I have plenty more mana to work with though, so it shouldn''t be a problem."


    I reply as she regenerates her MP.


    "Might as well take advantage of thebyrinth now while we''re still in it to level up more. You''re severely underleveled for your strength."


    Right on cue, the presence of two speed monsterses into my radar and both Bri and I turn our heads to face them. She replies, taking out her des and charging them to full while running toward the two shes of blue lighting our way in the distance.


    "You''re right, time to get to work."


    In the blink of an eye, Bri takes on two monsters over 100 levels above her at once.


    With her domain of illusion surrounding her body every time one of the monsters gets near, they don''t even stand a chance at hitting her. I can''t help butugh at some of the movements the creatures make while swinging their longswords in theplete opposite direction of where Bri is standing.


    Less than 15 seconds pass before both of the monsters are left bleeding out on the dungeon floor, dissolving at Bri''s feet.


    I walk over again as she bends down to collect the mana crystals but finds a shimmering red speed fragment fall from one of the monster corpses. While picking it up she examines the gem and activates her crafting skill to get a better idea of what it is and how it could be used.


    She looks up to me once I''m close enough.


    "So this is where you farmed these gems. There must be all kinds of rare drops here. No one from the Association farms this high in the Labyrinth... Anyone strong enough to farm these is just shipped off to the Apex region anyway..."


    "These floors are gold mines..."


    She pauses then asks another question.


    "Are there any floors that drop element stones nearby?"


    I chuckle and nod, as I''m not sure I''ve ever seen Bri this excited about anything. Especially after mercilessly killing two level 630 opponents in a matter of seconds, the change of tone is amusing.


    "One floor below and you''ll find ice stones, one floor above and you''ll find wind stones. I haven''t gone any further up yet, so I''m not too sure if there are any more."


    As Bri''s eyes open even wider, I see calctions running through her mind on items she wants to craft in the future. Every time I visit her, she''s always waiting on the avability of more rare items.


    What felt like a normal day-to-day farming drop to me may be a huge step up in her potential of crafts in the future.


    I respond.


    "That reminds me, I have a few questions about crafting I''d like to ask, and one thing I''d like to show you. I have an interesting ranked up buff too, It may help you craft some unique items every time I''m around."

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418


    "Sure, ask me anything. We''re going to be business partners very soon, and if you have a craftsmanship skill of your own, I''m sure I could teach you a few things."


    I nod, thinking about what exactly I''m going to ask her, but she responds before I do.


    "And your ranked-up buff? It can help me craft better items? Is it some kind of team buffing skill or something?"


    I respond.


    "Kind of, but not exactly. I guess that''s a good ce to start."


    I concentrate on my Rising Emperor''s Domain buff, expecting to see a list of skills avable to give Bri pop up above her head, but nothing shows up.


    My gaze tightens and I raise an eyebrow as I try to concentrate more intensely. It looks as if I''m staring at Bri''s forehead in the silence of the dungeon for no reason at all from an outside perspective.


    After a few seconds pass, I stop trying as there''s clearly something I''m missing.


    "Maybe a hidden condition...?"


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye and stare down at the buff''s description to think harder.


    ________________


    Rising Emperor''s Domain [Hidden Ability]


    Info:


    This is a hidden passive ability for a spell caster with the traits of an Emperor in the making. The Rising Emperor''s Domain allows the caster to share skills in their status with any party member who has sworn their loyalty. A copy of the exact skill shared will appear in the party member''s status. If this member betrays the caster or leaves the Domain''s range, the skills will be deleted from their status.


    ________________


    The only two requirements so far that I can see necessary for this buff to take effect are swearing loyalty and joining my party. I''ve used this buff on Maria, Abby, and Ember.


    However, it''s not like I have a system status to show they''re in my party or a checkbox where they can swear their loyalty...


    I think harder, then shrug.


    "Maybe you have to say it out loud."


    Bri looks at me with an awkward stare.


    "Say what out loud? What are you talking about?"


    I reply quickly, realizing I''ve just been thinking and talking to myself this whole time without exining at all what my buff does.


    "One of the conditions to my ranked-up buff seems to be that you have to verbally ept me as your party leader. If you do that, I''ll be able to share an upgraded version of your crafting skill."


    I''vee to this conclusion because Abby and Maria have often called me the team leader in conversation, and Ember refers to me as Master many times over. None of them have explicitly sworn loyalty to me, though, so I think this is a condition that is more action or feeling based rather than verbal.


    Bri nods, still with a confused look on her face.


    "Sure, we couldn''t have gotten here to train today without you. You''re the party leader."


    The moment the final word leaves her lips, an assortment of blue text hovers over her head and I feel the Invisible Domain around me ept her as an ally instinctually. My gaze tracks down to my Mythic Grade Craftsmanship skill and I equip it on her status.


    "Take a look at your skills, what you see is only temporary, but you''ll be able to use it freely as long as you''re near me."


    Bri checks her status, wondering what my words mean until her gaze falls upon the blue glowing text of the new mythic grade skill in her grasp.


    Her eyes widen, and she immediately takes misceneous items out from her item box.


    shes of light cover her hands and her eyes dart back and forth across her status screens popping up one after another.


    After almost a full minute passes, and half a dozen new high C-Grade and B-Grade items are produced in the blink of an eye, she turns to me.


    "It''s real... Mythic Grade Skills are real..."


    As I nod and begin to exin how my buff works, making sure it''s not to be confused with a skill upgrade buff, but a skill-sharing buff, Bri puts the pieces of the puzzle that is my time in the dark continent together very quickly.


    "So, that means the Sector 2 Leader is actually dead and this is why he was able to craft such items beyond that of anyone else''s capabilities. He must have been insanely lucky to get a Mythic Grade rating from an upgrade crystal... I''ve never heard of anyone getting anything over a legendary grade..."


    She pauses.


    "Other than a few element users upgrading their Advanced magic to Extreme. But that''s an incredibly rare scenario too... It seems if one is over level 600, the chances of upgrading to that second rank increases drastically."


    I look over at Bri again, taking away the mythic grade crafting skill in her possession and granting her ess to my All-Seeing Eye ability.


    "It''s not as luck-based as you may think. Check your skills for yourself. There are hidden point systems within our system, upgrade crystals just act as an override feature. If you haven''t stacked up enough Proficiency Points on your own, an upgrade crystal won''t work. There''s a reason the Association waits until after level 300 to give upgrade crystals to new hunters, and over 400 for those that have elements awakened too. Only 1 PP is awarded per level, so you''ll be able to upgrade your skills on your own if you stack up enough."


    Bri''s eyes light up as she scrolls through her status andes to see the upgrade options.


    "1 per level... huh. It says here I need 1000 more points after myst upgrade to obtain a Mythic Grade Craftsmanship skill myself. So that means...someone would have to reach level 1300 for a skill like this. The Sector 2 Leader was over level 1300 and you killed him?"


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Her eyes sharpen and look up from her status, while I remember the Red Hydra Imbued, Demonic Energy Aided, Kamikaze move I pulled to self-destruct and decimate the craftsman back in Sra with my body double.


    "I did... It was, an interesting battle to say the least. I caught him off guard, and used some very unique energy attacks. To say the least, I got lucky..."


    There''s a pause of silence before Bri responds.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter now. That''s the past, and we''re working with what we have in the present. What did you want to know about crafting? You may have had some time to y around with a higher grade skill than mine, but I have years of experience that will surely make up for it. Anything in specific you were hoping to learn?"


    I nod with a resolute gaze, shifting my shared skill back to craftsmanship from the All-Seeing Eye so she''ll be able to test it out more and exin things better.


    "Everything. From the basics to expert level, tell me everything. I need a crash course in crafting."


    "Very well..."


    Over the next hour, we wander through the dungeon to allow Bri to grind up more levels as she exins the basics of crafting to me.


    From what I can already see in the crafting interface, most of the things she teaches me are already what I assumed aremon knowledge, but apparently [No Grade] and [Special Grade] craftsmen don''t get such a fancy interface that shows them which items are avable to craft, bond, or upgrade. On top of that, the legendary grade interface is much more basic and rudimentary.


    Most of Bri''s knowledgees from books and experiments.


    Considering this, and the fact that many new slots, stats, and skill imbuing options are now avable that never were before, the basics are all just in front of me exined in simple terms. However, in Bri''s exnations, a few things stand out that can''t be seen in my interface.


    The first is a deeper exnation of cursed items and why theye about.


    It''s best to craft with materials within a 20-30% variation up or down of one''s mana control and level. It''s not only best practice to keep improving and making greater items, but it''s also dangerous to imbuerge amounts of power into lower-grade material.


    A B-Grade hunter imbuing their top-ranked skills or mana readings into E-Grade crafting material can only lead to disaster. The lower grade gear willpensate for the higher grade mana inside it and either break before use and release the built-up mana or do harm to the user trying to control it. If an actual curse mark on the item''s name within a user''s status is made, it will act in irrational and unpredictable ways.


    This gives me a better idea of why some of the items I tried to craft earlier gave off such odd readings and abilities. Some even severely downgraded the Mythic Grade Plunderer skill to fit the base material grade.


    This means if I want to safely and consistently produce lower grade items for trade with the other regions, I''ll have to make sure not to overlevel the craftsman that will be working for Bri.


    I always assumed the higher the level the better, but it seems there are uses for people at every rung of thedder.


    Next, Bri exins how to properly make element-bonded weapons. The more blood that is used in the bonding process, the closer the spirit of the element stone will attach to the user. Usually, 8 ounces is more than enough, like my sword and dagger used, but for boots like Bri''s she had to use over 20.


    When the element in question is not already controlled by the user, more blood is needed to make the bond, and a higher mana control to suppress the spirit of the stone is needed even afterward to keep it in check. Another interesting feature is that the more blood used in the bond, the higher the odds of the item bing unique and awakening special perks or hidden abilities.


    "See, just like this!"


    Bri makes her boots glimmer with mana before they turn semi-transparent for a split second.


    "It''s a small cloaking perk, it''s because a portion of my light magic was bonded in through my blood."


    I nod and think about this too, as it opens up many options for making unique bonded weapons in the future.


    As Bri continues, most of the information she states ismon sense, but I still make mental notes of it and even wrote a few tips down in the journal I kept from my time in the Titan''s domain.


    However, nothing interests me more than ourst topic.


    Transport crystals and transport tforms. My eyes and ears areser-focused on her words as she exins.


    "There are only two crafting materials for these items, really. One of them is just arge amount of mana crystals. The other is a rare ore called Luminite."


    I raise an eyebrow and reply.


    "That''s it? Only two items are needed to craft these... Mana crystals are the easy part, but Luminite? Is it a rare dungeon drop? Or popr on the open market, or maybe the ck market? I''ve never heard of it before... Where can I get my hands on it?"


    I scratch my head, waiting for her response.


    "It''s not avable on the open market, no. And incredibly rare on the ck market. It''s a highly regted ore, only the Association has ess to it. It is, after all, part of the power source used in transport magic for dungeons themselves."


    Bri pauses as she lets me think it over for a moment, then continues.


    "Every time you defeat a boss room, you''re transported back to the same ce in a dungeon. Even when a dungeon fully breaks, all foreign matter is teleported out if it hasn''t fully dissolved into the dungeon yet. Luminite is the term the Association gave it because of its bright white glow. If enough mana is bonded with arge amount of this ore, an experienced craftsman with a high enough mana control base could create a teleport tform and be its owner."


    "Its owner?"


    "That''s right. Just like your blood-bonded weapons, every teleport tform has an owner, and only they can make paired crystals to go with that tform. Making the crystals to go with the tform is an easy task. It really only takes trace amounts of Luminite, the tform is the hard part."


    My mind races at this new discovery.


    Having teleport tforms in ces that I desire could limit my travel time even more and make it so I don''t have to walk around in open cities. It''d be like setting dungeon walker points out here in the real world.


    "I need to get my hands on some of this Luminite."


    Briughs a bit.


    "Yeah, don''t we all. I''ve only seen it in private auctions 2 times in my whole life, and the price always skyrockets way out of my price range. It''s farmed strictly from copsing dungeons after all, and it''s highly vtile. If left out of a special containment case for mere minutes and not crafted with material, it will evaporate into the atmosphere. There''s a minuscule chance that small amounts of the Ore will fall from a dungeon portal when it disappears, but even given that chance, the Association has control over more than 90% of the dungeon portals in the world."


    She sighs.


    "Maybe your friend Lith back in Sector 1 could help you get your hands on some, but even then, It''d be difficult to not have the Association involved if you''re looking to buy enough to craft tforms. Trust me, if it were easy, I''d have plenty myself."


    I nod slowly, letting the gears shift in my head and acknowledge all of the new information Bri has shared with me.


    "Well, I''ll keep it on the back burner. Even so, I''m very happy with the information you''ve shared. It''ll help a lot with my future crafts."


    Bri nods and turns her head to a deeper region of the dungeon. It''s been about an hour since she started sharing, and we''ve run into a few monsters on the way, but it''s been more of a leisurely stroll.


    She speaks up.


    "How about you let me do some farming alone in here. My mana control and skill far surpass these creatures, I''d like to level up as fast as possible so my level matches my control. In the same vein, I can see that look in your eyes, you have somewhere you need to go to, don''t you?"


    I nod.


    "I have to meet back up with my teammates in a few hours, but there''s a few things I need to check on before I do that too... You''re right."


    She smiles.


    "Well then, perfect, maybe I''ll even check out the 29th Floor. How about youe back and get me in an hour."


    She twirls her des and points one in the direction of an approaching monster as I respond.


    "Sounds good to me. I''ll be back soon."


    I dungeon walk away in the blink of an eye.


    My teleport point brings me high above the clouds of the Great ins.


    In the same moment, I open my item storage and let Embere out. We are soon both soaring through the sky, but I don''t say a word as I''m still thinking.


    With the new information about crafting, and the half-sess of my cursed windstone test, there are a few new things racing through my mind. The reason I did the test was to see if I could copse the Titan''s domain without Ember present.


    It didn''t exactly show that it wasn''t possible, it just showed that if it is, it would be incredibly dangerous.


    While deep in thought, Ember opens our telepathy link and is the first to break the silence of the passing wind high above the clouds.


    "Master, the Rift is closing."

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419


    "What do you mean the rift is closing? It''s hardly even been a full day. I thought this tear has been closing for weeks, even months. Why is it closing so fast now?"


    I do a full scan of the dungeon to locate the excess mana emanating from the rift, then Dungeon Walk us from the sky to directly in front of it.


    The massive tear in space is now hardly over 10 meters in height.


    Its ck endless void is as ominous as ever, but just this morning when I looked at it, it was almost twice the size.


    Ember responds.


    "It could be for a number of reasons. The first being pure chance, the Void Creeper Lord could just be routinely closing the rift after it absorbed its fair share of mana in this dungeon."


    My gaze tightens as Ember nods slowly to continue.


    "But I also believe this isn''t a coincidence. The overfarming must have made this dungeon inefficient. They''re losing more mana than they''re gaining, and there''s no point in staying. On top of that, it''s pretty easy to tell where the source of the problem is. Your mere presence is enough to drive these creatures off now. They may enjoy absorbing mana, but only from the weak."


    I cross my arms.


    "My presence? You mean my intimidation skill''s passive perk? I have shielding up to cover that at all times now, lower-level mobs can''t even sense my presence."


    Ember nods.


    "True, but high-level beings can. The fact that you''re using such dense mana instinctively to shield a simple passive buff is more than enough of a tell that you''re an extremely strong ranked-up hunter."


    I raise an eyebrow as Ember keeps exining.


    "On top of that, any ranked-up monster or hunter with basic levels of mana senses can tell you''re no ordinary being. The mana radiating off your body at all times is incredibly immense. The only time it''s truly covered up is when your legendary stealth skill is activated."


    "That seems to be a problem... I knew other strong hunters could sense my presence when I''m not actively hiding it, but is it really that urate? You''re saying any hunter with high mana perception can tell how strong I am just from being nearby even if I don''t have any buffs or skills activated?"


    Ember nods slowly.


    "Not entirely, of course. If you''re not in full battle mode, they cannot sens your full power. However, most hunters don''t have countless skills to buff their mana output above their average control. The refined eye of a strong hunter can make a fairly good estimate of your base level mana control even when no mana is being actively used. When you look at other hunters, or even monsters, you can get a sense of their mana control even before the battle begins, right?"


    I think back to some of the recent monsters I''ve faced off against. Their mana control levels are so far below mine, and the fact that I''ve had a trump card of Qi, Demonic Energy, or my Red Hydra''s buff for so long, I haven''t paid close attention to the mana bases of my opponents until they strike or put up shielding of their own. However, the faint white glow that emanates around hunters about level 400 or so and above doese to mind.


    Stolen story; please report.


    It''s a passive perception ability I''ve had ever since absorbing that Blue Ogre''s Essence in Sra. No special skill on my status or anything, just the fact that my baseline mana control got high enough to see the world in a different light.


    Even without my All-Seeing Eye, it is possible to sense mana on individuals that have high amounts of it.


    I respond to Ember''s question after thinking deeply on the matter.


    "Yes, you''re right. I can. So what you''re saying is that my natural aura is scaring away the Titans?"


    "I''m not certain, but it could be a major factor. Especially after thest training session you had, your natural mana control base raised by over 2.5 times. I can sense the difference like night and day. It could be why the rift started closing faster since you revealed your newcontrol level in the dungeon this morning."


    Ember''s expression shifts to a more serious one.


    "That means enemies are able to sense you much easier as well."


    I think about this for a moment too, picturing a fabricated image in my mind of a massive pir of invisible white energy shooting into the sky in the middle of Valor City as I walk around casually through the walls using only my concealment skill, and my stomach churns.


    "So the only time my presence is truly concealed is when using stealth, and even then, someone with high mana control could still see through my ability... I''ve been walking around with a massive target on my back all this time?"


    Ember nods again.


    "There''s really no helping it. All strong lifeforms can sense the presence of other strong lifeforms. However, now that you''re a Qi user, I could teach you how to use a technique called Mana Suppression if you wish. If your goal is to blend in and seem weaker than you really are, or control your mana output at will, this would be the way to do it."


    My eyes widen as I''ve heard Ember speak of this Mana Suppression technique in the past, but he also mentioned I was far too inexperienced back then to learn it.


    Everything Ember is saying is true. I can sense beings that have awakened a high enough mana control, so there''s no reason for others not to be able to do it too. The only upside of the matter is that it''s not like someone can identify a person based on their mana signature. Especially mine, it''s constantly rising and drastically changing.


    The part that doesn''t make this okay in my eyes is that I haven''t been as stealthy as I thought. When disguised in Valor City as a simple merchant or businessman, higher ranked guards can surely tell I''m a formidable opponent in hiding.


    Especially after my recent training session, I raised dramatically in power in a single day and decided not to attend the fight ring event tonight. If the Dark One wasn''t already watching me closely before, it is now.


    I turn to Ember and respond.


    "Yes, I need to learn this Mana Suppression Technique. I would like you to teach me."


    At the thought of it, I extend my enemy detection skill to see if there are any titans left in this Dungeon.


    The radar reading thates back is not what I was hoping to see at all...


    A single blotch of dense energy is about 2km away moving at a very slow pace. It may reach our current position in front of the rift in about 25 minutes.


    I turn my head back to the ck rift behind us and can''t tell if it''s my imagination or if the edges have started to close in slightly faster than just moments ago when my conversation with Ember started.


    My eyes widen and I airstep onto Ember''s back.


    "This may be ourst chance to make use of these Titans."


    It would have been nice to stock up on more materials for a long session, but there''s no time. I have some extra unused clothes, leftover nkets, misceneous items, and months'' worth of food and water still left over fromst time. The fact that my high mana control reduces the amount of food and water I need to consume is a major plus. It''s more than enough; it just won''t be asfortable as myst session.


    I activate Dungeon Walker to spawn up about 500 meters in the air, right outside the energy blotch on my enemy detection radar. Thest titan, with long swaying limbs and slow, steady moving footsteps, is silently making its way toward the closing rift.


    Ember responds as he divebombs downward at the huge mass of ck energy.


    "Yes, it looks like we made the final one panic. We''ll have to use it wisely, and make sure we get out before it leaves through the rift with us inside."


    "Very good point."


    I create two body doubles right before we plunge into the dark Void.


    The copies airstep away from the danger while weightlessness takes over my body, and I fall back into the Titan''s Domain.

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420


    Ember''s voice enters my mind using telepathy once I''ve situated myself within the Titan''s domain.


    "The technique I call Mana Suppression is really just an advanced form of manipting visual Qi. You''ve already shown signs of mastering the beginning stages of this, so by raising your natural capacity and Qi control, Mana Suppression should be very simple."


    I sit on a small nket in afortable position, getting ready to start my training, listening to what Ember has to say.


    Diving right back into the Titan''s Domain wasn''t exactly what I was nning for, but the fact that this is most likely thest chance I''ll get to use a time dtion chamber of this magnitude, I don''t want to waste it.


    ording to my rough calctions, there''s less than 25 minutes in the outside world until this Titan reaches the rift. Considering myst 6-month stay took 30 minutes, I should have roughly 5 months to train in here, and 15 times the Qi to use up...


    To be safe, I''ve put 2 body doubles in the outside world to notify me of any changes or odd oues. However, the possibility that they could transfer information into this isted domain to me is only a theory. To be safe, if I don''t get any signals, I''ll begin copsing the space in 4 months.


    Ember continues the lesson once I shake myself out of my thoughts.


    "Let me show you what I mean in a practical sense. Allow your Qi to flow out of your body just like you do when you swing a sword attack."


    I do as Ember says, calming my eyes and allowing waves of Qi to flow from my core into my fists.


    I''m unable to releaserge amounts of visual Qi, but in highly dense areas, particles of energy do flow out, especially in the heat of intense battle.


    Both of my fists glow white hot with energy, and tiny particles begin to make a mist around them the longer I hold them in the same ce.


    "Very good. This is a perfect starting point. The energy being released around your hands will act as a veil to suppress your natural mana output. It is in a very weak form right now because your capacity and control arecking. However, imagine if you allowed your entire body to be covered in a nket of energy like this."


    I picture Ember''s words in my mind''s eye, contemting how much extra energy I would need to be constantly putting out to keep a wave of Qi continuously flowing around my entire body...


    Then, I pull out the silver case that Monk gave me and open it with a click.


    Inside, a sea of bright white Qi pills looks back at me, and I speak up.


    "There''s 150 pills. That''s 15 times more than my previous training session. However, it''s possible I have less time. You know better than me, I''d like a strict outline and training n on how to hit my goals before our time runs out."


    Ember shows a toothy grin and nods.


    "Only time will tell. We''ll do training in 3 different segments, that is after your initial segment of flooding the entire room with Qi. Considering your current base and mana control, you''re still not strong enough to handle this amount of energy. So, the first order of business once the room is ready and actual training begins will be 48 hours of Qi gathering and mana control training. Simr to your previous time in the domain, you will just circte Qi through your body while all of your buffs are on the highest capacity possible while not building up fatigue. Small water breaks will be permitted, but no other distractions like food or entertainment."


    I nod as this sounds reasonable and very productive.


    "Next, you''ll spend 24 hours on focusing visual Qi to your extremities. Your fists and feet will be first, but the goal is to be constantly expanding the range of coverage. Creating a thinyer of Qi around your arms and legs will be next, then eventually your torso and head to cover your entire body. This will be paired with physical body training. Sprints, pushups, squats, pullups, and weights using your earth summoning magic to make heavy enough gear to push your limits."


    I nod again, as this seems pretty simple too.


    "Thenstly, you get 8 hours of leisure time before we start the cycle again. You may eat small amounts of food, journal your thoughts, and sleep if you''d like. But, intense focus is necessary to seed in this training."


    My eyes widen at hisst point.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Only 8 hours of rest? After 3 days of continuous training? For 4 to 5 months straight?"


    Ember chuckles to himself.


    "We''ll shorten the rest times as the session goes further, and make the training times longer as well. As I''m sure you can already tell, the higher your mana control raises, the less reliant you are on food, water, and sleep for energy."


    "Yes, I''m aware... I just didn''t know it would get this drastic."


    "Of course. Your mortal lifespan increases as well, slowing your aging and keeping you in your prime years for far longer. At your current control, you''ve already increased your life expectancy by quite a bit; possibly decades. The progression is not linear based on pure mana intake, but it will continue to raise the more you control."


    I think over this food for thought in the back of my mind as Ember covers some of the more advanced and technical topics too.


    "Once you''ve managed to get the most basic level of visual Qi around every square centimeter of your body, the focus will shift to concentrating more on the density of the flow. Just like mana shields and mana des, the density of the Qi being used is very important when focused on a technique like this. At first, we''ll work on making the Qi as dense as possible, but that will naturallye in the gathering and channeling portion of training. Once it can fully cover your body, I want you to make incremental densities to get used to switching between them. Like low, medium, high, and extremely high."


    "Why''s that? Wouldn''t it just be best to refine my skills in the highest density possible? What''s the point of having different ones?"


    "It''s very simple actually. Once you''ve coated your body in ayer of Qi of extremely high density, little to no mana can escape through the microscopic holes no matter how hard they try to put out. Non-Qi users are unable to sense Qi energy at all, so to their mana senses, only the amount of mana you let out is your perceived true control."


    The corner of my lip turns up as I realize exactly where Ember is headed with this exnation.


    He continues.


    "So, if you were to walk by an elite hunter with an extremely high Qi barrier, they may just think you''re an unawakened hunter with little to no Qi in your body. However, maybe you''d like them to think you''re at their same level? Just using a high or medium grade barrier will be thinner and allow more of your natural mana control to seep through. Training multiple barrier densities once you''ve progressed this far will not only help with your overall Qi control but give you built-in skills and predetermined natural settings to conceal your true power."


    At this final point, everything makes sense, and I have a clear goal in mind ahead of me.


    I rehash the details of my training a few more times in excruciating detail with Ember, noting certain points and extra tidbits in my journal before letting Ember fly back into my item storage to wait for my updates.


    We agree that letting him stay out in the open may drain away precious Qi in the atmosphere that could be put toward my training, so I''ll let him out after the end of every training cycle to give me tips and oversee my progress.


    "See you soon."


    "Best of luck, Master."


    Considering the Qi in the room didn''t dissipate until I absorbed most of it in myst session, the odds are it will be exactly the same this time as well.


    One after another, I begin taking the Qi pills and oversaturating my body with energy every time enough Qi leaves my body to handle another.


    Meanwhile, I sit in the lotus position, gathering the Qi that is building up in the atmosphere and keeping all of my buffs at a cool and controlled rate while constantly self-regenerating my fatigue.


    This goes on for a few days before 145 pills are used up to fill the entire room with a dense cloud of Qi so energy-packed every breath feels as if it''s rejuvenating my core. The rate of absorption far surpasses what it was before. The density of Qi in this room is almost 15 times what it was thest time I trained, and almost 50 times that of what it feels like inside the training rooms back at the monastery.


    The Qi in the air in the outside world is immeasurably lowpared to the prime environment I''m training in right now.


    I ce the remaining 5 pills back into my storage as an emergency energy bank and get to work.


    Nine full training cycles pass, meaning about a month in Domain time, and the progress moves exactly as Ember outlined for me.


    In just a month, my Qi capacity has raised just over 50%, and my mana control is steadily rising at the same rate as my previous session; About 400 million MP absorbed in just over a month. Both are incredibly immense increases. But the Qi capacity is the most impressive part; this is the most noticeable change.


    I''ve added more pure Qi to my capacity in 1 month than I did in a full 6 months of training during myst Titan''s Domain session.


    Every time I finish a cycle, Ember checks my progress, and the white glow I manage to cover my hands has slowly expanded to my extremities and just barely covers my head and torso. The progress is very motivating.


    Ember''s words resonate in my mind as he increased each training period by 1 full day and taking 2 hours away from my rest time. Making it 3 days gathering, 2 days working on my Qi barrier, and 6 hours of sleep and leisure time.


    This intense training continues for 2 more months.


    My Qi base adds an additional 90%, making a 140% increase since the start of this entire session, and my mana control raises by another 1 Billion MP.


    At this point, some of the Qi in the room is beginning to thin out just like thest time I trained here. Some seeps through the walls, but most of it is being gathered by me and used up in my training to flow back into the atmosphere.


    I''ve gotten to the point where I can actually control the flow of Qi on the outside of my body. It feels as if it''s a thinyer of malleable and flowing skin attached to me as an extension of myself rather than just particles that are floating away.


    It is difficult to maintain it for long periods of time, but holding its form is what my training mostly consists of now. 3 days gathering, 3 days controlling my Qi veil, and 5.5 hours of downtime.


    I''ve gotten into a very productive rhythm, but the clock is still ticking away. I want to master this before my time runs out.


    Everything seems to be going ording to n until one day mid-gathering session, the memories of one of my now deceased body doublese rushing back to me.

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421


    [Minutes earlier in The Great ins.]


    I watch from the perspective of one of my body doubles as my main body falls into the Titan''s domain.


    Myst thoughts before creating these clones were to notify myself at the halfway mark, and another 2-3 minutes before it looks like the Titan will leave through the rift.


    Both body doubles wait patiently, airstepping high in the sky to watch from above as the Titan slowly makes its way across the 2km stretch of rolling grasnds toward the closing rift.


    I stand in silence as minutes pass, and I know weeks and months are going by within the creature below us. In just under 13 minutes, it reaches the halfway point between where it started and the rift at the back of the dungeon.


    The body double to my right side looks over to me and speaks using telepathy. I hear my own voice ring in my head.


    "I''m off, I''ll use my self-destruct Unique Buff in another dungeon as to not make too much noise here. Wouldn''t want it changing speed with another mana disturbance in the area."


    I nod back, and in the blink of an eye, my other double Dungeon Walks away to send the first halfway mark signal to my original body.


    I''m still unsure if the signals are getting through, but as a double, I''ll do my job to send the second message. I cross my arms and activate stealth, floating high in the sky above the great ins and watching the massive creature silently trudge along below me.


    My eyes keep darting back and forth from the monster to the rift, and can''t help but realize the rate at which it''s closing seems to have slowed down...


    This is the opposite of what I assumed would happen, but the fact that I''m in full stealth mode and my other double just Dungeon Walked away may have put less stress on the rift itself to copse.


    Even the approaching Titan''s swinging arms are slowing, and its footsteps are bing less rushed and constant.


    This is a good thing because my main body will have more time in the domain, but a bad thing because I may not know if the 2nd message got interrupted for some odd reason. Thinking in the shoes of my main body, I''d most likely leave early just to be on the safe side.


    All I can do is wait and watch, then send the signal once it''s actually time to leave.


    More minutes pass and the rate at which the rift is closing and the Titan approaches it slows even more, butes to a steady pace once it''s about 400-500 meters away. Just about 25 minutes has passed since my real body entered, so this was the perceived time of impact when I left.


    Now there seems to still be about 3 to 5 minutes remaining before it will begin to get close.


    I take a deep breath and watch for a full extra minute as the Titan slowly walks over the final rolling hill to get within a proper line of sight to the rift and begin to activate my dungeon walker skill to blip away, nning to use the same self-destruct feature as my other double.


    However, I stop myself as I see a faint red glow growing inside the ck abyss of the Titan.


    It''s only a matter of seconds before the crimson light begins to shine bright enough that it envelops the entire Titan. The ck blob of mass is now blood red, and I recognize the skill being used very easily.


    "That''s Ember''s Plunderer skill, I guess there''s no need for me to send the signal after all."


    My main body waited quite a long time but still yed it safe and left before I sent a message. If my calctions are correct, I spent just over 5 months in there.


    A thin and dense de of mes tears the red Titan in half, and a bright white release of light dissipates the creature into the air like it was never even there.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    The bright glow allows an incredible amount of excess MP into the dungeon, but it is quickly dissipated as the silhouette of a massive ck-scaled dragon and a hunter in a ck cloak and ming sword remain in the wake of the defeated Titan.


    The only thing that throws me off is the eerie sense of there being no mana at all in this hunter. As the debris of the explosion disperses, I definitely see my main body standing next to Ember, but there''s no mana signatureing off me at all.


    I even activate my All-Seeing Eye, and nothinges up... It''s like I''m an unawakened hunter...


    As the body double, I''m unable to use Qi so it''s impossible for me to sense what is really going on here, but it seems as though Ember taught me well, I really learned Mana Suppression in 5 months and mastered it...


    I whisper under my breath.


    "I wonder how much stronger I''ve really be."


    With a grin on my face, I start air-stepping over, but a wave of telepathy hits me from my main body as I see myself pointing toward the rift.


    "Enter it, I''d like to see what''s inside before it closes."


    I don''t slow down for a moment and continue air-stepping over my real body and Ember to soar toward the rift.


    "Good idea."


    As I fall closer, the rate at which the rift is closing speeds back up again. The fall of thest Titan just moments before it made it back has elerated the closing speed, and by the time I plunge through into the deep ck darkness, the rift is less than 2 meters in diameter and seems to have only tens of seconds left until it finally closes.


    With no fear at all, I step through the ck Abyss into another world; the ce where these Titans spawned from.


    The world around me bes dark, so I activate my buffs and light my hands with dim mes as my feet hit a hard smooth floor.


    In the same moment as I squint my eyes and try to look around, the rift behind me closes and fully disappears, leaving me here trapped for good.


    I take a cautious breath, stepping forward and exploring the range of my light source. My initial surprise is that I''m not floating in an endless void of darkness like I assumed, but the mana in the air here is quite dense...


    As my light finally gets bright enough, I can see the walls and ceiling of an incredibly tall and long hallway. It''s over 30 meters high and 10 meters wide, made of dark grey stone polished until glossy.


    When I activate my enemy detection skill, I don''t get a single reading, my entire sensory system is screwed up and seems like a massive blotch of mana is scrambling everything.


    Even so, I walk forward full of curiosity, wondering what this hallway leads to and what hidden information I could unlock by venturing further in.


    Constantly absorbing mana from the atmosphere to keep my dim light going, I walk down the hall at a steady pace. Soon, I start running, airstepping, and even using extreme speed to push myself further into the endless hall of darkness.


    Over half an hour passes, and multiple kilometers have been trekked before the faintest glow of another light source is visible to me in the distance.


    My eyes widen at the sight of it, and I deactivate all my shy skills, turning stealth on, and continuing my march through the darkness with newfound vigor. It takes another 10 minutes to finally make it down the hall far enough to see the light expand into a dim archway. It looks as if it opens up into a much more well-lit setting.


    Maybe this was just a hidden entrance to a rift, and there''s a colorful new world outside.


    As I get closer and closer, the dim white light source grows, but my enemy detection senses still give off the same scrambled reading. Now it may be even stronger than before, but it''s hard to tell.


    Once I finally make it close enough to step outside, the sight before me is like nothing I ever would have imagined...


    I step out into an impossiblyrge circle-shaped room.


    The other side of the room is dark, and it''s impossible to see. The only light source is 2 massive glowing white orbs easily 3 kilometers above me, creating a dim glow to light up a dome-shaped room. It would be easy to fit a small mountain inside here.


    The walls and ceiling are all made of the same glossy dark grey stone.


    When I look left and right, all I see is more archways, leading down more dark hallways just like the one I left. There are hundreds of them, maybe thousands; they go on further than my eyes can see all around.


    My eyes widen even more when I see dozens of ck Titans slowly walking into various dark walkways, alling from the pitch-ck center of the room.


    I try to wrap my mind around what I''m seeing here, but many things aren''t making sense. If this ce is what I think it is, then every one of these halls has its own rift at the end of it, and these Titans are draining mana from dungeons systematically.


    Just as my gaze points back to the center of the room, wondering how they''re possibly all walking in from the center, I freeze with awe and terror.


    The two white orbs of light kilometers above in the sky turn toward me, and stare straight through me even with my stealth skill fully activated.


    I feel an immense, mana-imbued pressure crushing me from above, and the outline of a jet-ck humanoid monster too massive to fathom entirely fills my senses. I don''t hear, see, or think about anything else as it stares through me. The mountain sized creature has no defining features other than its glowing white eyes and the overwhelming aura that exudes the feeling of endless greed for energy.


    My body double is killed instantly by its presence alone.


    All the memories of this experiencee surging back to my main body in The Great ins fractions of a second after the rift closes.

 Chapter 422

    Chapter 422


    "So that''s the Void Creeper Lord."


    I turn to Ember, and he responds.


    "Oh? You actually met it?"


    "Meeting it isn''t exactly what I''d call that... More like it killed me the second Iid eyes on it."


    Ember nods.


    "Sounds about right... If you were killed in an instant, you have nothing to worry about."


    He turns back to the direction where the rift closed moments ago and continues to speak through our link.


    "It''s already been too long back in that world for that creature to remember you even existed. I''ve never been myself, but I assume pests like us jump through the rifts all the time."


    I tell Ember the details about what happened, and we both have a goodugh, but also appreciate the perspective of power it just showed me.


    Those greed-filled eyes and its overwhelming strength is burned into the back of my mind. Even kilometers away, all my senses were scrambled by its passive aura. The more I think about it, the more I understand there isn''t even a point in being scared. The power gap is sorge it''s impossible to understand. In that world, it has absolute dominance.


    Even though it was only for a brief second, through the eyes of my double, I still have a perspective of what is possible. It''s clear I only grazed the surface of its capabilities, but power like this is something I one day aspire to achieve.


    In this world, there are still many monsters and people far stronger than me. I have to master the power at my fingertips and continue to train by only facing opponents I am certain I can defeat. By taking it one strong enemy at a time, with careful and calcted steps, I can rule like the Lord of that world...


    Thinking back further, I recount the image of what my body double saw when it tried to sense me from afar when I re-entered The Great ins. I really do seem like just a weak unawakened human from the perspective of non-Qi users now.


    With a thin smile, I whisper to myself.


    "Perfect."


    Then, I open up my item storage and let Ember hop inside.


    "I have some work to do."


    Thest 2 months inside the Titan''s Domain were even more productive and eye-opening than the first 3.


    I managed to almost double my Qi capacity again, gaining an additional 120% by cutting my rest and rxation time down, while upping the training output to not consider fatigue into ount. In doing this, I managed to burn through an additional 1.6 Billion MP in just 2 months.


    I upped the ante on using my buffs and elongated my time gathering Qi bybining the two training methods together. Once I became able to conjure physical Qi around my body at a constant rate for long periods of time, circting it in waves around the outside of my body rather than inside added to my control considerably.


    This gave arge surface area for new Qi in the room to gather upon me and also allowed me to multitask gathering, control training, and training my Qi barrier.


    This narrative has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I used a Full restore potion around the midway point when my mana fatigue became overwhelming, and itpletely washed away 90% of the tiredness. With my growing control, I only needed about 5 hours of sleep every 7 days by the end of it all.


    That''s a 260% increase in Qi capacity and a 3 billion MP increase in total control since the start of this session.


    As I use Dungeon Walker to teleport myself back to the 28th Floor of the Labyrinth, there''s a thick flowing whiteyer of Qi present around every square centimeter of my body. I''ve gotten used to holding up the highest setting of a barrier, and with my immense control training, it''s be an extension of myself.


    Onmand, I can let the Qi that surrounds my body flow back into my core at any speed I''d like. It still feels as if there are ocean waves of energy crashing and flowing all around me, but my mind can guide the energy almost as easily as breathing now.


    It''s a more instinctual way of controlling energy than the rigid activation of mana, but I''ve finally gotten the hang of it.


    I do a full scan of the dungeon using enemy detection and find there are only 2 monsters left in here, and they''re very far away from the exit portal and boss room. Ie to the conclusion that Bri has already finished up here and moved to the 29th floor.


    I dungeon walk to the mountainous region to check and see if my assumption is correct, and almost immediately see a white bird battling a shimmering orb of light high in the sky above the nearest mountain.


    Large waves of mana are expelled after every exchange. The white feathered bird dive bombs in, and Bri retaliates with her des and attempts to confuse her opponent with light magic and her ranked up buff.


    About a minute goes by before the battle is over, and Bri sessfully outmaneuvers the monster, letting its bloodied corpse fall to the ground and airsteps downward to collect the loot.


    I inspect Bri to see she''s already made it up to level 620 in such a short amount of time, but it''s clear there was quite the struggle in that battle. As she stands next to the dissolving body and drinks an HP and MP potion to heal her wounds and mana depletion, I confirm she''s nearing her max level possible with her current mana control.


    This dungeon on the 29th floor may be thest safe one for her to hunt in alone for the time being.


    I airstep over, covered in a thick barrier of Qi, but hide behind rocks and trees. I get within 50 meters, but her head hasn''t turned, and not a single sign of there being an enemy nearby is triggered.


    It hasn''t been the full hour she requested, so I''ll let her farm here longer. In the meantime, I might as well see what the floor above this one has to offer.


    I Dungeon Walk away, far deeper into this dungeon, and dip into the boss room portal to challenge the boss.


    An enormous level 667 Bird with bright white feathers and fierce advanced wind magic appears and lets out a screech. Then, after a moment of silence as its battle cry echoes away, it blows mana-imbued wind magic allthroughout the boss room.


    I slowly airstep into the sky to meet its eye level and pull my ck sword from my item storage. The moment I lift it in the air, the dense Qi swirling around my body flows into the de, oversaturating it in an instant. The same thick barrier of Qi around my body now surrounds my de as well.


    To the boss monster''s perspective, I have no magic power. It sees me as a bug, ready to be squashed with a single swing of its long sharp talons.


    However, once it dives down to attack, I simply swing my de upward and let the bird''s own momentum cut itself in half against my Qi imbued sword.


    It wasn''t even a challenge, and the Boss was confident until itsst breath it would be the victor.


    Now falling to the Boss room floor are two halves of a mighty bird that has no idea how it died.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I hit level 647, absorb its MCP, and collect the mana crystal and [White Feather of Agility] it drops with a 110% Agility buff. I ce them all in my item storage before the transport magic brings me to the 30th floor.


    Once the transport magic fades, I activate my enemy detection skill along with my All-Seeing Eye and airstep high into the sky to get a better view of this dungeon.


    The readings I get show monsters ranging anywhere from level 550 to 750.


    Monsters in a dungeon have never ranged this far apart in level on a single floor, and the variety of skills I pick up using my appraisal skill is also a confusing piece of data to receive. However, it''s best to take opportunities when they''re presented.


    I whisper under my breath while pinpointing which monster I''d like to challenge first.


    "Now this is going to be interesting..."

 Chapter 423

    Chapter 423


    As far as I can see, the dungeon is split into three different parts. It''s like a pie split into triangles, stretching out a few kilometers each.


    I seem to be hovering over the rocky region of the dungeon right now. There are massive rock formations, ins of rocky dirt and soil, andrge forests with small mountains and hills. At first, my view was blocked by arge teau-like structure, but now I can see the rest of the dungeon clearly.


    Nearby, I sense a hugeke filled with crystal clear, blue-tinted water for almost as far as the mountain region stretches. There are a few small inds in theke, but it''s almost entirely open water.


    Thenstly, the furthest away from here is a region filled with hot mes and volcanoes. It has theke on one side of it and the rocky region on the other. Its ck stone pathways are glowing orange and red hot from the mana-imbued molten rock that trickles down from the massive volcano at the back of the region.


    The entire dungeon has a light breeze flowing through it and light white puffy clouds high above in the sky.


    To top it all off, there''s a grey swirling boss room portal in the middle of all three sections. I can sense it slowly spinning where all of the regions meet in the middle, but am unable to see it with the naked eye just yet.


    "This is the most fascinating dungeon I''ve ever seen..."


    As these words barely leave my mouth, the closest monster to me that I pinpointed on my radar seconds agoes within visual distance. A brown-colored creature screeches loudly as it flies up from one of the rock formations in the earth region of the dungeon below me. I do a quick appraisal of it while readying my Qi-covered sword with one hand in a focused nonchnt manner.


    It''s level 579 and has three active skills along with a ranked-up buff.


    _____________________


    Active skills:


    [Intimidation][Special Grade]


    [Body Hardening][Legendary Grade]


    [Combat Magic][Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [Brown Wyvern''s Rock Prison]


    _____________________


    Stone begins to form around me in a dome shape as the Brown Wyvern stares me down with its sharp eyes.


    I don''t bother moving and let the weak magic wall of curved stonepletely envelop me. It locks into a sphere shape, and the walls start shrinking and closing in. The Wyvern below me gets closer and closer as the sphere shrinks to the point where it begins to touch theyer of Qi that surrounds my body.


    Without changing its upward trajectory in the slightest, the stone prison begins to crumble like sand the moment it hits my Qi barrier, and its upward momentum meant to collide with me in a weakened state once the trap crushes its prey is actually met with a Qi-imbued sword that slices it clean in half. It ends just like the boss room monster from the 29th floor.


    "What''s going on today...? These monsters really like killing themselves, don''t they?"


    I smirk and continue to airstep forward deeper into the rocky mountain region, knowing I won''t have to get serious fighting a single opponent on this floor. However, some are at a higher level than me, so there''s good reason to travel into level up and farm extra PP, and create dungeon walker points all over this ce while I have the chance.


    As I make my way through the rock structures of the earth region, more Wyvernse diving in from above and below with a simr attack strategy. Every time, I let them dive at me and decimate them without using much energy at all. Though, one thing stands out to me.


    The further in toward the center of the dungeon I travel, the higher level the monsters be.


    Once I kill my 5th one, I''m almost halfway through the region toward the center of the dungeon, and a familiar ringing sound can be heard in my head.


    [Level Up]


    I reach level 648 after defeating a level 655 Wyvern.


    Upon closely examining my enemy detection skill with its level inspection perk, I conclude my theory is true.


    It seems the closer I get to the center of the dungeon, the higher the level of spawned in monsters be. This means if I stay at this distance away from the boss room, I can farm mobs directly above my level and cash in on the maximum MCP and PP gains.


    Over the next half-hour, I use air-steps and dungeon walker to move back and forth throughout this portion of the earth region using my inspect skill to only pick the right opponents, clearing out every Wyvern within 5 levels above me as I raise my own.


    This narrative has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I sporadically check my Dungeon Walker skill to see Bri farming on the floor below me, but she hasn''t yet hit her maximum level for that floor. I can tell she''s still determined to keep going, so I decide to give her some extra time while I have some fun farming up here on the 30th floor myself.


    While doing so, I close the distance between myself and the blueke region nearby too, there are some interesting readingsing from within I''d like to check out. One of which being a new skill I don''t have yet.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+490 Agility]


    [+39,340,050 MCP]


    I hit level 660 fairly quickly, by only absorbing PP and MCP, the leveling process moves up very fast. One of the kills even triggered the absorption perk that allows me to take a portion of my opponent''s stat points.


    I would be sticking around to collect loot too, but they mostly only drop mana crystals. I''ve killed dozens, but nothing interesting drops until this most recent kill.


    As I''m airstepping away toward theke and the Wyvern''s corpse falls to the floor, an unusual pulse of energyes from it.


    I stop my search for other Wyverns and circle back to see what it has dropped.


    Resting on the rocky floor is a tan-colored stone with thousands of MP pouring out of it in the form of liquid mana-imbued rock that forms into small boulders. The floor beneath it is growing at a fairly quick rate, and I can tell the energy from within is being expelled.


    The grin filled with amusement covers my face as I make my descent downward to collect the item drop.


    "An earth stone, huh? Looks like I have another rare resource-packed dungeon to farm."


    I open up my item storage and let the stone fall inside. In doing so, the ground growing with rock and rubble ceases to move. A mound of fresh earth is left in its ce as I continue my hunt.


    My gaze turns to the other two regions in this dungeon, and my curiosity is spiked. If this region drops earth stones, there''s a possibility the others drop different elements too.


    I speed up my steps and finally make it above the shimmering blueke region where the artificial dungeon sun reflects off the lightly crashing waves below. Off in the distance, a bright blue Wyvernes my way and clocks in at level 661.


    I appraise it too.


    _____________________


    Active skills:


    [Intimidation][Special Grade]


    [Body Hardening][Legendary Grade]


    [Combat Magic][Advanced Water Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [Blue Wyvern''s Fury]


    _____________________


    My eyes widen at the sight of its skills.


    I''d already picked up on the fact that there were water wielders here when I first entered the dungeon but didn''t recognize it at first nce. The only Wyvern I faced in the Arena back in Valor City looked exactly like this one, yet it had Fire magic instead of Water.


    I don''t let the change in color throw me off too much, and let the creature with wide wings, sharp talons, and furious eyese swooping in while summoning tens of des of water all around me in a dome shape.


    They alle closing in as I take a deep breath to swing my sword with ease, negating every one of its des in an agile spinning motion while airstepping forward and piercing its dense mana shielding like butter.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: [Combat Magic][Advanced Water Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    I ept the skill as well as its MCP but turn my head to the side as another one bursts out of the water below me and tries to attack in the same fashion.


    Swinging my de gracefully and aiming with great precision, I take out its level 657 partner in an instant too.


    More blue Wyvernse rocketing out from the deep water below me, and I dance around the air easily dodging and slicing through each new one that gets in my way.


    Over half a dozen of theme out from theke before one unique Wyvern catches my eye as it flies at me from the direction I just came, seemingly spawned from the space in between the water and earth region.


    Its scales are bright blue just like all of the other monsters attacking me, but on its status, I see [Combat Magic][Advanced Earth Summoning]. As it screeches and begins to attack, stone spears are sent flying my way in the air, and a dome of rock surrounds me, but it''s glowing blue just like the Wyvern from the arena.


    "A mutant?"


    I chuckle as the monster gets closer, but in a matter of seconds, it''s defeated and torn to pieces just like all of the previous attackers.


    The glowing blue earth it attacked me with falls down below into theke. Every sshing sound it creates makes me more curious about this whole situation. The main question on my mind is wondering what kind of element stone a mutant like that would drop.


    I continue on, hovering over theke, diving just a tiny bit deeper in closer to the center of the dungeon to face a few more monsters. Their levels rise, but their difficulty is all the same. They don''t even make me break a sweat.


    Some dive bomb in from above, while otherse soaring up from the bottom of theke.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+48,600,770 MCP]


    By the time I''ve almost made a full circle around the dungeon, the edge of the volcanic region is in sight. I''ve sliced through a few dozen Blue Water Wielding Wyverns hitting level 668 but haven''t yet tried out the new skill I absorbed from the first.


    A crimson-colored Wyvernes my way and breathes out a dark red wave of mes.


    "This may be a good ce to test things out."


    I put my sword on my hip and release a small portion of the swirling Qi barrier from my now freed-up right hand. Instead of suppressing all of my magic, I let one half of my mana control be used as I activate my new water summoning skill and ce my hand in front of me facing the Red Wyvern.


    This is simr to what I do under the bottoms of my feet, allowing the Qi barrier to thin out so just enough air magic cane out to propel me higher and keep me in the sky. But, considering this is an attack on an enemy, I use a bit more power.


    My palm glows bright blue, and a pir of wateres flowing from the center of my hand, expandingrger andrger until it makes contact with the ball of mes sent my way from the level 665 Wyvern that attacked me from the volcanic region.


    In an instant, the creature''s me is engulfed by the stream of water, and once it makes contact with the Wyvern itself, its body is disintegrated by the water pressure.


    The water jet continues forward, making contact with a small hill of molten rock 100 meters away.


    I stop releasing magic, but the attack that hits the structure punctures clean through leaving a gaping circr hole in the rock formation.


    I deactivate my skill and let my Qi barrier reform around my hand while I grab my sword and chuckle to myself.


    "Noted... I guess half my mana control is probably still a bit too much."

 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [+1PP]


    [Level Up]


    [+102,509,223 MCP]


    Close to another hour passes as I continue to farm in the volcanic region, testing out my new water summoning skill and finding that if I use about a fifth of my mana control, they can put up a better fight.


    I reach level 684 before one of them finally drops an advanced fire stone. It burns hot and gives off a dark aura. I ce it in my item storage forter, as this is the strongest fire stone I''ve ever seen.


    There are plenty of stronger Wyverns deeper in, closer to the Boss room portal, but I want to take my time farming here. Killing monsters just above my level gives me the optimal amount of MCP and PP gains per level up. On top of that, I''m looking to get the maximum number of kills in order to farm element stones too.


    The drop rate here seems to be less than 2%, but for such a valuable resource, it''s actually pretty high.


    The main reason I''ve stopped now is because I''m well over the agreed-upon timeframe I said I''d meet back up with Bri, and she finally hit level 645 in an intense duel against one of the white-winged hawk creatures on the 29th floor.


    Unfortunately, I couldn''t find another mutant Wyvern despite camping by the borders of the regions. However, I''ll be back here very soon.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    I blip back to see Bri less than 100 meters away and air step down to the ground nearby with my Qi barrier fully activated.


    I wave at her as she collects the mana crystal from herst battle and looks at me with a confused and half-startled expression.


    "I was wondering when you''d show up... and secretly hoping you''d let me keep at it until I hit the max level in this dungeon... odd how things worked out-"


    I take a few steps closer until we''re less than 10 meters apart, then she takes a step back and the confused expression on her face grows.


    "You- look a lot different... and your aura... it''s gone."


    Bri tightens her gaze to look me up and down, unable to piece this puzzle together. I reply.


    "It''s a new ability. Probably better if you don''t ask. I''m unable to share this one."


    Her stare remains on me for a moment, and I decide to allow about 20% of my aura out, just like I did while facing the strongest Red Wyvern in the dungeon above us. Her expression shift back to normal. She replies once my aura is able to be felt.


    "Interesting... to my senses, it seemed like you weren''t even here. It almost felt like my eyes were ying tricks on me."


    "Interesting."


    I make a note to myself that I should probably always let a small portion of my mana leak out when interacting with people. A hunter with 0 mana control at all would be even more suspicious than one with an overwhelmingly high amount.


    Bri reaches into her item box around her waist and walks closer with a smile, pulling out a small concealment case.


    Once she opens it up with a click, I can see what''s inside.


    "Two of the highest quality wind stones I''ve ever seen. I''m looking forward to seeing what I can craft with these."


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    She pauses for a moment.


    "Hey, I know you said you have a meeting to get back to tonight, but do you think you have a little time toe back to my office? I have a few extremely high-grade items I''ve been waiting for the right time to craft. With the use of your skill, and my recent strength improvement, I''m sure I can make something extremely unique."


    I nod and ce a hand on her shoulder, dungeon walking us to one of the exit portals that leads into the underground dungeon hub. I activate my conceal skill to shift my face and let my cloak morph into a generic ck business suit.


    While doing this, I also increase my Qi barrier''s density to let out an even smaller amount of mana, simr to that of a level 350 hunter that has barely scraped the surface of awakening mana control. We walk out into the underground ck market.


    It doesn''t take very long until we make it back to Bri''s building and the same blond-haired guard greets us and lets us in.


    On the first floor, all of the workers have left for the night, and the front doors are locked and fortified. On the second floor, the two twins have left for the night as well, but Bernard still sits at his desk in front of his library of books, deeply immersed in one as he sits with very good posture at his desk.


    He gives us a nod as we walk up the stairs into her office. I make ament in a whispering tone, simultaneously putting up a Hush barrier around us while we make it to the top floor.


    "You know, your security here is rathercking. I got past unnoticed the first time I showed up and even left a clue for your two men out front that I was here. I assume they never notified you?"


    Bri shakes her head as I continue.


    "The second time, all it took was a little sweet talking to the guard down below in the ck market to let me through. Once we''re partnered, I think some elite-level guards are in order. Or at least some higher-level mana shielding with an ID scanner as a security precaution."


    She nods while walking back over to her desk.


    "You''re right, you''re right. Up until now, all threats and attempted break-ins I receive are from E and D ss hunters at most. There''s no point ining to the ck market as a higher grade hunter with ess to the Dungeon Hub and Association-partnered shops. Even if someone of C-ss or higher were to go rogue, the Association always takes them out before they''re much of a problem. That is, unless they can escape to the Dark Continent, there are exceptions of course."


    She gives me a sly smile, insinuating she means people like me.


    I sigh and respond.


    "That makes sense, but I just wanted to put it out there. If any of our C and B-Grade goods are being produced and shipped out here, security needs to be heightened. I trust you''re strong enough to protect this business yourself, but there will always be times when you''re away. Extra backup is needed."


    She nods while I activate my Rising Emperor''s Domain buff and give Bri the Mythic Grade Crafting ability.


    "Check your status, the skill should be there. I have a bit of time so make whatever you''d like."


    Bri''s eyes light up as her blue status screens begin to form all around her, and she digs into her desk, pulling out many items with varying abilities and buffs ranging from 50% up to 120% and odd-colored stones and potions I''ve never seen before in my life.


    I don''t really care to watch, as I have quite a few other things on my mind.


    The first thing that still piques my curiosity is what kind of elemental stones the mutants on the 30th floor drop. However, the second most significant topic that has been on my mind for months of perceived time, ever since my second Qi training period in the Titans Domain, concerns what Fisher and Lydia will reveal about their findings in Sector 2.


    It''s been a huge mystery looming over me ever since I entered Valor City, and I''ll be having a final meeting with Lith tonight to secure the details of the trade routes and finally figure out what kind of territory I''ll be venturing out to next.


    I sit with my feet up on a coffee table, and my hands behind my head, staring at the ceiling deep in thought as shes of light continuously go off in the back portion of the room.


    Bri''s voice rings out to me after about 20 minutes and a glowing silver ringes flying my way.


    "Hey, I made something for you, it''s one of the highest quality items I think I''ve ever produced, so please ept it as a gift for helping me rank up today."


    I use appraisal while catching the shiny silver-colored ring in my hand, while not moving any other part of my body from thefortable couch.


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [+151% Mental Strength][+111% Speed][+100% Agility][+99% Strength][+74% Defense][Illusion Attribute]


    My eyes stay focused on it for a moment, and the tinum glimmer and smooth surface of the item are captivating. A bright white auraes off the ring, and Bri continues to speak.


    "It has a light attribute imbued that should allow you to put up small walls of illusions simr to my own. Meaning you''ll be able to make people around you invisible if they''re close enough, even if you don''t share that stealth skill with them."


    I smile and ept it, taking off my tinum Amulet of Frost [+137% Mental Strength] [+90% Ice Magic Strength] to rece it with this new item with much better stats. I slip the smooth tinum ring on my finger.


    "Thanks, I''ll make good use of it."


    I ce my hand above me in the air and let out a much higher amount of my mana control to let the illusion attribute of the ring activate. A long 1 meter by 2 meter rectangle of shimmering manaes out, making the ceiling above me disappear, allowing me to put whatever I''d like in its ce.


    Light shes in the back of the room as Bri continues to craft random items, and I be very entertained by changing the rectangle of ceiling that I control to look like various dungeons I''ve been to before.


    Another 20 minutes or so go by before the sensation of someone approaching from below us hits both mine and Bri''s mana senses.


    We stop what we''re doing, and I release the hush barrier just in time for a few knocks to ring out from the side door at the top of the stairs.


    Bri looks to the back of the room, and I turn my head to face the visitor.


    It''s Bernard. In a neatly fitted suit, thin-framed sses, and a book still in his hand at his side, the craftswoman''s assistant speaks up in a professional tone.


    "I''m very sorry to bother you in the middle of a meeting, Ms. Briana, but there''s been important news from an informant that I think you''d be very interested to hear."


    He looks over to me, then back at Bri, waiting for her response.


    She nods.


    "Very well, this client is trusted, don''t worry about keeping secrets. What is the news?"


    Bernard pauses for a moment, then blurts out something that leaves the whole room in shock.


    "Well, this is directly from our informant that infiltrated the Association. There''s been a violent high-grade dungeon break near the Green Ridge Mountain Lookout. It''s unlike any break they''ve ever seen before. The energy dispersed has created 14 brand new dungeons in its ce."

 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425


    A few hours ago, at the top of the Association''s HQ Tower in Vice City, a blond-haired woman named Samantha picks up her transmission tablet while she looks out the ss window of the top floor of her office suite.


    She is the assistant to the Vice Region''s Director.


    The transmission tablet in her hand glows brightly for a few seconds before the deep voice of the Director, Brutus C. Matthews, replies on the other end.


    "You know I''m out on business in the Apex Region right now. What might be so important that you''d call at a time like this, and on my emergency line? The room is listening."


    The tall blond-haired assistant continues to stare out the window as an enormous mushroom cloud of white energy continues to expand at a distance of about 20 kilometers away from the city.


    "I believe the matter is urgent, I wouldn''t have called otherwise. I''ll have all avable Vice Region elites sent out on the issue immediately, but I wanted you to be the first to know; It looks like we''re having another surge. Or something of simr magnitude."


    The Director stays silent on the other end of the call as Samantha recounts the events of the distress signal from the Green Ridge Lookout Dungeon and now the fading white cloud of light that illuminated the entire sky for the city to see.


    After a long pause, the Director''s voice echoes back through the transmission tablet.


    "Very well, secure the perimeter and I''ll make my way out there as fast as I can. Thank you for the swift action and professional response."


    The transmission tablets go dark on both ends as Samantha watches the remnants of the st fade away. Her tablet lights up again as she calls all units that are avable in the city to make their way out to survey and secure the st zone as the Director ordered.


    Meanwhile, Brutus sits in a dark room with 9 other people at arge round table. The edges of the room fade off into shadows, and no one is able to see anyones exact facial features; there are only outlined silhouettes.


    As he puts his small silver tablet back into a pocket, he speaks up, facing the man in thergest seat directly across from him at the table.


    "I''m sorry for the interruption, Mr. Freeman. Please, let us carry on with this year''s B-ss exam preparations. I''ll attend to this matter once we''ve finished up here."


    Therge shadowy figure at the back of the room nods slowly one time, then a bright golden light shines from one of the rings on his right hand.


    Simultaneously, the same golden yellow glow shines brightly in the shape of a cor around the necks of two A-ss Hunters that sit next to his left and right sides. They both stand up and bow toward the center of the table as the shimmering golden light disappears from their necks. As they both bring their heads up, they move in opposite directions.


    One of them uses a telekinesis power to levitate the shadowy figure''s chair just above the ground, turning it toward the back of the room filled with darkness as the other man speaks to the remaining people at the round table.


    "The Apex Region''s Director wishes for all of us to go back to our posts. Even if it is a false g, it is best we all prepare for a surge in our home regions. We''ve covered most of the topics we wanted to tonight. Although our trade routes have been limited since the disappearance of a main distributor in the Dark Continent, we''re making do with what we have stocked up on for now and what we can farm from the Apex Dungeons. The B-ss Exams are still over a month away, so we shall meet again next week to continue this discussion. Directors, please leave your closing notes or concerns, then you are all dismissed."


    Once he finishes, the A-ss Hunter speaking for the Apex Director ces a small ck box with a thin slit on its top in front of him on the table. He waits patiently for all members at the table to write a few notes on small pieces of paper folded in half to voice anonymous concerns about this week''s meeting and ideas that they would like brought up in next week''s meeting to be discussed.


    Once all papers are put in, the Hunter picks up the box and follows into the darkness at the back of the room to assist Mr. Freeman.


    There are some rustles of papers and a few whispers between the remaining 7 Directors including Brutus, but it''s soon followed by bright glows of transport magic being activated, and various directors making their way back to their home regions as requested by their leader.


    Brutus takes out a transport crystal from a miniature item box in one of his other suit pockets and crushes it in his hand to teleport back into the Association tower''s only teleport tform deep underground.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "Wee back, Mr. Director, Samantha notified me you would be stopping by."


    A tall silver-haired artificer in a purple cloak, decked out in all kinds of magical gadgets and gear, greets Brutus with an open door and a wide smile as he walks through the long halls of the underground testingbs of the Association.


    "Nice to see you too, Leo. It''s been a while, but I''m not in the best mood right now. That Director''s meeting didn''t aplish a single thing. Our unique trade items from the Dark Continent are still on standby, we''re getting no extra support from the Apex region for Labyrinth farming, and the B-ss exams areing up fast... so we''re bound to lose even more Elite manpower."


    Leo calmly walks the halls next to Brutus, allowing him to rant all he wants until the two of them get to the elevator that leads to the main lobby.


    The doors open with a ding, and Brutus walks inside with a long sigh, straightening his back and putting on a professional smile.


    "Anyway, good seeing you, Leo, hoping next time on better terms. It''s all part of the job, order must be kept by any means necessary, am I right?"


    "Of course you''re right."


    The Artificer lets out a chuckle and waves the Director goodbye as he turns to quickly make his way back down the hall to continue a fewte-night experiments.


    Brutus meets up with Samantha who''s patiently waiting with a silver information tablet in hand. They both walk out of the lobby into the dead of night very quickly to make their way to the forest.


    The distance is far, but the two of them make it deep into the forest fairly quickly, passing a few association workers illuminating the forest path with various skills on their way.


    What was previously a very dark dirt path is now covered in mana-imbued light sources, and the aura of dozens ofte-night workers can be sensed out in the forest along with the sensation of many dungeon portals that were not previously in this location.


    Once the Director makes his way into the clearing where the trees don''t block any extra vision from the st zone, the site before his eyes is like no dungeon break he''s ever seen before.


    "You weren''t messing around, whatever caused this reaction packed some serious power, but I highly doubt it has anything to do with a surge... All of the dungeons in the main hub give off stable readings, this must be an outlier."


    Samantha nods and looks down at her information tablet as the deep crater of dirt and rock stretching out for kilometers on either side, and over 200 meters down in a light nt toward the centeres into view.


    Many blue swirling dungeon portals have spawned, littered all around the shallow hole where a mountain used to be, and small work stations of Association hunters have been set up outside each one.


    Some tables have mana crystals and loot, while others are empty and the exploration parties are still inside.


    Samantha speaks up as they both begin walking down into the crater.


    "We''ve found 14 of them total so far. They''re all E and D ss dungeons. Some are unique, so we''ll have a few new item sources to farm here, while 6 so far are duplicates of dungeons we already have control over in the main hub. It will still take a few hours to get all of the approximate boss levels and loot drop percentages figured out, but it will most likely be allplete by morning."


    The Director stares down at the dungeons and thinks to himself for a full minute while the two of them walk by the first spinning portal.


    Some of the guards and Association workers recognize him as he walks by and give bows and salutes, but Brutus doesn''t care to acknowledge them as he''s deep in thought.


    Finally, he speaks up to Samantha.


    "Are the guards that manned the Green Ridge Lookout still alive? I''d like a word with them if they are. Also, all high-level hunters in the vicinity with earth elements awakened and craftsmen of any level, have them report here immediately. I have a n to fix this mess by the morning."


    "Of course."


    Samantha pulls out her transmission tablet and begins to make a few calls. A few shes of light blip all over the forest as many hunters between level 100 and 550e over the moment they''re called.


    Two of the hunters are the guards that were meant to be watching the Green Ridge Lookout dungeon in question when the st went off.


    Brutus has them exin the events that they can remember, but the fact that all they know is the portal turned red and they woke up unharmed almost 10km away doesn''t sit well with him. Samantha uses her lie detector skill to confirm they are in fact telling the truth, so he decides to leave this mystery for a less urgent time.


    "Fine, you two, go back to the Association. Samantha will arrange a luxury suite for each of you to take a rest. I suspect there is much more to this than meets the eye, and believe you''re not at fault. Still, we will question you further at ater date. Your weekly pay will continue as usual as you rest and recover."


    They both graciously leave the crater, and Brutus turns to the others.


    "Alright, the rest of you, let''s get to work on turning this into a new dungeon hub. Considering the strength of the dungeons I''ve spotted so far, it''ll be a good ce to train new recruits, and possibly an area where we can expand the city."


    He turns to the three earth magic users on standby, then points to all the dungeons with an open palm.


    "Your team''s job is to make even pathways connecting all the dungeons together, making nice arching entrance gates to each one, then once you''re finished there, make the dirt path back to the city presentable."


    He turns to the small team of craftsmen next.


    "I need mana-imbued lights put up along the pathways for nighttime hunters, and basic D-Grade mana shielding put up around every one of these newly spawned portals as a safety precaution."


    Brutus turns to Samantha.


    "Make sure the signs are put up above each stone archway put in ce denoting the dungeon''s skill level, we''ll double check them ourselves before it''s written in ink. Then, have 1 guard per gate assigned by morning at 1 letter grade above the gate''s grade. Pay them standard weekly rates."


    She nods and writes down information on the tablet, meanwhile, the crowd of craftsmen and earth magic users all get to work on their tasks.


    Brutus whispers under his breath while crossing his arms.


    "Whatever happened here, it''s going to end up being very profitable for the Association, but I''d still like to get to the bottom of what exactly it was. This was not a natural phenomenon."

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426


    Back in Bri''s office, the room stays still as we take in the news about dungeons being found in the forest region where the Green Ridge Lookout used to be.


    My eyes open wide, and so do Bri''s; we turn to meet each other''s gazes. I''m the first to whisper under my breath.


    "No way..."


    Silence looms in the room for another few seconds before Bri responds to her assistant.


    "Thank you very much, Bernard. This is valuable info, and I appreciate the good job in closing up the shop today too. You''re dismissed for the night."


    He bows and replies before walking down the stairs.


    "Thank you, Ms. Briana, have a good night. I''ll see you when we open tomorrow."


    As he leaves, I put up my Hush barrier again, and Bri speaks in a curious tone.


    "That cursed item you set off seems to do a bit more than just copse dungeons and blow up mountains."


    She raises an eyebrow and continues.


    "I''m sure the Association is all over the st site by now if our D-Grade informant has already sent in the news. Elites must be on the scene; I''d love to check it out, but there''s no way I''m getting by without being seen or sensed now."


    I think about what has happened in my mind''s eye, picturing all of the concentrated energy from within the dungeon erupting from the wind stone just a few hours ago.


    Usually, when a dungeon copses, it just disappears into thin air or slowly lets out its energy in the form of overleveled monsters. The uniqueness of this copse was the fact that all the energy from within the dungeon left in an instant, and in a stable form.


    When it was inevitably released and dispersed in the st, it must have naturally settled back together in dense points to form new dungeons.


    However, I''ve never heard of anyone forming a dungeon with just dense pockets of mana. If it was that easy, then I''m sure bigger organizations and countries would be making new dungeons left and right. There must be a unique factor about the way I copsed this dungeon that created new ones.


    Deep in thought, unconsciously covering my temples with my index and middle fingers to think deeper into the issue, I finally perk back up and respond to Bri.


    "You''re right. You''ll probably be spotted if you go and check things out, but I need to know what happened out there... Depending on what results I may find will conclude whether or not I decide to do this test again."


    A grin creeps across my face as Bri responds hastily.


    "Not around here you won''t! We were lucky that first st wasn''t bigger or faster than it already was. Even by a magnitude of 2 timesrger, and we could have been in serious trouble. That was a one-time thing; don''t go blowing up the city for your own amusement."


    "Yeah I know. If I ever do it again I''ll go out in the open desert of the Dark Continent or something simr, don''t worry."


    She lets out a sigh and sits back in her chair while Iy back down on the couch in the middle of the room.


    Then, speak up after about 2 seconds of silence.


    "I am going to go check it out though."


    She responds while standing up from her desk.


    "Oh I know, just be careful out there. Promise me you won''t get into any extra trouble before we even start our business together."


    "I''m just taking a quick look. I''ll bepletely concealed, I won''t let anyone even know I was there."


    I get up from the couch at this, and we walk down the stairs of her shop, and she unlocks and relocks the front doors as we walk out into the street ans say our goodbyes.


    "See you soon."


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "See ya."


    We walk our separate ways as I activate my stealth skill underneath a veil of Qi, making myself invisible to mana users even hundreds of levels above me.


    I airstep through the sky above the low-ie area of the city and spread my enemy detection skill far and wide to find no one anywhere near Elite level nearby.


    That is, until I finally make it to the edge of the forest.


    The once dark and unused dirt pathway through the thick trees is now covered in a smooth raised stone walkway that is connected to the main road on the outer edge of the city. Every 20 meters or so, a long pir of stone holds a bright mana imbued light orb on top of it, illuminating the walkways just enough to make it to the next one without falling into darkness.


    I soar high above the path, totally invisible to the eye or anyone''s mana senses, and follow the winding pathway through the forest with a fast-beating heart and eyes full of curiosity.


    Once I''m about a kilometer in, the pathway ends abruptly, but I see a level 398 hunter with an advanced earth summoningbat magic skill sitting down on a nearby fallen tree, drinking an MP potion, and wiping sweat from his forehead. Nearby, there''s a level 114 special grade craftsmanbining mana crystals andrge ss spheres he keeps taking out of an item box.


    I nod, spotting their Association Badges on their shirt cors and thinking to myself how interesting it is that they''ve managed to set all of this up so quickly.


    A dim light source glows out in the distance where I remember the st going off hours ago, and I soar higher in the air off in that direction to soon find another team of earth magic and craftsmen forming the same style of trailing to meet the team approaching.


    At the pace they''re moving, it shouldn''t take more than another hour or so to meet in the middle.


    I continue to fly further in until the trees thin out so much I can finally see the enormous crater in the ground where the mountain and Green Ridge Lookout dungeon used to be. Ie to a halt and drift downward to stand on the edge of the st zone with my stealth skill activated and Qi barrier on its highest possible density.


    The immense size of the hole in the ground is hard to fathom; it doesn''t even look real. Thendscape is changed so drastically, it seems as if there were never any trees or wildlife here in the first ce.


    My widened eyes spot 14 mana dense silver boxes covering the crater in random points, and stone walkways connecting each of them to the main path that''s being connected to the city.


    The boxes are clearly mana shielding barriers put up in case of more breaks, but they don''t seem very intense. The dungeons themselves don''t seem strong either. There''s nothing here over a D-ss dungeon at best.


    This confirms my theory before that all of the energy from the original high-grade C dungeon was dispersed and condensed, used to create these dungeons. Meaning, none of them have a chance of ever being as strong as the original; they''re just the remnants from the st.


    Considering this, relieved that I''m not missing out on any new high-grade dungeons, I begin to turn back, but then the door of one of the mana shielding barriers around a dungeon in the center of the crater opens up.


    Out of the small stone archway, dimly lit by a pir of light, a tall armored man and a thin blonde-haired woman with a clipboard walk out.


    With my heightened senses, and increased perception of sight and sound, it''s as clear as day who walks out from that portal.


    The Vice Region''s Director.


    The man that screwed my whole team over for a reason stillpletely unknown to me. It could have been for a quick buck, or standard procedure for when teamse in contact with Demonic Energy, or just an order from the higher ups. What ever that reason may be, it doesn''t make me hate him any less right now.


    I can hear his nonchnt voice speaking to his assistant from over a kilometer away with the use of my enemy detection skill and boosted perception.


    "Another D-ss Dungeon tracked and surveyed. Wonderful. That just leaves 3 more to go, where to next?"


    His assistant points to another mana shielded box and outlines the detailed information that the Association workers gave while farming earlier. They just need to go inside to verify.


    Meanwhile, my vision tunnels in on the level 745 man walking slowly up a newly made stone pathway.


    I do a full scan of his status and inventory, seeing that he''s gained 14 levels since thest time we met. Then, as my eyes look at the array of new protection gear maxing out all of his item slots with +150% and higher defense stats and magic resistance items, my gaze falls on a nk slot that shows an item reading that sends a shiver down my spine.


    [??? ess Denied]


    My gaze tightens, and I even shift my vision straight at the item itself that seems to be a ring.


    It glows gold, and wisps of energy trail from it as he walks away from my general direction at a slow pace.


    My mana senses pick up a reading so dense it''s hard to calibrate how strong the ring is or what it does, and my Qi senses pick uprge amounts of energy trapped deep within it as well. It gives off an evil presence, like it has a wandering mind of its own.


    No Qi seems to be present in the Director''s body at all, so my only guess is that it is a soul energy imbued ring. This may be a very rare opportunity to get the Director out in the open all alone. However, I promised Bri I wouldn''t cause any trouble for her, and it''s not in my best interest to challenge an unknown power like this without preparation.


    Despite being almost the same level as me, I''ve seen this Director order around people like Bri''s brother Rodrigo even though he''s high above level 1000. If it has anything to do with that ring, I don''t want to find out how it works the hard way.


    As much as I hate this man for selling out my team to a Dark Continent Sector Leader, attacking him blindly just because I feel like it is not a good idea.


    Reluctantly, I reach into my item storage to take out a transport crystal that leads back to the Galeheart Tower.


    With my eyes locked on the Director and grip tightening around the fragile gem, I bite my bottom lip and make my final decision.

 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427


    The transport crystal breaks in my clenched fist, and I''m teleported back into the main lobby of the Galeheart tower.


    I can feel the denseyer of Qi around my body get pulled through the instant transport rift with me, and I stand alone in the center of the white-walled room with both lobby men looking around with startled gazes.


    The teleport tform registered a user arrive, but no one is visible in the room.


    I deactivate my stealth skill and let my concealment items and skills deactivate too, revealing my regr form but keeping my Qi barrier strong while walking forward toward the elevator. As I be visible, one of them speaks up.


    "You''re just in time. Mr. Galeheart got back just half an hour ago, I''m sure he''ll be ready to meet with you on the top floor."


    I nod with a smile as the elevator doors open and close, and I walk inside.


    While the extremely fast-moving room brings me to the top floor, I adjust my mana control to about 1/3 of its natural output. This is greater than it was thest time I met with Lith. Showing off a bit of growth is better than suppressing it much lower.


    As the doors of the elevator open with a ding to Lith''s office, the walls are already showing off the holograms of the nighttime city lights, and there are two other people in the room aside from the MErcenary Guild Leader sitting down.


    The people sitting infortable chairs, facing Lith, are two figures I''m very familiar with but haven''t seen in a very long time.


    They turn their heads as I walk in the door.


    "Lydia, Fisher, nice to see both of you still in one piece."


    I activate my inspect and appraisal skills to see them both at exactly level 602, but wearing the same gear as I remember them wearing before. The water-wielding swordsman and white-haired ice mage get up from their seats as I walk closer, and their eyes open wide.


    Fisher is the first to reply.


    "You look almost as old as me now! It''s only been like 2 weeks... What happened to you? And where''d you get that fancy cloak?"


    He looks me up and down as the flowing magic manifested fabric of the cloak wavers in non-existent wind.


    Before I reply, Lydia is already eyeing me up and down too with her arms crossed.


    "Your mana control has risen quite a bit. You managed to find more Mana-imbued Essence stones? Or is this just from training in that Arena Lith keeps talking about in the Silver District?"


    She turns to Fisher, then back to me with a light chuckle.


    "And yeah, I agree with Fisher, it looks like you''ve been training in the mountains for years or something. Whatever it is, it''s working."


    She shrugs as I finally make my way over, seeing Lith watch our interaction with a thin smile from his desk. I reply to my old teammates.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Yeah, training in the mountains alone, basically nailed it."


    I roll my eyes and chuckle to brush herment off as a joke, but in reality, I have been training in istion for almost a year''s worth of time over thest few days, and much has happened since thest time I saw these two.


    Thest time we talked was before the Sector 2 leader was even killed. They look a bit different themselves, but unfortunately, I can''t sense much change in their mana control.


    I reply.


    "On a real note, I''ve gotten my hands on some interesting items and done my fair share of training recently. The arena and resources in this city have been very useful in gaining strength; I''ve been using a lot of unique methods to get stronger while you were gone. I''d like to share them with you when you have time to train. However, I think you have the more interesting story to tell today. What''d you find in Sector 2?"


    As I raise the question, both of their expressions shift to one of surprise and Fisher is about to speak up, but Lith interjects before he can reply.


    "How about we all sit down and wait for the remaining 3 members to arrive before we start our show and tell?"


    My eyes turn to Lith, and I already have my inspect and appraisal skills instinctively activated. I''m hit with the usual [??? ess Denied] screens all over his status because of the use of some concealment enchantment, but for a moment I see the lettering flicker. It feels like if I were to use 100% of my control,i could easily break through it and see what Lith is hiding.


    *Ding*


    My concentration is interrupted by the sound of the elevator, and I don''t try to push my mana control any further than it is in fear of revealing my full power. So, I let it be and get seated on the opposite side of Lith''s desk.


    Both Fisher and Lydia getfortable on the other side again too, and the elevator door opens, and I sense 2 fairly strong mana controls enter the room with Qi cores less than 1/5th the size of my own.


    It is a bit off-putting how well the dense shielding of these walls blocks the presence of others even just in another room, but also convenient so that I''m sure no one outside the tower can sense my own power inside.


    Abby and Mariae walking out from the Elevator and make it halfway through the room before they stop dead in their tracks, seeing the massive flowing waves of Qi surrounding my body. I immediately open my telepathy link between all 3 of us and send a message.


    "Don''t say anything about it until we''re alone. As you can see, I''ve had quite the breakthrough... but it''s going to take some time for me to teach you how to do the same."


    They both keep their eyes locked on my aura for a few seconds while walking toward the desk at the back of the room, but understand and then turn their gazes to Lydia and Fisher.


    Maria hugs Lydia, and the 4 of them have a normal greeting and update as well. The duo that was sent out for Sector 2 reconnaissance can''t help butment on Abby and Maria''s mana control increase just like mine.


    Fisher is the most interested.


    "So it wasn''t just Jay. That Arena is really that efficient for training? Maybe I can give it a shot too! I leveled up quite a bit while awayst week, I''d like to test out how far I can get."


    They continue to talk back and forth, but Fisher''sment that he''s leveled up this week catches my attention. I saw on his status that he and Lydia were both over level 600, but didn''tment on it before.


    I join the conversation as Maria and Abby sit down on two other chairs, leaving only one seat open.


    "You leveled up too? There are high-level dungeons out in Sector 2? Or a Labyrinth? Or enemy hunters? How''d you manage to gain so many levels?"


    Fisher turns to me from across the room with a grin.


    "Oh, all of the above and much more. It''s a chaos-filled gold mine out there... Especially with the Leader gone, every day we stayed out there got worse... I don''t know how anyone survives in a region like Sector 2."


    He turns to Lydia, and she gives a nod, confirming his points and opening her mouth to add to it, but another ding of the elevator draws all of our attention to the opening doors.


    I turn my head the quickest, as an energy I haven''t felt in a while seeps into my senses.


    Arie, the team''s archer put in charge of leveling up Chester to secure Sector 4 as a guaranteed trade route, walks out of the elevator into the Office to greet us with a very serious expression on his face.


    His sharp eyes focus straight ahead not looking at any of us in particr. His physique looks much more toned and buff than before, and the faint aura of refined Demonic Energy lingers all over him.

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428


    My gaze tightens as I conduct a full body scan with my All-Seeing Eye on the tan-skinned archer who walks through the room and sits down in thest remaining empty seat in front of Lith''s desk.


    I''m not sure what I was expecting to see, but I''m surprised to find no Demon''s Core inside Arie''s body. With the amount of used-up Demonic Energy lingering around in his aura, it seems as if he just finished up a battle with a Demonic Creature.


    Only one other possibility enters my mind as I open my telepathic link with him.


    "Have you been training in the Abyss?"


    His gaze quickly turns to meet mine, and he replies through our link.


    "I have... but it hasn''t been easy. How''d you know?"


    I nod and look back to Lith, but reply through our link.


    "I can sense the remnants of defeated Demonic Creatures all over you. You can see them?"


    Arie looks back toward Lith too, answering but making it seem as if we''re not even talking.


    "I can sense them, yes, and the more I fight them, I can see them more. However, I''ve found normal mana attacks are very dangerous to use inside the Abyss. I have to use my ranked-up buff as well as the red hydra''s power to take them out without harming myself."


    I think to myself for a moment as silence in the room continues to settle. I knew Arie''s skill was always a bit unique. Spirit Arrows aren''t exactly a skill that I''ve ever seen in anyone else, and with his new ranked-up buff to manipte this energy allowing him to hunt Demonic Creatures, it muste with some odd special effects too. Thestment about the red hydra''s soul energy aiding his fights makes the most sense, however, I still have a lot of questions I''d like to ask.


    "Let''s talk after this meeting, I''m sure we have some insight to share about the Abyss."


    He gives a small nod.


    "Of course, you''re the only other person that''s even acknowledged the monsters in there are real. We definitely have a lot to talk about."


    As his words echo in my mind, Lith talks out loud to all of us sitting in the chairs in front of his desk.


    "Looks like the whole crew is finally all together in one ce. Now, let''s get down to business and finish up these final negotiations. We have a continent to conquer, don''t we?"


    His gaze turns to me, and I reply, rehashing the same deals we spoke of in ourst 2 negotiation conversations, moving back and forth on the numbers a few more times before wee to a final agreement.


    I restate it out loud while standing up and putting out my right hand to shake his.


    "So, before we discuss the actual details of Sector 2, let''s get our numbers straight. We will keep 100% of the profits from all trade deals with the other sectors and regions from the maind outside the walls. The only exception will be trades to Sector 1. You will only pay the price it costs my craftsmen to make it up to 100 tinum per month in product. After that, it''s 50% off market price indefinitely as long as I still retain a 30% or greater profit margin on those goods."


    Lith nods and brings his hand closer, replying.


    "Yes, and in return, I am allowed to post as many guards as I wish around the Sector 2 Territory, but none will be allowed within 500 meters of your main distribution center or base of operations wherever it may be. Along with this, you may hire your own craftsmen and do as you wish as long as I continue receiving the product I need to maintain my business here in Sector 1. My mercenaries need gear, and the shops and businesses I sell to need my product as well."


    I nod, bringing my hand closer too.


    "Of course. In return, you''ll be the 3rd party broker for the Sector 3, Vice Region, and Apex Region deals the first month of business, as they are more familiar with you as a business associate. But after this, you will introduce me to the main contacts under an alias so I can maintain trade with them long term."


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Our hands are so close to shaking I can feel the heating off his palm as he replies.


    "Yes, all this, and I grant you ess to all my amenities here in the Galeheart mercenary guild, and you will kill The Dark One. There is no time limit, but of course, sooner thanter. You know as well as I do after facing those Arena Monsters this is an urgent matter."


    I grip his hand as we both stand over the desk and smile at each other, knowing we''re both about to profit heavily from this arrangement. I reply.


    "You have my word. Give me the means to get strong and rich enough, and I''ll personally deliver The Dark One''s head on your desk at my earliest convenience."


    We both let out augh and give a firm handshake before sitting back in our chairs facing each other to discuss the fine details of the arrangement.


    Maria and Abby are happy to continue training in the Arena, stacking money and training their new abilities for the time being. They don''t explicitly say what abilities they''re training because of all the people in the room, but it''s clear to me they want to refine their Qi control to the point where they can beat the 7th Stage without the help of the Red Hydra''s Buff.


    I agree that this is a good idea for them for the time being, but I won''t be joining.


    As much as I''d like to test my own power in the Arena again, I''m certain it''s a bad idea. I know I could beat a Ghoul now with my Qi control alone, and most likely face off against a Wraith in the 8th stage too without much issue, but I haven''t even begun to awaken my own Soul Energy, so there''s no way I can stack up against the true enemy in this city.


    Showing off my new power is just asking for trouble, so, I speak up in the middle of our discussion, turning to Fisher and Lydia.


    "I''d rather venture out and see Sector 2 for myself. What''s it really like out there?"


    Fisher replies with arms crossed and a confident smirk.


    "Oh yeah? You want to be on the front line of the clean-up patrol out there with us too? It''s really a chaos-filled wastnd, I already told you."


    I chuckle.


    "Yeah, I''d like to know. What''d you two see..."


    Lydia pulls out a few sheets of paper from her item box and spreads them out on Lith''s desk while Fisher begins to exin.


    "Well, if you see here in the outer regions of Sector 2, the portion at least that borders Sector 1, it''s mostly a wide-open desert."


    Abby pokes her head into the conversation too.


    "So, simr to thendscape we explored initially in Sector 4?"


    Fisher nods.


    "Kind of. When Lydia and I first made our way out to survey thend, everything seems pretty tame. Every 20 to 50 kilometers or so, there was another small vige or settlement connected by stone or dirt roads for trade."


    Lydia interjects.


    "However, after about 2 days of travel into the Sector, some of the settlements ended up being abandoned or burned to ash. More crime and looting became rampant the closer to the center of the sector we came, it was so odd."


    Fisher nods and picks up from there.


    "After 4 days in, not a single town wasn''t covered in graffiti or burned to the ground, only therger settlements we found even had people left in them. Even those werewless. Plenty of merchants and normal vigers were fleeing to try to get to Sector 1 or move toward Sector 4 in a hurry."


    I raise an eyebrow at this.


    "So it''s all pretty recent? People are moving because of something?"


    Lydia replies.


    "I think it''s just theck of authority in the main Sector 2 Capital."


    Fisher nods slowly and exins.


    "Yeah, when we got to the Capital, it was already overrun with thugs, crime, and monsters. Plus, everyone is on edge with the Abyss approaching too."


    Arie''s eyes perk up at the mention of the Abyss, but Maria butts in with excitement for the first time in this conversation at the mention of something earlier in Fisher''s statement.


    "Monsters? In the City? Outside of dungeons?"


    Fisher proudly replies.


    "That''s right. The Capital is right next to a canyon in the desert that goes deeper than even my own vision could see. Lydia and I tried to explore it a bit, but turned back before we got lost. It''s truly massive. There are hundreds of dungeons inside it, but some of them have recently had breaks, so monsters flooded out from the canyon and took over parts of the city."


    Lydia adds to Fisher''s point.


    "It''s dangerous for low-levels to roam the streets alone. The only reason people stay in the city is because of the abandoned warehouses. The Sector 2 leader has many materials and experimental magic items locked away in various underground and aboveground secret locations all over the Capital. Rogue Hunters anywhere from level 50 to level 500 have made their own gangs and search parties all over the city to try and strike gold. There are human wars and monster wars happening every day in that hellhole."


    Fisher points out the portion of the papers where maps of the Capital city are drawn.


    "This is the best we could do, but the location of monster attacks, gang raids, and newly discovered warehouses are changing every day. The longer we spent there, the worse it got."


    He lets out a sigh. Then, sits back into his chair and crosses his arms.


    Lydia takes a simr stance.


    "We''re all strong, we can handle cleaning that ce up if you really think it''s worth it. But, it''s not going to be easy."


    After this, everyone sits and thinks about their words for a full 30 seconds before I speak up to reply.


    "I don''t want to spend another second in Valor City, and the sound of hundreds of new dungeons to be explored definitely piques my interest..."


    I scratch my chin, but follow up my statement pretty quickly.


    "I''ll check it out and help with the cleanup, sounds like a good opportunity to me. I''m in."


    Lydia smiles.


    "Great."


    Fisher grins.


    "Looks like you''ll be getting down and dirty with us after all, Jay, I can''t wait to see what kind of fighting style you''ve grown into."


    Then, out of the blue, Arie speaks up for the first time this whole meeting.


    "If the Abyss is close by, I''ll join too."

 Chapter 429

    Chapter 429


    The conversation winds down and basically settles on the fact that we have to go out to the Sector 2 region to make any more progress.


    Abby and Maria are tired out from their training in the Arena, so they head back down to the Istion Pods to rest until morning. As they leave, I send a telepathy message to both of them, asking to get Monk to offer more Qi pills for all of us to train with; but the condition being I won''t being back to meet with him in the monastery.


    If they want to learn my quick Qi capacity advancement method, they''ll either have toe back to the Galeheart tower where our powers are concealed or somewhere very far away from the city.


    I have an idea that I believe will simte the environment of the Titan''s Domain, boosting the cultivation time of my teammates, but it still needs some testing. The Istion pods in this building are a keyponent of my n.


    Abby and Maria leave through the elevator doors, and both Fisher and Lydia are the next two to stand from their seats. Fisher is the one that talks first.


    "Well, we''ve given you the map and all the information we can on Sector 2 so far. We''d be happy to tag along, but after 2 weeks of exploration, even a full day''s worth of time in those istion pods isn''t enough of a rest."


    He turns to me, then to Lith, then back to Lydia.


    "How about giving us a day off? I just want to enjoy the city for a little bit. We''ve been hiding around in dark warehouses and dirty dungeons for as long as I can remember. Plus, it should take almost a week for us to get back out there anyway. We need to stock up on food and gear in the morning, right? What''s the harm in waiting a day?"


    I shrug, and Lith gives a simr reaction. I give the response.


    "Fine by me. However, I think I can get out there a bit faster if I go alone. Take tomorrow off and enjoy the luxuries of this city, you earned it. Thank you for the valuable information."


    Lydia points down at one of the maps showing the border between Sector 1 and 2.


    "Suit yourself. If you find a faster travel path, that would make our life a whole lot easier. Though, if you just want to use the route we took, just trek straight this way, you can''t miss it. But it''s not like there are any teleport points out there, so travel time can only be shortened so much when moving in a straight line."


    I nod as the two of them start to turn to leave.


    "I know. I just may be able to find a faster way, you never know."


    After Lydia and Fisher both leave the room, only Lith and Arie are left here.


    The archer speaks up.


    "I''ll go with you."


    Our telepathic link is still open, so Ariements again right after without Lith listening.


    "I assume you''ll be using your teleportation skill once you find a dungeon out there to make an easy ess point."


    I nod and reply through the link.


    "Yes. I believe it would be faster for you to stay behind as well. From the distances shown on these maps, I can make it to this ce at full speed in just a few hours. I cane back and bring you after I make a teleport point."


    I think to myself, picturing Ember''s top flying speed if we just soar high above the sky. Then, reply out loud.


    "You look exhausted from training. Maybe a break would be better for you too. Have you tried the istion pods yet? If Abby and Maria still haven''t gone in, I''m sure they could show you how they work."


    He nods, replying to me with telepathy.


    "Got it."


    Then again a real answer out loud while stretching his arms in his seat.


    "Maybe you''re right. One of the guards did show me how the pods work when I first arrived, but I never tried them out. A good rest could do me well..."


    He lets out a sigh and gets up to leave the room.


    "I''ll take a 6-hour break in the pods, so nearly a day and a half inside. If there are no updates by then, I''ll join Fisher and Lydia for time off. But, if you make any progress, I want to be the first one on the scene."


    As the elevator door opens for him, he replies with telepathy through our open link.


    "I want you to teach me about this Demonic Energy. I need to get further into the Abyss."


    Before I have a moment to even ask him why he wants to go into the Abyss so badly, the dense mana shielded doors of the elevator shut and our link is severed.


    I turn back to Lith, as we''re the only two people left in the Penthouse office room as finally get to the questions that have been eating away at me.


    "So, now that we''re partners, I have a few questions I''d like to ask."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    I stand up from my seat and he does the same.


    We walk over to the holographic depiction of city lights and towers below us.


    He replies.


    "I could tell you had a few things on your mind. After I watched that fight you had in the 8th stage of the Arena, I knew things were starting to get serious."


    I nod once and reply.


    "Yes, I did talk with the corrupted Royal Guards, and they even told me the Dark One is watching."


    Lith''s eyes widen, but I continue quickly to calm his nerves.


    "They said it just views me as entertainment and not a threat, but that''s enough of a hint for me to know it''s time for me to leave this city until I''m strong enough."


    "Good decision... So, if that''s the case, then what are your real questions?"


    I pause, looking over at him and seeing the [??? ess Denied] symbol on his status over his skills and items waver and flicker again.


    I up my mana control just another 10% out of curiosity, and the symbol finally breakspletely, revealing a small portion of his status for just a fraction of a second.


    Under the [Active Skills] section, [??? ess Denied] changes to [Combat Magic][Extreme Wind Summoning] then immediately turns back to [??? ess Denied] once I let up on my high perception skill use.


    I get a peek at some of his gear like rings and amulets too, but they seem to be pretty standard 130-200% buff items for a Hunter of his caliber. Lith is over level 800 and the leader of the Strongest Trade and Mercenary guild in Sector 1.


    Then, raise the question.


    "Where did you get this status blocking gear? I didn''t find it too weird that you, the Royal Guards, and even the old Sector 2 leader had it on. But I recently spotted an Association Director with the same symbol. I assume your gear was made by the Sector 2 leader just like the special armor for the royal guards, but I''m more curious about a single item that I saw on a Director''s hand. It was a gold ring."


    Lith''s head turns to me quickly, and he immediately replies.


    "The gold ring? You didn''t encounter Mr. Freeman, did you?"


    He takes a step back from me, looking me up and down and squinting at every one of my magic items. His vision moves to my neck, and his gaze tightens again. Without any extra words, Lith takes another step back and asks the same question.


    "Well, did you encounter that man? How do you know about the gold ring?"


    I stare back with a confused look and shrug.


    "Mr. Who? Freeman? I don''t know who this is. If you wanted to know who I saw it on, it was the Vice Region''s Director, Mr. Matthews. Or, better known as Brutus... That backstabber."


    Lith lets out a sigh of relief and takes a step closer to me, putting his hands back down at his waist.


    "Oh, Brutus..."


    He thinks to himself for a moment.


    "That''s interesting, I guess the vice Region has been growing quite a bittely. They trust him with a ring, who would have thought."


    He chuckles to himself but I interject.


    "Well? What is it? Was it made by the Sector 2 leader? What does that thing do? It gave off readings more powerful and ominous than anything I''ve ever felt before."


    Lith nods.


    "Yeah, no wonder you were spooked. I''ve seen Items like that in some trade meetings and auctions. It''s definitely the work of the old Sector 2 craftsman, but it''s bonded with an energy that I''m still not quite sure how it works or where to find it. Simr to the Soul Stones you and your team managed to absorb, those rings give off power that makes pure mana attacks useless against it. I''ve seen countless A-ss Hunters in the Association fall in line without a second thought when faced against the gold ring you speak of. If you just ran on instinct, I''d say don''t look back."


    I think to myself about what Lith just said, but it doesn''t confirm anything I couldn''t have guessed on my own. Just looking at the ring on The Director''s finger, I already knew it was bonded with soul energy, but the way Lith is speaking, it seems like he''s in the dark about the intricacies of Qi. For the split second I broke through his concealment defenses, I did see an element skill at a rank higher than my own, and a very high mana control, but there was 0 presence of any other energy in his body.


    I let out a sigh and decide to move the questioning to a different topic as I don''t believe he''ll have any useful insight on how to beat this power if he doesn''t know how soul energy even works in the first ce.


    "Okay, anyway, the next thing I wanted to know is how you managed to get teleport tforms and crystals to go with them in the Galeheart Tower? Did you get Luminite from an auction and craft it yourself? Or do you have a special supplier? I''d like to purchase some myself if you have a link."


    Lith sps his hands and cracks a grin.


    "A lot of hard-hitting questions today, huh? I wonder how you even heard of that element in the first ce..."


    He lets out a sigh and continues as his smile leaves his face and he bes more serious.


    "All of the teleport tforms in this building and in every city of the Dark Continent, as a matter of fact, were all installed by the Association quite a while ago. We have to purchase new teleport crystals to go with them whenever we run out. They aren''t very priceypared to the convenience they bring. If you set up a base of operations in the Dark Continent, I''m sure the Association would dly install some for you too. However, that does mean they have ess to your tform if they wish."


    He turns to look me in the eyes.


    "Purchasing some for private use isn''t possible, sadly. I''ve seen small amounts of Luminite, the base for transport tform and crystal crafts, show up in some very high-end auctions, but I was always outbid over 10 times my maximum buy."


    He pauses.


    "You know my pockets aren''t shallow. My guess is the Association nts small amounts in auctions every once in a while to see who''s interested, then outbids them. They would never actually let the public get their hands on it."


    I exhale, thinking deeply to myself before finally responding.


    "But what about farming it from dungeons?"


    Lithughs out loud.


    "That old myth? People have theorized that every once in a while, after a dungeon break trace amounts of the transport magic is left behind in solid form, yes."


    He shrugs and continues to talk.


    "I for one won''t believe it till I see it. I''ve been around plenty of dungeon copses and never once saw this so-called Luminite. I think it''s just a story the Association spread around to keep people looking in the wrong ce. You''re better off trying to outbid the government in an auction. Seriously."


    I look out at the night sky, wondering if Bri really was fed misinformation about this point, but the next words out of Lith''s mouth make me believe she was on the right path all along.


    "The same drunken A-ss hunter that told me this rumor also told me at the core of every Luminite crystal there is the potential to form an entirely new dungeon. You just need enough mana, and enough explosive force to be the catalyst. If this was true, I''m sure the Association would be making new dungeons every day."


    He sighs.


    "Then again, who knows what they do up in the Apex Region."


    We stand in silence for quite a while after this point.


    None of my questions were really answered directly, but a few things are starting to make a lot more sense to me. I finally nod and turn away from the window, asking the final question that''s been on my mind all this time.


    "This may not have sounded very productive to you, but I assure you, it helped a lot. I''m going to head off to Sector 2 tonight, but before I go, could I borrow an Istion Pod? I''d like to take one apart and see how they''re made. Maybe the time dtion could be tweaked if arger amount of mana was used as an energy source. What do you think?"

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430


    Lith walks over to the elevator with me and agrees to grant my request.


    "Sure, I don''t see why not. This is another item specially crafted by the old Sector 2 leader, so there''s a good chance it will be impossible to replicate. You can try to dissect the Istion Pods all you want, at least they''ll go to some use instead of rotting away in the storage room."


    The elevator moves down quickly to a very low floor and opens with a ding as we walk out into a room filled with crates overflowing with magic items and sheets of unused mana shielding up against the walls.


    Lith speaks up while rummaging through a few crates, pointing to the back wall at tworge silver cylinders.


    "There are two deactivated istion pods. They were the first models I purchased quite a while ago. However, they started running low on power after about 4 years of consecutive usage. The time dtion is hardly noticeable anymore. Feel free to take both of them apart and do whatever you please with them. I don''t need them back."


    I walk over out of curiosity and activate my All-Seeing Eye and Appraisal skill to fully scan the machines. The only thing I get back is tons of thick metal, mana shielding, and a dense crystal of energy at the top of the cylinder. It''s concealed and kept in ce very efficiently, so it''s hard to tell how much MP exactly is inside.


    All I can tell is it''s a lot, and it would probably not be the best idea to go tinkering with high-density mana stones in confined spaces like this.


    So, I spread out my cloak and open up my item storage and ce the tworge metal cylinders inside to make it seem like a storage item. I''m sure Lith is already well aware that I''m a multi-skill user, but it feels right not to openly show every one of my tricks.


    While turning back to Lith, I see him holding up two handfuls of gems from another one of the now-open crates.


    One hand is full of white crystals that shimmer with a rainbow shine and the other hand is full of dark blue crystals that I can see through just a little, but haven''t ever seen anything like them before. They don''t give off any mana readings, but I can tell they''re definitely high-grade magical items.


    Lith speaks up as he sees my confusion, handing the crystals over to me.


    "Here, if you''re heading out now, I want you to have a few extra transport crystals back to the Galeheart Tower in case of emergency."


    I dly take the white gems and ce them into my ck cloak with my item storage underneath in a simr fashion that I did the istion pods, but my gaze lingers on the blue crystals.


    "And these? What are these?"


    Lith hands them over and replies.


    "They''re recording crystals. A simplified version of what the surveince system in the city uses."


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    As I ept them, cing all but one into my item storage, Lith speaks again.


    "Channel a small amount of mana into it, then point the crystals at any target you''d like to record."


    I squint at the dark blue glossy stone and channel MP into it like Lith said to. It glows lighter blue and an invisible array of mana surrounds the room.


    Lith speaks again.


    "Now that it''s activated, continue channeling a steady source of mana into it, and it will continue to record the scene that it''s pointed at. The more mana you imbue, the further the range and quality of recording."


    Lith walks in front of the crystal and continues to speak, waving his arms directly in front of the invisible array of mana thates out from the crystal.


    "You may be able to perceive the recording zone much more efficiently now that you''re the one casting the magic, but I assure you, anyone else being recorded will not notice anything unless their perception senses are abnormally high."


    I nod, stopping the flow of extra mana into the gem and the array of invisible energy ceases toe out. I toss the now dimly glowing blue gem up and down in my hand, then point it at one of the nk walls as it feels natural to do this.


    A projection of lightes out of the gem in a crystal clear image and shows a copy of Lith waving his arms up and down. I can even hear him exining how the crystal works just as he was moments ago.


    Once the recording stops, Lith makes ament on it.


    "If you drain the MP from the gem the recording will disappear forever, but if left untouched, the recording can be yed back many times over. I haven''t found a limit, but I''m sure over a long period of time the mana will naturally leak out and it will go bad."


    "Interesting."


    I continue throwing the gem up and down in my hand, then eventually put it into my item storage as Lith speaks again.


    "They maye in handy if you''d like to give instructions once and have them yed on repeat, or take moving pictures of certain parts of the abandoned Sector 2 region to mark forter. You never know what you may need out there. I''ve used many of these for training the Royal Guards and easy presentations for trade deals."


    I nod and smile, cing my hand out for a shake.


    "You''re right, this is quite the useful gift. I appreciate it, thanks."


    "No problem."


    We shake hands again, and board the elevator while Lith confirms that he will get all of the new trade deals and meetings situated and have exact item order amounts along with dungeon types and crafting recipes by next week to fulfill these orders.


    "Very well, I think we''re set. I''m off to do my own personal survey of the Sector 2nd."


    I use the other set of teleport crystals in the transport room to leave the Galeheart Tower, getting far away from Valor City, and into the train station tform in the trade city below the mountain.


    Activating my stealth skill, I deactivate my Qi barrier as there''s no need for it if I''m already invisible, I walk in the middle of town in the dead of night and air-step high into the sky unnoticed until the small lights of civilization below me almost disappear from my senses.


    I recall Lydia''s directions, looking down at a rough copy of extra notes she made for me. She said it''s a straight shot in one direction if I traveled bynd and would take almost a week to get out there, but I''m going to fly.


    I take about 30 minutes to air-step upward and get so far away from the city that it would be impossible to see me. Then, open up my item storage to let Ember out into the dead of night.


    For extra protection, I activate my Rising Emperor''s Domain perk and give him my stealth skill the moment he enters the real world. With both of us invisible to the eye or any radar skills up to an absurdly high mana control, I feel very confident that we won''t be seen.


    I update Ember on the news, showing him a copy of the map and approximate distance to our destination as he ps his glossy ck wings to find a natural air currents to increase our speed without exerting extra force. We set off toward the border between Sector 1 and Sector 2 at high speeds.

 Chapter 431

    Chapter 431


    The wind speeding by my sides is powerful as we fly above the clouds. Ember slowly ps his wings, and we get faster and faster with every strong gust, soaring higher into the air and further into the Dark Continent.


    Every few minutes, clusters of tiny lights fly by below us, and I try to picture what kind of city we''re passing by.


    From Fisher''s descriptions, I''m picturing small towns and viges, but as we get further in, the lit-up cities get muchrger.


    After just under an hour passes, a straight line of bright lights catches my attention, and I take a closer look, boosting my perception skills and staring down into the darkness of night to make out what seems to be a massive wall separating the mountainous, rocky, and grasnds region of Sector 1, and on the other side, an arid wastnd of long-stretching desert leading to Sector 2. The wall looks just like the one my team climbed over to get into the Dark Continent, and with one long-range scan with my All-Seeing Eye, I can tell it''s imbued with mana to keep people separated.


    There must be gates, or some regtion to allow travel between sectors, but it seems like limiting crossing is a big thing in this specific section ofnd. However, at this height, no one''s stopping us.


    After crossing the border here, we''ll be changing our flight path from east, to more southbound, back in the general Direction of Sector 4. However, the Abyss is the only thing separating the bottom half of Sector 2 and the top half of Sector 4, as the massive cloud of darkness sits and grows in the middle of the Dark Continent.


    Once we cross over into Sector 2 territory, the smell of burning wood and other building materials begins to fill the air, filling pockets of the sky with smoke and smog.


    Ember ps his wings, changing directions and soars even higher, dodging the pockets of pollution that float up in the air, but the farther in we travel, the harder it gets to avoid them.


    More towns below are destroyed, left in cinders and letting plumes of smoke into the sky while others are still half upied with lights shining through the smog.


    Therge clusters of light get closer and closer together the further into the Sector we travel, and eventually, the hint of a rising sun peeks over the horizon at the same time the far tips of my All-Seeing Eye''s senses pick up on an absurdly high mana reading.


    Or, to be more precise, over a hundred of them.


    I''ve fallen into a calm state, resting on the warm glossy scales of Ember''s back as he glides through the sky, but as I perk up, his voice jolts me back to reality.


    "You can sense those too, Master?"


    I reply, nodding to myself as hundreds of dungeon portals show up in my mind''s eye far down below us.


    "Yeah, I can sense them alright... it looks like we''re here. This is the canyon Fisher was talking about. Dive down lower, but keep your Stealth skill activated. We''re a good distance from the canyon, but i still sense some life right below us too."


    We dip down through the cloud line, and the orange morning sun illuminates a widendscape view of desert.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    It looks like we''re right back in the Sector 4 territory with rolling hills of sand and small mountainous rock formations with no wildlife in sight for kilometers all around.


    Far in front of me, there are three prominent details that stick out to me.


    A settlement, a canyon, and an Abyss.


    The first is the ck plumes of smokeing from what looks to be arge developed area of what used to be a city.


    Tall buildings tower above the desert, but none of thempare to Valor city at all. At most, the tallest tower I see is 10 stories in height. From so high up in the sky, it''s hard to see exactly what''s going on, but there seems to be a 2-kilometer-wide section of vige with a few high towers, densely packed lower-ss housing, and the remnants of merchants'' shops and restaurants.


    Surrounding this central vige about 5km outward connected by dirt roads, there are smaller individual houses and even little neighborhoods, but each of them is connected torge rectangr warehouses scattered all over the desert. Some are ckened and burned to the ground, while others are still silver and look as good as new, but their doors are broken into and raided with minimal exterior damage.


    I do a general wide enemy detection scan and sense about 400 people scattered around the town below. None of them instantly stand out as a threat capable of seeing through my cloaking defenses, so I don''t bother mentioning it to Ember.


    I look up from the town and turn my gaze to the canyon visible past the city; this is what caught my senses previously, so this is what I''d like to look through first.


    I point to the massive hole in the desert that''s barely visible to the naked eye and speak to Ember through our link.


    "The town can wait, our first order of business here is to mark teleport points for my dungeon walker perk and also..."


    My gaze tracks back up to the canyon, then further into the distance to look at the thick dark cloud of dense Demonic Energy sitting stagnant in the desert.


    "I want to do a quick survey of the Abyss. I haven''t been around energy like this in a while."


    "Of course."


    Ember soars over the destitute remains of what I can only assume was the production town run by the previous Sector 2 leader. It looks like it was built around farming the dungeons in this canyon and transporting the materials to the small viges to mass produce items at scale.


    Multiple roads branch out from the city through the desert and wind their way to the canyon, but once I do a full enemy detection scan to see if there is anyone nearby, the sensation of dozens of level 100-130 readings hit my senses.


    I would assume it to be just rogue hunters out here trying to farm the open dungeons, but the fact that they all have body hardening skills makes me think otherwise.


    As my enemy detection perk shows visuals of my enemies and Ember descends down to the edge of the canyon, I see a horde of mutant cyclops monsters violently fighting each other and trying to make their way out of the depths of therge desert ravine. Nearby, a D-Grade dungeon portal glows red and lets out more and more of these mobs.


    As we get even closer, I register a few more simr bizarre lower grade dungeon break events even deeper in other parts of the 20km wide canyon that seems to dip down so low I can''t visually see to the bottom.


    There are rocky winding paths, and multiple levels and ledges that make for a very interesting array of cliffs, valleys, and even small amounts of nts and flowing water down in the lower regions, but the darkness and shadows hide most of these parts to the naked eye.


    However, my All-Seeing Eye and enemy detection skills are able to do a full scan.


    "Looks like 6 breaks, 143 Stable Dungeons, and 2 oddballs. I can''t tell if thosest two are just really strong dungeons or Labyrinths. I''ll have to go down and check them all out for myself."


    Ember and Ie to a stop at the edge of the canyon, looking down into the darkness to see a few blue glowing portals light up portions with mana as the morning sun finally fully breaks over the horizon.


    The hot desert sun hits my skin while I activate my item storage and let Ember hop back inside.


    "Summon me back if there''s an interesting battle to be fought. You don''t need me for dungeon exploration and skill farming."


    I nod andment back before he disappears into the white spatial magic.


    "You''re right. Over a hundred new dungeons to explore... They may not all give off strong readings, but there must be some unique items and skills I haven''t found yet in here. I''m about to have some fun."

 Chapter 432

    Chapter 432


    "Body Double."


    I create two clones and have them appear on both sides of me. Then, speak up as we all look over the edge of the canyon.


    "Alright, I want approximate levels, loot type, and monster names etched in stone using an earth magic skill marked next to every single one of these dungeons."


    I look at the clone to my left, reaching into my item storage and pulling out a teleport crystal.


    "Once the sunes fully up, I want you to use one of these and go bring Arie out here. He''s clearly very focused on learning about Demonic Energy and making it into the Abyss, so I might as well teach him a few things and figure out what he knows that makes him want to go in there so badly."


    My double nods and catches the crystal as I turn to the other.


    "You, stay in stealth while marking the dungeons. I don''t mind if wandering hunters see ourbeling, but I don''t want to be seen dipping in and out of every single dungeon. Your main job is to absorb every unique skill in monsters you find in these dungeons. Just like when I killed the sector 2 leader, the craftsmanship skill transferred to my main body, so farm everyst one of them."


    "Of course."


    "Also, don''t clear those 6 breaks. Loot any unique mutant monsters, and keep any hordes from leaving the canyon, but don''t beat their boss rooms. I want to see what happens if they''re left unattended for long periods of time."


    I turn around as the faint sound of a small explosion hits my enhanced hearing to see plumes of ck smoke rising from a warehouse that was previously unvandalized. I cross my arms and look back to my doubles, deactivating my stealth skill, but putting my Qi barrier all the way up to maximum and using my cloak to turn my appearance into that of a low-level hunter carrying a steel sword on my back and leather armor on my chest and legs.


    "In the meantime, I''m going to check out the city undercover. Whatever is in those warehouses sure is making quite themotion. It shouldn''t take more than a few hours for me to figure out exactly what''s going on."


    At this, my two doubles jump down into the darkness of the canyon and I turn to start walking down a dirt path back to the settlements. It only takes a few minutes before I make my way closer to one of the newer warehouses being raided.


    I keep my distance but use a light inspect and appraisal scan to see hunters level 20 to 150 all rummaging through crates of E and D ss gear stacked to the roof in these warehouses.


    They all wear small green pieces of fabric hanging from their belt with an emblem that looks like a diamond on it, but the hunters themselves look very different from each other. Some wear hunting gear, while others wear more casual apparel, some even look as if they''re fresh out of a business meeting in suits and ties.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The odd crowd and even more peculiar systematic pattern of rummaging and passing items down in a line to load up on a cart as it''s hauled out somewhere else confuses me even more.


    I walk by with an eyebrow raised, but don''t go near the opening of the warehouse where they''re loading and entering so none of them even bat an eye as I stroll on past.


    Another 5 minutes of quickly walking goes by and I see another group of 10 or so men wearing the same green gs on their waists doing the same thing on a smaller storage unit that seems to be half burned down on the other side. They''re foraging for the goods that haven''t been destroyed.


    Again, no one cares to turn their head as I walk by in the bright open light of day.


    Once I make my way into the center of town, I''m surprised to see no one outside.


    There''s a center square with arge fountain that doesn''t flow anymore sitting dry in the center of a nicely tiled walkway. Surrounding it on all sides are vacant shops and small markets that look like they used to sell clothes and food.


    Above some of the stores are what look to be apartments for the shopkeepers, and behind most of the shops, there are residential areas and even small parks where many people must have once lived.


    However, there isn''t a soul in sight.


    It''s not even the case of it being too early in the morning either, it''s just that the whole town has been evacuated.


    Using a wide perception scan, most people are located only in the outer regions and sticking to a few select ces. No one but me stands in the center here.


    I walk forward to the other side of town where I haven''t ventured yet with a puzzled expression on my face, but soon sense two figures walking toward me that pique my interest.


    A level 296 and level 313e out from behind a narrow street and make eye contact with me immediately.


    I sensed them the moment I left the center of town and made my way in their direction because their presence is the only one not moving away from the center of the settlement, and it doesn''t seem like they''re upied in foraging for materials.


    One of them is arge man that towers over the other. He would be more intimidating if his size was purely muscle, but even from here, his rounded face tells me it''s not all pure strength.


    The man next to him ispletely the opposite,nky and thin, and barely making it up to his partner''s shoulders. Based on the gear he wears and the daggers on his waist, I can tell this guy relies on his speed. Sporting a fresh scar across his left eye, it''s clear he''s not afraid to fight either.


    Both of them are far below my league, but the red fabric hanging from their waists with a curved knife emblem on it makes me curious.


    The deep tone of therger man''s voice rings out through the empty street.


    "Who do you think you are walking onto the Crimson Dagger''s territory at a time like this? Do you have a death wish, man?"


    His skinny partner chuckles and pulls both the daggers from his waist, spinning them in his hands, and reflecting a red glow off the morning sun on the tips of the des.


    He adds to his partner''s words while eyeing me up and down.


    "You aren''t with the Green Mist, are you? Exin yourself, because we''re going to have some problems if you don''t start talking right now!"


    As I think about what to reply, my All-Seeing Eye picks up on the presence of a skill activating. The visual of a dark purple, mana-imbued, shadowy hand erupts out of the body of the dagger wielder andes shooting my way.

 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433


    My eyes track the odd phenomenon, but the mana readinging off it is so low I don''t bother trying to dodge.


    I just continue walking forward with an innocent look on my face, responding out loud to the duo.


    "I''m not sure what you''re talking about. I''m new to town. I just ventured out here from a vige up north. Heard there was opportunity to snag some free loot now that the Sector Leader went missing. Was I correct?"


    As I finish these words, the shadowy hand expands and makes a motion to grasp around me, but the second it hits my Qi barrier, it disintegrates and disperses on the spot. Nearly invisible ck and purple energy sizzles away and gushes out to the sides, evaporating into the air.


    However, I don''t bat an eye and walk forward like nothing happened.


    Therger man still looks at me with a menacing re, but the skinny dagger user''s eyes widen and he steps back.


    "W-What was that-"


    As his hand of mana mysteriously disappears, I activate appraisal to see exactly what just happened. The readings that meet my eyes are quite interesting.


    Therge man has an [Extreme Strength] skill at the [Special Grade] rating, and his partner has a skill I''ve never seen before called [Bind] rated at [Legendary Grade].


    From the look of these two, I never would have expected such high-grade skills, my only theory thates to mind is they stuck their noses in an upgrade crystal storage locker of some sort to artificially boost these ratings. The gear they''re wearing is shiny and unused, plus there is practically 0 mana control auraing off of them. At level roughly 300 each, they should be putting out at least a little bit of aura.


    This is what a prime example of artificially power-leveled hunters look like.


    As I''m thinking this thenky man continues to speak, turning his head to therger fellow.


    "Raze, hold onto this weakling while I make sure he gets a good taste of my daggers. He''s wearing some kind of protection item, my Bind attack was reflected..."


    The taller man smirks, turning to me and begins to glow bright gold.


    "You got it, Fin. Let''s see how he handles this."


    He stomps on the ground and makesrge cracks in the nicely stone-tiled road, thenes charging toward me.


    I roll my eyes as he opens his arms to try and bear hug me with his strength alone, and put up a light wind barrier around my Qi to give the man a chance to run if he wants, but he doesn''t slow down at all, grabbing a hold of the outeryer of the invisible twisting mana barrier, yelling to his partner as it begins to rip his outeryer of armor to shreds.


    He has no grip on me at all as he just hugs violent wind magic a few centimeters above my skin, but doesn''t back off and just bares the pain. I don''t bother moving


    "I got him! Do it now!"


    Fin runs in, attempting to sh my midsection with the two des soaked in red liquid.


    My appraisal skill gets a reading on these as he gets closer.


    [Stainless Steel Dagger Set][+300 Speed][+250 Agility]


    [Elixir of Suggestion]


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye as the daggers get closer to my thin barrier of wind and their in-depth description intrigues me.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ______________


    [Elixir of Suggestion]


    Grade: C+


    Info: If this elixir is ingested or injected into the bloodstream of an enemy, their senses and cognitive reasoning will be dulled for up to 12 hours. Orders will be followed without question and care for one''s own life and wellbeing will be forgotten.


    Crafter''s Note: This elixir''s effects tend to lessen greatly above level 400 hunters, and are negligible to those who have Ranked-Up. Excessive usage may lead to dependency, small dosages are suggested.


    ______________


    Just like my low powered wind shielding slightlyes out from my Qi barrier, I allow arge portion of my cloak to flutter out of the barrier on my other side where the dagger user is attacking.


    In my perception, it looks like just pure ck fluttering mana-manifested fabric is peeking out.


    However, to the rogue with one eye approaching, my concealment abilities make it look as if my entire right side is wide open to an attack.


    He lets out a victorious yell and shes through the weightless swirling ck energy, but in his field of view, he''s made two deep gashes on my side and sunk the red elixir deep into my bloodstream already.


    "Let him go Raze, we got another one."


    The golden glow of the giant man fades and I decide to y the part, falling backward to the floor and holding my side.


    At first, I was just going to kill both of them, take the scrawny one''s skill, and move on with my spectating. But the fact that they''re just trying to sedate me piques my curiosity. I''ll hold off on my initial n for the time being.


    Fin puts the daggers back on his waist while breathing heavily, and looking straight at me. He throws a red cloth with a dagger logo on it down toward me.


    "Stand up, put this on, follow us, and don''t say a word. You''ve got yourself a new job."


    They both start to chuckle, and the tall man named Raze pulls out an HP potion to heal his wounded arms, muttering under his breath about how he needs to get new armor after that.


    Both of them don''t even turn back to check on me, it seems like they''ve done this quite a few times before and have confidence in the elixir''s powers.


    I stand to my feet and let out a sigh, following them through the streets without saying another word. If they''re going to take me right to the action, I won''t try and make things any more difficult than it has to be.


    The sun continues to rise overhead as we walk through this other part of town.


    Teams of about ten to fifteen are all working to clear out random warehouses and homes scattered all over the desert. Assembly lines are set up and none of their faces show any emotion.


    Hunters, Businessmen, and average vigers all work together to load uprge carts and haul them off to random locations. Everyone on this side of town has the same red fabric attached to their waistline.


    It''s bing a lot more clear to me that all of these people are under the influence of this Elixir of Suggestion, but the fact that there are two rival gangs doing seemingly the same thing on opposite sides of town makes my mind wander.


    As I bite my bottom lip and look up at the blue sky and white clouds, the Dagger user calls out to me.


    "Watch your step, we''re going down."


    We walk into a small tavern that seems to be abandoned from the outside, but after walking through the front doors it''s clear what this ce really is.


    The inside of the old bar ispletely emptied out, and right in front of the bar is a wide-open staircase down into the basement that looks like an awkwardly ced storm cer in the middle of the wooden flooring.


    The two men disappear down into it, and I follow right after.


    I can sense an abundance of magic items down below us, High D and C grade items line the walls in piles and some decent E and D grade items are even worn by about 20 people all between level 20 and 200 standing still in two single file lines.


    As I make my way down the flight of steps, this is exactly what I see.


    The room is dimly lit with no decorations on the grey stone walls. Lines of men and women in new shiny gear all stare nkly in one direction.


    The scrawny man points to them and speaks to me.


    "Get in line behind the closest person and don''t move a muscle before we get back to give you orders. We''ll be heading out in two squads to raid a newly discovered warehouse soon. I have to go check some things with the boss."


    I walk over to the nearest line and the two men walk off back up the stairs to leave the room in silence.


    I let out a sigh the moment they leave, disappointed at how easy it was to infiltrate their ranks. It''s clear these two aren''t professionals, but they''re definitely using some heavy duty magic items here. Anyone below a Ranked-Up status is at risk of falling victim to its spell.


    Whatever skill or item was used to imbue this elixir, its no joke. I tap the middle-aged man in front of me on the shoulder a few times, but he doesn''t budge or react at all.


    I step out of line and wave my hand in front of his face too and he doesn''t move or even blink. Then, proceed to do the same for every other person in these two lines.


    After none of them seem to be conscious or able to think for themselves, I shrug and begin appraising all the gear and items left around in piles in this underground safehouse.

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434


    As I continue to pace inside the small stone room, I expand my All-Seeing Eye and enemy detection perks to follow the path of the two men that just left.


    To my surprise, they head back to the center of the city.


    It doesn''t take more than a few minutes for the duo to make it all the way to the fountain square where I stopped not too long ago.


    Once they do, arge reading of dense mana erupts from the ground in that area for a few seconds, then both of the men arepletely gone from my radar.


    I raise an eyebrow at this, and think about using a much higher percentage of my mana control to do a deep scan of the city to see where they went. But doing that would be like putting a signal of my own out, probably much more intense than the one I just witnessed.


    It may not be a bad idea, but I''d like to scan my surroundings bit by bit first before I go all out with a scan that could give up my own location to someone with exceptionally keen eyes.


    However, while pondering this situation, a system notification rings in my mind.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Screech][Legendary Grade]


    My attention turns to this, and I open my status to see what kind of skill my body double just farmed.


    Using my All-Seeing Eye, I read over the description a few times to conclude this isn''t a skill I''ll likely be activating often. It allows the caster to let out an ear-shattering screech up to 50 times louder than an average yell.


    Some of the special and legendary grade perks here state that this skill can be used to increase the volume of a normal voice over long areas, but this kind of skill isn''t useful for a stealthy situation like this.


    Still, I''m happy there are some unique dungeons in that canyon, and by the look of how fast a new skill was farmed, this shows good odds that this one probably won''t be thest today.


    As I close my status, therge influx of mana from the center of townes back, and the two men show up in my enemy detection radar as clear as day.


    I get back in line, and once a few minutes pass, theye back down the steps inside the tavern, Fin, the dagger user, crosses his arms and speaks up.


    "Alright, I''m taking the team with the new guy. All of you follow me, we''re doing the first 6-hour shift right now."


    The man at the front of the line I''m in perks up and begins to follow Fin. Then, everyone else in line does the exact same thing, following in an orderly fashion, so I do the same.


    As we leave up the stairs, therger man says a simr thing to the second group, and they all begin following him too.


    We walk out into the open air and begin making our way further away from the center of town toward an empty small section of vige. Fin speaks up from the front of the line as we approach a sturdy-looking locked steel door on arge wooden barn.


    "Here''s one of the irregr warehouses. There may be something interesting in here. Hunters with skills, crack that door open. Weaklings, stand back and take note of what''s being hauled away. We need records kept of all items sorted."


    The one-eyed man pulls out arge wheeled cart from an item box around his waist, using the invisible ghost-like hands to gently ce it next to the door as two men begin to bash it open with body-hardening covered fists.


    It opens with a crash, and everyone floods inside to begin their work, getting into lines and sorting through the piles of meticulously marked untampered goods lining the walls of the warehouse.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I do a full appraisal to find there must be at least two thousand items of decent quality in here. Some E grade, mostly D, and a few are even C.


    The dagger user speaks up again.


    "C-Grade gear goes in the cart, E and D will be sorted and left to pick up at ater date. Get to work! I''ll be surveying the area for any Green Mist intruders. If you see anyone with a green g on their waist, you''re ordered to kill them on sight."


    He turns away as thest of us make our way into the wooden barn and begins moseying around the streets nearby. I walk in and pretend to be productive, but in reality, I''m just doing a bit of shopping for myself.


    Some time goes by, and I slip a few crates of C-Grade HP and MP potions into my storage along with interesting looking unmarked crates with higher mana readingsing off of them, but overall most of this gear is justmon low-grade goods.


    It''s just items that would be sold to guilds training up new recruits, mercenaries for their armies and workers, or local shops in any Hunter-friendly city.


    None of the mind controlled worker do or say anything when they witness me acting differently than them, they just carry on with their tasks as usual.


    I would be bored out of my mind, but the constant ringing in my head is keeping me very upied.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Phantom Step][Legendary Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [re][Legendary Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Confusion][Legendary Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [st][Legendary Grade]


    Four new skillse in, and they''re much more interesting than the first one I received. Phantom Step is a movement technique that creates multiple phantom-like visuals, confusing the opponent so they''re unsure of which direction the caster really went.


    re summons an incredibly bright light used for blinding an opponent to escape from battle or use a sneak attack. The Legendary grade perk allows it to be ejected from the caster, with mana control strength varying its distance of the shot.


    Confusion has simr properties to my Intimidation skill, but it leaves the ones afflicted in a dazed state only until the skill is deactivated.


    Lastly, st allows the caster to explode anything they make contact with. It is a self-destructing skill, so if the user activates it on the wrong portion of their body or channels too much mana into it, it could be a fatal move.


    While studying the intricacies of these new skills and wondering how to add them to my usual battle strategies, I continue to keep a close eye on the dagger wielder that patrols the streets around this block.


    He keeps doing the same routes, going in circles and staying within 200 meters or so from the warehouse. His [Bind] skill is sporadically activated every time he rounds a sharp corner like he''s on guard and ready to fight.


    Interestingly enough, the further I let my detection range go out, the more fascinating this city bes.


    At first, it seemed random and unorganized, but after about 3 hours of studying the movements of everyone within a 5km radius from myself, it''s clear to see there''s many teams of level 250-350 guards handling small sectors ofnd.


    There are warehouses being raided systematically, and the C-Grade and higher items are all being separated from the E and D grades brought to different safe houses.


    This would be very standard behavior, if it wasn''t for the fact that both this Crimson Dagger gang and the Green Mist on the other side of town were doing the exact same looting strategy.


    The systematic process that both of them loot and separate their gear is identical to each other, and it doesn''t make any sense.


    On some of the spare material in this warehouse, I begin writing down an exact mapped-out system of where every guard is located, and which warehouses are currently being looted while also marking ones I pick up on my perception skill that have seemingly not been found or messed with yet.


    I slowly let out more of my mana control once I''m positive no one in this general vicinity is capable of detecting me, and the only mystery that still remains is arge rectangr bunker I find on my radar beneath the fountain in the middle of the city.


    It''s hidden well, but once I begin using over one third of my mana control solely on perception skills, it begins to appear to me.


    However, even if I can sense that it''s there, it doesn''t mean I can see inside. The mana shielding covering this bunker is incredibly strong. The more mana control I use up, the more I believe it''s possibly on par with the shielding back in the walls of the Galeheart Tower.


    For some reason, I can''t see through them at all. That''s exactly where Fin and Raze left to go meet their so-called Boss earlier this morning. This is exactly where I''d like to go next.


    Fines strolling back toward the barn on his routine route, but this time stops in front with his hands on his hips and calls out.


    "Alright, 10-minute lunch break. I don''t want all of you dying on me, so stop working for a moment so you can eat and drink these."


    He pulls out bars of food and dried meat that look like they''ve been sitting in a storage locker for years along with cases of water bottles tinted light pink.


    Immediately, I pick up on small traces of mana in the liquid, and my Appraisal skill detects traces of the same [Elixir of Suggestion] in the drinks.

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435


    Everyone around begins to line up and take the rations, then Fin speaks up again, looking through the people that approach him.


    "Alright, who was it keeping notes this time? I forget who''s who sometimes, you all look alike to me, it''d be a lot easier if I asked your names before you all went under."


    He chuckles to himself and makes a light remark under his breath.


    "Oh well... the ones that aren''t useful are just going to be left to die out in this desert once we''re done clearing this town out anyway."


    Then, turns to a woman who approaches him carrying a stack of notes.


    She has tan skin, dark ck hair cut short just above her shoulders, and looks to be no older than myself. Possibly 20 or 21 if I had to guess.


    Despite the eerie lifeless stare everyone has on, her eyes look a bit different. They''re light blue, so light that they almost look white, but there seems to be a hint of consciousness underneath them.


    Still, the young woman gives the stack of notes to Fin without saying a word.


    He takes them in a quick and aggressive manner, turning away, and reading them on his own, muttering under his breath again for everyone to hear.


    "Damn, another dud warehouse. A few gold worth of C-ss gear, but nothing too special. Oh well, it''s good enough to give as a mid-day report to the Boss."


    Then, turns back around to face everyone while stuffing the papers marking down all the tracked inventory in his back pocket.


    "Alright. Drink up, eat up, then back to work! I want to see everything cleared out of here before we move onto the next warehouse of the night shift. You got it?"


    He looks at the woman that''s standing still right in front of him, and a single tear falls from her eye. I watch her lower lip quiver as well, and curiously do a full scan to find she''s a fairly high level with a skill I''ve never seen before.


    [Lv. 267]


    [Moonlight''s Gaze]


    The man grits his teeth at the sight of her small bit of defiance, then yells in her face.


    "That means you too!"


    He gets closer to her and a moment of realization hits him.


    "Oh right, you''re that girl... One of the only ones still useful from that wandering group of vigers we captured in Sector 4, weren''t you? Your leader sure put up quite the fight against the Boss."


    He scoffs.


    "It doesn''t matter now though, does it? You know you''ll just be a mindless pawn for the rest of your life, so drink up and get back to it."


    He uses his [Bind] skill to grab an extra bottle from the pile, making it float in the air over to her as she epts it without question. Then smirks and yells at her again.


    "You know what, no food for you, just a double dose of Elixir. That''ll teach you. Drink these and get back to work."


    He grabs his daggers from his waist, pointing them at her while forcing the drinks into her hands using his bind skill. Then uses the same dark hands to push her elbows to bring the pink bottles closer to her trembling lower lip.


    I watch in disgust, but as soon as the bottle touches her mouth, I decide to act.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "I wanted to stay here and watch how things worked a little longer, but I''ve seen enough."


    I point a single finger at the man from over 10 meters away and let out a de of advanced wind magic so dense and thin it''d be impossible to see without Ranked-Up perception skills.


    It slices through both of his arms and severs the floating purple hand in the air in an instant.


    The drinks fall from her grip, hitting the sandy desert floor beside the grunt''s severed arms still gripping the crimson daggers.


    He yells out in pain, looking around to see who cut off his arms, falling to his knees as a puddle of blood begins to form.


    "H-How? How did you do this? You-"


    With eyes full of rage and confusion, he turns his head side to side, trying to find who did such a thing to him.


    I walk through the small crowd of workers with my arms crossed, staring right at the man who''s begun to bleed out on the floor. Then, stand over him and begin asking some questions while activating my telekinesis skill.


    "How long have all of you been in business here? Seems like quite the operation you''ve got, huh?"


    I pull the paper notes from his back pocket before they get stained by the pile of blood forming in the sand. He activates his bind skill at the same moment, but I use Plunderer to drain everyst drop of MP from his body before the dense purple hands can fully form.


    "Come on, tell me something. I was having fun spying on all of you. At least tell me your leader''s name. Or am I going to have to find that out for myself when I give him a visit?"


    He grits his teeth, and I hear a small crack of ssing from inside his mouth, then the sour smell of poison hits my nose.


    "Oh no, you don''t..."


    I use the same thin wind sh to cut the man in two.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Bind [Legendary Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes and shake my head.


    "He was not in the mood to talk at all... At least I finished him off before he killed himself."


    Using very condensed advanced fire magic, I burn his remains to ash, even the sand stained with blood melts away beneath him, and all that remains from this entire interaction is a hole in the ground burnt ck and the woman with light blue eyes still staring straight ahead, with tears streaming down her cheeks now.


    I wave my hand in front of her face a few times and call out to her.


    "Hello? Hello...?"


    But there''s no response. I can see sporadic movements in her small ck pupils, but nothing more.


    "Stop moving your eyes if you can hear me."


    They stop.


    "Now, move them again if you can."


    They move again with even more vigor than before.


    My gaze tightens.


    "How did you all get in this situation...?"


    Her eyes don''t stop moving, but she doesn''t say a word.


    "Hmm."


    I realize she isn''t going to be able to answer anyplicated questions for a while. So, it would be a better use of my time to go search things out myself. If that elixirsts for up to 12 hours on people with low mana control, pretty much everyone here will be running on fumes for quite a while.


    I turn to all the other drone-like workers and give amand.


    "Whatever you do, do not drink another drop of the water given to you by this man..."


    I pull one of the crates of E-ss potions out from the storage locker and use telekinesis to empty them all out into the sand. Then, use my new water magic skill to summon pure drinking water into the emptied ss jars and containers. I make a pile of corked clean drinking water.


    "Drink from this pile only if you''re thirsty."


    As they walk over to the clean water, I use advanced fire magic to destroy everyst diluted elixir in the area, then turn back to the woman with the wavering eyes. I give her some leftover food from my item storage and a potion bottle full of clean water for herself.


    "These are for you, drink and eat up. Go rest inside the warehouse until youe to your senses."


    I look up at everyone else drinking clean water one by one in a single file line.


    "All of you will do the same. Stay inside this warehouse and rest."


    Most of them drank more elixir when Fin told them to moments ago, so they''re in for another 12 hours of mindless wandering, but this woman should have far less time under the influence.


    "If I''m not back before youe to your senses, listen to her. She''ll be in charge here, understood?"


    I point to the ck-haired woman, and all of the hypnotized workers do exactly as I said, slowly walking back into the empty barn.


    The woman turns too, walking back into the barn without saying a word.


    As the door shuts, I let out a sigh and use my conceal skill to shift my cloak and appearance into an exact replica of Fin, the Dagger user.


    Gripping the notes from the day''s work ofbor, I smile and turn in the direction of the fountain in the middle of town.


    Nearby, I sense the presence of Raze, Fin''s partner, making his way toward the middle of town already. Then, expanding my enemy detection skill''s range, I find readings of about 8 more people all making simr routes.


    No one from the Green Mist changes their formation, but everyone on this side of town in the Crimson Dagger does.


    I begin my walk toward the hidden base in the center of town just like everyone else.


    "It''s time to meet the Boss..."

 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436


    The closer I get to the center of town, the more consolidated the groups of hunters be, approaching the dry fountain.


    I properly adjust my Qi barrier to the level of mana output I felt around Fin and test out my new [Bind] skill a few times just to see how it works and get the hang of its abilities.


    The hand I''m able to summon is much darker and denser with mana. It seems like it''s simr to my mana maniption skill, but with the sole purpose of holding things in ce. The legendary perk that shapes it into a movable and adjustable hand gives the skill a bit more flexibility, letting the caster hold and move objects, but overall, it is more of a defensive or utility skill than anything else.


    I''ll most likely only be using this on far lower mana control levels than myself, using it in full-out battle would not be optimal usage. However, if I make the mana dense enough for hunters to see, it can be a very intimidating floating purple hand.


    I think about testing out my other 5 skills my body double obtained from the dungeons, but they may be a bit too shy to use in the center of town while I''m in disguise.


    As the center squarees into view, I put these ideas to rest and meet up with all of the other grunts that serve this Boss. At first, I''m a bit worried I''ll have to talk to some of them and am not sure if Fin was friends with any of these other grunts in particr, but the odd scene I stumble upon puts my worries to rest.


    Three of the men are already here, but they stand with their hands by their sides and look at the fountain with solitary stares, and none of them say a word to one another.


    Raze pops out of an alley nearby and gives me a nod with a grin, but doesn''t say a word, keeping his head down and finding a ce to stand next to the fountain in silence.


    Hesitantly, I do the same, standing about 3 meters away from a random level 334 man dressed in shiny armor and an assortment of colorful magic rings with a legendary swordsmanship skill. He sports a bright red g on his waist.


    I know full well how unique and powerful a skill like this is. It gives the user exact critical hit lines if used right, but again, this man''s mana control is nearly non-existent. He''s recently been given an upgrade crystal and power-leveled too.


    As all of the other higher-level grunts of the Crimson Dagger show up, they give off the same readings. Every one of them has max upgraded skills and are all nearing or over level 300, but don''t seem as strong as they should be.


    Once the final grunt gets in formation, the entire square is filled with 10 of us surrounding the fountain on all sides. No one says a word; they all just stare straight ahead. Some have stacks of papers in hand, while others have them in their pockets.


    A few look nervous, while some look excited, and others just don''t show any emotion at all.


    Then, I feel the ground begin to shake, hear a mechanical noise, and the center of the fountain begins to glow white.


    The mana shielding below the fountain cracks open, and I can finally begin to sense what''s inside.


    After a few seconds, it looks as if it''s filled with white energy, and the center of the fountain disappears in the white glow.


    The mana-imbued energy is very immense, and it feels just like what I sensedst time Fin and Raze disappeared from my radar.


    As the bright white light dims, what is left in its ce is equally as intriguing. A spiral metal staircase has opened up in the center of the city and it leads down into the mana-shielded bunker I sensed before.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Portions of the shielding are now avable for me to sense on the inside and outside, so I take this opportunity to do a full scan with my All-Seeing Eye. It''s incredibly dense, simr to that of the Galeheart tower''s shielding, so it makes sense why I''m unable to see through it.


    However, I''m positive it''s not unbreakable. With enough Qi infused in an attack, I''m sure I could break this barrier down with ease if necessary.


    One by one, the Crimson Dagger Grunts walk inside. The tunnel goes down about 30 meters and is well lit with bright white lights.


    I follow in line without saying a word in the middle of the pack.


    Once thest person in line follows, I hear the same mechanical mechanism close the fountain above and a wall of mana shielding cover it up from the surface.


    It''s thick enough to block all my senses from the outside world, but I''m not too worried. My curiosity is more piqued than ever now that there''s this much advanced security here.


    We all make it to the bottom of the stairway and find ourselves standing in an empty white box of mana shielding. It looks very simr to a replica of the inner portion of the Titan''s Domain, just about one quarter the size, and there''s hardly any ambient mana in the air. Only a small amounting off the mana-shielded walls.


    There are the metal spiral steps at the back of the room that lead up to the now blocked-off surface, and nothing else in the room at all.


    The men begin to line up against the side wall, so I follow and y my role, taking out the notes from my back pocket just like everyone else does. We all wait against the back wall and stare forward, waiting for something to happen.


    There are 4 grunts to my left, and 5 to my right. Raze is two spots away from me on the right, with only 1 other man in between us. He''s closer to the stairs.


    Almost 5 minutes of silence goes by, only to be drowned out by the low hum of the energy in the room before something finally happens.


    The back wall we''re all staring at opens up in the shape of a rectangr door, and a figure in arge suit of red armor walks out.


    Printed on the chestte is an even darker crimson logo of the knife that is on everyone''s sashes. Locked to his sides, he has two bright red daggers in holsters ready to use.


    Head to toe, the figure ispletely covered in heavy gear, and I can''t help but do a full appraisal, inspect, and All-Seeing Eye scan.


    ________


    [Lv. 589]


    Active Items:


    [Crimson Daggers of Speed][Blood Bonded][+130% Speed][+122% Agility][Poison Attribute] [??? ess Denied]


    Active Skills:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Buffs:


    [??? ess Denied]


    ______________


    The armor he wears is fully imbued with the same analysis-blocking enchantment that Lith and many of the Sector Leaders wear.


    At the small amount of mana control I''m letting out, the only thing I''m able to see is the figure''s level and the daggers that are seemingly not affected by the protection enchantment. He wears them as a prize for all to see, it seems.


    I''m positive I could see through his defenses entirely if I boosted my perception but don''t want to give myself away just yet. This figure is high enough level that I assume they''d be able to sense if I let out any extra power.


    A deep echoing tone calls out from the red armored helmet as he turns his head to the guard closest to the stairs, then carries his gaze over everyone else in the room for a few seconds beforending on thest person.


    "Good. Everyone''s here. One at a time, let''s see the morning results."


    He walks over to the man closest


    to the stairs very slowly, thenes to a halt just in front of him with outstretched hands to ept the papers from the shaking hands of the grunt.


    Then, takes almost a full minute flipping through the sheets of papers before nodding one time.


    The moment he does, the man in front of him lets out a relieved sigh, and he begins to walk up the stairs.


    Echoing footsteps trail down as he makes his way to the top, and the Red Suit of armor takes the notes from the next man in line. As the footsteps stop, I sense the man just waiting up above at the top of the stairs looking up at the ceiling, but it doesn''t open up.


    A few more seconds pass before the Boss nods again, and the 2nd man in line moves to the exit.


    It repeats exactly the same for the 3rd in line as the boss gives him a nod, and he makes his way up the stairs to wait with the others.


    Next, Raze confidently gives his papers to the Boss with a slight grin on his face as the armored man reads them up and down. Momentster, he responds while reaching into a smallpartment on his waist.


    "Quite the interesting find there, Raze, good work."


    A gold coin flips in the air toward him as the armored man nods and continues to walk to the next man right next to me.


    Raze catches it and hurries up the stairs in the same manner as everyone else.


    Just a few moments pass before the guard to my right is sent up the stairs, and the Red Armored man looks at me.


    I hand the papers over and immediately get a response before the Boss even looks at the notes.


    "No ghost hands today? Fin, what''s the special asion?"

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437


    I look up at the man and shake my head a few times in response.


    He looks down at me but doesn''t say a word.


    We stand in silence for a moment, and I notice the grunt to my left has shaking hands. In the moment of pause, I can hear the papers flutter together. The red armored Boss notices this too, turning his head to him for a moment, then back to me, then shrugs, flipping through my papers quickly and eventually nodding just like thest 5 men.


    I activate my [Bind] skill with very little mana control seeping through my Qi barrier to manifest a weak purple hand, bringing it to my forehead to salute the Boss while walking away up the stairs.


    To everyone else, it looks as if I just walked off, but to the man under the suit, his response tells me he''s capable of sensing this skill.


    "There it is," he mutters to himself.


    As I walk up the stairs, another grunt in line has his paper processed, and the moment I step onto the cold metal steps, a screames out from the shaking man''s mouth as he hands over his papers.


    I sense an ominous auraing out from the Red Suit of armor and watch the two men using the legendary perk of my enemy detection skill from a distance as I carry on up the stairs at an even rate not to draw suspicion.


    A thick cloud of red mistes out from the Boss'' armor cracks and enters the grunt''s eyes, mouth, nose, and ears like it has a mind of its own.


    As he screams out in pain, his body is lifted above the ground and blood begins to ooze out of every point that the mysterious mist entered.


    However, none of the blood hits the floor. It all consolidates into a crimson orb between them both.


    My mind races as I detect an absurd amount of mana flowing through the blood orb; it gives off an interesting aura. One that I have never felt before exactly but seems oddly familiar...


    The armored man lets the blood seep in through the small crack in his helmet, then my reading of the mana gets covered by the analysis-blocking enchantment. In the same instance, the floating grunt falls to the floor, breathing heavily, drained of mana almost entirely, but is still alive.


    The Boss speaks while he moves onto the next in line.


    "That''s a reminder for all of you. If your warehouses aren''t producing any higher-grade items, move onto the next one. Don''t waste your time sifting through trash. We need to get out of here before any Sector Leaders show up."


    The grunt coughs and dry heaves on the ground but eventually brings himself to his feet and walks up the stairs to follow as the next grunt hands in his paperwork.


    The following interactions go smoothly, and thest man in line even gets a gold coin just like Raze for finding something valuable.


    The door at the back of the main bunker opens up again and the Boss walks through. He yells out for all of us to hear before disappearing behind the thick mana shielding.


    "See you all in 3 hours for the mid-day reports! Get back to work!"


    As his door clicks shut, the mechanical sound starts up above us and the fountain opens to show us the sunlight of the outside world.


    We all step out into the square, and many of the Crimson Dagger men scurry off in opposite directions back to their posts. Even the man that was attacked with that odd blood magic skill limps off back to his station pretty quickly.


    Raze waves me down from the other side of the fountain and speaks up as he turns to leave down the alleyway I first saw him pop out from.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "I knew the Boss would like what I found. I managed to dig up a whole new crate of those Elixirs he likes, jackpot."


    Heughs to himself then speaks up again.


    "Well, see you for dinner tonight. Another two long shifts ahead of us. Good luck with your new guy."


    I give him a wave but don''t speak, and the entire square is cleared out in under a minute...


    I look around curiously, then start to walk back toward the workers I left in that barn. Maybe with the clean food and water, that woman hase back to her senses.


    However, the moment I begin walking back is the same instance I detect every single one of the Green Mist''s members on the other side of the small city start to break their usual formation.


    I stop in my tracks and expand my perception''s range a lot more to see everyst one of them start moving toward the center of town in the exact same manner the Crimson Dagger men did less than half an hour ago.


    I slip into a side alley within visual range of the center square and activate my stealth skill, curious to see what happens next.


    Less than 10 minutester, 13 men in shiny new gear all between level 250 and 350 make a circle around the fountain. They wear green gs on their waists just like the workers I saw when I first entered the vige. Momentster, the fountain erupts in a disy of white mana, and the members enter one by one down the steps.


    I watch with a curious gaze for a few seconds but decide to check things out for myself and follow the grunts with my maxed-out legendary-grade stealth skill activated.


    My footsteps are silent, and my aura ispletely concealed as I watch all 13 men line up against the back wall of the bunker, waiting for their boss to show up. The exit to the surface closes, and I make my way down onto the ground level as well, standing next to the stairs on the far right side of the room.


    Once the back door opens, a nearly identical suit of armor walks out, only this time it''s bright green with a ck diamond on the chest te.


    My baseline appraisal and inspect skills activate, but not much shows up other than the towering figure''s raw level.


    ________


    [Lv. 606]


    Active Items:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Active Skills:


    [??? ess Denied]


    Buffs:


    [??? ess Denied]


    ______________


    I stand unseen as each of the Green Mist members hands in their papers and gets nods to leave up the stairs. Some receive gold coins, but it isn''t until the second tost grunt until anger starts to re up in the Armored man''s tone.


    "How many times do I have to tell you men? If a warehouse has nothing of value in it, move to the next!"


    He pauses, turning his head to the staircase and yelling.


    "I hope you all hear this. I want results, and I want them fast. No morezing about!"


    He glows green, and a mist simr to the other boss pours out from his armor.


    Thest man that has nothing to do with this mess backs away and covers his nose and mouth.


    In the same moment, I see dozens of green needles form around the armored Boss, and they all fly forward into the grunt, and he yells out in agony.


    I watch his skin change color from light tan to dark green in a matter of seconds until he shrivels up on the floor, and the yelling stops.


    There''s a moment of silence before the Boss walks over to thest man and takes his papers, nods, and speaks up in a calm tone pointing back at the shriveled-up man on the floor.


    "It looks like we''ve had an ident here. Dispose of the body and take over his work team. We don''t want to fall behind before we leave in a few days."


    The grunt nods quickly and picks up the body without hesitating but still holds his breath while hurrying up the stairs.


    The Boss walks to the back of the room, and the rectangr door opens up while he yells for all to hear.


    "I''ll see you all in 3 hours for the mid-day check-in. Do note until you get my call. Get back to work!"


    He disappears behind the door, and it shuts, then the mechanical doors back up to the outside world opens too.


    A few thoughts go through my mind as I decide whether or not I should leave with the Green Mist Grunts or stay inside and try to figure out what''s going on here further. The Green Armored Boss'' voice sounds very simr to the man in the red armor. But there''s a hint of extra experience in his tone, and their levels are different, plus the fact that they have very different skills debunks my initial suspicions that they were the same person.


    I nod to myself as I make my decision.


    About a minuteter, the fountain door shuts, and I''m left alone in the mana shield room.


    I''m about to do a deeper scan of the underground fortress with my All-Seeing Eye, but another mechanical noise makes me stop and listen closer.


    The entire back wall begins to slide down into the floor, revealing another full portion of the bunker that doubles its size, making this space more of a square rather than a long rectangle.


    However, it''s the sight that I see on the other side that leaves my eyes open wide.


    Crates of High C and B grade gear line the back walls of the hidden room, and in the center of it is arge handcrafted table and chairs. There is arge expensive looking bottle of champagne on its center.


    The clinking of two sses hits my ears, and I see two helmets beside therge bottle. One is red, and the other is green.

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438


    *Clink*


    The man in the red suit of armor has spiky ginger hair and bright blue eyes.


    "Brother, we''re finally going to break into the big leagues after this one! I can''t believe the entire stash of that old Sector 2 leader was left out to rot in the desert."


    The man in the green armor sports a buzzcut, and his ck eyes match the color of the short trim. His facial features make him look a bit older than his orange-haired brother.


    "It only took us a few days to get this town under control, and the progress today will clear out most of the surface warehouses."


    Their analysis enchantment is still active despite their armor helmets being off, but just by the sound of their voices and levels, it''s clear that both the leader of the Crimson Dagger and the Green Mist sitting together at a table are celebrating their sess.


    This revtion was definitely in the realm of possibilities that I was thinking up, but the fact that they''re brothers, and so tantly manipting their grunts to do their dirty work is surprising.


    Both of them drink their entire ss of alcohol, and the man in the green armor pours them both another.


    He speaks up as they clink sses again.


    "So, how should we go about moving forward from here? This distribution city is by far our most profitable plunder yet. I say we y it cool after this one, don''t want anyone getting too hot on our tail."


    The ginger man nods and replies after taking a drink.


    "Agreed."


    He thinks to himself for a moment, and I reach into my item storage to pull out a glossy blue gem as he does.


    Still under the protection of my stealth skill, I channel MP into the recording crystal Lith gifted me before I left. The information that''s about to be shared seems like details that these two don''t ever want escaping this bunker, and I intend to use it to my advantage.


    The crystal creates a recording array around the whole back of the room, epassing all of the stacked riches, fancy bottles, and most importantly the two undisguised gang leaders openly conversing.


    The man in the red suit of armor finally makes his point.


    "We both picked up quite a few members over thest couple of months. I think it''s about time for a thinning, what do you think?"


    They both grin slyly to each other, and the older brother responds.


    "I was thinking the same thing. A gang war to keep only the strongest handful of guards moving forward is a fine idea. It''s not like we need those weaklings anyway. Any new city we go to will have more grunts for us to choose from."


    He shrugs and lets out a chuckle.


    "We might as well kill them all ourselves before we leave. Sharing the riches we''ve found in this town would be a waste."


    They bothugh to themselves and pour out another drink.


    Over the next half hour, they get more and more drunk, even to the point of opening another bottle. They recount the events of different towns they raided and other times they betrayed and manipted their gangs to fight each other under different aliases.


    My eyes widened at their words, and I get some interesting insight on how they run their scheme.


    Ever since both of them Ranked Up, it seems their power gap among weak hunters in the Dark Continent has blown their ego far out of proportion. However, their crime tactics are pretty smart.


    They scour the edges of the Abyss, and wait for towns and vigers in need that have been driven from their homes, giving them food, work, and most recently after they stumbled across a certain Elixir of Suggestion, the two of them have been making systematic teams of high-level grunts and low-level workers to raid and pige small towns all over.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    However, every one of their drunken tales ends with them killing a majority of the people that have helped them. Especially the mindless working ves.


    My anger builds as I remember the tear falling down that woman''s face as she tried to disobey the grunts''mand but failed due to the elixir. It makes me want to challenge and kill both of them on the spot. But as I look around the room even more, Ie to an even better n.


    On the back wall, resting on top of one of the crates full of High-Grade items, I see a small silver tablet with threerge buttons on the front side. The distance isn''t far, and my advanced eyesight is more than good enough to see [Middle Door] [Middle Wall] [Exit Door] as the options.


    I stop channeling mana into my recording crystal and stow it away in my item storage. In the same moment, I begin to leave therge open room and hide halfway behind the stairwell, looking up at the closeed door above.


    With a light activation of telekinesis, I flip one of the small silver enchanted rings out from a pile of loot in the back room to fall directly on top of the button that says [Exit Door].


    Immediately, both men''s heads turn toward the fallen item and stand from their seats, activating their red and green mist abilities.


    At the same time, a mechanical sound opens the door above to the outside world.


    I activate [Extreme Speed] and zip out of the opening crack in the ceiling as both men yell out, "Who''s there?" and "Show yourself!" facing the back wall of their bunker.


    Once out into the street, I can already see the fountain closing shut again as one of them pressed the button to do so, but I can''t help grinning to myself as a n to bring this operation to the floores to mind.


    I reach into my Storage and pull out the ck mask I used at the arena in Valor City and put it on. After that, I use the concealment attribute of my cloak to turn my outfit into what looks like a ck business suit, but add a unique touch to make it look like it is constantly flickering with ck mes.


    I allow the perception of mes to change colors beneath my mask, so it looks like golden-yellow lightes out from the eye holes of the mask.


    On top of this disy, I put up my Qi barrier to the max, so even though I look like a walking businessman on fire, my presence ispletely concealed, so it feels as if I''m not even here.


    Once this is done, my hunt for every single grunt in the city begins.


    Whether they''re from the Crimson Dagger or Green Mist, this is not my concern.


    The first one I decide to go after is the familiar man that helped to get me into this whole mess. As I round the corner, the round face and tall stature of Razees into view. I allow just enough of my intimidation skill to pour out of my barrier to make it noticeable, but don''t want the range to spread too far or knock out the grunt here.


    The moment his eyes meet the ming man walking toward him, his gaze turns to one of fright. Earlier when he faced me, he ran into battle without thinking twice, but just by looking at my new form, something deep within his intuitive battle instincts makes him turn to run without questioning me at all.


    I calmly walk down the empty street and activate my new skill, [Confusion], to send out a weak wave through my Qi barrier. Just enough to stop him in his tracks and fall to his knees holding his head.


    A few seconds pass as I walk to stand in front of him, then deactivate my [Confusion] skill to watch his mental torment immediately cease, but the second he looks up to meet my fiery gaze, his skin turns pale and his eyes ze over.


    I speak in a calm and professional tone.


    "You may call me the me Emperor. I am not here to harm you, so don''t try to kill yourself. I''ll be taking over this town and giving you an opportunity. I have much to show you, so please follow me."


    I get ready to use more of my intimidation aura, or even ramp up the mes a bit to stop him from using the poison capsule like Fin tried when I attacked him, but the man''s eyes just open wider and wider, and sweat begins to pour down the sides of his face.


    I turn around without saying a word and begin walking slowly toward the warehouse his team was working on organizing.


    None of them react to my presence as they''re under strong hypnosis magic, but they follow my orders to rest for the day, and to wait until my return to follow any other orders.


    After this, I move toward the next closest Crimson Dagger grunt.


    As we turn the corner and my fiery eyes lock with his, a very simr interaction ys out.


    Seven more just the same all tremble before my aura and presence. However, a few start whispering to each other the longer I let them walk behind me unharmed. There were two that needed a little convincing, so I dropped them to their knees with my intimidation skillbined with confusion, one of them even tried to run away using a [Special Grade] Extreme Speed Skill.


    However, just to make it clear that I''m not ying around, I point a finger at him from over 20 meters away and send a pea-sized advanced fireball wrapped in dense wind energy in his direction.


    The instant it makes contact with his back, the man explodes into a ball of mes that tears down half of a small building in the aftermath.


    After this disy, no one says a word or steps out of line.


    I make my way to the other side of town and the visual displeasure of the Crimson Dagger grunts grows. The first man of the Green Mist goes into full attack mode the moment he sees a group of Crimson Dagger''s. However, I make it very clear I''m in charge and no extra fighting will be going on.


    One by one, I collect every one of the Green Mist''sckeys and only have to burn one of them to a crisp that runs away to prove my point to the new guys.


    They separate into two groups, but hold themselves back from fighting each other in fear of facing the same fate as the others that have disobeyed.


    Once I finish my march around town collecting everyone, I bring them inside one of therge abandoned warehouses that has already been raided and take out my recording crystal to turn it on against arge nk wall. It begins to rey the conversation of their leaders.


    "Watch this. Don''t move a muscle or say a word until it haspletely finished."

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439


    The conversation between brothers, bragging andughing about backstabbing their men countless times for profit, ys in its entirety for every member of both gang to see.


    There are 20 of them in total. 12 from the Green Mist remain, and 8 from the Crimson Dagger. Their eyes widen more and more with every word said on the recording. I stand in silence behind them, watching closely while I think about exactly what I''ll be doing next.


    As the video hits its end and starts up again from the beginning, I stow it away into a pocket of my burning suit that leads to a small item storage portal.


    The grunts begin to get restless as they sit on the hard floor of the warehouse, so I speak.


    "Stand up and speak your mind, whatever you say for the next minute will not have any repercussions."


    Instantly, a series of mixed remarkse my way in the form of yells, solemn silent stares, and questions about how I got that footage.


    Some question its validity, while others believe every word and are having moments of rity, cursing out their leaders because they suspected something like this was going on all along.


    Overall, anger and mixed emotions fill the room, and I let them discuss it amongst themselves for a moment before speaking up.


    "Good. Now that you all understand what''s really going on, it''s time for me to confront your leaders. You''re all going to watch."


    They all nod in silence as I let the ck mes around me grow slightly bigger and the golden-yellow glow from my eyes shine brighter.


    "After I''m done with them, we''ll talk about the future of this town."


    I turn to face the door.


    "Follow me."


    We all walk out from the warehouse and the stern looks and overly negative attitude toward me have faded. Now the men are only fearful and questioning their decisions in life.


    I bring them to the center of town and order them all to stand back in a group in front of one of the abandoned shops in the square. Far enough away not to be within the range of whispers, but close enough to see me stand right in front of it with my arms crossed in a rxed stance.


    We wait in the square in total silence for almost half an hour until I feel an eerie presence watching. The moment I shift my gaze in all directions, then finally upward, it disappears and the fountain opens up with a bright white sh of mana-imbued light.


    I''m unsure if I felt this thest time I witnessed the doors of the bunker open, but I wasn''t this close up to it. I brush off the feeling, but stay on high alert moving forward.


    It''s about time for the Crimson Dagger''s check-in meeting, but their leader is going to get quite the unexpected surprise.


    I turn back to the grunts and speak.


    "I''ll be back in a minute. If you even think about running before Ie out, you''re dead."


    Then, walk down the spiral staircase into the mana-shielded bunker with a confident and steady pace.


    Once I get to the bottom, the middle door opens and the man in bright red armores charging out with both his crimson daggers already in his hands.


    Red foges seeping out from his armor as he lunges closer.


    "Intruder! What have you done with my men? What is the meaning of this?"


    I sidestep using [Extreme Speed] to dodge his iing strike and move to the far side of the room.


    Upon seeing my agility, the man''s anger rises and even more of the red mist plumes out from the crack in his armor.


    It begins to drift toward me in a wave of energy impossible to dodge, but I just tighten my Qi barriers'' density, and not a drop makes its way through.


    Half of the room is filled with his red mist, but it is blocked from touching me with a barrier of invisible energy just a few centimeters above my skin and clothes. I stand ominously in the back of the room, not putting out a drop of aura while flickering with ck and golden mes.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the vition.


    "Brother! Come out here! We have a pest to get rid of!"


    He yells in a stern tone. Still filled with confidence, I question what other tricks these two have up their sleeves.


    Without a moment of hesitation, the man in the green suit of armores charging through the open middle door. He has arge silver warhammer in hand that I didn''t see before.


    Once both of them lock their gazes on me, I make a run for the exit.


    I could have easily used maximum buffs and speed boosts to zip out of the bunker in an instant, but I limit my mana control output to about 1/8th of its full potential beneath my Qi barrier to make them believe they have a fighting chance.


    I narrowly dodge two red dripping daggers covered in poison and a hammer that hits the ground right behind me, sending vibrations through the entire shielded structure.


    I run up the stairs and out onto the surface, yelling to the grunts.


    "Get back and watch closely. We''re about to have somepany!"


    I speed off to the opposite side of the square where the grunts aren''t waiting, and two glowing suits of armor follow me filled with rage, aimed to kill.


    I jump up on top of one of the 1-story shops at the edge of the square using wind magic and turn around, drawing my ming sword that now flickers with dark mes to match my suit while smiling wide underneath my mask for no one else to see but myself.


    The two armored Bosses pay no attention to their henchmen and jump up in the air to attack me. Mid-flight I see a thick red barrier of what looks like mana-imbued blood forming around the Red man''s armor and daggers.


    Simultaneously, dozens of tiny green needles all manifest around the green armored man while two clouds of mist trail both of their in sync and powerful strides.


    They both jump high above me, making my high ground useless, stepping off of mana imbued barriers summoned in the sky to lunge down at me and attack. I release more of my mana control, now letting 1/4 of it out so my Intimidation skill can hit both of the men as they jump in the air toward me.


    However, they bear the pressure and release their attacks.


    I block the red daggers with my sword in a swift strike. The Qi surrounding my de evaporates the poison covering them and shatters them to pieces. My sword pierces through the red barrier made of blood that covers his body and pierces a hole right through the Crimson Dagger Logo on his chestte, sending him back down toward the ground where he came from.


    In the same instant, I stop the spiked hammer aiming for my left shoulder with an open palm, and its momentum halts. The miniature green needles that rain down on me are all stopped by my invisible barrier of Qi as well.


    To the perspective of the men that cannot sense Qi, it looks as if my ck mes have eaten their attacks and fallen into an endless fiery abyss, doing no damage to me at all.


    With a tight grip on the Older brother''s war hammer, I release a wave of advanced fire magic mes that engulfs his weapon and spreads to the rest of his body while throwing him downward to the road below following his partner.


    There are two loud earth-shattering thuds as each of them hits the stone road and cracks the pavement, making craters.


    I jump down to get between them and the fountain, holding my de upright and waiting for the dust to settle.


    Surprisingly, they both get up from the ground pretty quickly.


    The Green Mist Leader''s armor protects him from the Dark mes that eat away at his enchanted gear for the time being, and a red glow and swirling orbs of blood enter the Crimson Dagger''s wound as he stands to his feet.


    I let out more of my mana control, allowing them to perceive just over  of my true strength for a moment, and focus on activating my intimidation skill directly in their direction.


    They both fall to their knees again, but I see clouds of green mist and red liquid energy escape their bodies and trail off behind me in the direction of their subordinates that witnessed their utter defeat and are now backing away to avoid the release of excess mana in our sh.


    I realize what they''re trying to do and let out my natural mana control even further, letting out just under  without any buffs activated other than intimidation to bring them from their knees to face nting down in the pavement.


    The green needles and deadly crimson liquid hit a pink dome of mana that I summon using my mana maniption skill on the other side of the fountain to stop them from harming their men.


    "I don''t think so..."


    I feel their powers dampening and their minds slipping away as they''re being overpowered by my aura alone, and theirst-ditch effort to kill theirckeys and leave me with nothing fails as well.


    Thest thing they hear before they pass out on the cold ground is my slow footsteps toward them and the swift swing of a fiery sword cutting through their helmets.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Bloodweaver [Legendary Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Poison Mist [Legendary Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    I choose yes on both options, and absorb a few million MCP from my legendary absorption perk too.


    Then, turn around to take the pink barrier down around the men that watched me kill their bosses without any trouble.


    I peer down into the open underground bunker in the center of the square and mutter to myself while doing a routine scan with enemy detection and my All-Seeing Eye while my mana control is already being released at such a high rate.


    "I was hoping for a more interesting fight... but I guess that will have to wait for-"


    Mid sentence, my gaze turns to the sky off in the direction of Sector 1. I feel the same sensation of being watched as I did when the bunker opened.


    I sense 6 figures approaching.


    Five dark suits of armor that look just like the Royal Guards fly through the sky in a triangr formation. At their front is a suit of jet-ck armor almost twice asrge as the rest. Its gaze is pointed directly at me from over a kilometer away.


    I feel a wave of telepathy hit me and a familiar static voice enters my mind that I haven''t heard since talking to one of the 12 remaining Dark Guards in the Arena back in Valor City.


    "The Dark One missed you in the arenast night. We were wondering where you went off to hide."

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440


    The static voice echoes in my head as the six ck armored guards float in the air closer toward me.


    "It looks like you''ve begun to clean up the Sector 2 Leader''s mess for us. How thoughtful."


    As they get closer, I''m positive this is the exact same guard that talked to me in the Arena. At that time, its speed and power far surpassed mine.


    The mental image of it blipping in and out of existence faster than my eyes could see, and it telling me that the Wraith I defeated was the weakest of the 13 Dark Guards is a memory that has not left the forefront of my mind. It has been lingering in my subconscious throughout all of the training inside the Titan''s Domain both times since I fought one of these monstersst.


    Even while using my full strength and even the help of my Red Hydra''s Buff, I left that match in a very weak state. However, I''m a far different fighter now than I was then. To them, it has barely been 2 days, but to me, I''ve been training and absorbing more Mana and Qi for almost a year.


    I feel the telepathy link get severed between us, and thergest Guard motions a hand forward toward me.


    One of the more human-sized sets of armores floating my way at over twice the speed of the others behind it in the rigid formation.


    The eye slit in its armor begins to glow orange, and I see two orbs of familiar ck energy forming in both of its hands. As it plummets down toward the town, I make the split decision to jump high into the sky using air-steps to put distance between everything below me.


    Before I even get 20 meters into the sky, the ck orbs that gave me so much trouble in the Arenae shooting my way.


    I manage to get a full inspect and appraisal reading on only the approaching guard. Everyone else is too far away and their concealment items are too strong for me to get any kind of efficient data.


    Everything on the approaching Corrupted Royal Guard says [??? ess Denied] other than its level rating at [Lv. 835] and a [Curse of The Lich King] mark in its buff section.


    My eyes widen, and I immediately activate all my buffs that don''t overly consume mana while imbuing my sword with Qi.


    This is a higher level than the Wraith that was the so-called weakest Dark Guard... With the reappearance of the same kind of magic, as well as the identical Soul Energy Buff, I''m assuming this is at least the 12th in line.


    Once I reach the height of about 100 meters above the city square, the Approaching Dark Guard''s two orbs of energy curve downward and elerate even more as its wielder already begins to form two more attacks in its hands following close behind.


    I grip my de and watch the orbs approach, but can''t help but to smile beneath my ming mask as the Orbs look like they''re traveling in slow motion to me right now.


    I want tough out loud while Easily Airstepping around the motion-tracking orbs, activating extreme speed and using my immense increase in mana control and wind magic upgrade to easily swerve and glide through the air to avoid the two attacks.


    I still have my Qi barrier on, limiting my mana control to 50% of its full strength, and the ease at which I''m able to dodge and keep an eye on the approaching ck Armored Knight is quite surprising.


    Thest time I faced these orbs, using 100% of my mana control with my Red Hydra''s buff activated, It was barely enough for me to slip away. Now, it''s hardly a warmup.


    It lets out two more orbs of dark energy my way, and finally gets close enough to me that I can see it hovering and watching me dodge without having to use my enemy detection perk to see it from afar.


    Once four orbs are chasing me through the skies, I speed up my air-steps and make my dodges slowly drift in the direction of my enemy.


    I''m well aware if one of these energy balls is pierced open the orange energy inside that leaks out is not pretty. I remember feeling it burn through my soul energy buff, armor, mana shielding, and skin with ease.


    A repeat of that event is not what I''m aiming for here.


    I lock my eyes onto the chestte of the Dark Guard that is now beginning to conjure two more orbs and focus all my active perception skill''s strength into my All-Seeing Eye.


    A wave of energy pierces through the dense ck material and I sense the presence of an orange beating heart.


    Taking a deep breath, I aim my sword directly at it, then concentrate on channeling the majority of my avable Qi to surround my de rather than using it for defensive measures. I''m confident that I''m fast enough to dodge its orbs of energy, and I''m not getting any particrly strong barrier readings from its armor other than the appraisal blocking perks and a high B Grade Mana Shielding attribute.


    So, I airstep forward and make my move.


    Making full advantage of the crimson thread of my Swordsmanship skill, and activating surges of intimidation building stronger with every stride, the new orbs of ck matter getrger in its hands that it holds above its head, but my perception of reality is far quicker than it has the ability to process.


    In what feels like just the blink of an eye, I cut the distance between us down to less than an arm''s length and swing my sword white hot with Qi directly through the creature''s upper torso.


    It doesn''t even have a moment to react.


    The de slices through its armor like butter, and I feel trace amounts of my Qi being burned away as it sinks into the ck veil of energy beneath that makes up its body. However, it''s not near enough to stop the sharp edge of my sword crack its rib cage and puncture the orange beating heart.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The instance I feel the dees out the backside of its chestte, I follow through with vigor and activate extreme speed to dash past to its back side cutting all the way through. I channel the majority of my Qi back to defense once my de leaves its body and turn my head to watch all six orbs of energy twist out of control and explode without anyone to hold them.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I hit level 692, but let its armor and body fall to the city below as I have more important things to worry about right now.


    My attention shifts back to the formation of approaching guards, and see that they''re less than half a kilometer from me now. In the gaze of my enemy detection perk, I watch the leader give the same hand motion to attack as before, but this time all four of the remaining guards fly forward with energy orbs forming above their hands.


    Their speed is a bit more impressive than the guard that just attacked me, and once all four of them get within about 100 meters of me and release 8 orbs of explosive Soul Energy my way, I manage to get a reading on their levels.


    Twoe curving around on my left and right sides, clocking in at [Lv. 847] and [Lv. 871].


    Then, onees soaring through the air right toward me down the middle at [Lv. 901].


    Lastly, a final attacker floats upward, preparing to make an attack on me from above while I''m busy with the other three. It''s at [Lv. 944].


    I smile even wider, using the same style of dodging and swerving to take on the barrage of explosive orbs while they get in formation.


    The attacks from the two Guards thate at me from the left and right aren''t hard to dodge, however, the middle and upper guards'' orbs'' speed is noticeably quicker and the energy output on them is much more intense than the ones before it.


    I let out a bit more of my mana control, now using 2/3 of my true strength to use my extreme speed and buffing skills with greater ease.


    As I twist my body, and the first round of orbs flies by, the Guards on my sides are now less than 10 meters away.


    With my All-Seeing Eye on full st, these Wraiths'' skeletal structures and glowing hearts are all as clear as day to me.


    The two closest guards release another round of orbs, while the higher levels ones wait to make their move while closing in.


    I control my breathing and activate swordsmanship. A crimson thread forms from the tip of my de in a wide crescent formation that aims straight through two of the monsters'' glowing hearts.


    Again, I shift my Qi Barrier''s density to the striking portion of my de and glide through the air full of confidence.


    While dodging each orb thates my way by a hair, my sword slices through the armor of both Dark Guards on my left and right side with little resistance, destroying their hearts and setting off a chain reaction of explosions in the air, detonating every single orb of energy including the ones sent by the two remaining Guards.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I gain 15 levels, hitting level 707.


    However, the two remaining Dark Guards don''t mourn their fallen partners one bit, and use the clouds of disappearing soul energy to their advantage.


    The highest-level guard that hovers above me holding both hands above its head, charges up a single orb of dark energy. The moment I notice it, the creature lets it go and rockets down at me.


    I can hear it buzz and crackle, sensing well over four times as much raw soul energy as any other orb I''ve seen today in a single attack. Swirls of hot yellow-orange lighte out of small cracks as this orb was created as a finishing move designed to take me out in a single hit. I increase my speed and airstep quickly out of the way, hoping to dodge.


    However, the only direction I think to move in is the direction of a cloud of fading soul energy where the other guardes out holding two highly charged orbs of energy itself while it stares me down and increases its forward momentum toward me even more.


    With a hot ball of mass curving downward from above, trying to hit me in the back and a hyper-focused Dark Guard at my front ready to take me out with any means necessary, a nes to mind.


    I take down my entire Qi barrier that suppresses my mana and make sure to only channel this excess energy into my movement speed, increased soul energy senses, and the attack power imbued into my sword.


    Then, take a moment to allow the orb of energy to get closer to my back, while lunging forward to make it seem as if I''m running away at full speed.


    I burst into a shy disy of advanced Fire magic to ramp up a distraction, and airstep forward right at the Dark Guard that points its two hands with orbs of energy fully charged and ready to release at close range my way.


    The closer I get, the more I slow down, but prepare to use 100% of my mana control and buffs at thest moment to make my move.


    I can feel the heat of the orb on my back through my lowered defenses, and the sight of the guard in front of me is less than 5 meters away.


    "4... 3... 2... 1..." I count down under my breath.


    I activate stealth the moment I''m less than half a meter away, then duck down and use extreme speed to fully conceal myself and slice through the creature''s armor, rupturing its heart myself to get the level gains. Then, focus on my swordsmanship while airstepping upward in the direction of the remaining guard with a magnificent explosion of supercharged Soul Energy below me.


    I stab my sword straight through thest Dark Guard''s heart and deactivate stealth right in front of it staring into the slit in its helmet while its glowing orange energy fades away.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    My level reaches 737, and the guard''s armor and bones fall to the city below.


    I want to see if they''ve all dropped the same Essence that I got after destroying the heart of the wraith in the arena, but I know I''ll have time for that once the danger is gone.


    My head turns to the final Dark Guard as the remnants of soul energy fade, and the scratchy static telepathic voice hits my inner ear from less than 300 meters away.


    "I''m impressed. All I asked them to do was to bring you to me, but it seems you were holding back quite a bit in the Arena, weren''t you?"


    There''s a pause and a stillness in the air as the remaining Dark Guard floats my way, but doesn''t increase its speed at all.


    More than 10 seconds pass, and I try to use my inspect and appraisal skill on its armor, but nothinges back. Even using my All-Seeing Eye at its full power, I still get glitched numbers and letters back that are on the verge of changing, but never show me their true value.


    It speaks again.


    "You may have bested the lower 6 Dark Guards, but I''m here to bring you back to the Dark One. You are still no match for the Upper 7. We have all Ranked-Up more than once; you cannot defeat me in your current form. Come with me now, or I will assume you have chosen death."


    As the ck Suit of armor gets within 100 meters of me, it reaches for its helmet and begins to take it off.


    A bright orange light shines out from underneath, and my inspect skill finally registers a number.


    [Lv. 1082]

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441


    The ck helmetes off, and underneath is nothing but a glowing orange, handsome man''s face. It drops the helmet, letting it fall to the town below.


    One by one, therge figure slowly takes off its gloves, boots, chestte, and heavy leggings to reveal the shape of a bright orange form of energy in the shape of a 3-meter-tall man with short hair and smooth skin, still floating, moving toward me at a constant rate.


    I do another full scan, now that I can see it clearly.


    [Lv. 1082]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    Buffs:


    [Curse of The Lich King]


    Its status looks no different than any of the other Wraiths that attacked me moments ago. Even the Ghouls back in the Arena had the same status details.


    The only difference is I can sense the intensitying off of this soul energy is on a whole other level. It feels like the air pressure all around me has shifted, and I''m looking at a being that is far stronger than anything I''ve ever seen before.


    The soul energy reading that came off of all its subordinatesbined moments ago doesn''t evenpare to the strength of the energy flowing around this creature. It has a Soul Energy barrier surrounding every inch of its body, making it seem like it is a bright orange entity.


    Ites closer and closer until the gap between us is less than 15 meters.


    Then, speaks through the static telepathy link.


    "I am on another level than those weak Wraiths, this heavy armor may improve their defenses, but it only slows me down. I told you already, you stand no chance. Give up now, or die trying. It''s your choice."


    I don''t say a word, still analyzing the being in front of me, trying to figure out what exactly it is...


    "Are you... a human?"


    There''s a slight pause, then the orange floating man sps his hands together. They glow brighter orange, giving off a nearly yellow shine, then as he separates them, an incrediblyrge long sword materializes from thin air. It''s well over half the man''s body length, and almost 4 times as wide as my own sword.


    It looks extremely heavy and awkward to wield, however, he swings it a few times through the air so fast it''s hard to track and the graceful swings leave trails of orange energy in their wake that shimmer and linger in the air.


    He replies to my question, and I see a ck number 7 printed like a tattoo on his right wrist right where he holds the sword.


    "This is my human form, yes. You know too little, and have stepped too far into the unknown to continue any further without proper guidance. The Dark One wishes to make you part of the Dark Guard. We needed a new number 13, but now it seems we need five more. Your friends in the arena will do just fine as substitutes."


    He pauses, and the only thing that fills the open link between us is static.


    "Onest chance toply, or your journey ends here and now."


    A mind-bending wave of energy ripples out of the floating Dark Guard that feels like a natural aura version of my intimidation skill.


    It makes me sweat and grit my teeth just bearing it, but I look him in the eyes while activating all my buffs and channeling Qi into my sword.


    "Not happening... If you want to fight, bring it on-"


    Before I can finish myst word, a sh of orange lightes rocketing toward me. The only thing I''m able to do is swing my sword up to block.


    Ie face to face with the oversized man and his orange de made of soul energy collides with mine wrapped in Qi, mana shielding, and a veil of mes.


    An eruption of energyes out of the collision and an ear-shattering crack that sounds as if the sky is splitting in two is released into the atmosphere.


    Next thing I know, I''m propelled backward at speeds faster than I''ve ever traveled before.


    Half of my barrier around my sword is eroded away instantly by the collision, but so did a nearly equal portion of the Dark Guard''s. Even so, the pure strength and force behind this frontal attack sends me on a crash course for the city below.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I activate wind magic to slow my fall so the impact with the ground won''t be as bad, but in the back of my mind, I can sense dozens of people below me all standing together in an abandoned warehouse.


    The orange sword wielder watches from above, admiring his own work, concluding that the battle is already over.


    At the forefront of my mind, the first thing is surviving, but the town below me is still a very valuable asset I''d like to keep in good condition. The people in it, and the thousands of brand-new items don''t need to be destroyed for no reason.


    So, less than 100 meters above the ground, instead of using all my air magic to lighten mynding, I use it to change my course and make impact with an abandoned neighborhood of small homes off to the side.


    The ripple of stone, dirt, and mana that flies in the air as my feet make impact with the ground disintegrates everything around me for over 20 meters.


    As I stare back at the sky and replenish the Qi that was destroyed from our sh from my core back into my sword, I see the same streak of orange lighte soaring down my way.


    Waves of energy attack my psyche and the static telepathy triggers in my mind again.


    "Tougher than I thought. Maybe it''ll take a few more hits."


    The Dark Guard shows a smile across his face and the lifeless eyes of his human figure begin to glow. The energy from all around his body starts to thin, lowering his overall defenses, and the density of the Soul energy around his sword grows to be far greater. It shines yellow like a second sun in the sky as I look up at him.


    However, there are a few points on his body that remain fully guarded. The area around his neck and heart do not have soul energy drained from them to create this strike.


    My perception skills are sensing hundreds of innocent workers all around me on every side. If I want to go all out without holding back at all, I need to get away from this town.


    I activate stealth and jump away in the opposite direction of the falling swordsman aiming for the outer edge of the vige that leads to the wide-open rolling sandy hills of the desert.


    Even when fully concealing my presence, the eyes of the man follow me.


    I hear an loud crack of the ground below me, then sense the intense energy and heat of a supercharged sword swinging up at me.


    I deactivate stealth and focus all my energy on blocking with a downward swing of my own, but my eyes widen as the dense hot energy of its attack overpowers my full strength Qi barrier this time around.


    It pushes through, sizzling away the protectiveyers and hardly taking any damage itself. As ast-ditch effort, I channel the remaining Qi and mana shielding that surrounds my body into my sword. The resulting explosion of released energy throws me high into the sky, and pushes the Dark Guard back to the ground.


    I open my item storage to let thousands of MP worth of mana crystals out to plunder, rejuvenating me on the spot, while swallowing a Qi pill to bring my core back up to full while I soar at full speed into the open desert.


    Those two attacks may not have done any physical damage to either of us, but it definitely gauged our strengths.


    This guard knows I''m capable of blocking its attacks now, so he isn''t going to hold back any longer.


    There is a positive note that follows this though, I believe I spotted a fatal weakness and n to exploit it once I confirm its true.


    Less than a minute pass as I fly away at my top speed, but the sh of light outpaces me easily.


    Once the city is out of sight, I finally turn to face the creature again as it storms toward me with a focused gaze and glowing sword. I charge thousands of MP worth of fire magic into my de to test my theory.


    I swing it across my body, letting a crescent-shaped wave of dense mes fly through the air and collide with the Guard''s sword.


    As expected, its eyes track it perfectly, and its sword shes upward to easily destroy the mes.


    I get a telepathy link in a taunting tone.


    "Giving up so soon? That must have been your weakest attack so far."


    I smirk and activate my Red Hydra''s Buff for a split second to send another crescent of energy its way.


    The wave of fire ripples through the air, covered in a dense red aura of borrowed energy, but the same exact result follows this attack too.


    The Dark Guard swings its bright orange sword through my attack and it''s dispelled and evaporated with ease. This time, there are some resulting crackling reactions of Soul Energy, and a small amount manages to sizzle away its own, but the energy is replenished instantly and doesn''t make a dent in its own Soul Energy stores.


    "A little better, but is that all you''ve got? Your energy was rather strong when we started, I won''t lie. Even your borrowed energy can''t save you now. Did those two attacks really wear you down this much? So long, me Emperor."


    I deactivate all my mana-basedbat skills and focus on my Qi alone.


    There is still one technique that I manage to awaken in myst few months inside the Titan''s Domain.


    These two tests confirm to me that its time for me to finally try it out.


    I channel all of the Qi in my body into my sword, continuously replenishing my barrier from my core, and channeling more into the de until it bes oversaturated.


    Held tight in both my hands is a sword glowing so white it is dripping with Qi. Every moment I waste staring down at it, there arerge percentages of my core''s enegy that fall away into the air.


    I focus on my breathing and stare straight ahead at the iing confident man.


    I swing my sword across my body and let a crescent of pure condensed Qi erupt from my de.


    The contents of nearly my entire core are released from my sword''s edge and rocket toward the glowing orange guard.


    It takes less than a second to make contact, and my opponent doesn''t even see iting.


    His eyes widen as I swing my de, but the corners of his lips curve upward as he watches nothinge out.


    Just like me back in Valor City, when I was relying on the Red Hydra''s buff for all of my power, I could not sense the Qi in Monk''s'' attacks when we were fighting in the Arena for the first time.


    Now, this ignorant warrior is learning that same lesson for himself.


    My invisible attack slices through his left shoulder that isn''t protected by a dense barrier of soul energy like his right holding the sword.


    Momentster, his whole left arm slides off his body and falls down to the desert below.


    The man''s expression shifts to one of anger, but his forward momentum does not stop or slow at all despite his lost limb. The super charged de of Soul Energy continues to swing downward directly at me.

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442


    I''m almost entirely drained of Qi, but I nned for this to happen.


    As I watch the red blood drip from the Dark Guard''s wound, his swordes down toward me at incredible speed.


    I still have nearly all of my Mana stores left, so I activate my Red Hydra''s Buff along with all my perception and stat boosting abilities to bring my next move to its full potential, activating 4 of my newest skills all at the same time.


    [sh][Confusion][Screech][Phantom Step]


    Letting out an ear-shattering yell, with a simultaneous sh of light that erupts from my body, the sky fills with a bright white light.


    Waves of eerie confusion energy erupt in all directions, and illusions of my body take on the form of purple ghost-like phantoms, splitting off into 3 different directions. One goes to the left, the other to the right, and the other flies upward.


    In my main body, I activate stealth with all my leftover mana and airstep backward, then down toward the ground using gravity to my advantage to elerate my fall, narrowly avoiding the downward strike of the bright orange energy sword that hardly slows down at all despite the barrage of distractions.


    I still feel its immense heat and power melting through my mana shielding, burning my armor, and ckening the outeryers of my skin without it even hitting me.


    I continue to plummet as the Dark Guard''s forward momentum continues.


    I swallow another Qi pill and plunder MP crystals while adding wind magic above me to elerate the fall, getting further and further away from the man in the sky as fast as I can. Therge gash and burns left across my chest and all over my arms and legs are slowly healed by my self-regeneration, but I see over a quarter of my health bar gone just from getting close to its soul energy without my Qi barrier up.


    Once fully recovered, I hit the empty desert floor with a thud, making a crater over three times the size as the one I made decimating the neighborhood back in the city. I look up into the sky while readying my Qi around my body and into my sword.


    Residual mana and Qi are left in the wake of my attack, and it''s no surprise I sense the orange man''s presenceing down toward me.


    However, his rate of descent is surprising.


    He looks far less intimidating with a lost limb and blood dripping from his stump of a shoulder, but the calm smile on his face and slow descent toward me is not the sight I was hoping to see.


    The fact that he''s relying on the Lich King''s soul energy, and not able to see Qi in its base form just like me before Monk awakened me, means I have an edge in this battle that I didn''t have previously.


    Even if his fully charged sword could potentially overpower me, the only way it''s possible for him to charge it up is if he lets other portions of his defenses down.


    Even knowing this, he floats down and readies his energy de with a single remaining hand with a creepy grin.


    He touches down on the desert sand about 50 meters away.


    My eyes dart back and forth, analyzing his Soul Energy flow, and seeing thin spots of shielding where I''m positive I could pierce through if I replicated myst attack.


    I grip my de with both hands and breathe slowly and deeply to wait for him to make his next move... Then, our telepathy link opens while something very strange begins to shift in his Soul Energy Shielding.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "I didn''t know why the Dark One liked you so much... but now it''s starting to be clear..."


    He takes a step forward while the Soul energy around his body drifts toward his lost limb.


    An orange veil of energy covers it, and in a matter of seconds, the outline of an arm is formed in the shape of pure energy.


    It doesn''t grow back; there is just a manifestation of an arm there, simr to his sword. It''s arguably more deadly than the real thing, but in doing so, the other areas of defenses around his body thin out even more.


    "You caught me off guard. For that, I''ll remember this battle for many years. Not many humans can say they punctured the skin of a double-ranked-up Colossal."


    My grip on my sword tightens, and my gaze is locked on its weak points.


    However, the energy around its body starts to grow...


    Every step forward it takes, more orange energy seeps out from its core like an endless supply.


    "A valiant effort, young hunter, but you cannot survive a single attack from my final form. I assure you, the battle is finally over."


    The energy around its body bes equivalent to the density that made up its supercharged sword moments ago.


    My eyes widen as I realize I wouldn''t be able to pierce through this shielding if I tried. Maybe blocking a few blows would be possible, but the many ns of attack I had swimming in my head moments ago all fall away as the entity''s entire Soul Energy Density shielding begins to rise even higher than the supercharged sword.


    After a few more steps, it looks as if the energy around him is expanding outward.


    Then, a few stepster I''m positive it is.


    Along with the expanding energy, his body grows too.


    I seerge bulging muscles and veins growing all over, striations in his chest and thighs, and thick hair grows on his legs and one remaining arm.


    The orange energy''s density stays the same, but multiple times more of ites flowing out from a hidden source, covering its full body in a massive flowing shield.


    The manifested sword growsrger andrger, and the fake arm on his left side grows to match his expanding body as well.


    I feel the atmosphere crackle and buzz in the growing presence of the monster that slowly walks toward me.


    His facial features even begin to shift, and his short hair grows rugged and long.


    The slick smile and smooth skin molt into a coarse hairy beard, and two long yellow tusks curve down from the edges of his lips down to below his chin.


    His posture growsrger, and his eyes begin to merge together to form one massive eye that stares down at me without blinking as the steps draw closer.


    As the creature before me passes 10 meters in height, it''s closed half the distance, and I stop trying to guess how much more it will grow.


    The rate at which it does isn''t looking like it will stop anytime soon.


    I take a step back, assessing my options, and try to find some kind of weak spot in its shielding, but the overload of immense power thates off it is mind-bending.


    I can''t perceive a single opening.


    "So this... is what a level 1000 monster can really do...."


    I take another step back, then open up my item storage portal behind me.


    Two glossy ck wings p in both of my peripherals, as the glowing Orange Colossal Monster doubles its size again and raises its Soul energy manifested sword high in the air.


    The de itself isrger than a building, and the immense crackling pressure in the air is pushing tons of sand to the side and shaking the ground with every step closer it gets. Waves of aura hit me like tsunamis, and I sh back with my own intimidation aura and shield my mind from the mental pressure using Qi, but it just keeps getting stronger and stronger.


    I hear Ember''s voice speak in a calm and curious manner through our link.


    "You''re in quite the troublesome situation, aren''t you? Would you like some assistance?"


    I respond while staring the beast in its single eye.


    "Yes. Let''s kill this thing."


    A wave of red energy floods out of Ember, and shes with the aura of the Colossal.


    I jump up in the air as Ember swoops down beneath me, and Ind on his back.


    The enormous one-eyed monster''s height surpasses that of multistory buildings, and it swings its sword downward as I stand on Ember''s back and we soar up into the sky straight at its attack.


    Ember''s mouth opens wide, and I watch a wave of shimmering Soul Energy imbued mes erupt out. They''re tinted red and flow like water, enveloping the energy sword rather than shing with it.


    The only other time I saw him use an attack like this was when he demonstrated how his Soul Energy worked, disintegrating an entire mountain in a dungeon with ease.


    As the mes begin to react with the shielding around the Dark Guard''s final monstrous form, Ie up with the perfect strategy to defeat this creature once and for all.

 Chapter 443

    Chapter 443


    Ember''s Soul Energy-imbued mes cover the orange sword that plummets down at us, but as the beast follows through with its swing, the massive de disintegrates away in an instant.


    All I feel is a huge gust of wind left behind in its wake, but as we swoop upward, and I see the rest of the mes flow down the monster''s arm, eroding away the Soul Energy Shielding around it, a nes together in my mind.


    I may not be able to puncture its shielding myself at my current strength, but I sure can cut through its flesh with an invisible attack if I''m given the opportunity.


    A p of Ember''s ck glossy wings brings us higher into the air, moving up past the monster''s eye-line almost 40 meters off the ground now.


    I deactivate my mana skills and channel Qi into my sword again, just like I did before to take off the monster''s left arm. White hot energy flows from my core and oversaturates my sword again, residue trailing below as our ascent increases in speed.


    Before, it was still a test; now I''m sure it will work.


    My gaze locks on the evaporatingyers of orange shielding that creeps down the monster''s arm while Ember''s mes of Cleansing begin to die down too. They have their limits too, but it seems the limit to their power is going to be just enough for me to set off an attack.


    I swing my de downward, aimed at the thinnest portion of its defenses in the elbow joint of its right arm where the majority of mes have umted and begun to die out.


    Orange energy seeps in from its core to fill the exposed portions of shielding, but it''s toote.


    Another de of Qi flies downward, and Ember and I fly up.


    The sound of a ferocious roar fills the air, followed by a thud as half of the beast''sst remaining arm hits the desert floor.


    I smile inwardly but keep myselfposed in full battle mode while restoring my MP and taking another Qi pill, leaving just 2 more in my storage total.


    I open my telepathy link with Ember as he stabilizes us in the air and swoops back down at the beast, now manifesting two arms from pure energy and regrowing the long sword.


    "We need to aim for its vital points. The head or heart will be the only way to take it down."


    "Understood."


    Ember swoops down and tries to attack the monster from behind, releasing a st of Soul Energy imbued mes at its head.


    However, it seems this beast won''t fall for the same trick twice. It turns its body the moment it sees the attacking and uses both of its manifested arms and sword to block the wave of fire.


    The same scenario as before happens; its sword is melted away, and the energy that makes its arms melts away too, but it manages not to let any of the dangerous mes hit its real body this time around.


    Ember swoops around it with impressive speed and agility, but the giant angry eye continues to track us through the air without fail.


    I grip my sword tightly, using my perception skills to their maxed-out potential, trying to find any kind of opening I can.


    Ember releases another wave of fire. At thest moment, it''s blocked again.


    The Colossal''s sword and arms are disintegrated away, and some of the shielding on the stub of its right remaining arm is burned away too up to its shoulder. I couldnd another hit. However, wasting my entire Qi stores on a non-lethal attack right now is not a good idea.


    I open my link again.


    "We need to slow it down. This creature is too quick and battle-seasoned to allow us to pull another fast one on it."


    "Got it."


    Ember swoops down again, sending a third wave of fire down onto the monster, only to be cloaked by the same standard move.


    However, Ember doesn''t swoop back up like the previous times.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    We dive down low to the desert floor, and Ember releases another wave of mes mere fractions of a second after the first attack, directly aimed at its legs.


    I focus my Qi on the way down and let an attack fly right behind the waves of mes, confident they''ll do their magic.


    If we don''tnd this hit now, this monster will surely catch on and find a way to counter this one too. It''s now or never.


    An eruption of mes, Qi, soul energy, and a vicious roar erupt in my senses as Ember and I fly right past the creature''s kneecaps and back past its eye level up into the sky.


    An earth-shaking thud can be heard while I rejuvenate myself with mana and another Qi pill, ready to strike again if needed.


    My body is starting to ache and shiver from the high usage of Qi in such a short period of time. I''ve never gone through multiple full cores in just a small amount of time, but I push the feeling to the back of my mind and charge my de up onest time.


    My head turns to the ground as Ember changes direction and starts dive-bombing toward the desert floor again.


    The body of the Colossal is resting face down in the sand with both of its legs cut off through the shins.


    However, the growing orange glow that pulses and hums throughout its body grows new manifested limbs, and it begins to attempt standing back up on its new bright orange feet.


    "Don''t let this monster stand again. We''re finishing this now."


    A wave of mes stronger, hotter, denser, and more intense than any of the previous waveses sting out of Ember''s mouth as we make a crash course straight for the back of the creature''s head.


    It''s lifting itself off of the ground slowly, but we''re falling downward toward it much faster.


    Once my sword is fully saturated, I don''t move a muscle and keep my eyes locked on the back of its neck.


    The Soul Energy mes make contact with the beast, evaporating its shielding away, and I see my opening.


    A final crescent of pure Qi makes contact with the exposed neck, and it slices through without any resistance.


    The head slides off its shoulders, and Ember swoops upward while I watch the frightened and confused massive eye lose its life as it hits the desert ground.


    Another thud follows as the remainder of its body copses without life.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    I hit level 765 in an instant, and Ember circles around the corpse high in the air for a few moments before we finally drift down to the ground.


    The leftover orange soul energy begins to disperse into the air, but some still stays stagnant. It''s just like the leftover residue from my Red Hydra''s buff.


    Before I hop off Ember''s back, I swallow myst remaining Qi pill along with restoring my MP. Even with continuous self-regeneration, my body feels a bit weak. Plus, I''m covered in sweat and breathing heavily.


    I do a few circles around the monster, trying to scan it for any other interesting things, but no readingse back.


    There aren''t any extra popups for stat boosts, and no skills either.


    I can''t help but think it has something to do with its soul bond with the Dark One. Just like the ghouls and Wraiths, its status is cleared of any items or skills, or extra buffs.


    I let out a sigh, then do a deep, extensive All-Seeing Eye scan to see where the dropped armor was that it shed before the battle, and locate it in the city along with many of the broken armor pieces and Wraith Essence Cores scattered around from the other earlier fights.


    Then, the faint reading of manaes from inside the middle of the monster''s corpse.


    I lift my sword and begin chopping the massive leftover mass of flesh to pieces, trying to dig through to its heart.


    The more flesh I rip away, the more intense the source of mana bes. It gives off a reading unlike anything I''ve felt before, and doesn''t feel like it''s infected by the Lich King''s soul energy at all.


    I finally find its heart and carefully tear it open to find a clear crystal-like shard bigger than my open palm.


    I have to put my sword to the side to lift therge clear crystal up with two hands and use appraisal on it.


    [Shard of The Colossal] [+266% Strength][+210% Defense][+200% Mental Strength]


    I stare down at the item in awe for almost a full minute, admiring the amount of manaing off of it in its dormant state.


    The possibilities of item crafts race through my mind, but I can''t think of any item at par with its quality that would be worth merging with it.


    This is my first A-ss material I''ve evere in contact with.


    With a growing smile across my face, I ce the item into my item storage and turn to walk away through the blood-stained sand.


    I let out advanced fire magic behind me and let my ck mes burn the corpse away before it makes a mess out here in the desert.


    Then, I approach Ember with a smile.


    "A job well done. That was quite the battle."


    The corners of Ember''s mouth are curved up, and I can see a toothy grin forming.


    "It sure was. Your first double-ranked up monster kill."


    I nod, and a moment of silence follows before Ember speaks again.


    "I know that soul energy very well. That was one of the Lich King''s subordinates, wasn''t it?"


    I let out a sigh.


    "It was. And now that this has happened, I doubt it''s thest."


    Ember thinks to himself and watches the ck mes crackle away as the body burns.


    "Well... Nothing we can do about it now. If more are on the way, you''ll need to find a way to get much stronger. Fast."


    Before I open my mouth to agree, more ringing system notifications enter my ear, and I look down at my status to see quite the unexpected string of skill upgrade notifications from my body double. It makes me realize there are definitely more things than just dungeons down in that Canyon.

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444


    [Body Double POV]


    [~7 Hours Earlier]


    I catch the transport crystal and ce it in my storage while my main body leaves to check out the town.


    My other body double heads off to begin farming skills while I glide down into the Canyon to step into the nearest stable dungeon.


    It seems to be a standard high E-Grade grasnd dungeon, but I don''t stick around long enough to figure out what kind of monsters are inside. I set a dungeon walker point and crush the teleportation crystal in my hand to bring me back into the lobby of the Galeheart Tower.


    Unfortunately, this body double form doesn''t have all of the perks of my main body. I don''t have ess to my Red Hydra''s Buff, and no Qi is present in my core. However, my mana control is still leagues above anyone near my level.


    I ce a shielding barrier up, mimicking my old way of suppressing my intimidation perk''s aura.


    As I walk forward through the blinding transportation light, I see a single figure in the lobby waiting for me, stood up against the desk that the two lobby men sit behind.


    Arie stands up straight and gives me a wave.


    His all-ck outfit contrasts a lot with the white mana shielding as he walks over with a curious expression but decides not to bring up my change in aura that I''m pretty confident he can perceive.


    He just speaks up, turning to the elevator.


    "I was prepared to wait a few more hours, but looks like you came right on time. I assume this means you already made it to Sector 2?"


    I nod, and the elevator door dings while sliding open. We board it.


    "I have. Let''s save the talking until we make it there."


    My eyes move around the room in a suspicious manner, and Arie shrugs.


    "Sure, whatever works for you. If you really think you can get me deeper into the Abyss, it''ll be worth the wait."


    *Ding*


    We make it to the dungeon ess floor and make our way into the Red Ogre dungeon to use as a connector point to teleport back to the dungeon I just left.


    As we step out of the exit portal onto a narrow rocky ledge within the canyon, I let out a sigh, and Arie''s questions begin to fly.


    "Your aura feels totally different thanst night, what''s up with that? And is what Fisher said true? The abyss is really nearby?"


    I airstep upward, and soon see Arie follow as he manifests small tforms of white energy beneath his steps.


    "The aura may feel different because my main body is off exploring the city. You''re talking to a body double right now."


    Arie lets out a remark in a joking tone.


    "Oh, you sent the errand boy toe fetch me, that''s real nice."


    I turn my head back as we''re about to exit the canyon.


    "Hey, it''s still me. I''m just multitasking."


    I turn back as the open desertes into view. The town is on one side of the canyon while a giant ck looming cloud of used up demonic energy is sitting stagnant in the desert.


    I point to it.


    "Does that answer your second question?"


    Arie''s eyes track it left and right, scanning the massive ck cloud that curves around as far as the eye can see.


    His ranked-up buff even activates, and I see ayer of white energy forming around his eyes as we begin to float closer.


    "Yeah, it definitely does... Let''s check it out."


    We fly over to the edge of the Abyss, and I activate my Demonic Energy Maniption, but use the trick to split my focus that I learned before to allow myself to use mana-powered skills as well.


    It''s been a while since I used energy like this, but with all my new Qi and mana control training, my ability to manipte any kind of energy has increased drastically, it almost seems as easy as breathing to spot the small clusters of unrefined energy in the Abyss and pinpoint enemies that line the border.


    As my head turns to look straight in the direction of one that seems to be the same strength as those Demonic wolves I faced in the Abyss right outside Sra, Arie''s gaze turns to it too.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    We both touchdown about 20 meters away from the wall of darkness, and he speaks up.


    "So you can actually see them too?"


    I nod with both arms crossed.


    "I''m more surprised you can see them, honestly. Is it a special perk from your ranked-up buff? I thought it could only manifest weapons and gear for you like you showed me before."


    He nods and begins to manifest a white bow out of energy, then draws back a shimmering white arrow made of the same material.


    Momentster, he locks it onto a target in the abyss and lets the arrow fly.


    It pierces through the veil of darkness and hits the swirling ball of unrefined energy I pinpointed previously. Then, a howl and squeal of an injured wolf calls out the moment it''s hit, but ceases momentster as I''m sure the monster was killed.


    Then, the sizzling sound of sparks and Demonic Energy reacting with mana erupts from inside the Abyss for a few seconds, crackling like fireworks, then going silent again.


    My curiosity is piqued.


    "How''d you manage that? You sent a mana-based attack through the Abyss without it instantly erupting into sparks?"


    "It''s moreplicated than that. Inactive, sealed, or very unique mana signatures don''t activate a reaction. It''s how you''re able to wear gear inside the Abyss and not have it explode on you. As long as the mana isnt free flowing or actively iteracting with anything, it shouldn''tbust."


    I nod, pointing a finger at the abyss and shooting a fireball at the dark wall to watch it explode and turn to yellow and white sparks the instant it makes contact with the wall of ck fog.


    Arie continues, activating his red hydra''s buff for a split second and letting a white arrow coated in red energy fly into the abyss next.


    It soars for hundreds of meters, almost further than I can sense, then finally hits something, and the energy is dispersed, making a crackling explosion deep within the darkness.


    "The energy from this buff works as a protectiveyer as well, it makes my attacksst even longer before they sizzle out. However, I have reason to believe my skill and buff are not replicable. You see, I didn''t naturally awaken my Spirit Archer skill. It was artificially infused into me while I was awakening as a gift from my vige leader back in Sector 4. I believe because of this, the special traits have carried on to my ranked-up buff too."


    I turn my head to Arie, wondering exactly what he means by this. I always knew his skill was odd. "Spirit Archer" is not a skill I''ve ever seen a replica of. After scanning hundreds, even thousands of skills in cities like Sra, Vice City, and Valor City; I''ve never seen a skill like this. Whatever he''s talking about, it would exin a few things.


    "I''ve been meaning to tell you this for a long time, but never found the opportunity to do so."


    There''s a silence between us, but I reply in a friendly tone.


    "You can tell me anything, my lips are sealed and my ears are open. We have plenty of time."


    He smiles.


    "Well, as you already know, I was trained at a very young age to be a strong archer. Others in the vige were made to focus on their specialized abilities too. Some were tanks with shields, others were rogues with swords and daggers, some specialized with medicine, and others worked on their perception skills day and night."


    He lets out a sigh staring into the Abyss with the white glow from his buff still surrounding his eyes and charging up his bow to make another arrow.


    "There were 20 of us, orphans. And of course the leader of the vige who took us in to train. Every day he would consume white pills and tell us to sit on bs of ck rock while we eat our meals, and even while we slept. The day any of us turned 18 was the day he''d bring us to a low-level dungeon and watch us awaken. Everyone came each time, and the old man always told us that we would awaken special unique skills if we followed his training regime."


    I nod, letting Arie go on, curious about this unknown history he''s hinted about but never shared with anyone on the team before.


    "Most members would awaken normal skills. Body hardening, swordsmanship, speed or strength buffs... So we just assumed the old man was crazy, or just kind; Keeping our hopes up and making our lives fun despite being misfits thrown away by our families in the Dark Continent. However, this all changed when my 18th birthday came around."


    Arie pauses, smiling to himself, and releasing another arrow far into the Abyss. As it pierces through two Demonic wolves that were approaching at the sound of its fallen fellow monster''s call, he continues to talk.


    "I was the first to awaken a unique skill. I was overjoyed, but the old man seemed to be the most happy of all, screaming out that his hypothesis was right and I was the first sess. After that day, he''d bring me to the dungeons in Sra to train every weekend, buying as much mana potions and gear as I needed to buff up my mana control at a young age and level up quickly."


    Arie powers down his buff and the bow disappears from his hands.


    "A few years passed as I trained up my skills with the other kids there, and one other girl in the vige awakened a unique talent too. Her name was Luna. It wasn''t a powerfulbat skill or anything, just a very unique perception skill that only works at night."


    Arie lets out a sigh.


    "The old man told us he would awaken us fully if we ever made it to level 500, but we all thought that was just to push us further in the future. However, there were no dungeons strong enough for the public to farm in once we got to a certain point. As each of us hit level 250, we were each given special ess from the Sran government to enter the Hunter''s exams with temporary citizenship granted by the Hunters Association. It takes a few years to get approved, but the process is notplicated. Long story short, I left my vige right after one of the first big surges, entering the C-ss exams, and meeting all of you..."


    He pauses and we stare off into the Abyss in silence for a few seconds, and I connect all the pieces together in my mind even before he speaks up again.


    "Ever since we first set foot in Sra, I dreaded nearing the Abyss because the fact that it was that close to the city could only mean one thing. It had already enveloped the ce I used to call home. I''m sure our leader got out of there with the students he had left, but I still wanted the closure of seeing it one more time. Once I finished up my power leveling with Chester in Srast week, I went to venture out into that pit of darkness to find what remained of my vige but couldn''t make it far enough in... I kept running into some damn giant worm and was never able to make it past."


    Despite the long heartfelt story, memories of running away from that giant Demonic worme back to my mind as well, and I can''t help but to crack a smile.


    "You almost got eaten by one of those things too?"


    He sees me chuckle and shifts his serious tone back to one more lighthearted and smiles back.


    "Yeah, three times actually. One time, two of them even attacked at once, they''re no joke. No matter what direction I came at, they wouldn''t leave me alone. My arrows still aren''t strong enough, I never even managed to leave a scratch."


    Memories of my time in the abyss sh through my mind, then Ipare it to all of the training I''ve done recently. It''s not too oundish to believe I could make it past those worms now if I really tried.


    So, I nod to myself and respond to Arie with a proposition.

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445


    "I know three potential ways you could get strong enough to venture further into the abyss. Would you like to hear them?"


    Arie listens and nods.


    "Of course. What do you know?"


    I do a quick inspect on Arie to see he''s level 586. It''s a high number, but far below his actual power level that he showed me with his bow right here.


    "Well, the first way is obvious. I could take you back to the Vice City Labyrinth and we could climb the floors to level up. I''m sure the stronger you grow your body, levels, and mana control; the better your unique skill will work against Demonic Monsters."


    He responds.


    "Sure, that''s obvious. But it''ll be a slow process, and just raising my mana control and level does not guarantee the increase in effectiveness against these so-called Demonic Creatures."


    I nod.


    "Yes, you''re right. That leads us to the second option. I could awaken the power that Maria and Abby have been training with thest few weeks. It''s called Qi, and I have reasons to believe after hearing your story, this is the energy your old vige leader used to awaken your unique skills special traits. Simr to the Red Hydra''s Buff, it is rooted in a different power source than just mana-based attacks. It would not react with Demonic Energy like mana does."


    Arie perks up at this.


    "You can just awaken me? And I''ll be able to wield it immediately...?"


    I sigh and shake my head.


    "No, it would take quite a while to learn... and to be honest, the only source for more energy to get stronger is back in Valor City. I can awaken you if we meet up with my main body, but it will still take weeks or months, maybe even years to get to the point where it''ll actually do significant damage on a creature of the Demonic Worms'' stature. Though, I''m very confident Qi would be enough to kill it."


    Arie gives me a curious look, then speaks up again.


    "Okay, what''s thest option. You''ve given me the fast and inefficient route with mana training, the slow and guaranteed route with this Qi proposition; so what''s the third option? A risky yet guaranteed method, or what?"


    "Exactly."


    I smile, looking Arie in the eyes for a moment, then turning my head to the Abyss while activating my Demonic Energy maniption and gathering all 30 or so Units of Unrefined Demonic Energy that has dispersed from the Wolves killed by Arie''s prior attacks.


    A swirling of ck energyes flowing out of the Abyss, then into my hand, and flowing into my body to rest in my Demon''s Core.


    I create a shing movement with my hand, letting a few units of energy flow out into a small crescent of energy. My Midnight Dagger is in the item storage of my main body, I would have used it now to show off if items like that could replicate into body doubles.


    Still, the refined demonic energy flows from my finger and pierces through the dark veil of the Abyss.


    I let the remaining refined energy drip from my fingers and lock away the 27 units of unused energy into my core forter use. Then, respond.


    "The third option is using the power of the Demonic Monsters against them. I believe I can teach you how to wield Demonic Energy."


    Arie''s eyes open wide. He watched the whole attack and didn''t let his gaze leave the crescent of darkness for a moment. I continue to speak in his moment of silence.


    "I''m positive it''ll kill these creatures. I managed to crack the tooth of one of those worms with this power when I was much weaker than both of us are now. From what I''ve learned so far, Demonic Energy is the most effective and safe offensive move against Demonic Creatures. It only took me a few days to get the hang of it, and as you can see, we have a pretty abundant supply of energy to do training."


    I point at the abyss, and Arie finally replies.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "I think the answer is pretty clear then."


    I smile.


    "The only tricky part is, to prepare for training, you''re going to have to permanently give up an item slot. And... we''re going to have to clear abyrinth."


    Arie''s eyes open even more, but while he thinks to himself I do another deep All-Seeing eye scan of the Canyon nearby. If my guess is right, at least one of the two strongest portal readings is abyrinth. Fisher mentioned he saw one in our briefing back in Valor City too, but I still need to see it for myself.


    I speak up.


    "Before I get your hopes up, I want to go check out the canyon for myself and see if there is even abyrinth for us to farm. If there is, I''ll be telling you the secret of a Labyrinth''s hidden reward forpletely clearing it."


    Arie shared his past with me, and in return, I''ll dly exin the secret intricacies of what the actual purpose ofbyrinths are. He responds, clearly still very deep in thought.


    "Sure. Let''s go see. You''re right, we better see if there really is one first. If there is, I''d like you to teach me Demonic Energy. I pick option 3."


    "dly."


    We head back in the direction of the many dungeons and begin air-stepping and spirit-walking down into its depths of the canyon.


    It gets darker the further down we go, but Arie illuminates the area around us with a white glow. My advanced eyesight is good enough in the dark that I don''t really care either way, but the light does make traveling a little easier.


    A few red dungeon breaks pass by, and dozens of blue portals fill my vision as well, but once we finally get about 3km down past winding paths, huge rock formations, and small flowing streams of underground water sources, the first anomaly reading on my radares into view.


    It''s an enormous portal, but unfortunately, its tint is blue.


    Based on its mana output, this is a middle or high ranked B grade dungeon. Possibly the strongest one I''ve ever felt. It gives off more energy than the Red Ogre dungeon back in Valor City. However, it''s not worth checking out right now. My other body double that is checking out the dungeons in here will get to it eventually.


    This dungeon has the same level of mana output readings the other oddity gives off. However, the depth of its power feels much different and the energy flowing away from it is in a far more constant and steady rate. I believe these are the readings of a very stablebyrinth, but don''t have much data to test my theory. As we dip into another cave system following the flowing streams, we make our way to thest oddity.


    The air gets thinner, the humidity increases, and the temperature around us gets hotter the further down we travel. But once we''re nearly 6km beneath the surface, and pass a few more scattered dungeons, a faint green glow hits my vision and I begin to get excited.


    "There it is."


    I can see a grin forming on Arie''s face too, and sweat drips from both our foreheads as we touch down on the wet rocky floor in front of arge green glowingbyrinth portal.


    "So, training can begin?"


    I nod.


    "Yes, it can. Let''s clear this Labyrinth. You have much to learn."


    We both jump through onto the first floor without hesitating at all, eager to see what''s inside.


    Not to waste any time, we both race through the bottom floors without targeting any monsters. I make it a habit to kill one per unique floor just in case there are some new skills, but most of these dungeons are duplicates that I''ve faced many times before.


    At our top speeds, it doesn''t take more than 10 to 15 minutes to zip through some floors high above the sky.


    While we venture further upward, I exin the basics of dungeon physics and dungeon mass regeneration, as well as the presence of abyrinth master at the top floor. I mention the fact that they''re Demons that make soul bonds with powerful creatures like dragons, and if defeated, the Demons drop their cores and can be wielded by humans.


    I reveal the fact that I have two cores. One from the C-ss exams, and another from the Sran Labyrinth. Exining that this is most likely the reason the Association screwed us over, but I still don''t have any evidence of it.


    I tell him about what happened when we were captured, and how I escaped using Demonic energy and my Demon''s core for the first time.


    I even reveal the events of my time in the Demonic Rift, fighting three waves of Demonic Minotaurs to Arie, then rte all this information to the fact that there is probably some kind of Demonic entity deep inside the Dark Continent causing the abyss to expand.


    This possibly gives validity to Chester''s theory of their being a massive Labyrinth deep within the Dark Continent.


    Of course, I give no mention of Ember or the Void Creepers; they seem pretty unnecessary to this conversation and it''s a secret I''m still not ready to share.


    About 4 hours pass and we beat the 20th floor''s special boss room of thisbyrinth, Arie ispletely caught up to speed and understands the risks and rewards of epting a Demon''s core. We decide that from here on out, he''ll be doing all the fighting because he needs the level gains andbat experience more than me. However, we have also agreed that I get the final strike on this Demon at the top no matter what because it may have unique skills I can absorb.


    Once we pass the 25th floor, things start to get interesting because the creatures on these floors are nearing Arie''s level.


    By the time we hit the 26th floor, arge mountainous region with earth wielding bug creatures with strong exoskeletons that are able to dig holes and spin their bodies very quickly to both attack and retreat, Arie starts to level up.


    Once I see he''s still able to pierce their vital points with a single arrow, I step back and let him train solo for a bit.


    The 27th and 28th floor go simrly, as Arie uses this opportunity to make it to level 632.


    Once the tan-skinned archer easily defeats the ming serpent boss of the 28th floor with two white arrows through the forehead, we''re both transported into a narrow stone hallway that feels very familiar.


    I turn to Arie and speak as he illuminates the short pathway to show a slow spinning portal at the other end.


    "This is it. The Labyrinth is 29 floors. Next up, you''ll be fighting a Demon."

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446


    Arie takes a step forward and powers up with a buff.


    "Let me fight on my own. I''d like to see how I stack up against this final floor. I want to feel like I''ve earned this core."


    He stops right before the portal at the end of the hall.


    "Of course, slip in the final blow to get whatever skills you need, just don''t help me in battle unless I''m in really bad shape. I doubt I will be, but you never know."


    I nod, and he jumps through without saying another word. I do the same, letting the transport magic bring us to the final floor of this peculiarbyrinth.


    It''s not much different than thebyrinth we faced back in Sra, and only a few floors higher. However, something feels too perfect about this ce.


    The teleport magic brings us into a wide open boss room that is forest and earth-themed. Thin dark green trees reach up to the blue sky, and rocky mounds of hills and stone formations riddle thendscape.


    For the most part, it''s very t and calm. However, near the back of the boss room where the danger always lies, the dense presence of two mana figureses rocketing our way instantly.


    I do a full inspect and appraisal while stepping to the side, letting Arie know what''s happening.


    "They''re on their way."


    I cross my arms and airstep backward to sit on a tall boulder, and take a look at just the level and skills from the two approaching figures.


    [Lv. 707]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Body Double [Legendary Grade]


    Dungeon Walker [Special Grade]


    [Lv. 707]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Plunderer [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    The shadowy figure of a Greater Demon with two red hornsing out of its forehead and curving behind its heades into full view as it glides above the treeline, standing on the back of a massive Earth Dragon almost the size of Ember.


    The Demon''s eyes are sharp, and it stands almost 3 meters tall. It has an impressively strong and tight build, wearing dark red armor with impressive defensive stats. It wields two daggers and stares both of us down from a distance.


    The dragon lets out a loud roar, and I observe its glossy tan scales reflect the clouds and the blue sky from above and the dark green trees below it on its white underbelly.


    The pping of its wings ceases once the two touch down on the opposite side of the small wooded clearing we''re in, and a surprisingly pissed off voicees through our telepathy link. It seems like we''re just pests that woke it up from a nap, rather than hunters challenging its throne.


    "What are you two doing here? I thought we had a deal. I won''t kill your men in the dungeons around here, and you''ll let me grow mybyrinth in peace. I almost have that unique floor 30 ready for you, so what''s with the interruptions?"


    The demon rolls its eyes and starts to get closer, gripping its two jet-ck daggers and imbuingrge amounts of mana into them, giving off a growing aura of intimidation and hostility.


    As I piece the puzzle together that the sector 2 leader must have had some kind of deal with this Demon to allow it to grow its base while not interacting with hunters that farm the nearby dungeons for supplies, it seems Arie hase to the same conclusion.


    He manifests a white bow and arrow, speaking out loud to the Demon and massive earth dragon.


    "Deal''s off. The Leader you made that deal with is dead. You''ll be fighting me now."


    More intense aura pours out of the Demon, and its calm stance shifts to a much more serious battle-ready one.


    "Fine. Filthy humans, you all can never keep your word. The ones that can are always too weak and die before any deals can be done. I was foolish to believe that man was any different."


    It glows white, and 3 body doubles separate from its main body, all of them have nearly identical amounts of mana control as far as I can see.


    They charge forward, leaving the main body and the dragon behind, slowly making their move.


    Arie smirks, spirit-stepping upward, and releasing a full-powered arrow strike far faster than anything I''ve seen him send off in the past.


    It collides with the dense shielding of a nearby demon''s clone, while the other two blip out of existence and reappear on opposite sides of Arie with their daggers poised to kill.


    One goes all in for a shot at his neck while the other aims its daggers at his heart.


    He summons two small walls of white energy in front of his vital points using his ranked-up buff, and the buzzing noise followed by fragmenting metal is all I hear as the daggers break against a nearly impossible to prate barrier.


    Meanwhile, the dust and mana cloud around the double Arie shot at that is still on the ground finally clears, and a bright white arrow is lodged right through its chest. Blood drips out, and the Demon does not look happy as it pulls it out from its chest with bare hands.


    The creature dungeon walks up to help its two other partners with the close-range attack.


    As it materializes, Arie turns his gaze and releases another arrow that punctures right through the already injured demon''s head, killing it on the spot and the double disintegrates into pure mana.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    He twists his body around, jumping higher in the air while blocking the onught of more close-range jabs and shes from these two remaining demons'' knives.


    Unexpectedly, three of the small shielding circles Arie summons to block their strikes morph into a long white spear the moment their attention leaves it. One of the unsuspecting Demon''s copies is impaled from behind, skewering it three times with multiple new manifested spears from its blind spot.


    In the same moment, thest body double is thrown off its game for a split second while witnessing the gruesome and instantaneous attack out of nowhere, and Arie takes this moment of hesitation to charge his bow back up to its full potential,nding a fully charged arrow to its forehead at point-nk range.


    It doesn''t even get to scream, and the double disintegrates away.


    The mana disperses, and the only thing I can think to do is p slowly.


    That was an impressive disy of raw power and battle IQ. I have to give it to him, Arie has improved.


    However, based on the reaction of the real Demon''s body that storms his way, it''s not as impressed.


    It jumps up in the air, glowing brighter and brighter white itself, while the earth dragon by its side begins to activate what I can only assume is its ranked-up buff.


    A thick barrier of liquid stone surrounds the dragon, and a pair of crimson wings the same color as the demon''s hornse jutting out of the Demon''s back once the white light goes away.


    I sense its mana control increase by over 50%, meaning it''s activated some kind of ranked-up buff too, with a shapeshifting perk that I''ve never seen a demon wield before.


    As it ps its wings and flies into the air, the dragon jumps up and, even with its heavy stone armor on, gracefully spins through the air.


    Three more doubles of the Demon form all around it, with wings of their own this time around, and twist and swirl through the air with impressive agility.


    Arie stands still, drawing his bow back, and not moving from the circr 1-meter wide white manifested tform beneath his feet.


    Then, less than 10 meters before impact as the 3 body doubles dungeon walk closer and the real demon and its ranked-up dragon swirl around it attacking from both sides, a dark crimson aura emits from Arie and I watch blood-red arrows fly.


    Streaks of red energy are left in the sky as the instant Arie activates his Red Hydra''s buff, his speed, agility, and power are multiplied by a factor of nearly 3.


    The doubles are disintegrated in the blink of an eye, and I see a barrage of crimson arrows crack through the defenses of the earth dragon''s stone imbued ranked-up shielding.


    It takes a few hits in the exact same spots, but eventually, one of his arrows pierces right through the dragon''s left wing.


    The Demon ruthlessly sends more and more doubles at Arie, but they get weaker and weaker every wave. Arie takes them out with ease.


    The great thing about the Red Hydra''s buff is you''re able to keep up the same intensity until the battle is over, only then will you have to face the consequences. The Demon is unaware of this, and I''m starting to see the look on its face change from annoyance and anger to helplessness and fear.


    This Demon has never faced a fearsome opponent in its life. It''s been able to sit back and enjoy the luxuries of growing itsbyrinth with the Sector 2 leader watching over itsckeys, never having to actually protect its throne.


    The battle instincts of a Demon that it was born with are surely there, but its will to survive and win by any means necessary arecking. It''s very clear to see, Arie''s sharp eyes, determined grit, and battle experience over the years will easily bring him to victory here.


    Another 30 seconds pass and Arie gets closer and closer, chipping away at the Earth Dragon''s armor and dispatching dozens of body doubles thate three at a time. He finally sends a red arrow through the walls of protective doubles and shielding to hit the Demon''s main body in the thigh.


    It yells out in fury while blood flows through its wound, opening up a telepathy link as ast ditch effort. The Demon''s voice is wavering and much more nervous than before.


    "L-Let''s make a deal,e on! That was just a test. I see a very profitable future in your midst."


    Another red arrowes curving around the back side of the dragon, past its wings that have a few arrow holes of their own pierced through them, and the shotnds right through one of the Demon''s wings on the same side as its injured leg.


    It erupts into a massive disy of mana shielding flying into the air and red residue from the red hydra''s buff as Arie releases yet another arrow, threading the needle through the tall trees, explosions, and distractions ced in his way.


    "You should have spoken up before you tried to kill me. Your core is all mine!"


    His next arrow hits the Demon''s other wing, making it begin to fall to the woond floor. Arie spirit-steps and narrowly dodges every one of the body doubles with ease, making eye contact with me for a split second, letting me know he''s going in for the kill and I should get ready to do what I need to do.


    I activate my buffs and pull out my sword while Arie releases his final shot aimed straight at the Demon''s heart, charged up with as much of his Red Hydra''s buff soul energy and mana from his skill as possible, making it a strike that is a guaranteed fatal blow.


    I grin, filling my de with mana and igniting my body on fire as I air-step into battle. I follow the crimson arrow with all my buffs activated and extreme speed on full st. I zip through the trees, soar beneath the wing of the massive earth dragon, and swing my sword at the Demon''s neck as it falls toward the ground.


    There''s a satisfying sound of dense mana slicing through weaker mana as my de melts through its shielding and cuts off the demon''s head in an instant. However, fractions of a secondter, the dark red arrow pierces its heart and the body of the creature goes limp before it can even hit the ground.


    In the resulting thud, the soul bond agreement between demon and dragon is triggered and the eyes of the mighty Earth Dragon gloss over and it falls to the ground as well.


    My eyes, on the other hand, light up with excitement as the notifications in my vision appear.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Body Double


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Dungeon Walker


    Upgrade: Legendary Grade


    [YES][NO]


    As I choose yes on both of them, notifications that they''ve been transferred to my main body fill my vision.


    Then, Arie walks over while powering down his Red Hydra''s buff.


    He catches himself on a nearby boulder as he almost passes out from exhaustion, but I run over and help him walk toward the Demon''s dissolving corpse to im his prize.


    "I''m impressed. That may have been the most extreme battle I''ve ever seen you fight in. Taking on a Demon and Dragon over level 700 on your own... not bad."


    I crack a grin, and he tries to smile back, but the fatigue is definitely kicking in.


    The cleanly sliced neck and perfectly circr hole through its heart are signs of seasoned killers at work. We both admire our shots, but I can feel Arie''s breathing is very heavy and his eyes are threatening to shut.


    The moment the corpse finally dissolves, a mana crystal, bright red horn, and small ck core fall to the boss room floor.


    I point it out, and Arie reaches down to grab it.


    Just like the two times I received my cores, the moment it touches his palm, it begins to sink into the center of his hand, and a long ck line starts to form from his wrist, up his shoulder, down his chest, and stops right above his heart.


    He then falls to the floor asleep with a wide smile across his face.


    I can''t help but to let out augh.


    "You did well. I''ve been in the same exact ce many times. I''ll watch over you while you recover."


    I take the demon''s horn, two mana crystals, and single earth dragon scale as loot from the battle and ce them in my item storage.


    Soon after, the Labyrinth begins to fade away, bringing us back to the canyon.


    However, the instant my feet hit the damp rocky floor of the underground cave system, an overwhelming aura of death and destruction fills the air unlike anything I''ve ever felt before.


    My head instinctively turns in the direction of the city, but the aura feels as if it''sing from much further out in the desert. Whatever it is, that seems way out of my current body double form''s league. It feels as if gods have shed. So, whatever it is, the fact that I haven''t disappeared from existence means my main body is taking care of it just fine.


    Still, I begin to air-step my way out of the cave system while carrying Arie to reach the surface to check out what happened for myself.

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447


    [Main Body POV]


    I stare down at my status as two new skill upgrades are added to my repertoire, and a grin widens on my face.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Body Double][Legendary Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Dungeon Walker][Legendary Grade]


    My eyes scan over their additional legendary perks, and I see that the reduction on base stats and mana control has been lifted on my body double skill now.


    So, any clones I make will be identical in strength to my original form, but it looks as though my soul energy buffs and Qi will not be transferred, only mana and demonic energy powered skills will.


    On top of that, the maximum body double limit has raised to 3, so my multitasking just got a whole lot faster.


    Next, I read over my new legendary perks of the dungeon walker upgrade and find that now I don''t need to set any exact spawn points within dungeons. As long as I''ve stepped foot in or have a memory of any portion of the dungeon logged in my subconscious, I''ll be able to ess any part of it instantly.


    This makes me wonder If dungeons logged by my body doubles'' memories will now transfer to my main body. There are no exact transport points I need to follow anymore, it''s either I''m greenlit for a dungeon or not.


    Along with that, a certain newly unlocked perk catches my eye that I wasn''t expecting.


    ______________


    [Legendary Perk][Activation Time: 10 Seconds][Cooldown: 24 hours][Debuff: 99% decrease in all base stats and 99% mana control Suppression for 24 hours following usage.]


    The caster is able to teleport from anywhere outside of a dungeon into a dungeon of their choosing. Only the caster and equipped items may use this perk, passengers will be left behind.


    ______________


    The consequences of using this new perk seem to heavily outweigh the positives, but it''s an interesting getaway move that may be useful in the future.


    Once fully satisfied with my findings, the mana signature of one of my body doubles carrying the familiar reading of my teammate Ariees into my general perception range. Then, soon after, I see them bothing near me and my double raising its waving hand in the air while pointing to Arie who seems to be knocked out cold or sleeping.


    My double drifts down to the desert floor and sets Arie on the ground, I take this as a cue to point my finger at my own double and shoot a small Qi imbued bullet of stone through its forehead and the memories of thebyrinthe rushing back to me.


    "Interesting..."


    I have a lot to think about. After the defeat of the 7th ranked dark guard, Arie''s new goal of learning Demonic Energy, and now the nearly 400 people in the town that just watched me ughter their leaders without breaking a sweat, there is much to do.


    I activate my body double skill again, making two more copies to hit my max while the 3rd continues to farm skills and log dungeon details in the canyon.


    This time, they''re at par with my current level 765 status and the mana control is leaking off them like massive beams of light to my refined eye.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    I point to one, throwing it a new transport crystal back to the Galeheart tower.


    "Exin as much as you can to Abby and Maria. They may be out in town, just have Lith send out guards to retrieve them before tonight, going into the Arena again may not be a smart decision. Especially considering the 7th ranked Dark Guard won''t return. Have theme here as soon as possible, and try to get them to bring Monk here as well. Tell him I''ll have an increased cultivation speed method ready, but he''s going to need to bring a lot of Qi pills for us all to try. Whatever happens, don''t leave the mana shielded protection barrier of the Galeheart tower, the Dark One cannot suspect I''ve defeated its subordinates yet."


    My double catches the crystal with a nod, crushing it in its hand instantly.


    I look to my other double, and it begins to morph into the ming ck business suit attire using conceal and the properties of my cloak to match the exact look of the me Emperor that I presented before.


    I nod and point to the town.


    "You already know what to do, I''ve been thinking about this for a while. Just get everyone in one ce, make sure the higher level grunts don''t fight, give everyone ample food and water, and wait for the mind control potions to wear off. It should take another 6 or 8 hours for everyone toe to their senses. Find the ess key to the bunker, and don''t let anyone else in it. I want that base for myself. Store all B grade items or above down there, the rest of the materials we''ll sort through and figure out uses forter."


    I reach into my item storage and pull out my final [Full Restore] potion, and uncork it.


    "By then, hopefully, Abby is in town and she can help heal any major side effects that elixir has on all those workers."


    My double nods, igniting yellow mes in its eyes behind the manifested ck mask and putting upyers of invisible mana shielding to stop its waves of intimidation streaming out, then airsteps off toward the town.


    I finally open up an item storage portal to let Ember walk inside. He lets out a remark in our open telepathy link while moving forward.


    "Looks like you''ve got your work cut out for you. I rmend you train extra hard or leave this ce in the near future. We may have beaten one of the Dark Guards, but I believe you still cannotprehend The Lich King''s true strength. If it realizes one of its top officers is killed, more wille. It wouldn''t be a bad idea to try and hit our second rank up stage soon, if your n is to fight and not run, hitting level 1000 will give us a much needed strength boost."


    "You''re right as always, Ember. I have a n. The next guard they throw at us, we''ll be ready."


    Ember disappears into my item storage.


    Then, I feed Arie the [Full Restore] potion using my telekinesis skill, and he immediately begins to open his eyes ande to.


    "W-Where are we? I won right?"


    I chuckle as Arie stands to his feet in a state of confusion.


    "Yeah, you won. Now we can start your training in the abyss, shall we?"


    His eyes widen, and he looks down at his hands.


    Eventually, his gaze shifts to meet his forearm and follows the newly formed ck tattoo using his index and middle finger all the way up his sleeve to meet his chest.


    Then, opens his status.


    "It really does give a hundred percent increase in all stats too? Not bad. I can''t sense any of this so-called Demonic Energy yet though."


    As he punches the air and continuously forms his bow and mimics shooting arrows to feel his new base stat boosts, we begin walking toward the Abyss.


    Once we get within visual range, I speak up while I activate my Rising Emperor''s Domain buff, and surprisingly, Arie automatically clears all the conditions and I''m allowed to add him to my status to add skills.


    "I''m going to use one of my abilities on you, open your status again. As I already exined quite a few times, Demonic energy is quite dangerous and if handled poorly can lead to guaranteed instant death. So, you''re not going to be practicing with your main body."


    The instant I share my Body Double Skill with Arie, an odd notification pops up in my mind''s eye.


    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [5/5 New Party Members Added]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Find My Friend]


    A rush of information hits my subconscious, and with pinpoint uracy, I see 5 geolocation points as clear as day in my mind''s eye all over the world.


    [Ember]


    [Maria]


    [Abby]


    [Bri]


    [Arie]


    Ember''s is located wherever I step, indicating he''s inside my item storage space, both Abby and Maria are way up North in Valor City. Bri is in her workshop in Vice City, and Arie is right beside me.


    As I scroll through each of their names, their full status screens pop up with health, gear, skills, levels, and pure stats down to thest digit on everyone. I try to share skills with members that aren''t near me, but it shows it is impossible because they are outside of my active Rising Emperor''s Domain range.


    I continue ying with the brand new interface in my status as we walk closer to the Abyss. This ranked up buff is starting to be a lot more interesting. It makes me wonder if this is what happens when just 5 members are added, then what perks will I get when I add more?

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448


    As these questions about my ranked-up buff continue to race through my mind, wee face to face with the Abyss, and I save my theories forter when I can actually test them. Arie opens his status to see the new skill shared with him.


    A sh of white light shimmers all around him and creates a single body double. I do an All-Seeing Eye scan to confirm a copy of his greater demon''s core did in fact manifest in his new body.


    I point at the Abyss.


    "Alright, it''s time to begin your training."


    ---


    It takes a while to get started because without a Demonic Energy Maniption skill, the unrefined energy that drops from monsters cannot be manipted from long distances. However, after a few trial and error attempts, we figure out a way for Arie to channel the unrefined energy into his core.


    All it takes is physical contact with a newly in Demonic Monster.


    The first attempt with a Demonic wolf is a sess in my eyes. Even though Arie''s body double erupts into a massive ball of sparks and explodes on the spot, at least some of the Demonic Energy enters his pathways to his core.


    It works simrly to using mana control and creating shielding, but without a mana maniption skill. Even though Arie doesn''t have a Demonic Energy Maniption skill, he can still move the energy around and sync his movements with his core.


    Just the fact alone that a demon''s core is in his body opens up the possibilities of wielding this new energy. However, he still has to learn it from scratch, like I did.


    Arie creates 3 more doubles and is determined to improve.


    I re-tell the stories of all my past experiences learning to let the Demonic Energy flow through my emptied out mana pathways while turning off the flow of active skills to not mix the two.


    It takes dozens of failed attempts of massive balls of sparks and killed body doubles until Arie finally manages to keep some of the energy in his body double''s core.


    He releases it with a slow drip from his fingertips just like I did when I first started, and also self-destructs when his pathways are notpletely cleared out while instinctual mana is used to power footsteps or movement speed.


    On the bright side, Arie''s high level of knowledge and experience manipting mana trantes over well. In just a few hours, he manages to fully absorb a full 10 units from a fallen Demonic wolf into his core and also can let the energy itself leak from his fingers pretty quickly, activating his mana skills again within minutes and not being ovee with sparks.


    This kind of result took me many days to master. However, I didn''t have 3 body doubles that speed up training and remove the risks of dying. Plus, he has ess to a nearly endless supply of Demonic energy, and of course, most importantly, an excellent teacher.


    Once Arie gets the hang of things and has a set goal in mind to replicate the ck crescent sh I showed him before we entered thebyrinth, I finally take a break from overseeing him and sit down in the desert sand right outside the abyss and pull one of the istion pods from my item storage.


    I need to be within range of Arie''s main body with my Rising Emperor''s Domain. It stretches out almost 40 meters now, it''s muchrger, but the range is still limiting. His doubles are capable of traveling far away and practicing on their own, scouring the edge of the abyss, but I need to stay near the real Arie to continue sharing my skill.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    So, we both get situated next to the shade of a small nearby rock structure jutting out of the sand.


    "While I have a moment, I think this is a good time to start figuring out how these things work."


    I activate my All-Seeing Eye, then my appraisal skill, and begin tinkering with the istion pod.


    There really isn''t much to it.


    It''s arge heavy metal cylinder with a mechanical door set to open and close with a mechanism locked to a control panel. The control panel on it allows a user to set any amount of time using seconds, minutes, and hours.


    The inner walls are made of what seem to be a unique mana shielding, and up above in apartment connected to the shielding is an incredibly high mana reading. Covering this, is a powered-down digital clock that usually disys how much time is left in a user''s pod session. If I had to guess there''s still hundreds of millions of mana still locked away up there even though Lith said these machines are dormant and out of juice.


    I can''t seem to see through it all the way with my All-Seeing Eye, and my appraisal skill just gives nk and basic readings back.


    It isn''t until I activate my mythic grade crafting skill that a few new text boxes pop up in my mind''s eye that were not there before.


    [Input Mana]


    This hovers over the top portion of the machine''s mana dense section. It glows blue and looks just like the setting in my mythic grade craftsmanship interface that allows me to imbue items with skills, elements, and other features.


    My gaze shifts down to the other lighter blue text box that hovers right over the control panel on the inner wall.


    [Current Dtion: 1.2039x]


    It doesn''t have any way to add anything or change it in any way. So, my best guess is that it is dependent on how much mana is inputted, and the dtion will increase if more power is stored.


    A final blue box is visible on the floor inside the pod.


    [Crafters Note]


    I click it, and a single text wall of instructions is left behind.


    _______________


    Istion Pod version 1.9.3


    2/2: Sold to Lith Galeheart


    Craftsmen instructions: Upon sale, time dtion will be about 10x faster inside the pod vs the outside world. After daily use, this pod may run dry in 1-2 years. Energy output and mana leakage for higher dtion is not worth the mana costs formercial sales. Latest test of 28.3055x Dtion fell below 10x in just 36 hours of usage. Stability of A+ Grade mana shielding has diminishing returns after 9-10x dtion. Energy loss can be mitigated with higher-level shielding, but materials are not avable. V2.0 date TBD.


    _______________


    It looks as if this is another craftsmen note left behind by the Sector 2 leader, most likely not meant to be seen by anyone''s prying eyes but his own.


    However, it gives me interesting insight into his crafting process...


    I reach into my item storage and pull out a few thousand MP worth of mana crystals and begin feeding them into the [Input Mana] slot to do some testing.


    The pink crystals instantly disappear from my hands in a sh of white light and are added to the dense core on top of the pod in an instant. When I look at the control panel and see [Current Dtion: 1.2039x], showing it hasn''t changed at all, I reach into my storage and pull out many more crystals.


    I have tons to spare, and just want to see this number rise to confirm I''m doing it right.


    After countless gems are pushed through, roughly a hundred thousand MP worth, it shifts to [Current Dtion: 1.2040x] and a grines across my face, also paired with a long sigh, realizing something...


    "These are going to be really expensive to maintain..."


    Arie looks over, replying to my mumbles.


    "Find anything interesting?"


    I nod.


    "Yeah, I figured out how to power them... but ording to my calctions here, it''s going to take at least a billion MP to get this thing to dte time up to twice as fast. Plus, it seems like there''s an issue with holding in its energy past a certain point. I''m not even sure if my calctions are correct, it could get more expensive the higher it''s pushed, there''s no guarantee the energy needed for higher dtion is linear. Honestly... I doubt it is. On top of that, ording to the creator, pushing the machine to anything over 10x faster than the outside world is burning excess mana unnecessarily. However, it''s apparently usible for one-time uses, which may be worth the excessive burn if we''re in a time crunch."


    I start thinking deeply to myself, and Arie asks the question that is exactly what''s on my mind.


    "Well, where are you possibly going toe up with that much mana to test these things out?"

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449


    "The Vice City Labyrinth is probably the most convenient ce to start."


    I think over the logistics in my head.


    At the level of monsters I''ll be fighting on floor 30 and above, each mana crystal dropped holds almost 1000 MP, give or take a few hundred. At this rate, every 100 monsters I farm will drop 100k MP, and with enough body doubles working at full speed, I can most likely keep that steady rate of killing and collecting loot to 5 minutes per 100 monsters.


    Maybe I could push it further, but for the sake of my estimates, that''s just over 1 million MP per hour.


    That''s not nearly enough to power these machines to the capacity I''m aiming for, but it''s enough to do some tests and kill 2 birds with one stone.


    I''m still on a time crunch here, not knowing when the Dark One will catch onto the fact that I killed the 7th Ranked Dark Guard. It''d be best to listen to Ember''s warning and take it very seriously. While I''m in thebyrinth, I''ll try to make it to level 1000 as fast as possible.


    This is a more achievable and guaranteed way to gain power quickly. Testing out these istion pods is more of a long-term project.


    As Ie to this conclusion, Arie glows white off to my side about 10 meters away, creating another double as it seems one of his clones fell victim to the sparks again when pushing too hard on training.


    He speaks up.


    "Maybe taking a break and going into thebyrinth is a good idea. I think I''m teauing here for some reason."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "How so?"


    "I''ve sped up my refinement and release speed like you instructed, and have been doing it repetitively with my doubles non-stop while you were working on that pod. However, I''vee to a bit of a bottleneck. There''s no way I''m able to form this energy into a concentrated sh like you did, it feels like it''s just liquid flowing from my body at its own will. It doesn''t matter how much Demonic Energy I saturate into my core, even a full 60 units doesn''t change my excretion speed. Is there such a thing as Demonic Energy Control? Does it just take time and practice?"


    I ponder his question and realize I never had this issue because I''m able to use the Demonic Energy Maniption skill to expedite this process.


    "Yeah, there may be, but I believe it goes hand in hand with increasing your mana control as well. The better you are at controlling and manipting energy in general, the faster you''ll be able to progress here."


    My gaze turns back to the canyon filled with dungeons.


    "Let''s head off to phase 2 of your training. We''ll raise your level up to what your skill actually reflects, and in the meantime, I''ll show you another one of my skills that will help you improve your mana control at a very fast rate. That will probably get you past this teau quickly. Otherwise, I think you''d have to stay here and channel Demonic Energy for a few weeks straight to improve your control naturally. Either way, you''ll be getting a lot stronger."


    On that note, I put the Istion Pod into my storage, and we begin making our way back to the canyon.


    As we reach the edge, I pinpoint my third double zipping from dungeon to dungeon, making the stone magic markings outside each stable portal with detailed notes of what level creatures are in each one and what items they drop.


    I open my telepathy link and tell it toe here, stating there has been a change of ns.


    Once it does, I kill it on the spot, letting all the memories of the past day of dungeon diving rush back to me.


    Arie and I step into the nearest blue portal after this, and once I open up my dungeon walker skill, I feel a brand new sensatione over me.


    It feels like I''m touching every part of this dungeon with a widespread perception skill, and am able to teleport to any position of it I choose in an instant even if I haven''t been to those regions of the dungeon in the past.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    The more I let my mind wander, the more dungeons I feel. Even the dungeons from my body doubles past memories be clear to me, and I''m able to blip there at will if I please. This is a new sensation that wasn''t avable when using the special grade version of this skill.


    I stand still in wonder for a moment, admiring the possibilities of the upgraded skill, then teleport both Arie and myself to the 30th Floor of the Vice City Labyrinth where Wyverns of varying levels up to 750 fly freely in the sky.


    There are three sections just as I remembered, Water, Earth, and Fire; and in the center of the dungeon, the boss room portal spins slowly waiting for a challenger.


    I left off near the volcanic regionst time, bordering thergeke of water, hoping to find another one of those rare mutants fighting Wyverns at the time, so that''s where I bring Arie to start his training.


    I create another body double and order it to begin farming the other areas of the dungeon as fast as possible, collecting mana crystals and element stones without holding back.


    A burst of buffs, high mana control, intimidation, and it blipping away with a ming sword held tight lets me know it''s off to farm. I turn to Arie and give him the rundown on this dungeon while sharing my absorption skill and exining how it works to increase one''s mana control.


    Before I finish, a level 685 fire-wielding wyvernes dive-bombing toward us, but I watch Arie summon his bow, charge up a shot, and let it fly with confidence and uracy. It curves through the air and makes a heavy direct hit on the monster''s tough hide, but surprisingly, the Wyvern survives the blow and lets out a screech.


    Arie is quick enough on his feet to release another full-powered arrow and spirit-step to the side, killing the Wyvern before it has a chance to release an attack of its own and letting it fall to the dungeon floor.


    His eyes light up when he sees the text boxes above the defeated monster and turns to me after absorbing the millions of MCP and igniting his hand with mes.


    I smile and reply.


    "Don''t get your hopes up too much. That fire magic will not stay on your status. Once Absorption leaves, the skills gained will too. However, it''s impossible to take away the experience gained from processing mana, so as far as I know, the MCP gained will stay indefinitely. It did for Abby and Maria at least."


    Arie nods to himself, pulling back his bow, aiming at another Wyverning from another direction, and covering the arrow in mes before releasing it into the air at long range.


    Once it hits the next iing red Wyvern, it explodes into a wall of fire, but just like the other, Arie needs tond another direct hit to kill itpletely. As its corpse falls to the floor, and Arie absorbs its MCP, I speak up again, pointing to the center of the dungeon.


    "The closer we get to the middle, the stronger the monsters will get. I know you''re able to one-shot all of these, even the max leveled ones with your Red Hydra''s buff, but that isn''t the goal. We''ll be working on your base level stats, raising your mana control, and taking advantage of my skill while you have the chance."


    He nods as I go on.


    "So, we''ll work our way to the center of this dungeon, but after that, I''ll be leaving you behind with my body double to climb higher. I might have really pissed off the Dark One while you were training in thebyrinth, so I need to get a lot stronger, and fast."


    Arie''s eyes widen.


    "The Dark One? You mean the Sector 1 leader Lith has contracted us all to kill? What''d you do,,,? How strong"


    "It''s a long story, and I have no idea of its actual strength, but I do know you wouldn''t even stand a chance against any of its guards in your current form. Honestly, neither would I. If I knew what wasing, trust me, I''d exin. The only thing we can do right now is train and wait for a response from Valor City. I already sent a double out there to retrieve our teammates."


    I assumed Arie would ask more questions, or be more concerned, but his response is both surprising and exactly what I was hoping for at the same time.


    "Well, looks like you''ve got it all handled. All we can do now is train, right? No point in wasting any more time."


    I nod, air-stepping upward, and turning my direction toward the Center of the dungeon.


    Arie follows, and the Wyvern hunt begins.


    We asionally cross paths with my dungeon walking body double as it blips around killing everything in its path. Sometimes, I even feel it leaving this dungeon to farm lower floors while it waits for more monsters to respawn.


    Meanwhile, I watch Arie kill Wyvern after Wyvern with his arrows, only having to use 2 MP potions after over 40 solid kills.


    It takes just over an hour, but we make it to the center of the dungeon and Arie reaches level 741.


    It takes him 3 to 4 shots to kill most of the peak level monsters on this floor, but none of them have managed tond a scratch on him just yet.


    When 2 or 3 team up together, Arie has to go all out, and a few times I''ve seen the glint of the Red Hydra''s Buff start to re in his eyes, but he has pulled through and managed to win every battle without using it, and not once have I had to step in.


    Arie does look a bit tired, but I''m sure he has a few hours of work left in him.


    So, as we stop in front of therge grey swirling boss room portal, Wyverns of many different elements at the highest of levels continuously swarm down and attack. My body doublees back to stand by us too, and I turn to the portal.


    "You still have a few more levels to gain before you hit your limit. Farming with my Absorption perk would be more beneficial of course, but I''ve used up enough valuable time already and need to leave. My double will stay with you and farm in this dungeon until you hit your max. Jump up to the next floor if you think you''re ready."


    He nods and I walk through the portal to face the 30th-floor boss.

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450


    The transport magic around me disappears, and I stare out at a marsnd of deep swampy water, lush green trees, and flickering blue mes oddly staying lit on top of the water and not spreading to the greenery.


    My eyes lock onto the one and only appraisal reading in this whole boss room, and I dungeon walk over to it without wasting a second.


    The bright blue scales and glowing sharp eyes of a level 789 Blue Wyvern Boss lock onto me, and I see its mana shielding cover its entire body while it prepares to send waves of blue mes my way, but I can tell this monster is no match for me.


    Using only my mana control, I take my sword from my storage, activate my buffs, and release a thin de of mes down on the beast below me.


    The crescent of mes splits it in half the long way, and even separates the marsnd below, evaporating water and destroying trees for over 20 meters in all directions. The water soon flows back to its natural state as the corpse lies in two pieces on the floor.


    There isn''t even another sound to escape the monster''s mouth; all I hear are two level-up notifications, bringing me to level 767 while I absorb its avable MCP.


    As the body dissolves away into the marsh, a bright blue crystal is left behind in its ce, and it makes the water bubble and churn around it.


    As my appraisal skill locks in a reading to find that it''s a fire stone, I can''t help but let out a chuckle while opening an item storage portal and letting it fall inside.


    "Really? I tried to find one of these for hours... all I had to do was face the boss room."


    I roll my eyes as the transport magic takes me to the next floor.


    [Level Up] x82


    [+1PP] x6


    [+722 Mental Strength]


    [+816 Strength]


    [+146,110,205 MCP]


    [Iron Fist][Legendary Grade]


    The next 5 floors move by very quickly. I make it to level 849 without breaking a sweat, or even having to use any of my Qi.


    Using dungeon walker and enemy detection, I''m able to pinpoint mobs near my level and instantly kill them, teleporting around a dungeon and clearing every monster inside it in less than 10 minutes per floor.


    I try to kill in ascending order to maximize the amount of PP gains I can. Even so, the process is very quick. I''ve been desperately needing to bring my level up to my ability for a long time now; it feels good to go all out. The rush of constant level-ups and base stats rising is a great sensation.


    One notable floor on my way up is the 33rd. It has an Elite form of Yetis that all wield Extreme Ice magic; they drop element stones every 30 or so kills. Unfortunately, my absorption skill isn''t high enough in proficiency to upgrade advanced to Extreme skills yet, but based on my speedy progression here, I can tell I''ll be back here soon enough.


    However, on the 34th floor, I came across earth golem monsters with a skill called [Iron Fist]. It is a form of body hardening that only forms around the user''s hands, and greatly increases the force, impact, and hardness of a punch in hand-to-handbat. I absorb it, but as hand-to-hand isn''t my normal fighting style, I don''t n to use it very much.


    [Level Up] x67


    [+1PP] x4


    [+190,990,345 MCP]


    After beating the 36th and 37th floors without the use of any Qi either, one-shotting everything in my path, and reaching level 916, the 38th floores along, and I finally face opponents that give me a hint of trouble.


    Eerily familiar massive worms with circr serrated teethe flying out of the sandy dungeon floor, somehow locking onto my mana signature wherever I fly above the surface. They''re all easily 30 to 50 meters long, and over 5 meters in diameter; some even reaching close to 10.


    Every monster in this 38th floor is between levels 932 and 950 and have the same 3 skills.


    Body Hardening[Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Stamina[Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic[Advanced Earth Summoning]


    I''m very surprised when one of my full-powered mana des doesn''t make it all the way through one of their hardened skins.


    With abination of all its skills, there''s a thick white glow that surrounds the monster, and it flows through the sandy dungeon region like water as it uses its earth maniption skill to move quickly away.


    I send de after de at it from a distance, not wanting to get too close, but despite the half a dozen deadly shes in a single area, and its bodily fluids leaking behind it, the enormous worm creature doesn''t give up.


    Every chance it gets, the beast chomps its spinning teeth high in the sky to try and catch me, but my speed and agility are still far too much for it to stand any chance.


    After 8 full-powered hits, the creature finally meets its end.


    [Level Up]


    I absorb its MCP and Extreme Stamina[Legendary Grade], testing out its capabilities, and realize it''s a resource converting skill. The skill allows the user to heal their HP by 10%, converting exact MP points to HP, only following an enemy attack thatnds damage. It can be used an unlimited amount of times, as long as the user gets attacked again. It cannot be used if the user has not taken any damage from any enemy.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    After reading its description, the white glows and incredibly tough defenses make sense now; this is a very odd conditional skill, but one that will definitelye in handy for me in the heat of tough battles.


    [Level Up] x29


    [+1PP] x2


    [+1015 Defense]


    [+113,060,399 MCP]


    It takes well over two hours to finally reach level 946, even going all out; this was one of my most troublesome dungeons to take down in this run so far. Some of the strongest worms in here took upward of 10 hits to defeat, and the spawn rate isn''t very fast. Less than 20 worms are avable in the dungeon at any one given time, and it takes over 30 minutes for each of them to return.


    I challenge the boss room even though I''m four levels away from maximizing my efficiency. It may take another few hours if I try to grind it out perfectly.


    [Level Up]


    As I hit level 947 and teleport onto the 39th floor to be hit with an unexpected sweet scent of honey and a cool breeze.


    Rolling hills, colorful wildlife like flowers, bushes, and trees, and endless grasnds fill my vision.


    However, my moment of peace is rudely broken as I sense 9 figures in this dungeon all between levels 965 and 980. There''s a 10th very far away at level 989, but it seems to be an outlier.


    I teleport to the closest one with my sword ready, and I see another familiar creature staring back at me with a bull-like face, long red horns, tough skin with matted fur, wielding two massive silver axes, and red eyes filled with rage triggered by instinct on sight.


    A minotaurrger than any I''ve ever seen runs forward at me, glowing blue, golden, and coating its skin in a metallic shimmer.


    I take a look at its skill list.


    Extreme Strength[Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Speed[Legendary Grade]


    Body Hardening[Legendary Grade]


    I activate my own buffs and speed away from its iing dual axes with haste, letting them sink into the dungeon floor and send shockwaves through the ground as I airstep up in the air to admire the pure force and power of this beast.


    It''s at least 8 or 9 meters tall, and bulging with muscles,yered with mana shielding higher than anything I''ve ever witnessed on a natural being.


    The minotaurs I''ve faced before were 3 or 4 meters tall at most, some mutants reaching upward of 5; so this must be some evolved form.


    I release a full-powered wave of mes from my de simr to the ones that took out the worms on the floor below in a few hits, but the Minotaur takes it head-on with both of its silver axes, letting out a roar while dispersing my mes into the air, not receiving a single scratch.


    I''m sure I could split this monster in two using Qi without batting an eye, but I don''t have any recement Qi pills left, so I''ll try not to use any if I don''t have to.


    I activate phantom step while the monster charges my way with des ready again, jumping in 3 different directions while using stealth to conceal my main body and dungeon walk to the creature''s blind spot.


    I use earth magic to make the earth beneath its feet grasp its legs tight in an instant, stopping its mobility, then use [Bind] to make the dark purple hand from my back manifest and growrge enough to hold the beast in ce.


    Once it''s helplessly locked in apromised position, I let spears of ice and earth rain down on it from above while swinging my de over and over at point-nk range to release crescents of fire at its unprotected back.


    The explosions of shielding, painful roars, and valiant effort it puts up against my restraints are impressive.


    The shackles at its feet made of earth magic are destroyed, and it even manages to break free from my binding hand, but the ruthless barrage of attacks that follows is far too much for the monster to survive through.


    A crater in the floor is formed as the hailstorm of ice and earth batter the monster''s body, diminishing its mana shielding and destroying its armor. The faint golden glow of what seems like a ranked up buff begins to activate, but it is far toote to save this creature now. I don''t stop until I hear a notification in my inner ear.


    [Level Up]


    "You were a tough one..."


    Its mana shielding is pretty simr in basic strength to my own; it justcks the ability to indefinitely replenish its MP and use a variety of offensive skills to the same degree.


    I have to keep this in mind and stay on my toes moving forward. I''m facing seriously strong and fairly intelligent opponents now. One wrong step, and I could actually get injured; I need to always make the first move and take control of each battle before they even start.


    [Level Up] x4


    I defeat the other 8 minotaurs of simr level and make it to level 952, leaving only one more in this dungeon, the outlier at level 989.


    I teleport near it and scan its skills.


    Combat Magic [Extreme Fire Summoning]


    Extreme Strength[Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Speed[Special Grade]


    Body Hardening[Special Grade]


    The minotaur is evenrger, easily over 10 meters. Its axes are over 3 times the size of my body, and left behind in its footsteps are ck mes that have destroyed the meadows and rolling hills of the beautifulndscape.


    I take no time admiring the beast, as I know mutants always have extra tricks up their sleeves; I have to go all out on the first move.


    I use full-powered water magic to shoot plumes of its element''s worst weakness all around it, while forming spears of rock and ice, manipting them with careful use of telekinesis and mana maniption to shower it with lethal strikes from all sides.


    I''m using stealth throughout all of this, so my opponent has not even seen me yet; it is only faced with my waves of confusion, intimidation, and furious elemental attacks.


    An explosive shockwave of ck mes erupts from the monster as it fends off my attacks as best it can.


    I dungeon walk around it at erratic angles, shooting off full-powered mana des at a safe distance. Just feeling the heat of its mes from over 20 meters away feels like I''m plunging into the depths of a volcano.


    It seems as if many of my attacks are being eaten up by its pitch-ck mes before they even hit its body, but the loud roars and explosions of mana shielding after every asional high-powered attack make me think my relentless barrage is doing something useful.


    However, I wait nearly 4 times as long as the base mobs in this dungeon, but the creature isn''t giving up. Its rage only seems to get stronger, and I watch an aura of red energy begin to surround its body as I sense its mana control multiplying by the second.


    My eyes widen, and I immediately imbue my de with Qi.


    "That''s enough... I''m not dealing with whatever you''re about to unleash."


    As I airstep in, charging my de hotter and hotter with dense white Qi, the mutant''s ranked up buff begins to obliterate all of the mana-based attacks I was previously throwing at it. The ice shards melt away before making contact, my water beams evaporate into thin air, and my rock spears melt tova as it hits its outer aura.


    Even my final mana de rebounds off its wall of red aura.


    However, in a single sh, my de covered in Qi rips through its crimson veil, pushes its ck mes aside, and slices right through its neck, defeating the monster before it can break through to release its full strength.


    [Level Up]


    Its body falls limp and its head sticks into the dirt floor upside down held up by its curved horns a few meters off the ground.


    I whisper under my breath down a the corpse after the loud thud.


    "That was a close one... I''ll admit, you were pretty strong. You''re the first pure mana being that has forced me to use Qi at my current level."


    I reach level 953 and absorb its MCP, then walk over to its corpse as its body dissolves away.


    Arge ck ming stone is left behind.


    "Another unique element stone too... this Labyrinth just keeps getting better."


    It''s the second-highest mana rating I''ve ever felte off of a monster''s loot drop, only second to the A-ss Colossal I fought with Ember out in the desert.


    After admiring the hot ck mes that ripple off of it, thinking of the crafts I could do with a stone like this, I throw it into my item storage forter. I slowly walk out of the massive ckened crater and open up my enemy detection skill to check if any new mobs have spawned back.


    There were only 10 on the whole floor, but I will admit they were incredibly strong.


    No more have spawned back in yet, so I''m all alone on the 39th floor.


    I make my way over to the Boss room portal at the back of the dungeon, thinking about whether or not I should wait for these beasts to respawn to grind out a few more levels, or challenge the Boss and move up to the 40th floor right now.

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451


    I decide to wait to see how long the respawn rate on this floor is.


    Based on what I''ve experienced inbyrinths before, every 20 floors there''s a major boss room fight, separating the floors and protecting the Dragon and Demon up top and limiting the number of hunters that can travel in.


    If this guess is correct, and another Guardian is ced there, defeating the 39th floor boss may trigger a cooldown clock just like the Lower Floor Boss does.


    So, just to be safe, I won''t challenge the boss room here until I''m certain I''ll be going up much further. I''m pretty sure whatever is on that next floor is going to be above level 1000, so I''d like to get as close as I can to that level too beforehand, and farming these minotaurs will do just that.


    I start dungeon walking to other floors and clearing them out in the meantime to farm MCP and extra MP crystals to find that it takes just under half an hour for the 11 mobs to spawn back in.


    Out of the 11, 10 are normal base-level mobs and 1 is a mutant with extreme fire magic again at level 985.


    I go through the same procedure, taking out the base mobs with pure mana based attacks, and using a Qi-infused strike to subjugate the final mutant. The fact that I''m not having to send shes out of my de leaves most of the Qi in my possession, so I''m barely using any, but still, it is some.


    The small % of my Qi base being used up each time is worth it as far as I''m concerned even if my level gains are slow, the mutant drops another fire stone, making me wonder if I am just extra lucky today, or if its drop rate is seriously 100%.


    My level hits 959, and I continue to farm on floors 31-38, collecting loot, elemental stones, mana crystals, and continuing to gain MCP while I wait for the 30-minute-long respawn timer to reset.


    I even check on Arie a few times, letting him use my absorption skill to farm MCP from the 30th Floor boss room. He''s been farming there for high-level kills and has reached level 790. To my surprise, each time Ie back, the Wyvern Boss is a different kind of mutant, dropping many unique Element stones such as red Earth Stones, and a greyish-brown tinted Water Stone.


    Once I go back, 9 mobs spawn on the 39th floor this time. 8 of them are base level while one is a mutant at level 992.


    It seems the levels and number of them vary. The fewer there are, the higher the mutant''s level will be, but overall, it is pretty consistent.


    I clear the floor again, reaching level 963, and the mutant drops a 3rd element stone. Ie to the conclusion that I''ve really hit a gold mine here...


    A nearly A-ranked unique element stone drop every 30 minutes. These stones are priceless treasures, and I''ll be able to farm a nearly endless amount of them.


    I repeat this process 7 more times, boosting Arie''s mana control by over 100 million MCP, and raising my level to 988 while collecting even more rare element stones. I hold 9 in total in my item storage.


    Even so, it''s been a little over 6 hours since I left the town back in Sector 2. If it was worth the time spent, I would continue farming for levels, but even the strongest mutants hardly pass level 991-993 while the weaker ones range from 985-987. It''s not guaranteed that I''ll even gain a single level if Ie back to farm after waiting upward of 30 minutes and the mutants are a lower level than I am.


    I should be wrapping things up soon, and the fact that I haven''t heard any word back from my body doubles about the situation in Valor city, retrieving my teammates before they face off in the arena doesn''t settle well for me.


    They''re either taking their sweet timeing back, or something is not going exactly to n. My body double would have killed itself if there was anything urgent, so whatever is happening, it''s being handled just fine.


    My best course of action now is to just challenge a higher floor and reach level 1000 before another Dark Guard shows up. So, that''s exactly what I decide to do. Trying to grind out more levels on this 39th Floor will take far too long for my liking, a little push is exactly what I need.


    I dungeon walk down to meet Arie one more time to let him know my ns, and we both agree this is a good time for him to end his training session and go back to the Town in Sector 2.


    My body double transfers the millions of MP worth of crystals and loot it''s farmed over thest few hours to me, and I ce it in my item storage for safekeeping. Then, it brings Arie back to the dungeons in the Canyon to wait for my return after I finish with this final floor.


    Minutes after they leave, I feel the memories of my double flood back into me. My other two are busy, so I''d still like to have one as backup.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    This makes me think. Although I could ask Ember for assistance moving forward, and we''d most likely wipe the floor with any opponent using his Soul Energy cleansing mes, I''m determined to reach level 1000 on my own. Relying on my allies is a great backup n if needed, but ensuring that my own strength is enough is more important to me.


    With this in mind, I dungeon walk back up to floor 39 and jump through the boss room portal.


    Wasting no time at all, I imbue my sword with Qi and slice the level 996 Minotaur Boss in half before it''s even able to activate its Ranked Up buff.


    [Level Up]


    I hit level 989.


    "The mutants on the actual floor put up more of a fight."


    I chuckle to myself and store its massive mana crystal along with two shimmering silver axes with +170% Strength buffs on them into my item storage and wait for the transfer magic to bring me up to the next floor.


    Once the white sh fills my vision and ceases, leaving me in an endless dirt pit with no exit portal in sight, I activate my perception skills and confirm that this is a Boss Room just like the 20th Floor...


    The sky above me is dark, almost ck, and the dirt pit I''m stood in nts upward at a very slight incline for about 500 meters on all sides around me. It''s a very in and simple Boss room, but it tells me whatever monster guards it relies on its own strength and battle strategies rather than any environmental advantages.


    A single Status pops up in my mind''s eye as the figure of a human walks toward me with his arms crossed. He seems to be a bit taller than a normal human, roughly 2 meters, but the proportions are not oversized like the human form of the Colossal I faced before.


    He has ck boots, blue jeans, a worn-out white T-shirt, and bulging muscles that look like they''re tearing these pieces of clothing at the seams.


    His skin is light brown, his hair is dark ck, and his sideburns are trimmed up almost as sharp as his stare.


    Static electricity ripples around him with every footstep he takes closer to me, and I see a shimmering gold cor made of Soul Energy wrapped around his neck.


    The arcs of electricity growrger andrger the closer he gets, and the golden cor gives off an eerie glow simr to an item I''ve only seen one time before.


    It feels just like the golden ring I saw around the Vice Region Director''s Finger.


    The depths of this power are evil and seemingly limitless.


    I do a full inspect and appraisal scan.


    ___________


    [Lv. 1101]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Extreme Lightning Summoning]


    Intimidation [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodlust [Special Grade]


    Buffs:


    Domain Of Terror [Hidden Ability]


    The Sun God''s Curse Mark


    ________________


    A middle-aged man''s confident and arrogant voice echoes through the boss room as the figure walks closer at a slow and steady rate.


    "Well, well, well... It''s been ages since I got a challenger. Who are you? A rogue hunter, an Association nt testing to see if I haven''t gotten rusty, or..."


    The energy cor around his neck glows bright golden yellow, and Soul Energy flows off of it, covering the man''s eyes as a red aura of the bloodlust skill he has activates and turns a shade of orange when it reacts with the golden aura that leaks from the cor.


    "A Demon...? With two cores?"


    He smiles and starts tough, letting the golden energy from the cor envelop his whole body to create a veil of shielding around him.


    The shape of the energy deforms around his hands and feet, shaping what look to be ws and paws of soul energy.


    "Whoever, or whatever you are, it doesn''t matter to me. I am the Guardian of the 40th Floor. You will not defeat me, I guarantee it."


    He continues to walk forward at a slow and steady rate, then finally stops about 10 meters in front of me.


    The golden glow around him gets denser and charged up with more and more Soul energy, until its shielding bes difficult to see through.


    His aura increases to shine brightly, and the manifestation of sharp wolf-like ws grow more defined on his hands as he points them at me in a fighting stance with intent to strike.


    I stare back at him, boosting up all my Buffs to their full potential to match his intensity, imbue my sword full with hot Qi, and prepare for the being to make a move.


    A bright wave of golden light bursts outward, increasing the size of his aura by many times, showing the activation of his intimidation skill erupt and run rampant through the entire Boss room.


    The arcs of yellow and white electricity growrger andrger as well, expanding with this disy and searing ck holes into the dirt ground every time they hit a concentrated point.


    I sh back with an intimidation and confusion skill barrage of my own, igniting my body in mes that burn dark crimson, making a wall of heat surround me.


    The instant I do, the man lunges forward and I match his movements.


    I swing my Qi-infused sword across my body but don''t hold back or test my limits and go all out from the start.


    There''s only so many times I''ll be able to confuse and surprise my opponent, so I activate stealth and disappear before my opponent''s eyes.


    Then use earth and water magic along with advanced mana maniption to their highest potential to make the ground below the golden man running toward me turn to a pool of liquid mud.


    As he falls downward, I solidify the pool of liquid into hard stone, locking him in ce.


    At the same instance, I waste no time and go in for the kill. I dungeon walk behind him with extreme speed and all my agility and stat-boosting buffs burning through MP at a rapid rate while following through with my Qi-infused sword''s strike, aiming for his heart through his back.


    As soon as my de touches his golden aura, arcs of electricity begin to climb up my sword, and even while in full stealth mode, the man''s head and body turn with ferocious speed. He breaks free from my stone trap with ease, and blocks my sword with one of his hands covered in golden aura making it look like sharp ws are gripping my de.


    Despite this, I grit my teeth and continue to follow through with the strike, watching my Qi slowly burn through the golden aura the more I push into my sword. The man''s eyes widen at this fact as the de makes contact with the actual skin of his palm and draws bright red blood.


    Another eruption of his bloodlust and intimidation aura follows, and I''m hit with a point-nk brute force blow in the chest with his other free wed Soul Energy manifested hand.


    I feel it rip through my Qi barrier and mana shielding, tearing my chestte armor to shreds and leaving 3 deep gashes on my chest and throwing me backward.


    My body lights up with electricity, and I feel every cell of my being begin to heat up faster and faster.

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452


    Luckily, from the pure force of the brute''s attack, I''m thrown flying backward through the air, and the intensity of the lightning shocks lessens the further away from the golden glowing man I get.


    I quickly increase my momentum away from him even faster using airsteps, then activate stealth while simultaneously creating a body double to send back down at him.


    While my copy plummets back toward the golden ball of electricity and soul energy, I dungeon walk even further away, activating my new extreme stamina skill to heal some of my lost HP instantly. Then, use self-regeneration to heal up all minor wounds like the shes across my chest and fix up the holes in my blood-bonded armor.


    However, the tingling sensation of electricity buzzing through my entire body stays longer than expected. I have to push my self-regeneration skill to its limits to mend the burnt flesh and shocked organs from head to toe.


    Meanwhile, my senses are severely dulled. Getting hit by one of its lightning strikes again in a morepromising position could easily have ended much worse. I cannot let that happen a second time.


    Even when carefully going for the kill shot, I severely underestimated my opponent.


    A loud explosion of white light erupts from below me as the self-destruction skill of my body double creates a shockwave of mana over 40 meters wide in diameter.


    I hear the man''s loud yell from within.


    Even if there was no Qi imbued in that attack, it must have hurt a bit. These new body doubles of mine equal my mana control exactly, and letting out a full force attack with no regard for my life would be a devastating move.


    However, the aura of golden light continues to glow from within the white shockwave of energy from my fallen double. I feel the size of the man in the center of the st begin to expand and expel more energy.


    His form begins to shift and grow, simr to when I watched the Ranked-Up Dark Guard shift from his human body to one of a massive monster.


    "He''s transforming already...?"


    Huge arcs of lightning begin to shoot out, reaching further and further away from the man''s position in the middle of the boss room.


    They begin to reach out over 100 meters away from him, arcing toward me.


    I go into full battle mode again, boosting my perception skills to their limit and watching the electric arcse my way.


    The first instinct thates to mind when I see this electricity is that there''s no way for me to dodge them. I''ve encountered a lightning user one time before, back in the C-ss exams, and the only way I could get away from the attacks was to not be seen.


    The other was to take them head-on and tough it out.


    Based on the near paralysis-inducing feeling I got after just one split-second hit from this monster''s extreme version of the skill, I''m sure muscling through isn''t an option...


    It also saw straight through my stealth skill the instant I made it within its inner aura''s range, so I''m fairly certain sneaking away from its attacks isn''t going to work either.


    I summon another body double and send it at the growing ball of golden light again to act as a distraction while I rack my brain for more answers to my predicament. My All-Seeing Eye is doing full scans of the boss room, watching arcs of electricity move closer and closer to me as they somehow get stronger the more the Soul Energy Ball grows.


    Another pulse of golden light erupts from the center of the boss room as my double explodes using a kamikaze style attack again, and this sparks the beginning of an epiphany.


    My eyes track the fast-moving, nearly invisible shockwave of soul energy as it fills the air, and following it at the exact same speed are multiple arcing lines of electricity.


    This phenomenon captures my interest, and I push all of my mana control into my perception skills, leaving my attack and defenses limited while another body double is produced to make for a distraction and catalyst to run this test again.


    As the next pulse of mana and soul energyes out, lightning follows.


    My eyes adjust to the small fluctuations in mana, and every rogue lightning strike I see arcing through the boss room is traveling on waves of mana.


    "It is just a skill after all..." I whisper under my breath.


    The lightning strikes aren''t just a natural urrence, they are summoned from mana, so they have to follow the natural rules of the system and dungeons. The arcs of energy can only flow as fast as the waves of mana a caster pushes them.


    These invisible waves of mana, just like the simple mana arrays sent out into the air when I use skills like enemy detection or my all-seeing eye; are usually mana readings I neglect to watch closely during battles, because they never directly affect me or have any offensive abilities.


    Now that I see them, however, there''s no going back.


    I stop sending in body doubles as distractions, and allow the dust and energy to settle, revealing what is underneath.


    A massive ck wolf, with glowing golden eyes, a gold cor, shimmering ws, and sharp teeth all dripping with dense soul energy, stares at me from across the dungeon.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Its hair stands up with static as arcs of electricitye off of it, and it bolts my way instantly.


    From nose to tail, the beast is almost 7 meters long and covered in a Barrier of Soul Energy equal to if not greater than the density of the Ranked-Up Colossal''s shielding that I was unable to pierce through even using all my Qi. Its muscr legs rip up the hard dirt ground with every step, and its increasing static waves leave a 10 meters wide trail of ckened soil behind it.


    I''m outmatched in every aspect.


    It''s faster than me, stronger than me, has far more Soul Energy and Mana stores; and worst of all it has nothing to lose. The monster''s footsteps are rhythmic and nearly silent, all I can hear is the buzz of electricity in the air and the low growl building up in its throat.


    If I want to beat this creature, I''ll have to do it right now, and with a well nned out attack where I have a technical advantage.


    I take a deep breath in and out, pushing all my buffs to their limits while plundering mana from the air, activating my swordsmanship skill, and focusing my Qi into just 3 points.


    The first is my eyes to aid my perception.


    I dungeon walk around the Boss room and continuously track the waves of mana and soul energy that pulse in waves of varying strengths. The closer it is to the ravenous wolf, the denser the energy is and the stronger and faster the lightning that flows along it bes. These are the most visible waves to me, and even a single shock could put mepletely out ofmission.


    Based on their strength, one hit wouldn''t kill me, but it would freeze my body and dull my mind for possibly a full second or longer. I''d be put in apromised position that could lead to something far worse.


    The further away from the wolf the waves get, the weaker they be. These waves of dispersing energy are much harder to see without total concentration, but also the lightning that follows them is less dense with mana and in turn will give a less deadly strike.


    The wavese in set patterns and intervals, easy for me to track and predict now that I know where to look.


    So, the second ce where my Qi aids me is in the soles of my feet.


    Whether it''s to push off the ground with greater force or to give myself an edge in the sky when airstepping out of the way, boosting my movement speed with Qi is essential to carrying out my n.


    Lastly, the remainder of my Qi is channeled into my sword.


    The first attack I threw at this floor boss''s base form was a strong one, but I didn''t put everything I had into it.


    I still left most of my Qi in my shielding to protect from a counterblow.


    This turned out to be the smartest decision at the time, as it blocked some of the blunt force attack on my chest, but at the same time it limited my pure force that could have been used to finish the battle before it started.


    I allow enough concentrated Qi into my sword to the point where it begins to drip from my de. If not used soon, I''ll be wasting its full potential and an attack like this won''t be possible for me to do again without more backup Qi pills.


    Once all of the variables are set in ce exactly how I want them to be, I let my instincts and Legendary Swordsmanship skill take over.


    The thuds of the wolf''s footsteps fade away, and the dirt arena around us begins to disappear too. I''m left in a void of darkness.


    The only thing I see and feel is my opponenting toward me and the now slow-moving waves of energy and yellow static electricity that arcs around it, sizzling and moving through the air slower and slower rtive to my perception.


    I dungeon walk forward, watching an arc of electricity move past me on my right side so slow I watch it make shifting sharp angled changes in direction, following the paths of least resistance, and I''m able to predict exactly where it''ll flow to next by watching the mana fluctuations with my Qi-infused All-Seeing Eye.


    A bright crimson thread of certainty protrudes from the tip of my de, twisting and curving around the ck empty space in front of me. Its path bes more erratic and jumbled the closer to the wolf it gets. At some stages, the thread disappears, stopping short and reappearing tens of meters away. I understand this just means I''ll have to dungeon walk to dodge many more lightning attacks and teleport with perfect uracy to follow the n to its exact pointnding right between the eyes of the wolf.


    Every square centimeter of this creature is protected with shielding denser than I can possibly dream of breaking through in my current form. However, that doesn''t mean I can''t pierce through the one point where it is weakest.


    As soul energy is used to boost the monster''s vision, and a majority is used to send out lethal lightning attacks, the rest of the Soul Energy at its disposal covers its vitals. The most dense shielding is over its heart, next around its neck, andstly its brain.


    Every time another pulse of lightning is released, there''s a small fluctuation between these points, leaving openings of weaker shielding for a fraction of a second. It feels like the sea pulling back water to reveal fresh sand that doesnt see the light of day right before an enormous wave.


    I allow my subconscious to take over and I begin weaving through the waves of lightning in a predetermined path, airstepping and dungeon walking through the ever-increasing storm of electricity.


    It feels like a dance that I''ve been practicing for years, but finally get to perform for the first time.


    Every time I disappear and reappear, sections of the boss room''s mana get sucked away by my plunderer skill that is pushed to its limit, burning through MP like a furnace to keep the graceful disy of precision and timing alive.


    Arcs of electricity brush by my legs, back, arms, and face as the crimson thread gets shorter and shorter, bringing me closer to the deadly wolf.


    Once I''m close enough to be within its inner aura filled with bloodlust and dense arcs of electricity. It''s ranked up buff sends waves of intense intimidation deep into my psyche, but I don''t let it slow me down.


    If anything, the increasing pressure makes me move even faster, relying more on my subconscious battle instincts. I begin dungeon walking multiple times a second, shortening the thread further until my de glowing with Qinds its sharpest point dead center between the wolf''s eyes.


    In this exact moment, one of the creature''s Soul Energy pulses is triggered right on cue. It''s shielding fluctuates and my opening is made avable for less than a tenth of a second. I release a wave of Qi from my sword''s tip dense enough to melt through the weakened golden aura and pierce right through the wolf''s skull, cooking its brains with a violent release of every drop of energy I have to wager.


    The Qi in my core is drained by over 75% in a single strike, then the wave of Soul Energy and electricity that produced the fluctuation allowing me tond this attack hits me like a tsunami.


    I feel the full power of its concentrated extreme lighting summoning attack flow through my veins.


    Thest thing I see is the flowing white Qi burst from its eyes and the golden cor around its neck begins to disintegrate and fade away. An explosion of energy sends me flying into the air, ripping the outeryers of my shielding, armor, and skin to shreds, but the ringing in my inner ear and the fading sensation of electricity going away tells me that everything worked out.


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Level Up]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Extreme Lightning Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 77,801,424


    [YES][NO]


    [Rank Up]


    [YES][NO]

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453


    I choose yes on both options, then use self-regeneration, extreme stamina, and drink a full HP potion while slowly air-stepping toward the boss room floor.


    My vision is hazy, and my body is tingling all over.


    I can feel the lifeing back to me, but with over 80% of my Qi core also depleted, I begin to feel lightheaded and weak as well.


    Both hands start to glow white, and the sensation begins to climb up my arms to cover my chest and creeps up my neck to cover my head as well.


    I''ve felt this sensation once before, and it was when I ranked upst time.


    Right below me, the corpse of the fallen lightning wolf is yet to dissolve, but with the intensity of the energy that''s flowing through my mana pathways right now, I get the feeling my rank up isn''t going to be a quick and pleasant procedure.


    The more the energy takes over my conscious mind, the closer it feels like I''m about to transfer up to the next floor and be in serious danger.


    I make the split-second decision before my vision goes white to open up a spatial magic portal, letting the undissolved corpse of the lightning wolf fall inside. Then, allow Ember to fly out.


    The instant he hits the air, his entire body begins to shine bright white as well, and I ce a hand on his back, dungeon walking us to the outer edge of a dungeon that is ingrained in my mind as a default teleport point.


    I see the glimpse of the empty great ins, right where the rift of the Void Creeper''s used to stand, but now is just an empty wide-stretching meadow with rolling hills and mountains far off in the distance.


    The hot white energy envelops my entire body, and I lose consciousness.


    ____________


    [+1000 Strength]


    [+1000 Mental Strength]


    [+1000 Speed]


    [+1000 Agility]


    [+1000 Defense]


    [New Buff!]


    [Rising Emperor''s Greater Form][Hidden Ability][Active]


    A rejuvenating rush of energy washes over me while I open my eyes and take in a fresh breath of air cooler and more refreshing than any breath I''ve ever felt.


    I sit up and slowly look around to my left and right, taking in the view of the great ins with a newfound appreciation for the dungeon''s intricate design.


    My eyes are sharp, cutting through the imagery of what looks to be a grassy ne, and I see the manifestations of mana for what they really are. Realistic holograms of energy, producing lifelike designs to lure in hunters to expel mana while searching for treasures.


    Every breath I take brings in more mana in the air, converting it into usable energy, and every second that passes, my body expels mana of its own at an extremely fast rate as it is constantly running on passive buffs and active bodily functions.


    I can feel every mana particle in this dungeon down to its core, and I even sense the monsters in this dungeon cowering at the sense of my aura, not getting within a kilometer away from me.


    My mana control has easily increased by over 2.5x, and my Rising Emperor''s Domain now reaches out just over 100 meters.


    Less than 20% of my Qi stores remain after that battle, but it feels as if I could use this small amount to easily perform the attack I just threw with 75% of my previous core.


    Every aspect of my being has been upgraded. My mind feels sharper, my energy control is leagues above what it used to be, and my natural base level strength feels far greater. My skin is smoother, and my movements are more graceful.


    My armor and wounds from battle arepletely healed. I don''t feel a hint of fatigue in my body at all, and my new and improved form already feels natural.


    "Ember..." I whisper under my breath, as he''s the second thing on my mind after myself.


    My head turns as I perceive the reading of a level 1002 Dragon in my mind''s eye, but the visual I see is far from what I expected.


    A young man with fair skin and long silky crimson hair sits in a patch of grass less than 15 meters away from me, admiring the dungeon''s glory in the same manner that I did just moments ago.


    He wears an elegant outfit, simr to the apparel seen on high ranking nobles I passed in my travels through Valor City or expensive auctions.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the vition.


    The man wears a ck vest over a white dress shirt, and a silky red overcoat that matches his bright hair. His matte ck shoes match his silky gloves, and a powerful invisible aura surrounds his being.


    The man turns his head toward me. Fierce, yet calm, crimson eyes lock with mine.


    He speaks aloud in a voice I know very well.


    "d to see you''re finally awake, Master. It''s great to see you decided to take my advice and rank up again."


    The corner of his lip curves upward, and I see a striking resemnce to the toothy grin Ember always shows when he''s enjoying himself.


    "Maybe we won''t be killed so easily by The Lich King after all." He mutters to himself.


    It takes me a moment to register my thoughts, but I reply.


    "You''ve... changed quite a bit too..."


    He stands to his feet, letting his long hair and thin red overcoat flutter in the light breeze of the dungeon.


    "I have, indeed. It''s always been much easier getting around in these human forms. Not the greatest forbat, but I get a lot less screams when I walk into rooms."


    He looks down at his hands, moving his fingers and breathing in the mana dense air through his nose.


    A red glow starts to manifest around his body too, showing his Mythic Grade Plunderer Skill activate for a fraction of a second and all of the mana in the surrounding area gravitates toward him. He turns it off and his base aura glows even brighter than it did before.


    "It''s been a while since I''ve ranked up a second time, this body is probably my favorite one so far."


    Another pulse of red aura surrounds him for a moment, then the extremely strong mana controlpletely vanishes into thin air. It''s like he''s using a mana suppression technique that masks his strength, but I can''t see a drop of Qi surrounding his body at all. It must be an even more advanced technique.


    He continues to admire himself, while tons of thoughts race through my mind.


    I should havee to this conclusion earlier. Both of the double-ranked-up monsters I''ve faced so far have started their battles in human forms. Of course, Ember would be the same...


    This changes quite a few things. Like he said, there will be far less terror from normal humans when entering a room. Meaning Ember can walk around with humans, and his safely guarded identity will not be so easily figured out.


    Secondly, a more concerning thoughtes to my mind as I look down at my status and see my new buff [Rising Emperor''s Greater Form].


    I point a question toward Ember, hesitant to activate my buff and see for myself.


    "So monsters receive the ability to turn into humanoid forms when they reach level 1000. Does this mean... I''ll have the ability to turn into a monster...?"


    _______________


    Updated Status Sheet:


    _______________


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 1002


    Hp: 5015/5015


    Mp: 5015/5015


    Strength: 4039 [+3999][+5049][+11188][+4847][+2020][+4039][+7714][+5049][+5049][+10098]


    Speed: 3900 [+4329][+5928][+4875][+5616][+1950][+3900][+5187][+4875][+4875][+9750]


    Agility: 4008 [+4008][+4409][+5010][+5932][+6212][+2004][+4008][+6974][+5010][+10020]


    Defense: 4205 [+3112][+5929][+4626][+5845][+8074][+6938][+2103][+4205][+5551][+10513]


    Mental Strength: 4566 [+4568][+5708][+5981][+9726][+8173][+2283][+4566][+7854][+5708][+5708][+11415]


    ____________


    Skills:


    Absorption [Legendary Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection [Legendary Grade]


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Legendary Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Legendary Grade]


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker [Legendary Grade]


    Dungeon Walker [Legendary Grade]


    Intimidation [Legendary Grade]


    Dagger Mastery [Legendary Grade]


    Stealth [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodlust [Legendary Grade]


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Advanced Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Legendary Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Legendary Grade]


    Hibernation [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Legendary Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Legendary Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Speed [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Water Summoning]


    Screech [Legendary Grade]


    Phantom Step [Legendary Grade]


    re [Legendary Grade]


    Confusion [Legendary Grade]


    st [Legendary Grade]


    Bind [Legendary Grade]


    Iron Fist [Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Stamina [Legendary Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Lightning Summoning]


    ____________


    Items Equipped: [15 Slots Avable Post 2nd Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [+151% Mental Strength][+111% Speed][+100% Agility][+99% Strength][+74% Defense][Illusion Attribute]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+141% Defense][+125% Strength][+125% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [+152% Speed]


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [+110% Agility] [+75% Magic Resistance] [+95% Ice Magic Resistance]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+131% Mental Strength] [+125% Speed][+125% Agility][+110% Defense]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+277% Strength][+213% Mental Strength][+139% Defense][+144% Speed][+148% Agility]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+192% Defense]


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+179% Mental Strength][+155% Agility][+75% Perception][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute]


    [Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets][+165% Defense][+120% Strength][Hardening Attribute]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    Final Slot[15th]:[Interchangeable]


    The Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set [Advanced Wind Aspect][+191% Strength][+174% Agility][+172% Mental Strength][+133% Speed][+132% Defense]


    Midnight Dagger


    ____________


    Skill Buffs:


    [Berserker] +125% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +125% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength , +50% Perception


    [Extreme Strength] +125% Strength


    [Extreme Speed] +125% Speed


    [Final Breath] ~ +250% All Stats (Exact % will vary, conditions & circumstances apply)


    ____________


    Permanent Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability][Passive]


    Rising Emperor''s Greater Form[Hidden Ability][Active]


    Red Hydra''s Rage[Soul Bond Attribute][Active]

 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454


    "It''s usually not that simple. Humans are far less likely to awaken a monster form than monsters are to awaken a human form. After all, ranked-up abilities manifest what the user desires or needs most. Whether that''s skill upgrades for those who cannot do it naturally, a new human form to fit in with society, a massive increase in mana control, or maybe a buff that fits their fighting style. Every rank-up procedure is different. You won''t know how it works until you try it."


    I continue to stare down at the [Rising Emperor''s Greater Form] tag on my buffs portion of my status, then let out a sigh and reply.


    "You''re right, I might as well try it and see what this new ability does."


    I step back and stand in a steady stance, then activate the buff. A surge of energy instantly pulses through me. It''s definitely mana-powered, but there''s a unique air to the energy that makes it feel like there''s more to it than I canprehend.


    I feel my feet being lifted off the ground, and my aura begins to expand and materialize into an outeryer of energy in the exact shape of my body.


    It starts off as a pure white glow but fluctuates and shifts in color from grey to dark shadowy ck therger it grows around me.


    Thick plumes of dense mana, more powerful than any shielding I''ve ever summoned in my life, wrap around my arms, legs, torso, and even my head.


    I can see through it without a problem.


    Even though the energy surrounds me, if anything, my perception of the dungeon only bes greater.


    A swirling shadowy form growsrger andrger, pulling me off of the dungeon floor higher into the air.


    I stare down at myself, as I''m floating in the center of this form over 2 meters off the ground and still growing. I move my hands in front of me, and the energy moves in perfect sync without missing a beat.


    I take a step forward, and the growing mana imbued creation does the same.


    As my feet now hover over 4 meters off the ground, I begin to activate skills; The first is my fire magic.


    My main inner body does not ignite into mes as I expected, but the outeryer of darkness mimics the flickering illusion of fire. To push my tests further, I turn to a deste portion of the dungeon and summon a ball of fire, letting it st off into the distance toward a far-off rolling hill.


    Unexpectedly, the shadowy mana-imbued mass around me manifests ck mes of mana at the same time, and a ck ball of fire over 4 timesrger than what I was expecting to throw rockets toward the grassy hills.


    An explosion of mana, and destruction of arge portion of the dungeon ensues, letting the potential scale and possibilities of this power sink in.


    I stare down at the ground again, as the form doesn''t stop expanding, and take out my sword.


    A perfect copy is manifested in the energy form''s hand as well.


    I swing it across my body, producing shes of fire that carve up the dungeon for hundreds of meters and leave trails of ck mes.


    At the same moment, I feel an absurd amount of mana leave my body.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Every sh I throw uses up over 4 times as much mana as it normally would, and therger my form grows, the more it''s starting to use.


    I activate plunderer, and energy from all around seeps into my new form to fuel its growth even further. Even more mana is needed therger I grow. Once my form grows to roughly 7 times my normal human size, the expansion stops.


    A flickering shadowy images of myself is stood in the middle of the great ins dungeon. My intricate facial features are exactly the same, my armor and gear are all replicated without any errors, and advanced fire magic mes flicker producing overwhelming heat.


    It feels like I''m unstoppable in this new form.


    I continue to practice for a few minutes, trying out other elements and basic skills to get used to this new power. I''m about to try imbuing Qi into my de, but before I do, a major concern hits me.


    Most buffs and instant power-ups like this don''te without a cost... It would be best not to push it too far without testing if there are any side effects. So, I make the decision to revert to my normal form before I get too deep into the unknown.


    Like a flip of a switch, the moment I think about turning off my [Rising Emperor''s Greater Form], the energy around my body churns and seeps back into me, lowering me to the floor far faster than it expanded.


    I brace myself for a wave of fatigue like the Red Hydra''s Buff, or the tingling feeling I get from overusing my mana, but as my feet touch the dungeon floor, nothing of the sortes.


    "I feel... normal..."


    I try to activate self-regeneration and even scan my own body with my All-Seeing Eye, but nothing is wrong.


    Ember walks over with a satisfied smile.


    "Looks like you received a greater energy form. Those are even more rare than monster forms for humans, but honestly, I don''t know what else I''d expect from you. With your overuse of that Hydra''s power, and the constant buffs and aura training, an energy form is the only upgrade worth giving. The system knows best."


    He shrugs.


    I turn around, cing my sword back into my item storage, and raise a question back.


    "A greater energy form? So... what do I need to know about it? What can it do? It felt like my full body grew for a moment there... It''s like it''s a part of me."


    Ember walks closer, examining the damage done to the dungeonndscape and nodding with approval.


    "Well, it seems to me you received an enhancement-style greater form. Usually, these forms are only useful for short spurts of battle because of their overexertion of mana. However, with the plunderer skill, this will be less of a problem. It can increase the user''s size, speed, strength, and overall total capabilities many times over for a limited period of time. Think of it like an enormous overcharged body double that you control from the inside."


    I''d alreadye to a simr conclusion, but Ember continues with information that I wasn''t expecting to hear.


    "However, there are some downsides too. Physical attacks on your energy form will transfer to your main body as well. Just because it''s a souped-up version of yourself that surrounds your real body doesn''t mean it''s invincible. You saw how when you activated skills they didn''t manifest on your inner body, they only were visible in your energy form?"


    I nod.


    "Yeah."


    "Well, that''s because this energy form is a part of you. It''s your being. It is you."


    There''s a silence between us as I let that sink in, and Ember continues.


    "This is the best-case scenario we could be in for your second rank-up. Now, we just need to trigger your Soul Energy awakening and maybe we''ll actually have a chance against the The Lich King if you''re still fixated on killing that thing. For that, you''re still going to need a lot more Qi."


    "Right...More Qi... and more time in isted cultivation too..."


    My train of thought over my new rank-up and abilities switches back to where I left off before all of this.


    "How long were we ranking up for? I still have a lot of work to do. My teammates will being to meet with us shortly, and I need to prepare a weing present for them."


    I check my memories, and see there''s still no sign of either of my two remaining body doubles'' deaths yet. I''m unsure if this is a good or bad sign, so soon I''ll have to check things out for myself.


    Ember replies, finally making his way next to me stepping around all of the burned portions of the dungeon around us.


    "I was unconscious for the same amount of time as you, form transformation rank-ups usually take far longer than simple buffs. But, I don''t believe it was more than a few hours at most."


    I ce a hand on his shoulder, and bring us both back into the canyon of dungeons in Sector 2.


    Ember speaks up from behind me as I begin to walk toward the exit portal.


    "Oh, so I''ll finally be meeting your human friends? This will be quite interesting."

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455


    As soon as I walk out of the dungeon and look up at the sky from a thin path on the edge of the canyon, I see the orange setting sun above.


    Instantly, the geopoints of my Rising Emperor''s Domain [Find My Friend] feature manifest in my mind''s eye, showing me that Arie is nearby, but Abby and Maria are still far off in Valor City.


    My doubles sent off to find them and the one taking care of the town of thugs and recovering ve workers are still active, so I have no updates to work with. I''ll have to assume my double is dying for good reason.


    For now, I''ll continue with the task at hand.


    I airstep up out of the canyon, and Ember follows by my side, using near-invisible tforms of dense red energy to step off of and gracefully fly through the air.


    We head off to the edge of the Abyss, and to my surprise, I see Arie at its edge spewing refined demonic energy from his fingertips in thin but steady streams to attack a provoked Demonic Wolf.


    At very close range, the energy rips through the wolf''s hide, injuring its flesh all over, and bringing it to its knees in a matter of seconds after a barrage of jet ck attacks.


    These are the weakest of the Demonic creatures, but they are great target practice, and Arie''s improvement is quite fast. Along with that, his confidence to practice without me in his main body is remarkable as well.


    As he finishes absorbing the remaining unrefined energy from the fallen wolf, I finally step into range and wave him down.


    At the sight of me, his eyes perk up, but he doesn''t react quickly or move a muscle; he just breathes slowly and allows the energy within him to trickle out from his core and into the sand escaping his fingertips for almost a full minute as both Ember and I approach.


    My best guess is, he still needs very high levels of concentration to keep the energy stable, so if he''s not going to be in immediate battle or training for short spurts of time, his safest course of action is to drain his core. It makes sense, so I don''t disturb him while he does his due diligence.


    However, once his core is drained and I stand before him with a brand-new face beside me, he finally speaks up.


    "You took your sweet time. So, I take it you won your fight and managed to rank up again."


    I nod.


    "Yes, I managed to rank up. I''m much more confident I can fend off another attack if the Dark One sends any more guards our way, but I still have to get much stronger. We all do."


    Arie''s gaze turns to Ember in his human form beside me.


    "And who might this be? A strong ally?"


    Arie looks at Ember curiously and cautiously. It''s clear he''s very intrigued by the confusing energy readingsing off of him, but concerned as well.


    I reply.


    "Yes, a very powerful ally. He''s been assisting all of us from the background for a while, but I believe its time you all finally met."


    Arie reads the situation perfectly and replies in a calm manner.


    "A strong ally with a backstory that I shouldn''t pry into just yet, it seems."


    He chuckles, then looks Ember in the eyes.


    "Well, a friend of Jay''s is a friend of mine. Nice to meet you, I''m Arie."


    Ember smiles, tightening his gaze and doing full scans of his own on Arie before replying and putting out a friendly hand to shake.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "I''m Ember, it''s nice to finally meet. I look forward to getting stronger with you."


    They shake hands, but as soon as they release their grip, Ember does something unexpected.


    He points his hand toward the abyss and a thick stream of Demonic Energyes swirling toward him,pacting and hovering right above his hand in a dense ball. He shapes it into a fluctuating long sharp crescent and sends it flying back into the darkness where it came.


    The powerful and dense attack of Demonic Energy slices through the abyss, leaving a wide open gash in the ck mist.


    He turns to Arie.


    "I see you''ve recently obtained a Demon''s core and need some assistance in mastering your Demonic Energy. I''m sure I can help you reach the next level."


    Ember''s methods for manipting Demonic energy are fairly different than mine. He does not have a core, so he maniptes the energy outside of his body using some unknown force. However, he was the one that taught me how to use Demonic Energy in the first ce, so I see no better fit for a teacher.


    I have a lot of work to do, and guiding Arie through the next phases of training would take quite a while. I could use a body double to assist him, but Ember''s insight will speed up his progress even faster.


    So, I interject.


    "Ember was the one that taught me most of my Demonic Energy techniques, so I trust that you''ll be able to progress much faster with him watching over. Plus, this will be a good way for you two to get to know each other."


    In the same moment, I share my body double skill with Arie, and he immediately feels the rush of energy and creates three doubles that spawn behind him. His main body speaks.


    "It would be a pleasure. If you have anything to add, I''m all ears. I can tell I''m on the verge of another breakthrough."


    They both turn toward the abyss, and I sit back beside the same small rock formation asst time and open up my item storage to take out piles of mana crystals and the Istion pods to begin running a few more tests.


    "That was easier than I thought it''d be. Now... back to these pods."


    I start up right where I left off, staring down at the [Current Dtion: 1.2040x] reading that glows above the control panel.


    After roughly another 100k MP worth of crystals, the number ticks up again showing [Current Dtion: 1.2041x].


    I continue feeding the machine more and more crystals, after an additional 1 Million MP, the reading shows [Current Dtion: 1.2051x], further proving that my hypothesis that it would take nearly 1 Billion MP to make it up to a 2x dtion.


    Seeing that in all the hours I farmed in thebyrinth, I only came back with a few million MP, I begin to rack my brain for more ideas.


    Although an average rate of 1 million MP farmed per hour is enough to sustain the economy of a small country, it still isn''t enough to fund my science experiments here, so I''m going to have to think outside the box.


    There must have been some other way that the old Sector 2 Leader charged these machines up with so much MP.


    I sift through my inventory and find crates of over a hundred C-Grade MP potions that I took from the warehouse earlier today and feed them into the machine to see the rating rise again to [Current Dtion: 1.2054x] and realize even magic items can be put into this machine as fuel too.


    I dump junk gear from my farming that I''ll never use or sell like swords and axes from D to C grade monsters until I see the number tick up again [Current Dtion: 1.2055x].


    Then, I sift through a portion of my storage where many element stones from my time in thebyrinth sit. There''s a few ice stones from the Elite Yeti floor, two earth stones that dropped from the giant worms on the 38th, a handful of unique stones from the Wyvern Boss on the 30th. Thenstly, the 9 ck fire stones from the 39th floor mutants sit untouched, waiting to be unleashed.


    Beside all of these is the corpse of the massive lightning wolf in suspended animation inside my item storage. I''m curious what kind of items it will drop, but am unsure if taking its body from the Boss Room will trigger any unique reactions. So, I''m holding off on letting its body fully dissolve until I can get back to the Labyrinth and see the current state of the 40th floor.


    I make the decision to y things safe and use one of the less rare stones first, feeding an ice element stone into the machine.


    It disappears the moment I take it out and press the [Input Mana] feature, but the dtion does not increase.


    Confused at this reaction, I try a few more of these lower powered Element stones, and it takes over half a dozen more to trigger the counter to rise [Current Dtion: 1.2056x].


    "They are just element stones after all..."


    This machine doesn''t care how rare or powerful an item is, it only cares about how much mana it possesses.


    I let out a sigh, but then remember the time I crafted a cursed overcharged wind element stone to drain all of the avable mana from a dungeon.


    "Maybe something like that could work..."


    I look up from my tests and see Ember and Arie about 20 meters away getting along nicely.


    The streaks of Demonic Energy are flying out from Arie''s double''s palms much faster, and the energy is far more condensed and deadly than before.


    I put the istion pod away into my storage and walk over to them.


    "Ember, I''m going to need some assistance from you to run another test."


    I expand my All-Seeing Eye''s range to do a quick deep scan of the desert and pinpoint a weak rogue dungeon far in the distance, about 50km away from where we currently stand.


    Then, I point in its general direction.


    "This will only take a moment, we''ll know if it works or not pretty quickly."

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456


    I turn to Arie.


    "You shoulde too. As long as you stay within 100 meters of me, your body doubles won''t deactivate. They can continue to train here by the Abyss while we go into the desert."


    Then, I turn back in the direction of the rogue dungeon.


    "Sure, I''lle along!" Arie replies.


    The three of us head off into the desert, flying with various magic techniques to increase our speed and fly over 50 km in just a few minutes.


    It reminds me of my flight over here from Sector 1 on Ember''s back. During it, I felt quite a few other rogue dungeons out in the wilderness.


    There''s far less in these deserts than the crowded forest areas back in the Vice Region, but near every town out here there are rogue dungeons scattered about, the same as Sector 4.


    The canyon that houses over a hundred of them is quite the mystery to me, honestly.


    Dungeons of that magnitude and quantity are usually only found near massive cities where thousands or even millions of hunters excrete excess mana every day to fuel and grow them. There is hardly any activity way out here in Sector 2, and there couldn''t have been more than 500 people living in the small town.


    They must have been created or maintained artificially, but now isn''t the time for me to ponder this.


    I''m just d there''s a rogue dungeon not too far away, but not too close. If anything goes wrong in my test, the working dungeons won''t be affected, and the town is far away from any potential st radius.


    "Here we are."


    The three of us touch down in a deste portion of the desert with the remains of what looks like it used to be a small trading station and check-in hut, but is now just scrap wood that has fallen apart and sunk into the desert sand.


    Next to it is a small spinning blue dungeon portal, that gives off the mana reading of a middle-ranked E-Grade or possibly low-ranked D-grade at the highest.


    Someone must have regted this dungeon or farmed it pretty often in the past, but it has been long abandoned.


    Even Arie, without a specific perception skill activated, can tell that this is an odd ce to trek out to.


    He speaks up as we all walk inside and take in the lush green scenery.


    "What kinds of tests do you n on doing with a dungeon this weak...?"


    The rustling of jungle trees, long colorful flowery vines, and thick underbrush fills our vision.


    "Here, I''ll show you."


    I ce a hand on both Ember and Arie''s shoulder, dungeon walking us to the center of the dungeon right beside two wild boar mobs at level 53 and 54 just to get a closer look.


    We take the pair of monsters by surprise, but they hardly let out a squeal before the overwhelming aura of our trio suffocates them to death and they fall to the floor.


    I activate enemy detection to find a few hundred other boars between level 50 and 60 filling the dungeon, but they''re all running far away from us in fear.


    With a sigh, I reach into my item storage to pull out one of the jet ck firestones and ce a hand on Ember''s shoulder.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Arie, you should probably ce a hand on my back. I''m about 50% sure this will work, but to be safe, I''ll be dungeon walking us out of here pretty quickly."


    His eyes widen at the intense rippling ck mes of the stone that I let hover over my right hand using telekinesis, and its fire burns so strong and bright that trees above in the jungle regions begin to erupt into mes.


    He ces a hand on my back, and I take this as a cue to activate my mythic grade craftsmanship skill.


    I take a deep breath in and out before my gaze hovers over the [Imbue] tab next to Ember''s [Plunderer][Mythic Grade] skill.


    Beforehand, I thought this through very carefully.


    The element stones and various items that became cursed or unstable thest time I performed this test were items made from material far inferior to the power of a Mythic Grade skill.


    However, this element stone is a borderline A-Grade material. The pure mana and fierce power it gives off is higher than anything I''ve ever tried to merge in a craft before.


    Even the leftover ice, earth, and unique wyvern stones in my inventory pale inparison to the pure power these ck fire stones produce.


    My n is to activate the craft, then leave this dungeon the instant I do.


    The air goes still, and the jungle bes silent. My vision burns through the [Imbue] tab in my mind''s eye... then, I press it and watch the white light of my craftsmanship skill envelop the entire stone.


    The instant I feel the craftplete, the mana in our surroundings begin to copse in toward the stone.


    My MP is dropped to half in a fraction of a second and I catch a glimpse of the new item''s information with my all-seeing eye. I blip all three of us away to a dungeon back in the canyon 50km away to safety before I can conceptualize what I''ve seen.


    __________________


    Elite Minotaurs Firestone [Containment Item]


    Info: An element stone left behind by an Elite Grade Minotaur with a fire magic variant. It has been imbued with the Mythic Grade Plunderer Skill to create a one-time use Containment item. This stone will plunder mana from its surroundings until the mana control limit of its previous monster owner is met. Once its limit is reached, the plunderer aspect will cease to function.


    ss: A+


    Type: Containment Item


    [Current MP Containment]: 0.0001B/7.8901B


    __________________


    We all materialize in a random D-Grade grasnd dungeon in the canyon, and I speak out loud with a grin.


    "I think it worked..."


    I create a body double and it immediately teleports back to the dungeon to do reconnaissance.


    Less than half a second after I do, the double dies, but I see what is happening inside that Wild Boar dungeon as clear as day.


    In just a few seconds, a massive twister of fire has begun engulfing the jungle.


    A crater of disappearing dungeon mass is forming in the center where I dropped the ck stone, and it is expanding outward and downward at a quickly increasing rate.


    My double gets too close to the st, attempting to use all of its perception skills to visualize what''s going on at the item''s core, but is sucked dry of MP and pulled into the ck fiery core before it can do anything.


    Over the next half a minute, I continuously send in body doubles to watch the increasinglyrge ball of mes destroy the dungeon I dropped it in.


    Enormous jungle trees, dozens of boars, and tall rock formations are burned away by the ck mes and consumed as energy for the growing ball of dungeon mass.


    However, once the stone''s fireball diameter reaches a point of about 300 meters wide, for some reason it stops expanding.


    My double watches the mes begin to flicker and die down.


    The raging ball of violent MP-hungry energy stopspletely, and I finally get a clear visual on a ck stone glowing with energy at its center.


    I manage to get a reading on the stone by flying closer as the mes fizzle out.


    __________________


    Elite Minotaurs Firestone [Containment Item]


    Info: An element stone left behind by an Elite Grade Minotaur with a fire magic variant. It has been imbued with the Mythic Grade Plunderer Skill to create a one-time use Containment item. This stone will plunder mana from its surroundings until the mana control limit of its previous monster owner is met. Once its limit is reached, the plunderer aspect will cease to function.


    ss: A+


    Type: Containment Item


    [Current MP Containment]: 7.8901B/7.8901B


    __________________


    Using water magic and wind magic, my double carves a path through the leftover mes and floats down into the dirt-filled crater to stand right next to therge ck stone I left before.


    It still flickers with ck mes, but they are not nearly as violent. Its mass looks like it''s grown a few timesrger, almost half a meter wide now.


    The most fascinating thing is the immense amount of mana it contains. It feels as if one wrong move could set off a massive explosion. However, my double opens up its item storage and drops the fully saturated stone inside.


    It dungeon walks back with the package contained, then speaks to my main body with an outstretched hand.


    "The test was a sess. Let me see one of the istion pods, I''ll try to feed the result of this experiment to the machine."

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457


    I take the Istion Pod I''ve been working on all this time out of my storage and allow my double to ce it inside its own.


    It blips away, back to the Wild Boar dungeon to perform its test.


    I wait patiently for about a minute, then the memories of my body double sessfully inputting the stone into the machine just like a mana crystal, then killing itself to quickly rely the informatione rushing back to me.


    "It worked."


    I teleport the three of us back into the Wild Boar Dungeon, and sitting in the center of the 300-meter-wide dirt crater that''s destroyed the jungle is a lightly humming istion pod. At the sight of the massive hole, and the mana content in the air dropping by a noticeable amount, this test was a great sess.


    The Pod''s door is left wide open, and the containment cell at the top is now magnitudes denser with mana than it was before.


    White plumes of pure mana charge the shielding barriers, and it now looks a lot more like the Istion Pods that we used back in the Galeheart Tower.


    The glowing blue text only visible to my all-seeing eye hovering over the control panel now says [Current Dtion: 9.0957x].


    I let the machine fall into my item storage then turn to Ember and ce a hand on his shoulder while pulling another stone out into the open air.


    "We''ll do it again."


    I imbue a nearly identical ck ming stone with Ember''s Mythic grade Plunderer skill and dungeon walk us out of there before the reaction can fully begin.


    A few minutester, I dungeon walk back in to find the crater has grown farrger, the dungeon is less dense with pure mana, and another saturated stone sits at the crater''s center.


    The contained mana inside is simr to thest stone.


    [Current MP Containment]: 7.4255B/7.4255B


    I let it drop into my inventory and pull out another, wanting to saturate all the stones I can as fast as possible while it''s working so well.


    Another 5 tests go by, taking less than 20 minutes in total, and each of them saturates another stone with varying potencies between 7 and 8 billion MP.


    Every time I return to the dungeon, the affected area grows less and less dense with mana.


    Using my high level of perception, even the areas of the dungeon that are not directly affected by the plunder radius are weakening and bing less dense with mana every time I return.


    Even the levels of newly spawned in monsters are lowering.


    What used to be a flourishing jungle region with level 50-60 boars quickly fell below level 30s for new spawns halfway through; on the test before this one, some of the mobs even spawned in at lower than level 10.


    The dungeon is in bad shape. Its artificialndscape is ripped to shreds, and most of its manapletely absorbed.


    As I walk down the crater to fetch the stone, I do a deep scan of my surroundings and find that there''s more mana trapped in this single stone than there is remaining in the entire dungeon.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The newest group of spawned-in mobs I detect are between level 2 and 3.


    As I let the saturated stone fall into my inventory, I think about taking out one of the two stones remaining but turn to Ember before I do.


    "There isn''t enough mana to fully saturate another stone. Our best course of action will probably be to find another rogue dungeon to drain."


    He nods, smiling with his arms crossed.


    "Sure, it may be unwise to drop another stone and not allow it to fully saturate. Would you like me to copse this dungeon for safekeeping? There''s less than 3 billion mana left in here at the most; It''ll only take a few minutes."


    I shrug.


    "Go for it; you''ve been wanting to do this for a long time, so have at it."


    Ember''s aura immediately pulses red, and a wave of strong mana erupts from him.


    "Very well, I rmend the two of you wait outside. I''ll be draining everyst drop, so it''s best you don''t get caught in the crossfire. The natural dungeon mechanism will teleport me back into the desert once I''m finished."


    Ember''s cloud of red aura begins to grow, just like the times I witnessed it in the Titan''s domain, however, now he''s many times stronger than back then.


    I dungeon walk with Arie back to the exit portal, and we hop out into the desert next to the dpidated wooden hut.


    The sun has almost fully set, making the fading orange glow thest bit of warmth in the air.


    The small blue dungeon portal slowly spins, but it''s barely producing any mana readings and is bing smaller and weaker at a rapid rate as Ember plunders it from the inside.


    While the portal shrinks and we sit and wait, I decide to take out the istion pod again to begin cing the 6 additional stones inside.


    The moment I ce a new stone inside, the text changes again, showing [Current Dtion: 13.2606x]. At first, the number throws me off, because it didn''t rise the expected 7.4255x amount. However, once I drop another stone with 7.9304B MP inside and the number changes to [Current Dtion: 17.2258x], things begin to make more sense.


    I input another, and the rating reaches [Current Dtion: 20.4461x].


    After the final three additional stones, it reaches [Current Dtion: 26.1005x].


    After seeing the numbers rise in such odd intervals, I begin to do some math.


    It took 1 billion MP for every additional 1x dtion interval for the first 10 levels. However, once the counter passed 10.0000x, each additional 1x in dtion cost twice as much. It took 20 billion MP to go from 10x to 20x.


    Then, just to make it halfway from 20 to 30x, it took over 20 billion MP again, meaning it will take 40 billion MP in total to raise the scale from 20 to 30x if this process is repeated.


    If this pattern continues, every 10 additional levels of dtion will cost twice as much MP to fuel.


    "Now the old craftsman''s note about higher levels of dtion not being profitable for selling to consumers makes sense," I mutter under my breath.


    Content with how high I managed to get the machine already, I ce the pod back into my item storage and begin to strategize in my mind how I''ll be able to farm more of these fire stones at a steady rate.


    At the same time, the dungeon portal that Ember is dissolving is beginning to waver and pulse before our eyes.


    Less than another minute passes before it bes so thin and transparent I believe an E-rank hunter without any perception skills could even see what''s happening without enhanced vision.


    Still, I keep all of my senses at the ready, because a rumor about what is left behind from copsing dungeons continues to stir in the back of my mind. I''m hoping right here and now I''ll get to see if it''s true.


    The portal gets smaller, spinning even less, and dissipating into thin air before our eyes.


    Then, we''re left in silence as the final remnants of it implode on itself and the portalpletely vanishes.


    A few seconds pass, and my gaze stays locked on the point where it disappeared with every bit of mana control pushing my All-Seeing Eye to its limit.


    Then, a sh of light teleports all foreign dungeon matter back to the desert.


    Ember materializes in front of me, still putting off an immense red aura, and brimming with newly plundered mana.


    My heart skips a beat, and my eyes widen as I see a tiny shimmering fragment of a bright white glowing crystal falling to the desert floor.


    It looks norger than a fingernail, but sends out a unique aura that captures my interest. I watch it gracefully fall through the air for a fraction of a second, and see sparkling trailing mist dissolve off of it.


    It looks as if the mere contact with the air is eroding it away at a rapid rate, and if I don''t act now, whatever this material is willpletely disappear before it even touches the sand.


    I open a spatial magic portal right below the odd glowing mass, and it falls inside my storage.

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458


    The visual of the white crystal dissolving into the air ys over and over in my mind. I wouldn''t have managed to catch it, or even sense it, if I wasn''t specifically looking for it.


    I''m almost positive I just managed to finally obtain one of the most valuable magic items in the world.


    However, I''m going to need to replicate this process again and bring it back to a safe ce for some test crafts before I can be 100% sure. Considering this, I don''t bother to mention my find to the others until I''m certain of this discovery''s legitimacy. For now, I''ll stay focused on the main task at hand.


    We fly back to the abyss where Aries'' doubles are still training, and I create a double of my own to send off to the canyon to go and farm the 39th floor for more stones.


    After that recent rank up, my mana control has drastically increased again, so I''m confident I''ll be able to defeat the Mutant Elite Minotaurs even without using Qi.


    Once my double is off, Arie gets back to training with his doubles and practicing concentrated Demonic Energy control in his main body. Iy back on the side of a desert sand dune and watch the sunset with Ember standing close by, admiring the final golden glow before the desert turns to night.


    The only visible light on the horizon is the town full of workers, grunts, and one of my body doubles standing in as me, The me Emperor, keeping everyone in line.


    After almost half an hour of calm silence staring off into the open desert, my next n of actiones together. I finally speak up to Ember and point toward the town.


    "Want to see another project I''m working on? I''m curious to see the progress myself."


    "I sense almost 400 humans in that vige. If that''s what you''re talking about, then yes I''m very interested."


    I get to my feet and look over to Arie still hard at work training with his doubles, but he senses we''re up to something so he drains his core temporarily to speak.


    "Go off to the town if you want, don''t let me hold you back. I just need a few more hours and I think I''ll be able to break past this next teau. I just need more practice. I''m confident enough to train in my main body, so leave me here and I''ll meet you guys there once I''m too tired to train on. I know my limits."


    I give him a nod, and look back toward the canyon.


    "Keep an eye on the dungeons too, there''s still 6 active breaks in there. If any monster overflow urs, it''d be helpful if you could get rid of them before they escape too far. Also, my double should be getting back from Valor City in the near future with all our teammates, bring them to the town if they arrive."


    "You got it."


    Ember and I head off toward the town while Arie continues to train by the Abyss.


    The closer we get, the more the bright lights of the town below begin to shine, and structures that were not previously in such good shape begin toe into my field of view.


    I use conceal to create the Elegant me Emperor Appearance I left with, and put up my Qi barrier, increasing the density considering the low amount I have left to use. Even with 20% of my base left, it is still more than enough to shield my aura. Ember suppresses his mana control as well, and we both touch down in the middle of town.


    We find ourselves standing in the middle of the main square. An enormous octagonal stone structure has been built around the fountain in the middle of the town with 8 doors andrge windows that all lead into it from any side one approaches.


    It towers 3 stories high, is almost 25 meters in diameter, and looks to be built from very sturdy stone summoned and molded by earth magic. It''s decorated and brightly lit up with orbs of light on its outsides and entrances.


    Upon closer inspection, I appraise that they''re mana crystals imbued with my [sh] skill insiderge ss containment casings. It''s an interesting idea I was thinking of trying, but it seems my double already tested this theory and it works quite well.


    I make the motion to step inside the building because there is a very familiar mana reading waiting for me there. Once the door is opened, I''m greeted immediately by my body double rippling with ck mes and wearing a mask.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    He looks at me, then holds his gaze on Ember for much longer before speaking.


    "I thought I''d be the one to show you a surprise, but it seems like we''re both been very busy. I take it this is a perk of ranking up."


    I nod, and my double turns to let us inside for a short tour.


    Inside of the building, there''s an even smaller octagon with 7 ss windows with slots to pay for goods and receive money for sold items, on the 8th wall there''s a sturdy locked door. Each of the stations is unmanned at the moment, but looks as if this ce is being set up to run arge operation.


    The rest of the room ispletely empty. Ember and my footsteps echo in the wide-open well-lit halls, but I can picture its potential. I can see a future public gathering ce filled with hunters, vigers, businessmen, tables, and bulletin boards with quests as we walk through.


    I speak up to my double once we make it to the center room.


    "The beginning of a Guild Hall, and one that will be very busy it seems. I like it."


    My double unlocks the door into the center room. It''srge and spacious enough for a team of up to 10 workers to work inside it without getting too cramped, but my attention turns to the spiral staircase leading upward.


    My double looks up too.


    "Those floors are empty for nowl, the middle floor was nned to be sectioned off for offices while the top floor is left for you as a working study."


    The double''s mes die down for a moment and he reaches into his item storage to pull out the small silver tablet that controls the undergroundir, then hands it to me.


    "I think doing this will exin things a lot faster than showing you around the ce."


    As I take the tablet from my double, it points a finger at its forehead and instantly falls to the floor and begins to dissolve into pure mana.


    A rush of memoriese back to me, and I relive the past few hours in an instant.


    From my doubles point of view earlier today, I see the awestruck looks of the 20 grunts in the middle of the square as they see my body double descend from the sky after killing their leaders and taking on the 6 dark entities of unknown power.


    Next, the memories of my double forcing each of the higher-level grunts to drink the same [Elixir of Suggestion] that they fed to these ve workers. It''s only right to give them a taste of their own medicine.


    Some of them resisted at first, but I gave them the option of death or taking another dose.


    All of them fell in line shortly after. I doesn''t matter if they praised me for taking down their leaders and opening their eyes to the charade. They may have followed orders from me regardless, but each and every one of them participated in forcing innocents to work until their hands bled and minds broke.


    So, they will face the same fate.


    Over the next few hours, I watched and ordered all of the grunts to collect and sort the valuable materials and goods and bring them to the center of town.


    Meanwhile, I managed to create a weaker version of the [Full Restore] potions using high-quality C-Grade HP potions and imbuing them with my self-regeneration skill. The result of this craft is called a [Regeneration Potion]. It heals all minor wounds instantly and nullifies any toxic substances in the bloodstream.


    Many of the workers were restless and craving more of the original elixir when I found them due to its addictive nature, but after a single [Regeneration Potion] everyst one of them broke free from the curse.


    However, this doesn''t mean they''re fully healed. Many are mentally and physically exhausted from many weeks or even months of nonstop work and torture. I have no idea the extent of madness they''ve been through, so I just make it top priority to give them all stable food and shelter, then figure out their futures once they''ve recovered.


    One by one, I brought all of the groups ranging from 10-30 workers each into the town square.


    Many of the shops and structures near the center of the square have residential housing above them or nearby.


    I used ess to the dungeons in the canyon to stack up on mattresses, pillows, nkets, necessary sanitary products, clean clothing, and higher quality food and water supplies.


    All in all, it only took about an hour to shop, and cost under a hundred gold total at the supermarkets back in Sra, Vice City, and even one back in my small hometown to get enough materials and not take too much from any one store. Considering the stash of gold and high-grade items left behind in the underground bunker, this is a small price to pay.


    I used my earth magic and crafting skills to make lighting fixtures throughout the center of the city and fixed all structural damages caused by my fights or the past dealings in the city before I came.


    Minor fixes, supplies, and item sorting, along with misceneous grunt work are done by the 20 strong C-ss rated ve drivers turned ves themselves under mymand. They are to report back to the middle of the town every 4 hours to give written reports and consume more elixir until I''m satisfied they''ve paid their price.


    Once this process started to reach its end, and many of the rescued workers found a ce to call home for the night, I began working on constructing a base in the center of the town where all cane for information, hired work, and purchasing goods.


    The guildhall''s outeryer of construction came to a stable point of my liking just as the sun began to set.


    Then, my real body and Ember arrived.


    My past memories stop here once my double kills itself in front of me.


    I let out a light gasp as I take in all this new knowledge rushing into me, then click the silver tablet to open a hatch in the floor leading down into the mana shielded bunker below.


    "It seems I''ve been very busy... but there is a lot more to do. Come on, let''s begin the preparations."

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459


    I walk down the narrow spiral stairs into the mana-shielded basement but decide not to close the hatch above me.


    With my most recent boost in mana control, I''m able to get a better reading of this A-Grade Mana Shielding. With all of my skills and mana control on full st, I''m sure I could see through it now, but it''s not worth the trouble.


    Leaving an opening allows me to use enemy detection and my all-seeing eye on a vast area around the town without having to stress my senses.


    Once I make it down to the bottom, the middle wall is up, making it feel like an empty white-walled room. I press the tablet setting to open the wall to reveal what''s on the other side.


    The center table where the green and red armored gang leaders used to sit lies empty in the center of the rectangr half of the room. On the far wall, there are dozens of High C-Grade and some B-Grade items and materials lined up, and their stats noted down on sheets of paper.


    Beside these, I see piles of gold, silver, and bronze coins are sorted inrge crates.


    Thenstly, in a pile of its own is the fractured ck armor of the Dark Guards I fought earlier today, none of them give off any mana readings, they just look like ck shattered junk metal. However, in a neat pile in front of the shredded up armor is a small bowl with 5 glowing orbs inside that show up with [Wraith''s Essence Stone][Hidden Passive Ability] reading with various Mental strength buffs between 170 and 210% on each of them.


    Next to the damaged goods and ck cores from the hearts of the wraiths, there''s a suit fully intact, and it''s the one that was worn by the 7th ranked Dark Guard. Even after death, the only readings I manage to see on this armor set say [??? ess Denied].


    Ember peruses the other items and closely inspects the mana shielding walls while I walk over to these artifacts.


    The closer I examine the armor set that''s still intact, the more curious I get. Even using my craftsmanship skill to try and examine portions of the armor, or imbue it with skills of my own, the set doesn''t give any extra readings other than [??? ess Denied].


    I try to push my perception skill further, but all it shows me once maxed out is that it''s a normal piece of metal.


    My best guess is the armor is simr to a blood-bonded weapon with a concealment perk. Once crafted and bonded with a user, it''s worthless to everyone else that tries to manipte it or put it on.


    However, I''m still optimistic that I can get some kind of data from it at ater date. So, I open up my item storage portal and let the entire armor set fall inside. For the sake of it, I let the trashed sets of the lower level wraiths fall into my storage too but leave their cores for further use.


    I use telekinesis to lift the 5 dark orbs into the air above my hand, and activate my craftsmanship skill to get a better look at my options.


    Thest Wraith Essence I merged with my cloak significantly raised its stats and added a hidden ability to it, so I see no better ce to put the remainder of these cores as well. As I ponder this fact, the 5 cores that slowly spin around each other push me toward a new option on my craftsmanship window called [Merge].


    Usually, items have maxed out in receiving new merging ingredients and imbued skills at around 3 to 4 power-up imbuements per craft. Some with higher material ratings can take more, and some with lower ratings take less.


    I already gave my cloak a few upgrades, and I''m not sure how many more it can take before it hits its max. However, with this [Merge] setting and the fact that they''re all the same or simr base item gives me the idea that I may be able to bypass this limit.


    I press [Merge] and the 5 orbs of energy fall toward each other in a sh of white light. The result floats in my hand and looks like a massive dark orb of mana but gives off an impressive reading that makes me grin.


    [Greater Wraith''s Essence Stone][+260% Mental Strength][Hidden Passive Ability]


    "Might as well blood bond it while I''m at it." I whisper under my breath while opening up a gash in my wrist and pouring out blood into an empty ss bottle from one of the nearby piles of C-Grade items.


    Then, I merge the new Essence stone along with 8oz of my blood with my cloak to give it another massive upgrade.


    ---


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+179% Mental Strength][+155% Agility][+75% Perception][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute]


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    >


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+270% Mental Strength][+198% Agility][+130% Perception][Blood Bonded][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute]


    ---


    While instantly regenerating and healing the lost blood, I scroll through my newly upgraded status and see that in ranking up, I''ve gained ess to 3 more item slots.


    I join Ember in appraising and sifting through the newly looted gear, but nothing strikes my fancy just yet.


    Whates to mind is the Colossal clear stone in my inventory and the potential loot that may fall from the lightning wolf in my storage once I let it fully dissolve. These are two legitimate A-Grade items that will make for worthy new gear to fill these slots. I just need to find sturdy enough A-Grade materials that can handle the imbuement.


    I''m sure I''ll discover some soon.


    With the interesting loot out of the way, and Ember beginning to lose interest in the bunker, I create a body double and turn to the crimson-haired form of the fire dragon.


    "Getting bored already?"


    He smiles and nods in response.


    "Yes, meeting your friend Arie was quite entertaining. However right now, I feel my time is better spent sleeping, training, or fighting. I know you enjoy ying with these trinkets but it doesn''t give me the same rush."


    My double walks over to him, and I open my storage to transfer over my remaining ck fire stones as well as the istion pod I''ve been charging up all this time. Then, I speak up.


    "Well, how about you and this double go check on my other double farming in thebyrinth. Take the fire stones it farms and search out another rogue dungeon in the desert to store more energy into this pod and copse the dungeon when you''re done."


    Ember''s grin and interest return, so I continue and motion for them to exit together and have their fun.


    "I need a few more hours to work on a special crafting and construction project here, so get your fill of mana and dungeon destruction all you want. Even test your new skills out on the 39th floor if you please. Just be sure toe back in less than 4 or 5 hours. That''s when the arena event should be finishing up in Valor City. If my double and teammates aren''t back by then, we''re going to have to go and get them ourselves."


    The two of them agree to my point and walk toward the exit. Ember conceals his mana presence entirely, and my double uses stealth to cover its overwhelming mana control aura.


    Then a momentter, I''m left in the empty silence of the underground bunker.


    My vision turns to the piles of gold , silver, and bronze coins. I get to work and begin counting them with my all-seeing eye and mana maniption. By letting raw mana seep into each of the crates and imbuing each coin with a small amount of energy, I can feel each individual one and get an instant tally.


    I find 318 gold coins, 2,905 silver coins, and 13,449 bronze coins.


    All in all, it''s a hidden fortune, but after my haul of over 65 tinum bars from the arena back in Valor City, I''ve be quite desensitized to these riches. All of the crates of coins here don''t even amount to a fraction of what I managed to earn in just a few days of fighting.


    However, it''s more than enough to begin my n.


    I pull out a massive pile of mana crystals from my farming earlier today to use as fuel for these crafts and one by one use small amounts of fire magic, earth magic, and mana maniption to reshape the front and back marking on many of these coins.


    On one side, I craft the simple emblem of fire, and on the other side, the silhouette of a dragon.


    After each molten craft isplete, I imbue each coin with my body hardening skill, making the coins as unbreakable as my legendary grade body hardening backed by the mana control of a level 1000 hunter. They look exactly the same, gold, silver, or bronze, but cannot be broken, damaged, or manipted unless whoever is doing so has higher mana control than my own.


    To make sure no replicas can be made, I add a special item name to each one: [Bronze me Emperor''s Coin], [Silver me Emperor''s Coin], and [Gold me Emperor''s Coin].


    In the hidden crafter''s notes of each coin, I leave a simple two-letter signature: "FE".


    Unless a hunter with the mythic grade craftsmanship skill goes in and edits my notes, I''ll be the only one able to see this.


    So, if by chance someone manages to create a simr coin with a simr name, it still has a hidden level of security beneath it.


    The process of imbuing and marking each coin goes by faster than I''d first nned. With careful precision and uracy of my perception and movement speed skills, I''m capable of doing many coins at a time, and many crafts per second.


    It takes just over 3 hours to finish up making 300 gold coins, 2,500 silver coins, and 10,000 bronze coins. There are 3,872 misceneous leftover coins remaining, but I ce them aside in an unused pile. I want a clean number to start with to make sure I can keep track of things easier in the future.


    Once this task isplete, I sit back on one of the chairs at the table looking at my work with a satisfied sigh, carefully cing piles of the shimmering newly branded coins all into my item storage for safekeeping, along with the old misceneous coins too.


    My gaze hovers over all the C and B-grade gear for a few moments, then, I sense the presence of 20 grunts approaching the guildhall.


    "Looks like it''s time for their re-up."


    I grab a small crate of Mind Control Elixir and activate my concealment disguise to cover my body in ck mes in the shape of a suit, then walk up the spiral stairs to meet with my new unpaid workers.


    As I close the hatch to the bunker and walk out the front door to see all 20 men mindlessly stare forward at me in a single file line, yet another odd feelinges over me.


    The sensation of being watched hits my subconscious.


    Immediately I use my enemy detection skill along with arge burst of my all-seeing eye throughout the entire town to pinpoint where it''sing from.


    In my mind''s eye, I get the picture of bright light blue glowing eyes staring at me from over half a kilometer away from the rooftop of one of the safehouses crafted to house the recovering innocent workers.


    I see the face of the young woman that was being controlled by Finn, the grunt with the [Bind] ability.


    Her level and skill pop up from my appraisal skill showing [Lv. 267] and [Moonlight''s Gaze], confirming she''s definitely the same woman as before when I first showed up in this town.


    Then, just as I finish my scan and turn to the direction she''s watching me from, her eyes stop glowing blue and she ducks down behind a pile of building materials on the rooftop.

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460


    I expand my all-seeing eye''s visual range and watch the woman with the unique skill slip away back into one of the houses, quickly moving away from my gaze.


    The thought of flying over there and confronting her about her skill and why she was watching me crosses my mind, but it would make sense why she would be curious and want to see what the mysterious man in the ming suit that took over their captor''s operation is doing.


    That''s what perception skills are for; she might as well use it if she can. It''s not like I''m doing anything I don''t want her or any of the others to see. So, I''ll leave her be.


    I do a quick scan of all the rescued workers in the surrounding safe houses and find that half are asleep, many are restless, and others are huddled together and talking to each other in small groups.


    Most of them have average basic skills like swordsmanship, dagger arts, and various speed or strength buffs, but a few have interesting unique skills, and even 3% or so have some kind of elemental ability.


    Everyone is very low level and won''t be useful to me in the immediate future, but I''m looking forward to talking to each and every one of them once the sun rises tomorrow.


    Letting out a sigh, I deactivate my scanning senses and turn my attention back to the grunts.


    "Now for you 20, I have somebor for you to do. Drink up, then follow me. We''re building a road."


    I use telekinesis to give each of them very small vials of a highly potent bottle of elixir to drink, and they gulp them down without batting an eye and follow just as I ask. As we walk, I ask a few of them to search the looted warehouses we pass on the way to get 20 empty wooden carts because they''ll be carrying a few things for me.


    Once we get to the edge of town where the stone road stops, we face in the direction of the canyon.


    There''s a long and winding narrow pathway, only visible to my advanced eyesight in the dark of night. Even in daylight, it''s not much of a path, so if I want this to be better for high volume travel, I need to make it myself.


    I begin replicating the technique my body double used earlier to make the dimly glowing orbs of light that are fixed on every corner of the inner city.


    It''s abination of many kinds of magic. I use earth magic to lift small balls of sand up into the air, fire magic to turn them all into molten material, then abination of wind and water magic to blow the molten sand into ss and cool it into a sphere shape that stays solid.


    Once this process isplete, I take a single high-grade mana crystal and ce it inside. Then, imbue both the materials with my [sh] skill to make the mana crystal glow dimly.


    With the small output of lightpared to my actual sh skill, the mana usage isn''t immense, but the makeshift mana bulbs will run out of energy eventually. All I have to do to recharge them is feed the item another mana crystal, or imbue some of my own mana inside.


    It''s a design in progress. I maye up with better lighting ideas in the future, but these are perfect for now.


    Once I make about 100 glowing orbs of light and set them neatly in the sand nearby, I turn to the 20 men behind me and give them another order.


    "Follow behind me as I make this road."


    I pause, using my earth summoning skill again, and cing hundreds of kilograms worth of stone in the back of every one of the grunts'' wooden carts.


    "As I make the road, I need all of you to stress test it for me. There is going to be a lot of traffic on this path. I want to make sure it''s ready."


    With a smirk, I float up into the air, carrying all 100 orbs of light around me using telekinesis.


    I activate my earth summoning skill again and begin creating a 5 meter wide stone pathway through the desert.


    Every 20 meters or so, I sculpt a stone pir and ce a glowing orb on top of it, using liquid stone to glue the bottom of each orb in ce. The pirs are crafted on alternating sides and stand about 4 meters high.


    Behind me, I hear the heavy carts of the grunts creaking as they follow behind me all the way to the canyon''s edge.


    I look down into the darkness and another idea sparks up in my mind.


    The same ss blowing process is used to craft many more orbs of light while the grunts continue to make their way toward me.


    Once over 100 more orbs are created, the grunts finally make it to me and I give them another order.


    "Turn around and walk the road again. Once you get to the town, turn around ande back. I want you to walk back and forth on this roadway until I tell you to stop."


    The moment they hear me, the group of mindless grunts turns around and begins their trek back with carts full of heavy stone.


    I lift the many orbs up in the air and begin building more winding pathways down into the canyon full of dungeons.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Each one of the dungeons has a stone tablet crafted beside it by my double showing the loot drops, approximate level, and monster type beside every dungeon.


    I build pathways that end right before the entrance portal of each one, and light the way with more and more of the white orbs, illuminating the canyon.


    I''m sure these paths will be a little less traveled, but I still want to make them sturdy.


    They are roughly 2 meters wide, and orbs are ced on shorter stone pirs every 40 meters or so. The natural blue glow of the portals lights up the regions close to the dungeons themselves, so I don''t need to use quite as many lights as I first thought.


    The only 7 dungeons I decide not to connect the pathway to are the 6 breaks for safety reasons, and the single B-Grade dungeon that is very deep down in the canyon because I want to keep that one for myself away from prying eyes.


    Once finished connecting every single one, I contemte telling the grunts to stop their mindless stress test so I can assess the damage, but decide against it because I have one more thing I''d like to check on.


    I slip inside one of the closest blue portals nearby, then dungeon walk back into the Vice City Labyrinth''s 40th floor.


    Coming in on full alert with all my buffs activated, sword drawn, and Qi flowing through it, I''m ready for anything. However, my worst-case scenario theories don''te true.


    I''m left in an empty dirt pit.


    All of the burn marks and holes sted in the ground from my battle against the lightning wolf havepletely disappeared and have automatically regenerated. However, the room feels unusually stagnant and cold, as if time has stopped and it''s waiting for a trigger to be pulled.


    The odd sensation of transport magic lingers in the air, like it''s about to activate, but something is stopping it from urring.


    I scan the boss room and slowly walk around in circles trying to see if there''s anything new I can find, then let out a sigh and open my item storage.


    "It''s about time I got this loot. I knew something was up with this floor... I''d like to find out what''s going on here."


    I let the deceased wolf''s body fall onto the dirt floor, and less than half a minuteter, its mana begins to disperse into the boss room and dissolve.


    Four objects are left behind in the creature''s ce: arge pink mana crystal about the size of my head is one of them, and a half-transparent yellow stone withrge arcs of electricitying off of it drops next to it of simr size.


    I open up a storage portal on the ground beneath the items and get a reading on the small ck stone andrge white tooth that fall inside next to the crystals.


    [40th-Floor Boss Identification Core 0248]


    [Wolf Guardian''s Fang][+265% Mental Strength][+258% Speed][Lightning Attribute]


    As soon as they fall inside, the lingering feeling of transport magic in the air resumes, and I feel my body be enveloped in white light.


    Once the sh subsides, my vision goes ck.


    My non-visual perception skills pick up a deep winding cave system with narrow tunnels, dripping water, and evenrge caverns, but I don''t sense a single living being.


    My objective here isn''t to stick around long; I just wanted to get the 40th-floor trialpleted and get ess to teleport to the 41st floor whenever I wish.


    The instant I begin to activate my dungeon walker skill to leave, I feel something strong and sharp piercing through everyyer of my mana shielding, Qi barrier, and armored defenses to sink deep into my stomach with no warning at all.


    Even as the weapones out the other side of my body, I can''t sense or see at all where it''se from.


    It doesn''t matter; I dungeon walk back to the 40th floor less than a tenth of a secondter.


    I cough up blood while regenerating my wound and armor, trying to figure out what that was and where it came from. My appraisal and enemy detection skills were active, yet I didn''t see the attacking nor did I even get a glimpse of who sent it.


    I stand to my feet once fully healed, then look to the sky of the empty dirt pit. A huge countdown timer can be seen floating in the sky.


    [29:23:59:41]


    "A 30-day cooldown timer, huh? Well, at least I have ess to the higher floors..."


    I dungeon walk back to the 39th, then 38th, then all the way through eachyer between here and the 30th until I find my double farming away at mana crystals while it waits for the minotaurs to respawn.


    It transfers its inventory into my storage, and I kill it on the spot, creating another copy to go check out the 41st floor for me and see what it can find.


    Less than a secondter, the memory of it teleporting into the darkness and being stabbed multiple times in the stomach then decapitatedes rushing back to me.


    I send another double, and the same thing happens.


    I perform well over a dozen more tests, and no matter where I send the double into that boss room, I can never sense the enemy, and can never survive longer than a second to survey thendscape.


    "Seems like I''m just not strong enough for whatever is up there... the 41st floor will have to wait for another day..."


    Another copy is formed, and it goes back to farming mana crystals and waiting for the minotaurs to continue feeding my other double and Ember stones for the istion pod.


    Meanwhile, I dungeon walk back to the dungeon nearest to the canyon''s exit and make my way back to the stone road to meet up with the grunts that continue their stress test on my stonework.


    I slowly hover above the grunts and watch them work for another hour.


    The eeriness of the 41st floor leaves the front of my mind as I be very satisfied with my new project''s results.


    Mid-way through my process of assessing the grunts, I get the feeling of being watched by the same woman in the town, even from nearly 2 kilometers away. It''s a far weaker feeling, but I''m impressed that at below level 300 she''s able to sense me out this far.


    I don''t mind that she''s watching and let the tests continue.


    No cracks have formed in the roads, and the carts are able to be pulled very smoothly. The lighting fixtures are far enough to the sides of the roads that they don''t impede travel, and they are bright enough that even in the dead of night the entire pathway is lit uppletely.


    Eventually, Ariees walking over from the Abyss covered in sweat and grinning ear to ear.


    He waves me down and shouts out.


    "I did it. I mastered the Demonic Energy crescent. Just like the one you showed me this morning."


    I can tell he''s very happy with his new power, but also he looks exhausted. I let down my ming disguise to look more natural to show him my unconcealed face and reply.


    "That''s good, I''m d you achieved it without any major setbacks. I''ll be waiting here conducting some tests throughout the night and staying on watch duty. Feel free to take a rest and look around the town until my double gets back with-"


    Once these words leave my mouth, I sense 6 figures appear out of thin air deep below the canyon.


    One of them is my double, and two of them show up as clear as day on my Rising Emperor''s Domain perk.


    I point downward into the dimly lit canyon as they all begin to make their way up.


    "Never mind. Perfect timing... It seems our long awaited guests have finally arrived."


    Abby, Maria, Fisher, Lydia, and Monk all walk up the stone pathway with confusing expressions on their faces.


    The emotions that pour off them are mixtures of fear, excitement, confusion, and anger.


    The first words I hear any of them saye from Maria''s lips.


    "We barely got away... Jay, we need to prepare for battle. The Dark One knows we''re here, and its Guards areing to dere war."

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461


    [Many Hours Earlier in the Day (Around Noon): Body Double POV]


    I leave my main body at the edge of the canyon and use the transport crystal to teleport back into the lobby of the Galeheart Tower.


    I put up my mana shielding, but unfortunately don''t have Qi to block my overwhelming mana control presence in this form. Only the ability to block my intimidation aura. That will have to do for now,I won''t be able to go outside the tower into Valor City without being noticed in this form.


    So, I call out to the lobby men while walking toward the front desk.


    "Lith, I need to talk with Lith."


    *Ding*


    The elevator door opens, and the man in question walks out, replying to me promptly.


    "Back so soon? I assumed you''d make it to Sector 2 quickly, but this kind of speed was not expected. That answers the question of where Arie went earlier too. Seems you''ve been busy. I guess Fisher and Lydia won''t be getting their full day off."


    He chuckles, but I reply in an urgent tone.


    "Yes, I made it out to Sector 2, but the Dark One managed to send a few of its higher level guards out there too... I think they were looking for me ever since I ditched the arena eventst night."


    Lith''s eyes widen.


    "You managed toe face to face with multiple Dark Guards and made it out alive?"


    I nod.


    "Yeah. Six of them showed up in the sky and attacked on sight. I managed to kill them all. Even the strongest one that was over level 1000."


    I recount the events of my dealings in the town, excluding the mention of any unique riches found in the warehouses and of course the help of Ember in my battle, but make sure to keep Lith fully informed of what went down so he knows the severity of this situation.


    I point to the ceiling for my next ask.


    "Pull up the surveince system. I need to find my teammates. That 7th Rank Dark Guard threatened them before I killed him, so I''d like to make sure they''re safe before the Dark One finds out what I''ve done. There probably isn''t much time left."


    Without question, Lith brings up the live surveince of Valor City, and we begin scrolling through it together; watching ordinary people go about their day-to-day lives in the Silver, Gold, and tinum districts.


    After scouring the streets, zooming in and out of every corner inside shops and behind buildings, there''s no sign of Abby or Maria in sight.


    "They must be training with Monk..."


    I let out a sigh and shift my focus back to the Silver and Gold districts.


    "If they''re in the monastery, we won''t be able to sense them until theye out. Considering the arena event doesn''t start for another 6 hours or so, this is going to be a long wait..."


    I zoom in on a very fancy upscale lounge in the Gold district. There arergefortable looking recliners, an active spa treatment in session for clients inside, and many courses of delicious food being served on golden tters.


    Beautiful young women in maid outfits are serving the men while handsome men in butler uniforms serve the women.


    Right in the middle of this disy, I see my other two teammates, Lydia and Fisher sitting back with hot towels over their faces, enjoying the day.


    I almost can''t believe what I''m seeing...


    Then again, they did want the day off to rest and explore the city.


    I let out a sigh and turn away from the moving image projection, scratching my head and thinking to myself.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Let them rest for now, this is fine. Those two have never been in an arena event, so I doubt the Dark One has its sights set on them."


    Lith speaks up.


    "I could send one of my workers into the city to wait outside their shop to tell them toe back to the Tower once they''ve finished their fun."


    I nod.


    "Sure, that would be perfect."


    My gaze shifts back to the tinum district, and I zoom in on the monastery. Its entrance looks like a dark ck void, as no mana can be picked up on this surveince system. I speak up again.


    "Could I get a sheet of paper and a pen? I''d like to send a message to Abby and Maria, but I doubt it''s going to be as simple as walking up to the monastery and handing them a letter."


    I think to myself for a moment in silence as Lith motions for the lobby men to fetch me paper, then I continue speaking.


    "If we notify them right now, the entire Dark Guard could swarm the tinum district in an instant. It would be rather odd for an unknown person to approach the monastery without Monk''s permission. Even if the Dark One knows they''re here, it doesn''t bother attacking because it doesn''t fear them. If too many odd events begin urring at once, it will surely be much more suspicious."


    Lith responds.


    "So, we wait until they naturallye out on their own."


    "That would be the safest bet."


    I take the papers from the lobby men and begin to fill in the events of thest few hours along with what I believe is the best course of action for them.


    In simplified terms, the core message reads "Run! We''ve gotpany, get back to the Galeheart Tower Now! -Jay".


    However, once I hand the paper off to one of Lith''s workers that looks just like a very generic businessman in a presentable manner to infiltrate the city unnoticed. The other guard called forward to retrieve Fisher and Lydia looks like a weekend shopper with less professional attire.


    It''s impressive how quickly he manages to get his team together for specific jobs. All I can do now is sit back and wait.


    Lith turns to the elevator and motions for me to follow.


    "Come on, this is going to take a few hours, we might as well getfortable."


    I walk into the elevator with him, and we''re brought back up to his office.


    The surveince systemes online in his penthouse suite as well, and I sit back on afortable chair with my arms crossed, staring up at the city watching people go about their daily lives.


    In the back of my mind, a timer ticks away.


    While my real body trains Arie and begins to climb the Labyrinth on its way to reach level 1000, hours go by here in the city.


    Fisher and Lydia finish up their time at the spa and go on a short shopping spree to buy some new interesting magic items and essories, then are briefly filled in on the situation by the undercover shopper brought in by Lith.


    They casually take their time leaving the city not to draw any extra attention and use their transport crystals toe back to the tower once they''re far away from the city and out of sight.


    Once they get back to the tower, both of theme up the elevator and begin to question me more about this cryptic warning, but after an exnation, they begin to see the seriousness of all of this and cease theirints. They watch the surveince of the monastery with us up in the penthouse office.


    We all patiently wait for our other teammates toe out and for the businessman standing in the lobby of a partnered tradingpany''s tower nearby with a message in hand to give it to them.


    It''s rather natural that many businessmen would be waiting for meetings or finishing work in these buildings. Standing around fiddling with paperwork isn''t very umon.


    Another hour or so passes before three figures emerge from the dark hallway. As soon as they do, the businessman sees them from across the street and walks out the door, making his way down the road to coincidentally cross paths with the trio.


    He pretends to identally not be looking where he''s going, and stumbles into their path. With a worried look stered on his face, he apologizes for making them stop in their path by bowing and reaching out a hand to Monk.


    As he shakes and epts his apology, it''s clear there''s more to this interaction.


    Once his eyes meet the paper, he squeezes his hand closed tight and speaks up to Abby and Maria.


    "I forgot one thing, please, let us head back to the training rooms momentarily."


    With confused expressions, they agree, and my heart rate stops beating at such a rapid pace once I see them step back inside the ck monastery door.


    Twenty minutester, they alle out again, walking to the tinum gate entrance at a fast and steady pace, not saying a word.


    They make it through and move to the Gold district.


    However, out of the corner of my eye, I see arge ck suit of armore out from one of the private towers in the tinum district.


    It shes its wristbands and makes its way into the Gold district. The tinum guards bow down to the Royal Guard that is making a rare appearance in the main city.


    As the trio walks to the next gate, making their way into the Silver district, the Royal Guard isn''t far behind. It is quickly and calmly closing the gap between them until they make it to the final gate that leads to outside.


    As they do, the Royal Guard motions for the Silver guards to halt their activities, and Monk, Abby, and Maria have to directly confront the mysterious ck armored guard.


    The words that echo through the surveince system from the Royal Guard are quite surprising.


    "You three mustpete in the arena event tonight. Without the me Emperor present, our newest guests still wish to see a show. We can''t have our top performers leaving the city so soon..."


    Lith rotates the angle of the live video, and arge number "5" is printed on the ck armored guard''s chestte, glowing bright orange through its heavy armor.

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462


    I can''t sense the guard from here inside the tower, but that number "5" on its armor looks eerily familiar to the "7" I saw on the Dark Guard that I fought in the desert.


    Considering the strength difference it showedpared to the lower-leveled guards, I can only assume this one is far stronger than that Double Ranked Up Colossal. If it really wanted my teammates dead, there''s no question it''d already be done. This means it has something else nned. There must be a reason it wants them to enter the arena.


    I watch as reflexively, all 3 of them reach for their item boxes on their waists, but the Dark Guard speaks up again while therge number 5 glows brighter on its chest.


    "Not so fast..."


    A pulse of red-orange energyes out of the Guard, and two long Soul Energy Manifested swords form in its hands.


    Faster than the eye can see, the guard strips each of them of their storage pouches and holds one sword to Monk''s neck, and the other in front of both Abby and Maria.


    "Like I said before, you won''t be leaving the City just yet. The Dark One is expecting a show and wishes for repayment for breaking his toys."


    The Dark Guard lets its energy des disappear back into its body and dangles the three item storage pouches in the air while walking right down the middle of the street away from the exit gate and toward the arena.


    "Come on, fight in the arena tonight, then you''re free to do as you wish."


    All three of them are frozen in ce, most likely feeling a simr sensation to the one time I was face to face with the 7th ranked Dark Guard in the arena before I was powerful enough to take it on.


    Although I can''t sense the energy levels of this interaction, I can see clear as day on the surveince system that the power gap here is immense.


    As blue and green energies begin to swirl around the two women, and I see red lights sparking up in both of their eyes, Monk''s voice can be heard, stopping mayhem from breaking loose.


    "We''ll do it, we''ll fight. But please, leave our storage pouches close by in the training hall, I have important family goods in there. It''s important they''re not damaged or lost. I don''t care for the money or high grade items, but you understand sentimental value, right?"


    The Dark Guard doesn''t stop walking toward the arena but replies.


    "Fine, as long as each of you agrees to actually fight to the 7th stage, we''ll keep your belongings close by. Heavily guarded, but close. If even one of you thinks about running away or quitting the fight, you''re all dead."


    "Deal."


    The three of them follow the Dark Guard into the arena to register, and all I can do is watch and wait.


    A million theories turn through my mind, and tons of options including getting my main body and ember toe to help with this situatione up, but nothing seems like a viable option.


    This entire city is under lock and key, with a minimum of half a dozen more double-ranked up Dark Guards lurking in the shadows, not to mention their boss watching every move.


    As bad as it may seem, waiting and letting them figure out how to get out of this situation themselves is the best course of action. From my letter, and the time spent inside the monastery after Monk read it, I''m sure they are aware of how powerful the monsters they''re dealing with are.


    Considering this, both Maria and Abby are very skilled fighters and strategists themselves. Monk has been living within these walls for many years too. Odds are, they''re alreadying up with a n to get those item boxes back themselves.


    I let out a sigh and sit back on myfortable seat in Lith''s office, but continue to keep my eyes glued on the surveince screen, not missing a beat while the starting announcements for tonight''s fight events echo through the room.


    Lydia and Fisher nervously watch, and Lith sits at his desk with his hands sped, thinking deeply to himself and staring at the projections not showing any external emotions simr to my own stare.


    The surveince system is split into two halves on the ceiling now.


    Half shows the upper area where the fights are taking ce, and the other shows the underground training room where all of the contestants wait their turn to fight.


    There''s a packed house tonight, and many new faces of strong newbie fighters along with familiar legacy fighters are down below.


    However, the air is very tense tonight because the Dark Guard stands by the exit stairs that lead to the surface.


    A pile of everyone''s external loot is heavily guarded by three of its underling royal guards, but I can tell just by their stances these 3 are nowhere near the Dark Guard''s level. Still, however, they hold a bit of prestige in this city so no one dares defy them or challenge their wishes.


    The first few rounds of the Arena go on as normal.


    The stone maiden starts off with a shy first round, many newbies give it their best shot to be legacy fighters, and both the Shield and Ace give great showings.


    After a few more newbie rounds, Monk takes his appearance in the ring and punches his way through all 7 stages without a single missed blow. He''s brought back to the training room and Abby takes the stage next.


    Spears are thrown, Qi is channeled, and 7 rounds of monsters are defeated even quicker than Monk''s.


    The audience roars with joy, cing bets, getting drunk, and enjoying the showte into the night.


    I wait to see Dark Guards storm the ring and force them to move onto the 8th stage, but it never happens...


    I can tell everyone is getting rather nervous downstairs. Abby heals everyone up after their matches and strategically begins moving closer to the three Royal guards near the side of the room guarding the misceneous gear.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    Another newbie takes the stage after her battle, then the Ice Empress is called to fight.


    Maria takes the stage and freezes every opponent she faces into sculptures of ice, then slices the 7th stage ghoul in two to end the performance of the night in a dazzling attack. The announcer continues hyping up the crowd and showing reys of the fight as Maria is transported back into the underground training room.


    She sees that both Abby and Monk have migrated closer to the piles of gear. As she walks over in the silent room, this is when the tension in the air finally snaps.


    The Dark Guard that stands in front of the exit speaks again, reaching into an invisible storage portal in his chest and pulling out arge orange glowing crystal.


    "First of all, I thank you all for the wonderful show tonight."


    He takes a step closer and the orange crystal glows brighter.


    In the background, the cheers of the crowd and the announcer''s voice showing highlights of the battles almost drown out the buzzing sound that gets louder from the gem.


    The Dark Guard lets go of the crystal and takes a step back.


    It floats in the air for a moment, then drifts slowly toward the floor.


    "Thank you for your service entertaining themunity. The Dark One has invited each and every one of you to join its ranks. A new strong loyal group of subordinates is just what we need to get rid of a certain pest that cut our ranks in half."


    No one says a word in the room; they all just watch the gem drift closer to the floor in awe.


    "You all will now serve as Royal Guards and have a special power bestowed upon you by the Dark One himself. A sword that can cut through any barrier of mana, a shield that can block any mana-based attack, and a body that can oust any mere mortal in this dreaded world. You will be far stronger than you ever knew was possible."


    The tip of the crystal touches the white floor of the training room, and it looks as if a pebble has fallen into a pond.


    The floor ripples and the crystal disappears, sending out slow-moving orange shockwaves of light.


    "Join our forces, and rule the world. The Dark One shall Reign Supreme!"


    The young man who was one of the newest newbie fighters closest to the impact point on the ground is hit by the slow-moving wave of light, and a gruesome scene follows.


    His armor and clothes are all burned away as orange light starts to creep over his entire body. He begins to scream out in agony, and all that remains of his figure are bones and a beating orange heart left behind.


    In a matter of seconds, the light hits 3 other fighters and the same thing urs, ridding them of flesh in violent yells, but imbuing their hearts with dense soul energy that keeps their skeletal structures upright.


    Upon seeing this, Abby wastes no time and lunges toward the weaker Royal Guards with her eyes locked on the item boxes that were stolen from them earlier. Bursts of red hydra''s Soul Energye leaking off of her as Abby uses her earth magic to impale the guards and dive into the pile of gear.


    Simultaneously, enormous red structures of ice begin to erupt from the floor as Maria activates her ranked-up ice buff aided by the Red Hydra''s Soul Energy, piercing right through the shielding in the ceiling and shaking the room while creating a maze of mirrors and walls of sheilds tinted crimson.


    Monk channels all of his Qi into his palm and thrusts it upward at the ceiling as well, sending a shockwave of Qi through the entire area floor and making visible movement in the dirt flooring above.


    However, the shielding doesn''t budge, and the ceiling stays intact without a single crack. There seems to be manyyers of the A-Grade Shielding between the training room and the arena itself.


    The room beneath the arena goes into pure chaos as no amount of magic can stop the slow-moving orange light. It even ripples through Maria''s walls of ice with ease, melting and shattering them to pieces without slowing its flow at all.


    The legacy fighters all use their elemental and speed-based powers to attempt pushing the rippling light back, but it''s no use. As much as they try, even they fall subject to its curse. It''s painful to watch fighters I fought alongside and had drinks with scream out in agony.


    However, unlike the weaker newbie fighters, the 3 legacy fighter''s bodies stay intact and aren''t burned away. They''re enveloped in a bright yellow-orange glow and fall to the floor unconscious as runes with illegible letterings spin above their hearts.


    The echoing voice of the Dark Guard sounds out through the room.


    "It''s no use trying to run or fight back. This is the Curse of The Lich King. If our God wishes to bring you to our ranks, there is nothing you can do to stop it. Your friend, The me Emperor, killed one of the Upper 7 Dark Guards in Sector 2. This crime will not go unnoticed. We will find you all and wage war."


    An excited yelles from the side of the room in Abby''s voice.


    "I found them!"


    She holds three item boxes in one hand while grasping 3 white shimmering crystals in the other.


    Maria and Monk''s heads turn toward her, and she throws two crystals through the air using all her strength and buffs to them.


    The Dark Guard notices its error and pulls out its energy des to stop what''s urring by any means necessary.


    The crystals are being thrown less than 5 meters, while the dark guard stands back at the exit more than 20 meters away.


    Maria is closest to the approaching gems and lets out another burst of overwhelming power, letting her walls of ice glow bright red, be far more dense with mana and soul energy, and push into the ceiling even harder.


    She uses massive red ice crystals from her back to push her toward the teleport crystals faster.


    Monk moves all of his Qi into his heels, pushing forward at the gem nearest to him, letting the world around him fade away and only see the glimmering gem that will bring him to safety.


    In the same moment, the Dark Guard lunges forward, releasing two dark red-orange energy crescents flying out from the swords. One is aimed at Abby and the other is heading straight for Maria and Monk. It''s clear this guard is shooting to kill. It''d rather have them dead than get away.


    Abby is closer to the Dark Guard and crushes the transport crystal in her hand the instant she senses life-threatening danger. She''s done her part and knows there isn''t anything left for her to possibly do but get out of there and survive.


    Maria senses danger approaching too, as she''s in between the des and Monk, but knows there''s no time to dodge.


    Its energy de is slicing through her walls of ice like butter and rocketing their way.


    Her entire body glows with the Red Hydra''s buff, and it''s being pushed to a limit I didn''t know was possible. It looks simrly to when I was using it to fight that Wraith for the first time, but far more concentrated and deadly.


    The depths of Maria''s energy control are even more impressive that I believed was possible.


    Violent dark red tendrils of Soul Energy erupt from her body, increasing her speed and reflexes while also making stronger walls of ice. She digs deep into her energy control capabilities and channels everyst drop of the Red Hydra''s Soul Energy to make one final wall of ice that erupts from the floor and makes itself steady by piercing through the ceiling.


    I can see the red energy leave her bodypletely. The blood-red wall is formed, and no more Qi or Soul Energy remains in her aura as she continues to fly through the air toward the transport crystal.


    The metallic ng of energies colliding vibrates through the room as Monk grasps his gem behind Maria and crushes it in his hand, teleporting away to safety.


    The Soul Energy crescent sent from the Dark Guard collides with the final blood-red wall of ice and is stopped in ce for a fraction of a second.


    Its outeryer is ripped away, lessening its attack power just slightly and altering its course.


    Maria grabs the teleportation crystal in the air while the Soul energy crescent breaks through her final defensive wall. Due to the small alteration in course, the de misses her heart by centimeters as she''s sliced across the chest and opposite shoulder. Even so, she still manages to break the crystal in her hand and disappears in a sh of white light.


    The room is filled with the echoing angered yell of the 5th Ranked Dark Guard.


    A massive Blood Red Ice crystal sticks up through the arena floor,pletely destroying the training room below, and disabling the shielding of the fight ring on the surface.


    Screams of innocent bystanders in the crowd begin to spread, and the announcer of the event tries to calm everyone down. On this cue, I immediately shut off the surveince system and run to the elevator.


    The multiple seconds of waiting as the cart brings me to the lobby floor feels like an eternity.


    The white floor is stained with blood, and my heart races faster as the elevator door opens.


    Green shes of light from Abby''s Restoration magic fill the room. However, my attention is solely captivated by the warm blue eyes and radiant white smile that greets me from across the lobby, reassuring me that everything worked out.

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463


    [Main Body POV ~ Midnight]


    My teammates approach me from the canyon, and my double points a finger to its forehead to kill itself. The memories of the arenae rushing into my consciousness.


    Imagery of the 5th ranked Dark Guard trying to possess my teammates, and Maria''s overwhelming disy of energy control to give Abby and Monk a chance to get away alive repeat in my mind.


    The fact that the 5th ranked Dark Guard already knows I defeated the 7th ranked Dark Guard, and said the Dark One is waging an attack to get revenge makes me wonder where all of the other guards are.


    Especially the 6th, and the question of the actual power gap between guards also concerns me.


    Even using everyst drop of the Red Hydra''s buff in a single attack, Maria managed to only shift the trajectory of that monster''s basic sh. It was impressive, but considering it took all of her power and she''s most likely the strongest out of all of them, it''s actually more concerning.


    If they didn''t have a getaway n and were in an actual fair fight, none of them would havested a second.


    I look at Maria, Abby, Monk, Fisher, and Lydia as they float up onto t ground. They stand on the newly built stone road, lit up in the night and I do full scans of each of them, essing disys of their powers and abilities quickly,ing to a single conclusion.


    Maria speaks it aloud before I can say it myself.


    "Jay, we need to get stronger. Those Dark Guards are on a level far above anything I''ve seen before. In our current shape, we stand no chance."


    In the same moment, I see all 5 of their gazes shift to the sky behind me and get in a battle-ready position. However, I speak up and put my hands up in the air.


    "Hey, hey don''t worry. You''re safe here for now. That''s an ally."


    Ember and my doublee floating down from deep within the desert. They must have juste from copsing another dungeon. It''s been almost 5 hours since I sent them off to continue collecting energy for the Istion Pod.


    My double''s mana control is off the charts which is probably want sent my teammates into attack mode, I can sense it like a beacon in the sky. However, Ember is basically invisible to all of their senses.


    As they touch down, I continue to speak.


    "There''s no need to fill me in on the details, my double already caught me up to speed."


    I look toward the crimson-haired human form of my dragon partner, then turn back to my teammates.


    "I''d like you all to meet the newest member of our party. Everyone, meet Ember!"


    He walks toward the five of them with a calm expression and graceful silent steps, scanning them with an unknown aura of energy.


    He silently stares at them and looks each of them up and down with a natural-looking smile. I remember he did a simr thing with Arie. It was weird then, and it''s still weird now, but Ember doesn''t exactly spend much time with humans so my best guess is he''s just acting natural.


    Or, a more likely exnation is he knows its odd and just doesn''t care what anyone thinks. So, he acts as he pleases.


    I shrug and ce a hand on my head.


    "He''s been away from people for a while, so just know he means well. Ember is strong, and an ally I trust with my life. So I hope to see you all treat him like you would treat me. He''ll grow on you soon."


    I let out a sigh, then begin walking slowly back and forth while deeply thinking to myself.


    He can handle greetings on his own, I need to figure out our next n of action; and fast.


    What Maria said is right, I need to find a way to get them all in fighting shape for the inevitable confrontation with the Dark Guards.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    Arie greets each of the team members briefly, and Abby introduces him to Monk, but it''s clear to see on his face he''s still spent from training his Demonic Energy Maniption all day.


    While my mind wanders, Arie and my double step aside to observe while Ember begins to confront my teammates. He speaks up for the first time after examining Fisher and Lydia.


    "You two are strong fighters. Proficient in mana control and have very refined and practiced sword techniques. Out of everyone here, you may not have the highest degree of overwhelming natural talent, but your experience and training shows."


    He puts out a hand and silently shakes both of their hands with nods of respect, then slowly walks over to Abby next. He gets up close to her face and stares her in the eyes for a few seconds before disying a grin and stepping back.


    "Restoration Magic. Is that so? I haven''t felt this presence in quite a while."


    Ember looks up to the sky, muttering to himself "Not since... hmm... Was it that Dryad that became a Divine Beast a few centuries ago? Was she thest one that had that skill? Too bad her immortality was cut short like the others during the incident. Though, it exins why her talent is still floating around looking for a host."


    He looks back into Abby''s eyes, then puts out a hand to shake.


    "Nevermind that. Anyway, nice to meet you. It seems fate works in mysterious ways, I''d say I''m surprised you''re in Jay''s party, but honestly that would be a lie. It will be a pleasure fighting by your side."


    They shake hands, and Ember''s attention quickly moves to Maria.


    The Dragon''s bright red eyes pulse with energy at the sight of the limitless potential it sees within Maria''s energy control.


    Ember doesn''t move for almost 5 whole seconds, examining the fluctuations in her aura and seeing the Qi rest calmly in her core yet acting like an abyss that calls for more.


    His grin that''s still stered on his face from meeting Abby widens even further, and he lets out augh.


    "Incredible. Such an insatiable hunger for energy, yet wielded by a delicate looking woman. Appearances are very deceiving, aren''t they?"


    Maria responds, stepping forward with a confident look on her face and a sharpened gaze.


    "You''re right... about all of us. And if Jay trusts you, then so do I... but I don''t understand your words and tone. What is all of this talk about immortality, Divine Beasts, and most importantly what energy source are your abilitiesing from. I can''t sense a drop of Qi or Manaing off your body. Whoor Whatare you?"


    Ember takes a step back and stops chuckling, crossing his arms.


    "Maria, right? Your name is a very familiar one floating around in Jay''s mind. When our telepathy is linked, it shows up in my subconscious often. I always wondered what you''d be like, and I''m not disappointed. You may have the greatest potential of everyone here. What an interesting team."


    He puts out a hand to shake, and Maria stares down at it, not wanting to ept the gesture just yet.


    Ember speaks again.


    "I promise you, in time more will be clear. Jay keeps his secrets for good reason. I''m one of his most guarded ones. This is the beginning of a road to see him opening up much more in the future. See me as a bridge to his mind, I believe you will learn more about his motives and desires soon."


    She continues to look at the hand for a few more seconds in silence, then decides to shake it with her own.


    "Okay, fine. Nice to meet you, Ember."


    They release their grip, and Ember finally moves to Monk who waits patiently, staring off into the empty desert with his arms crossed and gaze steady.


    Ember curiously looks him up and down, then poses a simple question.


    "Do you worship the Originators?"


    Mention of that word makes Monk''s head turn to meet his eyes in an instant.


    He doesn''t say anything back, but it''s clear Ember struck a cord with this line. Ember leans in closer, scanning every part of his body, then eyeing the item pouch around his waist.


    "What? I don''t care if you do or don''t. Everyone knows the Origin Civilization left us to a higher ne before any modern tools of record-keeping existed. It''s not like I''m using you of anything, just wondering if you care to study their practices. Yourck of mana control and the contents of that storage pouch just lead me to such a conclusion."


    His eyes widen even more, then he finally speaks.


    "You knowof the Origin Civilization?"


    Ember shrugs, responding in a nonchnt manner.


    "Hardly, only rumors and replicated texts. Most of the real books that taught proper Qi control and the creation of the system were lost in wars ons that no longer have names I can remember."


    He lets out a sigh and waves a hand in the air.


    "Trust me, I looked for answers longer than anyone. If they wanted to be found, they''d have shown themselves by now."


    Ember points a finger to Monk''s storage pouch again.


    "Any relics you believe will show you the real truth one day are nothing more than junk left behind by those that have moved on. They took everything valuable with them."


    Monk closes his mouth and bows, keeping silent for a few seconds then bringing his head back up.


    "IUnderstand, but it is my life''s journey to continue my search."


    Ember nods again.


    "Very well. There''s no point in trying to stop you. Who knows, maybe a stone or two haven''t been looked under yet. There''s always a chance. Whatever the case may be, you are strong. I look forward to fighting with you."


    Ember puts out a hand and they shake.


    He turns back to me in my main body as I finally finish with my brainstorming, and I''vee up with a perfect n.


    The rumbling sound of wooden carts full of heavy rocks sound nearby as the grunts under mind controle walking our way.


    I step up and look my teammates in the eyes.


    "Wee to Sector 2. This is our new Territory, run by me, The me Emperor."


    I burst into a disy of fire that signals the grunts to turn around and walk back toward the town.


    "I have a lot to exin, and we have a lot of training to do. However, together we''ll defeat every single Dark Guard and take the Head of The Lich King. So, follow me. Tonight, we will prepare for war."

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464


    After the group acknowledges our goal, and me as their leader in this moment, I get the option to add Fisher, Lydia, and Monk to my Rising Emperor''s Domain system. I do so without notifying them of this change and now see their status screens and geopoints light up in my mind''s eye.


    Then, I give instructions to my body double and Ember to go back to charging up the istion pod while I train with my team.


    Arie tags along with them, and I give permission to use one of the saturated stones on the pod that hasn''t been charged up yet. Aerie needs a rest after training, and using the fully charged pod would be a waste to use now. I need that supercharged pod exclusively saved to use for Qi control training for myself and my teammates.


    I don''t mind a few billion mp being used up to bring the other pod up to 8x dtion for future use though. ording to the old crafter''s note, not much energy will be lost from anything under 10x. So, using 1 stone to make a pod where 1 hour of rest will equal over a full night''s sleep will be perfect for the session we''re about to have.


    Once he''s rested up, my double will find us in the Labyrinth.


    The three of them go off into the canyon, and I turn to the remainder of my team.


    "By foot, the journey out here from Sector 1 may take days or even weeks. By sky, it would take hours, maybe a day at most. My guess is they will travel by flight again, so an enemy attack coulde at any time... However, your escape from capture and run-in with the 5th Ranked Dark Guard means the Dark One''s forces are not all on their way just yet."


    I pause and walk to the edge of the canyon, making another body double to max out all 3 copy slots of this skill. I order it to watch over the town and survey the skies to alert me if anything unusual approaches.


    As it flies away, I turn to my teammates again.


    "This means there may be an attacking soon... any moment actually... but we also know there is still time to prepare. We''ll need to get you all in fighting shape by sunrise."


    I jump down into the canyon onto the nearest pathway that leads to a blue glowing portal.


    "Come on, it''s time for all of you to receive some major strength upgrades."


    I dungeon walk all of them back down to the 30th floor and share my absorption skill with each of them to allow my MCP absorption perk to make its full use.


    Staying within 100 meters of each of them, we circle around the outer ring of Wyverns and slowly make our way into the center of the dungeon.


    With the use of temporary skills gained from my absorption skill, Monk is able to fly in the sky with us using water and earth magic from a few of the first wyverns killed.


    Fisher and Lydia let loose and reap the benefits of gaining millions of MCP after every kill, using their Red Hydra''s buffs to speed up the training time and having Abby heal them every few minutes once they deactivate the soul energy perk and face the consequences of the debuffs.


    Whenever nearby flocks of monsters are killed, I dungeon walk everyone to more dense portions of dungeon where respawns take ce to expedite the process. I find enemies and they constantly fight them, absorbing their energy and moving onto the next.


    Many thousands of MP in mana crystals are left behind after monsters dissolve without us nearby, but I always make it a point to retrieve element stones if they drop.


    Maria and Abby easily make it to the center of the dungeon without using any Soul energy or Qi. Monk also easily takes out his opponents.


    It takes nearly an hour to clear this floor and bring everyone up to level 750, but everyone has gained over a hundred million MCP each and they''re all revving to fight more.


    As we beat the 30th floor boss and wait to move onto the next floor, Monk and I have a long-awaited conversation.


    He reaches into his item box to pull out arge silver briefcase.


    "I thank you for your note of warning before we left Valor City, I managed to bring over arge portion of our remaining Qi pill supplies with us. I''m still looking forward to hearing the method you used to gather so much Qi in such a short period of time. If just over 150 pills brought you this far, we will all have enough to reach a whole new level."


    He clicks open the case and I see hundreds of white pills inside, possibly over a thousand. Monk grabs a few out and hands some to Abby, Maria, and myself, then eats one himself before sping the case shut and cing it back in his inventory.


    I nod and eat one of the pills as well, looking forward to filling my Qi stores up to their max for the first time after ranking up again.


    As the hot energy fills my body, I respond to his earlier question.


    "Of course. Ember and my body double are working on getting the preparations for my expedited cultivation method as we speak. Once you''ve all made it to a considerable strength by morning, you''ll be ready. I want to add at least 500 million extra MCP to all of your base mana controls before you attempt my method."


    "Understood."


    The corner of Monk''s lip turns up, and the rush of Qi from the pill he just consumed fills his body too.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    We''re transported to the 31st floor, and my teammates begin farming levels and mana control again.


    The sensation of Qi rushing into my body hits me too, but I don''t feel quite as satiated as I usually do after a pill. Not even a drop of overflowes out of my pores either.


    While my teammates zip across the dungeon, I decide to take another pill.


    After this one, my core finally hits its saturation point and the excess Qi leaks out like usual.


    "How interesting... I''ve grown enough to the point where 1 pill isn''t enough to fill my core. I didn''t know that was even possible."


    I consider that it must be a result of the natural energy control upgrade that urred after my rank up. My capacity is now roughly 1.5 Qi Pills.


    Halfway through farming this floor, a sh of light and the teleportation of Arie and my double arrive nearby.


    The archer looks fully rested and ready to train as well.


    He floats in the air next to me and I fill him in on our goals here to train our way to the highest floor possible together.


    It is true I could just powerlevel them myself by repeatedly sharing experience points with them by bringing my full team to a high-level boss room and clearing it myself. That wouldn''t be great in the long term though; they need thebat training as well as the MCP thates with killing mobs yourself using my absorption perk.


    Relying on their Red Hydra''s Buff for training now is a loophole I''d rather not have them get used to, because it will be used up in the future. Half of mine is gone and Maria''s ispletely used up.


    The permanent buff that was on her status before is no more... I witnessed it disappear myself.


    However, it''s the fastest way to farm mana control and levels, so it has to be done.


    As Arie joins the team, red shes of light fill the air and we begin clearing more and more floors.


    Once everyone makes it within 5 levels of the floor boss each time, we move up to the next floor. It takes 3 more hours to clear the next 7 floors bringing everyone near level 900 and adding close to 400 million additional MCP to their mana controls.


    If we were to go back down and farm these monsters again, the MCP gained would be much lower. The main reason for such a high gain is that they''re consistently beating monsters at higher levels than their own, giving a higher percentage of mana control gained than weak mobs.


    The overwhelming power of the Red Hydra''s Soul energy has cut through everything in its way so far, but finallyes to a roadblock where its strength is not enough.


    On the 38th floor, my teammates face off against the giant armored worms that even gave my mana control trouble when I was training up here before ranking up.


    The crimson covered energy des don''t do as much damage as I imagined they would. Fisher and Lydia meet their match, and only crack the outer shell of these beasts. No matter how many attacks they throw in solo fights, the rapid regeneration of the worms continues to keep the monsters alive.


    The two of them are easily able to get away; they''re just not powerful enough to quickly take the monster out alone for training purposes.


    Together, they''re able to take a single beast down in a few minutes and a brutal all-out battle, but it''s clear we''re making it to a crucial point in training where power leveling any further may not be possible in the short time constraints we have left. They alternate final blows to share the MCP and EXP gains.


    Arie, on the other hand, is able to use Red Hydra imbued Spirit Arrows to pierce the flesh of the worms. His Spirit Energy has unique properties, and with the recent boost in mana control from the previous 8 floors, he''s able to take the worms out alone in just a few hits when timed right.


    It makes me wonder how strong his Demonic Energy attacks would fare against these creatures, but it''s understandable that he doesn''t want to bring that vtile energy into a life and death battle like this just yet.


    Abby, Maria, and Monk waste no time on this floor after seeing the struggles of their teammates. This is the first battle where Qi imbued des are necessary to take opponents out.


    Abby imbues her Daggers with Qi and slices through the Worms'' flesh and armor with ease. Maria''s sword, hot with Qi, can carve up these monsters like butter, and Monk uses a technique of fists imbued with energy that sends waves of Qi through the worms'' bodies and slowly cooks its insides, killing it in under 10 punches.


    I watch them train for another half hour until every worm in this dungeon is killed, and decide to move onto the next floor instead of waiting for the respawn.


    Once we make it to the 39th floor and take on the Minotaurs, I exin that this is the final floor they''ll be able to train on, recounting some of my experiences on the 40th and 41st floor.


    Less than 10 monsters spawn up on this 39th floor every 30 minutes, so we take turns testing our skills just like the worms.


    Fisher and Lydia give it their all, sending red waves of water and ice at their level 966 opponent, ruthlessly stabbing and pounding the monster to the dungeon floor. They''re pushed to their limits and I can feel the massive amounts of Red Hydra''s Soul Energy being used up in every attack to the point where I hypothesize they are also draining its power away like Maria did, but to a much slower degree.


    It takes over 10 minutes, but in abined effort, they defeat the Elite Minotaur. Even after Abby heals them up, it''s clear they''ve hit their limit and are very tired.


    "Great job today. You two have gained over half a billion mana control each, improved just about 300 levels, and have defeated the strongest base level monster in the Labyrinth we''ll be able to fight today. You may rest."


    They give satisfied smiles and are happy with their progress. I look forward to teaching them Qi in the future, but there''s no time to bring them through the full training process now.


    I turn to the others.


    "Now it''s up to the rest of you to show off how far you''vee."


    Arie manages to use his new and improved crimson spirit arrows to take out the Minotaur in just 3 direct hits to the head.


    Abby and Maria use Qi to slice their opponents'' heads off before the battle even starts, and Monk does his signature attack pattern, punching the minotaur from every angle and defeating it in 17 blows.


    I think about bringing them to face the lone mutant, but my double takes care of it before I get the chance to try.


    "It''s probably better that way..."


    I bring all of my teammates to the boss room, and let them take on the level 997 Minotaur boss together.


    With Qi infused weapons and Red Hydra''s Soul Energy filling the boss room, the Massive Minotaur doesn''t even get a chance to fight back.


    Abby, Maria, and Arie are the only ones who continue to fight. Fisher and Lydia rest while Monk and I watch with our arms crossed.


    Everyone in the boss room shares EXP from a boss kill, so whoever would like to fight has the option to.


    Curiously, we''re all transported right back to outside the boss room once the transport magic activates. There''s still a 30-day cooldown ticking down in the 40th Floor, so no other challengers are wee. The 41st is out of the question, even for me.


    I point back at the grey spinning boss room portal.


    "Well, you''ve all made it this far. It''s almost morning, so our first portion of training here has almoste to an end. You may feel like you''re strong now, but I assure you the gap between these Minotaurs'' power and a Dark Guard is unimaginable."


    We all step through the boss room portal to fight another Minotaur at level 995.


    "This is a great start, but we have a long way to go. We''ll take on this boss a few more times to max out all of your levels. Then, for a few of us, the next stage of training will begin."

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465


    After clearing the boss room 18 times over the next 45 minutes, everyone in the group reaches level 994. We could most likely push everyone up to 997 if we farmed here for a few more hours, considering the Minotaur Boss consistently appears at level 993 to 997. However, the minuscule gains aren''t worth the extra time wasted right now.


    So, we leave the Labyrinth back to the dungeons in the canyon.


    The sound of heavy stone being pulled in wooden carts hits our ears as the red-orange morning sun rises over the sand dunes of the desert.


    I float up out of the canyon and see the tired pack of grunts trudging my way.


    They look pale, hungry, thirsty, and on the edge of death''s door. Some of them even look angry at the sight of me, letting out grunts and sneers.


    I sigh and order them to drink another vial each of suggestion elixir from my item storage to make all of them fall back in line. In my time away, the effects of this potion began wearing off.


    However, if I work them any harder, they may actually die.


    As that may be a fitting fate, theirbor would still be useful in the future.


    I activate my earth magic and disperse all of the stone in the carts. Then, I look far off the stone trail about 50 meters near the canyon''s edge and instantaneously form five small worker huts in a line out of stone with nothing more than hard beds and a single table in each of them.


    They have no windows, and an open door, but will be more than enough to keep these men out of the heat and keep them from dying. I pull out rations of food, water, and more elixir from my item storage and evenly distribute them in the huts using telekinesis from a distance.


    I stand before the dazed grunts and point to the huts.


    "Take your rest. Eat and drink up, make sure to take your elixir once you wake up and await my orders when I return."


    They all let go of their carts and begin moving toward the makeshift housing. I move the carts off to opposite sides of the desert path in neat lines. They''ll most likely be useful again at some point in the future. So, there''s no harm in leaving them out here for now.


    As my teammates follow behind and we approach the town, they have mixed thoughts on my punishment of the grunts. However, we take a slow and peaceful walk back to town on the stone path while I fill them in on the exact details of what happened in the town yesterday. After this, they''re far more understanding of my harsh treatment.


    Abby and Arie are especially on board and think I should be pushing them harder than that, even violent torture is on the table in their minds. Maria agrees with me almost entirely, believing that an eye for an eye is good punishment. Fisher, Lydia, and Monk don''t care to make anyments on the matter.


    Once we get back into the small settlement, the topic of conversation shifts to what the end goal is with all of these people.


    They''re from all over the Dark Continent and have no ce to call home, they''re stranded out here in Sector 2.


    As we walk through the doors of the empty guild hall and down into the mana-shielded bunker, I respond to this point.


    "I''ll be giving all of them a few options shortly. I can tell they still need their rest, I''ll wait to make a speech to everyone until they''re all awake."


    One by one, we walk down the spiral stairs, and right on cue, one of my doubles and Ember arrive from the sky. They too walk down and join us shortly after I open the middle wall and let everyone inside the mana-shielded base.


    Once the initial awestruck moment of admiring the room passes, my double takes its item storage contents out to ce in the center of the empty half of the room.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Tworge istion podse out, and I immediately activate my craftsmanship skill along with other perception perks to examine them.


    One says [Current Dtion: 8.7005x]. It must be the one set aside, using only one containment stone that Arie rested in beforeing to train with us.


    The other reads out [Current Dtion: 46.9209x].


    My double turns to me, and I expect it to kill itself to share its memories with me, but it speaks up.


    "Open up your storage, I have an item I need to transfer over carefully."


    I create a small white portal, doing as it says. My double opens its spatial magic portal millimeters above mine, and a small white shimmering stone makes itself visible for a fraction of a second before falling inside.


    It was only detectable because I was watching so closely and carefully. My double ces a finger on its forehead the next second and the memories of a 2nd dungeon copsing and that white stone falling from it just like the first rush into my mind.


    "So the farming process is replicable..." I whisper under my breath with a grin.


    I make a new double, and have him and Ember go off to continue making containment stones forter use.


    Then, I''m left alone with my teammates and two lightly humming istion pods.


    One of them hums significantly louder than the other, it''s clear there''s a difference.


    I turn and point to them.


    "This here, is our next stage of training."


    They all look at the pods with different expressions on their faces.


    "Most of you already know these are istion pods. Machines that allow us to rest for 6 to 8 hours in a trance-like state filled with dense mana while only an hour goes by in the outside world."


    Monk''s eyes open at the sound of that, but my other teammates have already witnessed their power.


    I continue all the same.


    "They''re made with very dense mana shielding that istes us from the outside world. No sound or external energy is let in other than the energy and mass circted through the core of the machine at its top. This also means, whatever is inside, stays inside."


    Of course, this seal isn''t perfect, or it would act like my item storage system and no energy at all would ever leak out. But for my exnation, it gets the point across.


    I point to the weaker pod. Then turn toward Maria, Abby, and Monk.


    "When you take a Qi pill, and its total contents exceed your core''s limit, the excess leaks out and dissolves into the air. However, when confined in a semi-closed ce like a room in the monastery, the walls can trap excess Qi and the absorption rate of energy gathering increases in speed and effectiveness."


    Monk speaks up at the weaker pod.


    "So what you''re saying is, I could gather Qi in a super saturated environment where no Qi could leak out while also taking advantage of time moving faster by almost ten times..."


    I smile.


    "Yes, precisely. Eight days in there would only be 1 day in the outside world. Plus, let''s say you were to bring 100 Qi pills inside. You would be swimming in dense Qi, forcing your body to absorb it at a much faster rate than normal. The pod may be used up multiple times as well, its charge shouldst upward of a few years before it totally runs out of energy."


    Then, I turn to the other pod that hums louder.


    "This one is supercharged... We''ll only get one shot at using it before it falls down to below 10x dtion. My guess is 36 to 48 hours is going to be its limit. The Dtion is nearly 50x, it''s 46.9 to be exact."


    Monk pulls out his silver briefcase and clicks it open.


    I continue talking as the sea of white pillse into view.


    "Ember and my double are off working on getting more materials to supercharge another pod. However, getting enough to bring this weaker one up to such a high rate will take another 12 hours to do. We could cut that time in half and use the materials from a 5 to 6 hour farm and bring a pod up to 30-35x. Though, I believe it''s most efficient to try to bring them closest to 50..."


    Monk whispers to himself, "That would be over 90 days... 3 full months of isted Cultivation in a supersaturated environment. In just 2 days here in the outside world..."


    He looks up to me and responds.


    "I see... So you''d like to go one at a time then."


    I nod.


    "Well, we really don''t have any other choice. The materials I use for these machinese from the 39th Floor. The Minotaurs only spawn in so fast."


    He thinks deeply to himself, then speaks up again.


    "So then the best candidate for the first round would be Maria."


    I''m quite surprised at his response, but happy he sees my vision too. He''s been wanting to try out my cultivation method all this time, and supplying all of us with precious resources, yet he still isn''t jumping in to get first picks.


    With a satisfied smile, I respond.


    "A very logical deduction. That was my first choice too. If danger is approaching, we need to get our strongest fighters with the highest potential for growth a chance to take advantage of these pods first."


    Everyone turns toward the blond-haired hunter dressed in silver, white, and blue. She doesn''t say a word at first, just looking down at the Qi pills then back up right at me.


    "You''re right. I can still see that Soul Energy de of the Dark Guard fresh in my mind. If I want to be able to fight back against a monster like that, a major leap in power is necessary."


    She pauses again, but the determination in her gaze grows as she turns her head toward the strongest loudly humming Istion Pod.


    "I''ll do it."

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466


    I take a few minutes to exin to Maria how I believe the gathering process in the pod will go. I give her some technique advice on long-term cultivation training. Istion pods are a little bit different than my time in the Titans'' domain, though.


    They make the user slip into a calming and rxing state, making it easier to channel energy, float in ce, think through tough problems, or even sleep for prolonged periods of time.


    It truly is the ideal environment for this type of training. I''m eager to try myself, but am happy to see Maria take the first shot at it. Considering the amount of Qi on hand, and the smaller enclosed environment that we''ll be testing the process in, the Qi absorption rate may actually be more efficient than in the Titan''s Domain...


    Meanwhile, Monk begins to separate the Qi pills into even piles on the center table of the room.


    I finish transferring enough food, water, andfort supplies to Maria, and we all turn back to Monk as he''s separated the white pills into 5 piles. Then, he takes out smaller silver containers and ces them inside each of them for easier storage.


    "There are 1,688 pills. I made 4 groups of 300 for us Qi users to take full advantage of, then 488 leftover pills to utilize for battle and further training for non-Qi users."


    Monk points to Arie, Fisher, and Lydia.


    "While Maria gathers Qi, Ember prepares the next pod, and you deal with the waking townspeople; I can awaken and begin to train these 3 with Qi."


    He looks around the room.


    "This is a closed-off and sturdy enough environment to go through the awakening and beginning stages of their development."


    At his words, I use telekinesis and move the Istion pods to the furthest side of the room to give way for maximum open space in the center area, then speak up again.


    "The mana shielding won''t affect their training? One of the perks of the monastery is that the only energy avable to use is Qi. It may be tempting or distracting with all this excess mana in the air."


    He reaches into his item box and pulls out another silver briefcase, but this one is full of ck bars of stone that look just like the monastery walls, and identical to the small bar he gifted me with my first set of Qi pills.


    "They''ll be isted from mana while training as well. Their mana control allowance is off the charts after the training in thebyrinth we just went through, meaning their aptitude for learning Qi will be heightened too. All three of them will have the basics down by nightfall. However, for intensebat, it''ll be a few days before they''ll really be ready. I think the first wave of whateveres our way is going to need to be handled by the 4 of us who already wield Qi."


    He turns to Arie.


    "However, I can tell you''ve already been partially exposed. Your learning curve may be much quicker. Only some time and testing will make it known."


    Maria stands in front of the pod with a determined stare at the back of the room, at the same time, I begin to sense hundreds of people moving around on the surface above us now, telling me pretty much everyone in the town has woken up from their long night of rest.


    "Alright. The preparations areplete. It''s now or never. Every minute wasted thinking about it is almost an hour gone inside the pod. It''s been almost 16 hours since I defeated the 7th ranked Dark Guard, and just over 6 since you all got away from the 5th. They could be arriving 10 seconds from now... 10 minutes... 10 hours... Or 10 days... Whenever it may be, we need to be as ready as we can to fight."


    Maria turns around and walks toward the center table, then grabs a silver casing with 300 pills inside.


    "You''re right, let''s do this. I''m ready."


    I smile and take a casing with 300 pills off the table myself, then reply, following her over to the pod and viewing all of the dtion settings and timer numbers while she walks inside.


    There''s a very intense wave of dense and pure mana that pours out when the door is opened, and it looks like there''s an endless white void inside the pod. It''s on a whole different level than the 6-7x Dtion pods I witnessed back at the Galeheart tower.


    The pod is set to open back up automatically in 48 hours but can be opened from the inside at any time. As a Mythic Grade Craftsman, I also have an override function to open the door from the outside if need be, but I''m hoping I won''t have to use that option. It would distract her isted cultivation, and waste valuable Qi trapped inside.


    Maria looks at me as the door slowly closes.


    "I''lle back stronger soon, protect everyone while I''m gone, Jay."


    "I will."


    *Click*


    The pod closes and a 48-hour countdown timer starts on the top of the pod.


    Monk begins exining the basics of Qi to Arie, Fisher, and Lydia. So, I walk over to Abby.


    This content has been uwfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Alright, I''m going to go confront the townspeople now. You cane and help if you''d like. With all my body doubles busy, I''m going to need a hand."


    She shrugs while taking her silver casing of Qi pills off the table and following me as I walk up the spiral stairs.


    "Sure."


    Before we hit the surface, I use my concealment abilities to turn back into the ming man that saved every group of refugees here. On top of it, I mask my presence with a dense Qi barrier to make sure I don''t overpower anyone''s psyche by ident from walking by.


    I give Abby the option to use my conceal skill, but she decides to walk out of the empty guildhall in her unaltered form. To my surprise, there are quite a few people wandering the streets.


    Many are still inside the bedrooms that were made for them yesterday, but some are curious to see what is going on for themselves.


    I begin walking through the town on my way to the densest part of the housing area.


    People that see me on my way there have mixed expressions of thankfulness, awe, confusion, and fear. There''s a wide mixture of people getting down on their knees to thank me, while others stand in shock without saying a word, then a few just run away screaming.


    My response to all of them is to meet me at the guildhall in an hour, that I have more food and water for all of them, and a very important announcement.


    I walk in and out of all the housing developments crafted by my double and the ve gruntsst night, making sure every single person in the town knows that there is a meeting.


    Once I make my rounds, I circle back to the guildhall, and Abby asks a question.


    "So... you''ll be taking care of them for now it seems, the burden isn''t too heavy to bear? I feel bad that they''re all stranded out here too. What''s the long-term goal with everyone here? Start up a new town and have them help in working for the new Sector 2 tradingpany once we''re in business?"


    I nod, responding as we approach the empty guildhall entrance.


    "Yeah... something like that. There''s going to be a lot of useful positions these people can take on. However, I''d like to give them the choice."


    I detail my ns a little further with Abby and hear her simple critiques and feedback while a crowd begins to form all around the center square.


    Abby and I decide to float up to the guild''s rooftop for a better view of the people approaching, and I wait the full hour like I promised before making a headcount.


    "347 showed up, almost all of them, not bad..." I whisper under my breath.


    The chattering noises of vigers fill the streets. People are beginning to get antsy, and they''re all clumping up on  of the square in particr, closest to where I stand.


    I step off the roof and slowly float down toward them, then stop about 5 meters off the ground.


    Everyone stops talking, and their eyes stay fixated on the illusion of rippling ck mes that give off no heat.


    I activate my [Screech] skill, and use its special perk to project my voice throughout the entire town square, but keep the tone even and calm.


    "Wee all, I''m d you came to hear what I have to say."


    All of the lingering chatters cease once my voice echoes through everyone''s ears.


    "First of all, you may call me The me Emperor. I will be taking over Sector 2 as its new leader, and my reign begins here."


    Again, no one speaks in the crowd, but some of the neutral faces from before turn to worry and fearful looks.


    Tobat this, I continue.


    "Fear not, I won''t subject you all to mindlessbor like your captors that I''ve disposed of. I am merely here to give you all a choice, and another shot at a fruitful and sessful life."


    The gazes calm down and people begin to think about my words.


    "I want to make a fair and peaceful settlement here. One where this guild hall behind us may give work to hunters that farm in the dungeons, and one where merchants and businessmen can trade those hunters'' goods. I wish to see restaurants,munity, and entertainment thrive. I want the people here to enjoy a life they thought was gone forever."


    Some of the dull gazes in the crowd begin to see a glimmer of hope in their eyes, while some more cynical thinkers try to determine what the catch in all of this must be.


    "I am powerful and wealthy enough to support and protect many, or even all of you if you wish to stay in my growing settlement. Safe shelter, weekly food, water, and basic need supplies will be provided free of cost during our first few months of buildup. I will personally interview each and every one of you to find a suitable job and ce where you fit in to help this town grow."


    Then, a scruffy man with a mean gaze yells out from the crowd in a sour tone.


    "What''s in it for you? How do we know we''re not being saved from one vebor camp and taken into another? All of that sounds too good to be true!"


    A few crowd members begin to murmur and agree with him, while othersin that he''s trying to ruin the only good chance they have.


    I think about raising this man up into the sky and burning him alive to prove a point, but the only point I''d be proving is his own, not mine. A little fear-induced loyalty is a good thing to possess as a leader, but too much may be a very negative trait quickly.


    So, instead, I just burst into a bigger illusion of mes and let under 0.5% of my intimidation perk''s intensity bleed out of my Qi barrier.


    It instantly suppresses the crowd''s chatter, and they listen closely again.


    "You''re right. This does seem like an offer that benefits only one side. I see where you''reing from and hear your concerns."


    No one moves a muscle, and I let my Qi barrier cover my body again so the intimidation aura stops leaking out.


    "You all have 2 options. You may swear your loyalty to me, The me Emperor, as your leader and stay here under my protection and guidance for as long as you please. Or, you may leave unharmed and with enough food, water, and money to survive a month on your own. I will make arrangements to drop you off in Sra if this is the path you wish to take."


    I leave the crowd in silence again, and murmurs, chatter, and conversation fill the air.


    I float down toward the crowd, and people move away, making a wide-open circle on the stone for me tond.


    Soon after, Abby floats down behind me, and I turn around to walk inside the guild hall.


    As the door opens and I walk through, I leave the crowd with a final remark.


    "Once you''ve made up your mind,e inside the hall and meet with me one-on-one. Whatever your decision is, make sure it is final. If you attempt to deceive me, I will know, and you will face a punishment worse than death."


    The guild hall door shuts behind me, and I''m left in the empty octagonal room with Abby as the volume of chatter outside grows and grows. However, no one approaches the doors; they''re all hesitant toe inside.


    Both Abby and I walk into the middle work space, and I begin pullingrge portions of non-perishable food out from my item storage along with piles of silver and bronze coins that show the fire and dragon emblem on their sides.


    Before I can even finish sorting them, a familiar face bursts through the door.


    She points right at me with a single finger, and her light blue eyes show the same determination that they did at the moment she was resisting the Elixir of Suggestion from the deceased grunt named Finn.


    She yells out in a tone I can''t tell apart from anger or excitement.


    "It''s you! It''s really you! You''re the same guy from yesterday, I''m sure of it! Your ming disguise can''t fool me!"

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467


    She takes a step closer to the ss window of the octagonal reception center and continues to speak in the same tone.


    "First of all... I thank you for saving me and everyone else that was captured by these horrible men. However, my eyes are sharper than anyone here. I''m not agreeing to any terms before you exin to me what kind of unique powers you''re using and what you''re really after in this city. Why did you save us?"


    I stare back at her as she confidently makes her way toward the table.


    Her tan skin and dark hair, cut short at the shoulders, contrast with the empty guild hall and white flooring.


    "You want the honest truth? I can answer yourst question much more easily than the first. I saved you all purely by chance. I needed a resource-dense and highly secluded ce to call my home base, and with the recent disappearance of this Sector''s leader, his old hideout and production town seemed to be the perfect ce to take over. There just happened to be a gang of thieves and ve drivers inhabiting this town, and you all are lucky enough to have the option of working for me now, or going off back to your old lives."


    I pause for a moment but continue while activating my All-Seeing Eye''s ability to scan her energy flow up close, while imbuing a small amount of Qi around my eyes to see even further.


    "My abilities that you ask of on the other hand, I''m afraid I can''t go into details about them to strangers."


    As I finish my sentence, I also finish my scan, and find that the same odd sensation of something more than mana in a light shade of bluish-white circting throughout her body. It''s most dense around her eyes and brain.


    She puts out a hand to shake in front of me by the gap in the ss.


    "Well then, my name''s Luna! We''re not strangers anymore, are we? Your power looks just like my old vige leader''s. I haven''t seen anyone wield it since then..."


    I don''t shake her hand, because there''s no deal being made here. And on top of that, there is no silent notification that rings when someone new has joined my Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    She doesn''t trust me...


    I ponder how familiar her name sounds while giving a response.


    "Nice to meet you too, but my terms are mandatory. Pledge your loyalty to me as your leader if you''d like to stay in my city, or reject my offer and I''ll bring you back to Sra to start a new life. It doesn''t matter who you are or what powers you have, trust and loyalty is the only thing I care about. So, Luna was it? Wait- Luna..."


    Once I say her name out loud, a story Arie told me earlier before his Demonic Energy traininges to mind, and her weird Soul Energy-like power starts to make sense to me.


    My eyes widen and I pose the only question I can think of.


    "Arie. You know Arie, don''t you? The archer with spirit arrows..."


    Another memory from the grunts'' conversation earlier when I was doing my surveince of this townes shing back to me. They said that this woman was captured fleeing from a small vige that was overrun by the Abyss in Sector 4.


    That sounds exactly like Arie''s hometown backstory, and this woman''s ability, name, and circumstances line up too perfectly to be a mere coincidence.


    She responds with widened eyes too.


    "I- How- How do you know Arie?"


    Her face turns pale, and the life seems to drain out of her.


    "What-What have you done to Arie? Who are you people?"


    Even now, Abby standing next to me begins to get a bit confused, but keeps herself from asking questions.


    The expression on Luna''s face twists to anger and fear now, and I can tell she''s nearing her breaking point.


    All of the stressors from whatever hardships she''s been through thest few months are starting to take their toll, so I don''t me her for acting this way. My mention of Arie flicked some switch inside her, and whatever that may be, I''m not capable of dealing with it right now.


    I turn to Abby and whisper to her to bring Luna downstairs to meet Arie. It''s been well over an hour, so the initial stages of their Qi base development is alreadyplete. It may still be a lot to throw on him right now, but he''s the most capable and knowledgeable one to handle this situation. I don''t know the intricacies of their rtionship in the past, but I''m sure he''ll be happy to find someone from his vige alive.


    This story has been uwfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Understood."


    As Abby walks out of the center room and easily escorts Luna inside with a tight grip, I switch open the hatch and they walk down the spiral stairs. She resists slightly, but is in more of a dazed state, ring at me while Abby guides her movements.


    I feel a bit sorry for not easing her into all of this, but she''ll probably forgive me for the scare once she gets downstairs.


    A dense wave of Qi flows out from the underground bunker, letting me know the others are hard at work. The two women dive into the dense white mist.


    Soon after, Abby returns to the surface without the young woman by her side.


    I shut the hatch and smile while seeing an image of Luna and Arie hugging each other tight in my mind''s eye thanks to my enemy detection perk.


    "Good, thank you."


    Abby responds.


    "Seems like they really do know each other... I sensed an interesting auraing off her too, maybe she will be an asset to us in the future."


    I shrug.


    "Time will tell. I trust Arie to exin things to her and fill in the picture. If he trusts her, then she''s alright in my book. I''m interested in her power as well, but i don''t have time to spend on her at the moment."


    The front door opens again after I say this, and three elder womene walking through.


    The moment their eyes hit mine, all of them drop down to their knees and begin praying in mumbles and rhythmic hums.


    Once a few seconds pass, I get a silent notification on my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface alerting me that I now have 11 members under my leadership.


    The women''s statuses and geopoints immediately show up in my mind''s eye as well.


    My heart races with excitement, and I whisper only loud enough for myself and Abby to hear, "Now this is more like it.".


    I speak up, reading their names from my interface at the top of each of their status screens.


    "Rise, Isabelle, Charlotte, and Harper. Your praises have been heard, I ept you into my settlement and would love to hear more about you."


    They all hold their heads down to the floor for a moment longer then look up at me with stars in their eyes, overjoyed that I knew their names before even asking.


    The women walk over and I interview them quickly with Abby and begin to exin their potential futures.


    I give each of them enough food, water, and sanitary supplies tost far longer than a week. Along with this, they each get 2 silver and 10 bronze coins with the me Emperor''s markings on them.


    "You will receive care like this every week from now on until the town is thriving and self sufficient. In a few months, I will reassess the situation and continue aid if needed. Please, do seekfort in the temporary housing I''ve provided you yesterday, and knowrger residences will be built in the near future."


    They dly ept my gifts and treat the coins as if they''re prized possessions.


    "I wee you to The Crimson City. I promise to protect you as long as your loyalty to me as your leader remains."


    The women walk out of the opposite side of the building with starry eyes and religious-like bliss.


    This is what I''d expect from some people that are saved from the depths of despair by a man with absolute power, but I''m relieved to see not everyone is so far out in a delusional trance like them.


    The next man and woman that enter through the front door are holding hands tightly, looking at me with skeptical stares.


    The man speaks up as they approach the ss window.


    "Sir, I thank you for saving all of us from a terrible fate, but I do not wish to stay here. My wife and I have friends and family we were ripped away from back in Sector 4. You said you have a way to get back to Sra? If we could get back to our old life andmunity, we would be forever in your debt."


    I nod, and Abby helps me hand them supplies while I dig through the unmarked coins that I decided not to turn into The me Emperor''s currency.


    We hand them their packages of supplies and enough money for a few inns and entertainment for about a month, then I respond.


    "Of course, take these as a parting gift. Stay behind in the square. Once the crowds die down and I''ve interviewed everyone, I''ll make sure to arrange your travel ns."


    The man gives me a kind smile, hiding his tiredness and built up mental pain, then his wife gives me a thankful look as well, and they leave through the back door and wait in the square.


    Over the next hour and a half, more and more peoplee through the front doors and meet with me to confess their loyalty or tell their story and ask for some way to get back home.


    Many were ripped away from their family and friends, kidnapped or swindled into taking the Elixir, and subjected to torture and forcedbor for months. Over half of the crowd wants a ride home, which was expected.


    Some are from Sector 1, and others even from Sector 3, but I only have easily essible dungeon walker points in the dungeon hub of Sra in Sector 4, so my n is to bring them all there and have them walk out pretending to be rogue adventurers.


    Letting a few dozen through at rush hour tonight separated throughout all of the dungeons will be perfect. Sra is thergest city in the Dark Continent poption-wise, so it''s the best ce for all of them to go anyway.


    The other half either worship me like a god-like savior, or are level-headed hunters, business-minded young men and woman, or hard workers that have been ripped from their old lives, but have no money or connections worth going back to. So, many of them see living here as an adventure and an opportunity to start over and grow in amunity of people that all share amon past.


    I hand out more and more of the me Emperor''s coins, flooding the townspeople with silver and bronze.


    They have nothing to buy right now, as I''m giving away everything for free, but I assume they''ll begin trading or gambling amongst themselves with the coins, and get used to their value as I continue to flood the economy with more every week.


    As the crowd begins nearing its end, and only 50 or so people are left standing outside to meet with me, a notification pops up after another man pledges his loyalty to me and walks off with his care package.


    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached]


    [100/100 New Party Members Added]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Power Holder]


    A new rush of information hits my subconscious, and I can''t believe my eyes once I realize what the perks of this new milestone allow me to do.


    "This... Will make me unstoppable..."

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468


    __________


    [New Perk Unlocked: Power Holder]


    Info: The caster may borrow 10% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from Party Members under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor. In addition, 10% of the caster''s Base Stat Points and Mana Control may be temporarily distributed to any Party Members under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk must be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    __________


    My eyes widen, and I''m left in awe reading this new ability.


    Up until now, it really only helped my teammates to gain new strength and temporarily use my skills when close to me.


    Finally, I''ll be able to reap the benefits of this perk myself, and in an incredible way.


    Even though most of the people that swore allegiance to me are fairly low leveled, some below level 50, and a majority below level 150, their average is still around level 100 considering the outliers.


    With an average base stat increase per level of roughly 2 points, a level 100 would have the base stats on Strength, Defense, Speed, Agility, and Mental Strength at roughly 200 each. Temporarily borrowing 10% of each of these may only raise my own stats by 20 points each... but the fact that I now have 100 people loyal to me means I can activate this perk and use all of their power whenever I wish.


    That would be a 2000 point base stat increase. Adding the hundreds of % increases from my gear that stack upon my base rating, I just unlocked a new temporary buff that raises all of my stats to a tremendous degree with unlimited potential as long as I continue bringing more people into my settlement.


    The only downsides I can think of are that it can only be activated when people are within my Domain''s range, which is just over 100 meters in diameter at the moment. As my mana control and level grow, this will as well.


    On top of that, I''m able to borrow mana control efficiency from my party members too. The only ones I''d really be benefiting any noticeable change from would be my core teammates, still 10% from each of them may mean the difference between life and death in a future battle.


    I nod to myself, reading over the perk''s description a few more times and confirm it''s really all exactly how I see it, then mutter to myself. "Very good, now let''s continue."


    A new pair of middle-aged working men walk through the front door and I finish the sorting process for the final 50 people thate in from the square.


    The final numbers end up at roughly 130 wanting to stay and live in this town. The majority of them took their care packages and thankfully made their way back to the housing I provided for them until further notice.


    Just under 200 are lined up around the square with all their belongings in hand, ready to leave, while a small group of 30-40 still wait inside the guild hall as undecided.


    While some have interesting circumstances and propositions, I let them step aside to talk to themter. Others are quite literally undecided, their indecisiveness wouldn''t allow them to choose. They would neither dere loyalty to me, nor tell me straight to my face that they want to leave and go back to Sra.


    I understand their situation may be tough, shock and trauma may be halting their abilities to react to my offering. However, I have no room in my heart and mind for people''s feelings right now.


    We''re on the verge of war, and I''m giving them an opportunity with a simple choice. Stay or leave. If they haven''te up with an answer by the time I''m done with the line, they''re packing up and leaving with everyone else.


    I let out a sigh and turn to Abby while pointing toward the small crowd of undecided.


    "Alright, bring over more supplies, it''s time to wrap this up."


    We walk over to the people that are split evenly into 3 groups. Two of the groups are the cases of interesting individuals I wanted to have another chat with, while therger group are the undecideds I need to deal with now. I turn to them and speak up.


    "Alright, I gave you more time to think. All you have to do is give me a simple response. Yes, you want to stay and follow me as your leader. Or, No, you''d like to leave and have a free trip back to Sra with some money and food as a parting gift."


    As I stop talking, none of them want to speak up. Most shuffle around, looking at the floor or waiting for another to step forward first.


    So, I speak up again while stepping forward and pointing to the closest young man I see.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "You, you''re first."


    He looks up at me, and I speak to him like I''m speaking to all of them.


    "Just yes or no. Even if you leave now, I''ll always ept you back here if you''d like to swear loyalty to me in the future. This isn''t a permanent deal, just one I need to make now for efficiency."


    He nods to himself, then looks up at me with a scared look in his eyes, and responds after a loud gulp.


    "Okay, I''ll stay... I swear my l-loyalty to you as a-"


    While he speaks, red mist oozes from him, only in my vision as my lie detector skill senses untruthfulness in his words.


    Before he even finishes his sentence, something twists and changes in his face, and he reaches into his back pocket to pull out a dagger and thrusts it toward me.


    In my advanced perception, I saw thising and could have dealt with him before the de came out of his pocket, but I want to make an example out of his actions for everyone to see.


    So, I allow him to foolishly thrust his hand into the side of my maximum density Qi Barrier gripping a silver de tightly.


    He lets out a yell as the metal melts along with half of his arm as it''s met with no resistance from my barrier, but instantly disintegrates his arm down to the elbow.


    His eyes open wide and his yells grow louder as he falls backward in pain and my expression doesn''t change at all.


    I let out a sigh and point a finger, using telekinesis to lift him off the ground to hover in front of me.


    "I gave you one rule to follow, and you managed to break it. Do not attempt to deceive me, it is impossible."


    I put up a dome of mana shielding around only us two for a split second and release a wave of unprotected intimidation straight into his psyche.


    The man foams at the mouth and passes out on the spot, then I drop him to the floor.


    I turn to Abby, and use telepathy to talk to her.


    "Could you please bring him out to the huts near the canyon for me? Restore that arm and feed him a vial of elixir, have him wait for me to return before he does anything else."


    She picks up the passed-out man and walks out the door, and I turn back to the undecideds again.


    "It is a simple yes or no, do not lie or attempt to deceive me. If you don''t know what to say, just say you don''t know, I will decide for you."


    After my disy, they all begin to answer and be much more cooperative.


    13 of them decide to leave, and 8 of them swear loyalty to me and want to stay.


    I sort their gear out myself and have them leave the guild hall so I can finally get to the interesting folks I wanted to talk to initially.


    I would say that coincidentally worked out in my favor, but I felt his animosity for me from the start, and his hand kept tapping his back pocket every time he looked at me from afar. I was guessing something like that would happen and was happy to make an example out of that man.


    "Thank you all for waiting. I hope the little incident there didn''t frighten you. I do not have a high tolerance for crazy people. Please make logical decisions and speak your opinions outloud. As long as you tell the truth, there will never be an issue."


    I turn to the remaining two groups of men and women left in the guild hall.


    One has 7 people in it, their spokesperson is short but looks very strong with a thick dark beard and mustache. All of them wear manualbor uniforms and carry enchanted tools like hammers and fine-tuned drills.


    He''s the first that steps forward with both hands on his waist and a smile across his face.


    "Not at all, Sir me Emperor. You made the rules, and he broke them to the highest degree, I see nothing wrong with your actions."


    I nod and turn to him directly, and he continues.


    "The name is Maurice. Maurice Ablemen. This is what''s left of my team, I used to run an architecture firm, building small-scale projects and traveling town to town in Sector 4 right outside Sra. The only reason neither me nor my team have decided to swear our loyalty to you is that we do not know what that entails. As you must envision this town as a city that will grow, I know you need an advanced team of builders to work on the woodwork, sewer systems, and mana-based power lines. I''m sure my team could handle this if you give us the chance, but we''re skeptical of another incident after being deceived by the leader of the Green Mist."


    He lets out a sigh and steps back to hear my response.


    I take a moment to ponder his im, doing a full appraisal of him and his men and women workers.


    Most of them have extreme strength and body hardening skills to help with the heavy lifting and burdens of the job, but the young man to his right side has an earth summoning skill and their leader has a very interesting status.


    [Lv. 114] [Structural Perception][Special Grade]


    I dig deeper into his status using my all-seeing eye, and it shows that this skill works simrly to my swordsmanship skills'' legendary perk. It seems he''s able to see and manifest images of advanced systems and structures to see and test how they would work best with moving parts added to them over time by letting his subconscious take over and show him the way.


    My guess is it is a skill usually used for craftsmen making small items, or even may be useful for abat magic user to use to bend mana and matter to their will to create more efficient spells.


    However, it is a truly unique use of this skill to use it for advanced architecture.


    Based on his backstory, it seems he''s never worked on any major projects, and only built what small viges needed to get by and survive.


    I nod and reply with a smile only visible beneath my ming mask.


    "So, you''d like to use my growing city as a sandbox to create your dream architectural creations? But wish to not be held back by the potential constraints of what submitting to me as a leader may entail."


    The corner of the man''s lip turns up as well, and he nods.


    "You can see my vision, can''t you?"


    I reply just as Abby walks through the back door of the guild hall again.


    "I believe I do, and I believe you see mine. I wish to create an Empire greater than anything the Dark continent has ever seen. One that in time, can rival the Association. I will grow the funds, and I will grow in power. However, this will only work if every member that lives in this city serves me, and only me as their leader. Treat me with honesty and respect, and that will be what is given back to every member of thismunity. Nothing more, nothing less."


    His eyes sparkle, and another string of silent notifications ring in my inner ear.


    All 7 of them get down on one knee after Maurice, their leader, and pledge loyalty to me.


    As soon as they get back up, I ask Abby to get them their coins and basic supplies.


    Then, the voice of the second group leader hits my ear and I turn to see a tall man in a rogue hunter''s uniform with 5 beautiful women behind him in tight colorful clothing.


    He takes a step forward with a white smile, chiseled jaw, blond hair, and piercing green eyes.


    "Nice to meet you. The name''s Dan Striker. I n on being your number 1petition."

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469


    I try not tough, scanning his status to see he''s level 219 and has one of those rare team buff skills that increases everyone''s strength stat by 25% in a small radius for a limited amount of time.


    It''s a great skill to have for helping newbies learn to fight, and beneficial to hunting squads that farm dungeons, but it''s nothing special. However, he''s very charismatic and confident. He said he had a business proposition for me when I met him and his girlfriends in line earlier without a drop of fear, so I decided to let him pique my interest.


    I raise an eyebrow and reply.


    "Mypetition... huh? Exin."


    Despite his cheerful attitude and the charismatic stance he holds, with women standing behind him holding his arms and back, green mist oozes from his body, letting my lie detector reading tell me that he''s 100% serious about what he just said.


    The man speaks up again.


    "That''s right. Ie from Sector 1. I used to be the manager and head promoter of a small mercenary pub in the entertainment district of one of the settlements a few hundred kilometers away from Valor City."


    I perk up at the sound of this but still don''t know exactly what he means by him being my number onepetition.


    He continues before I get the chance to ask.


    "I see you''re going to have a guild hall here to buy and sell goods from the nearby dungeons, right?"


    I nod.


    "That''s right. Stable prices will be ced on materials from the dungeons necessary for my craftsmen to conduct trade with other sectors and regions in bulk quantities."


    He nods with his bright white smile still stered across his face.


    "Exactly what I thought... So, think about this. What will you do with the items that are useless for the bulk order crafts you need? Who will you be hiring to form training parties that help newbies level up? Where can people go to if they want to buy and sell their goods outside the guild run by the government of this city? Something like a mercenary bar, or a guild hall ran buy the locals. Imagine a ce where anyone can post a quest and name their price, and anyone strong enough to carry it out first can collect the bounty."


    He smiles even wider as I think about his words.


    This man has a pretty solid point. While having my guild hall be the sole ce for hunters to buy and sell goods from the dungeons would be very profitable and keep the supply and demand prices in my control entirely, it could lead to problems down the line.


    Vigers having the option to trade amongst themselves, even buy and sell the same items in another ce, is a good way to make the people feel less smothered by my all-powerful hand.


    Even if they are using my coins, and living in a society that I''m building, people need the illusion of choice.


    Just like the Association allows private guilds to function in society while their organization still reigns supreme.


    I nod and reply.


    "Fine by me, but while you''re functioning in my city, you will still have to pay a tax to the city from every quest reward. We will iron out the exact percentages and details with every new business in further town meetings. I have no problem with private guilds and mercenary forces, I fully support them, but you all still must pledge your loyalty to me as this city''s leader if you wish to stay and do business. No matters of deceptions or lies will ever be tolerated."


    Without any hesitation at all, the man bows in ce and the five women behind him bow their heads as well.


    "Of course, with you as our leader, I see my dreams of bing the greatest mercenary guild ownering true!"


    He mumbles under his breath to the women around him one by one. "Then, we can start up some restaurants, somete-night clubs, and that cat cafe you always wanted to run, and sure, even a salon for you too. This is it, I''ll be the business mogul that brings life to the entertainment district in this city."


    I chuckle to myself, as he''s a bit scatterbrained about his end goals, but has great ideas to go with it. Plus, the energy, ambition, and charisma that he has may actually be enough to make it all happen. I see no problem with him starting up some private businesses and attempting to bring life to the entertainment side of this city.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Very well. Let''s get you all situated, then I''ll be on my way. I have to arrange the travel for all of those that wish to leave the city. So, until then..."


    I turn to Abby and give her a detailed n of what I''d like done while I''m away, bringing these men and women to Sra.


    She writes everything down on a notepad and happily nods.


    "That''s quite the undertaking, but it makes sense. Got it, I''ll get it done."


    "Great."


    I wave her off and walk out the door to meet with therge crowd of people while she begins to talk with Maurice and Dan inside the guild hall.


    The chatter is getting pretty loud, and I can tell everyone is getting quite antsy standing out here in the hot sun, so I float above all of them and use my [Screech] perk to make my voice heard among the whole crowd.


    "Alright, everyone. Follow me. Your ride back to Sra is this way."


    I float above them and through the streets slowly, making my way toward the road that was builtst night. The crowd slowly follows and chatters amongst themselves as we make our way through the desert and to the edge of the canyon.


    It takes just under half an hour to get everyone here, and there are some stragglers, but eventually, everyone gathers around and I speak again.


    "Alright, split into groups of 5 to 10 maximum. I''ll be using a teleportation technique that only works in dungeons on each of you in small groups. Don''t ask any more questions, that is all you need to know. I will lead you all to the Sran Dungeon Hub. The transfer will be instant, but this process will take a while as I can only bring a few people along at a time."


    I watch them all split into groups and line up on the road in roughly 30 separate groups varying from 5 to 10 members just as I asked.


    The first group steps forward, and I activate telekinesis to make them all float in the air.


    "Perfect, I''ll be back very soon."


    I jump off the edge of the canyon and float down to the nearest dungeon portal with everyone behind me. Not saying another word, I jump through and instantly dungeon walk all of us right in front of one of the E-Grade dungeon portals in Sra.


    The group of men and women look back at me with confused stares as the dungeon environment changed before their eyes, so I speak up.


    "It''s already over. Walk through that portal and you''ll be back in Sra."


    Their eyes widen. Some thank me again many times, while others hurriedly jump through without another word.


    I wait a few seconds before all of them are gone, then activate stealth and follow them through.


    Each of them leaves through the dungeon gate and out into the crowded square without any of the guards batting an eye.


    I walk past the guards too, and quickly slip in and out of every dungeon I can that has an open door to set more dungeon walker points.


    Luckily, it''s midday now and most hunters here areing in and out of the square for lunch, rest,te starts, and even early end of day loot cash-ins. It''s the perfect time to slip a few more people through unnoticed.


    I dungeon walk back to the canyon in Sector 2 and begin bringing every team through one by one to randomized gates.


    I leave a few minutes in between every teleport just to watch and make sure they make it out of the square and into the city alright beforeing back.


    After another 2 hours pass, I finally finish up with every team and am left staring at an empty road back to my town.


    "Well, I''m d that''s over with."


    I let out a sigh and turn to the workers huts off in the distance where there are now 21 people waiting in a trance-like state for my orders.


    There''s nothing I need to have done in the immediate future, but I''m sure that team of builders wouldn''t mind some freebor in theing days. I''m sure the people that were taken advantage of will enjoy making their past captors suffer the same fate.


    However, once these initial projects are done, and people''s immediate revenge is satisfied, we''ll need to make a voting system and I''ll establish clear and written out rules to follow along with their punishments if broken.


    A new growing society like this needs order eventually, it can''t always be ruled with chaos wielded by the strongest hand.


    With this in mind, I make my way back to the town to see Abby waiting for me inside the guild hall with a stack of papers.


    "I got what you asked for. You were right about Maurice alright! He''s an architectural genius, look at these!"


    I make my way over to her and walk inside the center room of the guild hall to begin sifting through the many papers.


    They consist of intricate systems using the underground streams from the canyon to create a clean drinking water system, a sewer system that flows out the opposite direction, a power grid with multiple sources of energy that need to be supplied with mana crystals, and many other intricate designs.


    I see zoningyouts for residential areas, small andrge shopping areas, food markets and restaurants, as well as an entertainment district withnd plots and their estimated pricings for if in the future I''d like to sell segments of the city to vendors.


    Every sheet of paperes with more and more ns for expansion that detail how these systems need to be tweaked and built upon whenrger poptionse to the city.


    It''s all outlined in far more detail than I imagined.


    My grin can''t be hidden as I murmur to myself, shuffling through more and more of the pages. "This is perfect. Exactly what I wanted and more..."


    I get to thest page and a list of materials isid out consisting of massive amounts of heavy brick, lumber, metal, cement, and various conductors and unique building materials. The quantities needed for each material are in the thousands, and I can tell this won''t be cheap. Hundreds of gold will be the price in bulk wholesale even at its lower end.


    However, I specifically told Abby to let Maurice run wild and not hold back, as long as it''s for the good of the city.


    "This will do."


    I grab the paper with all the necessary building materials for the first stage of construction and begin to walk out the door again.


    "Thanks Abby, you were a great help this morning. Keep an eye on the city while I go put in an order for these construction materials. There''s only one ce I know that would have these kinds of goods avable in such high quantities."

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470


    Abby replies.


    "Of course. Good luck."


    I walk out the door again, but this time, I use extreme speed and wind magic to quickly fly through the desert back to the canyon.


    Once I set foot in a dungeon, I teleport to the dungeon hub in Vice City.


    I change my face and appearance to that of a D-Grade hunter with average gear and allow my Qi Barrier to emit the tiniest amount of mana, making it seem like I''m just at the cusp of level 250. My new appearance is that of a very strong hunter, but nothing crazy enough to turn any important heads.


    With a confident stroll, I walk out of the gates and make my way to a part of town I''ve never been to before.


    It''s a sectioned-off corner of the city near the forest region that has many factories and processing nts. They create many non-magical materials and ship goods to various regions all over the main continent.


    Some of them still run on electricity.


    It''s the remnants of the old world before the Great War, and before dungeons began popping up in this world. The lumber, stone, and metal industries are still thriving, which most of the world relies on for the infrastructure and construction of cities and for maintaining roads and buildings.


    While over 50% of this district is just warehouses filled with raw materials ready for processing and sold in bulk orders, the other half are the nts that process, ready, and ship these orders out. A very tiny percent of tall buildings are lined up near the border of the factory district and the main city. They act as a bit of a smog guard for the lower ie housing and forest region nearby, theserge buildings house offices forpany managers, ensuring everything continues to move smoothly in the processing nts and warehouses.


    I walk up to the busiest office building I can find withrge white lettering on the side of its building spelling out [Unity Building Supply Co.] in bold print.


    As I walk into the front office, many men in suits wait in the lobby. After a quick inspection and appraisal, I find none of them are leveled high at all. Some aren''t even awakened, to my utter surprise. They''re level 0 with no skills or systems, meaning they''ve never even killed a monster in their life.


    It''s been quite a while since I''ve seen people like this...


    The smell of cigarettes fills the air, and the old carpeted floor is soft beneath my feet. Outside, the sounds of saws cutting wood and metal being nged fill my ears. The warm yellow light of the room is a change of pace for me too, as I''m used to very bright white mana-imbued lighting.


    I walk forward and approach the man at the back of the room behind the wooden lobby desk.


    His name, on a small golden triangle propped up on his desk, reads [Leonard Mayson III]. He speaks up while looking me in the eyes with a steady and professional gaze.


    "Wee to The Unity Building Supply Company. What can I help you with today, sir?"


    I feel the res on my back from the businessmen waiting patiently in the lobby behind me, but ignore it and just continue to do what I came here for, cing the sheet of paper with all the supplies I need on the table in front of the man.


    "I''m sure there''s a normal process to ce orders through yourpany, but I''m in quite the rush, so I decided toe in and ask in person. Is there any way I can ce this order, pay in full, and walk out of here with these supplies today?"


    The man nods and takes the sheet of paper from me, pulling a pair of sses from his shirt cor and cing them on to read it.


    "I''m sorry to tell you, sir, we don''t take orders in this manner. Ourpany has very strict"


    He stops mid-sentence once he begins reading the page.


    His eyes widen as they move back and forth all the way down the sheet of paper, then he looks back up at me.


    "You said you''re able to pay in full today?"


    I smile and nod, reaching into my item storage beneath my fake hunter''s gear and pull out a few shiny tinum bars for only him to see.


    "Of course. I''m ready to pay right now if you''ll confirm you can fulfill the order."


    His gaze tightens on the bars of metal, then he realizes what material they''re made from and immediately rings a bell at the side of his desk. An older woman about the same age as himes out from a door at the other side of the room.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    "Tracey, could you bring this young man up to meet the Boss? He has an urgent order that needs to be taken care of. We may have a way to meet our quota this month after all."


    "Yes, will do."


    She looks at me and motions for me to follow.


    "Right this way."


    The elevator at the back of the room opens, and I thank the lobbyman while following the older woman into the cramped elevator.


    It shakes as it slowly rises up 8 floors before reaching the top, then arge office with a beautiful handcrafted wooden desk sits at the back of it. A tall office chair is behind it, and the walls surrounding the room are lined with hundreds, if not thousands, of books, maps, and stacks of paper.


    There are tworge windows on opposite sides of the room. One that faces the factories is shut, while the window that has a view of the forest and the rest of Vice City is open, and a cool breezees in.


    A very old man, seemingly on the edge of death, sits behind this desk in the chair, and a name tag is disyed on the table [Leonard Mayson II]. He lifts his head up while putting out a cigarette in a small dish full with other bright orange butts.


    I smile and walk forward as the woman speaks to introduce me.


    "This young man has an urgent order to be filled out. Leo told me to send him up."


    She backs up into the elevator again and leaves to go back downstairs.


    The man looks at me with disgust as I walk forward and speaks in a raspy breath.


    "You''re a contracted hunter, aren''t you? No fancy getup today? You are with the Association, right? I told you we''d get everything settled by the end of the month. What do you want, kid?"


    I smile and shake my head.


    "No, no... Trust me, I''m as far from the Association as you can fathom. I don''t know what business you have with them, and quite honestly, I don''t care to find out. I just need arge amount of building supplies and assumed yourpany was the best ce to ask on short notice."


    I stop in front of his desk and give him the sheet of paper just like I did what I can presume to be his son down in the lobby.


    He does the same exact action, taking the list from me and attempting to read it while taking his sses from his cor and cing them on his face.


    "Well, if my boy sent you up here, it must be for a good reason... Let me see here..."


    His eyes track the page up and down while he mumbles to himself in a grumpy tone with words I can''t understand.


    I''m left to wait in my own thoughts while he checks his papers and looks at my own, writing down things on a new sheet right by its side.


    Finally, after a few minutes, he gets to the bottom, then looks back up at me.


    "Well, first things first, I''ll tell you the price. Then we can see if this conversation will even continue. You''re looking at 558 Gold, 62 Silver, and 19 Bronze in raw materials here. To get them moved from warehouses into a general location, plus processing some of the more unique items, it''s going to be more. Plus, ourpany and city tax will be added on top of that too."


    He scribbles down more on a small piece of paper, adding numbers up before looking up at me again.


    "We''re looking at just over 604 Gold, but I''ll round it down and call it 600 even. With an order of this size, we''ll take care of the loading fees for free if you bring your own trucks over or have item boxes big enough to carry a small town''s worth of building materials like this here."


    I nod and think to myself if asking for the exact pricing on each item to haggle a few gold is even worth my time right now, but the old man breaks my train of thought.


    "So, you still interested, kid? This is a serious order, I don''t have time to y around."


    I look up at him and respond, pulling 6 tinum bars from my item storage and cing them on his desk lightly. Even though I''m careful, the bar''s weight still makes a loud thud that echoes through the room for a moment.


    "Yeah, let''s do it. What''s the fastest you all can process this order? I''d like to get things moving as soon as possible."


    The old man''s eyes don''t open wide with surprise like his son''s; he just nods and pulls out a scale from beneath his desk, then starts weighing the bars one by one.


    "Exactly 600 gold worth of tinum, it seems. How interesting. It''s not everyday I see this kind of metal used as payment in the Vice Region."


    A grin shows on his face.


    "Where are you from, kid? Who do you work for? With supplies like this, you could build an entire city ready to house a few hundred people... I''d like to ask for your ID, or at least a name I can write down here on our bnce sheets, as that''spany policy for any and all orders"


    I ce a 7th tinum bar on the table before he finishes his sentence.


    He changes his tone.


    "Well It looks like I have all of the identification I need."


    I smile and take a step back.


    "I thank you for being considerate of my privacy needs. I hope this will be the first of many purchases I make with you all. So, I''ll ask again, when is the earliest I''ll be able to pick these goods up?"


    As these words leave my lips, a rush of memories hit my subconscious, and I see my body double get ughtered far out in the desert.


    I can''t help but to exhale with surprise and step back while more visuals rush into my mind.


    A massive brown bird with a wingspan of at least 10 meters soars through the sky rippling with dense wind magic and soul energy. On its back, there is a ck suit of armor and they are flying high in the skying from the same direction as Sector 1.


    My body double managed to confront them and get a clear visual before its sliced into too many pieces to count by an invisible wind energy attack.


    Thest thing it managed to see is a number 6 glowing bright orange on the underside of one of therge bird''s wings.


    I shake my head and step forward, keeping myposure as I''m in the middle of a meeting.


    "Sorry, go on."


    The man responds to my question as a bead of sweat drips down the side of my forehead and I try to estimate how fast that bird was flying and how far away from the town my double was.


    "We have all of these materials on site; we can have them processed and sorted by the end of the day if you''d like."


    I nod back to his response, but my mind is somewhere elseing to the conclusion that however fast this bird is flying, I have no time to waste thinking about it any longer.


    My gaze turns to the open window at the back of his room, and I quickly reply.


    "Alright, perfect. Get everything ready for me and I''ll be back after sunset. I look forward to doing business with you, Mr. Mayson."


    Leaving the old man with a curious look on his face, I run toward the window and jump out without saying another word.

 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471


    The man doesn''t get a chance to reply as I airstep toward the center of the city, activating my stealth skill and expanding my All-seeing Eye to find the closest dungeon to my location right now.


    At my current speed, I''ll get to the main hub in less than a few minutes, but the underground train ride to a nearby dungeon could be unpredictable, adding even a few more minutes to my travel time.


    Crossing downtown and going into the underground dungeon hub may be faster, but it will also take a few minutes too many.


    As I finish my scan of the city, I pinpoint one of the mana-shielded boxes containing a portal underground that connects to the main dungeon hub transport system. Seeing this, I make my decision to create a much faster route in.


    I focus on the center of an empty alleyway in a residential area, and dive with a single outreached fist through the hard stone road.


    It crumbles and disintegrates instantly beneath the pressure of my Qi and mana shielding, leaving a smooth circle in the ground leading deep into the city''s lower levels.


    I phase through the road and narrowly avoid important city infrastructure, but don''t stop my momentum as Ie in contact with one of the outer walls of a mana sheided protection barrier put in ce to keep monsters out in case of breaks.


    It buzzes loudly and releases arge amount of mana as I break through. It all happens so fast that I don''t bother to wait and watch what happens after I dive through the blue floating dungeon portal before me.


    Fractions of a secondter, I''m flying out of the canyon in Sector 2, rocketing toward the spot in the sky I remember detecting the approaching Dark Guards.


    As I airstep through the sky leaving a blue trail of extreme speed behind, I think to myself if they timed all this or if it was a coincidence that they attacked the only hour I was away from the city. All night I stayed up and watched the city, and in the morning I kept a keen eye out for any approaching guards.


    Thinking about it more doesn''t get me anywhere though, the good thing is I made it in time to stop them from approaching before they made it to the town.


    Less than 5kms away, I see them as clear as day; the sharp yellow-orange eyes of an enormous hawk-like bird, leaking orange energy behind it as it rides on a wave of invisible wind magic.


    I catch a glimpse of the underside of its wing again, and confirm it says the number 6, but do a full inspect and appraisal to know without any doubt, this is another Dark Guard infected by the Curse of the Lich King.


    ___________


    [Lv. 1377]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    [NONE]


    Buffs:


    [Curse of The Lich King]


    ___________


    No items, no skills, and no other buffs show on its status, but I can feel that it''s using wind magic.


    However, it''s being powered by the Soul Energy within it, just like the 7th guard I fought before. This proves my theory further that when an entity is infected by the Curse of the Lich King, every bit of their being is stripped away and granted new borrowed power to grow stronger under new rules.


    Old elements of the user''s past abilities can be manifested artificially by using Soul Energy as its power source.


    This is a far different use of Shared soul energy than the [Red Hydra''s Buff] I''ve used myself, or [The Sun God''s Curse Mark] that I recall the 40th-floor boss having. Both of these shared Soul Energy perks allow the user to retain their original buffs and skills, but The Lich King''s Soul Energy works much differently...


    As my pulse of energy to read therge bird''s status and do a full body scan of it with my all-seeing eyees back, the massive creature shifts its gaze toward me.


    I try to scan the armor standing on its back, but nothinges back, before I attempt to push my senses further the hawk''s trajectory shifts right toward me and I hear a static-filled voice enter my head while the hawk stares me down and speeds up.


    "I just killed you. Pesky bug, I knew it wouldn''t be that simple if the Dark One Ordered us to finish this job personally. You cannot live, I will be the cause of your demise."


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Before the static message stops, I already sense over 20 des of invisible wind flying my way in all directions creating a sphere of sharp mana des closing in on me.


    I can see how my body double got trapped in such an attack. Every de of wind here is denser and stronger than the soul energy armor of the Ranked Up Colossal''s final form.


    Pure mana alone would be useless trying to stop an attack like this...


    However, after my own recent rank up and increase in Qi capacity and efficiency, these slow-moving des of wind are both visible and easily blockable from my line of sight.


    I chuckle to myself and pull out my Wind Tyrant''s Dagger Set from my item storage, separating the crimson des imbued with wind magic into two parts and saturating them with Qi to the point where they begin to leak white hot energy with every fine movement I make.


    "These kinds of attacks aren''t even worth drawing my real sword... Bring it on..."


    With a smile on my face, I begin gracefully dancing through the barrage of attacks, but use my Legendary Dagger Mastery along with Dual Wielding to watch two threads of intent guide my movements.


    As the wind prison closes in, my des break every sh at their weak points one by one, dancing through the sky toward the approaching hawk without slowing down my speed at all.


    In less than a second, all 24 of its attacks disperse into nothing more than energy in the air, and there''s a sparkling disy of white Qi dissolving soul energy as it drips from my des.


    The Enormous Hawk''s eyes sharpen, and I see the number 6 glow on its wing far brighter than before.


    Then, the telepathy channel we were just linked to buzzes with static and cuts out as the bird speaks to the suit of armor on its back, but their words are a mystery to me.


    The armor nods once, and jumps off the creature''s back, floating in the air right where it jumped staying back while the monstrous bird dives toward me.


    Another invisible sphere of wind magic attacks me from all around, but I perform the same graceful dance to dodge and disperse all of its iing strikes.


    The moment I do, the bird sends off another attack and it ends just the same.


    The closer I get, the more wind des it throws, but I just increase the speed of my dance in the sky, not even breaking a sweat.


    Its eyes arerger than my entire head, and they burn bright orange while they track my every movement. At the speed that its pupils dart across the battlefield to track me, I''d assume it could throw far superior attacks than the ones it''s using now.


    Once I get within 50 meters of the monster, its intentions finally be clear while the static noise flows into my ear.


    "Your precision with the de is admirable, but I''m afraid no one''s eyes are as precise as mine. I know all of your movements, and this is really the end. Anyst words?"


    I sigh, twirling my daggers in my hands while I airstep closer.


    "Anyst words? An Admirable fighter? You all sound the same.... Everyst one of you.... Bring it on, let''s see what you''ve really got."


    The sky around me changes color.


    It shifts from a bright blue with hardly a cloud in the sky, to a murderous shade of orange.


    Hundreds of wind crescents appear from this air, coating in a dense orangeyer of wind magic and plummet toward me at over 4 times the speed its previous attacks did.


    My eyes sparkle with the me of battle as I finally begin imbuing Qi into my footsteps and around my eyes to aid my vision for the first time during our exchange. My reflexes are enhanced, my visual perception of soul energy is awakened, and my movement speed increases for a whole different level.


    I grip my daggers even tighter, and dance through the sky again.


    The ringing sounds of Qi on Soul Energy sh through the sky at over 30 beats per second.


    Plumes of white energy erupt from my daggers and orange mist fills the air, staining the sky with its coloring.


    Midway through my routine, the hawk that set up this attack dive-bombs in at me to take advantage of the confusion it believes its caused.


    The monster''s sharp eyes begin to overflow with orange energy, and its hard beak sucks all of the protective Soul Energy around its body toward a main point, like sharpening and hardening its weapon to focus on a final attack.


    I sense iting from above me before it''s even finished hardening its beak and whisper under my breath. "You really think I''d fall for something like this..."


    Either I''ve gotten immensely stronger, or this dark guard is far too overconfident for its own good. The answer feels like it''s obviously both.


    Whatever the case may be, it''s leaving itself wide open, so I''ll prepare to strike once ites within range.


    The bird dive-bombs in, and its speed increases to impressive highs. At its perfect calcted angle, it drops through the storm of wind shes and threads the needle perfectly on track to make contact with me in the center.


    However, my own power is far from hitting its max, and I have plenty of tricks I haven''t shown this opponent yet.


    It falls into the sphere of wind, and has its beak pointed straight at what it thinks is my blind spot while I continue to fend off its normal attacks.


    Once it''s less than 10 meters away, and there is no way for it to change directions in time, or else it''ll be torn apart by its own des, I set up my own counterattack.


    I activate my sh skill to its maximum potential, lighting up the entire ball of wind into a second sun in the sky. Then, separate into many different illusions using phantom step to disperse into many usible directions within the shes of wind.


    Next, I activate stealth to disappear from its senses entirely and use my speed buffs to position myself in front of the diving bird''s underbelly.


    Last, I saturate my daggers with over half of the Qi in my core to release a devastating dual sh of energy on course to slice this enormous graceful bird into pieces.


    "It''s over..." Leaves my lips just a few milliseconds too soon.


    The shes of Qi are less than a meter away from slicing through the monster''s heart and stomach, guaranteeing this victory for myself, however the second sh of light in the sky ruins all of my perfectly calcted ns.


    Far away from our fight, over 500 meters above, an enormous release of mana and soul energy hits my senses the instant this lethal attack leaves my des.


    The ck suit of armor that was waiting patiently in the sky explodes into pieces and a sh of silver lightes out of it.


    It looks like liquid metal streaking toward us, and it''s so fast, it makes my own Qi imbued footsteps look like I''m taking a leisurely stroll.


    The silver streak of light cuts the distance in an instant and swerves in front of my dual sh.


    All I can see in the blur of light is my des of Qi beingpletely deflected and thrown off in another direction and a bold number [2] printed on the silver forearm of the figure that deflected them.

 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472


    "Let me handle this... Dumb bird..." is the only thing I hear as the same silver arm that blocked my attack punches the brown bird in the underbelly.


    Its wind magic attacks all disappear in an instant, and it goes flying high into the air without even having to p its wings. It isn''t killed, but definitely knocked unconscious in a single blow.


    I jump backward and go on the defensive immediately, scanning the figure in front of me, but hardly believe what I see when a [Lv. 1894] appears on its status along with the [Curse of The Lich King] buff and nothing else.


    I get a good look at the Guard, and its figure starts to look less and less human to me the more I examine it.


    With three hornsing out of its forehead, shimmering silver skin, athletic striated muscles, and eyes that stare directly through my soul as if this creature has been living for a million years.


    The pupils and irises are both jet ck, while the outer edges that are usually white are a dull, matte silver, a few shades darker than its skin.


    Whatever this creature is, it is far from human.


    The silver aura that surrounds its body is dreadful. It feels colder than ice, but looks like a constant stream of evaporating metal particlesing off its body.


    It makes a motion as if it were about to step forward in the air, but before its foot evenpletes a full stride, a silver sh of light fills my vision and it''s right in front of me, staring me in the eyes less than half a meter from my face.


    "Fight me. I was told you are a strong one, I hope that attack was not the full extent of your power."


    The creature doesn''t strike me even though it''s clearly within range; it just stares into my eyes with a lifeless gaze and waits for me to answer.


    I use this opportunity to continue my motion backward, cing my daggers on my waist and pulling out my fire-imbued sword while swallowing a Qi pill to restore the half of my core that was used up in myst attack.


    I concentrate my Qi into my de and use the excess in my barrier to only cover my vital organs with the maximum density possible. The rest of my body is still covered at 75% strength, but considering my opponent''s speed and power, it feels necessary to defend for any potential lethal strikes.


    It steps forward again, and it takes most of my perception skill, purely focused on its movements, to watch the silver she closer. Its right hand glows brighter silver and a long spear appears that looks like bubbling metal being summoned from seemingly nowhere.


    It lunges forward with the silver spear and throws a basic attack straight at my heart.


    Its eyes are locked on the target, and it moves with absolute confidence.


    No matter the direction I move, it will surely follow, and given the time I have until it makes impact, the only thing I can do is block.


    I grit my teeth and focus everything I have into my swordsmanship skill, letting Qi flow through my hands into the de while glowing brightly with all my buffs.


    I airstep sharply to turn my body in the same direction I swing my sword, and it collides with the sharp edge of the spear.


    Silver soul energy reacts with the plumes of Qi that erupt from my sword, and for a moment both of us are stood perfectly still in the air as if we''re evenly matched.


    However, the silver figure pushes forward with unyielding force, consistently pressing on without a single change in its expression or soul energy released whatsoever. My own power is fluctuating greatly as I continue to push its limits and fend off the attack aimed to end my life.


    As my airsteps'' force catches up to me, my angle of momentum rtive to the creature''s spear shifts, and my body rotates out of its direct path.


    There''s an explosion of white and silver energy that sends me flying to the side while I follow through with my swing, pushing me farther away, and the silver spear misses my body entirely by just a few centimeters.


    The instant I ready myself in the air again and look for my opponent, it''s already turned at a right angle ande back at me with machine-like precision.


    I block again, twisting my body to the other side, using up precious Qi, but avoiding a fatal blow.


    This time after our separation, the speares back much faster than the first two times.


    The iing strike is so quick I can''t even move my sword fast enough to block it. I want to activate my newest ranked-up buff to increase my size, speed, and power, but its activation time takes far longer than what I have to work with here.


    The best possible option I have in a moment like this is to move all of my Qi to cover my heart and head, then brace for impact.


    It lunges forward and the tip of its silver speares within millimeters of making contact with my chest, but it disappears before my eyes again.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Next thing I see is the creature to my side thrusting his spear through the back of my left knee. It disappears and reappears, and I feel it thrust another attack through the inner side of my right elbow. It vanishes two more times, thrusting its weapon through both of my opposite knee and elbow with no resistance at all.


    Searing pain erupts from the center joints of all 4 of my limbs, and it bes impossible to move at the same speed I did a moment ago. The creature appears in front of me with the same emotionless look on its face, staring me straight in the eyes, then pushes its palm on my chest where my Qi barrier is still the strongest.


    An incredible pressure knocks the wind out of me, and I''m sted back, down toward the desert floor.


    This all happens in fractions of a second, that it''s almost too fast for me toprehend until after the fact.


    Its words echo in my mind as I fall, "As I thought... you are just another weak Human," and the visual of it punching its brown bird partner from the sky moments ago rey in my head, showing that in this form I was really just as weak to it as the 6th ranked guard was to me.


    Even though it stares at me with an emotionless gaze high above in the sky with its arms crossed, and silver spear floating by its side, I can still feel the cold sensation of its attack in my legs and arms.


    If anything, it''s getting even colder.


    I ignite my body in a sea of mes, but the cold sensation doesn''t stop.


    Once I look down at my legs and at both of my arms, I see the silver Soul energy growing from the injuries this creature gave me. It looks like metallic slow-moving ice is growing from my joints, and it''s freezing my flesh and bones no matter how much fire I summon onto it.


    I attempt to cancel out its ability by flooding the areas with Qi, but it does nothing more than eat up the white energy and drain my stores.


    All of the energy in the infected areas is being sucked away.


    I even activate my Red Hydra''s buff, but it''s even less effective than my pure Qi, so I shut it off the moment I realize it''s futile. On top of this issue, I''m also hurdling toward the ground at speeds faster than anything I''ve ever experienced. Once my multiple attempts at healinge back with definite failures, I imbue my sword with a raging hot fire to slice through my own legs above the affected area, destroying the problem entirely before it spreads too far.


    I slice off my own left arm, then regrow only it to hold my sword and slice off my right.


    An item storage portal forms above me, and the frozen silver limbs float up into suspended animation while I regrow my other three limbs and focus on the bigger issue at hand. Based on my downward velocity, impact will not be survivable if I fall on my neck or back. I activate wind magic gusts below myself to slow my fall. This works, but my momentum is too great to stop entirely.


    The golden sand below me gets closer very quickly. I position myself upright tond on my feet, making impact on the ground with an echoing thud that disces the sand all around for over 100 meters wide and over 20 meters deep.


    As the dust clears, I quickly open my item storage. My subconscious creates a new method for retrieving gear from my inventory.


    I open 4 simultaneous portals beneath my feet and in front of my hands, plunging all 4 limbs into my storage, and retrieving the unaffected gear from the limbs I cut off previously back exactly where they were on my body before.


    My rings, boots, and gauntletse out of my storage system on my body as I pull myself out of the spatial magic. With it, I pull out another Qi pill and swallow it on the spot, expanding my perception range to locate the Dark Guard in the sky.


    Before this creature can get a chance to attack me again, I activate my newest buff [Rising Emperor''s Greater Form].


    Instantly, I feel my power grow and my feet lift off the ground.


    Energy erupts from the cloud of dust that formed from my impact, and an enormous ck shadowy energy projection of myself is left staring up at the sky.


    The silver entity feels the disturbance the moment my transformation starts and zips down to the desert floor to see what has happened.


    It stares forward with its silver spear slowly floating around its body in circles while it patiently waits for my transformation to reach its peak form.


    Then, it finally speaks up.


    "Weak... Dumb...Humans... You do not understand how pointless it is for me to fight an inferior creature like you. Merely by existing, I have already won."


    I don''t listen to its words, I just charge up my sword with everything I''ve got. I create my most destructive attack possible. To do so, I plunder mana crystals that fall from my item storage and feed my main body with mana, and imbue the inside of the attack with Qi.


    The enormous shadowy armor that amplifies my strength by over 7 times mimics my actions, showing my sword glow and flicker with jet ck mes. The inner core of the Greater Form''s sword glows white with Qi, as energy leaves my body continuously feeding into this buff''s powers.


    The sand beneath my feet and all around me is melting and turning to liquid ss as I continue charging up and waiting for any signs of movement from the Silver Figure, but it doesn''t budge.


    It just continues staring forward with its arms crossed. It speaks again as I pull back my sword to swing.


    "I will make you understand how weak you really are."


    I swing my sword forward at its cryptic message, and a wave of Qi surrounded by fire magic multiplied by my ranked up buff''s power tears through the desert, melting every rock, sand dune, and shrubbery in its way.


    The 2nd ranked Dark Guard doesn''t budge, and it''s hit directly by the mountain-splitting sh.


    I feel immense amounts of energy drain from me but watch in amazement at my own power as it collides with the floating silver mass of soul energy.


    Based on the Dark Guard''s confidence, I was still partially considering the fact that it could block an attack like this if it tried.


    I can sense its estimated soul energy density, and I created a sh strong enough to easily break through its barriers, but for some reason, the monster still stays standing in one ce as my sh makes contact.


    The creature is sliced in two.


    There is hardly any resistance at all actually...


    A small eruption of soul energy, Qi, and mes burst out on contact, but the guard made no effort to increase its shielding or dodge the st.


    Most of its body is incinerated through; all that remains are a few parts of its arms, legs, and the top half of its spear.


    My heart beats loudly in my ears as I regain my MP stores and take another Qi pill to recharge.


    I keep a safe distance away, and hold my de at the ready for something to happen, but nothing does.


    The part that irks me is the fact that there wasn''t even a level-up reward for defeating this opponent.


    I murmur to myself, "This can only mean one thing... it''s somehow not dead..."


    The scattered tiny bits of silver parts all throughout the desert begin to vibrate and move.


    My eyes try to track them all as they begin toe back to a central point.


    Once they do, the silver cells begin replicating and growing, reforming the horned creature''s body to look exactly the same as before it started.


    The eyes of this menacing monster look as emotionless as when the battle began.


    It grabs its spear as itpletely reforms in its hand, and speaks again.


    "Do you understand now, how weak humans truly are?"

 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473


    The silver-coated creature stares at me,pletely unharmed after taking a point nk hit from my most powerful attack.


    I''m positive I just blew apart and incinerated over 70% of its body, but in mere seconds it managed topletely regenerate despite me destroying all of its organs and even its entire head.


    The creature walks forward and speaks up again.


    "Do you see why you are weak? A simple hit to the head or heart will cause irreversible damage in a human body. No matter how much you train, or powers you gain, you will always be an inferior species."


    I grip my sword tight and point it forward in a ready stance, waiting for it to finish its point and for the battle to move on.


    "Just like my birdbrain partner that I use for a ride, even it is fragile enough to be taken out by your Qi-based attack. One hit in the vitals and it''s all over. Such weak creatures..."


    My eyes widen as he speaks these words.


    From what I recall, fighting the 7th ranked guard, it couldn''t see my Qi des at all, and from what I saw in my moments fighting with the 6th, it wasn''t able to perceive them either. Somehow, this metal monster is able to...


    Almost as if it has read my mind, the 2nd Ranked Dark Guard continues.


    "Just like your Red Soul Energy, I too have borrowed power from the Dark One I am capable of using. However, myself and two other Dark Guards have cultivated Qi and awakened our own Soul Energy. This is why I choose to leave the Dark One''s Power Dormant, it''s not necessary."


    The figure grips his spear tight.


    "The Dark One. That being is the only one that is truly strong. You are a fool for challenging its all-powerful might. You''re just a human..."


    He points his spear forward at me, then lunges forward in a sh of silver speed.


    A loud vibrating twang echoes throughout the open desert as theyers of silver energy around its spear tip collide with the dense energy manifestation of my Mana and Qi soaking my sword.


    Its spear is deflected and it bounces back in the air a few meters before flying back in toward me.


    In my greater form, I''m muchrger than it is. Even so, its speed and power do not surpass my own. I''m able to easily block its iing strikes as it sends in more and more pointed at my heart, head, and upper spine.


    It isn''t hard to block any individual attacks, and the amount of mana and Qi being used up for just pure defense is rather manageable. It feels as if I''ve finally obtained the advantage in this exchange. However, there is no time to rx. Its machine-like precision still keeps me on guard.


    Every few exchanges, I''m able to see an opening in its movements. There is no mistake that it''s made, it''s just not physically quick enough to escape my de.


    Ind shes across its torso, slicing off limbs, and even an attack with my elongated sword in my Greater form that cuts off his head at the neck and incinerates it entirely on the spot.


    Every time, its mass bubbles and reforms, regrowing everything it''s lost without any change in expression or power level. The monster even blocks a second iing attack with the tip of its spear before its entire head has even grown back.


    Over 10 of my attacksnd, and over 30 total exchanges of blocks and dodges pass, but not a single time has it managed tond any on me.


    It doesn''t show any emotion, and no signs of slowing down, so I decide to try a few more options.


    I attempt to lock the creature in ce with rock and ice, but its strong body breaks through my traps without any resistance because my mana manifestations aren''t reinforced with Qi.


    mes from my de are only super effective when Qi is imbued inside the shes, and both wind and water attacks are just as effective as the stone and ice. They make the creature exert more energy by breaking them, or pushing through the pure force of the attack, but there is not nearly as muchsting damage as my sword strikes. They don''t even slow it down or make a dent in its body.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    It speaks as I continue my testing,


    "I''ve watched your tapes in the arena, I''ve analyzed your fighting style, I know all of your skills and tricks. This is not a matter of how I will defeat you, it is just a matter of when you will decide to give up. I know your strength and you cannot defeat me."


    Its voice rings in my ears, and I decide to activate the one new skill that I''ve been waiting to try.


    All of my other elemental skills are advanced gradebat magic powers, but there is one that I have most recently acquired that is one tier higher.


    "Extreme Lightning Summoning..."


    As the silver monsteres in to attack with another barrage of calcted spear thrusts, golden arcs of electricity begin to form all over the massive shadowy Greater Form that stands out in the desert.


    At first, it just looks like mild static, but as I channel more and more of my MP into it, the arcs of electricity begin to burst outward at a violent uncontroble rate.


    Energy surges through my body, making me feel even faster, and more alert. It''s as if I just activated a speed and perception buff, this must be an extra passive perk from an extreme grade elemental skill.


    I drain MP crystals from my inventory to allow the skill to fully activate, using up tens of thousands of MP per second to expand the lightning''s range outward. I visualize the orb of static that the 40th Floor Boss Created when fighting me, however, as I use it, my arcs of electricity look a bit different.


    They''re not expanding outward in an even sphere like I remembered before, they''re all arcing outward in many directions, then curving in toward a single point.


    A bright yellow and white line of concentrated electricity hits the metal man with all of its power.


    It seems the arcs of electricity are drawn to it, no matter what direction I spew them out from, they all direct right back into the silver figure that lunges toward me with its spear. Its body vibrates violently on a microscopic level. I see its silver skin twist, swirl, and make thousands of pin-sized spikes all over uncontrobly in rapid session. Even so, its forward momentum does not stop and it continues to attack.


    After a full half a second of pure discharge, I deactivate my lightning skill and focus on swinging my sword down to block its iing spear strike like usual.


    However, this time, the Dark Guard''s movement feels slightly off...


    It feels like it''sgging behind, as if it''s lost half a second of nning time while its body still moves forward in an attack.


    For the first time in this entire battle, Its eyes dte and widen for a split second as it tries to readjust its course, but I don''t let that happen. I swing my sword downward and slice the creature in two, releasing extra waves of Qi and ck mes I wouldn''t have been able to produce and hit so precisely if I didn''t have the opportunity of its misstep.


    The monster''s spear hand in its right half still lunges at me, and I block its hit, jumping back and pushing it back as well.


    It reforms into its original form, and its eyes revert back to its normal state, but I''m sure I caught it off guard for a moment. My lightning attack is naturally attracted to its metallic body, and when it was hit with everything I had, I''m positive it froze with shock and made an error.


    I grin ear to ear, and activate my lightning summoning skill again, running forward with my sword and going in to test my theory once more. It sprints into full battle mode too, and we run forward to sh.


    The same exact results ur, as my lightning st makes contact, my opponent is stunned for a fraction of a second, and Ind an even higher damage-dealing blow, incinerating a solid amount of its body away, but retreating after my attack just in case, to not get hit by a counter.


    I do it again, and again, over 5 more times.


    Each time I manage tond stronger hits, and I get in position tond the final blow.


    If I cannd the same attack it let me throw at it earlier, but at closer range, I''m nearly certain I''ll be able to incinerate everyst particle of this monster and kill it for good.


    The only reason it''s able to regenerate, is because there is a portion of it remaining. The only logical thing I can think to do is make sure none of it remains...


    Attacks with my greater form''s sword without releasing any significant percents of my core''s Qi are able to incinerate 15-25% of its body mass in a single strike. In its weakened state, the moment after an electric shock, a sh is capable of destroying 25 to upward of 40% of its mass.


    With that being said, I managed to decimate over 70% of its mass in a single strike when releasing Qi from my core in a concentrated fire de when it gave me a free shot. If I''m able tond this attack right after electrifying it, there''s a high chance I''ll be able to win this battle on the next strike.


    My breathing slows, and I get in tune with my heart rate and the rhythm of battle, fending off its robotic attacks and waiting for the perfect time to release another lightning strike.


    Eventually, my momentes.


    I release arcs of static from the perfect distance, and ready my manifested de full of Qi and mana.


    Tons of mana crystals from my farming yesterday are drained by my plunderer skill as I focus on making my attacks as dense and potent as possible.


    The instant my electricity ceases, I swing my de and let the ck crescent of mes covering a de of Qi fly across the desert floor, heading toward the silver man frozen in ce less than 10 meters away.


    It is on a path to hit the creature at point-nk range, and destroy itpletely.


    Right before impact, the air pressure changes, and I jump backward while restoring my mana and Qi with crystals and pills.


    Thest thing I see in my enhanced perception skill before impact is the outeryer of its eyes shifting from silver to the bright orange borrowed Soul Energy of the Lich King.

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474


    The orange soul energy spreads from its eyes to surround its entire body.


    Its three horns atop its head growrger and begin to turn into a shimmering orange metallic color.


    The creature''s eyes look sharper, and I can tell that it is now operating on a whole new level that just fractions of a second ago...


    The attack I threw at its base form, hoping to incinerate it to pieces, collides with the outeryer of its orange shielding, and an eruption of ck fire, orange soul energy, and white Qi disperses from the attack.


    My ultimate strike manages to slice through its shielding, butrge amounts of its firepower are sted away.


    Less than half of the attack even makes it through to make contact with the monster itself. An impressive wound still rips the horned beast in half, disintegrating most of its left side, but this is far from what I was hoping to see.


    Even a direct hit in its most vulnerable position using my most powerful attack is not going to be enough to kill this monster.


    It immediately heals and thrusts its spear forward at me with far greater strength and speed than it did in our exchanges before. The orange energy from the Lich King is boosting its natural strength and energy control by at least two times.


    It''s clear it was holding back before because it believed I wasn''t capable of dealing any real damage to its body, but now it''s getting serious.


    Its spear tip collides with my Greater Form''s sword, and the energies that collide make a shockwave of energy that spreads through what''s left of the melted sand all around us.


    It pushes forward, staring at me with its emotionless gaze while my shadow manifested form''s twisting face emotionlessly stares back at it.


    We don''t move for a full second, both stuck in ce pushing our power against the other with equal force. Eventually, the force builds up too great, and we''re both propelled backward.


    The bottoms of my mana manifested boots grip the ss shards, rocks, and sand of the desert, activating wind magic to keep myself upright and facing forward. The horned creature digs its feet into the ground too, staring ahead and staying on guard.


    I decide to speak up for the first time in our fight, replying to its earlier nonsense with my [Screech] skill to project my voice across the battlefield.


    "Looks like you''re just as weak as this puny human, even borrowing power from your lord. I thought you said you could defeat me while keeping the Dark One''s soul energy dormant, what happened to that resolve?"


    Its grip tightens, and it lunges forward again.


    "There will be no one left to witness this scene. The Dark One has ordered me to dispose of you, and I shall do it by any means necessary now."


    It thrusts its spear straight at the center of my head, and I swing up my sword to block.


    We bounce from each other in an energy-filled sh again, but the monster jumps back in at me without missing a beat.


    Over and over, switching positions like a machine; it aims for my heart, head, and back. However, I endure and stay focused.


    Once I''ve figured out its attack pattern, I beginunching counters of my own.


    Its two weaknesses I know of are lightning to stun it, and Qi to actually damage it.


    I alternate between the two whenever I get the chance. I shock it time and time again whenever it gets near, and manage tond a few hits with my Greater Form''s de imbued with Qi, but it doesn''t seem to mind these minor attacks.


    It takes my sword shes head-on, hardly trying to dodge, mostly just continuing to thrust its spear forward to aim for my vitals with unyielding uracy and vigor.


    Ind over 15 solid hits, and shock it senseless with lightning over 20 times, but it keepsing back for more not changing its strategy at all nor slowing its movements in the slightest.


    Then, just as I getfortable with its rhythmic attacks, and start to prepare for getting into position to send off another one of my major strikes; something changes. Its attack pattern shifts, and its spear tilts downward mid-strike.


    It doesn''t aim for my chest, but rather thrusts its spear into my upper thigh.


    In doing so, it leaves its head wide open and I cut it clean off, evennding a second sh as I pull my sword back to cut through its torso and slice it into 3 pieces.


    However, as I lunge back and it reforms, I feel a cold sensation creeping up my right leg.


    Even though it stabbed right through my Greater Form''s body, the damage from the attack still carries over to my real body inside the Greater form.


    I feel my right quad muscles tightening up, and it bes harder to step forward. My skin and muscles are quickly turning into the silvery icy mass just like it did before when it attacked me in mid-air in my base form.


    Right now, I have no time to amputate and reform my entire limb, so I''m going to have to think of something else fast.


    The Dark Guard flies forward at me again, now aiming for my heart and I barely block its iing blow. We both fly back and it attacks my head, then back, then resets to do everything again as I continuously block its strikes.


    Meanwhile, the silver ice spreads deeper into my leg.


    Only one possible solutiones to mind.


    I activate my mana maniption skill, and create a barrier of pink energy beneath the infected area of skin. Without hesitation for even a fraction of a second, I tear away a chunk of my leg and propel it away from me, then use self-regeneration to stop the bleeding and restore my ripped-up muscles.


    A bloody shard of flesh that hardens into a frozen crystal of silver metal shatters as it hits the desert floor beside me.


    At the same time, I block another barrage of the ruthless monster''s attacks.


    We go on for almost a full minute, tearing up the desert, creating paths of ss and craters deep enough to build small settlements inside.


    Hundreds of sword-on-spear collisions go by, over a million MP worth of mana crystals are absorbed from my item storage, and virtually no progress has been made on my end.


    Ind plenty of blows after powerful lightning strikes, but it heals instantly and it seemingly doesn''t affect it whatsoever. Every few dozen attacks, it manages to hit my arm or leg with its spear as well.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    I''m able to discard the damaged areas, but unlike this monstrosity, I have a limit to how long and hard I can fight. Eventually, I will get fatigued from using such massive amounts of mana and Qi, especially in this Greater Form.


    It knows this very well, and is just waiting patiently for me to meet my end.


    I attempt to send body doubles out to the dungeons, as if Ember were here, he''d be able to help me face this creature two on one. However, my doubles'' weak basic forms with no qi or excess mana to drain continuously get killed before they can even escape 50 meters away from us.


    It knows I''m using my copies to send for help and won''t allow for it.


    Ember and my other doubles are still deep within the dungeons farming mana, so sensing anything in the outside world is beyond their capabilities.


    I have to do this on my own... and I need to figure out a way to kill this monster right now.


    As these thoughts race through my mind, the visual of the outer edge of the townes into my immediate field of view.


    The moment I see it, I realize that our battle has stretched many kilometers through the open desert already, and if we continue to fight like this, over a hundred innocent people will be caught in range of the excess energy from our attacks.


    As I try to guide the horned monster away, blocking its strikes and attempting to guide its next attack in a different direction, it jumps back and doesn''t attack me again as it usually does. In just two simple moves, it''s already caught on.


    My eyes widen and my heart skips a beat as it opens its mouth to speak again.


    "You know another weakness humans have that I just can''t stand? It''s the one that makes you all truly the dumbest of them all..."


    I grit my teeth as the monster''s orange eyes shift toward the town in the distance, and I know exactly what it''ll say next before it even leaves its silver lips.


    "It''s the fact that you do not value self-preservation before everything else. If an opponent is stronger than you, why don''t you run or submit? If the odds are against you, why do you choose to roll the dice just for the chance of glory?"


    It points its spear forward, turning its head toward the town then back to me.


    "And why... would you risk your own life to protect those that are weaker than you? If they cannot fight off enemies themselves, they are better off dead."


    It turns its entire body and jumps in the air, flying off toward the town in a silver and orange sh of light. It yells back to me as I jump in the air using wind magic to follow.


    "I''ll give you a choice. It''s a simple choice that every human like yourself chooses incorrectly. Let''s see how you fare."


    It flies high up into the air at a 45-degree angle, making a direct course to end up a kilometer above the center of the desert town right next to where the residential housing is.


    If it is nning what I think it is, all I can do is use every power within my means to stop it.


    The closer to the town we get, the closer I get to catching up to the silver-orange streak in the sky, but our speed stats are nearly identical in our advanced forms. Even using lightning to shock its system hardly slows it down any more than it slows me to let out a charge.


    All I''m able to do is try to catch up and think of a n before it''s toote.


    Once it reaches its destination above the town, ites to a halt, and I slice it in two right there in the sky.


    However, it doesn''t react at all. It just reforms its body and points its spear down at the ground.


    "My final destination is below us. The Dark One has informed me that you have grown a liking to this town and its citizens. Along with that, your teammates that I had the pleasure of watching in the arena are down there too. You''re the strongest fighter here, aren''t you? It''d be a shame if I brought them into the fight, wouldn''t it? How would they fare against my power?"


    Its eyes glow orange and it points down at the town below us again.


    "Your final decision must be made here and now. Submit to the power of the Dark One. Be a Dark Guard and be on the side of the army that rules the mortal world. Or, die failing to protect those below in a meaningless human struggle."


    I channel Qi into my de without thinking twice about its options.


    As it rambled on about its great power, I came up with ast-ditch strategy that has a high potential of working.


    A grin forms on my face while lunging forward, and our sword and spear collide in the open air again.


    I allow the figure to thrust my sword down, and push me directly down toward the small town.


    It dives toward me, sending off more ruthless attacks as we fall toward the people that have sworn their loyalty to me.


    Our even-sided duel continues as we both rocket toward the ground.


    Attacks of lightning and Qi des slice it to pieces, and frozen metal shards of skin and flesh of my own are ejected to the sides. However, this time, the monster knows it is destined to win as soon as we hit the ground.


    Its movements speed up, and it takes riskier spear strikes as it has nothing to lose.


    "Victory is mine, it has been since the beginning. You have thrown away your life for nothing. It is a shame, you would have been a great asset to the Dark One."


    We cross the halfway point. Now, we are less than 500 meters in the air.


    From the town below, it looks as if a massive ball of fire is raining down from the sky.


    I can sense everyone, especially in my Greater Form.


    It is possible to see Abby in the guild hall, arge distortion of Qi with all my teammates below her, and roughly 140 residents all scattered within the housing area enjoying their first full day of freedom.


    I whisper under my breath, "Not close enough yet..."


    In the same moment, I send out an urgent message in a wave of telepathy to Abby and she hears my call immediately.


    A burst of green lightes out of the guild hall, and many people in the streets begin to notice the second sun falling from the sky.


    They begin to group together, and a massive circle of restoration erupts from Abby down below as she groups everyone together in the town square.


    I continue to fend off the silver monster in the sky, but the waves of energy continue to st off in many directions.


    It speaks again as we both are sent flying faster downward after a powerful burst, now less than 200 meters above the ground.


    "It''s over... Look at that, they''ve all evene to watch your demise and end their own lives in the process. How pitiful."


    It sends another heavy spear strike down at me, pushing me to fall faster while it is sent flying upward.


    I fall within 100 meters of the town square while the Dark Guard hovers at almost 250 above the ground.


    It charges up the point of its spear, and yells out while dive bombing toward me with the same emotionless gaze.


    "Time to finish this."


    I activate my newest perk from my Rising Emperor''s Domain called [Power Holder] and reply.


    "I agree. Let''s finish this."


    [Power Holder: Activated]


    [10% Power Share: Receive]


    [Select Party Members: ALL]


    [Select Stat Points: ALL]


    [Select Mana Control: ALL]


    [Temporary Buffs Added!]


    [+3,982] Strength


    [+2,902] Speed


    [+3,470] Agility


    [+3,005] Defense


    [+4,402] Mental Strength


    [+3,568,290,446] Mana Control


    An incredible surge of power floods in from below me, as I feel over 140 individual streams of dense mana instantly seep into my body.


    All of my enchanted gear adapts to my new nearly doubled base stats, and my energy control improves by adding billions of MP worth of control to my efficiency. On top of that, the Greater Form I''m wielding applies these stats even more.


    I take a deep breath and feel power surge through me like nothing I''ve ever felt.


    I can see everything, feel everything, it''s like I''ve temporarily ranked up again...


    While enjoying this moment of bliss, I don''t lose sight of the task at hand. I activate my lightning magic with every ounce of mana and strength I have left in me, shooting bright yellow and white tendrils of electricity out of me from all angles. They all close in on a single point high in the sky.


    My enhanced perception watches the monster''s silver skin vibrate and stir while I charge up my sword with every bit of Qi I can channel.


    The horned beast falls down as I use wind magic to stop my fall less than 70 meters above the surface.


    As we collide, dense waves of mes cloak the sword as I release it up at the paralyzed Dark Guard with genuine fear in its eyes for the first time.


    The sky lights up with an incredible ball of fire, electricity, soul energy, and Qi.


    Over 90% of the creature is destroyed instantaneously, incinerated on the spot. I allow for my lightning attack to be released from my body again, and use my enhanced perception to track its remaining fragments down and burn them away while I continuously restore my MP and Qi.


    The tiny silver bits attempt to grow and reform, but the continuous shocks of electricity keep the fragments stunned in the sky until I can slice through each and every one.


    I don''t stop shing away at them, plundering more mana from my storage and swallowing more Qi until I hear a series of notifications sound in my ear.


    [Level Up] x138


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 389,550,246MP


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: 1,921 Strength


    [YES][NO]


    A wave of satisfaction and relief washes over me as I reach level 1140 and press yes to absorb its strength and MCP.


    I deactivate my Greater Form, and release the stat points and mana control I stole away from the townspeople below me, but my All-seeing Eye picks up on two high-level mana readings still in the sky.


    One of them is the silver diamond-shaped spearhead that was on the tip of the Dark Guard''s weapon, and the other is arge brown bird with a number 6 burning beneath its wing. It is flying away from the city in the direction of Sector 1.

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475


    I airstep upward to appraise the silver diamond spear tip falling through the air before opening a spatial magic portal to let it fall into my item storage.


    [Metal Fragment of Infinite Regeneration][+338% Strength][+290% Mental Strength][+277% Defense][Hidden Ability]


    In the same upward movement, I pinpoint the 6th ranked dark guard way off in the distance flying away from me at high speeds.


    I don''t hesitate to st off and follow it through the sky at an even faster rate using all of my buffs and wind magic skill.


    I''m able to catch up to it in a matter of minutes, but the amount of mana I used to rocket through the sky this far would be highly inefficient for high-speed travel over long distances. It is much more efficient at flying than I am.


    However, this doesn''t matter as I swing my Qi-infused sword two times and slice off both of its wings at their bases.


    The creature doesn''t react until it''s toote, erupting into a sea of orange soul energy while I stand on its back with my de pointed at its neck.


    We both plummet toward the desert floor. Its severed wings spin away into the wind by our sides as I open a telepathy link with the creature.


    "Don''t try anything stupid, your life is in my hands now."


    As it feels my Qi-infused sword start to melt through the back of its neck, the violent orange crescents of wind that was forming all around us disappear and it responds.


    "Impossible... you defeated number 2...? That is... just not possible."


    I shove the de deeper into its neck again as we fall through the thin cloud line and the golden desert sand bes visible below us.


    "Well, I''m here now and your partner isn''t here to save you again. So, it is in fact possible. I killed number 2."


    I twist my de and continue talking.


    "Now, you''re going to tell me a few things, and in return I''ll set you free. How about that?"


    It lets out a painful screech after my de rips through its feathers and muscles, colliding with its upper spine. However, the bird doesn''t respond.


    "I take this vow of silence as a wish for death..."


    I channel more Qi into the de, and it begins burning more flesh.


    "Very well..."


    The desert floor gets closer as I ride the wingless bird at an increasing speed toward the ground. I thrust my sword forward to kill it here and now, but it replies through our link.


    "WAIT! I''ll tell you what you need? What do you want? You''ll really set me free? A-And my wings what about my wings- I-"


    I smirk and stop my forward thrust, pulling my sword back right before where I could have severed its head from its spine.


    "Sure, you''ll get your wings back. Tell me what other guards are on their way, and what other forces can I expect to faceing here in the near future. I want time frame estimates, power levels inparison to yourself and that 2nd ranked dark guard. Then most importantly, where can I find The Dark One?"


    I feel fear shiver through the bird''s body, and a moment of hesitation in its replye after my questions, so I stab the sword back in its neck.


    "Answer me before we hit the ground."


    It replies the moment it feels my de''s tip hit its spine again.


    "I-Alright- I''ll tell you what I know! I promise I''ll tell you everything, just-"


    "Go on."


    "Number 2 is the Dark One''s trusted exterminator. There is no job it cannotplete and no human it cannot kill... Only the 1st Ranked Guard is Stronger, but no one knows its strength other than the Dark One. I''m the fastest flyer, so number 2 and I were sent out to eliminate all double-ranked up threats before the other units arrived for cleanup. That''s all I know"


    I thrust the de in harder, cracking its bones, and hear it let out a shriek of pain.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The ground is getting closer, we don''t have much more time until impact.


    "What''s cleanup...? Exin. No vague details."


    "The remaining Dark Guards will lead the cleanup. They''reing by foot with the Dark One''s Army of Wraiths and Ghouls. It should take a week or two for everyone to arrive, but some Dark Guards may be faster than the main forces. They''ll loot this town dry and take over Sector 2, just as nned from the very beginning."


    I shove my de even deeper, causing the bird to cough blood out of its mouth, and I hear an audible crack in its bones.


    "The Dark One. Where can I find your leader?"


    It doesn''t respond.


    All I hear is the whistling wind by our side and watch the sandy dunes growrger below us.


    "Where can I find the Dark One?"


    Still, no responsees back.


    "Last chance..."


    "None of the Dark Guards know. You will not find the Dark One, it will find you."


    As these words enter my inner ear, I thrust my sword all the way through its neck, and we make impact with the sand below.


    [Level Up] x23


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 145,262,900MP


    [YES][NO]


    I reach level 1163 and absorb its MCP as arge crater is formed in the desert and most of its body is incinerated by the force of the fall.


    "There, you''re free."


    As the dust cloud settles, I let out a sigh and pick up the only remaining piece of its body, examining it with my appraisal skill.


    [Desert Hawk''s Beak][+281% Speed][+222% Agility][Wind Attribute]


    Therge beak that glows white with miniature swirls of wind magic falls into my item storage while the two wings I severed from its body fall into the crater beside me.


    I airstep up through the dusty cloud it creates and murmur under my breath.


    "There are your wings back too, a deal''s a deal. Now we''re even."


    I self-regenerate my full body to try and restore some of the built-up fatigue from my fight against the 2nd ranked guard, but it feels like something only sleep or Abby''s Full Restores can fix.


    Once I make it back to the town, my me Emperor''s disguise goes back up, and I float toward the center of town to directly confront the issue at hand.


    Using telepathy, I let Abby know I''ming, and update her on the oue of both battles.


    She may understand, but the citizens of this town that was established just this morning may have very mixed opinions after seeing an energy attack that could have killed all of them instantaneously just barely get deflected less than 100 meters above their heads.


    To my surprise, not a single one of them has disconnected from my Rising Emperor''s Domain System, so it seems like they all still see me as their leader. However, it''s best toe clean and tell them exactly what is happening to keep this trust in the future.


    As I make it over the center of town, then stand on top of the guild hall just like I did earlier. Many heads turn to the sky where I stand, and I see a mixed use of stares of awe, religious bliss, confusion, and even excitement fill the crowd.


    Abby floats up to the roof behind me, and I begin to give a speech.


    "As all of you have seen, our town is under attack. This is a very important detail I did not reveal when you all swore loyalty to me. We are at war with the underground leader of Sector 1. Their army is on the way, and it will be sending many other opponents like the one you just witnessed me fend off."


    I stand in silence for a moment to let the crowd soak in this information, then speak up again.


    "Considering these new events, if you wish to leave the city and receive a trip back to Sector 4, I will be more than happy to arrange this travel. However, just know that putting your trust in me aided my victory in thisst battle. I''m sure many of you felt slightly weaker before my sh in the sky, but now are back to your normal selves, am I right?"


    Chatter from the crowd begins to grow. Many people confirm that they did feel weaker, like their power was being drained. I speak up again before too many opinions can be shared.


    "I know most of you are not warriors or hunters, and wish to live a simple life in this vige. This is a lot to take in after months of forcedbor, and on your first day of freedom. If this simple life is all you desire, that is more than enough to help my future city thrive. Do not feel pressured by my words to do something that is not in your nature. However, if you wish to be more... If you wish to be strong and fight by my side, I can lead you to a path of immeasurable strength."


    After these words leave my lips, I activate my Rising Emperor''s Domain again, and use it to share my power rather than take it.


    [Power Holder: Activated]


    [10% Power Share: Contribute]


    [Select Party Members: ALL]


    [Select Stat Points: ALL]


    [Select Mana Control: ALL]


    The contributed stat points are nothing special, as 10% of my stats are evenly split between all 140 townspeople. This boosts everyone''s base power by a few points on each stat.


    However, the mana control is where the difference is made.


    Tens of millions of MP worth of mana control are granted to each and every person below me.


    This is enough to begin sensing mana in a very different way than normal hunters, its around the range of mana control a hunter between level 300 and 400 would achieve when they''re destined to be an Elite.


    An incredible surge of energy is felt in every one of the people below, and they all are hit with a simultaneous burst of euphoria from receiving this power.


    Many of the hunters in the crowd activate their skills and can''t believe the new efficiency they''ve been granted.


    Elderly and simple merchants move around with far greater agility and ease.


    The small group of new religious believers all get down on their knees and begin bowing at the gift from their god they''ve just received.


    I allow everyone to react to the power in their own way, and allow them to talk amongst themselves for almost a full minute, then speak again.


    "My ability has the power to grant my followers gifts in times of need, and in return, I''m able to receive your power if necessary in battle as well."


    I deactivate my buff, letting the powere back to me and leave everyone in their unaltered normal states.


    "So, knowing this information now, decide what you will do. The first option is to get a ride back to Sector 4. The second option is to stay and live a simple quiet life in this city. Lastly, the option I am extending to those of you that are ready to take the leap, you may join me and be the first members of The me Emperor''s Army."

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476


    The group below me begins to shift and talk amongst themselves.


    A few speak up and ask specific questions about things from general city growth in the future, to the reason why I''m fighting Sector 1, and finally how I''ll be able to train them and grant them power if they wish.


    One by one, I exin in further detail our situation.


    The majority of people already knew there was a war going on just from the way I conduct myself, and the demonstration of power against the gang leaders previously. Before they even agreed to serve me, many felt the mana shockwaves of my battle against the Colossal and already assumed the worst.


    Considering this, not a single person decides to sever our link and take my offer to leave back to Sector 4.


    That doesn''t mean they all havebat abilities and wish to fight though.


    Over two thirds of the crowd chooses to stay and not fight. They''re hoping to be business owners, simple workers for those businesses, or even artists living a simple life in the city.


    I direct all of them to consult Maurice''s builder team, and work over the details in the guild hall with Abby once this meeting is over.


    My words to the architect are heard by everyone as they disappear into the octagonal empty hall.


    "That''s right, I put in the order for your building materials and should have them delivered by tonight. Anyone that has special housing needs, or would like to establish a business, tonight will be the soft deadline to get these things submitted. Arge construction project will begin tomorrow."


    Once they all go inside, there are 37 individuals that stay standing in the square.


    I do a scan through all of them, and find these are certainly the strongest ones here. Almost everyone in this group is over level 150, and a majority of them have useful basicbat skills like Dagger Arts, Swordsmanship, Body Hardening, and various stat buffing skills.


    Of these brave recruits, 3 in particr stand out the most to me.


    I point into the crowd.


    "You three, step forward."


    My gaze locks with each of theirs as I point to them individually and they step forward.


    "State your names and abilities."


    A short bulky blond-haired man steps forward first.


    "The name is Francis, I wield earth magic."


    Next, a thin dark-featured young man with a handsome face steps up next.


    "I''m Andy. I have a wind magic skill awakened."


    Thenstly, a woman with orange hair, freckles, athletic build, and sharp eyes speaks up.


    "The name''s Rachel. I control fire."


    As they begin to realize why I singled them out, I use my body double skill to split into two parts.


    There are some wide eyes from the crowd, but no one reacts too much as my copy steps forward and talks.


    "If you would like to get stronger, I''ll be providing you all with gear, resources, ability training, and power leveling indefinitely in the dungeons just outside town. Split into 3 groups behind one of these element users. These will be your team leaders. Of course, everything will be overseen by me, but we will begin training right away."


    Everyone does as my double says, and gets into groups behind each element user and they all follow to a nearby warehouse for gear to be sorted out and for my double to change up the teams a bit.


    My goal is to get them all up to level 250 to 300 using their own skills and abilities with my double giving guidance. Then, I will take over and train them myself allowing them to absorb mana control once they''ve built up a good enough base of fighting talent.


    With my inspect and appraisal skill, I''ll be able to give them all the perfect gear and match them up with opponents that will push them to their limits together.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The reasoning behind having the only 3 element wielders be perceived as leaders early on is because they will naturally be able to gain mana control faster. In time they will be stronger than the hunters by their sides. It''s best to put them in this position now rather thanter.


    Once I see them off, and my double takes them to the nearby warehouse, I''m left alone in the center of the square.


    I let out a sigh and airstep high above the town to look down on it from the sky.


    The sun will be setting soon, but I still have quite a bit of time to use up before that happens.


    I could check on Ember and my doubles to see how their progress on element stone farming is going, but to be honest even if they were ready for another pod, I don''t think it would be a good idea for me to go inside for isted cultivation just yet.


    There are still a lot of things to do that can only be done by me, and if any of the Dark Guardse by now, I''m certain my teammates aren''t capable of stopping even the weakest of them in their current form.


    Ember can fend for himself, but even in his current state, I question if he could have beaten the 2nd Ranked Dark Guard on his own. It would probably be possible, but it''s not a risk I''m willing to leave up to chance.


    I whisper under my breath, "That settles it. I''ll stay on guard and protect this ce myself until everyone is strong enough."


    As these thoughts race through my mind, the slow-moving wind passes by high up in the sky and I decide to open up my item storage to see if I can craft any items worth filling my open item slots.


    I sift through everything and examine their stats very carefully, seeing what options my craftsmanship dashboard gives me when I set certain items next to each other.


    "This is it... My old daggers didn''t hold up too well against a double ranked up monster, so I think it''s about time I make an upgraded set."


    A smile shows across my face as I decide on what Item I''ll make first by merging 3 items from A-Ranked Monsters together into 1, along with enough blood to bond with the creation and tens of thousands of MP in crystals to be the energy for the craft.


    ______________


    [Extreme Grade][Lightning Stone]


    [Wolf Guardian''s Fang][+265% Mental Strength][+258 Speed][Lightning Attribute]


    [Desert Hawk''s Beak][+281% Speed][+222% Agility][Wind Attribute]


    ->


    [Storm King''s Dagger Set][Blood Bonded][+312% Speed][+299% Mental Strength][+276% Agility][+250% Strength][+250% Defense][Lightning Attribute][Wind Attribute]


    ______________


    After an intense burst of light, a pair of long curved white des with yellow static rippling from them emerge from the craft. They have the same merging perk as my other daggers, allowing me to use them as a single de or a pair as I wish.


    As soon as I hold them, a rush of buffs flows through me, and I test them out in the sky, throwing enormous des of sharp wind charged with intense waves of electricity through the air.


    Satisfied with this craft, I ce them into my storage after a few more shes.


    I''ll have to test them out on a real opponent to see their true capabilitiester. While they don''t have the destructive power that fire magic brings, the deadliness of the wind des and usefulness of the lightning''s stun may put these daggers on par with my me Emperor''s Sword.


    It makes me excited to upgrade my main weapon in the future too once I find a genuine A-Ranked Fire material to merge with it or rece its base.


    With my weapons now upgraded, I turn to try to make something a bit unique, and soon discover the possibilities of a very unique crafting option for a defensive item.


    "Now this... is what I was looking for."


    ______________


    [Shard of The Colossal] [+266% Strength][+210% Defense][+200% Mental Strength]


    [Metal Fragment of Infinite Regeneration][+338% Strength][+290% Mental Strength][+277% Defense][Hidden Ability]


    ->


    [Infinite Essence of Regeneration][Blood Bonded][+365% Strength][+329% Defense][+312% Mental Strength][+300% Speed][+300% Agility][Hidden Ability]


    ______________


    I use another 8 ounces of blood, and this craft takes over double the mana crystals that thest one did. Once the sh of crafting light is finished, a tiny orb of liquid silver-colored metal is left in its ce.


    I look at it closely; seeing the appraisal reading on it and wondering how exactly I''ll be able to equip this item.


    The moment I picture it as a ring in my mind and push my finger forward, the silver ball shape shifts into a ring and floats onto my finger.


    Out of pure reflex from touching this silver material in the past, I get ready to cut my own hand off if it begins to freeze and turn to metal. However, seeing as it''s blood bonded and my own item now, thankfully it doesn''t.


    I still raise an eyebrow at the fact that it didn''t turn into a ring the moment after the craft was finished. The slow rate of transformation is quite odd.


    "With a name like that, I''d assume it''d be a crystal consumable, or maybe a ne or something..."


    As I speak these words aloud to myself, and picture what it would have been in my mind, the silver ring around my finger shifts and grows, forming into arge silver crystal. Then, momentster into a ne with a shimmering string with a pendant on the end.


    As it floats above the palm of my hand, I begin to understand what this item really is...


    I picture the silver liquid transforming into a shield, then a spear, then a sword, and finally an enormous wall that mimics my mana shielding.


    I''m even able to expand the silver moldable liquid into a dome thatpletely covers my entire body and expands outward tens of meters to growrger andrger.


    It can instantly transform into whatever I desire. My guess is that it will have very adverse effects if an enemy touches this liquid silver material, just like when I was fighting the being it came from... The infinite possibilities run through my mind as I continue to shape shift the material into whatever I wish, but won''t have any clear data until I test it out against an actual opponent.


    The only downside I''m able to find now is that it uses up a lot of mana to expand and regenerate.


    Once the sun begins to actually set, I revert the silver back into its ring form and ce it on an empty finger.


    "Alright, that''s enough fun. It''s almost time for me to get back to The Vice Region and pick up those building supplies."

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477


    As the sun fully sets, I go to the canyon of dungeons and teleport back to thebyrinth to update Ember and my double on the news.


    Afterward, one of my doubles that was farming thebyrinth takes the post of surveince on the town while Ember and my final double continue their dungeon copsing.


    I receive a single small ke of luminite straight into my storage and a confirmation that my double is holding enough containment stones to charge another pod up to nearly 50x right now. I take this information to mind while teleporting back to a dungeon inside the Vice City dungeon hub, then change my appearance back to a D-Grade hunter and walk through town.


    Once I pick up this order, I''ll bring this news back to my teammates.


    As soon as I walk through the front door of the office building, amotion fills my ears.


    Multiple businessmen talk to each other with concerned tones.


    "Did you hear? There was a dungeon break that broke through the protective barriers of the Hub''s shielding protection?"


    "Impossible. No monster has ever broken through; it''s supposed to be A-Grade rated. No monsters are even that strong."


    "It''s true! Not too far away either, they''re investigating and mending the shielding right now down the street."


    "It was really that close by? I heard not a single monster even got out. The Association must have deployed their strongest team to take care of it before the city was in danger."


    I don''t mind their chatter, because if I''m not mistaken, I''m the monster they''re talking about. Breaking through the ground and protective barrier of the dungeon hub wasn''t the stealthiest move I could have pulled while leaving earlier. However, it was definitely worth it. I made it back to Sector 2 just in time.


    It really doesn''t matter to me how much chaos I cause here; I merely see this city as a yground to be used for my wants and needs. The more work I cause for the Vice Region''s branch of the Association the better. I hope they dig around this mystery for as long as they can. They won''t find a thing.


    As soon as I get to the desk at the back of the room, the receptionist from before greets me with a smile. He speaks up even before I do.


    "Back so soon? It''s almost like you disappeared into thin air; how can I help you, sir?"


    "Well, I believe my order is ready to pick up; I paid your father upstairs for an express delivery."


    He rings the bell again and tells the older woman named Tracey working there to go upstairs and ry the news.


    Shees back down a few minutester with a clipboard in hand and arge set of keys with a smile on her face. Then, looks at me and motions for me to follow.


    "Right this way, I''ll bring you to the warehouse where we''ve sourced all your goods."


    We walk out the front door together and I begin to follow her through the dimly lit streets and into the warehouse district.


    Her heels click on the hard sidewalk and her fingers tap a pen on the clipboard,pletely out of rhythm with her steps.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    On top of that, many sounds fill the streets. There are metal and wood factories still processing materials at full capacity, workers leaving as they get off their shifts, and some new workers arriving for their night shifts to start.


    After walking through the lively area, we finally arrive at a massive warehouse district and stop at the side of a wide building that stretches further than many sports fields put together.


    Once she clicks one of the keys in ce, and a small door opens to let us inside, what I see is rather shocking. Just the sheer amount of stacked materials up to the ceiling of a multiple-story building, and further than the normal eye can see, is more building materials than I''ve ever seen in my life.


    "This is all yours. This is what 6 tinum bars gets you after all. Are you going to need the warehouse number to assign pickup units, or would you like to use some of our trucks? After midnight, we''ll have to charge you daily for taking up the warehouse space here."


    My gaze is still glued to the thousands of trees worth of wood, steel beams in stacked pilesrge enough to build the entire warehouse we''re standing in again, and the brick and cement that could build sidewalks and roadsrge enough for the entire distance we walked on our way here.


    I whisper under my breath, "Maurice really isn''t messing around... that''s good to see."


    Then, reply to the woman.


    "I have enough item boxes to pack it all up myself. Just leave me here; I''ll get it cleared out within the next few hours."


    She looks at me with a dazed stare, only seeing the one item box around my waist that isn''t even real. It''s a manifestation of my conceal skill doing its work.


    I can tell she wants to question how I could possibly fit all of this into a D-Grade item box, but she bites her lip and turns to leave.


    "Very well. The boss told me you were a unique customer. I will let you be; it was a pleasure doing business with you, and your privacy will be granted as wished. We hope to do business with you again in the future."


    The door clicks behind her as I''m left alone in the warehouse.


    I activate my all-seeing eye to confirm there are no magical recording devices in here. Then quickly and carefully put small blocks of stone using earth magic over the old-fashioned video cameras on every corner of the warehouse for my total privacy.


    Once content that I''m not being watched, I activate my spatial magic skill and expand it outward in every direction as far as it can go.


    I walk down the long warehouse length and all of the rows of material fall inside and remain in a state of suspended animation.


    This is both extremely time and energy-efficient, but also a great test for my storage power.


    I''ve never hit its limit.


    However, once I get to the end of the warehouse and thest stack of pallets falls into my white portal, I find that today the limit will not be found.


    It makes me consider that maybe there isn''t even a limit to begin with.


    After making the walk back through thepletely empty warehouse, I use my earth magic again to let the stone from the cameras fall away and show them the little item box on my waist and a thumbs up to thoroughly confuse anyone watching the surveince footage.


    Then, walk out the door and make my way back to the dungeon hub, and soon fly back to the town that now sits under thepletely dark night sky.


    The first thing I do is try to find one of the abandoned warehouses out in the desert that is even close to the size of the one I just left, but none of thempare.


    To make sure all of the materials are safe, secure, and ounted for; I use earth magic to create a stone replica of the warehouse I just left. It takes tens of thousands of MP to summon all of the stone material. To make sure it''s lit during the day, I addrge openings in the walls every 10 meters or so and fill them with the product of mixing sand and fire magic.


    The windows aren''t perfectly clear ss, but they''ll let the light in somewhat once it''s daytime.


    Once it''splete, I open my storage and let all of the materials back down into this makeshift warehouse exactly how they were when I took them from storage.


    "That''s as good as it''ll get; I''ll leave the actual building to the professionals."


    On my way back, I notify Maurice and his team via telepathy inside their rooms that the supplies have been delivered and tell them where to find them.


    I don''t expect them to start using them until morning, but a notification can''t hurt.


    Afterward, I walk into the guildhall and find Abby sitting in the middle room of the octagonal building.


    She''s lying back on afortable looking chair, half asleep. However, I feel her aura spreading out past the guildhall. It even fluctuates the moment I step inside, so I can tell she''s still on guard; just resting up with the free time she has after a long few days. She perks up once I begin to speak.


    "Mission aplished. Ready to check on the others downstairs? I''m curious to see how much they''ve improved."

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478


    I enter the middle room with Abby and open the hatch to the underground bunker with a single click.


    A wave of visible dense Qi flows out, and I feel my body naturally absorb it once it hits my skin.


    We both begin walking into the bunker down the spiral stairs, and I close the door above not to let any excess Qie flowing out.


    Down below, the sound of sparring takes ce, and the humming rattle of an istion pod fills my ears as well. It is vibrating and giving off a bit more noise than it did when I left it this morning, but it''s not that far outside of my expectations, so my attention shifts to the teams of people sparring on the empty side of the room.


    Fisher and Lydia''s cores are filled with Qi, and they are doing very simple hand-to-handbat training, matching each other''s basic Qi blows.


    Aerie is fighting Monk one-on-one. His core is dense with Qi as well, flowing through his body at a more intense rate than the others. It looks as if he''s been training with this energy for far longer than just a day.


    His exposure to Qi in the past has certainly made it easier to channel it now.


    Then, at the back of the room in the lotus position, I see Luna.


    Her eyes are wide open, and the blue energy is magnified now, mixing with the Qi in the room. Her core is dense with Qi as well, but its capacity isn''t even close to a tenth of the others training. She''s been awakened, but possibly not abat type, so she''s working on training her eyes in some way.


    As Abby and I make it to the bottom step of the room, everyone stops sparring and turns our way.


    I speak up.


    "So, the awakening process went smoothly for all of you, it seems. That''s good, but I think we''re going to need to increase our rate of training even more."


    I recount the events that urred outside, and they all report feeling their energy fluctuate earlier in the day when I used my power holder perk. Along with this, I tell the team enough containment stones have been charged up to the point where another pod is ready. However, I''d like to see what state the pod Maria is in once it''s finished before I use these resources to charge up my only remaining one on hand.


    In addition to this, once I see how efficient these pods are at Qi gathering, I may send a double back to the Galeheart Tower to persuade Lith to give me some of the others he has on hand.


    My gaze turns to Luna once my update isplete, and I see that she is still not connected to my Rising Emperors Domain system. Knowing this, I walk over and pose a question.


    "Now what will you do? As you can tell from my story of the 2nd ranked Dark Guard, the powers we''re against will only get more terrifying. You may have a past bond with Arie, but I know nothing about you. If you would like to stay here in the core of our operations, or fight with us, I need a confirmation of your loyalty to me as your leader. This is not a negotiation; it is a requirement. I don''t have time or mental space for doubt."


    She turns to Arie, and I open a three-way telepathy link between us.


    He speaks to her through it, letting me listen in on the conversation.


    "This will all be over soon, once I finish my training and do my duty in defeating the Dark One''s army, we can go back to Sector 4 and search the Abyss. It is eating away at the back of my mind too, trust me, Luna."


    This content has been uwfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    She responds through the link, turning to me with wide eyes.


    "You know about what happened in Sector 4?"


    I nod, but Arie interjects.


    "He does, Jay has given me the power that will allow us to get deep enough into the Abyss to find our past. Without him, it would be impossible. Swear your loyalty and everything will work out. Please see him as one of our brothers and sisters from the vige, I trust him with my life."


    She smiles, and bows her head slightly.


    "Very well, if it is Arie''s wish, then I will follow you as a leader."


    A new link is formed, and her geopoint along with full status shows up in my mind''s eye.


    Still, a million questions about what they''re so desperate to go back and look for enter my train of thought, but there are far more important urgent matters at hand here. So, I break our telepathy link and speak up to everyone else.


    "We''re going back to the Labyrinth. We''re going to grind mana control absorption until Maria leaves her pod. We have just under 36 hours until her time is up. If we''re lucky, we''ll be able to level grind you all up to 1000 to push a forced rank up in the process."


    I use spatial magic to allow the unused istion pod to fall into my storage.


    "We''ll take turns using this in thebyrinth if you''re in need of a break. My double will watch over the city and Maria while we''re gone."


    Without questioning my words, all of us leave the underground bunker and make our way to the canyon of dungeons.


    I teleport them all to the 39th floor, share my absorption skill to everyone, and immediately assess their strengths after the Qi awakening they just went through.


    Abby is the first to use the spare istion pod while these testsmence; her power hasn''t changed much, and the opponents on this floor were already one-shot kills thest time we were here. I ce the pod near the back of the dungeon by the boss room, and Monk stays behind to guard the pod, as he hasn''t improved much since ourst session either.


    Fisher and Lydia, on the other hand, have risen to a whole new level.


    Thest time we were on this floor, it took both of them fighting with their full strength and Red Hydra''s buffs activated to subdue one of the high-level Elite Minotaurs.


    Now, with Qi infused in their des, they''re able to slice the heads of these beasts off in single movements.


    The monsters on this floor don''t wield any Qi themselves, so it isn''t the greatest indicator of how they''ll fare against genuine soul energy, but it''s a vast improvement to how they fought before.


    Arie shows improvement too, at a rate much faster than I even believed to be possible.


    He''s capable of imbuing trace amounts of his core''s Qi into the spirit arrows he manifests, sending out attacks of Qi simr to the strikes I learned to throw out of my sword after absorbing well over 150 Qi pills and months of training.


    It''s clear that his core capacity and strength of attacks are still far less deadly than my own, but the fact that he can already manifest physical Qi outside his body is a unique and very promising trait.


    He''s able to obliterate an Elite Minotaur''s head in a single Qi-infused strike.


    Luna watches all of this in shock, with a bright blue aura constantly surrounding her eyes. Her level,bat skills, and mana control are far too low to even think about challenging one of these beasts.


    However, this will change after our training session isplete. Soon, she is about to be powerleveled higher than ever imagined. This is for the sole reason that I''m curious if she''ll get an upgrade to that unique skill and blue aura around her eyes.


    The three of them clear out all of the Minotaurs on this floor except for the Mutant. This is saved for my double and Ember once they return from doing their rounds creating another containment stone and farming the lower floors between 30 and 38.


    We walk back over to where Monk guards the istion pod, and the door opens letting Abby step out fully rested.


    "Alright, it''s time to start power leveling."


    I put the isopod back in my storage, and we all walk through the spinning grey boss room portal.


    Once a level 996 boss appears, we get to work.


    It takes a few minutes for the room to reset each time, and only the person who deals the final blow gets to absorb the MCP, so we rotate who gets to fight each respawn.


    The upside of this is that we all get to give pointers and test out newbat techniques on a near A-Rank monster that spawns in at level 993 to 997 over and over. Then, once each fight is done we all share the EXP.


    Floor 40 is still on cooldown, and Floor 41 is impossible for us to challenge.


    Given these facts, fighting this boss is the best possible source of mass MCP and EXP we can get.


    Every kill lets the one who defeated it gain tens of millions of MCP, and each time we cycle back, the party gets far closer to reaching level 1000.


    Although the amount of EXP gained per kill when a monster is a lower level than oneself is minimal, it isn''t non-existent. It may take some serious grinding, but it is possible for everyone here to rank up from this boss room alone.

 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479


    After the first 4 hours pass, everyone matches the same level as the strongest boss that can possibly spawn, level 997.


    Just about 500 million MCP is gained by each of them fighting. Luna does not have thebat ability to kill a minotaur, but shees along for the ride and gets power-leveled through the roof.


    She passes level 500 in just a few boss room runs and gains a new buff called [Eye of The Last Full Moon]. In addition to this, her avable proficiency points are force-used during the rank-up process and her single skill [Moonlight''s Gaze] is upgraded to Legendary Grade.


    After another 5 hours pass, everyone reaches level 998, the fighters gain 600 million additional MCP each, and they begin taking rests in isopods at staggering intervals.


    After 9 hours of staggered 1 hour breaks and nearly 1 billion additional MCP gained each, everyone on the team hits level 999.


    I speak up once everyone is well-rested, staring at the boss room portal, waiting to enter again.


    "We have 18 more hours until Maria awakens from her pod. Let''s push through and rank up."


    Roughly 15-16 hourster, after close to another 2 Billion MCP have been farmed, everyone in the boss room is overflowing with power just from this grinding session alone. Even without a rank-up, their mana control and Qi capacity has risen far over 2x in just a day and a half.


    The first to hit level 1000 is Abby.


    The next is Arie, then Monk. Following just two boss room runster, Fisher and Lydia hit 1000 as well.


    They all stand back and wait with bright [Rank Up] options floating in front of their status screens while I bring Luna back into the Bossroom a few more times before she gets the notification too.


    All 6 of them stand in the middle of the grasnd dungeon on the 39th floor as my double ughters minotaurs with Ember in the background.


    Simultaneously, they all press [Rank Up] and white light floods over their bodies.


    A few minutes pass as I float in front of them, but none of the lights stop shining. I remember when I ranked up a second time, it took me a few hours toe to as well. However, I thought that was only because I was awakening a Greater Energy Form.


    I think to myself for a while longer, then open my link with Ember once I sense him nearby with my double again.


    "Hey, could you twoe here for a minute? I have a special task I need done."


    My copy and Ember bothe over and I ry the news.


    We brainstorm for a few more minutes about the time it would potentially take to get here from Sector 1 on foot, and the rtive power my teammates have shown during this training sessionpared to the 7th, 6th, and 2nd ranked Dark Guards.


    However, the conclusion we both agree on in the end is the same.


    "They''re strong, but not strong enough..."


    I toss a teleport crystal to my double, and it transfers all of the containment stones it''s farmed and charged over thest 2 days into my storage along with two more glistening shards of luminite.


    I nod, "Thanks, you know what to do next. It''s time to speed things up even more."


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    It disappears without a trace while Ember and I are left to watch my teammates rank up below me.


    Every half an hour or so when the Elite Minotaurs here spawn back in, I subjugate them quickly, and even get to see Ember use a light red manifested soul energy sword to cut down a few minotaurs of his own.


    All of the powers he was granted other than a human body are still a mystery to me; he drops some hints about them once we get back to the 6 people ranking up with collected firestones in my storage.


    "You know, that second ranked Dark Guard sounded like he was a st to fight. No excuses this time, I''ll be ready for the next battle, I still have a few new finishing moves I need to try out."


    I nod with my arms crossed.


    "We''ll all have plenty of opponents to go all out with soon. Save your energy."


    Once my double blips back into the 39th floor, it''sughing while pulling out 5 brand new istion pods from its storage.


    "I did what you asked, but Lith was using one of them. I would have asked him before taking these, but his timer said 5 hours were left."


    I ce my open palm on my face but ept the 5 brand new istion pods without hesitating, then transfer over the uncharged firestones I farmed back to my double.


    "That''s fine. Even if he said no, I would have taken them anyway. His life relies on these next few hours too. He can try to be angry with me after we deliver him the Dark One''s head."


    At these words, the 6 white lights below me begin to dim down, and three of them even stop glowing entirely.


    The rank-up process seems to be finishing up now.


    Ember and my double go back to copse another dungeon with the newly farmed stones out in the desert while I watch everyone begin waking up and standing to their feet. They look down at their statuses with awe, and I too am impressed at the new mana control frequencying off of most of them.


    I point out into the dungeon as the Minotaurs respawn.


    "Take a few minutes and test out your new ranked-up buffs; it will be good to get a feel for your new power before we move onto the 3rd and final stage of your training."


    My eyes widen as I take in the magnificent sight of varying shades of blue, green, and bright white lights fill the dungeon and incinerate lvl970 monsters the instant they''re touched by the energy sts.


    The body of a serpent, visual of a white ghost, roar of a tiger, eye of a god, arms of a demon, and form of a goddess fill my senses. It''s hard to keep track of everything as I take in the magnificent view.


    A corner of my lip turns up as they all deactivate their buffs and walk back to me.


    "Good, you''ve awakened your ultimate weapons. Now let''s sharpen these des and get you ready for war."


    I dungeon walk them back to the canyon, and we fly back to the town with ease.


    Everyone''s movements have be far more agile and confident. It''s clear they''re itching to use this new power, but as we make it to the center of the city and begin to descend, I put my me emperor''s disguise back up and speak.


    "Patience. You still have a long way to go; you''ll soon see what I mean."


    We descend into the town as the morning sun rises, and a few new things be visible to me.


    Full sections of the center square arepletely rebuilt, and other sections are still being remodeled.


    The section of housing where people were staying before in 1 to 2 story old homes have been turned into 4-6 story apartment buildings that have beautiful windows and balconies, and the front entrance has a square of its own that connects to a main road back to the guild hall.


    On this road, I see a few small shops already open.


    A pawn shop, tiny bakery, and a bar are the most prominent ones with people walking in and out; however, most of this road is still vacant and still being built.


    Off in the distance by the megawarehouse I made the other night, I sense my surveince double looking over 21 ves under the elixir of suggestion carrying supplies. There is a team of architects directing them and giving orders while building up another apartmentplex on the other side of town.


    They''re so far away, they don''t even notice us arrive. However, I''m d they''re enjoying themselves and using the resources I''ve given them.


    "Good... One less thing for me to think about, now, let''s see how things are going underground."


    All 7 of us walk into the guild hall and I open the hatch that leads downstairs.


    Immediately, a loud humming and rattling sound erupts from the bunker, but it''s followed by a dense wave of Qi that feels like a warm ocean wave is hitting my ankles.


    There''s so muching out, it''s almost a shame to watch it disperse into the atmosphere without trying to absorb some.


    Everyone feels the same way, so we walk down the spiral stairs quickly and close the hatch behind us.


    The istion pod at the back of the room shakes and vibrates violently, but the timer on top says [00:05:21] so we stop and stare.


    Abby speaks up after a few seconds pass.


    "Just in time to see the great reveal."


    We all slowly walk forward and watch the minutes and seconds tick down to [00:00:00].


    Then, the curved metal door swings open.

 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480


    Long flowing blond hair and sharp royal blue eyes emerge from the white wave of Qi flooding out from inside the istion pod as the door fully opens.


    Maria steps forward and everyone is left in silence as we witness a pure outline of bright white Qi, twisting and swirling around her body.


    Her skin looks smoother, her figure appears more mature, and her overall appearance looks as if she''s entered into a new prime. She''s glowing with power, truly an upgraded version of her past self.


    Not a drop of mana makes its way through the barrier, and it''s clear the use of this technique is second nature to her as she walks further out of the door and looks each of us up and down.


    Her gaze stops on me, the only one with a Qi barrier like her own, and switches her serious stare to the hint of a smile I can see hiding her bubbly nature beneath it.


    "Let''s spar."


    Simultaneously, the door of the istion pod falls off its hinges and I see the inside of its shielding is cracked and discolored.


    My eyes focus on it as I see the top portion that still stores a considerable amount of mana within it begin to leak faster and faster to the point where I question if it''s going to explode on the spot.


    It was showing signs of wear and tear just moments ago, but the full extent of its damages wasn''t clear until the time dtion stabilized with the outside world and Maria stepped out from the pod.


    I open my storage and allow it to fall into suspended animation before anything unpredictable happens, then respond to Maria.


    "Of course, that was going to be my question to you regardless. I need to see how much more powerful you''ve be. Let me get some preparations for the others ready, then I''ll give you the real fight you''ve been waiting for."


    Maria keeps walking forward, looking down at her hands and observing the room with careful eyes.


    I can tell just by the way she moves, her Qi and mana control have risen to astronomical heights in thest 2 days. For us outside, it has only been 48 hours, but to her, it has been over 3 months.


    As she walks over to the exit, I turn back to the others who are still staring at her without saying a word. Then, take 5 of the 6 istion pods in my storage out and ce them in a line.


    In a matter of seconds, I carefully use my craftsmanship dashboard integrated with the capsules'' designs to equally charge each of them with the containment stones I have from thest 2 days of farming.


    They all be charged up to dtions between 43x and 47x, and I turn back to the squad.


    Next to them, I ce food, water, sleeping gear, and misceneous supplies that were leftover from a few days ago when I went shopping for the townspeople.


    "Everyone take a pod, except you."


    I point to Luna.


    "We needbat fighters to use these pods only, Qi is a limited resource."


    I turn back to Arie, Abby, Monk, Fisher, and Lydia.


    "The Qi is split unevenly between you all. I''m keeping what I have on me for my turn, but I trust that you''ll distribute the amount you have on you between yourselves regarding who you believe will need it the most. Time is running out."


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As I remember, Abby and Monk both have 300 pills each, while the other three have a few hundred between them. Split evenly, they''ll have close to 200 each, but no matter how they distribute them I believe if they get half of the result Maria achieved they''ll be ready enough for battle.


    They distribute the pills and gather the supplies they want while I give a briefing on what to expect, how to gather Qi, and exin the basics on establishing a Qi barrier. Then, end my spiel with a simple line.


    "You know what you need to do. 48 hours in the pod. Come out as sharpened weapons of war."


    They each enter their pods and I nod to them goodbye and good luck.


    Then, turn around to see Luna timidly standing next to Maria at the back of the room.


    I speak up to Maria and point to the stairs.


    "Let''s go spar, I know just the ce."


    She begins walking up the stairs, and I follow.


    Then, turn back as Luna is still waiting for a ce to go and speak to her too.


    "You''re going to watch. I want to know what those eyes can really see."


    She follows right after and we exit through the hatch to leave the 5 vibrating pods in the basement below us to venture out into the desert.


    We fly about 10km away from the town, and I use telekinesis to carry Luna behind us.


    Once we make it to an open part in the desert and touch down on the sand, I put my hands up in a fighting position and stare Maria in the eyes.


    She stares back and shows the same smile from the bunker before while putting her hands up as well.


    Neither of us activates any mana-based skills, but the flowing white barriers of energy around us get denser and denser the longer we stay in the ready position.


    Luna steps far back a few hundred meters like we rmended, and activates her ranked up buff to manifest an enormous light blue transparent eye high in the sky. That gives us the cue to start.


    Maria runs forward, and I do too.


    The sound of Qi on Qi like crashing waves echo through the desert as our spar begins.


    Fists smash against fists, forearms block kicks, punches arended, Qi speeds up our reaction time and boosts our movement speed.


    I feel as if I''m fighting a mirror, and it''s clear to see that Maria feels the same way.


    Dust flies up in the desert, creating twisters and miniature sandstorms wherever we move to.


    Every punch, kick, and strike we throw gets faster and faster as we try to gauge each other''s power with incremental increases in strength, but it only gets higher with neither of us stopping anytime soon.


    My movement speed and strength that I''m using eventually surpasses the 7th ranked dark guard, the precision of my attacks nears the pinpoint uracy of the lightning wolf on the 40th floor, and the sheer amount of punches and kicks I throw nearly replicates the storm of windde attacks I was forced to encounter while facing the 6th ranked Dark Guard.


    She''s managing to keep up with everything I throw at her and evenunch attacks of her own back with equal speed and force.


    While doing so, she''s managing to keep that same hint of a smile on her face. Maria is enjoying every second of this thoroughly.


    I am too. It feels as if we''re dancing to a song no one else but us knows the notes to, and its being written down and ingrained in our minds every new step we take.


    While it is refreshing to fight a teammate of this caliber, it is also slightly terrifying to think about the fact that Maria isn''t even ranked up yet. She went into that pod at level 994 before we all started level grinding, and her Qi control is already on par with the lower-ranked Dark Guards without using any mana at all...


    I find what I believe to be her limit when I see a bead of sweat on her forehead, and a spark of ice magic activate in her eyes. I jump back and speak up before she can bring this spar to a potentially dangerous level.


    "Good. That''s enough. This is good progress. I think you''re almost ready to fight the Dark One''s Army."


    The dust settles around us for a final time and therge glowing eye above us connected by a thin string of mana to Luna''s back blinks and disappears into thin air.


    I pull out my sword and point it out into the deste desert.


    "There is onest thing I''d like you to test out."


    I channel a small amount of Qi into the de and swing it across my body, allowing it to flow out of the sword and release a sh of pure white energy. Then, turn back to Maria.


    "I doubt you had the chance to try an attack like that in the isopod, you may want to develop a longer range Qi attack of your own before we go to the Labyrinth and rank you up."


    She reaches for her own sword in her item box on her waist, but a yell from Luna behind us turns our attention away from this topic.


    Her yells can be heard from far away in the direction her eye''s energy left from.


    "There''s somethinging! I can see somethinging our way! It''s a knight... a ck knight! That''s all I could see... It''s just a single ck Suit of Armor with a number 5 printed right on its chest."

 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481


    I expand the range of my all-seeing eye and enemy detection once I hear Luna shouting. My range reaches out as far as the town nearly 10 km away on one side, but I can''t sense anything in the opposite direction.


    On full st, I can feel the readings of rogue dungeons up to 50-70 km away if I push myself, but for some reason, I can''t sense this Dark Guard that she''s crying out about.


    Maria is on alert too, and I feel her natural aura spread out a few kilometers, but the same confused expression shows on her face as she doesn''t sense anything out of the ordinary either.


    Luna makes it nearby us, and points far out in the desert in the direction of Sector 1.


    "It''sing. Whatever it is, it''s incredibly angry."


    She keeps pointing in the same direction, but I''m positive there''s nothing out there.


    Still, the fact that she urately described the 5th ranked Dark Guard''s appearance and number cement makes me believe her vision is real.


    I jump in the air, and Maria follows me upward. I use telekinesis to carry Luna again and we start drifting off in the direction she''s pointed.


    "Tell me if we''re going the right way. We''ll confront this guard before it makes it close to the town."


    She nods, looking around with her eyes glowing with a light blue aura, but speaks up before activating her ranked-up buff again.


    "I can''t see it without my buff activated."


    On her status now, I see Legendary Grade [Moonlight''s Gaze], along with two buffs; [Eye of The Last Full Moon] and a new one that she received after hitting level 1000 called [Awakened Guardian''s Eye].


    The enormous blue eye emerges from her back and floats above us, staring off into the empty desert and I pose a question.


    "Which buff is this? I can see you have two."


    She doesn''t reply for a moment, but points off in the desert.


    "It''s the Awakened Guardian''s Eye. I can''t see far enough with the other one, same with my skill; they work best at night."


    I turn my head up to look at the eye and hear her voice call out from behind me again.


    "About 300 kilometers. That''s how far out it is by the way... At its current pace, it still would have taken all day to make it here... I might have overreacted."


    I grin.


    "No. That''s exactly the reaction I wanted, don''t worry about it. Is that the limit to your range? 300 kilometers?"


    "Right now? I think so... I notified you the moment I saw it."


    "Are there any other troops with it? Or is the guard all alone?"


    She shakes her head.


    "There''s nothing else around it. It''s just trudging through the desert alone... I don''t know why..."


    "Good. So with you on watch, we''ll have plenty of time to prepare if any other troops do show up in the future. Keep using that eye and notify me if there are any changes in its behaviors or you see any more troops within range."


    I let a handful of mana potions out of my items storage and let them float over to Luna while I increase the speed of my steps to catch up to Maria.


    "Seems like it''s the same guard you fought in Valor City. You ready for round 2? I think you can take it on with your power now."


    Maria''s eyes light up with Ice magic and the barrier of Qi surrounding her body reflexively gets more dense around her vital areas before she responds.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Yes, I''ve been waiting to face that Guard since the moment I entered the istion pod. What are the odds it''de to greet me once I finished my training?"


    She takes another step forward, leaving ice behind with each of her footsteps and small wisps of white Qi, speeding up her pace.


    I increase mine as well to match hers and we soar through the desert sky for over an hour at top speeds before the Dark Guardes within range of my all-seeing eye and enemy detection as well.


    Just as Luna said, a suit of jet-ck armor trudges through the sand with the number 5 printed on its chest.


    The only difference I see in its appearance since thest time I saw it is arge [X] marking over the number 5 on its chest, almost like it has been scratched out.


    Red-orange energy is leaking from the small cracks in the ck armor, and as Luna also stated previously, its aura exudes rage and every step it takes amplifies its anger.


    I point forward and lean to Maria.


    "We''re getting close. Get ready to fight soon. This is all you, I''ll let you have the rematch you deserve."


    Our pace slows a bit and we begin to descend down to the desert floor.


    Maria pulls out her silver de and imbues Qi into it while descending even faster than me.


    Eventually, the ck Suit of Armor bes visible on the horizon without using any of my skills, and Maria sees it too.


    "Stay back and let me test out a few moves I couldn''t try on you while sparring. This should be over in a few minutes."


    I halt in midair a few hundred meters above the ground and cross my arms to watch as Maria touches down on the sand, making a crater of ice as shends.


    Luna floats behind me, catching up still while being dragged along by my telekinesis, thenes to a halt by my left side with her enormous blue eye still staring down from above.


    I speak up.


    "This should be an interesting fight, time to watch closely and learn a few things."


    As the impact from Maria''snding with the sand sends ripples through the desert, the suit of armor finally speaks up in a loud angry yell that can be heard by everyone in the area.


    "It''s you! You! The one that ruined my reputation! You''re the one that made the Dark One disown me after years of diligent service!"


    The bright 5 etched into its chestte glows red-orange, and the [X] scratched across it bleeds with this energy-filled light as well.


    "The only way I''ll be epted back is if I kill you! The Ice Empress, the one that foiled my ns! I just wanted you to serve the Dark One and join the winning side. It is a shame you refused my offering in such a shy manner. I should have killed you when I had the chance at the City Gate!"


    Memories of the enormous crimson Ice crystal that destroyed the Arena in Valor City surface in my mind.


    This was the finishing move Maria used while channeling all of her Red Hydra''s remaining soul energy into a single attack to deflect the this Guard''s attack and give our teammates enough time to escape.


    By the way this guard is talking, it seems he''s been exiled for failing to capture and turn Maria, Abby, and Monk into the Dark One''s ves.


    Maria understands the situation as well and speaks up while pointing her silver sword forward, ying into the rage-filled knight''s words.


    "Well, this is your chance to prove yourself again. If you really are a loyal follower of the Dark One, then you won''t lose to me a second time, will you?"


    She allows a small portion of her mana control to leak out from her Qi barrier, giving the ck Knight the perception that her strength is still the same as it was the time they met just 2 days ago.


    The Dark Guard''s red glow beneath its armor grows brighter and brighter, until it forms two long energy des in its hands just like it did in that underground training room before.


    Its steps are powered by orange soul energy, but they''re mixed with its own blood-red aura. The sand beneath its feet is melting with every step, turning into molten ss while it speeds up more and more, dead set on reaching Maria.


    It yells. "That''s right! The first time was a fluke! At your level, with nowhere to run, it will be impossible for you to fend me off again. This will be your end, I''ll get my seat back at the Dark Guard''s assembly right now!"


    He lunges forward, swinging both of the red energy-manifested des across his body to create the same crimson-colored shes that were impossible for Maria to blockst time she was faced with only one.


    Instead of attempting to dodge like the Dark Guard predicted, Maria lunges forward too, saturating her de with Qi, and taking the two Soul Energy attacks head-on with her glowing white sword.


    A magnificent white and red collision of energy lights up the battlefield below me as Maria''s de slices through and obliterates both crimson energy shes with a white crescent of Qi from her own de in return.


    It rockets across the desert floor aiming for the Dark Guard. Then, shatters the two red energy swords it wields when the attempt to block her iing attack fails.


    The crescent of white-hot Qi collides with the [5] printed on the Dark Guard''s chest, cracking its armor to pieces before it even registers what hit it.


    The entire battlefield appears to be moving in slow motion for everyone watching.


    Luna''s enormous eye is wide open, taking in every detail of the fight. I''m impressed by Maria''s first Qi de manifestation''s power, and she''s equally excited to unleash her full strength if the guard survives this blow.


    As the ck armor shatters and falls to the desert floor, it''s impossible to see what''s underneath. A blinding red light expands from within, blocking everyone''s vision of the Dark Guard''s true form. This sh of energy is followed by the roar of a monster that does not sound at all like the angry human yells we heard moments ago.

 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482


    My inspect skill picks up a reading as the ck armor of the 5th Ranked Dark Guard falls away.


    [Lv. 1572]


    Its status is just like every other one of them, with no skills or items, but a [Curse of The Lich King] branded in orange lettering on its Buffs section.


    The immense amount of heat that erupts from the broken armor and crimson glow leads me to believe that there is some kind of fire-wielding monster that is now emerging.


    This will be the perfect opponent for Maria to test her new abilities on. Fire is her exact opposite element matchup. If anything, her weakness.


    Just from her disy moments ago, and my spar with her earlier, I know she has the strength to take this Guard on, but the real test will be seeing how she fares against actualbat with a genuine A-Ranked monster aiming to kill.


    The monstrous roar echoes through our ears and the red humanoid form beneath the armor growsrger andrger in size until it reaches over 5 meters tall.


    Its silhouette is bright red, but as it growsrger jagged rocks begin to stick out of its body.


    Once it reaches just under 10 meters in height, dark ck obsidian colored glossy stones have protruded all over it to create what looks to be a golem''s form.


    It has two glowing red-orange eyes that just look like circles, and a slit for a mouth that glows the same color of its deadly soul energy.


    Another roar, that sounds like a static screech mixed with rocks crashing together erupts from its being as the red light in its eyes pulses.


    Hairline fractures in its obsidian body show red energy swirling beneath its surface, and the monster''s hands manifest long thick des just like the ones it held in its human form, but over 5 times asrge.


    Blood red mes erupt from the golem creature''s back and arms, spreading immense heat throughout the desert and melting the surrounding area of sand just for existing nearby.


    It tilts its head down at Maria while she swallows a Qi pill from her item box to replenish her stores.


    After her session in the istion pod, it looks like she''s used up most of the Qi gifted by Monk, but I count 9 more in the small silver tin left after the one that she just consumed.


    Ice magic is activated and her Qi barrier is let down to reveal her true mana control to the Dark Guard.


    Only portions of Qi are used around her heart, head, and blind spots while the rest is focused in her footsteps and channeled into the silver sword.


    As the heat from the monster''s release of power nears her, the melting of sand stops in its tracks and a wave of ice challenges it, freezing the desert floor in a circle that only increases in size the longer Maria activates her ice magic.


    She points her de toward the obsidian golem and releases a royal blue aura of her own that shes with the monster''s in the air. It''s an energy made of mana, but my senses pick up trace amounts of Qi within it.


    Whatever this power is, it''s a step closer to awakening Soul Energy than anything I''ve ever managed to manifest before.


    Two domes of lights hit each other from nearly 100 meters away as both of them dere battle on the other, then they both charge forward.


    The golem''s echoing footsteps show off its immense strength, and the constant mes and red glow thates from it show its magic power is considerable as well.


    Maria steps through the air with blue-tinted Qi increasing her movement speed, closing the gap between them much faster than expected.


    Her sword glows the same light blue as she swings it through the air, leaving behind a trail in the sky that leaves a faint stain the air just like the Red Hydra''s Buff.


    She gets faster and faster as she gets closer, and jumps straight into the dual iing des of the golem without an ounce of fear in her movements.


    Maria spins her body between the two des, dodging their sharp crimson edges just by a hair on both sides.


    In a single swing, the monster''s right shoulder is sliced through.


    An enormous blue sh line is visible on the monster''s body as Maria continues to fly past her target unharmed.


    As she touches down on the molten desert floor, it crystallizes into solid ice. Soon after, the loud thud of the ck rock falling off of its body can be heard.


    Maria doesn''t take a moment to admire her work, lunging back around to release another light blue sh at the creature''s left arm while she''s standing in the blind spot behind it.


    Another bright blue line is etched into the golem''s opposite shoulder as she slices through it and Qi-steps higher into the air to get a better vantage point away from the monster to assess its real damage.


    Another loud thud reaches her ears as the second arm of the monster falls to the floor, but her senses are put on high alert from an unexpected iing attack.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    Maria swings her sword back to block two crimson desing her way from the Soul Energy Manifested arms that still carry swords where the physical obsidian body was cut off.


    This reminds me of the technique the 7th Ranked Dark Guard used when I managed to cut off one of its limbs as well.


    The technique is very simr, however, this monster''s power seems to act a bit differently.


    As the red and blue powers sh, the energy released into the atmosphere is nearly equal in strength.


    Two of the monster''s des that harness all of its power are being repelled with an equal and opposite force as the Ice mage in the air follows through with her icy sh.


    They stay in the same ce, battling it out over a single exchange in mid-air for over a second.


    Maria''s eyes open wide as she sees a thin ck line of rock forming in the center of both of the energy manifested arms that connect back to the golem''s main body.


    Every fraction of a second that passes, more and more of the monster''s arms regenerate and reform into the old form it had just moments ago before Maria cut them off.


    She pulses with a blue aura at the sight of this and shoves the crimson des backward a few meters. This gives her enough leeway to dodge to the side as the momentum of the des continues downward and slices through the air where she just was.


    Taking advantage of this moment, she slices through both of the golem''s legs, leaving a light blue line across its upper thighs.


    When she touches down to the floor behind it, the expected reaction to this attack would be a moment where the creature stumbles or falls as it tries to regenerate its legs.


    However, underneath the hard obsidian stone is a red energy form that moves on its own without the need for a physical body at all.


    It turns around, leaving its severed legs behind, carrying its upper body on just a soul energy manifested lower half and swings its two crimson swords again right at Maria on the ground.


    Although this wasn''t what she expected, it was in the realm of possibilities.


    Maria jumps out of the way again and analyzes the creature while its glowing red eyes track her movements too.


    The impact of the red des with the ground sends a shockwave of molten sand her way that towers over 3 meters high and grows in speed and power the more Soul energy is channeled into it from the monster''s des stuck into the desert.


    She jumps in the air again, and the golem''s legs begin to regrow just the same as its arms did, standing as small ck sticks in the center while more ck rock is summoned to fill the empty space.


    The waves of molten sand die down once the monster takes its energy des from the ground and starts sending out crescents of soul energy in the air for Maria to dodge.


    Her Qi-aura gets much weaker while she soars through the air dodging these crimson shes, but it isn''t because she''s getting weaker. Her attention has shifted from attack to one of pure analysis.


    Every shot the creature throws at her adds to her ideas on what to do next, and I see her eyes channeling over 50% of the Qi that isn''t protecting her vitals.


    She''s watching where the energy flows in this monster to try and figure out its weakness.


    Clearly, taking off its limbs doesn''t hurt it at all, and getting in close to try andnd another attack without a proper n is just taking an unnecessary risk if she doesn''t know where to aim.


    Out of curiosity, I copy the Qi-flow she''s using, and channel arge portion of my avable energy into my eyes to watch the golem meticulously throw shes at her while she gracefully dodges through the air.


    At first, all I can see is the silhouette of red-orange soul energy in the form of a massive human outline.


    However, the longer I look, and the closer I focus on its release of shes, the more I see there is a distinct direction of its energy flow.


    The flow is so fast, and instantaneous, it''s like a heart pumping blood at 1000 beats per second, but there is clearly a point where this power ising from.


    It is alling from a central point deep inside its chest. Simr to golems I''ve faced before, this one has a core of its own, it is just hidden withinyers andyers of dense soul energy to make itself look like a pure energy being.


    As Ie to this realization, a shift in Maria''s movements makes me surmise she''se to the same conclusion.


    Her movements in the air be faster, and her de glows blue again.


    Instead of going for the avable openings on the monster''s arms and legs that it allows her to take between every few dozen shes, she bides her time and doesn''t go for the easy shots.


    After every attack, the monster''s dese back into position to protect its chest before anything else. This is exactly where Maria''s gaze is locked onto as she continues flying circles around the golem waiting for it to slip up.


    In return for its shes, she sends her own blue ice attacks littered with Qi down toward the monster.


    They are never aimed to hit it directly, but to freeze the battlefield below and limit its movements to a select few areas.


    The more she throws, therger the massive ice crystals form like obstacles in its way, and its attacks be more predictable to the trained eye.


    Like a rat in a maze, every new ice structure guides the golem to an endpoint that I can see as clear as day.


    Maria is setting up her finishing move, and the rage-filled golem that believes it''s invincible to her slow-moving attacks can''t see iting at all...


    After 3 more Qi pills, and nearly 100 dodged crimson shes, the semicircle barrier of ice behind the golem is created, and it has nowhere else to backpedal to now.


    Maria''s sword charges brighter blue than ever before in this battle, and her body radiates with a light that I''ve only seen happen when she activates her ranked up buff.


    Thest time I saw her use this with the Red Hydra''s power at a far lower skill level it decimated multipleyers of A-Grade shielding and destroyed the entire arena back in Valor City.


    If she uses it now with her newfound strength, imbued with Qi as well, the result with be catastrophic...


    A bright blue glow erupts off her as her aura expands to envelop the entire battlefield including the cornered beast below her.


    Waves of cold ice magic freeze the entire area solid for over 200 meters in diameter.


    It believed it had the upper hand the entire battle, as Maria made it seem she was running from its attacks in fear once she realized she couldn''t hurt it.


    The frozen ground shakes beneath the obsidian golem, getting louder and louder until Maria whispers the name of her ability.


    "Ice Age..."


    Enormous blue crystals of ice erupt from the ground towering over the 10m tall golem, expanding faster than it can think to move.


    They drop the temperature of the desert air instantly and encapste the golem in a massive prison of ice.


    At the same time, Maria dives in at it with her de swinging across her body.


    She slices through her own solid blue prison, shattering the towering structure to pieces the moment it''s formed, disintegrating the monster''s ck stone body entirely. It only leaves behind the shocked red inner form and a singr ck orb in the center of its being that desperately tries to reform the rest of its physical body.


    However, it''s far toote.


    A bright blue sh of light, and a single dense Qi and ice infused sh slices the core in half.


    Maria makes contact with the icy ground behind it, turning with glowing eyes and a charged sword ready for more, but ringing notifications in her head tell her the battle is already over.


    Both sides of the core fall to the frozen desert and the red energy slowly dissipates into the air.

 Chapter 483

    Chapter 483


    Maria''s level rises by 71, bringing her to level 1065 in an instant.


    By the way she''s looking at her status, it''s clear there is a rank-up notification in front of her waiting to be epted.


    However, she recalls my description of the others'' rank-up process that I told her about on our way out here and decides not to press [YES] just yet. She picks up both the fragments of the dormant ck obsidian golem''s core, and ces them into her item storage. Two of therger chunks have item readings on them that grant over 300% Mental Strength Buffs along with fire resistance.


    I specte what kind of armor, pendant, or possibly even a weapon these materials could make. However, it''s Maria''s kill, so she''ll be the one to decide what to do with these core fragments in the future.


    Her ice magic deactivates while putting back up her consistent Qi barrier. Then, she Qi-steps up in the air to greet Luna and me watching from high above.


    I''m the first to speak.


    "That was very impressive. I could tell you were strong while sparring, but yourbination of Qi and Mana brought your abilities to a whole new level. It almost looked like Soul Energy..."


    I think to myself about how Maria would have stacked up against the 2nd ranked Dark Guard if she were to battle it alone. On pure physical strength, that silver creature would have had her beat, but just based on pure magic power they may have been close to even.


    The only guards that remain are the 3rd, 4th, and 1st. Based on this performance, after she ranked up there is no doubt in my mind the two remaining lower guards will not be an issue for her.


    The only real looming threat is the 1st ranked Dark Guard and the Dark One itself.


    As my mind races, Maria speaks up again.


    "Yeah, it''s a neat trick I managed to learn near the end of my session in the pod. Once my Qi control reached a high enough level, I was able to begin incorporating Mana directly into the flow. It works the other way around too. Instead ofunching them as separate attacks, the two are slowly bing one energy source."


    She flips her open status toward me to show the [Rank Up] screen.


    "Once I get to a safe ce to Rank-Up, I''m almost positive they will be even more natural to wield together as one."


    We turn back toward the town after Luna does another scan of the desert, confirming there are no other strong beings within 300 km of us. There are a few rogue dungeons and 2 small viges with poptions below 50 each, but no sign of the Dark One''s army.


    "Looks like he really came alone..."


    We head back to the town at fairly quick speeds, making it to the bunker in under 2 hours.


    Maria sits on the opposite side of the room in the lotus position and presses rank up, glowing white while the 5 machines hum in the background, slowly leaking Qi and Mana.


    I turn to Luna, then point to the crates of B Grade weapons and equipment by the back wall.


    "Pick out 12 items. Make sure they have spread-out buffs to equally boost all your stats, and choose a weapon you''refortable learning how to wield. You were over level 250 before the powerleveling session, so I assume you have some monster hunting experience."


    She nods and walks over to the crates, putting on a few rings, nes, a light armor set, some boots, and picks out a pair of daggers with high speed, agility, and mental strength enchants on them.


    Then, we leave the bunker together and I point to the canyon of dungeons.


    "This way, it''s time for you and a few others to increase your mana control. Let''s see if that 300 km range is your skills'' hard cap or if there are ways to raise it. There are a few others in the dungeons that need the exact same training as you."


    We make it to the canyon, and I open up my dungeon walker skill to scan every dungeon I have ess to until I find my double in a C-Grade dungeon training the 37 recruits from the other day.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    After putting up my me emperor''s disguise, Luna and I teleport there and I greet my body double with a stone bullet to the forehead, killing it instantly to receive the memories of thest 40 or so hours that I''ve been away.


    The intricate details of the training this group has been throughe rushing back to me. These are the people that volunteered to be the first soldiers in the me Emperor''s army, and theirmitment shows.


    I''ve been giving them a constant supply of newly crafted Regeneration Potions which heals all of their injuries and drastically decreases their fatigue, allowing most of them to train pretty much nonstop since the start.


    They have the best gear avable to them, courtesy of the deceased Sector 2 Leader''s warehouse stockpiles, and my A-Grade body double has been keeping a close eye on their every move; stepping in milliseconds before battles are going to end poorly, and giving pointers after every fight on how to better use their weapons and talents.


    We progressively trained in harder and harder dungeons as everyone became more skilled.


    Once used to the routine, none of them fear getting hurt at all anymore, and start improving at an exponential rate.


    All 37 of them have made it to level 330-340.


    The only limitation they''re facing now is theck of time spent honing their mana control; their actualbat skill has been refined. Luna has a simr problem. Her level has been artificially boosted, but her mana control isgging far behind.


    I use my enemy detection skill mixed with my rising Emperor''s Domain [Find My Friend] perk to find everyone''s geopoints through the dungeon, they''re all pretty close by in groups being led by their leaders. Then, fly over to each of the groups and gather them together in a single spot.


    They all look happy to be here. Some sweating, others breathing heavy, but most have smiles on their faces and are enjoying the grind.


    I speak up once I have their attention while sharing my skill [All Seeing Eye] with everyone.


    "Open your status screens and look at the new options that are now avable by activating the skill I have shared with you."


    Many of their eyes widen and they scroll through their status screens, clicking the [i] next to their skills and gear to read more information about them, and many see where I''m leading them next before I even speak up.


    "There should be a sectionbeled PP, or proficiency points. You gain one of these every time you level up. To upgrade a skill from basic grade to special grade, it takes 50 points. To upgrade from special to legendary grade, it takes 250. If you are an element user, it takes 100 points to upgrade to an advanced version of your skill. I want you to all use these points and grow stronger. We will be starting your next stage of training very soon."


    Looking down at my own status, I see [PP: 638] and do some math.


    I still need 362 more points to hit 1000 to have enough to upgrade my absorption skill to [Mythic Grade]. Although I have enough to upgrade some of my basic grade skills to legendary, or my advanced grade elemental skills to extreme, it isn''t worth doing when I weigh the perks that a mythic grade version of my absorption skill will grant.


    After this, I close my status and look down at everyone in my new army.


    It''s full of legendary swordsmen and tanks, advanced elemental users, and support types with team buffs that exceed 50-70%.


    Next, I switch the skill that I''ll be sharing with them from [All Seeing Eye] to [Legendary Grade][Absorption].


    After this, I use my Rising Emperor''s domain perk to share 10% of my mana control, distributed equally between all 37 of them, and Luna, making it 38. Instead of sharing this with all 140 of the people in my list likest time, this power is now going to less than  of them. Meaning, their boost in strength is over 3 times greater than thest time this buff was used.


    Meaning, I''m granting them tens of millions worth of mana control more than before.


    Everyone is hit with another wave of euphoria, and their strength is increased to an absurd degree.


    They all group together and I dungeon walk us to the 19th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth. Simultaneously, I ce a body double on guard by the dungeon''s entrance to make sure no hunterse up to disturb us.


    Training at this low of a level is a lot different than the upper floors past 30. Below floor 20 is where the Association tends to actually farm and train. I sense a good amount of hunters on floor 10-13, and a few teams on floor 15 and 16, but it seems that no one is nearby so we have floor 19 all to ourselves.


    A monster''s screech fills the air as everyone stands on a ck surface and a green-eyed, sword-wielding, mana-shielded berserker giantes charging at the group of new recruits.


    I don''t instantly kill the monster, but let it run closer and closer, allowing everyone here to use their new mana senses and feel the actual strength of the disgusting creature approaching. Many activate their skills, ready their weapons, and wait for mymands.


    I float above them all, not saying a word as it speeds up and eyes the crowd of humans that hase into its territory.


    A level 405 berserker giant jumps in the air toward the 38 hunters and I create arge dome of mana shielding between them and the beast just 10 meters away from our group. The battle crazed sword wielder collides with it in mid-air.


    Its de shatters against the dense shielding and its body disintegrates and breaks apart, killing the monster on the spot for all of them to see.


    I didn''t even lift a finger, but the monster was defeated instantly.


    "I''ve granted you a portion of my power for this stage of training. It''s called mana control, the cumtive experience gained by processing mana through your body over time increases this power. We''ll be working on a skill called mana shielding, and farming these creatures here with that skill I granted you earlier to increase your own base of mana control. By the time we''re done here, you''ll be able to do what I just did without using my shared power."

 Chapter 484

    Chapter 484


    Hours pass.


    I have my body double periodically dungeon walk back to the town to check on the energy readings to see if Maria has woken up from her rank-up process, but no signs of herpleting it havee back.


    Meanwhile, my method of sharing mana control with these recruits to boost their abilities is working very well.


    Some of them still don''t have the speed and raw power to kill level 400 monsters with Elite Level mana control just yet, but when working as a team, many of them are able to take these Berserker Giants down.


    They rotate who gets the final strike to absorb MCP evenly. The millions of MP worth of progress after each kill is equal to training with an elemental skill for days or even weeks on end at their level.


    However, they''re managing to get this mana control experience without even having elemental skills. Plus, the rest times and built-up fatigue that is needed after normal mana control training is not necessary either.


    My body double as well as me in my real body are constantly watching the battles unfold to block any fatal strikes before they happen and monitor everyone''s progress.


    I even switch my shared skill from absorption to mana maniption a few times in order to let some slower learners get a feel for what mana shielding should look and feel like when they do it naturally.


    Over 4 and a half hours pass since we started.


    Maria still has not woken up from her rank-up process, meaning she''s been unconscious for over double as long as the others were.


    In this time, all recruits of the me Emperor''s Army have made it to levels 400-410, and can defeat Berserker Giants with ease while using thebination of my shared mana control and their own. By constantly absorbing the MCP of monsters higher level than their own using my unique skill, they have all managed to bring their own mana control bases up to that of an Elite at the Association. They just don''t know it yet.


    I''m sure if they went in as teams of 3-5, they would be able to take on the 20th Floor boss now.


    However, pushing them all up to high floors right now is not my next n of action.


    I deactivate my power share with everyone so they can feel what their own non-artificially buffed strength feels like.


    "The final stage of your preparations willmence now. You will all hone your skills and get used to your new level of power."


    I leave my body double with them to fight the Berserker Giants one on one. Now it is time for them toe up with their own unique ways of wielding mana control while fighting. It''s not all about teamwork and getting EXP, they''ll begin maximizing their mana density and efficiency to kill while fighting solo.


    As my double informs them of this, and begins to spread out to find newly spawned Berserkers to train with, I motion for Luna toe over to me and show me what she''s learned so far.


    We don''t travel far until I find a monster for her to show her skills.


    Her speed, strength, and defense are on much higher levels than these low-level monsters, given that she''s ranked up twice already. However, her mana control has progressed just like everyone else''s and I watch her make simple mana barriers while imbuing her des with mana as well.


    The Qi in her core from Monk awakening her the other day stays dormant, it may be able to be used once her natural energy control increases over time.


    "Good. I''ll go get the others that show promise and move onto a private training session."


    I fly back over to the groups of people fighting under the watch of my double and pick out the three element users that wield Fire, Wind, and Earth.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Rachel, Andy, Francis;e with me."


    They follow my words and I immediately teleport them to the 30th floor near the outer edge of the mountainous forest section of the Wyvern''s dungeon.


    Everything in this dungeon is level 550 to 750. We''ve jumped up over 10 floors because I need to expedite their training.


    An Earth Wyvernes soaring down from the sky and I speak up, pointing at it.


    "This is a ranked-up monster. Who is prepared to take it on first?"


    They all stare at the creature summoning spears of earth around its body and dive bombing us at high speeds.


    Only one of them steps up to my challenge without thinking twice.


    It''s the orange-haired woman named Rachel, she bursts into mes and points her sword coated in a thinyer of her own natural mana shielding at the monster that is clearly far superior to herself in pure strength and magic.


    I share my absorption skill with her again, then activate my power-sharing perk as well, giving her exclusively 10% of my mana control.


    As the ranked-up buff transfers it over, the mes around her growrger while her mana control base is artificially boosted by far over a billion MP.


    I take a step back and watch her swing her sword upward and slice the ranked-up Earth Wyvern in half before it touches the floor.


    Her mes continue to expand, bursting out over 10 meters on all sides and glowing dark crimson, almost ck.


    Leveling notifications ring in her ears while she absorbs millions of MCP from a single kill.


    The other team members standing by watch wide-eyed with excitement and awe, and our private training session begins.


    One by one, I share this power with each of them so they can get their own kills and slowly work toward the center of the Wyvern Dungeon.


    A full 2 hours pass of teleporting them around the ring to absorb hundreds of millions of MCP. The three squad leaders be much closer while fighting side by side, and Luna starts to talk with them a bit too.


    Luna''s mana control improves drastically, allowing her to contend with Wyverns without my help by the end of this training. The element users are capable of taking on the lower-level Wyverns by themselves too. I don''t think they''re capable of actually defeating the boss in this dungeon yet, not even as a team, but their progress hase very far.


    All 3 of them manage to hit level 500 and rank up in no time.


    The earth and wind users awaken ultimate abilities called [Fortress of Stone] and [Unbreakable Wind Prison] while the fire user awakens a unique offensive buff called [Fire Storm].


    After I finally get them all just past level 600 so they can upgrade their elements to extreme grade, my body double blips in to tell me some news. Surprisingly, it isn''t the double that was watching the other recruits train, it is the one that was farming and copsing dungeons with Ember.


    "It''s Maria, she''s waking up."


    It blips away right after telling me.


    At this, I wrap up our training and bring everyone back to the exit of the canyon of dungeons. They all begin walking back to the town on the pathway, and I leave Luna and the 3 squad leaders with my body double in charge of getting them food and necessary materials from a spare warehouse and to get some proper rest.


    I fly over at max speed.


    Surprisingly, I don''t sense any mana or Qiing from underground that isn''t from the pods. However, I do sense two unexpected readings right outside the guildhall.


    Once I get back, I see the double that warned me as well as Ember in his human form leaning up against the side of the octagonal building.


    His long red hair flows in the light breeze before speaking up.


    "I felt a Soul Energy awakening, so I decided toe and see the reveal myself. That is, as long as you''re okay with your teammates seeing my true form. Soul Energy users are capable of seeing more than meets the eye."


    He grins, and my heart starts to beat a bit faster while walking over to the bunker''s hatch.


    "That''s fine. If they''re strong enough to perceive you, they''re ready to know the truth. If we''ll be going all out in this war, it''s better they find out sooner rather thanter."


    He responds again while wee to a halt above the door.


    "Plus, we finished copsing another dungeon, you have just enough containment stones to charge thatst pod up for yourself if you wish."


    I nod and open up the hatch.


    "That''s my n. If you and Maria are strong enough to stand guard while I cultivate, I''ll be entering the pod next."


    Ember, my double, and I walk down into the waves of Qi and mana that flow out, I see Maria standing in the middle of the room looking down at her own body.


    She slowly waves her hands around in the air and her eyes track their movements.


    Ember stands beside me with his arms crossed and head continuously nodding while I try and use all of my perception skills to figure out what is going on.


    Her hair is silkier, her skin is smoother, and it appears as if she''s glowing with beauty. However, somehow she looks void of energy, just like the readings I get when I look at Ember. It''s like a mana and Qi suppression technique is activated that makes it impossible for me to see any energy.


    I do see a new buff on her status reading [Awakened Form of the Ice Goddess], but other than this, it''s almost impossible for me to gauge her new strength. I speak up anyway.


    "Wee back. Over 6 hours awakening seems to have paid off. Your Qi mastery has reached a level I''m unable to detect..."


    She nods while continuing to look at her own body with wide eyes. Her gaze doesn''t move anywhere else for almost 30 seconds before looking up and replying.


    "I have... This is¨C"


    Her eyes halt on Ember and she stops speaking. She stares at him for equally as long, then turns to me.


    "You''re... Soul Bonded with a Dragon?"

 Chapter 485

    Chapter 485


    The words that escape her lips aren''t exactly what I expected.


    Ember did mention she''d be able to see his true form, but I assumed he meant in the heart of battle. Or that she''d be able to perceive that he is a soul energy user too.


    I wasn''t expecting her to see through his disguise the instant she awakened.


    However, it was within the realm of possibilities so I calmly respond.


    "I am."


    She immediately replies.


    "And that Red Hydra''s energy reeks on you too, I hope you get rid of the rest of it soon."


    Emberughs and turns to me.


    "See, I''m not the only one that thinks taking borrowed power is a bad idea. Especially from that old sorry excuse of a Divine Beast. He just wants to be a dragon so bad, but he never will."Ember rolls his eyes, and I''m clearly unaware that they can even sense this buff although it''s not even activated.


    Maria steps forward, still wide-eyed while taking in her new environment, but gets straight to the point.


    "If you were waiting for me to be strong enough to guard you while you cultivate, I''ve reached that point."


    Ember nods and agrees.


    "It is true. Maria is ready. We can guard the town while you''re away."


    At this, I take out thest istion pod and my double and I begin charging it up with all of the remaining containment stones. During the process, it transfers over one more fragment of luminite into my storage, making there six in total now.


    In return, I give the silver tablet that controls the walls and bunker hatch mechanisms to my double to hold onto while I''m inside. At this rate, my teammates wille out of their pods about 12 hours before me, so they need a way to exit the bunker.


    Maria speaks while this is happening.


    "How many of the Dark Guards have soul energy of their own awakened? I assume they are far superior to that 5th guard I faced earlier today."


    I reply while setting a 48-hour timer on the pod in front of me with 48.121x dtion.


    "Before I defeated the 2nd, it told me three of the Dark Guards have soul energy of their own, while many other servants only relied on the Dark One''s power."


    She nods.


    "So, most likely the 3rd and 1st."


    Ember pitches in.


    "We can spar in the desert if you''d like some experience. This isn''t my first time dealing with The Lich King after all, I can simte the strength of its Dark Guards and give you some general Soul Energy pointers."


    Maria turns to Ember, and for the first time, I see a physical manifestation of energy emerge from her.


    A pure blue aura covers her hand and swirls around. In my senses, it feels like a seamlessbination of mana and Qi; I can''t separate the two, they flow perfectly together and feel as if they''ve dissolved into one energy.


    It shows no source of where it''s manifested from, swirling around her hand, then disappearing in the same manner back into her skin and away from my perception.


    "That''s a good idea, let''s train."


    I smile and step into the pod and turn to Ember.


    "We''re an open book, tell her everything she needs to know to be stronger. I''ll meet you on the battlefield once my own awakening isplete."


    The pod closes, and the room is left in silence for a moment, but my double speaks up to break the tension.


    "Well, I mean, It''s not like I''m gone, just my strongest version wont be avable. Come on, I want to go watch you two spar."


    I turn to Maria.


    "Especially you, that new ranked up buff, I want to see what kind of form you awakened."


    All of them leave to go upstairs while I begin my 3-month training process inside the istion pod.


    Immediately, I begin to start my cultivation process.


    Thest time I did this was before I was ranked up a second time, and this time around there is far more dense mana in the air than just in a titan''s domain.


    In the white-walled room of the titan''s domain, a majority of the gained mana control came from plundering the walls and soaking in the energy from outside.


    In this istion pod, billions of MP are being held in a concentrated point while circting through the air in a confined space.


    There is a natural euphoric effect of these pods that makes me feel as if I''m floating in a cloud of energy and instantly rx. The fact that Ember and Maria are strong and capable enough to protect everyone while I''m here let''s me forget about everything else and concentrate on this one task.


    I sit down in the lotus position in the center of the pod, and it feels as if I''m floating in midair while I start taking out over 90% of my Qi pills to begin the oversaturation process.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Last time I did this, it was with less than 150 pills in a box almost the size of a small sports field.


    Now, I''m using double the pills and in a space that isn''t evenrge enough for me to take a full step in any direction.


    After many hours of swallowing pills and letting the dense waves of white-hot Qi fill the pod, the extreme difference in density of energy that fills the airpared to thest time I attempted this process is astounding.


    Just breathing in every few seconds and letting that Qi circte through my body feels like hours worth of cultivation in the titan''s domain goes by. I begin gathering Qi in the same way I left offst time, putting up a denser Qi barrier and circting it all throughout my body while filtering in more and more new Qi.


    Along with this, I continuously absorb the mana that leaks out from the top of the chamber. It lets me continuously activate my perception and stat increasing buffs that stimte my mana control''s growth.


    The air around me feels like I''m bathing in a warm bath of pure energy, and every second I continue absorbing it, the stronger and more full of life I be. The rate at which my strength and power increases is on a level beyond that of anything I''ve felt before.


    Days pass, and the constant flow of energy keeps me awake and energized throughout the whole process.


    My mind is focused on one thing only, absorbing and processing all of the energy around me.


    There is nothing else to think about but finishing the task at hand.


    I prepare to ascend in my strength and ability over the next 3 months to heights I couldn''t physically or mentallyprehend before entering this pod.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, in the outside world through the eyes of my body double; Ember and Maria begin to train while the sun sets.


    The golden orange rays disappear over the horizon of rolling sand dunes while I watch a disy of flowing blue Soul Energy freeze hundreds of meters of desert in a single sh of the sword. The block from Ember''s light red manifested des sends streaks of transparent flowing fire rocketing back in the opposite direction that disintegrates massive valleys of sand. Their exchanges create whole newndscapes in the wide open desert.


    The two of them move so fast, it''s almost impossible for my body double''s eye to see.


    Without the use of Qi in my current state, I''m unable to see the true power of these attacks other than their destructive aftermaths.


    One thing is for sure, this is all just a practice match, because neither Ember nor Maria used their true forms. Both of them just stay as humans and have a friendly spar.


    Irreversible damage has been done to the open desert, creating what looks like a 5 km wide and deep canyon into the ground after only 10 minutes of fighting.


    Both of theme floating back to me once the sun has set with satisfied expressions and we slowly make our way back to the town. Maria is the first to speak.


    "So, Ember, why didn''t you go into an istion pod too? Don''t you want to grow stronger?"


    He replies.


    "Well, there''s a short answer, and a long answer to that."


    Maria shrugs.


    "We have time."


    I nod.


    "Yeah, I''d like to know too."


    "Well... It''s a bit moreplicated than you''d think actually."


    He sighs and thinks to himself for a moment.


    "Alright, let''s start from the beginning."


    Ember tells the story of how he woke up in the titan''s domain, hatched anew from an egg from a dungeon I''d plundered a while back.


    In creating a soul bond with me, a special kind of contract was formed after his rebirth.


    All immortal divine beasts like himself retain the power they''ve gained from every one of their past lives. However, the total release of that power is generally affected by different things depending on their circumstances, they''re reborn on, and the era they''re reborn into.


    Sometimes just gaining pure levels is enough to radically unlock their powers, other times it''s dependent on the number of enemies they have to kill, and in some cases there is a new skill entirely they''re reborn with that dictates how this new life will bepletely different.


    Ember''s fate this life happened to be relying on me, the human that took him from his post as abyrinth guardian.


    He finishes his story up just as we''ve made it back to the town, turning to Maria.


    "So, to sum it all up. In this life, as Jay grows stronger, I do too. Whether that is by level, energy control, or new power boosting skills. Our system level is linked, but the corrtion of raw power is dependent solely on how strong Jay bes. It doesn''t matter if I enter that pod and gain more energy control or raw power myself. It will add to my cumtive base, but my avability to that power will only be more pronounced as Jay grows as well."


    She responds.


    "So what you''re saying is maybe tomorrow once Jay has grown a bit stronger you can give me a real fight."


    Emberughs while we all touch down in front of the Guildhall.


    "Most likely, yes. I can already feel my power growing. By tomorrow, you''ll be able to use that ranked up form on me without holding back. However, it might be a better idea to save your strength for the real enemies."


    "True, good point."


    We check in on all facets of the town after this.


    My double that was doing surveince updates me on the news.


    The construction team has finished their second small apartmentplex and have moved onto the beginning processes of the mana-wired power systems, clean water processing for the underground streams, sewers, and tending to all of the personal small business requests from the townspeople.


    Over half of the building supplies are already used up, but Maurice said that this next project should take longer than the first. He''ll give me a detailed list once they need more supplies. Based on their progress so far, I''ll dly give them whatever materials they need to continue expansion.


    My other double that has been managing the new army recruitses back to me with Luna and reports that everyone is exhausted, but well-fed, and resting. They should all be up and ready for anything in the morning.


    Luna has been doing routine checks with her ranked up buff of the town''s surroundings, and after her increase in mana control, the range of her [Awakened Guardian''s Eye] can now see up to 400km away during the day.


    Along with that, now that the sun has gone down, she tests out her [Eye of The Last Full Moon] that shines bright in the sky. It is over 3 times as bright andrge as her other buff, and the pupil looks just like a full moon. It can see nearly 600km in all directions from where she stands, and has far better in-depth detail on mana readings and visuals than her other.


    With her periodically checking to see if there are any new movements from the direction of Sector 1, everyone feels very prepared, as we''ll have hours of warning if they approach by foot.


    My doubles, Luna, Maria, and Ember all watch above the town as the night passes, and the rising sunes again.


    Daily life in the town starts up as usual.


    The construction projects continue, normal citizens trade goods, settle into their new housing, and make new friends and business partners. The members of the army set off to train with my double in the canyon for team leaders to get used to their new strength.


    Along with this, the 3 elemental team leaders begin creating formations and battle strategies with the Elite level fighters that serve as troops under them. This allows them to work as a team and take out opponents on higher floors of thebyrinth that they''re incapable of defeating alone.


    Back in the town, the humming of Istion pods in the bunker is muffled out by theughter and normal daily lives of citizens settling into their new homes.


    The sun makes its full cycle, and the silence and peacefulness of the beautiful sunny day puts all of us on edge.


    Things are just too perfect.


    The day feels so eerie that not even Maria and Ember want to waste their energy sparring. They just stand on guard above the town.


    I don''t me them. The only thing I can think to do is continue counting down the hours and minutes before my teammates and real body awaken from their pods.


    As the sun fully sets, and Luna''s [Eye of The Last Full Moon] illuminates the night sky again, I can only think that all of this is the calm before the storm.

 Chapter 486

    Chapter 486


    The dead of night hits and we check on the Istion pods while Luna stares out into the desert.


    My teammates'' pods say less than 4 hours remain, while my own pod is at just under 16.


    The tension from the uneventful day is eating away at the back of everyone''s minds. However, once we make our way back up to the surface during one of Luna''s periodic scans of the open desert, she blurts out a startled remark to make all of our wildest suspicionse true.


    "They''re here...they''re really here."


    Her enormous eye blinks shut and disappears in the night sky and her face is visibly distraught.


    I fly over to her with Ember and Maria nearby.


    "What did you see? Describe it as best you can. Everything."


    She stares up at the sky again with shock on her face.


    "Hundreds of them... Maybe thousands... Or-"The massive white eye in the sky with a full moon for its pupil manifests again, and she begins to describe what she can see.


    "At least a thousand, yes, maybe more. They''re all disgusting creatures¡ªI''ve never seen anything like this. They look like white-skinned zombies... and floating skeletons with ck robes... and... three more of those dark suits of armor..."


    She gulps and looks at all of us while the eye in the sky disappears again.


    "The Dark One''s Army, It''s Finally Here."


    Her descriptions sound just like Ghouls, Wraiths, and the 3 Dark Guards that remain. The range at which her perception skills can see during the night is just about 600km, so I pose the next question.


    "How fast are they moving? How much time do we have before they''re here?"


    Luna looks at the ground to concentrate and the bright white eye in the sky pulses.


    "They''re moving fast. Maybe 50 or 60 km per hour. They''ll definitely be here before you make it out of your pod."


    I nod and think to myself while Maria speaks up next.


    "Well, why don''t I go out there with Ember and take care of things. I''m sure the army of Ghouls and Wraiths won''t be an issue for us. Even your body doubles without Qi may be able to fend them off fine. The only real opponents for us would be the three remaining Dark Guards."


    I reply.


    "You''re right, thats a good option. It''s what we''ll have to do eventually. Confronting them before my 16-hour timer hits zero is inevitable, but waiting 4 more hours for the others to awaken is a more reasonable thing to do."


    Ember nods.


    "From what you told me about the 2nd ranked Dark Guard, and my past knowledge, the 1st-ranked Dark Guard will be well over level 2000. Not to mention the potential that the Lich King Itself is most likely observing its army in the shadows."


    He turns to Maria.


    "We may be able to fend it off the main forces right now, but we have no pure data to back things up yet. We need to stall them and send out a scout in the meantime."


    I interject.


    "On it. I might as well go and check things out under a stealth veil to get some info. I have 3 tries if they somehow manage to catch me anyway."


    By this, I mean I have two other doubles left behind in this town, it would make the most sense for me to try and get valuable info on the approaching army while everyone stays safe here and the others wait to get out of their pods.


    Everyone agrees, and I activate my skill to be invisible before flying off into the desert.


    I''m able to push my speeds up far faster than the army is approaching and reach their location in less than an hour and a half.


    Once the armyes into my senses, I perceive exactly what Luna described.


    Under the darkness of night, all the naked eye can see is a wave of approaching orange energy. Using my inspect and appraisal skill, this energy has [Curse of The Lich King] stained on everyone''s status, and the cloud of leftover soul energy that trails behind the charging army stretches even further off into the night.


    Their levels, oddly enough, range from lower 100-200s up to 500-600s. At first, it confuses me, because I remember only seeing the top-tier ghouls in the fight arena, but as the army that stretches over 3 km wide approaches a small desert vige, I understand where these weaker ghouls areing from.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    One of the Dark Guards in its suits of appraisal blocking armor drops an orange crystal in front of the tiny vige as they approach, and the same effects that I witnessed beneath the fight ring a few days backmence.


    Many people sleeping in their homes are hit with this wave of soul energy and their bodies arepletely consumed by its power. I witness a gruesome event of people being burned alive and taken over by this orange energy, then see their bodies be rebuilt with the infinite regeneration process of the Ghouls.


    Their status and individuality are wiped clean away and the curse mark shows in their buffs.


    As the army tramples over the tiny vige, those who were infected by that orange crystal join the charge as mindless monsters in the growing army.


    Floating above the front-facing force of ghouls are skeletal wraiths just like the ones I faced in the arena and the ones that apanied the 7th ranked Dark Guard when I first fought it. They''re all between level 600 and 999.


    Some of them give off very odd energy readings, but their status screens arepletely wiped all the same. I count about a dozen.


    Lastly, there are the 3 Dark Guards. Two of them float above the right and left nks of the charging troops. One of these was the guard that dropped the orange stone. I can''t see any clear indications of what ranks these guards are, but my best guess is that this is number 3 and 4.


    I attempt to break through their gears privacy enchants multiple times, but from the safe distance away in the sky, it''s impossible to break through. If I get any closer or push my mana control any further, it may break through my stealth skill and give up my location.


    Visuals are all I can count on for now.


    Far behind the entire approaching force, is a final Dark Guard that floats calmly in the sky leading the charge. I assume that this is the 1st ranked Dark Guard.


    At this, I turn around and speed back to the town with all of the information I have to offer.


    The sun begins to rise as I make it back to town. I hold off on giving everyone a full update because when we go down to the bunker, it''s just about time for the clocks on my teammates'' pods to hit [00:00:00].


    When the doors open on their own, the same violent stabilization process happens and I make sure to let these pods fall into my item storage before they have the chance to expel any of this chaotic energy.


    As each of them walks out, the room fills with mana and Qi again. I can''t sense exactly how much each of them has grown, but the remarks from Ember and Maria tell me everything I need to know. Ember speaks first.


    "One more awakened. One on the verge, another with a unique breakthrough, and two who are very strong."


    Maria speaks next, looking Abby up and down with the same sparkling eyes that she looked at Ember with when she first awakened.


    "You did it..."


    Abby is looking at her new form and around the room in the same way Maria did two days ago. She can''t keep her gaze off of her hands, and for some reason she''s waving them around in the air like she''s moving and invisible force.


    Her hair is glossier and longer, her skin is smoother, and her build is even more graceful and athletic. I cannot sense the extent of her new power, but Ember and Maria are impressed, so that''s a good sign.


    Her eyes widen and her jaw drops once her gaze finally falls on Ember, and I can''t help but to chuckle a bit. Ember promises to fill her in on the details of his true form after they leave this bunker and she epts the absurdity rather quickly. Less than half a minuteter, she begins to get a feel for her new Soul Energy awakening.


    Abby makes her entire body glow in a bright green light for a few seconds before deactivating it. Her eyes stay glowing bright green for a few seconds after the light ceases, and I wonder what special properties she''s gained.


    The next to begin getting attention is Arie.


    He looks taller, more handsome, and has smoother skin as well. Luna is the first to approach and speak to him.


    "Arie... Your Qi barrier... It''s intertwined with Mana and something else. It''s like they''re mixing together, what is this?"


    He smiles and replies.


    "It''s the beginning of another breakthrough."


    Ember adds to it.


    "Indeed. It seems there''s going to be more energy than just Qi and Mana intertwined in your breakthrough once it happens. What a peculiar reading."


    He turns to all of us.


    "Whatever it may be, I''m no longer the fighter I was when I entered that pod. That was a major power up."


    He turns to Monk, then back to us.


    "If you think my power ups are unique, look at Monks. That shielding is made of pure Qi, not a hint of mana is intertwined and its not by ident. It''s like you ignored working on your mana control this whole time and only absorbed Qi."


    He nods while staring forward with a very serious expression.


    "That''s right. I have perfected the first form of my old master''s teachings. I am ready for battle."


    Arie raises an eyebrow, but Ember''s next words make everything a little more clear.


    "It seems he''s done exactly as you said. A unique kind of Qi awakening... One that ignores the help of Mana Control, and builds upon itself."


    Embers eyes squint, then he shrugs.


    "An odd method, but I''ve read text of the Originators doing such a thing. I''ve never seen anyone actually try to achieve its final form."


    He nods.


    "You''re on your way. Impressive start."


    Monk breaks his serious expression and smiles while giving Ember a slight bow.


    Then, Fisher and Lydia step forward next with confident expressions, admiring their physical changes and testing their Qi barriers against each other in the back of the training room.


    From what I can tell, they haven''t begun awakening their Soul Energy at all yet. However, their Qi barriers have reached the point where they have far surpassed their former states and can suppress their Mana to outsiders like my body double without a Qi sense.


    I allow everyone to settle in for a few minutes, then speak up myself.


    "I''m d you all had a productive gathering process, but the Dark One''s army is here."


    My gaze turns to the pod with my main body in it, showing just under 12 hours remaining.


    "It should arrive in town in less than 8 hours, so if we want to stop them before they get here you''ll need to fight the forces that are arriving now on your own. What do you say we meet this army in the middle and test out all of your new abilities?"


    I open the hatch to go up into the outside world after I get a unanimous round of nods.


    "Great. Let me exin exactly what we''re dealing with here."


    As the sun fully rises, and the people of the town wake up for another beautiful bright and sunny day, I recount the exact events of my scouting mission to all of my teammates. The approaching forces loom far beyond the horizon as we alle together to formte a n.

 Chapter 487

    Chapter 487


    Just 20 minutes pass before we all agree on the n of action, and begin floating over to the housing where the 37 members of the me Emperor''s army are all waking up to get ready for another day of training.


    They''re all greeted by a telepathy message directed into their heads.


    "Today is the day that your training will finally be tested. We have an army approaching, and need your help to wage war."


    Less than 30 seconds after my message is sent, everyone shows up in the newly built city street in full armor, with weapons ready, and have item boxes stacked with potions.


    My other double is nearby, and it joins our ranks. This makes two of us. Thest double is staying behind with Luna to watch my main body in the guildhall and trigger the istion pod''s override function if necessary.


    With her ranked up buff, she''ll be able to get a clear visual of the battle even from here. Although herbat powers have improved a lot over thest few days, her abilities as a long range overseer are far more valuable in this battle considering the circumstances.


    I give the newly trained recruits a short breakdown of the situation and assign them their roles on the task we''re about to all carry out.


    Each of my teammates introduces themselves, and all of the trained recruits show them respect for being one of the Top Fighters by the me Emperor''s side.


    We all fly up into the air in the direction of the approaching army. The three elemental squad leaders are able to match our movements by summoning mass while the other elite fighters are capable of summoning mana beneath their footsteps and speeding through the sky in their own way too.Although we can''t move as fast as we wish, all of us are capable of moving nearly twice as quick as the Dark One''s army.


    We''ll manage to meet them in the middle, a few hundred kilometers away from the town.


    Arie makes a quick stop near the edge of the abyss to farm demonic wolves while we begin our trek through the desert.


    Fisher and Lydia float on guard on both sides of the Elites'' army and get to know the elemental squad leaders.


    Leading their whole charge is one of my body doubles.


    Behind this group, Arie catches up with us and meets Abby and Monk behind the base of this triangr formation.


    Maria and Ember step through the sky on visible tforms of soul energy beneath their feet following Arie, Monk, and Abby''s white and green footsteps.


    Then finally, at the rear, my other body double continuously does scans of the desert around us to stay on course and double-check the dangerous forces approaching.


    A few hours pass as we make our way through the open desert.


    Hundreds of kilometers of rolling sand dunes pass us by, along with small viges, a few rogue dungeons, and uniquendscapes likerge rock formations and valleys.


    The further out we get, the more unique the terrain bes.


    Sector 1 is a mountainous region with forests and a colder climate than the hot desert near the center of the Dark Continent like where we''re traveling from in sector 2. So, the closer we get, the more random greenery like small trees and shrubs be moremon.


    It isn''t until we''re less than 70 km away from the Dark One''s army that their energy readings and status numbers start to appear in my mind''s eye again.


    I speak up to stop everyone from venturing any further as we approach the entrance between an enormous rock formation to our left side that stretches out a few kilometers into the desert. To our right, there is a deep ravine that looks like a series of enormous sinkholes have swallowed up a portion of the desert to make twisting caves in the rocky sandy ground.


    It too, stretches out for many kilometers making a natural V-like formation that if the Dark One''s army continues on their trajectory they will have to funnel through a small t pathway about a kilometer wide between the twondmarks to continue their forward movement.


    However, if we move forward now, we would be the ones trapping ourselves with a narrow pathway to escape behind us.


    Of course, we can take to the sky and none of this matters, but the majority of the Dark One''s troops are on the ground, so this is how I''d like to look at our army too. Forcing their troops to break their current formation and squeeze into a narrower path to fight seems like quite the geological advantage that I cannot pass up if it''s right in front of me.


    "Halt, everyone. We will wait here for their army to meet us."


    Everyone stops in the sky, and the Elite level warriors float to the floor with their elemental squad leaders next to one of my doubles to rest from the fly over. Fisher and Lydia are by their left and right sides, staring off into the distance between the mountains and deep ravine.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The rest of us float in the sky and watch the cloud of orange mist begins to form on the horizon.


    Soon after, the sound of thousands of rumbling feet, shaking the ground they walk on echoes off the side of the small mountain range and through the deep valley.


    Everyone stares forward and begins powering up their skills, glowing in disys of blue, green, red, white, ck, and white light all through the air and desert floor below.


    They all stand their ground as the enemy forcese into our line of sight.


    There''s over 30% more Ghouls in their army than I scouted out before, meaning more towns were destroyed and assimted by that crystal contraption. The orange trail of soul energy eating up the golden desert in their wake is even more vibrant now and I can see them without holding back my perception skills for the sake of hiding my location.


    Everyone else sees them too and holds their ground as they approach closer and closer.


    Over 5 minutes pass as they continue to charge forward.


    Not a single one of their forces tries to go around the mountain or the valley, they alle straight at us.


    I whisper under my breath. "As confident as ever..."


    Another few minutes pass as their forces begin to bunch together more, squeezing their 3-4 km wide rectangr formation into a 1 km wide line that will fit between the naturalnd barriers.


    As this happens, I see the two ck Suits of Armor that hover over the right and left nks of the troops break their formation to hover over the high mountains and deep valley. They leave their troops below unguarded in the interest of gaining a better height advantage to match our stronger troops that stay in the sky.


    I smile and speak up in a loud voice using my screech skill for everyone to hear.


    "Begin phase one of our attack n! Stall and destroy their main forces. Do not let a single one of them through this natural barrier between the mountains and the ravine. Protect us from the numbers below and we will do our job to confront the Dark Guards above!"


    My double, Fisher, Lydia, and the 37 troops of the me Emperor''s army run forward into the mouth of the battlefield leaving streaks of mana, various elements, and Qi behind them.


    Fisher''s full body glows bright blue, and he activates the new buff he obtained from ranking up a second time called [Divine Water Serpent''s Blessing].


    From almost a hundred meters away from the front line of attacking Ghouls, he swings his sword, and the mystical form of a 20m long Serpent erupts from his aura and flies from his de.


    Infused with mana and extreme grade water magic, the elegant attack cuts through the desert and collides with the glowing orange Ghouls.


    It slices through dozens of them, overpowering the weaker troops'' soul energy without even directly making contact with their bodies using Qi. Many white-skinned ghouls are killed in a single blow.


    Simultaneously, Lydia activates her ranked-up buff called [Spiritual Roar of the Ice Warrior],bining it with her extreme ice magic and swinging her curved de.


    Her icy aura erupts from her sword and creates the enormous 10m tall manifestation of a White Tiger, letting out a roar that freezes the desert floor as it charges forward in a physical form of her mana de and makes contact with another section of the Ghouls'' front lines.


    They''re frozen entirely and shattered to dust as the overpowering wave of mana hits them, taking out over a dozen troops with the blow of her own.


    Both of them charge right into the open paths that their destructive attacks have made, and the Elite level fighters follow close behind.


    They''re confronted with level 100-200 ghouls on the front lines. They''re faster, stronger, and more skilled fighters than these low-level creatures. However, the soul energy powering their movements is a whole different energy source than mana. It works by different rules, making far lower leveled monsters a challenge against non-Qi users.


    My double leads this charge, using mana des of mes, ice, earth, lightning, water, and pure mana to show the effectiveness ofpletely overpowering these opponents.


    While they would have no hope defeating level 600 or higher Ghouls without Qi, the majority of the troops are not that high level. All borrowed soul energy users have a limit to their power. Overwhelm them and make them use it up entirely, and the battle is as good as over.


    Rachel is the first of the new recruits to show that this is possible, burning one of the ghouls to the ground in a series of shes until it cannot get up again.


    The other element squad leaders show the troops following that it''s possible too, and everyone begins to slice away at the ghouls while Fisher and Lydia fire off deadly shots from their ranked-up skills to do the heavy lifting.


    The more advanced Ghouls and approaching Wraiths will not be taken down by pure high-powered mana alone, but I''m confident Fisher and Lydia will be able to face that problem with their Qi when ites. The goal now is to hold off the troops here inside of the V-formation to stall for time while the fighters above start their own battles.


    Maria and Ember both stare off into the distance, both now covering their eyes in denseyers of red and blue Soul Energy.


    They examine the Dark Guards that are ignoring their troops being obliterated below them and solely focus on the fighters up in the sky.


    There''s two loud explosions that ring through our ears, but we also see beautiful visuals of white and purple light in the sky.


    The white lightes from the Dark Guard that sheds its armor above the mountainousndscape to our left. From here, it looks as if he''s an old man in white robes. A pure white aura covers his body that matches his long flowing white beard.


    His head is shaved bald, and he has a white number [4] on the palm of his left hand.


    Monk immediately turns in this direction and speaks to us.


    "That Dark Guard. He''s mine. I will battle him."


    In my body double''s form, it isn''tpletely possible for me to gauge everyone''s strengths, so I look to Ember and Maria for their opinion.


    Ember nods.


    "Yes, you can handle him. It will be tough, but this is a good match up. One I''m very interested to see."


    The corner of his mouth turns up.


    Then, Maria looks over to Abby and Arie, pointing toward the valley.


    The bright purple light fades and a woman with long ck flowing hair, purple skin, red lips, an extremely curvy figure, and the tattoo of a number [3] right between her neck and chest.


    "You two can fight her. The same goes for that opponent. She will not be easy, but you can handle it."


    We all turn to the final Dark Guard that has not shown its true form and stays back, many kilometers behind its troops, patiently waiting for the battle tomence.


    I speak up while Monk, Arie, and Abby head off to confront the Dark Guards that have dered their positions above the battlefield.


    "So... does that mean you''ll be able to handle number 1?"


    I point off in the distance, but there is no reply thates back from either of them.


    They both stare at the figure in the ck armor that floats in the sky. It doesn''t look like it''s going to enter the fight any time soon, so I''m curious what they think of it.


    Ember finally speaks.


    "I''m not sure. Whatever that is... that isn''t one person. There''s more than one opponent in that armor..."


    Maria nods, but doesn''t reply for a few seconds, examining it again.


    "You''re right... Whatever that is, it''s nothing like any of the other Dark Guards..."

 Chapter 488

    Chapter 488


    Monk and the Dark Guard that looks like an old man in white robes are the first to confront each other in the air above the mountains to our left side.


    I can see the blue text hovering above the man''s head in my inspect skill reading [Lv. 1602].


    White energy seeps out from Monk''s body to match the color of the aura surrounding the old man.


    His own robes and skin turn bright white, and the two men in the sky look like they share the same power.


    For some reason, neither of them has any mana readingsing off of them, but there''s a thick visible aura that keeps both of them floating in the air. The next words thate out of Monk''s mouth while he sps his hands together and bows make me realize what exactly is going on here.


    "Master... It seems you are alive even after defending our temple from the Dark One. I am disgusted at that monster''s actions, but thankful I''ll get another chance to show you what I''ve learned of your teachings."


    A pulse of white energyes off of Monk again, and the white light that surrounds him grows even further, seeping out from his core to create a ghost-like form of himself around his whole being.


    It is nearly twice asrge as his own body and surrounds him entirely, mimicking his movements exactly as hees up from his bow and gets into the fighting position.


    It looks like a morepact pure white version of my Rising Emperor''s Greater Form.At this, a pulse of white energyes from the old man in the sky, and the same white auraes out from his body to create arge white manifestation of himself; flowing long beard and all.


    The old man bows, but doesn''t speak at first. The only difference with the old man''s transformation is that once hees up from his bow, his eyes glow bright orange and streaks of the Lich King''s Soul Energy bleed through into his pure white form.


    He finally speaks up to Monk, but it sounds like his words are not easily mustered.


    "My... mind and body are not- entirely my own. Your fate shall be tested in the strength you have gained. I... cannot- hold back. If you have not surpassed me, you will be a pawn of The Lich King... to y in the world''s great game."


    The orange soul energy continues to infect the pure white form that the old man manifested, and the two lunge forward at each other with straight faces and tight fists.


    Both men collide and the crack of Qi on Qi echoes through the air, making the mountainous rock formations beneath them quiver. Many heads turn in their direction as two shock waves of white and orange light collide and erupt throughout the battlefield.


    Then, again.


    Over and over, their energy forms collide, matching fists and kicks back and forth while zipping through the sky.


    Every time they do,rger shockwaves are released through the air and the orange energy that seeps into the old man''s form flows faster and glows a deeper orange.


    A blur of energy fills the sky while loose rocks from the top of the formations below them crumble away, making avnches from the repetitive shockwaves.


    It seems as if they''re increasing the power of their blows after every attack, and their fighting style is identical. Neither of them is backing down, and they are both going on the full offensive.


    Down below, near the edges of the rock formations, the falling stone crushes many ghouls as they attempt to charge forward.


    The majority of them regenerate and climb out from the fallen rubble, but others are crushed by boulders so gigantic they cannot escape the death traps of stone. Screeches and criese from these monsters that have fallen in the way of a Dark Guard''s battle while many other fights begin to unfold nearby as well.


    The Elite-level fighters in The me Emperor''s Army fend off the hordes of Ghouls while the elemental squad leaders and my body double protect them from the stronger opponents that slip through the cracks.


    Meanwhile, Lydia and Fisher fly into the air to confront the Wraiths that approach from the rear with ck orbs of energy in their skeletal hands. I send them telepathic messages to let them know that the orange hearts of the wraiths are their weak points, and blue and white shes of light fill the sky.


    The ranked-up buff energy manifestations of a serpent and tiger collide with their first approaching [Lv. 881] Wraith, and it is pushed backward while the two orbs ofpacted soul energy explode in the air.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The wraith still flies forward at the two sword wielders in the sky, forming two new energy orbs. However, its attack is cut short when two Qi-infused swords slice through its defenses using the explosion of soul energy in the sky as a smokescreen for their true intentions.


    Fisher and Lydia kill the Wraith in a single dual strike. Its bones and shattered core fall to the battlefield to be trampled by more approaching Ghouls.


    The two A-Ranked fighters scan their enemies and lock onto the 4 more nearby Wraiths over level 900 that witnessed their fellow monster be ughtered in an instant.


    They all fly higher in the sky with charged swords and ck orbs of energy to continue their fight.


    Near the right barrier of the V-shaped battlefield, three figures hover over the deep ravine.


    The purple-skinned woman speaks up to Abby and Arie as they arrive before her to confront the 3rd ranked Dark Guard.


    Her eyes show shimmers of orange soul energy, but the aura that surrounds her body is a deep purple color that matches her skin. My double''s inspect skill picks up a [Lv. 1790] rating on her status. My instincts when looking at her make my stomach churn and skin crawl.


    She''s a beautiful woman, but even at this distance, I get the feeling that she''s a very tricky and maniptive creature. I''m on guard even though I''m not even fighting her.


    Arie speaks up first as they approach.


    "Whatever you are... you creep me out..."


    He activates his ranked-up buff called [Energy Form of the Ancient Archer] and six enormous arms made of swirling ck energy erupt from his back. They''re each many timesrger than his normal arms, and the energy engulfs both of his actual arms and hands so he''s able to finely control these manifestations. They tower over his body by nearly 4 meters.


    Three on his right side all hold bows, and he turns his body to have them face the woman.


    The top one is bright white, it is loaded with a Qi and mana infused spirit arrow. It is not quite Soul Energy, but on the verge of awakening.


    The middle bow is jet ck, and the energy arrow locked and loaded in this bow is made of pure demonic energy. It looks like the ball of energy Ember is able to manifest outside his body, however, it is in the shape of a long sharp arrow.


    The final bow is shimmering gold. It is gripped tight by the bottom manifested hand, but there is no arrow loaded in it.


    Two of the hands on Arie''s left side pull back the spirit and demonic arrows, keeping them pointed at the woman.


    She lets Arie power up while the purple energy around her grows denser, then replies in a calm manner.


    "Six arms? Not bad... but I can do better."


    She stares him in the eyes and gives a devious grin, then turns to Abby.


    "It looks like the insects have finallye to y in my nest. It''s time to feast."


    The purple energy around her grows even denser, making it hard to see her physical features, but only the outlines of her figure in a cloud of Soul Energy.


    Abby takes this initiative to put up a protective shielding of her own bright green Soul Energy around her body and manifest two spears of stone infused with Soul Energy in each of her hands, pointed at the Dark Guard.


    Her new ranked-up buff is not activated, and as I watch from afar, I question when she''ll use it and how exactly [Form of the Immortal Healer] works and what it looks like when in full use.


    The instant she glows green, eight bright purple threads of Soul Energy are shot out from the Dark Guard''s hidden veil.


    Four of them head toward Arie and the other four straight at Abby.


    Two arrows are shot out from Arie''s manifested bows. The bright white arrow that collides with the first purple thread snaps it in two and breaks its forward momentum before it even makes it halfway to him.


    The second ck arrow makes contact with the thread and sends a shock wave down the entire attack.


    The purple thread does not burst into sparks like a normal mana attack would when making contact with Demonic Energy. This is because its made of Soul Energy. However, it is engulfed in a wave of darkness and consumed entirely, disintegrating both the arrow and the thread it touched. Pure White Qi fades into the air after both the demonic energy and mana are dissolved away.


    Arie''s bows create brand new arrows once the two are released, and he spirit-steps upward while sending out two more attacks at the remaining threads that follow him like heat-seeking missiles.


    Abby throws both of her stone spears forward, and they collide head-on with the endpoints of two of the purple threads. On impact, they''re both split perfectly down the middle and shatter into energy in the air.


    She steps forward, leaving a trail of green light behind her, getting in between thest two remaining purple threads and letting her forearms covered in Soul Energy collide with the attacks.


    There''s an enormous eruption of energy as the two forces collide, but in the end, the purple threads shatter just like the others.


    Arie destroys the two that have followed him up into the air as well, and both of them close in on the woman beneath the purple mist.


    Her voice rings out again with a smooth tone full of confidence.


    "You two are strong food. I do like a good fight before a rewarding meal."


    The purple fog pulses with energy and her outline beneath it shines white, then begins to deform. Arms begin to grow from her back, just as they did from Arie moments ago. Instead of stopping at 6, she manifests 8.


    The extremities don''t stop growingrger and unnaturally long. They gain more joints than a normal human''s arm, at the same time, her human arms and legs begin to shrink away into the center of her body. Behind the mist, her entire body shifts and grows into a muchrger creature.


    The outline of a spider forms, and it continues to grow.


    Its legs grow outward to over 5 meters in length each, but it doesn''t stop there...


    Both Arie and Abby jump back and defend while far denser threads of purple Soul Energy erupt from the fog along with the head and many eyes of an enormous arachnid monstrosity.


    ¡ª


    At the back of the battlefield, my double, Ember, and Maria continue to watch all of the main fights unfold.


    Thest Dark Guard does not move a muscle either, watching from a few kilometers away at the back of the army.


    ¡ª


    Back in the town, roughly 200 km away, Luna watches the battle using her ranked up buff and reports the updated events to my double that guards my main body.


    Deep underground in the bunker where only 1 istion pod remains, the rumbling and humming sounds are increasing with every minute that passes. Through the tiny cracks in the seal near the containment system at the top of the pod; small amounts of mana and Qi escape at a normal rate. However, there is also a faint dark red glow that leaks out, hinting that a unique awakening has begun.

 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489


    On the battlefield, the loud cracks and shockwaves of Qi and Soul energy between Monk and his old master echo throughout the sky.


    Their rate of contact and intensity keeps rising, and they begin tond proper hits on each other too; it''s not just blocking and equal force counter moves anymore.


    Monk is the first to take a heavy blow to the side, sending him flying downward into a rock wall, shattering it to pieces as his Qi form destroys everything in its way. An entire rock structure crumbles beneath him as he jumps back up into the sky and continues the brawl.


    Just secondster, hends an attack of his own, a kick to the chest that sends the old man in white robes flying down toward the ground in the opposite direction.


    The same magnificent disy unravels. An enormous 100-meterrge cliffside is broken in two and crumbles away as the Qi-Master, covered in Soul Energy, is thrown through it. He gets to his feet and flies back up into the sky as well, and their relentless attacks continue.


    Both of them are using the same technique I saw Monk use in the Arena many times before.


    Every attack they throw is aiming to damage the other from the inside out. If the receiver of each blow does not have dense enough shielding up in the area they''re being hit, the damage is immense.


    Both fighters exchange blows again and again, sending each other flying onto more cliffsides and rock formations, turning the small mountain range into an enormous pile of gravel.


    Each of them knows the severity of the attacks being thrown, and knows that neither of them can survive more than a dozen or so hits from the other. It is just a matter of who cannd these hits first, keeping their cool, and releasing enough power to match and overwhelm their opponent in the end.It is a war of technique and pure energy capacity. It will be impossible for either of them to cheat the other; the strongest will win.


    Meanwhile, the avnches of fallen rubble that crush the Ghouls nearest to the mountain range are not slowing down at all.


    Dozens of enemies are killed by residue from this violent brawl in the sky, but not as many as the Elites led by my Body Double and their elemental squad leaders.


    The recruits have found their stride, protecting the exit of the V-shaped battlefield with everything they have. Over a hundred Ghouls have been killed by the Elites alone, and nearly a hundred more have been burned, sliced, or crushed by the Squad captains.


    Another four Wraiths'' orange hearts are crushed and their bones are scattered among the fallen ghouls in the battlefield below as Lydia and Fisher soar through the sky.


    About ten Wraiths remain, and every one of them gravitates to the center of the sky to make a circle around the two A-Rank fighters with orbs of darkness in their hands. Enormous forms of a blue water serpent and an icy white tiger sh with these attacks, making Soul Energy and mana residue rain down onto the hordes of monsters below.


    Fisher imbues his de with Qi and lunges to the left.


    Lydia does the same, gripping her curved weapon saturated with Qi, and lunges to the right.


    They each curve around inrge semicircles high in the sky, leaving white streaks of energy behind them and slicing through 5 hearts each before meeting each other on the far side of the ring.


    The entire circle of Wraiths is decimated in seconds and their remains fall down to be trampled under the Dark One''s army being ughtered below.


    The two A-Ranked fighters dive down, following the remains and start shing through the mindless ghouls to make paths for the Elites that approach.


    ¡ª


    Above the ravine, the arachnid''s legs stop growing once they reach roughly 10 meters each.


    It stretches out in all directions over 20 meters in total, and its half a dozen eyes track Arie and Abby as they step through the air, dodging the thick purple threads that form out of the Soul Energy that surrounds the creature.


    Each of the spider''s long limbs maniptes a single thread at a time.


    It looks simr to a technique I''m able to use when activating mana maniption, forming pure energy into razor-sharp strings of thread. However, by the looks of it, this monstrous being had a unique skill simr to this and uses it like a spider would its web.


    The long strings of Soul Energy thread continue to weave through the air in a seemingly random fashion, rocketing toward the archer and the healer while they use their offensive and defensive abilities to block.


    In the creature''s human form, it took only one arrow of any kind for Arie to disrupt the flow of these threads, but now, it takes him 2-3.


    The spirit arrows change the direct course of the purple attacks and slow their forward momentum, but multiple shots need to be fired now before the threads actually snap or splinter.


    The same goes for the demonic arrow; the topyer of the soul energy is dissolved, and the mana inside of thatyer is eaten away, releasing pure Qi into the air. However, the inner core of even denser purple energy remains. It takes multiple arrows to break it down to its thinner parts and destroy the actual attack.


    Meanwhile, he still has to evade the other two threads with extremely fine and calcted precision.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Abby steps through the air with her gaze locked on the spider''s many eyes.


    The green Soul Energy surrounding her body grows denser and denser, and she takes the spider head-on without any fear.


    Green and purple explosions release energy into the air as she punches through the threads with her fists alone.


    It seems as if her attacks are much stronger than before because they are doing the same amount of damage to these new and improved threads as they did to the lower-powered ones in the Dark Guard''s human form.


    This is happening because, just like a Qi barrier or Mana shielding, Abby is focusing a majority of her offensive Soul Energy into her fists, feet, and eyes.


    This is boosting her attack strength, agility, and perception.


    She''s able to easily evade and counteract the four purple tendrils of energy that continuously reform and attack her, but is forced to stay a distance away because the closer to the spider she gets, the faster and more precise the movements of these Soul Energy threads be.


    She knows this, and Arie picks up on it too after destroying another two threads.


    He''s the only one capable of sending in long-range attacks. Continuously dodging and blocking from a distance will only tire the two of them out and make it harder to fight the longer the battle stretches on.


    "I''ll have to use it now then... There''s no better time..." He whispers to himself while the third arm of his Ranked up buff moves toward the golden bow without an arrow.


    He yells out to Abby.


    "Cover me! I need a few seconds..."


    Abby''s fists glow even brighter green, and she sends off arge number of weak Soul Energy spears as distractions for the Spider''s threads to move away from Arie and block Abby''s iing attack.


    "On it!"


    They shatter all of her spears, but shift the battle as Abby''s speed nearly doubles while she gets closer and closer to the spider''s body.


    Her fists move so fast, shing with 8 threads at a time, and they move in on her like a circr cage, trapping her inside like prey only able to block and disrupt a few threads at a time.


    Every time one is destroyed, more form from the arachnid''s limbs, and it appears she''s really in a tough spot unable to escape.


    However, she threw herself into this situation. It was clear that this would happen, and the stone-cold calcted expression on her face shows that she is still in control.


    She yells back to Arie.


    "Do it! I have a n, don''t worry about me!"


    The golden bow glows, and on its string, four energies begin to form and spin together. There is pure mana, dense Qi, Demonic Energy, and the red essence of everything remaining from the Red Hydra''s buff.


    It begins to spark, vibrate, and hum as the energies have a hard time getting along, but an invisible force keeps them together.


    Immense amounts of these energies, far stronger than the base-level arrows he shot previously,e together and form a swirling manifestation of an arrow, then a shell of golden light begins to cover it.


    The arrow looks just like the bow and is buzzing loudly while violently shaking, yet staying in ce and contained by the golden casing.


    Arie pulls it back and aims right at the spider''s head.


    He releases the arrow, and it soars through the air.


    At the same time, the eight threads that surround Abby copse in on her, and there''s an enormous sh of green light that erupts from inside the mass crushing prison of purple Soul Energy.


    The spider lets out a screech that sounds like malicious joy, as it thinks it''s crushed the girl to death. So, it moves two of its limbs covered in purple energy in the way of Arie''s arrow to block the brunt of the blow.


    On contact, the golden casing of the arrow melts away, and the release of pent-up vibrating energy rips through both of its limbs, tearing them off its body to only leave stubs behind.


    This release does, however, change the trajectory of the attack and it misses the spider''s head, but blows arge hole through its side, making flesh leak out while the spider''s eyes open wide.


    It screeches again. This time, full of agony and anger, rather than joy.


    A static telepathic link opens between the arachnid and Arie as it yells at him.


    "Food should know its ce! I''m down to 6 arms because of you! We are not the same! We are not! Your friend is dead, and you are next! You''ve missed your one and only chance."


    It begins to untighten its prison dome-like grip of its purple threads around the portion of sky where Abby once was, but the instant she does this, a bright green glowes from the cracks.


    All of the spider''s eyes open even wider and it moves backward in the sky when it sees a glowing green body emerge.


    It doesn''t look like the green Soul Energy that surrounded Abby''s body a moment ago; it looks as if the body itself is made of this energy, and there isn''t a scratch on her...


    Abby has activated her ranked-up buff, [Form of the Immortal Healer].


    It just looks like her silhouette is floating in the sky, glowing light green, almost to the point where it looks white.


    The arachnid sends its 6 remaining controble threads flying her way, but Abby doesn''t even try to dodge them.


    The purple Soul Energy tendrils make contact with her body, and phase right through.


    No damage is done at all.


    Abby floats closer and closer to the spider, and it retreats down into the ravine while mercilessly attacking Abby with everything it''s got.


    Nothing works; it''s like the creature is attacking a hologram that cannot be damaged.


    She drives the monster down into the ravine and manifests arge green spear in her right hand, slowly bringing it above her head.


    In the same moment, Arie follows downward from a distance, using this second distraction to charge up his golden bow again.


    ¡ª


    At the back of the battlefield, thest Dark Guard watches and waits.


    Muffled tonese from within its armor, sounding like it is having a conversation with itself.


    "This is not the direction the war should be going,"


    "Shall we do something about it?"


    "We can kill everyst one of them right now,e on. Let me out."


    "Patience is key. We can kill everyone that is fighting, this is true. However, our real opponents are watching the battles unfold just like us."


    The Dark Guard points forward at Maria and Ember, then its voices continue to have a conversation with itself beneath the armor.


    "They do look rather formidable."


    "Come on, they''re nowhere near our level. One of them feels like they just awakened before this battle. They have no experience in our realm."


    "Yeah, I can kill them boss, let me at them."


    "The woman''s Soul Energy is very new, yes. However, her potential for power feels bottomless, I wouldn''t underestimate her. Also, this me Emperor we were told about, we were not warned he was a dragon. Something about that one feels very odd. I will be the one to battle him."


    They continue to argue about who gets to fight who, but eventually settle on opponents.


    ¡ª


    Across the battlefield, Maria and Ember continue to stare at the armor until it finally moves.


    The right hand of the ck knight reaches for its helmet and takes it off, letting it fall down to the chaos below.


    Four green eyes on one face with orange number [1]''s marked in each of their pupils stare across the desert. It sends waves of natural intimidation for kilometers in every direction.


    Each eye shows their own reading in my inspect skill.


    [Lv. 2588]


    [Lv. 2588]


    [Lv. 2588]


    [Lv. 2588]


    Ember''s whole body begins to glow with a light red aura, more intense than anything I witnessed him show off during the sparring session earlier.


    At the same time, Maria bes covered in a dense blueyer of Soul Energy too. The air around us drops in temperature drastically when she pulls out her sword.


    Both of them analyze the opponent that just made themselves known and prepare to fight the strongest Dark Guard.

 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490


    The Dark Guard shreds the rest of its armor, revealing a dark grey-skinned man standing over 3 meters tall with considerable muscle mass, staring across the battlefield with four green eyes, eachbeled with an orange glowing number [1].


    Even underneath the ck armor, this monster wears skin-tight silver ting on its chest, arms, and legs; but its bulging muscles and veins are hardly restrained by it.


    A dangerous aura radiates through the air, and even without my inspect skill telling me there are four ratings on this being, it already feels like there is more than one monster containing the mind that is sending mental attacks our way.


    Its entire body radiates a dark grey energy, and the silver armor left on it glows orange just like the numbers in its eyes.


    The light around it grows brighter and brighter until it engulfs its whole body.


    Meanwhile, Maria and Ember float upward. Ember speaks up, turning back to me.


    "It will be a tough fight, but we can handle this. Your main body''s power is growing steadily, I can feel my own power being gradually unlocked as it does. However, I cannot sense the Dark One''s presence anywhere, I do not know when it will strike. We need you here before it does."


    I nod, looking up to the sky where I know my double and Luna are watching, but I don''t give them any signs to open my capsule yet. If Ember and Maria can handle this creature on their own, every extra minute they can hold it off is just under another hour my main body gets to gather power.


    "Understood."Ember pulses red, grins, and turns back toward the guard.


    "You don''t have to worry about me, I''ll win."


    Maria''s Soul Energy grows denser and bluer around her too, and she looks back at me.


    "We''ve got this."


    I sp my hands and nod back to her with a rxed expression.


    "I know. Show me what you''ve got."


    In the same moment, I open up a telepathy channel for all three of us, so that we can easilymunicate moving forward.


    She smiles, and the Soul Energy around her glows even brighter when she turns her back to me.


    Both of them speed forward in the sky toward therge mass of glowing soul energy where the Dark Guard stood moments ago.


    It looks as if it''s shifting and deforming.


    The glow bes much wider, and using my inspect skill, I can see that the [Lv. 2588] that hovers over each one of its eyes is getting further apart.


    The glow bes many timesrger than its original form, but finally fades and reveals quite the sight behind when it disappears.


    There are four men that look exactly the same as the guard that stood there before. Their skin is dark grey, their heads are bald, their muscles are bulging, and their silver armor still hums with an orange light around it.


    However, there are two key differences in each of them.


    The first is that each body only has one eye in the center of its forehead. They''ve separated into cyclops creatures, and all share the same energy output as their original body did moments ago.


    The second difference is their weapons.


    They each carry very unique artifacts that seem to be made of the same metallic material, and glowing orange with the Lich King''s soul energy.


    Far on the left, the first creature holds an enormous spiked club. Next to it, the cyclops to its side has metal fixtures on its hands that appear to be some kind of cannons.


    To its side, the next monster has an enormous shield with a skull on the front.


    Then finally, all the way to the right, the final grey-skinned creature carries a long elegant sword. He keeps by his side while scanning the battlefield with his single eye. This one gives off the most eerie aura.


    All of them stare forward as Maria and Ember continue to approach.


    Then, split off into two groups of two.


    The Guard with the club and cannons both lunge off to the left side while the sword and shield move off to the right.


    Maria speaks up through the telepathy link while turning to change her trajectory to the left.


    "Looks like they''ve already begun."


    Ember turns his body to the right and locks his gaze on the humanoid monsters with a shield and long sword.


    "They have. Call if you''re in a pinch."


    "Same goes for you."


    In blue and red streaks of light, they both rocket off toward the enemies that separate themselves over the war below.


    Trails of grey and orange energy are left behind the four parts of the 1st ranked Dark Guard, and with the ice and fire trailing behind Maria and Ember, it looks like an enormous circle is being drawn in the sky.


    Both of the points are destined to meet in the air, roughly a kilometer above the battles of the 3rd and 4th ranked Dark Guards.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the vition.


    I watch from afar as their glows get brighter and they get closer.


    Time feels as if it''s slowing down while the incredible forces sh.


    The dense Soul Energy around Maria''s sword shes directly against the enormous spiked club of the guard that leads the charge on her portion of the battle above the rocky mountains below.


    Both of them stop in the air, many meters apart without physically touching, their Soul Energy auras battle it out in the sky.


    Immense shockwaves ripple off the disy. The blue waves of light spread ice wherever they make contact, and the orange waves ripple back, attempting to melt through energy and mass wherever it can.


    Neither of them budge, as it seems their magic power is even.


    After a full second of pushing back and forth, the spiked club begins to push its way through the blue light, even though ice crystals form all over it and begin to creep down the cyclops'' wrists and arms, it still pushes forward, yelling out loud in a manic tone.


    "You''re mine! The newly awakened! She''s all mine!"


    Maria sees where this initial exchange is going if she doesn''t step things up. Her magic power may be stronger in this base form, but this mutated monster most definitely has a brute strength advantage.


    Her whole body begins to glow bright blue, almost white, as she starts to activate her first ranked-up buff [Ice Age].


    However, the guard thates flying in from behind shimmers in an orange light as bright beams of Soul Energye rocketing out from its arms right where its hands should be.


    "You''re not getting an attack off that easy!"


    As the hot orangeserse flying her way, she shifts the focus of her ranked-up buff''s energy attack and twists her body out of the way to avoid both of thesers and the downward swing of the spiked club.


    Using her advantage of speed and agility while still up close, she sends a sh of Ice imbued Soul energy at the monster''s side.


    It makes contact with its silver armor and upper left shoulder. There''s a loud cracking sound as the blue energy damages the silver metal, and the dense ice attack freezes its entire left arm down from its shoulder to its hand.


    The creature is forced to jump back and only hold its heavy club with its right hand while it loses feeling in its left side.


    Another round ofsers are sted toward Maria by the creatureing from the opposite direction. These beams of Soul Energy are far stronger than the energy that surrounded the club user, so she doesn''t hesitate to dodge these, but still slips in a weaker energy sh right at the fragile arm before flying away.


    She backs up and goes on the defensive while the attack hits and the monster''s arm shatters into a million tiny pieces.


    The Dark Guard withsers on its hands sends another barrage of attacks for Maria to strategically dodge in the air while it yells at its battle partner.


    "You idiot! It''s going to take us forever to grow that mass back! Did you listen to anything the Boss said? Don''t underestimate her!"


    ¡ª


    At the same time, Ember makes contact with the Dark Guard on his side of the battle hovering over the deep ravine.


    He manifests a long sword made of light red energy and shes with the enormous silver shield that creates a dome of orange soul energy around both it and the sword wielder behind it.


    Ember channels more soul energy from his inner being into the manifested sword and it begins to make the barrier around the two guards vibrate and ripple.


    Then, momentster a tear in the orange dome forms as Ember''s Soul Energy begins to melt it away.


    His manifested de makes contact with the Guard''s Shield, and the same effect follows.


    The orange veil around the shield disappears into thin air and the metal of the shield itself begins to melt.


    The Guard jumps backward and arge sh is left across the skull that was on the shield.


    The dome of Soul Energy that protected the two guards dissipates as the one casting it retreats.


    "As you believed boss, this one is not normal."


    From behind, the Guard holding a long silver sword, that the shield holder calls boss, jumps forward and engages with Ember next.


    Its [1] glows bright in its eye, and the orange energy around its own sword glows far brighter than any of the other guards on this battlefield.


    Its de shes with Ember''s red manifested sword to create an [X] and release vibrations of energy that shake the ground and disturb the air for many kilometers in every direction.


    They look at each other face to face.


    The green eye of the Dark Guard stares straight into Ember''s emotionless Crimson gaze.


    The guard''s teeth are clenched tight as it pushes its de forward with all of its strength, while the corner of Ember''s lips stay permanently turned up.


    He pushes back while analyzing this monster''s strengths and weaknesses, waiting for it to make the next move so he can end this battle in the most efficient way possible.


    Both parties are formidable, and have nearly equivalent physical strength, however Ember''s confidence is his advantage. His true form is visible only to Soul Energy users that dare to look his way. He is like a force of nature that stares through the Dark Guard''s Soul.


    The Dark Guard speaks.


    "So, you are the pest that has been chipping away at our forces and slowing down the advance of the Dark One. I will do everything in my power to make sure our ruler is the one who bes the next Demon Lord."


    There''s a pause while shock waves continue to radiate through the air.


    Ember''s red sword glows brighter and brighter, to the point where it begins to melt away the dense soul energy surrounding this guard''s sword.


    His crimson eyes pulse and glow, showing anyone that looks into them the manifestation of a ck Fire Dragon made of energy beyond theirprehension. It is a window into the bottomless power that is trapped within him. Only drops are what leak out, that''s the limited power he is using now.


    The Dark Guard jumps backward at the sight, his natural instincts to run force his body to move without any decision from his conscious mind. Ember swings his sword across his body, releasing a blood-red sh and replies.


    "The seat on that throne does not belong to the Lich King. I will make sure of that."


    The energy rockets through the air, and with no time to dodge, the Dark Guard readies his sword while allowing his body to glow in a bright white light. Its sword grows longer, and its muscles start to shift and growrger as well.


    Simultaneously, from behind the white glowing silhouette of the evolving swordsman, the Dark Guard holding its shieldes from behind and puts up its dome of defenses again.


    An orange barrier is manifested around both of them, and is held by the Guard with the shield.


    The supercharged crimson sh makes contact with the outer edge of the barrier for a fraction of a second, but melts through even faster than the sword did before.


    It crashes into the silver shield, and it''s split in two instantly.


    Next, the crimson sh makes contact with the chestte of the armored guard, and it''s sliced through like butter.


    The Guard doesn''t even get to react, the grey soul energy that surrounds its body doesn''t stand a chance against this crimson strike either. It seems to be defying the natural logic of Soul Energy, bing not only denser but also stronger as it soars through the air. It melts through and disintegrates everything it touches.


    The creature is split in two, releasing enormous amounts of dark grey energy, killing it on the spot. The sh continues its path toward the white glowing and expanding guard behind it.


    However, instead of staying on its straight and unmovable path, a long silver sword collides with the unstoppable strike, and deflects it with a single swing.


    The red crescent flies off into the open desert at mind-numbing speeds and disappears while the white silhouette of the Boss of the Strongest Dark Guards grows into its greater form.


    ---


    Back in the underground bunker, more and more dark red light seeps out from the cracks in the istion pod.


    A ringing notification sounds in my main body''s inner ear from the level transfer perk of our Soul Bond. This is the experience gained from Ember killing the Shield User.


    [Level Up] x219


    This bring''s my main body''s level to 1382.


    This increase in power makes the red energy pulse and flow out at an even greater rate.


    The entire underground bunker begins to fill with Qi and mana intertwined with each other, stained dark red.


    The pod vibrates, and makes the shielding in the room hum and react to its energy output.


    A very unique Soul Energy awakening is taking ce inside.

 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491


    The massive arachnid monster falls into the ravine with its two severed limbs by its side.


    Both Abby and Arie follow it downward with their weapons poised to kill.


    The tendrils of purple Soul Energy still violently pierce through Abby''s vital points, but they phase through her heart, head, and stomach as if nothing is hitting her at all.


    The bright light green glow of her [Form of the Immortal Healer] ensures her physical body cannot take any damage at all.


    Everything the spider throws at her feels like nothing but a passing breeze as Abby gets closer and closer with her glowing green spear of manifested rock raised above her head. She is in the perfect striking range but hasn''t released any attacks just yet.


    Behind her, less than 20 meters away, Arie charges up another one of his golden arrows.


    This is the attack that severed two of its limbs before and left arge gaping hole in the monster''s side.


    He yells out as all three of them fall into the darkness of the ravine and approach the depths of the desert floor deep below.


    "I have another attack ready! Abby! Give me some room to let it fly!"


    She continues taking hits from the spider and forcing it to retreat downward. The monster is only moving away to avoid being stabbed through with the enormous glowing spear. However, Abby yells back with an unexpected reply.


    "Shoot it now if you have the shot. Right through me!"


    Arie''s eyes widen at these words, but he doesn''t hesitate to release the tension of the shimmering string holding the golden arrow.


    The only thing between Arie and the spider''s main body is the 6 Soul Energy threads and Abby.


    The shimmering arrow rips through the air, then makes a direct hit with Abby''s back, just as she asked.


    Like all of the Soul Energy attacks from the monster, this too phases through her without shifting her form at all.


    The golden arrowes out of Abby''s green glowing chest and shatters all of the purple tendrils that attack her without even breaking the golden outer shell.


    It rockets down toward the spider''s main body, and it reacts by directing its remaining limbs and energy threads to block just as it did before.


    Abby takes this moment free from the arachnid''s merciless attacks to jump to the opposite side of its body and her bright green energy form begins to flicker and pulse.


    She deactivates the [Form of the Immortal Healer] and throws the stone spear covered in her offensive Soul Energy directly at the other side of the spider''s body.


    The golden arrow''s outer shell begins to melt away and tear through two more of the creature''s remaining arms before leaving another enormous hole in its side.


    The creature begins to screech and cry while blood gushes out from it, then is speared all the way through with a green glowing weapon. Another two of its remaining limbs are sliced away in this attack, leaving only one limb remaining on each side.


    It directs one of itsst purple threads of Soul Energy at the woman who floats right above her head, pulling enchanted daggers from her sides.


    As Abby releases two shes of pure Soul Energy directed at the spider''s head, a final two threads of purple energy with all of the 3rd ranked Dark Guard''s remaining strength are thrust forward. One is aimed at her chest. It breaks through the soul energy shielding and creates an explosion of energy that pushes the spider down further into the ravine and Abby back up into the air.


    The other purple thread aims for Arie, but it is further away so he has time to react, sending spirit and demonic arrows its way to slow it down.


    The collision of Abby''s two full-powered Soul Energy shes makes contact with the creature''s head and slices its brain into four even pieces in an X pattern, then rips through its main body as well, melting through its organs and piercing its heart.


    The moment this attack makes contact and finishes slicing through, Abby reactivates her [Form of the Immortal Healer] buff and her body glows bright green again, unable to be injured by the aftereffects of the purple tendril of Soul Energy thread following her upward through the sky.


    Arie, on the other hand, has shot over 3 of each of his arrows at thest remaining thread, yet it hasn''t even shrunk to half of its size.


    He fends it off as much as he can, but at the rate of its upward momentum, it is aimed to hit his heart before he''ll be able to fully take it out.


    A loud echoing thud can be heard at the bottom of the ravine, at the same time, Arie manages to release a partially formed golden arrow that shifts the trajectory of the final thread. It shifts away from his heart and pierces through his stomach instead.


    He coughs up blood while level-up notifications ring in Abby''s inner ear. The purple Soul Energy thread begins to fade entirely as the life of the 3rd Ranked Dark Guard fades away.


    At the same time, Abby activates her first-ranked-up buff, [Area of Total Restoration] to spread a green aura around her over 100m in diameter, engulfing Arie inside it as they''re both sted upward by the violent explosion of purple energy from the bottom of the ravine.


    The calming warm veil of Abby''s healing magic washes over him as the hole in his stomach is restored almost instantaneously, and a wave of satisfaction washes over him.


    He smiles and looks above to see Abby''s bright green form.


    "We did it..."


    She replies as the upward momentum begins to slow.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "We did. That was quite the impressive shot. I wouldn''t have had the opening to take it out so easily without the help of those golden arrows. I can''t use any offensive attacks while in this Immortal Form, that went perfectly..."


    Arie nods, then lets out a sigh and closes his eyes, allowing the green healing magic topletely take over his body. The enormous arm manifestations carrying the three bows on his back shrink back into his core and he lets her heal the rest of his fatigue as they continue to fly upward out of the dark ravine.


    __


    Above the mountain range on the other side of the battlefield another deadly exchange is taking ce.


    Monk is surrounded in a pure white Qi energy form, while his master has turned almost entirely orange.


    Every exchange that they throw back and forth destroys more of the desertndscape, and releases more and more of each other''s power.


    The shockwaves they send off after each collision are enough to send cracks through the desert ground for over a kilometer away from each of their strikes.


    Not to mention, when one of themnds a solid attack, the other is sent flying into the rock ground to create craters over 200 meters wide and nearly 30-50 meters deep.


    The scale of their battle is only growing by the second. Both of them are breathing heavily, and havended over 10 solid hits each.


    It''s clear they''re both at their limit, and any new blow the other throws could be theirst.


    They are truly evenly matched.


    Monk speaks up as thest remaining visible essence of white Qi energy is sucked away and taken over by the orange borrowed Soul energy of the Lich King.


    "Again, I am honored I have had the chance to show you my true strength that I have gained from your teachings master. It is a shame I could not get to fight you when you are using your true power as well."


    He sps his hands together, and the white aura around him glows far brighter.


    Two enormous white hands manifest in front of him. They seem to be over twenty times the size of the energy form they are both using to fight.


    With blinding speed, the two hands, eachrger than entire buildings,e together and sp around the orange form of the Soul Energy infected Qi-master. It creates an ear-shattering crack that sends a shockwave so powerful through the air that it ripples through everyone floating in the sky and spreads out over 5 km in every direction.


    All of the remaining mountains are leveled in an instant, and it seems near impossible for anything to survive a devastating blow like that.


    On impact, the white hands hold steady for a few seconds, then begin to fade away.


    The body of an old man falls through the sky, an unnoticeable gentle smile forms across his face while he falls into the rubble below, trailing a weak aura of orange soul energy and remnants of white Qi behind it.


    A single tear falls down Monk''s cheek as he bows in the air and returns to his base form.


    ___


    After the death of the 3rd Ranked Dark Guard, and the desert-shifting crack that followed Monk''s final attack, the remaining members of the 1st Dark Guard begin to step up their game.


    The Guard withser artifacts built into its arms turns to its side, watching the bright glowing form of their boss transform, then yells out to the one-armed club wielder.


    "The Boss is already using his final form! And we just lost the Spider Queen. It''s time to step things up. We cannot disappoint the Dark One any more than we already have!"


    It shoots more high-poweredser beams down to distract Maria, making her dodge them all in the air unable to attack precisely at these high speeds.


    The club user grunts and replies.


    "Fine! I wanted to at least have some fun with this battle, but if you want me to finish things now I''ll do it. Cover me."


    The club user''s body starts to glow just like the Boss. Its muscles shift and grow, and even the spiked club in its hands starts to vibrate and expand.


    Maria sees this happening, but has no way to stop it as she is fully absorbed in dodging the barrage ofsersing her way.


    This spike club holder grows at a far faster rate than their boss, expanding over 5x in size in less than 5 seconds.


    The white glow ceases and it towers over everything, still floating in the sky, but now over 15 meters tall.


    Its arm is still missing, but the dark grey Soul Energy that covered its body before is now manifesting the image of an arm in its ce so it can easily hold its club with both of its hands.


    The enormous muscr humanoid cyclops lets out a murderous roar and charges toward the action.


    Theser wielder lets out augh and retreats.


    "That''s it! Let her have it! Show this girl how strong the 1st ranked guard really is! If you can kill her before I level up to my final attack form I''ll even give you some of my mass to make up for losing that damn arm of yours. Come on you brute, let me see what you can do!"


    It roars again, not letting out any understandable words, but its speed and agility seem to have improved drastically as it zips through the air toward Maria.


    It swings its spiked club like a bat and Maria has no time at all to dodge.


    She activates her ranked-up buff [Ice Age] and swings her Soul Energy imbued sword back to block the deadly iing strike, but to her utter surprise, the massive structure of ice is shattered in an instant.


    The upgraded mental strength and immense dark grey Soul Energy that has been released in this final form is on a level far higher than it was moments ago.


    The ice attack Maria threw could have easily taken off its other arm if it wasunched just a few seconds earlier, however, now it is shattered and destroyed in an instant.


    Maria''s reaction time, agility, and speed were her primary advantage moments ago too, but now they are hardly even equal. This brute''s speed outranks hers by almost twice as much as it lunges forward and swings its heavy club.


    Her physical strength does not even stand a chance againstpeting either.


    It was already at a lower state than this Guard before it upped itself to its final form, as Maria is hit by an unstoppable brick wall of force and rocketed backward over a full kilometer in the sky, she realizes she is going to need to bring her full power to the table as well to take on this mutated monster.


    She coughs up blood while catching herself in the air and holding her sword steady, still looking 100% confident even after taking that brutal attack head-on.


    As the club user speeds forward through the air, she whispers the name of her second ranked-up buff.


    "Awakened Form of The Ice Goddess..."


    The instant these words leave her lips, the entire battlefield shifts in temperature.


    The troops far below on the battlefield shiver, and the entire sky looks as if it''s been tinted in a veil of dark Royal Blue light.


    Enormous amounts of swirling blue Soul Energy manifest from deep within Maria and begin to erupt outward to form the manifestation of a Goddess holding a long blue sword.


    The manifestation of her goddess-like form grows just over 20 meters tall, towering above the approaching Dark Guard.


    Her aura erupts outward like a semi-transparent blue sphere and collides with the aura of the approaching club user that roars in fury.


    It swings its club at her, letting more of its dark aura seep from its body to strengthen the blow, while letting more orange soul energy cover the weapon itself to harden the metal.


    Maria calmly stares forward with a cool icy gaze and swings her sword forward in a striking motion too.


    As they collide, another shockwave multiple times stronger than the hands sping of Monk''s attack ripples through the sky, this travels tens of kilometers in every direction as the blue and grey soul energies show their incredible power.


    However, this even sh does notst for long.


    The cracking sound of metal breaking follows the shockwave, and the crackling sound of ice forming seeps its way down the club and onto the Dark Guard''s body.


    Not only is the creature''s flesh frozen this time, but even the Soul Energy that swirls around it is frozen in ce.


    The enormous blue sword of the Ice Goddess''s form breaks through the frozen club and shatters it to pieces while stabbing the monster in the chest, freezing its heart in an instant.


    Blue ice takes over its entire body, moving quickly, and freezing all of the Soul Energy left along with any flesh that dares to move.


    The massive green eye with a [1]beled in its center turns to pure blue ice.


    Maria twists her de inside the monster''s chest and its entire body shatters into shimmering icy glitter that falls down onto the desert battle below.


    The sound of ringing level-up notifications echoes in her inner ear as she turns to face the other glowing and expanding creature to her side. It is manifesting a far more intelligent and dangerous aura than the club user she just killed in a single blow.

 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492


    Just over 200km away, back underneath the town, the dark red energy that seeps out from the final istion pod begins to flow out at a much faster rate.


    It is equal parts Qi and Mana, and they are so finely intertwined, they have almost be Soul Energy, but there is still a vital catalyst or energy level that is yet to be reached before the twobine.


    However, this blood red energy does not just seep out of the pod and dissolve into the air and through the mana shielding in the room.


    It stays surrounding the istion pod, and slowly swirls around it in a circle as more energy seeps out to add to its mass.


    Every second that passes, almost a full minute goes by inside, yet my main body is manipting the energy that has seeped out of the pod and portions of it areing back into the small cracks.


    It is happening very slowly, but the released Qi and mana that is slipping out from the pod is being circted back inside.


    ¡ª


    High in the sky above the battlefield, Maria turns to see the Dark Guard with silverser fixtures on his arms grow many times in size.


    Its muscles bulge and ripple beneath the veil of white light that surrounds it.The armor on its chest and circr metallic cannons on its wrists glow bright orange and expand in size as well to match its new form.


    The massive eye on its forehead grows to be the size of a normal human being, and its height reaches nearly 20 meters tall.


    It stops glowing white and its true form is revealed.


    It''s thinner and far more agile-looking than its old form, and as it kicks off the air and zips around Maria in circles, it''s clear that its speed and agility have received a major boost.


    The heavy silver cannons on its wrists are vibrating and glowing bright orange.


    It yells out at the same time both of them shoot out brightsers of immensely strong Soul Energy in straight lines directly at the Ice Goddess''s form.


    "I am the fastest of all of the 1st Ranked Guards'' forms. On top of that, my firepower is the greatest when I concentrate it in a single beam. Your advantages are gone. You may have killed my ally, but it is only a matter of time before I get my revenge and receive another gift from the Dark One after killing a specimen like you."


    He lets out a manicugh while the energy beams collide with Maria''s long Royal Blue Manifested sword.


    Her awakened form pulses with Soul Energy being channeled through it, and the majority of its concentration focuses on her de to block these iing beams. This lessens her defenses everywhere else, but releases a magnificent wave of blue and orange energy as she blocks the iing attacks.


    The beams are dispersed and flood out to the sides of her de like hotva as shockwaves ripple through the air.


    The Dark Guard takes this opportunity to shift its position and send in two more fully charged beams at her opposite side.


    Maria''s awakened form shifts its body and uses the same sword motions to block the two new attacksing in as well with everything she''s got.


    Another two attackse from above the moment she blocks these too.


    A game of endurance ensues.


    The Laser user witnessed Maria''s raw power when it killed the club user with a single blow. It is far too intelligent and agile to be caught up in a trap like that after seeing the aftermath of its first victim.


    However, their Soul Energy Strength when concentrated into a single point seems to be nearly even.


    After just over a dozen separate attacks from a safe distance away, every single one of them is reflected away by Maria''s de and her icy gaze doesn''t leave the Dark Guard for a moment.


    She hasn''t had a chance to attack back herself yet, but is waiting for the perfect time to strike.


    The Laser user is waiting in just the same manner.


    Her deflections and guarding tactics are wless, the only way for it to possibly get a more powerful shot off now would be to charge up for longer or get in closer.


    Both options would give Maria enough time to send the attack off when she wants to.


    They are both very aware of this, but neither wants to test the waters and get hit by the other''s attack.


    That is, until a metallic roar fills the air and sends impossibly strong waves of intimidation rippling through the sky.


    Out of the corner of Maria''s eye, she spots the bright white light starting to fade away from the other remaining Dark Guard with its long silver sword facing Ember in the distance.


    It has almost reached its final form as well.


    Thispletely changes the mood of the battle, theser user even speaks up full of confidence while sending itsst attack.


    "I may be the fastest, and I may have the most precise pinpoint uracy with my energy attacks, but I assure you, my raw strength and battle intelligence are unmatched by the Boss. Once I''m done with you, I''ll pick up the scraps of whatever is left of your friend¡ª"


    Maria''s blue sword shes with these energy attacks, but this time because of the Guard''s overconfidence taking a moment to speak, she has enough time to move her awakened form out of the way from one of the beams of energy.


    It buzzes loudly while it barely misses her left leg and her de blocks the remaining attack.


    However, she has enough energy remaining after only blocking one beam to send a crescent of her own Soul Energy flying back this time.


    The monster''s eye widens as it doesn''t have enough time to charge its ownsers back up to full power or dodgepletely.


    The icy blue crescent collides with its right foot, crystallizing it and the grey soul energy around it instantly. The blue aura starts to creep up its leg until a bright st of orangesers fill the sky.


    It lunges forward, pointing one cannon at its leg and other pointed at the open portion of Maria''s side below where her sword just swung.


    Two lower poweredser beams shot on short notice are fired off.


    One blows off the Dark Guard''s own leg, preventing the Icy Soul Energy from spreading while the other cuts a semicircle hole in the side of Maria''s Goddess''s lower stomach.


    Her main body controlling the energy manifestation is damaged, and a chunk of flesh is ripped from her side while she coughs up blood.


    However, her opponent just moved in far too close forfort, panicking, and left itself wide open, not to mention crippling itself by slowing down its only advantage.


    Blowing off its leg to save it from the spreading ice may have saved its life in the short term, but now it can''t run away quite as fast.


    Maria brings her sword down to create another shing motion while the Dark Guard tries to backpedal.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    It manifests a grey Soul Energy leg to rece its lost flesh, but during this process, it has to charge up its orange energy cannons to attempt blocking one of Maria''s iing shes.


    In a fraction of a second mishap, she''s turned this entire battle around putting this Dark Guard on the defensive and takes control.


    It uses the full power of its beams to disperse the iing wave of energy, but isn''t prepared for the second crescenting from its blind spot.


    It fires off two more hopeless attacks, aimed at the blurry blue figure that has guaranteed its demise.


    One of the finalsers hits the Goddess''s leg, making a small semicircle hole in Maria''s flesh again, while the other beam goes flying off into the open air.


    She doesn''t even bat an eye, because the crescent that is rocketing at the Dark Guard now cannot be stopped, blocked, or avoided.


    She whispers. "It''s over."


    The creature with the most precise attacks, and greatest speed in the entire Dark One''s army, has lost.


    It has never had to run.


    It has never had to defend from attacks it cannot perceive.


    It has never met anyone or anything other than the Dark One itself with enough power to ovee its overwhelming battle strategies.


    "A single mistake... and I lost. I was not perfect... No... I was not strong enough. I guess that is what it takes to win. Undeniable strength, or, Perfection."


    The second de hits it from behind and the icy darkness takes over.


    The energy in itsser ceases to charge as its arms be stiff.


    Its heart stops beating as the blood in its veins bes as hard as rock.


    Its vision fades to blue, then to ck as its eye freezes over.


    All of the Soul Energy in its being fights to stop the freeze, but it feels like bringing a candle into a raging blizzard.


    No matter how much it tries to melt away, the depthless icy force of nature takes over and plunges this Dark Guard into the Abyss of death.


    The Soul Energy sh cuts right through its armor and body, turning itpletely to ice and shattering into glitter on the spot.


    Blood gushes from Maria''s leg and side where she was hit with the monster''s beams, but a smile stays on her face as the level-up notifications ring in her inner ear.


    She covers the wounds with dense Soul Energy to stop the bleeding, and turns to the final battle that is about to take ce far away in the sky.


    The final Dark Guard that carries a long silver sword continues to grow in size beneath the white glow.


    It hits 10 meters in height, but doesn''t stop there.


    Even reaching 20 meters. This is when the white glow fades away, and the creature beneath it lets out a roar.


    However, this isn''t where the monster stops growing.


    It reaches over 30 meters in height, towering high in the sky, covered in a denseyer of grey Soul Energy so dark it almost looks ck.


    The silver sword it carried before has expanded in size to fit its new form that is over 10 times asrge as the original. An aura of orange soul energy vibrates around this sword so dense and strong, it feels as if the entire de is wrapped in theser beams that erupted from the guard that was just killed moments ago.


    It finally stops growing and points its sword down at Ember who calmly watches it take its final form.


    He stands with the same emotionless expression, and has even put his red energy sword down by his side, but the Soul Energying from his being has doubled in density since the battle started, almost like the faucet of power is opening inside him.


    An echoing voicees from the monstrous 1st ranked guard''s mouth as it deres battle against Ember below him.


    "Do you dare to defy the orders of the Up anding Demon Lord''s strongest Subordinate? Whatever you are, you cannot match my final form in battle. Show me your true form, Dragon. I want to show the Dark One that even creatures of legend can fall to my sword."


    Ember crosses his arms and looks up at the orange-coated silver de, that is over 10 times his human form''s size.


    "You want to see my true form?"


    He pauses for a moment, then shrugs, putting his red energy sword up in the air to match the giant cyclops.


    "No. I don''t think I will. A mere servant of the Lich King isn''t worthy of seeing my final battle form."


    His aura pulses Dark Red, letting even more Soul Energy flow out from an invisible core. Then he speaks in a nonchnt manner while his body starts to grow.


    "However, you aren''t too weak. I''ll give you props for the power you''ve managed to gain on your own. I''ll use a new battle form I''ve been meaning to test out. You''ll be a good punching bag."


    The final Dark Guard yells in rage, making the dark soul energy around him twist and swirl. The orange light on the silver sword looks almost as bright as a sun, and the monster pulls the de back to ready a swing.


    "You dare mock me! You are arrogant enough to face me without using your full dragon form? How dare you even try!"


    Energy surges off the enormous giant in the sky as it lunges forward with speed that doesn''t seem physically possible in such an enormous frame.


    Its silver de leaves a dense trail of Soul Energy behind as it rockets down toward Ember.


    Once it makes contact, there is a bright white glow and an eruption of Red and Orange that collide.


    The sound of energy colliding this time sounds like space itself is tearing apart with their sh.


    The bright white light fades away, and Ember holds his bright red energy manifested sword against the silver and orange deing down on him.


    However, he looks very different.


    Ember has grown almost 3x in size.


    Part of his body is covered in ck glossy scales, while other portions are shielded in blood red manifested Soul Energy Armor.


    A long pointed tailes from his back, and so do a set of dark wings proportional to hisrger body.


    It is a human-dragon hybrid form, and the energy being released from his Soul Energy core has grown magnitudes in power.


    He still has arms, legs, a human body, and a human face, but many features have shifted to be dragonoid in nature. I wasn''t aware of this form at all. It must be a perk he''s kept hidden from one of his rank ups, or had been capable of doing all along. Every time he''s been in his dragon form in the past, anyone that has seen it has been killed on the spot. If this is a step down from his true dragon form, I''m incredibly curious to see what he looks like now that he''s ranked up a second time. Ember has awakened a tier of energy level beyond anything I''ve ever seen.


    In a fraction of a second, he transformed and stopped the enormous monster''s iing de with nothing but a Soul Energy manifested sword of his own.


    Ember shows a toothy grin, ps his wings, then swings his sword upward to release a bright red sh of Soul Energy that sends the silver sword upward and pushes the Dark Guard back with a look of fear in its eyes.


    Ember flies forward without hesitating at all, swinging his manifested de across his body and letting it sh over and over with the enormous silver sword.


    The Dark Guard is pushed back over and over, and it looks like Ember is just toying with it.


    Every sh he throws seems to be pulling from a deeper pool of power.


    It''s impossible to tell if Ember has been holding back this whole time, or if this is a direct cause of my main body absorbing energy and having an awakening while Ember fights.


    The Guard yells out while being pushed back further away from the battlefield.


    "Impossible. How- How are you getting stronger? I can see one''s true strength with a single gaze. At the start of our battle, I was guaranteed to win. Yet, this power... Where is iting from? Who are you, really?"


    Ember continues to mercilessly attack the giant, pushing him far off into a deste portion of the desert while staring through its soul with his crimson eyes, then finally responds.


    "I thought you were the Strongest in the Dark Continent. Mr. Number 1? You''re going to kill us all? The Lich King will save you, won''t he?"


    Ember swings his de with another surge of new power.


    This time as it collides with the silver sword, the metal cracks and shatters into pieces, sending the Dark Guard flying back again, this time rocketing toward the empty desert floor.


    Ember dives down to follow the Guard''s descent, his crimson de growsrger andrger, glowing so bright red that it fills the sky.


    The Dark Guard fights back with everything he has, creating an orange de in one hand to rece the shattered silver sword, then a dark grey de in the other made from its own Soul Energy.


    Then, Ember speaks up in a low tone that only they can hear.


    "You were pretty strong, it''s a shame you had to work for the Lich King. You would have been a great Labyrinth Guardian."


    Ember pauses, staring the monster in the eyes.


    "You want to know who I really am? You''re going to die right now, so I might as well humor myself and see if anyone still remembers."


    Ember whispers a few words to the creature, and its pupil shrinks to the size of a pea in an instant.


    It shudders and all of the Soul Energy surrounding its body vanishes as it loses the will to fight.


    Ember swings his de across his body and slices the defenseless monster in half right down the middle, splitting its head and heart in one shot.


    The red crescent follows through and hits the desert floor, making an enormous slit in the ground, followed by the earth-shaking thuds of the monster''s corpse.


    This is followed by level up notifications ringing in Ember''s inner ear as he floats back toward the battlefield and whispers to himself.


    "I guess he did remember."


    Ember arrives above the endless army of Ghouls that continues to fight with the me Emperor''s Elites down below, then looks out into the empty desert facing Sector 1.


    "I know you''re watching, you have been this whole time. When will you show your face, Lich King...?


    ¡ª


    Back underground in the bunker below the town, the red swirling energy around the final istion pod swirls much faster, and the bright lighting from inside the pod only grows more as the level-up notifications ring inside my main body''s inner ear.


    [Level Up] x177


    There is another pulse of light from inside the pod as my main body opens up its status and upgrades a single skill.


    The dense red energy thates out from the pod begins to change its consistency.


    More and more of it flows out, and the rate at which it spins around the humming and vibrating machine increases.


    It gets to a point where wind is blowing through the room because of the energy''s rotational speed.


    Then, once it seems to have hit a dangerous level to the point where it could damage the shielding of the bunker, the red energy starts to shrink.


    It alles back into the pod and disappears inside in a matter of seconds.


    The room goes silent, and even the humming and buzzing of the istion pod halts.


    There are hours left on the timer above it, however, it appears there isn''t any Qi or Mana remaining in the pod.


    The door clicks open, and the first thing to touch the white floor is a boot covered in a Dark Red, almost ck, Soul Energy Aura.

 Chapter 493

    Chapter 493


    A deep voice echoes back to Ember''s challenge as the desert ground behind the marching Ghouls turns pitch ck.


    "It seems I haven''t hidden myself enough to get past the eyes of a fellow Divine Beast."


    An enormous ck shadow has been cast across the sand, and it begins to ripple and vibrate while something emerges from within.


    The top of a dark cloak bes visible, surrounded by a dark ck aura.


    Ites out of the ground to reveal a massive skull beneath the cloak.


    My double''s inspect and appraisal skill picks up a reading that doesn''t even seem real at first nce.


    ________


    [Lv. 3642]


    Active Items:Lich King''s Scythe [+519% Strength][+444% Mental Strength][Hidden Ability]


    Lich King''s Cloak [+604% Agility][+399% Speed][Hidden Ability][Dark Attribute]


    Ring of the Divine [Hidden Ability]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Active Skills:


    Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    Buffs:


    [Curse of The Lich King][1733/2500]


    [Greater Form of The Dark God]


    ________


    Its eyes glow dark orange, and it resembles the Wraiths that were in the arena and on the battlefield earlier.


    However,paring those weak monsters to the sheer size and power of the creature that emerges from the abyss below is nearly impossible.


    The monster''s head is almost 5 or 6 meters tall alone, and the Soul Energy that radiates from its eyes is the source of the power that allows every one of the thousands of moving creatures on this battlefield to continue fighting.


    If all of them were put together and had their power stripped away, it wouldn''t even be close to what this being contains.


    As it continues to emerge from the ground, a long silver Scythe follows it upward, being held in its right bony hand.


    Jet ck energy surrounds its weapon just like its wavering cloak.


    It towers over its troops, 20 meters high in the air, and it hasn''t even managed toe out of the ground more than halfway yet.


    Ember replies by letting his bright red aura cover his whole body while still in his upgraded second form and float down to talk to the being at eye level with a tone as if they''re old friends.


    "Looks like someone got stronger since the war..."


    The Lich King''s glowing orange eyes shift upward to see Ember floating down, then replies.


    "A lot happened while you were asleep for 50 years. I''ve begun to build my army to finally take control of this world. I have be unstoppable while the strong kill each other and those that remain be weaker. Very few remember the strength of those that ruled the old world. You know that better than anyone."


    Ember and the Lich King stare at each other as it continues to rise from the darkness.


    "It makes sense that you were behind all of this. I must say, the appearance of so many Soul Energy users at once was surprising. Especially that me user, where is he...?"


    It scans the battlefield, but onlynds its gaze on my body doubles. It doesn''t even stop on either, knowing they aren''t a threat.


    "That one''s growth was fascinating, but it seems as though my 2nd Ranked Guard took care of him as instructed. He surely would have been on the battlefield today if that wasn''t the case."


    Ember inwardly grins, but doesn''t show any expression, listening to the Lich King continue to speak.


    "I could not ce my finger on how they were all advancing so fast, but seeing you in the flesh makes everything clear. Plus, to find you in such a feeble state makes my victory even more satisfying. At least you brought me an early congrattory gift, a new line up of Dark Guards will suit me well. I''m sure you''re aware, the seat for a new Demon Lord is making itself known."


    The Lich fully emerges from the ground, standing over 40 meters tall, floating just over the ground with the bottomless ck pit of shadows below it. It points its gaze off in the direction of Sector 2, but shifted slightly, aimed at the Abyss filled with Demonic Energy.


    Ember nods and responds.


    "I''m fully aware. That is one of the reasons we''vee to stop you."


    The Lich King pauses.


    "We? Who is we? Since when do you work with humans?"


    Then, it lets out a long and slowugh.


    "Anyway, your army is mine. This is the natural order of the world. The weak will die and the strong will live on forever. Come back in another 50 years and try again."


    It looks down at its army, and the bright orange gaze pinpoints every human below it that hasn''t been taken by its curse. It lifts its bony hand in the air out from its cloak, holding the silver curved de that is even longer than its wielder. The dark ck dreadful energy around it pulses and starts to send eerie waves out at a constant rate.


    Ember responds by manifesting two long red des in his hands and flying forward.


    The enormous silver scythees rocketing downward as Ember swings both of his des upward and there''s a shockwave of Soul Energy that vibrates throughout the desert so far, even 20km+ away, the sand vibrates and rolling golden dunes copse.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Hundreds of troops from the Lich King''s army are blown backward by the st, and even some of the Elite mana wielders are caught up in the st over 2km away despite both Lydia and Fisher putting up walls of Qi and denser mana from their ranked up buffs to block the mental attacks.


    Monk, Maria, Arie, and Abby all feel the vibrations of that blow ripple through their bodies as well even though they''re scattered throughout the outskirts of the battlefield. They all immediately start to move from their positions and gravitate toward the epicenter of the st to help.


    Ember and the Lich King are at a standstill with energy radiating from their attack, but neither of them let up.


    The ck energy around the Lich grows darker and the orange in its eyes pulse. The scythe begins to move downward, pushing through the red barrier of energy that Ember''s des are making.


    More and more dark red energyes out from Ember''s invisible core and his des be stronger as well. He begins to push the enormous mountain-sized de up again, and vibrations of energy fill the desert.


    There''s a reaction between the two energies and both Ember and the ck-cloaked skeleton are pushed back from the st.


    The Lich King stays floating just a few meters above the desert, and Ember is rocketed backward through the Hordes of Ghouls, killing another hundred of them just from his aura touching them as he flies backward.


    Nearby, Monk, Maria, Arie, and Abbye to Ember''s aid, and even my double high in the sky helps by opening a telepathy link between them all. However, the only voice heard in it is Ember''s voice yelling at everyone.


    "Run, now! This battle is about to get serious. You''ve done your duty. The Dark Guards are defeated, the Dark Army is crippled, and you have given Jay enough time to finally awaken. The Lich King is a monster far out of your league. The stakes of mortals losing to it are far too high, worse than death. I will hold it off alone!"


    In a sh of bright red light Ember takes off toward the Lich King again, growing in size and releasing exponentially more Soul Energy by the second.


    ck waves of energye off of the Lich King''s body as well, its aura grows in power as it raises its Scythe high above its head again, channeling darkness into its de while cing its other bony hand on the desert floor that is covered in its shadow magic.


    Then, its eyes pulse from orange to jet ck for a fraction of a second, and another figure emerges from the mysterious abyss below the Lich King.


    A figure that looks exactly like an oversized Dark Guard emerges.


    However, it looks like it is made of the ck Energy that it was born from. There are rippling dark energy swirls all around it, and as it walks forward, it looks just like a walking shadow.


    My body double catches a glimpse of the shadow soldier''s status, and it reads [Lv. 3002].


    An enormous glowing orange [0] is visible on its chest, and the Knight walks forward out from the shadows while holding a bright orange gem the size of its head. Then, starts to speed up its footsteps, turning its strides into a run.


    It looks just like the gems that were used to turn the people in the surrounding towns into ghouls with the power of the [Curse of the Lich King].


    Ember sees this, and mid-transformation, aims his next attack directly at this newly formed creature.


    There''s another shockwave that vibrates through the entire desert.


    It isn''t from Ember''s collision with the shadow knight, it is his growing red des that are stopped by the silver scythe of the Lich King right before he can stop it.


    Ember''s wings growrger, and the ck scale and draconic features that only covered parts of his body before begin to expand.


    His red aura pulses more and more, pumping Soul Energy into his true form as he flies back around to attempt letting out a wave of red Soul Energy mes down at the shadow knight.


    There''s another explosion of power as a Dark Energy shes out from the Lich King''s Scythe from a distance to cancel out Ember''s mes. The shadow knight continues its increasingly fast paced march forward into the hordes of Ghouls, and in the direction of the Elites of the me Emperor''s army that Fisher and Lydia lead away to safety.


    The ck energy that grows around the Lich King is expanding at the same rate as the red energy around Ember.


    The dragon expands to nearly match the Lich King in size.


    From nose to tail, he''s over 40 meters long.


    His eyes burn bright crimson in color, and mes erupt all over his body as he expands his red Soul Energy Aura outward to release his full power.


    A crater of molten rock and sand is instantly formed beneath him, and in the same moment the Lich King lets its ck aura sh with Ember''s, raising its Scythe above its head again, and letting it pulse with dark energy.


    The shadowy circle below it expands while Ember lets a tsunami of Soul Energy mes down on the Lich King.


    The entire ground that is covered in darkness erupts upward, making a cylinder of Dark Energy shoot up toward the sky to meet the violent wave of fire that rains down on it.


    As these attacks sh, the Shadow Soldier that was able to escape makes it to the middle of the V-shaped battlefield and presses the orange gem into the [0] on its chest. It''s ck form turns into a burning orange light.


    Then, a wave of orange Soul Energy ripples off of it and through the battlefield. The energy begins to flow outward in every direction and toward the remaining troops that have just begun to retreat after Ember''s orders.


    The orange light moves quickly, far too quickly for any of them to outrun on such short notice.


    The entire battlefield of fallen Ghouls is soaked in this orange light, and the fallen Lich King''s soldiers be rejuvenated by the influx of new Orange energy that creeps into their dead cores.


    Every fallen Ghoul and Wraith that lies dead on the ground begins to move again, regenerate, and stand to its feet.


    New roars, screeches, and movement fills the battlefield with life of the undead.


    The enormous pir of ck energy collides with Ember''s dense Red mes. This wave of red fire disintegrates parts of the ck veil, but the amount of energy that emerges from the shadows below feels as if it''s endless. The dark energy surges up into the sky.


    It expands outward, then disperses. The being beneath the darkness reaches its Final battle form; [Greater Form of The Dark God].


    A 100m long Jet ck Scythe emerges from the darkness, and the white skeletal form beneath the dark cloak is now covered in swirling ck energy with the faint light of orange eyes below it. The shockwave of energy from this final form''s evolution process ripples over 50km deep into the desert, knocking out the Elite troops of the me Emperor''s army over 5km away, leaving them on the desert floor foaming at the mouths.


    My body double that helps the troops escape with Fisher and Lydia is hit by the st, and barely stays on its feet after the mental pressure of that blow.


    However, the body double that stayed behind in the center of the newly rejuvenated Ghouls has no Qi to protect itself from this shockwave at less than 1km away, and its killed on the spot by the overwhelming pressure sending memories back to my main body.


    Monk, Maria, Arie, and Abby who are thest to remain on the battlefield after making sure the weaker troops had a way to escape are capable of putting up Qi and Soul Energy shields to protect themselves from this violent mental attack, but the energy that hits them is still baffling.


    This sudden surge of energy slows their travel speed momentarily, but Abby releases pulses of restoration magic to help everyone heal and attempt run faster from the orange wave.


    However, it''s no use. The Curse of The Lich King stretches up high into the sky to create an orange wall of energy that seems impossible to run away from. It moves at the same pace that the shadow night approaches.


    Each of them turns to the wall of light and activates their ranked-up buffs along with their Soul energy, but in the face of the overwhelming power that was just unleashed on them all out of nowhere, these fighters seem like ants in the grand scheme of this battle.


    They stand in a line, using each other''s Qi and Soul Energy to attempt blocking the massive orange wave, but the moment it touches their shielding, the Orange energy overpowers it entirely.


    Their defenses are breached instantly.


    The orange wave of death begins to fall upon them.


    The Lich King raises its impossiblyrge ck Scythe into the sky, and prepares to bring it down on Ember.


    Ember lets more red energy flood out from his core, about to forcefully release a level of power from within him that is certain to block this attack, but has a high chance of causing irreversible damage to his Soul Energy core in this life.


    However, he stops once he senses something approaching at high speeds from far off in the desert.


    The Lich King sees its facial expression, and yells out in a mocking tone.


    "You still dare to smile in the face of certain demise? You really have changed, haven''t you! I will be the first divine beast ever to defeat the ck Dragon. This is the beginning of my new legacy, I will show the world my power!"


    It starts to swing the Scythe downward, and Ember erupts into mes, getting ready to block, but replies while continuing to watch the being approach in his senses.


    "I believe you''re right, a new Legacy will begin today."


    The Scythe swings downward, and at the same moment the Orange light starts to engulf the members of the me Emperor''s party in the desert below.


    When all hope feels lost, the sky turns red.


    A wave of Soul Energy approaches from Sector 2. The temperature in the desert increases by hundreds of degrees in mere fractions of a second as a figure rockets through the sky at unfathomable speeds. It is covered in a Dark Crimson Aura, holding a ck sword, leaving trails of mes behind.

 Chapter 494

    Chapter 494


    "Pledge your loyalty, or burn to ash!"


    My voice echoes through the desert, using my screech perk to make my entrance known.


    Just moments ago, memories of the entire battle flooded into my mind from a body double that was killed in the shockwave following the Lich King''s transformation.


    Even while traveling over a kilometer above the desert, my dark blood-red soul energy aura melts the desert sand below.


    It looks as if an enormous ball of fire is rocketing through the desert and burning everything in its path.


    I''m fully armored up, using my ranked-up buff to create the manifestation of my dark ck greater form while an evenrgeryer of Soul Energy surrounds it and manifests an enormous ck ming sword.


    My eyes are locked on a wave of orange light that is fractions of a second away from engulfing my teammates and turning them into pawns for the Lich King''s army.


    My eyes pulse, and my aura grows as the desert turns to a sea of liquid ss below me.


    Everything and everyone is engulfed in my Soul Energy''s mes.I position my trajectory downward to aim my de at the enormous shadow knight with a [0] on its chest stained in an orange light.


    Then, my wave of fire collides with the overwhelming wall of energy that is the [Curse of The Lich King].


    The collision makes another devastating shockwave of energy almost equivalent to the collisions of Ember and the Lich King just moments ago.


    The orange wall of energy tries to eat away my blood-red mes, but it does not tear them apart with ease like every other roadblock it manages to instantly phase through.


    A unique trait of these mes starts to absorb the energy that eats away at it, and just milliseconds after the collision, the massive ball of fire begins dismantling and pushing back the orange cursed energy.


    It spreads throughout the impossibly wide and tall wall, like a colony of fire ants attacking its prey and consuming it faster than it can move forward.


    My teammates who were moments away from certain doom are consumed by my mes, but the link through my Rising Emperor''s Domain treats their mass as a part of my own body and passes through them like a warm breeze.


    The thousands of newly awakened Ghouls and Wraiths on the other hand are incinerated and absorbed into the dark red mes.


    All of their weapons, broken cores, and charred remains fall into my fire and end up inside my item storage once they''re killed.


    The swirling orange Soul Energy left behind in the atmosphere does not dissipate, it is eaten up and absorbed by my mes as well.


    I swing my de from a downward position, starting at the ground and up to the sky to release a Soul Energy attack straight at the Dark Guard with a [0] on its chest.


    The liquid ss of the desert is parted as my energy sh rips through it, hundreds of kilometers into the earth, tearing through the shadow knight''s armor without any resistance at all.


    I fly right over its head as it''s sliced in two, then incinerated by my mes.


    [Level Up] x226


    Level-up notifications ring in my ear, alerting me that I''ve hit level 1785, but this upward sh that took out the Dark Guard wasn''t even the main purpose of my attack.


    My gaze is still held steady on the Lich King that is wielding an impossiblyrge scythe, and the instant stat increases from this kill only powers my movements forward even faster.


    It swings it downward, and across its body at a 45-degree angle pointed straight at Ember in his newly ranked-up true dragon form.


    My Red Soul Energy Sword collides with this dreadful ck scythe less than 10 meters away from Ember, and the earth-shattering collision that ensues can be felt vibrating in the sandy desert over 100 km away.


    Red and ck energy radiates off both of our weapons, as they''re not even touching, but their Soul Energy''s fight for dominance at a standstill over 5 meters apart between them.


    The Lich King is holding its scythe with two bony hands swinging downward, engulfed in dark magic and eyes glowing orange.


    I swing my sword up, using every ounce of new power I''ve managed to absorb and obtain while awakening.


    It feels like all of my bones are breaking, and every muscle fiber is tearing, but I don''t let up.


    I continue to push upward and let my mes burn brighter.


    Red arcs of electricity start to erupt from my mes, as well as enormous tornadoes of wind that keep the fires growing and raging on.


    Every element in my status is being pushed to its limits and imbued into my Soul Energy to add to this sh.


    We hold this position in ce for just over half a second, but it feels as if hours are going by in my mind.


    The explosion that follows pushes both of us backward.


    The Lich King is sent flying upward and back into the desert while I''m thrown down to create a deep crater in the ground.


    This doesn''t hold either of us back from charging up our weapons and immediately going back in at the other for the kill.


    I jump into the air, holding my enormous manifestation of a dark red ming sword.


    Even in my greater form, being over doubled in size again by the Soul Energy surrounding it, my form is just about  the size of the Lich King''s final form.


    Ember swoops in as I jump up, allowing me tond on his back to gain more speed while concentrating my power into my de rather than my footsteps through the air this time.


    There''s another reality-shaking sh of energy, sending ripples of heat, light, and Soul Energy vibrating through everything nearby.


    We''re both sent flying backward again, however this time I have Ember to guide my movements and don''t have to steady myself, instead I charge up another attack without thinking about stabilizing in the air.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Ember speaks through our telepathy link while our Dark Red Soul Energy begins to merge together.


    "Fashionablyte, aren''t you? Time to kill this monster."


    Ember releases a concentrated wave of mes forward at the same time I swing my de and both of our attacks collide with the ck aura of the iing scythe.


    This time, after vibrations rattle the desert, the Lich King''s long curved de is actually pushed backward a few meters before the release of power.


    With ourbined attack, we''ve got it beat on pure strength, just slightly.


    However, our opponent notices this too and more ck aura starts to surround its de and flood from its inner Dark form.


    The monster''s voice echoes throughout the deste me-covered battlefield as it raises its scythe again.


    "Impossible. A mere mortal and a weak dragon have stood up to me in the form of a Dark God. This act shall never be remembered, I shall erase it from history. With you two as my servants, the world shall only know of the Immortal Lich King. The Dark One. No- The Dark God."


    It swings its scythe downward again, but I get an eerie feeling from it once the ck aura around it starts to swirl and shift.


    Halfway through its downward sh, the tip of the scythe disappears into thin air.


    Or, more like, it falls away into the dark aura of shadows.


    From behind me, a massive ck portal opens, and the pointed tip of the monster''s dees rocketing out.


    The rest of the curved weapon follows, and I turn my body to block it with my de at thest moment.


    Without my full attention being captivated in the charge up, and a switch in momentum, it overpowers me and I''m sent flying off of Ember''s back while blocking the scythe.


    My Soul Energy Sword still keeps a direct hit, so it never manages to cut through my body, but I''m shot flying past the Lich King at close proximity just in time for it to create another jet ck portal and swing its scythe through this one too.


    I twist my body again, and this time, with enough momentum to sh with it using equal power, my Soul Energy de collides with a small portion of the Lich King''s scythe that sticks out of a ck portal that floats in the air.


    At the same time, Ember lets out a concentrated beam of fire at the Lich King''s main body, and manages to burn away a portion of its ck cloak, and swirling ck energy of its greater form underneath to reveal the bright white bone of the monster''s lower ribcage.


    I spot a shimmering orange light inside it, and make the split-second deduction that it must have some kind of core or power source.


    As soon as Ie to this conclusion, however, the energy and cloak that Ember burned away reforms and covers up the orange glow again, and I have to block another iing scythe from the ck portals that form all around me.


    I don''t have the momentum to fully protect myself this time, and am sent rocketing into the desert floor to create another deep new canyon in the molten sand below.


    As I shoot back up to the surface, I watch Ember narrowly avoid the swing of a scythe that appears from behind him, then sends off another fire attack to melt away a small portion of soul Energy and reveal that orange light again. Ie to the conclusion that I need to switch things up.


    I activate the perk of my Rising Emperor''s domain, [Power Holder], and feel 44 geopoints with stats I''m able to steal right now. 6 of them are my ranked-up teammates, 37 of them are all the unconscious elites over 5km away, and 1 is an unknown new link of loyalty at a very high level.


    The natural range of my Domain has risen exponentially from the level-ups and increase in energy control.


    Without even thinking for more than a fraction of a second, like turning on a passive buff, I take 10% of everything they have and notifications ring in my inner ear while I fly back up at the Lich King.


    [+5,584 Strength]


    [+4,950 Defense]


    [+5,888 Agility]


    [+6,292 Speed]


    [+7,220 Mental Strength]


    [+14,087,516,777 Mana Control]


    A surge of power flows through me. All of my base stats are nearly doubled and the increase in mana control increases my overall energy control and significantly buffs my Soul Energy. I sense Ember''s Soul Energy capacity rocket upward too.


    It feels as if a dam has broken and energy pours out to cover his true form in ayer of fire at a whole new level than it was moments ago.


    The ck scythe from the Lich King appears from Ember''s blind spot out of a ck portal, and the moment he detects it, there''s no time to dodge.


    He can only turn his talons in the way to block.


    As he does, the two forces collide with even power, and the glowing orange eyes of the Lich King widen in confusion.


    His ws wrap around the monster''s ck scythe, and at the same moment I swing my Soul Energy de upward and aim right for its chest where I witnessed the orange glow pouring out just moments prior.


    With its de stuck in the grasp of a ming dragon, and my crimson energy sword pointed at the creature''s heart, the Lich King knows exactly what is about to happen.


    It lets out a blood-curdling scream, and a deration that echoes through everyone''s ears.


    "I am the Dark One. The Undead King! I will be the next Demon Lord. You mortals cannot stop me, impossible! If you dare to defy the natural order of my new world, I will take you down with me!"


    As my energy sword rips through its ck cloak, incinerating the Dark Shielding around its chest area, I dive deep into its rib cage while swinging my sword.


    An enormous orange gem rests inside it, flowing with Soul Energy, and pumping power all throughout its body.


    Before I can even bring my sword down on it, it begins to glow brighter and brighter as if it''s about to explode.


    I make tight shielding of Soul Energy around my head, heart, and vital organs, but leave everything else nearly defenseless, and charge my de with all of the remaining Soul Energy I have.


    A cracking sound ripples through the air as the monster tries to take its de back from Ember''s grasp, but he holds on with bloodied talons, tightening more onto the sharp de.


    The Lich King sacrifices over 20 meters of its scythe, severing the end part by closing its dark portal.


    Ember still holds onto the creature''s broken portion of de while releasing a full-powered highly concentrated beam of fire at its head.


    At the same time, a new portal is formed right behind me, and the cracked and broken scythees through it, pointed right at my back.


    With the expanding core about to explode in front of me, and the enormous ck fractured scytheing at me from behind, the only possible way I could dodge either of these would be to give up on my attack and run.


    However, that''s not at all what I n to do.


    I follow through, pushing my Soul Energy de deep into the orange gem at a diagonal angle.


    Predicting that it will explode the moment I break through it, I position my body in the way of its st to be violently propelled in the direction it does.


    The scythe swings down right where I was, and slices through my left shoulder and left leg.


    Without the violent orange st that pushes me to the right side, it would have been a direct hit.


    However, my main body is propelled far away while the broken gem erupts from a slit that my sword managed to produce and expels its energy at a constant rate from inside.


    The orange st melts away my skin at close proximity, but isn''t able to breach any of my denser Soul Energy shielding.


    While flying backward through the air, I use self-regeneration to grow back my lost limbs and melted flesh, then concentrate on the new ck portals that appear to my sides while I plummet toward the liquid ssy ground.


    I block every one of the blows with my energy sword, watching ck shards of the scythe''s metal get chipped away with every collision it makes.


    By the time I hit the ground, less than half of its weapon remains.


    At this point, I''m fully regenerated, and I jump back into the violent explosion of orange energy from its core.


    The Lich King continues to let out a death screech as it tries to obliterate everything in its vicinity, but the Aura thates off of Ember and myself is far too strong to be eaten by its orange Soul Energy.


    I grasp my de tightly, jumping directly through the violent orange aura eruption, while bashing away its final attempts to block me with its shrinking scythe.


    With my gaze locked onto the orange core gem that is still floating in its chest and releasing power, I swing my de at it again, this time with no external threats left to stop me from releasing everything I have into a final attack.


    My sword plunges into the crack that my previous attack produced, and I allow all of my Soul Energy to erupt from my de and engulf what is left of the stone while shattering it to pieces from the inside.


    My mes stretch outward, engulfing more and more with boundless hunger.


    The more it absorbs, the stronger my mes be. As I get stronger, the Lich King''s energy that attempts to slip away bes weaker.


    All of the energy from this orange st falls into my dark mes, and they engulf the Lich King''s entire body.


    There is no hope for it to escape.


    The crystal disintegrates, and every drop of the Orange Soul Energy in the surrounding area disappears in an instant to leave nothing but a skeleton in a ck cloak holding a shattered scythe.


    The screeches stop, and the waves of energy that threaten to tear the desert in two cease entirely.


    Ringing notifications sound in my ear, and the remains of the Lich King fall to the molten desert below.


    [Level Up] x414


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Buff: Curse of The Lich King


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: 3188 Mental Strength


    [YES][NO]

 Chapter 495

    Chapter 495


    As I scan the battlefield to ensure there are no other enemies nearby, I slowly let my buffs and Soul Energy Aura deactivate and flow back inside my core.


    I instantly absorb the new skill; Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning] and an additional 3188 Mental Strength points, but pause before epting this new buff.


    [Curse of The Lich King] stares at me in bright orange status text just as it did as a stain on every Dark Guard''s status I saw it on. It hovers above the pile of bones that falls closer to molten sand below me.


    I tighten my gaze, then decide not to ept this buff. I open my item storage and let out a sigh to let the remains of this monster fall inside.


    The ck metal shards of its scythe, remains of its dark cloak, the skull of the Lich King that still is covered with swirling ck energybeled [Superior Dark Element Stone], 5 dark orbsbeled [Arch Demon''s Core], and a silver ring with a clear gem on itbeled [Ring of the Divine [Hidden Ability]] fall into my storage.


    "If I have second thoughts, I can decideter..." I whisper under my breath.


    Something doesn''t feel quite right about that buff. I don''t want to add it to my status without thinking it over and getting a second opinion from Ember as well. Its corpse will stay in suspended animation inside my storage for as long as I''d like.


    My gaze hovers over the rest of my status, and I see my level has reached 2199.


    In addition to this, I take a moment to look at my new skill Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning].


    ____________________


    Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    Info: Dark Magic allows the caster to summon darkness. It is the absence of light. Or, the absence of magic itself. If Dark Magic shes with any pure mana-based attack, it will negate the opponent''s attack proportional to the amount of MP the enemy is exerting.


    An [Advanced Grade] hidden ability: The MP necessary to negate attacks thrown by elemental skills by the opponent need to only exert 25% of the attack''s MP to negate it.


    An [Extreme Grade] hidden ability: Portals of shadows can be created within the caster''s mana control aura and can allow items or portions of the caster''s body to phase through it as long as they stay touching the caster.


    A [Superior Grade] hidden ability: A single opponent killed by the caster may be resurrected in the form of shadows. The remains of this opponent must be sacrificed to the shadows, and only 1 contract may be created at a time. Once a new contract is created, the old one will disappear. The shadow soldier will be reborn at the level it was killed, but may gain exp to level up, and increase its mana control naturally. It''s experience points will be split evenly with the caster while it is walking in the world of the living. This resurrected form is capable of expressing free will, but their link to the world of the living can be severed by the caster at any time. If the shadow summon is killed, its level and mana control will decrease by 10% once it is summoned again.


    Grade: Superior


    [Upgrade]


    ____________________


    My eyes skim through these notes, and I get very excited about the potential of this new power. I''ll be able to negate mana-based attacks without using Demonic Energy, use a new kind of spatial magic, and the appearance of the Dark Guard with a [0] on its chest makes much more sense to me now. That was the Lich King''s resurrected Summon.


    After analyzing this new Dark Magic skill, I re-read my newest skill upgrade I was able to do right while my Soul Energy was awakening. This is the reason I was able to use absorption to have the option to ept a buff in the first ce. However, only one of the Lich King''s buffs showed up, and after reading it I soon understand why.


    ____________________


    [Absorption] [Mythic Grade]


    Info: This is a unique skill. Upon dealing the final killing blow to any creature, the caster has the capability to absorb its skills. Absorbed skills will be adapted to fit the caster''s biology.


    A [Special Grade] hidden ability: After defeating opponents of considerable strength, there is a chance the caster will be able to absorb 5% of their opponent''s highest stat points. This will permanently increase the caster''s status. For every 5 levels that the opponent surpasses the caster''s own, the probability of triggering this passive ability increases by 1%.


    A [Legendary Grade] hidden ability: Skills acquired using absorption will now increase in grade ss up to the current grade of this Absorption Skill.


    Therefore; Skills acquired using absorption will now increase in grade ss up to [Mythic Grade] upon casting. Old skills already obtained by the caster can now be upgraded to [Mythic Grade] after defeating an opponent with the same skill.


    After an opponent is defeated, their Mana Control Proficiency (MCP) may be absorbed. For all opponents below 80% of the caster''s level, 0.1% of MCP will be absorbed. For all opponents between 80% of the caster''s level and the caster''s level, 0.25% of MCP will be absorbed. For all opponents between the caster''s level and 120% of the caster''s level, 0.5% of MCP will be absorbed. For all opponents above 120% of the caster''s level, 1% of MCP will be absorbed.


    There is a 5% chance that any opponent above the caster''s current level will allow 1 Proficiency Point (PP) to be absorbed.


    A [Mythic Grade] hidden ability: If the defeated opponent is above 10% the caster''s level, there is a 10% chance the caster can absorb 1 of the opponent''s permanent buffs. Every additional 10% the opponent''s level is higher than the caster''s level, an additional 10% probability of their permanent buff being absorbed will apply. If the opponent has more than 1 permanent buff, the mostpatible ability will be chosen. Unique Buff''stent abilities may change based on the caster''s biology.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    A [Mythic Grade] hidden ability: If an opponent''s HP is brought down below 5% the caster has the capability to absorb a single skill without killing them. Activation time may vary depending on the total mana control difference between opponents. The opponent will permanently lose this skill from their status after it is absorbed. If the enemy has more than 1 skill on their status, it may still be stolen after killing them.


    Grade: Mythic Grade


    [Upgrade]


    ____________________


    Two interesting new Mythic Grade hidden abilities catch my eye at the bottom of this description sheet.


    The first is the ability to have a chance of absorbing an enemy''s permanent buff, this is what allowed the [Curse of The Lich King] to show up in my possible absorption options.


    Thest ability stands out to me the most.


    "Now... It is possible for me to steal skills without killing my enemies..."


    I close my status, then take a look at my surroundings.


    The sun is high in the sky, reflecting off the molten desert around me as far as the naked eye can see.


    Ember floats downward, shrinking, and turning back into his dragon-hybrid form, then eventually back into his full human form, with his arms crossed and a smile on his face.


    The moment I look him in his eyes, I stare deep into a Crimson Void of Soul Energy and immediately see the manifestation of an enormous ck ming dragon many timesrger than the form I just witnessed in this battle.


    Even though he''s not using any Soul Energy, I can sense exactly how much his core will allow him to output if he chooses to go all out, along with the eerie feeling that this well of power is nearly limitless and is just held back by a seal.


    I murmur to myself as he floats over closer to me.


    "So this is what Abby and Maria saw... I get why they reacted like that now."


    Ember grins and responds.


    "Yes, I have to say, your Soul Energy awakening debut was rather impressive too. It''s unclear which one of us is the true monster, wouldn''t you say?"


    He looks off into the distance too, and the molten sand sloshes around, radiating immense heat.


    The edges of the 10km wide sea of ss I created start to crystallize now that my Soul Energy mes have died down. I ask Ember a question.


    "So, what exactly is the Curse of The Lich King? I''m able to absorb its buff now, but I haven''t yet. It''s still floating in my storage undecided. A majority of its Soul Energy Essence is floating inside suspended animation as well."


    Ember exhales through his nose, chuckling for a moment, then gets serious and shakes his head.


    "It''s simr to a lesser version of your Rising Emperors Domain. However, only you''re able to give your army power, you cannot take it for yourself. You''ll have to strip their status clean of everything if you want them toply. However, the upside is, it doesn''t have to be an agreement between two parties, the buff holder will be the one in control. You can forcibly create contracts"


    I think about it for a moment, but Ember speaks up again before I do.


    "If it were up to me, I''d say let that Buff and the Lich King''s remains rot away in your storage for eternity. You don''t want any part of that disgrace of a Divine Beast''s legacy stained on your Soul. As long as you keep its Soul Energy Essence from dissolving back into the world, it can never begin the rebirth process."


    He shrugs.


    "But, it''s up to you."


    I nod.


    "That was my initial thought as well... I''ll pass on absorbing its buff for now, and keep its Soul Energy locked away for safekeeping."


    Ember chuckles again, but is interrupted by the cracking and hardening of the ssy pool below us.


    Ice spreads our way, and a bright sh of blue and green light does too.


    Abby flies through the air with Arie by his side and all 37 of the fully restored Elite fighters. Maria is below them, using her Ice imbued Soul Energy to freeze and harden the desert floor so it''s capable of being walked on again and not just a molten pit of death.


    Five people trail at the rear. Fisher, Lydia, and my one remaining body double are behind the fighters to the right. Then, Monk, and an old man in torn white robes with a [Lv. 1602] tag and a link of loyalty to my Rising Emperor''s domain floats next to him in the sky.


    Things begin to click in my mind, vaguely remembering the feeling of a weak lifeforce deep beneath the mountains be engulfed in my mes during my initial attack.


    They heard my words "Pledge your loyalty, or burn to ash!" as I flew over, and as the orange soul energy burned away from their body, they submitted to the mes and joined my ranks by their own volition.


    After a quick appraisal, I find that his status ispletely wiped clean. There are no items, no skills, and not even the [Curse of The Lich King] buff leftover.


    My mind races for a proper exnation, but can only conclude that it is a unique trait of my Soul Energy using my buffs and skills in unison to create this effect. It seems I can burn away curses like this under special conditions. To know more, I''ll need to conduct further tests in the future.


    Ember and I float down to greet the rest of the army. I deliberately do not put up a disguise this time, allowing everyone here to see my true appearance. They put their life on the line to give me time and fight an army that numbered nearly 2000 troops while I was awakening, getting a bit personal is the least I can do for them in return.


    Once we all touch down on the icy ss that Maria has summoned, I speak up.


    "We''ve won. All of us that stand here today make up the strongest force in the entire Dark Continent. I thank you for your service today, and hope that this great battle against the Dark One''s Army marks the beginning of our reign."


    Everyone looks up at me, and I scan the crowd, looking at everyone in the eyes individually.


    "This is just the beginning. A great battle has been won to dere dominance over the Dark Continent, but this is far from the true powers that rule this world. We will celebrate our victory, and we will strive to grow stronger."


    The moving image of a burning g with a Hunter''s Association Logo on it shes in my mind as I visualize my next target, slowly formting a new long term n of action.


    I float back up in the air and begin sifting through my item storage to let many of the items that were absorbed into my Soul Energy mes fall out.


    I use telekinesis to let them all float down slowly to everyone below.


    "Your spoils of war. I managed to pick these up before destroying the battlefield."


    I let about a hundred of the highest grade weapons fall out of my storage.


    These are silver swords, shields, daggers, and unique artifacts that some of the higher-grade level 400-700 ghouls had on them.


    The Elites take them with thanks, and I move onto the even better loot.


    Over a dozen Wraith cores fall from my storage next into the hands of Lydia and Fisher.


    Then, 8 purple gems in the shape of spiders'' eyes fall toward Arie and Abby. They hum with energy, and each have mental strength and agility buffs that breach 300%.


    The remains of a shattered silver sword, being what is leftover from the 1st ranked Dark Guard falls toward Maria. Its shards each have 450% Strength buffs, and can surely be used in future crafts. None of the other items from the 1st Guard remain, they were all shattered to dust or burned to ash. Ember doesn''t care for magic items like these, so Maria is happy to take them for a future craft.


    Thenstly, I float down to see Monk and the old man by his side.


    He turns to look me in the eyes, and both of them bow.


    I nod back, and speak to the old man first.


    "Considering our link of loyalty is already created, you have my trust. However, I still have many questions to ask you once we''ve all recovered from battle."


    He gives me a weak nod back, replying in a raspy tone.


    "Of course."


    It''s clear he has built up immense fatigue and is having a tough time even standing in front of me now, but is doing so out of respect.


    I smile, then turn to Monk.


    "Great. This must be even more of a surprise to you than it is to me. It is a pleasure to finally meet your master."

 Chapter 496

    Chapter 496


    I look off into the distance toward Sector 2, then speak up to Monk again.


    "Let''s get back safely and rest. After that, we can talk."


    Everyone around us divides their loot and begins to chatter amongst themselves. I decide to wrap up my talk before I lose everyone''s focus, so I float back up in the air and put on my me Emperor''s disguise.


    "Now let''s go back to town and bring the good news."


    I float upward with Ember next to me, and my ranked-up teammates follow close by.


    We leave the enormous sea of hardened ss behind.


    The mountain range ispletely leveled and melted away.


    The ravine is filled in, and the entirendscape is forever changed.


    The sun continues to shine overhead as we return home.


    ¡ª


    A few minutes into the flight back, I decide to eliminate the body double that is with me now and rece it with a new double at my current level 2199. I create a second as well, to rece the one that was killed in battle.


    I have them both fly much faster off ahead of the returning troops to go to the canyon of dungeons. One of them is given some gold to head to Vice City and Sra to get more food and water for the town while the other one heads off to start upgrading my skills.


    As it vanishes off into the desert, I start sifting through my item storage to look at my own gear again, and I begin hearing dozens of notifications in my inner ear. Skills are being upgraded to Mythic Grade and elements are all rising to Extreme Grade one by one.


    A grines across my face as I take the time in the air while traveling back to begin sifting through my storage and nning out what kind of new gear I''ll craft with my new high-grade materials from defeating the Lich King.


    The first thing I try to do is remove my greater demon''s core from my inventory slot.


    With all of the new high-ranking gear now, its 50% buff to all of my stats is bing near obsolete. It is still a great boost, but I''m sure in the near future I''ll have items that can fit that space better.


    I attempt merging it with my Arch Demon''s core using my crafting skill, but it doesn''t show up in the interface. Neither do any of the 5 Arch Demon Cores that float in my storage. They can be equipped, but cannot be taken off my item list nor modified by any other outside items using crafts.


    It makes sense that a Demon would never unequip or alter its core, but feels unreasonable for a human to be locked into the same mechanism if I''m not dependent on it to live. I continue to tinker around with it for a while, bute to the conclusion I''ll need to do some tests with Soul Energy and some new Mythic grade skills another time. I''ll find a way to remove it eventually. I really only need one core to properly use Demonic Energy.


    Once Ie to that conclusion, Ie up with two other crafts that I''d like to try out. The first is a simple one, so I activate it while soaring through the air, taking the remains of the shredded Dark One''s cloak, and imbue them into my [Cloak of Total Darkness].


    Adding all of the remaining ripped fragments of The Lich King''s Cloak [+604% Agility][+399% Speed][Hidden Ability][Dark Attribute] to my blood-bonded cloak does not create a new visual appearance, but it significantly upgrades the cloak''s stats and adds a dark attribute to its abilities.


    _____________


    Cloak of Total Darkness [+680% Mental Strength][+595% Agility][+498% Speed][+200% Perception][Blood Bonded][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute][Dark Attribute]


    _____________


    I feel a surge of power as it''s upgraded while I''m wearing it. The cloak feels as if it can shift and change with more ease, and my magic power as well as natural perception and movement speed feel a noticeable change.


    I do a few twists and spins in the air while continuing to lead everyone forward, so Emberments on it.


    "Already putting the Lich King''s gear to good use huh? Anything else interesting?"


    I nod, thinking about a few other items I''d like to wait until I''m back in the town to craft, but pull out the silver ring with the clear gem on itbeled: Ring of the Divine [Hidden Ability].


    "I did get this, but no matter how many times I try to appraise it, nothing more than its namees back. I''m not exactly sure what it is..."


    This catches Ember''s attention, so he floats closer to me and I hand him the ring to examine.


    Ember lets it float in the air in front of him, using an invisible energy that I''m unable to sense to make the artifact float in front of his eyes.


    The longer he looks at it, the more intense his stare gets.


    Then, he finally looks up at me.


    "Yes, this is definitely a Divine Key."


    I raise an eyebrow, and respond.


    "A what? Divine Key...? What does it do?"


    Ember shrugs, pulling a silver ring with a red gem on it out from thin air, it appears on his finger, and I see the same exact appraisal reading on it too.


    Ring of the Divine [Hidden Ability]


    Now, I''m even more confused, its clear to see on my face, so Ember speaks up again. He hands the silver and clear stone ring back to me while making the silver and red ring disappear back to wherever it came from.


    "Sometimes, the Divine Beasts are called upon, this is the ring that each one carries to answer that call. You shouldn''t be able to hold the ring, nor should it even be manifested in this physical world in the hands of a mortal. The conditions in which you killed and sealed away the Lich King''s Soul Energy inside you must have altered with the wish of the Divine."


    Ember smiles and thinks to himself for a few more seconds.


    "Put it on. It won''t do anything for you now, but it may bring opportunity if the Divine ever care to call."


    He thinks to himself again, then speaks up in a more nonchnt tone.


    "It''s been tens of lifetimes since anything like that has happened, so I really doubt you''ll ever need it. However, there''s always a chance.."


    I hold the ring in my hand for a while longer as we soar back to the town.


    As the construction projects and day-to-day lives of townspeoplee into view, I decide to take Ember''s advice and ce the ring on.


    We all float down to the nearest entrance of the new apartment building and my double has already returned with fresh supplies for everyone to go back to their rooms and dpress from the long, hard battle. It''s agreed upon that everyone meets back up before the sunset to celebrate and talk with the town.


    I n on doing an official announcement, but feel it is more necessary for people to rx, and spread what happens by word of mouth for now if they wish.


    After handing these out, my double gives additional supplies to the man, Dan Striker, that has set up a small mercenary guild bar right outside the apartmentplex on the small street leading the center of town.


    I give him cooking supplies, high-end drinks, and misceneous gear and supplies to throw a celebration for the Army volunteers once they''ve finished washing up and resting.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Many of my teammates want to do exactly the same thing. Arie meets back up with Luna. Monk helps his master find a room with afortable bed and good food to rest. Lydia and Fisher dpress on their own and socialize with the army recruits, rehashing moments of battle together.


    Then, Abby, Maria, Ember, and I all go back to the guildhall in the center of the city.


    Instead of going inside, we all float up onto the roof and overlook the town as word of what happened today slowly spreads amongst the vigers by word of mouth.


    None of us speak a word to each other, we just enjoy the view as people live their lives and the sun slowly moves over the horizon.


    Soon, Arie and Luna meet us up on top of the roof as well.


    Then, Monk, Lydia, and Fisher all make their way here too.


    I share my craftsmanship skill with everyone, and we even sift through all of the B Grade Materials down in the bunker to find more gear to maximize their crafting possibilities. Everyone gets major upgrades.


    Fisher and Lydia both make many concealment cloaks simr to mine by merging the Wraiths'' cores and imbuing my conceal skill. They hand them out to everyone here on the roof. Ember and Monk are the only one''s that prefer not to take the gift. The other''s that do will now be able to alter their appearance to whatever they can imagine even when I''m not sharing my concealment skill with them.


    Arie and Abby make pendants and rings out of the purple spider eyes.


    Maria uses the core of the 5th Ranked Dark Guard to create a set of blood-bonded armor with over 350% Defense buffs and high magic resistance to all of the elements. Then, she merges all of therge fragments of the 1st ranked dark guard''s sword to create a brand-new blood-bonded sword with over 500% Strength enhancements. She doesn''t imbue the sword with any skills or weaker element stones, hoping that she''ll get to fight a strong ice monster in the future for its element stone.


    While they do this, I make my own new weapon in the same fashion that Maria did, but I have both the weapons base material, as well as the element I want to imbue.


    The potential of the craft I''m attempting here excites me.


    I take all of the broken pieces of the Lich King''s Scythe and stack them on top of each other, using telekinesis to keep them floating in the air. The only reason this de broke was because the Lich King sacrificed it to pull it from Ember''s grasp. Before its base was shattered by its dark portals and structural integrity began to fall apart, this de withstood attacks directly from my fully powered Soul Energy attacks.


    Its fragments all read [Lich King''s Scythe] [+519% Strength][+444% Mental Strength][Hidden Ability].


    It still vibrates and longs to be imbued with Dark Magic again.


    So much so, that when I take the Lich King''s Dark Skull from my inventory, the Dark Element Stone that has merged itself inside this creature''s remains still tries to seep its way back into the floating pile of shattered de.


    I activate my newest skill, Superior Dark summoning, and allow ck tendrils of energy seep from my hands to meld with the energies that loom around, even imbuing Soul Energy into this magic to increase its strength and simte the kind of magic I''d use during battle.


    It creeps into the fragments of the de, and mixes with the pure Dark Elemental energying out of the skull.


    I cut open my wrist to allow far more blood than necessary to pour out, soaking the des and regenerating my blood to create a foolproof secure bond. I remember Bri saying the more blood the crafter uses, the more control over the blood bonded craft the wielder will have.


    Just 8 ounces has always been enough in the past, but from the sheer size of materials I''m using, and the power that seeps out from this Dark Element Skull-shaped stone, I get the feeling using far more is safer.


    I activate my Mythic Grade craftsmanship skill, and the enormous pile of materials begins to glow bright white.


    First, it expands and shes, then, it begins topact and fuse together while floating in the air.


    It gets smaller and smaller, but the energy density inside of the craft reaches levels even more intense than I imagined.


    Once the bright white light finally ceases, a long ck sword is left in my right hand that is nearly as tall and wide as I am.


    It immediately calls to be imbued with Dark Soul Energy Imbued magic, and I do exactly that because it feels so right.


    The de pulses with Dark Magic, and a jet ck aura forms around it.


    Right at the base of the de, a ck crystal skull channels the power from my hand into the impossibly dense metal.


    Over 100m of Scythe has beenpacted into a 2m long sword.


    It the same weight as that scythe and is capable of wielding even more power... Yet, it is allpacted and focused on a very small concentrated point. This is a weapon incapable of holding back; I could never use it in a friendly sparring match. It is a tool built solely for war.


    _________


    The Dark Emperor''s de [+729% Strength][+666% Mental Strength][+512% Speed][+478% Agility][+401% Defense][Blood Bonded][Dark Attribute][Hidden Ability]


    _________


    I stare at the rotating masterpiece as I channel more and more power into it, and it never hits its cap; it continues to charge further and further with no end in sight.


    I hold it high above my head, then open a spatial magic portal behind me to let all of the remaining hundreds of silver swords that I managed to absorb from the fallen ghouls on the battlefield earlier fall out.


    The silver des of my in enemiese together, and I use a small amount of fire-imbued soul energy to heat them up enough that they are moldable.


    As I bring the massive ck sword down to my side, and sit back, I mold all of these des into the shape of a throne.


    Using ice, water, and wind magic, the throne consolidates and shimmers silver from the sun''s rays. I sit back against the cool metal made of the weapons of the enemy forces we just utterly destroyed, and rest the jet ck sword beside me.


    "We''ve won."


    All of my teammates that fought in this war stand behind me and appreciate the view for a few minutes.


    Lights begin to shine in the city below, and the party looks like it''s starting all along the street leading from the mercenary pub to the apartments hosting vigers and Elite fighters.


    I stand up from my throne and ce my new sword back into my inventory, and point down to the crowd forming in the streets.


    "Please, all of you celebrate your hearts out tonight; let me worry about tomorrow. Just be ready to leave by noon, we''ll visit Sector 1 together and bring the Good News."


    _____________________


    Post Chapter Status Update


    _____________________


    ____________


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 2199


    Hp: 11000/11000


    Mp: 11000/11000


    ____________


    Strength: 8594 [+10743] [+36181] [+10313] [+37728] [+62650] [+4297] [+8594] [+21485] [+21485] [+21485] [+34376] = 277,931 Total Strength


    Speed: 7452 [+8272] [+11327] [+9315] [+19003] [+37111 ][+25784] [+38154] [+3726] [+7452] [+23250] [+18630] [+18630] [+29808] = 257,914 Total Speed


    Agility: 7596 [+7596] [+8356] [+9495] [+19826] [+45196] [+26130] [+36309] [+3798] [+7596] [+20965] [+18990] [+30384] = 242,237 Total Agility


    Defense: 6245 [+4621] [+8805] [+6870] [+14613] [+19484] [+10304] [+24918] [+25042] [+3123] [+6245] [+15613] [+24980] = 170,863 Total Defense


    Mental Strength: 10406 [+15713] [+13008] [+13632] [+36421] [+70761] [+39023] [+69304] [+5203] [+10406] [+31114 ][+26015] [+26015] [+41624] = 408,645 Total Mental Strength


    ____________


    Skills:


    Absorption [Mythic Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Special Grade]


    Enemy Detection [Mythic Grade]


    Body Hardening [Mythic Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Mythic Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Mythic Grade]


    Telekinesis


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    Conceal [Special Grade]


    Berserker [Mythic Grade]


    Dungeon Walker [Legendary Grade]


    Intimidation [Mythic Grade]


    Dagger Mastery [Mythic Grade]


    Stealth [Mythic Grade]


    Bloodlust [Mythic Grade]


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Extreme Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength [Mythic Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Mythic Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Mythic Grade]


    Hibernation [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Legendary Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Legendary Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Speed [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Water Summoning]


    Screech [Mythic Grade]


    Phantom Step [Mythic Grade]


    re [Mythic Grade]


    Confusion [Mythic Grade]


    st [Mythic Grade]


    Bind [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodweaver [Legendary Grade]


    Poison Mist [Legendary Grade]


    Iron Fist [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Stamina [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Lightning Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    ____________


    Items Equipped: [15 Slots Avable Post 2nd Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [+151% Mental Strength][+111% Speed][+100% Agility][+99% Strength][+74% Defense][Illusion Attribute]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+141% Defense][+125% Strength][+125% Mental Strength]


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [+152% Speed]


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [+110% Agility] [+75% Magic Resistance] [+95% Ice Magic Resistance]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+131% Mental Strength] [+125% Speed][+125% Agility][+110% Defense]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Advanced Fire Aspect][+421% Strength][+350% Mental Strength][+234% Defense][+255% Speed][+261% Agility]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+312% Defense]


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+680% Mental Strength][+595% Agility][+498% Speed][+200% Perception][Blood Bonded][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute][Dark Attribute]


    Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets[+165% Defense][+120% Strength][Hardening Attribute]


    Infinite Essence of Regeneration[Blood Bonded][+439% Strength][+399% Defense][+375% Mental Strength][+346% Speed][+344% Agility][Hidden Ability]


    The Dark Emperor''s de [+729% Strength][+666% Mental Strength][+512% Speed][+478% Agility][+401% Defense][Blood Bonded][Dark Attribute][Hidden Ability]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Ring of the Divine [Hidden Ability]


    Final Slot[15th]:[Interchangeable]


    [Storm King''s Dagger Set][Blood Bonded][+312% Speed][+299% Mental Strength][+276% Agility][+250% Strength][+250% Defense][Lightning Attribute][Wind Attribute]


    Midnight Dagger


    ____________


    Skill Buffs:


    [Berserker] +250% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +250% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength , +100% Perception


    [Extreme Strength] +250% Strength


    [Extreme Speed] +250% Speed


    [Final Breath] ~ +400% All Stats (Exact % will vary, conditions & circumstances apply)


    ____________


    Permanent Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability][Passive]


    Rising Emperor''s Greater Form[Hidden Ability][Active]


    Red Hydra''s Rage[Soul Bond Attribute][Active]


    ____________

 Chapter 497

    Chapter 497


    As the sun sets, more people join the festivities.


    Many Elite fighters are fully rested, and the construction team under Maurice takes a load off from their hard day.


    This is both the debut opening of the firstrge bar in town on the main street and a symbol of the beginning of a new civilization that will grow from nothing into a force to be known by the world.


    I give a short speech and a simplified version of today''s events once everyone has shown up but leave them all on a simple note.


    "We are no longer under attack from any nations within the Dark Continent. We shall grow and prosper from the ground up moving forward. Enjoy yourselves tonight. Consider this the beginning of a new Era!"


    There are nks of drinks, cheers, and people go off and enjoy their night.


    I share a drink with my team, but the passive poisin resistance perks of my self-regeneration skill negate its effects instantly.


    It''s clear that the advancement of everyone''s mana and Qi control lessens the intensity of mind altering toxins as well, but we do it more as a tradition to celebrate.


    The night goes on, but all of my main teammates end up right back on that rooftop once the main events calm down. We bring food, drinks, chairs, nkets and lights up and surround the silver throne I created earlier to have our own private party and talk candidly amongst ourselves.


    It makes me happy to see the vigers enjoying themselves, and I entertain the fun conversations taking ce here on the roof, but there are really only a few things left on my mind.


    The events of the battle rey in my head, the feeling of awakening and absorbing mana and Qi in a trance like state for months feels like a blur, and the fact that I''ve achieved the goal I set out to do is still flooding my body with endorphins. However, I want more.


    The chatter calms down, and we listen to the music that ys from below us in the town while staring up at the night sky and finally taking a moment to rx.


    Once the golden sunes up over the desert horizon, I raise a question to Ember who calmly watches the city lights get drowned out by the rising sun too.


    "What is a Demon Lord?"


    Ember turns to me with a curious gaze. No one has said a word for nearly an hour, enjoying the view, and this is the first thing thates out of my mouth.


    Based on his expression, and the perked-up expressions of everyone else around me, I follow up this question with a statement.


    "Well, I heard the Lich King mention he would be the next Demon Lord."


    Then, I pull out the 5 Arch Demon Cores from my storage, letting them hover over my left palm while pointing to the dark abyss that is barely visible in the morning light.


    "It seems a lot of people get obsessed with this Demonic Energy. The Association tried to kill all of us just to get a hold of the remains of Demonic Energy after abyrinth was destroyed. The old Sector 4 and Sector 2 leaders were clearly colluding to take the resources of the Abyss for themselves and had no problem trying to kill me to take my core.... Now even the Lich King, the most powerful creature here on the Dark Continent, the underground leader of Sector 1. It carried 5 of these cores around too, and imed it will be the Next Demon Lord. So, what does it mean? What is a Demon Lord? What is Demonic Energy? What are Demons?"


    Ember lets out a sigh, staring off at the dark clouds of the Abyss that are far away from the town near the canyon of dungeons.


    "Well, if you really would like to know, I''ll tell you. It won''t make sense to a lot of your teammates. I can only exin it in terms that you and I have experienced together."


    "That''s fine. We can fill them in on the missing details as you exin. It''s just been eating away at the back of my mind, I need to know why people want this power so badly."


    I let the cores fall back into my storage, then listen closely as Ember continues.


    "Well, the reason people want power is an impossible question to answer in itself. Every individual seeks power for their own needs, but to be more specific, why do people want Demonic Power? There could be a number of answers to this question too. Ancient texts are hard to trante correctly. Sometimes Demonic Energy, Mana, and what some call the god particle; Qi, are hard to separate as the powers always shift as new erase and go. There are always fights over powers that are unknown. If it is not the majority power source ons, it will always be more valuable even if it is weaker than the main''s power source. Sometimes, even the power of the divine is mixed into this misinformation. It is hard to know anyone''s true motivation without knowing where they came from and what they know."


    He pauses.


    "However, to stay on topic here, I can tell you why the Lich King in particr wanted to harness this Demonic Power. Great poweres from iming the throne of the Demon Lord."


    Ember eyes the Abyss one more time, then focuses his attention back on us.


    "For any of you that have dealt with Demonic monsters before, you know they do not exactly use the same energy as humans. The majority of power users on this use mana-based magic, and a mana-based system. Mana is the most abundant in this environment over every other power source. It has seeped into all life on this and naturally found a bnce, adapting to the human world. If there was not any mana in your body to begin with, and no mana on this to manifest dungeons, the system would not be here to allow you to absorb the power around you and grow in the first ce."


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Everyone nods along as Ember continues.


    "Demonse from the Demonic Realm. You walked through a rift to challenge one of their trials with a rift key once. Their world is mostly abundant with Demonic Energy, not mana. Their system and progression patterns to grow stronger do not work the same way as you humans."


    I nod, pulling out the purple-white glowing rift key that I still have that unlocks the next trial for everyone to see, and respond.


    "That''s right... but I can sometimes see Demonic Energy in my system text... I have a skill for it, and even Demonic Artifacts show up in my appraisal skill."


    I pause and think to myself before speaking again.


    "What about Demons that runbyrinths here? They have levels. Most of them don''t even use Demonic Energy at all, they use mana. What''s with that?"


    Ember turns to me and grins.


    "That is true, but imagine you were born without an ounce of mana in your body in the Demonic Realm. You wouldn''t awaken the same system you have, your body and magic would adapt to the environment you''re ced in. Once in contact with certain energies, the system will adapt to it too. A great example is Soul Energy. Its power is not always visible on the system either, but sometimes buffs and skills can be visible on it once mixed with mana or altered to fit an unmodified mana-based system."


    Ember points to Monk.


    "My case and point here. Even without leveling up, or using the mana-based system, you grew stronger using an external energy source for many years before we met, Qi."


    Monk nods, and Ember keeps talking.


    "Sure, you were born with mana, but living creatures adapt to their environments. There are many energy sources and ways to control the world around you. Far more than you canprehend right now."


    He pauses, then speaks in a more serious tone to all of us.


    "The progression of a Demon is simple. It goes from a weak basic hatchling Demon, to a Greater Demon that guards abyrinth. This is considered a very strong form in their race, like humans would look up to an Elite fighter, or a B-ss ranked up hunter. Once it grows strong enough absorbing enough Demonic Energy, or if ced in a mana-based environment, enough mana, it may have the chance to evolve into an Arch Demon. It gains more skills, awakens a new core, and has the capacity to grow stronger far faster. This is considered a peak level soldier in the Demonic Realm. An Arch Demon''s growth rate and possibilities are endless."


    Ember lets out another sigh.


    "Just like any powerful being, the greed for more power is never satisfied. There is a final progression for a Demon, but it requires an enormous amount of energy, physical ability, and time. It isn''t exactly a feat one can just unlock from leveling up or absorbing more energy, they have to pass trials and im the Demon Lord''s throne. In doing that, they''re able to finally reach their true peak form."


    He turns to me and looks me in the eyes.


    "Whenever a Demon Lord''s throne begins to show itself, it is a sign that there will be a great war during that era. It''s really only called the Demon Lord''s throne because the highest concentration of energy is usually in the Demonic Realm, it''s not very often one forms on other worlds. Another species is capable of iming it, reaching their final forms too, but something like this basically never happens. The Demons always win. This is why the name of this special rank up process has been written into history as the ascension to Demon Lord."


    Everyone sits in silence, but Ember keeps going on.


    "It isn''t umon for a new throne to emerge after a past Demon Lord is defeated, or a cataclysmic event triggers energy stores to create a rift. Most of the time, these great challenges happen within the Demonic Realm, but I''ve seen them emerge on other worlds too."


    He turns back to the abyss for a final time.


    "So, when the Lich King said he was on the path to bing the next Demon Lord, he meant he was building an army, and bing stronger to one day challenge all of the Demons and other beings that may show up to im the throne."


    I turn to him with wide eyes, and a fast-moving heart full of excitement.


    "So, what you''re saying is the Lich King wasn''t even strong enough yet to take that throne?"


    Ember shakes his head.


    "Not even close. What I''m saying is, there are other beings watching this throne awaken too. Demons, Demonic monsters, and creatures from other worlds are always watching. I''m sure you''ve seen for yourself, many lurk in the abyss, waiting for it to awaken so they can challenge it themselves. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The fight for the throne has already begun. If the Association is really that strict about Demonic Energy, odds are, there are members in that organization that hope to reach this throne too."


    My mind races at all of these possibilities, reshaping potential ns for the future based on what Ember has told me, but not setting anything in stone before I know exactly what I''d be getting myself into.


    "So... How strong do I have to be to take this throne... and how far away is it from awakening?"


    Ember shrugs.


    "Who knows. A week? Six Months? Ten Years? The progression could speed up or slow down at any time. Throne awakenings are unpredictable. The trials are never the same either. Whenever it does happen, it isn''t up to you. Your best bet is to keep training and getting stronger as usual for now. You may feel like you are on top of the world right now, but I assure you, if you want to find true power, you''ve just scratched the surface of what is possible."


    The sun fully rises, and no more questions are asked.


    Ember''s words sounded like they were initially meant as a warning to all of us, but the more we listened and think about his words now, they feel more like a wake-up call, or even a motivational speech.


    It is great to celebrate, but this is not the end, there is still far more work to do to reach the top.


    This sentiment sinks into everyone, and the town below finally falls asleep and stops partying as the morninges.


    I make sure to give my doubles ns for the day while everyone goes and rests for a few hours, and I tell them to meet me back here at noon. Even I do the same, checking out a luxury suite at the top of the apartmentplex that was specifically built for me. Many of my teammates have their own suites all made on the same floor. Monk goes to check on his master, but he has fallen into a deep sleep after making it back here and has not woken up since.


    The suites haverge beds, nice views, and basic needs all figured out, but they aren''t as ssy as some of the Vice, Sran, or Valor city high rises I''ve been to. However, they''re very nice for such short notice and limited building materials.


    I take a hot shower and get ready for the day ahead.


    A few hours pass and we all meet back up on the rooftop, feeling refreshed and ready to face the world.


    Fisher, Lydia, Monk, Arie, Abby, Maria, Ember, and I all stand in a circle.


    I hand out transportation crystals to those who don''t have any, while those that do pull them out from their item boxes.


    "It''s time to get back to business. Let''s break the news to Lith, and see how things are going in Sector 1."


    In a sh of white light, crushing the crystals in our hands, we''re all transported into the white-walled lobby of the Galeheart Tower.

 Chapter 498

    Chapter 498


    We materialize inside the lobby of the Galeheart Tower, and I immediately ask the two lobby men to tell me where Lith is even though I already know the answer.


    "He should be in his office."


    The elevator dings, and opens, but no one is inside it.


    I turn and walk inside. All of my teammates follow, then the fast-moving elevator moves us up dozens of floors in a matter of seconds before letting out a ding and opening up to show the visual of Lith''s high-rise office.


    The moment Iy eyes on him, the man''s appraisal-blocking artifacts are meaningless to me now. I see his [Lv. 824] rating clear as day now, his extreme wind element too, even all of the high-grade mental strength boosting artifacts cannot be hidden from the Soul Energy coursing through my eyes.


    Even the mana shielding in this building that I assumed to be imprable before, can easily be looked through like ss windows. My conceptions about this being apletely secure building werepletely wrong, the Dark One was most likely spying on us this entire time.


    I sense many other buildings nearby, but 3 otherrge towers stand out the most to me in the center of the city previously protected by the Dark One''s Royal Guards. The shielding on them is nearly identical in thickness to the Galeheart Tower. However, they''re almost twice as tall.


    While smaller office buildings surround these towers and have workers simr to the setup Lith has here just on a smaller scale, there is a clear distinction between those buildings and the 3 that arepletely abandoned without a single guard or living soul inside them.


    One of them seems to be filled to the brim with many unique magic items, possibly recement gear for soldiers in its army.


    Another has dozens of sectioned-off containment rooms, and it''s hard to visualize exactly what''s inside because of the many denseryers of shielding inside masking these very odd energy readings.


    Thenstly, there''s a building that feels entirely empty, other than a small opening at the lobby base that seems to go underground.


    As my perception skills go wild, trying to pick up all of the readings in my environment, Lith stands up from his desk and interrupts my scans by speaking loudly with an annoyed expression on his face.


    "Five of my istion pods? You took them a few days ago, didn''t you? I saw it all on the surveince footage once I was done with my session, yet haven''t heard back from you since. Those were rare gifts from the old Sector 2 leader, you know, they aren''t easy toe by. You could have just used them here. I''d like a good exnation on why you''ve¡ª"


    "The Dark One is dead, I killed it. We destroyed its entire army. Every Dark Guard, Ghoul, Wraith, and follower under its spell."


    As these words leave my lips, I grin and walk over to Lith while cing out a hand.


    "I''ve finished my portion of our agreement a little ahead of schedule, we had to take some of your resources when we were in a pinch for time."


    He stares at my outreached hand, and the look of annoyance on his face turns to one of shock.


    "You... really did...?"


    I smile and nod, staring him in the eyes with a serious look. There is only silence in the room for a moment before he ces a hand over his desk and stands up to shake mine.


    "Well... In that case... I did say I would give you whatever resources were necessary to be strong enough. I just never imagined you''d act so soon."


    We release our handshake, and I smile.


    "What''s done is done. However, I have a few more conditions I''d like to add moving forward, because with the Dark One''s army taken care of, the people standing before you right now make up the top fighters of the strongest army in the entire Dark Continent."


    There''s a pause of silence in the room as the reality of the situation sinks in, then I say it out loud.


    "We''re taking over."


    Lith''s face turns pale, but he doesn''t move a muscle, speaking back in a steady tone, masking his fear.


    "My connections¡ª My resources¡ª I''m far more powerful than just physical strength, I think you should reconsider your¡ª"


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    I interject before hepletely misunderstands my point.


    "Hey, I never said we''re getting rid of you, nothing like that at all."


    Color floods back into his face as I continue.


    "I want you to be the face of Valor City. I need you to take over the arena, continue all of the high-end trade deals, and retake over the lost Royal Guards to make sure this ce is secure."


    I look in his eyes and speak up again.


    "Consider my team the new Dark One''s Army overlooking this city as a final measure of security, but with a far less strict agenda, and more perks. I want things to prosper here as much as you. Our trade deals shall run just as normal, you will keep your discount for items bought for Sector 1. Plus, I wish to see your promise to continue linking me with all of the other Sectors and regions on the maind stay the same."


    Lith nods, thinking over my words, then replies.


    "That is fair. It''s really all I asked for initially, and I assumed if you ever became strong enough to defeat the Dark One, there would be no reason to keep me in power, or even alive for that matter. However, negotiating with a human is far easier than a monster."


    He lets out a sigh and sits back in his chair. Then, I reply again.


    "Well, probably, but don''t be so sure about that. I have onest condition, and there is no negotiating on this point."


    Lith''s eyebrows raise.


    "What is it?"


    "I need you to pledge your loyalty to me. You may run this city how you wish, and independently organize trade deals within Sector 1 or in private auctions if you wish, but my word is final. I need you to trust me and follow me as your leader as I establish dominance over the entire Dark Continent."


    He sps his hands, thinking about this for almost a full 30 seconds, then I feel a link of loyalty being created and a notification on my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface adding Lith to the list while he speaks.


    "Alright. If that is all, I pledge my loyalty to you as the new leader of The Dark Continent."


    He nods and ces out his hand, and we shake on it. I acknowledge his words and actions.


    "Great, it''s settled. We''re back in business."


    Ipletely change my tone from one of seriousness to one of more nonchnce.


    "Now, I assume you''ve had enough time to reach out and send associates to the neighboringnds to get initial orders for the trade deals. Let me see what you''ve got."


    Lith looks a bit startled at my sudden shift inposure. Then, he speaks up again in a relieved yet confused tone while reaching beneath his desk to pull out a stack of papers and an item box.


    "Well, yes, I have a few order confirmations actually, they''re uh¡ªhold on. First, is there some soul pact or signature or contract you want me to sign? Just verbally agreeing to your terms seems a bit too easy, how do you even believe me?"


    I shrug.


    "It''s one of my buffs, I trust you, you''re part of the team now. Just don''t change your mind about me and we''ll be fine, I''ll know if you do."


    I eye the papers on his desk.


    "Let me see the terms. Who agreed for the initial orders, are they simr to the estimates you gave out to me a few weeks back?"


    Lith nods and pushes the papers forward while handing me the item box too.


    "Pretty simr, but there are some differences. If you look there, I managed to secure preorders from 6 separate buyers. Well, 4 buyers that aren''t including my initial basic item order here for Sector 1 and Chester''s order from Sector 4."


    I nod, sifting through the papers as Lith continues.


    "There was arge order from Sector 3, mostly E and D ss gear for their hunters in smaller cities and enhancement potions for the workers on the vast farnd. It is nearly identical to their past orders with the old Sector 2 leader. It seems they don''t mind at all who is selling gear, they just want materials to continue business as usual."


    Lith points to another stack of pages.


    "This one is the Vice Region''s order. It''s a fraction of what they used to buy, so it seems they''re testing the waters of a new supplier here, but getting our foot in the door is always better than nothing."


    Then, he shakes his head.


    "No one from the Apex region wanted anything to do with a new unknown source from the Dark Continent, so there were no takers there. However, both the Bedrock and Talton region ced in orders at simr sizes as the Vice Region. Out of the 8 great regions, they hardly ever partake in trade with foreign countries. It seems a new seat of power in Sector 2 has opened up more opportunities."


    Lith points to the item box, and I look inside.


    About 45 tinum in misceneous currencies fill the small spatial magic box. There''s some tinum bars, mostly gold coins, piles of silver, and even bronze inside too.


    Lith speaks up, and pushes all of the order forms over as I count it.


    "That''s 25% of the final amount, its what I charged for pre-orders. Fulfill all of the orders on this list within 30 days and another 135 tinum Bars areing your way."


    I eye over the lists, then ce them into my item storage, along with the item box full of money he just handed me.


    "It''ll be doable. I''ll have a team ready to fulfill these. Where do I fulfill them to exactly, can I set up some personal contacts here?"


    Lith nods, cing a few transport crystals withbels of dates, times, and locations on them onto his desk.


    "Meeting points have already been assigned for each pickup. If you would like toe along with me once we make the deliveries on the first order, I believe that would be a great way to introduce you. However, I''m happy to maintain these contacts and have my people conduct the deliveries for you. It is a fair exchange for the discount on goods you''re selling to me. I''ll make a great profit by reselling them in Valor City and the surrounding trade cities."


    I nod again, allowing Lith to securely ce each of the delivery-dated and marked crystals back into his desk.


    "Possibly, I''d still like to meet with the people I''m directly trading with at least once. We''ll talk over these details again after the 30 days are up. I''ll have my craftsmen begin work after we leave Valor City today. I''m impressed with your connections and ability to make these deals happen, Lith, good job."


    I turn around and point to the elevator.


    "Anyway, now that the technical business is out of the way, let''s go do something fun. I want to go check out the 3 newly abandoned towers in this Royal Coin District. I wonder what the Dark One was hiding here."

 Chapter 499

    Chapter 499


    Ember speaks up after my final words to Lith.


    "Yes, that''s a good idea."


    He points directly at one of the white mana-shielded walls of the penthouse suite. To me, however, it looks as if he''s pointing to the building with the multipleyers of denser shielding andpartments inside it.


    "That building in particr, I think we should check it out."


    He opens a telepathy link between us and continues.


    "I sense leftover residue of the Lich King''s Soul Energy."


    Both Abby and Maria look in the same direction with Soul Energy Circting inside their eyes, invisible to everyone else in the room that has not awakened this level of energy cultivation.


    Abby is more fixated on another tower, the one filled with weapons and gear, while Maria stares down at the empty tower with a single hole in its lobby leading underground.


    After a moment of silence, Lith answers my initial im by walking over to the elevator and opening its door with a ding.


    "I don''t see why not... This will be the first time in months I''ve been outside in the center of the city. I''m interested to see how things are too."


    We all get into the elevator and take it down to one floor above the lobby.


    The door slides open with a ding, and a very simr-looking rectangr door is visible on the other side of the room.


    Lith presses a small silver device and it opens up, revealing a containment room about twice the size of the elevator we just left. Once we''re all inside, the door shuts us out of the building and puts up a denseyer of mana shielding. A final door opens on the other side of this room and it leads to the outside world.


    The midday sun shines in as we all walk outside into the Royal Coin District of Valor City.


    Our footsteps on the smooth ck stone streets echo throughout the silent city.


    Not a single soul is outside with us.


    There are just under 20 office buildings with simr blocked off mana shielding setups like the Galeheart tower, but none of them are asrge or as well maintained.


    They''re all business owners or trade associates that work in reselling goods and services in this city or Sector 1, or even other regions but have set up their base of operations here for tax purposes. Each and every one has a transport tform in their building, meaning all of these businesses are either monitored or working in conjunction with the Association in some way.


    Even Lith in the Galeheart tower, at one point had to make a deal to get a transport tform installed.


    However, the 3rgest buildings in this city, the ones that look newly built, and have the highest graded mana shielding on them, surprisingly do not have a single teleport tform inside.


    The Association was not in control of the Dark One''s actions at all, and this makes me even more curious about this scene.


    We all walk out into the street, and the white door shuts behind us.


    While walking through the streets, the emptiness and silence is pretty eerie.


    It makes things especially strange with my advanced perception abilities. I can hear and sense people in the tinum, Gold, and Silver district not so far away, going about their daily lives, shopping, and having fun in the city.


    We walk past buildings full of workers that have no idea the entity they''re hiding from indoors is dead and gone.


    Everyone looks around this area in awe, before we make it to the front of the firstrge building previously owned by the Dark One.


    The outside of the building is tinted a dark shade of grey, nearly ck, but the humminging off of it shows that this is just the outeryer of metals that hold that mana shielding in ce.


    There are no control panels or simple ways I see to get in, so I just raise my right hand and allow dark red Soul Energy to seep out and form arge rectangle on the building''s wall where the single door to enter is locked.


    Then, melt through the A-Grade mana shielding with ease, incinerating that portion of the wall and letting the remains fall into my item storage.


    There is a burst of energy where the shielding is broken off, but my Soul Energy absorbs all of that excess st automatically so none of my party is even close to being caught in the crossfire.


    Once the reactions die down I deactivate my Soul Energy and we walk through the rectangr opening in the base of the building like nothing out of the ordinary has happened.


    My teammates all follow without reacting much either but Lith walks through the makeshift doors with wide eyes as he didn''t know it was even possible to break through shielding this thick with such ease.


    The lobby we walk into is dark, but once I step into the center of the room, a series of automatic lighting fixtures begin to turn on.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    Starting at the bottom floor that we stand on, then moving upward one by one up over 100 individual stories.


    The walls are all dark grey, simr to the outeryer of shielding that surrounds the outside of the building, however, the floors are made of what looks like clear ss. Even the spiraling staircase upward that only follows the outer walls is clear ss as well.


    Standing at the bottom of the building here, I can see up to the top floor just by looking up, and on disy, mounted on every wall, there are thousands of weapons, shields, potions, artifacts, and even full suits of armor.


    Everyone looks around at the gear in awe, and we even begin climbing the stairs up, however, all I''m doing is conducting detailed scans of all these items.


    The majority of gear here is really only C and B grade items, while the a few pieces of gear near the top of the tower nears A Grade, but none of it is even close to the drops I managed to get after killing the Ranked up Dark Guards.


    There are about 20 suits of full appraisal blocking armor at the top of the tower, and these are really the only items that fully pique my interest.


    As we walk up, I use telekinesis to grab a few interesting items that catch my eye. They''re mostly high-grade B-ss items and unique looking gems, but nothing that I can confidently merge with A-Grade material or Mythic Grade skills without something going horribly wrong like creating a cursed item.


    I don''t bother to take 99% of the gear into my item storage because it''s just moremon grade gear, making ament under my breath.


    "You would think someone like the Lich King would have some A-Grade weapons or even higher, right...? It must be hiding the good stuff somewhere else."


    Lith responds to my murmurs.


    "Do you know how rare it is to find monsters, or even hunters at that level?"


    I turn back to him with a shrug.


    "I don''t know, it''s prettymon in bigbyrinths. Plus, we''re talking about the criminal overlord of an entire continent, not just some random guy."


    Lithughs.


    "You really are an interesting one, aren''t you? You''re aware that the Association only has 4 registered A-Ranked hunters in the entirety of the 8 great regions. There are less than 100 registered A-Rankers in the entire world. This is the pinnacle of power we''re talking about. High-Grade items above C and B grade don''t exist in great numbers. There isn''t enough mana in this world to even maintain the mass creation of items like the ones you''re after."


    He points to all of the gear on the walls as we continue climbing upward with near 100% stat boosting perks and elements imbued into them, along with essence stones and range gems and potions.


    "Each one of these treasures is enough to be the main prize at the end of a grand scale auction. The winnings would be enough to set a normal family up for the rest of their lives."


    I cross my arms, turning to everyone and nod as we get up to the top floor.


    "Well, I took everything I want. Once we make our way back down, if you want any of this gear for personal use, feel free to take it."


    I turn to Lydia and Fisher.


    "You two gather up enough gear to give everyone in the Recruits army enough solid weapons and armor for 10 battles like the one we just fought. Plus, let''s n for enough gear for the army to grow as well.... So 10x that number again."


    They both nod and I watch Abby, Ember, Arie, Monk, and Maria as they act pretty uninterested about most of the gear in this tower too.


    I turn to Lith.


    "Once they''ve stripped this ce of everything of value to us, travel to some of these high-end auctions and slowly sell off the remaining gear. Keep 50% of the sales and reinvest it into higher security for Valor City, the other 50% I want for myself."


    He agrees to my terms happily as we make it to the top floor and the two rows of ck suits of armore into full view; 20 in total.


    [Full Appraisal Blocking Armor Set][Un-Bonded]


    Is thebel on all of them.


    I immediately open my item storage and allow 10 full armor sets to fall inside.


    None of the other gear I''ve ever seen has had this [Un-bonded] rating on them, it''s the first clue I''ll have toward recreating or at least understanding gear like this in the future.


    Then, I speak up to Lith again.


    "Those other 10, I need you to put your elite troops in them to guard this inner portion of Valor City as well as the arena. We need to keep up appearances. We will be the only ones to know the Dark One is dead."


    The corner of Lith''s mouth turns up.


    "Very well, I''ll make sure it''s done."


    He walks around the sets of armor and examines them further while my teammates all make the slow walk downstairs, cing about half of the gear on the walls into their item storages for personal use or for the future army of recruits to use.


    Soon after, Lith ces the ck armor and leftover gear on the walls into his own item box and we leave the stripped tower just as quickly as we entered through the small hole in its lobby.


    The shell of a fortress is left behind as we walk through the silent streets again, approaching the second tower. This is the one that even at this up-close range I''m unable topletely scan what is inside.


    Ember warned me while in the Galeheart tower that he sensed dormant Soul energy from the Lich King here, and now that I''m this close to it, I sense its presence too.


    However, all that it is is dormant. I feel no threat, just the afterimage of energy. So, I break through the front door in the same manner, slicing a rectangr hole through its dense mana-shielded walls.


    Once we enter this building, an automatic light turns on in the empty ck lobby just like thest, however, there is a ck ceiling above us and an elevator at the back of the room that leads upward to bring us into the incredibly high-grade shielded floors above.


    Now that I can scan the full building from inside, I''m starting to piece together what''s here using my Soul Energy senses, but it still doesn''t seem real...


    The elevator door opens at the back of the room by pressing a small button on the wall next to it, and the panel inside leads us to any floor we wish.


    I click on [Floor 59] as it''s the highest floor in this building that has extra shielding on it. Every floor above this one is empty, just like a normal building, but with only oneyer of mana shielding like every other office building in this district.


    As the elevator door dings open, a second wall of shielding automatically opens to reveal the true nature of this floor and the final veil of disguise is lifted.


    I immediately activate my Soul Energy Aura to counteract the Orange wave of light that flows toward us.


    The energy is captured, incinerated, and its remains are locked away in the depths of my item storage the moment it is absorbed by my Aura. This energy that flows out is nowhere near the strength of the aura that was used directly from the Lich King itself when it was fighting me.


    The sight before me as the mist clears confirms exactly what I saw in my mind''s eye when I entered this building. It''s the reason I chose toe to this floor in particr, but still doesn''t make what I''m seeing any less shocking.


    There are 3rge ss tanks of orange liquid with a single human floating inside each of them.


    They are fighters from the Valor City fight arena who I recognize very well.


    The visual from a few days ago of them being consumed by the [Curse of The Lich King] carried out by the 5th ranked Dark Guard beneath the fight arena is still very fresh in my mind.


    Max, Sia, and Ace float before us in a state of suspended animation with their status sheets wipedpletely nk, soaked to the bone with remnants of the Lich King''s orange Soul Energy.


    Below me on the other floors floating in orange pools of Soul Energy just like them, there are hundreds of other high level hunters and fighters held captive by the Dark One.

 Chapter 500

    Chapter 500


    The three legacy fighters who introduced me to the rules of the arena when I first entered Valor City float before me now, unmoving while dark orange soul energy courses through their bodies.


    Maria points at them and speaks up.


    "Hey, it''s them! We had dinner with them together that one night. The legacy fighters at the arena... They were underground the first time we ran from the 5th ranked Dark Guard! Is this where they were taken? What''s... going on here...?"


    Abby, Monk, and Lith stare at the pod with surprised expressions as they are very familiar with these three individuals as well.


    My Soul Energy expands to start filling the room and trapping away more of the Soul Energy that lingers and pours out of the pods. I continue to step forward until I''m faced right up against the ss of the middle tank of liquid with Ace, the swordsman, floating with his eyes closed wearing the exact same gear as he did on the day of their capture.


    However, all of the magic power has been drained from them, and it seems as if it is just a in metal sword by his side and clothing and armor with no enchantments at all.


    I speak up.


    "They''re alive... but not for long..."


    I can feel that their vitality is directly linked with the remaining Soul Energy in the room.


    The moment we opened this door the seal to the outside world was broken. As I began absorbing their remaining borrowed lifeline, the timer for their elimination sped up very quickly.


    With no orders to follow, and theirmander deceased, the only thing they can do is wait for the Soul Energy around them to naturally disperse. There''s no telling how long a process like this would take, and I''m not entirely sure it''s possible. Their bones and organs are soaked with Dense Orange Soul Energy.


    We stand in silence as my red Aura creeps around the back of the room too, soaking up every bit of orange mist, only leaving the dense stores that are left inside the three fighters remaining.


    Monk speaks up next.


    "What if you attempt to wash away their curse, like you did with my master?"


    I nod, allowing the red energy to creep up over the tops of the tanks and down into the water.


    "That''s exactly my n. I''ll give them the same choice."


    The red energy fills the entire room now, devouring the surrounding orange energy that is inside the tubs now, creeping closer to the three bodies inside. I let a wave of telepathy hit the fighters while the dark red mes ignite underwater and surround their bodies entirely.


    The same statement that echoed throughout the heads of all of the Dark One''s troops echoes through their minds.


    "Pledge your loyalty, or burn to ash."


    My Soul Energy seeps into their bodies and dense red mes fill the entire room as the highest amount of Soul Energy that needs to be dispersed is directly attacked.


    Everyone here attached to my link is unaffected by my mes.


    It takes a full 10 seconds for my fire to die down, and all of the water and ss from the tubs to shatter and disintegrate as well.


    Every drop of orange Soul Energy that infected these fighters'' vitals, bones, and inner parts of their soul are burned away.


    I feel three brand new links of loyalty connect with me, and when the red Soul energy mes dissipate, the only thing left behind is the three fighters looking up at all of us in awe, like they just woke up from a long slumber.


    Max, the shield, makes eye contact with me and smiles with light lips before copsing onto the ground.


    Sia, the earth user who now has had this power stripped away from her manages to let out a faint whisper.


    "It''s you... The me Emperor..."


    Then copses as well.


    Ace falls to one knee, keeping himself awake longer than any of the others.


    "You saved us. Whoever you people really are... We are indebted to you."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    His eyes scan the room, recognizing Monk, Maria, and Abby after me, then bows his head.


    He falls forward and passes out onto the floor after this too and the room falls silent once again.


    I nod with a satisfied look on my face.


    "It worked."


    Lith speaks up, staring at the sight before him in awe.


    "W-What worked? What did you just do? I definitely recognize those three..."


    I speak up again..


    "I need you to get some rooms ready. Whether that''s in the Galeheart tower or in the Gold district of Valor City. I don''t have enough infrastructure for this many new people back in Sector 2 just yet..."


    I think to myself while nodding, and Lith agrees to sort out the arrangements.


    Lith uses a teleport crystal to quickly get back to his tower and get some of his Royal Guards on payroll toe and help.


    At the same time, I use the elevator to go down to the 58th floor to find 2 more tubs of orange liquid and 2 more fighters that I''ve never seen before.


    Without wasting time, I use the same method of focusing a telepathy wave into their heads to give them an ultimatum, then purge the orange soul energy from their bodies.


    To my surprise, it works again.


    Both fighters fall to the floor and have a brief moment of consciousness before falling asleep on the floor.


    I move down floors again, repeating the process with the three more tubs on the 57th.


    A little overconfident in my abilities, I assume this test will go just like all of the others, but once given a choice, only 2 of the 3 captured fighters create links of loyalty with me. The final member is burned to ash along with the Lich King''s Soul Energy that courses through his body.


    As we travel downward floor to floor, this bes a moremon urrence.


    About 20% of the unconscious fighters when given a chance to live under my rule, or die with the Soul Energy they are bonded with, choose thetter.


    To me, if they do not ept my terms, they are nothing more than pawns of the Lich King''s army.


    Everyone in these pods is between level 400 and 750. They are clearly a special group chosen by the Dark One for experiments.


    Possibly to be turned into Wraiths, or even to be trained up to level 1000 and turned into Dark Guards. The Lich King''s true motives with this tower are unknown to me.


    They are all very strong, but have nothing on their status sheets.


    Once we make it all the way down to the bottom of the tower on floor 1, 93 new links of loyalty have been added to my Rising Emperor''s domain, and they are all at a simr level as the three squad leaders in my army, and at a simr mana control as the Elite soldiers.


    As we do, Lith and some of his hired guardse in and out of the past floors and bring the passed out fighters back to the Galeheart tower to rest in their private facilities. The extras are brought to various smaller hotels in the Gold District with close connections to the Galeheart Mercenary Guild.


    Lith recognizes almost every one of the fighters on the top 30 floors or so as past arena contestants that mysteriously stopped showing up over thest few months. Some are from the midday events, while others were even top-ranked legacy fighters before Ace, Max, Sia, and Monk took the stage.


    Many people on the lower floors are unrecognizable to both of us, and are most likely just random adventurers and hunters that were kidnapped in the Dark Continent as the Lich King has been expanding his domain over the years.


    I''ve managed to save over 80% of them from rotting away inside this tower for eternity. If they choose to join my ranks when they wake up, the size of my army just grew a significant amount in both strength and numbers. However, based on how long Monk''s master has been sleeping, there is no estimate on how long this slumber will actuallyst.


    Once they''re all taken care of, we leave this tower and walk through the empty streets again to enter the 3rd and final tower.


    After I cut open the wall at its base, just like the past two, we walk inside and the sight we see is very interesting.


    The lights flicker on automatically like all of the other buildings. There are many many floors above, just like the building we just left. However, there is no elevator in the lobby that leads up to them, and using all of my perception senses, I''m positive that none of these higher floors have anything stored on them.


    Other than the ground level floor we stand on, this massive tower is an empty mana shielded shell.


    At the back of the lobby, there is arge metal box with blue holograms hovering over it connected to intricate-looking interfaces.


    It is split into three sections, Silver, Gold, and tinum, with numbers ticking away on each of them.


    Lith''s eyes open wide at the sight of this machinery, but my vision is more focused on the single square opening in the center of the room that has adder leading hundreds of meters down into the ground.


    Lith speaks out while walking over to the machine.


    "This is the machine that tracks all of the wristbands in the city. It may seem like a small device, but this small box controls and keeps the bnce of power in this city. It tracks all transactions between wristbands, collects the midnight tax, and is linked to the city-wide surveincework."


    As he says this, my focus is swayed quite a bit, but the faint pure white Qi reading thates from down below us captures most of my attention.


    I reply.


    "Well- There''s no use in ruining a good thing. Make sure that control box stays safe. We''ll keep the midnight tax ongoing and continue blocking off areas of the city to mary tiered restrictions. It may even be safer to bring this device into the GaleHeart Tower for more protection. Leaving it out in the open here could be risky."


    My gaze turns back to the enormous hole in the ground.


    Everyone else on my team senses there is something down in the darkness as well.


    Fisher and Lydia even peer over the edge.


    Monk speaks up.


    "I think I know exactly what is down there... We have one beneath the monastery, but it isn''t nearly as massive."


    His words linger, and I begin to build a visual in my mind of the cave system below the City that is connected to this long open entrance using my Soul Energy senses.


    The silence is broken by Ember''sment next.


    "I think I know too. This exins how the Dark One and all of its guards managed to get so much stronger while it was here in the city."


    Everyone is mesmerized by the faint waves of Qi flowing up from the darkness and very curious about Monk and Ember''s words.


    I jump into the small square hole and begin floating down, deep underground to see for myself what exactly is below this final tower.

 Chapter 501

    Chapter 501


    The further I float down into the square-shaped hole, the more prominent the upward flow of Qi bes.


    The temperature grows slowly as I continue to fall hundreds of meters underground, watching thedder fly by on my right side, and begin seeing a faint white glow beneath me.


    The ck stone that makes up the walls begin to change inposition, shifting from just regr dark stone to the same jet ck material the monastery in the tinum district is made of.


    I allow a finger to touch the stone to my left as I float further down, and my system flickers as my touch glosses overyers of the mana-negating stone.


    The interesting thing I find when I do this is, my Soul Energy is not negated at all. Even though it is technically half part mana, the fusion of this energy with Qi has created a new source of power that is not negated by the ck stone.


    As I fall further down, the mana-negating material grows more and more abundant until nearly 100% of the rock surrounding me consists of this stone.


    My feet gently hit the bottom of the incredibly long shaft, to the point where I can''t even see the surface.


    My body is flooded with dense Qi.


    Nearly 20x as dense as the Qi inside the monastery, but still nowhere near the levels that the Qi density reached inside the istion pods when we saturated and destroyed them to push their limits.Still, as I take a step forward, I can feel immense amounts of Qi flow through me. It feels as if just standing in here could fill my core up to full in a few hours with minimal effort if it were empty.


    The steeldder stops right at the ground level where my feet havended and the thin shaft has opened up to a medium-sized cave opening.


    There are jagged ck rocks on the walls, floor, and ceiling, but the faint white glow that fills the cave makes my vision extra clear.


    There are small areas where white flowers grow inside the rocks, and as I walk forward and turn the first corner in this cave, I see the source of all this Qi.


    Dozens of long white crystals emerge from the ck rock.


    More and more of the delicate white flowers grow near these gems, and as I use my Soul Energy to stare deep into the crystal stones, I can sense thousands of Qi pills worth of energy inside each one.


    They each slowly disperse warm energy into the air at a constant rate, but for some reason, it feels as if the source of this energy is not dwindling even though the rate at which they let the stored energy flows out is rather extreme.


    I take steps closer to the nearest cluster of crystals, and at the same time, sense my teammates floating down to follow me.


    I stare at the crystals in wonder, waving my hands around in the air to push the densest form of energy around thates directly off the crystals, even bringing my fingers close enough to the point where I''m about to touch one of the white treasures.


    Monk''s voice rings out and his head pops around the corner before I do.


    "Wait! Just wait! Do you know what you''re about to do?"


    I pause and pull my hand back, turning to him as Ember follows behind him, and the sound of the others falling down the narrow hole sound in my ear.


    "No... I guess not. I don''t know exactly what these are, but I can make a good guess."


    Monk nods while walking over, and based on his tone and expression, touching the crystals isn''t a good idea. I feel no dangering off of them, if anything it feels like I''d be able to absorb its power even faster. However, listening to whatever he has to say will most likely be a better move.


    "These are Qi fragments. The leftover energy source of the originators. Once fragments are touched by human hands like ours, the eternal flow of power will cease."


    He turns his head to the back of the cave and points to a portion of the wall where about 6 clear crystals jut out from the stone. They look just like worthless ss, and don''t have any more powering out from them.


    "That is what happens when a fragment is drained by a selfish and impatient entity. My guess is those ruined fragments are the product of the Dark One''s greed."


    His gaze turns to the other 30+ fragments of still glowing crystals and smiles with a glow in his eyes.


    "If left untouched, it is said that one can gather the Qi radiation for an eternity. Its power is limitless if left in its natural resting ce. We have 2 medium-sized crystals beneath the monastery. We have been using its power for decades without their supplies wavering at all."


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Ember walks over to join the conversation.


    "It''s true. Disrupting a fragment will expel all of its energy at once, it would not be of any use to us now. Leaving them in their natural state and cultivating or capturing their excess energy would be a far more productive method."


    I look around the open cave area as my other teammates all arrive, and Monk reexins his points to them so they don''t identally touch anything they shouldn''t.


    I take a stroll around ande to a conclusion.


    "Good. This area needs to be well guarded. It will only be essed by us for closed door cultivation as needed, as well as Qi pill manufacturing."


    I turn to Monk.


    "Considering there are far over 10x the amount of crystals here as there are in your fortress, does this mean you''ll be able to secure 10x as much usable Qi without diminishing the source?"


    He nods.


    "That is exactly right."


    I cross my arms and smile while breathing in even more of the dense Qi in the air.


    "Perfect."


    Everyone else does the same, taking in the beautiful sight, and letting the natural Qi flow through our bodies with its calming aftereffects.


    The cave area isn''t toorge, so it''s easy to search every bit of it and locate all of the crystals and log their locations before we leave.


    The way back up is a bit faster, because we just use soul energy and Qi to push ourselves up, rather than limiting the fall speed on the way down.


    Once we''re all back in the lobby, Lith is still mesmerized by the control box at the back of the room.


    I speak as Ie back up and he turns.


    "Alright, we have a new n here. There''s no question about it, I need that control box moved to the Galeheart tower, and this building needs to be renovated and double mana-shielded to give no one ess other than the people in this room here. There are delicate resources down there that need to be dealt with by the correct parties, I don''t want any of your men inside there either. No one enters this building but us. That''s a very serious order."


    Lith nods, and I continue.


    "The other two towers, I do not care what happens to them. Strip them down from top to bottom to reuse the shielding, build more Galeheart infrastructure in them, do whatever you want. However, this tower is all mine."


    As everyonees up from below, he feels the seriousness of the matter instantly and replies.


    "Of course. The shielding on those two buildings is worth a fortune. We''ll make sure to secure this building to your liking and give you the only key inside. We can even make some of the floors above this one more presentable and essible. Consider it your private fortress in Valor City."


    I give a thumbs up while using earth magic bonded with red soul energy to cover the square opening in the center of the building, then respond.


    "Perfect. Some extra renovations would be excellent, but no one is allowed in this lobby during construction unless you''re watching to make sure no one tinkers with this sealed off underground path."


    He nods.


    "Understood."


    "Great. My business here today is done. I''ll be getting started on those 6rge foreign trade deal orders now. This was a very productive visit."


    We all walk outside, and I continue seeing Lith''s men start their jobs as instructed, transporting people from the second tower and start sorting loot from the first tower, then soon after begin dismantling the emptied-out towers for their raw mana-shielding materials.


    Their teamwork and professionalism is impressive.


    Lith has been building this team for many years, but it is still something I aspire to turn my workforce back in Sector 2 into soon.


    We make it back to the Galeheart tower and give our goodbyes again before using the elevator down to the Red Ogre dungeon and using my dungeon walker skill to make it back to the canyon of dungeons.


    As we''re making it back to the town, Maria speaks up.


    "You know, we need to get one of those teleport tforms like Lith has. It''ll be a lot easier to get around... and to have guests without you having to be our personal chauffeur."


    Iugh a bit, and reply.


    "Totally agree. I''m going to get these trade deals sorted today, and hopefully get our transportation problem fixed too. Soon, we''ll be able to travel anywhere in the world and have transport crystals toe right back here. I''ll consult the person that knows how to get it done tonight."


    Everyone overhears this conversation and is excited for this change.


    We make it back and go our separate ways for the day.


    Lydia and Fisher meet up with the army recruits and enjoy the rest of the day off together. One of my doubles stays with them, and I n to start their new training regime tomorrow.


    Monk goes back to check on his master.


    Abby and Maria set off to explore the town a bit, and take the night off.


    Arie speaks before he turns away from the group to meet up with Luna who has been looking over the town while we were gone.


    "I hope to set out with Luna tomorrow to Sector 4. We want to begin our investigation into the abyss, to find what happened to the lost remains of our vige."


    I give him a handshake and a grin.


    "Of course, thank you for waiting. Your help in the war was needed. I''ll give you two a ride first thing in the morning if that''s where you wish to go. I hope you find what you''re looking for."


    He shakes my hand back, then him and Luna go off to enjoy their night as well.


    I''m left standing with Ember as we walk toward the construction team workers finishing up building a new street of small empty shops on the opposite side of town.


    I ry my goals of creating even more housing, roads to nearby smaller viges all over Sector 2 and nearby Sectors to expand trade, a reconstruction of the center guild hall in the city to make it more presentable and professional and even a small prison system to reform people like the 21 workers that have been ving away under the spell of a suggestion elixir.


    I''d like for them in to pay for their wrongdoings ande out as regr citizens after they''ve faced their time rather than being branded as bad forever. This will be an important function of society once more peoplee to live here. No one is perfect, there will be people that make mistakes, but there will always be consequences equal to those mistakes in the form of punishments as well.


    After this brief exnation of the town''s future, he agrees toe up with an evenrger order of materials by tomorrow to fulfill for him as soon as possible for expansion.


    Ember and I float back over to the canyon of dungeons as the sun starts to set for the day.


    I use my concealments skill and items to change my appearance, then we dungeon walk to the ck market dungeon hub beneath Vice City.


    With an item storage full of multi-nation trade deal papers, and 6 fragments of luminite ready to be used in a series of rare crafts; Ember and I walk toward the entrance of Bri''s workshop.

 Chapter 502

    Chapter 502


    Once we approach the entrance underground, I''m happy to see threerge men standing outside the heavy metal door that leads to the underside of her workshop.


    After a quick inspection and appraisal, I can see all of them are between level 300 and 400. This is nearing Elite levels, and is surely the top of the line security one can get in a ce like this.


    There''s no way anymon thieves, or even professionals who have surpassed C ss could infiltrate this security without causing quite themotion.


    I use my telepathy skill to send a message to Bri, three floors above me to let her know I''m here, but step up to the security guards in the same instant to test them and see if they''ll do their jobs.


    Ember and I stand before them with zero detectable mana radiating off of our bodies, and I speak up.


    "I have a meeting with Bri. I''d appreciate it if you''d let us pass."


    Using my conceal skill, mixed with the hidden attributes of my cloak, and new silver essence of infinite regeneration; I have it shape shift into a perfect replica of a D-ss Association Hunter''s ID with a picture of the face that I''m using to conceal myself right now.


    "There''s my ID, you can see I''m just a normal hunter. I have some rare items farmed from the new dungeons out in the forest."


    I point to Ember and smile."My partner here is unregistered, but you can just consider him my security. We work as a team here¡ª"


    The guard takes a step forward and snatches the ID out of my hand while the other two guards step in front of therge locked door. He eyes us up and down, then looks over the card before shoving it back in my face.


    "Move along. I don''t really care what you have to sell. You''re not in Ms. Briana''s meeting schedule today, I suggest you don''t show your face around here again unless you have official business."


    I smile inwardly as I take the ID back. They''re certainly up to par with my initial expectations, but I want to try one more thing before Bri gets all the way downstairs to stop my fun.


    I pull out a handful of gold coins in one hand, and an earth element stone farmed from the 38th floor of thebyrinth in my other, creating mana shielding around it to make sure the excess earth magic flying off of it isn''t too extreme.


    "Come on, here, just a small token of my appreciation to let me pass, I want to sell this stone to your boss, there''s no one else in the city that will give me a better price."


    His eyes widen for a moment at the sheer amount of gold in my hand and the rarity of the stone I''m holding, but his iron will doesn''t budge. He replies as the door behind him opens.


    "It''s still a no. There will be no customers allowed inside unless they are on Ms. Briana''s invite list. This is not negotiable."


    A familiar voice calls from behind them as Bri stares past the three guards straight at me with an amused look on her face.


    "Let them through, boys. I can fit them in before my important meeting tonight. These two were just testing you. You passed."


    She sighs and the three guards move aside with confusion while Ember and I walk through them.


    I put the earth stone back in my pocket which leads to my item storage and flick three gold coins in the air behind me before cing the rest back in my storage too.


    Theynd in the hands of the guards as the door closes behind us. Bri gives them a nod and turns with a smile.


    "Keep up the good work."


    The door shuts and we start walking upstairs to her office.


    I allow my appearance to shift back to its normal undisguised state as we do.


    "Nice to see you again so soon, Bri. This is Ember. We''ll be working together from now on."


    Bri turns to both of us, then shakes Ember''s hand, trying to get a read on him as we walk up to the top floor.


    "I don''t know what is more intriguing; the fact that I can''t sense even a drop of powering off you even when you''re using your magic, or this mysterious new friend you''ve brought to see me with the same energy readings. What happened while you were away...?"


    We make it up to her office and I put up a [Hush] barrier while she illuminates the room.


    "Well... Quite a lot actually, but I''ll keep the summary short. We defeated the leader of Sector 1 and are actively expanding to take over the Dark Continent, I surpassed level 2000, and on top of that, secured six guaranteed trade deals with down payments that I need fulfilled in the next 30 days."


    I reach into my item storage and pull out the stack of papers to ce it down on her desk. Next to those papers, I give a list of all the avable dungeons we have ess to in the canyon in Sector 2 with their loot dropsbeled next to them.


    Her eyes turn to the papers and she walks around her desk to sit down and sift through them while Ember and I make ourselvesfortable on the soft seating arrangements in the room.


    "Well... it seems you really have managed to get a lot done... Straight to business it is like usual. We''ll have to make things quick here, like I said when you arrived, I really do have an important meeting I can''t missing up tonight."


    Bri doesn''t say a word after that, flipping through the pages for almost a full minute in silence, writing things down on another paper next to the order forms, then hands me back a list of all of the item drops necessary from each dungeon down to the exact quality necessary.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    "We can do it. The dungeons on this list can be farmed to craft exactly what you need. If you start getting us these materials by the end of this week, 21 days will be a tight schedule but we can get it done. I''ll be paying my craftsmen the normal going rate, and¡ª"


    I ce 22 tinum bars, and 50 gold coins down on her desk.


    "Pay your workers whatever will keep them happy and working fast. Use the rest to reinforce your security even further and hire more workers out. Another workshop with extra space for expansion here might be worthwhile. I can only imagine these orders gettingrger over time."


    Bri stares at the bars of precious metal on her desk and nods.


    "That will be more than enough..."


    She writes down more notes on papers as I think to myself.


    The money I''ve ced on her desk is half of the down payment I received from my orders. While I could easily pay Bri 10% of this amount and she''d be able to pay her workers handsomely already, I believe investing in her business savvy mind and expansion of size and speed of production in the future will be very valuable.


    I n on using the other half of the 25% down payment from the orders to put up bids for the exact amount of resources needed back in the guild hall in Sector 2.


    I''ll price it out perfectly so that hunters can get paid for farming materials in the dungeons based on how high the demand for the items I need are, and it will quickly fuel more growth in the economy.


    I may be able to farm everything myself using my body doubles in just a few days, but building up trust with more people in the town, and building out a system that can grow more in the future is more essential to me than pure profit and saving time at the moment.


    Even when it''s all said and done, the payout for the remaining 75% of the goods, 135 tinum will be my profit cut.


    Paying my new workers and citizens well to get the ball rolling is a perfect n.


    Considering this, I''m happy with these results and take the list of raw materials she needs with a smile.


    "I''ll have item boxes full of these goods being sent over to you on a daily basis starting very soon."


    cing the item list into my inventory, and allowing Bri to keep the copies of the orders that must be fulfilled, she ces them in her desk with the piles of moneyrge enough to build and pay forbor in 10 workshops just like this one right now if she needed.


    I speak again.


    "Now, I''d like toe up with a solution to ourmunication and transportation issue as well. Do you have a containment case that I could ce some items in? I have a few raw materials I want to show you. They''re pretty vtile and delicate, making it hard to show you what I have out in the open without ruining the product. They''re very small, so a mini containment case is fine, it just needs to be able to contain A-Grade items."


    Bri nods, sifting through her desk and pulling out a small cylindrical jar that looks like it ispletely ss other than the silver top and bottom.


    It hums loudly like mana shielding, but gives off energy readings like an item box once she hands it over to me.


    It interprets my intentions like an extension of myself once I touch it and imbue it with a tiny bit of mana. The top slides open, and I ce a palm on top to open a spatial magic portal and allow a single fragment of luminite to fall out.


    The instant it does, I close the silver top and hear a clink as it hits the bottom of the cylindrical containment contraption.


    I stare at it for a moment, picturing the crystals disintegrating into thin air every time they were left out in the open desert when I farmed them. However, this one fragment doesn''t change at all, it just sits in the containment jar and glows bright white.


    With a grin, I ce my hand over it again, and release the other five fragments into the containment artifact.


    Some of them break apart into smaller pieces before the silver top closes, and others were already starting to shatter from falling through the air when I first caught them back in Sector 2.


    Once the silver top closes, six copsed dungeons worth of material sit inside glowing white and sparkling inside in suspended animation, lighting up an empty portion of Bri''s desk once I set it down in front of her.


    She whispers to herself.


    "Luminite... you actually managed to find some..."


    There''s a moment of silence.


    "You want to make your own teleport tform, don''t you?"


    She looks up to me and the bright stone reflects off her eyes to make them sparkle even more as I reply.


    "Yes, that''s exactly what I''m trying to do."


    Bri picks up the containment case and looks closer at them, nodding her head and standing up to begin pacing around the room with excitement.


    "I''ve contemted many ways to make this work if the time ever came. I think with the amount you have here, there will be enough to make a single craft. We''re going to need to construct a base tform first to imbue the materials. Then... we''ll need a few million MP worth of mana crystals to support the energy needed as a catalyst for the craft."


    She walks over to a small arrangement of artifacts on her back wall and turns a dagger 180 degrees. It clicks and apartment in the wall opens up to reveal a small bookcase with less than a dozen old books inside it.


    She takes one out, and the wall converts back to its original state while the dagger clicks back into ce in the disy.


    She opens the book to a page that disys a very detailed drawing of the craft with messages sketched out that look just like my mythic grade craftsmanship interface. It is written in ink, making it clear that there is not another exact copy of this anywhere. Whoever made this book definitely had the same skill that I do, and the way to merge all of these items together bes clear.


    As the book and luminite is ced on a coffee table in the center of the room with all three of us staring at it, Ember speaks up for the first time while eyeing the book.


    "There is one small problem you may want to consider before beginning the craft. Teleportation magic like this works differently than a skill or ability on one''s status. It performs more like a dungeon would."


    He points to a line in the book and keeps exining.


    "This kind of teleportation magic alwayses back to a certain ce on a map, not an object or living being. The tform we''ll create is what stabilizes the luminite and mana input, but once the transport location is set, it won''t be moved no matter where you position the physical tform. You''re basically creating a geo-locked dungeon respawn point, like when you kill a boss in a dungeon, you''re always sent back to the same ce."


    We all flip through the few pages that outline this craft in further detail, and Ember ispletely right.


    I speak up.


    "Well, in that case, let''s take a trip to Sector 2. I know just the ce to make this craft."


    I close the book while Ember sits back.


    Bri looks hesitant for the first time at my words, then her gaze shifts to a clock on the opposite wall.


    She walks over to her desk again before replying.


    "Well, I''d love toe, but I have an important checkup meeting...


    She gulps.


    "It''s with the Association, I can''t miss this..."


    I remember back to when we first arrived and she said she had an important meeting right after ours. The fact that it is with the Association and her change in demeanor make me want to question her intentions, but I''m hit with a wave of telepathy from Ember before I speak up to ask.


    "She''s telling the truth. A very powerful Association worker is on their way here now."


    He moves his gaze in the direction that he senses this person. I push my enemy detection skill outward to see what he''s talking about; scanning the streets until I find the match about a full kilometer away walking through the lower ie housing toward our exact location.


    Her words begin to make much more sense.


    A familiar A-Ranked hunter at [Lv.1391] with a series of confusing readings on his status rush into my mind''s eye. I look Bri in the eyes and ask her a question.


    "Your meetingter today, is it with your brother?"

 Chapter 503

    Chapter 503


    "It is. Why? Is he here?"


    Bri looks around the room in a startled manner, spreading out her aura, but it doesn''t reach as far as mine, so I reply by pointing at the wall nearest to the street.


    "Not yet, we still have a few minutes before he arrives. Why is this such a big deal? I''ve seen him meet with you here before and it wasn''t an issue to have me in the room."


    She replies.


    "This isn''t just a casual sibling meetup. Rodrigo ising to do the Association''s monthly logged checkup. I advise you leave right now if you''d like to remain dead in their eyes. He''ll be bringing a recording device with him. This meeting is meant to be unannounced, but he gives me a heads up when the dates get closer."


    I open a spatial magic portal in response, letting the luminite in containment and book outlining its intended use into my item storage while standing to my feet.


    "In that case, I hope you don''t mind if I borrow this."


    She nods and turns to her desk to begin organizing things and making sure no evidence of us meeting is left behind.


    I continue to scan the A-Rank hunter walking our way and decide to examine the odd readings on his status again while I still have an opportunity to look at them.The first thing I check are his skills, if I remember correctly he had light magic just like Bri, as well as a unique skill.


    _______________


    Respawn [i]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Light Summoning]


    _______________


    At his level, he definitely has enough PP to upgrade these skills, but hasn''t had the chance to do so it seems.


    There are misceneous 100-200% stat boosting items on him, and arge blue diamond-shaped recording crystal just like the ones Lith gave me floats around him in a slow-moving circle as he walks through the streets.


    At the bottom of his active item readings I see that he still is bonded with 4 demon cores just like I remember.


    However, when looking at their readings, one looks a bit out of ce.


    _______________


    [Arch Demon''s Core] +150% All Stats


    [Greater Demon''s Core] +50% All Stats


    [Greater Demon''s Core] +50% All Stats


    [Greater Demon''s Core] +50% All Stats


    _______________


    His Arch Demon''s core feels slightly more dense than my own, and the stat reading on it reads like it''s beenbined with a Greater Demon''s Core. There is no better exnation for its additional 50% stat buff and increased density.


    This would be the most intriguing reading if my eye didn''t catch his buff''s sheet too.


    _______________


    [Hand of the Illusionist]


    [Ultimate Attack Form of the Light Warrior]


    [The Sun God''s Curse Mark]


    _______________


    His first two buffs look like interesting ranked up buffs granted for reaching level 500 and 1000, but the 3rd buff on his status looks very familiar.


    My eyes widen while reading it, so much so that I walk closer to the wall nearest to the street and expand my perceptions range further to get a perfect visual of him and my suspicionse true.


    As the A-Rank hunter walks through the streets, an invisible golden cor rests around his neck.


    It looks just like the cor I saw around the lightning wolf on the 40th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth.


    His strength readings seem simr too. Rodrigo doesn''t have any Qi or Soul Energy inside his body, but looks as if he''s able to manipte this golden energy with this buff [The Sun God''s Curse Mark].


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    So many connections and theories begin to fly around in my mind, but I calmly take a deep breath and step back toward the couches and speak up.


    "Actually, I think we''ll stay and watch this meeting of yours."


    I turn to Ember and share my stealth skill with him, and we both disappear into thin air for a few seconds and reappear on the far side of the room, leaning against the wall.


    "You won''t even know we''re here... I just want to know what the association is up to these days. It''s nothing personal."


    Bri lets out a sigh and sits down at her desk, letting the room fall dark to its natural state that she leaves it in before visitors arrive, then replies.


    "I sense his presence getting closer now too. Do as you wish. There may be a point in our meeting where the surveince is cut, would you like to meet him again, for old times'' sake? I''m sure Rodrigo will keep another secret for me."


    I pause, thinking about this question for a moment before answering, but eventually do.


    "Yes, I''d like to have a word with him. Give me a signal once it''s safe to appear unmonitored. I''ll decide then if I feel it is worth showing my face."


    She nods, and I smile.


    Ember and I disappear using stealth to watch from a back wall as another 2 minutes pass and footsteps start to echo up the stairs.


    A man with olive skin just like Bri''s, white eyes like a demon, dark hair, and the graceful walk of a dancer walks forward through the room.


    A bright golden Soul Energy cor shines with intense light only visible to those with Qi senses.


    White Light magic shines off both his and Bri''s body in unison as the room lights up.


    A faint blue glow illuminates from the recording crystal that circles around him and takes a moving picture and audio of everything in the room.


    I can see its mana radiation seeping through everything in a 10-meter radius, but it''s clear that this is just a high C grade, possibly low B Grade item. There''s no possible way it can detect me and Ember where we stand.


    Rodrigo takes a seat and speaks up.


    "Good to see you again, Bri. I''m here for our monthly check-in."


    He pulls a list out from an item box on his waist and begins to ask a series of questions in a robotic manor, not even waiting for his sister''s response to his greeting.


    The questions range from how her normal business is going, to if there are any reports of association members that have tried to contact her or any partners in the ck market, and wanting an update on a special order for one of the Association''s events in another regioning up in a few days.


    Rodrigo expands on that final point.


    "I picked up the goods in the lobby on my way up. The higher-ups thank you for the prompt response after the disappearance of the sector 2 leader. However, this past week the Vice region has made contact with another source that is said to produce just as much as the previous trade boss out there in the dark continent. If all goes well on that deal, I believe the Apex region will jump on next month''s orders. That still doesn''t give us enough time to prepare for the 8 nationsing together for the annual B-ss exams. We''re going to need some help from a few trusted frence craftsmen contractors like yourself."


    Rodrigo hands a few more papers over to Bri and exins the terms, and basically doesn''t allow her to say no.


    "It''s good money. 300 gold for a few weeks of work, thates from the higher-ups so I need a verbal confirmation you can get it done."


    Bri reluctantly nods and takes the papers.


    "It''s fine. I can get it done."


    Rodrigo continues asking her generic questions from the list in his hand, and by the end of it, they both look tired and saddened by the situation they''re both in.


    I still don''t know all the details of their arrangement, but from what I can assume just looking at this situation, one of the higher-ups has a tight Soul Energy leash around Rodrigo''s neck and is using this as ckmail to keep everyone in line.


    Someone capable of controlling an A-Rank hunter like this, but also has roots so deep that monsters in the Vice City Labyrinth are even inflicted by its curse mark must have immense power.


    This is a meticulous person. There is much more to this than I can see on the surface.


    Even the Vice Region''s Director, Brutus, doesn''t seem to be the true leader pulling the strings to all of this.


    He wears a golden ring with simr Soul Energy to Rodrigo''s cor, but they are both just pawns in someone elses game. I''m sure there are missing pieces to this puzzle that I have yet to see.


    I stand in full stealth mode observing the rest of the conversation, trying to pick apart any extra details he will drop, and wait for Bri''s signal or get a visual that the surveince has ended, but the time doesn''te.


    The interrogation continues until the sun goes down, and Rodrigo points to the blue glowing gem that slowly spins around him.


    "Oh, now would you look at the time. The recording space is almost up. I need to get this meeting file back to headquarters as soon as possible."


    He stands up from his seat and shakes Bri''s hand.


    She replies in an artificially happy tone.


    "Of course, it''s always nice to see you brother."


    "You too, sister, I''ll see you next month."


    They smile and the A-Rank hunter turns to leave while the blue gem that spins around him loses altitude and stops glowing as bright with mana as before.


    As soon as he makes it to the stairs, the gem falls into his palm and stops emitting waves of mana.


    He grins and ces the crystal into the item box then turns around to let out a long sigh that turns into a groan of distaste.


    His face rxes and he speaks.


    "About damn time. I swear they keep making those recordings longer and longer. Finally, we can talk without my boss looking over my shoulder after every word."


    He sprawls out on the couches in the middle of the room, and I see Bri lighten up a lot too.


    "Alright, anything goes now. No more wires we can say whatever we want for about 30 minutes before I need to actually get going back."


    Bri''s serious business expression fades, and that of a concerned andpassionate older sisteres over her as she stands from her desk.


    She walks over to sit down next to him and he speaks up again while she getsfortable.


    "You got a lot stronger since thest time I was here... Did you finally find a way to rank up as well? I heard Brutus has thebyrinth on lockdown recently. Only Elites and B-ss are allowed to enter these days."


    She smiles back.


    "Yes, I managed to rank up. And well- maybe you''d be interested in meeting the one that helped me do it."


    Her gaze turns to the back wall where Ember and I disappeared before, and I take this as a cue to finally make my presence known.

 Chapter 504

    Chapter 504


    We both reappear from the back wall, and I take a few steps forward before Rodrigo turns his head to lock eyes with me.


    He doesn''t say a word as I walk closer and expand my [Hush] barrier throughout the room to make sure only the ears inside can listen.


    His expression is one of confusion. I''ve changed quite a lot since thest time we met, both physically and mentally.


    In his eyes, I may have just been a passerby, another random client of his sister''s who happened to also be an association hunter that died in a dangerous mission to the dark continent a while back.


    There''s a very low chance he''d even remember who I am if I still looked and gave off the same energy readings as I did thest time we met.


    Despite this, his eyes widen once I get close enough.


    "It''s you... was it¡ªJay¡ªright? One of this year''s new Elites. I was told you died. You''re that hunter that copsed thebyrinth under my nose during thest C-ss exams... I never did get a recement core for that."


    He eyes me with a stern re, and I can''t help but let out a chuckle if that''s all he remembers me for.


    It seems like a lifetime ago that happened, but I guess to him it hasn''t been quite as long.I reply, "Yes. It''s me."


    As I reply, I can''t help looking at the bright golden cor around his neck, watching the soul energy swirl around him at a constant rate and asionally crackle.


    I put out a hand to shake his.


    "I assume now that the recording devices are off, everything said in this room will be kept between us, right? I don''t want the Association knowing I still exist."


    He shifts his gaze to Bri, and she gives him a nod. He turns back to me and shakes my hand.


    "Sure, it seems the secret of you being alive is connected to Bri somehow, so it''s in my best interest not to say a word."


    He makes a twisting motion on his lips and throws away an imaginary key.


    "I won''t say a word."


    Green energyes off his body only visible to my lie detector skill, telling me he''s being truthful, but I still have one concern.


    "What about your curse mark...? Do I have to worry about this so-called sun god learning of my existence even if you''re trying to keep my presence unknown?"


    He releases my hand from his grip, and I can hear his heart skip a beat, even though he keeps a calm outer demeanor.


    Rodrigo squints, then starts to scan me up and down.


    "How do you even know about this...?"


    I feel his mana aura go right through both of us, but without soul energy, he won''t be able to detect anything at all.


    He speaks up again and his hands start to glow white with light magic.


    "Someone must have set you up to ask that question... how do you know about that, tell me!"


    Bri yells out, "Rodrigo! Stop it, these are my guests! I trust Jay. Please, answer any questions you can to help him."


    He pauses in ce, but keeps his fists glowing, and rightfully so.


    "No- The curse mark doesn''t ry any messages or truths to its owner. It works like a sharp knife to the inflicted one''s neck. Either the person wearing it obeys or they die. Your words are safe... don''t worry."


    I reply in a calm tone while both Ember and I sit down on a couch on the opposite side of the room.


    "Good. That may not have been the right way to re-introduce myself back from the dead, but it''s the only way I could think of breaking the ice. Let''s just say, while I was said to be dead in the dark continent, I got around and learned quite a few things."


    I point to myself.


    "I''m not the weak C-ss hunter you used to know... if anything, you''re the weak one now."


    I cross my arms and sit back, letting tendrils of dark red Soul Energy seep from my body.


    In a physically manifested form, the pure mana in Soul Energy like this can be sensed, but its true power isn''t able to be registered unless one has the Qi-based perception that I do.


    This is clear by Rodrigo''s eyes tracking the energy and his aura getting far thicker to try to make sense of this red light.


    His expression shows that he doesn''t believe me.


    "Yeah right... I know you somehow helped my sister rank up, but there''s no way you managed to get stronger than me in a month. It''s physically impossible."


    He chuckles to himself, thinking that my line about him being the weak one was a joke. I could release a pure mana imbued aura to show him how strong I really am, but the fact that he thinks I''m still a weakling seems to be making him a lot more at ease and talkative.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    So, I decide to let him believe this and speak up again.


    "I have a unique ability that can take that curse off your status, I believe you''ll be free of that golden cor if you wish. I just want the name, location, and level of this Sun God in return."


    Rodrigo watches the red energy float around me in a slow swirling circle, and waits a few seconds to reply.


    "Whatever this cursed energy is, it is simr to the kind I''m able to wield. However, it is impossible to stack up to the Sun God''s golden power. I''ve tried everything I can to get this curse off for years. Even millions of MP concentrated into singr attacks do not affect it at all."


    He sighs.


    "Even if you really could take this curse off of me, Mr. Freeman is not a man I can easily escape from. No¡ªhe''s not a man any mere mortal could dream to disobey... Ridding me of this curse mark will not set me free. It will only put a target on my back and everyone I''ve been in contact with."


    His gaze turns to Bri.


    At his words, I slowly begin to retract the Red Soul Energy to think about what he''s said. The name sounds just like a man Lith warned me about thest time I mentioned the Association to him.


    As the energy seeps back into my body, I reply, "So then, Mr. Freeman, this is the man pulling all the strings? Who is he?"


    Rodrigo doesn''t reply for a few seconds.


    "You really want to know...?"


    I nod, leaning in closer.


    "Even knowing this information could put you in far more danger. Are you sure?"


    I nod again.


    "I''m already dead to them, they can''t possibly want to kill me more."


    He sighs.


    "Well¡ªit''s not really a secret... If you search through the old public records, a good amount of information can be found. Most people just don''t know where to look. He is the oldest and most powerful registered A-ss Hunter across all 8 regions and throughout all 4 Sectors. Mr. Freeman is the Regional Director of the Apex Region. However, all 7 other Directors fall in line to his demands. He is the unspoken leader of the Association on this side of the world."


    My thoughts go racing for a moment as I try to conceptualize what Rodrigo is saying to me right now.


    "So he calls all the shots? Does this mean your orders today toe out here and do monthly check-ins are his doing?"


    Rodrigo nods.


    "Of course. My main orderse from the Apex Director, but I''m a bit of a special case. I report to all of the Regional Directors, actually. The Vice Region is one of many stops. I report and clean uprge dungeon breaks, managebyrinth stability, and take care of a good amount of the C-ss exam proctoring. If it were up to me, I''d be fighting monsters and getting stronger by any means necessary, but my free time is rather limited these days."


    I nod and ask another question in response.


    "That means the Regional Directors get orders directly from him too?"


    He nods again, and I think back to the time I saw Brutus for a split second after testing out that cursed element stone on a dungeon out in the forest.


    "The Directors don''t have curse marks though. They wear rings."


    Rodrigo nods again, smiling, and responds.


    "This is true. You''re very well informed... The 7 Directors from the Vice, Bedrock, Talton, Veridian, Silca, Raya, and Phantom Region are all gifted with rings that work just like Mr. Freeman''s power. They''re all capable of controlling the high ranked Hunters with the curse."


    I think for a moment longer, before responding.


    "Why doesn''t he just give them curse marks too?"


    Rodrigoughs.


    "He doesn''t have to. Perception of power and freedom is everything in this world. The only way to get ess to resources to be even close to as strong as the Apex Region''s leader would be to take the helping hand of the Association. Those that have talent and are able to gain strength are branded with a curse..."


    He points to himself, implying that he is one of those few.


    "Those without any hope of ever gaining enough power on their own to overthrow his rule are given the opportunity to wield his power as a loyal servant."


    Rodrigo scoffs.


    "None of the Regional Directors are even close to A-Rank. They are granted wealth and power by the Association, and can be reced at the snap of a finger by another power-leveled nobleman or businessman at any time. The corruption in this organization stems far deeper than anyone knows..."


    He looks at me, then at Bri, then back to me with a sigh and a saddened stare.


    "I appreciate the thought. You may have survived a few weeks on your own in the dark continent and think you''ve learned the secrets of the world, but I''ve thought of ways to free myself from this organization for many years. I''m one of the strongest Registered Hunters in the entire Association. If anyone could manage a way out it would be me."


    He lets out a sigh of defeat, but I respond.


    "I think you still underestimate me. I may seem weak and naive to you still, but I assure you I would not run head first into a fight I don''t believe I have any chance of winning."


    I pause for a moment.


    "Is there any way you could get me to the Apex region? I just want to get a single nce at this man. It would be enough for me to know what I''m working with."


    Rodrigoughs again.


    "Impossible. The Apex Region''s Director only shows his face to A-Rank Hunters and other Regional Directors in board meetings. The public hasn''t seen his face in decades. This is why his name has been forgotten in time. Only those that care to look through the old records or very influential business figures remember him from his contributions in the Great War."


    Rodrigo stops talking and looks up to the ceiling as if he''s remembering something important, then continues.


    "Well¡ªactually¡ªthere is one way you couldy your eyes on him if you really wanted to. However, It''s basically a death sentence."


    More green light flows off of him from my lie detector skill as I can tell every word he''s speaking to me is the full truth.


    I grin and respond.


    "Now we''re getting somewhere. Where can I see this man for myself?"


    He turns to look me in the eyes and responds.


    "Well, a select few contestants that rank exceptionally on the B-ss exams are put on an elerated progression track. Kind of like the Elites of the Elites. Only a handful are chosen out of all of the applicants from all 8 regions every year. These members have the privilege... or rather... death sentence of training under Mr. Freeman himself to get the chance of bing an A-Rank hunter, or dying for the Association while striving to be one of these chosen few."


    I turn to Ember and open a telepathy link.


    "What do you think about Mr. Freeman? He said he was in the Great War. That was 50 years ago... you were alive then, right? Was there a Sun God? Do you recognize this golden Soul Energy? Are we dealing with another Divine Beast?"


    Ember turns to Rodrigo and looks at his neck for a moment, but shakes his head and responds to my question through our link.


    "No. None of these names are familiar to me. There isn''t even a guarantee that these two are the same person. This figure must have gone by something else back in that era. Its soul energy is not one of the Divine Beasts, however, it is familiar..."


    There''s a long pause, but Ember speaks again.


    "If this is your next target, I believe we should assess this threat for ourselves. If this is really the only chance we have of organically meeting the figure in question, I say let''s do it."


    I nod, and smile inwardly.


    Then, I turn to Rodrigo and reply.


    "Great. It''s about a month away, right? That should be enough time to prepare... I''d like to apply to be a B-ss Hunter. I''m sure you can fit in a few newst minute applicants into this year''s exam."

 Chapter 505

    Chapter 505


    "No way! Are you crazy? You want me to sign your death sentence? You already narrowly escaped it by a hair once; there''s no point in going back to the Association if you don''t have to."


    He eyes me and Ember up and down.


    "Plus, are you guys even ranked up? One of the requirements for entering that exam is hitting level 500. Based on the near non-existent mana readings I feeling off you, I think you''d be killed off in the firstbat round of the exams."


    He shakes his head with disapproval, but I reply with a shrug.


    "I didn''t ask if you thought I was strong enough. I just want you to get me into the exams."


    He looks at me again and hesitates before responding.


    "No, there''s still no way. Even if you have a death wish, don''t drag me into it. They''d most definitely recognize you and see through any appraisal-blocking items you own. The instant they realize who you are, and I''m the one who rmended you, my head is on the line here too. There will be multiple A-Rank proctors, it''s impossible¡ª"


    He stops mid-sentence as I use my conceal skill along with my cloak to change my outfit, face, and even allow a small aura of mana simr to that of a level 500 hunter to make the disguise even better.


    "Nothing is impossible..."His mouth is left open as his aura goes through me, trying to piece together what just happened and see through my disguise while Bri lets out a chuckle.


    She interjects.


    "I can get them new Hunter IDs this week. I''m sure there are a few C-ss Association workers that went missing over thest few weeks out in one of the other regions. It won''t be too hard to borrow a few identities for the exams."


    Rodrigo nods and murmurs to himself.


    "You''re right... It''s possible."


    He continues looking at Ember and me for a few seconds, sending wave after wave of mana through us, but his expression only gets more confused.


    "What is this? I can''t see through it. What kind of concealment item is this? It even suppressed your mana control before..."


    He pauses, then shakes his head, snapping himself out of confusion.


    "No way, it''s still a no. Just because you''ve managed to block my eyes with some A-Grade item doesn''t mean you''ll be able to fool all the proctors."


    He shakes his head again, and I believe him this time.


    It''s true.


    I may be able to conceal myself from those at a lower level than me and those that do not use any Qi-based power, but the holder of this Sun God''s Curse mark will be able to see my true form... I''m almost sure of it.


    A telepathy link opens between Ember and me as I continue to ponder this point. Even more so than me, if he were toe to the exams with me, a dragon in human form would stick out far more than just a hunter with Soul Energy.


    He speaks through the link.


    "If you''re worried about our presence being seen by other Soul Energy users, I believe I am strong enough now to make an artifact capable of hiding us from those wandering eyes... However, it will take time. A lot of it."


    I raise an eyebrow, wondering what kind of artifact Ember has in mind that can block a Soul Energy user''s perception.


    "Will the month leading up to the exam be enough?"


    "I''m not sure, but if this is the only chance we have, I will make it work."


    I smirk and nod, cutting the link and speaking out loud again to Rodrigo.


    "Fine. If you don''t believe me, how about we spar? If I win, you''ll get us a spot in the uing B-ss exams. If I lose, we''ll get out of your hair and stop causing you any trouble."


    He grins on the spot and starts tough out loud.


    "Now we''re talking. This is all it''ll take to get you to give up on this? Deal. How about I take both of you on, just to give you a fighting chance? If either one of you can manage to stay upright for a full minute while fighting me, I''ll get you both into the exams. How about that?"


    I smirk and stand to my feet, putting out a hand for him to shake.


    "Let''s do it, right now. There''s a dungeon right downstairs in the ck market."


    He shakes my hand and turns his head to the clock on the wall.


    "Sounds good to me. I have to get leaving soon anyway, might as well show you what the true power of an A-Ranked Association Hunter looks like before I go."


    All four of us stand from the couches and walk toward the spiral stairs, heading down into the ck market to walk toward the small underground dungeon hub.


    To not be recognized, Bri hands out small concealment rings and we don''t talk much on the way over, but the moment we hop into one of the less crowded lower-grade dungeons and find a t untouched area of grasnd in the back of one of them, the ringse off.


    On our way through the dungeon, we agree to the terms of our fight. A 60-second sparring match. If either Ember or I are still standing by the end of it, we win. If anyone surrenders, the other party wins. Either party is allowed to use any gear or weapons they wish.


    Rodrigo decides not to use any, so Ember and I decide to hold off on weapons too but I mention that I''ll most likely be testing out a swordter in this battle.


    Bri stands far away on top of a steep hill to watch, holding a small digital stopwatch.


    "The fight will begin once the first punch is thrown."


    Rodrigo faces off against myself and Ember, speaking up while cing his fists in front of him.


    "Don''t hold back. I want you to aim to kill. I have a unique skill that allows me to respawn in the exact same form and ce Ist slept twice per waking cycle. Not that you''llnd a finger on me, but I thought I might as well let you know because I don''t want you to limit yourselves."


    At these words, I do remember him sharing an item with a simr effect during the C-ss exams. He gave out a charm for everyone to wear that allowed them to respawn after death with their body and memory intact.


    It is a very overpowered skill... With something like this, the fearlessness he has going into battle is exactly what an A-Ranked fighter needs. No wonder he rose the ranks in the Association so far, and it makes sense why someone would want a tight leash on him.


    However, just like all mana-based skills, if a hunter does not have ess to the system, or their MP is too low, it cannot be activated. So, his offer to go all out would make sense for the perception of the weak hunter I''m showing him, but if I really went all out, it wouldn''t end well, I''m sure of it.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Ember looks at me, and I shrug, putting my hands up and speaking to him through our link.


    "Go easy, and not just instantly send him back to his respawn. Let''s win this, but at least do it by surviving the full minute to run some tests and see what kind of fighter he is."


    Emberughs out loud, severing the link and putting his fists up too.


    "I''ll try my best."


    We both lunge forward and the clock in Bri''s hand starts to count down from 60.


    Rodrigo runs forward too, with bright white glowing fists and blinding speed.


    I see the air ripple behind him as he doesn''t wait at all to activate his first ranked-up buff [Hand of the Illusionist].


    Dozens of copies of him start to trail behind his original body and spread out as we get closer to each other, creating a mirage-like effect of us being surrounded by lifelike images of him.


    It would be very confusing, if I couldn''t see straight through it with the Soul Energy floating through my eyes.


    Both Ember and I still y along and dodge and weave through all of the punches of the illusions until we make our way close enough to his real body.


    Rodrigo doesn''t hold back at all.


    His fully charged light magic fistes rocketing toward me, and I move my right arm in the way to block.


    An echoing crack sounds through the dungeon as my forearm stops his fist in ce.


    The shockwave dissipates all of his illusions and he jumps backward with wide eyes and a smile.


    "You blocked my punch. Not too bad actually... I underestimated you. How about your friend?"


    He runs at Ember to my right side and throws a simr punch, only to have the same echoing shockwave of rippling light magic flow through the dungeon.


    Hees at us with even more speed and power next, throwing multiple punches and kicks per second while we block them effortlessly and follow his patterns while the 1-minute clock ticks down.


    Bri''s voice calls out from high up on the hill.


    "Fifty seconds left!"


    At this, Rodrigo''s punches and kicks get faster and the mana imbued into them are far more extreme.


    His power is impressive, and his baseline mana control is on par, if not even higher, than Fisher and Lydia''s.


    He''s a legit fighter that could take out 39th-floorbyrinth monsters with mana alone.


    The demon cores significantly increase his stats, but the items he wears could be optimized more.


    Ember and I increase our own power output the further he pushes his.


    "Forty Seconds!" Bri yells.


    His speed and power reach heights that are nearing his max, and he starts to get agitated.


    "Impossible! How are you keeping up with me still? Your speed, power, your mana control, it''s rising..."


    He starts activating his [Hand of the Illusionist] mid-stride, sending out dozens of copies as we''re about to attack again, and we ignore them, weaving through the copies to finallynd hits of our own on Rodrigo.


    The punch I throw would easily have broken through the hard outer shell of the sand worms on the 38th floor and possibly even killed an Elite Minotaur on the 39th.


    However, he takes it head-on and is pushed backward by the st of his mana shielding breaking.


    "Thirty More Seconds, halfway there!" Bri calls out as the dust and debris clear.


    "Fine, I''ll show you my ranked-up form. You two are strong, stronger than I assumed. You would actually stand a good chance in surviving the B-ss exams, but I won''t risk my own life on that gamble."


    His body glows white and grows about 2.5x in size into an armored warrior made of pure light magic. It holds two long white des of light in each hand and gives off a pure white aura. It is definitely his second ranked-up buff [Ultimate Attack Form of the Light Warrior], but I don''t intend for him to use this for long.


    We run forward at its form and I coat my arms in far denser mana than I was using before.


    Ember does the same and we begin trading blows back and forth with the enourmous white knight.


    Its energy des collide with our shielded arms and we punch back, sending the light magic user backward to his utter surprise.


    "Only twenty seconds remain!" Bri''s voice echoes through the battlefield.


    At this warning, Rodrigo gets serious and takes a moment to step back andbines the white light magic swords into one thick de.


    He holds an enormous glowing white sword in the air that hums with mana and makes everything around us ripple and wave. The air itself looks like it''s about to melt.


    It twists and turns and the figure is surrounded by a sh of blinding white light.


    At the same time, nearly a hundred more blinding shes of light fill the dungeon as the illusion of more knights fills my vision.


    I stop in my tracks and turn to Ember while pulling my new [Dark Emperor''s de] out from my inventory.


    "Let me handle this one. I believe the fight will be over shortly. I want to test out my new weapon... There''s more than enough targets to try it on here."


    It feels extremely heavy in my hands. It''s mass is still equal to the 100m long Lich King''s scythe it was crafted from. ck waves of dark magic ooze out from the sword meant for war.


    One of the most interesting traits of dark magic is its ability to negate all mana-based attacks. I imbue more dark magic into the de using my superior dark summoning skill and it gushes more and more with the ck energy.


    Mana from the dungeon floor beneath my feet is being ripped away and sucked into the de the longer I hold it.


    I lunge forward as Ember steps back.


    Every illusion of the Light Warrior I pass is engulfed by the darkness of my sword.


    One by one, they''re all swallowed away into a void of darkness as I creep closer to the real body of my attacker.


    He swings his sword my way, and all I do is raise my ck de to block; I don''t even attempt to swing this weapon.


    The instant the light sword gets within rage of mine, I feel its attack power growing weaker.


    Mana is being drained from my own body to power this special effect, but it is negligiblepared to the amount I can plunder from the dungeon below me.


    Rodrigo is caught in my trap.


    His weakening white de against my mana-eating ck sword stands no chance.


    "Ten seconds! Ten seconds left!" Bri yells as the entire white manifested sword is sucked away into my de, and the outer shell of the white armor starts to fall into it too.


    My eyes widen as I feel the ck de''s hunger for power and energy grow by the second.


    It drains more mana from me the longer I hold it, and eats away all of the mana fueling Rodrigo''s attacks the longer he''s near the de.


    All I did was block his strike, and these are the catastrophic aftereffects.


    Excitement grows inside me as I watch the entire white suit of armor sink into my weapon and disappear, dismantling his ranked up buff in seconds and leaving Rodrigo without a drop of MP remaining, standing right next to the ck sword.


    Without any magic to take, the de turns its attention to the dungeon itself, and continues using power being channeled through my body.


    The floor around me indents as dungeon mass begins to drain away from the orb of darkness that starts to surround me.


    I feel the immense power growing more and more, and realize this is just the beginning. If I gave it enough energy, this entire dungeon could be negated and copsed...


    At this realization of its true power, I open my item storage and try to let go of the sword to let it fall inside.


    However, my hands stay tightly grasped around the handle, like an invisible wave of gravity is holding them in ce to siphon more power through me into the sword.


    I don''t hesitate to slice both of my hands off at the wrists right above my gauntlets using a string of dense mana and let the de fall into my item storage.


    It is an eerie power. The longer I hold that de, I have a feeling the harder it will be to let go of it. Its sentient nature feels simr to my me Emperor''s Sword the first time I tried to control it but wasn''t strong enough to do so yet. This time it feels a bit more ominous.


    The growing ck aura dissipates the moment my sword disappears, and I regenerate my hands while retrieving my rings and gauntlets back from my item storage.


    Rodrigo jumps backward while absorbing mana in the atmosphere while putting his shielding back up and stares at me with a dazed expression.


    "W-What the hell was that?"


    It''s clear I legitimately caught him off guard for a moment. He knows it too. If I was really aiming to kill, that would have been the time to do so.


    I shrug and a voice rings out from the hilltop, "Five more seconds!"


    Before I can respond, it''s as if a serious switch has been turned on and the air pressure in the battlefield changes...


    Rodrigo''s mana has almost fully restored itself now after that unexpected event and a golden glow shimmers in his eyes.


    "You got lucky, but lost your chance. It doesn''t matter. Whatever that was, no fancy enchanted items will save you from this. I didn''t want to use this, but it''s my only hope at taking both of you out before the time is up."


    The golden Soul Energy around his neck begins to expand and his eyes glow golden as the power spreads over his whole body and he lunges forward at me.


    His eyes dart back and forth from me to Ember, already calcting his next move to end the battle here and now.


    I smile and let dark red tendrils of energy flood out from my core to cover my arms and block his iing golden shimmering punch.


    The impact of his fist on my forearm sends both of our Soul Energies flying through the air in an explosive collision.


    I''m thoroughly surprised by the power of his blow.


    Even when using a fairly dense level of Soul Energy, I''m thrown backward through the air.


    However, so is he at about the same speed. Both of our faces show expressions of mild shock.


    I assumed his power would be simr to the 6th or 5th ranked Dark Guards.


    However, there are small fragments of golden light left behind in my Soul Energy even 30 meters away after being blown back from that st. It eats away at my Qi and mana stores, but there isn''t much residue left on me so I overpower it quickly.


    The same goes for Rodrigo, dark red Soul Energy is left behind in his aura after he''s hit by the st, and even though it''s strong, the overwhelming amount of golden energy that floods out from him manages to disintegrate the residue I left behind.


    If I were to gauge his strength now just based on our first exchange of punches, his Soul Energy is simr to the 2nd Ranked Dark Guard. Maybe even stronger...


    We both look down at the contact points in awe at the other''s strength, then a final yelles from on top of the hill watching over the battle.


    "That''s it. Time is up! The winners by timeout are Jay and Ember! No more fighting you three, the spar is over!"

 Chapter 506

    Chapter 506


    As Bri yells out that the match is over, another voice responds while a beam of golden light erupts into the sky.


    "Double or nothing! Ten more seconds, what do you say, Jay? Take me on alone. I wasn''t aware the power you wield is cursed energy too..."


    Rodrigo turns his head toward me with sharp eyes and his whole body glowing gold.


    By cursed energy, he must mean Soul Energy. It seems the Association calls it something different.


    I respond with my fists raised, covering them in red Soul Energy and shielding the rest of my body with ayer thick enough to block any of his blows if needed.


    "What''s in it for me? I already won our bet; taking you on now would only be a risk."


    Truthfully, I want to fight him to see how powerful he actually is. I''m certain I can win, but I might as well get more out of this if I can.


    He responds.


    "What do you want? Same rules, 10 more seconds fighting. If I win, you''re not getting an invite to the exams. If you win, you''ll get¡ª"I interject as I think of something that I desire.


    "Let me make 20 respawn items using your skill as a catalyst. If I win, you let me make them."


    I smirk as his expression changes to annoyance.


    "I''m property of the Association. I can''t be giving out their resources like that without authorization..."


    I cross my arms.


    "So, you''re saying you''ll lose?"


    I shrug and start to turn away, but he calls out.


    "Fine. I''ll let you make 1 respawn item. It may take a few tries, but I''m confident Bri can craft one with enough of my blood. The only condition is you cannot sell it. The item has to be worn by you alone."


    I continue turning and shake my head.


    "Not worth it. If you''re so worried about it being illegal, then 1 is just as bad as 20. I''ll just take my invite to the B-ss exams, no need to fight more."


    He grits his teeth, and I see the golden light around him grow even denser.


    "Five. I''ll give you five."


    I turn around.


    "Make it 15, and I want to give them to my close allies. I don''t like this rule that only I can wear them."


    He pauses and looks me in the eyes as red aura seeps from my fists at the same rate the golden light radiates from his body.


    "10 crafts. You and your allies only. I can be killed for a stunt like this, you know."


    I grin.


    "Deal."


    Bri starts the clock again on the top of the hill, but Rodrigo doesn''t wait for her words to start; he lunges forward at me with everything he has.


    Our punches and kicks fly.


    The Soul Energy collisions make the physical dungeon mass vibrate and echo. All of the hunters within a few kilometers doing their normal farming can definitely sense there is something happening deep in the dungeon even without any Qi-based perception.


    I block every one of Rodrigo''s iing punches and kicks.


    They feel almost 50% stronger than the one he threw at me at the end of ourst fight, and I can tell he''s really giving this his all by his instant heavy breathing and sweat dripping down his forehead.


    Tens of meters of dungeon mass are stripped away with every blow, and I have to actively use strong Soul Energy to block each of his strikes.


    My base stats are many times higher than his own just because of the level gap and my high-grade gear, but I still activate my stat-boosting buffs to keep up with him and not miss hits to take any unnecessary damage.


    After 42 blocks in a row in less than 5 seconds, and a massive crater in the grasnd dungeon being formed, I whisper out loud while dodging his iing golden punch with ease and hitting him back with a blow three times as powerful as the strongest one he''s thrown at me so far just to give him a taste of what I can do.


    "You''re not a bad fighter, let''s see if you can take a hit."


    It makes contact with his stomach, and I see his eyes roll back in his head for a moment as his golden Soul Energy is pierced right through.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Rodrigo is rocketed backward over 100 meters, ripping through the remaining dirt in the crater we fight in. However, before his momentum stops, he regains consciousness and activates his ranked-up buff with soul energy imbued into it as well.


    A 5-meter tall golden knight digs its feet into the dungeon floor and rockets back toward me.


    I use the same power from the attack I just threw and let it soak my entire body with red aura.


    I take the ranked-up Soul Energy imbued Light Warrior on in my base form, just using basic Soul Energy shielding, going blow for blow with it.


    Now, the vibrations and energy wavesing off of Rodrigo are of a simr caliber to the destruction brought about by one of the 1st Ranked Dark Guards in their split form. Minus the base stats andck of high-grade items limiting his pure strength and speed, Rodrigo is among one of the strongest beings I''ve everid eyes on.


    I wasn''t expecting the fight to go this far, but with less than 2 seconds left on the timer that Bri holds, I''m sure he''s finally reached his limit.


    I jump forward and let out even more of my soul energy, doubling my power again, cloaking my fists in soul energy so dark and dense it looks ck.


    "I''m impressed, Rodrigo. You were right. A-Rank Hunters are strong, but I am stronger."


    In a sh of red, my fist makes contact with the outer golden glow of the soul energy imbued ranked-up buff and shatters it instantly. A wave of blood-red light pushes Rodrigo back and disintegrates his armor while also obliterating a cylindrical path through the dungeon mass that he''s blown back into.


    Bri''s voice yells out. "Time! That''s time! Time is up, guys! Stop fighting!"


    At her words, I instantly stop expelling aura and cease firing off my attack.


    Despite this, Rodrigo is still rocketed backward a few hundred meters into a nearby rock wall, and it is obliterated into fragments of stone.


    The dungeon is left in silence for a moment as I power all the way down, and Ember breaks the tension.


    "Nice one, Jay. That guy was pretty strong... The curse mark he bears is far stronger than the Lich King''s was."


    Ember nods his head, and I agree, wiping a small bead of sweat from my own forehead.


    "You''re right. Rodrigo is a formidable fighter. I might have lost if I tried to challenge him before the war..."


    Bries walking down the hill toward us, and at the same time a white glowing figurees floating out of the rubble and floats over.


    Rodrigo is beat up, covered in burns and bruises, and knows he''s lost, but there''s a satisfied expression on his face as he touches down in front of me.


    "You win. I believe you really do know what you''re getting yourself into now. You definitely won''t die at the exams with power like that. Well, not to another applicant at least. Thank you for showing me I''m not just getting you into this exam to create another ve for the association to throw around. Jay, maybe you will be the one to set us free..."


    He smirks, then catches a green potion I toss to him.


    It''s the first Mythic Grade Self Regeneration Potion I''ve ever made, and he drinks it without questioning it to be anything other than a standard HP potion.


    Instantly, the burns and bruises all over his body disappear, his heavy breathing stops, and all of his fatiguepletely fades away the moment the green liquid touches his lips.


    I put out a hand to shake his after he''s healed and reply.


    "d to see you think I won''t die. What a nice way to phrase things..."


    I roll my eyes and chuckle.


    "Now, to get what we bet for, let me get those crafts."


    He nods and responds.


    "Sure- I''ll drop off some blood for Bri to usete this week. One thing you should know; If someone wearing one of those charms is killed with the energy of a curse mark, they don''t respawn. It only works from pure mana based attacks."


    I raise an eyebrow at his statement, but dont hesitate to pull 10 item drops from floor 31-39 in thebyrinth, ranging from fangs to scales to horns, and craft them all into rings, amulets, and charms while imbuing the [Respawn] skill into them while I''m still making contact with Rodrigo''s hand.


    It only takes an instant, and his eyes widen with shock when I let the items fall into my storage less than a secondter and release my grip.


    "Done. You have my word, no one from the association will ever get their hands on these. Now, you hold up your second part of the bet, get me and Ember a spot in the uing exams."


    He stares down at the ce where the 10 items disappeared into my storage and replies, but not to my statement.


    "W-What do you mean done? Imbuing skills into items is a gamble. Every time Bri does it, it usually takes dozens of tries and liters of blood before she can even get one right... what kind of ability do you have..."


    Bri interjects.


    "Brother, that''s not for you to worry about. Jay''s crafting ability far surpasses my own."


    I add to her remark.


    "It may even surpass the old Sector 2 leader soon if you''d believe it. I heard there''s new management with exceptional talent epting new trade deals in the Dark Continent."


    Gears begin turning in his head as he realizes who this new hidden contact for trade deals that many regions have just started doing trade with is, and puts together even more connections that his sister must be helping with the high order volume too.


    He speaks up, in a much more professional tone now.


    "Right... With the recent dungeon surges, the expansion of the abyss, and fall of leadership in the Dark Continent, it seems there may be a lot of change happening in this world. However, do not underestimate the Association just based on my performance... I may be strong, but there are stronger enemies with much deeper ties of loyalty to the Association than me."


    He points to his golden glowing cor.


    "This is not the only thing that keeps us in line. If you''re truly going to challenge them, take your time and calcte every move you make."


    He lets out a sigh, and I nod, then silence falls among us all.


    Bri speaks next.


    "Don''t you think you should be getting back about now?"


    Rodrigo nods and turns to the direction of the dungeon exit.


    "Yes. It is about time. I should be off now. I''ll make contact with you again next week. I assume by then you will have the fake ID names for these two. I''ll have them registered asst-minute applicants."


    He turns to me and Ember.


    "This was fun. Thank you for opening my eyes. I still don''t like any part of this... but a bet''s a bet. You have my word I''ll get you in. You better get even stronger than you already are. Whatever you''re nning to do in the exams, don''t leave any part of it to chance."


    We both nod, and Rodrigo flies off toward the dungeon exit to go back to the Association and hand in the blue recording crystal of his meeting with Bri.


    Ember speaks up once he''s gone.


    "Well then, now that that''s out of the way, how about we start on making that teleport tform."


    Bri nods.


    "My schedule is definitely clear now."


    I ce a hand on both her and Ember''s shoulders.


    "Good to hear. I''ll bring us to the craft site now. We should have everything we need to create the tform here."


    I dungeon walk us into the canyon of dungeons.


    "Bri, I''d like to show you the home base I''m building in Sector 2. This is where the first teleport tform will be created."


    We step out of the dungeon exit and walk up the stone walkway to see the setting red-orange sun shining down rays onto a long path leading to the town being built in the distance.


    "Wee to the Crimson City."

 Chapter 507

    Chapter 507


    We make our way into the underground bunker, and I point to an open section of white flooring on the side of the room nearest the stairs.


    The portion of the room with loot and materials can be sectioned off with the movable wall if need be.


    "I''d like to build the first teleport tform right here."


    I put the luminite and old book from my item storage in the center of the room, letting them float in the air with telekinesis and sift through the pages until the design we were looking at beforees up.


    Bri, Ember, and I sit around the items and discuss the information while I pull out piles of mana crystals that equal millions of MP necessary for the craft.


    On top of this, a very sturdy high-grade tform is needed to use as the imbuement item.


    Bri says she has some material back in her workshop that would be sufficient, or we could salvage some of the shielding from the room here, or even merge some of the B-ss items in the crates near the back wall to create a tform for this craft.


    However, I have an even better idea for a base material that is higher grade and sturdy enough for this craft.


    "How about we use some of the scrapped shielding from the two buildings in Sector 1 that are being taken apart right now? I''m sure that would be more than enough to use for this tform and many others toe."I use telepathy to call one of my body doubles in the nearby area toe down, and in a matter of seconds, ites walking down the stairs.


    Ember replies.


    "That''s a good idea. It will be quite an efficient material for this craft. We won''t need much, just a 5 by 5 meter solid cut should be more than enough."


    I nod and turn to my double while throwing it a transport crystal to the Galeheart Tower.


    "You heard him, we need some A-Grade shielding toplete this craft, and bring some extra so I have some on hand. I''m sure Lith won''t mind."


    Ember grins.


    "There is one thing I think he will mind though, and it''s something I need if we''re going to make that 30-day deadline for the B-ss exams."


    I raise an eyebrow as he continues.


    "I need you to grab thatst istion pod for me. The concealment items I need to produce will take far longer than a month to aplish. I''ve been doing the math in my head, and I''ll need at least 10 times that at a bare minimum. The only way I see it being possible is with an istion pod."


    He turns to me and uses telepathy.


    "Or we can go scour some far-off dungeons and search for a new void creeper rift, but finding another one nearby on this world is unlikely."


    I nod and speak to my double.


    "Yeah, that works. Let''s try not to destroy this one. It''s the only one left that I know of, and I still don''t know how to craft those things. Convince Lith to let us use it, we won''t charge this one up to 50x, just 10x or so at most."


    My double nods and heads off in a sh of white light.


    We continue to set up for the craft and double-check the instructions for a few minutes.


    Then, Bri asks a simple question.


    "So, how exactly did you get your hands on this luminite in the first ce? I doubt it was from an auction. You must have actually found a way to mine it from a copsing dungeon. Or... is there some other way?"


    I smile.


    "There''s no other way I know of. I managed to create a far more stable version of the element stone bomb I set off in the forest outside Vice City with you. There''s a way to gently copse a dungeon. If you''re quick enough, the raw materials that drop into thin air once it disappears are these crystals."


    I point to the jar with fragments of white gems inside.


    She nods and smiles.


    "So, you''re saying that there is the potential to make more? How much? Could I purchase some from you?"


    Iugh.


    "Sure, you can buy some in the future, if you''d like, but I was nning to make a tform for you free of cost in your workshop just to make it easier to travel. Plus, an office here so you can have multiple bases of operation."


    This narrative has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I point up to the ceiling and briefly outline the build ns and future for this guild hall to her.


    Then, as soon as we''re both on the same page, my body doublees back with a smile on his face and an inventory full of A-Grade shielding.


    "You''ll have enough for 10, no, maybe 100 of these tforms with the haul Lith gave me. Those buildings are loaded with materials."


    I open my item storage and my double opens his, and he transfers all of the items over, including an istion pod with about 6x dtion still left in it.


    My double goes back outside to continue surveying the desert.


    I pull out just enough shielding for the craft and ce the istion pods near the back wall of the bunker.


    "Great, now let''s get this craftpleted."


    With a carefully cut humming sheet of shielding in front of me, 3.3 million MP worth of mana crystals surrounding it, and a containment case of luminite hovering above it, I activate my mythic grade crafting skill.


    I share this skill with Bri and Ember so they can watch it happen with intricate detail in real time.


    The entire shielding segment is selected as the base, 2.6 million MP of the total mana is selected as a catalyst plus fuel, and just over 60% of the luminite inside the containment case is selected within the ss contraption.


    I press ept on the craft option that links up exactly with the book, and a bright white light fills the entire room.


    A release of energy from the millions of MP being used flows through all of our bodies, and the metal-coated mana shielding melts into a form that is close to liquid as it bends and shapes into a circr tform about 4 meters in diameter.


    Over half of the mass within the containment contraption holding luminite disappears and merges with the bright lit craft.


    It takes over 3 full seconds before the light fades and a raised circr tform, a small pile of leftover mana crystals, and a jar of about one third of the luminite we started with are all that remain.


    The corners of my lips curve up when my appraisal and all-seeing eye skills read out what is in front of me.


    ______________


    [Instant Teleportation tform]


    Grade: A+


    Owner: Jay Soju


    Current Bonded Teleport Crystals In Cirction: 0


    Info: This is a unique item that can only be modified by its owner. Using bonded teleport crystals, any living being and the direct mass they are making contact with will be instantly transported to this tform.


    Crafter''s Note: [NONE]


    ______________


    I smile while using my crafting skill again on the remaining luminite and mana crystals sitting on top of the tform and select the next option to make bonded crystals linked solely with this tform.


    There''s another sh of light, and all of the white and pink crystals before me merge together to make arge pile of small white gems.


    I step forward and pick one up.


    [Teleport Crystal]


    Then, I look back at the tform''s stats and see there is a change in one of its settings.


    Current Bonded Teleport Crystals In Cirction: 361


    "It worked...."


    I pick up a handful of the white glossy gems, and toss a few to Ember, then a few to Bri as well, letting the rest all fall into my item storage.


    "Come on, let''s test this out."


    Bri''s eyes are wide with a mixture of pure excitement and disbelief.


    "Yes, let''s do it."


    Ember nods.


    "I already believe it''ll work, but very well, let''s test it."


    We leave the underground bunker and fly a few kilometers away into the desert and all crush a crystal in our hands.


    Instantly, a sh of white light brings us back to the underground bunker, and when I check the internal setting of the tform, the live bonded crystal count changes.


    Current Bonded Teleport Crystals In Cirction: 358


    "Interesting..."


    We try it again, using the crystals inside a dungeon, then again all the way thousands of kilometers away in Vice City.


    Current Bonded Teleport Crystals In Cirction: 352


    No matter where we teleport from, we''re always sent back here instantly.


    "Well, it''s a sess. The first teleport tform works. Now, it''s time to farm some rogue dungeons to make more..."


    The three of us talk over the trade details in the bunker a little longer, and I let Bri know that it will take a bit of time to farm up more luminite to create her next tform.


    However, it will be ready by the time the first shipment of raw materials for her craftsmene in. The only concern is finding a secure ce to put hers. We may need to create a secret room beneath her bottom floor.


    Inspection and monthly recorded check-ins from the association cannot pick up on the fact that she has one of these.


    After discussing these details, I bring her back to the ck market dungeon hub and leave her with another handful of teleport crystals.


    "Come back anytime. I may not always be in town, but my doubles will most likely always be here to greet you."


    "Sounds good, I''ll see you again very soon."


    She leaves, walking through the underground market back to her workshop.


    Ember and I use the underground dungeon hub as a teleport point to make our way back to the Vice City Labyrinth to collect a single fire stone from the 39th floor, then dungeon walk to a faraway dungeon over 200 km away in the desert.


    It is thest D-Grade dungeon that my doubles and Ember were using to collect mana previously when we were charging up pods before the war.


    This time, I use my own mythic grade plunderer skill to imbue the stone, and I''m able to create a containment item that stores just about 7 billion MP all by myself.


    Ember and I stand back as the stone sucks up the dungeon''s mass until it hits its fill.


    "Looks like I can farm these myself."


    We crush teleport crystals and make it back to the underground bunker. I use this stone to add to the semi-used istion pod from the Galeheart Tower, bringing it to over 11x dtion, roughly the limit to where it won''t cause long-term damage to the machine.


    Ember looks at me with a confident smile as he steps inside.


    "300 days should be enough if I push it. I wille out once my creations areplete. I wish you luck on your ventures while I work, only disturb me if it is a matter of life or death."


    I nod.


    "Very well. I''ll make sure this civilization is unrecognizable, and we are much stronger once you emerge. Whatever it is you are creating, best of luck."


    Ember types on the keypad, entering 30 days at an 11.54x dtion.


    The door shuts, and I call for a body double toe and be on full-time guard duty of this pod.


    After it arrives, I head off to the canyon of dungeons as the sun fully disappears and the night skyes. I dungeon walk into thebyrinth to begin a solo farming session.

 Chapter 508

    Chapter 508


    I start by clearing out the rest of floor 39, dungeon walking from monster to monster to drain their MCP, and opening up spatial magic portals to store their corpses in my storage.


    Instead of leaving their bodies to dissolve in random ces throughout the floor, having to wait up to a full minute for some, I see it as more time-efficient to keep their corpses on me and have them all dissolve together after I''m done with farming for the day.


    I clear out every floor from 38-30 next with fast strikes, dungeon walking to every new monster and killing them before they even know I''ve arrived. A few hundred million MP worth of mana control is absorbed, and over a thousand monsters'' bodies are stored in my storage beforeing back up to floor 39 to catch the one mutant minotaur that respawns right on schedule.


    I repeat this routine for a few hours, piling up corpses in my storage, collecting over a billion MCP total, and holding seven near A-Grade fire stones in my item storage before I decide to change things up.


    I let the massive pile of corpses dissolve before me on the 39th floor, collecting close to a million MP worth of pink mana crystals and over a thousand high B-grade crafting materials.


    Then, I let them all fall into my storage while activating my Soul Energy, letting a visible red aura leak out from my core, the same output as the aura I was using while fighting Rodrigo at his maximum strength in his ranked-up form.


    I pull out my me Emperor''s Sword because the dark de I tested earlier seems to still be very unpredictable and hard to control.


    I whisper under my breath while dungeon walking up two floors. "This should be enough to fend off whatever is on the 41st floor, it''ll be a good change of pace instead of just farming the lower ones all night..."


    Thest few times I attempted fighting the monster on this floor, I never even managed to get a look at it.Its status never even showed up in my mind''s eye.


    The only thing I know about this floor is that it is a dark cave system with a fast-moving monster that uses shing attacks and conceals its presence very well.


    The instant I teleport into the darkness, I hear the sound of humming energy and barely audible fast-moving steps on the rocky ground approaching.


    In less than a tenth of a second, a sharp de-like surfacees rocketing toward my midsection.


    I smile as the dark green bug-like w collides with my Soul Energy shielding and bursts into an eruption of energy.


    There''s an angry hiss that echoes through the cave and I see the shadowy outline of a four-meter-tall mantis creature circling me in the dark, ducking in and out of crevices in the cave while eyeing me down and waiting to send off its next attack.


    My inspect and appraisal skills finally pick up on a few of this monster''s readings.


    ______________


    [Lv. 1522]


    Active Items:


    [NONE]


    Active Skills:


    Stealth [Mythic Grade]


    Buffs:


    Silent Breath


    Eyes of the Night


    The Sun God''s Curse Mark


    ______________


    "A mythic grade stealth skill, huh...? Just like mine."


    My eyes lock onto the barely visible golden cor around its neck, being partially blocked out by its stealth skill.


    It''s only visible now because of my all-seeing eye, new advanced perception, overall higher state of mana control, and of course my unique Soul Energy senses.


    Despite this, the dark green mantis lunges forward again and throws a w covered in golden light beneath its stealth veil.


    It must not be used to its opponents being able to see its movements, because when I swing my sword up to block its strike covered in my own soul energy and the two masses collide, the creature immediately uses the momentum from my blow to be shot backward and scurry away into the cave again.


    It boosts its stealth skill further and lurks in the darkness.


    My eyes track it around the dungeon as it does.


    This creature is using only its own mana control to activate its stealth skill, and it''s clear to see that there is arge difference between the Sun God''s warriors and the now-defeated Lich King''s.


    The stronger troops in the Lich King''s army heavily relied on their own raw power during battles, only using the orange Soul Energy as ast resort. This is because the power being shared at those higher ranks did not make such a monumental difference than their own mana control and soul energy.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    When I look at this creature, and when I rte its fighting style to Rodrigo''s, I see the attack power they throw is heavily reliant on the borrowed energy of the curse mark they bear.


    Their curse mark''s Soul Energy allowance at level 1300-1500 is rivaling to that of a level 2000-2500 in the Dark One''s army.


    It''s an interesting sight to behold, but I''m still not sure what to think of it.


    My first theory is that the Lich King spread its borrowed power among many troops so it weakened its individual power shared to each recipient.


    However, I''ve dealt with borrowed Soul energy before, like the Red Hydra''s buff. It was only shared between a handful of people and was far weaker than the Lich King''s. This just goes to show that there are too many variables at y to conclude anything concrete about this discovery yet.


    The mana control and base stats of this Mantis monster are stillgging behind the immense power that is held in its borrowed Soul Energy.


    That''s why I can easily still see its golden glow through its stealth skill, and also why it can block one of my mid-powered sword swings with its golden light despite being a far lower level than I am.


    This makes the strength shown in my spar with Rodrigo''s fight make a lot more sense.


    However, as the mantis lunges forward at me again, I change up my stance and look the monster right in the eyes.


    "I might as well end this battle now. There''s no point in dragging it on. You''re not much of a talker anyway."


    Its dark green armored mantis wes rocketing toward my blind spot covered in a golden glow while I let my warning echo through the cave.


    At thest minute before impact, I let my soul energy pulse and release my full power while still in my base form.


    A wave of red light illuminates the entire cave system while I turn my body and sword to throw a sh against its w.


    The golden light around it burns away, and its outer green shell shatters while my Soul Energy de cuts off the entire right third of its upper body in a single strike.


    The rest of its form is covered in Soul Energy mes and it''s sted off in the opposite direction from the impact of my release.


    Instead of letting it scurry off into the caves again, I follow with my eyes locked on it, releasing another attack at its other side that is charging up ast-ditch effort high-powered golden attack.


    I cut its long sharp left arm off at the shoulder joint before it can even get a strike off on me, and the residue from my first attack begins to eat away at the golden cor around its neck.


    A loud hiss sounds out as I get close to stop it from running any further, slicing both of its legs off at the knees.


    It falls and tumbles rolling to the floor while golden energy seeps from its body, attempting to protect its remaining vitals as a survival instinct.


    However, the damage is already done.


    My Soul Energy that covers this monster''s areas where it was hit spreads further, eating away the golden glow, and burning the bug alive as it struggles to get up off the hard rocky cave floor.


    I raise my sword above my head to give it a finishing blow and put this dying floor boss out of its misery, but a notification shows up in blue text above the monster once it falls below 5% HP. Red light flows through the system notification, making the blue text look purple in some ces, almost like my Soul Energy isbining with the system here.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Stealth [Mythic Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    The hissing soundsing from the creature gets louder as it knows its end is near, but I can''t help but hesitate for multiple reasons looking down at this odd red and blue text mixture.


    The first reason I''m confused is the fact that I already have a stealth skill on my status, and it''s already mythic grade too.


    This is the first time I''ve let an enemy get down to below 5% HP to activate my new mythic grade absorption''s special perk that allows me to steal one avable skill from an enemy before they die. However, it shouldn''t allow me to absorb a skill I already own.


    The system is never wrong, but this still doesn''t make sense... If I hit [YES] nothing should happen.


    "I guess there''s no harm in trying..."


    I select [YES] and a bright white-blue light engulfs the remains of the monster and my dark red Soul Energy creates a sphere around this shing light. I feel multiple skills like craftsmanship, mana maniption, spatial magic, and a variety of others activating subconsciously through my Soul Energy link while the dark red energy shifts in size and color while many Mythic grade skills work together in a fashion I didn''t know was possible.


    It feels simr to how I removed cursed Soul Energy from Monk''s master, and the fighters being used as test subjects in the Dark One''s Tower, but fairly different because instead of t-out destroying energy, I''m trying to preserve it.


    The hot mixture of Soul Energy shrinks in on itself until the blue and white shes have ceased, at the same time, I feel something fall into my item storage through the spatial magic bonded to my soul energy.


    In my mind''s eye, as soon as this energy disappears into suspended animation I see the status of the monster in front of me change.


    Its stealth skill vanishes from its status, and its veil of perception-blocking protection disappears.


    Its green outer shell is clear as day while I bring my sword down, shattering it, and slicing its head and body in two to finish it off.


    Another absorption notification rings in my ear as it allows me to take its MCP, but no levels were gained from defeating this boss.


    At the same time, the cave begins to fill with natural light and my reign of fiery terror throughout the caves bes visible.


    I see the molten rock and trails of fire left behind me.


    The remains of the mantis corpse dissolve after about 45 seconds, and all that is left behind is a long green w with a +252% Agility stat boost, and arge mana crystal.


    As I collect these items, my mind shifts back to the energy that fell into my status right after I activated my absorption perk, and I let it float out and hover over my hand.


    The item before me is a clear orb about the size of a marble.


    Inside of it, there is swirling blue and white light in threads of dense mana making grid-like system patterns so many times over, down to such a microscopic level, not even my All-Seeing Eye can see its entire intricate design.


    However, it shows the item information, and my eyes are locked on this text for a full minute while thebyrinth''s natural transport magic brings me up to floor 42.


    _______________


    [Skill Orb]


    Grade: A+


    Skill: Stealth [Mythic Grade]


    Item Type: Consumable


    Info: This [Skill Orb] is a unique item. It allows the user to permanently absorb a new skill and add it to their status. Only 1 [Skill Orb] per person can be consumed, any additional attempts will result in a failed absorption.


    _______________


    My vision shes white, and I let the blue orb fall into my item storage while I respawn on the next floor.


    A very odd environment spawns in front of me.


    There are rolling hills, but the ground is made of a smooth white material that grips my feet like rubber.


    There is no wildlife, and the sky is light grey, almost the same shade as the floor.


    I hear a murderous roar echo from beyond one of the rolling synthetic-looking white hills, but my mind is still racing on the fact that I now have the ability to absorb and imbue skills from enemies into a physical consumable.


    "I need to see if this is replicable... If so, I can hand-select a new skill for each of my allies. The me Emperor''s Army could grow far stronger..."


    I grip my sword and burst into dark red mes again, spreading out my perceptions and getting ready to take on whatever climbs the hill to challenge me on the 42nd floor. This farming session just got a lot more interesting.

 Chapter 509

    Chapter 509


    The monstrous roar that echoes from the back of the 42nd-floor boss room reveals its form soon after I hear it.


    At first, when teleporting into this white-floored room, my all-seeing eye picked up the presence of a man standing just as tall as me with a golden cor around his neck.


    However, it immediately evolved into its monster form when I arrived. It jumps up and over the nearest white hill toe into my vision, and its 6-meter-tall light blue-skinned muscr body contrasts greatly with the grey sky.


    It has three golden glowing eyes on its forehead, with arge matching cor around its neck too. It wears silver armor on its chest and feet, and carries two longswords that shimmer the same metallic shine.


    Its gaze locks with mine and it speeds forward as I scan its status.


    _________


    [Lv.2091]


    Active Items:


    Enchanted Silver Sword Set [+411% Strength][+300 Speed][+288% Agility]Enchanted Silver Chestte [+391% Defense][+322% Strength]


    Enchanted Silver Boots [+348% Speed][+340% Agility]


    Active Skills:


    Swordsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Legendary Grade]


    Buffs:


    Overseers Vision


    Energy Enhancement of the Ultimate Swordsman


    The Sun God''s Curse Mark


    _________


    It seems like every floor above the 40th has been raising levels by about 500 each new boss. It is a considerable amount.


    I feel an aura of mana control fill the dungeon and a denseryer of blue mana covers its body and swords. Both of its ranked-up buffs activate, and the graceful movements of its steps and de are the handiwork of this monster''s mythic-grade swordsmanship at work.


    A thick Golden Aura leaks from its eyes and covers its arms and two des while ites at me.


    I activate my own mythic-grade swordsmanship skill and channel my soul energy into defenses while activating my own ranked-up buff to grow in size and create a Dark Red Greater Energy form almost twice asrge as the monster before me.


    I lunge forward too, and both of us follow the instinctive thread of our skill''s energy attacks.


    My sword collides with one of his, blocking it and sending it flying backward, then twisting my body to block his second deing from the opposite side.


    Blue and golden energy disperse into the air as the three-eyed swordsman calctes the perfect counter to my block.


    In my Greater Form, I have the edge on it in all of my stats. However, I could tell that if I fought it in my base form while it was activating its buffs, I would have had trouble fending off the attack I just blocked.


    My gaze locks on the monster''s weak points. I need to focus on defeating this monster, not just testing out new skills and moves like I did on the 41st floor.


    Its shoulders, knees, and neck are unprotected from armor, but it holds its dual swords in a peculiar stance that blocks these weak spots while in a resting position.


    It even manages to guard these points while my sword was deflecting it during ourst exchange.


    The focused golden soul energy in its des was nearly as dense as mine, but it seemed like it was using the majority of it only on its weapons. My Soul Energy covered my des as well as my entire greater energy form, spreading out its density greatly.


    The blue-skinned swordsmanes running back in with trails of golden mist behind its swords, and I block both attacks individually just like before, but lunge in to counter as it is moving away this time, aiming for its upper shoulder but get to witness a fast spinning motion from his upper body to block the attack too.


    What I find interesting about this exchange is that a small amount of its Soul Energy transfers from its unused de in this block to cover its shoulder on the off chance that my attack makes it through.


    It is working with a limited amount of this high level power just as I assumed.


    This gives me the go-ahead to allocate my own Soul Energy ordingly on the next exchange.


    I''m confident in my ability to outmaneuver this monster in my greater form, so I channel over 50% of my Soul Energy directly into my des and send my next attack just like thest.


    Upon contact, both the golden and blue light that envelops its silver swords are eaten away, and the hard silver enchanted metal begins to melt and bend as my de pushes through them.


    Instead of having graceful spins and counters each time, the creature''s golden eyes pulse and it jumps backward while holding up both damaged swords in the same unique defensive stance.


    I don''t regroup my thoughts or step back at all, I jump in again after it, shing away at its defenses and continuously melting and incinerating through its borrowed golden energy.


    This monster isn''t weak, but I''ve found its weakness.


    I''m carefully positioning each strike using all of my perception and buffs on full capacity, I even feel my body tiring as I ruthlessly beat my opponent down.


    This swordsman is not capable of stopping me.


    My fiery red and ck sword finally breaks one of its silver weapons into pieces,nding my first blow through its right shoulder.


    Three exchangester and its other sword is shattered to pieces and melted into nothing from my strikes and Ind more hits on its shoulders, knees, and neck area where its golden cor rests.


    The monster is overwhelmed as I push it back, burningrge ck and red marks and shes through the floor of this boss room while imbuing more and more of my corrosive soul energy into each sh I manage to make on the three-eyed swordsman.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    It seeps into its veins, burning it from the inside, and turning the blue mana that covers its body into red mes while the golden light in its eyes dims.


    I''d go straight for a headshot right now if my only aim for this battle was to kill it.


    Another 30 seconds of burning it from the inside and cheap shots in its weak spots go by. I even slice its arms and legs clean off, pinning it to the ground under my greater form''s boot before I finally see purple-red notifications.


    [Select 1 Option]


    Swordsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Legendary Grade]


    I choose swordsmanship and a more familiar window pops up.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Swordsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    Once I hit [YES], the same sh of white and blue system-colored light covers the monster''s body. Then, my Soul Energy and subconscious activation of skillsmences as well.


    The instant I feel a Skill Orb enter my item storage, I let my mes engulf the monster entirely, and burn its flesh to ash.


    A notification to absorb its MCP is presented, and a mana crystal as well as its chestte and boots are left behind as loot.


    I happily ept and ce them into my inventory with the mythic-grade swordsmanship Skill Orb while being transported to the next floor while still in my greater form.


    "Might as well keep going while I''m on a roll here..."


    As the white transfer magic light brings me to the 43rd floor, I take in the rocky mountainndscape of brown dirt, green trees, and grey stone cliffsides.


    The instant I try to gauge where I am, I have to lunge out of the way to dodge dozens of iing rocks and trees sharpened into spears covered in dense golden soul energy.


    Some of the projectiles narrowly miss me by less than a meter on each side, and as I weave through the barrage, I have to use my sword to block a few attacks that would have hit me straight on otherwise.


    The Soul Energy shielding around all of these attacks is exactly even with my own. The best I can do is deflect them by changing their direction slightly, but it feels as if there is an external gravitational pull on them making them shoot toward me in a curving path.


    After making my way through the bulk of the barrage, I don''t manage to dodge them all. My Soul Energy shielding along with body hardening is torn through in the side of my stomach and lower left leg.


    It leaves golden kes of Soul Energy behind, but also makes immense bloody gashes on my real body as I escape into the sky.


    They hit the ground where I stood moments ago and st a massive crater in the soft ground.


    I look toward where the attacks came from while flying through the air, healing my wounds with self-regeneration, and locking onto a status reading of a being far above me on a mountain peak almost a full kilometer away.


    Arge humanoid creature wearing armor made of stone stares down at me from up on its high cliff.


    Its face looks like a rhinoceros, with arge pointed ck horning off its nose and a smaller one above it.


    Its skin is light brown, almost orange, and it carries a staff with a pointed de at the top of it radiating golden light.


    The monster''s eyes are jet-ck, and sharp, locked on me without wavering at all.


    A curse mark forms a dense golden cor around its neck and it raises its staff, sending off over 50 massive fragments of rock, trees, and dungeon mass flying my way all covered in golden energy while my gaze scans its status.


    _________


    [Lv.2699]


    Active Items:


    de of the Mountain Hermit [+589% Mental Strength][+400 Strength]


    Enchanted Charm of Protection [+310% Mental Strength][+300% Defense][+250% Speed][+220% Agility][+180% Strength]


    Enhanced Stone Chestte [+367% Defense][+311% Strength]


    Active Skills:


    Telekinesis [Mythic Grade]


    Body Hardening [Mythic Grade]


    Buffs:


    Rhino''s Focus [Target Lock]


    Mountain Hermit''s Ultimate Defense


    The Sun God''s Curse Mark


    _________


    As soon as I do, a downpour of more dungeon mass covered in soul energyes raining on top of me.


    Now as I weave through the violent attacks, the feeling of the nearby targets turning in mid-air and changing their direction to follow me make much more sense.


    It must be abination of its mythic-grade telekinesis skill and its first ranked-up buff that seems to have some kind of homing mechanism.


    I let my aura of soul energy expand, and use my mythic-grade plunderer skill to take control of the dungeon around me, draining some of the mana from the soul energy that rains down on me, but there are still far too many and its borrowed golden power is too strong for me to deflect and dodge every iing projectile.


    I''m hit four more times in the legs and sides and have to heal while I travel upward to take away the high ground advantage that the beast atop the highest mountain in this dungeon stands.


    Its aura radiates throughout the entire boss room, meaning as much as I run, I''ll never be outside of its range.


    The aura it gives off gets stronger the closer I get to it, but with its primary offensive ability being long-range, I don''t have much of a choice other than attempt to close the gap between us.


    I for one don''t have my telekinesis skill upgraded at all, there are no natural dungeons that spawn monsters with this exact ability. Its skill is multiple ranks higher than mine. If we were to battle solely using this trait from long range, it would surely win.


    If I get up close, I have many more skills in my arsenal that will be effective against it no matter how tough its mythic-grade body hardening or ultimate defensive ranked-up buff may be.


    Letting my body glow with a constant state of self-regeneration, I fly forward into the danger zone.


    The bulk of my soul energy covers my vitals and is imbued into my sword to directly deflect the dungeon mass that is thrown toward me with no possible way of changing its course.


    I use some telekinesis of my own, but it hardly does anything to change the rigid flight pattern of sharpened trees and boulders.


    Pulsing golden shockwavese off the mountain while its natural resources are stripped away to sendrger and more frequent attacks my way.


    The relentless attacks are painful, and the damage it does to my body parts where I can''t stop them only increases the closer I get.


    I try many strategies to make my travel over more efficient. Once halfway there, less than 500 meters away, Ie up with a few ways to slow its attacks.


    The first is sending off waves of intimidation and confusion. My pulses don''t immobilize it, as we''re very close in mana control power, but they do catch the creature off guard the first few times I throw them out.


    The second is using stealth. When I disappear, arge amount of the stones being sent toward me continue off in a straight line as the boss is most likely manually maneuvering them. However, a few still follow me like heat-seeking missiles, so this must be a feature of its [Target Lock] buff that I can''t avoid even while invisible.


    As I get within 300 meters range, the strength and frequency of attacks it throws at me be overwhelming.


    While the damage done to my physical body can be healed almost instantly, and I never go below 80% of my total HP, I still have to concentrate entirely on every attack I counter and be diligent and patient while continuing to assess its skills and abilities.


    This is a serious floor boss.


    It is definitely the strongest and most intelligent Labyrinth monster I''ve ever fought.


    It is tasked to protect this floor and not let any challengers pass, and it intends to do exactly that without question.


    It gets straight to the point.


    There are no useless shy disys of power, arrogant speeches, or any signs of it letting up to allow me to get in closer for any reason.


    It just stands high up on the mountain with its staff in hand, blocking me from getting near with minimal effort.


    If I can figure out a way to defeat it, I don''t think I''ll be challenging the floor boss above this one before I do some more Soul Energy training. I''ve climbed up this Labyrinth far enough to find my limit again.


    Without power and reflexes over double my own, there''s no way any opponent could ever get in this close to it without high-grade regenerative abilities.


    Even so, I''ve hardly closed the distance, and still haven''t gotten to see its defensive buff or close-range battle tactics with that staff at close range yet.


    I''ve seen everything it can do using this attack pattern, I need to switch things up and run a quick test using an entirely different strategy.


    With this in mind, I activate stealth again, deflecting its homing missiles, and whisper to myself.


    "Dungeon Walker."


    Less than a tenth of a second goes by as I calcte and execute my surprise assault.


    I spawn in less than 5 meters away from the creature''s back, plunging my red soul energy-soaked de forward.


    Using mythic-grade plunderer, confusion, and intimidation on full st, I shock the creature''s system while activating lifesteal at close range to drain its health and make it my own.


    I feel the soothing warm energy of HP and MP entering my body while I send a sh full of Soul Energy and murderous intent toward the beast.


    As soon as it leaves my de, the sharp eyes of the mountain hermit''s beast form turn around to catch a glimpse of me in its peripherals.


    It looks calm and unfazed, activating its second ranked-up buff.


    A glossy diamond-textured armor shielding covers its body as my close-range Soul Energy attack collides with its back.

 Chapter 510

    Chapter 510


    The energy de that leaves my sword collides with the diamond armor, and at the same moment, I dungeon walk far away, over a kilometer back to where I spawned into this boss room.


    I do this for two reasons. The first ispletely instinctive; there is no reason for me to stay up close any longer than I have to when I''m facing an opponent with unknown tactics at close range.


    The second is that the ground beneath my feet turned into hundreds of needle-shaped spears all covered in golden light the moment the monster''s eyes met mine.


    It used telekinesis to shoot them upward, and if I stayed any longer, they would have all collided with my Soul Energy barrier as well.


    There''s an explosion of red and golden light in the distance as these attacks collide.


    The concentrated sh makes it through the mountain hermit''s outeryer of golden shielding and even cracks its diamond armor, but to my surprise, it doesn''t make it all the way through before my attack dissipates into the air and is eaten up by the golden energy that seeps out from the monster''s core.


    As coteral damage, the entire top quarter of the mountain is decimated by the extreme release of power. Hundreds of meters of dungeon mass are destroyed and sent flying into the air, being melted and incinerated into pure mana.


    My opponent stands on top of the rubble, reforming its diamond armor and letting the golden light around it reform as if nothing has happened at all.


    I had the advantage on every front during that attack.The element of surprise, using my full power, and even making the environment for my strike optimal.


    All it managed to do was drain about 10% of its HP using lifesteal while mildly irritating it by damaging its ultimate ranked-up defense form.


    Other than this, I''m back to square one.


    Rocks and trees coated in golden light rain from the sky again as the horned creature raises its staff high up on the mountain and stares down at me with an unfazed expression in its dark eyes.


    This doesn''t stop me from dodging the iing attacks by a hair, then activating stealth and dungeon walking in mid-swing to attack it again.


    With an expanding aura of lifesteal, plunderer, intimidation, and confusion all infused with Soul Energy radiating out from my core, I send another attack off at the beast.


    Its life energy is drained away, taking another 8% of its HP before I release the red sh from my sword.


    Just like before, its head immediately turns to its blind spot, but this time it swings its weapon coated with golden energy back at my sword sh.


    I dungeon walk away from the danger zone as the silver-ded edge of its battle-staff takes my attack on at point-nk range.


    From the bottom of the mountain, two shing auras of energy erupt again.


    I expect the remaining top of the mountain to be blown to bits, just likest time, but something different happens.


    There''s a loud roar and pulse of golden light through the entire boss room as the mountain hermit dispels my attack, making the two energies explode in the air with equal force.


    I dungeon walk to another portion of the room to escape the iing raining debris controlled by telekinesis, teleporting around the dungeon a few times before attempting my close-range attack again.


    This time, before I can even release the entire energy attack from my sword, the monster''s uniquely shaped weapones rocketing my way and collides with the edge of my ming de.


    My mental attacks seem to not affect it at all anymore, and my lifesteal hardly drained away more than 5% more HP this time around.


    Its reaction time is only getting faster, and I can''t break through its ranked-up defenses no matter how hard I try without increasing my base mana and Qi control, or bringing allies to this boss room to borrow theirs using my ranked-up buff.


    The longer I drag this battle out, the fewer chances I''ll have to catch it off guard.


    As our des collide, and a murderous wave of Soul Energy ripples out from both of our bodies, I decide to attempt to use another one of my unique skills.


    I dungeon walk to its left shoulder, not even attempting to win our sword exchange, and ce a hand covered in arge amount of my soul energy onto its diamond-coated muscles.


    Instantly, the monster turns its gaze again, swinging the sharp tip of its staff my way, but I whisper under my breath while activating a skill and feeling immense pain fill my body as I do.


    "Equivalent Exchange."


    Bright white light covers both of our bodies as I sacrifice 80% of my total HP in a single shared attack.


    Equivalent Exchange is a skill I stole from another hunter back during the C-ss exams. I don''t often use it, because to damage opponents with it, I have to severely injure myself as well. It is risky, painful, and needs skin-to-skin contact to activate.


    This monster has more HP than me, but this should bring its total remaining health down very low, my hopes being close to 5% remaining, and give me enough remaining health to the point where if I''m hit with debris at an expected rate while fleeing, I''ll still have health left over while I heal.


    I let out a scream, and it synchronizes with the mountain hermit''s roar as life energy in the form of HP on both of our statuses is drained away.


    The moment I feel it happening, I activate my dungeon walker skill and teleport to the furthest point away from the source as I can.


    Golden needles of dungeon masse up from the ground and rip through my feet and legs as I do, but this is within my expectations.


    The shes of light cease as I instantly activate my self-regeneration skills to heal my wounds and drink mythic grade regen potions to bring my own HP back up to full while dungeon walking around the outer ring of the boss room, hundreds of meters away each blip every few tenths of a second.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    My attack worked.


    I can hear the agony, anger, and drops of fear in the mountain hermit''s roars as it mercilessly attacks me all throughout the dungeon using its telekinesis skill to the absolute limit.


    A golden orb of light grows on top of the mountain, and mass from the boss room dungeon is being ripped to shreds and used to fuel its attacks.


    The mountain range turns to unrecognizable piles of rubble as I teleport through its violent disy of raw mental strength and soul energy.


    A few times I get in close enough to attempt to see if any system text shows up for me to steal its skills, but it never does.


    However, there is blood gushing from its diamond body, showing signs that my equivalent exchange did severe damage. Its ultimate defense move won''t regenerate the next time it''s damaged and its Soul Energy is unpredictably pulsing and wavering as it reaches its output limit.


    This is borrowed power after all. It is not endlessly able to regenerate. If it is used too rashly, the end of the supply wille eventually.


    Even so, it isn''t withering away. If anything, the candle is burning even brighter before it goes out.


    I need to be even more careful now than ever, but I''m sure this is the end if I can string the fight on a little longer.


    In between my dungeon walks and continuous dodges of attacks, I send out dark and dense crescents of soul energy toward the creature whenever I get close enough in range.


    It doesn''t hesitate to block them over and over, but the rate of its attacks slows every time it has to block.


    This gives me enough time to dungeon walk even closer in and activate my lifesteal skill.


    Every few attacks I throw, I manage to break through its growing golden aura and drain another 1-2% HP.


    It realizes what is happening, but can do nothing to stop it other than pushing its Soul Energy limit even further.


    The density of its golden aura looks and feels to me, just like the time I witnessed Maria use up all of her Red Hydra''s buff before she awakened her own Soul Energy.


    It''s going to go all out. Whatever is about toe out of this creature is not something I want to be in the way of.


    As it reaches its limit, I manage onest ranged lifesteal attack and see a series of blue text boxes pop up over its head.


    [Select 1 Option]


    Telekinesis [Mythic Grade]


    Body Hardening [Mythic Grade]


    At the same time, the golden aura that surrounds the monster in a dome shape instantly copses in on itself and condenses entirely into its weapon, channeled into the short de at its tip.


    My eyes open wide as all of the controlled mass in the dungeon falls to the floor, and all of the power it has remaininges out in a single golden energy sh rocketing straight toward me.


    I dungeon walk away to the far side of the dungeon to escape its path, but the moment I do, the highly concentrated light changes direction and curves toward me at speeds that are only increasing.


    I dodge it and teleport around the boss room multiple times, but it only gets closer and faster.


    Mythic Grade telekinesis allows this monster to alter and manipte its own energy attacks with impressive uracy, I want this skill so I can do the same.


    The thought of dungeon walking away and leaving this boss room entirely crosses my mind. That would certainly lead me to safety, but would only give this monster more time to prepare for my return.


    Thisst resort attack would gain even more power, and even worse, the boss could find a way to heal before I steal its skills ornd the final blow.


    I need to figure out something here and now, so I stop in ce and think of a new strategy.


    "Let''s end this."


    I begin dungeon walking around in a less erratic, more predictable pattern, but still add in random jumps here and there. I have it get used to my slower dodging patterns, making it seem like I''m getting tired and my reaction time is slowing.


    Instead of trying to fully avoid the crescent of golden light, I begin to let it gain on me each time, as if I''m the one in trouble here.


    While doing so, I keep a close eye on the monster atop what''s left of the mountain it stood on before, and keep my vision locked on the blue text that still hovers above its head.


    I lead the golden crescent closer and closer to the mountain, allowing it to gain even more control over its movements while pretending to slow my own.


    Once less than 50 meters in front of it, I set out to finish it.


    I activate all of my mental attacks again, activating confusion, intimidation, sh to send bright lights in the air, st and screech to create explosions and loud noises, then phantom step imbued with soul energy to create fake copies of my greater form appear in front of it.


    At the same time, I activate stealth with my real body and dungeon walk behind it while clicking on the status notifications before me, choosing to absorb mythic grade body hardening, and watching the white, blue, and red light surround its body.


    I''m less than 5 meters away from its back.


    Throughout all of the confusion, the monster is caught off guard momentarily and only aims for the immediate threats in front of it, slicing through the phantom images that have jumped off in opposite directions out from the white sts.


    Meanwhile, red soul energy surrounds its diamond body while the majority of its offensive soul energy is trapped in its attack. No needles or projectilese at me, and I have time to concentrate.


    Before it realizes what has happened, it''s toote.


    I feel a skill orb fall into my storage, and see the golden de of lighting straight for me.


    I wait until thest second to dungeon walk away again, and the highly charged soul energy collides with the monster''s own diamond armor.


    It cracks, just like it did when I attacked it before, but this time shatters open, leaving arge gap in its armor as golden energy and diamond kes explode into the air as the attack dissipates, creating an opening that I couldn''t physically manage to do myself.


    I quickly dungeon walk back in at this opportunity and shove my de through the opening in its defenses, releasing a wave of soul energy imbued fire into the monster''s heart from within, burning away all of its remaining golden energy. It begins to shrink back into its human form before my eyes and I hear it speak words for the first time since I entered this floor.


    "After so many years... I''m free... Thank- y-you."


    The golden cor around its neck fully dissolves as my red soul energy engulfs it entirely.


    Dinging sounds out in my inner ear.


    [Level Up] x72


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Telekinesis [Mythic Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 577,904,310


    [YES][NO]


    I press [YES] epting everything, upgrading my telekinesis skill, and watch my level rise to 2271.


    Adrenaline is pumping through my veins and my aura is burning so hot that the mountain beneath my feet is melting away every second I stay powered up in my ranked-up form.


    I take a few deep breaths to conceptualize this whole situation. I allow the half-human half-rhinoceros corpse that hasn''t reverted fully back to its lesser form fall into my item storage before it dissolves.


    It''s final words are confusing.


    There is even a faint smile across its face as it falls inside despite the massive bloody hole in its chest.


    Just like I did with the lightning wolf on the 40th floor, I want to stall the transportation magic and activation of the 44th floor untilter.


    I barely got away with that victory.


    It was stronger than me on all fronts. Every stat point was higher, I''m sure it had me beat on pure numbers alone.


    Its ranked-up defenses were only destroyed by its own final attack.


    Even its borrowed Soul Energy was basically on par with mine.


    I defeated this monster with strategy, and my abundance of skills and fight knowledge.


    This was only possible because I had time to prepare these moves.


    Moving up a floor to fight something 500 levels higher won''t be easy... Just based on what I''ve fought so far, it could be stronger than the Lich King I fought just the other day.


    I stare out at the decimated mountain range after this battle, then teleport back to the lower floors of the dungeon to continue farming for the night and think over the fights I''ve been in today to assess what my next moves will be.


    While these thoughts settle in my mind, I continue to farm fire stones every 30 minutes on the dot. During my downtime, I test out my new telekinesis skill upgrade too, mastering the same technique I saw on floor 43, manipting the movement and speed of my energy de attacks.


    The image of the floor boss monster''s calm smile and final words rey in my head as I train.


    While getting used to this ability, I also set off to use my new absorption perk to collect skill orbs from all kinds of monsters on the various floors of thebyrinth, dungeons from Vice City, Sra, my hometown, and even the canyon of dungeons too.


    It seems this process is very replicable from the fights I''ve had so far. There are a lot more tests I''d like to do, so once the sunes up and I can find people that will be able to take these [Skill Orb] consumables, I believe my army will grow far stronger.

 Chapter 511

    Chapter 511


    Over the next 8 hours, as the night slowly returns to day, I farm billions of MCP, hundreds of skill orbs, and an additional 15 firestones from the 39th floor to imbue with my mythic-grade plunderer skill and copse rogue dungeons out in the desert.


    An interesting thing I find when absorbing skill orbs is that they stay at the exact grade they arebeled on the monsters I take them from. I''m unable to change basic, special, or legendary skills farmed from lower grade monsters into Mythic just from absorbing them. Whatever they are farmed at is their current grade. This makes the Mythic Grade orbs I farmed from the 41st, 42nd, and 43rd floor even more valuable than I thought.


    Another rare priceless resource I continue to farm is luminite.


    The low D-Grade dungeon I was working on farming before the war eventually copses, and in addition to that, I find two more E-Grade dungeons to fully plunder and copse as well.


    Three more fragments of luminite, and just about 150 billion MP in containment stones float inside my storage now.


    I still have the unstable istion pods of my teammates floating in suspended animation too, there''s just about 100 billion MP in each of these pods. I try to think of ways to use up this extra mana and a safe way to actually extract it from the unstable pods, but there is no where to preserve it all or use it properly yet.


    "There are more important things to do right now."


    I crush a teleport crystal after copsing thest dungeon of the day and find myself back in the underground bunker while the sun begins to rise above the Crimson City.


    Everyone begins to wake up and go about their new routines and normal daily lives as I walk outside.I sense two high-level ranked-up Qi wielding individuals on the roof of the guildhall, standing next to the silver throne that I created after the battle, and float up to see Luna and Arie watching the sunrise.


    I speak up as they see me.


    "Ready to head off to Sector 4? You have quite the adventure ahead of you."


    They both have serious expressions on their faces, but lighten up when I smile, reaching into my item storage.


    "I have somest minute gifts for you that I managed to farmst night."


    The first thing I do is give them both handfuls of teleport crystals and exin briefly how I managed to make them and that they cane back here in an instant whenever they wish.


    Next, I reach into my storage and pull out the Mythic Grade Stealth Skill Orb I managed to get from the 41st floor in my right hand, and an assortment of extreme grade element skill orbs in my left.


    I motion for Arie to take the stealth orb, and he does, holding it in his hand and examining it closely while I let an earth, wind, fire, water, and ice skill orb float above my left hand in front of Luna.


    Each of them has a slight color tint, indicating which one they are, but I point out each of them individually.


    "These are skill orbs. A product of my new soul energy awakening mixed with my upgraded absorption skill. It allows me to give you each a single skill, adding it to your status permanently."


    I turn to Arie, using my own mythic-grade stealth skill for him to see for himself,pletely vanishing from his radar, then reappearing.


    "The one I''ve presented to you is Mythic Grade Stealth, and it''s the highest grade I could get my hands on. You would need to level up 1300 times to normally achieve a skill of that caliber. Considering you already use spirit arrows as your main attack and energy control trainer, and have dagger mastery for close-rangebat, I think this would be the best option for you, It is very convenient to be invisible to your enemies."


    He smiles and throws the orb up and down in his hand.


    "Thanks. I agree with you, this is a good option."


    I turn to Luna next.


    "For you, I thought about giving you abat skill, like swordsmanship or dual wielding, but I think an elementalbat power would be more useful. You could improve your natural mana control and manipte dungeon mass far easier with a skill like this. Take your pick."


    The blue orbs float around above my hand for about a full minute before Luna picks one with only white energy inside it.


    "Wind magic? Good choice."


    We make our way to the canyon of dungeons as the sun rises, and both of them continue to examine the small blue marbles curiously the whole way until we enter one of the nearest dungeons.


    I read out all of the details of these skills'' perks, along with showing them a few other options of skill orbs I farmed, then finally share the exact skills that I offered to them through my rising emperor''s domain so they can test them out to see how they like them beforemitting to anything. After about twenty minutes of ying around with many skills, both of them agree with my initial reasoning and decide these are their best options.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    They each swallow their blue orb, and I watch blue system energy spread throughout each of their bodies in an instant, then disperse into thin air momentster.


    Both Mythic Grade Stealth and Extreme Grade Wind Summoning now appear on their status windows without me having to share the skills.


    Luna flies through the sky on gusts of wind, and Arie disappears and reappears in and out of thin air all over the dungeon, even trying out his ranked-up buffs with this skill too, and finding that he can shoot arrows and keep them invisible up until they make contact with their target.


    Both of theme down to thank me again, then I ce a hand on both of their shoulders, and bring us to the Sran Dungeon Hub in Sector 4.


    The morning sun fully rises, and they walk out into the busy streets, off to the Abyss outside of the city. I wave them off.


    "I wish you two the best of luck again. I hope to see you soon after you''ve found what you''re looking for."


    Once I get back to Sector 2, I have a simr conversation with all of my other teammates, giving them teleport crystals and showing them skill orbs, presenting the option to gain a single permanent new ability if they wish.


    Monk refuses to add any skills to his status while Abby and Maria don''t find anything they particrly like. As soul energy users, their fighting style and battle strategies are honed to their current skills, and the only mythic-grade options I have left right now are swordsmanship and body hardening.


    They feel as though I''ll most likely find something better in the future, and don''t need to use their one chance at acquiring a new skill right now.


    I feel the same but thought I might as well give them the option.


    Fisher and Lydia, on the other hand, may already be element and Qi users, but additional skills added to their arsenal would be very helpful.


    I go down my list and let them try out each skill I have avable for them to try over the next 30 minutes before theye to their conclusions. Fisher wants a legendary intimidation skill, as he''s a very head-on battle-oriented fighter, while Lydia is more of a technical fighter and wants the lifesteal skill to give her an edge in longer battles where she may not be able to outss her opponent in some fronts.


    I picture my battle against the 43rd floor bossst night and decide Lydia has made a very good choice.


    Fisher''s need for a scare factor using intimidation may be a very useful trait when leading troops into battle, or overwhelming simrly strengthened opponents to give a mental edge.


    I give him a few other personal rmendations for other skills but he stays fixated on intimidation, his stubbornness on this point may actually be for the better. From an army''s standpoint, this is probably the best thing he could pick to target opponents and work as a leader of a team. It''s a powerful tool, especially when paired with Lydia''s skill, so I nod with approval.


    I take out the two legendary grade skill orbs and they both swallow them on the spot, erupting with blue system energy, and having these new skills added to their status instantly.


    We all talk for a while longer about the future, and I bring them in the loop about the uing B-ss exams and the investigation I have nned in the Apex region. We alle to conclusions about what we should be doing in the meantime.


    Monk wants to bring his sleeping master back to the monastery and see if he can use some old Qi techniques to wake him up or speed up the recovery process.


    I believe this is a good idea, as maybe it will give us more clues on how to wake everyone else up in the Galeheart Tower too.


    Fisher and Lydia still have yet to awaken their Soul Energy, so during Monk''s off time, they want to train with him to improve their hand to handbat and absorb more Qi in an isted environment inside the monastery.


    Maria and Abby want to work on their Soul Energy too; they''ve decided to go into closed-door cultivation beneath the 3rd tower where the high-density Qi crystals are growing.


    This will not only stimte their Soul Energy cores, but will also be a much-needed extrayer of security.


    I inform everyone that I will continue overseeing the construction process here, and use my MCP sharing perk to make the me Emperor''s army far stronger than before. I invite them toe back to Sector 2 and join me to farm MCP whenever they wish.


    The monsters in thebyrinth on floors 30-39 aren''t a higher level than us anymore, so the mana control gains are lower % wise than when we first farmed there, but even so, it''s still much more efficient than learning mana control the old-fashioned way.


    They agree, and I see them off to Sector 1, carefully transporting Monk''s sleeping master with them to the monastery and ensuring that the security protocols for the final Tower in the Royal Coin district are being held true.


    Once they have all been situated, I get back to the Crimson City and receive the new order form from Maurice''s construction team and take a trip back to Vice City in order to ce a 25 tinum order.


    It''s almost 5 times the volume as thest one we ced, but I saw the many sheets of ns that he has outlined, and this is exactly the direction I''d like this growing city to head toward.


    The Unity Building Supply Co promises that my order will be fulfilled and ready in a warehouse in under 3 days. There are many unique materials and an extremely high quantity this time around, so a little longer response time is within expectations.


    I pay in full and leave immediately, thanking them with an extra tinum bar just likest time to ensure they keep our dealings a secret between us. I can tell the farther and son duo are still in disbelief at my order volume. Their wide eyes and shocked expressions at the pile of precious metal on the table make me chuckle a bit as i walk out the front door.


    "This has been a very productive morning. Now, there''s only a few more things to do."


    I finally make it back to the Crimson City in Sector 2, and head over to the portion of the apartmentplex where most of the Army Recruits that fought alongside me in the War against the Dark One reside.


    There is a lounge area where many of them hang out and socialize in the morning.


    Unlike themon vigers I walk by in the town, the Elite members of the army recognize my face the moment I enter their lounge, and many stand at attention with respect, stop the conversations they were having, and await orders.


    I reach into my item storage and pull out five elemental skill orbs, letting them spin around slowly in a circle while I speak up.


    "Alright, I hope you all had a good celebration and a nice time off after the war. I''m going to need all of you that fought by my side to meet me here by noon. Be geared up and ready to fight some monsters. Spread the word to those who aren''t here in the lounge. I have a special gift for everyone and a decision I need you all to individually make. Then, we''ll be heading back to the dungeons to train."

 Chapter 512

    Chapter 512


    Over the next hour or so, more recruits make their way to the small lounge area filled with couches, chairs, tables, and random food and magic items leftover from whatever leisure activities they were doing before I came.


    The three elemental squad leaders are here, and naturally, the others split into the three groups they were training and fighting in together.


    I pull the skill orbs out from my item storage again and let them slowly rotate around my open palm.


    "Today, I''ll be giving each of you a chance to permanently add an elemental skill to your status."


    I look at each of the squad leaders too.


    "-And for those of you that already have elements, I''m going to give you an assortment of skills to choose from, but I have a rmendation I believe would be optimal for each of you."


    I exin how the orbs work, and we all set off to the dungeons so each of them can test out the various elements I have avable through my temporary skill share.


    After about an hour of flying through the air, summoning elements, and destroyingrge areas of dungeon mass, everyonees to their conclusions rather quickly.


    The majority of fighters are split between earth, wind, and fire. Earth is far moremon in the defensive types that already have body hardening or simr skills. Air magic ismon for long-range attackers and speed types; it also makes air travel much faster. Lastly, fire is amon choice for those that use close-rangebat and want more destructive blows.The three original elemental squad leaders choose the skill that I rmended to them, self-regeneration. They test out many of the ones I have avable, but my reasoning for them being on the front lines and leading attacks and training sessions sticks with them.


    If they have the ability to lose limbs or take blows that would normally incapacitate them and get up to keep fighting like nothing happened, it will be a very valuable skill as leaders.


    They agree and ept graciously.


    All at once, the 37 army recruits swallow the blue orbs and erupt with system energy, adding new skills to their statuses in an instant.


    "Perfect. Now, let''s get to work."


    I bring them all back to the 19th floor of the Vice City Labyrinth where we left offst before the war and share absorption with them so they can collect MCP from every kill.


    Bursts of elemental magic light up the dungeon as they head off following their three team leaders in search of Berserker Giants to continue their training.


    My Rising Emperor''s Domain fills nearly the entire dungeon''s volume, so I don''t have to stay close to each individual party. As long as I''m in the same dungeon as them, they''re still able to farm.


    At the rate they''re each killing monsters now, they''ll be able to gain a few million MCP an hour each.


    Once they''re a little stronger, I''ll bring them to higher floors and their rate of MCP absorption will exponentially increase.


    Meanwhile, back in the Crimson City, I''ve tasked one of my body doubles to begin making detailed signs inside of the guildhall with pricing amounts I''m willing to pay for every kind of loot inside of the canyon of dungeons.


    Each item is outlined with the maximum amount needed this month in order to satisfy Bri''s crafts, and I split the remaining 12.5% of the total order''s revenue, 22.5 tinum, into reasonable payouts aligning with the rarity and difficulty of farming each item.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    The bulk of the items needed are E and D grade dungeon drops, and thousands of them are necessary, so it''s easy to price these out at a few silver per item drop. Most beginner hunters will be able to farm a few of these and make quite a good living.


    The C-Grade items are priced far higher, up to a few gold per drop. I don''t believe anyone in this town that isn''t a part of the army can farm these just yet, but I''ll still leave them up for people to try. Most likely, some of the army recruits will go off and fulfill these orders once they have some free time. I''m not worried about it.


    This is most importantly to get people used to the system, and stimte the economy a bit.


    Right now, it''s technically losing me money, I could just farm everything myself, but it will be far more convenient for me once my trading deals expand and I can''t physically farm enough materials myself.


    Once all of the signs with pricing are made, I show up to Dan Striker''s mercenary bar and tell him to break the news about extra work being avable at the guildhall if anyone wants it.


    I have my double that is guarding the istion pod with Ember inside do some extra work, having it wait just above the bunker entrance inside the center room and answer all questions from passersby once a few peoplee by interested in the details of farming and payouts.


    By the end of the night, over 2 dozen people havee by in total.


    My second double stays high above the town to do general surveince, while my third and final double watches over the dungeons to make sure that everyone entering them is able to handle the monsters inside. Some may challenge higher grade dungeons than they''re ready for, so I''ll lightly regte the canyon for now to make sure they don''t kill themselves just for an extra silver coin or two.


    For those thate by, I offer high-grade gear that fits their needs for free as a one-time deal. After the first, they will have to buy it in a basic marketce I''ll be setting up in the guildhall in the uing days. Not only will people be able to hand in item drops for profit, I''ll be selling crafted gear, mana crystals, and various magic items so they can buy what they wish for personal use as well.


    ---


    Three days pass.


    ---


    As expected, the farming operation starts off slow, but word of mouth spreads, and I even have to go to Vice City to exchange some of the tinum I''m sitting on for gold and silver coins to craft them into the me Emperor''s coins to keep up with the expected volume in the future.


    In just these past three days, almost 10% of the E and D grade items necessary have been farmed. On day one, it was less than 1%, and every day the volume is rising as I give them regen potions to heal their fatigue and more word of mouth spreads.


    I''m looking forward to further growth to meet this deadline that now has 27 days remaining, we''re right on track.


    The members of the army that have been training in thebyrinth all have grown very quickly too.


    In just two days, all of them have blown past level 500 and ranked up, making it to the 30th floor, gaining a few hundred million MCP each.


    By the end of the third day, all of them managed to clear the 30th floor boss solo, surpassing level 750, and as a congrattory gift for making it this far, I craft a special blood-bonded piece of gear with the extreme grade element stones they''ve managed to farm themselves matching with their elements.


    As we move on to the final stretch of floors, 31 and onward, I see this team of elemental elites bing an unstoppable army. My goal over the next few weeks is to get every one of them to level 1000 with the mana control andbat ability to match it.


    After another long hard day of training, they all go back to the residential area and rx and have their off time while I get more work done.


    They all may be rising in mana control drastically, but none of them are near my level where they basically don''t have to sleep at all anymore.


    Every 30 minutes or so while we were training in thebyrinth, I went up to the 39th floor to collect more firestones. At night while everyone slept, I continued to farm.


    After these sessions, I''ve managed to farm 136 more containment stones and have copsed 14 more dungeons with them ranging from E to D far out in the solitude of the desert. I have more than enough luminite now to create multiple teleport tforms, so my n is to see Bri and craft hers while I deliver the first installment of her raw farmed dungeon materials.


    Along with this, the construction materials needed to begin phase two for the Crimson City''s expansion are ready for pickup.


    This order will be enough to build over five times the housing that''s avable in the city now. It will also expand and fortify the guildhall to look more professional and efficient. More streets and buildings in the outer areas of the town will be made to produce another 20-30 shops around the new apartments, and most importantly, enough materials are being purchased to begin making a road as a proper trade route connecting the nearby sectors and smaller isted viges.


    So, as the sun sets, I hop into a dungeon and teleport to Vice City to get things in motion.

 Chapter 513

    Chapter 513


    The first thing I do once I get back to Vice City is visit Bri.


    I deliver the first 10% of supplies necessary for crafts, and she ces them into item boxes so that her craftsmen can begin sorting and making them into magic items starting tomorrow.


    After this, we brainstorm for a while ande up with a few ways to build her teleportation tform, rehashing old ideas anding up with new ones too.


    I propose my stealth bunker idea to her and pull out a sheet of A-Grade shielding to test my theory for the concept I''d like to try.


    Using my mythic grade craftsmanship and imbuing my mythic grade stealth, I give the shielding a new attribute that makes itpletely invisible to mana senses below my mana control.


    The sheet of material creates what looks like an invisible wall that I stand behind in the middle of her study. I''mpletely invisible to her senses. It''s a new version of mana shielding protection, and I''ve now named it Stealth Shielding.


    Both of us walk down to the lower floor of her workshop, the small cer area right below the ground-level floor.


    I use earth magic to manipte the concrete and begin easily carving out another room below this one.


    It is about 10x10 meters, with a high 4-meter ceiling. There is only one small square opening that leads upward. I coat the walls with new A-Grade Stealth shielding everywhere else.Looking in from the outside, it''s as if it isn''t even here.


    I pull out the same containment jar I used before, full of luminite, a 5x5 sheet of shielding to use as a crafting base, and a mountain of newly farmed mana crystals from my nightlybyrinth raids.


    Then, I share my mythic grade craftsmanship skill with Bri and speak up while motioning her forward.


    "It''s your tform, so please, you do the honors."


    After a few shes of bright white light, Bri uses up about a third of what is inside the luminite reserves and makes herself a fully usable tform along with over 400 teleport crystals from the leftover mana.


    She even attempts a craft without using the mythic grade interface and is able to craft more transport crystals with her legendary grade skill because there are no extremelyplex crafts happening that need the mythic grade interface; she is already the owner of the tform.


    I take a handful of crystals and ce them into my item storage along with the leftover luminite, along with creating a special twoyer hatch. The top is made of ordinary concrete that blends in with the floor, and the bottom half is stealth imbued shielding toplete the seal to the secret room.


    We n to meet again in a few days once her contacts in the Bedrock Region get her some real scannable Association IDs sourced for Ember and me.


    I leave with a smile and head off to the industrial sector of Vice City to pick up the rest of the construction supplies.


    Once I arrive, the older woman assistant leads me to three separate warehouses full of building materials just like before. Two of them are simr in size to thest warehouse I picked up supplies from, and the third is at least ten times asrge. The goods I ordered stretch over a full kilometer in length, and it still only fills up a quarter of this megawarehouse space.


    As we strike up a conversation from location to location, she exins that years ago in the old era, they used to fill orders of this size regrly, but with earth magic users and dungeon material bing more abundant in construction, they don''t get newer customers like me anymore.


    She even offers me trucks again to ship everything out, but I politely refuse and ask to be alone in the warehouses as I cover the cameras and let the enormous amount of materials fall into my item storage.


    I make sure to thank her for the privacy and tell her I''ll be back at some point for an even bigger order in the future.


    The sky is jet ck with only dim starlight once I get back to Sector 2, but I work on crafting another five warehouses far away from the Crimson City next to the one I made before so I can store all these items here for the construction workers when they start their shift tomorrow.


    ---


    4 days pass.


    ---


    Life in the Crimson City goes on as usual.


    I meet with the craftsmen team before they start phase 2 of construction and bring them to thebyrinth to power level them, making sure all of their skills are legendary and gifting those who want them extreme strength and others extreme earth magic to help with their day-to-day tasks.


    They begin making two morerge residential areas, along with streets filled with empty storefronts to prepare for expansion.


    A special team gets tasked with building the guildhall up, making offices and specific rooms inside, and my body double that works there helps with making sure everything is made exactly how I''d like it.


    Another team gets to work on the small prison rehabilitation system, and all of the ves that I''ve been forcingbor upon get formal sentences drawn up.


    I use my lie detector skill to find out how long they worked for their gang leaders and multiply this time by the number of ves they personally kidnapped and forced to dobor. I''ve added additional years depending on how many innocents they''ve killed.


    This story has been uwfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Some are new to the trade and only have 6-12 months of time to serve, while others are long-time grunts, right-hand men to their old leaders. Their sentences are many, many years.


    The reactions are mixed.


    Some are thankful that I''m giving them a second chance at life, while others are resentful and still look at me with the eyes of killers. It doesn''t matter to me; these are the rules I''ve put in ce, and they must follow. I dose them with the elixir of suggestion again and give them back to the construction team under Maurice to get them back to work.


    Meanwhile, over these 4 days, the MCP farming with the Elemental Elites progresses very quickly.


    Although their raw talent isn''t as impressive as my teammates, they all still manage to make it up to floor 38 and 39 by the end of this cycle.


    Each individual has managed to absorb over a billion MP, and some groups of them can take out the massive sand worms on the 38th floor, while only a single team of 12 lead by the fire elemental squad leader, Rachel, is able to take down the base level Elite Minotaurs.


    No one is capable of defeating the mutant on the 39th floor yet, but its a work in progress.


    They still need more raw power and technical training.


    Another bottleneck is the pure amount of monsters we''re able to fight at these higher floors.


    The respawn rate is rtively slow for 37 hunters looking to all gain power quickly. So, we stay in the floor 33-35 range for the most efficient MCP farming most of the days. However, when everyone is fresh at the beginning of every session, we go up to the higher floors to test theirbat abilities with high intensity battles and to farm pure level gains.


    I hope to see them all be able to take on the 39th floor boss alone by the time we finish another week of training. It seems like a reasonable goal. Then, I''ll actually be on track to ranking them all up a second time before this month is over.


    During my downtime, I continue to farm element stones and copse dungeons out in the desert.


    Over 4 more days, I manage to farm 188 more, copsing 20 E-Grade dungeons.


    I''ve found that it takes fewer containment stones worth of MP to copse an E-Grade dungeon, but the mass of luminite that falls out is exactly the same as the mass thees from D-Grade dungeons.


    Its far more time and energy efficient to target E-Grade dungeons when farming luminite.


    However, I''m not sure if this is entirely true. I may be inefficiently farming luminite altogether. Every D-Grade dungeon that I''ve copsed, I''ve shrunk down to an E-Grade dungeon before fully destroying it. So, I haven''t found a way to tell if this affects the total luminite mass that falls out yet.


    Considering this, I begin to change things up during my nightly tests, and Ie across quite an interesting phenomenon.


    It''s gotten to the point where I have to travel further than 400 km out into the desert sometimes to find new rogue dungeons.


    Now, with over 300 full containment stones with roughly 7 billion MP stored inside each one, I''ve been constantly thinking up ways to use this energy.


    At 4:30 in the morning, roughly 470 km away from the Crimson City, so far away that the terrain has changed from desert to grasnds, hinting that I''m nearing the border of Sector 3, I finally decide to do another test with a fresh E-Grade dungeon.


    It''s a standard mountain terrain dungeon, and there are wolves inside, ranging from level 40-50. These are the mostmon dungeons I find out here in the low mana density areas of the empty space between civilizations.


    Instead of using a newly crafted empty containment stone in this dungeon, I pull out one of the full containment stones and set it down in the center of the dungeon.


    It slowly gives off mana radiation, but overall, the stone is fairly stable. A few hundred MP leaks out every minute. It''d take forever to naturally decay and release all of its energy.


    So, I fly far away, over 2 km in distance to the edge of the dungeon near the exit portal and aim a high-powered mana sh back in the direction I came. Using my new mythic grade telekinesis skill upgrade, I''m able to easily aim this shot with pinpoint uracy onto the target.


    The moment the sh hits the containment stone, it shatters and releases its energy. I jump out of the exit portal and let chaos ensue.


    In the darkness of the open nds, I watch the blue glowing portal slowly shift from blue to red and a grines across my face.


    "A dungeon break...."


    I wait a few more minutes before jumping back inside the portal to find a massive hole torn through the center of the mountainous dungeon, and billions of MP being absorbed into the natural dungeon mass..


    The wolves that respawn after this st are surprisingly all level 50-55, and some have odd mutant traits like fire magic or intimidation, unlike the normal level 40-50 monsters in this dungeon.


    I''ve seen the levels of monsters go down every time I steal mana from a dungeon, and now I see there is potential to make them go up as well.


    It gets me curious about many things...


    Is there a limit to how high a certain dungeon''s monster levels can go? Is that why there are breaks? Can this process of decreasing and increasing monster levels work inbyrinths too...?


    As these ideas rush through my head, the only conclusion is that I just need to test things out and see.


    I let another full containment stone fall from my inventory and repeat the process, firing a high-density mana sh at it and hopping out the dungeon exit.


    My eyes widen once I get outside and watch the bright red portal slowly shift back to blue.


    "It stabilized the dungeon..."


    I jump inside again, and the entire terrain inside begins to shift and change before my eyes.


    The mountainous environment bes more of a thicker forest area, and a new variant of high E-Grade Orc Monsters level 60-70 start to spawn in.


    The wolves dissolve back into the dungeon along with the rocky terrain like they were never even here, and everything starts to click into ce as Ie up with usible theories for what I''ve just witnessed.


    Dungeons break when too much mana is brought inside them.


    The mostmon procedure hunters use to stop these breaks is to kill the final boss and copse the entire dungeon. A precaution many guilds and the association itself use to keep dungeons at bay is to constantly farm them, taking resources away to bnce out the mana brought in by hunters and the natural mana in the air that flows in.


    I''ve just found another way to stop a break.


    Instead of bringing it back down to its old stable level, it''s possible to push the dungeon to evolve and grow to hit a stable level at a higher level rank.


    Just like abyrinth adds floors over many years of farming mana from hunters, it seems it''s possible to increase the strength of a singr dungeon in the same way.


    My mind races with more questions, but I decide to just do a few more tests, adding about 10 more containment stones to this dungeon and bringing the level of monsters inside above level 100 in just over an hour and roughly 70 billion additional MP.


    Still left in my storage, there is over 2 trillion MP worth of containment stones, and I decide if I''m going to be using this resource on anything to raise its value, it should be in the dungeons back by the Crimson City.


    My mind fixates specifically on the high B-Grade dungeon far below the others that I have sectioned off for personal use. It could be an incredibly valuable resource if I could make the monsters inside it even stronger.


    The sun is starting to rise, and I have another full day of training to get back to today with the army. In addition to this, Bri should being by today for a check-in too.


    I''ll be letting this brand new D-Grade dungeon sit for a while. If it is still stable with no adverse effects of foreign mana being injected into it after a full day passes, that will be a good sign that it is safe to begin tests on dungeons closer to home.

 Chapter 514

    Chapter 514


    I use a teleport crystal to transport back to the Crimson City, then collect the loot that has been farmed by all of the townspeople over thest four days from my body double in the guildhall. It''s an additional 20% of the total necessary.


    Most of the C-Grade items have been handed in by the army recruits after training hours.


    Adding this to the 10% farmed earlier in the week, that''s 30% of the total. At this rate, I''ll have everything I need well before the deadline.


    I stop by the residential area where most of the army recruits stay and send a message to the three squad leaders that training will be dyed a few hours this morning. If they''d like to train in the dungeons while I''m out, my double is there to help them, but MCP farming and supervised high floorbyrinth training won''t start until I''m done with some business.


    Once the word begins to spread, I crush another transport crystal and make it to the stealth bunker beneath Bri''s workshop in Vice City to deliver the goods.


    I give her a telepathy greeting that I''ve arrived, then walk up through the floors as all of her workers stay focused on their morning tasks.


    She collects the raw farmed item drops, then reaches under her desk with a smile and shows me something I''ve been waiting for.


    "Your IDs, I sourced these both from two registered hunters in the Bedrock region that went missing during a series of dangerous high C-Grade dungeon breaks a while back, one that got out of hand and monsters actually escaped to the city. Some call it the Bedrock Catastrophe. There were over a hundred casualties, and thousands injured. A few ck market contacts managed to retrieve many IDs from the rubble of the break once everything was over."


    She ces two C-ss Hunter''s Association IDs onto her desk."Gotta make money out of whatever you can sometimes."


    One isbeled [Ray Anderson][C-ss][Grade 2 Lightning] and the other [Emrie Carter][C-ss][Grade 1 Fire].


    "It''s been over a year with no sightings of either of them. They had no families, no friends, and no work rtionships other than a handful of merchants in the heart of Bedrock City. They were never pronounced dead or even reported missing. I have guaranteed confirmation they are dead, but looking from the outside it''s a usible story that the two of them went off grid and trained up above level 500 and have now finally resurfaced to try and take the B-ss exams. So, if anyone asks, that''s where you''ve been."


    I nod and look down at the cards again to see the pictures of two young men, both around 25 years old if I had to guess. Ray has ck hair and tan skin while Emrie is more fair-skinned with bright red hair.


    My gaze turns up to Bri, and I chuckle.


    "Is this what you think we look like? It is pretty simr... And even the names sound like ours. Ray and Emrie? Like Jay and Ember? How''d you¡ª"


    Bri shrugs, then pushes the cards forward on the desk.


    "I have quite the selection to choose from. There''s argework of identity theft in the ck market beneath the eight great regions. The Dark Continent isn''t the only ce shady business thrives. If you gave me enough time, a few months, I could have even had perfect matches made for you. Name, face, skills, ss, and even scannable to The Association, but considering you''re dead to them and well known as one of the former Vice Region''s Elites, I assumed some names that don''t match exactly were a better fit for you two."


    I nod and take the cards off the table.


    "You''re right. That was a good decision. Now, what''s with the grading next to their names? A grade 2 lightning? And a grade 1 fire? I''ve never seen that before."


    "Every region has their own unique grading system at their association branch. The only thing every regions shares inmon is the letter grade. The Bedrock IDs have a second signature on them, showing your element type if you have one and the power level on it. Grade 1 just means basic grade, grade 2 is advanced."


    I ce the IDs into my item storage and nod.


    "Got it. So it looks like I''ll be a lightning wielder during the exams."


    "That''s right. I''ll be submitting your new names to Rodrigo this week to have him get you two registered."


    "Great."


    Bri nods, satisfied that I''m happy with her work in securing these IDs and begins sorting through the piles of raw item drops I''ve managed to get for her.


    I help out with the sorting too for a few minutes, using telekinesis from a distance and thinking about a newrge craft I want built in the city.


    Over thest few days the construction teams have been moving very quickly, especially thanks to the new skills I granted some of them and the power leveling to bring all their current skills up to legendary grade.


    At this rate, they''ll be moving on to the next phase of the projects soon, which is building out a trade route through the desert from the Crimson City through many small self-sustaining viges out in the desert. Plus, connecting the city itself to majorworks like Valor City, and eventually even Sra.


    With this in mind, the possibility of new peopleing by for trade or even wanting the option to stay in the Crimson City will be a reality.


    I want to have a ce where outsiders can trade freely and interact with those that want the interactions, but I also want a secluded area within the city where only members of my Rising Emperor''s Domain can interact.


    So, I ask Bri a question.


    "Do you know any way to make longsting force fields? Like mana shielding, but invisible, and only harmful to certain people¡ª"


    As these words leave my mouth I remember how when I was first challenging the Dark One, flying over the desert and releasing deadly waves of fire imbued with soul energy, those under my protection were not burned by my mes.


    I want to create something like this to protect the town, but I''m not sure how to even start going about it.


    Bri thinks for a moment to herself, and shakes her head.


    "I''m not sure."


    She walks over to her hidden bookcase, turning the dagger on the shelf by the wall to open it up again and reveal a few old books, pointing at them.


    "Feel free to look through these if you wish, you might find something. I haven''t memorized them all."


    I walk over and do as she says, using telekinesis to gently pick up each old crafting book and sift through them.


    Some are printed, others are hand-written, and some aren''t even books, they''re just papers stacked together with old crafting recipes inside.


    While I flip through the pages, Bri continues to sort the raw items I brought for her today.


    Despite the look of many of these books, most of the crafting recipes aremon knowledge to someone like me that has a mythic grade crafting skill. However, they do give interesting insight to certain crafts even though they aren''t exactly what I''m looking for.


    I find that there are certain ways to imbue elements and skills into items usingrge amounts of people''s blood even at the special grade or legendary grade rating of a craftsmanship skill.


    As long as the blood is being drawn while the skill is activated, and the craftsman uses enough mana as a catalyst, there is a non-zero chance that mythic grade crafts like imbuing skills into items are usible.


    There are even rare cases where makeshift skill orbs were created by chance with long sessions of blood draining to craft special items and even infusions to swap the blood of the skill holder to a person that wants that skill. A lot of these trials seem highly illegal and there are even notes of a number of casualties during some trials, but they have notations here that the experiments have worked.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    Although no skill transfers or consumable orbs in these trials seem to be permanent, some of them dost up to 3-6 months in some cases. Others have reported certain aspects of skills staying in their systems longer, but to a far less potent degree than even a basic no-grade skill.


    I''ve heard of people buying skills in the past before, and even seen some association workers with over two skills in their status. I can only assume they''ve managed to find a replicable way to do the same, but from what I''ve gathered here, it is nowhere near as safe, seamless, and permanent as my version of skill orbs.


    I scan the books more and more, looking for keywords like shielding, barrier, or force field, but nothing other than recipes for mana shieldinge up in my searches.


    There''s only one single paper that shows something remotely simr to what I''m attempting to make.


    It''s a self-recorded study done by one craftsman that managed to reach level 500 many years back. Despite being a craftsman by day, he also fought in dungeons by night, and mostly used defensive gear and spawn camping tactics to power level himself higher in search of new levels of crafting.


    His ranked-up buff reflected his battle tactics, and he awakened a force field buff just like the one I''m trying to make. It allowed objects toe in that he wanted and pushed objects away that were perceived as dangerous to him.


    After many tests, his detailed notes show him using a simr method to the crude blood draining rituals of skill imbuement, but while having his buff activated the whole time.


    He managed to imbue this buff into many objects over his years of testing. These include shields, swords, and even mana shielding itself to make barriers that would let certain objects in and out ording to the parameters he sets.


    Once I get to the end of the page, I flip it around to read more, but there''s nothing left.


    I search through all of the other notes and books a second time, trying to find his name in any other papers or books, but it never shows up.


    The floating papers all drift back to the bookshelf, and I hold only the one in my hand, then turn to Bri who has finished her item sorting.


    "I think I found what I''m looking for... well, at least something close to it."


    She smiles.


    "Good. Now I have a busy day of meetings and crafting to get to with these new items."


    I look up at a clock on the wall and see that over an hour and a half has gone by while I was immersed in the papers.


    "Oh¡ªyes, I have a long day ahead of me too. Thanks, Bri, for the IDs, and this paper. I''ll see you soon."


    I crush a teleport crystal ande back to the Crimson City with about an hour left to kill before the time I said I''d be back to train the recruits again.


    In this time, I have a few new crafting methods to try out.


    I make my way out to the open desert right outside of the city about 1 km away and begin merging high B-Grade items from thebyrinth withrge amounts of blood imbued with the same fiery soul energy that I used to burn my enemies but protect my allies.


    Many of the item drops just burn up on the spot, or turn into various unstable and cursed items.


    However, after using self-regeneration to regrow all the blood in my body over five times, I finally get a stable reading once I try imbuing this energy into a sheet of A-Grade shielding.


    It shifts to be blood red, but doesn''t instantly decay or show any difference on its appraisal reading.


    However, I''m positive it''s different. There is soul energy inside the shielding now, and it''s continuously radiating its energy in ce.


    I want to see if it has the same properties as I''d wished for, so I fly back to the City and ask for one of the prisoners to take a few minutes off of his shift as well as a random townsperson.


    They both stand out in the desert with clueless looks on their faces as I point to the red glowing square of shielding on the ground while I myself am flickering with ck fire in my me Emperor''s disguise.


    "Both of you touch it, then step back. If it harms you I''ll repay you the damages and more."


    Both of them hesitantly walk forward, and lean down to touch the red glowing metal.


    The man who shares a link of loyalty with me pushes his hand right through the energy easily and touches the pure metal backing like nothing is there. His confusion turns to a smile as he lifts his hand out from the red aura and it appears nothing at all has happened to him.


    The prisoner pushes his hand through just like this man, and the opposite happens.


    He does not share the same link of loyalty that the other man does through my buff, and the fiery soul energy reacts much differently with him.


    The instant his hand touches the energy of the red aura, it begins to melt away. His fingers to forearm disintegrate to nothing before he yells and pulls his hand back and the ce thatst made contact continues to burn with dark red mes.


    Even as he falls back the fire continues to burn him, creeping down his arm before I use a dense mana de to cut it off right above the mes.


    Still, now he''s dripping blood into the sand, but I throw him a mythic grade regeneration potion and he drinks it without question with eyes filled with fear.


    I stare forward at the red glowing square of shielding while the man''s arm starts to slowly regrow ande up with another idea.


    "I''ll take a month off your sentence for every test you continue to do with me. Well... You have no choice, but that''s the offer I''m giving you."


    I turn to the man that already has a link of loyalty with me and nod.


    "Thank you for trusting me. You don''t have to proceed if you don''t want to, but your help would be appreciated. I''ll give you a gold for every test you do with me if you want. If all goes well, you should never have to worry as long as we''re still connected through the link made when you first entered this city."


    He takes a deep breath, and I go into further detail about what I''m trying to make. After rification, he agrees to help understanding that he''s not the one in danger here.


    The tests go on for another full 30 minutes as I manage to imbue more soul energy infused blood into more shielding, and exactly the same resultes back.


    I even create a ring of shielding about 15m wide, and when imbuing soul energy infused blood into the entirety of the outside, it makes a small red-tinted dome.


    "This is exactly what I''m looking for."


    I try to do the math, thinking about howrge this city will grow to be. It''s already a few kilometers in distance from the far area of warehouses to the guild and residential areas. The canyon of dungeons needs to be protected from outsiders too, and that''s another few kilometers away as well. I need to make a dome at least 10km wide to fit everything I want in the inner city, and I don''t have anywhere near enough shielding to produce something thatrge right now.


    Even if I asked for everyst piece of scrapped A-Grade shielding from the Valor City Towers, that wouldn''t be enough.


    I need to get creative.


    As the time ticks down before my training session with the Elemental Elites, I rack my brain for more options, then an ideaes to mind.


    My blood-bonded Infinite Essence of Regeneration. It is the product of the 7th ranked Dark Guard''s clear energy crystal and silver metallic arrowhead left behind from the 2nd ranked Dark Guard. It''s malleable and can form into whatever shape I desire.


    It''s also high enough grade that I believe it won''t be a cursed item when I try to craft with it.


    I think about it a little longer, then decide to go for it, making the silver substance float in front of me and expand in the air.


    I stare forward, concentrating, and form the liquid into the shape of arge dome, twice the size of the one I made with the mana shielding moments ago.


    I use the same amount of blood and soul energy, and the same reaction follows.


    The outside of the silver dome tints bright red instantly.


    My eyes widen at the sight, and I decide to expand the metallic dome.


    As I do, the red barrier around it grows in size but lessens in density. The same amount of energy as I started with spreads out to create arger dome.


    I make the base of the dome 100m in diameter before I stop, then ce a hand on the outer silveryer.


    I can feel every bit of it.


    The item is blood-bonded with me, and the soul energy surrounding it feels as if it''s still connected to me, yet there is now more room in my core to recharge it with mana and Qiter.


    I hold the soul energy in ce just how it is for a few minutes straight, then take a deep breath and begin to let the metallic dome disappear starting at the top.


    The thin silver metal disappears, but therge red dome stays in ce exactly the same form.


    Once the silver metal hits the sand near the bottom, I stop making it shrink and all that''s left is a massive silver ring, keeping the huge red dome formation steady in the air.


    I motion for my two test subjects to do as I say.


    The one connected through my link walks through the red wall of energy like there isn''t anything there but open air.


    The grunt hesitantly touches the wall again and jumps back once it starts to burn him.


    I stare up at my creation with awe, and picture it at a muchrger scale covering the entire city as a final line of defense.


    I let the prisoner heal and thank the viger again, making sure to repay them both with what I promised and have them go back to their daily lives.


    The viger is escorted back to the bar and I bring the worker back to the construction crew, asking Maurice for an updated map of the city so I can n out how exactly I''ll make this happen once I need to do it at arger scale.


    As I ce the map into my storage, I see the Infinite Essence of Regeneration is not on my status at all anymore, it is an independent object out in the distance holding up the red dome in the desert.


    Ie back alone and it''s still standing perfectly. cing my hand on the edge of the barrier, I let soul energy leak out from my palm, and the coloring gets much denser as the barrier itself gets stronger.


    Satisfied with the results here, I swallow three full Qi pills and plunder a few mana crystals to restore the soul energy lost during these tests.


    Unlike Qi and mana separately, the perfect mixture between the two that is soul energy doesn''t regenerate instantly. I hardly used up 10% of my core for the tests done today, but recovering this much will still take about two hours toe back to its 100% natural fully usable state.


    I float down to the desert ground level and touch the metallic circle that keeps this dome steady. Once I do, it re-equips to my status, and I instantly reform its malleable state back into a small ring that fits around my finger. Instead of just being silver like it was before, it now glows red, but the soul energy is leaking out of it at a fairly steady rate. I can tell it''s not permanently imbued.


    Therge part of this structure that kept it stable has now disappeared, and I watch the dome of red energy begin to drift away into the atmosphere like residue from an attack.


    I make sure to take notes of everything that''s happened today, adding my own experiments to the pool of data that craftsmen have collected, then ce it all into my item storage before heading to the residential area to meet the elemental army.


    I have a long day of MCP farming to do, then, I need to make a visit to Monk at the monastery in Valor City to pick up some more Qi pills if I want to attempt creating a stable barrier that covers this entire settlement.

 Chapter 515

    Chapter 515


    The day goes on, and I continue training the elites in the Labyrinth.


    Over thest week, while bringing them all from the lower level 400s to now mid-level 900s, I''ve gained a fair share of MCP myself, especially while training alone at night. My focus right now is mainly training my troops and expanding the city, but I still want to find a way to get stronger and climb higher floors of the Labyrinth too if I can. The billions of MCP gains that add to my energy control are slightly noticeable, but there are no overwhelming increases in strength.


    My best gauge of power is to think back to the creature I battled on the 43rd floor atop that mountain, and I''m sure even with the strength gains I have now, that fight wouldn''t have been any easier.


    To improve, and have a chance against the 44th floor, I need a drastic change in the style of training or find a way to create an istion pod myself.


    Even throughout all the notes I read through this morning, there was no mention of anything like it at all. It seems the one Ember is in now is the only one left, and possibly my only reference to try to recreate one in the future.


    For now, I stick to the tasks at hand and make my way to Valor City once the training session for today is over.


    Once I arrive, I''m greeted by Lith in his lobbymen, and he takes me on a quick tour to exin what I''ve missed out on while I was busy.


    We make our way through the rooms of fighters that were rescued, and they''re all inas with life support and feeding tubes attached to them.


    Lithments on the situation."Not a single one has died. They have no life-threatening illness or anything; they just won''t wake up. It''s as if their bodies are using all of their energy to heal a wound that isn''t there."


    I do full body scans of every one of the 93 fighters, over half of which are over level 500. None of them have gained any of their status features back; they''re wipedpletely clean. There doesn''t seem to be any major disruptions in their natural mana flow either. Every single one of them seems to be able to move energy around their bodies at a normal rate.


    However, Lith is right, the way they are moving this mana is interesting. It''s as if they''re all subconsciously attempting the same thing. It looks exactly the same as the mana flow within me when the perk of my self-regeneration skill detoxifies alcohol or poison in my system. High levels of mana control can create a simr effect to a lesser degree, healing people faster than the average unawakened human. The only problem is, there is nothing for their systems to heal.


    The same useless cycle is going on repeat, even after we leave the building and make our way into the streets of the inner city, this phenomenon irks me.


    "I''ll find a way to fix them. Please, keep them in a stable state until I find a cure."


    Lith nods and promises to do so as we walk past the two sites of the old Dark One''s towers that have been stripped from the kilometer-high skyscrapers down to open plots ofnd in the center of the city.


    The third tower has eight guards outside. There are two ck nights on each side of the tower, and I can sense that the shielding is doubled up just as I requested, and there''s now an elevator and multiple empty floors that lead up to each of them.


    Lith waves for his guards to step aside and we enter the lobby.


    I see the floor in the center of the room is still sealed off to the public, but it isn''t my earth magic from before. It''s abination of Maria and Abby''s earth and ice; I sense blue and green soul energy within the mass created to cover the underground entrance.


    Not a drop of Qies out and I nod with approval.


    "I assume they haven''te out since they went in?"


    Lith shakes his head.


    "Yes, but- Well- no. The man from the monastery dide by with a few devices a few times, but the two women that went down never came back up."


    I nod, picturing Monk bringing down supplies to farm Qi pills while Abby and Maria are cultivating in the high Qi density environment.


    "Makes sense. We better not disturb them then, I''ll go check on Monk in the tinum district¡ª"


    I pause.


    "I guess I don''t really need a wristband anymore or have to use the main entrances to go into the actual city."


    Lith shrugs.


    "The only person that can punish you for breaking the rules is the leader of this city. So, are you going to tell on yourself?"


    I roll my eyes and chuckle.


    "I guess not."


    We walk out of the tower and make our way to the ck gate inside the Royal coin section of the city and walk through it to the tinum district. On the way over, I update him on the volume of orders being crafted and guesstimate how much longer it''ll be until I have all the crafted materials ready. Lith stays within the center of the city and waves me off.


    "Very good, you''re right on schedule. Just about 3 more weeks before they need to be all ready to ship, I look forward to introducing you to the Sector 3 and Regional Leaders on the maind once we deliver the goods. See you soon."


    The gate shuts behind me and I make my way through the tinum district''s streets as night falls, reaching the ck pyramid, and passing the two guards in the narrow hallway that leads inside without them batting an eye.


    I assume Monk told them I would eventuallye by.


    Once I make contact with the ck material that makes this fortress, my system begins to fade in and out like usual, but my Soul Energy feelspletely intact. The mana that has sessfully merged with Qi isn''t negated at all by this stone.


    Just to be safe, I use only pure Qi to open the doors and make my way down into the monastery.


    I walk through the main hall to try and find the training rooms where Monk usually resides, and let my senses seep through the walls before I pinpoint him in one of the rooms far away.


    It is just him and his sleeping master in a room alone.


    I can sense his palms on the old man''s chest, and he''s releasing high-density waves of Qi into his body over and over again as I continue to walk down the hall.


    Once I get to the ck stone door, I wonder if I should disturb the ritual that''s going on here, but before I decide, Monk stops and walks over to the door and opens it himself.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Long time no see, I''ve made some progress, your timing is excellent."


    As I shake Monk''s hand to greet him, I see his master''s eyes open in the bed at the back of the room.


    They look around for a few moments, and Monk leads me over to the side of the bed.


    A faint whisperes out of the old man''s lips as he makes eye contact with me.


    "I will repay your kindness. You have given me a chance to live again, I will beat this curse."


    A smile crosses his face and his eyes close while the excess Qi that Monk pushed into his body begins to flow out at a natural rate.


    The old man falls back into hisa-like state, and Monk turns to me.


    "See, I''m on the right path here. Last week when I started this treatment I couldn''t get more than an eye twitch out of him, now he''s able to resume consciousness for a few seconds every time Iplete a cycle. There''s a chance."


    I nod and stare down at the man, watching how his natural Qi flows around his body at a very slow rate. It almost looks normal... there aren''t the odd fluctuations and subconscious forced healing cycles that happen with the other lower-level fighters'' mana.


    "Interesting... So there is a way to treat them with Qi..."


    I turn to Monk.


    "So with enough Qi, everyone in that tower could be healed."


    He nods.


    "Theoretically yes, but that would be arge use of resources without any proper results yet¡ª"


    "Yes, I''m not saying to start trials immediately, I''m just thinking of ideas. Lith said he''s able to keep them healthy in their suspended state for a while. Take all the time you need to heal your master."


    Monk bows.


    "Of course."


    Then I respond with the main reason I came here.


    "How has the farming operation on the new crystals been going? I have an unrted side project that needs arge amount of Qi to bepleted."


    Monk smiles and turns to the door.


    "It''s been going very well actually, right this way."


    We walk down the hall deeper into the monastery and when we pass one of the training rooms two incredibly dense forces of Qi are colliding at high speeds inside.


    The flow of Qi feels just like Fisher and Lydia''s. It is about the same raw strength as when Ist saw them use it, but it is far more refined and precise. They''ve been working on their fighting styles in here with no mana at all for a week straight. I can tell their movements and striking uracy is improving at fast rates.


    Monk evenments on them as we pass.


    "They''re talented fighters. That man has an ego that powers him on the battlefield, and that woman is sharp. Fisher may have more raw talent than her, but Lydia hasn''t lost a single battle. It''s always by a hair, but she finds a way to win. Something is driving her to improve everyday, but she''s never mentioned what it is."


    I smile, happy to see the two of them are improving while I work, but think about Monk''sments deeper as we continue to walk.


    Fisher was my mentor for a short period of time when I first joined the association. Monk is right in his assessment; he wants to get stronger and his ego leads him to believe he can best any opponent. It is fairly simple looking from the outside why he fights.


    Lydia, on the other hand, I''ve never delved into her mindset or true nature. She carries a unique curved de, has an unknown background other than the fact that she was partnered with Maria to teach her Ice magic before the Association cut us off. Her intellect is very high, but she doesn''t talk much at all since she was kidnapped by the Sector 4 leader. Her focus has been the same as everyone''s; trying to stay alive and get stronger.


    I am curious what is really on her mind sometimes, and why she fights, but now isn''t the time to find out.


    There''s a series of loud cracks of Qi that vibrate throughout that training room as they continue to spar, and Monk points to a door at the end of the hall.


    Once the door opens I find that it''s a storage room full of silver containment cases.


    One of them has over 200 Qi pills inside of it which are the total Qi pills collected over just thest week alone.


    He says there are more than enough to conduct whatever tests are necessary, and I''m free to take them all, but I just take 100, and tell him to store the rest securely. With great resource abundance like this, it is a perfect time to start making a stockpile rather than use them up unnecessarily.


    He agrees to continue saving half of the supply, and keep half avable for treatment testing, training, and misceneous tests and missions thate up in the future.


    After that, he promises to continue treating his master and farming Qi and report the findings once I return.


    I leave the monastery and crush a teleport crystal toe back to the Crimson City to continue my tests with the Essence of Infinite Regeneration.


    The metallic item is already bonded with my blood and soul energy, so the only thing I have to do to progress further is expand the silver mass out to whatever shape I desire and imbue it with the raw soul energy that resides deep inside me.


    Far out in the desert where I do my tests, I push the dome of red Soul Energy to over a full three kilometers in diameter, and it takes my full core of remaining soul energy to power it all.


    The barrier is mostly transparent, but shimmers light red, and I can tell it''s strong enough to keep outrge portions of enemies that would try to attack.


    The fact that it''s my soul energy and it''s fully concentrated on a single point means a monster equal to my power would have the possibility of breaking through it if they concentrated all of their power in a single point and tried to rip a hole through it.


    However, if there''s really a creature or person of that strength trying to get into this barrier, I probably have bigger issues to worry about.


    Once my Soul Energy base ispletely depleted for the night and I swallow a handful of Qi pills along with plundering some mana crystals, the gradual Soul Energy restoration process begins.


    I rx for the rest of the night, watching the red dome and find that less than 0.01% of it dissolved into the atmosphere overnight. This means I will have to charge it at some point, but if left alone it will stay very strong for quite a while.


    It isn''t until midday, during the elemental elites training session the next day that my natural pool of Soul Energy reaches full again.


    To my surprise, it surpasses what it was yesterday by a noticeable amount.


    It''s far more dense and potent.


    The act of depleting my Soul Energy stores down to nearly nothing, then rbining Qi and Mana floods my body with a new surge of power that gives me an idea.


    "This is how I''ll get stronger..."


    ¡ª


    6 days pass.


    ¡ª


    I continue to train the Elites and their MCP growth has reached multiple billions at this point. Teams of 12-14 are led by their squad leaders and they''re now capable of defeating the 39th-floor boss room by themselves. Every single elemental elite has surpassed level 990, the final stretch is here.


    I''ve also managed to farm another 341 containment stones this week and copsed 32 rogue dungeons out in the desert making my luminite total in my storage evenrger.


    The dungeon out in the desert that I artificially increased in level was still stable when I went back to check on it, giving me the green light to begin releasing the containment stones I''ve farmed into the high B-Grade dungeon in the bottom of the canyon.


    It starts off with monsters between level 710-730. After using all of the leftover stones from the week before on it, along with the new 341 stones from this week, the total mana released into the dungeon reaches close to 5 trillion MP. The level of monsters inside it now has hit 880-900. It takes more and more stones to bring the levels up higher at these stages. It definitely takes less MP to raise the levels of an E-Grade dungeon, but my goal here isn''t efficiency, it''s to get this dungeon to spawn double ranked up monsters... I''ve never been in a dungeon that reached heights this high, but I can tell I''m getting close to achieving this creation.


    Over 30% more loot is farmed by the vige hunters and off-duty Elites as well, bringing the total of the amount needed toplete all orders to 60%. There are 2 weeks left to farm the remaining 40%.


    ¡ª


    In addition to this over these 6 days, I repeat a simr process with the Soul Energy Barrier too.


    By day, I continue to train the elites, and by night, I work on expanding the dome of soul energy by depleting my base almost entirely.


    The dome grows over three times in size, reaching about 10km just like I set out to do and the density of the shielding is twice as strong as it was on day 1.


    I make an announcement to the vigers that I''ll be cing a protective barrier around the outer edges of the City, and use my telekinesis to move the entire structure from out in the desert where I was testing it to ce it down on top of the warehouse, city, and even the canyon of dungeons.


    Once it hits the sand, I replicate one of the tests I tried on shielding and other objects earlier this week, and shape the Essence of Infinite Regeneration into a mirror image of itself to form a second upside-down facing dome underground. The density of the shielding is diluted to half its strength to form this second inverted dome.


    With a silver ring around its center point, a massive Red Sphere protects this entire city from the air, and underground.


    The only people capable of walking through its transparent Crimson tinted walls are those that have sworn loyalty to me and have a link of loyalty through the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    As the morning sun rises, the red dome glimmers in the golden light.


    From the outside, all of the newly built streets and residentialplexes look as if they''re a light shade of red. Anyone visiting in the future will now know exactly why this settlement is called the Crimson City.

 Chapter 516

    Chapter 516


    The craftsmen teams have used up nearly half of the materials I delivered to themst week, and the impressive new apartmentplexes rising up 5-10 stories for future residents arepleted. There''s enough room to increase the poption of this city tenfold if needed.


    The new streets are built, and dozens of new storefronts line the roads, ready for businesses to move in.


    Two small grocery stores are built, and I task a body double to buy supplies fromrge chains in Vice City and Sra. This will have to do until I can barter some deals with Sector 3 to buy fresh produce inrge quantities directly from them.


    Some of the vigers take positions as managers, and the teens and vigers in their early 20s take jobs to stock the shelves and work registers.


    Many of the small shops and businesses that were set up during the first construction wave hire people to work in them too, and with the influx of new money to vigers from my weekly aid packages and the increase in coin supply from the guildhall''s farming requests, the economy begins to move along on its own.


    Less than 10% of people are now unemployed. Many don''t fully rely on my aid packages, but the reassurance that they will be taken care of gives them trust to take risks in their business and have fun in their personal lives too.


    Dan Striker''s mercenary bar mostly sells drinks and food, but there have been a few private trading requests for materials in the dungeons that can be farmed that the guildhall isn''t offering to buy.


    I''m sure my requests for goods will fluctuate every month; it won''t always be the same items. So it''s great to see if people have usual dungeons they like to farm or special requests, there will always be other ces to sell that loot if it''s not on the guildhall list.


    Back in the guildhall itself, the entirety of the structure has been renovated.The base that is open to the public at ground level has a new glossy floor, imported tables andfortable furniture for people to rx in, professional signs with pricing for goods being sold that can be controlled by a device from inside the octagonal center room, and even a new board on the wall that shows the pricing for basic gear and potions for hunters to buy at cheap prices so they can be fully protected and prepared to hunt in the dungeons.


    I hire a few people to work inside the room. One woman buys loot from the hunters that bring it in. Another young man sells the basic E to C grade crafted gear like health and mana potions, swords and daggers, as well as amulets and armor that I''ve crafted to fit the hunters'' needs based on the level scans I''ve been doing these past days. Then, another woman greets people at the door and answers questions in the lobby.


    An extra floor is built to make the guildhall four stories high. It has been renovated to be my personal office with arge ss wall at the back in front of the same throne I built after the war overlooking the city.


    The growingmunity gets into quite the rhythm.


    With two weeks left until Ember''s pod opens up, I head back to the maind to check out the B-ss exams. I call the construction team to have a meeting with me right near the barrier of the Crimson Soul energy shield far outside the city, facing in the direction of Sector 1.


    It''s early in the morning, and I''ve given the elemental elites the morning off again before we train.


    The team of construction workers look up at me with wide smiles while the prisoners eye the red barrier with a dazed look in their eyes due to the elixir they''re under the influence of.


    I speak up.


    "Alright. Today, we''ll be starting phase 3 of the building project. We''ll be expanding this city outward to begin making connections with other settlements in this Sector and connect The Crimson City with many major trade and travel routes all over the Dark Continent."


    While making contact with the outer barrier of the red Soul Energy forcefield, I''m able to manipte it by connecting the red energy to my own supplies.


    The construction workers all walk through without any resistance. Their gear and building supplies are all in item boxes around their waists.


    The prisoners all carefully walk through a small hole that I create in the Soul energy shielding. Once thest one makes it through, I release my contact from the barrier. The hole shrinks until it''s gone, converting right back into its natural solid barrier state and we get to work.


    I use earth magic to begin the base structure of a trail out into the desert.


    Earlierst week, I surveyed thends and found nearby towns that I see as great routes to make the road near. I won''t be making the main trade route within 10km of any settlement, because I don''t want to bring any unwanted foot traffic to them. However, once we''re out there, I''ll be greeting every town with my me Emperor''s appearance and give them options.


    They cane and live in the Crimson City while listing the benefits, or for those that aren''t interested in staying in my settlement, I''m giving them the option toe and be trade partners with us instead. If no one in the viges that we make contact with wants anything to do with us, we just won''t make connecting roads to their town from the main trade route.


    If they want their privacy and istion, they can keep it. It''s as simple as that.


    While I head off into the empty desert, slowly forming a long winding path, a small group of workers follow to add fine details, lighting fixtures for nighttime, and signs that show the distance to the surroundingndmarks in ce.


    Arger group stays behind and works on building up another vige outside of the Crimson Barrier.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    This consists of many trading posts that will be filled with workers who want to sell and trade their personal gear to outsiders, along with another guildhall that will ept trades buying and selling my crafts and gear directly.


    Nearby, outside the barrier, there are also ns to have inns, bars, and even a small short-term stay residential area for people to spend the night if they''ve traveled a long way.


    It is anotherrge-scale project to work on, and we have two weeks to get everything in motion and automated before I leave out of town to attend the B-ss exams.


    We get to work.


    ¡ª


    7 days pass.


    ¡ª


    I make two roads, about 200km each in two directions spreading throughout Sector 2.


    One of them stretches toward Sector 3 and the other goes off in the direction of Sector 1.


    The trading posts and visitors inns have beenpleted, and the infrastructure is almost asrge as the residential area inside the Crimson Barrier.


    It''s definitely going to be necessary too.


    Making my search diameter over 400km, I''ve made contact with 7 viges ranging from poptions of 25-200. Not a single one declines my offer to connect them to the main trade route via smaller off-shooting roads.


    There are 117 new links of loyalty created through my Rising Emperor''s Domain, and I''ve given these individuals transport back to the Crimson City as promised along with weekly aid and a free ce to live in the newest residential housing areas.


    Most of these new citizens are hunters that are looking for work.


    The remaining 40% of the guildhall''s orders are filled before these 7 days are even up.


    I deliver them to Bri and she tells me she''ll have everything ready for me days before the final deadline. She also received word back from Rodrigo and managed to get our two false identities registered for the B-ss exams.


    There will be a pickup point assigned in the Bedrock Region one day before the exams start.


    Bri says she can source transport crystals linked to a public hub in the Bedrock Region for me to use before then, so i let her work out the logistics.


    The start date of the exams is exactly 3 days after the 30-day deadline for these trade deals. That means once Ember awakes and I''ve delivered the goods, I have 2 days to get all of my affairs in order before then.


    It''s all working out perfectly.


    Actually, everything has fallen into ce even better than my expectations, but I''m happy to see the orders will be fulfilled now with time to spare.


    I post new guild offers for the mostmon items that will most likely be needed for next month''s orders, and always ept buying mana crystals, but leave out a lot of the obscure item drops.


    The mercenary bars order quantity rises drastically once the guildhall stops epting certain goods because thanks to my ventures out in the desert, there have been over 500 visitors from the surrounding towns to trade new items.


    For now, I ept any coin, marked with the me Emperor''s emblem or not. However, once its processed through the guildhall, I keep any unmarked currency for myself and always payout hunters with my own marked coins.


    Traders from other towns ept that these coins are still made of bronze, silver, and gold. Many return back to their viges with the mark of the me Emperor in hand after selling their goods to vigers here.


    However, far more wealth is being brought into the town than the amount of coins that are leaving.


    It''s not only magical gear, lots of items from the grocery stores that are only found in Sra and the Vice region are being resold to travelers thate by at high prices because of their rarity in this portion of the Dark Continent.


    The inns outside the barrier need maintenance and attendance, so I appoint managers and workers from the new arrivals that aren''t hunters and they find their ce in the city very quickly.


    A few of the empty storefronts are contracted out to new businesses like pawn shops and cafes, but a majority of them are still empty. There is still far more room to grow.


    ¡ª


    As these days go on, I keep training the elemental elites for about 8-10 hours every day.


    They''ve gotten to the point where they''re able to defeat the 39th floor boss in teams of 3-4, and everyone has made it to level 998-999.


    Some talented fighters are even capable of defeating the boss monster solo, but I still don''t permit this without my direct supervision.


    They''re all extremely close to ranking up again.


    ¡ª


    Every night after training I continue to farm the containment stones to copse dungeons, and fill my inventory with another 29 luminite fragments.


    Using over 2 trillion more MP from the leftover containment stones, I bring the B-Grade dungeon''s monsters up to level 915-930. The boss monster reaches level 945. It feels like I''m getting closer to the double-ranked-up monster goal for this experiment, but the rate at which the dungeons levels increase is slowing down even more.


    In addition to this, I drain my Soul Energy Core down to near zero every singel day, making the Crimson Barrier far stronger.


    The reformation of Soul Energy gets faster every time, and the volume and potency of energy within me continues to rise.


    Since the first day I started doing this 2 weeks ago, it feels as if my capacity to wield Soul energy has risen in strength by over 50%. My mes are burning hotter, denser, and more deadly than ever. I haven''t had any opponents to test it out on yet, but it feels as if I would have probably stood a chance against the 43rd floor boss in a one on one fight without even using my lifesteal or equivalent exchange. My strength is rising at a steady rate.


    I stop by Valor City to pick up another 100 Qi pills once I''ve burned through the entire supply Monk gave me before.


    He''s surprised at the rate I''m using them, but doesn''t question it and gives me another 100, showing that his rate of farming is still faster than the rate at which I''m using them; but I don''t think that will be the case for long.


    The mine is producing between 350-400 Qi pills per week. 200 is going straight to isted storage, while the remaining is being used to find a cure for the Lich King''s aftermath, and training materials for myself and others within the monastery.


    It is sufficient for now.


    Every time my Soul Energy capacity rises, I need more Qi and more Mana to reform the entirety of the newly grown base. This shouldn''t be an issue in the near future, but at some point, I will need even more Qi than this if I want to get stronger.


    To attain exponential growth, this rate of production will not be enough.


    That aside, I get to witness Monk''s treatment of his master again today, and when his eyes open, he manages to sit up and turn his head toward us.


    The old man is awake for almost a full minute, but doesn''t speak more than a few words to preserve his energy.


    As he rests his head back down and closes his eyes, I nod and turn to Monk.


    "That is definitely progress... Maybe he''ll be up and walking on his own in a few weeks."


    He smiles.


    "I believe so too. When this works, I can have my students in the monastery perform the treatment on the fighters you rescued too."


    I nod.


    "Perfect."


    __


    Once back in the Crimson City, I make my way down to the Bunker beneath the guildhall to check on Ember in the istion pod.


    It''s been 3 weeks since he entered that pod. Meaning over 240 days have passed inside. Less than 9 days remain on the timer at the top of the pod, meaning about 100 more days are left inside.


    It hums very lightly, and no excess or unique energy signaturese off of it at all.


    I expected something odd to happen, but no clues at all are shown to the outside.


    His status shows in my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface, and even it is unmoving.


    There aren''t even irregr mana, Qi, or soul energy fluctuations inside the pod.


    Whatever Ember is doing in there is aplete mystery to me, and undetectable to all of my senses.


    With just 9 days left until the trade deals meetings start, and 12 before the B-ss exams begin, I still have a lot of work to do to get the Crimson City in a stable position before I go.

 Chapter 517

    Chapter 517


    Over the next few days, the trade routes continue to expand further into the desert in both directions.


    The trading posts, inns, shops, and restaurants outside of the Crimson barrier grow as the construction teams use up all of the remaining supplies avable.


    An outer ring of the city is built for those that do not wish to stay and be under the me Emperor''s protection.


    Sixteen more small viges are connected to the trade route, and over 300 more links of loyalty are created through my rising emperor''s domain, bringing the total in my interface beyond 500 now. They are all integrated into the town and fit into ce exactly where they fit best.


    Some open shops with foreign goods that they''d like to sell, others farm in the dungeons to collect materials for the guildhall, and some just want a change of pace and reassurance that they''re safe.


    Viges out in the middle of nowhere get raided and piged often, so they migrate and seek safernds frequently. Manye to arger city when given the option to seek a more stable lifestyle.


    However, many like the traveling trader''s life and just see the Crimson City as another stop on their journey through the Dark Continent.


    There are an additional 2000 individual travelers thate by from the surrounding viges to trade.


    The number of individuals farming the dungeons to make their own stands in the outer vige to sell loot increases dramatically. Anything people can sell to the guildhall, they do. My prices to buy loot are far higher than anything any smart buyer would be looking to pay.This is because I am directly crafting it into select items; the raw materials could be bought from traders out of the city for far cheaper and sold to the guildhall for profit. I don''t care if residents game the system this way; everyone makes money, so it''s a win-win.


    The only hunters that have ess to the canyon of dungeons are those that have sworn their loyalty to me; the entire canyon is inside the crimson barrier. So, any overflow being sold in the ring of shops outside the city is mostly money that ising back into the city to cycle through the economy in many ways in the future.


    There is still room inside the inner city''s residential district for at least three times as many people toe, and emptynd where more housing can be built.


    The trade routes haven''t even stretched outside of Sector 2 yet, so I foresee even more growth in the future.


    I ce a new 100 tinum order for materials in Vice City to make room for a poption that could be 10-20 times what I have now.


    This is the cost of nearly all the 135 tinum profit from the trade deals I''m about to receive. However, it will be worth it. There''s no need to hold back in investing in myself.


    Just from the growth numbers I''ve seen in the city so far, this will be even more profitable than I first predicted.


    As more people flow into the vige, and my order for materials is processed, I continue farming containment stones and training the Elemental Elites.


    With less than five days left on the countdown timer on Ember''s istion pod remaining, meaning four more days have passed, during a training session, one of the squad leaders finally hits level 1000 and gets the opportunity to rank up.


    Throughout this day, more and more people hit the level 1000 threshold, and by the end of the day, everyone faces the final boss on the 39th floor enough times to rank up.


    Dozens of white shing lights fill the air on this day, and many unique ranked-up buffse out of it.


    Many of them are spirit animal energy manifestations and ultimate attack or defense techniques. A few awaken energy forms, but it isn''t nearly asmon as I thought it would be.


    I give them all a speech on this night, telling them that they have reached the peak of power that thisbyrinth can grant them for now. I''ve given them this strength and ability so that they can protect themselves and fight on par with monsters from any dungeons or enemies theye across.


    I want to awaken each of them with Qi cores of their own, but the supply is being used up entirely by myself to strengthen the Crimson barrier and continue the growth of my Soul Energy while Monk uses the remains toe up with a treatment for the Lich King''s aftermath and continue my teammates'' training.


    "We will continue training together, but now you must get used to your new forms. You''ve all grown far quicker than is naturally possible for most hunters. The state you''ve reached in just over a month of training is one that only a handful of hunters ever achieve in their lifetimes. There will be another level to reach after this, but for now, I want you to hone your skills, spar, find your unique styles, and learn from each other. You are the Elemental Elites of the me Emperor''s Army. The strongest fighting force in the entire Dark Continent. I''m sure you all witnessed me fight the Lich King, and my teammates fight the Dark Guards just one month ago. That is the level you''ll need to get to next. So make sure you''re ready when your time hase."


    We continue to train as usual over the next two days, collecting MCP, and I watch them spar with each other to master their new ranked-up forms and abilities.


    I keep adding mana to the B-Grade dungeon, bringing it to level 940-950, making the boss room monsters reach up to level 980 sometimes. It''s so close... yet so far...


    It eats up over a hundred full containment stones per new rank now.


    This dungeon is stronger than the 38th floor in thebyrinth.


    It has enormous white birds that soar through high mountain peaks and wide open blue skies. It is simr to the 39th floor; one out of every 15 spawns has a bird with extreme wind magic, and the element stone it drops is strong enough to withstand a mythic-grade plunderer imbument.


    This discovery lets me double my speed of containment stone and luminite farming, bringing the amount of fragments in my item storage above 100, but also clears out almost every rogue dungeon within a 600km radius of the Crimson City.


    The only ones I leave be are those very close to viges, as it seems some rely on them for resources, and any of them that are above middle D-Grade, because it takes way too many stones to copse them to be worth my time.


    I''ve been stuck on this same B-Grade mountain dungeon for a while.


    After dozens of stones, it hasn''t even be unstable to hint that it''ll reach the next stage, so I just start saving up containment stones instead of letting them loose in the dungeon. I want to do it all at once and not risk creating a break that would need more stones than I have avable to satisfy and push to the next stage.


    It isn''t until two dayster, exactly one day before Ember''s pod will open, and the trade deals are due, that something very unexpected happens.


    I feel memories of the surveince body double that watches over the Crimson City send me an instant message.


    ___


    It''s midday, with the sun high in the sky, with over 1100 people below me. About 200 are in the Crimson City Inner vige, 200 are outside around the outer barrier selling to the 600 travelers from nearby cities doing trade, while roughly 100 people are in the dungeons farming loot.


    My double senses a very intense energy wave rippling out from the center of the Dark Continent.


    It feels familiar, and it isn''t until I see the light grey shockwaveing out from the abyss that I realize exactly what it is.


    "It''s been a while. That''s... Another surge..."


    Without my All-Seeing Eye, this wave is invisible, but the sheer size of the wave is impossible to stop; there''s nothing I can do but watch.


    The ck wall of fog that is the abyss expands, moving forward about a full 2 kilometers before my eyes, thening to a halt as the shockwave continues to travel toward the outer edges of the settlement.


    The Abyss is nearby, but luckily far enough away that this kilometer of movement doesn''t bring it too close to the city itself, but it is now fairly visible from the canyon of dungeons, when before it was just a ck speck on the horizon.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    My double watches the invisible grey wave move through hundreds of unsuspecting people surrounding the city, but it doesn''t affect them at all.


    No one notices it, even as it collides with the Crimson Barrier.


    I watch the red dome ripple, and my eyes widen as the grey shockwave moves through it, not slowing down at all.


    It flows out the other side almost like nothing at all was in its way.


    The surge travels far off way into the desert. I''m sure this same exact grey shockwave is headed toward the 8 great nations.


    I wonder to myself if this is what happened in the past surges, and if whatever this is can possibly cause dungeons to break and so much panic to ensue.


    However, before I can fully formte this thought, my gaze falls down onto the Canyon of Dungeons, and I sense many irregr mana readings down below me.


    Even my science experiment, the B-Grade dungeon is starting to fluctuate and show very odd readings after the grey pulse of energy passes through it.


    My double dives down through the Crimson Barrier and into the dungeons to watch my other double that is usually standing watch in this canyon jump into a glowing red portal.


    It scans through all of the dungeons in the area, and over 20 of them have started to break.


    At this, the memories stop; this is when my double kills itself to send me the message.


    ________


    I speak up, talking to all of the Elemental Elites that I''m training using my telepathy throughout the entire dungeon.


    "We have a new mission to deal with. There is trouble in the city. I''m going to separate all of you into groups to make sure no monsters get out of the dungeons I leave you in. Whatever you do, do not kill the boss monster, and protect any hunters inside the dungeons if these monsters are out of their league. If they can handle them, let them fight; I don''t want anyone to miss out on unique loot that is only avable during breaks. This is a surge, usually a catastrophe, but we''ll make it into a profitable and enjoyable event for all. Keep killing mutants, protecting the boss rooms from anyone trying to challenge them, and keep the public safe until Ie by your selected dungeon with the means to stop the break, we do not have to destroy these dungeons just neutralize the threat."


    They all understand the assignment, and I dungeon walk groups of 1-2 into the canyon. They all fill their roles instantly, and get to work protecting the E-C grade dungeons that are breaking all throughout the canyon.


    Many hunters are farming inside these already, and the Elemental Elites exin to them what is going on. Offering escorts to lower level breaks if they wish, or offer a hand in fighting these monsters if the hunters present have the skills to defeat them.


    This is a chance for them to use the teachings I''ve given them and apply them to help others directly.


    Once I teleport all of them out of thebyrinth and into dungeons, I dungeon walk to the B-Grade break down at the deepest point in the canyon.


    Once I get inside, what I see is far more dangerous than I expected, but at the same time, very exciting.


    Over double the normal amount of monsters are in this dungeon.


    I instantly sense 31 pure white birds flying through the air.


    They''re all boss level rated or higher. The creatures range from level 980 to 990, and the best part is that every single one of them has extreme wind magic that ripples off them.


    I grin and grip my me Emperor''s de while dungeon walking to each of them and slicing them in half.


    Each time I do, an element stone drops into my storage, and almost instantly, another one spawns in its ce on the far edge of the dungeon.


    This surge has supercharged many dungeons, and has given me the opportunity to farm the exact resource that I need.


    It takes time for the birds to dissolve, but hardly takes any for me to continuously dungeon walk to their new ces and farm more stones from these near A-Grade mutants.


    Roughly 30 stones can be farmed every 5 minutes, and it feels as if there''s an endless stream.


    I constantly check on the other dungeon breaks that are nearby being protected by the Elites, and find they''re carrying out my orders perfectly.


    Hunters have been moved to dungeons that are too powerful for them, and word has spread even outside that a surge is here but it is somehow under control. All off-duty hunters selling loot in the outer city that are able to cross the Crimson Barrier do so, and my body double vets them to enter certain dungeons.


    These dungeons are breaking because of excess mana injected into them from the surge. My theory to turn them back to normal would be to take that excess energy out. An easy way would be to allow a plunderer imbued element stone loose inside one. The higher-grade dungeons may need more than one to do the trick.


    However, I want to give the hunters in the surrounding area some time to capitalize on this gold mine. I even create another double to rece my surveince double to go and farm some of the mutant monsters to get some of the unique loot for myself.


    I''ll let everyone get their fair share before doing my first test on a dungeon to neutralize it.


    This gives me even more time to farm in the B-Grade break.


    About an hour and a half passes, and I''ve farmed over 500 extreme grade wind magic stones, my double even manages to kill a mutant with a skill I don''t have yet, transferring it to my main body and upgrading it too.


    [Blink][Mythic Grade]


    It''s a very odd skill, simr to my stealth ability but with a twist. To activate, the monster has to make eye contact with their opponent, and from then on, it will be invisible to its enemy every time it closes its eyes.


    There are some obvious limitations, like having to be a higher mana control than the opponent for it to work properly, however, it is an intriguing power of deception.


    Many hunters have found the dungeons with the most unique loot, and gotten what they need while fighting to their limit and leaving the dungeons already to be the first to sell them to traders that aren''t able to enter the Crimson Barrier.


    During all of this, there were even 14 more links of loyalty formed. These were rogue hunters that on the spot dered their loyalty while looking at the opportunity in front of them and decided to join the inner city and put their trust in me just to get through the Crimson Barrier.


    They reap the rewards, and are able to farm in the dungeons.


    Others see this and think they can try it themselves. Those without pure intentions or full trust in me as their leader do not form a link with my ranked up buff, and are unable to pass through.


    I have guildhall workers on standby at booths in the outer city ring that supply mythic grade regeneration potions to those that identally injure themselves trying to go through the barrier.


    Once the traffic starts to settle down, I imbue a few of my new element stones with plunderer and create new containment stones with roughly the same 7-8 billion MP allowances. My double brings them to the E-Grade breaks first, and makes sure everyone clears out before letting the stones out of my storage.


    In the emptied breaks, these stones drain the excess mana away, and bring them back down to their natural state in a single stone.


    Many hunters go back in after the neutralizing isplete to witness the massive hole in the dungeon''s center, but I make sure to tell the Elemental Elites what to say, and they reassure regr hunters that the dungeons will naturally regenerate given enough time.


    My double continues to neutralize the dungeons one by one with the containment stones as my main body continues to farm for more in the B-Grade break over the next hour and a half straight.


    I leave the most popr breaks forst, so that hunters can get all the resources they want.


    The D-Grade dungeons take up to 5-10 stones to neutralize, and some of the mid-level and high-grade C-Grade dungeons even take 30-50.


    I''ve farmed over a thousand windstones, so this is perfect.


    By the time every break is neutralized, and all of the dungeons are back to their normal state, I have 600 new full containment stones in my inventory, and just under 500 raw element stones still waiting to be imbued.


    The massive wind element birds in the B-Grade dungeon divebomb toward the glowing red exit portal every time they respawn.


    If I was not in here constantly farming them, they would escape out into the real world and cause havoc.


    The stones in this dungeon are a valuable resource, but this is a dangerous dungeon to keep so close to the city at this unstable state.


    I need to stabilize it before something unpredictable happens.


    Outside, the crowds of traders and hunters celebrate their loot and harvest while my double tells the Elemental Elites they''ve earned a night off after all the hard work.


    My main body stays in the B-Grade dungeon break for another six hours until I''m satisfied with the number of stones I''ve farmed.


    Over 2500 fresh element stones are farmed, while 600 are still full to the brim with 7-8 billion MP each.


    I task my body double to go out to C-Grade dungeons in the desert that I passed on copsing in the past and give them newly crafted containment stones from these 2500 to fill with mana.


    As the sun goes down on the final day before Ember is scheduled to wake up in the morning, my doubles fill almost every single stone they can.


    About 700 are left uncrafted in their natural element state, while 1800 more are turned into full containment stones, adding to the 600 total and making 2400 full stones ready to release over 18 trillion MP.


    I whisper to myself.


    "I guess it''s now or never... This should be enough."


    Once I have these ready, I begin releasing their mana into the B-Grade dungeon.


    After about 300 stones, the monster type changes again, making the birds disappear and a new level Elite scorpion-like monster form in a new dungeon. Some are level 950-965 in their base state, but others reach up to level 995 in their mutant form.


    I use the exit portal to walk outside, expecting for it to be stable after the new rank up, but to my surprise, the spinning portal is still bright red. I jump back in and start defending the exit from dozens of massive creatures that are programmed to leave this dungeon by any means necessary.


    "Not good..."


    I decide to release even more full containment stones into the dungeon to try and bring it up in rank again to stabilize it further.


    Over 2 hours pass.


    I set off chain reactions of dozens of stones at a time, protecting myself within a soul energy shielding barrier at the far edges of the dungeon near the exit to release more mana inside.


    It takes another 500 stones to make the dungeon move up in rank again.


    The creatures are all aquatic, with long bodies and sharp teeth, with their base forms ranging from level 970-985. Some mutants hit level 999.


    However, they''re all aggressively hard wired to leave the dungeon too. The portal is still bright red.


    I don''t dare challenge the boss room because I''m almost positive it would destroy the whole dungeon once defeated.


    My n is to continue charging this dungeon higher. I''m so close to my goal of level 1000 monsters, I might as well use the rest of the stones to try and reach it.


    If this dungeon actually stays unstable forever, I''ll have a double stand by and farm it while standing guard. However, if it is really a lost cause and seems too dangerous to keep in the canyon, I''ll take out the boss and end things here.


    I have a feeling there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I''m almost there.


    It takes another 4 hours and 1100 stones before the dungeon finally hits its new rank.


    As I watch the mutant sea creatures fade away and a new dungeon begin to form, the outer edges of my perception begin to shrink in toward me.


    The dungeon itself feels like it''s getting smaller, and the coloring and artificial sky and floor start to fade away until I''m only left floating in a small sphere of white and blue pure system energy.


    A single blue text box hovers in front of my eyes.


    [Create a Labyrinth]


    [YES][NO]

 Chapter 518

    Chapter 518


    "So this is why I''ve never seen an A-Grade dungeon..."


    The same system text floats in front of my eyes.


    [Create a Labyrinth]


    [YES][NO]


    The possibility of a whole new type of farminges into my mind.


    If the creation of abyrinth spawns demons and dragons, and this process is possible to replicate, I could find a ce to farm demon cores with minimal effort.


    All it would take is a few hundred containment stones worth of mana to bring dungeons up to a high B-Grade rating. Then, between rank up stages, the dungeons produce their own high-grade element stones that I can craft into containment items.


    The only issue would be finding more dungeons to drain mana from, but I haven''t even traveled outside of Sector 2 for rogue dungeons yet, so I''m sure there''s more than enough to go around.


    I stare at the blue text that floats in the air, attempting to scan the rest of the dungeon I''m in, but no other defining factors show up in my mind''s eye.There are no other options than yes or no, so after a few minutes of thinking and waiting, I decide to choose [YES] and see what happens.


    The text box pulses and disappears, then another onees into view right where it left.


    [Choose Labyrinth Type]


    There is a list of options below it with detailed descriptions and 3d holographic scans.


    The top option is one I''m very familiar with, showing stacked dungeons with boss room floors every 20 stages. After the 40th floor, there are only boss rooms on every floor and it stops on floor 60.


    The next option below it has no boss rooms at all; it''s 100 floors with only one final boss room at the top.


    The third option is a 30-floorbyrinth with boss rooms on every floor starting from floor one.


    As I scroll down the list further, more variations of these show up. Some with 40 floors and a boss room every 10, others with 15 and 2 bosses guarding each floor.


    Once I get to the bottom of the list, I''ve seen every possible variation that I can get, but there still isn''t any exnation for what kind of monsters will be on each floor or how strong they''ll be.


    From what I''ve seen inbyrinths in the past, every one of them has a floor boss every 20 floors. The onlybyrinthrge enough for me to reach past the 40th floor has been the Vice City Labyrinth. It is either a major coincidence, or thesebyrinths that spawn naturally always end up choosing the first default option.


    It would be the safe bet to choose the first, and I would know exactly what I''m getting myself into, but the 2nd option, a 100-floorbyrinth, looks like the most profitable option for me.


    The potential for new monsters with unique skills to farm, and possibly higher A-Grade floors with infinite respawning monsters, is more so what I''m after rather than having cool boss rooms that lock up and don''t let me rechallenge them.


    After scrolling through the list for a few more minutes, I let out a sigh and choose it, whispering to myself.


    "If I don''t like this option, I can always copse it and make another one..."


    Then, more text boxes appear in front of my eyes.


    [Input Floor Creation Catalyst][1/100]


    [Go Back to Labyrinth Options]


    It wants me to input items to create the floors and even gives me the option to go back to the main list.


    That must be for the off chance that I don''t have enough material to create what it needs.


    I choose [Go Back to Labyrinth Options] out of curiosity and sift through a few of the other options.


    The other options with fewer floors take exactly the amount of this "Creation Catalyst" rtive to their number of floors; thebyrinth I''ve set my sights on has the most floors so it is the most expensive one on the entire list.


    I scroll back to the 100-floor option and stare at [Input Floor Creation Catalyst][1/100] in bright blue text.


    I have a pretty good idea what this mystery creation catalyst is, so I plunge a hand into my item storage and pull out a single fragment of luminite.


    "This better not go to waste..."


    I move my hand forward with the delicate white crystal in hand, and to my surprise in this unique environment, it doesn''t dissolve or crack at all.


    The crystal holds its form until it disappears into the blue text.


    [Input Floor Creation Catalyst][2/100]


    "Knew it..."


    I smile, as this makes sense. To create dungeons within this system, they can''t just spawn out of thin air. There needs to be enough mana in a confined space, and the right ingredients to craft them.


    One by one, I shovel more luminite into the system text, leaving only a handful left in my item storage, but I feel as though this is worth it to see what happens in the end.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    Once the text hits [100/100], it disappears again and another blue box appears.


    [Labyrinth Creator: Jay Soju]


    [Type: 100 Floor Tower]


    [Floors Avable: 26/100]


    [!] More Mana Necessary To Unlock Higher Floors [!]


    [!] Invite Humans to your Labyrinth and Grow in Power [!]


    More text shes across my vision, then disappears, leaving me with another two options.


    [Be Labyrinth Guardian]


    [Spawn Random Guardian]


    Again, I think over the options carefully, but decide to pick [Spawn Random Guardian].


    The thought of being stuck inside abyrinth as its guardian doesn''t seem like something I''d want to do. Seeing what kind of random selection this system gives me is a better option.


    Once I click it, I expect another random text box to show up in my face, but it doesn''t.


    The text disappears and I''m left floating in the blue and white sphere of pure mana for a full minute before anything happens.


    The room starts to expand outward, and a grasnd dungeon with level 5-10 goblins starts to materialize in front of me.


    As soon as it''splete, white light shes in front of my eyes and I''m brought to another small blue and white sphere-shaped room. It expands outward after a full minute as well, eventually creating a swamp-like dungeon with level 20-30 frog creatures.


    I''m teleported back to the blue and white sphere shaped room once the dungeon isplete.


    Again and again, the floors are created before my eyes and I''m brought to the next one with magic that feels just like a teleportation crystal.


    This process takes over a full hour before I get to the final monster spawning dungeon, floor 25. Theva-filled volcandscape filled with level 560-580 Ranked Up Lizardmen with Fire magic, wielding swords and axes, disappear to bring me to the 26th.


    This floor ispletely empty.


    A blue system textbox hovers in the air at the top of this dungeon written in system text I''m sure only thebyrinth owner is able to see.


    [Mana Necessary to create next Floor [2.453T/3T]]


    "So this is how it works..."


    As thebyrinth grows, absorbing more mana, it will build more floors below this boss room. All of the mana from a single A-Grade dungeon was dispersed to create the lower floors. However, the higher grade the floors be, the more mana is necessary to make them.


    It appears that low to middle B-Grade floors will be about 3 trillion MP each to create.


    My assumption is the stronger floors will require significantly more energy the higher I go up.


    "So interesting..."


    I walk forward and take in the sight of the final boss room that will be the final line of defense in this dungeon.


    It''srge and looks like a rocky cave.


    In the back of this dungeon, I feel two living beings.


    One of them is hibernating in a small brown egg-shaped stone and the other is 3 meters tall, muscr with dark red skin, white eyes, and dark ck horns jutting from its forehead.


    A level 623 demon with an Arch Demon''s core and two skills makes eye contact with me from the back of the room and teleports in front of me as I look at his skills.


    [Body Double][Legendary Grade]


    [Dungeon Walker][Legendary Grade]


    It pulls a long enchanted silver sword from its back and swings it down on me without saying a word.


    I wait until the veryst second to smile and turn to look the demon in the eyes and stop its de with the tip of my index finger, sending it flying backward hundreds of meters from the impact.


    I dungeon walk over to it and tap it with my index finger again, stopping its momentum to push it down into the rocky ground before it can even hit the back wall of the dungeon.


    As it ms into the hard rock ground, it dungeon walks away again, and I follow it, not missing a beat.


    I could easily kill this monster and take its core without breaking a sweat, but I''m impressed with the way it fights and if I''m going to be the owner of abyrinth, this would be exactly the kind of security guard I want on hand.


    Having mythic grade body double and dungeon walker would be very beneficial too, but I see a longer-term goal here that could be far more profitable than destroying my month long project right now.


    A demon that fights and aims to kill an intruder without question. That''s who I want on my side. However, I want to test it a bit more and give myself assurances this creature can''t turn on me.


    No matter how many times I beat it down, the demon continues toe at me with everything it has.


    I start moving my attacks closer to its vital areas, aiming for the heart and head. Of course, I''m just testing it, and not even using Soul Energy, but I''m increasing my intensity and could actually kill this creature if it doesn''t keep up with my movements.


    A full minute goes by, and the boss room is decimated with rock holes and the demon itself is bleeding all over and torn to shreds from the impact.


    It hasn''t said a word, and continues to fight for its life, protecting thisbyrinth with everything it has.


    Once I m it down on the ground again, my absorption skill''s special perk notification rings, telling me the monster has fallen below 5% HP.


    I choose dungeon walker and the process of stealing and creating a skill orb follows.


    Once the system lights and soul energy clear, the demon still tries to fight back even as its skill falls into my item storage.


    I finally speak up and reach into my storage to throw the defeated demon a bright green regeneration potion.


    "Catch. You fought well. If we were the same strength, maybe you would have given me a bit of trouble, but there''s only so much you can do against an opponent almost four times your level."


    Its eyes widen and it catches the potion.


    "Drink it. If I wanted to kill you, you would be dead. I''m the creator of thisbyrinth after all; it wouldn''t be wise for me to waste all this time and mana for nothing."


    The demon tries to activate a skill, but nothing happens.


    It looks around to see its sword 10 meters away on the rocky floor, then back to me.


    "I took your Dungeon Walker skill, it''s just a safety precaution of mine. I don''t want you moving around to other nearby dungeons. I don''t know how you''d manage it, but I''ve met some very annoying demons that have left theirbyrinths before."


    It still doesn''t say a word, so I activate my intimidation skill just slightly and stare into its gaze, showing that I too have the white eyes of a demon.


    "Drink it, or I kill you and your dragon right now."


    I stare over to the stone-colored egg at the back of the room, then back to the demon, and it finally drinks the green liquid.


    The shes, bruises, and scars all over its body heal, and it stands to its feet with a confused expression.


    I use telekinesis to give the demon its silver sword back, then speak again.


    "I''m going to be doing some experiments in thisbyrinth for a while, so it would be best if we get along. You pledge your loyalty to me, and in return, I grow thisbyrinth to 100 floors and I''ll even give you any skill you want back except for the one I just stole to make sure you stay put."


    The demon''s eyes widen, and I finally hear its voice.


    "You have the ability to take away and grant skills... I thought that power was only a myth."


    It points its sword forward at me again and takes a step back, then opens its status with its other hand.


    My eyes lock onto it, and instead of blue text like mine, all of the lettering is ck with hints of purple and dark blue flickering in it.


    I''ve never seen a demon open its status before, but that coloring wasn''t what I was expecting.


    Before I can look at it for long, the creature closes it and looks back at me.


    "It seems you can take away skills... You''re telling the truth. What nation are you from back in the Demonic Realm? Which Lord do you serve that lets demons freely roam in the human world to gain enough power to summon their ownbyrinth? This makes no sense, it shouldn''t be possible. Please tell me, who are you?"


    We''re left in silence for a moment.


    My words and actions may not make sense to him, but his words make even less sense to me.


    I respond with a curious look on my face.


    "Your assumptions aren''t all correct. However, who I am doesn''t matter right now. I have some questions for you, where you''vee from and this so-called myth about my ability are more important..."

 Chapter 519

    Chapter 519


    The Demon stares straight ahead at me with a confused look.


    "I''m from the central kingdom. More specifically, the Realm Capital, now run by the lords of the five remaining nations. I''m serving my sentence by being contracted out as abyrinth guardian in the human world. If I grow my Labyrinth to its maximum potential, and bring its stored mana back to the Demonic Realm, I''ll be free. I''m not sure where else I''de from, or why else I''d agree to be the guardian of this ce, isn''t it obvious?"


    I nod slowly and step forward with my arms crossed.


    "Right... Obviously..."


    I stop and pause for a moment, thinking about how this demon, and even other demonic creatures and monsters, have all mistaken me for a demon before too. It''s very odd. Even though I have demon cores, I''ve seen monsters and humans have cores before too, and it''s not like I easily mistake them for demons. I''m still not sure why, but I''ll take advantage of this if it puts the creature in front of me more at ease.


    "So this Myth, the one about a power that allows someone to steal and grant skills. What do you know about it?"


    The Demon eyes me curiously, then shrugs.


    "I don''t know much. It''s not like I was alive during ancient times. I know just as much as any other demon in the capital. It''s a story, well, more like a myth told between fledgling and even greater demons that seek more skills and more power when they''re just starting out. Some Demons say there was once a Demon Lord that could manipte the system as easily as breathing. He could just look at you and increase your power from that of a newly born demon to a peak arch demon in the blink of an eye. He could grant you any skill you wish and take it away too. It''s not a real Demonic Ability, just an ancient rumor."


    The red-skinned demon lets out a sigh and looks at me with his white glowing eyes."See? Just a child''s fantasy. As a peak tier Arch Demon yourself, someone who has conquered their ownbyrinth and lives free with your dragon, you know what power is. Whatever trick you''ve used to lock my teleportation skill is very convincing, but it wille back in time.


    The Demonughs.


    "I''m not gullible enough to fall for your tricks even if you are leagues above me in strength. You know the rules of the system cannot be changed."


    I stare back into its eyes.


    "Well, then I guess we just disagree. I believe there''s much more to the system than meets the eye."


    It''s not that I blindly believe this. It''s that I''ve seen it happen, and I''m the one that makes these featse true. Ever since Qi was introduced into the mix, the capabilities of the system have been changing. I''m able to move in and outside of the lines of pure mana-powered reason to use my skills to a capacity that shouldn''t be possible by normal means.


    The Demonughs again, stepping back and shaking its head.


    "You really are from outside the capital aren''t you? I heard that some rebels in the outer nations were acting up because of some phenomenon happening in the human world. There must be a lot of mana up for grabstely, what''s going on out there?"


    I shrug and reply, seeing no reason not to tell him the truth.


    "Maybe it''s because of the new throne awakening. Most of therge scale mana fluctuations have been because of that. It''s the main reason I was able to create thisbyrinth on such short notice actually."


    Once I turn back to the demon, its expressionpletely changes.


    Instead of the nonchnt, easy-going, curious, and almost bored attitude it was showing me before; the creature''s eyes widen in shock.


    "You mean¨C The next Demon Lord¡ª Will be chosen here on the human world...?"


    I smile.


    "Looks like it. Why is that so shocking?"


    "Well¨C It''s not- Or at least it shouldn''t be. Sometimes the thrones do spawn off-world, but it''s just not verymon... Usually they appear near the capital, at least all of the ones logged in history books I''ve read have been nearby. I had just hoped that I would get to see one form in my lifetime once my time building abyrinth was up. It looks like that won''t be the case, unless I live long enough to see the next one. I''ve always wanted to witness the true pinnacle of power... but I''ve never seen a demon lord with my own two eyes."


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    He sighs, but I reply quickly.


    "Well, that brings us full circle. If you will truly be free once thisbyrinth has hit its maximum floor, then we both have amon goal. Pledge your loyalty to me, and I will help you grow thisbyrinth to 100 floors. Work with me, and one day you''ll see a demon lord in the flesh. I guarantee it."


    I put out a hand for the red-skinned creature to shake, but it takes a step back.


    "I- Can''t. If you''re really a rebel from an outer nation, just being in contact with you could get me banished from living in the capital once I return. Submitting loyalty to you beforepleting my duty is a whole new level of disobedience to my superiors. My entire bloodline could be wiped clean from the Demonic Realm formitting a deed like that."


    I tighten my gaze, then put my hand back down to my side.


    This demon knows I have the power to kill it on the spot, and we both have the same goals in mind. It even witnessed me take a skill from its status like a myth it heard from its younger years, yet there is someone or something it fears disobeying over me.


    I move forward to it and ce a hand on its shoulder, then point to the ceiling of this boss room where thebyrinth''s system details are visible to me.


    "You can see that right?"


    [Floors Avable: 26/100]


    [Mana Necessary to create next Floor [2.453T/3T]]


    As it nods, I dungeon walk us to the volcanic floor filled with lizardmen below us, and let about 75 containment stones filled with 7-8 billion MP inside each of them out and ce them in the center of the dungeon.


    "Watch closely."


    I send a mana de into the center of the glowing pile and dungeon walk us to the far side of this dungeon while putting up a dense red Soul energy barrier to protect us from the high-powered st of energy worth over half a trillion MP.


    Rock,va, loud noises, and violent swirling energy fill the entire dungeon, but both of us watch from within my Soul Energy barrier unharmed while the energy settles and dissolves into the dungeon.


    Over half of the dungeon mass is decimated, but that doesn''t stop thebyrinth from marking that energy has been added to it and brings us into the blue and white sphere-shaped room to transition into creating another floor.


    A few minutes pass and a new floor with level 590-610 tortoise monsters in a hot desert forms. I can sense about 60 of them, most have body hardening skills, but every 30 or so have an extreme earth summoning ability and are 10-15 levels higher than the others.


    I dungeon walk us back into the cold and dark cave-like boss room that now sits on the floor above this one.


    We look at the ceiling again.


    [Floors Avable: 27/100]


    [Mana Necessary to create next Floor [0.058T/3.5T]]


    The demon stares at the reading for a moment, then back at me.


    "So you do have the means to grow thisbyrinth."


    I nod.


    "I can give you any skill you desire as well... I''m not lying about this. However, there''s a good chance I''ll kill you if you decline."


    It stares at me with a puzzled look on its face for over ten seconds before responding.


    "Your words confuse me. I can''t submit to you. You of all Demons should know why... Forming a new loyalty contract would nullify the one I have activated now. Meaning thisbyrinth''s guardian would cease to be. Once it has reached its peak, I''ll be able to fulfill my duty back in the Demonic Realm and leave to form a contract with you if you can truly follow through with your promise to grow thisbyrinth."


    I''m thrown off by its response, but my lie detector skill only senses truthing off of the demon before me. It really cannot break whateverbyrinth contract it created in the demon world, and for the sake of keeping my human identity hidden, I put out a hand to shake and decide to leave while I''m still ahead.


    "Fine. I bring thisbyrinth to 100 floors, and in return you submit your loyalty once it''s hit its peak."


    The Demon grabs my hand and responds in a sarcastic tone.


    "Don''t forget my skill and that meeting with a Demon Lord you promised too."


    I nod and shake his hand.


    "Of course, I assumed that was already part of our agreement."


    We both step back from each other and he speaks.


    "Well... good. You are quite the odd one. Usually a peak form Arch Demon wouldn''t ever talk with an unawakened like me. I''m Pluto by the way, what''s your name?"


    I respond.


    "If you really care to find my real name, I''m sure you can see it digging through the Labyrinth information. However, you can call me The me Emperor."


    I ignite my body in fire, heating up the entire boss room instantly and leaving him with a final goodbye.


    "Protect this ce with your life. I''ll be back to add more floors after I attend some business in the human world. Nice meeting you, I''ll have more questions once I return."


    The Demon''s confusion about the entire situation only grows as it sees this fire magic being used.


    I don''t wait around to hear its response, I just dungeon walk to the first floor of thebyrinth and step out into the canyon of dungeons.


    I look back at the spinning greenbyrinth portal, then immediately cover up any entrances to this portion of the cave with earth magic and leave my body double that watches over the canyon with a quick recap of what happened via telepathy.


    I take the slow and old-fashioned way of travel back to the town, walking on the stone pathway as the early morning sun rises.


    Today, I''ll be attending a few meetings with some Regional and Sector leaders to fulfill their item orders. I''m excited to meet some new powerful people and get paid the remaining 75% of the order value.


    Before that, I need to make a stop at the guildhall.


    ording to the energy readings I''m sensing right now, the istion pod in the underground bunker is already open, and Ember is wide awake.

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520


    Once I walk through the guildhall doors, I see Ember and my body double both sitting down on the new furniture, talking to each other.


    My double has a concealment disguise on and looks like a random citizen, while Ember just looks like his normal self.


    There are hardly any other hunters in the guildhall yet. Only a few are here, buying some gear and potions early in the morning before their farming expeditions begin, but the two are off in a portion of the lobby isted by themselves.


    Ember looks up at me as I approach and sit down in the seating area they''re rxing in, and he speaks up first.


    "I can feel our soul energy capacity and potency have increased by almost double what it was... Emptying and regenerating your core must have taken an immense amount of Qi, but from the barrier I feel around us, it seems that expelled energy didn''t go to waste. The poption of this city has grown almost five times since I went under. It seems those young warriors you were training have managed to hit their second rank up too... Overall, very impressive."


    I nod, but he adds on before I reply.


    "There was also abyrinth created... The high-grade dungeon below the others in that canyon is no more, so I assume you overcharged it, and well¡ª"


    He thinks to himself for a moment.


    "Actually, I''m not sure how exactly it happened based on the rate of containment stones farmed from those Minotaurs. That wouldn''t be nearly enough to...wait..."More gears are turning behind Ember''s eyes, and he figures out exactly what happened.


    "It must have been another surge from the throne. That''s what triggered this."


    I smile and nod.


    "Very perceptive as usual. I n to work with the Demon inside and grow it to 100 floors."


    Ember shrugs.


    "Good trade. All demons want is to grow theirbyrinths. As long as you make it easier for them to do so, there shouldn''t be anything to worry about. Well, that is until they''re free, then they can be a pain."


    Ember looks up to the ceiling like he''s remembering something while speaking thatst sentence, but I change the topic.


    "So, a year inside the Istion Pod. I assume because of your positive attitude this means it was a sess? You managed to create the concealment item we need to suppress Soul Energy?"


    Ember nods.


    "Oh, yeah. We''re set. Creating the items was the easy part. It took me less than an hour to get them both done."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What¡ªwhat do you mean? What was that year of time inside all for then?"


    Ember stands up from the white couch he''s sitting on, stretches his arms, and looks around before replying in a low tone.


    "Well, just because it only took an hour doesn''t mean it wasn''t one of the hardest things I''ve ever pulled off. A mere level 2000 channeling Divine Energy. Maybe you''ll understand how impressive it was one day. I had to go into full hibernation for a year to recover from that."


    He keeps stretching, then stares at me as I stand up from the couch across from him and grins.


    "But damn, I do feel pretty good now after that nap."


    He lets out a satisfied sigh while putting his arms down and continues.


    "So, your double filled me in on everything we have to do now. Meetings with the Regional Directors and Sector Leaders today, then head off to the meeting point to get into the B-ss exams in two days. Then, a dayter, they begin."


    I nod.


    "Exactly."


    "In that case, I think we should activate the items now. It''s going to take a bit of practice to get fully used to them. The longer it''s on, the better. Might as well take them for a test run now."


    Ember lifts a finger, and the air around it ripples like something ising out of it, then stops moving.


    He looks at the top of his finger like there''s something there, but I can''t see or sense a thing.


    Next, he brings his finger to his forehead, and before my eyes, all traces of his Soul Energy and even mana control disappear entirely.


    I boost my perception skills to the max, confused at the sight I''m seeing, but no matter how hard I try, nothing happens.


    He looks like an ordinary human. Not even a drop of mana in him. He doesn''t even look like he''s an awakened...


    My inspect and appraisal skills don''t show any readings. His status is gone. It''s like he''s be a ghost.


    The only thing that breaks this illusion for me is the fact that his name and geopoint in my Rising Emperor''s Domain still show him to be the same level as me with all his stats and skills intact.


    "What... just happened...?"


    Ember smirks.


    "Watch, it gets better."


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    His eyes glow red, and I witness the mana control grow in his body. In a matter of seconds, he begins to give off the energy readings of a level 250 hunter, then a level 500 hunter, to a 1000, then fully reveals his full mana control before my eyes for a split second.


    My inspect and appraisal readings of him return, and I can see his full stats once he shows me them.


    No Soul Energy at all was visible to me when he did this, then he brings himself back down to the levels of an average level 500 hunter.


    Flickers of pure Qi start to form in his hand that rests by his side, then it shifts and changes into pure Soul Energy but is only visible outside of his body. I can''t see anything that is happening on the inside. It''s like there is an imprable facade that makes him look like he is just a mana wielder that has recently ranked up for the first time.


    He watches my surprised expression and replies with an exnation.


    "It''s a Divine limiter. Temporary, maybe 30 days at most before the barrier begins to naturally decay, but it is close to impossible to perceive for mortals in the human world. To even dream of seeing through it, you''ll have to get Soul Energy a hundred times stronger, or have Divine Energy of your own. Believe it or not, the Lich King could have seen through this disguise."


    He chuckles.


    "Not because that monster is stronger than you or anything, it is merely because of its past as a wielder of Divine Energy. It''s not exactly something you can lose once you die."


    Ember lifts the same finger and points it toward me.


    "That''s beside the point. If we''re going to spy on this so-called Sun God in these exams, we have nothing to worry about. There is no divine beast with that title or ability. If it is Soul Energy we''re trying to conceal, this will be the perfect cloak. Shall I activate yours? We need to start getting to those trade meetings soon, don''t we?"


    I nod, still not sure what this item is, but trust that whatever Ember has created is safe to try.


    "Do it."


    He pushes his finger forward, with seemingly nothing on it, toward my forehead, but it stops less than a millimeter from my skin.


    Ember brings his finger back, and the instant it does, I feel absolutely nothing.


    I look around in the early morning silence of the guildhall but feel no different.


    I look down at my body, and I feel exactly the same.


    However, from the wide grin on Ember''s face and the shocked expression of my body double, I know something has drastically changed.


    Ember speaks.


    "Use your All-Seeing Eye. Look at yourself from the outside in. It may feel like nothing has changed for you, but the energy you''re radiating out into the world has now been altered."


    Confused, I do as he says and scan my surroundings, attempting to feel my own energy, but the only energy I feel is the energy beneath the invisible infinitely smallyer above my skin.


    From an outside perspective, I really do just look and feel like an ordinary unawakened human.


    "This is... so odd..."


    Ember and my double sit in silence and watch me continue to look at myself all over for almost a full minute.


    "No... this is so awesome..."


    A wide smile forms across my face as I realize that this kind of concealment is leagues above anything I can naturally create. While it doesn''t change any physical features or numbers on my status, I can just fix that with my concealment skills and items.


    Even the magic gear that I hold stays under this Divine limiter. However, I still can''t figure out how to shift the perceived mana control like Ember did moments ago.


    I''m able to summon mana and Soul Energy into existence like normal, even create shielding too; nothing has changed in my actual power, but anyone with any level of perception looking in can tell that something is seriously off. It looks like an unawakened is summoning extremely high-level magic out of thin air.


    The difference in power is concerning, and doesn''t look like it should be physically possible.


    "I need to learn how to shift the mana control output like you did. Right now, this looks even more suspicious than going in and trying to hide my true power naturally."


    Emberughs to himself and points to the door.


    "You''re right, it doesn''t look good at all yet. I told you it would take some getting used to. Two days should be enough to teach you how it works. Come on, let''s head off to the trade deals, we don''t have time to waste."


    I let out a sigh.


    "Couldn''t this have waited until after?"


    Ember shakes his head.


    "We''re visiting a lot of unknown regions today, it''s best we prepare for the worst. Never know who will be waiting to meet us. Plus, like I told you before, it takes time to control this limiter. The longer you have it activated before actually having to use it, the better."


    I nod and walk out the door with Ember after waving my double goodbye.


    "Yeah, good point..."


    I think to myself for a moment, ande up with an idea as to how I''ll cover myck of mana control once I get to the Galeheart Tower.


    "Alright, I have a n. Let''s go pick up the rest of the finished orders from Bri."


    I crush a transport crystal to Bri''s bunker with my hand on Ember''s shoulder and we go up to meet her in her office setting up shop for the day.


    She doesn''t perceive using, and is startled at first, but deduces it is the new concealment item that Ember mentionedst month when we were all together and is very impressed.


    Ember shows her how it changes the perceived mana control, but does not exin any of the details on how it actually works. She approves.


    "Fools me, I have quite the keen eye and I can''t see through it at all."


    She hands me the remainder of the goods that she''s been crafting this week that settles all of the orders, and I leave telling her to prepare for more because I''ll be working on getting next month''s orders processed and automated before I leave for the B-ss exams.


    Next, I use another teleportation crystal and it brings us to the Galeheart Tower.


    Standing in the lobby, Lith is waiting for us in a new grey and blue suit with his blond hairbed back and a bright white smile on his face.


    I walk over to him while pulling an assortment ofbeled item boxes out of my item storage and setting them down on the lobby''s desk beside him.


    "There''s Sector 1''s order delivered right on time."


    Lith motions for one of the guards at the back of the room to sort, count, and distribute the delivered orders.


    He then nods and gives me an item box back in return.


    "Good to see you''re on time and have delivered without fail. I trust that everything is there. Here is the payment for the remaining 75%, plus the 25% down payment for next month''s orders and a new list of goods I''d like to have crafted for Sector 1. It''s over double the volume ofst month. I predict many clients will be doing the same, so prepare your team for more."


    I ept the item box and put it into my storage forter, then pull out arge ck suit of armor from my storage.


    It''s one from the top of the loot tower from the Lich King earlier this month.


    "The old Sector 2 leader always wore one of these. Even though they know I''m a new business connect, I might as well keep up appearances."


    In reality, I want to wear this concealment armor so it doesn''t look overly suspicious that my mana control is not perceivable. I know I wouldn''t trust an unawakened to deal with magic items, so I don''t expect anyone else to.


    Even if someone has the capability to see through the ck armor, theck of mana control will look more like a secondyer of security that they can''t crack and will only add to my prestige rather than if they just tried to appraise me without the armor on.


    However, even if no one can see through the concealment armor, I think it looks very professional to meet them in a recognizable Dark Continent disguise like this.


    I use a small portion of my blood and imbue the set with it to create a bond, then step inside and the ck armor fits around all of my gear veryfortably and naturally.


    Ember nods.


    "Good idea."


    Lith replies too.


    "You''re right. Meeting the Directors like that is probably best."


    They agree, but for entirely different reasons.


    He thinks to himself for a moment, then pulls out five teleport crystals.


    "Well, let''s get to it. We have Sector 3 and 4 on the list first. Then we''ll head over to the Bedrock and Talton Regions. Finally, ourst stop will be the Vice Region. Ready to go?"

 Chapter 521

    Chapter 521


    "Each meeting today is scheduled out to allow a 30-60 minute window, so you can take your time with each client. Even though these were trial orders, most are still arge amount. I assume the leaders of each of the three settlements we visit will be present. For the morning shift, we can visit Sector 3 or 4. Which would you like to go to first?"


    I reply, and the stealth armor I''m wearing changes my voice to a non-recognizable static tone. It''s identical to the Dark Guards, and even the old Sector 2 craftsman himself.


    "Let''s go to Sector 4 first. I''d like to see how Chester is doing anyway."


    Lith nods.


    "Good choice, this should be quick. Although, Sector 4 is the only trade route we have on the list that doesn''t have a direct teleportation tform to their residence. Chester is the leader of the Sector 4 ck market. It isn''t as well connected and established as the rest of Sra. I''m still working on getting a trade deal in motion for their main government, but they haven''t sent back any formal response yet."


    He puts four of the five crystals into a new item box, then tosses the onebeled Sector 4 over to me.


    "I assume you''d like to do the honors."


    I ce a hand on both his and Ember''s shoulders, then crush the crystal and the room shes white with teleportation magic.


    We''re all transported to a public building in Sra.The morning sun is stilling through therge ss windows, and the white floor is so glossy I can almost see my reflection in it.


    There are about a dozen random businessmen and hunters near the sides of the room, but no one looks disturbed by our sudden arrival.


    There are only two men in suits that walk up to us, recognizing Lith, and motion for us to follow.


    Without exchanging any words, we follow them through the streets of Sra and down underground into the ck market area that brings back many memories of the first time we were kidnapped by the Sector 4 leader.


    There are multiple long, narrow circr hallways underground, and it looks almost identical to the time I visited herest. Many people trade E and D grade gear and items with each other, and we approach a section of the market that is sectioned off and guarded by multiple level 300-400 security guards.


    Beyond this point, there are no ck market vendors or random buyers. There are just empty hallways and more guards.


    We''re escorted through and approach a mana-shielded door, right in the ce where the Old Sector 4 Leader''s office was previously.


    I vividly remember destroying it with Demonic Energy and acquiring the [Hush] skill from the woman that was guarding it.


    However, as the door opens this time around, the smiling familiar face of the old man who gave us a ce to stay after we rescued him from being kidnapped greets me.


    Thanks to Arie, a while back, he''s been power-leveled from below 100 to over level 400, and now wears a full set of high C-Grade and some B-Grade gear. He still has a basic grade appraisal skill.


    I''m still in a suit of armor, so he doesn''t recognize me, but I sure recognize him as he wees us inside his office.


    The short man motions for his hired guards to leave us be, and the door shuts to leave us alone in the room.


    Chester sits behind his desk and lets us take a seat on the chairs and couches in the room.


    The walls are already starting to fill with unique gear and even some old items I recognize from his home back when I stayed in it while we were recovering and plotting to save Lydia months ago.


    I speak through the static suit of armor''s voice changer and pull out the item boxes full of items and ce them on the table.


    "Everything is here."


    At the same time, I take off the jet-ck helmet and show Chester my face as he epts the orders.


    His eyes widen once they meet mine, and to my surprise, I feel a new link of loyalty form through my Rising Emperor''s domain instantaneously.


    He jumps up from his desk.


    "You came back. I never had the chance to thank you, and it seems all your ambitions in the Dark Continent havee to fruition. Well, I wouldn''t be talking to you here if they didn''t."


    Heughs to himself as I respond.


    "It looks that way. Everything is definitely on an upward trend, it''s good to see you''re doing well too."


    We shake hands over the item boxes full of loot, and he doesn''t even bother to look through the fulfilled orders.


    The two of us catch up, updating each other on the progression both of us have made.


    Chester tells me he thought he would be retired forever, but this new opportunity has gotten him back into the auction hunting and rare artifact trading business.


    Most of his old contacts have gotten back in touch with him, and he''s excited to get back in the game. He pays me out the remaining 75% of the amount owed, then gives a new list of order crafts he''d like. Before he pays, I give him a special offer for items that aren''t possible for a mere legendary grade craftsman to create.


    I n on having my double make special request orders and limit them to three units per buyer, per order.


    These are orders that consist of items with five total buff stats over 100% each, or special skills and attributes imbued that can''t be normally imbued into items like elements. To make things clearer, I outline a simple list of attributes I''m able to imbue, like stealth, conceal, mythic grade body hardening, hush, and other rare magic skills that don''t naturally spawn in loot drops.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    These are all extremely rare and useful skills that, if imbued into the right item, could create priceless pieces.


    I pull out a few high B-Grade items from my item box that I''ve done tests on, showing what''s possible and replicable from items I''ve farmed from the top floors of the Vice City Labyrinth.


    For these special items, Bri won''t be involved. It will be one-on-one with the clients. I n on having my body doubles personally fulfill these orders and offer them as premium offers to each buyer, but severely limit the quantity they can buy no matter how much extra money they offer.


    Each custom item will cost 333 gold no matter what the craft is, and it must be paid upfront. So, 999 gold is the max a person can spend on these custom orders.


    The n is not to have these special items created to make money, but to increase my reputation with rumors that the new Sector 2 craftsman is capable of great things. I''m sure powerful people will spread rumors once they get their hands on items that shouldn''t exist.


    I use telepathy to message Lith during this meeting as I can tell he''s visually interested, and tell him to submit an order like this one too if he''d like. There will be no discounts on custom items like these, and he epts in an instant, brainstorming what kind of special gear he wants based on my exnations to Chester.


    After another 20 minutes of discussion, Chester decides on what his three custom orders will be. He wants a maxed-out amulet of protection with +100% or higher buffs on every stat, a blood-bonded chest te with an unbreakable body hardening attribute, and for the third item he decides to leave it up to me to decide, he says: "Surprise me, I know you will."


    I smile and ept his gold for the custom items, along with a new basic order that is just over double the size of hisst and the 25% down payment.


    Lith and Chester have a brief conversation too, but Ember stays quiet throughout most of the talk, just rxing and enjoying his time in the outside world after a full year of recovering in istion.


    As we finish up and stand to leave, Chester speaks.


    "Very good to see you again Jay, I hope to see you next month,e by anytime, and be careful out there in the other Cities. They may not have fared as well as Sra did after that surge. There were a record number of breaks here in the cityst night. Luckily there were enough hunters present to handle them.


    I nod, activating my Rising Emperor''s domain and sharing my all-seeing eye with him for a moment.


    "Thanks for the warning. I hope you ept my parting gift, take a look at your skill in your status, it''s in need of an upgrade, don''t you think?"


    Chester''s eyes widen and he smiles as he presses [Upgrade] two times and it changes from basic grade to legendary grade.


    "I- guess it did."


    He''s visibly amazed, confused, and excited at this new development.


    Then, Lith pulls out the next transport crystal and tosses it to me,beled Sector 3.


    I ce the ck helmet back on my head and put a hand on Lith''s shoulder while Ember ces one on mine and I nod Chester goodbye.


    "We''re off to the next stop, see you soon."


    There''s a sh of white light, and the next thing I see around me is the bright blue sky overhead.


    I take a breath of air and it feels thick and full of pollen.


    A cool breeze moves by and the rows of cornfields and other various crops all around us go on for further than I can see.


    There are dozens of kilometers of farnd and crops all around us.


    We''re standing on a small white circle in the middle of a dirt road with arge red building less than 100 meters to our left, and a small town of fewer than 100 people to our right down in a shallow valley next to a river.


    Out in the fields, there are about 100 people hard at work too.


    There are only two people that greet us, walking toward us slowly down the dirt road from the red barn.


    One is a very old man, and the other is a middle-aged man with the same dark features. He carries two suitcases, and when I appraise both of the men, there isn''t a single status notification thates back.


    They''re bothpletely unawakened.


    Now that I see this, I even scan the town nearby and find that over 80% of them are unawakened. The ones that are, hardly breach level 10.


    However, almost all of the 100 men hard at work in the fields picking and tending to the crops are awakened, and they''re all between level 50-150, stacked with strength and speed enhancing gear. They have many HP and MP potions on their waists too.


    This ce reminds me of the people I met at the Unity Supplypany in the outskirts of the Vice Region. This farm is also a business older than dungeons themselves, still profiting despite their goods not being magical in nature, however, they''ve also adapted to the newer times nicely.


    Most of the gear they ordered is very simr to the kinds that I''m sensing on the workers in these fields.


    The fact that I can''t even sense the end of these crop fields means they probably go on much further, and create work for hundreds if not thousands of other people. That would exin therge order I received from them, but it''s none of my business how they use the gear I sell to them.


    We wait patiently as the two men approach, and once we do the younger-looking man puts one of the suitcases down on the ground.


    "There is the remaining 75%, let us see the gear we''ve been promised and it is all yours."


    I nod and step forward, summoning the item boxes full of their orders out from thin air in a neater pile next to the suitcase in front of them.


    The older man just nods and grunts, not saying a word, and the taller younger one ces two fingers in his mouth to whistle.


    "Count ''em!"


    An even younger kid, not older than 15,es running out from the barn with a happy look on his face and follows the wishes of who I can only assume is his father and scoops up all the item boxes.


    The boy holds a paper in one hand and goes sifting through each of the item boxes and moving his eyes down the list quickly.


    He isn''t awakened either, so he''s only going off of sight, feel, and quantity of items.


    About two minutes pass before he nods and replies.


    "Everything''s here, pops!"


    The middle-aged man smiles.


    "Very good, bring ''em all back inside."


    The kid grabs up all the item boxes, and at the same time, the oldest man grunts again and turns to leave.


    They both make their way back to the barn and the only one left is the middle-aged figure that''s done all the talking so far.


    My assumption is these aren''t the types to spend an extravagant amount on extra items, so I''m hesitant to even give them an offer about the special items like I did Chester.


    None of them even bothered to introduce themselves or even asked for any of our names. It looks like they really just want to be left alone here and keep to a routine.


    Even Lith said the order they made was the exact same one that they would make from the old Sector 2 craftsman.


    The middle-aged man speaks up again while putting the other suitcase on the ground and looking at the small slit in my ck suit of armor''s helmet.


    "There is the 25% down payment for next month''s order. We want the same potions and basic gear. Nothing more, nothing less. The name''s Carson by the way, it''s nice to see some new faces around here."


    His gaze turns to Ember and back to me as I nod and use telekinesis to bring both of the suitcases toward me, opening them up in front of my vision and counting the coins just to be sure. This is someone I''ve never met before, it would be naive of me not to make sure it''s all there.


    Once I confirm the amount is correct, I let both fall into item storage portals.


    The moment they disappear, the middle-aged man looks behind him, and looks relieved when he doesn''t see the old man and kid within earshot when he opens his mouth next.


    "This may not be polite to ask, but I''m not quite sure who else to turn to... Is it possible I could hire you for a job? We don''t have enough extra capital to hire hunters from Sra, and I''m afraid it will be toote if we wait for the Association''s workers toe by. There''s been a terrible dungeon break on our property, and no one in the surrounding viges is capable of handling it. I''d be happy to pay you in crops once this season''s harvest is over, but I have nothing else to offer."


    There''s a moment of silence between us, and I smile beneath my ck helmet before I reply in a static voice.


    "This is a surprise... but I ept. I''d be happy to handle any break you have. Free of any mary charge of course, there is just one favor I want in return."

 Chapter 522

    Chapter 522


    "I''ll take care of any breaks you have, and in return, you give me a better deal on bulk ordering fresh produce than any of your current clients. I''ll copse any break you have in the future too, and in return, I want to make a trade route connecting my settlement in Sector 2 to yournd here in Sector 3."


    The middle aged man named Carson thinks for a moment but makes a decision rather quickly and nods, pointing to another shed on the property behind therge red barn that the kid and old man went into earlier in our meeting.


    "Deal. I''ll sell you crops at our break-even price for a lifetime if you can provide quick and stable protection to ournd. We''ve wanted to cut ties with the Association for decades, but no one else is capable of making it this far out into the Dark Continent because of the control over their transportation crystals."


    He begins to walk over to the shed behind the barn and motions for us to follow.


    "The trade route you speak of would raise some political issues with many of the viges and towns in this area. We live a simple life here, and we do not want to get mixed up in world politics. We would rather live off thend and never have had the dungeons form here in the first ce. However, if these breaks aren''t taken care of soon, there won''t be much farm left for us to negotiate over."


    I listen to his words as the entrance to the shedes into view.


    A small blue and white ne with a tarp over the back half of it and a dirty propeller on the frontes into my vision as he speaks again.


    "If we fly now, it will only take 3 or 4 hours to make it down the river and to the breaks. All nearby viges have evacuated already."


    I turn to Lith, and he shakes his head."We don''t have time for this. Maybe 30 minutes at most considering the time we spent in Sector 4 and here already. The Bedrock Region is our next stop, and they''re not a party you want to upset. Being punctual in their territory is necessary. Right under the Vice and Apex region, they have the potential to be one of your biggest clients. First impressions are important. Trust me."


    I can see Carson''s expression drop to one of sadness, as I''m sure he knows exactly where this is going. Based on what he''s already told us about the Association and Sra, money has always gotten in the way of helping others in his line of work.


    I let out a sigh and turn to him with my arms crossed.


    "Where''s the break? Point to it and give me an approximate distance."


    He lifts his head with a confused look but still points off into the rolling cornfields and long winding river and speaks.


    "About 200 kilometers that way. If we follow the river and maybe catch some air currents, we could get there in under 3 hours."


    I turn to Ember and nod.


    "Watch these two for me real quick. I''ll be back in 30."


    He grins and doesn''t respond because I''ve already started flying through the air toward the direction the man pointed.


    I close my eyes and fly high enough in the air that I can use my full extreme speed, wind magic, telekinesis on myself, and even soul energy to power my footsteps through the air and not affect thendscape below me.


    I use enemy detection and my All-Seeing Eye the whole time, flying over small towns and hundreds of fields with kilometers of farnd and thousands of workers in the fields.


    There are small E and D-Grade dungeons scattered throughout thendscape, but I don''t stop to check them out. I just keep following the river faster than the speed of sound.


    Loud cracks echo through the sky down on the workers below, but the speck that disappears from their view is gone before they can examine what it might be.


    Soon enough, I sense something in the edges of my vision that is quite a bit stronger than an E-Grade dungeon.


    I feel a high C-Grade break happening in the center of a field that has decimated crops for nearly 10km in every direction.


    I sense a nearby town with some magical goods in it nearby, but the entire poption has been evacuated and no one is working in nearby fields.


    A bright red dungeon portal hovers in the middle of the field and over 3 dozen massive 5 meter long caterpir creatures are digging up the earth and destroying the crops.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    They all have advanced-grade earth magic and sit between level 450 and 475.


    These are some serious monsters; no normal amateur hunter could ever handle one of these. It may even be difficult for hired help from Sra to take these monsters out. High-level association elites would need to be deployed to take out a threat like this. Even then, it would be quite the struggle.


    This reminds me of the breaks I was sent out to take care of in Sector 4 by my team on my first Dark Continent mission for the Association. If they''re sending more squads like this out, Carson is right. It may take days, or possibly even over a week to get men out here if they''re already dealing with other regions.


    "Well, time to handle this myself."


    I dive down, activating most of my skills and buffs so I don''t harm the farnd while touching down onto the soft soil in front of the red break, then jump through.


    Once inside, the dungeon itself is just massive dirt mounds with asional trees every couple of hundred meters with trunksrger than any tree I''ve ever seen. The trees are covered in the same green caterpirs, and the soil is infested with them too.


    High in the sky, there are 3 mutants clearly higher level than the rest, each of them over level 500, with an additional skill, buff, and new ranked up forms with colorful wings and slimmer bodies.


    Two of them have wind magic, and another has a skill I recognize very well from a gang leader I killed back in Sector 2.


    Poison Mist [Special Grade]


    My version of this skill is already legendary grade, but it''s worth wasting a few seconds and taking a detour to kill this mutant.


    So, I change my flight path to arc upward and slice the colorful ranked-up butterfly creature in half on my way to the boss room, upgrading this skill to mythic grade on the spot.


    My flight path arcs downward again, and I ignore all of the other mobs in here until I see even more mutants near the boss room.


    They''re over level 500 too, but still in the form of caterpirs.


    There are 4 of them guarding the dark ck boss room portal.


    Three of them have legendary body hardening along with advanced earth magic, but one of them has another skill.


    I slice it to pieces on my way through the boss room and acquire a brand new skill, instantly upgrading it to mythic grade due to my absorption perks.


    Cocoon [Mythic Grade]


    While killing another ranked-up butterfly mutant in the boss room, I look at the details of this skill, and it looks like it''s an advanced form of body hardening.


    While I assume with these monsters, activating it works to morph them into a different form during their rank-up or something, the skill has adapted to my biology and created an ultimate defensive skill.


    It may create a greater shell than body hardening does, but the downside is that the caster cannot move their body out of this cocoon while activating it. A neat addition to my status, but not one I''ll likely be using much in the future.


    I stand over the final boss''s corpse and watch it dissolve away with the dungeon, and I''m transported back to the open field.


    The dungeon disappears, and I activate my All-Seeing Eye to attempt catching any luminite fragments or special drops that might ur after clearing a dungeon like this, but nothing happens.


    I was expecting for something to happen, and am slightly confused when nothing does. I can''t figure out where the luminite that was powering this dungeon''s transport magic has even gone, but decide not to dwell on the idea for too long.


    The excess mana just evaporates into the air, and the 5-meter-long insects that were terrorizing thend fade away with the dungeon, ceasing to exist.


    I jump into the sky and begin my return trip, but given that I have a few minutes to spare on the way back, I stop by a few E and D-grade dungeons near viges and set dungeon walker points just in case I want to return back here in the future without having to fly across an entire continent.


    Once the red barnes within range, I drift down with a smile on my face beneath the ck helmet. Then, once my feet hit the ground, I speak to the surprised man with my static disguised voice.


    "The break is cleared. You have nothing to worry about anymore. I assure you, I will have men sent here to survey the area whenever there are any more surges and have breaks cleared before you even know they''ve happened. I look forward to doing business with you in the future."


    I turn to Lith next.


    "Now, we have business to attend to in the Bedrock Region, don''t we?"


    He chuckles to himself and pulls thebeled transport crystal from his item box.


    "Indeed we do."


    As I crush the crystal, Carson waves goodbye with a puzzled but very relieved and happy look on his face.


    "T-Thanks. See you next month! Mr. Sector 2 Leader, Sir."


    Once the bright sh of transport magic fades, the three of us are left in a dark dome-shaped room.


    The center of the floor is a white transport tform, but outside it, it''s all made of grey stone.


    A light turns on at the back of the room, and arge man in +100-200% defensive armor stacked head to toe filling all 12 item slots on his status walks forward with 3 guards on both sides of him also wearing the same caliber of gear and they''re all between level 400 and 600.


    The man in the center of them is level 902, standing over 2 meters tall, with enough muscle mass to double or possibly even triple my own. Despite hisrge stature, my eyes stay locked on his five skills that appear when I use appraisal.


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Strength [Legendary Grade]


    Extreme Speed [Special Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Special Grade]


    Appraisal [Special Grade]


    I''ve seen a status like this before. Brutus, the leader of the Vice Region, had verymon skills artificially stacked on his status, and the gear matches his too."


    His mana control is pretty strong as well, nearly matching a level 700-800 monster in thebyrinth, so this man is not power-leveled. This power was earned. He is just very reliant on his gear and skills while most likely being a very smart and tactical fighter.


    I would even assume that this is just one of the top elites in this regioning to pick up the ordered goods, but the glowing golden ring on his finger that slowly leaks Soul Energy that matches the Sun God''s makes me positive that this is the Regional Director I''m looking at right now.


    His strong and demanding voice echoes through the dimly-lit dome-shaped room.


    "It is wonderful to see some new faces in the bulk item trade industry. Let me see the quality of goods you''ve promised, then I''ll decide if they''re worth the prices I''m about to pay. I, Regional Director Mack, wee you three to the Bedrock Region."

 Chapter 523

    Chapter 523


    Therge man stops moving forward once he is less than five meters away from the teleport tform in the center of the room.


    His six guards halt as well, and all of them cross their arms and stare forward as the three of us walk off the tform.


    I don''t waste any time and pull out a single item box from beneath my armor, then pull out the multiple item boxes from within it that have the Bedrock region''s orders sorted andbeled.


    Two of the guards step forward and pull long wooden tables out from their item boxes and motion for me to set the goods down on them.


    Once I do, they begin pulling out the gear, potions, and various crafted items while the Regional Director looks over everything with his appraisal skill activated.


    Over ten minutes go by as the clinking of metal and misceneous magic items fills the room before all of the gear is put back into the item boxes they came from.


    Another guard moves forward and ces a single item box onto the table, and the Director speaks up as he steps back into line.


    "These goods are of presentable quality. I ept. Here are your remaining funds."


    I stare forward, and I feel his appraisal skill attempting to permeate my ck armor, but the waves of mana don''t even make it past the outeryer.I use telekinesis to bring the item box toward me and look inside.


    The amount I count far surpasses what is owed, and there are long lists of items inside as well.


    His appraisal skill stops probing once he sees my telekinesis activate, and he speaks up again.


    "Inside I''ve included the down payment for next month''s order as well."


    His gaze shifts to Lith, then back to me.


    "In my previousmunications with Lith, he told me there is no limit on the amount of items I can buy, so I''ve upped my order by about five times. If this is the quality you continue to produce at this price, our operations out here will be greatly improved."


    I smile beneath my helmet and ce the money and new order back into my item storage behind my back while pulling out a few high B-Grade items, like the ones I showed Chester when I made him his special offer.


    I ce them on the table before us and exin what I can offer.


    Therge man''s eyes widen once his appraisal skill reads the rare imbuements and +100-200% stat boosting on five total stats.


    Every item on the counter outsses anything that he currently wears.


    He takes over five minutes examining the items, then sends one of his guards off to bring more funds.


    There is a small rectangr door at the back of the dark-colored dome, and once it opens I see that we''re on top of a mountain made of dark grey stone as well.


    I see other mountains in the distance, and not much greenery at all.


    There are many houses and patches of city within the mountain range, and I sense dozens, if not hundreds, of dungeons that stretch through thends.


    However, the most prominent thing that I perceive are the winding tunnels through the mountains that lead deep underground.


    There are workers in them even now as we speak, and they''re busy mining and pulling ore from the mountain ranges. Far off in the distance, I even see clouds of smoging from factories that must be processing nts of some kind.


    I conclude that this is a mining and factory-filled region, but the door closes before I can see much of anything else.


    The walls are mana shielded, but they''re easy to sense through. I can sense that there are thousands of people living in the cities around us with a simr poption and hunter strength level of those in Sra, or possibly a bitrger, around ? the poption of Vice City.


    There are some strong independent hunters, but the strongest fighters within my entire perception are definitely standing right here in the room with us.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    I don''t mention it, and let the Regional Leader think to himself for a while before the guardes back with another item box.


    He asks a few questions about what the limits of this item creation can be, and I give him a solid idea of what''s possible with High B-Grade items and my craftsman team''s capabilities.


    In reality, I''m just telling him what I''m willing to make him with high-gradebyrinth material. I''m looking to sell him unique goods, but nothing above A-Grade that rivals my own personal gear. That material is for myself and my teammates only.


    After another ten minutes of discussion, he hands over an item box with the requested 999 gold, and gives me very specific instructions for strength and defense-boosting gear. I n to imbue extreme strength and body hardening into the armor set, sword, and amulet he requests, along with over 100% stat boosts on everything.


    I promise that they will far surpass any of his current gear, or a full refund will be processed without question. We shake on it with his guards as witnesses.


    He''s very happy with this and speaks in a loud and demanding voice just like when we arrived.


    "Very well. I think I like you, new craftsman from the Dark Continent. Continue to impress me, I believe we''ll do far more business together soon."


    He nods and stares forward with his arms crossed.


    I want to ask him if I can look around his city in the mountains, but it''s clear he wants us to leave, and this is quite the happy note to end on here.


    It would have been nice to make a dungeon walker point here to have ess back to this city, but I''ll be back here in two days for the pickup point of the B-ss exams, so I still have another chance to do it then instead.


    Lith pulls another white crystal from his item storage with "Talton Region"beled on its front and I see the Bedrock Region''s leader smile once he eyes it.


    As I ce a hand on Lith''s shoulder and Ember puts a hand on mine, Director Mack lets out a final word while we disappear in a sh of white light.


    "I wouldn''t expect that stubborn woman to do business with outsiders, especially men. It looks like she''s turned a new leaf. Good luck in the Talton Region, you''ll need it."


    Heughs as we''re teleported across the eight regions into a lush jungle.


    Beneath our feet, there''s another white tform, but it''s overgrown with vines and tree roots.


    Five women in lightweight silver and leather armor greet us.


    Two orange-haired women use bows and they appear to be identical twins. Another is far darker skinned with knives, daggers, and magic items strapped all over her waist and chest. All the way to their right is a tan-skinned woman with striated muscles almost a head taller than all the others and she grips a long spear. These four women all sit between level 500 and 600 while their leader walks out from in between them at level 772.


    She has a single skill, extreme earth summoning, and holds a massive silver hammer on her shoulder imbued with a strong earth element stone.


    There are daggers on her waist as well, and her blond hair is tied back in tight braids.


    She stares forward at me with bright green eyes and lets off a strong aura.


    I can feel her mana control is much higher than the leader of the Bedrock Region, it''s close to that of a natural level 900 monster, but her gear isn''t up to par. She only has eight of her twelve item slots filled, and some of the equipped items aren''t even over 100% stat boosters.


    However, one item does stand out to me. It is the same golden ring with the Sun God''s Soul energy seeping out from it.


    I do a wide sweeping scan of our surroundings with my All-Seeing Eye and enemy detection to find that there is dense forest in every direction for as far as I can sense.


    There are settlements of a few hundred people very close together, and just within a 20km radius, I already sense over ten C-Grade Dungeons.


    There aren''t many awakened people that catch my gaze that aren''t over level 250. The average resident in this region is extremely strong.


    The green-eyed woman speaks up with a strong voice and deadly serious gaze.


    "Wee to The Jungle of Talton. We haven''t had visitors outside of the Association in quite a while."


    Ember, Lith, and I walk forward off of the old transport tform and I reply while pulling the item boxes full of their order from my item storage.


    "Well, then I''m honored that we''re your guests."


    The instant I pull the item boxes out, the green-eyed woman swings her hammer off of her shoulder and lets it strike the ground.


    On impact, a long stone table erupts from the earth and she motions for me to ce the item boxes down onto it.


    I do so, then step back not saying a word while the spear and dagger wielders begin sifting through the gear.


    The Director steps back and leans against her hammer while the two archer women stand at the ready behind her with wind-imbued arrows and bows drawn.


    I don''t move from my ce, and Ember watches with amusement.


    Lith on the other hand, I can tell he''s slightly nervous at the events that are unfolding, and open up a telepathy link to ask why.


    His reply is interesting, and matches up simrly to the word of warning the Bedrock Director gave me.


    "It shouldn''t be an issue. I''ve never personally been here myself, but the Talton Region is the ck sheep of the eight regions. They don''t usually participate in country-wide events. I''d be surprised if anyone here even had hunter''s licenses. The only reason they''re a part of the maind is because of their geographical location and dungeon resources. The Association still wants control over thisnd, so it appears they''ve brokered some secret deal."


    He pauses, but keeps speaking through the link a momentter.


    "I was surprised I even got a response from them when I was querying for potential buyers. I never thought they would respond, but it seems they''re interested and willing to pay."


    He shrugs, and I thank him for the exnation through the link just as the two women finish sifting through the gear.


    Their leader pulls out an item box of her own from her waist and tosses it to me from over ten meters away once her guards give her confirmation that everything is ounted for.


    She speaks up.


    "That is the remainder of what I owe you. Take off your helmet and show me what you really look like. This alone will dictate whether or not I want to ce another order for next month."

 Chapter 524

    Chapter 524


    I think about her proposal for a few seconds, remembering all of the unique remarks I''ve heard from Lith, the Bedrock director''s warning, and the tone of her words.


    Even when doing an enemy detection scan of the surrounding settlements, the special perk of my mythic-grade enemy detection gives me a very clear video-like view of everyone within my mana control range.


    There isn''t a single man in this jungle, I only sense women. Showing her my real face, or even an altered version doesn''t seem like the correct thing to do If I want to further this trade rtionship. There needs to be a hint of truth in what I show her, but I can''t just t out lie to her face.


    Ie up with an idea, activating concealment and changing my appearance while taking off my ck helmet.


    Ember smirks, and Lith''s eyes widen with surprise as the replicated face of Bri is revealed beneath my helmet. I change a few structural features to make sure it''s not an exact match, however, she''s thest woman I met face to face with and have her appearance fresh in my mind.


    If one were topare myself right now side by side with Bri, there are clear differences, but one could mistake us for being rted.


    I do this to give a reasonable alibi in case Bri doesn''t want to show her face to any partnered Regions in the future, it''s like she was never here and it''s all a coincidence. However, if she does, it would be easy to pretend it was her all along. Human memory is very malleable, anyone can be tricked into believing anything as long as the conditions are set up to align with their preconceived notions.


    My darker-toned skin contrasts with the jungle and long ck silky hair wavers in the air. I make eye contact with their leader for a full three seconds before turning the corner of my lip up and cing the helmet back on my head, deactivating the concealment perk.


    The tall warrior with the spear lets out augh, and the two women with bows drawn power down their wind magic arrows while the serious expression on their leader''s face turns to a relieved smirk. She pulls another item box off of her waist and sets it on the table."I had a feeling I''d like you. No wonder I epted this trade; my instincts were right."


    She motions for me to look through the pouch while exining the difference in the order she wants for next month.


    It''s over twice the size of thest, and all details and down payments are inside.


    While I sift through the spatial magic item to make sure everything she says is present, I get a telepathy message from Ember.


    "Quick thinking. I believe that''s exactly what she wanted to see, but do you really think that was a good idea in the long run?"


    I reply through our link.


    "Technically her team did craft all of this gear. It''s not like I''m lying about that... I''ll fill Bri in when we get back to make sure she is okay with this. However, I doubt she will pass on making a new connection in a far off region and would be happy to handle further business here if I make the offer. It''s up to her."


    Ember nods but asks another question.


    "How about the Association? This is a regional director we''re dealing with. They surely have Bri''s picture on file somewhere. Even if you made her appearance look slightly different, high level craftsmanship skills aren''t easy toe by. It''s not out of the realm of possibilities they connect the link"


    Trading under a secret identity isn''t against Association Policy. They themselves are thergest customers buying from someone they don''t even know. I doubt Bri would even be in trouble if anyone found out, but Ember has a point.


    I think about what he said, but given Lith''s information that this is a region that doesn''t always y well with the Association, I feel that they will keep my secret safe If I prove myself trustworthy.


    Just to make sure, once I ept the item box, I follow up with another reply to consolidate our deal.


    "I haven''t showed my face to many people, so I want to make it clear that this is between only us. In return, let me upgrade all of your main weapons for you. It will be a token of my appreciation and an agreement of peace between us."


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    At first, they''re confused by my offer, but the green-eyed leader is the first to ept it.


    "Very well. This will be a pact for secrecy and goodwill between all of us. We don''t do business with many outsiders, so I hope you do not disappoint us like the Association has over the years. Even if I''m technically a Regional Director, I don''t morally align with their main organization''s practices and would like to start making non-associated connections. Let''s see what you can do."


    She ces her earth stone-imbued hammer on the stone table in front of me, and I get to work.


    I ask for arge amount of her blood, over twice as much as normally needed in a craft. She''s confused as the weapon is already blood bonded, but when I pull three high B-Grade earth stones farmed from the worm monsters on the 38th floor of thebyrinth, her eyes widen at the power radiating off of them.


    I give her a mythic-grade potion of regeneration to restore her lost blood and imbue all of the stones along with about 100k MP worth of mana crystals to use as a boost to the reaction.


    To top it off, I imbue my own extreme grade earth magic into the hammer and add over +200% stat buffs on all five of the stat bars, making the weapon many times stronger than it was minutes ago.


    When I let go, and the shes of white light stop, the result left behind hums with power.


    The regional leader can''t believe what she''s holding in her hands as the energy from it courses through her veins.


    I do exactly the same thing with the two bow users, using high B-Grade wind element stones to imbue into their bows andrge amounts of their blood to make sure the bond is strong enough and they don''t lose control. Over +150% buffs are added to all five stat bars, plus I imbue my mythic-grade enemy detection to the bows to give them a special attribute that expands to reach their mana control aura and allows the caster to locate enemies'' exact location as long as they''re still holding the bow.


    I give the spear user a mythic-grade extreme strength imbuement that brings her weapon over +300% strength while every other stat is close to +150%. In addition to this, I imbue her chestte with mythic-grade body hardening and raise its defense stat to +275% while the other four rest around +150%.


    Both be blood bonded and will grow in strength as she levels up. She''s be an unstoppable tank.


    Thest imbuement I do is for the woman with knives all over her body. I imbue half of the knives with mythic-grade stealth and the other half with mythic-grade dagger arts, raising them all to +175% on every stat but giving her a versatile range of weapons to choose from.


    Once I''m done, I step back, and the five women are blown away by the items I''ve managed to create before their eyes.


    It is all one-of-a-kind gear. Priceless, not even avable at top regional auctions.


    I exin that this is a one-time deal, and if they want unique pieces like this again in the future, the three per buyer offer stands for them at the same price as everyone else. 333 gold per item, and 999 max per month to spend on monthly special order buys.


    They keep staring at their new gear and even do some test swings, but the conversation turns quickly to what they want crafted next time Ie by.


    I think to myself while opening a telepathy link with Lith and Ember.


    "Well, I think that was a sess. Peace has been brokered in the Talton Region."


    Then, I turn to their leader and speak aloud a final request.


    "There is onest thing I''d like before we move on to our next stop on our trade route."


    She lifts her gaze to meet my helmet.


    "What''s that?"


    I turn to my right side.


    "I make it customary to enter at least one dungeon in every region I visit. Do you think I could take a step inside? There''s one less than half a kilometer that way, isn''t there?"


    Lith looks into his item box to check the time and pull out the white gem that''s our ride, confirming that we need to head off soon, and the green-eyed woman swings her hammer over her shoulder and nods.


    "Sure, I don''t see why not. I assume you''re all nning on using that transport crystal to get to your next location so we might as well see you off from there."


    I smile underneath my helmet as we trek all the way through the jungle and hop through a slow spinning C-Grade dungeon,pletely unguarded in the middle of the jungle.


    We hop through, and I now have a dungeon walker point set in the Talton Region.


    The four guards venture off into the dungeon to start testing out their new gear as I shake their leader''s hand and we both say our thank-yous and goodbyes.


    I look her in the eyes while crushing thest crystal that leads to the Vice Region.


    "See you next month, pleasure doing business."


    There''s a sh of light and the three of usnd in a small mana-shielded room.


    The instant the transport magic clears and I let my perception skills seep out to find where I am, I recognize theyout of this underground fortress very clearly.


    We''re all stood inside the humming mana shielding for a few minutes before the rhythmic footsteps of three men approach.


    Two of them are over level 500, both with a water element awakened, while the man in between them is level 308 with a very recognizable unique skill on his status.


    Artificer [Legendary Grade]


    The doors at the back of the shielded room open, and a silver-haired man in a purple cloak with all kinds of metal gadgets and magic items strapped to his arms and legs steps out with a smile on his face.


    "Wee to the Vice Region, visitors from the Dark Continent. My name is Leo, I will be brokering the trade deal today and inspecting the delivered goods."


    He steps aside to show the opening in the door that leads to long dim underground hallways.


    "We are right beneath the main association''s headquarters in the capital. Please, right this way, let me show you to the trade room. To my understanding, this is yourst stop on your route, so I hope you don''t mind if I take up a bit more time than your other clients. I''ll make it worth your while."

 Chapter 525

    Chapter 525


    I nod, and Leo leads us down the hall past over half a dozen identical doors until he turns into another mana-shielded room just like the one we left.


    Instead of being wide open like thest one, this room is split into two halves with the same high B-Grade mana shielding dividing it in the center.


    There''s a long bench and table on both sides of the wall and a clear section so both sides can see each other, with two silver metal cubes built into the wall on both sides of the ss-like material. They look like they have mechanisms to open and close on both sides of the wall.


    Leo and his two water-wielding guards go on one side, and Ember, Lith, and I go on the other.


    Leo is the first to speak up, pointing to the silver cubes.


    "Press the control panel when you are ready to begin."


    There is a small silver tablet built into the table in front of us that we sit on, and I press it at the same time Leo does.


    I hear a click on his end and mine.


    The cube to my right opens up next to me, and the cube to my left opens up on his side of the table.At the same time, the door we walked through to get in here shuts abruptly and the center of the room seals itself to make the room split evenly in half.


    I watch him ce an item box in his cube and press the tablet. It clicks closed, so I do the same, taking the item boxes full of gear and potions out from my storage and cing them into the cube open in front of me. Then, press the tablet to initiate the trade.


    It clicks shut, and immediately two more clicks echo through the room and the left cube opens.


    I pull it out and look inside to start counting out the money inside and confirm it''s the exact amount.


    Leo begins sifting through the item boxes I sent him and takes about ten full minutes to go through his papers and tally everything he has.


    Then, he nods and presses the tablet again to have the cube on his end close.


    I do the same, seeing that I''ve got everything I need from this deal.


    The moment I do, the silver box shuts and the door sealing the room opens up. The open hallway is visible to both of us.


    It''s a very cool mechanism, and now I want to build one myself back in the Crimson City to conduct simr deals.


    If either party isn''t happy with their trade, they can withhold both parties from leaving the sealed rooms until the proper deal is done.


    Leo looks through the clear section in the center of the shielding and speaks up again.


    "These are good items. Who makes them? And where do you source the raw materials from? Is there truly no limit to how much we can order per month?"


    He turns to Lith.


    "Your middleman here told me you could handle ten times this order if needed, is that really true?"


    He turns his head back to me curiously, and the room falls silent for a few seconds.


    Then, I respond in a static voice through the appraisal-blocking armor.


    "I have some dungeons I farm from in the Dark Continent, and a small team of skilled craftsmen that is capable of fulfilling orders no matter the size."


    He thinks to himself before responding.


    "What about that armor? Who makes it? And can we purchase items of that quality in a future order?"


    I nod slowly.


    "Armor like this is not for sale, but I can provide some high B-grade gear at a premium. The only catch is I need to limit the quantity."


    Leo smiles and leans in.


    "Of course, the high price of goods would be meaningless if there was no longer any scarcity or demand for it. What do you have to offer?"


    I run him through the usual spiel that I have all of the other regions and sectors about my offer for special items, and his eyes widen more and more the longer I talk.


    I know his skill is simr to that of a craftsmanship one, so it''s clear he realizes that this is either a unique version of the skill like his, or above just legendary grade; however, he doesn''t say it straight to my face.


    He just looks at both of the guards behind him, then to me.


    "I''ll pay the full 999 gold right now, but I want two orders done here in front of me to see it work with my own eyes."


    I pause, looking at him for unusually long beneath my armor, because I never said I was the one with the craftsmanship skill.


    However, I''m confident in my concealment. Even if he used some unique appraisal gadget to make it through my ck armor, I''m sure it''s impossible to read my actual status in the state I''m currently in. Thanks to the divine item Ember applied to my status this morning, not even I know how to break through it if I wanted to.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the vition.


    Even so, I reply.


    "Fine, what is it you''d like?"


    We discuss what''s possible for a few more minutes, thennd on the fact that the two guards standing behind him need upgrades to their gear because they''re going to be attending the B-ss exams in a few days.


    Having high-powered water-imbued gear will surely give them an edge.


    The next round of trades using the cubes consists of the guards handing over a longsword and a chestte along withrge containers full of their blood for me to activate the bond. On my end, I give them both mythic-grade regeneration potions to restore their lost blood.


    Leo''s eyes widen with surprise again once he touches one of the potions, and I tell him just one of those would be considered a special item too. I''m only giving it to them because I know they''ll drink it on the spot.


    Leo''s curiosity grows more and more as I pull out two extreme-grade water stones to begin the crafts.


    I increase the longsword''s basic stats all up over +175% on all five slots, imbue swordsmanship into the item to give the wielder better instincts and uracy while holding it, and add three additional water stones to increase the intensity of elemental magic.


    The chestte is imbued with body-hardening and three water stones as well, bringing its defense stat up to +250% and the others all above +150%. The hardening attribute mixed with the water stones creates a natural dark blueyer of shielding that expands over the entire body of the hunter using it. It can be controlled in density just like mana shielding, basically, it''s created a strongeryer of full-body defense that seeps out of the dark blue chestte.


    Once I trade thepleted items back, the water wielders and the artificer are in shock at the one-of-a-kind priceless items they''re holding in their hands.


    "These... these are basically A-Grade items. I''ve never even seen something like this in a public auction. What- how?"


    I count off the 999 gold he''s sent over with a smile on my face beneath my helmet and ce it into my item storage before replying.


    "The how isn''t for you to worry about. I''m d to do business with you for many months, or even years toe."


    There''s another pause as they equip the gear and still stand in awe at its power.


    "So, how about that final item? What would you like me to make for you? And is there another basic order of E to C-Grade goods you would like to have crafted for next month?"


    Leo turns back to me while pulling another pouch out from beneath the table and nods.


    "Yes, I believe I would like to make another order¡ªwell, two orders actually."


    He ces the bag into the silver cube, and we repeat the trade process, but I don''t give him anything in return this time.


    As I look through the pile of gold and tinum inside the item box he just handed me, he speaks up.


    "That''s a new order for the Vice Region. You said you could handle ten times the output, so I''m giving it to you. There''s another small order of items from the Apex region that we''ll ept for them. The regional leader up there isn''t too friendly with outsiders, I hope this is eptable."


    I nod and ce the item box into my storage.


    "Of course, I''ll get it done. No problem. How about that final special item, any preferences? Or would you like to think on it?"


    Leo smiles.


    "I''m going to have to ask the Director once he''s back from the B-ss exams candidate selection in the dungeons. I believe the trials and extended training sessions will be going on for another full day. I hope there''s no rush."


    "No rush at all, take your time. As you can see, it doesn''t take me long toplete a high quality craft."


    I turn to Lith.


    "Just contact him through the usual channels. I can create anything the Regional Director desires, within reason."


    Leo responds.


    "Very well."


    Then, both of us start toe to the conclusion that the meeting is over.


    Lith even pulls out a transport crystal that would bring us back to Sector 1, but I speak up out of curiosity on a point Leo just made.


    "If you don''t mind answering, what do you mean by the Director picking candidates for the B-ss exams? Is there more than just being above level 500 to attend that event?"


    Leo looks at me curiously.


    "Well, each region allows up to twelve top applicants to apply. It''s the yearly test to see how strong each region has be. This is about showing the progress of the regional directors, not just for the hunters themselves."


    I nod slowly, and turn to eye the white gem in Lith''s hand, but Leo keeps speaking.


    "We lost a good amount of this year''s candidates in abyrinth copse out in Sector 4, so the Director is personally making sure we fill in those slots and training them up in one of the B-Grade dungeons. Half the city knew this; we held an event for level 400 and above hunters to apply all month."


    I reply.


    "That makes sense. I don''t exactly spend time in the Vice Region; I was just curious."


    I pause a moment longer, then ask another question.


    "Why don''t they just use thebyrinth to train up recruits? Wouldn''t that be faster and more efficient than B-Grade dungeons?"


    Leo''s eyes tighten.


    "Sometimes curiosity is best left as just a question. I wouldn''t go asking things you don''t want to know the answers to."


    I let out a sigh and take the transport crystal from Lith and hold it up in front of me while Ember and Lith put their hands on my shoulder.


    "I didn''t mean to pry, I''m just a new businessman from the Dark Continent trying to get to know the maind."


    Leo smirks.


    "Right. Well, I''ll just leave it at this. The Vice Region doesn''t exactly own thebyrinth. It just happens to be here. We only do what is within our authorization."


    I nod and crush the crystal in my hand.


    "Understood. Nothing more for me to know. I look forward to crafting that item for the Director. See you next month with the goods you''ve ordered."


    He gives me a nod back before the room fills with transport magic and we find ourselves back in the Galeheart Tower.


    I pull off my helmet and let the rest of the armor fall into my item storage to leave a wide smile across my face, turning to both of them.


    "Jackpot! From all the regions so far, that''s 310 tinum in revenue today. 30 of it is from special orders¡ª"


    Lith interjects.


    "Well¡ªsoon 40, I''ll get you your 10 tinum today with a list of items I want."


    I nod, doing some math in my head.


    "That means 280 tinum is this month''s 25% worth of down payments. After splitting that up between payouts for the guildhall and paying Bri''s craftsman team, the payout of pure profit from the remaining 75% will be 840 tinum... Plus the 40 from special orders, 880... I''ll probably make a few tinum overall from sales in the guildhall too, but that''ll be burned through when I give weekly aid packages at the rate new citizens are entering the town. Still, nearly a 1k tinum month. This is good..."


    Lith hops on the elevator to go to his vault and grab money to pay me while Ember and I are standing in the middle of the lobby.


    Ember speaks up.


    "That was a very interesting trip; you''re making some fascinating allies and even ying nice with your enemies without them even knowing. Humans are very tricky creatures to figure out sometimes."


    I reply.


    "I n to build this trade route farrger than it is now and expand my city much further, but I need to know exactly who I''m dealing with without anyone getting too suspicious. Let''s go to the dungeons back in the Crimson City. I need to learn how to control this concealment item as soon as possible. There isn''t much time left until the B-ss exams."

 Chapter 526

    Chapter 526


    I crush a teleport crystal to bring Ember and myself back to the Crimson City.


    It''s good to see the double that was working general surveince is now farming thebyrinth for more fire containment stones and high B-Grade items now that the Soul Energy barrier is up.


    The second double watches over the dungeons inside the barrier and keeps an eye on the poption trading in the outer city housing some non-citizens outside the barrier too.


    I delegate the third body double, the one in charge of the guildhall, to use half of the tinum earned from the 25% down payment on new postings for quotas that need to be farmed this month.


    After these are posted and the word is spread throughout the hunters that farm in the dungeons, I delegate this double to see Bri with the other half of orders and the list of goods that need to be made this month.


    I n on seeing her in my main body before the B-ss exams. She is my ride to the bedrock region, after all, but my time right now needs to be focused on a single task.


    "Ember, we have less than 48 hours to get this done. Let''s go train."


    Ember nods as we fly over to the canyon of dungeons, but once we go inside, he asks to go and train far out in the desert with no one else around. So, I dungeon walk us over to a high D-Grade dungeon in the desert over 100km away from any settlements or the trade route.


    We jump out and get a few kilometers away from the glowing blue portal in the open sand and I get into a fighting stance.I speak up as I feel Ember''s perceived mana control drop down to levels that are hardly noticeable.


    "So, how do we start? How do I tap into this divine energy... what''s the trick?"


    Ember smirks and gets into a fighting stance as well.


    "Oh, there''s no trick, we just have to practice. Come at me, try to only use enough mana in your attacks to match the control that you feeling off of mine."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What do you mean there''s no tricks?"


    He motions for me to step closer.


    "You can''t just master divine energy overnight. Most likely, not even in a full year. I doubt you''d even be able to smell a scent of it even if we trained in the Titan''s domain for 10 years straight at your current perception of the world around you."


    Ember steps forward and continues, egging me on to spar with him more.


    "The divine limiter you have equipped is temporary, and the only way you''re going to be able to manipte it without the knowledge I have is through pure instinct."


    I ponder his words and step forward while nodding.


    "Fine. I''ll follow what you say exactly if you think it''s possible."


    Ember grins.


    "I know it is. I was the one that created this item after all, I know how it works. I can already sense the barrier bonding with you over thest few hours. You should be a natural once you get a feel for things."


    I run forward and try to use the minimum amount of magic physically possible, matching the mana control he''s producing that barely reaches the heights of a level 100 hunter.


    The first punch Ember blocks sends ripples of mana through the desert, and I see his head shaking.


    "Still need to tone that down by about ten times to match me."


    I try again, using even less mana, and a smaller ripplees out.


    "Better, but let''s go even lower."


    Over and over, I try to naturally suppress my mana control with lighter and lighter hits until I finally reach the mana control level he wants me at.


    To me, it feels as if I''m back inside Monk''s monastery for the first time without any Qi. The amount of mana I''m using is so minuscule, the speed my punches are moving at, and the power behind each blow feels like I''m ying and acting out a fighting scene in slow motion.


    Ember makes me hold this incredibly slow and grueling pace for over an hour before he speaks up again.


    "Alright. Let''s move it up to the average level 200 hunter next."


    The mana control that radiates from him increases drastically, and his speed and power do too, but there''s hardly any change when I match him.


    It always feels exactly the same to me as the level 100parison was, but I catch on quick.


    "Now, 300."


    "400!"


    "First rank up, let''s do 500!"


    I begin to feel the increments between the levels increase, and the firstrge change is when Ember replicates the mana control, speed, and power of a normal ranked-up hunter. Now it''s starting to feel like we''re actually moving a little and not just standing in ce.


    "600..." "700..." "800..." "900..." "1000!"


    Finally, we even reach the second rank-up stage, and Ember replicates the average strength of a monster this strong. We''re getting somewhere, but it still just feels like we''re walking in ce, hardly even jogging around the battlefieldpared to the intense fights I''ve been intely.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "1500... 1600..."


    "2000... 2100..."


    "2500... 2600..."


    "3000!"


    It isn''t until we reach the average mana control of a level 3000 monster that I have to begin going all out.


    We conclude that this is about the limit of our natural power. Ember could go a bit higher, and I could use my greater form to push myself too, but wee to the reasonable conclusion that if I have to practice any concealment up to this level of power at any point, I might as well be blowing my cover and showing my full unconcealed mana control anyway.


    After the first 8 hours of training, we''ve established the levels I need to instinctually practice in 100 level increments between level 100 and 3000.


    However, most importantly, mastering the level 500-1000 range. But, in order to master that, I need to have a feel for the entire spectrum.


    Over the next 8 hours until the sun rises, we spar in the open desert.


    Ember calls out a random level, and I have to adjust my output of firepower tobat this exact level of threat.


    My perceived mana control is still non-existent, but for now, this is practice to make sure the energying off me corrtes with the average output of the hunter I''m trying to emte.


    At first, even with the tutorial running through all the levels with Ember, it''s still rather tough to get the exact power and speed right.


    When Ember switches from fighting at level 2000 mana control straight back to level 300, for example, sometimes it''s hard to gauge my actual strength.


    Level 700-800 feels like it''s 200-300 when I''m used to sending off attacks that blow 1kmrge craters into the ground seconds prior.


    Despite this, after thousands of attempts and trials, by the time the sunes up, I''m capable of matching Ember''s exact strength within a 100-200 level mana control range of speed and pure power within a quarter of a second.


    We stop for a break to watch the sunrise, and Emberpliments my progress.


    "Pretty good start to this session. You''ve basically mastered your real output control, so if you have to fight any of your fellow B-ss hunters in this exam, now you won''t identally kill them with a handshake."


    I roll my eyes.


    "Hey, it''s not like I was that out of control before."


    Ember chuckles.


    "Yeah, you had two settings before, off and on. Now, you can fly under anyone''s radar and fit in."


    He nods a few times.


    "Also, I don''t know if you can sense it or not, but your barrier has been adapting to the changes in power all this time during training. You''re almost ready for the next phase. I say we take an hour-long break here, then get back to training. By tomorrow, you can definitely start changing your perceived mana control as well."


    "Good."


    As the sun rises more, and I rest from the long night of sparring, I think about the trade deals that we attended yesterday. The high-level special crafts I produced for the regional directors are fresh in my mind. Many of the items I made for them have over 150-200% stat buffs on them. Almost half of the current gear I''m wearing isn''t even that strong. So, while I have some time to think, I begin sifting through my item storage to pull out leftover loot drops and magic items to bring my oldgging gear up to par.


    The first item I look at is the gifted ring Bri crafted for me a while back. I add a few stat buffs, imbue my all-seeing eye skill to create a new perception buff, and blood bond it to create a link that will make the item stronger the longer I wear it.


    ______________


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [+151% Mental Strength][+111% Speed][+100% Agility][+99% Strength][+74% Defense][Illusion Attribute]


    ->


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [Blood Bonded] [+222% Mental Strength][+170% Speed][+161% Agility][+159% Strength][+144% Defense][+75% Perception][Illusion Attribute]


    ______________


    Next, I imbue body hardening into an amulet, while blood bonding it and adding all itscking stats as well, focusing on boosting its defensive traits.


    ______________


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [+141% Defense][+125% Strength][+125% Mental Strength]


    ->


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [Blood Bonded] [+231% Defense][+204% Strength][+199% Mental Strength][+170% Agility][+158% Speed][Hardening Attribute]


    ______________


    After this, I focus on my boots with a speed buff andbine them with the enchanted boots I received from the 42nd floor of thebyrinth, adding 4 extreme-grade wind stones to the craft inspired by Bri''s boots that allowed her to fly without wind magic. On top of everything, I blood bond these boots to create another growth-type item.


    ______________


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [+152% Speed]


    +


    Enchanted Silver Boots [+348% Speed][+340% Agility]


    ->


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [Blood Bonded] [+402% Speed][+377% Agility][+242% Strength][+220% Mental Strength][+181% Defense][Wind Attribute]


    ______________


    Next, I imbue four extreme-grade ice stones into a pendant. I blood bond this item and add all of the necessary additional stats to bring it up to its current full potential.


    ______________


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [+110% Agility] [+75% Magic Resistance] [+95% Ice Magic Resistance]


    ->


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [Blood Bonded] [+228% Agility] [+227% Speed][+224% Strength][+203% Mental Strength][+195% Magic Resistance][+165% Ice Magic Resistance][+160% Defense][Ice Attribute]


    ______________


    I use arge amount of blood and mana crystals as the catalyst to upgrade the tinum ring I received from defeating the blue ogre king. It''s a symbol of the first dungeon that gave me a major boost in mana control when I was first starting out in the Dark Continent.


    I blood bond it as well to make sure it continues to grow.


    ______________


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [+131% Mental Strength] [+125% Speed][+125% Agility][+110% Defense]


    ->


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [Blood Bonded] [+241% Mental Strength] [+226% Speed][+220% Agility][+180% Defense][+174% Strength]


    ______________


    Next, Ibine the blood-bonded armor I have on with the chestte that fell as an item drop next to the enchanted boots on the 42nd floor. To make this an even more special craft, I imbue 4 extreme-grade earth stones from the 38th floor as well as a mythic grade body hardening skill to create the same living armor effect that the waterstone craft created back in Vice City for one of Leo''s guards.


    ______________


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+312% Defense]


    +


    Enchanted Silver Chestte [+391% Defense][+322% Strength]


    ->


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+469% Defense][+398% Strength][+301% Mental Strength][+258% Agility][+255% Speed][Hardening Attribute][Earth Attribute]


    ______________


    Lastly, I finished my crafting session off with the silver lightweight gauntlets. I use an immense amount of blood and mana toplete this craft. I even sacrifice 2 of the near A-Grade firestones from the 39th floor and 2 of the earth stones from the 38th to create a dual-element craft.


    Considering I wield both of these items already, it''s possible to do without much risk. My [Storm King''s Dagger Set] is a double-element craft with both lightning and wind imbued into one, so I know it can be done. It''s just that normally, not many people would ever attempt it because of the vtile nature of element stones and the potential of them going out of control if the user is not strong enough to handle the item.


    Once the craft isplete, and the silver gauntlets rest on my hands, I can feel them humming with power.


    ______________


    Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets [+165% Defense][+120% Strength][Hardening Attribute]


    ->


    Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets [Blood Bonded][+279% Defense][+270% Strength][+256% Mental Strength][+239% Agility][+233% Speed][Hardening Attribute][Earth Attribute][Fire Attribute]


    ______________


    I put everything back on, then use my conceal skill to modify it all to look like +50-150% stat boosting gear with only 1-2 stats buffed max on each item.


    My mana control isn''t the only thing I want to hide, my gear should look like high C-Grade or average B-Grade gear at best.


    I stand up and turn to Ember once the sun fully reaches above the desert horizon and speak up.


    "Alright, I''m ready, let''s finish up thisst stage of training. We now have less than 24 hours left before we''re off to the B-ss Exams."


    Ember grins and turns back to me.


    "Good, your barrier settled faster than I thought it would while you were working those crafts. At this rate, I think you''ll be able to manipte your perceived mana control with ease before the sun sets tonight. Let''s continue."

 Chapter 527

    Chapter 527


    We continue sparring following the same routine.


    Ember calls out a level of mana control I need to hit, and I instantly change my strength output to match it.


    During this whole process, I continuously have my All-Seeing Eye and natural perception released abnormally high.


    Even if my perceived output is at level 100 mana control, I''m still scanning my surroundings and taking in as much data as I can from these matches at levels near my maximum output.


    Over the next few hours as the sun rises overhead, I begin to see and feel a change in the invisible and unseeable barrier that resides around my body.


    Each time I drastically switch levels of control, there is a minuscule ripple in the barrier. Every time I feel this ripple, the barrier gets closer and closer to my skin and I can feel it happen with far more intensity like it''s connected to my central nervous system.


    Almost like the instinctual senses I receive when I activate my swordsmanship skill, it''s getting more and more intense the more I focus on it.


    I can''t consciously create the ripples that are urring, but I can focus on them more and adapt the way I switch between mana control levels to make the rippling effect more intense and noticeable.


    It feels almost like a bell is ringing in my ear when the ripples get intense enough, but there''s no actual noise.Ember doesn''t tell me specifically to do this, but once he realizes I am, the jumps between mana controls get faster and further apart in power to help me stimte this change and get into a flow-like state.


    More hours pass, and we spar well into the afternoon.


    The sensation of bells ringing throughout my body, and the invisible barrier rippling over and over, gets so intense to the point where it crosses a threshold and feels like one long continuous ringing vibration.


    I don''t even sense my own breathing; the only thing I can feel is the power level in my body rise and fall, until I see the barrier between my inner being and the world around me fade away in my mind''s eye.


    My true mana control seeps out, and flows strong like a river as the continuous feeling of infinitely fast vibrations ring through my ears and mind.


    The full extent of my mana control pours out into the desert and a wave of natural intimidation and pure crimson aura expands to be kilometers wide.


    The moment it does, my concentrationpletely breaks, and the bells stop ringing.


    Reality floods back into my conscious mind and the vibration of this divine limiter ceasespletely, my mana control is concealed and hidden from the outside world again, but for a moment, it was there.


    I fall backward into the sand covered in sweat and hear Ember slowly pping his hands.


    "That was it. You managed to break through. The feeling is now ingrained in your mind, you''ll be able to do it again."


    Breathing heavily, I nod to myself and respond.


    "You''re right... about everything... This power isn''t something I can directly control, but it is something that I can align myself with in moments of extreme focus. It''s very possible."


    We both grin as I get back up to my feet and ce my hands back into the fighting position.


    "Let''s do it again."


    While the sensation is fresh in my mind, we get back to sparring.


    I don''t even want to talk about it, I just want to focus on the ripples and bells while I can still feel them.


    Another hour passes before the sensation builds up to the point where I release my entire mana control again just like I did before.


    This time, we don''t stop after my concentration breaks and I jump right back into it.


    It takes less than 20 minutes for me to feel the rhythm of the barrier this time.


    Then 10 minutes, and after the fifth attempt, I''m able to concentrate and release my mana control in less than 3 minutes.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    We continue to spar.


    Eventually, as the sun starts to set, every few seconds, spurts of my full unconcealed mana control are pouring out into the open air.


    The desert turns dark again, and we don''t stop sparring.


    After another few hours pass, I''m able to keep my full unconcealed mana control aura pouring out from the barrier around me without breaking my concentration for what feels like indefinitely.


    The ripples feel natural, and I can concentrate and align my output with them in fractions of a second.


    At first, the only thing I can do is release my full power, but as the night goes on, and we continue sparring while changing the speed and power of the output of attacks, the perceived mana control bes easier and easier to control.


    Once I''ve synced myself with the barrier, it takes just a few more hours to master how to manipte the actual energy thates out and the amount that is perceived.


    I''ve passed the point of mystery, and entered the stage of fine-tuning.


    I''m able to show the speed and power of a level 600 hunter, and give off the mana control that matches it, while slipping in full-powered level 3000+ mana control rated attacks whenever I please without my perceived mana control rising at all.


    The rate at which my perceived base switches between level 100, to 500, to 1000, to releasing everything I have has be almost instantaneous.


    The barrier around me has melded with my mind, and the process has be almost second nature.


    I have no idea how I''m doing it, or what true powers are at work here, but at the end of the day, Ember created an item to do a purpose, and it is a sess.


    After a full hour of wless switching and sparring, Ember finally speaks up and calls it.


    "Perfect. There''s no more training to be done. Anything more is just a waste of energy. Your Soul Energy is not visible at all unless you activate it, and your mana control suppression is wless. With just a few hours to spare until morning, our training isplete."


    I look over the deste desert, and I slowly fly in the air toward Ember with a teleport crystal in hand.


    "Good. Now we rest up before the B-ss Exams."


    I ce a hand on his shoulder and crush the gem to bring us back to the bunker in the Crimson City, then pull out our Hunter''s IDs that Bri made a few weeks back.


    "These are who we''re going as. I''m Ray Anderson, lightning mage, and you''re Emrie Carter, Fire Wielder."


    He takes the card and nods, and I continue.


    "Want me to make you a fire sword with the Minotaur stones or some kind of armor to y the part?"


    Ember shakes his head.


    "No, I''d rather not use a weapon. I''ll just fight with my fists and pure fire magic. That''s enough."


    I nod while taking out the lightning and wind imbued dagger set from my item storage and holding the des that crackle with static electricity in my hands.


    "I''ll get to try these out."


    I spin the des around my fingers, then ce them on my waist while sharing my conceal skill with Ember.


    We both shapeshift and edit our status to be level 600 hunters, but I think of a potential problem.


    "What if for some reason you''re out of range? My Domain stretches about 5km. There''s a chance my concealment skill could deactivate."


    We both think about this issue for a moment, and throw ideas at each other while I try to imbue my conceal skill into random B-Grade items. Most of them do a great job at creating illusions and allowing the user to change their form, but none of these items I''m creating can directly affect the user''s status. Ie to the conclusion that I need to upgrade this skill.


    I use 250 PP to bring my special grade conceal up to legendary grade and turn to Ember.


    "It''s worth it. I''ve never seen another human with this skill, so it''s about time I just give in and upgrade it. 250 PP isn''t much of a setback considering my next Absorption skill upgrade that I''m saving up for is going to take 10,000 PP."


    My eyes track over the new skill''s info and I''m happy to see the new perks avable. Now, anytime I see a person eye to eye and theye within the range of my mana control aura, this skill creates a perfect copy of them to replicate if need be.


    Secondly, their voice and even status information converts over to the concealment replication. The actual skills and buffs themselves aren''t converted to me if I don''t own them, but if I watch the monster or person use this buff or skill, I can now recreate an illusion of it if I wish.


    I''m able to pick and choose any voice, face, body, feature, orbination of any that I save to create any form I wish with far more uracy than before. Figments of my imagination can be reality with far fewer limitations.


    The strength of the concealment is dependent on the user''s mana control base, so I''m confident no one can see through it, especially with an extrayer of protection now with a divine limiter on top of it.


    I now imbue this legendary skill into one of the leftover cloaks and Wraith cores from the war that Fisher and Lydia defeated, then blood bond the item with arge amount of Ember''s blood and over a quarter million MP as a catalyst to the craft.


    It creates a magic cloak with over 200% stat buffs on every stat and a conceal attribute that allows the user to change their form, voice, and status at will just like the skill itself.


    Ember epts it, and puts it on as a backup measure.


    We both adjust our perceived mana control to the average level 600 hunter, and switch our appearances to perfect replicas of the men in the pictures on our ID cards.


    Over the next few hours, we rx and wait for the sun to rise.


    I make sure to check on all of my body doubles onest time to make sure they''re set up to take care of the city while I''m gone.


    They''re in charge of going to Vice City to pick up new materials to continue expansion, taking care of aid packages for new and current citizens, making sure local business runs smoothly, restocking the grocery stores, handing in raw materials to continue the production of orders, and watching over the elemental elites'' continued training in thebyrinth.


    Best of all, they continue farming in the Vice Citybyrinth for stones to copse dungeons and grow my ownbyrinth while collecting more luminite.


    I want toe back to an automated and growing system no matter how long I''m gone.


    Once the sun starts to rise, I crush a transport crystal that brings me to Bri''s workshop and climb the stairs to meet her in her office.


    Today, we''ll be heading off to the B-ss Exams.

 Chapter 528

    "We''re immediately greeted on the first floor by Bri, both surprised and impressed.


    She takes us up to her workshop, and once I put up a hush barrier she finally speaks.


    "I didn''t recognize your mana control signatures at all... You''re the only other person with these transport crystals, so I knew it was you... but still..."


    She stares us up and down.


    "These disguises are far more convincing than I even thought was possible..."


    We step forward and she takes out a silver box from beneath her desk.


    We both sit down in the seating while she opens the casing and we have a short exchange of words about this month''s orders that my double brought over two days ago.


    Bri is nning on expanding her workshop, making another building here in the ck market of Vice City, and my double is going to show her around the Crimson City in sector 2, giving her an office space there for future expansion as well.


    We even briefly discuss the events that urred in the Talton region, and she''s happy to do the business meetings there moving forward. In our next meeting, I n to have Bri introduce me so I can make a more genuine connection with their leader in my me Emperor identity.While I didn''t spend much time in that jungle, their strength impressed me, and the dismissal of the association, even though their leader is a regional director, also catches my interest.


    Bri makes a finalment on it as she pulls out two transport crystals from the silver containment case.


    "I''ve never been to the Talton Region, so I look forward to checking it out for myself. I''ve always heard stories of it being an isted region that doesn''t easily ept outsiders, especially Association-affiliated hunters."


    She shrugs and hands each of us a crystal.


    "The Bedrock region is a lot different. As you probably saw when you visited before, they''re hard workers. Mostly a mining district, a lot of raw materials like metals and special orese out of that region. The influx of workers over the years has brought more dungeons too. They may be smaller than the Vice Region in poption and hunter strength now, but they''re on the rise. I heard a very high-level Regional Director was appointed there a few years back, and he spends a lot of time with the citizens. Straightced, follows association orders, but has good intent for his people."


    I nod as we ept the gems.


    "Yeah, we met him. Over level 900, he''s the strongest Director I''ve seen- well-"


    I think back to the green-eyed Talton Region''s Director''s mana control, and it was definitely higher than his.


    "Highest level I''ve seen at least."


    Bri smiles, then looks at a clock on the wall.


    "Anyway, it''s about time you head off. Your entry to the B-ss exams awaits. Careful out there. I''ll stay in touch with your doubles while you''re gone and keep orders moving as usual."


    I look to Ember, and then back to Bri as we share a few more words of goodbye, then crush the white gems.


    Once the light fades, we''re both stood back in the same dark stone dome that we teleported intost time for the trade deal.


    The only difference is the rectangr door at the back that leads outside to the mining view and cities all over the mountains is wide open. It''s a foggy morning, but I can still sense the environment that I sawst time I was here.


    When I look around, the Director isn''t present, but two guards at about level 700 are. They look down at clipboards, then up at us, and one speaks up.


    "Ray and Emrie. Survivors of the catastrophe. I was there on duty the day it happened, no joke huh?"


    I nod and make eye contact for a moment. He continues.


    "No need to talk about it if it''s a sore spot. The name''s Jamie. Nice to meet you."


    I recognize this tall bearded man as one of the guards that was by the director''s side when I initially met him for trade deals the other day.


    He continues to speak.


    "In your file here it''s like you''re ghosts. Not a single Association check-in or sighting of you in any official dungeons. The Director was quite surprised when an A-Ranker submitted the form that he found you two training in ck Market dungeons in the Vice Region, though he was happy to have a few more people to stack our applicant roster."


    He leans in.


    "I am curious though, how''d you end up out there?"


    I tighten my gaze, but reply quickly not to add any extra suspicion.


    "We were injured badly after the... Well you know."


    I pause as he nods, then continue.


    "We were already outcasts here without friends or family to rely on. We just thought it would be best to lie low and farm in the regions where more stable dungeons were. The stronger dungeons here in Bedrock were way too vtile to train without worry of another catastrophe..."


    I pause for a moment, letting the guard that apparently lived through that event reminisce about it for a moment. Then Ember pitches into my fabricated backstory.


    "We managed to find some training grounds in the Vice Region, but once we were strong enough and wanted to get ess to B-Grade dungeons, the only way to do that would be through the Association. No ck market areas have dungeons of that strength. It was either reapply to the Vice Region where we were hiding out, ore back to our roots."


    I smile inwardly and finish his thought.


    "That''s right. The Bedrock gave us our start, so we might as well give our thanks and apply through the region that grew us into the hunters we are today."


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The guard crosses his arms and grins.


    "That''s what I like to hear. Come on, follow me. I recognize you from the pictures on file, but we''re going to have an appraiser verify everything and officially check you two in. Come on, I''ll bring you to see the other applicants. I''m sure the Director has a speech he wants to tell to prepare everyone."


    We follow the tall bearded guard with tworge silver axes strapped to his back outside the dome, and I take in the view of the endless mountain ranges filled with mining towns and caverns.


    At the top of this mountain we''re on, there''s nothing but this dome structure.


    We''re led down a rocky path for a while, over a km of elevation downward, wrapping around the mountain until wee upon a t base in a valley in between this mountain and the next. The fog begins to clear the further down we travel.


    There''s a City with a few thousand people in it. I can sense quite a few of these in between most of the mountains where thend is t, stretching on further than I can sense.


    It doesn''t seem like any one part of this region is the center capital, but it is all very well distributed. Every building looks very modern and well maintained. There are single homes, apartments, shops, and everything a city needs.


    It isn''t what I''d have predicted in a mountainous region like this, but with a teleport tform so close by, it makes sense.


    We''re led into a white building with four marble pirs at its entrance, and once inside the floor is made of the same stone.


    The ceiling is high and there''s a slight echo to our footsteps.


    I recognize a few more guards that greet us at the entrance, and the rest of the room is emptied out except for 8 people near the back.


    Green Hunter''s Association logos are on the walls and floor, and we''re greeted by the familiar voice of Director Mack.


    "Wee, wee! Our final two surprise applicants have arrived. That brings us to 8 Hunters applying to be B-ss this year. Let''s get you two signed in."


    He smiles wide, giving off much more friendly bodynguage than he did when he was meeting me for business trade deals in my other identity.


    It makes sense, as he''s definitely less intimidated and dealing with fewer unknown factors.


    A brown-haired woman with sses is by his side. She steps forward through a crowd of level 501-570 hunters. I see she has a special grade appraisal skill on her status and carries a clipboard.


    She''s the one who will be double-checking our status.


    From the readings I''m getting from all of the other applicants here, they aren''t anything special. There are two earth magic users, two fire, one water, and one wind. None of them are at the threshold for extreme element skills, and their armor and gear is standard high C-Grade gear.


    They''re strong, definitely ranked-up hunters, but I can''t find anything impressive about them.


    I didn''t want to stand out too much right off the bat, but in order to follow through with the n to actually do well in these exams, we''re going to need to be a little stronger than the basic applicants here.


    The brown-haired woman walks up to Ember first and asks for his ID.


    As he hands it to her, a wave of appraisal seeps into Ember and he allows it to read his manipted status disying a level 612 hunter with extreme fire magic and a ranked up buff called Infinite Inferno.


    I know that''s not what his actual buff is called, but I''m assuming it''ll be an excuse for him to use an excessive amount of fire at times if he needs to and me it on the buff.


    The woman''s eyes light up at the status as she writes down what she sees and gives Ember back his ID, then walks to me and does the same thing.


    I decide to one up him just slightly and put level 615 on my status, showing my extreme lightning summoning skill and a fake ranked up buff called Shockwave.


    Thedy''s eyes widen even more as she scribbles down what she sees and verifies that the names, skills, and appearances all match what is in their records.


    Then, she hurries back to the director to show him the clipboard.


    His eyes widen as well while Ember and I just stand in confident stances behind the 6 other applicants.


    He reads the file for abnormally long, then looks up straight at us, then speaks to the 8 of us again.


    "Well, you''ve all been verified as the applicants submitted to the exams this year. We still have 4 empty slots avable, but this will be one of our biggest showings in a while regardless."


    He smiles and can''t help ncing over to Ember and me.


    "As you all know, the total applicants per region per year is limited to 12. We''re not a strength-focused region, but over the years we have grown some strong warriors despite that. Just know, even if you fail, there is always next year."


    He points behind us and we turn our head to see the tall bearded guard that brought us in.


    "Jamie took three tries to pass, I''ve known some applicants that took even longer."


    He nods as we all turn our heads back to him.


    "Just know, if you manage to pass the exams, it''s not only a great personal achievement for you, but a great boost in reputation for our region. Any members that pass will be greatly rewarded. You can have a position as my personal guard with sry, a pension from the Association, even any B-Grade gear of your liking. The region gets an increase in spending from the central Association government, so it will help the whole region and you will reap those rewards directly as a thanks. Only a handful of applicants make it through, and most of the slots are taken by the Apex Region private trained recruits each year, but maybe we have a shot at taking one or two slots, you never know."


    His eyes rest back on Ember and me before he continues his speech, and the assistant that was doing the appraisal before hands out new transport crystals with [APEX] and our namesbeled on each of them.


    "These transport crystals will bring you all directly to the exam site. There will most likely be an introduction there as well, but the rules,yout, and exact location of the exams change every year. I would give you pointers if I could, but there is no advice to give. All I know is that I''ll be attending the exams in a few days to be part of one of the assessments, so will all of the regional directors. The only hints I have is that it will be a multi-stage exam. Your hard work this year will be shown off, and I wish each of you luck in your individual testing process."


    The assistant makes us all line up in a single file line as the Director goes on about some of the other guards, and how his own B-ss exam yed out over a decade ago, but I don''t listen to much of it.


    Like he repeatedly says, they change the event every year, so I''ll just have to go in prepared, on guard, and with an open mind.


    Although mypetitive nature urges me to show off and try to win whatever challenges are thrown in front of me, my real goal with this entire event will be to gather information on the Association''s higher ranks. I want to know who this leader of the Apex region really is, why he won''t show his face, and what corrtion to the Sun God he has.


    One by one, the line moves forward.


    The Director has a quick one-on-one conversation with each of the applicants, then sends them off with a sh of light from their transport crystal.


    The line reaches Ember, and I hear his tonepletely change.


    He motions for me to step forward next to him too and I do as he says.


    "You two, you''re not ordinary hunters... I can feel your mana control, it rivals that of some of my guards that have passed the B-ss exams years ago... Your file says you disappeared in the catastrophe- and now you''re back out of nowhere with strength like this..."


    Ember shrugs and I nod.


    As I''m about to speak up, the tall guard that escorted us here speaks from the back of the room.


    "They''re good boss, the story checks out, they''re real loyal Bedrock citizens. Just a tough past. Trust me, I was there when the catastrophe happened too. They''re survivors, it makes sense that they''d be driven to be strong."


    Director Mack nods.


    "Oh I know. I meant it as a good thing. I haven''t seen hunters like you apply in the Bedrock region... Maybe ever. Usually stronger hunter''s like yourself move out to the Vice Region or even the Veridian Region if not directly to the Apex Headquarters. This is the mana control of Apex soldiers if I''ve ever felt it. Maybe we have a chance at winning some actual impactful Region Points this year."


    He smirks.


    "I know you''re doing this for yourselves, but if either of you pass, just know I have an extra reward waiting for you. Even better if you make it to the final selection. Do that, and you can have anything you want, even his job."


    He points to Jamie and they both startughing, and make rude but joking remarks toward each other acting like they''re old friends.


    He looks back down at us and puts out a hand to shake, I do out of respect, then Ember does next.


    "Pleasure to meet both of you. I may not have had the chance to train you myself, but Ray, Emrie, best of luck out there. Make your home region proud."


    We both shake his hand one more time, then crush our transport crystals supplied by the Apex Region. A sh of bright white magic covers our vision.

 Chapter 529

    Chapter 529


    As the transport magic fades, the white color in my vision stays.


    The floor I''m standing on is made ofrge squares of glossy white humming mana shielding, and it''s far denser than any of the A-Grade shielding I''ve ever felt before in my life.


    I turn my head left and right but see no one at all.


    The only thing I see is an empty long stretching ne of mana shielding in every direction.


    The sky above me is blue, but as far as I can see on the horizon, the floor below me is t and white.


    I do a scan of my surroundings and find that there are a few other people that have recently transported in and are just as confused as I am.


    There are at least 20 people wandering around these empty white ts, but almost instantly, far off to my right side, I sense the presence of over 50 people in a concentrated area.


    Ember''s geopoint immediately pings his location in my Rising Emperor''s Domain, and I can tell he''s 10s of kilometers away, much closer to therge grouping of people than I am.


    Over 75% of them are over level 500. Some are level 100-200 and there are a few people that are even between level 900 and 975 with golden cors made from the Sun God''s Soul energy, just like the one that was around Rodrigo''s neck when I sparred with him.These stronger figures that show up in my enemy detection perception stand very far apart, most likely guarding something, but it''s hard to tell exactly what from this distance. All I know is they are between the wandering applicants that have transported in and the 50 or so people inside some massive structure far off in the distance.


    It''s extremely far away, so I can''t fully make out what''s inside, but I''m certain this is where I need to go.


    It''s an eerie environment, seeing no one around me, and the only sound in my ears is the low humming of mana shielding thates off the floor.


    I whisper to myself and turn to walk slowly in that direction.


    "Looks like the exams have already begun."


    About half an hour passes, and nothing in the visualndscape changes, but I still sense the structure far off in the distance. I decide to turn my walk into a jog, then into a fast run.


    Finally, after another half an hour of travel on this t white surface, an enormous grey structure begins to reveal itself on the horizon visible to the naked eye. It looks like a wall, but there arerge spikes and towers that are very blurry on it as well.


    I even pass close by a few other applicants, some of which I don''t recognize, telling me they''re definitely from other regions.


    However, I decide to veer off to stay my distance and not interact with anyone until I make it to the destination.


    It seems like some people got lucky and spawned in closer to the massive grey wall, while others I''m sure are aimlessly wandering the white open ts too far away to see or sense a route to safety.


    A few are flying through the sky to get higher vantage points, and this works for them, as they begin flying in the correct direction once they get high enough.


    I just continue forward at a fast pace, speeding up even more, maxing out what should be possible for the level 600 mana control I''m putting out, not worrying about anyone but myself until I make it to the wall.


    It takes another half an hour, but I finally see the huge grey stone structure up close.


    It stretches about a hundred meters into the air, and there are enormous closed-off arching doorways every few hundred meters along the wall.


    Each doorway is guarded by a peak B-Grade hunter, their level nearing 1000, and my guess is that these are the Apex Soldiers that Director Mack mentioned while we were talking this morning.


    Their mana control is impressive, and every one of them has an extreme grade element, along with 2-3 additional skills that are special grade and in some rare cases legendary grade.


    They''re all verymon skills like extreme stat buffs, body hardening, and swordsmanship, just like the status modifications I''ve seen on other Directors.


    This confirms the Association has definitely found a way to transfer these basic skills to their high-level officers, and the process is replicable.


    The guard that I approach has a wind magic skill, along with extreme speed and swordsmanship.


    His eyes are sharp, has a dark beard cut short, and silver armor shimmering and contrasting with the wall and floor.


    He steps forward and lets out a strong aura as I get into visual range and yells out while creatingrge wisps of wind magic to ripple through the floor and push my feet back.


    "Applicant! State your name, Region youe from, and why you desire to be a B-ss hunter!"


    His loud voice rings out with the aura and wind magic for a few seconds, and it doesn''t show any signs of stopping.


    I yell back in return.


    "Ray! Ray Anderson. Ie from the Bedrock Region. I''vee to these exams to gain ess to stronger dungeons. Climbing the ranks of the Association, and bing a loyal soldier like yourself is the only opportunity that will grant me this ess to the power I desire!"


    The wind magic and mana control aura bash against me for a few more seconds.


    I''m roughly 30 meters away from him.


    If I was an average hunter, like the applicants that were beside Ember and myself in the Bedrock Region, this amount of wind magic might knock me down. The impressive auraing off of the soldier at the gate might even make me lightheaded or give me blurry vision while trying to withstand it.


    This is definitely some kind of pre-trial testing going on.


    The excessive wind magic ceases, but the auraing off his body stays.


    He speaks up again.


    "Very good. Please,e this way and present your Hunter''s ID. I will grant you ess to the facilities."


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    He pulls out a ck box from a pouch on his waist, and there''s a small slit in its top.


    He looks down at it, holding it steady in both of his hands, then looks back up to me.


    The soldier doesn''t say another word, but stares forward. This gives me the notion he wants me to ce my ID in that box.


    I take a step forward, and the aura around him bes thicker and thicker the closer I get.


    Once I''m within 10 meters, I can feel the pressure would be enough to make an average hunter pass out. If I want to make this interaction look real, I have to think of something to make it believable.


    So, I activate my lightning magic and make an orb-like barrier around me that dispersesrge amounts of the iing mana.


    Static charges hum and crackle off as they collide with waves of his aura, and it cancels out over 90% of the charge.


    I run forward, pulling my Hunter''s ID from my side pocket and throw it forward with exceptionally fine precision.


    At less than 5 meters away, there''s a clicking sound that triggers the man''s offensive aura to disappear.


    The Hunter''s ID slides right into the slot on the front of the box, and it shes white.


    My electricity-filled aura expands quickly when the attacks cease all of a sudden, but I deactivate my skill as well when the box opens up to present a ck wristband inside.


    The soldier smiles and presents the box.


    "Very good technique, and impressive mana control resistance. Lightning types are pretty rare, I look forward to seeing how far you make it. Please, put this device on your left wrist. It will track your progress throughout the exam."


    I take a few steps forward, take the wristband from the case, and click it onto my wrist and a few small letterings pop up on it.


    It reads out all of the details that were on that Hunter''s ID in white glowing text on the bottom half of the circr disy screen, then at the top, there is arger [00] that appears to be unlit or deactivated.


    I assume it will show numbers at some point, ranging from 0-99, but can''t figure out why.


    I look up from the watch and back to the man, thinking that I''ll receive the ID back, but he just closes the box and turns to the stone archway, pressing a silver device.


    The center of the door splits open and begins to show what''s inside as the man speaks again.


    "You will receive your updated ID once the exam is over. Please, make yourselffortable. Today you will assimte with your fellow applicants and rest up before the exams begin tomorrow morning."


    He motions for me to enter through the stone archway, and I see a long grey cobblestone path.


    "Follow the path and you''ll make it to the greeting hall."


    I step forward onto the pathway and the doors begin to close behind me as I do.


    He gives me a professional smile, then presses the sides of the ck box and turns back to the never-ending horizon to wait for more applicants to arrive.


    The double door shuts with a thud as the heavy stonees back together and the chirping of birds and smell of honey fills my senses.


    The scenery of green trees, flowers, trickling streams, and even docile animals like squirrels and deer roam around on either side of the path.


    I walk forward, taking in the view, passing fruit trees, and watching birds fly through the open air.


    There is no ceiling to this odd ce, I still see the same blue sky above that I did when I first spawned in.


    The further I walk away from the stone wall behind me, the more it feels like I''m really walking through the wilderness.


    The grey stone path winds through the woods past ponds, flower fields, and mythical-looking swamnds with glowing blue mushrooms.


    I don''t sense much mana at alling off of anything here, the only thing I sense is the excess energy floating through the air from the mana shielding outside these walls.


    Flowing water, the sweet smell of fresh roses, and the beautiful wildlife continue to amaze me, but my gaze stays focused on the path beneath my feet.


    Almost a full 20 minutes pass before the sounds of other humans hit my ears.


    Cheers,ughter, music, and conversation flood through the wilderness until Ie across its source at the end of the grey path that leads to arge stone castle in the middle of the wildlife.


    Another stone archwayes into view, but this time the doors aren''t closed.


    Vines have grown up the castle walls, and birds have even made nests in some of the crevices in the handid stone. They chirp and fly in and out of the archways to enter and leave the castle as they please.


    There are sixrge archways covering the front side of this castle, opening it up to the outside world, and there are five other grey paths aside from my own that wind through the wilderness in directions far from where I came.


    Everyone that was transported into that white abyss-likendscape and made their way to the stone wall all havee to the same exact ce.


    I see over 50 other people inside, but I can tell they''re not all applicants.


    There are long tables of food, fancy silverware and sses, casino-style games being yed, bars, stores with neon signs and various pleasure products and luxury items, fresh oxygen-rich air being pumped through the room, and many waiters handing out drinks and food on golden tters.


    Once I walk through the gate, one of these men in a tuxedo wees me.


    "Ray Anderson, I''m d you''ve made it all this way. Please, make yourselffortable. We want to make sure you''re well-rested for the exams tomorrow."


    He looks toward the back of the room, where over a dozen small closed doors rest through all of the activities taking ce. They have all kinds of signs above them, and only two of them on the far sides arebeled [Exit].


    "Once you have had your fun, you may leave, but you may stay as long as you like. All goods and services are on the house. The wristband you wear will tell you when you need to arrive at your next exam."


    He hands me a drink and walks away before I can ask any questions.


    Everything here feels very odd, even his wording feels very off. Next exam? Was that a slip of the tongue meaning I''m being tested right now, or just more nonsense to throw me off?


    The bright lights, endless entertainment, and especially the calming nature outside.


    This isn''t at all what I expected to see whening here...


    Despite this, I walk forward into the crowded luxury lounge to see who has arrived and what I''m dealing with here. Over half of the people in here are employees, working gambling tables, serving food, and escorting guests to private rooms in the back.


    Many of the workers are over level 700, while others like the waiter I just met aren''t even level 200. I can tell who is a worker and who is an applicant by the wristbands people wear.


    Everyone''s looks the same, with their region, full name, and a cked-out [00] on the face.


    I walk further in with a tightened gaze and begin to recognize a few people.


    There are three other applicants from the Bedrock Region that I see, and they look as confused as I do, as they''ve just recently entered this ce on the other side of the room.


    Two other people I see are the water-wielding guards from the Vice Region that epted the trade deals with Leo a few days ago.


    They''re both drinking and eating food at a bar.


    About two dozen other applicants with strong elemental skills catch my eye, and I see all kinds of locations like Veridian, Silca, and even Raya Region markings on a few applicants'' wristbands.


    Then a tall woman with strong arms and legs and a spear I recognize as my own craftsmanship catches my eye.


    It''s a warrior from the Talton Region.


    She sits on a white couch alone, eating a te of delicious-looking meat.


    I''m confused as to why she''s here, but don''t want to ask because that would cause unnecessary problems.


    I let out a long sigh and continue to walk through the entertainment around me, scanning people as theye in from the outside wilderness.


    I swirl the drink that was presented to me when I entered around in its ss but don''t dare to actually sip from it even though I don''t sense anything out of the ordinary inside.


    When I see an empty table on my way through the cliques of hunters, I leave it on the edge and continue walking through the room toward the most familiar status reading in my mind''s eye.


    Finally, I make it to one of the less crowded bars with a blue haired woman wielding water magic behind it talking to a single orange haired fire user.


    The bar itself is in an awkward corner of the room, and it''s not as easily essible as the others that are all aligned on the center path.


    As I approach, he turns his head and makes eye contact with me, waves for me toe and have a seat, then faces the woman again as she points to options on their menu and they continue their conversation.


    I walk up and sit down next to him, putting an arm around his shoulder.


    Then, Ember speaks the moment I take a seat.


    "Took you long enough to get here. I was waiting to make my order until you arrived, but now I''m not sure I''m even hungry."


    He grins, looks up at the bartender, and shrugs.


    "I think our conversation was satisfying enough. Looks like those teleport crystals picked favorites, don''t they? I spawned right outside the front gate, it seems some people weren''t as lucky."


    She nods, then looks at me and shows a professional smile while sliding me the same menu that''s in front of Ember.


    "Your friend is right. Luck is a much more important skill than most hunter''s believe it to be. The fact that you even found this castle in the first ce, and so early on is quite a good start. Now please, take a look at the menu. I''m sure you''ll be here for a while, and want to rest up, so you might as well find something that interests you."

 Chapter 530

    Chapter 530


    I look at the menu and all kinds of options are avable for purchase.


    There are about a dozen food and drink items on the top half of the menu written in green ink.


    The middle half of the menu is written in yellow, and there are less than half as many items as the green.


    Below this, there''s only one item written in red text. It''s a meal and drinkbo.


    Beside every option, [0 Tokens] is printed.


    I look up at the woman and do a quick scan of her status to find that she''s over level 700, has extreme water magic summoning, and mana control strong enough to face off against a regional director if she wanted.


    However, she''s just calmly standing behind the counter polishing an unused ss while we read the menu.


    I ask her a question.


    "What are these color-coded options...? And- What are tokens?"I scratch my head and look back down at the paper, but she doesn''t respond right away.


    I turn to Ember and he shrugs.


    "I asked the same thing a few times, but got no direct answers out of her. However, I did pick up on a few clues and think I have a feel for what''s going on.."


    I tighten my gaze at him as he continues.


    "Everything about this first stage of the exams is about luck-"


    As he says these words, lights sh in the background and a dinging noise sounds out from one of the casino tables with a spinning roulette machine.


    A tall man with blond hair stands up with a relieved look on his face and yells out in excitement as the thin worker behind the machine hands him a small ck coin.


    A man on the other side of the table looks depressed and pale-faced. I can''t quite tell what exactly is going on. It''s on the far side of the room and I didn''t see what the stakes were before their game, but that coin in the winner''s hand may have answered one of my questions already.


    Ember grins and continues after they calm down.


    "Those are tokens. I''ve seen a few people win them throughout thest hour or so, and a few have even left through those doors."


    He points to the back of the room where the [Exit] signs glow with red neon light.


    Then I reply, looking down at the color-coded menu.


    "So even this is some kind of game."


    The woman behind the counter shows a small grin as she continues to polish the crystal-clear ss reflecting her blue hair in the bright lights of the room.


    I point to the menu.


    "So what? The green options are safer? And the Red Options are risky, does it work something like that?"


    I look her in the eyes, and she shrugs.


    "I''m not permitted to answer any questions about the exams without proper payment."


    I tighten my gaze, understanding that this means it will be possible to get some information out of her.


    If proper payment means tokens, then I''ll have to y in these games to win some, but maybe there''s a way to get the answers without risking anything. I saw the look on that man''s face at the table when he lost, but if everything is free, then I''m not sure why he''d be so down...


    I ask another question.


    "Do we have to participate in these games? Do we even need tokens? Or can we exit right now...?"


    "I''m not permitted to answer any questions about the exams without proper payment."


    She responds with the same tone, but I can tell she''s enjoying herself by the small changes in her facial expression while she watches me think.


    I let out a sigh, thinking over my options.


    "Well, if I''m going to y, I might as well limit the times I''m going to test my luck. I doubt it''s as easy as just picking a green meal and winning a token. High Risk, High Reward. I''ll take the meal and drink from your red menu option."


    Her grin grows as I push the menu forward, and Ember adds in.


    "I''ll have what he''s having too. If it doesn''t look appetizing once it''s presented, I just won''t indulge."


    I nod slowly.


    "Same..."


    The blue-haired bartender ces the overly polished ss back with the other clean sses and gets to work on preparing a meal before our eyes.


    With magic stoves, pre-cut meat and vegetables, and top-shelf drinks lined up ready to pour behind her, it only takes a few minutes before our meals and drinks are served on crimson-tinted tes and sses.


    The drink bubbles and the food steams.


    I can sense arge amount of mana radiating off of both of the meals, simr to the dishes I ate back in Valor City. They will instantly re-energize the person that eats them and fill their mana stores to full, even giving minor strength buffs that linger after.


    She ces them down and takes a step back.


    "Please, enjoy your meal."


    The woman goes back to polishing the same ss that she put away before, and we stare down at the dishes.


    I do a full scan of the food and drinks multiple times and find no odd curses or magical debuffs present. It''s just like the ss that the server at the door handed me, nothing is off about it at all, and it feels like I''m just being overly paranoid for no reason.


    Ember also looks down at his dish very hesitantly too.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Ie to the conclusion that there is really nothing wrong with these dishes in a magical sense, but that doesn''t mean it''s safe to eat.


    I dip a finger that''s covered in the silver armor of my gauntlets into the sauce that''s cooked into both the meat and vegetables on my te and smear a small amount on my inner right wrist against my bare skin.


    I look at Ember''s dish and don''t even ask him first before I do the same on my left.


    The bartender presents a sanitary towel for me to clean the sauce off my hands, but I leave the two blotches on my skin for a few minutes and wait.


    In the meantime, I do the same thing with our drinks, dabbing a fresh towel into each of the sses, and putting it onto my wrist below the sauces.


    Nothing happens for a few minutes, and we wait in silence. The food stops steaming, and the bubbles in the drink all pop and fizz away. However, it isn''t too long before I begin to feel mana from a passive skill being used up while a very strong burning sensation starts to make itself known in my left wrist.


    I whisper under my breath while staring down at the te where the sauce came from.


    "Poison... This dish is poisoned..."


    None of the drink splotches react, and the sauce from my own dish doesn''t burn at all.


    I wipe the sauce off both of my wrists, and only one is covered in a very faint rash that is automatically healing from the passive poison resistance perk of my self-regeneration skill.


    Before it fully heals, I cover it up with my cloak and put my arm below the table, then switch my te with Ember''s.


    I speak up while picking up some of the veggies with a clean fork and crunching down on them knowing that they''re packed with poison.


    Ember smirks, but the bartender''s eyes widen with surprise.


    I can tell she wants to say something, but just gulps and steps back while continuing to polish that ss.


    Both of us dig in, and I feel the burning feeling in my mouth and throat rise and fall over and over after every bite.


    My self-regeneration skill cleanses the entire meal of any harmful substances and even detoxifies the alcohol in my drink before it can reach my bloodstream.


    It actually tastes like a unique vor of hot sauce, slightly sour, and a strong aftertaste.


    Whatever poison was in this dish was definitely a strong one, but it''d take far more than this measly dose to actually do any real damage.


    We both push our tes and sses forward when we finish, and the woman behind the counter is almost breaking a sweat at the sight before her eyes.


    Despite that, she reaches beneath the counter and pulls out two ck coins and slides them toward us.


    "Congrattions. You''ve both earned a token forpleting the red menu challenge. Now that you have a bnce, you may order from our secret menu if you please."


    She slides a new menu toward us while taking our dishes away.


    ______________


    [1 Token] Ask Me Any Question


    [2 Tokens] Choose a Magic Item you Desire


    [3 Tokens][Exit Card] Basic Room


    [5 Tokens][Exit Card] Designer Suite


    [10 Tokens][Exit Card] All Inclusive Lounge


    ______________


    I look up to the exit, then back to her and ask a question immediately.


    "What does all this mean? An exit card? Does that mean we fail or pass? Is exiting a good thing? Or-"


    "I''m not permitted to answer any questions about the exams without proper payment."


    I let out a sigh when I hear her speak these words again, but think carefully about whates out of my mouth next, because it seems like I actually do have the proper payment to get what I need now.


    Although I am interested in this game and how it''s really yed, looking at this entire room on its macro scale is more worth my time.


    I pause for a moment, then slide the ck token I just won forward.


    "My question is, how do we pass this first portion of the exam safely and efficiently?"


    She smiles and takes the token from me, finally responding with a straight answer.


    "Every vendor in this space has the same secret menu. To move on from this stage of the exam, you must collect at least 3 tokens and buy an exit card. You must move to the next room by morning and rest up with the remaining applicants before the real exam begins."


    Her gaze moves over to the exit doors, then back to me.


    "As I said before, luck and skill are very simr. One by itself will not make you a strong hunter. You''re not only going to be tested by your physical capabilities during these trials."


    I nod to myself, then speak up again.


    "Well, in that case, if it''s that easy, I''ll have another course! One option from the red menu please."


    Ember is deep in thought too, but adds in.


    "Make that two."


    The woman smiles and ces her polished ss down to begin making two identical meals just like before.


    Theye out steaming hot, and drinks bubbling.


    I do the same test I did before, but for some reason, this time neither of the dishes are poisoned. I''m unsure if that was a one-time thing, or we just got lucky this time around... Not questioning it much, we just dig in, and right after, two more ck tokens are presented to us.


    "Another round!" We both reply.


    Without missing a beat, she cooks up a third round of dishes and when I do the poison test, they bothe back positive...


    The bartender catches onto this phenomenon but doesn''t say anything.


    I share my mythic grade self-regeneration skill with Ember and give him the heads up through telepathy once I do.


    We both eat our third meal, and the bartender can''t believe her eyes once she gives us our third coin each.


    I used one up from before, so I just need one more before we can both afford the lowest exit card option on the secret menu, so I speak up the moment she starts to bring our dishes away.


    "Let''s do onest round, just for me this time."


    She turns back with a smile on her face.


    "Oh- I''m sorry, we''re all out of that menu option."


    This isn''t the reaction I expected...


    She turns back to me and begins polishing her ss again.


    I reply.


    "What do you mean? You''re already out of food? Is there a limit per item or something? Or-"


    "I''m not permitted to answer any questions about the exams without proper payment."


    That same exact responsees back and I drop my face into my palm.


    "Well, how about the yellow menu, or even the green menu, are any of those avable?"


    She shakes her head.


    "No, it seems we''re all out."


    She doesn''t change her expression and just stares ahead like we''re not even here anymore.


    Ember looks very confused too.


    He turns to me.


    "It must be some kind of limit per table, or maybe someone cut us off because we were winning too much."


    He jingles the three ck coins in his hand, then shrugs and ces one down on the counter.


    "We''re either going to figure out how this is done here, or at least figure out why we can''t order anymore. You don''t have 3 coins, so we''re going to have to y somewhere else anyway, I might as well ask."


    He pushes his coin forward.


    "My question is, what is the reason we''ve reached the limit on this table and how can we make sure this doesn''t happen again today?"


    She epts the coin but doesn''t respond immediately.


    It looks like she''s listening to someone talk in her ear for a few seconds before replying.


    "That is two questions, but I''ve been permitted to answer in a long-form exnation."


    She points to the basic menu of this shop.


    "Every bar, table, or game in this room has its own set of rules and odds of winning. Here, if you choose green, you have a 1 in 10 chance of losing, however, you must consume 3 full meals to win. The yellow is a 1 in 5 chance of losing, but it only takes 2 meals to win. Red is a 1 in 2 chance of losing, but only 1 meal to win."


    I think about these odds, and what she means by losing is picking the poison... Because the odds of eating deadly poison are 50%, anyone whopletes a meal with the redbel wins a token.


    The green and yellow options have better odds not to die, but the person has to eat much more food and will most likely be very drunk by the end of it.


    Even though the odds are lower to eat the poison, there is still far more opportunity to be unlucky each time.


    The green option would have been the smartest choice, but using my self-regeneration perk, I''ve created my own luck.


    The bartender continues.


    "However, there is one rule that applies to every game in this room. You''re only allowed to y three times."


    I raise an eyebrow, and this makes me rethink my thoughts about the odds before.


    If you''re only allowed to y 3 times, that means the maximum amount a person could win on green would be 1 token. So, depending on how hard the games at the other tables are, maybe this was the best option after all...


    I nod and she finishes her thought.


    "You have tokens to use. If you''d like to sessfully win 3 and move on to the next stage, it will be best to ask other vendors the proper question before you y. You have reached your limit on this table today, I wish you the best of luck."


    She smiles and takes the menus away, then goes back to polishing the clean ss like none of this ever happened.


    I want to ask her more, but I''m sure she''ll give that same basic response unless I hand over a token, so I let out a sigh and decide that we''ve gotten all we can from this woman.


    "Well, I guess, thanks for the meals."


    Music, dinging, shing lights, and dozens of ongoing games fill my senses as I bring my attention away from the bar we were just sitting at and back toward the rest of the games.


    Over a dozen more applicants have wandered in from outside while we were ying.


    Ember and I get up from our stools, both with 2 tokens jingling in our hands, and slowly walk further inside to look for another game worth ying.

 Chapter 531

    Chapter 531


    We walk through the room and I take in the scenes around me.


    Many more bars and restaurants catch my eye, serving all kinds of food and drinks.


    There are tables where people are sitting down ying cards, each yer trying to hit numbers closest to 21 without going over while still beating the dealer.


    I even pass a station where a man with long ck curly hair sells circr rocks from three different bins.


    Two hunters are sitting in front of him, trying to split open the hard stones with metal devices provided, but nothing but more grey stone is inside as I walk past.


    It catches my interest, but even while using my all-seeing eye, I can''t tell the difference between the rocks.


    It isn''t until we round another bend and the booth is almostpletely out of sight that one of the hunters cracking open stones finds a bright crystal inside one and celebrates as the man behind the counter gives them a token in exchange.


    Everything in this room seems to really be based entirely on luck, just like the woman at the bar we left said.


    I see hunters getting drunk, some copsing on the ground and being taken away to one of the back rooms by waiters that patrol the room, and others celebrating their winnings and buying exit cards to leave through one of the two exit doors in the back.All we need is one more token each, but that doesn''t mean I want to risk anything unnecessarily.


    As we continue to walk through, one of the booths at the far side of the room is making the most noise and has the most people surrounding it.


    It''s arge open table that lit up with lights behind us when we were first ordering our meals, the roulette table I passed right when I entered this room.


    There are over half a dozen hunters surrounding the table as we approach, and one hunter is talking to the thin table manager behind the counter.


    Two hunters in high-grade gear stand at the back of the table silently looking down at the others. It''s clear they''re a cut above the rest. Both of them are over level 700. One has short spiky blond hair with an extreme lightning summoning skill just like mine.


    The other is very muscr, has his head shaved bald, staring ahead with his sharp blue eyes, and I read his status to find he has an extreme grade water summoning skill.


    Both of these hunters have mana control levels far higher than a level 800 or even a level 900 monster.


    I get a quick look at their wristbands and see they''re both from the Apex region. The lightning user''s name is Trax, and the water wielder is Callum.


    Trax points to one of the lower-level hunters sitting at the table and says something to him, and the hunter nods with a scared look in his eyes, turning to the table manager anding to an agreement with him quickly. He takes one of three balls that are held out in the table manager''s open palm and moves toward the game area of the table.


    The hunter''s hands are shaking as he steps up to the roulette wheel, and the man behind the counter spins it.


    On the wrist of the shaking hunter''s hand, I see that he''s also from the Apex region, just like the two strong hunters standing over him, but his mana control is nowhere near theirs, it doesn''t even surpass my own perceived level 600 control.


    This makes me very curious.


    Moments ago the wheel was all gray without any markings on it at all, but now that it''s begun spinning, half of the wheel is red and the other half is green. On its surface, there are small ridges that are just wide enough for the ball tond in.


    I count 18 green ridges and 19 red ones.


    My best guess is green is good and red is bad, but I''m still not sure what is on the line. All I can do is watch and find out.


    The manager speaks.


    "Please, make your spin."


    The hunter takes a deep breath in and out, then spins the small ball around the upper ring of the spinning device in the opposite direction that the red and green wheel is spinning.


    It rotates around the wooden wheel a few times, slowly with each rotation, and the manager speaks up as a small hole in the center of the table appears.


    "Your bet has been ced on the high-risk roll, please insert your right arm up to the shoulder in the machine."


    The man''s arm is shaking even more now than it was when he spun the wheel, but he closes his eyes and shoves it inside anyway.


    There''s a clicking sound that locks his arm in ce, and the whole table silently watches the small white ball spin around and around on the wheel.


    The tension increases every rotation.


    A woman, who happens to be another hunter from the Apex region with long white hair and worried green eyes, sits next to the man that just ced his bet.


    Everyone''s watching the ball spin and spin, and all other distractions from around the room fade away as the ball curves down and hits the green slot right on the edge of where the colors collide on the table.


    Everyone''s breath is held, but gasps fill the air as the ball bounces out and falls into the red area just a single slot away.


    It rolls around inside the red slot, losing momentum as it tries to roll out, but within seconds it settlespletely and everyone stares at the wheel as it continues to spin around the table in a hypnotic fashion.


    I feel a surge of manae from beneath the table and a metallic sound of gears turning, then the hunter''s arm that''s beneath the table jolts and he lets out a scream.


    The lock holding him in ce releases and he pulls out a stump where his arm used to be.


    My eyes widen, but everyone else at the table just looks saddened like they knew that would happen.


    The woman with white hair turns to him and immediately begins using her single skill on the affected area.


    [Soft Heal][Legendary Grade]


    I watch both her and the injured hunter drink multiple C-Grade mana potions taken from a pouch on their sides, and the missing limb starts to slowly grow back.


    The lightning user points down at another hunter at the table to take his ce while he heals and speaks in amanding tone.


    "You''re next. He''s all out of bets."


    He jingles three ck tokens around in his hand, pointing to his partner next to him.


    "I have enough for me, but now we need a room for Callum. We''re the stars of the show here, we need to be fully rested for tomorrow."


    Without question, the next hunter ces a bet and goes through the same process as the other hunter just did.


    He chooses from three balls in the manager''s handbeled 1, 2, and 3. Every time he picks the 3, and the same split green and red table appears.


    This hunter is far luckier than thest.


    His first two spinsnd on green, and there''s a light show to celebrate when he wins.


    He''s allowed to take out his arm from the contraption each time, and he wins a ck token, but doesn''t keep them for himself. Every time he wins he hands the tokens over to the lightning user.


    He ys one more time. However, hisst round doesn''t go as well as the others.


    Just like the hunter before him, the ballnds in a red slot on the wheel, and he loses his arm because of it.


    Mana surges and gears shift. The hunter yells out in agony, but Trax shrugs while looking down at the tokens in his hand.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    He turns to the white-haired woman that is almost done healing the first man.


    "Heal him up too. Five is enough for us, at least we can get a suite. The lounge may be a bit too risky to test our own luck at any of these games. You''ll be able to make enough to pass this round by healing other suckers."


    He smirks, then ces the five tokens down on the table, speaking to the manager while ignoring the second bleeding hunter as he covers his wound.


    "An exit card for a designer suite please. That will be all."


    The thin man behind the table just smiles and epts the coins, shuffling beneath the table, then handing the man a silver rectangr card.


    They walk off from the table together without saying another word.


    The woman lets the first hunter rest up. After a few minutes, it looks like he''spletely healed up, in a physical sense. The arm that was lost ispletely back, but he can barely open his eyes. He looks fatigued beyond belief and exhausted too.


    I''m unsure exactly why, but my best guess is that the healing skill being used isn''t as efficient as Abby''s so it has side effects. Or, the hunter receiving the heal isn''t able to handle the use of so much mana in such a short period of time.


    Whatever the reason may be, it doesn''t matter much to me, I just want to figure out how this game is yed.


    She starts healing the second injured hunter while I approach the table to get a closer look at the ys.


    A random hunter from the Silca Region steps up to bet next, and they pick ball number 1.


    He whispers to himself.


    "I only need one more... My luck has gotten me this far, I just need tond one more win and I''m out of here."


    He jingles two ck coins in his hand that apparently he''s won from other games today.


    This man is in exactly the same position as me, but I still wouldn''t risk betting on this table.


    Even if I do have a skill that can grow a limb back like it''s nothing, that still isn''t a skill I want to advertise having to everyone around me. I doubt Ray Anderson, hunter from the Bedrock region, ever had the ability to grow back an arm in an instant.


    I have to watch how this game is yed and figure out a way to win while also not blowing my cover.


    The manager begins the game.


    When the wheel spins, there are only three slots that glow red, and six slots that glow green exactly opposite on the other side.


    In between these red and green, there are still 28 greyed-out slots with no markings.


    When he spins the wheel, the hole he has to ce his arm into is only small enough to ce a single finger.


    After the ball stops spinning, itnds on a grey slot.


    There are no ringing bells, and no punishments. Nothing happens, so the hunter ys again.


    The second spin, the same result urs, after a few spins, and a single small bounce, the ballnds in a grey slot and no prize is given nor are any punishments received.


    On his third run, the hunter chooses the ball with a 2 on it.


    When the wheel lights up, nine slots are red, and ten are green. The remaining 18 are greyed out.


    The hole in the table fits his hand up to his wrist.


    He gulps and spins the ball around the wooden machine.


    After a tense 20 seconds, the ball bounces once in the grey right next to the line of green slots.


    Before the ball even settles, I can see a bit of anger rising up on his face, and feel the activation of wind magic swelling inside of him.


    With his free hand, a small concentrated gust is summoned, and the ball rolls up and out of the grey slot and into the green one.


    It was such a minuscule amount of magic, and only my fine-tuned senses were able to detect it. I highly doubt the man behind the counter saw it.


    The hunter believes this is the case too when he doesn''t react, so he jumps up in the air with a smile on his face celebrating his win.


    However, the lights don''t sh and the moment he jumps out of his seat there''s a burst of mana under the table, and a yell of pain follows.


    The manager speaks up.


    "Our system detected magic that directly affected the results of the game. Cheating is not permitted. This is an automatic loss."


    His eyes widen and he looks around the room, but doesn''t know what to do other than stop the bleeding with his shirt.


    He swears under his breath and his face turns red.


    The woman that was helping the other two hunters before looks pretty tired herself, but the two men she helped from her own region are both fast asleep slumped on chairs next to her in far worse shape.


    She rolls her eyes and speaks up to the hunter.


    "It was a good try. I''ll heal you for a token, you''re going to need that hand of yourster. What do you say, deal?"


    He nervously looks around, holding two tokens in his good hand and gritting his teeth.


    "Fine. You''re right. It''s worth it...Deal."


    He tosses her a token and ces the other in his pocket while giving her the stump of a wrist to start healing.


    While he does, others start walking up to the table and ying with the ballbeled 1, but many walk away when they see the bloody result of losing.


    Ember turns to me, disinterested in what''s going on around us.


    "Not a very good game. This one''s going to be hard to hack. You''ll be ying with real luck here."


    I stare at the spinning wheel as another person ys deep in thought for a few minutes, then an idea hits me.


    "You know what... I think it might not be impossible to beat."


    I walk up to the table next and look the manager in the eyes.


    "Ball number 1. That''s what I''d like to pick."


    He lets me take it from his palm and he spins the wheel.


    I hold the ball in my hand, and try to focus using my mythic grade swordsmanship skill on the ball, focusing on only the green slots as a target, but it doesn''t activate as I assumed it would.


    The manager speaks up as I think deeply to myself.


    "Please, make your spin."


    The six green slots glow as I watch them spin around the wheel. However, the three red slots rotate and glow into my vision on the other side of the wheel too.


    I take a deep breath in and out and try to concentrate, pretending this ball is my sword again, and the faint thread leading toward the green slots on the spinning wheel flickers, but it doesn''t stay solid in my mind''s eye.


    "I guess I''ll need a little more than that."


    I bite my bottom lip, and reach into a fake item box on my waist to reach into my item storage and touch my sword with my opposite hand.


    The instant I do, mythic grade dual wielding activates, and I''m able to see the same thin thread with far more precision in my mind''s eye than before. Using an actual sword ustomed to this skill in one hand make''s it far easier to visualize this ball as a weapon and the green slots as the enemy I''m trying to hit.


    A swirling line of probability shows me exactly how fast and hard I need to push this ball to make itnd where I want it to.


    I''m not imbuing the ball with mana, and not directly affecting the game itself. It''s just an advanced perception boost. Technically, it''s a legal spin.


    If using mana to increase my uracy is against the rules, then it''s worth losing a finger to test things out.


    I take another deep breath in and out, then release the ball to spin around the wooden table at exactly the rate at which the thread from my mythic grade skill predicts a perfect shot on my target.


    Once I stand back up, I pull my hand from my item box and ce the finger I''m betting with into the table.


    Even now, there''s silence as the ball rotates around the table.


    As the ball curves down, it bounces once, andnds directly into the center of the green slots.


    Nothing happens for a moment, so I prepare to have a finger taken off, but to my surprise, the lights ring out and the manager behind the table smiles while presenting me a token as my hand is released.


    "Congrattions on your win, sir."


    I ept the coin, then speak up again with a grin.


    "I''d like to do another, ball number 1 please."


    "Very well."


    He immediately stops the wheel from spinning and hands me the ball to spin it again.


    I ce my hand into my item storage to touch my sword, activate dual wielding, then do it all over again.


    The lights sh, Emberughs, I ept my token, ask to y a third time, and the man from before that lost his hand is fully healed.


    He looks tired and pissed off about my winnings, so he walks away with a scowl.


    Two waiters in suits walk up to the table next and don''t say a word, they just watch the table closely.


    It''s pretty odd that they''re watching so close, and it makes me a bit cautious of winning again. Although I kind of wanted a designer suite of my own and to share the trick I''m using with Ember, it''s better safe than sorry.


    I aim with dual wielding again, but make sure to ce the ball trajectory into the dead grey space between green and red.


    The men in suits surprisingly don''t seem to care once I let go, they just pick up the two passed-out hunters on the seats next to the healer woman and take them away.


    I let out a sigh and shake my head, as it seems they weren''t watching me directly afterall.


    Ember opens a telepathy link with me after my ballnds where I aimed.


    "What was that? Did you lose on purpose, or is your strategy not perfect?"


    I click my tongue and reply through our link.


    "I lost in case those men in suits were onto me. I guess I lost a token for no good reason. My strategy is perfect."


    He smiles while watching another random hunter step up to the game after watching me win 2 out of 3 games, spinning the wheel with false hope.


    "Well, then tell me how it''s done. You have four tokens, and I have two. That''s enough for two basic rooms if we split them. If I win three more games here, we can probably learn a lot more about this ce if we use the extra tokens to ask questions."


    I nod, then exin what I did while a hunter goes on a three-game in a row grey slot losing streak and walks off the table shaking his head.


    Ember borrows a C-Grade dagger that I pull from my storage out of my fake item box and ces it on his waist then steps up to the game.


    I share my dual wielding skill with him, and over the next three games, he ces one hand on the dagger and the other throws three perfect shots directly into the green range, defying the odds of the game repeatedly.


    Lights sh, tokens are received, and neither the manager nor the other yers at the table have any clue what''s going on.


    We''ve both hit our table limits, so we start to walk off in the direction we just arrived from before anyone gets overly suspicious. However, a voice from the white-haired healer woman stops us in our tracks.


    "Hey- you two. How''d you do that...?"


    I turn and shrug.


    "I don''t know, we just got lucky I guess."


    Her eyebrows scrunch, and the manager behind the counter''s eyes are still wide in awe as she gets up from the table and follows us.


    "No really. That''s impossible. You managed 2 out of 3..."


    She turns to Ember.


    "-And you hit every shot you made, It''s like you were aiming for the green!"


    I count my coins in front of her and Ember counts his.


    Neither of us reply to her for a moment, but I speak up as she continues to follow us through the room.


    "Yeah, if we could game the system, we would have. It''s too bad I didn''t hit 3, I would have been sleeping in a suite tonight."


    I shake my head and smile.


    I don''t actually care what room I get to spend the night in considering I''ve had enough sleep recently tost me a few more weeks if I need to. It would just be illogical to stop where I did, so its a goodment to throw her off the scent...


    The white-haired woman eyes our tokens, not speaking for a few seconds after myment, but eventually responds.


    "You know... that''s not how exit cards work. Both of you could stay in the same suite if you wanted. Two are allowed in Designer Suites, only one is allowed in the basic room."


    I raise an eyebrow and look back.


    "Really?"


    She nods, holding up a token of her own.


    "If you want, we can all pitch in on a 10 token lounge. Up to four people are allowed in that one. It seems you don''t know much about these exams yet if this is still a mystery to you. I can pay in information to make up for what I''mcking in tokens. What do you think?"

 Chapter 532

    Chapter 532


    I shake my head and turn to Ember.


    "Only 5 tokens for a 2-person suite. So we could have stopped after I won that first spin."


    Then, I turn back to the white-haired woman that continues to follow us through the room.


    "Why should we trust you? You could easily sit by that table and earn 2 more tokens in no time at all if you wanted."


    I do another scan of her status to confirm what I saw before was true. She may have a unique healing skill, but she''s level 501, just over the minimum barrier to entry for this exam.


    We keep walking forward, even faster now, and I notice her heavy breaths and paleplexion even more than I did when she was sitting at the table.


    She replies.


    "I''d be in horrible shape tomorrow if I continue at this rate. I healed up other Apex applicants before you even came by the table. It''s not like I can use healing magic forever."


    Ember and I stop walking and turn toward her, then I reply."So what? You didn''t have to heal any of them in the first ce. It''s your own region''s applicants taking advantage of you, that''s not my problem."


    She lets out a defeated sigh.


    "True..."


    I turn to look at a few other interesting games I could attempt to y for just one more token instead of wasting my time here, but the healeres up close to me and whispers.


    "I can tell you more about this exam than any of the proctors here are authorized to say."


    She smirks, and green mist from my lie detector skill shows me that she''s telling the truth about this.


    "I am from the Apex Region after all; this is where the exam is taking ce."


    This development catches my attention, and I forget about the shing lights and other games to y in this room to focus on her as she backs up from my ear.


    "Well, if you put it like that, I guess I''d be missing out if I say no."


    She shows no malice, isn''t exceptionally strong like the other hunter applicants here, and has a good reason for not wanting to wear herself out by healing random people like I proposed. I''ve never met anyone iming to be from the Apex Region.


    Talking to her will cost a whole lot less than it would the woman at the bar, and maybe I can get some extra information out of her that isn''t rted directly to the exams while I''m at it.


    Ember chimes in.


    "I think it''s a good idea; we have plenty of time to kill."


    I put my hand out toward her and nod.


    "Fine, let''s do it. I''m Ray, and this is Emrie. We''re from the Bedrock Region. Nice to meet you."


    She ces her hand forward too like she''s going to shake mine, but her expression shifts a bit once she hears where we''re from.


    However, she just shakes my hand and doesn''tment on it.


    "I''m Natalie, or just Nat is fine. Nice to meet you too."


    She shakes Ember''s hand next, and we turn again and continue walking back to that bar with the water-wielding woman in the back corner of the room.


    The bartender''s eyes meet mine once we get closer, and when I ce my 4 tokens down on the counter, 5 from Ember follow, and a single from Natalie.


    I speak up.


    "One All-Inclusive Lounge from your secret menu, please."


    She smiles and epts the coins, then pulls out a gold rectangr card.


    "Here you go, remember you can add a fourth member at any time before the morning check-in if you wish."


    I nod and take the card.


    "Thanks."


    When we turn and start walking toward the exits at the back of the room, Natalie speaks up.


    "We have to link the exit card to our bracelet IDs before it will let us through."


    She taps the gold card against my bracelet, and my hunter name pops up at the top of the card.


    She taps it against Ember''s next, and his fake ID name pops up. Natalie does it third, and her name shows up below both of ours.


    There''s a single slot left open below all of them.


    I hold the card as we continue to walk toward the exit doors but raise a question.


    "Nat, so, if you know so much about this exam, then what do we do next? Leave through these doors to a resting area, then what? Just wait? Do another one of these wacky challenges? Or what? Honestly, this isn''t a very good test of our capabilities as monster hunters."


    As we approach, one of the exit doors slides open on its own, and a hallway is visible behind it. She replies as we walk through.


    "Well, everything here is a series of minor tests even if it might not seem like it. Think of this room as the pre-exam trials."


    The curved hallway we walk through looks like a semicircle. The floor, walls and ceiling are made of a very high quality white and grey marble. It seems the other exit door on the other side of the room would have led us here to the same center point.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    It''s a single bronze door with a scannable keypad on the front of it. There''s no doorknob.


    Natalie speaks up again.


    "Most applicants are probably very tired from trekking tens of kilometers through the white void outside, and possibly even fighting other applicants they found along the way."


    I nod while bringing my wrist up to have my wristband hit the scanner on the door while she continues.


    "In addition to that, the only way to get a room to rest in for tomorrow''s test was to y in their twisted games or make deals with other hunters."


    The door opens with a click, and a bright [26] appears on my wristband the moment it does.


    Ember puts his wristband on the door too, and his lights up to say [27].


    Nat does itst, and hers glows [28].


    We all walk through the bronze door into a new hallway that leads straight ahead.


    There are many doors on both sides of the hall; they all say [Basic Room] above them. asionally, I see a small bronze card on the door, but the majority of them are vacant.


    We pass about 50 rooms until we make it to the end of the hall where there is a silver door with the same scanner.


    Nat continues to talk while each of us scans our wristbands and walks through to the next hallway.


    "As you witnessed earlier at that roulette table, some people know how to game the system. The higher level hunters from the Apex Region knew this event was taking ce, so a few less talented hunters were chosen as sacrifices to give them an early lead. I''m one of the designated healers... I wasn''t originally going to run in the B-ss exams this year, but I was chosen to do so as fodder for the chosen elites in my ss."


    "Interesting..."


    I think about the cockiness and arrogance those two hunters had, taking the tokens from their fellow regional hunters, but shrug it off.


    "They''re pretty strong though; it makes sense."


    Nat sighs.


    "Yeah, a few more years with the Apex Region, and I''ll have my time as an Elite too."


    We silently continue walking down the next hall that''s lined with more doors on both sidesbeled Designer Suites. Only a few of them have silver cards on them.


    One of the cards I notice has the names Trax and Callum as the two we were just talking about, but I don''t mention it as we make it to the golden door at the end of the hall and scan our way through.


    This final hall has less than 10 total rooms, and none of them are taken yet.


    We walk to the end of the hall and see a big ck door with a scanner just like thest ones.


    Each of us tries to get through, but there are no clicks or even reactions from our wristbands.


    So, I turn left and ce the golden card against the room nearest the end of the hall.


    It clicks into ce, and there''s a miniature pulse of mana that ripples through the door, then a scanner materializes below the card.


    I ce my wristband against it and the door clicks open.


    Ember and Nat do the same thing, registering their entry as we walk in.


    I''m hit with a rush of mana-dense air, simr to that of the suites at the Moon Bar in Valor City.


    It feels like fresh mana to cultivate and heal faster is being flooded through the room.


    Each breath is many times as dense with mana than it is outside. It isn''t impressive to me or Ember, as we''ve been in circumstances with hundreds of times more mana-dense air than this, but it is still rxing.


    Natalie, on the other hand, walks forward with eyes wide full of awe, taking deep breaths and fluttering her hands around like she''s never felt anything like this before.


    The door clicks shut behind us, and I take in the view of the lounge.


    There are many tables and couches, white carpets, fine art on the wall, and a stuffed fridge and cab with mana-imbued food to eat. Plus, an assortment of HP and MP potions lined up against a wall.


    There are four separate master bedrooms for each person that is allowed in the suite, and there''s a timer above the door that we just walked in from that reads [15:49:02].


    Natalie immediately walks over to the food and potions once she''s had her fill admiring the room, then starts eating and drinking as much healing supplements as she can.


    A full minute goes by before she stops, and I see the colore back in her face as she copses back onto one of the sofas in the middle of the room with a satisfied look on her face.


    Ember and I examine theplimentary food and items, but nothing looks appealing or even high grade enough to pocket for future use.


    We sit down on the couch across from her, and I ask a question.


    "Well, now that we''re here, I want to know what information about the exams you said you have that are so valuable not even the proctors can share."


    She nods and sits up, looking back at the food and potions, then back to us.


    "You two sure are weird. Not even a single MP potion? Or at least a taste of food? This is the kind of high-grade goods you can''t find anywhere other than Nation-Wide Association events. We''re not even treated with stuff like this during Apex Region training."


    I shrug, thinking about how it''s probably true that average citizens or even high C-Grade hunters would never get to feel these luxuries. However, I''ve been living at a much higher standard of living ever since I ventured into Valor City months back. The highest grade of goods provided here doesn''te anywhere close to the items I can produce myself.


    I speak up again.


    "That doesn''t answer the question I was asking. What do we need to know about these exams? You said you''d make up for your difference in tokens, so I want to hear everything you know."


    My expression turns stern, and she reacts to this with hands raised.


    "Hey, hey. Sorry, I just assumed it wasn''t that urgent."


    She points to the clock on the wall.


    "First things first, that''s how much time is left until the first stage of exams even starts. Hunters are going to be wandering in from all edges of this exam site for hours and will spend even more time ying games."


    I nod, and she continues.


    "Like I mentioned earlier, this is the trial exam. A time for proctors to observe you in your natural state. Will you give in to temptations? Do you have unusual skills or a knack for luck? These are what are being observed today. Things that don''t usuallye out in battles and life-or-death situations."


    Nat stands up from the couch and smiles.


    "Also, it''s a time for some hunters to socialize and make allies. Usually, we see Silca, Bedrock, and often a few Raya Region applicants trying to get on the good sides of the elites from Vice, Veridian, or Apex, but honestly, I didn''t have time to observe many people today. I was worried I would get eliminated early from over-exhaustion healing my own Region''s people."


    I think to myself, putting together the hidden meaning behind her words.


    This means the Vice, Veridian, and Apex Regions are usually the top performers, and the Silca, Bedrock, and Raya Regions do poorly.


    She didn''t even mention the Talton or Phantom Regions in this example, so I can assume they do even worse. However, now is not the time to fixate on this. I''m more interested in the exams themselves.


    "Why would it be in their best interest to make friendly connections with other regions during the exams? Aren''t there only a limited number of slots for people that pass? And your home regions get benefits from passing, so wouldn''t it be best to align only with your own?"


    She nods.


    "True, but there are often eventster on where regions have to work together. Out in the real world, there are missions where we have to all work together under the Association, so many of these scenarios will be simted and tested in- Well..."


    She thinks to herself while looking up at the ceiling.


    "I think that will be in the 3rd stage of the exam this year. The sim tests are pretty interesting. I''ve only practiced in them a few times."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What do you mean? You know what the stages of the exams will be?? Now, this is the kind of info I''m actually interested in. Tell me, what do you know?"


    She smiles and starts walking back and forth through the room to soak up as much mana as she can. Color is still streaming back into her face more and more every second.


    "We had a few briefings and information leaks from the Director before we left. I know for certain there''s going to be a written exam, basic physical testing, and grouped teaming simtions in the first 3 stages. The 4th and 5th I only have a few guesses for. There were some hints and clues released, and I''m sure some of the higher-ranked Apex Elites know the actual nature of those stages, but I don''t. I hear thest 2 stages are where all of the regional directors will be watching us live. There is most likely some kind of massive group event nned."


    She looks back at the clock at the top of the door.


    "I can exin exactly what will happen in the first 3 stages for you now if you want; beyond that is all a guessing game. We''ll have to wait and see."


    She turns back to Ember and me sitting in a rxed manner on the couch.


    I nod and reply.


    "Good. Start talking, let''s hear what we''re in for."

 Chapter 533

    Chapter 533


    Natalie begins to exin everything she knows about the B-ss exams while continuing to pace around the mana-dense air in the room.


    She exins that most years, there are 12 people epted as applicants that pass the exams. It''s very normal for the Apex region to take 4-6 of these slots, while the Veridian and Vice Region take the other 6 to 8 remaining.


    All of these regions have submitted 12 applicants each, the maximum avable.


    None of the other regions hit the maximum that she knows of. The other 5 regions usually try to aim to squeeze in 1 or 2 passing slots with their most talented hunters every few years.


    The Bedrock Region I came from only submitted 8, and that would have been 6 naturally if Ember and I didn''t show upst minute.


    For the exams themselves, there''s always a very unique grading system used. Her best guess is that this year the wristbands will y arge role in grading applicants.


    The first stage after today will be a written exam and will most likely be paired with general physical tests to see our natural intellect andbat ability.


    Natalie recounts many of the training exercises she''s been through over thest few months while living in the Apex region. Everything she''s telling me seems like very basic procedure, making me realize again how overqualified Ember and I really are for this exam.


    Still, I note down everything she says. Being over-prepared isn''t a bad thing.Finally, once she starts talking about the 3rd stage, this piques my interest. The white-haired healer describes a contraption that she''s trained in simr to a device I''ve used back in Vice City. When I first visited the capital with a private guild from my hometown, there were special mana shielded rooms that provided high-grade gear to train with other hunters and not worry about being injured.


    However, the descriptions that Natalie gives make the simted rooms she used to train in sound like a step far above anything I''ve ever seen before.


    She was able to fight simted monsters of varying levels and in a small room it would feel like a vast dungeon all controlled by someone outside the room.


    Once her exnation is finished, I notice the paleplexion in her skin return, sweat form on her face, and a wave of exhaustion wash over her eyes. She stumbles but catches herself on the edge of a sofa.


    "Anyway, that''s about everything I know... The sim stations usually hold about 4 people each, some of the big ones can do 6. So, that''s something to keep in mind. Maybe you were looking out for other hunters while back in the game room. If not, we already have a room here, there''s no rule that states you can''t go back out and make connections. All you need is your activated wristband to move in and out of the rooms now."


    I raise an eyebrow at herst remark, but see she''s not in any shape for more questions.


    I could give her a full regen potion right now, and she''d most likely be as good as new, but I''m still not too sure I can trust this woman as my ally. She is some random healer from the Apex region after all. I can''t just assume that it''s out of the realm of possibility this is all a part of the high-level Apex soldier''s n. She could just be a nt to hold us back even more.


    Despite these thoughts, I reply in a friendly tone.


    "Thanks, I think you''ve paid with more than enough information. I appreciate it."


    She lets out a relieved smile and walks over to one of the master bedrooms, scanning her wristwatch on the door and walking inside. She speaks as the door closes.


    "Thank you too, I wouldn''t have had the resources to rest up for tomorrow without you."


    It clicks closed and I turn to Ember immediately.


    "I''m going back out there. If what she said about allies is true, I might as well make some other friends. It''s not like we need to rest up like everyone else."


    Ember shrugs.


    "Suit yourself. I''m going to stay in here and keep an eye on her."


    I leave the lounge and make my way through the marble hallways, scanning my wristband on every doorway¡ªgold, silver, and bronze¡ªuntil I make it back into the gaming room with a new outlook on the events taking ce before my eyes.


    I see every booth in the room as a personality test, and the eyes of all of the high B-ss proctors watching every applicant''s move as a surveince system that logs the data of everyone''s trials.


    I don''t feel any recording crystals or advanced surveince like there is in Valor City, but there are over two dozen level 700+ proctors in the room with their natural perception seeping through the room so not much can really be missed.


    Even with all the eyes, I''m still determined to learn more about this event and make some connections while I have the free time to kill.


    I wander around the room observing hunters win jackpots and outsmart proctors, while others lose limbs and even get poisoned and dragged away into unmarked rooms by waiters waiting nearby.


    Many people from the same regions regroup after finding their way through the white ne outside, and on rare asions some regions mingle.


    To my surprise, the longer I wait, I actually see some hunters that were taken away get released from the private rooms the waiters brought them to.


    Some look fully healed, while others still appear exhausted and injured.


    My guess is private deals are being made, possibly at the cost of tokens, or maybe nothing at all. It''s possibly all part of the exam, testing risk management but not actually killing prized, talented future B-ss hunters over a simple mistake in a pre-exam trial.


    The more hunters I see leave, the more I assume it''s thetter, but I don''t want to go into those unmarked private rooms myself to find out.


    After a good amount of time wandering and observing, I decide to start ying a few more games I know I''ll easily win without any real risk.


    There''s a drinking game where the applicant at a bar has to choose between extremely strong alcoholic beverages from tters ofbeled intensity.


    Of course, the higher the alcoholic potency, the less you have to drink to acquire a coin.


    Many leave this bar staggering, but everyone that does has at least 1 ck token in their hand when they do.


    I take on the challenge and drink 9 of their strongest drinks in under a minute without batting an eye. By the time the liquid even makes it to my stomach it''s already beenpletely neutralized like I''m drinking water.


    I leave this booth with three ck tokens and a baffled bartender.


    There''s one other food stand at the other end of the room that I haven''t been to yet, and I decide I might as well stick to what I''m good at.


    It''s a simr game to the one I yed when I first entered this room where one of the tes they offer has a high chance of some kind of toxin inside it.


    There are a few applicants sleeping headfirst in their food sat at the table in front of a chef, so my best guess is it''s some kind of sleeping drug.


    I clear 3 of their hardest tes in just a few minutes, and feel the toxins in my body being dispersed in two of them.


    I receive another 3 tokens forpleting this challenge.


    If there were more food or drink booths, I''d do them in a heartbeat. My body burns through this sustenance almost instantly, so I hardly feel like I''ve even eaten anything.


    After my many long months of mana control and Qi training, I''m more used to consuming pure energy than food itself. While I need some vitamins, minerals, and water to survive; food itself has be less and less important to me. Today is one of the first meals I''ve eaten in weeks.


    I let out a sigh while jingling the coins in my hand, looking through the crowds of people in search of a new game to sessfully cheat or something interesting, but everything left feels like pure luck to me.


    ying these games isn''t really worth trying.


    I walk past the geode cracking game again, and see a random hunter open one of the stones to find bright red crystals inside.


    Without warning, guards bring him away to a back room even though he looks healthy and fine. I''m happy I didn''t test my luck on this one earlier. I still have no idea how it''s yed.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the vition.


    Though, my eye does catch a familiar spear-wielding woman from the Talton region sat alone at an empty table holding two tokens in her hand, clearly deep in thought about something.


    She''s been in this room since before I even initially showed up.


    Either her luck hasn''t been good, or she''s a very cautious yer.


    Her wristband isn''t lit up, and she hasn''t talked to anyone this whole time I''ve been wandering around, so I''m sure these two tokens are all she has at the moment and doesn''t have a room.


    While my identity as Jay wants to see the Talton region do well, and I''d help them if they asked; Ray Anderson from the Bedrock Region has nothing to do with them.


    I''d offer her a ce in my lounge, but that maye off as far too forward. She wouldn''t make the connection that her doing better in these exams means that there will be more funding for her region and as a result of that; they could buy more goods from me.


    So, instead, as I walk by I flip a single token in the air toward her.


    "Hey catch, I had an extra."


    I show 5 coins in my open hand as she catches the one I throw.


    Her expression is a bit confused, but she looks me in the eyes and nods with a serious gaze.


    "Thank you. This kindness won''t go unnoticed."


    I smile, and continue walking through the room.


    She immediately gets up behind me and buys a basic room exit card at the nearest vendor with her tokens while I look for others that it would benefit to help out in the


    long run.


    I remember the two water-wielding guards from the Vice region that I saw when I first walked in here, but after another walk around the room I find that they too are gone.


    They must have already saved up enough tokens and moved on.


    The longer I wait around, the less impressive the crowd in this room bes.


    There''s no one left that remotelypares to the strength and level of those two Apex Elites from before, and it makes me wonder if there are others of that strength level or even higher in the 25 applicants that made it into the suites and lounges before me.


    While making my walk back to the back of the room to call it quits, I pass a card game table with chairs hooked up to higher-powered electric chairs.


    I see a few yers lose on my way over, and the mana-imbued charge thates out of that chair has mana control nearing a level 850 monster.


    Any normal hunter would be paralyzed and burned to a crisp by this attack.


    Many are dragged away and given health potions on the spot to heal even before being taken to a back room.


    If your hand goes over 21 or the dealer''s hand is higher than the yer''s, the chair shocks whoever is on the seat. However, if the yer has a higher number than the dealer, the yer wins a token.


    It seems like a very simple game, and the fact that I''m a lightning type adds to the believability that being shocked by this chair wouldn''t hurt me.


    I whisper under my breath as I see the exit sign close by, and sit between two level 531 and level 560 hunters in the seat that is still hot from the hunter who was shocked within an inch of his life.


    "Alright, one more game, then I''m out."


    I hear a very recognizable voice reply to my mumbles from across the tables.


    "Yeah right, you should have said that an hour ago when you cleared out that roulette wheel."


    The same man that was healed by Natalie for a token sits a few seats away at the card table nervously tapping his feet and holding two tokens in his hands.


    I smirk and shove my hand in my pocket while doing a scan of his status to find he''s level 602 and has an extreme wind summoning skill. His overall mana control isn''t too bad. It''s up to par for a level 600, he isn''t falsely power-leveled.


    I pull out a token and hold it up between us.


    "You''re from the Silca Region aren''t you?"


    He nods while the dealer behind the counter starts to shuffle up the deck to get ready for the next round of y.


    The dirty blond-haired wind user replies to me in an annoyed tone.


    "Yeah, and you''re from the Bedrock, aren''t you? What''s that matter to you? We''re both from weak regions so there''s no point to rub it in that you already managed to get a room out of here."


    He points to my wristband, and everyone else''s attention at the table shifts to the bright [26] on my wrist.


    I shrug, understanding that he''s had a rough day, and not wanting to ruin the potential chance I have here for making a strong connection from another region.


    So, I brush off his remarks and ignore everyone''s stares, rolling the ck token across the table and replying.


    "How about you rest up for tomorrow. Us weaker regions have to stick together if we''re going to put any number on the board right?"


    He catches the coin with a surprised look on his face.


    "R-Really?"


    I reply while pulling out 4 more coins from my pocket and jingling them around before putting them away again.


    "I''ve got plenty of them to throw away. Don''t think too much of it. Just a friendly gesture from the Bedrock Region. The name''s Ray by the way."


    He pushes the coins forward at the dealer behind the counters and quickly yells out.


    "One basic room, please, get me out of here!"


    The dealer epts his tokens and gives him a bronze card then the man turns back to me.


    "I''m Dane- I- Thanks, man."


    He wipes sweat from his forehead and runs toward the back of the room while everyone else at the table starts asking me for a spare token too.


    I ignore all of them, as their mana control hardly even reaches Natalie''s level, and their advanced grade elements won''t make the cut if we have to do any team eventster.


    The dealer quickly shuts this down once he senses the disinterest I''m taking in the other offers and calls for those who are interested in ying to stay and those not to leave the table at once.


    Two leave, and 4 people not including me stay at the table to y.


    The first round of hands gets 2 people shocked very brutally. One is dragged away immediately, but the other somehow manages to stay upright, but it''s clear he''s badly injured from the charge. Only one person wins this round, he''s the hunter to my right who hits exactly 21, while myself and the yer a few seats to my left tie the dealer with a 19.


    We don''t get shocked, and don''t get a token. However, it does count as an attempt at the table game so I only have two tries left.


    The second round, the three of us remaining at the table all win when the dealer busts by making his hand go over 21, hitting 24 total and paying all of us out a full token.


    After this win two yers leave, and it''s only me and one other sitting at the table once the dealer spreads out the final round.


    I''m happy with a 20, and the hunter next to me is satisfied by his 19.


    However when the dealer flips his card and draws another to hit, he reaches 21 and beats both of our hands.


    The instant the card is ced down, electric mana imbued shock courses through both of our veins.


    To me, it feels like a delicate static tickle, even without activating any defenses or special mana blocking skills, the shock of a non-double ranked up monster doesn''t affect me at all.


    The man next to me shows a whole different reaction as his hair stands straight up and he falls to the floor off his seat.


    I ept my loss, as this was really just a game based on pure luck, and walk away from the table like nothing happened with the same number of tokens I had when I approached in the first ce.


    With 5 tokens in hand, I make my way back to the exit, but stop by the bar with the blue-haired bartender onest time to ask her one thing.


    "Hey, your secret menu option, the second one. The part where it says any item I desire. Are there any limitations to this?"


    She smiles and responds.


    "Wee back so soon. It looks like you have gotten quite busy today. You''re one of the applicants I''ve had my eye on the most so far..."


    She pauses and takes out the secret menu again for me to look at it and points down at the second option that reads: [2 Tokens] Choose a Magic Item you Desire.


    "Hand me two tokens and ask for what you''d like. If it''s not in stock, I can provide a refund immediately."


    I nod, then push two tokens across the table and think carefully about what I''d like.


    Once she epts the ck coins I speak.


    "I want a teleport crystal that brings me back here, to the Apex Region."


    Her eyes widen for a moment, then she looks up at the sky and waits again, like she''s listening to someone speak, then finally looks back down at me and looks me in the eyes.


    "Your request will be granted. Please wait a moment."


    She ces the ck token beneath the table, and a few momentster one of the side room doors opens.


    A low-level waiter in a tuxedo walks in with a ck box and ces it on the bar counter, then walks away quickly to leave us be.


    The bartender opens up the box to show the glimmering transport crystal inside, then closes it and pushes it forward to me.


    I grab the box and she speaks up.


    "Is there anything else I can help you with before the exams begin?"


    I think for a moment then respond while pushing another ck coin forward.


    "What will the contents of the exams be? I want an exnation of all of the stages."


    She smiles and pushes the coin back toward me.


    "Unfortunately, I am not permitted to answer questions of this nature."


    I push the coin forward again.


    "Will tokens be valuableter on in this exam?"


    She smiles and epts the token.


    "No, tokens will only be used in this trial portion of the exam. Once the testing begins, they will be worthless."


    I push the two tokens I have remaining forward and smile.


    "Well, in that case, I want another transport crystal just like the one I bought that leads here to the Apex region."


    She listens in and looks up at the ceiling again and shakes her head while pushing the coins back to me.


    "I''m afraid we''re currently out of the item you desire."


    I think to myself for a few more seconds, then push the tokens forward.


    "Well, then how about a lightning stone. The highest grade you have. High B grade, even A grade if you have it. Don''t worry about me being able to handle it with my current mana control, I''m just thinking of this as a future investment. I might as well take advantage of this while I can."


    She nods again and epts the coins while listening to something in her inner ear again, then nods and responds.


    "Very well, your request will be granted."


    The same procedure takes ce, and a waiteres by with a clear containment case and a static-charged bright yellow lightning stone floating inside it.


    I do a scan of the box and it feels like this really is a high B-Grade, borderline low A-Grade element stone.


    If I had to guess, it was farmed from some monster in the 900-950 range.


    There are no monsters that I know of like this in the Vice Citybyrinth, so it gets me very curious about where it''se from.


    I ept the item and turn away with the two boxes in my hands.


    "Thanks again. Looks like this time I''ve really gotten everything I can out of this room."


    The bartender watches me leave all the way to the exit door. I feel her curious eyes on my back until it shuts behind me.


    After a series of clicks, and opening door locks, I finally make it back to the lounge to be greeted by Ember with his feet up lying back on the couch.


    I throw both the items into my item storage through the fake item box on my waist, then lie on the couch next to Ember and tell him about the events that happened in the game room while I was away.


    My eyes move to the clock above the door when I''m done, but I still see almost 12 hours left on the timer.


    We both decide to lie back and rx until the time is up.


    It''s been a very busy month. Between training, fulfilling orders, and dealing with new businesses and citizensing to the Crimson City back in Sector 2.


    Just sitting back in this mana dense room with nothing on my mind but a single task ahead is pretty rxing.


    I let out a sigh and close my eyes.


    "Alright. I''m fully prepared. B-ss exams bring it on."


    ¡ª


    We rx in the mana dense room as intended all throughout the night.


    Ember and I discuss a few things about training and random crafting ideas through our telepathy link from time to time, but for the majority of it, we really do sit in silence and rx while absorbing some of the fresh mana in the air.


    Once the timer on the door hits [00:00:00] a loud constant ringing sound vibrates throughout the room, and all of the master bedroom doors open wide automatically.


    On the panel where the timer stops a new message [Stage 1: Now Begins!] shes in bold white text.


    Nataliees walking out from where she was resting with a startled look on her face like she just woke up.


    At the same time, there''s a series of loud knocks at the lounge''s front door that leads out into the hall.

 Chapter 534

    Chapter 534


    We all walk over to the door as the knocking gets louder.


    I reach forward and open it to see a low-level waiter holding the golden exit card that''s on the back of the door. He looks us over for a moment before speaking.


    "Ray, Emrie, Natalie, right this way. Stage 1 of the exams will now begin. I wish you the best of luck."


    He slips the golden card into a small ck box simr to the one I put my ID into when I first met one of the guards outside of thispound when I arrived.


    It disappears inside, and he turns to the ck door at the back of the hall to scan a wristband in the scanner at the door.


    Unlike yesterday, when all of us tried ours, the door clicks open and a bright white room shows itself within.


    We walk out into the hall, and when peering in the opposite direction, I can see the gold and silver doors wide open with countless other men and women in tuxedos greeting dozens of hunters at their doors.


    Everyone is escorted to the end of the hall and through the ck door into the mana-shielded white room.


    It''s enormous.The room stretches out over 300 meters in every direction, and inside, there are small cubicles separated by anotheryer of extremely dense mana shielding.


    A strong silver door with a screen disying a number is on every cube.


    The attendants escort each of us to the cube with our numbers on them.


    Ember is assigned to the cube right next to mine, and Natalie''s is next to his.


    However, once we walk inside, and the silver door clicks shut, the outside worldpletely disappears from my senses.


    To see through these walls, I''d need to use mana control with precision that rivals a level 1500 monster.


    While it is very possible, I feel heavy surveince auras in this room and decide it''s best not to let out any suspicious mana radiation of my own if I don''t have to.


    A few minutes go by in the silence of the tiny white cube, as I assume all of the other applicants are brought into the room and escorted into their cubes as well.


    Then, a voice echoes through the small space while a pure white table and chaire out of the floor as if they''re made of liquid mana.


    "Your written exam now begins. You have 3 hours toplete this test. If the timer runs out and you have not filled in all of the answers, this will be epted as your final score. You may not leave this room until the testing isplete."


    The liquid mana consolidates, then a digital screen bes visible on the center of the table.


    I walk over and have a seat and look down at the screen.


    It has [02:59:51] counting down, along with all the details about the hunter''s ID they have in their system.


    I look down at the first question on the test, and I raise an eyebrow.


    [After Expending 0.1% of your total mana control in a single training session, what is the optimal rest time and procedure that should be taken before another serious session of this intensitymences?]


    There''s an empty nk space beneath the question, and as soon as my eyes finish scanning the text, a thin white pen made of the same material as the chair and table materializes out from the desk.


    I grab it and think to myself while I look at the [Back][Skip][Next] options beneath the text.


    I try to picture what most of the applicants here possess in total mana control to visualize what kind of training I did back then.


    The average strong hunter here has between 100-300 million total MCP.


    So, the amount of mana being used during training wouldn''t be more than 100-300k MP in a single session.


    From my own experience, it feels as if the data is not very solid topare. I have regeneration skills, a teammate with an instant fatigue curing ability that lets me train endlessly, and too many unique scenarios to count.


    My mind races trying toe up with an answer here.


    I''m unsure if a day is too long or too short. The same goes for a week or even a month.


    I decide to skip it ande back.


    [What is the maximum Level Monster a team of 5 level 500 Association Hunter''s should attempt to subjugate?]


    I scratch my head and think about this one too for a moment, but skip it and move on to the next one.


    [What is the hierarchy ofmand in the Association Between the ranks of Elite to Regional Director?]


    I skip again as I have no knowledge of this topic either.


    [Skip]


    [Skip]


    [Skip]


    Over and over, I skip through niche questions that want descriptive and direct answers about topics I''d really only know if I were trained ssically by members of the higher-ups in the Association.


    There are a few about why and how dungeon breaks form that I manage to get lucky on, along with identifying what kind of item drops fall from certain kinds of monsters. However, these questions hardly make up more than 20% of the total.


    I continue to skip through the questions I have no idea about and make it to the 100th question where at the bottom of the page it reads [Finish].


    Over half of the time is leftover on the counter while I spam the back button and start filling in answers to the questions I left nk.


    The knowledge I have about the inner workings of the Association is very minimal. That''s about 30% of the test questions. I''m able to logically deduce certain answers, but others are just niche knowledge that can''t be learned.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    A solid portion of the test, over 10%, actually deals with the average cost of magical goods; I ace this section without a problem.


    However, the remaining 40% is filled with questions asking about random scenarios like the average level that hunters should fight up to when in teams, or an exnation of why fire types should never challenge water or ice types of simr strength.


    I can fudge answers that seem to be correct, but it all seems far too rigid, like they want me to recite an answer that a teacher has given me.


    From my actual battle experience in countless fights against the odds, I''ve found that many of these scenarios can be flipped right on their head.


    While it may be the safest way to train recruits on a massive scale, this kind of brainwashing to y it safe and not push the limits of each hunter''s individual understanding of their abilities irks me quite a bit.


    It''s like they''re making mindless rule following soldiers that all think the same.


    These ideas bleed through into my answers quite a bit on some of the scenarios that are asked about.


    They give the freedom to write abstract answers, so that''s exactly what I give, exining how it is very dependent on what skills each teammate has and their base stats as well.


    Just because a monster may be higher level than the hunter, or even have a massive mana control advantage; sometimes the hunter has a better understanding of thendscape and can use the dungeon mass to their advantage. Other times they may have a speed or agility edge and can wear the monster out.


    Many hunters create unique styles and even have high-grade gear that outsses high-grade monsters too.


    As I really get into answering these final skipped questions, I lose myself in the fun of it, and basically write [It Depends] just in a much longer thought-out way on almost half of the questions in this exam.


    If an experienced hunter were to read through my answers, they really are far better exnations to these scenarios than any of the boring exact technical answers I know the screen in front of me wants me to write down.


    Once I sit back and finish the final one, the timer on the top of the screen reads out [00:13:42]


    I click [Finish] and let out a sigh.


    "Well... either they ept these answers, or I have a lot of catching up to do on the physical exams..."


    I chuckle to myself, then sit in silence as the counter falls down to 0 and the screen disappears.


    There''s a light dinging sound, and the chair beneath me and table before me start to dissolve and fall back into the floor while the silver door behind me clicks open, and I''m greeted by a new attendant in a ck tuxedo.


    "Right this way."


    I walk out the door and follow him to see dozens of other applicants following their guides through the rows of white cubes.


    Some look happy, others stressed, and some don''t show any emotion at all.


    Many look down at their wristbands, and this prompts me to do the same.


    I watch the [26] on the face of it change into a [59].


    My eyes scan around the room more, and I see Ember''s number read [40]. When I see Natalie''s band read [7], I get the feeling that a high number isn''t exactly a good thing... It appears my long winded answers weren''t appreciated by a machine.


    We''re all led to the back of the room, away from the back door we entered through.


    I manage to get in line next to Ember, and he nudges me with a grin.


    "Should have studied more, don''t ya think?"


    I roll my eyes andment back.


    "Hey, you didn''t do too hot yourself."


    Both of us are smiling and joking about it, while Natalie looks back at us with a confused stare.


    "What''s up with you two? I thought you were capable hunters!"


    She even looks annoyed, like she''s wasted her time and energy investing in us, but I couldn''t care less if she''s upset.


    There''s nothing I could do about it. Plus, the physical exams are where we''ll shine.


    Nat tries to get in another word, but one of the guides motions for her to be quiet while the door at the back of the room opens up with a click and a wave of mana-dense aires out.


    We''re all led into the room, and the door closes behind us.


    The ceiling is higher, the walls stretch out even further, and I can hardly believe how massive this mana-shielded room is. It''s easily 5 times asrge as thest one, with shielding around the walls that is higher grade than even what was salvaged from the Valor city towers.


    I can feel there is a divider in the center of the room that has been artificially ced there to block off the other side. It''s made of high B-Grade shielding at best, meaning they''re probably going to tear it down after this exam is over. I can feel the presence of a few proctors on the other side of this wall and various kinds of magical gear that must be used for the physical exams.


    It must have cost a fortune to make this ce.


    The guides separate us into two groups. In one group, everyone with wristbands that show 30 or below is situated. In the other, where Ember and I stand, there are 36 of us that have numbers above 30. The highest I can see is arge tank with advanced earth magic and an extreme strength skill from the Maya Region with a [66] on his wrist.


    I murmur to Ember.


    "See, I didn''t do the worst."


    There are others in the crowd that whisper to themselves, when all of the attendants that brought us here step away from us.


    A single man''s voice rings out above everyone else.


    "Good Morning, Hunters. I hope you all had a good rest and managed to test your luck and make it this far already. There were only 10 of you that had to be sent home during the pretrials. 66 remain, and we''ll hopefully all be seeing you in the final round."


    The speaker steps forward, and I recognize his face.


    It''s that same wind user that was over level 900 with the golden cor I met at the gate of this entire fortress.


    He speaks again while hovering in the air on a gust of wind and looking at all of us with the vast white empty room behind him.


    "Your tests have been graded automatically by our in-house machine to get your basic results for stage 1. It has 99% uracy, but further grading of the raw answers will be looked over by our staff to make sure nothing was missed while you continue to stage 2."


    He smiles and turns his body to the low-quality mana shielding at the back of the room with a single door in it.


    "Now, if you have perception sharp enough, you know that behind this wall is where the basic physical exam will take ce."


    He pauses while everyone listens carefully.


    "I want everyone in group A, applicants numbered 1 to 30, to line up single file in front of the door. Those of you in group B, 31 and over, may stay here and talk amongst yourselves. Once group A is finished and has moved on, we''ll set up the tests again for you."


    His tone and even facial expression toward us in the second group is dismissive and looks like he can''t be bothered to even look like he cares.


    His attention shifts to the rest of group A.


    All of the Apex Region''s 12 recruits are in this group, even the ones that were dragged away from the counter during the pre-trials at the roulette table. In addition to the two outliers, Trax and Callum, that I can feel radiating mana control from here, there are 3 others that are over level 700 in their group thate in close second to these two.


    Many from the Vice and Veridian regions are in this top 30 too. I see the two water guards from Vice City at spot 16 and 17, then thest person I recognize before they all walk away from us to the back of the room is that blond man from the Silca Region. He''s managed to slip in at spot 29.


    Here, back in group B, many people begin to socialize and ask each other about the questions on the test to see what they got right or wrong.


    The only person I recognize is the Talton Region woman.


    Everyone else doesn''t stand out much to me.


    However, 4 men in ck robes with considerable high mana control do stand out, as I haven''t seen them at all before during the game rooms even.


    Two of them wear heavy hoods that make shadows over their faces while the other two just straight up wear ck masks.


    Their wristbands show that they''re from the Phantom Region. This is the first time I''ve heard of or seen anyone from this ce, and they sure do dress the part to match their name.


    I let out a sigh and watch the line of the top 30 slowly begin to move.


    It appears as though they''re being tested individually, one by one. Each test takes over 10 minutes, so we''re going to be here for a while.


    I decide to just sit down on the mana shield floor and wait. Ember sits down next to me and does the same.


    Then, an unexpected guestes and sits next to me on the opposite side.


    It''s the woman from the Talton Region carrying the spear and wearing the armor I upgraded for her by hand just a few days ago, but she has no idea it was me.


    She speaks up while sitting down and putting out a hand with a [65] on the wristband, and I shake it.


    "My name is Marcie, by the way. Looks like they don''t teach that nonsense that was on the test from wherever you''re from in the Bedrock Region either."


    I smirk and respond.


    "Yeah, I guess not."


    I look down at her watch, then continue to introduce myself and ask a question.


    "I''m Ray by the way. I''ve never met anyone from the Talton Region before. What brings you all the way out here for the exams?"

 Chapter 535

    Chapter 535


    "Well, if it was solely up to me, I wouldn''t be at these exams at all. I''m doing it for the safety and well-being of my home region."


    I raise an eyebrow at her words, and she continues.


    "Every region has to enroll at least one applicant per year to stay in the good faith of the Association and continue receiving its aid and protection."


    It begins to make sense why none of the other strong hunters from that region are here. I recall seeing dozens of worthy applicants strong enough to enter these exams in the Talton jungle.


    She leans in closer to me.


    "If by chance I do manage to pass the exams this year, I''m not epting a license. I''m just here to show up and do my part."


    "Makes sense. I guess we''re all here at the B-ss exams for our own reasons."


    I scan her status again to double-check my findings as I remember them from when I did a brief scan of her in the Talton region and find interesting results.


    The armor with mythic-grade body hardening and spear with a +300% strength buff plus all of the other boosts appear to be used and even have grown slightly.Even in the past few days since I left, it seems she''s trained and tested out this gear against some high-level adversaries.


    She has advanced grade mana maniption and a legendary grade body hardening skill. Despite being in the mid-level 600s, her skill upgrades aren''t optimized. It seems like she either used an upgrade crystal before level 600 and wasn''t able to increase her mana maniption to extreme grade, or it automatically prioritized her body hardening skill.


    I think about ways this could be optimized in the future, and wonder how her mana maniption skill works without ess to any other elements. I want to see it in action.


    While pondering this thought, the line of group A applicants moves on and I introduce her to Ember under his false identity of Emrie and we both exin our fake backstory.


    For the most part, I think Marcie believes us, but there is a fire burning beneath her eyes that sees this whole exam a lot differently than everyone else here.


    I can''t quite tell what''s on her mind, but decide not to pry and keep the conversation very surface level.


    The line doesn''t move too slowly, but it doesn''t move fast either.


    It takes over a full 2 hours for everyone to make it through before the wind magic proctor with the golden cores out of the door and floats above us to speak again.


    "Group B, please line up in single file ording to your corresponding numbers. Stage 2, the physical exam will now begin."


    We do as he says and line up, Ember and I agree that we will both go a bit above and beyond during these tests to make up for theck of information we had in the previous stage. The goal is still to pass these exams and get as close to the upper management of the Association as possible.


    I watch applicant 31 enter the door in the wall first, and the line slowly begins to move.


    Ember is about a dozen people ahead of me in line. It takes another hour and a half before it''s his turn to enter.


    Once he leaves behind those closed doors, it takes almost another 2 hours for my turn to finallye.


    As the doors automatically open, I''m greeted by the same cored proctor on the other side.


    Once the door closes, he speaks up with a confident smile.


    "I remember you."


    His eyes lower down to a silver tablet in his hand, then down to my wristband.


    "Number 59? I would have guessed you would rank much higher from your performance at the front gate. Top 20 or maybe even top 15 was my initial guess."


    He shrugs.


    "Well, there''s still plenty of tests to raise those ranks. The written exam is weighted as arge portion of this exam, but there''s still a chance for you if you are exceptional in the following stages. Please, follow me this way."


    I do as he says and follow him toward a series of magic mechanical devices I see lined up across the massive room.


    It''s over 500 meters to the back wall where another door rests, and the room itself is at least a kilometer wide. It''s split into a few sections, but he brings me to arge ck cube that is heavily bolted into the ground first.


    It seems very familiar, and it doesn''t click in my head what this device is until he tells me.


    "This will be a standard strength test. Use as much armor, running start, or mana as you wish. The only valid attacks on this machine will be a direct punch or kick, please do take your time."


    He motions for me to make an attack on the cube then steps back.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    I remember using one of these devices back in Valor city before being epted into the fight arena. It will give a numbered score estimating my strength.


    Back then, I had far less control over my power, but now I''m very capable of doing so and can make this device light up to whichever number I wish.


    With very low written test scores, if I want any chance of making it into the top 12, I''m going to need to up my game quite a bit.


    I step up to the ck cube and get ready to punch it in its center.


    I picture the mana control of the two strongest applicants in this whole exam, the lightning and water users from the Apex region, and tone my own strength down just a small amount.


    I want to give a good score, but don''t want to make it obvious that I''m the strongest hunter in this whole event, that would raise a lot more red gs than I want.


    Once I can picture the perfect strength of a level 750 monster in my mind, I lunge forward and cover my fist in equivalent mana shielding imbued with lightning magic to match it.


    A loud mana-on-mana twang echoes throughout the room as the instructor grins and looks down at his silver tablet where my number score must be.


    He looks up at me with a more appreciative expression now while he points to the next strength test.


    "That''s more like it, I knew you were strong."


    The next test is a long curved metal bar that is connected to the floor, the instructor tells me to pull it upward as hard as I can. It appears to be testing grip strength and leg strength, not only pure power of a strike.


    The next test is arge crystal orb on a table, whenever the orb turns green, I''m told to send as much mana as possible into it through my fingertips in as dense wavelengths as I can.


    Between each green light, I''m provided a high-grade mana potion to regenerate my MP if needed. I ept, even though it''s not necessary.


    Next, I''m timed running a 100m dash, and a 2km run as well, starting on one end of the room the long way and touching the far wall beforeing back.


    The final test is a reaction time and uracy test.


    I have to dodge floating mechanical magic metal orbs that attack me at faster and faster speeds. Dodging the iing attackers turns the orb from in metal-colored to green.


    Once the orbs turn green, I''m allowed to attack them back.


    For this portion of the test, I''m allowed to take out my daggers and I send small lightning crescents at the orbs to hit them with very fine uracy.


    I don''t miss a single target, and I hold total concentration to suppress all of the wind magic in my de to make sure I only use one element at a time.


    The proctor resets this test a total of 3 times.


    On the second round, I feel the orbs get much faster and more unpredictable.


    Despite this, I don''t let a single one hit me and don''t allow any of them to escape.


    On the 3rd round, however, I do feel the difficulty of a test like this is nearing levels that should not be possible for a hunter like me, so I allow a few of the orbs to graze me instead of upping my speed to levels I didn''t show were possible during the raw testing earlier.


    Still, my movements are near perfect. Every time I''m grazed, I only allow them to get near non-vital areas and position myself to always be perfectly aligned for a counterattack once the orbs turn green.


    I disarm all of the orbs, and the proctor ps slowly while walking over to me keeping the silver tablet floating in the air with his wind magic.


    "Very nice job. Only three other people managed to clear that difficulty level on the agility test with simr uracy to your own. Not bad..."


    The tabletes floating over to him and he notes down a few more things on it.


    Then, I watch the number on my wristband shift from [59] to [32] in a faint sh of white.


    He points to the exit door once it opens.


    "It''s a live updating ranking system. As I said before, the written test is weighted pretty heavily. Even though the system sees you''re one of the highest graded on the physical, there''s still a long way to go before you move all the way up the ranks. That''s quite the impressive jump there. One of the other Bedrock applicants did pretty well on the physical too, he made it into the top 30 actually."


    He motions for me to leave.


    "There''s still plenty of stages left, best of luck hunter."


    Then, he turns to the other side of the room to go and starts testing the next applicant while I walk through the exit door.


    As it closes behind me and I take in the view of this room, I catch the presence of a hunter that is also very familiar but not someone I was expecting to see at this stage of the event.


    An A-ss hunter with a light magic skill greets me at the door.


    "Wee to stage 3 of the exams, hunter Ray Anderson. My name is Rodrigo, I''ll be the proctor that guides these next tests."


    Behind him, there''s a wide open lounge.


    It looks simr to the gaming room from the pre-trials, but all of the hunters that ept drinks and order food at the bars and restaurants seem much less on edge than they did before.


    At the back wall, there are manyrge gold doors. Each of them isbeled 1-13, and it looks like 7 of them are already upied because I see names above them that corrte with the names that are shown on a projector on the ceiling.


    Every member''s face from their ID and live ranking is shown for everyone in the room to observe.


    Many of these names are grouped together in teams of 4, 5, or 6 hunters. The groupings are all very close now.


    Some groups share amon region, but the mostmon pattern is that most groups are very close in ranking.


    One group is all Apex Region Elites, and they hold rankings 1-6 all to themselves.


    Three other groups each contain all of the hunters with rankings between 7 and 21 as well.


    Rodrigo speaks up, and his words confirm my suspicions.


    "For this next stage, you may create your own team because you will be facing a series of trials together. The minimum a team must have is 4 hunters, and the max can be 6. The rmendation is to have a versatile lineup to be prepared for any challenge thates your way in the next stage. I hope you''ve mingled with your fellow hunters during the exam so far, because connections will be very helpful moving forward."


    He gives me a thin smile.


    It looks very professional and fake, however, I''m fairly certain he knows exactly who he''s talking to right now and is ying the part.


    To many hunters, this description is very vague and can''t mean much, but thanks to my unexpected roommate in the pre-trials of this exam, this perfectly describes the simtion tests she has already exined everything about and prepared me for.


    So, I reply and walk past him.


    "Thanks for the advice, I''ll do my best to make a team. Looks like beingst in line doesn''te with any good perks."


    I chuckle to myself and spot Ember and Natalie talking to each other on a long red couch that creates a wide semi circle near the back of the room.


    Ember''s wristband says [24] and Natalie''s reads [30].


    She looks pale and weak, simr to how she did after she''d healed up an entire team of hunters in the pre-trials.


    My best guess is that she healed the Apex Region''s applicants that were injured during the agility tests of the physical and then they left her to form their own Elite team once they were finished.


    Considering she was ranked [7] before stage 2, it seems the physical aspect of these exams isn''t her strong suit at all. However, considering the rmendation Rodrigo gave me at the door that we should have a versatile team for the next uing event, I see a promising future teammate in front of me.


    While I walk over to the two of them, I begin to brainstorm who else I should try to bring onto this potential squad for the 3 remaining slots.

 Chapter 536

    Chapter 536


    As I walk closer to the two of them, I realize there are plenty of other hunters surrounding them.


    Ember is the one being approached the most. I overhear many of them trying to get him to join their team.


    Upon closer inspection, I find that he has by far the lowest number still in this room; everyone else sub 30 has already formed a team and is behind a closed door.


    Some ask Natalie to join as well, but many are fixated on Ember as he''s clearly a strong asset to their team.


    As I arrive, I let a moderate mana aura leak out from my body and sit beside them, looking at all the random applicants shiver from the mana vibrating through them.


    I speak up.


    "If we''ve never talked before this stage, get lost. We already have a team picked out. Go find teammates in your own league."


    It''s a bit rude, but I get my message across perfectly, and the leeches scramble.


    Left behind after the weaker applicants go off and group in their own teams, giving up on the possibility of snagging an easy target, I see the wind user from the Silca Region that Nat healed and I gave a free ck token to earlier.His wristband reads [31].


    I''m surprised he hasn''t found a team yet. Considering he was [29] before, his physical scores must have been pretty decent to still be near the mid-range.


    I wave to him.


    "Dane, right? Still looking for a team?"


    His eyes perk up when he walks over.


    "Yeah... I am still looking for a team. I thought I might be better off waiting it out than picking the first team that''d ept me."


    He looks up at the ceiling, and I follow his gaze to study the teams that are already up there more thoroughly.


    It seems teams of 6 are most prevalent in the higher-skilled hunters; near the mid-section, there are more teams of 5 and 4.


    I don''t know if this is an advantage or a disadvantage yet, but I know I''d rather be on a smaller team with people I have some history with rather than a team ofplete randoms.


    One of the teams of 4 up on the board is the entirety of the Phantom Region''s showing, the 4 of them in a single team.


    This is why I''ve decided to pick this man from the Silca Region. I gave him a token in the pre-trials, he seemspetent, but also this wille with a sense of loyalty because he may feel partially indebted to me from before.


    We have 4 people right here, but I want to let all of my options run out before making a final decision and approaching one of those numbered golden doors.


    Dane shakes Ember''s hand and they formally meet.


    Natalie recognizes him in an instant, realizing he''s the one that paid her to heal him in the pre-trials.


    I speak up while more people begin to form into teams, and additional applicants walk in after finishing the physical exams.


    "Dane, you''re a wind type, right? Does that mean you''re capable of long-range attacks?"


    He raises an eyebrow, most likely wondering how I knew this, but I point down to his wristband that shows he''s a ss 3 Wind type ording to the Silca''s grading system.


    "Yeah, I can be your long-range attacker."


    I nod, remembering some questions in the written portion of the exam referencing the main structures of hunting squads. There should be a support type, whether that''s a healer or buff user, long-range attackers, close-range damage dealers, andstly some kind of defensive tank to distract and keeprger enemies upied and protect the damage dealers.


    Although this isn''t how I would usually hunt at all¡ªI usually just go in solo and take every role for myself¡ªthere''s a very good chance this is what the exam proctors are looking for when we''re forming teams.


    I nod and reply.


    "Good. You''ll be our long range then."


    I turn to Natalie.


    "Obviously, you''ll be our support."


    Then turn to Ember.


    "Emrie. You and I will be the damage dealers. You''ll be close range, as you fight with your fists, I''ll be mid-range."


    He nods, then Nat chimes in.


    "What about a tank? We''ll lose points in the long run if we don''t have one of these. None of us look strong enough or defense-focused enough to fill in this role."


    Dane raises an eyebrow.


    "Lose points? What do you mean? They haven''t even exined the rules of this test yet..."


    Nat smirks but doesn''t say anything.


    Ember speaks for her.


    "Just trust her, she hasn''t been wrong yet."


    I nod, thinking to myself how she sessfully predicted over 75% of the equipment that was used during the physical test.


    "It''s true. I just wish she would have known the answers to that written, I wouldn''t have flunked it so hard."


    As soon as I say this, a huge man with armor and a heavy shieldes walking out of the physical room with a [41] on his wristband.


    It said [63] before, so he definitely performed well.


    This narrative has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Nat looks over and points at him.


    "How about that guy, 41 isn''t bad. He increased over 20 ranks. I''m sure he''s strong. There are only 3 other applicants after him, we might as well get a tank while we still can."


    It appears a few other teams look toward him too as he walks through the lounge after Rodrigo gives him a brief introduction.


    Dane even speaks up.


    "I can go over and talk to him if you want¡ª"


    I shake my head.


    "I have the perfect applicant in mind. Let''s wait."


    The next hunteres out about 15 minutester, and he''s a long sword user with fire magic and very low mana control for his level from the Raya Region ranked [61]. No one jumps to recruit him, but he does settle with another team filled with other rank 50 and above applicants.


    More people are getting restless, and just decide on their teams before it''s toote.


    Random groups of 4-6 are formed, filling doors 8, 9, and 10.


    There aren''t many people left in the lounge.


    When the next hunter emerges from the physical exam room and a bright [33] glows on her wristband, I smile, knowing Marcie performed extremely well on the physical exams to rank just 1 point away from me considering our written test scores must have been pretty close.


    Once Rodrigo finishes exining the basics to her, she looks around the room, takes a nce at the leaderboards on the ceiling, then ignores every hunter that pesters her on her walk over to us. She then looks at all of our wristbands and speaks up.


    "Well, looks like your team is the only reasonable option for me here."


    I reply as the disappointed looks of other hunters multiply behind her.


    "Wee to the team. We have our tank."


    While I could snag a 6th member from any of the others in the lounge and I''m sure they''d ept, this team of 5 will suffice.


    It feels like I know everyone well enough individually that if I take the role as team leader they''ll all work together once the trials begin.


    Everyone else understands that I''m themon link between them and that this is what will work best. We walk over to door 11 to scan our wristbands.


    The door clicks open, and as soon as we''re all inside, it clicks shut, leaving us in a small 10-meter by 10-meter white mana shielded room with a silver door on the back wall.


    Above us, a ceiling projector shows the 11th team has been formed, with all of our names in it, then shows 2 team slots still avable to be made with all of the solo applicants in a straight line with their ID pictures next to their ranking waiting for them to form a group.


    A single line of text appears beneath the ranking board.


    [Please wait for all applicants to form teams and enter their rooms. Stage 3 of the Exams will begin shortly.]


    At the same time, the floor begins to move, and it feels just like it did when we were in those white cubes during the written exam.


    A total of 5 bedse out of the ground, and dozens of crates filled with food, weapons, potions, and various magic items that are graded high C. There are even some near middle B-grade.


    Most of them are health and mana potions while others are weapons like swords, daggers, bows, spears, armor, shields, and all kinds of things necessary for a team to use on an extensive dungeon expedition.


    There''s no description that pops up, or instructions about how to use this gear or even why it''s been given to us.


    The only thing we can do is wait.


    We all introduce ourselves to one another, and there is a good amount of interest in Marcie''s origin from the Talton Region. Natalie is especially surprised, but Dane takes it in a much more nonchnt manner.


    We each tell each other our levels, fighting styles, general skills, and what to expect when working together, then each of us looks through the gear provided to see if anything is to our liking.


    Ember and I are the only ones that don''t sift through it much, as everything here is basically useless to us, but the others are captivated by the B-grade items and swap out weak pieces of armor and gear that will raise their stats a few percentage points here and there.


    It takes another 15 minutes before another team is formed, my best guess is because they were waiting for the final applicant toe out of physical testing.


    Just half a minute after this team is formed, the final teames together and lights up on the screen on the ceiling.


    It shes white, then the screen is split in half. One side still shows the 13 teams and their applicants all together, and the other half shows arge live image of Rodrigo standing in the center of the empty lounge outside.


    He stares ahead and speaks.


    "Wee everyone, to the 3rd stage of your B-ss Exams."


    The moment he speaks, all of our attention moves to the ceiling.


    "For this portion of the exams, you will all be partaking in extensive testing within the Apex Region''s Simtion Rooms."


    He points toward the side of the screen where all of our team names are, and it zooms in to show that there is a big [0] next to each person''s individual name.


    "You will be scored with a simple point system during this event. The simtion rooms will test various facets of what it means to be an Association Hunter. Your strengths, weaknesses, cognitive function under stress, and ability to work as a team under pressure and even in your natural element. This is just the surface of what we''re looking for today."


    He pauses and smiles as it looks like someone is speaking in his ear.


    Then, a new screen appears above the silver door in our room. It''s split in half.


    The top says [00:55:00] and the bottom says [24:00:00].


    Rodrigo speaks again.


    "There will be 24 trials. Each willst 55 minutes, and 5 minutes of rest within the safety room you stand in now will be allotted between events."


    He nods, then the top counter changes and disys a 5-minute clock [00:04:59].


    It begins to tick down as he continues to speak, and the clock below it moves as well showing [23:59:57] a few secondster.


    "You are all required to participate in the first trial. You may bring any magical items that are on your person or that have been provided in this room. There is no such thing as cheating; whatever resources you find or strategies that make themselves known are encouraged for you to use. However, we strongly advise against killing your fellow applicants."


    Rodrigo takes a deep breath in and out then continues.


    "Every trialpleted in the allotted time will grant every person on your team a single point. Not every trial after the first needs all applicants to be present inside the simtion room to be passed. There may be times when some applicants want to rest and others can carry onpleting trials for the team to conserve energy. Applicants that are not present in the simtion room when a trial ispleted will still receive a point for thepleted trial."


    The clocks on the wall continue to count down. I see it drop below the 3 and a half minute mark as Rodrigo continues.


    "If a trial ispleted before the time limit allotted, the next will not start until the timer runs to 0. All team members may rest during this time. In addition to the 1 point perpletion, the team thatpletes any given trial first out of all 13 teams will receive an extra 1 bonus point per applicant present. This bonus point will only be given to the members present in the simtion room during the trial. "


    He points to the leaderboard again, and it automatically scrolls through all of the [0] markings next to everyone''s name.


    "Lastly, an MVP point will be awarded to the single applicant that contributes the most during each individual trial..."


    Rodrigo pauses for a moment, and lets all this information sink in while the clock on the wall ticks past the 2-minute remaining mark.


    "You''ve all formed teams with fellow regional allies, as well as applicants from regions unknown. Maybe you''re already a well-oiled team, or maybe this is the first time you''ve ever fought together. Today is not only about working together as a team to push each other toward amon goal, it is also about doing this and still showing your individual skills and ability to stand out amongst the crowd."


    He pauses again and the reality of this test''s true nature sinks in.


    The clock on the wall falls below one minute, showing [00:00:59], and the silver door clicks open.


    A wave of hot mana pours out, and the visual of a lush green jungle meets my eyes.


    It looks like there is a portal to a whole new world right behind this silver door.


    I can already sense ranked-up monsters inside roaming the dense trees for what feels like kilometers ahead.


    If I wasn''t told that this was a simtion room, I would believe it was a real B-Grade dungeon...


    The clock above the door continues to tick down and Rodrigo speaks again.


    "The door will close once the timer hits zero, so enter while you still can. It shall open once the trial isplete. It is time for the 3rd Stage of the exams to begin. What will you choose? The satisfaction of bringing your peers around you to sess together, or will you sacrifice those around you to achieve personal glory above all else? I wish you luck in your journey over the next 24 hours, applicants. Remember, there are no rules and no wrong answers. Do what you believe is right. Let the trials begin."

 Chapter 537

    Chapter 537


    We all walk forward into the jungle environment through the silver door.


    Once it clicks behind us, the exit disappears, and it feels like we''re inside a normal dungeon.


    However, there are a few major differences.


    Floating high in the sky is a visible timer now counting down from 55 minutes.


    Below it is arge blue holographic text prompt.


    [A Party of B-ss hunters failed to subjugate a dungeon break. They''ve been separated into multiple areas after splitting up to defeat this dungeon. Save the 3 remaining survivors and clear the break!]


    Four massive holograms pop up in the distance. Three of them are yellow exmation points, scattered far out into the jungle, pinpointing where each of the hunters are, and the 4th is a red arrow with [Boss Room] hovering above it.


    When I scan the dungeon using enemy detection, I do sense enemies in here, but they feel much different than normal monsters. There''s enough mana inside them to trigger my perception, but there''s a visible holographic [Lv. 668] hovering above the head of the closest one I find in my mind''s eye.


    That''s not from my inspect skill; it''s visible to anyone that looks at it.When I try to fully appraise the creature, nothing shows up; it just feels like a huge energy blob of pure mana being manifested into the form of a monster.


    Everyone in the squad takes in the view and reads the message in the sky.


    Before we can even devise a n, the monster closest to us starts to make itself known. I yell out to make sure everyone''s prepared.


    "Iing! Lizard monster, twelve o''clock! We take this out together thene up with a n!"


    Immediately, everyone gets into position.


    Marcie begins to glow with mana and runs up ahead of us, activating her armor set and imbuingrge amounts of energy into her spear while scanning the jungle ahead.


    Dane jumps into the air and takes out two thin curved swords imbued with wind stones and hovers in the air while Natalie runs back to stand beneath him and stay alert.


    Ember and I stay put, right behind Marcie, and wait for the monster to show itself from beneath the thick trees.


    I pull out my daggers and let the lightning magic crackle on them, and Ember ignites his fists with a low sizzle of mes.


    We all move forward slowly as the cracking of sticks and presence of a strong aura grow closer.


    A 6-meter-long green-skinned lizard with massive beady eyes and a long red tonguees flying out from the trees.


    The moment Marcie jumps up to make the first contact with it, ayer of dense stone is summoned all over its body.


    Her spear tip hits its underbelly, and ayer of pink mana shielding forms around her in a semi-circle to block the shattering stone as she pierces through tond a hit.


    Wind dese curving in from behind as Dane lets out an attack at the now-exposed monster''s underbelly too, while Marcie steps back and pulls out her spear.


    I curve to her right while Ember curves around her left.


    The wind des create a wide-open X-shaped gash, far deeper than the spear wielder''s hit because the monster''s outer shielding has already been shattered.


    I aim for its neck with my des while Ember lets fire erupt from his fists to attack right where the weak spot Dane and Marcie already created is.


    The creature''s body explodes in a ball of fire, and its head rolls to the artificial dungeon floor as its long red tongue crackles with static electricity, still reacting to the clean slice I followed through with to its neck.


    In a matter of milliseconds, our opponent that out-leveled every one of us dissolves into thin air and its holographic tag disappears into the air.


    The flesh I cut through felt real, but theck of any system notifications after the kill convinces me this is truly not a legitimate monster. It is somehow a lifelike manifestation of what a monster would feel like.


    The Apex Region has their hands on tech that can replicate the mana shielding and skills of monsters for training scenarios like this.


    We all float to the ground, then put our weapons to our sides, and Natalie speaks up.


    "That was... very impressive. Just know, moving forward, even though this is a simtion, the monsters might as well be real. You can get seriously injured just the same as any real monster attack in a legitimate dungeon. I''m not sure what parameters they''re set to; sometimes they''re programmed to stop the simtion once the hunter inside looks like they''re in critical condition. However, I wouldn''t be surprised if they took this safety feature off for the exams."


    I can see she''s a bit wide-eyed and frazzled by the disy we just put on, so I just nod and reply.


    "Thanks for the heads up. I''ve never been in one of these before... so I''ll just assume everything is real."


    Simr remarkse from Dane and Marcie, as they''ve never tried tech like this either and just assumed it was real too.


    We all discuss the mission at hand, ande up with scenarios of how to fulfill it efficiently.


    Dane and Natalie both agree that the safest way for this mission to bepleted is to go to each hunter checkpoint that needs to be saved one by one as a full team.


    In the prompt itself, it said that these hunters split up and couldn''t handle the dungeons.


    Ember and Marcie have different opinions about it; they believe that we''re all stronger than whatever hunters came here before us in this scenario. If we want to have any chance of winning the fastest pace prize, we need to split up and rescue them in three groups.


    I consider both options but speak up with my own idea in mind.


    "What if we just go straight for the boss room?"


    There are a few confused looks at me, but then they consider what I''ve said in more depth.


    I grin, turning to Natalie.


    "I don''t know how these simtion rooms work, but if this were a real break, the smartest thing to do would be to focus on taking out the boss monster. The whole dungeon would copse and all excess dungeon mass would be automatically teleported to safety."


    I shrug.


    "We wouldn''t have to prioritize one hunter over another to save first, and we wouldn''t have to risk splitting up into groups to save time and sacrifice our own safety."


    Marcie chimes in.


    "I like that idea better. Even if it''s not what the test wants us to do, it''s what the right thing to do in the actual scenario would be."


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Nat thinks hard but can''te to a conclusion, whispering to herself.


    "I don''t know... I don''t know if the sim room is programmed to work like that..."


    Before anyone talks us out of it, I jump in the air, stepping on small yellow tforms of lightning magic and point toward the red arrow at the back.


    "Come on, I''m the reason we''re all on a team together, at least humor me. I want to see what happens! Let''s fly there; it''ll save us even more time."


    Ember fire-steps up to follow, while Marcie uses pink tforms of mana to follow, and Dane floats up with wind.


    Natalie lets out a sigh, manifesting mana beneath her feet and following upward.


    "Fine, but we''re going to use my safer strategies in the next tests if this backfires."


    We soar over the trees, and asionallyrge green lizards jump up into the air toward us, but we fly way too high for any of them to actually hit us with attacks or engage in battle.


    Less than 3 minutester, we pass right by one of the yellow exmation points less than 500 meters away to our right.


    The next one passes less than a kilometer away on our left. Then thest is far out about 2 kilometers in the opposite direction of the boss room.


    We hover down to the simted dark grey portal and jump through; they all follow my lead.


    An enormous tree with leaves that stretch over 5 meters long is all there is in the boss room, and a huge camouged lizard over twice the size of the first one we fought is what we''re meant to fight.


    It has a body hardening perk to it as well, and its tongue sharpens to punch holes through whatever it makes contact with.


    There''s arge blue [Lv. 690] over its head as we fight.


    While either Ember or myself could easily end this battle in a single strike, we let our teammates shine and leave any special moves for emergencies.


    It really only adds an extra minute or so onto the battle.


    Dane has extremely proficient uracy from long range, and works well with Marcie as she is able to shatter its armor for brief moments of time whenever she attacks.


    Using these distractions, Ember and I chip away at its vitals.


    Natalie waits and stays out of attack range, feeling a bit out of ce until the battle is over.


    The massive lizard falls from its tree and disappears before hitting the ground.


    Soon after, the boss room disappears around us too, and a loud ringing sound fills the room as our surroundings turn white, then a silver door opens in front of us with blue text hovering over it.


    [Congrattions! [00:25:56] Remaining! Trial 1 Complete! 1 Point awarded to all applicants! 1 MVP point awarded to Ray Anderson! You''vee in 3rd ce, better luck next time! Please rest until your next trial begins.]


    We walk through the silver door and find ourselves back in the resting room we came from.


    The leaderboardes into my vision as the door behind me closes and I see that the team of Apex Members 1-6 came in first, finishing the trial 10 minutes faster than us. Another team finished about 4 minutes after them.


    Marcie and Dane celebrate, then go off to drink mana potions and water from the stash supplied.


    Natalie looks a little confused and somewhat upset at the situation while she looks up at the leaderboard to see her region mates must have used a simr strategy. I speak out loud what she''s thinking.


    "They either thought the same thing as me and were just much faster to jump right to it, or they''re just that much better than us."


    I think about how fast and strong Trax and Callum are, and try to picture it in my head. If they really stepped on it, I''d believe either scenario was possible.


    However, my best bet is they went straight for the boss room too. That''s what anypetent hunter of their caliber would do. I wouldn''t be surprised if they had separate simtion training for the Elites of their ss, that may be why Natalie thinks this way by default.


    She replies.


    "Sorry I doubted you. Maybe taking the creative approach is necessary if a weaker team like us is going to score any points."


    I shrug.


    "Who says we''re weak? Third ce isn''t really that bad for round 1. We still have 23 trials to go; there''s room for improvement. I just need to get a better feel for how these simtions work."


    Over the next 30 minutes, more and more teamsplete the trial and get their points on the board.


    Once the timer rings, only 11 out of 13 teams havepleted the challenge. Many hunters have 1 point, all the MVPs from each team have 2, and the Apex team, team 1, all have 2 points other than Trax who has 3.


    Once the timer hits 0, it resets to 5 minutes just like it did when Rodrigo was speaking, and once it hits 1 minute, the door opens again.


    I see a desertndscape before me at dusk, and we all walk through to begin the next challenge.


    [Clear the Two Dungeon Breaks and protect the vige by helping them fix their Automated Defense System.] Shines bright in the sky and I see two bright red dungeon breaks on either side of a valley.


    Dozens of monsters are pouring out from the breaks, charging toward the vige down below.


    There are almost a hundred simted people in the vige, and none of them are even close to strong enough to face the level 400-550 monsters charging toward them.


    I stare forward for a moment, letting out a pulse of mana to observe what''s going on in far more depth, then think of a way to solve this as fast as possible while the time ticks down above us in the sky.


    "Emrie, you take out that break. Go straight for the boss room, I''ll handle the monsters that squeeze out."


    I turn to the other red dungeon portal..


    "Marcie, Dane, you two on that one. Do the same, head straight for the boss room, clear it as fast as you can without looking back or stopping for pointless fights."


    The three of them head off to my left and right, not hesitating at all.


    "Nat, youe with me, we''re going to see what''s going on in this vige."


    We fly forward and are already making progress before the timer in the sky even ticks down a full minute.


    We soar past the charging monsters below and get to the town before they do to meet with scared townspeople at the flimsy wooden front gate.


    There are maybe 30 houses in this whole vige max, and two enormous humanoid robots out front that appear to be powered down.


    A middle-aged townswoman calls out to us for help.


    "Adventurers! You''vee to save us! Our mechanic has fallen ill and we need someone to find the activation crystals for our defense system before it''s toote!"


    Wee to a halt and float down to the ground in front of them, and I take in the situation, then reply.


    "Okay, how can we find the crystals...?"


    She lets out a sigh and covers her face with her hands.


    "If I knew, the machines would be up and running as we speak! We need you to fend off the monsters and help us search the town. I heard some adventurers have a 6th sense for this kind of thing."


    She looks up at me with her eyes wide, and I do a full scan of the town but find nothing out of the ordinary like she''s describing.


    If it were this easy, anyone with half-developed mana senses could figure out this quest in an instant. There must be other clues.


    A boy in overalls peeks his head through the crowd beneath the woman''s arm.


    "Old man Robert works in the red house on the south edge of town... or no... was it the yellow one?"


    He scratches his head, and I let out a sigh.


    An old woman tells her story of where the man works sometimes too, then another kid chimes in and says somewhere else.


    I turn to Natalie and roll my eyes.


    "We may just have to start looking around the old-fashioned way on this one..."


    Then I hear a teenage boy speak from deep in the crowd.


    "If he''d just wake up for a minute or two, maybe he''d tell us where those crystals were... He''s the only one that knows where the crystals are."


    At the same time, a wave of monsters from the dungeons up on either side of this valleyes charging toward us about 500 meters away.


    The townspeople begin to panic and scream, but I immediately turn to the boy and speak to him while grabbing his cor.


    "You said the old man was asleep, he''s sick right...? Where is he?"


    His eyes are wide, watching the approaching wave of monsters from a distance, but he stutters out a reply.


    "He''s uh- He''s at the town doctor- But there''s nothing they can do, he won''t wake up-"


    I turn to Natalie as she''s also staring at the stampedeing our way with miniature beads of sweat rolling down her forehead.


    "You want to win a round, Nat? Go follow this kid to the doctor''s and heal that mechanic. If he wakes up, he''ll be able to fix those robots himself."


    Nat''s eyes lighten up as she realizes my n.


    I pull out my daggers, then turn toward the monstersing our way.


    "In the meantime, I''ll handle these. Trust me!"


    I run forward, and the white-haired healer follows the boy back into the town full of panicking vigers.


    As the timer in the sky ticks down, arcs of lightning fill the valley, and I decapitate all of the ranked-up beasts that get in my path.


    I push my suppressed mana control to its limit, and even move slightly faster than I did during the agility trials during the physical exam to make sure no monsters get by. This is definitely a 2 or 3 hunter job, but I''m the only one left capable of doing it, so pushing my perceived limits is what has to be done.


    About 7 full minutes pass before the monsters from one dungeonpletely disappear while I''m fighting them.


    Then, No more than 4 minutester, two enormous metal robots join me in the fight to protect the town using mana-poweredsers to mow down the ranked-up monsters with deadly precision.


    I look behind me to see Natalie waving with one hand while using the other, glowing bright white on the back of an old man carrying a set of tools and all kinds of colorful gems. Even from here, they don''t give off any mana aura at all; they''re just for show.


    However, my idea of healing the only man that could fix these things worked. I delegated all of the tasks and we wasted no time at all for this trial.


    Another 3 and a half minutes pass, then the next dungeon break is cleared, and the monstersing out dissipate into the air.


    [Congrattions! [00:36:17] Remaining! Trial 2 Complete! 1 Point awarded to all applicants! 1 MVP point awarded to Natalie Sterling. You''vee in 1st ce, 1 additional point awarded to all applicants! Please rest until your next Trial begins.]


    The whole desert scene fades away, and we''re left in a white room again with an open silver door leading back to the resting area.


    Marcie and Dane are both sweating hard and out of breath, while Natalie looks somewhat pale from healing the mechanic.


    However, the room fills with excitement once we look at the leaderboard on the ceiling and everyone realizes we just won a round.


    Despite not being the strongest, smartest, or from the Regions that have hidden information about these exams and guided toward victory, there''s still a chance for us to rack up some serious points during this event if we y our cards right.

 Chapter 538

    Chapter 538


    It takes more than five extra minutes for the Apex Elites team to finish up this trial. ording to Natalie, there''s a more battle-equipped healer on their main squad. He is their tank with an extreme strength skill, but also has a simr healing ability that must have healed the mechanic in the same way Nat did to get a time like that.


    However, their bit ofg time behind us must have been the need to allocate more hunters to defending the vige from rogue monsters.


    One team must have been sent to clear both dungeons individually while the other stayed behind in the valley to fend off the dozens, if not hundreds, of monsters attacking.


    I keep this bit of information to myself as it takes another fifteen minutes for any other teams to finish this round.


    Once the timer runs out, there are even four total teams that don''t finish and miss out on the basicpletion points.


    Even after the long rest we''re allotted, I can tell that the stamina of my teammates is not going tost forever.


    Ember and I may be able to y these games for hours or even days on end without having to rest. At the rate that I see the other three restoring their MP and even HP after a simple round like this, I realize soon I''ll be doing some of these rounds solo with Ember.


    This bes more and more clear as the rounds go on.


    Trial three begins, and we''re put in arge open icy cave environment. Hundreds of level 500-550 ice golems attack us, and a few dozen between level 600-650 in total spawn once all of the lower mobs are defeated. There is no boss room or clear exit to thisrge icyir; there is only a prompt reading [Defeat All of the Enemies[?]] in the sky. There are multiple waves, and the next waves only begin once the previous are cleared entirely. We take about forty minutes to clear all six waves, and once the trial isplete, wee in fourth ce.Ember wins the MVP point, as he must have gotten the most final blows on the golems.


    The fourth trial is a simr event; with a clear goal and no way to really cheat it. We have to escort three carriages through a mountainous region and protect them from enormous monkey creatures that wield fire magic.


    We alsoe in fourth ce this round, and I win the MVP point, but I''m unsure how we could have won either of thest two events. The team of Elites from the Apex Region has somehow won every event so far other than the one we managed to squeeze a victory.


    Ie to the conclusion that they''re definitely working with more information than us.


    However, it may just be that they''re strategically positioning their most capable hunters toplete the tasks.


    I believe this is the case because when theye in first ce and win the bonus points, not all 6 of them are always rewarded. It''s only a select few, meaning they''ve already begun to leave hunters behind during certain trials.


    It''s clear that both Dane and Natalie are nearing their limits after thebor-intensive trials we''repleting. Dane has been giving it his all,unching hundreds of long-range attacks and contributing a lot to our battles, but he can''t continue at this rate. Natalie healed up Marcie''s arms after the ice golem dungeon as she was frozen pretty badly from continued exposure, while Dane got caught up in arge fire attack during the escort mission.


    Marcie is holding up fine after the heal, but Dane and Natalie are considerably weak. Both Ember and I are still not showing any signs of wear.


    They stay behind during the fifth round, and I assure them we''ll pass it and get them points.


    Since the second round, where we managed to luck out on a first ce win, the Apex Region team has been hoarding all of the first ce bonus points since.


    While out of the sixty-six applicants on the board, I''m in the top ten because of my MVP points and extra points for the second trial, I still want to try to get ahead of some of these Apex region hunters. It''s not like they''ve done anything in particr to make me want to defeat them; top twelve is all I really need to ce in. I''m just feelingpetitive and see a challenge in front of me that I want to aplish.


    My guess is I''ll have a better chance at doing so once we get to theter trials and even these elite hunters must get tired at some point.


    The fifth, sixth, and seventh trials go simrly to thest two. They''re dungeon breaks, having to save stranded hunters at checkpoints and protecting viges from hoards of monsters.


    Dane joins us for the seventh trial after he''s rested up, but it is one of the most intense ones we''ve faced so far.


    The seventh is another multi-wave trial, and some of the waves even consist of multiple level 675+ monsters. Ember and I push our speed and striking power to the max, clearing out waves of ogres, serpents, orcs, giant scorpions, and even some unique humanoid monsters.


    Dane is overwhelmed by the ruthlessness, strength, and pure power of some of the monsters after a few stages go by. He''s hit hard by a few attacks and stays high in the sky to wait out the rest of the waves while we continue to battle it out.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Wee in third ce for this stage, but surprisingly only five total teams even passed this trial. This makes Dane feel much better about having to sit out the strongest waves.


    Marcie holds up very well, but after seven hours of straight fighting monsters at and above her level, even she begins to get fatigued and exhausted, especially from the healing procedure done after this seventh trial to mend some of her deep gashes and burns.


    Dane is healed up too, but falls asleep to fully heal once the process isplete.


    Every time Nat heals, her own fatigue grows too, but she understands this is part of being a team yer.


    While the HP potions provided can heal standard injuries and slowly heal flesh wounds, some of therger injuries being tanked would take many days to heal or even longer if not for our healer. No one on the team would be taking the risks in battle if not for this insurance.


    Moving onto the eighth round, I can tell Marcie is getting tired, but we agree this will be herst one then she''ll take a rest.


    "I don''t know how you two manage to narrowly miss injuries over and over and keep using so much mana in your attacks while not getting fatigued, but I guess it''s best not to question it and just be d you''re on my side."


    As she says this, I realize Ember and I have been outputting hundreds of thousands of MP over thest few trials like it''s nothing.


    I remember back to one of the exam questions about how much rest time a hunter needs after exerting 0.1% of their mana control, and if this were my true control that I''m showing her, right about now would be when I''d start feeling the effects of using up so much mana.


    However, I shrug it off.


    "We''ve been through worse. Don''t worry about us."


    Once the door opens and we walk through, the three of us are stranded on a desert ind.


    The sky is covered in clouds and there is fog that hovers over the sea in all directions, limiting our vision to a few dozen meters ahead at most.


    Text pops up in the sky next to a timer.


    [Memorize the pattern of safe stones to make it all the way to the final ind. You have 55 minutes to make 100 steps. You must travel from step to step in order toplete this trial! Go back to the start as many times as you wish, but if you step on a danger stone, you have failed toplete this trial.]


    As soon as we read this, massive rocks float up in the ocean in rows of three.


    Two of the rocks are red while one is green on every step.


    "Is this some kind of joke...?" I whisper out loud.


    The rock all the way to my right is green on the first row of three, and I can see clearly that about ten meters ahead of it, in the next row of three, the middle rock is green.


    I shrug and jump up in the air tond out in the ocean on top of the furthest right rock.


    Nothing changes, then I motion for Marcie and Ember to follow.


    They do, and once both their feet touch the rock, all three in the first row turn green.


    However, when I look further out into the ocean, all of the other rocks that were lit up red or green in the distance turn grey and dull.


    "Well... it was the middle one, I''m sure of it..."


    I jump another ten meters off to the middle rock on the second set, and once Ember and Marcie follow, the second set of three grey rocks turn green.


    "Interesting...."


    I don''t remember what the third set looked like at all, and neither do either of my teammates.


    Marcie speaks up.


    "Well, it said we can restart as many times as we want, right?"


    I nod.


    "Right..."


    We all fly back to the starting ind, and once our feet hit the sand again, the rocks reset.


    One hundred sets of three massive boulders trail off into the ocean.


    Two are red on each one, and one is green.


    I stare off into the sea thinking about how exactly we''ll remember this pattern in such a short period of time.


    A few minutes have already passed, and every second we wait will only add up to make this problem harder.


    It is possible if we concentrate hard, and split it up by taking 33-34 each, flying over the entire puzzle and memorizing as much as we can that could work, but there must be another way...


    Marcie proposes exactly what I was thinking, and Ember agrees that it''s possible, but there must be an easier and faster way toplete this challenge.


    The corner of my lips curl upward as I shove my hand into my fake item box and pull out a bright blue recording crystal.


    "Emrie, you''re right. I think we have a much more efficient option right here."


    I imbue mana into the gem, then float up in the air with lightning crackling beneath my feet while the recording crystal records a lifelike image of whatever I point it at.


    I turn back to the two still standing on the ind.


    "Stay here. I''ll be right back."


    With the crystal pointed down at the rocks, I lightning step high above every one of them until I make it back to the final ind we''re supposed to reach.


    Considering we haven''t stepped on the first rock yet, the green and red patterns showing which rock is safe to jump on are still visible on all of them.


    There''s no need to memorize the pattern anymore now that I have a perfect picture of the answers in front of me.


    Once I get back, I set the recording to y, and we hop from rock to rock with confidence, turning every one of them green, making it across the entire maze in less than 10 minutes.


    Once we all step foot on the final ind and all of the rocks are glowing green, the simtion around us disappears, and the silver door appears with a message above it.


    [Congrattions! [00:44:52] Remaining! Trial 8 Complete! 1 Point awarded to all applicants! 1 MVP point awarded to Ray Anderson. You''vee in 1st ce, 1 additional point awarded to all applicants present! Please rest until your next Trial begins.]


    I can''t help but wave an excited fist at the door.


    "Take that, Apex Region! One step closer, we just need to do that a few more times!"


    Ember chuckles.


    "You really want to win this thing now? I thought top 12 was all we were aiming for."


    I shrug and walk through.


    "It can''t hurt to win in this event. Thanks to that written exam we''re still pretty far behind, I say we get a little more serious."


    I turn back and nod.


    "It''s time we start using our ranked up buffs. No more conserving energy."


    Through our telepathy link, I send a message to Ember exining that what I meant is we should start using a little more of our power because based on Marcie''s bodynguage, she''s about to take a break too.


    By saying we should start using our buffs, if there is anyone watching us through the surveince system, this will be a proper exnation for any odd jumps in power.


    If it''s just going to be Ember and mepleting trials alone for a few hours while the rest of my teammates rest, we might as well make the most of it.


    As the silver door closes behind us and we make it back to the resting room, Marcie pops open another MP potion and sits on her bed, staring across the room with a puzzled look.


    "Who are you two really...?"

 Chapter 539

    Chapter 539


    Ember and I look at her cautiously, not answering. So, she borates.


    "I''ve been to the Bedrock Region plenty of times for private missions. I''ve never seen hunters like you... Your stamina, mentality, even fighting instincts... something is up. That blue crystal that took videos of everything it saw, how''d you even get your hands on one of those? I''ve only ever seen association officials use those¡ª"


    There''s another long pause, however, this time I do reply while looking her in the eyes.


    "I don''t think any of these questions need to be answered. How would you like it if I started digging into your past?"


    I can tell she''s really just curious, but based on the heavy aura of foreign mana in the room, I can tell everything we''re doing and saying is being watched and analyzed.


    So, to nip this conversation in the bud, I decide to take a risk and open my telepathy link with her.


    "You want to cause some havoc, right? The stronger nations are used to always controlling winning spots with their Elite hunters in the B-ss exams."


    Her pupils shift, and I can tell she''s very confused about the voice in her head, so I speak again.


    "I don''t feelfortable talking about this where others can listen. This is telepathy. A special perk I acquired after... Actually, I won''t borate. All you need to know is that It''s how I coordinate attacks so wlessly with Emrie. I''d appreciate it if you kept it a secret from the Association as well."She nods once, and I peer over to Dane and Natalie, then to Ember and continue through my link.


    "What if a few extra applicants won this year''s exams? Wouldn''t it be fun to ce higher than the chosen Elites from the Apex Region and reject their honorary B-ss license anyway?"


    She replies through the link.


    "Well, if you put it like that. A scenario like that would be satisfying...."


    I grin as she nods once, then replies out loud to split the perceived awkward silence in the room to make the conversation seem natural to anyone listening in through a surveince system.


    "Right. I guess I don''t know much about you, and you don''t know me. Let''s just do our best to win this thing."


    Ember stands up and lets out a long sigh while stretching his arms.


    "Well, I''m d that''s settled. I wonder if any other teams are going to figure this trial out."


    It takes over 30 minutes for the Apex Region''s team to finallyplete the trial, and after them, only two other teams even manage to finish before the time runs out.


    Marcie decides to rest while Ember and I continue the trials.


    While she''s up to do more, it would be best to have her and all the others fully rested by morning to help with theter trials at full strength.


    Once trial 9 starts, it seems clear that many teams are taking a simr strategy.


    We get another standard dungeon copse trial, and Ember and I speed off through the sky to the end of it without waiting at all.


    We disregard any hunters that need saving and plunge right into the boss room.


    There''s a huge humanoid tusked giant creature with many minions that spawn inside; however, we aim straight for the vitals and don''t have any teammates or baggage to protect. We can go in straight for the kill without having to think about the recoil of our attacks hitting anyone at close range.


    The monster''s counterattacks miss us by mere millimeters.


    It looks like we''ve nearly died, but both of us know that even if these attacks hit us, it wouldn''t feel like anything more than a pinprick.


    [Congrattions! [00:50:47] Remaining! Trial 9 Complete! 1 Point awarded to all applicants! 1 MVP point awarded to Ray Anderson. You''vee in 1st ce, 1 additional point awarded to all applicants present! Please rest until your next Trial begins.]


    Surprisingly, only 7 out of the 13 teams evenplete this trial.


    We rest in the room again and take on trial 10 alone too while our teammates all sleep and recover from their long day of testing and trials.


    There''s a wide open desert with a single boulder at its center that stretches about 2 kilometers in distance. The prompt reads [Split this boulder in two.]


    Ember and I both verbally agree to use our ranked-up buffs, but in reality, we''re just lessening the barrier of our mana suppression and letting out more mana to send off stronger attacks.


    [Congrattions! [00:42:18] Remaining! Trial 10 Complete! 1 Point awarded to all applicants! 1 MVP point awarded to Emrie Carter. You''vee in 1st ce, 1 additional point awarded to all applicants present! Please rest until your next Trial begins.]


    Ember wins the MVP point for having more explosive attacks.


    Fire is far more destructive against rock than electricity is.


    Again, only 5 of the 13 teamsplete this trialpletely.


    As the night goes on, fewer and fewer teamsplete full trials.


    While the first few trials it was 13 for 13, now we''re lucky if even halfplete them. Some teams are up against the wire on time,pleting the trials with just seconds to go.


    Eight more trials go by.


    The only other team thatpletes them all is the Apex Region team. While the three teams consisting of Vice and Veridian hunters constantly ce high in the rankings, they are not as consistent as the Apex Elites team.


    The three first-ce wins from us on rounds 8, 9, and 10 in a row were merely luck.


    As there are more puzzle events that require different elements like water to put out fires or healers to bring vigers back to perfect health.


    While I could use water magic of my own or even use self-regen potions on the vigers, it isn''t worth exposing our identities for a few points.


    We still manage to win 2 more out of the 8 events that pass through the night and do end uppleting every one of them which gives our team an overwhelming advantage above many of the others.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred tform and support their work!


    Between Nat, Dane, and Marcie, every few rounds when they feel up to it, they join us toplete challenges together.


    However, as the rounds go on, the challenges only get harder and stronger monster spawn. Under the facade of mine and Ember''s ranked up buffs, we''re easily able to dispatch these higher-level trials. Though, it''s clear many teams are not even supposed to be able toplete these nearing the end.


    As everyone gets progressively more tired, the trials get more difficult. Some of the monster waves have level 700-750+ monsters. They''re tough, but not impossible. It''s supposed to be this way.


    Even so, we make it a point to clear every one of them to gain extra points for everyone.


    From this alone, as we move onto the 19th round, everyone on our team is in the top 15 of this stage''s point leaderboard. Ember and I are both in the top 5, outranking a few of the Apex members that haven''t had the opportunity to gain MVP points as often and some that have taken rests while their teammatesplete rounds and get 1st ce points without them.


    Some of the other teams from the Vice and Veridian Regions have single hunters that are being pushed up the ranks for iming MVP every round. It''s a smart strategy to gain personal points if you''re much stronger than the rest of your team.


    Weplete the rest of the trials, and thepletion rate falls lower and lower.


    By the 23rd and 24th trial, there''s only two teams that are finishing. It''s me and Ember, along with the two Elites from the Apex region.


    Their stamina and drive is impressive as well. We go back and forth on winning the 1st ce prize with them on the final few rounds.


    However, overall they''ve won far more in the earlier rounds to maintain their early lead.


    On the final leaderboard, [Ray Anderson] is in 3rd ce, and [Emrie Carter] is in 4th. Scattered within the top 15 the rest of our teammates still stay, carried by the basicpletion points awarded that many teams failed to receive on every round.


    Marcie has epted the fact that there is something very off about us, but doesn''t care as long as she''s benefiting from it in the end.


    Natalie on the other hand gets increasingly confused as every time we walk out from the silver door with another stagepletion, neither of us ever need heals, and don''t even touch the gear on the walls.


    Unlike Marcie, I don''t feel confident talking to Nat through my telepathy link to exin what I need to. She''s still from the Apex Region. It feels a bit too closely rted and loyal to the top brass of the Association for me to be sharing any secrets.


    asionally, we''ll drink mana potions to restore MP after long battles, but usually I''m just consuming mana from the simtion room itself to restore myself while battling.


    All hunters with mana control awakened are capable of absorbing the mana in their environment to a certain extent. With the asional MP potion I take from my storage for show as well, it all seems very convincing to me.


    To Natalie, however, something is very wrong. I can see the confusion growing on her face every trial, but as she also watches her own points rise from our efforts, she doesn''t say a word and continues to heal Marcie and Dane when theye back after long battles.


    While Dane is about half as active in trials overall by the end of it, he still gives it his all and does whatever I say with no questions asked while inside the sim room.


    He doesn''t seem curious or cautious at all about the seemingly never-ending stamina we have, his eyes only show gratefulness. The final 24hr countdown hits zero and the 3rd stage of the B-ss exams is over.


    Rodrigo''s face reappears on the ceiling next to the now updated leaderboard with everyone''s name and ranking on it.


    "Congrattions, hunters, you''ve allpleted the 3rd stage of the exams. If you''re still worn out or in critical condition from these trials, do not worry. There will be a total rejuvenation and private room allotted to any hunters that wish before you all move on to the 4th stage."


    I hear a mechanical shifting sound behind the silver door that the simtions just took ce inside. It sounds as if the room itself is being moved away...


    Then, the entire resting room that we''re standing in shakes too and it feels like we''re being moved around in space by a huge machine. I''m tempted to use my all-seeing eye to see through the shielding around us but I refrain from doing so.


    Rodrigo continues.


    "Your wristbands have now been updated with the weighted scores of the 3rd stage. Do not fret if you feel your score does not appropriately reflect your performance in the exams so far. In the 4th stage, you will be able to show off your solo abilities in a grand event starting in 16 hours. Be prepared to fight, and take advantage of our amenities."


    He pauses, then grins just slightly.


    "As you move to this next room, sabotages and fighting are permitted in the public areas but not in privatebeled rooms. Please, no killing before Stage 4 begins, I will have to intervene if you take things too far. More information will be provided closer to the time the events of the 4th stage begin."


    The silver door clicks open, and at the same time the numbers on our wristbands update.


    A final word from Rodrigo echoes through our ears as his face and the leaderboard disappears from the ceiling of the resting room.


    "Allies will not be helpful to you during the 4th stage, but it would be wise for you not to break your bonds if you want any chance of prevailing in the 5th."


    There''s a moment of silence as we think about his final words, but I waste no time to look down at my wristband to see [14]. Then, I peer over at Ember''s and it reads [10].


    Natalie''s says [17], Dane''s reads [18], and Marcie''s says [19].


    We all jumped up in ranks a lot from performing well during this stage. This increase in rank is just what I needed to cancel out those test results of the first round. With 2 more stages to go, I only need to raise 2 more ranks to reach my goal.


    I whisper out loud to Ember.


    "Looks like you already made it into the top 12, not bad."


    We walk through the door into a veryrge circr room with nothing inside. The walls are bright white and mana shielded just like the rest of this fortress.


    Its diameter is 100m at most, and the ceiling is high, about 10m, but nowhere close to as massive as the training rooms we were standing in during the 2nd Stage physical tests.


    Once all 5 of us step out, the silver door shuts behind us and I hear the same mechanical shifting sound like the room is moving away and being reced with something else behind it.


    There are at least 75 doors on the outer edges of this room, but only a few of them open and more teamse walking out.


    While our team looks a bit tired and fatigued, otherse out looking far worse.


    Some are missing limbs, others are still covered in blood and deep unhealed wounds, while some teams even carry out sleeping or passed out members into the room before the doors shut.


    The mechanical sound of moving parts outside of the humming shielding gets much louder once everyone is in this room, then numbers 1-66 light up on all of the doors on the outer rim of this massive circr room.


    A screen appears on the ceiling of this room now and reads out a single sentence.


    [Please relocate to your private suite to receive a full rejuvenation before the 4th Stage.]


    Another timer counting down from 16 hours is visible below it, and no other instructions are given.


    I look to Ember, and he looks to me with a nod and speaks.


    "I guess, see you in the next stage¡ªor whenever we meet again."


    I nod.


    "I guess so."


    He walks off to the room numbered [10].


    Marcie looks at me with the same serious look she''s been giving me ever since I talked to her with Telepathy the first time.


    "Thanks for being a good teammate. I hope we aren''t enemies in the next round like that proctor said."


    She turns to walk toward her door in the opposite direction that Ember walked and says a final line without turning to me.


    "If we are, I won''t hold back."


    I smirk.


    "Fine, me neither."


    Then, Dane speaks next and I see a very unexpected notification ping in my ear.


    "Thank you for the boost in ranking, It may actually be possible for me to go home to the Silca Region with good news and extra funding. It''ll just take 6 more ranks. Whatever you need, I''m there for you, Ray!"


    He looks up to me with a wide smile, and I see his status and geolocation in my Rising Emperor''s Domain as clear as day.


    For some reason, a link of loyalty was formed with this applicant from the Silca region.


    It wasn''t my intention, but it can''t hurt to maintain this bond...


    I smile and ce out a hand for a shake.


    "Of course, maybe when all of this is over you can show me around your home region."


    He grabs my hand and shakes it, then thanks me profusely again before leaving to enter the door next to the one Marcie just left to.


    The only person left near me is Natalie, and her eyebrows are still scrunched with confusion.


    With her hands on her hips, looking me right in the eyes, she''s about to ask me something, but we''re interrupted by a loud yell from across the room.


    "You traitor! I can''t believe you! An Apex Hunter giving up simtion tactics to help the Bedrock Region! One of them even made it into the top 12 already because of yourpse in judgment! I''m going to kill you!"


    My head turns to the noise, and I see all six members of the Apex Region''s Elite team storming our way with angry looks on their faces.


    Trax, the one who yelled, has a bright [1] on his wristband. He''s leading their group and is crackling head to toe in violent electricity.

 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540


    The team of Elites walks over to us like they own the ce andpletely ignore me, all staring at Natalie.


    Trax yells again.


    "You''re a disgrace! We should have never picked you up from the Veridian Region!"


    He raises a fist, and lightning crackles around it.


    His words interest me.


    I assumed Nat was from the Apex Region, but it seems there''s some information I wascking. My eyebrows raise as the water user puts his hand in front of the spiky-haired lightning mage.


    "You know how protective the Director is about healers. Careful, Trax."


    His fist crackles, and he stares ahead at her, then grunts out a reply through gritted teeth.


    "I know... but she''s definitely not the one he''s looking for. That''s clear after today..."His eyes track over to a tank in silver armor with a [6] on his wristband.


    "Plus, Mack has the same skill as her. If anyone manifests that ability, it''ll be him. I don''t think the Director will mind me taking out the garbage. I don''t know why you sold out to these low-grade hunters, but now this year''s exam results may be tarnished if I don''t do anything about it."


    Callum, the water mage of nearly equal strength to Trax, lowers his hand and nods.


    "Do as you wish, I just thought a fair warning was in order."


    Trax grins and stares Nat in the eyes while replying.


    "Your consideration is appreciated, but I''ll make my own decisions."


    He lunges forward with what feels like a full-powered attack aiming straight for Nat''s chest.


    I think to myself while the scene ys out in slow motion thanks to my real perception.


    While Natalie technically did give us information that would help in these exams during the pre-trials, none of it was really that helpful.


    We were a bit more prepared for the tasks ahead, but if we followed her advice on the Simtion tests, we''d be in much worse shape than we are now.


    It''s not like she gave us secret answers on the written exam or some way to cheat the physical either.


    Everything they''re mad about was not Nat''s fault at all. If anything, it''s my fault. Trax is actually thinking pretty clearly. There''s no possible way normal recruits from the Bedrock Region would have passed the tests like we just did.


    All of the other recruits that came with us were either prematurely eliminated in the pre-trials or aren''t even in the top 30 right now.


    However, reacting in such a drastic manner without any solid proof is quite disturbing.


    I let out a sigh and lunge forward, activating my own lightning magic.


    There''s a powerful twang of mana as Trax''s fist ms into my open palm centimeters before impact aimed at Nat''s heart.


    Arcs of electricity surge through the air, and a shockwave of energy radiates through everyone.


    Nat falls backward from the st but grabs onto my free arm to stabilize herself before standing to her feet and shaking her head to rid herself of the shock and understand the situation.


    I feel another pulse of electricity surge through me with the mana control output of a level 850-900 monster as the angry eyes of the man who threw this attack stare into mine.


    I finally release his fist from my hand and he yells out again.


    "It''s you! You and that Emrie guy! It was you two that were stealing our points! Just another one of the Bedrock leeches! 14th? You''re in 14th ce now... Are you kidding me? You weren''t even in the top 30 after the written or physical exams! There''s no way you racked up enough points to pass without this one whispering the answers in your ear!"


    He turns to Nat.


    "I never even liked you in the first ce. This is all because you were taken from your home to support the Apex Region''s future, isn''t it? Some kind of selfish revenge?"


    He turns back to me, and I feel a probing sensation of Trax''s aura go through me to try and figure out how strong my mana control is.


    With the divine limiter on, my output still feels like a level 600-700 at best.


    He feels this and yells again.


    "It''s because he''s a lightning user too, isn''t it! The only other applicant with this element in the exam. You wanted to take away from the rarity of my ability."


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    He turns back to Nat.


    "That was it, wasn''t it? I understand now!"


    She looks shocked, with her mouth open, and stutters out a reply.


    "No- I- I thought my duty was done. I did what I was asked to get you through the pre-trials. My teammates made it this far themselves. If anything, they''re the ones helping me-"


    "That''s enough! I don''t buy it! From what I can sense, there''s no possible way he could put up a fight against me in the sim rooms without extra information. There''s just no way-"


    Natalie has been nothing but nice to me, and with added information that she''s most likely been working for the Apex Region for some reason that has to do with their Director searching for a healing ability, the questions in my head only grow.


    One thing is for sure, though, ites out of my mouth as I take a step closer to Trax.


    "Hey! Believe her. She didn''t tell me anything. The B-ss exams don''t revolve around you, buddy."


    His eyes widen at my remark, and I feel a very intense power surge behind his eyes.


    His pupils turn yellow, and a wave of electricity bursts out to cover his entire body in the same bright yellow color as he responds.


    "Actually, you''re wrong. I will be the next A-ss hunter and train with the Director himself. These exams do in fact revolve around me, and you are all merely stepping stones to my rise in fame as the Association''s strongest hunter."


    A twisted smile forms across his face, and he replies.


    "There can only be one Lightning Mage that will be known across the 8 Regions. That will be me."


    He lunges toward me with speed and power far faster than what he showed before.


    His energy output with this ranked-up buff activated nears that of a level 1000 monster. The energy being multiplied throughout his body artificially increases his mana control momentarily to create an attack that is far deadlier than I expected.


    His speed has also drastically increased, far greater than that of a double ranked-up monster. It feels almost like I''m facing that lightning wolf in the Vice City Labyrinth''s 40th-floor boss room.


    He is not as powerful but definitely shows the speed and agility of a level 1200 monster.


    With an ability like this, it makes far more sense why they were able to clear the trials so fast.


    If he wasn''t unfortunate enough to have met me in these exams, his previous words might actually be true.


    The strength and capabilities he shows are far greater than everyone here and could definitely be a candidate for an A-ss hunter.


    However, with his fiery temper and attitude toward others, showing violent hostility without any concrete proof, and a godplex that he''s trying to push on everyone around him just for being pampered by the association, it really makes me want to bring him down a peg.


    As a lightning-imbued fistes rocketing toward my face, I do a scan of the room and find there are less than a dozen people left here. The rest have gone inside their rooms.


    While I could block his punch right now and beat him to the ground, that wouldn''t be a feat Ray Anderson could do with the fractions of a second left to think of a n against an unexpected punch.


    Then again, a few words from Rodrigo repeat in my mind from his speech before we all made it into this room.


    He said, killing will not be permitted.


    If anyone takes things too far, he will be made to intervene.


    I smirk, then slowly turn my eyes to meet Trax''s gaze while he follows through with his punch.


    I don''t lift a finger or even attempt to block it.


    His expression shifts for a moment, as my reflexes and perception of the situation shouldn''t be this quick.


    At the same time, a circr panel in the center of the massive room opens up, and a sh of light pours out, wearing a golden cor.


    A st of electricity and light magic follows, and I y along, letting myself get thrown back by the st as Rodrigo blocks the lightning punch while in his ranked-up form.


    He yells out.


    "That''s enough! I said you may sabotage and quarrel, but no lethal blows will be permitted!"


    Trax looks at Rodrigo, and they both power down their buffs as I get to my feet pretending to act flustered.


    However, Trax lunges forward again. Rodrigo blocks him from moving forward at me with a single arm covered in light magic, but lets him yell out.


    "No! That- That wasn''t a lethal blow at all- he- he saw iting. His eyes, he was watching me throw that punch-"


    Trax reys the imagery of my subtle smirk and eyes tracking his punch over and over in his mind, but his face turns pale as he murmurs under his breath.


    "At least I think... That''s what I saw, right..?"


    He looks down at his hands, then up at Rodrigo.


    "But if it was... you would have seen it too. An A-ss hunter wouldn''t miss a detail like that..."


    Rodrigo stares at him with a serious expression.


    "This hunter didn''t even see your attacking. His pupils tracking your movements may be a survival response, but there was no effort made to block or move away from the blow aimed for his vitals at speeds far faster than anything recorded in his physical exam or even during the sim trials. That was in fact an intended Lethal blow."


    Trax shakes himself out of his trance.


    "Right... yeah- right. There''s no way he could have seen that. He wasn''t even top 30 in the written and physical, right...? He''s not even top 12 overall now. I don''t know my own power sometimes."


    He smiles, chuckling a little, nodding, and reassuring himself of this fact while Rodrigo responds, staring at everyone here with stern expressions.


    "I don''t care if it was an ident or not. I''m just here to keep the peace. If you really want to kill each other that badly, save it for the tournament event in the next round."


    Everyone''s eyes widen at this statement, as Rodrigo just dropped a major hint about the 4th stage.


    He jumps in the air as the circr hatch in the ceiling opens again.


    "No more talking! Get to your rejuvenation rooms and stop causing problems. You''ve had a stressful first three trials, be d you''ve made it this far. Heal up and mentally prepare yourself for the next stage."


    He watches us from above and doesn''t disappear into the ceiling again until everyone walks back to their room.


    I walk in front of the doorbeled [14], but turn around onest time to get a look at therge circr room as the silver door behind me opens.


    The angry gaze of the lightning mage is locked on me from across the room as he stands in front of his open door too.


    I lock eyes with him and give a convincing stare back, as it seems I''ve identally made quite the aggressive and strong rival to deal with in the uing rounds.


    Our death stare across the 100-meter room holds for about five full seconds before the ceiling turns green and a new announcement rings out in the tone of a woman''s voice I''ve never heard before.


    [Attention all applicants. Stage 1 written test results have been reviewed by our proctors, and the machine-graded scores have been manually updated to include more creative solutions. There have been a few slight changes. Please review the updated rankings.]


    I can hear and see that the same message is being yed inside the room behind me, so even hunters inside their private suites are getting this update too.


    As the message shes a few more times, then a disy of the updated rankings appears in front of us, my emotionless stare turns into a smile, and Trax''s turns to one of disbelief.

 Chapter 541

    Chapter 541


    The list of rankings on the ceiling shifts around.


    Some of the numbers above the silver doors in the room shift too, matching the hunters'' updated rankings for those already inside.


    Many applicants move up and down 1 or 2 slots as they''ve managed to squeeze in a few points past their fellow applicants.


    I see Natalie''s score actually get worse, moving from [17] to [19], while Dane''s moves from [18] to [16], and Marcie shoots up the rankings all the way from [19] to [13].


    Ember moves up in the rankings one slot too, hitting [9].


    My grin grows as I see myself move all the way up to position number [5].


    The first four slots are still filled by Apex Region Elites, Trax and Callum taking first and second.


    It seems that portion of the written test where niche association hierarchy knowledge is still holding me back a little, but my in-depth exnations of scenarios and training tactics were enough for the experienced proctors to see that a majority of my answers were correct where the machine didn''t.


    I call out across the room while taking a step back into the rejuvenation room."What was that about me not being in the top 12? Huh? Looks like it was just a system error."


    Myugh echoes through the room as the perfect 1-6 rankings of the elites are broken up by a rogue no-name Bedrock hunter.


    While the silver door begins to slide shut, Trax''s angry yell echoes back.


    "This is another trick! You''ve cheated again! I''ll kill you in the next trial and prove you''re nothing! You do not deserve to rank this high! Just wait, wait until I get my hands on you without that A-ss holding me back!"


    I make a final nce of eye contact with him.


    "Looking forward to it."


    The door clicks shut, and a wave of hot soothing mana rushes into me from the floor and through all of the walls.


    It''s at least ten times as strong as the golden lounge in the pre-trials.


    It is very impressive and would certainly speed up natural healing to a significant degree, however based on some of the injuries I saw on the other applicants, they''re going to need a bit more than just a mana bath to bring them back to 100%.


    I take a stroll of the small 10m by 10m room to find a bed, arge desk and chair, food, potions, and aplete wall of armor, pendants, weapons, and all kinds of unique-looking high C and low B-Grade gear.


    A message above the items in glowing holographic text reads out that I should help myself to whatever I desire.


    On the ceiling of the room, a 16-hour timer ticks down and the live ranking still sits there without moving.


    After a quick scan of the items on the wall, I confirm there is still nothing worth taking.


    I walk over to the desk andfortable-looking chair, then sit down and take a deep breath of the fresh mana flooding through my veins.


    A few hours pass as I fall into a peaceful trance-like state while absorbing just enough mana to not be abnormal.


    Then, my concentration is disrupted by a light dinging sound and a new text screen on the ceiling.


    [A personal Healer will arrive shortly. Any additional injuries will be rejuvenated now.]


    Secondster, the silver door at the back of the room opens and I turn in its direction to find a level 994 woman with silky blond hair that waves in the air below her waist.


    She has the same legendary grade [Soft Heal] skill as both Natalie and that tank healer from earlier.


    However, this woman has the mana control of a hunter that has far surpassed the double ranked up status. It''s surprising she hasn''t hit level 1000 yet given the mana radiating off of her, but I have a few guesses as to why when the golden cor around her neck enters my field of vision.


    Her eyes are a dull blue, it looks like there is no life behind them. However, she still smiles and keeps her bodynguage graceful as she walks over and speaks in a steady tone.


    "Please show me where anysting fatigue or injuries may be after your trials. I will make sure you are able to fight at full capacity before the next stage."


    I stare forward for a moment, still looking her up and down as shees to a halt in the middle of the room, staring back at me with a lifeless gaze.


    I shake my head.


    "No thanks. I feel fine already."


    She doesn''t move, still staring forward and replies in the same tone.


    "I insist. You may have injuries you''re not aware of, Mr. Anderson."


    I stand up from my desk and look back at her.


    "I said no thank you, I''ve already fully recovered. There are applicants that need your heals much more than me."


    She nods.


    "They have already been assisted. You''re next in line for a full heal. Please allow me to do my job. I need to make sure you''re in your top fighting condition, that is all."


    I reply back with lightning flickering in my eyes.


    "I don''t know what your deal is, but I don''t want whatever treatment you''re offering to give. If youy a finger on me, I''ll be less ready for the next trial than if I''m left to my own natural healing."


    Surprisingly, she nods and takes a step back.


    "That is a satisfactory response. I find no visible injuries and your mana control base appears to be stable."


    As she turns to leave through the door she mumbles to herself.


    "You Bedrock applicants sure are difficult this year..."


    The silver door clicks shut and the messages disappear to leave me in a nk room again with only the timer and rankings.


    Her odd behavior is one thing, but it leaves my mind as the fact that she left without much of an overreaction means she most likely wasn''t trying to do anything devious. The thing that interests me most as more hours pass in the rejuvenation room is that woman''s skill.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Trax''s words about the Apex Region''s director and his obsession with healers stick in the back of my mind as I try to piece together this puzzle.


    I''vee across other healers in my travels through cities when I do broad scans.


    While this [Soft Heal] skill is far more efficient than the [Surface Heal], [HP Heal], [Self Heal], and various other lesser healing abilities I''ve found, it''s not like it''s a unique or overpowered skill like the [Restore] skill Abby has.


    Whatever the Director is looking for here, it''s either way over my head and has something to do with this [Soft Heal] skill that I can''t understand, or a far more likely option, the director is looking in a totally wrong direction.


    Whatever it is, my only hunch on the matter is thousands of kilometers away underground cultivating Qi beneath Valor City... Overthinking this matter any further won''t be of use until I can figure out why the director is looking for a healer and what the exact ability is he''s looking for.


    Until then, I will focus on getting close enough to the higher-ups to actually have the ability to find this information myself.


    More hours pass, and eventually the timer on the ceiling hits the 1-hour remaining mark.


    While I''m sure most people slept during this time, I sit in silence and wait.


    There''s another soft ding that breaks my concentration, but this time the text on the ceiling is rather open-ended.


    [Prepare to fight. You have 1 hour before the matches begin.]


    It shes a few times, then I feel the entire room move, along with the mechanical moving parts making it seem like the entire room is gliding on a long rail and constantly switching tracks.


    The ceiling text disappears, then arge video screen of Rodrigo standing in the center of the circr white room we left 15 hours earlier appears.


    However, as it pans up, it''s now clear that the ceiling of the room is gone.


    It''s been reced by arge blue transparent dome.


    There are a few hundred seats surrounding the entire room outside the dome.


    The audience seating is split into 8 sections and I see arge throne sitting in the center of each section. There are a few people that I recognize.


    Sitting in one golden seat with about a dozen C and B ss hunters surrounding it is Brutus, the Vice Region''s director. A bright light is showing on him in his Association armor and shimmering rings.


    Next to him, less than 20 meters away is another throne made of glossy ck rock. Director Mack, the Director of the Bedrock Region sits there with a few of his B-ss guards and quite a few C-ss hunters.


    Across the ring in the curved seating, I even see the green-eyed woman with earth magic from the Talton Region. She sits in a stone throne but has not brought a single guard or hunter with her. The section of the audience around her is empty.


    My vision tracks over to an old man with grey hair on a silver throne. He has a strong build and noble stature with simr strength and armor to Brutus. He has over 20 guards around him, and I assume that this is the director of the Veridian Region.


    Beside this, about 25 meters away, there is another region. There is a figure in ck robes with 6 guards around him in masks and matching dark outfits. I can''t see any of their faces, but I assume this is the Phantom Region.


    Lastly, on the far edge of the ring there are two more regions.


    One Director is a young woman who hovers in the air above a white throne with wind magic, while the regional throne beside them is less than 10 meters away. It is led by a young man flickering with fire.


    Each of them has about 10 C-Grade guards around them.


    These are the Silca and Raya Regions. From the way they''re positioned so close together in the seating, it seems like they''re one. However, there is a clear distinction between their clothing, and there are two thrones.


    I cannot definitively tell which region is which.


    To my surprise, there is no throne for the Apex Region visible either.


    The positioning of the camera pans back down to Rodrigo who stands in the center of the room.


    "Attention, applicants. The 4th Stage of this year''s B-ss exams will begin shortly."


    He pauses, and the screen on the ceiling of my room splits in half to show the ranking again as he continues.


    "We will be holding a tournament to disy each individual hunter''s strengths and weaknesses in a solo match environment."


    The ranking boards with all the individual hunters'' names start to move around and form groups of two. Their faces show up next to their number in a long line.


    _________


    [1][66], [2][65], [3][64], [4][63], [5][62], [6][61], [7][60], [8][59], [9][58], [10][57], [11][56], [12][55], [13][54], [14][53], [15][52], [16][51], [17][50], [18][49], [19][48], [20][47], [21][46], [22][45], [23][44], [24][43], [25][42], [26][41], [27][40], [28][39], [29][38], [30][37], [31][36], [32][35], [33][34]


    _________


    It seems the lowest rated applicants are matched up with the highest.


    Only one linees up from each pairing and it leads to two new nk spaces where the line from another pairing meets.


    The winner of each match moves on, making the chart look like a pyramid.


    There is a single nk space left for the pairing of two at the top of the chart for a final event.


    This will allow for the highest-rated hunters to make it to theter rounds and won''t have the most intense matchups first.


    This means it''s already skewed in favor for the higher ranked hunters to do well in the tournament. Middle-ranked hunters will be the only ones fighting fair matches, at the start at least.


    This works in my favor so I don''t mind much.


    My eyes scan the numbers as Rodrigo continues to speak and exin.


    "You will be fighting in 2-minute rounds. The winner will be decided by death or verbal submission."


    He smirks and holds up a pendant.


    "Of course, you will be given a protection item that ensures your safety. This is given to make sure no valuable Association hunters are unnecessarily killed, but also to make sure you don''t hold back and show us everything you''ve got."


    He points up to the circr seating that wraps around the mana-shielded fighting pit.


    "If both parties are still standing after the 2 minutes are up, our 7 Regional Directors will vote on a winner."


    The camera pans up even further to show a solid ck box with no doors or windows floating in the sky above the dome.


    "-And of course, our very own Apex Region is overseeing the event itself."


    The video view pans back down to Rodrigo and he continues.


    "Every round you continue to fight will affect the live ranking on your wristband. If you win a match against an opponent of a higher ranking than your own, this will allow you to rise in the ranks. However, if you defeat an opponent at a far lower rank than your own, it won''t affect your own ranking at all."


    He pauses and smiles.


    "With that being said, all of the rankings are weighted. So, the stronger the opponent you managed to defeat, the more it will affect both of your scores following the match."


    He nods and waits in silence again before continuing.


    "This 4th stage may be the final step in this year''s B-ss exams for some of you, as only the top 20 will be moving on to the final stage of the exams."


    He steps forward and ces a hand in the air.


    "However, if you fail to reach this goal, your journey in the hunter world does not end here today. This is an opportunity for all of you to grow and make connections with all of the Great Regions, not just the ones you came to represent. Every Regional Director here will be watching you perform. If your abilities and style suit their needs, they may send private contracts to whoever catches their eye as long as Apex Region deals are not already in ce with the applicant in question."


    The video zooms out again to get the Regional Directors in shot again.


    "With that being said, the prize for today''s tournament, for those who believe they have a shot at winning it all, will be awarded a B-ss License no matter their results during the 5th stage, and in addition to this, a guaranteed lifetime contract with any region you desire. This includes a seat on the board of contracted Apex B-ss hunters, and extends to every region here tonight."


    My gaze tightens at this statement, as this prize seems like it''s meant for the Apex Elites to win no matter what and receive their B-ss ID anyway, but it is still great incentive for other regions to give it their all.


    Rodrigo smiles and the split screen shifts to show the first matchup in the tournament event with arge timer counting down the minutes.


    "Applicants, make sure to stock up on all of the gear you have avable to you in your rejuvenation rooms. Any magic items you''ve brought with you today are fair y. These matches will be simting real-life or death situations. Your opponents may not always be monsters with solved ways of defeating them, you will have to know how to react to situations well within the unknown too."


    A small circle in the floor of the room pops out and a silver pendant on a ck stringes out with it.


    "Please, ce on your respawn items and prepare for the tournament to begin. Once it is your turn to fight, your door will open."


    I take the small silver ne and appraise it to find [Rodrigo''s Silver Amulet] as its name. It is very simr to the item that was used during the C-ss exams, imbued with the A-ss hunter''s respawn skill.


    I know it works, I''ve seen it in action before. When the hunter wearing the item hits a low enough HP threshold, they will be sent back to a set location away from danger and with restored health. However, I know the previous version of this item had its faults. They may have fixed it for arge event like this one, but I''m definitely not going to trust my life to a magic item not made by myself or tested very carefully. I''m only wearing it for show.


    I ce the ne on and the visual of Rodrigo disappears, leaving only the tournament chart of future matches on the ceiling screen and a timer ticking down the remaining minutes before the first match.

 Chapter 542

    Chapter 542


    Once the timer reaches five minutes remaining, I begin to feel the room around me shift and rotate. The ceiling lights up green with a new message telling all applicants to move to the front half of their rooms and equip all items necessary to fight.


    I do as it says, and a walles out of the floor, cutting the room in half and leaving me staring at the silver door.


    Soon after, the mana shielding around the front half of the room falls away, revealing heavy-duty ss imbued with the same blue mana as the shielding that makes up the dome.


    Even the silver door fades away into a semi-transparent material.


    As I look around, the walls of the fight area are all made of the same see-through substance. Behind every door, there is another applicant in an identical room, ready to fight.


    The timer counting down hits zero, and a new timer floats in the air, set at two minutes, while two doors of applicants open up.


    Once they both step out, the two-minute timer begins. However, it is paused at [00:01:58] after a bright sh of lightning fills the arena.


    Rodrigo''s voice fills the room.


    "In the fight between applicant 1 and applicant 66, Trax, from the Apex Region, has moved on to the next round!"There are a fewughs that ring out from the audience above, but the next match starts almost immediately after, and the same result urs.


    The clock is stopped mere seconds after it starts, following a massive blue sh of mana and a barrage of water jets.


    "In the fight between applicant 2 and applicant 65, Callum, from the Apex Region, has moved on to the next round!"


    The following two rounds are the same as a fire and wind user from the Apex Region both demolish their opponents in seconds.


    Then, my turnes, and the transparent mana shield door opens up to put me in the fight ring with applicant 62.


    He''s sweating all over and holding a long silver sword along with armor that I''m positive came from the resting room rack that we were both just offered items from.


    He''s level 516, and on his wristband, I see he''s from the Raya Region.


    I let out a sigh and pull my daggers from my waist, sending a single crescent of lightning magic his way faster than he can see.


    It collides with his midsection before he can even block it, and the timer above our heads stops as a sh of white light teleports him away.


    "In the fight between applicant 5 and applicant 62, Ray, from the Bedrock Region, has moved on to the next round!"


    At this announcement, I feel many eyes from the audience above turn to look at me as I walk back to my transparent room.


    Director Mack is smiling wide and pping for my victory while the Vice and Veridian Directors both look at each other, then stare at my back until I''m in my room again.


    The tension clears once the next match begins.


    It''s over very quickly just like the others.


    It takes no time at all to make it to Ember''s match.


    "In the fight between applicant 9 and applicant 58, Emrie, from the Bedrock Region, has moved on to the next round!"


    The same reaction takes ce when he wins his match in a single punch of hot fire.


    While these matchups are very unfair, cing the strongest against the weakest to start, this blue barrier still allows for hunters outside the ring to feel the power of mana being used inside.


    Although they aren''t full fights, every match right now is giving both the Regional Directors and all the other fighters in the tournament a taste of what they can do.


    The only notable matches I see next are the two Vice Region fighters ranked 10 and 11; they too quickly dispatch their enemies.


    A few more matches go by until Marcie wins hers too without any issue. At slot 13, she faces one of the remaining Bedrock applicants at rank 54 and finishes the match with a single strike of her spear.


    Dane at 16 defeats 51 with ease, but the two have an actual exchange of blows. The match takes over 20 seconds toplete.


    He''s up against one of the members from the Phantom Region.


    Using an extreme speed skill along with advanced wind magic and many speed and perception-boosting items, the applicant dressed in ck robes is quite the tough adversary.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The two of them fly around the dome and send wind shes at each other, but Dane''s extreme-grade skill along with slightly higher mana control allows him to win the battle by pure strength.


    His wind des shatter the Phantom Region applicant''s des every time they collide, and eventually, hends a few clean shots that bring him the victory.


    Even so, as he walks back to his room, he is breathing quite heavily.


    There''s a single region pping for him as Rodrigo announces him as the victor.


    It is the young woman that sits on the white throne. Before, I couldn''t tell if she was the Director of the Raya Region or Silca, but if she''s rooting Dane on, then my guess is this woman is the Director of the Silca Region.


    As I observe her much closer, her eyes, hair color, and facial features share traits with Dane, but it must be a coincidence.


    Before I think of this too much, the next match begins, and applicant 17 defeats 50, another applicant from the Phantom Region in a match that also takes more than just a single blow.


    Their brawl goes simrly, with 17 just scraping out a victory because of a difference in mana control and element strength.


    The next match is 18 vs 49, and the oue that takes ce is not what I expected.


    Applicant 49 is from the Phantom Region, just like thest two fighters; however, he doesn''t have an elemental skill.


    When I look at his status, all I see is one called Shadow Step, and it''s legendary grade.


    When the match begins, he lunges forward with a ck sword in hand, then disappears right before 18nds his attack. The Ice mage in the ring is a strong fighter from the Veridian Region that carriesrge white ice-imbued axes.


    If the man in ck robes was hit with the attack that was hurtling toward him, he would have been killed on the spot...


    However, he''s nowhere to be found.


    The audience goes silent for a moment, and the ice mage looks around the ring, waiting for the announcer to call out his name as the winner.


    It looks as if this fighter was teleported away, possibly the teleportation magic was just not present or masked by his ck robes.


    Many theories are thought of, but when he reappears behind the ice mage and shoves his ck sword through the hunter''s back, thrusting upward to eliminate him on the spot in a sh of white light, the audience realizes what has happened.


    He puts his sword back in its sheath and bows, then walks back to his room as Rodrigo announces him as the winner of this match.


    No one ps, not even his own Regional Director. Although, I do see him give a subtle nod of approval.


    The room is eerily silent until the next match begins.


    Natalie walks into the white arena in new armor from the preparation room, along with two silver daggers in her hands.


    Number 48, her opponent, is another applicant from the Phantom Region.


    All four of them are right next to each other in ranks.


    Given their abilities so far, it seems like they did very poorly on the written exam, decent on the physical, and all shared the same score for the simtion trials as they are clumped together here.


    However, their fighting capabilities are far higher than their base rank shows.


    Natalie is the opposite. Her knowledge in the written exams and contribution as a healer during the simtion trials is what brought her rank up so far.


    The worried expression on her face shows that she is thinking exactly the same thing.


    In a battle of pure strength and mana control, she has no chance of winning and moving on.


    After the verbal disagreement she had with Trax before this tournament even started, her losing a match like this will only add fuel to the fire.


    I do a quick scan of both of them as they face each other in the ring. The Phantom Region applicant has mana control higher than Nat''s, and even an advanced earth element skill that will make for even more of a tactical advantage.


    He uses an earth-imbued longsword, and all of his dark robes are imbued with speed and agility buffs just like the other applicants from this region.


    The match begins, and as he sprints forward, it''s clear that Natalie is most likely going to lose this fight.


    There''s a bright sh of mana and stone as they collide in the center of the ring, and the earth sword shes with Nat''s enchanted silver daggers.


    She manages to block the first iing strike but is blown flying backward by its force to m back-first into the side of the ring against a random transparent door about a dozen rooms away from me.


    She coughs up blood but gets to her feet in time to see the earth user ruthlesslying in for another attack.


    My eyes wander around the ring, and I see all of the Apex Elites watching the match with their arms crossed and smug looks on their faces.


    Their internal affairs have nothing to do with me, and as much as I want to see Nat win and rub it in their faces, I whisper to myself and try to think about the situation harder. "Does it really matter if she wins or loses...?"


    In the same instance, Nat is hit with another heavy sh from the earth user, only one of her daggers manages tond a clean block, allowing his sword to slide by and rip a gash through her side.


    Blood stains the white floor as she jumps away to dodge his second iing strike in the same motion.


    Her eyes are still sharp and her breathing is heavy.


    Nat grips a dagger with one hand while dropping the other and using her now free palm to heal up her side to make sure at least the bleeding slows before anything else.


    She could surrender at any time, but is still looking for a way to fight back.


    The muffled yell of Traxes from behind his transparent door as the direction Nat managed to flee from her attacker is right in front of his room.


    "You''ll lose. Ha! You''ll lose to a lesser region. And you''ll drop below ranking 20! Once I win this tournament and get a ce on the Apex''s B-ss board, I''ll make sure you never get your license no matter how many times you reapply."


    As he taunts her, another earth-magic-filled shes toward her, and with only one dagger to block, she''s hit again in the side and her previous wound opens up while another is created.


    Traxughs and yells out as she flees again.


    "And after today''s showing, the Veridian Region will never take you back either! This is what you get for betraying the Apex Elites!"


    She grits her teeth and tries to heal up both of the wide-open wounds in her stomach with one hand, but it isn''t enough.


    Nat has to use both hands to stop the bleeding before it''s toote and ispletely unarmed for the attack that flies at her next.


    Even now, she stares the sword covered in earth magic down without fear, but I''m certain this hit will end the match.


    Even if her stare looks like it''s full of resolve, there''s nothing she can do, and she knows it.


    After thinking about Trax''s words for a moment, and considering the prize of this tournament, a n begins to formte in my head.


    It includes securing a future trade partnership with the Veridian region and at the same time will bring me one step closer to figuring out what really goes on within the higher ups of the Apex Region.


    To follow it out, Natalie can''t lose this fight...


    So, I make the decision to open my telepathy link from across the ring and send her a message.


    "Listen to me very carefully. If you want to win, you''re going to have to do exactly what I say."

 Chapter 543

    Chapter 543


    Nat''s eyes widen once she hears a foreign voice in her head, but she takes in a gasp of air and I continue talking to her before too much time passes.


    "I can grant you the power to win, but you''re going to have to put your full trust in me. Focus. To win this battle, you must visualize me as your leader and recite these words."


    Nat grits her teeth, conceptualizing the situation in slow motion, nodding while I tell her what to say. The words that travel through our link are words I didn''t imagine I''d be saying during my time in the Apex Region, but when an opportunity like this makes itself known, I can either take the risk or lose the chance.


    Her eyes widen more as she hears the order I''ve given, then replies through our link while she gets stabbed through the gut by an earth-imbued sword.


    "Whoever you are... If this is true, I would do anything to win. I swear my loyalty to you, The me Emperor, grant me power, please help me..."


    Blood gushes out from her mouth as she attempts to heal her wounds and get away from the attacker.


    Nat''s eyes are filled with fear as her health drops dangerously close to the respawn trigger threshold.


    Trax''sugh echoes through the arena as the floor bes stained red with blood.


    Nat mana-steps toward my transparent door as the earth user from the Phantom Region follows her while charging up a final strike to kill.I speak through the link again.


    "Out loud... Yell it out for all to hear. Give me your trust and you''ll make it home to the Veridian Region. I promise you that."


    She coughs up blood to clear her throat, then does as I wish, yelling out for the whole arena to hear with tears in her eyes.


    "me Emperor! I swear my loyalty to you! Grant me power... The power to win!"


    While this isn''t what it would take to actually create a link of loyalty, a simple verbal acknowledgment or even a strong bond of trust is usually enough to make the connection; I need something more for Nat''s link to trigger in such a short amount of time.


    A much more simple disy could have been done, even her whispering under her breath, but I want all attention to be on her once the link is created.


    The more shy and dramatic the better.


    As a notification rings and our link of loyalty forms, my eyes sparkle with excitement.


    I take a deep breath and begin mentally activating portions of my Rising Emperors Domain''s interface to grant her 5% of all my base stats, 1% of my mana control, and the ability to now use extreme fire summoning.


    A full 10% of everything isn''t necessary. The mana control I''ve shared is already overkill.


    The fire magic touch isn''t needed either, but If eyebrows are already being raised, I might as well give them something to look at.


    The arena goes silent as Natalie''s echoing yells cease and the only thing remaining is the earth de aimed straight for her heart.


    It collides with the silver lightweight armor chest te she took from the resting room and melts through the metal like butter.


    However, at the same time, she feels a warm surge of intense energy fill her body.


    Billions of MP worth of mana control energy enter her bloodstream, and her proficiency with shielding increases by over 1000% in a matter of milliseconds.


    Her baseline stats all raise a noticeable amount and are multiplied by the full set of gear she has on.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Nat''s perception of the entire arena changes.


    With this added level of mana control coursing through her, she mana-steps out of the way before the tip of the de can touch her skin.


    She can feel each individual mana particle floating through the ring.


    Her breaths in and out feel deeper, and she can instinctually formte entire battle strategies before she even breathes in again.


    The white-haired healer ces both her hands on her stomach, healing all of her injuries on the surface while turning her gaze to see one of her daggers on the blood-stained ground less than 10 meters away.


    Her steps feel both light and filled with new limitless power.


    Before the earth magic user can even turn to attack again, she''s already picked up her knife and turned in the air to make a counterattack.


    Mid-air, while pushing the de in her grasp forward at her attacker''s head, fire begins to flicker in her eyes.


    Every mana-step she takes forward begins to pulse red and grow in brightness.


    By the time the silver de in her hand makes contact with the Phantom Region applicant''s forehead, her steps are flickering with mes, and the de she carries erupts into a massive dark red ball of fire.


    As she follows through and shes downward, the white transportation magic of the item around the man''s neck activates, and he disappears from the ring.


    At the same instant I see him disappear, I deactivate my buff and take all of the stat enhancements and shared skills away from Natalie, and she falls to the floor panting as the mana-imbued mes in the air dissipate to leave the healer lying in a pile of her own blood in the center of the ring.


    No applicants say a word.


    Everyone stares at the scene in the arena with disbelief.


    Even the regional leaders are surprised to see what happened.


    The Vice and Veridian Region Directors both stand up from their thrones to step forward and get a closer look into the ring.


    After over 10 full seconds of silence pass, whispers begin to build up.


    Not only between the applicants surrounding the ring, but also the directors and their guests.


    No one understands what they just witnessed.


    Even as Rodrigo announces Natalie as the winner, I can hear in his tone that he too has no clue how this match turned around so quickly for such an explosive victory.


    Nat manages to get up off the floor and heal herself enough to walk slowly back to her room.


    The most entertaining expression in the arena is Trax''s face, baffled by this disy, with his mouth wide open.


    Rodrigo senses the tension and speaks up before announcing the next event.


    "Today is a trial to show off our abilities. Remember, applicants, there are no rules to this tournament. You may use whatever powers are at your disposal. Magic amplifiers, cursed items, and especially hidden abilities like the one shown here in thest round. Anything goes, remember, you are fighting for your future! Only 12 of you will be B-ss hunters this year. Give it everything you have."


    While he does this, the arena is cleaned by a pair of Apex Region workers.


    Chatter begins to spread between everyone, and I feel my telepathy link with Ember open next.


    "Are you sure that was a good idea?"


    I stare forward, watching the men wipe away Nat''s blood, and reply.


    "Helping her win, yes, that is a good idea. Having all 8 regions hear the name of the me Emperor in broad daylight, on the other hand..."


    I let out a sigh, looking over to Nat''s room, then up at the ck box above this dome. Then continue my reply to Ember.


    "Well, it''s neither good nor bad yet, it''s just what has been done. I was nning on making an expansion out of the Dark Continent sooner orter... Might as well get people ustomed to this name and power now. It''s not like I''m showing my face, I''m just giving them a teaser. Those who are not truly strong will fear unknown and unpredictable oues... My n is now set in motion."


    I cross my arms and grin while staring up at the Apex Region ck box in the sky while the 7 regions below continue to discuss this round''s events and make theories of everything they just witnessed.


    The leaderboards have information on each hunter''s skills, Natalie''s says nothing about possessing any fire abilities and this is what makes her prayer to summon this power all the more mystifying.


    While Rodrigo announces the next match, chatter dies down, and I share my mythic grade self-regeneration skill with Natalie next. It has passive properties to heal fatigue and minor injuries even if the user is not consciously using it.


    I don''t say a word as she''s sat in the middle of her room staring down at her hands.


    After a few seconds, once I see the colore back in her face, I deactivate my buff and take the skill off of her status while opening another link.


    "You did well."


    Her eyes open wide and I can tell she wants to look my way but doesn''t.


    I reply before she does.


    "You can ask me as many questions as you want once this is all over. I don''t know your situation, and you surely do not know mine. However, I have a hunch bing a B-ss hunter will solve a lot of your problems."


    She still stares at the ground when she replies,


    "Yes. It would."


    "Good. I get you a B-ss license, and you show me around the Veridian Region after the exam is over... and it goes without saying you will never speak a word of how you received this power, understood?"


    I see a smilee across her face as she stands to her feet and watches the next match start.


    "Understood."

 Chapter 544

    Chapter 544


    All of the matches in the first round finish before the hour is up.


    The rankings get closer to even as the matches go on, so many of the final battles are evenly matched and take up the entirety of the 2-minute timer.


    Once the 33 vs. 34 matches to an end with 33 winning in thest 10 seconds, the leaderboard screen shows up projected on the top of the blue mana dome.


    There are 33 applicants left, so the scoreboard shifts and creates a brand new matchup between the two lowest-ranked fighters. Rodrigo announces a final match to finish round 1.


    This is between fighter 33, who just won, and the fighter ranked 32.


    There were 66 applicants at the start of this trial, meaning in the second round there are 33 left.


    If the event organizers were to just allow 1 applicant to move on without fighting because of the odd number of matches, round 3 would be filled with 17 fighters, making there an odd number continuously.


    The best way to make things fair is to have an extra elimination match this round.


    The match is close, but fighter 32 wins in thest 20 seconds of their long brawl.He walks back to his room, and the final matchups for the second round begin to shape up.


    All the fighters that defeated hunters at a higher rank than their own had their rank changed in real time.


    The most noticeable shift is that Phantom Region fighter who was in the high 40sst round but moved up to slot 27 in just a single victory.


    Those that lost to fighters with lower ranks than them fall in rating too.


    The next round''s matchups move around to make some of the matches far more fair.


    It''s not only low vs. high this time around; it looks as if someone is pulling the strings to create exciting matchups for this event.


    Once the rounds start, this rank movement bes far more apparent.


    One of the first matches in this event is Ember against an Apex Region applicant ranked number 4.


    He puts on quite the fight, battling against an extreme wind magic user over level 680.


    Wind des and fireballs fill the dome, but after a full minute of battling back and forth, Ember squeezes out a victory.


    His speed and power during this event reached peaks equivalent to the highest skill we showed off during the simtion trials.


    With mana control and speed peaking around that of a 750-800 hunter, the match finishes with Emrie Carter being announced as the winner.


    The Apex Region''s applicant falls down 1 slot in the ranking, hitting position 5, and in turn moving me up to the 4th slot without even taking part in the fight.


    Ember moves up two rankings for his victory, hitting the 7th slot while there are loud ps and cheersing from the Bedrock Region as he walks back into his room.


    Dane is matched up against a simrly strengthened opponent as he fought in the previous round, defeating fighter number 31 in under 15 seconds.


    Marcie also has an easy time taking out number 22 in her match, finishing the round in 4 solid blows without being struck even once.


    Natalie''s picture matches up with a hunter ranked 28 from the Raya Region.


    It seems like many of these matches are far more fair than the earlier round one matchups. As insurance during her fight, I still use my ranked-up buff to share 5% of my base stats but lower the mana control I share down to 0.25%.


    It''s more than enough for her to have the advantage during the fight.


    While many hunters present are waiting to see her fiery disy likest round, I decide not to give her this skill and let the audience believe this is her natural state.


    She keeps the round going for over a full minute before finally ending it in a sh of white light.


    I can see the Regional Directors watching with much more interest, but they seem disappointed when her massive burst of power likest time isn''t shown.


    I smile inwardly, whispering to myself, knowing they''ll get what they''re looking for soon.


    "Patience..."


    A few rounds after this, I have my own battle against the 3rd ranked fighter from the Apex Region.


    He''s an ice mage that uses two longswords to fight. His armor is all specially ice imbued and crafted by a specialist.


    Once we enter the ring, he wastes no time before running forward and freezing the entire floor of the arena in an icy covering.


    I jump in the air, filling my feet with lightning, and dodge his attacks for over 30 seconds while letting him get more and morefortable getting closer to me.


    This fighter is very strong. With strength, power, and mana control rivaling that of a level 800 to 850 monster.


    Given the speed and power I''ve shown in all of the previous trials and stages of this exam, I really shouldn''t be able to beat him.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Using lightning in my footsteps and boosting my mana control just slightly, I manage to be agile enough to dodge all of his slower-moving long-range attacks without showing off mana control or abilities too far out of reason.


    My long-range attacks are all dispelled by sheets of ice every time I send them out, but I find that every time he gets close enough to me to try and send fatal blows my way he leaves a weak spot open near the back of his left knee.


    When following through with his swings, he also leaves a small opening in his armor near his right shoulder too.


    After a few exchanges, I decide to act on this weakness.


    While I could fake the activation of my ranked-up buff, I want to save that for a future round.


    As my dagger shes through his knee and shoulder, I let surges of electricity rattle through his body, narrowly missing his right ice sword''s swing by less than 3 millimeters from my neck.


    Iugh while lightning stepping up to the top of the dome and dodging his counterattacks.


    They''re even slower than before, and once we exchange more near misses and he goes in for another fatal strike, I''m able to pinpoint his weakness even easier.


    There''s another yell as his insides are cooked and his respawn item is triggered, leaving me in an icy ring with Rodrigo yelling my name out as the victor.


    I slowly walk back to my room while my ranking moves up to [3] and the Bedrock Region''s cheers echo through the room.


    There is only one more notable fight that I witness before this second round is over.


    It''s the man from the Phantom Region that has that very odd skill called shadow step.


    He''s faced up against the rank 10 applicant from the Vice Region.


    The water wielder has an enchanted de that I created for him, one of the strongest artifacts in this entire tournament.


    I''m very surprised when I see the man in ck robes disappear from everyone''s eyes the moment the water swordsman swings his de.


    The same exact scenario ys out as thest match with this Phantom Region applicant in it...


    He reappears right behind him, stabbing him in the back with his de and thrusting upward to finish the match in just a few seconds.


    The Director from the Phantom Region gives him another nod of approval as his ranking moves up to the 20th slot.


    The man from the Vice Region falls to 13th ce, and from this movement, Marcie automatically gets pushed up in the rankings to 12th.


    Rodrigo announces the winner, then shows the matchups for the next round of this event with only 16 applicants remaining.


    There are four notable matchups this round.


    Dane faces the healer tank from the Vice Region.


    Their skill levels are nowhere near equal.


    While Dane is capable of maneuvering away from the tank''s attacks, therge man pulls out a hammer with multiple high-level enchantments that easily dispel every wind attack Dane throws in.


    The wind mage ys on the defensive for a majority of the match.


    I consider giving him a boost in power, just like Natalie, but hold off.


    Dane is ranked 15. Even if he loses this match, there''s no way he could fall below the 20th rank no matter how many more matches pass.


    As a matter of fact, all 16 applicants left now are in the top 20. No wins or losses will push anyone out of the exams, everyone is just fighting now for a chance at winning first ce in the tournament.


    I allow the match to go on as intended.


    In the final 15 seconds, Dane gets desperate and uses his ranked-up buff, manifesting a massive wind de, but at the same time, the tank activates his own ranked-up buff too and creates a white glowing shield around himself that deflects the attack.


    Seconds before the timer hits 0, the Tank jumps in the air for the first time andnds a single deadly attack with immense speed that wasn''t shown previously. Before, he was just ying defense. This attack makes direct contact with Dane''s chest and he''s eliminated in a sh of white light instantly.


    After this match, surprisingly, both the Raya and Silca Region''s directors stand up to give an apuse of respect to Dane for making it this far.


    Marcie has a very tough match too.


    She faces the water wielder from the Vice Region for whom I made the water armor.


    Its design is very simr to the set of armor she wears.


    Their defenses are equal, but the armored fighter from the Vice Region doesn''t have a weapon as powerful as Marcie''s spear.


    She slowly tears away at the fighter''s HP with very strategic blows. It takes over 45 hits, and she too is hit a few times by his counters, but almost 5 times less. The battle finishes with a sh of white light, and Marcie is dered the winner. She moves up to rank 11 after this victory.


    After Ember''s tough matchup in thest round, he''s given a far easier opponent this time, a random Veridian Region applicant ranked 16th.


    He doesn''t hesitate to take him out in a series of blows, finishing the match in under 5 seconds.


    Nat gets an opponent of simr strength.


    One of the Vice Region Applicants made it to 17th ce; however, this is the strongest opponent she''s faced all night.


    Just like the previous match, all eyes are on her.


    To prepare, as she walks into the ring, I match the power I shared with her in her first match, and even give her fire summoning, but give her instructions to follow out.


    As the two applicants are left in the ring, they slowly walk toward each other.


    I can see the fear on the Vice Region applicant''s face as he walks forward.


    Then, Nat looks to the sky and whispers under her breath.


    The moment she looks back down at her opponent and the timer of the match begins, fire starts to flicker in her eyes and gasps fill the arena again as everyone witnesses the mes creep down her arms and into her daggers.


    Nat''s mana control increases at a rapid rate, and her aura spreads throughout the ring, sending a wave of warning through her opponent.


    Less than a secondter, a yelles from the applicant across the ring.


    "I-I give up- I surrender- I''m not risking my life against a possessed fighter! I don''t want anything to do with this me Emperor!"


    He kneels on the ground and puts his hands in the air.


    "I''m already into the next round- There''s no point in fighting a demon like this...."


    Nat smirks and her mes disappear as the man is automatically teleported away from admission of defeat.


    While Natalie walks back to her room, there are many mixed reactions from the hunters and even regional directors.


    Some are still mesmerized by this power, while others are angry and are starting to think it''s all just a trick.


    These seeds of doubt are most likelying from the angry yells pouring out of the number [1] rated room with Trax in it from across the ring.


    "She''s a fraud! Don''t fall for her illusions! So what if she won in the first round, that guy was ranked in the 40s, of course, she''d beat him! Thatst round too, you saw she took almost the whole two minutes to win, she didn''t even use this so-called me Emperor''s power. You''re giving in to her tricks! She''s fooling you all!"


    These words are echoed and repeated throughout the ring, even people in the audience begin to discuss if what they saw in that first round was real or not.


    Once she''s back in her room, Rodrigo''s voice rings out.


    "Well, it seems we have some rumors going around about our applicants..."


    He turns down to the lightning user that said these statements.


    "That''s enough. Let the fights speak for themselves. We will all know soon enough if these powers are real or just an illusion as you say."


    There are 3 matches already made for the next round.


    Natalie is already set to go against one of the remaining Apex Region fighters that was on the team of 6 in the simtion trials.


    Ember is set to fight the 2nd ranked fighter, Callum.


    Marcie is facing the healer tank that eliminated Dane this round.


    Thenstly, Trax''s name is all alone, waiting for the winner of this round''s final match to move up on the chart to face him.


    The final matchup is [3] vs. [20], me and the disappearing man from the Phantom Region are up next.


    The door to my room opens and I walk out into the empty ring, taking out my lightning-filled daggers and pointing them straight ahead at the man in ck robes that has won every match up until now in a single strike.


    Whoever wins this matchup will be facing the number [1] ranked Apex Elite in the next round.

 Chapter 545

    Chapter 545


    The match starts, and I point my lightning daggers forward and wait for any sign of the applicant from the Phantom Region to activate their skill.


    Every time this man disappeared in the previous matches, it was right after his opponent attacked.


    I can feel his mana control, and it''s nearing that of a level 700. I witnessed him defeat an opponent from the Vice Region stronger than himself in seconds.


    I''m confident whatever skill he''s using will have no effect on me; however, I do want to know how it works...


    We both stand in silence, eyeing each other down for a full five seconds.


    I even do an appraisal on his ck sword, but it''s nothing more than a 120% Strength and 110% Speed enchantment.


    He stares forward at me from behind his ck mask. All I can see are his dark eyes waiting for me to make a move.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "Alright, I''ll humor you... Let me see that skill of yours..."I run forward to mimic the other attacks I saw him defend earlier, and just before my dagger hits him, the same phenomenon urs.


    He disappears from my vision, and less than a tenth of a secondter, appears right behind my back with his sword pushing forward to kill.


    If I were to only use the perception of the hunter Ray Anderson, I''d be killed by this attack in an instant.


    I didn''t even see him move...


    This is because he didn''t move around me at all. Upon activation of his skill, this hunter really disappeared. He teleported from in front of me to right behind me, mere millimeters away from my heels.


    While I could turn around and block this attack on the spot with the milliseconds I have left, there''s a more believable move to make.


    I power up my lightning magic and sprint forward using speed nearing that of a level 800-850 hunter.


    My body crackles with lightning, and in my split-second decision, the hunter''s ck de slices through the illusion of the cloak that I''m wearing.


    The crowd of remaining applicants, and some of the guests from the seven regions, begin to chatter amongst themselves as I narrowly miss this attack and turn toward the ck swordsman again.


    I grin and point my daggers at him.


    "Neat trick... But I think I''m a little too quick for you."


    In all honesty, I think it is a useful ability. The only downside of it is that my reaction time is far faster than any average elite hunter. Even if he were to use that skill on a hunter with the mana control and speed I just showed, it''s doubtful they could have reacted in time. That is, unless they were double ranked up or have some speed based ranked up buff.


    I hear a grunte from the man, as he is probably thinking the same thing.


    It''s far more clear how he defeated those earlier applicants with such ease now.


    I take a step forward and get ready for our second exchange.


    This time, I send long-range lightning crescents his way, not wanting to do the same thing twice.


    Every time the yellow static attacks get close, the man disappears and reappears about a meter away, narrowly missing getting sliced in two.


    After I send out about half a dozen crescents and watch him dodge them all, I figure out how his skill works.


    The only thing left behind every time he disappears is the dark absence of light beneath his feet.


    It seems as though he canpletely vanish and shift his feet positioning anywhere along his shadow.


    My eyes track this phenomenon while I continue to throw lightning at him. I even allow him to get closer to me and throw a close-range attack toward him too.


    Once my dagger and body are close enough to him, and our shadows from therge light source above meet, he''s able to disappear and reappear behind me just like he did in our first exchange.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    I charge my body with lightning magic and make a dash forward to dodge his de again, then let out a sigh.


    As much as I really want this skill, right here and now isn''t the ce to take it.


    There are almost a hundred pairs of high-ranking eyes all over me, and the only way for me to take his skill without actually killing him on the spot involves using soul energy and is quite a shy technique that I can''t use withoutpletely blowing my cover.


    So, instead, the moment I get far enough away, I let out the most violent disy of lightning magic I''ve shown in this entire event.


    It isn''t meant as a pure offensive attack; I use it to cast an even light source all throughout the ring.


    Then, at the same time, I send a barrage of lightning crescents from my daggers just like I did before when I was testing out his skill.


    Without anywhere to run, he realizes that I''ve discovered his weakness. I see a dark ck mist start to seep from his body, most likely the activation of his ranked-up buff, but six crescents of mana-imbued lightning magic make contact with him from every direction before I get to see what he''ll do.


    A bright sh of white transportation magic fills the ring, and I let my yellow static energy die down to stop the blinding light disy.


    The Phantom Region Applicant is defeated, but he''s in the top20 ranking, so I''ll most likely get a chance to face this man again in the 5th stage of the exams.


    Rodrigo announces my victory while I slowly walk back to my room, slotting me in the next round of this event to fight the strongest fighter here.


    "That''s right! The winner is Ray from the Bedrock Region! That means he will be fighting our number one ranked fighter next round! Two lightning users will be facing off next. I, for one, have never seen two people that share this skill ever fight it out, so I''m sure it will be an exciting match!"


    He smiles as I walk back into my transparent holding room and continues to speak.


    "But first, let''s get to the other matches in this uing round. Two fighters from the Apex Region will be facing off. Reynard, the Earth Mage, versus Natalie, the healer with newfound power granted to her by a mysterious me Emperor. Please, enter the ring!"


    The final member of the six-man squad in the simtion trials enters the ring.


    He''s shaved bald and doesn''t talk much.


    He wears armor that looks like it''s made of stone and carries a longsword on his back that is almost as long as he is tall.


    I can feel immense strength and mana controling off of him, simr to the Ice Mage ranked number three that I fought a few rounds back.


    Knowing this, I grant Nat 10% of my base stats, and 2% of my mana control, along with the extreme fire magic for show.


    As she walks into the ring to face the huge earth magic wielder in her midst, the rush of power from my buff flows into her, and her timid expression turns to one of determination and confidence.


    She grips both of her daggers and yells for the arena to hear the message I whisper in her ear.


    "Those who doubt the me Emperor''s power will not be saved. For what you see now is a mere spark."


    The doors close and the timer starts.


    Nat''s eyes burst with mes, and the red-hot fire gets darker and darker as it travels through her arms and legs.


    The only color left in her figurees from the shiny silver in her daggers and her bright white hair flowing beneath the mes.


    The earth swordsman lets out a deepugh and lifts his de, forming mana-dense stone all around it while dozens of sharp spears form around his shoulders and over his head.


    He swings it downward before Nat even gets within 10 meters of him, and a barrage of earth dese rushing forward at the healer.


    Her mes grow, and her perception of the arena has improved even more drastically than herst matches.


    With close to 10 billion worth of mana control experience coursing through her system, fire-stepping through the shards of moving earth is nothing but a graceful movement, as easy as walking in a straight line.


    Her daggers imbued with fire collide with stone as she twists and weaves through the flying maze of mana charged rock shards.


    Mana explosions fill the entire blue dome with plumes of fire and shards of rock.


    Then, there''s a collision in the center of the arena that is shielded from everyone''s vision.


    So much debris flies through the air that it''s impossible to see who just killed whom.


    Gaspse out of the applicants, and over half of the Directors get up from their seats to move closer to the dome to get a better look.


    The Vice, Veridian, Silca, Raya, and Bedrock Region''s leaders all are interested in seeing what happened in the results of this match.


    Their eyes widen even more when the only person left in the ring once the clouds of mana and fire clear is Natalie, sitting on a pile of rock, twirling her daggers.


    I smile and deactivate my buffs while the arena erupts into discussion about her words before the fight.


    "After a disy like that, it''s certain, The me Emperor''s power is real!"


    "I could feel her mana control rise when she spoke his name! This Emperor... they can grant much more than just fire..."


    However, there are some skeptics.


    "Don''t you think it''s odd... the only strong fighter she defeated was from the Apex Region too! This could all be a ploy!"


    "Yeah, you heard what this year''s number one said. It''s illusions... they''re both in on it..."


    Nat walks back to her room while even more questions arise, but Rodrigo calms down the room with a wave of his hands.


    "That''s enough! Return to your seats! Get ready for our next fighters to face off. The winner of this next match between Emrie from the Bedrock Region and Callum from the Apex Region will decide who faces Natalie, follower of the me Emperor, in the semi-finals."


    Rodrigo grins as he slips in a nickname to continue stirring the emotions of the crowd.


    He looks like he''s enjoying himself, because if anyone would know if there were tricks at y, it would be him. I have a hunch the reason he is ying along with my games is because he knows exactly who is causing this havoc.


    I cross my arms and look forward to another exciting match as Ember walks into the ring to face the second-ranked applicant, a water mage from the Apex Region. This element is fire''s direct weakness, so I''m curious what kind of show he''ll put on to make this a convincing fight.

 Chapter 546

    Chapter 546


    The fight between Ember and Callum starts off very standard.


    Both of them taunt each other at the start, activating their fire and water magic and circling the ring a few times.


    Both opponents have seen the other fight in this tournament multiple times already and know the strength levels are higher than any otherpetitors they''ve faced so far.


    Callum takes out a massive spiked mace imbued with water magic, coating his whole body in a thick mana-imbuedyer of blue fast flowing shielding.


    Ember stands with his fists flickering with dark mes, and behind his eyes, I see him strategizing how he''ll make this a believable show for the people watching.


    I send him a wave of telepathy, then cross my arms and get ready for the greatest fight of the day to begin.


    "I need you to win this one, but don''t make it seem easy. Everyone needs to know he''s the best of the best, let the man shine and show off. If he''s anything like Trax, he''s going to have a ranked up buff reaching levels simr to a double ranked up hunter. It''s time for you to use that fake ranked up buff of yours too, show this crowd Emrie Carter''s infinite inferno."


    A grin grows across Ember''s face and a burst of dark mes cover his whole body as a reply to my words.


    At the same time, Callum runs forward and swings his mace to create a wave of dense water magicunched at Ember.Behind it, the water wielder summons dozens of jets of dense water magic to curve around the central attack to make sure he can''t dodge in any direction.


    The closer the water gets, the hotter Ember''s mes begin to grow.


    His whole body burns bright, and I feel his mana control and fire output rise near the levels of a double ranked up hunter.


    The heat in the ring rises dramatically and as the wall of water collides with Ember, it begins to evaporate into the air.


    He jumps upward and punches through every water jet sent his way while moving closer and closer to Callum with every fire-step.


    Instead of being surprised or thrown off by this disy, Callum jumps upward to meet Ember in the air and activates his ranked up buff as well.


    The density of water magic around his body grows to over 3 times what it was moments ago and itpacts into a secure liquidyer of armor around every centimeter of his body including the spiked mace he holds in his grasp.


    Loud hums of intense mana vibrate throughout the dome, drowning out the audience''s gasps and looks of awe as the most intense powers of today''s fights are being disyed before them.


    Ember''s fist collides with the water-infused mace, and the twang of mana ripples through the air, followed by the eruption of hot steam filling the blue dome.


    A series of cracks and vibrations resound from the dome at multiple beats per second as shes of blue and red light zip around the ring.


    Ember''s fists collide with the reinforced mace, and the two of them let out auras that increase in intensity as the battle goes on.


    While all logic pushes toward the immense amounts of water putting out the raging mes in the ring, the temperature only rises.


    Ember incrementally increases his mana control to match the water user''s intensity, and everyone''s eyes are glued to the epic battle that rages on.


    At a certain point, reaching the mana control of level 1100 hunters, surpassing the power I even saw Trax reach earlier today, Callum hits a teau.


    Ember pushes his mana control just 10% higher, and stops there, slowly breaking the water user down, slipping in hits every few exchanges.


    Over a minute and a half passes on the battle clock above the dome before the exchanges slow and the mist begins to clear.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    While Callum''s expression is stern, and he keeps blocking like his life depends on it, the water user''s mana stores can''t keep up with Ember''s near-endless supply.


    Both of them are going all out, but Ember''s level is nearly 4x Callum''s, and his ability to absorb mana from the atmosphere naturally surpasses the water user by a serious degree.


    The battle ends as Callum''s ranked up buff forcefully deactivates as his mana stores get too low.


    Ember sends him away in a fiery punch that triggers the teleportation magic, proving that both opponents have immense strength, but stamina is what decided the end of this battle.


    After some matches, there are stares of bad blood, but this one feels very different.


    All directors from the 7 Regions surrounding the ring p out of respect at their performance while Ember walks back to his room and he''s announced as the winner.


    Many stand up, and even the Phantom Region Director nods and turns to one of the guards by his sides to give them props.


    Ember even keeps the show going, pretending to breathe heavily while he walks back to his room and Rodrigo continues hyping up the next fight.


    I smile too, as I watch the live leaderboards shift.


    Callum drops to 3, while I hit 2 automatically.


    Ember jumps up to 5.


    The healer tank from the Apex Region and Marcie approach each other in the ring once it''s been cleaned of fire residue and excess water leftover from thest match.


    This matchup doesn''t go quite as I expected or wanted it to, but without a link of loyalty attached to Marcie, there''s nothing I can do about it.


    The two are evenly matched in strength and speed.


    Even their raw mana control is very simr.


    The only clear advantage I see at the start of the fight is the strength of Marcie''s spear.


    It easily makes scratches and dents in the tank''s hammer, and even pierces holes through his armor tond solid hits every few attacks.


    The only downside here is, every attack that isnded, once the tank manages to take a step back he heals his injured area entirely like it never happened.


    The tank manages tond a few heavy blows to Marcie''s chestte too.


    It''s strong enough to block the attacks, and at most it just pushes her backward from the pure force of the impact.


    One of these hits is what took Dane out in the previous round with this healer.


    Marcie manages to withstand 5 by the time there are seconds left on the timer, but she''s in much worse shape than the healer.


    Her breathing is heavy, she''s coughing up blood from the impact shockwaves, and even when both of them activated their ranked up buffs for a 30-second all-out battle, they came out on equal footing.


    The tank covered its body in a dense white shielding while Marcie''s attack power and speed skyrocketed while her mana maniption skill created a massive pink extension to her spear.


    If we hadn''t just witnessed the massive disy of fire and water the match before, this battle would have been equally as riveting, showing spikes in mana control reaching close to that of level 900-950 hunters at their peaks.


    However, once the timer hits 0, both the warriors are left standing and the decision of this match goes to a vote from the Regional Directors.


    Marcie is eliminated from the tournament by a 6:1 vote.


    The Talton Region''s leader votes for her underling, but all of the remaining regions believe that the ability to continue healing as their opponent grows weaker gives the tank from the Apex Region the advantage if this match were to go on.


    She''s teleported away in a sh of light after this decision and the tank walks back to his room.


    I agree with this assessment, but if the two of them were in a real life or death battle outside of this ring, I have a feeling things may have ended differently. I can''t quite put my finger on why, but even though this is the highest amount of power I witnessed her use this entire exam period, it felt like Marcie was still holding something back.


    Whatever it may be, no one else noticed, and the sound of Rodrigo''s voice announcing the next match rings through everyone''s ears.


    "What an exciting round. Mack will be moving on! Now! The final match to decide who will be fighting this invincible healer tank in the semi-finals..."


    The door to my room opens, and I see a door on the other side of the ring open too.


    "Please wee Ray, ranked number 2 from the Bedrock Region, and Trax ranked number 1 from the Apex Region. Two Lightning users at the top of the leaderboards that will be battling it out.... If you thought the matches before this one were intense, I believe you''re in for quite the show!"


    The doors behind both of us close, and static yellow lightning fills the ring.


    I hold my daggers in front of me while Trax points a long yellow sword my way.


    His demeanor haspletely changed from before or in any of his other matches, he yells across the ring once the 2-minute timer starts.


    "It''s all because of you. I saw you at the pre-trials... That''s where it all began. You''re the one pulling the strings. I don''t know how you managed to change your written exam scores to climb this high... And the simtion trials, you''re just manipting everyone. No more games. No more fake me Emperor Illusions. No more cheats. Just a pure battle. You versus me. This is my day! My exams! You won''t ruin this for me, I''ll kill you before you even know what hits you."


    He runs forward, not wasting any time and activating his ranked up buff, covering his entire body with electricity and moving toward me with the speed of a level 1200 hunter less than 3 seconds into the match.


    I don''t react until he''s cleared over ? of the distance between us.


    Then, I sharpen my gaze and my eyes meet his.


    I let over 4 times the mana control surge out from my body and copy his ranked up buff, surrounding myself in a veil of yellow lightning and lunge forward to match his speed.

 Chapter 547

    Chapter 547


    My yellow des sh against his glowing sword of static energy, arcs of electricity filling the blue dome and shifting the color to an eerie light green visible to the audience.


    Instead of being surprised like thest time he saw me move at this speed, his expression shifts to a wide smile, with a battle-crazed look in his eyes.


    The ng of our des echoes throughout the ring as we bounce off each other and zip through the air, colliding over ten times a second as more and more static electricity fills the ring.


    "So you really are strong! This proves it. Even a backwater region applicant from the bedrock mines can be A-Rank worthy if they have a lightning skill..."


    His sword thrusts grow stronger and angrier with every exchange.


    Seconds go by, and I don''t respond.


    While he is leagues below me in strength, and this is nothing more than a spar or an act to me, when dealing with power that reaches above a double-ranked-up hunter, it never hurts to be cautious.


    I continue blocking his attacks and matching his exact speed, then he yells out again.


    "It''s odd... I could have sworn we got rid of you back in the catastrophe... and there was word that the only lightning user in the Vice Region happened to die during the C-ss exams... There wasn''t supposed to be any others..."He grits his teeth and I feel genuine rage surging out through his de this time as his static energy ripples through my daggers and vibrates through my body.


    At these words, as I counter, I consider what he means by this...


    Are lightning users really this rare? Every mention of them today has made me think so even more, and the fact that he''s quoting events where the only lightning users in the eight regions I know of have died, it only adds to the case.


    My expression shifts to one of wonder as I think, but this only pisses Trax off more as the battle continues.


    I allow him to push me back and make my movement speed about 10% slower than his, because it seems when he feels he has the upper hand, he keeps running his mouth to leak valuable information.


    "Hey! Are you listening to me? Just because you''re going to lose this match doesn''t mean we''re going to ignore all the tricks you''ve been pulling to make the Apex Region look bad! I told you I''m supposed to be the only lightning user in these exams. The strongest too! It doesn''t even matter if you win or lose this match anyway, I have enough points ahead of you that a second ce beating me wouldn''t even move me down the live rankings! The Apex Director''s full attention will be all mine. Still, since you made my life difficult, I''m going to beat you and send you back to the Bedrock Region without a B-ss license once I get on the board!"


    As we sh des again, I decide to activate lifesteal and plunderer to a very low degree.


    It''s so slight that he doesn''t even notice when he shes back again and his sword collides with my des.


    "You know what? All of you, your whole little group in those simtion trials! When I make it to first in this tournament and get a say on the board, you''ll wish you never even thought aboutying a finger on the Apex Region''s business."


    He smirks and swings his de down hard again. I block with both my daggers and let him push me from high in the air where we collide all the way down to the shielding at the base of the ring.


    It looks as if he''s the one doing damage, but we''re making contact with our blood-bonded weapons for almost a full half second, and in this time I drainrge percentages of MP and HP away from his status masked by the violent releases of lightning magicing off of both of us.


    Only a few seconds have passed in this match so far, but for those who have good enough perception to see what is happening, it is the most dangerous and exciting fight of the whole tournament.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    There are only a few Regional Directors and their B-ss subordinates who can truly see the exchanges taking ce.


    While bright yellow light emerges from the blue dome in a green hue, it looks like a strobe light show to those who aren''t powerful enough to perceive the action.


    One thing is for sure, the density of the mana auras seeping out from the dome reaches heights higher than anyone else today.


    Another full fifteen seconds go by as I continue to absorb the health and mana out of Trax while he believes he''s the one wearing me down.


    Instead of every twenty shots, I start to let him hit me every fifteen, then ten, then five; but in reality, I''m making contact with him for longer and draining his life force while not showing mana control or speed outside of a believable range.


    Meanwhile, his words earlier repeat in my head.


    Of course, I don''t want him to win this tournament, because giving an unstable power-hungry menace like him a seat of authority can only lead to bad thingster down the line.


    I''ve promised the new allies I met in these exams that I''d help them get their hunter IDs, allowing him to win would put that in jeopardy.


    However, what Trax said about a second-ce applicant not having enough ranking points to push him down in the live leaderboards could be true...


    Some hunters didn''t move at all when they were defeated by applicants one or two ranks below them.


    So, a new nes to mind of how I''ll move up the leaderboards while still humiliating this arrogant hunter not only here and now but in the finals again even if I''m not the one fighting him.


    My main goal in this exam is to get closer to the upper management of the Association. Making it to this B-ss board myself is possibly one way to do it, but hints about this final selection, and training with the Apex Region''s director himself, is more appealing to me.


    It''s just a hunch, but being the number one ranking on the live leaderboard by the end of the exams will probably give me a better shot at receiving this prize than just scoring first ce in a single stage.


    I let out augh as I''m thrown to the ground again by Trax and I drain his HP and MP even further down as he taunts me with meaningless garbage of him being the chosen elite that will lead the new generation of the Association.


    By the time another thirty seconds goes by, I''m letting him push me around the ring all he wants,nding every single hit, but his eyes widen once his ranked-up buff automatically deactivates.


    The immense static in the ring stops crackling, and feares over his face as there is over a minute left on the fight clock, but this hunter has seemingly used up all of his MP.


    By the pale look on his face, and slower motions, it''s clear I''ve also drained his HP to below 20%, making it dangerously close to triggering Rodrigo''s respawn item.


    I deactivate my buff as well, but in a more graceful and controlled manner to make sure he knows I''m doing it on purpose, then point my des forward.


    The static yellow mana in the ring dissipates and it leaves us facing each other just as we were when the match started.


    I yell out for the whole arena to hear.


    "Would you look at that... The chosen Elite of the Apex Region blew through all of his mana before the match was halfway over... Not much of a genius prodigy are you?"


    His eyes widen more and more, then he yells back.


    "How? This is impossible! I was winning! I timed my attacks perfectly, I shouldn''t have run out for another full two minutes, this... this isn''t happening!"


    He reaches into a small pouch tucked into the back of his chest te and pulls out a pink potion, but I activate my fake ranked-up buff again and throw a lightning de its way, shattering the MP potion in mid-air.


    Some of it absorbs into his skin, but it''s a few hundred MP at most.


    He tries to pull out another, but this time I crush the bottle with even more efficiency and not a drop of the liquid manages to be absorbed.


    Trax yells out as I walk closer.


    "No! This isn''t how it ends! My legacy won''t be tainted! I''m the strongest Lightning Mage in the world! I''ll win this match... I''ll do whatever it takes...."


    He stares back at me with an angry gaze still filled with resolve.


    I''m unsure why, but it doesn''t matter.


    To guarantee moving up the leaderboards to reach the first slot, I need someone of a much lower ranking than me to defeat him.


    In the next few seconds, once Trax and the whole crowd realize there is no way for him to win, I''ll announce that I surrender this match and allow another member of this tournament to finish him off for good in the finals.


    I speak up, pointing my daggers forward and crackling head to toe in my fake ranked-up buff.


    "Anyst words?"


    He res at me and shakes his head.


    With the few hundred MP absorbed from the broken mana potion, Trax activates his ranked-up buff again and reaches into his item box a third time.


    I catch his movements and throw a de of lightning toward the MP potion he takes out again just before it reaches his lips and it shatters while being destroyed by the waves of static that rush through it.


    However, there is a small red gem in the palm of his hand that I didn''t sense him pull out from the item box.


    Even now, as he pushes the shiny ruby-like stone into his mouth, I don''t perceive any energying off of it.


    To all of my enhanced perception skills, it just looks like an ordinary red rock.


    He swallows it, then I hear a wave of telepathye from Ember watching from the sidelines.


    "Surrender right now. If you attempt to fight him in the form he''s about to take, our cover is blown."

 Chapter 548

    Chapter 548


    The instant the red gem is swallowed by my opponent, his eyes begin to glow the same crimson shade.


    Next, the static yellow energy that surrounds his body shifts to the same shade of red.


    It looks extremely disturbing, and even intimidating, but the odd thing is that I can''t sense any extra manaing off of it.


    However, with Ember''s warning fresh in my ear, now isn''t the time to question whether it''s dangerous or not to continue fighting him.


    I jump back and avoid the red arcs of electricity that start to grow and pulse out of Trax.


    A devious grines across his face, and when his mouth opens up all that can be heard is a mind bending shriek.


    It doesn''t even sound human. His body still holds the same form, but the red light coursing through it makes his skin ripple and vibrate.


    I yell out while putting my hands in the air, continuing with my original n while listening to Embers warning.


    "That''s it. I surrender! Match over! Get me out of here¡ª"I''m cut off by an extremelyrge red thunderbolt that travels up Trax''s de andes shooting toward me with the speed of a level 1400 hunter.


    With enough time to see it, I decide to spin out of the way, narrowly avoiding the attack, but the outer bits of the crimson charge nearly hits my left side.


    As the red energy whizzes past, I hear a very familiar faint ringing of a bell, and a vibration ripples all around my body as, for a fraction of a second, a small portion of my true mana control leaks out from my divine limiter.


    My heart skips a beat at this realization. However, it''s unlikely anyone noticed it, considering the main attraction right now is the massive red lightning bolt that narrowly missed me is now piercing through the blue dome at the top of the ring.


    I still can''t sense a drop of mana within his attack, but it''s tearing through the blue barrier around us like butter and surging up high into the air.


    Another bolt flies out from his de at the same speed, hitting the velocity of a 1500 or even 1600 hunter now. His attacks are getting even faster.


    I begin to look back and forth for a way to dodge again that seems to be within the realm of possibilities for the level 600 hunter Ray Anderson, but all feasible escape routes from this close-range st do not seem likely without releasing a noticeable portion of my full power.


    Right as I''m about to cause another scene and release enough mana control to dodge this attack, I feel the sensation of two sharp golden eyes staring down on me from above.


    I stop what I''m doing as the bottom of the ck box with the Apex Region''s members inside of it opens up and two beings float out.


    The bottom of the box shuts fractions of a secondter, and the overwhelming aura that was watching me vanishes. The golden eyes disappear from my senses.


    However, there is still a massive red lightning bolt surging my way.


    The two figures that float down from the box above catch my attention, and their levels read [Lv. 2759] and [Lv. 2840].


    They''re both well built middle aged men, and stare down into the ring with bored emotionless expressions. The lower-leveled one wields wind magic along with countless blood-bonded A-ss items, while the higher-level one is a fire user with many enchanted pieces of gear too, rivaling some of the 500-600% enchantments of my own unique items.


    Their necks are covered in golden soul energy, and in the blink of an eye, two massive golden orbs are formed around both myself and Trax by each of the men who emerged from the ck box.


    The soul energy surrounding me is so dense that it feels almost on par with the shielding around the Crimson City.


    If I were to release my full power and use my greater form, I could break out of it, but it wouldn''t be easy.


    Both of them use soul energy from the Sun God that surpasses anything I felt from Rodrigo in our brawl.


    It feels very simr to that of the level 3000+ mountain king I battled in the Vice City Labyrinth weeks back.


    Despite this surprise, I know that I''m not the threat they''re attempting to contain right now.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The shrieks that echo out of Trax be muffled by the orbs of soul energy, but his erratic releases of energy only increase in volume and frequency. The red light in his eyes overtakes him, and it gets so bright that I can''t even see his body''s outline anymore.


    The red lightning bolts collide with the golden soul energy surrounding him, and some even break through the first hunter''s orb and scatter in many directions throughout the arena, but the second A-ss hunter contains the weaker releases withrge amounts of his golden light.


    Many of the arcs of red electricity that break through the first orb collide with the orb that I''m inside, but none of it is strong enough to break through a second time.


    Hundreds of violent charges of red energy pour out of Trax, but none of it can be sensed with my perception skills. It just looks like a harmless pretty light show, but I''m positive that these looks are very deceiving.


    About 60 full seconds go by as these red charges erupt out of the fighter, and the two A-ss hunters continuously pulse with golden soul energy to contain this st.


    Meanwhile, many B-ss Association workers start to mend the blue dome-like barrier around the ring while discussion erupts from the Regional Directors and guest hunters by their sides.


    The entire room fills with questions,ughter, streams of excitement, and many hunters leaning in to get a closer look at the action. The talk is not that they''re scared of the results; they all want to know what the powers they''re seeing in front of them are and many want to try whatever that red gem was for themselves.


    It''s hard to make out exactly what they''re saying, as the dense golden soul energy around me acts as a noise and energy suppressor.


    All I can do is wait and watch the red energy bursting out of Trax wear down and stop after about 90 seconds pass.


    Once it does, he copses onto the arena floor, and the two A-ss hunters glide upward while taking away the golden soul energy barriers.


    They float back up and out of therge hole in the top of the blue dome, then the opening in the ck box allows them to go back inside.


    The dangerous golden eyes I felt before aren''t there. Whatever was watching the match with such intensity before has lost interest.


    The doors shut, and Rodrigo yells out like nothing out of the ordinary happened.


    "The winner by verbal submission of this match is Trax, from the Apex Region! Congrattions, you will be moving on to fight Mack the battle healer in the next semi-final round! However, we will have a quick intermission while our shielding dome is repaired."


    I watch Trax cough and shake while he pushes himself up off the ground slowly.


    There are small wisps of red lighting from his mouth and eyes, but it dissipates quickly, and it''s clear that all the power from that disy has left his body. His movements and mana control aura feel human again.


    Then, I feel the respawn item around my neck begin to rattle and pulse with energy.


    Momentster, after a sh of white light, I find myself in a white room with 15 other people.


    There''s clear mana reinforced ss in front of me, and about 200 meters away, looking down from above the makeshift stadium, I see exactly where I was just fighting.


    On the other side of the ring, I see another box simr to this one with about 40 other applicants in it; they all look down on the match too with simr looks of awe.


    Dane''s voice hits my ear as I watch Trax walk back to his room in the ring.


    "I thought you had him there. I''ve never seen a fight like that!"


    The wind user from the Silca Region walks up next to me with his arms crossed, and I turn around to see all of the other applicants in the top 20 ranking that were eliminated out of the tournament in earlier rounds behind him.


    Marcie''s eyes meet mine, and we both give each other a nod, but I turn back to the fight ring and reply to Dane.


    "Yeah... You''re right. I haven''t seen anything like that either..."


    The violent disy of red lightning repeats in my mind over and over, and the feeling I felt when one of the attacks nearly collided with me continues to eat away at the back of my mind...


    Somehow, the attacks that came out of that gem reacted with my divine limiter. I''m not sure how or why... but one thing is for sure, I want to figure out what that red gem was that Trax ate to give him all this power.


    I even witnessed the red lightning bolts pierce through soul energy barriers dozens of times more powerful than any mana attacks he was throwing during that match.


    The A-ss hunters that came to control the situation didn''t look bothered by the disy at all either.


    Whatever this power is, it isn''t foreign to the higher-ups of the Apex Region.


    The only conclusion Ie to while staring down at the arena as the dome ispletely mended is that somehow, that crystal allowed Trax to tap into some kind of Divine Energy.


    It was hardly controble, and from the state I still see him in, shivering and curled up in a ball on the floor of his private room; it was definitely not safe for him to consume.


    After the second lightning bolt he threw, the hunter turned into a ball of incoherent rage. The A-ss hunters that glided down to stop the match didn''t even attempt to talk with him, they just let him use up all of the red substance that coursed through his body.


    So many things still don''t make sense about all of this, but Rodrigo''s voice echoes through the ring to make me concentrate on the immediate task at hand again.


    "Thank you all for waiting! As you know, all cursed items and hidden powers are permitted in these fights. We only intervene to provide safety when an applicant surrenders his right to fight back."


    The ring is silent.


    Many other Regional Directors and their subordinates are in awe of the disy that was just shown.


    Not only the mana-less lightning, but I''m sure many of them are impressed by the golden orbs of light the A-ss hunters used. Soul energy isn''t a well-known resource either, so there are most likely too many oddities for the average B-ss hunter toprehend in this ring.


    Rodrigo reads the room and continues with a smile.


    "The show must go on! Our first semi-final match of the night is about to begin. A fight between Natalie Sterling, the follower of the me Emperor from the Apex Region, and Emrie Carter, the extreme me summoner from the Bedrock Region. One applicant has gained their mes tonight, while the other has had them all his life. Who wille out on top?"


    At these words, the fighters step out into the arena.


    I open up two telepathy links, sending messages into Ember and Natalie''s minds, then the fight clock above the arena begins counting down.

 Chapter 549

    Chapter 549


    The other applicants in the smaller viewing area be restless as the match begins.


    They whisper to each other about both of the hunters in the ring as the two-minute timer starts to count down.


    Theirments are either guesses about whether the me Emperor''s power is real or just some hidden artifact Natalie is using to scare her opponents.


    Othersment on how well Emrie, the Bedrock applicant, fought in hisst few matches.


    The confusion and concern in the voices of the Vice, Veridian, and Apex applicants that talk about this cements the idea that the Bedrock Region really is a weak region.


    The fact that two of their fighters are actually within reach of iming a B-ss license is apparently a big deal.


    There are four armed guards at the back of the box we stand in, their levels all between 800 and 999.


    One of them is the wind user I met at the gate when I first entered this exam site, another is the long-haired healer with dead eyes that tried to heal me before this tournament, and the other two I don''t recognize, but they are of simr strength.


    They stand unmoving, watching all of us, not paying attention to the fight that''s about to begin; most likely tasked with making sure no applicants here get into quarrels.Silence fills the room as both fighters in the ring receive my telepathy message, and I apply my ranked-up buff to Natalie, sharing 1% of my base stats and 1% of my mana control with her.


    She looks up to the sky, pretending to pray, then her whole body erupts into mes.


    Ember stares back at her from the far side of the ring, putting his hands up to fight, and bursts into far less powerful mes, using mana control hardly 10% as powerful as the aura Nat gives out.


    He grins, then looks up to the sky and yells.


    "Hey me Emperor, grant me power to make this a fair fight!"


    Nothing happens, and his dull-looking mes pale inparison to the hot ball of fire burning around Nat.


    He yells again.


    "Just this once. I swear my loyalty to you, and will follow you as my leader... You can grant this power to anyone who believes, can''t you?"


    Silence fills the ring.


    A full 5 seconds go by, then people start to whisper andugh in the crowd.


    Ember continues to stare up at the sky, putting on the act I asked him to.


    More words of doubt begin to spread as nothing happens, and people start to yell out andin.


    "See, she''s been faking it!"


    "It''s all a facade! See, why wouldn''t the me Emperor do it again if they could? Especially for a fire user!"


    "It has to be some kind of trick, an artifact!"


    "Yeah! That''s right, she''s from the Apex Region! We can''t forget what the number one fighter said, they''re just ying us!"


    Then, a wide grin appears on Ember''s face as he opens up his limiter and allows a growing amount of power to leak out.


    Over the next 3 seconds, everyone''s chatter and words of doubt cease as the mes around Ember grow to match Natalie''s, looking almost identical.


    Both of them run forward at each other and the entire blue dome is filled with mes while dense auras of mana sh.


    The vibrations of mana that ripple through the arena now cannot be faked by mere illusions; it''s the raw mana control that is being released in each attack. All of the Regional Directors stand up from their seats, simr to the time they did the first time Nat showed this power.


    Then, chatter fills the stands again with a very different tone.


    "It''s real..."


    "His mana control increased by over ten times in a few seconds... I''ve never seen anything like it..."


    "Just like the Apex Region girl in the first round! It''s replicable..."


    "It looks real... Even if this is an artifact, I must have it!"


    Cracks and twangs erupt through the ring as Ember''s fists collide with Nat''s daggers.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I secure a telepathy link between both of them so they can coordinate their attacks.


    In thest matches, when I gave Natalie enough mana control to win, she only managed to do so by overpowering her opponents with brute strength and arge perception increase.


    Now, I want to give her the chance to get used to fighting with these heightened powers for longer periods of time while managing her MP output and increasing the density of her mana shielding to the proper level.


    Even now, with perfectly matched mana controls, I can see that her daggers are being batted away by Ember''s bare fists.


    The timer hits 1:45 remaining, and I increase her control and buffed stats to 2%.


    Ember matches it immediately, and the intensity ramps up even further.


    The mes that fill the arena grow darker, and the waves of mana that seep out into the crowd are far more deadly than anything any of these Regional Directors are even capable of producing.


    I smirk while watching Nat''s des sh with Ember''s fists with more confidence now.


    In just a few dozen exchanges and a rapid telepathic conversation between the two of them, her technique improves with every exchange.


    Every 10 to 15 seconds, I increase her output by 0.5-1%, bringing them to about 6.5% of my mana control by the time the timer hits thest 30 seconds of the match.


    By this time, the radiation of mana bursting out of the dome is overwhelming for some visitors.


    All of the Regional Directors watch in awe, and even the guards that stand at the back of the disy box here take a step forward to witness the incredible exchange taking ce before them.


    I send another wave of telepathy into their minds.


    "Alright, that''s enough. Wrap it up."


    By now, Natalie is far more ustomed and confident using these extreme levels of power; so her sh training exercise isplete.


    Now, it''s time to follow out the strategy to finish up this tournament.


    I smile and cross my arms while red shes of light reflect off the ss in front of me onto my face from a distance.


    Ember''s perceived mana control output begins to dwindle and it appears as though Nat isnding more and more hits on him than she did in the beginning.


    As the seconds tick down, their apparent gap in strength grows wider.


    Ember throws himself around the ring while Natnds attacks from long and short distances, throwing crescents of mes his way.


    Thest 10 seconds are the most brutal. It''s almost hard to believe they''re acting, which is perfect.


    As the timer hits zero, Ember is still standing; but his concealment cloak portrays a battered and beaten hunter from the Bedrock Region that copses on the ground without any mes left to burn on him.


    Nat goes in for a finishing blow, but the timer runs out and Rodrigo''s voice echoes throughout the ring.


    At the same moment, I release my buff and take away Nat''s mes and power.


    "That ended our first semifinal match! Another unexpected chain of events! It seems the me Emperor will bestow its power to anyone who calls its name... They just have to believe...."


    He grins, turning to all of the Regional Directors.


    "Nheless, this match has ended without a kill. We will count a vote from our Directors to find out who has won!"


    After about half a minute, the votese back with Natalie being the winner 6:1.


    The Bedrock director voted for his applicant even though it was clear he had no hope of pulling out a victory in the end.


    I whisper under my breath.


    "An expected turnout..."


    Dane stares wide-eyed at the dome that still crackles with ming residue.


    "You... expected that...?"


    A sh of white light brings Ember away and into the room we stand in about 5 meters to my left, and immediately I watch the healer at the back of the room approach him.


    I can''t help but let out a smallugh at the reactions of other hunters'' surprise when he refuses her heals, then walks over to us covered in burns and sear marks on his cloak.


    He stares forward at the ring just like me, crossing his arms while I give Nat Self-Regeneration and she walks back to her room.


    He speaks to me through our link.


    "I hope you had a good reason for all of this. I wanted to take a crack at that lightning user too... I wonder where he managed to get a divine fragment. Even if it was a weak one, mortals shouldn''t be ying around with power like that. Especially at this low of a level, that easily could have killed him."


    I raise an eyebrow and reply to him through our link while the arena is cleaned up to prepare for the next match.


    "So it was divine energy... It messed with that concealment item you made when one of the bolts got close."


    "Yeah, it might have evenpletely unraveled the barrier if it was a direct hit..."


    My eyes widen, but I continue to stare forward with a nk expression.


    "What do you mean unravel? What are those things? What is divine energy anyway? I can''t even perceive it. If I wasn''t already suspicious, and didn''t see the light show that followed, that stone looked like nothing more than a red rock."


    He grunts and shrugs, looking over his shoulders then back toward the arena as the apex workers leave a shiny brand-new arena behind.


    "It''s moreplicated than just simple energy like mana or qi, or even demonic energy. It shouldn''t even be manifested in such a rudimentary form on this world... Something is very wrong about all of this."


    Ember''s face twists a bit, and I can tell he''s genuinely in deep thought.


    Meanwhile, Rodrigo speaks up and two more fighters enter the ring.


    Trax limps his way to the center of the arena, and Mack, the battle healer, walks in to face him with a confident stride.


    I reply to Ember while their room doors close and the fight clock starts to count down.


    "I''m going to need more of a response than that... Now isn''t the time to be withholding information. However improbable it may be, it just happened. You saw how unbothered the Apex Region was after that light show, didn''t you? Those golden eyes... I know you felt them too. Are you sure the Sun God isn''t one of you Divine Beasts?"


    He shakes his head and continues to stare forward.


    "I''m sure of it, he isn''t."


    At the same time as these words hit my mind through our link, I witness the healer from the Apex region walk forward and ce both of his hands on Trax''s chest and a blinding series of light pulses fill the ring.


    It''s not teleportation magic, it''s healing skills being activated.


    Seconds pass and the lights fade.


    Trax is now the one standing tall with a determined and evil smirk across his face while Mack falls onto the ground pale, sweating and shaking just as Trax looked moments ago.


    A whisper escapes from his lips.


    "I- I surrender. I''ve done my duty."


    He''s teleported out of the ring and into the finishers stands right behind us.


    Trax makes a slow walk around the ring while Rodrigo yells with an excited tone to the crowd.


    "That settles it! An unorthodox win, but Trax is now moving onto the Finals to face Natalie. Two applicants from the Apex Region will be facing each other in a final bout. The self-proimed strongest Lightning Mage in the world, and the follower of the me Emperor. Who will im this year''s prize and win it all?"

 Chapter 550

    Chapter 550


    The tension in the air is impossible not to notice.


    Both inside the viewing room above the stadium, and down below in the Regional Director''s viewing area too.


    No one speaks a word, but their silence and wide eyed stares into the arena from everyone waiting to see what happens next says it all.


    Two anomalies have shown themselves during this 4th stage of the exams.


    This whole event is supposed to be a simple disy of what the new talent from all 8 regions can do.


    Apetition to give not only the 12 applicants that pass after the exams are over a bright future, but also the 50 or so others that havee out here this year a chance to disy their fighting talent to be hired for various jobs by other Regions.


    It''s certain that special contracts have already been drawn up and nned to be sent out to some of the promising talent in the ranks of 21 to 40; and many in the top 20 too, but not as much as there could be.


    Everyone is distracted by the two Apex Region applicants that stare each other down in the center of the arena waiting for the final match to begin.


    One is a healer that shouldn''t have thebat prowess to have even made it past the first round on her own, but has now been blessed with great power by some unknown entity calling themselves the me Emperor.The other is an Elite at the top of his ss with one of the rarestbat elements awakened. He was nearly bested by a lesser region applicant in thest round. However, using a special gem, he was able to release power that even broke through unknown spells cast by the Apex Region''s A-ss hunters.


    It is an understatement to say every soul in this arena is looking forward to seeing what happens in this final match toe.


    -


    The fight clock starts and a sh of yellow light burst through the ring as Trax pulls the same move he did when facing me. He''s activated his ranked up buff to go all out from the start.


    Nat''s body fills with power as I give her the same amount of mana control that she had at the peak of her spar with Ember while upping the shared base stats to their max, imbuing 10% of my own stats into her while keeping her shared mana control at 6.5%.


    The increase in her basic speed and base strength is not enough all by itself to contend with the massive boost that Trax''s buff gives him; however, the mana control coursing through her veins increases her perception and mana shielding density enough that she can interpret and predict every one of Trax''s strikes before they''re dangerous.


    Despite her being slower than her attacker, every time the lightning mage''s yellow static swordes flying down at her, a massive wall of imprable shielding covered in dark mes blocks it from making contact.


    Her eyes track his movements and the formation of mana barriers are just quick enough despite her physical bodygging behind.


    The lightning user''s movements look like a blur of yellow light to everyone in the crowd, but Nat''s movements are a little easier to see with their less honed eyes; however they still seem incredibly fast.


    The density of mana that collides in each attack can be felt when the releases of energy vibrate through the ring. It''s made clear to everyone that the walls of fire are much stronger than every attack of lightning by a very high degree.


    This is the only true way they can judge the fight taking ce when the exact movements are too fast for some to perceive.


    However, those that are able to perceive the entire fight realize that it is even more impressive that she''s able to block these attacks even when her speed and base strength is at such a disadvantage.


    The mood in the arena shifts and words between the Directors and their guest hunters in the stands spread. It bes easy to overhear them down below in the ring.


    Trax''s face twists with anger and he yells out for all to hear as he continues to send a barrage of attacks at the healer with his full power.


    "It''s impossible! I trained with you trailing behind me for almost half a year before these exams! You were never a fraction of this strength! I don''t believe it''s possible to gain such power from a prayer. This is all a trick! I won''t be the butt of a joke! I won''t!"


    His anger grows and grows while Nat''s eyes stay calm to track his movements and the fight clock ticks all the way down to show only 1 minute remaining.


    I feel the lightning aura pour out at even more extreme frequencies than when I fought him in the ring. He''s burning through his MP supplies much faster in a desperate attempt to try and catch her off-guard.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Even so, as Trax forcefully increases his speed and power by another 30%, Nat adjusts her movements and blocks to continuously keep him at bay.


    At any point during this match, Nat could release waves of fire that stretch to all edges of the dome and take Trax out in less than a second, but I''m waiting to give her the order for the perfect strike.


    I want to give the crowd a show, and at the same time, see if Trax does anything rash again.


    The audience is all standing up from their seats again in awe, looking down into the ring and continuing to discuss their theories on how the me Emperor''s power could work.


    Even the applicants in both viewing areas are leaning up against the mana imbued ss to get a closer look.


    The pulsing light show of yellow static and dark mes goes on for another full 30 seconds before Trax''s movement speed starts to slow down.


    Despite throwing everything he has at the healer, not a single shockwave makes it through her ming mana barriers. His face grows almost as red as the me residue flickering throughout the ring.


    Trax looks up to the sky, staring directly at the ck box and yells out in anger.


    "You know what? I don''t care if it kills me. If I lose this match in front of everyone here and now I''m already as good as dead. I''m the strongest Lightning Mage in the world, no one will ever defeat me as long as there is breath still in my lungs!"


    He grits his teeth and his movement patterns change.


    Instead of constantly attacking Nat, his lightning step patterns start to shift further and further away from her.


    He yells at her while reaching into his item box beneath his armor.


    "Your friend might have gotten lucky, but nothing can stop what''s about toe. If you get to artificially boost your talent with some hidden artifact, then so can I. Say yourst words!"


    My eyes widen when I see another stonee out of Trax''s pouch, not even trying to hide what he''s about to do.


    This time, it isn''t the same ruby red color as the one before, but a shimmering vibrant orange.


    I still don''t sense a drop of energying off of it, but Ember''s words in my inner ear kick me into action.


    "That one is far stronger... He could obliterate this entire arena if the guards cannot control it."


    The twisted smile on Trax''s face and single focused mind for showing others that he is the strongest makes me believe he''d do it without thinking twice.


    I still don''t understand the power in that gem, but if ember says it''s stronger than thest one thatpeted with the power of an A-ss hunters soul energy, it''s best not to test my luck in finding out what this one does.


    So, in response, I instantly shift my ranked up buff''s numbers and give Nat 10% of my mana control maxing it out, while shifting her shared skill from fire summoning to mythic grade extreme speed.


    "Kill him, now!" Is all that I yell in her inner ear as the yellow glowing mage brings the glossy orange stone to his lips.


    Nat speeds forward in a blue sh of light from her new skill through the leftover waves of me residue, shing her daggers across her body with the newfound mana control and increased speed stats added to her status.


    Everything in the ring slows down in my perception as I watch the exchange unfold frame by frame, debating whether to let all of my power loose and burst down there to stop it myself.


    I wouldn''t be considering it so seriously if the Apex Region''s box opened up, but Nat never surrendered; so they''re allowing the fight to go on without interference.


    My heart beats loudly in my ears while the orange gem touches Trax''s lips. At the same time, two crescents of pure mana rocket out of Nat''s daggers and collide with Trax''s neck and heart in perfect unison.


    The collision results in a massive sh of white teleportation magic; both in the ring and right behind me inside the viewing area.


    My eyes widen and my full body turns to face the danger as I activate my own lightning magic to mask the speed and power that I''m about to release.


    Despite Nat killing him and taking him out of the ring, the respawn item brought him here unharmed, and this fighter''s killing intent and overflowing mana control has not wavered one bit.


    I feel all 4 of the guards in the back of the room begin to react while activating their ranked up buffs to stop him, but from the fact that the orange gem has already made it into his mouth and they''re all over 5 meters away; I''m positive I have to take things into my own hands.


    I run forward at him while releasing static all over my body and pull my daggers from my fake item box, not hesitating to send a sh of dense mana his way over twice as strong as anything I released in the ring.


    It rockets toward him over 4 times faster than his top speed in the arena, and out of the corner of my eye I watch Ember charging up a fist full of mes right behind me.


    My curved crescent of lightning magic collides directly centered on Trax''s face, and I use my new mythic grade telekinesis skill to curve the attack making sure I carve out only the portion of his lower jaw and the front half of his face that has the orange gem inside.


    Half of his right eye is melted away and the rest of the downward moving attack slices through his flesh like butter taking off his shoulder and arm too.


    I let the static energy vibrate and flow out of control while activating conceal at long range skill to give the appearance of his flesh dissolving while in reality I open up a small spatial magic portal and let the gem fall inside.


    Simultaneously, a fiery fist from Ember collides with his stomach, sending the hunter''s mutted body flying backward into the outstretched arms of the Apex Region guards at the back of the room.


    Fire spreads all over his body as the force of Ember''s blow pushes all of the guards that catch him back to hit the furthest wall of the viewing room.


    Next, there is a loud crashing sound, then an abrupt deactivation of my lightning magic. It leaves nothing of his partially lost face and limb behind, putting the whole room in a panic.


    The healer woman with emotionless eyes begins work on the lightning mage right away before he bleeds out while Callum activates his skill to start putting out Embers mes withrge amounts of water.


    I let out a sigh and turn back to the stadium below to see the residue of mes and lightning still fading away.


    The room is full of angry yells, and res of confusion and rage hit my back, but all I see is the winner of the tournament standing tall in the center of the ring.


    Nat smiles as I talk to her through my link and watch the shifting live leaderboard overhead bringing Ray Anderson, the Bedrock Region applicant up to 1st ce while the loser of this match drops down to 2nd in the rankings.

 Chapter 551

    Chapter 551


    Pulses of water and healing magic sh behind me as I take Nat''s buffs down from their max to zero while giving her self-regeneration to instantly heal her fatigue.


    Rodrigo''s voice yells out to the arena as the me residue dissipates.


    "That''s it! The winner of the entire 4th Stage tournament is Natalie Sterling of the Apex Region. You''ve now earned yourself a seat on the Association''s B-ss board, automatically receiving a B-ss hunter''s ID, and have the choice of a long-term contract with any Region of your choosing!"


    Slow ps begin to sound from the audience of Directors.


    I grin while watching the Bedrock Region''s director point at the leaderboard and celebrate while the ps from his section echo the loudest.


    Thest moments of the battle happened so fast, it was almost impossible to see.


    Even the 40 or so applicants in the second viewing area are particrly confused when the fire and lightning residue clears.


    They all begin to p slowly too.


    The other Directors and their guests are still discussing the me Emperor''s power, and many have more faith that there is something mystical behind it and it''s not just a powerful artifact.However, in the top 20 viewing area, there is a far different reaction. All of the hunters present are either partially paralyzed by the lightning residue that ricocheted off my attack, or they''re stunned by the fact that two hunters just mutted the top-rated Apex Region''s hunter without thinking twice.


    Many of them yell at Ember and me with anger in their voices.


    "Why would you do that?"


    "What''s wrong with you? A cheap shot like that when he was disoriented from losing the match.... Nice way to kick a man when he''s down."


    "Just because you lost to his artifact doesn''t give you the right to make such a brutal assault when he''s unguarded."


    I shrug off the insults and watch Nat make her victoryp around the ring.


    None of the Apex guards have anything negative to say to me or Ember. Neither Callum nor Mack, the battle healer, say a word to us either. They''re the only ones that understand we just saved all of them from being at the mercy of whatever that orange gem would have produced from Trax.


    Nat''s respawn item begins to sh and blink, then she is also teleported into the viewing area with all of the other top 20 finishers.


    Rodrigo continues to speak to the crowd.


    "Thank you all foring out this evening. I know your travels out to the Apex Region were rather abrupt, but I believe the show tonight was well worth it!"


    More chatteres to the crowd as the arena is cleaned up of the leftover residue and Rodrigo floats down into the ring to speak directly to the Directors.


    "Our winner will have time to decide which contract to draw up once the exams are over."


    He points toward the box of 40 or so applicants across the ring.


    "These fighters, however, have already been disqualified from reaching B-ss status this year. All of their contact information has been provided before this event, their test scores and marking from the first three trials have also been provided for your leisurely study as well. Please do reach out, and know that all short-term contracts that are done outside of one''s home region below one year long will have their payouts doubled by the Apex Region. The friendly trade of resources between the eight great regions is rmended and rewarded!"


    He smiles and turns to the viewing area where us, the rest of the applicants, watch.


    "As for the top 20, the filing and offers of these new contracts must wait. We will be moving onto stage five, the final event of these exams!"


    The entire area begins to close in on itself while Rodrigo floats up in the air out of its center and the blue dome protecting it disappears.


    All of the directors that are seated on the outer edges move closer to the middle of the ring while therge box of applicants that failed the exams floats down toward the center of the ring.


    It opens up once the arena has shrunk enough and all of the applicantse out in four single-file lines led by Apex Region Guards.


    They reunite with their home regions and are met with mixtures of responses.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Many of the lesser regions like Raya, Silca, and Bedrock are rather uplifting and give their failed recruits a pat on the back to do better next time. However, the Vice, Veridian, and Phantom Regions give cold, unweing reactions to their failed applicants.


    The few Apex Region hunters that failed disappear behind the guards that lead them and wait for instruction.


    The Talton Region Leader looks straight at our top 20 viewing area, while the ss front of it begins to be blocked by ayer of mana shielding to make the whole room solid.


    I watch Rodrigo fly over, and hear a light thud on top of the box while the sensation of floatinges over me and the entire room starts to shift and move.


    Rodrigo''s voice resonates in all of our ears as a new leaderboard of the top 20 ranking is projected onto the ceiling and his face right next to it.


    "Congrattions, you''ve made it to the final stage. You all did incredible in the tournament, and I''m sure no matter what happens from here on out, you will all be offered very good contracts for your time with us. In order to get proper results for thest trial, we will be giving you all a suite to rest in for 12 hours and a personal high-grade healer to negate your fatigue. The only hint I can give you now is that you will all be participating in this final stage simultaneously, so make sure to keep your remaining allies in mind moving forward."


    As the cube floats up through the sky, the outlines of doors form on all of the walls numbered 1-20 and Rodrigo''s voice calls out again.


    "Due to the events taking ce inside the viewing area, we need to immediately split you up into safe rooms and review the footage. No one is at fault, this is only standard safety protocol."


    Despite these words, everyone in the rooms stares at Ember and me.


    The only notable applicants other than the Apex applicants and Guards that don''t are Dane, who was standing next to us the whole time and has blind trust in me, Nat, who is still in partial disbelief of what just happened in thest few hours, and Marcie, who smirks with her arms crossed, enjoying the scene caused in the room, not caring enough to pick sides.


    The Phantom Region Applicant that made it into the top 20 watches me curiously from the back of the room too. He doesn''t speak or move, and the ominous ck mist of his ranked up buff has been active since such amotion started.


    This all changes once the feeling of soaring through the air in this room speeds up and we''re all transported far away from the arena. Many applicants hold onto the wall as the room shifts and creaks.


    The outlines of all of the doors fully form, and a few secondster there is a sensation ofnding and the rooming to a halt.


    All 20 of the doors click and swing open to provide hallways twisting off in opposite directions.


    I turn to look at Ember and speak through our link.


    "Well... The orange gem is intact. I feel it in my storage, but it still isn''t releasing any energy. I''ll be able to study it once we finish this fifth stage."


    His eyes track around the room while I walk over to the doorbeled [1], then he replies.


    "Good. Don''t take it out of suspended animation until we''re away from this exam site. It could easily disrupt the barrier I created just by making contact with it for too long. I know we had to act fast to subjugate that mage, but it may have been overkill. From Rodrigo''s hint, my guess is it''s going to be some kind of battle royale. My advice, we do the bare minimum to stay in the top 12 during stage five while helping your allies just barely get by too, then leave before they question our abilities any further."


    His eyes still wander around the room while applicants walk through their doors.


    Trax is carried into door number [2] by the wind magic of the Apex Guard while the emotionless healer walks beside him continuing to pulse white magic into his face and side.


    I nod at him, then reply while we walk into separate rooms.


    "We''re almost there. I just want a single chance to be in the room across from those golden eyes. I want to see how strong the Apex Region''s Director really is."


    All 20 doors shut and the room is emptied, leaving just two of the guards behind inside.


    I walk down the narrow hallway behind door [1] and find myself inside another suite with a lounge area with chairs, couches, a bed, bathroom, wall of B-ss gear, and a mountain of perfectly preserved food in transparent containment cases.


    A 12-hour clock ticks down on the ceiling, and a door closes behind me, cutting off the exit to the hallway.


    There are multiple messages stating that I should stock up on food, water, and as many items as I need for the next stage, but no actual clues as to what the stage will be show up.


    I let out a sigh and jump onto the couch at the back of the lounge and begin to meditate and slowly take in the mana thates off the shielding from the walls flowing through the air.


    About two hours pass before the healer womanes in after knocking.


    She doesn''tment on the situation from before at all, and offers to heal me many times before my rude refusals are enough to make her leave.


    Over the next ten hours, I shut my eyes and think.


    While most hunters are in dire need of these resting times and healing opportunities, it is rather boring to me.


    I fake being asleep and think about the possibilities of what this next round may be like. Ember''s guess of some kind of battle royale seems likely, but I doubt there won''t be some kind of twist to it.


    The presence of the golden eyes I felt, power level of the two A-ss hunters, and mystery of the orange stone floating in my item storage rise to the surface above any worries I have for the fifth stage.


    I can''t quite understand why and how Divine Energy has anything to do with these exams, and thement from Trax much earlier about the Director''s obsession with healers and a special ability don''t stop surfacing in my mind either.


    Once the timer hits zero and the door opens, leading me back down the winding hall, I''m still not a single step closer to making a connection between any of this new info.


    If anything, I''m even more confused.


    I don''t bother taking any food or gear from the piles and disys on the wall.


    The doorbeled [1] opens up back to the room where we all left from, and once I walk inside, there''s quite the surprise waiting for me.


    Lining the walls, all of the other hunter applicants line up just like I am, rejuvenated and fully geared up.


    In the center of the room now, there is a small white circr table with arge cyan gem on top of it. It appears to be a sphere at first nce, but there are so many sides where lightes into it, the gem must have 30 or 40 edges.


    It doesn''t give off any energy at all, and given today''s events, I have a good guess as to why.


    Both of the A-ss hunters that intervened in the fight earlier stand behind the bright blue stone on guard. They stare forward with nk expressions on their faces while waiting for all of the doors to shut behind us and for all applicants to arrive.

 Chapter 552

    Chapter 552


    More applicantse out from their resting rooms, and the doors close, sealing the rooms behind them one by one.


    Thest door to open and reveal its hunter is the one right next to mebeled [2].


    Traxes walking out with a slow stride.


    His right arm and side are fully healed and regrown; however, there''s arge white scar on the side of his face.


    He res at me as he walks out, crackling with electricity, trying to show the entire room that the attack wasn''t the end of our disagreements.


    I stare at his face with an unsettled expression, not because I''m scared of his measly aura, but because I wasn''t expecting my attack to leave such a permanent mark.


    It appears even this soft heal skill at legendary grade and near the A-ss rating has its limits in healing delicate portions of the body. I''m so used to using mythic-grade self-regeneration and relying on Abby''s restoration skill that I didn''t realize it wouldn''t be able to be mended.


    It''s clear everyone else in the room knew this beforehand, and their anger from hours before makes much more sense to me now.


    Even so, I shrug and turn to the center of the room.He deserves worse; I was being generous not going for the kill shot when I had the chance.


    The scarred lightning user grunts and looks away from me, staring forward at the two A-ss hunters standing behind the light blue stone.


    On this note, the ceiling lights up to show the rankings and Rodrigo''s image talking to us.


    "I hope you all had a peaceful rest and have stocked up on all the items necessary for this final stage of the exams."


    Small circles open up in the floor below each applicant, and a silver tablet rises from the floor on thin white tables.


    "Here, topete in the 5th stage, we require each of you to sign a contract ensuring that any artifacts you manage to obtain in our next trial are property of the Apex Region. There are no exceptions; if you do not agree to a full body and item box search before and after this stage isplete, you may leave now and consider your hopes for a B-ss ID terminated."


    He smiles and pauses.


    "That is, except for our 1st ce finisher in thest event. You may leave now if you wish and ept your B-ss ID without partaking in the final event."


    Nat''s eyebrows raise from across the room, and instantly a link between us opens.


    While Rodrigo pauses again and many applicants begin reading the contract on silver tablets in front of them, we discuss whether or not she should take part in this stage. Something tells me leaving her alone, unable to tap into the me Emperor''s power right now, isn''t the safest bet. Both of us agree that entering this next stage of the exams so we can stick together is a better n.


    I look down at the contract after this too, flipping through the digital pages and signing the hunter Ray Anderson''s name in each spot where it''s necessary. Most of the text is just allowing ess to our item boxes and penalties that will ur if we try to smuggle out any materials gained from this stage after this portion of the exams.


    If there is this much prep beforehand, I assume the exam site will be heavily surveilled too. I wasn''t nning on taking any of their worthless C and B Grade items before, but now they''ve piqued my interest. If there is any way or good reason for me to breach this contract in the future, I''m doing it without batting an eye. The name I''m signing isn''t even mine.


    Once everyone finishes up, Rodrigo continues talking.


    "As many of you may have suspected, this final stage will be in arge open-air simtion zone. All applicants will be present at once andpeting against each other."


    Eyes start to dart across the room as people scope out their enemies and potential allies.


    "Taking out your fellow applicants won''t score you any points. The only way to win this event is to collect the artifacts that you''ve just signed agreements for."


    Rodrigo takes out a blue recording crystal and ys a moving holographic image.


    It is a bit odd seeing a video within a video, but he points at the recording as it ys to describe certain images shown of three different colored stones on a table.


    "The red stones are worth 1 point, the orange are worth 10, and the yellows are 100. If you manage to find anything else; it will be judged by our A-ss hunters and given unique ratings. Any artifacts not matching those shown in this recording will be awarded 1000 points minimum."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Discussion murmurs throughout the room, questioning what the stones are, and some applicants that were watching the tournament closely enough recognize the resemnce of these stones to the red one that Trax ate in his match against me.


    Rodrigo continues as the chatter grows.


    "These stones will not produce any energy. They are merely tools used to power our simtion."


    At this, as the whispers and tension in the room grow even more, the two A-ss hunters behind therge blue gem ce their hands into item boxes by their sides and pull out small red gems of their own.


    Trax''s eyes widen, and I even see Callum and the battle healer instantly react.


    They''re in the dark on this matter as much as I am.


    Ember''s eyes track the gems as they enter both of the guards'' mouths, whose levels surpass both of ours.


    I get into a ready fighting stance and prepare for the worst.


    However, when their eyes light up red, they don''t lose control like the lightning user did down in the ring during thest stage.


    They both turn toward each other, nod once, then ce their hands down on the blue stone.


    The red light is siphoned out of their bodies and into the crystal, making their eyes return to their normal state almost instantly after.


    Nothing happens for a few seconds, but everyone in the room stops talking so Rodrigo continues while he has our attention.


    "As I said, there is nothing to worry about. They are worthless stones that power the simtion machine. Think of this as a vast dungeon to hunt inside. Many monsters will spawn, and the further away from your starting region you venture outward, the stronger these manifestations will be."


    He shows a thin smile, but it doesn''t look as genuine as the ones he usually shows.


    At the same time, the blue gem in the center of the room starts to pulse with a light blue, almost cyan tint.


    As the light gets brighter and brighter, the A-ss Guards take a step back, and a wide tear in space begins to form and grow at a slow and steady rate.


    No energy at all can be felt, and the only thing I can visually rte it to is the Demonic Rift that brought me to the Demonic Realm for game-like trials or the Void Creeper Rift I stepped through with my body double that teleported me into a very strange fortress filled with an army of Titans being controlled by their King.


    An invisible wave that feels like heavy pressure crashes against my Divine Limiter, and I hear bells ringing in my ears while the thinyer that keeps my mana control at bay violently ripples.


    I take deep breaths and concentrate much harder to keep it at bay, but the waves of invisible gravity keep crashing into me from within wherever this rift leads to.


    Rodrigo''s voice continues as the rift grows in size to about 3 meters high.


    "The simtion gate will be open for 28 days. You may use any artifacts you wish, any hidden powers, and may even kill your opponents to take their loot to steal their points."


    At thisst remark, the chatter in the room starts again, but Rodrigo shuts it down quickly.


    "Nothing you see inside the gate is real. A respawn item like in thest round isn''t necessary. If you die, you will find yourself back in this room. However, the artifacts we''re looking for can only be brought back through the gate manually. If you die, they will not teleport back with you."


    One of the A-ss guards walks forward toward the rift and motions like he''s about to jump through, but his hand hits the bright blue energy barrier as if there is an invisible wall blocking him.


    "Our A-ss helper took the same test as you in this same simtion years ago. It is programmed to only let each user enter and leave once. So know, once you manually leave or die inside, your trial is over. Your current rankings are where you all start, but points gathered during this final portion of the exams are weighted far more heavily than any other stage. Given a high enough point gap, the 20th ranked applicant has the potential to reach 1st ce."


    He walks back to stand next to the other hunter, and an eruption of questions from applicants fills the room.


    Many more bounce around in my head too.


    His insistence on this being a simtion sounds less and less true the more he talks, and the use of two red divine fragments to trigger the activation of thisrge blue device doesn''t help mask that point.


    Whatever Rodrigo is saying, it feels like it''s being forced out of him through a script.


    He takes a few minutes to answer everyone''s questions and concerns, but they''re all met with general responses that don''t add anything of substance to the matter.


    To add to all of my confusion, the look on Ember''s face after the rift appeared isn''t of concern like any of the other appearances of divine energy so far; his eyes are practically sparkling at the sight of it.


    Even worse, this trial is meant tost 28 days, which by now is far beyond the natural decay point that the mana control and soul energy suppression items Ember made for us willst.


    The only words I get out of him through our link between him analyzing the blue gem and staring through the rift are, "We should go through. Divine rifts like this one are too rare to pass up. What he''s saying is correct, the fact that it was opened in such close proximity to us means we''ll never get a chance to jump through it again even if we wanted."


    The heavy waves of gravity that pour out of it, threatening to release my mana control''s full power, only grow stronger the longer we wait in this room.


    Rodrigo''s exnations finally stop, and he speaks to all of us again.


    "There will be no supervision within the simtion. Your efforts will only be judged on the amount of artifacts you bring back. There is nothing more to be exined any further. Please, line up in front of the rift in your ranking order and present your item boxes to be searched and documented before the trial begins."


    At this, everyone in the room starts to shift, and a final replyes out of Rodrigo.


    "Good luck, hunters. I look forward to seeing 12 of you again in 28 days once our B-ss graduation ceremony begins."


    Every step I take closer to the rift, the waves of pressure that ripple against my barrier be stronger and stronger.


    The conversations in the room fade away as I concentrate fully on aligning myself, keeping my limiter at bay, and handing over my fake item box to the A-ss guards to search.


    All they find inside are a few C and B-Grade items and a dozen or so MP potions I brought along as decoy items, and both of the guards don''t react at all. They just log down exactly what''s inside on silver tablets before giving it back to me.


    One of them does a probing scan with arge amount of dense aura and also notes down no abnormalities in my gear being worn, showing that they''re all low B-Grade at best thanks to my conceal skill.


    Then, the other hands back my item box and motions for me to walk through.

 Chapter 553

    Chapter 553


    Every step I take closer to the light blue tear in space before me sends more high-pressure waves of gravity against my concealment barrier.


    It makes me focus more and more of my physical and mental capacity on keeping the limiter stable, drowning everything out in the room.


    The chatter of applicants behind me goespletely mute, even the two A-ss guards by my sides fade out of my senses, and all I focus on is walking forward.


    My foot hits the blue space, and it falls through as if there is nothing there.


    My next step follows, and my full body falls through the rift.


    Instead of the hard mana-shielded floor, my foot hits rock covered in moss and dirt.


    My heades through, and I take a deep breath of the cool, crisp air, feeling arge gust of wind hit my face.


    As I walk further away from the rift, the waves of gravity start to cease, and reality around me hits my senses again.


    A loud whistling sound hits my ears, and I turn my head to find myself on a cliff''s edge.Down below me,rge white clouds drift by.


    Looking off into the distance, even with all of my advanced perception upgrades, looking out into the horizon almost a full 70 km, there is nothing but open air and rolling clouds with a light blue sky backdrop.


    To both my left and right, I see the cliff''s edge go on further than I can see as well.


    I''m on a triangr penins ofnd in the sky, with the bright blue rift at the very tip of it, and the only direction I can travel is further ind.


    From the point where I stand, thend stretches outward for a few hundred meters before I see the dirt and moss grow much greener and lush trees, pools of crystal clear water, rock formations, and all kinds of shrubbery grow. Looking even further in the distance, even bright colored fruits grow on some of the trees.


    Other than the whistling wind below me, everything is silent.


    Some high-sailing clouds in the distance move over the edges of thend, but they clear away and dip back down beneath the cliff as it looks like the morning sun is revealing more and morend the more I internalize everything.


    I take more steps forward and begin analyzing the air and my surroundings with my buffs and skills now.


    The air is far less dense with mana than any environment I''ve ever been in. It feels like there''s even less than being out in the isted desert of the Dark Continent.


    There are still small particles to absorb here and there, but it isn''t enough to sustain me for any long-term battles like dungeons or the simtion rooms I practiced in earlier.


    I''ll have to use mana crystals and MP potions to re-up my MP bar asionally.


    My aura of enemy detection and all-seeing eye spreads out through the wilderness, making scans of anything moving or made of mana for many kilometers through the trees and clouds, and what I get back as readings is unclear.


    There are small pockets of mana that my enemy detection picks up as living organisms, but there is no level nor visuals to support it. I only get rough location readings and rtive strength levels based on how much mana control they''re putting out.


    I''m not too concerned, as the readings I detect have the mana control strength of a barely ranked-up hunter; but in using so many detection perks at once another realization hits me.


    My Rising Emperor''s Domain is deactivated.


    I can''t sense any of my links of loyalty at all, nor can I see their geo-locations.


    I pull up the menu in a hurry, but this doesn''t help my confusion at all either, as everything is still there, showing my teammates and citizens of the Crimson Cities'' names, vitals, and level, but they''re all greyed out and frozen in the positions they were when I was back in the exam site.


    While looking down, scrolling through all of the inactive options, one of the masses of mana in the nearby forest shifts from its normal path and begins running my way.


    It isn''t fast, but it breaks me from my concentration on my status, and I pull my daggers from my item storage to get ready for a fight. The readings are not strong, but whatever this may be I''m not going to underestimate it.


    My daggers are charged up, and static electricity courses through my body while my perception is focused on the single point of massing my way.


    The bushes move, then a few tree branches above shake, and a jet-ck jaguares running out covered in a white aura of wind magic.


    Its sharp eyes stare me down as it doesn''t hesitate to send half a dozen wind des my way.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    They''re slow and weak, at leastpared to the fights I was in during the tournament; however, I still use the speed and power I used to face Trax in the final round just in case there''s energy in this monster I can''t sense.


    I dodge every one of its wind des and send two lightning crescents back its way at speeds impossible to dodge.


    The yellow crescents slice it to pieces in an instant, and its remains fall to the rocky floor in front of the forest.


    A blue text box pops up above it.


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 52,596


    [YES][NO]


    It''s not much at all, but it''s more than the 0 I was expecting. The minimum 0.1% absorption rate of my skill activated.


    Despite there being no level rating above this monster, it still has mana control to spare. This means it isn''t a body double or mere hologram of manifested mana like the monsters in the simtions prior to this one.


    My gaze tightens as I walk closer to the creature, and the waves of gravity, just like I felt near the barrier, begin to ripple off its corpse.


    They''re nowhere near as strong as the waves from the rift; I''m even able to touch the jaguar with my boot once I''m close enough, and it doesn''t take much concentration to keep my limiter active.


    I ept the MCP, and the status screen disappears. I''m even able to plunder the mana left in its body to bring my MP bar back up to full.


    After about a minute, the remains start to dissolve away into the air. The waves of gravity don''t stop until it''s fully disappeared.


    For a fraction of a second, it looks like a small clear crystal has dropped to the ground. However, it doesn''t give off any readings, and dissolves into the air as well before I can get a closer look.


    I was fully expecting one of those red gems to drop, but nothing is left behind. I''m left standing alone as the wind whistles, staring into the trees.


    At the same time, I feel a new presence on my enemy detection radar with a level spawn in behind me and see Trax wander out with the same look of wonder I did just a few minutes earlier.


    After he begins to piece together where he is, he immediately senses me, but I yell out first.


    "We can either get this over with right now, or we can go our separate ways and battle it out once we have some artifacts to actually fight over..."


    I point my daggers at him once he pulls out his sword and steps closer, ring at me but not replying.


    "What''s it going to be? Your choice."


    He keeps walking closer, eyeing me up and down, so I let a surge of lightning out to show that my ranked up buff is activated and I mean what I said.


    Then, the lightning mage looks back toward the rift, then at me, and lets out a grunt through his gritted teeth while putting his sword down by his side.


    "You''re right... It would be a waste to fight now... I''ll find you once you''ve farmed artifacts for me."


    Then, he runs off into the woods with his feet covered in static.


    I smirk and power down my lighting but continue to watch him on my enemy detection skill as he ventures off into the forest alone.


    Every few minutes, more applicantse out, and I wait by the treeline.


    Most of the Apex Region hunters confront me just like Trax did, but instead of instigating a fight and taking them out, I point them off in the direction their leader ran off to.


    The other Vice and Veridian applicants that made it into the top 20 don''t bother talking to me, they just run off into the forest and avoid eye contact.


    Once Ember makes his way through the rift, he slowly walks over to me while his eyes wander the woods and look high up into the sky above us.


    As soon as his reading pops up in my enemy detection skill, his vitals and geo-location reappear and update in my Rising Emperor''s domain too.


    His first words to me through our link once he gets near are, "This isn''t what I was expecting... This is quite an old rift, it seems the Association has been forcefully keeping it open for a while. We''re not in the Divine Realm, but we''re not too far away from it either."


    His gaze keeps looking up into the blue sky above us, but there''s nothing up there to see.


    I reply.


    "Then where are we...? Is this another world? Like the Demonic Realm, or wherever that Void Creeper''s Rift brought us to? My ranked-up buff isn''t registering anyone''s presence but yours."


    Ember nods.


    "Something like that. It makes sense that you wouldn''t be able to contact anything outside this realm... I doubt teleportation crystals will work here either."


    His eyes lock onto something far away in the trees.


    "Don''t worry, what Rodrigo said is true... no matter what happens in here, we''ll be right back where we left once this realm rejects us. If we make it far enough in, we won''t have to worry about our concealment barriers decaying either."


    "Okay, but that still doesn''t answer any of my questions. What is this ce? Where are we really...?"


    Ember grins, but his mind still looks preupied and his eyes are glossed over as he scans the horizon.


    "To be honest, I''m not sure. It''s a construct made by a Divine Beast. Kind of like a simtion, but really it''s the half-finished creation of an entire Realm. I''ve never seen an artificial one this massive. I''m in the dark about the rules of this ce, so you can ask as many questions as you want and the best I can answer with would be guesses. Every construct has its unique limits set by its creator. I just know we need to head that way to reach its center..."


    More people starting out of the rift one by one.


    Nat walks over next, and her vitals and statse rushing into my consciousness, then even Marcie wanders by soon after.


    A few minutes after she does, another jaguar attacks, and she''s able to defend and defeat it with ease. This one wields water magic instead of wind, and Marcie is equally as disappointed when nothing drops from its remains.


    Ember speaks through our link once he sees my expression while looking at the dissolving monster.


    "Monsters down here won''t have what we''re looking for."


    He points off into the forest, but his finger is angled upward.


    "If we want to find any of those so-called artifacts, we''ll have to venture out in that direction and find stronger monsters with fully developed cores."


    I nod and watch the woods as every few minutes more ck jaguars attack the new applicants thate through the rift and enter the forest.


    Therge ck cats all wield different elements, but share the same sharp eyes.


    Some use earth, others use fire, and I even watch one of them use light magic to make illusions of itself while attacking.


    Yet, they all fall and drop nothing when they die all the same.


    Finally, Danees out of the rift and meets us. His vitals and geolocation update in my mind as well.


    I nod as he approaches, then use lightning magic beneath my feet to levitate upward to try and get a better vantage point whileing up with some basic ground rules and a strategy to rely on if we''re going to take this on as a team.


    My first instinct is to go on ahead with Ember and reap the rewards of this construct all for myself, but an even better ideaes to mind.


    While having lower levels tag along may hold me back at first, it doesn''t mean they''ll be weak for long. If I''m able to gain MCP from killing these monsters, that means anyone with a link of loyalty can use my skill and be stronger very quickly as well.

 Chapter 554

    Chapter 554


    "We''ll wait until everyone else enters the woods. I have something I want to test out before we go hunting."


    Ember still stares off into the wilderness while Dane and Nat both patiently wait near him.


    Marcie watches the rift far off in the distance with one hand on her spear and the other on her waist while she replies.


    "Why wait? And what''s in it for me to join up with all of you? Wouldn''t splitting the loot five ways make us a lot slower than any of the other groups out there? Other than the apex Elites, I didn''t see any teams over three members..."


    I shrug, considering the fact that she is the only one here that hasn''t formed a link of loyalty with me, and reply.


    "Possibly. If you want to go out there alone, be my guest. I just think it''d be more beneficial to stick together. You saw just as well as I did how powerful that artifact was when Trax ate it during the tournament. These weaker monsters don''t drop anything of substance either. It''s clear that whatever we''re looking for in this stage is going to be a lot stronger than you can handle alone..."


    I look over at Nat, then back to the spear wielder.


    "We have the power of the me Emperor on our side, after all. I''m sure if you joined us he''d be generous enough to share his power."


    I smirk, and at the same time another random hunteres out of the rift and makes his way into the woods alone.Marcie doesn''t seem amused by myment, so I speak more while looking at everyone around me.


    "I''m not kidding, each of us is closely linked to the me Emperor. If you join my team and trust me as your leader, you''ll be granted the same power Nat showed in the ring."


    I want to have Marcie as an ally, but she''s never given me back the same sentiment. While I can rely on slowly building a rtionship with the Talton Region from monthly trade deals, making a direct link through these exams seems like a much more efficient strategy.


    Sheughs at my remark and turns toward the forest.


    "Yeah, right... Prove it or I''m leaving to hunt on my own right now."


    I float down to meet her at eye level and think carefully about my next words.


    Another hunter walks out of the rift and at the same time I open a telepathy link to Ember.


    "There''s really no surveince in this ce, right? Whatever I say won''t be heard or seen by the Association."


    He shakes his head and replies while staring at the sky.


    "If they''re not in the realm, they definitely can''t interact with it. Whatever you''re about to do or say can only be perceived from inside."


    "Good."


    I want to fill my teammates in somewhat, giving them the impression that I''m linked to the me Emperor in some way, but don''t want to give out enough information topletely blow my cover. I can say and show a lot more considering the fact that the Association can''t spy on me here, but I still want these new teammates to believe I''m Ray Anderson from the Bedrock Region for as long as possible.


    I nod and activate my buff to give 5% of my stats and mana control to Nat, then 5% of both to Dane as well.


    On cue, I weaken my limiter and raise the perceived amount of my mana control to match theirs and so does Ember.


    It''s a familiar feeling to Natalie, and once she feels the fire magic skill add to her status, she knows what to do.


    The only one shocked at this revtion is Dane. His eyes widen as a massive amount of power flows into him unannounced and I send a wave of telepathy into his mind.


    "You chose the right people to put your faith in. Ever since the simtion trials, you''ve been epted as a follower of the me Emperor as well. Test out your borrowed power."


    I smirk, and in unison, all four of us burst with mes and let out a sickeningly dense aura.


    After 5 seconds, I power everyone down and return to normal too, assuming I''ve made my point.


    I reply to Marcie out loud.


    "I believe this is more than enough proof for you. In fact, you''ve evene in contact with followers of the me Emperor in the past as well. His reach spans further than you''d expect."


    I put a finger in the air and let electricity stream out of it into a ball around my finger.


    This book''s true home is on another tform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Using the advanced perks of my conceal skill, I move and shape the manaing out of my hand into a perfect replication of Bri''s face, then point to her armor and spear.


    "Your high-grade items were crafted by a new Dark Continent leader, were they not?"


    Marcie''s eyes turn much sharper at this statement, and I make the image disappear while letting her reply.


    "How do you know that? Who are you?"


    I shrug.


    "Even if I could exin it all to you in and simple, I doubt it''d make a difference. Just know I''m an ally that wants to create a friendly rtionship with as many regions as I can while partaking in these exams. Follow me as a leader, and you''ll stay in the top 12, plus gain more power than you imagined possible."


    Then, I turn toward the forest.


    "I know your loyalty stands with your Regional Leader, but in order to share this power with you, you''re going to need to at least temporarily put your trust in me."


    Marcie stares at me, contemting my words over and over in her head, then as I''m about to speak again, a final hunteres out from the rift covered in a veil of darkness.


    The Phantom Region hunter disappears the moment he enters the realm, then reappears a few meters ahead, and continues to blip in and out of existence until he reaches the forest and his readingspletely vanish from my senses.


    I turn my head back and continue what I was saying.


    "That''s thest one, we either head out together or go our separate ways. What''s it going to be?"


    She looks at me again, this time with a million questions shing behind her eyes, but I slowly feel a connection growing just like Dane''s did between the 3rd and 4th Stage.


    There''s a notification in my inner ear and I see all of her stats and vitals appear in my mind while her exact location shows she''s standing right in front of me.


    Then, she puts out her free hand and I shake it.


    "At this point, I''d be stupid to say no. I''ll join you, just for thisst stage."


    "Perfect. Now that we''re all on the same page, let''s see if my theory about this ce stands true..."


    I walk over to the edge of the forest and pull out a few items from my item storage through my fake item box.


    While I shape high-grade shielding, a heap of mana crystals, and a pile of luminite inside a containment case into a circle, there are a few looks of awe but no one says a word.


    After a few minutes pass and a bright sh of light follows, a brand-new teleportation tform and about 100 crystals to go with ite into existence in front of our eyes.


    I stand back about 10 meters, then crush one of the white gems.


    It shes me away in a blinding white light and brings me onto the base of the tform instantly.


    "Nice. That takes care of that problem."


    In a matter of seconds, I pull out more shielding, and shape it into a dome around the tform with a small door opening. I imbue the structure with a mythic grade stealth attribute, then cover the entire structure in ayer of rock identical to the forest environment.


    Not a drop of manaes off of it, and it looks just like a normal boulder except for a tiny opening that faces directly toward a clump of nearby trees.


    The looks of awe and disbelief grow, but I just turn to throw each of my teammates a few teleport crystals for themselves, then speak up.


    "It''s for if we venture too far into the simtion. Like Rodrigo said, the only way to get crystals out will be back through the rift. It''d be a waste to make it 14 days in and have to turn back. Now we don''t have to worry about getting lost either."


    They catch the crystals and I grant each of them about 0.5% of my mana control along with my absorption skill while turning to walk into the forest.


    "Come on. We have some work to do, I''ll exin what I can on the way. Ask any questions you want, I''ll answer what I can."


    They follow me into the dense forest, and we begin moving at a steady rate.


    With the shared mana control I''m giving them, they can conserve much more mana and move through the terrain far more efficiently. However, I don''t want to grant them so much that they''re totally reliant on my power.


    Every kill they make now adds about 250-500k MP to their total control. While my kills only give me 0.1%, my teammates are lower leveled than me so they reap far higher rewards. The system grants Nat 1% of their MCP because she''s perceived as even lower level than these monsters while both Marcie and Dane get 0.5%.


    From the range of my enemy detection readings, this forest is endless. There are millions of MCP waiting to be absorbed for them the further we travel.


    A few questions are asked about this shared power, and the fact that I just made a teleport tform out of thin air is also a hot topic. Most of the questionse from Dane and Marcie, but even Nat has a few things to ask.


    I avoid giving direct answers to most of them, as the feats I''ve just shown in front of them defy all logic taught by the Association and general information on what a single hunter is capable of. However, with some long winded answers, help from Ember, and the obvious avoidance of some exnations no matter how many times it''s asked, they alle to the conclusion that this me Emperor tale I''ve been weaving is far moreplicated than the surface makes it seem.


    We''re all here for different reasons, and the scenario we''re in now benefits all of us, so after about an hour, no more questionse rolling in. We just continue to venture through the forest at a very quick rate and farm jaguars.


    As hours pass, we do pass by a few other solo hunters and even squads, but I make sure to curve our path away from them to only interact with the monsters that spawn in these woods.


    The jaguars are all the same strength, no matter how far into the woods we travel.


    They grant us MCP, and every time they dissolve away, the same small waves of gravity hit my limiter and the outline of a clear crystal is present for a few fractions of a second before there''s nothing left.


    After about 6 hours, we stop for a break so those that need to can eat food and rest for a moment. I temporarily activate self regeneration on everyone too, so it can heal their fatigue once we start our travel inward again.


    Another 6 hours pass, and the forest doesn''t change.


    The rocks look identical to the paths we took when we entered, and the trees are still lush green and filled with bright-colored fruits.


    I can''t even sense the area we left from anymore; it''s far out of range.


    We stop again for a food and potion break, and I take this time to push my senses to their limits, probing out far into the endless forest to see if there are any anomalies, stronger monsters, or unique structures in sight.


    For a full minute, I continue pushing my range outward, even flying into the air to try and get a better vantage point.


    It seems to really just be an endless t jungle full of ck jaguars as far as the eye can see.


    I use my stealth skill to disappear in mid-air, then activate my second-ranked-up buff to use my greater form, boosting my senses even further and I finally see what I''m looking for...


    There''s an end to the forest in sight. We''re over halfway through it, but my gaze tilts upward as I see what Ember was pointing to before.

 Chapter 555

    Chapter 555


    At the edge of the forest, an impossibly high mountain stretches up into the sky.


    It is too wide for me to see its edges, so the structure just looks like a stone wall that tilts back at a hardly noticeable angle and fades up into the pale blueness of the realm above.


    My enemy detection skill picks up on monsters that are stronger than the jaguars in the forest high above as well. They''re ugly-looking scavenger birds, 5 to 10 meters in wingspan, slowly gliding through the sky in circles, waiting patiently while looking at the forest below. Some of the birds even higher up perch on various ledges with tired eyes and permanent scornful expressions on their faces.


    I can''t see every bird that I can sense with my enemy detection skill, but of the few that fly very high, a dim red glow radiates off some of them.


    Their energy ratings don''t differ from any of the others, and this makes me believe maybe we''re closer to finding the source of these divine fragments than I thought.


    Aside from the birds themselves, there is hardly any life on this endless mountain into the sky. There are small shrubs and old trees that grow on the wall of stone every few hundred meters, but they look as starved of nutrients as the monsters that perch near them.


    My gaze continues to travel upward, and I use all of my buffs while continuously replenishing my MP bar with mana crystals, but I can''t sense the top of the mountain.


    Even so, there''s nowhere else to move forward, so I know this is where we need to go next.


    I deactivate my buffs and stealth skill, then float down to meet the others after they''ve had their rest.Even in thest 12 hours, they''ve each grown significantly stronger, gaining tens of millions of MCP each, but it''s not enough to make any noticeable impact yet. They''re still heavily relying on the small mana control I''m sharing with them.


    If we can make it to the mountain soon, that will expedite their growth process significantly.


    "We''re halfway there. I see a change in terraining up. Once we make it through these woods, we''re finally going to fight some monsters that drop some loot. We''re hours ahead of any other teams, so push through and we''ll get first picks on the monsters in the new zone."


    Everyone does as I say, but despite my constant use of self-regeneration on them after each of their battles, and even more food and rest breaks, it takes us 14 more hours to make it to the base of the mountain.


    Natalie and Dane are visibly the most tired while Marcie''s outward appearance holds up strong, but I can tell they''re all exhausted from traveling through this rocky terrain and fighting hundreds of ranked-up monsters.


    What I mentioned before still stands true.


    At the rate we''ve been going, now that the upward tilted stone cliff into the sky is right in front of us, the closest team behind us is over 8 hours away.


    Other solo hunters and parties have already stopped to take long breaks to sleep while their travel partners keep watch and alternate.


    However, an odd phenomenon has shown itself over the 26 hours that pass: the bright blue sky and sunlighting down on us from an unknown source continues to light up the day.


    There have been small moments of shade as rogue clouds pass by, but for the entirety of the time we''ve been here, the day has never turned to night.


    If this is just a simtion like everyone believes it to be, an endless day makes sense. However, another oddity I find makes me wonder about the physics of this construct even more. I''m not sure if anyone else has noticed, but the total number of monstersing our way has greatly diminished the longer we''re here in the forest.


    We''re at the front of the pack, so we get to face the monsters head-on; and it''s less noticeable. The woods spread out further than I can even sense now to either side of us; so teams that take other paths won''t be affected by our overhunting. However, once we kill these jaguars, recements don''t spawn in on a timer like they do in dungeons.


    From the data I''ve gathered so far, either there is a finite amount of creatures that was predetermined when we entered this realm, or the respawn rate is far lower than that of dungeons.


    Considering the trees and earth we stand on are real... and not created from pure mana like the dungeons themselves, I can''t even fathom either option being sustainable. So, once we make this final stop at the base of the mountain I don''t bother telling anyone my findings.


    "Rest up. You all did well today. Emrie and I will stand guard for a few hours, then we''ll start climbing the mountain before any other teams arrive."


    A small camp is set up, and lots of items from the resting rooms before the exams are taken out to create a perfect sleeping environment for the three of them. Surprisingly, they fall asleep quickly in a matter of minutes, exhausted from the day, and I activate stealth again and use my greater form to enhance my senses to get another look at the mountain above me now at a much closer range.


    The birds still fly in circles near the cliffside, and I can see more and more the higher I look up the mountain.


    I still can''t see its top, but I can definitely see the red glow many of them give off now without any doubt.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    I reappear back at our camp to be greeted by Ember with a link of telepathy the moment I deactivate my stealth skill ande back to the ground.


    "We could be traveling much faster alone. This forest could have been cleared in just a few hours if we skipped the low-level fights and flew above it... not to mention their excessive need for sleep."


    I nod, replying through the link while staring up the mountain.


    "I agree. I want to set off alone just as much as you do. Once I train them to be stronger than any other hunters here, we can leave them to farm for points and keep all of the other applicants at bay. There''s red energying off of the monsters on this mountain, I can''t sense it, but I assume that''s no coincidence."


    Ember stares upward to match my gaze into the sky.


    "Yes, we''ll find monsters that have fully formed cores soon... The higher up this mountain goes, the denser the air is with Divine Energy. I couldn''t see it before, but I sensed a very strong presence in the sky at the top of this mountain. I rmend we spend as little time as possible wasting away with this dead weight. As profitable as it may be to make these connections, our time in a realm like this isn''t one to be taken for granted."


    I grin.


    "I know. We''ll wake them up in 8 hours and continue. I don''t n on wasting our time here at all. Watch them sleep. Until then, I want to see what these monsters with fully formed cores can do."


    Ember nods.


    "Very well. Just don''t make physical contact unless you want to prematurely decay your barrier. Long-range attacks are the safer option. Your mana alone should be more than enough to handle a fully awakened red core."


    I jump up into the air again, activating stealth and rocketing up into the sky at speeds that far surpass anything I''ve used during this entire time within the realm.


    In just a few minutes, I''ve already made my way 20 kilometers up the cliffside, and find myselfing toward one of the scavengers.


    Its mana control readings are far stronger than the jaguars below, but I don''t see any red energying off of this one, so I don''t hold back to slice it in two with an upward sh while continuing my ascent.


    The absorption popup I receive allows me to take in 112,366 MCP, meaning this creature had double the mana control of any jaguar down below me.


    A full hour passes and I reach the height of about 150 kilometers off the ground, tearing through over a dozen more vultures in the sky and watching the MCP reading I absorb increase every time I get higher.


    It isn''t until this height I finally see one of the vultures with the mysterious red mist surrounding its chest.


    Instead of shing through it like all of the others in stealth mode, reducing it to a pile of burnt meat and feathers before it even knows what hits it, I stop to hover in mid-air about 100 meters in front of it, directly blocking its flight path.


    Turning off my stealth skill, I blip into existence in front of the creature and its survival instincts kick in.


    Instead of trying to intimidate me or create a direct attack, it ps its wings and soars upward while letting out a shriek.


    I didn''t give any of the other birds on the way up a chance to attack, but this one lets out two crescents of wind magic with the p of its wings as a distraction while changing direction.


    The waves of mana are tinted red, and I watch as ites closer and feel weak waves of gravity ripple against my limiter as I airstep out of the way.


    It''s slow, and nowhere near as intense as the red energy in Trax''s attacks in the arena.


    I let it swerve around the air to observe its following attacks too, and get the same feeling every time the light red, almost pink-colored crescentes near.


    By the fifth attack, the air des get less and less colorful until they''re just made of pure mana again and no red aura surrounds the bird at all.


    "How interesting..."


    I fly upward and kill it without hesitating at all and continue my ascent.


    Even with my 0.1% absorption rate, thest one I killed brings in 199,706 MCP, meaning if any of the 3 new links of loyalty below me were to make this kill and receive a full 1%, they''d be gaining close to 2 million MCP per kill.


    Just to make sure, I wait behind and use telekinesis to hold the bird''s corpse to watch it disintegrate, but nothing more than the faint outline of a clear core remains for a brief instant before it''s allpletely gone.


    Another two full hours pass, climbing an additional 200 meters, while burning throughrge amounts of mana crystals to maintain my speed upward, and Ie face to face with many more of these birds with red coloring in their attacks.


    The higher I fly, the moremon they be.


    I do many tests to evaluate their strength and abilities.


    Without the red light, their power is simr to a strong level 600-700 hunter.


    With the red light, their attack power and even speed increases to heights nearing level 800-900, but it is quickly extinguished once the energy within them is spent.


    Just like the jaguars, their elements vary. While over 50% of them use wind magic, asional birds send jets of water and balls of fire too.


    I send long-range attacks at some to kill them before they use up this power, and wait to see what happens with them as well.


    To my surprise, when they dissolve, the faint outline of a clear core remains for a few seconds in some of them, and the faint pink outline of energy trying to consolidate into a red crystal core is leftover floating in space.


    I said I''d be back to meet Ember again in 8 hours, and I''ve burned through almost half of that time already, but with every scavenger creature I kill up here, the half-formed cores leftover stay in physical form much longer every time.


    Thest bird I kill grants me over a quarter million MCP, and the red light surrounding it nearly covers its whole body at the start of the battle.


    I''m using full-powered attacks, so I still kill it in a single sh, but the remnants of a red core left behind stay in physical form for over 10 full seconds.


    "Alright... I''m getting close..."


    I decide to do onest push before turning back, activating my greater form and rocketing up the mountain at full speed to try and find a vantage point to aim for once I return to the others.


    A full hour passes, and the shes of red light I pass get brighter and brighter until a clumping of extremely dense mana control readings finally reaches the edge of my senses, which may be what I''m looking for.


    I change my direction and diverge from my straight path to head right for the only anomaly on the mountain.


    Once within range I slow my flight speed and take in the view of an enormous ming bird.


    Its wings stretch over 15 meters across, and bright red mes engulf its entire body.


    Despite being the same species as the disgusting scavengers that cover this cliff, the bright fire that crackles on it and glowing crimson eyes of this monster are quite beautiful.


    To my surprise, this monster isn''t what caught my attention when I was doing my scan.


    The high volume of mana control I sensed in my enemy detection skill earlier bes clear when 5 far smaller birds with less bright red auras and varying elements show themselves circling around it in close proximity; feeding off the aura of dazzling red light.


    Their mana controls are some of the highest I''ve seen on this mountain so far, however, the ming bird at their center doesn''t have a drop of mana in it at all.


    Waves of pressuree rippling off it once it notices my arrival and lets out its echoing screech.


    Rock falls from the nearby cliffside from the disruption, and the mana-less mes grow in size.


    I stare in awe as I take in the beauty of a creature with a natural fully awakened red core.

 Chapter 556

    At the echoing sound of the fiery bird''s screech, the five circling vultures turn my way and don''t hesitate to send red-tinted attacks directly at me.


    I easily dodge them and twist through the air, sending crescents of mana into each of them, but make sure not to injure the magnificent bird behind them.


    Even when pushing my senses out as far as they can go, I don''t sense any anomalies like this one nearby, so I want the chance to study it before killing it or damaging it to the point where it can''t use its power in an unaltered state.


    Less than a full second passes, and I move through the air defeating its orbiters beforeing face to face with the massive red bird right outside its aura''s range.


    Waves of gravity ripple against me, making the sound of a high-pitched bell vibrate in my ears while I collect the MCP from the fallen monsters surrounding it.


    The crimson eyes of the monster lock onto me, and it ps its wings while hovering in ce, sending a dense wave of red light, simr in strength to that of the attacks Trax threw during our fight in the ring.


    I smile and airstep out of the way, sending a moderately dense mana de into the mes at an angle.


    The collision disrupts the red sh, and another epicenter of gravity waves is formed, hitting my barrier with greater intensity.


    "Yeah, long-range attacks it is...."I airstep to the opposite side of the bird while it tracks me with glowing eyes and sends another wave of fire void of mana my way.


    I perform the same motion, releasing a pure mana strike into the mes and disrupting the flow. This time, however, I change the strength of my attack to be slightly stronger.


    The next wave it throws, I try a weaker release.


    Over and over, I circle the bird at a distance right outside its red glowing aura and continue to deflect its attacks while using varying strengths of mana control to gauge how strong its energy really is.


    Without iting up on my senses, this is the only way to figure out its true strength.


    After three full minutes pass, and almost fifty attacks, I finallye to the conclusion that its estimated strength is that of a 950-1000 hunter, on the verge of ranking up again.


    Many of the lower level Vice and Veridian Region hunters in the woods below could not defeat this creature in a battle.


    However, the possibility of a few of the Apex Elites taking this creature out wouldn''t be too tough of a challenge. Even Trax, or Callum, using their ranked-up buff could probably finish it off alone.


    Unlike the massive surge of intensity the lightning user showed in the ring when he ate one of these red stones, and also like all of the other birds I found on this mountain, after countless attacks this monster''s red light doesn''t dim at all.


    It shines with the same beautiful crimson radiance as it did when our battle began.


    "Alright, now let''s see how you fare against one of my attacks back..."


    I charge up a de of mana, slightly stronger than the des it''s been throwing at me, and let it fly aimed straight at the bird''s neck.


    My suspicions are that it will have some kind of special defense, or there will be an eruption of gravity used to block this strike too heavy for me to handle at close range, so I jump backward after letting it go but am very surprised at the attack''s results.


    The de of mana collides with the mes that surround the bird just like any of its other attacks.


    Both energies are disrupted, but there is a portion of mana leftover that makes it through.


    The de hits the bird''s feathers and flesh, then slices through with close to no resistance.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    Once the de of mana makes its way halfway through its neck, however, it is met with another simr unsensible strong force and they collide to release the remaining energy left in the attack, proving to be even more detrimental than my initial blow.


    Its head and chest are stained with blood, leaving a gaping hole where my attacknded.


    I don''t sense a drop of mana in this bird, and it doesn''t have any to use as defensive shielding; the crimson mes are truly the only bit of energy it has.


    Its red eyes begin to flicker, then from the area my attack made its mark, the red mes surrounding its body start to decay andpletely disappear.


    In a matter of seconds, the absence of mes spreads from the wound and its entire body grows cold and lifeless.


    At the same moment, its red aura surrounding it disappears as well, and the mighty bird begins to fall down the side of the endless mountain.


    I stare confused for a few seconds, then airstep downward to follow its descent.


    Once at eye level, I use telekinesis and hover with it right in front of me.


    I still feel a very faint ripple of gravitying my way now as I hold the creature''s body, and am a bit disappointed when no absorption notification pops up; however, once the monster dissolves entirely, a small red gem is left behind.


    The ripples against my barrier areing from its direction, but I still feel nothinging off the red fragment left behind.


    "Well... I guess this is a start."


    A spatial magic portal opens beneath the red gem and I let it fall through before turning to face the bottom of the mountain again.


    It wasn''t exactly what I was expecting, but at least I know what to prepare the others for.


    I make my descent back down the mountain to meet up with Ember again to tell him my findings. I take the red core out from my storage and show it to him from a distance and he nods while giving a simple reply back.


    "Good. If it only took you four hours to find a red core, that means we''ll have enough time to make it to the top."


    We wake the others up, and begin our ascent.


    I don''t hold back on sharing my mana control and status now, giving them each a third of the 10% avable, and leading us up the endless cliffside as fast as possible while running into as many vultures as I can find on my enemy detection skill.


    Just as I assumed when I made my flight up for scouting, they all receive a full 1% from these kills, and raise their total MCP by 1-2 million with every single sword sh.


    Over the next eighteen hours, we manage to make it up about halfway the distance that I managed in four.


    Even so, everyone on the party has risen hundreds of millions in natural MCP, and have grown noticeably stronger.


    We stop for a food and rest break on a nearby ledge and I release the power from my buff, but the three of them still continue to glow with their own extremely heightened mana control auras.


    Once we head off, floating higher and higher into the air of this endless mountain for another eighteen hours, we surpass the point I traveled to on my former travels up here, and Ember points to the sky and speaks aloud.


    "Another red core, less than a hundred kilometers away. We''re close to making it into another zone."


    My teammates are nearing their limits. We''ve been traveling up this mountain for over a day and a half. I respond to Ember and motion for the others toe over while pointing to a nearby ledge with a single tree on it.


    "How about we set up camp for them to sleep for another eight hours, and you take care of that red core nearby. I''ll stay and watch, I think after one more training session once they wake up, they''ll be able to fight one without me. You look around and see what you can find."


    He nods, using fire beneath his steps to fly higher into the sky, not wasting any time.


    "See you soon."


    While the three applicants from the Apex, Silca, and Talton regions fall asleep almost instantly on the stone ledge of the mountain, I do a scan of my surroundings using my stealth skill and greater form to see what kind of progress we''ve really made.


    There isn''t a single other team within my range below us, we''ve traveled so many hundred kilometers into the sky at such intense speeds that not a single team hase close to catching up.


    With my heightened senses now, I see exactly where Ember is headed, and the clump of mana looks exactly like the fiery bird I killed earlier, with many other scavengers around it, most likely trying to siphon its crimson energy.


    As my mind wanders and the cool breeze up here whistles by, I sense more and more clumps of energy higher and higher up the mountain. I count over a dozen.


    No more than an hour passes before the first onepletely disappears once Ember''s geolocation collides with it.


    Then in the next hour, two more are gone.


    After hour three, I sense another five vanish.


    In the fourth hour, eight more vanish, then I feel Ember turn around ande flying back down.


    He only takes two hours to make his way back down to meet me by my resting teammates with a wide smile across his face.


    "I was right. The next zone isn''t far..."


    He points a finger in the air, and an invisible tear in space opens up simr to the time I watched him show me his divine ring.


    This time, I feel an immense pressuree off of it and eight red stones fall out.


    "Catch."


    I open my spatial magic below them, but raise an eyebrow because that''s half of what I remember sensing him kill.


    As they all disappear into my storage, he takes a step back and speaks again.


    "They''ll be asleep for a few more hours, so we might as well start preparing now. If you want to be strong enough in time to face the higher zones, I suggest you follow my lead."


    Another tear in space opens right above Ember''s right hand and a single red stonees out, hovering in ce as he stares forward and waits for me to do the same.

 Chapter 557

    Chapter 557


    Ember grins.


    "I''m going to need to borrow that self-regeneration skill of yours; this would be quite painful without it."


    I activate my buff and give him ess to this mythic-grade skill. Then the imagery of Trax losing control of his body and power shes through my mind as I watch the red gem float above Ember''s hand.


    "Is this really safe to do here...?"


    The gem slowly spins above his palm, and I feel small portions of his true mana control vibrate out from his barrier the closer it falls toward him.


    "-And what about concealing our presence? If you''re about to do what I think, won''t this leave us without any way of hiding our true power once we return?"


    The ripples get more intense, and waves of dense mana and even Ember''s soul energy start to be visible to my senses as he brings the gem even closer while responding.


    "Possibly. However, possibly not. Absorbing a single stone will decay our barriers, but we can conceal our mana control with Qi from your new friends."


    He points to the three sleeping teammates on the cliffside nearby, then looks up toward the sky and continues."If we make it to the top of the construct, there''s a good chance I can broker a deal with its creator to get us a better limiter. If not, we''ll be strong enough to handle deceiving those A-ss hunters by the time we''re done here. They''re only red cores themselves."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Hey¡ªthis is a lot to drop on me all at once... Its creator? Whatever made this realm is still here...? And the A-ss Hunters at the Association can wield divine energy? Is that why they didn''t practically explode from eating those stones?"


    Ember smirks.


    "Right... eating those fragments to power the rift wasn''t necessary, it was just a show."


    Ember''s gaze wanders the sky again, thenes back down to meet mine.


    "As for if the creator is still here... I don''t know. The construct patterns are familiar, but they''re very old. We''ll have to climb higher. I can''t see the top yet. If you''d like to take a glimpse into the divine realm, follow my lead. I can''t answer all your questions by simply exining them; you''ll have to see the truth for yourself."


    He grins and drops the red core into his mouth.


    It disappears, and I feel dense waves of energy hit my barrier while the same crimson light I witnessed in the fiery bird glows in his eyes.


    An aura grows around his body, just the same as the ming scavenger bird''s did.


    The vitals on my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface are pretty interesting to watch.


    His health bar slowly trickles down, then his mana starts to fall after as the self-regeneration skill kicks in and heals him slowly.


    The red aura around him continues to expand, and I watch with curiosity for a full minute before the light begins to subside and the red glow from his eyes fades.


    We''re left both floating in the sky just as we were before, but now his limiter ispletely gone and shattered. The only thing left blocking his mana control is a new barrier of pure Qi.


    Other than the usage of mana from the use of self-regeneration, he''spletely fine and unaltered.


    "Your turn."


    While nothing seems to be wrong with him, the thought of breaking the limiter that kept those with soul energy awakened unaware of my power isn''t a very logical move. The A-ss guards aren''t what I''m worried about; it''s more so about those yellow-golden eyes I felt peer down on me during my match, and the unknown of what else was inside the Apex Region''s ck box that I wasn''t able to sense.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred tform. Support original creators!


    Ever since these divine fragments showed up, and especially since we entered this rift, Ember has been acting extremely strange.


    He''d normally want to keep our presencepletely hidden as well, but for whatever reason, the reward from using this energy right now highly outweighs the risks in his mind. I''m unsure what this reward may be, but It''s clear there''s only one way to find out.


    I let out a sigh and let one of the red gems fall from my storage into my palm, letting extremely strong rippling waves of energy disrupt my limiter on contact. Then, I toss the crystal into my open mouth, swallow, and prepare for the worst.


    For a split second, nothing happens.


    Then, the sound of high-pitched bells ringing gets louder and louder in my ears while a strong wave-like pressure expands from my chest.


    My vision turnspletely red, and the limiter that rests millimeters over my skin starts to vibrate at faster and faster speeds until it shatterspletely.


    Every cell of my body begins to heat up, and it feels like my flesh is melting from the inside out from a million different individual sources. Immediately, I activate my self-regeneration skill on full st to feel myself healing just as fast as I''m burning alive.


    I try to look around, but my eyes see nothing but the vague outline of a mountain to my right and Ember''s form to my left, watching with his arms crossed from a distance.


    It may be painful, but none of my survival instincts scream at me to make it stop.


    Surprisingly, every sign from my subconscious mind is telling me to stop regenerating myself altogether, but I don''t give in to the odd thoughts.


    Every second that passes turns my vision more red, but the outlines grow sharper.


    After about half a minute, I be very used to the feeling of my whole body being burned constantly from the inside out and take a breath of air while trying to make sense of what''s happening.


    I activate my all-seeing eye and use my buffs to enhance my vision and perception.


    With it, the burning sensation throughout my whole body increases by staggering degrees as well.


    I feel the majority of the heat move toward my head and eyes as the crimson energy seeps into the very fabric of my all-seeing eye''s skill and enhances it in ways I wasn''t aware were even possible.


    In an instant, I can see again with rity beyond anything I''ve ever experienced before.


    It''s like I''ve always been blind but never knew it.


    I stare down at my hands and see shimmering red threads moving through them, moving above and below my skin, eating away at my blood, muscles, and even bones while my skill rebuilds them.


    The shimmering threads all lead back to my chest.


    Inside, I see my heart, a small white sphere full of dense mana and Qi, two ck demon cores, and now, sitting in the center of all of them, pumping out red fabrics of glistening energy, the faint pink outline of a translucent core, just like the jaguars and weaker scavenger birds had below me.


    I can feel my heartbeat, blood flow, and see my own breath making small disruptions in the air.


    My gaze turns upward, and I see Ember watching me with a grin.


    Faint traces of the red lines flicker all throughout his being as well, and a small translucent core has begun to form in his chest too. However, in the center of his, there is a faint spark of gold and silver glimmering light that minecks.


    The more I try to concentrate on this anomaly in his body, the harder it is to see. It''s like my mind pushes my eyes away from it.


    My gaze turns upward, and my eyes widen as I begin to see what Ember has been staring at this whole time...


    The sky is made of what looks like an infinite amount of intricately woven purple threads.


    They''re all made of this same energy that rings with the pitch of a beautiful bell.


    I turn my head side to side, and it''s all I see.


    All of the energy flowing from the deep purple strands leads back to a single source, and it''s up in the sky. I can''t tell exactly where or how high, but I know the source is up there...


    For as far as my vision can go, more and more shimmering purple strands create the world I''m floating in.


    I turn to the mountain next to me and my eyes widen more, as it too is madepletely out of beautiful flowing purple strands of vibrating divine energy.


    I float over to the wall with an outstretched hand to try and look deeper into the strands; however, the sound of bells in my ears begins to get softer the closer I get. At the same time, the thickness of the red strands in my arms and legs decreases, and the hot energy surrounding my eyes fades away.


    The energy from the red stone slips away from me just as fast as it came, and my vision of the true world before me ceases too.


    It''s like a pair of dark sunsses are forcefully pushed over my eyes at dusk, making it impossible to see the outlines of what I hardly even managed to conceptualize before.


    My normal vision returns to me, leaving my hand to press against the stone wall of the mountain, and I can''t make out the difference of this cliff to a normal rock I''d find out in the desert of Sector 2.


    A shiver runs through my body, and I feel cold like I''m missing a part of myself. The only thing I can think of doing right now is immediately eating another red fragment to get the warm sensation I just felt back.


    Just as I reach into my item storage to pull out another, Ember''s voice brings me back to my senses.

 Chapter 558

    Chapter 558


    "Not yet. You''re not ready for another one. Give it an hour or two."


    I drop the red fragment back into my storage and speak back to him while staring at the rock wall in front of me that is no longer made up of millions of violet ethereal strands.


    "What was that...? I¡ª I could see it. Everything. I could see everything."


    Ember turns toward me with a curious gaze.


    "So you could see it? It must be that perception skill of yours, impressive. That saves me from doing a lot of exining."


    Both of us stare up toward the sky for a moment, but after a few seconds, I realize my body is still being torn apart from the inside by the leftover threads of red energy.


    It''s nowhere near as intense as it was when I first swallowed the gem, but it is still using up arge amount of mana for my self-regeneration skill to heal.


    I sense that Ember''s body is also going through the same violent breakdown and repair process too.


    He''s plundering mana from a veryrge diameter around us in the air, as not much is needed to continue the healing process.Over the next hour, the red threads within mepletely fade away, and Ember exins a few things about the fragments that make far more sense to me now that I''ve eaten one myself.


    The energy that we''re absorbing doesn''t usually exist in the form it''s taking right now. The red gems are a crude manifestation of what pure Divine energy really is. This entire simted world we stand in is a mere construct for challengers like myself toprehend theplexity of this unique energy.


    The red, orange, and yellow crystals that were shown in that recording before we entered this realm are all fragments of a single stream of energy, divided into visible and malleable parts for those that want to participate in this trial to absorb with more ease than the higher density raw energy itself.


    Ember hints that there are more than just these three, but he isn''t sure if a physical construct like this one will be able to create them. On top of that, we''re both not sure how the monsters that roam this realm have made their way in here, but the more I think about it, the more likely it''s all part of the creator''s test.


    After another hour goes by, the burningpletely stops, however it does feel as if I''ve just had an all-out battle for thest two hours.


    While I only consumed tens of thousands of MP to heal myself, it almost feels like I''ve exhausted hundreds of millions worth of MP in attacks and constant buffs.


    "Is it going to be this energy exhausting every time?"


    Ember nods and grins.


    "Oh, it''ll only get worse. However, just like when you began to learn Qi, harnessing a higher level of control with any energy type always increases the effectiveness of the others. I wasn''t kidding when I said those two A-ss hunters won''t even be close to our strength level once we''re done here."


    He stares up in the air and lets out a sigh.


    "That reminds me, I believe I figured out why that Director is so obsessed with healers... It all factors into why he''s having the strongest hunters from the 8 great regions farm fragments for him in a rift that can only be entered once per challenger..."


    He turns back to me, and gears start shifting in my mind.


    I remember back to the time Trax was healed in the tournament area by the healer tank, and they seemingly switched conditions in an instant, bringing him back to as good as new.


    Then, I reply.


    "He''s collecting healers to help him absorb the fragments from this rift..."


    Ember shrugs.


    "That would make sense. Considering how long this rift has been open, it seems to be working quite well for him... But I don''t know for how much longer."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    My head turns toward the cliff as at these words I begin to see my teammates waking up.


    However, I still reply with a question.


    "Not for long? What do you mean?"


    Ember looks up toward the sky again.


    "Well, there''s always a time limit on these sorts of things..."


    He looks over to the cliff where I looked as well, watching the three applicants wake up one by one and continues to respond.


    "Let''s just say, I have a hunch the Director is sick. He''s looking for a cure. From what I can tell, this rift has been forcefully kept open since the great war. There are traces of challengers to this trial that trace back even far before that. If he wasn''t desperate, I doubt he''d have allowed us to enter this ce at all."


    If what Ember is saying here is true, the motives of the Apex Region''s Director are beginning to make more sense.


    However, there are so many things left out in Ember''s exnation that learning these things only make me feel like I know less than when I started.


    While the thought of the Director being a wielder of Divine energy may be a concern, there is one bigger than it that I want to ask Ember. The question of who or what is capable of creating a test like this, and if they''re here; do we really want to meet them?


    A familiar white-haired healer''s voice interrupts my thoughts.


    "Hey Ray! Emrie! We''re ready to continue the climb!" Nat yells in a cheerful tone while Dane rubs his eyes and wakes up on the other side of the cliff.


    Marcie grips her spear tight and gives me a nod too while they ce all their sleeping gear back into item storage.


    With a smile, Ember and I slowly float over to them and I reply.


    "Yeah, we''re ready too."


    Ember shakes his head.


    "About 2 minutes, then we''ll be ready."


    He pulls another red fragment from thin air, then looks at me and nods.


    "For optimal absorption, we''ll be eating one every 1 to 2 hours, there''s no point in hiding it now. It would be a waste to wait any longer."


    He throws the gem in his mouth, then everyone on the cliffside flinches when his eyes glow crimson.


    I let out a sigh and do the same, letting the world around me turn into purple ethereal strands once again.


    My vision turns red too.


    This time, I know what to expect going into it and it''s a much more enjoyable and controlled experience.


    I don''t waste the first 30 seconds trying toprehend that every cell of my body is being burned from the inside out. This time, I immediately activate my all-seeing eye and turn to look at the cliff wall.


    The three applicants near the cliff look like very foreign material.


    There are thin purple threads that flow through them, but it''s in no greater density than the air itself.


    I can see through their clothes, skin, muscles, bones, deep into their mana cores, and right through them without even having to try.


    All of theyers of reality are shown to me at once, and in this instant, I can process everything I see equally as fast like it is just normal sight.


    Their figures are interesting for a moment, but my attention changes to where I left offst time very quickly.


    The cliff wall.


    Glistening threads of purple light make up its surface, and when I ce my hand against the wall, the millions of red shimmering threads that make up my hand begin to vibrate and ring with their own high-pitched frequencies.


    Individual tendrils of the energies mix and weave together, while others just drift by each other.


    When looked at as a whole however, the two main masses of purple and red energy slightly repel each other more and more the closer the gap between them gets.


    It appears as if my palm is pressing against the purple wall, but there is an ever-narrowing gap that I cannot seem to close.


    I''m mesmerized by this phenomenon, staring into the void between my hand and the cliff until the ringing bells fade away and reality shes back to me, robbing my eyes of their true sight.


    The flooding feeling of warmth leaving my body, and the yearning to be whole again hits me even harder thanst time, but I just ramp up the effects of my self-regeneration skill and bear through it.


    I take a few deep breaths, then turn back to my teammates. I see them staring back at me with wide eyes and shocked expressions.


    Marcie is the first to speak up.


    "You already farmed some of the stones while we slept... It seems they have other uses than just getting points."


    Nat is especially shocked, as it looks like she knows a little more about these than the others.


    "How- How did you do that? I''ve only seen the Apex Hunters manage to take one of those without copsing from exhaustion..."


    Then Dane smiles ear to ear.


    "What does it do? Can I try...?"


    Ember smirks while flying over and shaking his head while pulling out a fragment from thin air.


    "If you eat one of these right now, I guarantee you''ll be burned to a crisp from the inside out and explode into millions of pieces before you even know what''s going on. Even if you decide not to, it''s better not to hold onto them with your bare hands for too long."


    His eyes widen and his outreached hand quickly retracts.


    "R-Really...?"


    I roll my eyes and chuckle, then think about the physical toll on my body the fragment takes even with these constant healing skills activated I''m using even now to recover.


    "Yeah, probably. But he could have phrased it better."


    Then, shake my head and point upward.


    "Anyway,e on, let''s go. It''ll probably take us another day to get up to the altitude where you can farm them yourselves. None of you are strong enough for these stones, don''t even think about eating one. Even once we make it up there, these are points for the exam stage, don''t try to absorb them."


    I start to float upward, speeding up my ascent to set a pace.


    Ember follows and shrugs, putting the fragment back into his invisible storage.


    "Yeah... right, that''s basically what I said too."

 Chapter 559

    Chapter 559


    We continue climbing the massive mountain together.


    The monsters up this high make gaining hundreds of millions of MCP fairly easy for my teammates over the next 24 hours.


    Their controls rise to the point where they begin needing far less food and rest.


    In just a few days, I''ve managed to bring them from barely passing the B-ss exams alone to rivaling the mana control of the Apex Region''s elite applicants.


    At this point, they''re all thoroughly convinced that there is something not quite right about us, the two random applicants from the Bedrock Region.


    While most applicants from this region should have barely made it into the top 30, we''re effortlessly carrying them through the exams. Neither of us have eaten, slept, or shown any signs of fatigue in the days we''ve been together.


    On top of that, Ember and I absorb all of the red fragments in our possession. He even leaves our group to go up and farm more while I stay in range of the three teammates to keep their absorption skill activated.


    asional questions are asked, but they soon realize whatever is going on here is not something I n on exining to them any time soon.


    Our ascent upward gets faster and faster the more they grow, and they ept the silent partnership and the decades worth of power gifted to them in just a matter of days.While each of them surpasses 1 billion MCP in their natural mana control, I consume 13 more fragments, bringing my total up to 15. Every time I do, the crystallization of a crimson gem in my chest gets brighter and brighter.


    On top of that, more and more threads of red energy are left behind trailing from the core every time I stop.


    I have to continuously regenerate my flesh at more extreme rates as the burning sensation never really goes away now.


    Just as Ember said before, it only gets worse.


    The more the crystal clear core saturates with red threads, the hotter and more constant this burning bes.


    It gets to the point where even after the initial surge of energy passes, I''m able to imbue small portions of red essence into my skills and enhance their innate qualities.


    I test out throwing mana des at a few monsters as we travel upward and let the red energy flow into them.


    I still don''t sense them being different in any way... It just feels as if the building blocks of the mana and Qi being used in the techniques I''m activating are far more consolidated. The structure of the attacks is more rooted in reality.


    Tendrils of the red threads spread throughout the crescents of mana; imbuing themselves deep into the attacks and spreading through the air they''re traveling through as well.


    It gives off the visual feedback of the attack being stronger, however, the same exact amount of mana is being used. The more I look at these attacks that I throw, it''s like reality itself is bending and weaving itself throughout the energy released to make a deeper impact on the objects it hits.


    My mind bends to try andprehend the phenomenon.


    No extra energy is being used, it''s just that the presence of these red threads makes the mass and air around the attacks more susceptible to getting hit.


    It makes the most sense in the minute or so of rity that I get when absorbing a fragment, but floods away and leaves me in my thoughts afterward wondering how it works.


    Every time I use the divine power, portions of the red threads leave my body, and I visualize the birds I faced earlier with cores that haven''t fully formed yet either. They would run out of the red energy surrounding them if they used it uppletely.


    Despite this, I still test out other skills than just my attacks every once in a while.


    This includes my enemy detection and all-seeing eye in my greater form.


    Doing so, I can perceive the top of the mountain and the beginning of a new zone that Ember mentioned earlier.


    In addition to this, I can directly see the presence of other dense red cores when I use the threads of energy to boost my vision. They don''t appear in my mind as energy, more like other ripples or disturbances in space.


    Eventually, wee across another awakened bird as a team.


    Ember and I stand back this time and let Nat, Dane, and Marcie handle it alone.


    I even deactivate my shared stats and mana control buff to see how they''ll fare with their own power alone.


    The red core awakened I find for them has the remnants of a wind magic element, showing flowing red energy around its wind and sending des of blood-red wind at all of us from a distance.


    The six wandering scavenger birds that stay nearby are quickly taken out by Dane and his pure white wind attacks.


    Marcie is by far still the strongest out of the three of them, and most confident in close-rangebat.


    She''s able to weave in and out of the falling birds attacked by Dane, taking control of the real enemy, facing off against it in close-range attacks, blocking and attacking with her spear.


    She uses pink walls of manifested mana to disrupt and extinguish any attacks her spear is unable to fend off.


    Dane joins in after, sending in a barrage of long-range attacks once the red-cored monster is upied by its immediate threat, the spear wielder.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred tform and support their work!


    Nat still stays behind, watching from afar with daggers in her hands with sharp eyes. Without the fire skill I''ve been sharing with her, it seems she''d be hesitant to jump into battle especially with the bright red aura that reaches far out from the creature they''re fighting.


    In less than a minute, the team takes out the monster, but both Dane and Marcie who were very up close and personal to the bird and its attacks have tendrils of red energy coursing through their veins as well.


    Dane has far less, as he wasn''t near the denser parts of the bird''s aura, however, Marcie has far more.


    Her armor was even hit point nk with the attacks a few times.


    While they protected her from the brunt of the blow, I can see with my enhanced vision their bodies being broken down just the same as mine is now, just at a much slower rate.


    Marcie follows the falling bird''s corpse and collects its red core and throws it into her item box.


    Nat floats over to Dane first, then Marcie once she returns, and heals them as she would after most battles, and I witness an interesting energy exchange take ce.


    As her white aura envelops their bodies, I watch the red energy that infects their bodies flow toward Nat and creep into her body instead.


    They both seem very rejuvenated while Nat bes exhausted and filled with the burning sensation herself.


    I don''t say a word or do anything yet while I watch Nat heal herself. The red threads fade slowly, but they don''t go away entirely. Most move toward her chest and begin the process of making a very small pink translucent core.


    Ember witnesses this too and speaks to me through our link.


    "She''s strong enough now to the point where it will be fine. If she''s not directly ingesting the stones I doubt even a full month of this would be enough to identally spark a core formation. I rmend leaving her with some self-regeneration potions though."


    I nod and do exactly that, giving Nat enough potions for a small army to store in her item box before we continue upward.


    Another 12 hours pass before we finally make it to the new zone split I sensed before.


    During this final stretch up the mountain, Ember and I absorb seven more fragments each, and I don''t activate any more unnecessary skills while using the energy to make sure the bulk of it gets saturated into my now very brightly glowing red outline of a core inside my chest.


    It practically lights up my entire body red, Ember too, I''m positive it''s on the verge of changing into something very interesting.


    My teammates have farmed a total of nine red cores and agreed to split them evenly among each other while Ember has periodically gone off to farm extras that aren''t in our flight path.


    Every hour or so hees back with dozens of excess fragments for me to store away.


    "We''ll probably never need this much, but it never hurts to be safe." He says while eating another gem and adding to his red glowing aura.


    I eat another one too as what looks like the top of the mountaines into my line of sight.


    Less than an hour passes before ites into everyone''s view, and we pick up the pace even further, flying higher and faster into the sky until we reach it.


    Once all five of us pass the cliff''s final edge, the view on the other side isn''t at all what I would have expected...


    Marcie is the first to say it out loud.


    "An ocean...? Up here...?"


    Rolling waves are all we can see.


    The mountain acts like a dam, holding back an endless pool of water stretching out into the distance again.


    It doesn''t only go out wide, it is deep as well. The mountain''s slope is just as steep as it was on the other side. However, there is a slight curve to it. It may not be visible to the naked eye, but with my enhanced vision, especially with the red divine threads coursing through it, I can see this endless sea is sitting inside the top of this stone mass.


    The mountain is wide, so even this is just an educated guess, in my vision it just curves off to our left and right into the endless void of sky.


    There''s a small bit ofnd between the endless sky and endless sea, about 50 to 100 meters of it, varying in some ces where the waves of the sea crash harder.


    Small shrubs and trees grow on this long curved piece ofnd.


    We all float down onto it to take a break, and Ember speaks through our link once wend.


    "Our best course of action now is to finish absorbing these stones, then leave your teammates here while we take on the next zone. Without a consolidated red core, it would be nearly impossible to bring their mana control to heights to the point where they could take on monsters that can wield orange cores."


    I ry the message to my teammates while they set up their base camp.


    I create another teleport tform here too, covering it with a stealth barrier and earth magic, while handing out teleport crystals and keeping some for myself.


    During this process, a few fully awakened red core birds find us at the top of the mountain, and I watch them take it out with ease and return.


    I speak up while crossing my arms and standing with Ember at the edge of the endless sea.


    "I''ve given you all enough power to handle anything thates your way at this altitude. On top of that, you all have quite the head start against any other teams that make their way this far. I can only think of two, the Apex Region''s elites, and some of the higher skilled Vice and Veridian applicants. Do as you wish with them when the timees. If for any reason you can''t handle fighting them, use the two teleport tforms I made for you to retreat ande back up here if needed."


    Marcie nods, looking at me with her arms crossed and a satisfied look on her face.


    "Sounds good to me. We''ll keep anyone from passing this line if they approach."


    Then, she turns to look back toward the sky, but says one more thing.


    "Oh- and thanks. I''m d I trusted you. I haven''t trusted anyone in a long time. I''ll have to show you around the Talton Region when this is all over. I think I can convince my leader to let youe by."


    Dane replies next.


    "You''re leaving right now? When will you be back? Before the 28-day limit is over, right?"


    I shrug, and Ember replies before I can get a word in, holding a red fragment in between them.


    "We''ll be leaving once we awaken our red cores. It won''t be too much longer at this rate."


    Ember turns and starts walking over to the water''s edge, sits down and sends me a wave of telepathy telling me to join him once I''m done so we can finally finish this up.


    I nod.


    "We''ll meet you all once the trial is done. The hard part is already over. You''re strong enough to pass this exam on your own now. That was the whole goal here, right? Make it to the top 12? Make the Silca Region proud?"


    He smiles.


    "Right, yeah."


    He pauses, but looks at me with a face full of confidence after thinking over my words.


    "I''ll collect more fragments than anyone else. I''ll show you around the Silca Region once this is all over too."


    I smile and nod back.


    "Good."


    I turn to Nat, and reach into my item storage to pull out a small blue orb and toss it to her.


    Inside, an extreme grade fire summoning skillys dormant.


    "If you want that fire skill to stay permanent, eat that. You seem to have a much more aggressive fighting style when you have ess to the skill. It mighte in handy."


    She catches it, looks at the small orb for a few seconds then nods, cing the orb into her item box.


    "Thank you. I''ll use it if I need it. I thought this would take years, maybe longer, maybe even never. Winning the tournament in stage 4 lets me go back to the Veridian Region right after these exams are finished."


    "Yes, and I''m very interested in what matters you''ll have a say in when you get a ce on that B-ss board as well."


    I smile and turn around to go join Ember, but continue speaking making eye contact with everyone.


    "Even so, it''s not over just yet. Keep training while you can and stay nearby. I have a feeling you''re going to need all the power you can get once the other teams arrive this high up. You could still lose your points if they take them from you. It''s better safe than sorry, right?"


    Each of them nods and scatters off to find more enemies nearby to absorb their MCP while I walk over to Ember and sit down.


    He looks toward me and eats another red fragment, then closes his eyes as crimson threads fill his body.


    "Let''s finish this and move on. Your journey here has just begun as well."


    I take a deep breath and do the same, staring off into the endless sea while more threads of ethereal light saturate my core.

 Chapter 560

    Chapter 560


    One after another, I consume the red cores that Ember farmed for us and allow the red threads of energy to surge through my body, consolidating into a crystalline form in my chest.


    The burning and tearing sensation consuming my being only intensifies. It feels as if every cell of my body has been destroyed and regrown countless times.


    Hours pass, and the time between every red core consumed gets shorter each time.


    While the red threads of light don''t harm my physical body any less, every new fragment that I consume lets less and less of its essence escape.


    The red aura that hardly enveloped my entire body on our way up the mountain has now transformed and grown into arge and vibrant crimson aura.


    I''m unsure how many hours have really passed, but after about half a day''s worth of time sitting on this shore in front of the endless ocean, my memories begin to fade as it feels like the only thing I''m concentrated on is absorbing the next red fragment.


    Ember''s red aura grows in radiance too, not too far away from me on the shore, and in the very distant portion of my mind, I feel the presence of the three teammates that came with me up this mountain, killing monsters and growing stronger.


    I close my eyes and concentrate, but I can still see the world around me in perfect rity.


    The purple ethereal threads that weave the mountain into existence below me constantly give off a light ringing sound as the vibrations of the crimson light in my core get more and more intense. It fades away every time the energy from a fragment is consumed, but the whispers of intensity stay behind for longer and longer each time.Eventually, the ringing gets louder and faster, and after dozens of fragments, I begin to lose count of how many I''ve consumed.


    Ember''s voice echoes in my mind as we increase the rate of absorption even further.


    "We''re almost there. No matter how you feel, don''t stop healing your body. We''re on the verge of awakening a red core."


    I do as he says.


    Even though every time I consume a red stone, there is an indescribable feeling to let its hot rush of rity take over, I cling on to my body and heal it constantly, using hundreds of thousands of MP in the process.


    Eventually, Ie to a tipping point, and yell out into the endless ocean as I feel my mind waking from a slumber I didn''t know I was trapped in. My dazed state after consuming fragments doesn''te like it usually does, and the feeling of rity for the few seconds that I absorb a fragment stays with me indefinitely this time around.


    I open my eyes and find myself floating above the shore by just a few centimeters, and a wide red aura of billions of red threads seeps out of my chest and wraps around the air surrounding me by about 20 to 30 meters in diameter.


    My perception skills are working at full st, but I don''t sense any of the red light seeping away from my body.


    It doesn''t even feel like energy at all.


    It just feels as if anything these red threads touch, I understand and have a far greater control over the reality near me.


    I feel my heartbeat, I hear my every breath, the blood in my veins trickling throughout my body, and the constant crunching of my bones and muscles still being broken down and reformed by my skill.


    The self-regeneration process is aided by the red threads permeating from my core, however, this is still a conscious effort.


    For whatever reason, ess to this power wants the limits of my physical body to be destroyed, but I don''t n on letting that happen. For now, it isn''t much of a hassle to keep this skill activated like a passive buff, by now I''ve grown used to it.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    I reach into my item storage and pull out my daggers, then send a few crescents of red lighting off across the ocean.


    The mana output is exactly the same as it''s always been, the attacks just feel far denser and weigh down on the fabric of this construct, making them many times more deadly than they would be without the red ethereal light coursing through them.


    I send off dozens of attacks, in awe of the fact that the red aura around me doesn''t dim at all.


    A radiant red core glows in my chest, made up of what seems like an infinite amount of crimson threads.


    Wherever I float in the air, it''s like a weight of immovable mass bends the world around me.


    Ember''s voice finally breaks me from my enamored state.


    "Congrattions. You''ve sessfully awakened your red core. You can perceive and manipte the most crude form of divine energy. How does it feel?"


    I raise my gaze to Ember, he floats before me with a radiant red core as well.


    The fabric of reality within this construct bends around his aura just the same.


    My perception skill is still heightened to its highest degree, and our auras ovep, giving me a glimpse into his core once again. It is nearly identical to mine, having what seems like infinite threads of red light within it, however, I see the golden and silver sparks in its center for a fraction of a second before my gaze and mind are pushed away.


    I nod and turn to the endless ocean and respond.


    "It feels incredible. Like my eyes are finally open... The world around me bends to my wishes, it''s like nothing I''ve ever felt..."


    He smiles and points out into the great sea.


    "Good. So you''ve grasped the basics. Let''s climb higher so I can teach you how to properly use this power."


    I turn back to the shore, opening a telepathy link with my teammates that are a few kilometers away hunting beasts to send them a quick and final farewell, then respond to Ember.


    "Let''s go."


    Without waiting any longer, we both fly off together across the ocean, angling upward toward the direction in which all of the purple threads shimmer and flow.


    Without having to hold back, we soar upward with speed far surpassing anything shown earlier in this construct.


    Distance that took us days to cross before is now traveled over in mere hours.


    Heavy wind currents try to push travelers around in the sky, but both of us slice through these obstacles with radiant red auras, bending through the construct while leaving traces of red threads behind in our wake.


    We pass hundreds of lost scavenger birds in the skies, and they only grow stronger and stronger the higher up we travel.


    Some of them possess powerful attacks rivaling that of a 1500-1600 hunter, simr to the strength shown by Trax when he consumed a red core and unleashed its raw fury.


    These birds aimlessly travel the skies, and we hunt them down with ease, collecting storages full to the brim with red cores.


    Ember never consumes any, and I ask why, as many of them glow bright with power.


    He shrugs and responds with "You can eat them if you want, but at this stage in our progression, anything less than an orange core won''t do much."


    Out of curiosity, I eat a few as we travel higher, but just as he said, after hitting the tipping point on the shore earlier, any extra red essence does nothing but flow right through me. I get a small surge of rity, and my aura grows just slightly, but it fades away and is left behind in the wind less than a minuteter.


    I''ve hit some kind of natural limit.


    After about ten tries, I let out a sigh and stop attempting to absorb fragments, giving him ate reply while slicing through a slowly circling scavenger bird. "You were right... I guess they don''t do much..."


    At the same time, I pull the orange core from my storage that I managed to obtain from thest event back in the Apex Region.


    "How about this?"


    Ember slices through another bird of his own, about half a kilometer away and turns to me using our mind link to reply.


    "You''re probably ready. I''d advise against trying it in the sky. We should at least find somewhere solid to sit and rest before attempting one of those."


    His gaze turns upward, and I feel his aura pulse outward to scan the surroundings.


    I momentarily slow my momentum to take a moment and do the same, looking far off into the sky above the ocean and finally see something interesting.


    I whisper under my breath, "Chains... So many chains..."


    Reaching up high into the sky, I see countless heavy chains.


    They''re covered in vines and rust, all falling down into the endless sky we''ve flown up through for hours.


    The wind currents make them sway back and forth, rattling in the air.


    Some are pulled tight, while others are loose and dip down to curve for endless kilometers.


    I can''t see the bottoms of the chains as we''re too far up, but I can only assume they plunge into the depths of the sea below.


    I also cannot see the tops either. They stretch up into the sky, fading away out of my senses.


    These impossiblyrge metal structures are also made up of purple ethereal strands. Whatever they are, they''re native to this construct.


    In the faint outer sense of my mind, I see pockets of orange light jumping from chain to chain, grabbing onto the vines, and using them to climb higher up into the sky.

 Chapter 561

    Chapter 561


    The higher we float upward, the fewer birds there are circling here.


    Once we make it to a certain point, they stop soaring higher.


    We approach the slowly swaying chains, and I watch one of the highest-flying awakened birds glide peacefully through the sky between two of the massive metal links.


    As it ps its long graceful wings glowing red with ethereal threads, another creaturees rocketing toward it, jumping with strong dark green armored insect legs.


    It''s almost a blur in the sky how fast it moves.


    Two sets of transparent wings unfold from its exoskeleton as its powerful jump pushes it forward, and it cuts through the air with a bright orange aura trailing behind it.


    Its long antennae and beady ck eyes sense the air around it while a sharp outstretched limb cuts the scavenger bird''s head clean off before it even knows what hit it.


    The insect, with the body of what seems to be a cricket mixed with a praying mantis, rockets through the air, perfectlynding on the chain across from it.


    The creature''s body is far smaller than the bird it just killed. Possibly 3 to 4 meters from its antennae tips down to its feet, but the strength and speed it just showed outssed anything I''ve seen inside this construct.It turns to jump back, pointed straight at the falling bird while it dissolves and crunches through its red core with powerful fangs, absorbing its essence in seconds and climbing higher up the vine-covered chains.


    Its green outer shell blends in with the lush nt life on the rusted metal chains, but its bright orange aura stands out to me as bright as day.


    It looks back my way while hopping up higher and further away, chain to chain, as I approach.


    More and more of the mutant locust creaturese into my view as Ember and I start to soar up through the twisting chains.


    The further in we travel, the more chains be visible to me, deeper into the endless sky and sea.


    Once deep enough in, I sense the fast-moving orange masses jumping around me on all sides, picking off the remaining scavenger birds that dare to fly this high.


    Eventually, one jumps close enough and attempts the same maneuver on me.


    "Finally," I whisper while preparing for a new monster type to battle.


    To my surprise, out of the corner of my eye, I watch Ember transform into his hybrid human-dragon form, growing in size and giving himself scaled armor, a long spiked tail, and wed hands and feet.


    In reaction, I take out my me emperor''s sword and activate my greater form.


    If Ember is showing this much strength right now, it''s better not to hold back. His words right after my transformation confirm my thoughts.


    "Don''t take our orange-cored guests so lightly. Their strength may surprise you."


    The blur of orangees my way while the red strands of energy intertwine themselves with my dark greater form.


    I take a moment to concentrate and focus, channeling mana into my de, creating an attack powerful enough to subjugate many double-ranked-up opponents over level 2000 I''ve faced in the past. The divine energy coursing through me increases this power''s attacking force drastically, but the closer my opponent gets, the more its power bes clear to me.


    My greater form''s de collides with the insect''s front leg, and the resulting sh sends ripples of red and orange thread-like energy waves to scatter from our point of contact.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I''m surprised when our strength is almost matched.


    My brute force, powered by my fully unleashed mana control, pushes the insect backward, but an incredibly tough outeryer of its exoskeleton is coursing with dense orange threads andpletely nullifies my attack.


    My eyes widen as the creature is sent flying backward, but not a scratch is left on the impact point once the energy fades.


    The only thing I held back during this exchange was not using soul energy...


    My vision shifts to my left as another massive cricketes soaring Ember''s way and he doesn''t hesitate to cover his body in soul energy-imbued mes to thrust a wed fist forward and shatter the creature''s orange thread-imbued shell.


    There are rippling waves of gravity that hit me even from hundreds of meters away.


    Ember thrusts his other wed hand forward and tears off the insect''s head, trailing millions of orange tendrils of energy behind in its wake.


    His eyes areser-focused on his enemy, and he doesn''t hold back, tearing the creature to shreds with everything he has.


    My gaze moves back to the monster that attacked me, and it has already recovered from the blow I gave it.


    Its antennae move back and forth, and its orange aura retracts, making the outer orangeyer on its green shell even denser, then it ps its wings while kicking itself off the air to fly forward again with the same speed it did before when using the chains as a backboard.


    I smirk while letting hot qi and mana that have been infused and waiting in my core trickle down my arms and into my de.


    I see the divine threads taking root in this hot energy as it makes the de in my hand heavier than it has ever been before.


    At the same time, it courses through my entire body, making the swing and speed I charge forward at the strongest and fastest I''ve ever felt myself travel as well.


    Every step through the air I take leaves behind red footprints where I''ve impacted this construct and when my crimson soul energy attack makes contact with the outer barrier of the insect''s attacking arm again, it shatters with little to no resistance.


    The dense tendrils of orange energy are overwhelmed by the weight of the soul energy attack woven into the red core''s power.


    After its arm is shattered, its head and main body are obliterated in the follow-through of my sh as well.


    Insect parts rain through the sky as my dense soul energy attack collides with one of the heavy metal chains far off in the distance.


    There''s a rattling nging sound as a chunk of metal is broken off one of the links and the chain continues to sway in the heavy winds.


    I let out a satisfied sigh while floating down with the bulk of the insect parts and collecting the orange core that drops with it once it dissolves.


    The core falls into my item storage, and at the same time, I hear a rattling of chains far off behind me as another orange-cored locustes flying my way.


    I turn to face it and use the same attack as I did just moments ago.


    Ember and I continue to weave through the chains, traveling upward, and slicing through the jumping critters one by one.


    While I''m pretty much going all out in every attack, these monsters still don''t give me an actual fight.


    However, considering the massive jump in power from the scavenger birds up to these insects, my mind races to think what we''re really moving up this construct to find.


    Another half a day passes, and the chains only grow more in number, reaching out further and further than my senses can see.


    The conversation of stopping on one of the massive links to rest and absorb the dozens of orange fragments we''ve collected so fares up, but Ember is certain we''ll find solidnd to rest on instead soon.


    No matter how far I look, all I see is endless chains, clouds, and locusts for hundreds of kilometers.


    It bes a mental guessing game where these chains are even going, what they''re possibly attached to, and why there are so many.


    After mindlessly killing more and more insects, there''s finally a change in the atmosphere.


    For the first time since we entered this ce, the sky starts to change color. It bes slightly darker high above us.


    One of the tightest chains near me shudders, and all of the orange-cored monsters in its vines jump off and begin hopping and flying away as fast as they can.


    I hear a loud echoing cracking sound, like rock splintering against rock high up in the sky.


    Then, the tightened chain less than a kilometer away starts to bend.


    It''s like whatever was holding it so straight has loosened its grip.


    The sky gets darker and darker as the massive chain bends and starts to look like many of the other ck chains I''ve passed while traveling upward.


    Then, I see why.


    An impossiblyrge rock looks like it''s falling from the sky with the end of the chain attached to its center.


    The longer I stare up at it, the more massive it bes.


    It looks like an entire mountain is being pulled down from the sky.


    Ember and I both look at each other with surprised expressions, then start air-stepping away as fast as possible.


    There''s an end in sight at the edges of this enormous falling rock, but the closer it falls, the further away these edges be.


    More cracked and grinding sounds fill the air as more and more locusts scatter away, screeching and chirping as they do.


    None even try to attack us as they pass, sensing that whatever is falling toward us is a far greater threat.

 Chapter 562

    Chapter 562


    The impossiblyrge mass of stone connected to the top of the nearest chain turns the entire sky dark as it falls toward us at a speed impossible to measure correctly.


    The closer it gets, therger the stone mass seems to be.


    What I assumed to be a few kilometers wide stone turns into a few dozen, then evenrger, reaching too far out of the depths of my perception skill to even see.


    Ember and I airstep toward the outer edges at first, but as the huge mass of earth gets closer, we change our trajectory to head back down toward the sea where we came from.


    Our soul energy-powered air steps push us through the sky much faster than any of the other creatures trying to get away.


    As they fall far behind us, the rock mass keeps getting closer, catching stragglers and pinning them against its mass as it continues to fall toward us.


    The winds pick up, the echoing cracks of rock breaking and shifting fill the air, and the dangling chain sways and nks together now that its links are far looser.


    The sky turns dark blue, and fragments of smaller stone fill the air.


    I pull two teleport crystals leading back to the shoreline where we left from my item storage and throw one to Ember with my telekinesis skill, speaking through our link to tell him we''ll use them as ast resort as thendmass above us gets so close I finally feel its true mass and shape.The air pressure shifts as everything below this falling rock is getting pushed with it. However, even while following the current to push toward its edge, our speed isn''t going to be enough to make it.


    One moment we''re gliding up into the sky, killing insects without a problem in the world, and the next; we''re about to be crushed by a city-sized rock falling from the sky.


    I grit my teeth and prepare to crush the transport crystal in my hand, but another series of noises and chain of events hit my senses that make me stop.


    As if the entire construct is bending to something''s will, a massive purple ripple in space forms beneath the falling stone, and it stops like all time itself has been paused.


    The chain beneath, connected to the rock, continues to sway and jingle from the ck and downward momentum it still has, making loud echoing metallic ngs ring through the air.


    Hundreds of orange-cored insects are crushed to bits from both the air pressure against the rock from moments ago and colliding with the purple ripple of space that appeared to catch the massive stone from falling any further.


    I don''t take this moment to stop and stare.


    Even as the purple fabric of space fades away to leave nothing but open sky, and the huge stone above us still continues to float for reasons unknown, I keep airstepping down and away from the monstrous rock in the sky with everything I have.


    Ember stays in his hybrid form, and I''m in my Greater Form, using soul energy and the red threads that power my movements to get away from the boulder in the sky.


    Even at these speeds, it still takes over 3 minutes to reach its outer edge.


    Only then, when I finally see light blue sky above me, do I let out a long sigh and power down to rest.


    "What was that...?!" I yell out loud as Ember has the same look of shock on his face as well.


    We float upward past the point where the purple forcefield stopped this ind from falling, and we pass through it like it was never here.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Still, moving away from the rock mass, I finally turn to see what''s on the other side. It isn''t what I expected at all...


    Ember responds while looking up at the sky, eyeing all of the other chains far off in the distance.


    "Well, you can''t say I was wrong. We did find some solidnd..."


    I nod while taking in thendscape of thick forest filled with massive obsidian-ck trees stretching high into the air. Their bases are dozens of meters thick, and as I look upward I cannot even see their tops.


    Every few hundred meters, branches sprout from the jet-ck wood and some of the leaves that grow from these trees arerger than my entire body.


    The ck glossy nts shimmer and shine like they''re chiseled out of volcanic stone, reflecting the orange light of the insect monsters that hurriedly jump into the forest.


    Many chirp and click as they fly by us from all of the nearby chains.


    It''s like they''re swarming in as if this is a usual urrence.


    My gaze follows their flight and jumping paths as they propel themselves from sturdy trunk to trunk up higher into the obsidian forest.


    Then, I see exactly what they''re so eager to find.


    High up in a tree, over 500 meters from where Ember and I float and watch, a round yellow fruit dangles from one of the ck branches high in the sky.


    From here, it looks like the fruit is about a meter in diameter, and from what I can see at this distance, a dazzling golden aura shines off of it.


    Threads of yellow divine energy radiate off this fruit as dozens of locusts jump and fly toward it.


    They sh at each other, breaking through the swarm to try and get to the front like their lives depend on it.


    Secondster, one of them manages to get a hold of the yellow fruit and all-out war follows.


    shing of orange-armored insect arms and legs collide, and many of the creatures are ripped to shreds while trying to get a single bite.


    Some manage to sink their fangs into the round golden fruit, and bursts of extreme yellow radiance flow through them.


    Unfortunately, I can''t see the full extent of this power because every time one of them gets even a little taste, they''re ganged up on and torn to shreds by the rest of the swarm before they can show off.


    I can predict this will go on until there''s only one remaining, but something else entirely happens.


    The size of the branch where this golden fruit grew begins to glow bright yellow, making the outline of a massive lizard on the side of the tree appear.


    It has the body of a chameleon, but sharp eyes like a snake, and ws on its hands and legs like a wild beast.


    The creature waspletely invisible moments ago, and now its rows of sharp teeth wrap around all 40 or so of the swarming orange-cored insects.


    I hear the crunching of exoskeletons from here as it kills everyst one of them in a fraction of a second and swallows the yellow fruit for itself along with the dozens of orange cores, not bothering to chew any more than it has to.


    The monstrosity''s head turns toward Ember and me, and a pulse of yellow threads of light explodes from its forehead between its eyes.


    Everything in its general vicinity turns yellow and golden, painting the surrounding trees with its shimmering yellow threads in an instant.


    An eerily familiar feeling hits me that I''ve only felt one time before when the golden eyes stared down at me from the Apex Region''s ck box during the 4th Stage of these exams.


    I feel its waves of intense gravity ripple through me, and it''s like some kind of intimidation skill has hit me all of a sudden, I''m frozen in ce for a split second.


    If it used this maneuver at a far closer range, I would have been wide open for an attack for almost half a second before I realized what''s going on.


    Its serpent-like eyes dig into my soul, then it turns its head away from us and its skin turns jet ck, blending into the branch it''s perched on.


    The blinding yellow aura it threw our way retracts, and before I can even take a gasp of breath, any sign of the lizard creature haspletely left my senses.


    "Yellow core... That was the power of a yellow core..." I whisper to myself while scanning the forest even more.


    At this realization, Ember and I continue to airstep away from the ind covered in ck trees, getting far away from the dangerous creatures that lurk there.


    We backpedal far away, letting the floating ind of death fade away in the distance while approaching the nearest chain to stop and rest for a moment.


    There is still a massive ominous outline of hundreds of ck trees reaching up into the sky once we both float down to stand on the inside link of a rusted chain.


    Swarms of insects continue to jump and fly from surrounding chains toward the ck ind, and I picture them all being eaten alive in a single bite.


    Ember pulls out an orange fragment, then sits down in afortable position on the metal ground as the clouds float by and the chain we''re on slowly sways in the wind.


    "Well, if we want any chance of killing that thing, we better get started on awakening our orange cores. Listen carefully, this isn''t going to be easy."


    I nod, then sit down next to him while staring ahead at the obsidian forest. My item storage opens and I take out an orange fragment of my own.

 Chapter 563

    Chapter 563


    "Instead of letting the energy flow through you, control the threads from the orange core to create a barrier around your body. While the red core boosted your perception and innate abilities, this experience will reinforce your strength, defense, and consolidate itself as an imprable barrier."


    I picture the orange threads intertwining with the insects'' limbs earlier, making them so tough that I had to use my full power to break through them.


    The threads of orange light permeated from their cores and consolidated around their exoskeletons to create a barrier around the creatures.


    "So, like a Qi barrier?"


    Ember nods and throws the fragment he''s holding into his mouth, swallows it, then replies.


    "Kind of. Watch me, then try to replicate what you see. This is going to be a far slower process, and a lot more painful too."


    His eyes light up with orange light, then slow-moving orange threads of divine energy start to move from his chest to permeate throughout his body.


    They slowly begin to wrap around his arms and legs, creating a thinyer of dense orange gravity surrounding his body, moving over his skin like a very viscous liquid.


    My gaze tracks his vitals while his MP and HP spike up and down as his body heals at a much more rapid rate than it did when consuming the red cores.It takes almost 5 whole minutes before the orange energy surrounds his entire being, then another 5 for it to dissolve away and fade into the air.


    A tinyyer of orange light is left behind inside his crimson aura when he looks up at me with a grin.


    "Remember, the first half is the hard part. Make it through that and the rest is easy."


    I take a deep breath while staring off into the endless sky and swallow an orange fragment of my own.


    At first, it feels just like the reds.


    A surge of heat ripples through me, and momentarily, my vision even turns bright orange as well.


    I counteract it with my all-seeing eye and multiple buffs to stay fully conscious, but it doesn''t matter much once the orange threads of energy begin to spread throughout my body.


    They''re extremely hot, giving the perception of millions of molten slithering serpents digging through my flesh beneath my skin.


    Instead of the evenly spread, fast-moving energy of the red cores, this one gives an entirely different feeling.


    Coarse, slow-moving threads of heavy reality-bending energy intertwine themselves with my muscles, blood, and bones while spreading to the tips of my fingers and the bottom of my toes.


    Watching this process take ce from an outsider''s perspective on Ember''s body was a totally different experience than having it happen to myself.


    What took just 5 minutes or so for him feels like hours are slowly passing by.


    My entire body glows with a bright orange light, and dozens of mana crystals are being plundered to provide for the massive amount of regeneration being done on a cellr level to every square centimeter of my body.


    I want to yell out and scream through the pain, but that would break my concentration. The only thing I can do is stare off into the clouds, keeping the faint ck outline of obsidian trees in my consciousness while the heavy chain below me swings in the wind.


    My skin is melted as an impossibly dense, slow-movingyer of orange divine energy sets itself around my skin, eyes, and even hair.


    It feels as if I weigh ten times more than I did moments ago. Gravity is pushing me down much harder than it was before I ate this fragment, and an immense pressure is pounding down on not only my body but my mind as well.


    It feels as if days have passed before the pressure begins to go away, but in reality it''s only been a few minutes.


    Once it does, it feels as if I can finally breathe. The 5 minutes as the pressure subsides and the orange shell dissolves into the air, watching the threads fade away, is one of the most relieving feelings I''ve ever felt.


    I let out a long satisfied sigh and fall to my back once the process is done.


    Small threads of orange light still shimmer in my skin and make a small shell-like aura around me, burning my flesh and tearing me apart from the inside out; however, the minuscule pain nowpared to what it was moments ago is nothing.


    It feels rxing to only have to regenerate at this slow rate.


    Iy on my back for almost half a minute, breathing heavily, then let out augh and sit back up.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "You weren''t kidding! That was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be..."


    Ember grins, then sits back as well.


    "We''ll do another round in a few hours. It''s going to take a while for the excess to leave our bodies, and we both need time to recover."


    He''s right.


    Despite my mythic grade self-regeneration skill working at its maximum capacity, there is still fatigue leftover from that excruciating experience.


    After just one stone, it feels like my entire aura has changed. I feel much more rooted in reality. The threads of energy close to my body feel much thicker and heavier. On top of all of that, looking down into my chest I can already see shimmering orange threads slowly floating in and out of my red core.


    Despite this, I feel a bit frail. If I ate another stone right now, the experience would be far worse than what I just experienced.


    It takes a full 5 hours for me to fully recover and feel like my mind and body are back to 100% again.


    While I rest, asional swarms of insects fly by headed toward the ind in the distance, and Ember picks off the stragglers to collect more orange cores.


    Then, we repeat the process again.


    My skin, muscles, and bones are slowly melted by millions of orange microscopic threads and regrown to harden and reinforce my body from the inside out, leaving me sweating and out of breath with a smile on my face when it''s all over once again.


    I feel heavier, denser, and stronger once I get a few minutes to recover.


    This time, it takes just under 4 hours before I''m ready to go again.


    If there was a sun in the sky, it would be rising and setting multiple times while the insect creaturespletely ignore us, flying by to flock into the obsidian death trap of a forest.


    The time-gap between orange fragment consumption bes less and less.


    The excruciating slow-moving pain thates with each one bes far more bearable.


    So much so, that I don''t have to use my full concentration when the orange threads stay behind more and more, intertwined inside my flesh after every cycle.


    My skin, muscles, and bones harden to the point where they feel like they''re not even organic tissue anymore.


    My rate of self-regeneration increases even when I''m not consuming stones, and the heavy presence that ripples like gravity waves while consuming fragments starts tog behind to be present even when all of the excess energy has faded away.


    My core and aura fade from a deep crimson to slowly shift toward a bright orange.


    Over 5 full days pass before I''m capable of consuming fragments without having to wait any extra time in between.


    Orange threads still slowly fade off my body each time, but the amount is almost nonepared to the amount of energy I would lose on the first couple stones.


    It feels exactly like the breakthrough point I hit with my red core.


    I just need a few more, and there will be a monumental change.


    "Almost there..."


    I stare off into the endless sky that looks exactly the same as it always has with ck trees stretching up into the unknown while eating another fragment.


    The process is soothing now.


    Another thick orangeyer of shielding is added to my body to make it denser and stronger than before.


    I take deep breaths while this fragment dissolves and thest remnants of my red core are overwhelmed by the thick orange threads.


    My heart beats in my ears loudly while a bright orange aura envelops my entire body and I stand from my seated position while a gravity wave of orange energy pulses from my chest.


    I grin while staring down at my hands, then up at the sky again.


    A small group of insects flies by, soaring through the air on their way to the floating ind.


    I count 7 of them, then jump off the swaying chain I''m on to follow them.


    My strides filled with wind magic leave behind orange footprint shaped dents in the air. They begin to fade once I''m far enough away.


    I pull out my sword from my item storage and orange threads slowly creep up it once my grasp tightens around it.


    I fill the de with Soul Energy. The dark mana and Qi are reinforced with millions of orange threads on the outside of the sword, and its weight feels as if it''s been multiplied many times over.


    This feeling of strength is far greater than the intensity I felt while wielding this same soul energy in my greater form days ago with nothing but a red core.


    I could activate that buff now to increase my strength even further, but it doesn''t seem worth the hassle.


    I grin while shing through 6 of the insects in just two swings of my de.


    Their outer shells are obliterated by the weight of the hot Soul Energy in my de.


    My speed is still simr to theirs, so one of the bugs manages to escape my second swing.


    It charges in to avenge its fallen allies, attacking my unguarded back, but its entire arm shatters to pieces as it makes contact with my new skin-tight unbreakable defense.


    Its antennae move rapidly and its beady ck eyes widen while I turn to slice it in half.


    While the insects fall, dissolve, and I collect their cores, I do some tests with my de.


    As long as I keep it connected to my grasp, the orange threads stay intertwined to strengthen it from the inside and create an orange barrier around it.


    However, when I let go, the threads retract and fade away to leave it in its natural state.


    I ce it back into my item storage with the newly collected cores and float back over to Ember to wait for his orange core to awaken as well.


    While my sole focus these past few days was absorbing fragments, he farmed many more stones for us, leaving hundreds of excess in my item storage.


    It takes about 6 more hours for his core to awaken; in the meantime, I practice on the insects that pass by.


    I thought that by now, after awakening my orange core too, I''d understand why they''re so eager to send themselves into that death trap of an ind, but their infatuation still is a mystery to me.


    Ember tests out his new powers too on some of the nearby monsters, punching through the tough outeryers of exoskeletons with nothing but a soul energy-powered fist, not even in his hybrid form.


    I join in the fun as well.


    His fists and my sword break through the tough outer shells of these insects, and the image of that yellow-cored lizard crunching through dozens of them in a single bite shes through my mind with every kill.


    We slowly make our way back toward the ind filled with obsidian trees.


    A battle strategy slowly begins to form in my mind of how we''ll take on one of those lizard creatures together, but my concentration is broken once I see the purple barrier beneath the floating ind appear out of thin air again and ripple with waves of gravity just like it did when it stopped the ind from falling down into the depths of the sea before.


    It feels and looks different this time.


    Instead of stopping the ind from falling, it looks as if it''s exerting force to push it upward instead.


    A loud echoing creek, and the jingling of a long chain below the ind hits my ears.


    I have to make a split-second decision and change my ns once I see the ind of ck trees and golden fruit start to move upward again toward the endless sky above where it came from.

 Chapter 564

    Chapter 564


    "The ind... it''s moving again!"


    Ember and I watch from a safe distance as the rippling purple barrier pushes the enormous mass of stone upward again.


    Its upward momentum is far slower than when it initially fell, but every moment that passes, the speed increases.


    Now, more than ever, more insects flock to the ind as if the chance they''re getting now is a life-or-death situation.


    Hundreds of orange-cored locusts fly above me, deep into the trees, and I airstep forward to do the same.


    "Come on, let''s see what they''re so eager to find..."


    Ember and I run forward through the air and make it onto the edge of the ind, touching down on t rock with the edge of the massive ck treeline less than half a kilometer away.


    The wind is moving by us at high speeds now, and as the seconds pass, even the air pressure pushing down on us from above gets more intense.


    The creaking sounds and rippling of purple fabric beneath the ind make reality tremble as it pushes harder and our speed toward the sky increases.Fewer and fewer insects are able to swarm into the trees as our speed gets too fast for them to catch up to the ind moving up into the sky.


    At this realization, I lie with my back down on the t stone with my arms and legs outstretched, and Ember does the same.


    Standing up with this downward air pressure would be far too difficult.


    The clouds whiz by us, and we''re both pushed deep into the earth we lie on by the wind alone.


    Every passing second gets more intense.


    I hear cracking sounds and even see insects falling from the trees to hit the ground and break apart, making huge craters in the rock from the speed of their falls.


    I expect to see leaves or branches from the massive trees fall too, but none of them do.


    My head turns to the side one more time to get a look up at the trees, and I see that not even a single leaf is bent downward.


    I can''t believe my eyes.


    The pressure I feel on every centimeter of my whole body is like nothing I''ve ever felt before; it''s like the entire weight of a mountain is being pressed down on me and only increasing with every fraction of a second that passes.


    I struggle to turn my head back to the front-facing position and grit my teeth.


    If I didn''t have the added strength of these orange threads hardening my body and making a thickyer around me, my bones would be crushed to bits by now.


    I can feel the divine fabric beingpressed more and more, and it gets to the point where everything in my peripherals is a blur.


    The only thing I see is the tunnel vision of the sky above.


    I can''t even move a single finger, as it feels like weights the size of cities are pressed down on each one.


    My blood doesn''t even flow, and I can''t open my mouth to take a breath.


    Time feels as if it''s stopped, but I can still see the clouds moving in the sky above me in the back of my conscious mind.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    I focus on them and continue to endure.


    It''s hard to tell how much time has passed.


    It feels just like when I was counting the fractions of a second pass while consuming orange fragments. The only difference is, this time it isn''t painful, it''s more of a suffocating feeling.


    Before the pressure reaches a climax where it''s too much to bear, I feel the ground shudder, and the loud ng of a chain below me being pulled tight rings in my ears.


    The next thing I know, the pressure begins to fade, and the feeling of weightlessness takes over.


    The outer edges of my visione back, yet I still see the clouds above getting closer and closer.


    I turn to my side, feeling air push against my face while the ck trees appear to be moving down.


    However, once I shake myself out of it and activate my wind magic to stabilize myself, I realize just because the ind in the sky was stopped by the chain connecting it below, doesn''t mean I was.


    The ground is over a kilometer away as my body kept the upward momentum of the enormous push.


    I take a gasp of fresh air and slow myself down over the next few seconds before taking a look around.


    My eyes widen as everywhere I look, there are more and more ck trees.


    The chains that all flew by in my vision on the way up here all connect to other inds, and every single ind is packed with an obsidian forest.


    shes of yellow light appear in my mind''s eye as hundreds of orange insects are killed by predators all around me.


    They swarm in and out of the forests, jumping ind to ind, trying to sink their fangs into just one of the golden fruits that grow in these trees.


    My gaze turns up to see the bottoms of even more inds high in the sky, while when I look down below, countless others are here too, spreading off in every direction.


    Slowly, I float down to the two human-shaped holes in the rock where I just flew up from, and Ember is sitting on the edge of the ind, enjoying the view and waiting for me.


    He turns around once I get close enough and stretches out his arm like he''s just woken up from a nap.


    "I have to admit, that was more painful than it had to be. We could have just flown up by ourselves; I doubt it would have taken more than a day..."


    I look down at the two holes in the hard ground and shrug.


    "Sure, but we''re here now. It wasn''t that bad. Eating my first orange stone was worse."


    We bothugh, and at the same time, I do a quick scan of the forest to see if there are any enemies nearby or swarms of insects that need to be dealt with.


    The first thing I spot is arge golden fruit glowing yellow, dangling from the same branch where I saw it eaten along with 40 orange-cored insects thest time I ventured in this close to the treeline.


    My gaze tightens on it, and I try to boost my perception further to look for any enemies nearby, but nothinges up.


    The eerie sensation of being watched washes over me as I continue to stare into the forest, and I''m almost positive the lizard creature is staring right back at me from behind this golden fruit, even though I can''t sense it.


    The longer I stare at the unmoving glossy ck branch, the more the round golden fruit''s yellow aura grows with luminosity and the juicier it appears to be.


    Waves of very light yellow light are pushing off the fruit, simr to the incredibly dense wave of yellow intimidation I felt before.


    The more I watch it, therger the fruit grows. It may be just by a few centimeters in the minutes I wait, but I''m sure it''s increasing in size. Every pulse it makes grows brighter and stronger until the incredibly faint outline of an invisible lizard shows up in my mind''s eye next to it on the tree''s branch.


    From afar, I never would have noticed, but from watching the constant waves of light, and analyzing them change in intensity, I notice it''s there because it absorbs the yellow threads at a different rate than the tree branch it rests on.


    I open my link with Ember and speak while staring forward.


    "I can see it. It''s all alone, and we''re both at maximum strength. I don''t see a better time to try and take it on..."


    I hold up two teleport crystals again, just like when we were running from being crushed by this same falling ind in the sky.


    "If it''s too strong to kill, I''m going to steal its fruit. If we''re not even capable of that, we run away ande up with a new n. We''ll crush the crystals as ast resort. This is the only way I''ll get to measure what its true abilities are like."


    I let out a pulse of enemy detection that stretches out through this full ind and a few of the neighboring ones, not getting a reading on any of these stealthy creatures unless they''re intentionally making themselves known to attack swarms of orange-cored insects.


    It solidifies a conclusion in my mind. "There''s no other way for us to get our hands on a yellow fragment. It''s either we do this or stay stuck in the same ss as those fruit-obsessed bugs."


    Ember grins and turns my way, altering his body into his hybrid formyered with orange threads.


    "I was thinking the same thing."


    I nod and step forward too, moving toward the treeline while keeping my eyes locked on the golden fruit and its deadly guardian.

 Chapter 565

    Chapter 565


    We approach the dark treeline, and it''s not only the lingering gaze of the golden lizard that makes me shiver.


    The trees themselves give off an aura of danger that I can''t quite figure out.


    All I know is it''s best if I don''t touch their trunks. Every time my gaze falls on them at this close distance, I get the instant reflexive feedback to stay away.


    Even so, we enter the dark forest.


    I activate my stealth skill along with my greater form.


    The orange threads that flow from my core wrap around myrge form while I pull out my sword, intertwining and amplifying my stealth skill as well, making mepletely vanish.


    The only thing left behind are the heavy orange footsteps that bend space behind me. Once they''ve made it far enough from my core, the stealth skill deactivates and the threads are visible to the naked eye.


    Even so, I still have a window of time where I''m invisible and can catch it off guard.


    This small timeg and a bit of misdirection are what I''m counting on.I''ve witnessed its raw power. I''m making no assumptions that I can outss this shifty creature in a one-on-one fight of pure strength or speed.


    We creep through the forest further, splitting up and wrapping around the creature on two opposite sides.


    I can still make out the faint outline of its presence, and Ember can too.


    Its gaze switches back and forth to Ember as he''s not using stealth, and back to my footsteps as they trail behind me.


    Using telepathy, I ry the n I thought of when we were going to face this creature before the ind rose into the sky.


    He nods and his body grows evenrger, shifting from his hybrid form into a full-fledged dragon.


    Ember''s ck scales shimmer with an even darker glossy shine than the leaves on these trees. Orange light permeates from his core and covers his entire being as he ps his wings and I dart forward while charging my greater form''s de with as much Soul Energy as possible.


    Instead of moving straight, I take a sharp left and airstep to spin around arge trunk of an obsidian tree.


    The path of least resistance would be to charge right toward the lizard, and the footsteps that slowly appear in my prior path make this the predictable logical maneuver.


    I''m counting on it to be aware of this while I take the unnecessarily long path around a trunk in full stealth while aiming my gaze right toward the creature''s back. I''ve positioned myself on thepletely opposite side from where I approached, putting it between the golden fruit and myself.


    As the gap closes, another factor is added to the scene as Ember bursts through the trees on the opposite side, glowing with mes and leaving a trail of his corroding Soul Energy behind in his wake.


    It covers the ck leaves of the trees and lights up the dark forest as he nosedives downward to be the obvious distraction.


    The lizard lunges forward toward Ember while I rocket toward it down the backside of the branch it''s perched on.


    At my high speeds, it takes less than a tenth of a second to swing my de, but the tension and dangerous auraing off both the invisible chameleon and the ck tree beside me make my mind scream to run away the closer I get.


    Regardless, I''ve made a n and I''ll follow through. My de makes contact with the bottom of the lizard''s neck while it lunges forward, keeping its full attention on Ember.


    I release my full-powered sh upward, aiming to slice its head clean off before it realizes I''m here.


    However, it feels as if my de is colliding with a hardened wall made of tough sandpaper-like scales when my greater form''s de makes contact.


    I use all my strength to thrust upward, but my sword hardly budges. I feel a few scales give way, and the strongest point of my de pushes through a few centimeters, but no more than a few threads of orange energy make their way through its thick scaly flesh.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    The majority of the attack is deflected and the dense crescent of reinforced Soul Energy that erupts from my de wraps around the creature''s neck like it''s hitting a force field. It explodes and disperses to either side without leaving any extra damage.


    I fly past, following through with my strike, but soon realize it''s all been for nothing.


    The same pulse of yellow lightes surging out from the lizard''s forehead, spreading throughout the nearby trees and painting everything bright golden.


    Its full appearance is clear as day to me now, and it shifts its head toward me instead of Ember.


    Despite my stealth skill still being activated, its yellow aura wraps around me and shows a real-time outline of exactly where I am like echo-location.


    The only damage I see done to it is a few scales missing from the underside of its neck and at the apex of my slice, I managed to make it through the firstyer of its flesh to leave a small meter-long scrape and some orange leftover residue. My attack didn''t even pierce through its neck to hit any vitals like I''d hoped, but seeing that this monstrosity isn''t invincible still gives me the necessary adrenaline rush toe up with a new n on the spot.


    My eyes dart around and I consider breaking a teleport crystal to retreat, but another ideaes to mind as I take in the situation as a whole.


    It may see me now, but its momentum is still moving away from me.


    I''m closer to its golden fruit than it is to me, and Ember is not its primary threat anymore so his movements are far less noticeable.


    I send out a new telepathy message while swinging my sword again to slice through the small stem of the fruit keeping it connected to the upper branch of the tree.


    Ember swoops down beneath the thick branch while I open up my item storage and let the fruit fall inside.


    The enormous lizard''s long spiked tail uncurls and shoots backward to grab onto the ck branch and shift its forward momentum and swing toward me instead of keeping its forward lunge.


    The torque created by the sudden change in direction is far more powerful than I predicted, and its rows of teeth and open mawe rocketing toward me much faster than I was initially expecting.


    Even so, I still see many possible escape options I can take before having to use my teleport crystal.


    In my greater form, its open mouth is almost half the length of my body.


    The sight is still hideous, but it isn''t as intimidating as it was when I witnessed it kill 40 insects in the blink of an eye while I was still a red core.


    Crimson blood drips from its neck where I managed to slice it earlier; this even adds to the full picture that this too is just another beast that can be killed. It may have been a full-powered cheap shot, but I never nned to have a fair fight in the first ce.


    I smirk and continue to airstep forward, putting my sword away into my item storage to increase my aerodynamics and fly through the air faster.


    It gains on me quicker than I travel forward, but in my peripherals, I see Ember emerge from below the branch of the tree about 20 meters away flying even faster than the lizard.


    If I try to change direction in mid-air, I''ll only be leading this creature toward both of us.


    Its tail is about to unwrap from the branch to propel itself in my direction even faster, and I need to make sure its momentum is pointed in a direction that helps me get away with my prize.


    I take a deep breath and whisper to myself. "This is going to hurt a lot..."


    Then, I grit my teeth and shift my weight, putting out my greater form''s unguarded arm right in front of the jumping lizard''s jaws as it mps down.


    All the same pain and crushing pressure of its teeth piercing through my flesh trante from my greater form to my actual body on the inside. My HP and MP both drop drastically while I feel orange threads being ripped from my being as well.


    I let out a yell while separating with half of my arm and kicking off the trunk of the tree at the base of the branch to change my direction entirely.


    As my foot makes contact with the ck tree, another dangerous sensation hits my body and psyche. For the split second I kick off the tree, even more orange tendrils of divine energy are ripped away from me and disappear into an indescribable greedy depthless hunger of the obsidian tree.


    I let out a gasp while I push myself away from the tree and the lizard tears off arge chunk of my greater form''s energy and leaves tendrils of yellow threads behind in every single tooth mark.


    It flies one way, and I fly the other toward Ember.


    I don''t dare look back to see if it''s satisfied with its energy-dense meal while I power down my greater form andnd on Ember''s back.


    My rings and gauntlets float in front of me where my arm is missing.


    It regenerates back instantly to fill the empty space, however, the slow-moving orange threads that flow from my core take a few seconds to fully intertwine with my arms again.


    Ember ps his wings and twists his body through the deadly trees and we burst out of the forest secondster.


    Once the view of the clouds and open sky hit my vision it feels as if an immense pressure has lifted from me.


    We escape the yellow observation domain of the lizard in the same instance, and its presence disappears from my senses as Ember flies away from the ind.


    I stare down at where my arm was bitten off and still feel the pain of every single toothmark it left behind.


    After a few more seconds pass and my HP rises back up to full, the pain fades away.


    The blood gushing from its neck reys in the back of my mind, and I reactivate my greater form while standing on Ember''s back while speaking to him through our link.


    "Even with just an orange core, I made it bleed. That beast isn''t indestructible."


    I smile as Ember''s flight path turns in the air, slowly pointing us back toward the forest while I pull my sword and the glowing yellow fruit from my item storage.


    "It has a weak point, we can take advantage of that and can kill it before it heals. I just need to give it a taste of its own power."


    As I channel Soul Energy into my de, I activate stealth again, and begin examining the yellow fruit closely.

 Chapter 566

    Chapter 566


    Millions of hot yellow tendrils of divine energy flow through the enormous fruit in my Greater form''s hand.


    It looks like a meter-tall peach that glows with a golden radiance, vibrating and humming, bending reality around it, making it seem heavier than my entire orange core.


    However, at the same time, it feels as if it''s as light as a feather, almost trying to float above my greater form''s hand.


    Ember''s voice echoes through my mind in our link.


    "That fruit has an absurd amount of higher frequency threads coursing through it. I wouldn''t be surprised if it was just as potent as an entire yellow core..."


    We approach the treeline again, and I widen my scope of perception to try and locate the lizard we just fought, but nothinges back into my senses. The forest before me seems as if it''s empty.


    "What exactly are you implying? It will give me power... but is it safe to consume?"


    There''s a moment of silence, and I think back to the extreme surges of power and energy the insect creatures gained when they took a single bite of this fruit.


    They grew in perceived strength and speed for fractions of a second, and it would take multiple other insects to subdue them.If I were to consume a great deal more than a single bite, I''m almost certain I cannd a finishing blow on the monster that lurks in these woods.


    Ember replies as Soul Energy envelops his entire body, and I even feel a slight pull of his plunderer skill activate, draining mana and a small amount of orange divine threads from my aura.


    "Yes, you''ll be able to handle it... Stay focused, and don''t stray far from me. I''ll take care of the excess energy residue and keep you stable. You''ll know exactly what I mean in a moment. Just focus on taking the shot, don''t jump off my back, and I''ll handle the rest."


    I nod and take a deep breath in and out as we soar between the trunks of two impossibly tall jet-ck trees, then bring the golden fruit to my Greater form''s mouth.


    In a single bite, the fruit disappears inside my energy form''s mouth, and a burning hot sensation forms in my real body''s heart.


    I hear Ember''s wings fly in the air, and my heartbeat syncs up with this motion.


    My gaze spreads out through the seemingly empty forest again, then what feels like a hot spark of electricity surges through my body. It flows up through my chest, into my brain, and out through my eyes, blinding my vision with a yellow light. The yellow light instantly disperses and gives me a new burst of advanced perception simr to my enemy detection skill, however it can see everything including the trees, rocks, and even individual divine threads floating through the air.


    A pulse of golden yellow energy flows from my forehead and spreads through the forest as we glide into it.


    Everything that lurks in these trees bes visible to me.


    There are hundreds of buzzing insects and dozens of mutant chameleons stalking their prey.


    The yellow light in my chest, brain, and eyes continues to expand and it gets hotter and hotter, making my body glow like a sun.


    My self-regeneration skill works at full power as the yellow tendrils of energy wrap around every fiber of my greater form, however, it''s clear this energy is far too intense for my body and orange core to fully contain if it keeps growing in intensity like that.


    A line that Ember spoke earlier when we first entered this constructes to mind when he warned Dane that if he were to eat a red fragment, he would be burned from the inside out and explode on the spot.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The rate of growing fire in my chest and overwhelming growing heat intensity throughout my body and greater form makes me believe that exactly that is about to happen.


    However, Ember said to focus on the task at hand and he''d handle keeping everything under control.


    I take another deep breath as the golden thread wraps around my greater form''s sword.


    Then, I pinpoint exactly where the creature we left lurks. Its tail is wrapped around a branch on the opposite side of the tree we left it on, and I still see a slit in its throat where I managed to attack itst.


    Its eyes are closed, and it seems to believe it''s fully camouged behind this tree.


    In my temporarily enhanced vision, I watch streams of golden thread flow from the lizard at a steady rate and disappear into the darkness of the branch it rests on.


    At the same time, the heat that courses through my own body hits a point of difort that leads me to want to let out a scream.


    However, right before I do blow our cover, the sensation of Ember''s plunder ability kicks in.


    The overflow of golden threads that my greater form can''t handle is being siphoned out and entering Ember''s body instead of corrupting mine.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I expect to see his aura wrapped in the bright orange threads of his divine energy aiding this phenomenon, but what is really happening is quite different.


    My gaze is subverted the moment my subconscious realizes what it is.


    The same silver and golden sparkling energy from the center of his core is absorbing the excess threads through my feet.


    The mental block kicks in again and my mind is pushed away, almost forgetting it in the moment to focus on the task at hand.


    A wave of refreshing rity washes over my mind as the immense heat and pressure are lifted from my body, only leaving enough that I can handle.


    We whiz past the base of the tree, and finally, the chameleon''s snake-like eyes open and lock onto us both glowing, covered in the same yellow tendrils of divine energy as it is.


    The lizard monster immediately bursts with its yellow aura and swings its body up from its resting position while showing us its ws and rows of jagged teeth, however, it doesn''t seem as frightening and deadly as it did before.


    We have the element of surprise on our side, and I have more energy surging through me than I''ve ever felt in my life.


    It lunges forward, and at the same time, Ember curves his flight trajectory to put me in the perfect position tond a hit.


    Even with this timing and enhanced precision, the monster I''m attacking isn''t going to give up easily. It protects its weak point on its neck with its outstretched two front ws.


    My glowing yellow sword collides with its yellow ws and a shockwave of golden divine energy shutters through the forest.


    The lizard''s maw opens wide and its tongue shoots out while it releases a distorted screech and pushes its jaw forward to try and get a bite out of me again.


    I use all my strength to push against its ws that push against my sword with equal force.


    We''re stuck in a standstill in the air for a fraction of a second while the intense pulse of energy ripples through the obsidian trees.


    Even now, I can feel I''m at the peak of my strength. If any more time passes, the surge of power from this yellow fruit will be wasted and I''ll lose my chance.


    Ember knows this too and turns his entire body to the side to reach out his own ws using our forward momentum to make contact with the lizard''s exposed side.


    Another pulse of yellow energy ripples through the forest as its protective barrier degrades and long w marks are left in its flesh.


    At the same time, its shriek gets louder and the deadlock between its ws and my sword loosens while it''s pushed to the side and behind to squirm with pain from Ember''s blow.


    This leaves me with a single opening, and Ember leans into it while I lunge forward to thrust my gold-coated de into the slit I created when we attacked it the first time.


    As the beast ils backward from the pain of Ember''s scratch, my sword pierces through the underside of its neck and through its head, leaving a bloody de visible in its open maw of jagged teeth.


    I finally let out a yell while Ember stops absorbing my excess energy runoff.


    Instead, I let it all course through my de and let the force blow an evenrger hole in its skull while we continue to soar past the branch it jumped from.


    By the time Ember curves our flight downward, the sharpness in the creature''s eyes fades, and its constant thrashing slows down.


    Ember swoops beneath the branch and we take the same path through the trees and out into the open air to see the clouds again.


    The deceased lizard''s body dissolves on my sword as the intensity of the yellow fruit''s energy fades and is left behind as a trail of golden threads in our flight path.


    Both Ember and I now have a small percentage of our bodies and orange cores flowing with these shimmering yellow threads. Therge yellow stone that falls from the monster''s disappearing corpse marks our first kill and major step of progress toward conquering these dark forests and seeing where they lead to even higher above in this construct.


    Now that I know how they operate within their territories, and have sessfully managed to safely consume one of their fruits, I''m confident I can do it again. The only real unknown danger that lurks in the back of my mind is the infinite darkness that resides within each of these glossy obsidian trees.

 Chapter 567

    Chapter 567


    Ember doesn''t stop flying through the air for almost half a minute as the final bursts of the yellow fruit wear off.


    He powers down his full dragon form and we both float in the open air in our base forms while staring back at the ck forest.


    My body and mind feel many times sharper than they did just minutes ago, before eating this fruit, but at the same time, I feel a massive wave of exhaustione over me as my body isn''t used to exerting that amount of mental and physical force.


    It feels like the withdrawal symptoms of the red and orange core. All of my raw unfiltered senses scream at me to eat the yellow stone resting in my hand that dropped from the lizards'' corpse, but I can tell my mind is ying tricks on me.


    I grit my teeth and let it fall into my item storage and boost my self-regeneration skill as the feeling of exhaustion and yearning for more yellow energy grows stronger and stronger.


    A noticeable amount of the perception boost remains in my system even after the majority of the yellow power flows out.


    I can still sense the weak presence of all of the lizards who try to hide their presence in the trees nearby.


    I take deep breaths and focus on them lurking in the trees waiting for more orange-cored insects to fly by.


    Far off in the distance, I hear the rattling of chains and rock breaking and shifting.Inds are falling down to the ocean below while others areing back up to this far more popted area.


    More insectse swarming in, more fruits grow in the trees, clouds float by, and the wind whistles throughout the endless ck forests on each of the inds that grow to reach high into the endless sky.


    My mind wanders through my surroundings while my physical functions basically pause, only focusing on a small amount of wind magic to keep me in the air while the rest of my mana and physical functions are being consumed to constantly heal and regrow my rapidly deteriorating flesh and bones.


    The insects buzz by, and the lizards never leave their inds.


    The first hour is the worst, but my energy begins toe back and my fatigue fades soon after, bing more like a calming meditation.


    Over 8 hours go by before I feel as if I''m at 100% again, and when I open my eyes to look down at my body, it is still filled with traces of yellow tendrils of energy.


    Ember still floats in the air about 5 meters away beside me, and it seems for the first time, I''ve finished my recovery process before him.


    Absorbing the excess energy must have taken a lot more out of him than wielding a lesser amount did to me.


    I pull out the yellow fragment from my item storage to take a look at it, and the bright glow and extreme weight on reality it gives off forces me to throw it back into my item storage the next second.


    It was far less intense when I had it in my hand while still under the influence of that yellow fruit.


    If I had to guess, it is equal to, if not even more potent than all of the energy I consumed just 8 hours ago.


    It wouldn''t be wise for me to eat this without Ember''s help in controlling the runoff. Plus, the most efficient use for a surge in power would be to challenge another lizard creature while I''m at my maximum strength.


    Even with these leftover threads coursing through my muscles and bloodstream, I''m still unsure if I could take out one of those monsters in a single blow again without taking advantage of a power surge.


    Ember wakes up about 4 hourster and voices exactly the same idea.


    "Of course, we''ll simte the strategy we just pulled off. Consuming this stone should be easier now that your body is already somewhat ustomed to the yellow threads. I won''t have to absorb as much of the runoff either, maybe this time we can share it equally."


    This confirms he did in fact take the majority of the burden, but a faint memory in the back of my mind of silver and golden sparkling energy helping from the most inner part of his core shes in my mind for a moment. I get the suspicion that this added to his longer recovery time too.


    He begins to shift into his full dragon form and eyes the forest, so I don''t bother to pry more. We have a more important task at hand right now.


    I pull my sword from my item box and we enter the forest again in search of another chameleon.


    Once we find one nearby, guarding its golden fruit, I eat the yellow gem from ourst kill and a surge of power that feels almost identical pulses through me.


    This time, I''m capable of holding even more energy in my body and far less is siphoned out through my feet.


    This creates an even denser concentration of threads in my greater form, boosting the power in my sword, and heightening my perception even further to reach far out into many more nearby inds.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    My Soul Energy imbued greater form glows golden and slices through the tough outer scales of the lizard we ambush, leaving a deep wound in its side and tearing off two of its arms. Ember''s ws tear through its neck as well, and the creature shrieks and falls from the tree.


    We swoop back in to finish the job with a single strike of my de to collect its stone and the golden fruit it was protecting.


    Once we leave the trees and power down to conserve energy and undergo the healing and withdrawal process again, it only takes me 5 hours to recover this time.


    To my surprise, even though I''m positive I took on the bulk of the divine energy this time, Ember still takes a few hours longer.


    Far more tendrils of yellow energy course through both of our bodies now, and his response when he wakes up is an interesting one.


    "We''re ready. Both of us will be enhanced this next run. You eat the fragment, I''ll take the fruit. You won''t have to make contact with me, we can fight the enemy with a more dynamic approach."


    When we fly back into the forest, I jump off Ember''s back before we near the next lizard''s branch and we fly in separate directions to ambush the creature from both sides.


    I slice a gaping hole through its neck while Ember tears long w marks through its torso from the opposite direction. Thebination of our forceful attacks tears the lizard in half and we im its crystal and fruit as a bounty.


    Once we leave the forest for safety again, it takes less than 3 hours for both of us to recover.


    My vision gets clearer, my senses are sharper, and the orange aura around me is now tinted yellow.


    Even without turning on any of my buffs or perception skills, I feel all of the enemies within dozens of kilometers around me.


    My air steps through this construct feel so light and easy, yet powerful and destructive.


    Days pass as we continue to farm lizards,pletely annihting every single one that lurks in the bottom few kilometers of the forest on this ind.


    Ember and I manage over 30 kills and absorb every one of their fruits and stones before targeting the next one.


    The resting time we need in between fights falls to less than 15 minutes, and my aura has turned almostpletely yellow-golden.


    As we fly upward to reach one of the nearby inds to go hunting again, it feels like the full power of the aura that surged out of me during my first fruit consumption is active at all times.


    I feel as if I''m aware of everything within the yellow domain filled with threads that pulse from my body.


    Although every time I use this power to be stronger and boost my perception, some of the yellow threads that could be aiding the growth of my core are expelled, it''s such a minimal amountpared to the gains I get from killing the next lizard.


    By the time the loweryer of the next ind ispletely cleared out, the surges of yellow energy stay in my system long enough that I can store fragments and fruits in my item storage forter while taking out my yellow-cored prey in a single slice.


    Ember and I even split up and farm the inds separately as more days pass.


    My strength grows more and more, and my aura of perception does too, reaching out hundreds of kilometers in my greater form now, showing me many more inds both above me and off in every direction.


    Both of us eat hundreds of yellow fragments and fruits, and I store far more in my item storage as I end up speeding through entire inds before a surge runs out.


    Eventually, it gets to the point where eating a fragment hardly changes anything. There''s just a tiny feeling of progress that I get every time, so I continue to push through.


    My core still remains orange, and every moment that I''m not eating fragments or fruits, I''m losing small amounts of yellow threads. My entire body, mind, and being is saturated with the energy.


    This is far more than I ever had to do for the orange or red awakening, but I can tell there is a very rewarding end in sight.


    Not only is the amount of energy needed toplete this process rming, the amount of time it''s taking is too.


    I''ve spent over a week working on my yellow core, meaning my time in this construct is about three-fourths of the way over.


    Ember and I both know this, so we clear out the densest poptions of lizards in the bases of inds and multitask by continuing to absorb energy and climb upward.


    The further up we climb, the more densely packed the inds get and there are even some obsidian forests that merge together and their ck branches and treesbine to push higher into the sky.


    Whenever I get close to the branches or their trunks, the feeling of extreme danger still rushes through my psyche. Even with my recent increases in strength, my intuition still screams at me not to touch the trees.


    Not only this, but the temperature of the construct gets hotter the further up we travel too.


    More stray threads of orange and yellow divine energy float through the air, making it easier to siphon extra energy just by breathing, but it also makes me wonder where it''sing from...


    Every once in a while, it appears like there is a glimmer of a bright green thread intertwined with some of the yellow stray tendrils. However, every time I fly over to try and look at them up close, they always fade out of existence, making me wonder if it''s just my mind ying tricks.


    The lizards glow brighter yellow in these higher trees, and their overall strength and speed increases slightly, however, my own power has been rising too so I hardly notice.


    Eventually, the pressure in my body from absorbing the yellow cores hits its breaking point, and both Ember and I float down to the outer edge of a nearby ind to allow it to take ce.


    We absorb even more fragments and fruits, and let the energy flow through us while solely focusing on regenerating our bodies and staying conscious.


    It is simr to the red core awakening that enhanced my senses and base stats to a great degree, intertwining with my skills, and it is also simr to the orange core awakening, weaving itself into my muscles and bones to make my body unbreakable.


    However, it pushes everything to a much more extreme level. It intertwines me with the threads themselves, making my mind one with the environment around me.


    My body bes even heavier, bending the space that I interact with, but also gives my muscles a surge of strength to counteract this and make me feel as light as a feather on my feet. My mind evolves too, grasping the capability to touch, perceive, and manipte matter a great distance away as long as the divine energy is part of my aura.


    A pulse of yellow energyes from my forehead as I open my glowing yellow eyes and I finally see this construct through the gaze of a fully awakened yellow core.


    I take in a gasp of fresh air and stand to my feet, then look up toward the sky.


    My gaze spreads out through my new reality, seeing the lizards and the floating inds with much more depth.


    However, I freeze when I notice what is making the air so dense with excess divine threads, and the environment so hot up here...


    In the furthest point of my newest enhanced senses, I finally feel where the tops of the obsidian trees end. Above them, a pair of enormous green eyes stare down at me filled with no malice, but pure curiosity.

 Chapter 568

    Chapter 568


    Two bright green eyes,rger than the inds themselves, look down at me from the sky.


    They''re in the far corners of my perception, so it''s hard to see the entire picture, but it looks as if an enormous serpent floats high in the sky, unmoving and unblinking.


    Its body trails off higher than I can perceive, and the part that I can see stretches for kilometers and looks to be semi-transparent, made entirely out of green tendrils of divine energy.


    It looks like I''m staring up at a massive hologram of a monster, but the extreme pressure and heat that radiate off of it tell me this is certainly not an illusion.


    Seconds pass, turning into minutes as I continue to stare upward, and the massive green eyes just curiously watch back.


    I assume whatever this is, it''s always been here; just now, my perception has grown enough to see it. Ember stares up at it too, then speaks up.


    "It won''t attack. Higher life forms with green cores awakened don''t fear beings with physical bodies. We can climb to get a closer view, but don''t expect it to even interact with us at our current strength."


    The longer I stare up at its unmoving gaze, Ember''s words make more and more sense.


    I eventually reply while we both fly up to the next ind to continue our lizard farming to collect as many cores and fruits as we can on our way up, even though now we aren''t eating any more as our yellow cores are fully saturated."Even if it won''t reply, I still want to get a closer look..."


    We continue upward, killing hundreds more lizards, hopping ind to ind over the next few hours.


    Some of the ck forests on nearby inds finally stop growing into the sky, and we can see their tops.


    Taking this into ount, Ie to realize the ck forests were actually absorbing stray red, orange, and yellow divine threads, filtering the air and making it far easier tobat the growing pressure.


    The air gets thicker and hotter, packed far more densely with yellow threads of divine energy. More and more green threads fill the air too, but no matter what I do, whenever I try to reach out to touch one, it just phases through my fingers.


    As I fly through the air, any green threads that touch me just flow through me as well, not showing any signs of being manipted by my aura.


    The sheer number of inds thins out more and more too as we get higher until eventually there is only a single one left.


    It stands high in the sky above all the others, and its obsidian forest is the thickest and densest of them all. With no other trees on nearby inds topete for energy, this forest has bloomed and grown the highest into the sky.


    All of the lizards on this ind are glowing bright yellow; it''s as if they''re saturated with far more energy, and their auras stretch out much further than the monsters on the inds below.


    Even so, we cut them down all the same and continue the climb upward.


    Continuing to consume fragments isn''t necessary at all now, as my saturated core continuously collects yellow threads from the air inside my aura to regenerate anything it''s lost, but every few kills up at this height, I still swallow a fragment whenever I get the chance.


    It gives me a slight surge of power that counteracts the pressure and heat that are starting to take a toll on my body and mind.


    It feels like the gravity up here has increased by a noticeable amount. The heat feels like it could easily boil water too.


    More and more threads of green divine energy fill the air as we climb higher and higher.


    It feels like an intimidation skill is being sent out from the creature in the sky at a constant rate, and there''s nothing I can do but push forward and bear it.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Even though since the first time I saw its bright green eyes, we''ve traveled upward over a hundred kilometers higher into the sky, it feels like we''ve gotten even further away because of the intense mental and physical pressure it''s pushing on us now. Even if we''ve physically cleared half the distance between us, it feels as though we''ve hardly even taken the first step.


    Finally, the end of the final ck forest approaches, and both Ember and I float in the air in our Greater and Dragon forms above the blooming branch that absorbs all of the energy in the atmosphere around it and slowly grows a new leaf before my eyes while slowly reaching higher into the sky at a rate of a few centimeters per minute.


    My yellow aura is exceptionally dense from oversaturating my core with extra stones, so even though I float about a dozen meters away from the top of the tree, it begins to absorb some of the residual yellow threads that leak off of me.


    Instead of the in stray threads, the tree gets an energy-packed dose of air.


    Its speed of growth increases for a moment, and out from the new leaves that grow in seconds before my eyes, a tiny golden fruit starts to form.


    I notice it immediately but don''t move away, letting it absorb more of my aura''s residue out of curiosity.


    The longer I wait, the more the tree grows higher into the sky and therger the golden fruit bes.


    Once a full minute has passed and the tree grows multiple meters higher into the sky, I airstep back while Ie to the conclusion that arge amount of the energy that I just lost is stored inside the golden fruit that continues to grow even now while I think about it.


    It only grew to about the size of my real body''s palm, but if I made close-up contact with the ck leaves or branch that grows higher now, I''m sure it would take my energy at a much faster rate.


    These ck trees are like parasites, leeching off the energy in their environment and luring new things nearby with arge percentage of the energy captured from their previous prey.


    The lizards that lurk within them seem to have a hunting rtionship, allowing the trees to siphon some of their energy while using the fruits created to lure the orange-cored insects nearby to feed on them. They can catch hundreds of insects while eating their own fruits in the process, gainingrge amounts of divine energy and only sacrificing some of the gains to the trees they use as cover.


    It''s an interesting system, but even so, my enhanced senses, using my all-seeing eye intertwined with the energy of an oversaturated yellow core, can''t even look into the depths of these trees.


    There''s still an unknown factor of how it all works that makes me shudder at the thought of touching it again.


    Emberments on the trees as we fly higher into the sky together.


    "I''ve never seen an organism quite like it. Unlike the monsters and regr matter in this construct, I don''t think this one is native... While it may be dangerous, it would be quite useful to have one of those back in the human world... You know divine energy is everywhere; it''s just very hard to gather it all in one ce."


    Gears begin spinning in my head as we fly off into the open, empty sky above toward the mountain-sized snake head staring down at us.


    I nod and reply as I realize what he means.


    "You want to take a tree back with us...?"


    Heughs as we soar further upward.


    "If we get the chance after meeting the overseer, it wouldn''t be the worst idea."


    Without any of the natural air filtering perks of flying by the dense pockets of forest, the aura of the green snake in the sky hits us with its full force, getting hotter and thicker at a much faster rate than before.


    It feels as if the gravity and heat are doubling every additional kilometer we move into the sky.


    My airsteps are getting less powerful, and my breathing gets heavy.


    I channel all of the yellow threads in my aura into my greater form and buffs, but the pressure that feels like a constant wave of green divine intimidation is more powerful than anything I''ve ever felt or believed was possible for a monster to produce.


    It''s like I''m fighting against a reversed ma, and the pressure is on not only my body but my mind.


    It feels like a fire is being lit in my psyche the closer I push.


    It can be calmed by eating extra yellow fragments for a few seconds at a time, but the distance between myself and the serpent in the sky is still extremely vast.


    The monstrosity doesn''t react at all to my futile struggles.


    It just looks down at me with curious eyes, unchanged from the first time I perceived it.


    I have a mental battle with myself for another hour, barely making it through another kilometer into the sky, staring up at the beast until its unchanging expression is all I see in my mind whether my own eyes are closed or not.


    I''m able to continue moving higher with Ember pping his wings at the same rate by my side, but our speed has slowed significantly. We slow even more with every passing second.


    I even try to send out pulses of my own intimidation aura and crescents of soul energy into the thick air to carve pathways through the atmosphere, but they also travel far slower in this immense pressure and heat.


    None of my attempts at piercing through this suffocating aura make it even another kilometer into the air. They all disappear and fade into the thick aura of green divine energy that surrounds us.


    It nullifies all of my futile attempts, and any physical contact I make with the threads don''t register in my senses. Other than the intense gravity, heat, and mental pressure; this is seemingly all just an illusion.


    Now that I''ve made it this far and closed the gap between us even further, the small distance I still have to travel seems like it is going to be nearly impossible. The difficulty of thisst leg of the journey upward has be far more difficult than I first assumed.

 Chapter 569

    Chapter 569


    It feels like the harder I focus on staying conscious, the more my mind is forced to concentrate on less and less around me.


    At the same time, the pure physical pressure of the air high up in this sky here forces my aura to shrink down the higher I climb.


    My whole body inside my greater form is sweating and shaking to push onward, and I can see Ember''s wing movements are severely slowing as well.


    The pure gravity alone that pushes down on me feels almost 50 times heavier than it did in the atmosphere down near the top of the tree.


    It''s causing pain to move even a single meter forward.


    However, we do, for multiple hours longer, nearly making it a few more kilometers and hitting a mental wall once we make it to roughly two dozen kilometers away.


    The force pressing down on us is so great that even my telepathic link with Ember is taking longer than usual to bounce back and forth.


    I continue to consume yellow fragments and fruits on our way up too, as it gives me an extra few seconds of less intense mental and physical attacks, but it justes back even harder once the effects wear off.


    It gets to the point where it feels like I''m making more progress by not eating extra gems because I have to constantly get used to the extra pressure once they wear off. Bearing the constant stress and pushing through feels more doable, and fewer excess fragments are wasted too.Ember''s voicees through our link, giving his thoughts.


    "This may be our limit. With less than a week remaining inside this construct, I don''t believe it''s possible for us to make it any further..."


    I stare up at the unmoving expression of the green serpent and let out a frustrated yell just to make the pain on my mind and body lessen for a moment so I can concentrate to calmly reply back to Ember.


    "We only have one chance to make it to the top, don''t we? You said it yourself, opportunities like this are notmon."


    Even now, staring up at the eyes of a higher lifeform, there are seemingly infinite tendrils of purple energy even higher in the sky that make up this entire construct.


    Before, I felt like its curious gaze was pointed right at me, but the longer I stare into the snake''s enormous eyes, I realize it is just looking down at the entire construct as a whole. I''m as interesting to it as any of the other lizards in the forest, insects jumping on chains, or birds flying up cliffs in this small world.


    I''m positive that this serpent isn''t the end, but just a gatekeeper to hold back weaker beings like us.


    Ember grins at my remark, takes a moment to pause and think, then replies again.


    "I do have an idea that may get its attention... However, I cannot predict how it will react afterward."


    I want to turn my head to look toward him, but the air pressure and strength used to do so would not be worth the hassle. So, I respond through our link again while airstepping forward another meter while absorbing the MP from handfuls of mana crystals.


    "What is it? We either try it or give up... And I really don''t want to havee all this way to just turn back now."


    He responds as the pink gems dissolve in an instant and he ps his wings again to match my air-step''s travel distance.


    "I''ll have to use energy from my immortal core."


    My eyes widen as all the vague images of him using silver and golden energy thesest few weekse rushing back to me.


    Even now, as I try to expand my perception, Ember is within my aura but whenever my mind tries toprehend what''s in the center of his core, my attention floats away from it like an unknown invisible hand is pushing me away.


    However, the fact that Ember verbally brought it to my attention keeps me focused on the topic for far longer.


    I don''t respond, but Ember continues.


    "It''s the same energy I used to create our limiters before entering the exams. Building up my new body''s core from scratch these past few weeks has given me more of my power back, but to use enough to part the mental pressure of a higher lifeform in this body will not be an easy feat... I''ll need to rest again afterward. It may take weeks or months, I''m not sure how long, but I do know I won''t be able to continue fighting with you in this construct if we try to pull this off."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I airstep upward again, eating another yellow fragment to temporarily relieve the mental and physical pressure on myself to respond.


    "Are you sure about this? It''s safe?"


    The edges of his lips turn up, and I watch him give a slight shrug of his wings even though it''s horribly wasteful to be using movements like that at these pressures.


    "It will be safe, sure. I''ll enter your item storage until we get back to a safe ce to rest. And for you? Well, if a higher lifeform tries to kill you, there''s nothing you can do about it. We''ll be kicked from the construct if you die. If it decides not to kill you, the rewards will be worth the risk. The worst-case scenario here is you fail the B-ss exams for exiting the construct early. I wanted to talk with the creator myself, but it seems my wishes were a bit far-fetched."


    As he finishes this remark, the effects of the gem I just ate already begin to wear off and the full force of this serpent''s mental energy hits me again.


    I grit my teeth and reply.


    "Let''s do it..."


    Over the next few minutes, Ember outlines a concise n while we stand in ce in the sky.


    He moves to position himself in front of me, and we start to travel upward again while consuming as many yellow fragments and fruits as we can handle.


    While before, they were just being used as a mental and physical break, now we use them to continuously supercharge our auras, not letting the effects wear off at all before taking another one.


    My mind starts to clear up and be less filled with pressure and fog, while my airsteps are getting quicker, and my aura is able to expand slightly too.


    However, we''ve moved so much closer inward that the moment I stop eating fragments, the pressure all around me will copse and I''m certain I won''t be able to withstand it in my natural state.


    Ember leads the charge, and we close the distance between us again, now floating less than 10km away from the serpent''s nose.


    Its gaze is unchanged, and the pressure that beats down on me now is unbearable.


    Even while being boosted by a new yellow fragment every 30 to 60 seconds, it''s even worse than it was before because we''re at even closer range. It feels like I''m swimming upward in a pool of thick hardening cement.


    It''s difficult to even breathe, and the pressure now is making my ears ring and bleed.


    Finally, Ember''s voice echoes in my inner ear.


    "We''re close enough. It''s happening now."


    I pull my sword from my item storage and eat another yellow stone while focusing straight ahead to watch a burst of silver and golden lighte from Ember''s chest.


    My vision is fuzzy, and it''s hard to even perceive what is beyond my small aura because of the thickness of the green divine energy that surrounds me on all sides.


    However, there is a burst of energy that erupts from Ember''s mouth and in the same moment, I watch him revert to his human form after the energy is expelled.


    I open my item storage to have him fall into my white spatial magic as he falls from the sky at rapid speeds being pushed by the green pressure.


    Once he disappears into my storage, I continue pushing forward as instructed and begin to charge up my de with all of the soul energy I have left in me.


    I focus on the feeling I learned while putting up the barrier around the Crimson City to empty my entire body of energy, and every bit that is funneled through my arms into my greater form''s de is intertwined with the golden yellow threads that burst out of my core from being repeatedly oversaturated while we fly higher.


    I finally airstep into the position where Ember was just moments ago and gasp for a breath as the pressure around mepletely vanishes.


    I can''t believe what I''m feeling. My body feels light again, and my visiones back to me.


    There is a thin circr tunnel carved out into the green aura where Ember''s attack from before was shot out.


    It was too far away for me to perceive in the moment, but now that I''m looking at its aftermath, my eyes are open in awe.


    A clean shot is open to me through the green divine aura.


    It''s not very wide, but it makes its way all the way to the nose of the serpent in the sky.


    Every millisecond I wait admiring this pathway, the outer edges of the green threads are moving back together to meet each other to be one again.


    I have a single shot at this, so without thinking about it any further, I release every drop of energy I can into a crescent of Soul Energy intertwined with the Divine energy excess of dozens of yellow fragments.


    I let out a yell that echoes through the small tunnel in space that reaches the serpent.


    The instant the attack and a mythic-grade screech-empowered scream leave my body, I feel a rush of cold Qi, mana, and Divine Energy withdrawal hit me all at once.


    My Qi stores have hit 0 again, my mana is dangerously low, and the excess divine energy has all been expelled too.


    The crescent rockets through the open air, untouched by the green aura that slowly copses toward it.


    The yellow crescent grows in size as it rockets upward far faster than I can airstep.


    In the back of my mind, I already feel the green aura closing in behind me.


    I''ve done my job.


    That was the strongest attack I could have thrown, and the loudest yell I had in my lungs.


    Ember created the opening, and now the attack is set to hit its target.


    If I turn back to try and re-enter the green energy around me, it will simply be too strong for me to withstand.


    I''ll either be crushed, torn to shreds by the pressure, or thrown downward into the endless sky.


    Whatever the case may be, I don''t want it to happen until I see if the monster reacts to my strike.


    The faster I airstep into the sky, the quicker it seems to be copsing in on itself behind me and the sides too.


    I have to retract my aura more and more because the portions of it that touch the green walls that close in on me are being absorbed and destroyed on contact.


    I even have to revert back into my human form as the tunnel of open air gets too small.


    I cover my body in the thickest condensed aura of yellow divine energy I can muster just around my core, head, and heart.


    Then, finally, I watch the attack I threw make contact with the tip of the creature''s nose.


    My eyes widen as it passes right through like it''s hitting nothing, and dissolves into the enormous massive energy form of the overseer.


    It doesn''t make a sound or disrupt the creature''s endless curious gaze at all.


    I''m swallowed by the dense green divine threads on all sides in the next second, disappearing into its aura just like my attack.

 Chapter 570

    Chapter 570


    Thest image that is etched into the back of my mind as the green divine energypletely covers my body is the enormous mouth of the serpent before me, open wide.


    I can''t tell if it''s the mental and physical pressure from the green aura around me that rattles my mind, or the ear-piercing hiss thates out of the creature''s mouth.


    It feels like a dream.


    My body is pressed inward by the pressure as if mountain-sized anvils are pushing toward me on every surface of my body.


    The vibrating hissing noise in my mind increases in intensity every millisecond that passes.


    The feeling of being repelled by a-sized maes back, and I''m forcefully expelled downward as my skin and muscles arepressed, torn, melted, and shredded at a microscopic level from every side.


    I allow a constant flow of mana crystals to surround me, falling out of my item storage, and have to rely on the intuitive properties of my skills intertwining with the yellow divine energy that covers my vitals.


    It is intertwined with my plunderer skill to keep my MP stores from hitting 0 like my Qi, allowing me to continue regenerating my body where the pressure destroys it. However, the intrinsic properties of my absorption skill are activated as well.


    My brain is functioning on autopilot to survive the pressures, and it reverts back to what is the most natural state for the highest rate of survival in this scenario.It is simr to the process I used while flying over the battlefield to defeat the Dark One''s Army, absorbing everything around me in order to withstand this dire situation. All of the abilities I have at my fingertips meld together to create a thick yellow glowing aura around my body.


    Regardless of all my attempts to push it away, green divine energy flows through me and tears me apart, but with every passing moment, I''m pushed further down and the pressure lifts more and more.


    That instance of pure autopilot is the worst it will get.


    I let out a distorted half-consciousugh the moment the pressure lifts enough for me to realize I survived and my vocal cords are regenerated enough to even form a noise.


    The weight of what feels like hundreds of hours of high-intensity mental attacks all washes over my psyche once my brain realizes it''s safe enough to let up.


    The moment my echoingugh ceases, I fall into a deep sleep while my body continues to plummet through the endless sky.


    Therge mass of mana crystals I released floats around me and I continue to subconsciously absorb their energy to heal my body as I plummet down out of the densest portion of the green divine aura.


    The image of the serpent hissing is the only thing left stered in my mind even now as I''m unconscious, falling through the sky.


    It''s impossible to know for sure if it was all an illusion or not in my current mental state.


    ¨C


    As my body slowly falls through the sky, the serpent''s hiss echoes throughout the entire construct.


    All of the floating inds in the sky shake, their chains rattle, the endless ocean the metal chains fall into creates massive waves, and even the cliffside and lush forest below shake lightly simr to a small earthquake.


    In a fluid motion, the serpent''s eyes point downward to focus on the object that just interrupted its peace, then it closes its mouth and turns its head.


    The entire length of the creature is visible in the sky as it turns around and shows the hundreds of kilometers of shimmering green scales.


    The sky is just slightly visible behind it, as the monster is transparent,pletely made of densely packed green divine threads.


    It slithers upward in a graceful manner and disappears into the sky as my body continues to fall.


    Not being propelled by any external factors, and with the natural wind pressure still pushing up on me despite the intense push from the serpent''s aura, it still takes several hours to fall back down to where the obsidian forest of the highest ind in the skyes into view.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    By now, healing the flesh of my body from the external forces and the natural decay from even my yellow divine energy use isn''t too tough of a task. I''m far out of the danger zone, and my passive use of my skills is more than enough to keep me alive.


    However, there is a different unforeseen issue that''s made itself known.


    From the use of mythic-grade plunderer, and activation of absorption''s raw traits intertwined with my yellow core while my entire body was fully saturated by green divine energy, an odd phenomenon has urred.


    The green tendrils of seemingly holographic divine energy are now intertwined in my flesh, and have even seeped into my yellow core.


    Instead of disappearing from existence the moment I touch the tendrils, my aura and body have started to react with the material.


    This could be perceived as a good sign, giving me a pathway to the new core evolution, however, my body is rejecting the divine threads at a cellr level.


    All of the flesh that is attached to these tendrils has a much harder time regenerating quickly, and some portions of my flesh have stopped almost entirely leaving open holes with nothing but a green aura in its ce.


    By the time I fall into the jet-ck forest, the effects from the green tendrils that are slowly collecting and taking over my body have reached a critical stage.


    It looks as if all of the threads are deteriorating my arms, legs, and abdomen while slowly flowing toward my core.


    Meanwhile, I''m still fast asleep, mentally recovering from the shock of the creature''s hiss, and peacefully dissolving cell by cell while falling through the branches of the obsidian forest, not hitting a single one.


    __


    I wake up from a loud crashing sound as my body hits the rocky ground of the ind in the heart of the obsidian forest full of hungry trees.


    The physical pain of falling dozens of kilometers down to hit the ground isn''t as bad as the burning sensation that fills my mind and body as the realization of what''s happening to me all floods into my mind.


    My entire aura is glowing bright green, and I can see through my skin and bones as they''re constantly trying to regenerate but the foreign green tendrils of energy that surround me make it harder and harder to do so each time.


    Millions of MP worth of mana crystals fall all around me like it''s raining as they were what Ist pulled from my item storage and my mind starts to think of as many ideas as I can to solve this problem.


    I consider using a teleportation crystal to bring myself back to the start of the construct to try and escape, but I can''t think of any way that would help my situation at all. It would just put me in more danger than I''m in now.


    The only one capable of giving me advice in this scenario is also out cold.


    Less than a second has passed in Ember''s perception as he''s still held in my item storage in suspended animation. However, he too is already fast asleep and will need months inside an istion pod to recover.


    I pull out handfuls of yellow fragments and fruits that I have leftover, eating a few, feeling a surge of energy, but nothing stops the green tendrils from spreading further and further.


    It gets to the point where I fall to my knees as the pain is bing so unbearable as the threads try to overtake my entire body.


    Instead of the empowering feeling I got from the red, orange, and yellow gems, this one feels much different.


    It feels like it''s going to take something away from me if I allow it to take control. Every moment I wait for it toplete its process is a moment that brings me closer to losing my body like the serpent in the sky.


    Whatever immense power it may grant isn''t worth giving up my body and possibly even my mind if I don''t have the control to regenerate what it takes away.


    I slow my breathing and continue to let my thoughts run wild,ing up with possible ideas and scenarios in my head, burning through MP, even restoring my Qi with a handful of pills and attempting to counteract the threads with soul energy, but nothing works.


    Every time I use any portion of power, it actually speeds up the process. More portions of my physical body fade away and a green aura is all that''s left in its ce, showing a version of myself as a pure energy being that I am not ready to convert to on a whim.


    I''m covered in sweat, breathing heavily, and lying face down in the dirt after another failed experiment with only one option left on my mental list.


    I let out a groggy whisper while dragging myself closer to the nearest trunk of an obsidian tree.


    "This is my only choice. I wanted to control this power, but maybe I''m just not capable of wielding it yet..."


    I smirk and ce my deteriorated open palm on the base of the tree to feel an endless ck hungry void reply to my whisper.


    The cold feeling, like losing arge amount of blood, washes over me instantly.


    I want to take my hand off, but the visual of the green tendrils being ripped from my flesh and drained into the darkness of the tree keeps me from doing so.


    I take a gasp of air as the pull from the endless void gets stronger and stronger, I watch more green threads be torn from my body.


    It feels both painful and satisfying at the same time.


    While I''m positive I''m losing ess to an indescribable power of a higher lifeform, vitality rushes back into my body and mind as my self-regeneration skill finally activates to its full potential again and begins mending my muscles and bones where the green energy is removed.


    I can''t tell if the entire process takes a single second or a full hour; all I know is when I rip my hand away from the tree and fall on my back to let out a groan, my entire body feels as good as new, and there isn''t a single drop of green energy left in my core or flesh.


    While I recollect my thoughts, activate enemy detection, and try to figure out where I am and what''s going on now that I have a clear mind; a new low-hanging branch grows from the base of the tree near where my hand pressed a moment ago.


    On the very end of it, an enormous green fruit forms, holding nearly all of thepressed divine energy that was forcefully ripped out of me.

 Chapter 571

    Chapter 571


    I stare up at therge green glowing fruit for a few minutes in awe as vitality streams back into me.


    Arge aura of vibrant green tendrils of divine energy flows off the fruit itself and begins seeping into the atmosphere.


    Only now can I visualize how much of that green aura I really absorbed while falling through the sky.


    I hear movement in the trees above as some of the yellow-cored lizards hiding high in the trees start to move downward toward my vicinity.


    At the same time, buzzing in the trees and nearby inds also signifies the fact that hundreds of insects are flying my way, attracted to this energy-rich divine fruit.


    While they all creep, jump, and fly through the trees toward me, I stand to my feet feeling both immensely sore head to toe, but also oddly rejuvenated and refreshed.


    Those few hours of sleep I had while falling were the first shuteye I''ve had in weeks. Even though I was battling for my life during that rest, it still invigorates me and makes me feel as though I''m even stronger than I was before challenging that serpent in the sky to notice me.


    I expand my perception as dozens of creatures close in, and pick up quite a few readings that are rather shocking to see.


    The first and most noticeable is the fact that high above the construct where the curious eyes of the overseer used to watch, there is now nothing but endless open sky.It''s gone. Meaning, whatever Ember managed to do with his mysterious silver and golden energybined with the attack I threw definitely got this beast''s attention.


    Even after it''s left, there is still a thick green aura left in its ce that blocks any lower life forms from crossing its threshold in the sky.


    I grin with excitement, as it was not all in vain.


    The second thing I notice is that when the lizards and insects that creep toward me collide with the glowing green aura of divine threadsing off the newly grown fruit, they''repletely unaffected.


    The creatures'' bodies react just like mine, showing the threads of shimmering green light phase through them like they''re trying to touch holograms.


    I easily jump upward and pull out my de to cut through them all in single shes.


    Now, not even using my greater form, my aura feels so much more refined and capable of weaving itself into my fire magic and soul energy.


    I''m unsure if it''s just the fact that I''ve had some quality rest, or if filtering that green divine energy increased my energy control output to an rming degree.


    As the corpses of hundreds of insects and dozens of lizards pile around the glowing green fruit, Ie to the conclusion that it''s most likely a bit of both.


    The longer I stay here, the more creatures be attracted to the green aura protruding from the fruit.


    It''s like moths alling toward a lone me. All I have to do is sit back and wait for more prey to arrive.


    While testing out my new heightened reflexes, energy output, and easy use of my fully awakened yellow core, hours pass and hundreds of fragments are farmed.


    Some of the corpses fall and make contact with the trees, having them absorb their energy while I''m busy fighting other monsters.


    Many yellow and orange fruits begin to form on the branches nearby too. It only creates more chain reactions of the beacon of energy gettingrger and more monstersing by to try and get their fill.


    Their fragments all pile up in a circle and I collect them into my item storage asionally.


    It isn''t until a few hours in that I realize a third and most important difference.


    Every time I get within range of the green fruit''s aura, instead of the divine threads passing through me like a hologram or disappearing from existence; they''re absorbed into my body just like red, orange, and yellow threads.


    It''s a very minimal amount, so there isn''t much more pain than pinpricks, and the rate at which it slows my regeneration speed is negligible.


    I only really notice after a while when it builds up enough for me to have to press my hand against the trunk of the same tree to rid myself of these dangerous fibers.


    The infinite darkness of the void happily takes my green threads from me, and secondster starts to devour even my yellow divine energy too; but I tear my hand away from the tree before it goes too far.


    The green fruit slightly grows, and a tiny yellow fruit starts to form on a new branch nearby.


    My mind races at what the meaning of all this can be.


    My body has definitely changed.


    For some reason after withstanding that hiss and total body destruction from the serpent''s aura, I''m now able to physically touch these green threads.


    None of the other yellow-cored creatures in the forest can do the same.


    The thought that rises to the height of my mind is that my Absorption skill weaving itself with divine energy during a near-death experience has allowed me to alter my being, adapting to the environment in order to mutate and survive.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred tform and support their work!


    Another option could just be the fact that I was saturated with such a high purity of divine energy up close to a higher life form.


    Thest thought thates to mind is the serpent''s hiss and image it imprinted on my psyche wasn''t just a result of stress in the situation, but an actual technique created to allow my core or mind to now process its energy.


    None of my theories are provable or more likely than the others, for now they''re just random thoughts in my mind as I stare up at the sky.


    Even if I''m able to use this energy now, I''m not prepared to give up my physical body in order to wield it.


    Still, given the opportunity I have now, it would be in my best interest to collect as much of this energy as I can for ater date once I''m able to control it.


    I smirk and cut the green fruit from the branch to let it fall into my item storage.


    In a swift upward motion, I open more storage portals while sending yellow wind des all through the nearby forest to collect all of the remaining fruits and fragments ready for harvest.


    Then, I fly high into the sky on a single mission.


    I soar past the tops of the trees, and back into the thick green aura of divine threads.


    Immediately, I activate plunderer and absorption just as I did before while keeping my self-regeneration skill at full st while airstepping further and further into the dense aura left behind by the mighty serpent.


    I don''t fly quite as high this time.


    The bone-crushing pressure isn''t necessary to follow out the procedure I''m attempting. All I really need is to be present inside dense pockets of green divine energy to let it seep into my body just as it did before.


    In just a few minutes, as I''m actively allowing and forcing this energy into myself, I start to watch my skin, muscles, and bones fade away just like they did before.


    The portions that are unable to regenerate back are left with just a bright green aura version of my body.


    It feels extremely hot, and the pinpricks evolve into scorching pain just like before.


    This time however, I''m in control.


    Once it gets to be too much, I start my descent down, airstepping out of the denser portion of aura and back down toward the ck tree.


    It isn''t as slow as free falling, but it still takes quite a while to make my way back down to the tip of the tallest tree.


    I take a deep breath, then grab onto the highest branch, letting it absorb all of the extra umted green threads.


    Just like before, they''re ripped from my body and I''m able to regenerate my flesh once again.


    The same wave of exhaustion yet rejuvenation hits me as I watch another massive green glowing fruit form from an extremely fast-growing ck branch.


    It rockets upward over 20 meters higher into the air in less than a minute.


    I cut the fully formed fruit from its branch and let it fall into my inventory.


    As I fly back upward toward the cloud of divine energy again, its fluttering glossy leaves look like they''re waving a thank you to me as they continue to grow.


    Over the next three days, I repeat this process over and over.


    I saturate my body with as many green threads as I possibly can before the pain bes too unbearable and they don''t get too critically close to my core, then airstep down to let the hungry tree take the energy out of my body with ease.


    It grows dozens of meters higher every time Ie back, and in exchange, I receive another enormous energy-packed glowing fruit.


    I collect over 60 green fruits in total.


    Every time I go through the process of nearly turning into an energy form and having its threads torn out of me; it feels as if I''m doing billions of MP worth of mana control training.


    I''m covered with sweat once every process is done, and the fatigue thates with it builds up more and more overtime.


    At the same time, my connection with divine energy gets greater and greater, making my efficiency at wielding the yellow energy intertwined with my skills grow significantly as well.


    I feel multiple times more efficient than I did when I first awakened my core. Possibly even at a magnitude of 10.


    With all this constant training, my body and mind does tire; but it''s just another day of work for me.


    I only have a few days left in this construct, so every hour that I put in counts.


    I''ll rest once I''m done farming at maximum efficiency.


    As my eyes threaten to close and all I want to do is lie down and sleep, this motto continues to repeat in my head while I let another green fruit fall into my item storage.


    Once I airstep upward to make my way toward the sky again, following the same routine, I feel a massive shift in the air pressure.


    It feels as if the temperature in the entire construct rises a few degrees.


    A long ringing sound begins to vibrate through the air, and from the outer reaches of my perception, I notice an impossibly fast orb of cyan-colored light rushing my way.


    I don''t even get a full heartbeat to process everything, and try to move out of the way before the light blue sh of light growsrger andrger then is right in front of me.


    It''s a massive orb of light blue energy, the exact same color as the cyan crystal that opened the rift into this construct.


    Before I can even blink, the orb splits in half, opening itself up and then closing again around me.


    The orb itself is maybe 30 meters in diameter, and its walls are no more than a meter thick. The moment it shuts around me, it stops moving entirely.


    Inside, the air feels exactly the same as it did moments ago outside, unaffected by the blue divine energy making contact with it other than some visual ripples in space.


    The light blue energy pulses once, then starts to float upward slowly.


    To my utter surprise, I move upward with it as well.


    I''m not airstepping to change my direction, and it doesn''t even feel like I''m moving at all.


    To all my senses other than sight, it feels as if I''m stationary, just floating naturally in the sky.


    However, the ind of ck trees below me is getting further away, so I''m positive I''m moving...


    As my eyes dart around the orb and I activate my greater form to get even more enhanced perception buffs, I try to find a weakness to this contraption, or at the very least figure out what exactly is going on.


    Less than three secondster, the eyes of the green serpent appear high above in the sky.


    It slithers downward, gettingrger andrger every second that passes.


    On its back, there are two cyan-colored armored knights with long shields and spears.


    They''re impossibly massive as well, dozens of kilometers tall, effortlessly riding the serpent downward, emotionlessly staring forward as they plummet toward me.


    I can visually see their light blue auras being condensed around their bodies, and the green serpent brings its own cloud of divine threads down with it too as it hisses loudly again, and it doesn''t stop its descent toward me.


    Another few seconds pass, and I float upward high enough that it appears I''m going to be right above the serpent''s flight path, but it looks like it doesn''t have any n to stop or change direction.


    The massive snake''s head passes below me, less than 10 kilometers away, and a dense wave of its green divine threads fills the air.


    I''m too shocked at everything going on around me to even be scared of the pressure that I''d be under if I were toe in contact with these threads.


    I just gently continue to float upward, and the green threads are pushed away by the cyan barrier that surrounds me on all sides.


    My eyes do widen as the two knights on the serpent''s back raise their spears and their blue aura connects with the orb I''m held floating in, and my momentum changes to bring me along for the ride like a tractor beam.


    The serpent''s nose crashes head first into the base of the highest floating ind in the sky as if it didn''t even notice it was there.


    Like a speck of dirt being hit by an airne, it''s obliterated instantly.


    Rock fractures into dust, its chain falls down into the depths of the endless sky, and countless ck obsidian trees are uprooted and scattered through the air.

 Chapter 572

    Chapter 572


    Secondster, there''s another loud crash and explosion as the serpent''s downward momentum hits another ind''s base.


    Then, another, and another.


    Before my eyes, a path of destruction is created through the sky.


    Some of the inds begin to crack and disintegrate even before the monster hits them. The sheer overwhelming pressure of its green aura obliterates everything in sight.


    I''m held high in the sky in a blue orb of light, like a tiny lightning bug shimmering between the city-sized cyan-colored armored guards on the serpent''s back.


    It doesn''t even seem real.


    The serpent''s flight path starts to turn upward, but it takes the destruction of over ten more inds before we begin to angle up into the sky again.


    Its impossibly long body follows its head, but the downward momentum still takes out a few more entire inds while it turnspletely.


    As the thousands of ck trees fall into the endless sky below, I see them all begin to change in color.The moment they''re hit, none of them break or even sway under the pressure. They''re all as rigid as stone.


    However, once they''re in freefall, each ind appears to have a small ck glossy orb at their centers connected to the chains that connect to the sea below.


    As their mass is disrupted, and these small cores fall with the broken chains, many of the ck trees, whose roots were seemingly siphoning life from these cores, start to have altered appearances when they''re separated from the source.


    The trees turn grey, then white. When they collide in the air, they break apart like fragile ss and are blown away in the wind just like the fragments of rock from the inds.


    The only thing that stays in a perfectly solid state as it falls away and out of my perception is one ck glossy orb per ind.


    My best guess, looking at the sight before me, is that each forest was really just a single organism growing from one central core. However, at these high speeds and in this chaotic atmosphere, I can''t exactly discern what''s going on.


    Ember''s words about how taking one of these trees out of the construct would be a profitable ideae to mind.


    I attempt to activate my spatial magic at long range to let one fall into my storage, but I can''t seem to activate any magic outside of the blue dome I''m trapped in.


    They''re most likely all falling into the sea below, so if I have the chance, I can go swimming to find them eventually... However, the more I think about the likelihood of this happening, the reality of this situation really sinks in.


    The serpent''s head points to the sky and we move upward at impossible speeds, leaving the obliterated inds behind and out of my vision in seconds.


    All there is is endless sky around me.


    I see the top of the snake''s head and two guards holding me captive as I''m rocketed toward the top of the construct.


    It''s possible to guess how fast I''m moving at first, as the fragments of the ind are still in my vision, but once we make it high enough into the sky where they''re gone, all I can see when I look behind me is the tail and body of the serpent wriggling in the air to push us upward.


    Again, it feels as if I''m stationary inside this orb, but I''m certain we''re still moving upward.


    As much as I try to spread my perception aura outward, nothing leaves this 30m spherical cage.


    I downgrade into my base human form and let out a sigh, lying back in mid-air, and let the higher lifeforms take me for a ride.


    Their power is too immense to even attempt anything.


    Merely being within ten kilometers of the green serpent brought me close to death even while using every skill and hidden ability I had avable to me.


    Considering themon trend, these blue guards must be the core above green, far stronger than this serpent.


    If I have no chance of even breathing the same air as a green core, attempting to escape or challenge two cyan knights whose transparent energy bodies arerger than the floating inds will be impossible.


    If they wanted me dead, it would have happened before I even knew they were trying.


    Wherever these beings are taking me, it''s exactly what Ember most likely had in mind for letting out an attack like this, so I''ll see where it leads.


    I let out a sigh, cing my feet up on a small manifested bit of yellow divine energy while I put my hands behind my head to rx while floating higher and higher into the sky.


    The fatigue from farming green divine energy has built up to a staggering amount over thest few days.


    I''m able to go upward of a month without sleep, but the intensity of the activities I''ve put myself through and the calm of this ride upward into the sky make my eyes close.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    I try to keep myself from sleeping for the first hour of the ride up, but nothing at all changes in the atmosphere.


    The only thing around me is open sky and a thick aura of green divine energy tendrils from the snake that are thwarted by the cyan guard''s contraption.


    I feel no change in speed, air pressure, or even intensity of the green or light blue aura around me.


    Eventually, my eyes shut and I fall asleep while being carried high into the unknown.


    I sleep for a few hours, fully rejuvenating my body and mind, however, when I wake up, I''m met with the exact same endless sky above and below me.


    The density of the green tendrils in the air has increased slightly, but not enough to make any difference other than a slight visual green tint in the air outside of my orb.


    I continue to sit back and watch as the day goes by.


    My mind wanders, thinking about the ck orbs that fell out of the inds, but also a slight problem I''m going to have once I actually do make it out of this ce.


    Ember is out ofmission in my item storage at the moment, meaning the hunter Emrie Carter isn''t exactly going to be able to greet the association once we return.


    All three of my body doubles are already active and out of range tomunicate, so I can''t create another to rece him.


    On top of that, my limiter ispletely shattered. It has been for weeks, ever since I started to absorb divine threads.


    My mana control, Soul Energy, and now Yellow core arepletely visible to anyone with enough perception to see it.


    If that isn''t enough problems for me to deal with, I still fly into the endless sky with emotionless higher life form energy beings as my captors with no exnation. Over sixteen more hours pass riding upward into the endless sky before anything changes at all.


    The green aura in the air gets thicker and thicker, until it begins to mix with light cyan threads of energy.


    I''m finally able to gauge that we actually are moving as the sky turns lighter and lighter blue.


    My eyes widen once I begin to see the energy be so dense in the air that it gradually infects the serpent that we''re riding on.


    Its ethereal green body starts to receive cyan threads, creating pathways into the center of its skull.


    Once the pathways be far too dense for it to handle, the serpent''s head abruptly drops down and its body follows.


    At this maneuver, both of the cyan knights move in unison, manifesting tforms of dense reality-bending energy beneath their feet and marching upward at the same exact rate we were moving before.


    It looks as if they''re carrying me up an invisible staircase in the sky.


    Before I can conceptualize everything, the green serpent has already turned back and fallen into the depths of the green sky where it can survive in peace.


    Meanwhile, the air within my blue sphere is unchanged.


    More hours pass as all of the green divine energy fades awaypletely, making the atmosphere entirelyprised of cyan strands.


    Their rhythmic footsteps through the air are silent, but they''re eerily consistent and almost machine-like.


    More hours pass, and the same phenomenon urs, the air around us starts to change colors again.


    From a light cyan to a dark blue.


    The moment the dark blue threads start seeping through the cyan orb I''m trapped in, the guards stop their upward march.


    Both of them glow brightly, and their spears'' auras growrger andrger, making the blue ball around me grow a much thicker barrier.


    A few minutes pass as they siphon more and more of their energy into the ball, then eventually the dark blue threads stop seeping through.


    One of the guards keeps me floating above its spear while the other leaves us, continuing its march upward into the dark blue abyss of even denser divine energy.


    We wait, and I stare up into the nothingness waiting for the knight to return.


    It takes over an hour for any movement to appear again, and what I see hurtling my way isn''t what I expected to see.


    The hand of a dark blue giant, with fingersrger than the guard that apanies me, stretches out from the darkness above.


    Its dark blue tendrils of energy threaten to tear open holes in this construct as it reaches downward, and it finally gets close enough for me to see the rest of its hand, and part of its forearm, but its head is too far up in the sky for me to see. Not even its elbow or shoulder is visible as they''re hundreds, possibly thousands of kilometers away.


    The cyan knight steps back, leaving me floating in empty space as the giant''s dark blue handes down toward me.


    It appears to be moving in slow motion in the sky, but in reality, it''s moving extremely quick and this is a difference in perspective. I already learned my lesson in underestimating massive falling objects when I was almost crushed by one of the inds before awakening my orange and yellow core.


    Seconds pass, but it feels like an eternity.


    A massive orb of dark blue energy starts to form around the giant''s hand, creating a sphere hundreds of kilometers thick.


    Once it moves downward, the hand moves beneath me, and the massive blue sphere fully forms once I''m inside to create another airtight seal.


    Before my eyes, the dark blue energy in the dome eats away at all of the cyan aura inside it.


    The blue threads even eat away at the cyan ball I''m still floating in.


    It dissolves in seconds, dissipating into the air, and the dark blue threads all move back toward the outer barrier of the spherepletely avoiding me.


    By the time the sphere inside the giant''s palm moves upward, the inside ispletely cleared out, it''s as clear and divine energy-free as the real world outside in here.


    Again, as I''m thrust upward by the giant''s hand, I don''t feel like I''m moving at all. The only way I can tell is the fact that the cyan knight below me disappears like a tiny light that shes out, and I''m plunged into the darkness of the thick blue aura above.


    I know I''m moving far faster than the serpent''s ride and the two cyan guards by a lot now, however, I can''t see past the forearm of this giant, so it''s nearly impossible to tell how exactly I''m even moving.


    To me, it just looks like this massive arm is raising me into the sky and its main body isn''t even moving.


    In less than a minute, the atmosphere outside of the sphere on the giant''s hand drastically changes.


    It gets darker and darker, and I can tell the air pressure and heat outside are at limits unfathomable for my mortal mind and body toprehend.


    Whatever this creature is, and wherever I''m going, is not somewhere many, or possibly any people have gone before.


    Just as these thoughtse to mind, there''s another abrupt change.


    The dark blue aura of the atmospherepletely ceases.


    It''s visible below me now, and it looks like I''ve just been thrust through a dark cloud line.


    The giant''s hand lifts me upward, and at the same time, I watch the top of the dark blue dome fade away.


    There aren''t any blue threads up here at all.


    The sky ispletely void of divine energy, all I see is a single speck of purple in the center of my vision as I stare above.


    The purple dot grows and grows the more the hand rises from the dark blue sea of threads below, and the dome around mepletely dissipates.


    My eyes open wide once my perception skills can finally stretch outward and see where I really am.


    The purple light before me connects to the outer edge of this construct, it''s what I saw a glimpse of when I first awakened my sight with the red cores.


    I whisper to myself while I''m thrust further and further upward by the giant''s hand.


    "This is it. They''ve brought me to the top... but why?"

 Chapter 573

    Chapter 573


    The further I''m pushed upward, the more purple tendrils of divine energy I see flowing out from a single point.


    It all flows from it, seamlessly creating the edges of this massive sky that angles downward to form the dome-shaped world I''m currently floating in.


    My eyes widen as the purple light gets brighter and brighter, then the blue hand of the giant finally stops moving upward.


    The air is cool up here, and clouds are being blown around in slow circles by a light breeze.


    The wind whistles softly, but there is no other sound at all.


    I just stare up in awe for a full minute before finally taking a few deep breaths and taking an airstep upward away from the enormous base of the giant''s blue hand that still protrudes from the endless dark blue void.


    As I airstep, yellow threads from my divine energy are left behind in the open air, but they fade away and fall into the deep blue darkness below as I continue upward.


    My gaze is locked on the purple shimmering dot in the sky that getsrger andrger.


    It takes a few minutes before the bottom of what looks like a semi-transparent crystal circr tformes into view.I''m looking at it from the bottom and can tell that whatever is making this bright purple glow is above it and shining its light over its edges.


    I''m expecting the tform to getrger andrger the more I airstep upward, just like everything else recently, and end up being enormous beyond myprehension. However, this isn''t the case.


    Once I arrive high enough in the air, I see the floating ss-like structure''s other side.


    It''s t, glossy, and reflective just like its bottom. To my surprise, floating above it in its center is a bright purple stone.


    It has glossy edges and gives off an ethereal feeling unlike anything I''ve felt this past month.


    It feels magnitudes more powerful and omniscient than the enormous blue giant below me, but also gives off the feeling of being frail and helpless at the same time.


    My mind bends trying to figure out if I were to touch it, would I die instantly froming in contact with god-like power, or would it shatter into pieces like a delicate te of porcin.


    It slowly spins, sending out a steady rate of purple shimmering tendrils upward to connect and create the outer limits of this entire realm.


    I witness reality being weaved into existence before me by countless bright strands of light.


    My eyes stay open in awe, and I float about 100 meters away from the tform for minutes, taking in the glory of it all.


    I''mpletely entranced in the light until an unfamiliar woman''s voice echoes through my mind.


    "Wee. It is my honor to have you here. I would have never predicted a human would be soul bonded with the Fallen One."


    Her voice is soothing; it feels as if every word that enters my mind warms my body and unconsciously makes me smile.


    However, despite the warmth entering my body and mind, my gaze stays sharp, and I realize that I''m being brought closer to the crystal tform in the sky.


    I attempt to airstep away to keep my distance, but it is the same immovable force that brings me closer, exactly the same as I felt within the cyan and blue transport orbs on my way up.


    In a matter of seconds, I''m brought down to stand on the outer edge of the circr tform in the sky, now up close and personal with the enormous purple stone that rotates and continues to weave reality in front of my eyes.


    I take a deep breath, thinking of all the questions racing through my mind, but only muster out a simple reply.


    "Who- Or what are you? Why did you bring me here?"


    I look over my shoulders, but my gaze gravitates back to the beautiful purple gem before me.


    A few seconds pass, but the woman''s voice echoes through my mind again.


    "You may call me Celia. I know humans like to put a name to things they talk to..."


    The purple gem glows brightly, and more strands than usual start to flow from it and reach out in my direction.


    They all form together and make contact on the glossy mirrored ground about 5 meters in front of me to create the energy form of a beautiful woman.


    The energy form is roughly my height, with long flowing purple hair, perfectly proportioned curves, and a beautifully graceful walk as shees closer.


    The form has no face, but I can subconsciously tell that she''s smiling at me due to her bodynguage and indescribable aura.


    Her voice rings out again, however this time a mouth forms on the faceless woman of energy and I hear it speak to me out loud. It''s somehow even more soothing on the ears.


    "To answer why you''re here, I can show you... I was woken up from my slumber, which is not an easy feat. I was getting worried I''d die alone, but it seems the gods are gracious. I''ll at least have somepany."


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Her mouth disappears, and her energy form pulses with a light glow. She lifts both her arms in the air to let out countless purple threads all around us to create a small dome.


    She steps forward and her featureless face moves very close to mine.


    I can see energying off her body as she circles me a few times, then stops right by my side, giving off a happy and excited emotional aura.


    I try to open my mouth to reply again, but I stop the moment I see the purple threads shifting and changing into lifelike images of very familiar figures and events.


    I see images shing by of myself weeks ago entering this construct through the cyan colored rift at the edge of the forest.


    Days of training my teammates to be strong enough to fend for themselves sh by in seconds next.


    Countless battles against orange cored insects, then yellow cored lizards show up after this. Ember and I using our full power to awaken our own cores and explore the countless inds in the sky are shown in full detail.


    At the same time, many other images of other applicants sh by simultaneously, showing their ventures through the construct.


    Dozens of perspectives are being shown to me at once, but I can urately perceive them all at the same time while the soothing energy of this woman flows around me.


    I watch the Vice and Veridian Region teams work hard to make it up the first mountain for weeks, but do eventually make it high enough to farm red cores from the scavenger birds when they work together as teams.


    Many of the lone applicants aren''t as lucky.


    Some are killed by red cored awakened, dissolving and getting sent back to the outside world.


    However, one applicant stands out. The Phantom Region''s single hunter, he uses the same stealth technique to lurk in the shadows on ledges with tree and shrubbery cover. It is a very time-consuming strategy, and he only has advantages against birds that are near the cliffside, but his hunting methods work well and he''s able to farm the red cores.


    The imagery of the Apex Region''s team making it up the mountain are some of the most interesting ones yet. There is a team of three that works together I keep my eye on, most likely to limit the amount of fragments they have to share.


    They''re able to take on the red cores just as easily as the teammates I left behind at the ocean''s shore.


    I even see shes of scenes of the two squads meeting each other and having a standoff at the top of the mountain near where I left my teammates to farm on their own.


    The images of Trax yelling and bursting into lightning, Nat eating the skill orb I left for her and bursting into mes are incredible to watch.


    The battle healer and water mage are the two that jump into the fight alongside them. Dane takes on Callum in a water versus wind duel, while Marcie has a rematch with the battle healer.


    So many shes of magic and destruction fill the mountainside, sting holes in the ocean''s shore and sending massive boulders of rock down the side of the endless cliff.


    It takes over a full minute for it all to be over.


    Dane holds the water wielder tight in a prison of wind. Marcie pins the battle healer down with her spear by his neck and her boot on his chest.


    Lastly, Trax and Nat are both breathing heavily and the environment around them is burnt and covered in static residue.


    They''re arguably evenly matched, and both have fight left in them, but it''s clear the Apex leaders'' strongest teammates have been defeated and he''s in a tight position.


    Marcie''s voice rings out from the chaos as she doesn''t hesitate to pierce the battle healer''s throat when he refuses to surrender.


    "Let''s finish this up and get back to work. We''re sending these Apex Region weaklings back to the association with nothing, just what they deserve."


    She smirks while Dane finishes off Callum with a barrage of wind des too, removing him from the construct in seconds.


    The two of them begin to walk over in the direction of Nat while she attempts to make some kind of agreement to go their separate ways. They haven''te to their final decision yet, but an all out fight it could go either way and both are aware of this.


    If Trax goes all out against the three of them, there will certainly be some casualties, it''s just unknown which side it will be.


    Calling it a draw, and continuing to collect fragments will give everyone a chance to prosper in the long run.


    However, this doesn''t put out the me of anger that erupts in Trax''s eyes.


    He pulls a red core from his item box and swallows it without hesitation and yells.


    "None of you are worthy! I said it from the start! Where are those two Bedrock Region scum? I still need to give them a piece of my mind! I''ll never make a deal with lesser regions. Veridian, Bedrock, Talton, Silca; all of you... you need to know your ce!"


    His eyes burst with the red divine threads from the core he consumed, and dangerously massive crimson bolts of lightning erupt from his body.


    Nat yells at the others to stay back as she dodges one of the bolts by a hair.


    Dane and Marcie stay back like she says, but it appears this is just an attempt at self-sacrifice to let them live.


    Another dark red bolt of lightninges out of Trax''s body coupled with a ravenous yell, headed straight toward Nat.


    My eyes open wide looking at the recording when I see that she also eats one of the red fragments to counteract this direct hit that she has no chance of dodging.


    I still feel Nat safe and sound in my Rising Emperor''s domain, and from what I can tell this battle happened over a week ago... She must have won... but I''m eager to find out how.


    An immacte ball of fire erupts from Nat''s body, all strengthened by millions of crimson Divine threads just like Trax.


    Unlike him, her eyes are still sharp moments after eating the gem.


    The constant exposure to the energy while healing her teammates has given her body more resistance to the strands.


    The battle of raw uncontroble lightning power against refined and focused mes begins and ends almost instantly.


    Nat repeatedly shes through Trax''s defenses and dodges the rogue bolts of electricity.


    The entire battlefield they stand on bends of reality altering force, but in a few seconds the victor is clear.


    Trax is sent flying off the cliffside coughing on his own blood as the effects of the gem wear off while Nat stands silently to watch.


    Her fragment''s power wears off soon after too, and she copses to the ground while drinking self-regeneration potions to try and speed up the healing.


    A grin is stered on my face as the recording speeds up more and the following days of rest and recovery follow as they continue to farm fragments nearby and are unbothered by any other teams.


    Even while more images of other teams and applicants fighting rush across the screens made of purple divine threads, my mind still focuses and makes a mental note of exactly where Trax fell off that cliff.


    I''m certain he wasn''t killed by Nat''s final move. On top of that, I didn''t see any other images of Trax after the fact. I''m going to make it a mission to search that cliffside if I ever make it down there to make sure the job is done.


    More and more time passes on the recordings, then finally the images of Ember and I pushing as high as we can into the sky through the green serpent''s aura appear in full view.


    We fly higher and higher until the point where I vividly remember Ember outlining a n that we will follow out.


    He ps his wings to move in front of me, and my gaze is locked on this screen as I''ll finally get to see what his attack actually did.


    The woman''s hands gracefully move in the air to move purple threads and disperse every ying video feed except for the one I''m watching closely.


    It shows a bright golden and silver light in Ember''s chest shimmer violently and expand. Watching it after the fact, all of the odd mental effects that kept my gaze away from the mysterious energy are not activated. Now, I''m able to see this all y out exactly as it happened.

 Chapter 574

    Chapter 574


    The shimmering gold and silver light growsrger from Ember''s chest and begins to cover his entire body.


    There is a pulse of light thatpletely envelops him and spreads out like a shockwave around us.


    In the moment, Ember''s dragon form looks like it is made of pure, indescribably bright, and powerful divine energy.


    Even looking at it through a screen that is reying the events, something deep in the back of my mind tells me these shimmering threads are somehow at a level that far exceeds even the purple energy that has created this entire construct.


    Once the threads hit their maximum luminosity, they begin to contract back. I watch all of the threads vibrate and consolidate near Ember''s neck, getting brighter and brighter until theypact into a single point within his mouth.


    His ck glossy scales arepletely void of divine energy the moment he lets out the small ball of energy from his mouth, and it''s propelled forward to create a fantastic shimmering beam of light that cuts through the green threads like they''re floating dust particles and a high-powered air jet is shooting through it.


    The gold and silver pir of light bursts through the aura, disintegrating everything in its path, clearing out a tunnel in the sky for me to follow.


    Immediately after the beam is shot out, Ember reverts to his human form, and I jump upward to catch him in my storage.


    The next images of me letting out my own attack at the green serpent are not shown on the screen; however, they aren''t necessary; I vividly remember it doing no damage at all...Instead, the video follows the golden and silver beam upward through the greenyer in the sky.


    It phases through the tip of the serpent''s nose and doesn''t slow down at all.


    It appears as if the beam is even traveling faster the higher into the air it climbs.


    In a matter of seconds, the shimmering energy pierces into the cyan-coloredyer of sky, then breaks into the dark blue sky just as quickly.


    The next image that appears before me is the ethereal beam colliding with a slowly spinning dark purple gem at the top of the construct.


    The gem is the same size as the one I''m nearby now, but it looks dull and almost ck in color. The purple threads that slowly stream off it are not moving at the rate I''m witnessing them move now.


    It collides with the purple crystal, makes it pulse with golden and silver light, then disappears into the air like nothing was ever there.


    The moment it disappears, the crystal pulses with a purple glow that almost fills the entire screen with its luminosity, erupting with purple threads for a full minute straight before calming down.


    Afterward, once the light clears, it shows its bright purple glow just like how I see it now; vibrant and full of energy.


    Then, the purple energy being beside me cuts the video off right there, retracting her dome of threads around me, but continues to slowly walk near me with a featureless face.


    Her mouth forms, and she talks again.


    "So now you know why I''ve brought you here. A human Soul Bonded with a Divine Beast, and on top of that, one that is notorious in our history."


    Her mouth smiles, then disappears, and I feel the same emotional aura of excitement being pushed out from her as her graceful walk around the ss-like tform continues.


    I reply.


    "What do you mean our history?"


    Her earlier words from when I first made contact with the purple gem rey in my mind and I speak up again with another question before she can even reply.


    "Who is this fallen one you spoke of? Exin this to me in simpler terms, I don''t know who you are, and I have no knowledge of Divine Energy outside of what I''ve learned over thest few weeks..."


    The woman stops her graceful walk and tilts her head, pausing for a moment before giving off the aura of curiosity and child-like joy before smiling again and walking forward.


    "How interesting... Again, you surprise me. If the true Divine wish to keep their secrets hidden, then I do not have the authority to tell their past. I haven''t seen the outside world in over two centuries, so times may have changed.."


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    A light aura of her sadness washes over me, and the energy form starts to circle me again, but this doesn''t keep me from replying to stay on track.


    "I know he''s one of these so-called Divine Beasts, you don''t have to keep that identity from me."


    I pause, but my mind races and bes slightly impatient at her not exactly answering my question.


    "Honestly- That''s the least of my concerns. Who are you, what is this ce, and why did you decide to bring me here only after seeing I''m soul bonded with a divine beast...?"


    Her sour mood vanishes, and the curious and joyful aura returns while she replies.


    "Well, that is simple... I already told you who I am, Celia is my name. While I may not be human, I hope this form puts you at ease. I only want to be of help to you. For exining what this ce is? That is a much more difficult question. In essence, everything you see here is me; but it is far moreplicated. I can start at the beginning if you wish, it will take quite a bit of exining."


    I nod, looking around the ss tform in the sky.


    "Please, all we have is time."


    Her graceful movements stop as she looks directly at me with a face made of countless purple threads.


    "Time. It may be all that you have, but I for one amcking thismodity."


    She spins around in a graceful twirl and slowly raises her delicate arms in the air.


    "This ce, it was my attempt at triggering something called a universal shift. There is no other way to awaken an immortal core, studying the past awakening is pointless. One must create, destroy, or alter something to this universe that is so grand and unique it leaves an evesting impact that cannot be put back to its original state. If this is achieved, the system itself dubs you worthy of ascending and watching the impact you''ve made on the universe to ripple for eternity."


    Sorrow fills the space where her aura seeps outward for a few seconds as we both stand in silence.


    Then, she speaks again.


    "Demons, Monsters, Pure Mana Beings, there used to be many kinds of creatures that would wander into my construct. It was once meant to be a world of its own where all beings from any world coulde to have a peaceful break from reality, train, do business, or whatever their heart desired. I amassed the peak of what I knew of as power, 8 centuries building up my core to reach the apex of the known worlds; the purple core."


    Her aura now is mixed with feelings and emotions that I can''t quite fully conceptualize. There is fear, boredom, joy, happiness, greed, terror, unconditional love, and boundless happiness all swirling around me together as one.


    "It is said one that awakens a purple core can live upward of a thousand years. Once I lived a life worth living, there was only one thing left to do. Leave a mark on history. I achieved my goals, experienced it all, and even lost everything there is multiple times to build it back up again; however thesting memory of myself in the worlds I traveled always fades with time. When I realized the end of my life was really near, I decided to create this world in the hopes of impacting the very system, the fabric of reality that strings all living things together enough to grab its attention."


    All of the emotions fade, and only a light sadness remains.


    "I fused my mind, body, and soul into this pocket realm. Everything you see before you is me. If this creation is destroyed, I will be forgotten in time with it. However, it seems this destruction is already set in stone. The moment I realized this was 150 years into my construct''s creation, half a century ago."


    I raise an eyebrow, as this is roughly the time my world had its great war. The same time period in which Ember died in his past life.


    She continues.


    "This is when the first human entered my realm."


    She smiles and curiosity and softness flows from her aura again.


    "One of the onlys in our local system to not be blessed by the system for millennia. The human world, like all the others with systems awakened or not, had reserves of Qi. Those who harnessed it could strengthen their minds and bodies like every other lifeform, but like all great powers it was kept secret to only those small groups who held it. However, I couldn''t quite believe it when I witnessed a human being using mana-based skills."


    My mind is spinning at the wordsing from her mouth. So many theories and ideas about other worlds, realms, Qi, and the system itself are being spoken out loud.


    She doesn''t stop at my wide-eyed reaction, and just continues.


    "Once the first human walked through, no other species ever followed. My plentiful realm full of diversity, waned. Instead of receiving new visitors daily, and using this as a realm to interact and grow together; it became a resource mine for the greedy. More and more of my divine energy was stripped away. They came in floods, getting stronger by the day to pull all of the resources they could from the forests, oceans, and skies. My lifeforce was already diminishing, but this only sped up my end."


    The sadness intensifies.


    "It came to the point where I made my peace, that I was not meant to leave an imprint on the system''s history. I lived the longest and brightest life a mortal could have. I epted my end, changing the rules of the construct to only allow those who enter to be granted a limited time before they''re rejected from the realm and unable to enter again. It would keep me alive just a little longer, and spread out the resources of my divine energy stores for generations toe."


    She smiles, and the sadness fades to be curious again.


    "The real world must be a very different ce than I remember. Humans have be strong. One even reached the height of the yellow cores decades ago. That was just around the time where I decided to go into hibernation. He was a young man, a light magic user proficient in Qi."


    The woman smiles and her featureless facees close to mine.


    "I went into eternal sleep shortly after. My assumption was that I would fade away, and in turn help humans strive to be a powerhouse of the local system. Maybe I wouldn''t be remembered, but at least I would help a new lower race begin to grow."


    I still stare back at her with a dazed expression, trying to process all of this while she speaks again.


    "Then, just weeks ago, a Divine Beast entered my Realm for the first time in the history of its creation. I was woken up on my deathbed with a final unexpected chance to directly pull on the strings of fate. I''ve met you... If anything, I should be the one asking you questions. What is happening on the outside? Have the Demons seeded yet in subjugating your world too?"

 Chapter 575

    Chapter 575


    The shimmering purple threads continue to flow out from the crystal and bring reality into existence all around me as I think about herst question.


    "What do you mean? The Demons are trying to take over our world? All they do is guardbyrinths. If anything they''re growing the economy ofrge cities and helping our world thrive... no?"


    All of the times I''ve conversed with demons in the past sh through my mind.


    They''ve all been hostile and human-hating, but I just assumed that was because I was invading their fortresses and trying to kill them. It''s only natural they''d try to kill me in return.


    Even recently, with thebyrinth that I managed to create myself, the demon that spawned in was ready to make a deal with me. I whisper aloud as I remember our agreement.


    "Well... he was adamant about bringing the captured mana back to the Demonic Realm.."


    As I''m deep in thought, the purple energy form starts to walk around me again, and the familiar aura of curiosity spreads out as she interjects.


    "So they''re only on the initial farming phase? Dungeons and Labyrinths spawn, but they haven''t taken control of enough of your world''s mana to spark a stronghold yet, have they?"


    I raise an eyebrow and turn my head to lock my eyes on her form as she continues to dance around.Her words of a stronghold make the image of the abyss in the center of the Dark Continent sh in my mind. Ember''s exnation of dungeons,byrinths, and this phenomenon are simr; however, the fact that he''s a dragon, and a divine beast may give him a strong bias on the matter.


    "You mean a Demon Lord''s Throne awakening? Is this what you mean by a stronghold? If so, there''s definitely one forming..."


    She nods slowly, and the emotions of shock, dread, and a small amount of hope trickle out of her.


    "Yes, that is one of the names they go by. It''s because they often only form in the Demonic Realm. Mostly used as apetition for worthy Arch Demons of the new generations topete to be new Regional Lords..."


    She pauses.


    "Of course, they still expend lots of energy to create. Usually, the formation of a Demon Lord''s throne will use arge amount of an entire world''s energy. Demons are notorious for siphoning energy from young worlds to power their own throne awakenings, especially those that are newly connected to the system."


    She gets very close to my face again.


    "It is umon for them to trigger a throne awakening on other worlds. There is always a series of trials, once the throne is ready, anyone can challenge it. They''re risking a lot of energy to spark one anywhere other than their realm or worlds they''ve already conquered, even if they''re confident in their victory. There must be a reason why they want a stronghold on your human world rather than using this power to strengthen their own."


    An aura of deep thought, distress, confusion, then boredom flood out of the woman before she turns away to start gracefully walking back toward the purple crystal.


    To my surprise, the gem pulses and bes a shade darker than it was moments ago.


    She turns and speaks again.


    "The fallen one granted me a wonderful gift, enough energy to converse with you here, but not nearly enough to say everything I want... It takes enough power for me to hold this construct together on autopilot, having intelligent conversation won''tst much longer. I only wish I could stop history from repeating itself."


    I take a step forward and she does the same, but her right arm dissolves into millions of tiny threads.


    They collide with my forehead as she speaks again.


    "It will be easier if I just show you..."


    My vision and perception of the world around me cease the moment the strands touch my forehead, and it feels as if I''m spectating the perspective of someone else, floating high above a in deep space.


    Half of the is filled with green and blue, while the other half ispletely ck. There is a dreadful aura of Demonic Energy spreading quickly all over the globe before my eyes.


    The perspective I''m viewing from shifts left and right to see multiple other glowing green and cyan-colored entities hovering high in the sky, then turns back to the as it''spletely enveloped.


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    The perspective speeds up, and it looks as though years are passing, traveling through space, passing others covered in ck Demonic Energy.


    The lifeforms travel further and further away to find unaltereds in faraway systems spinning around stars, but the timpse I''m watching speeds up more and more.


    Hundreds of years pass ass without life arepletely ignored. Weakers are drained of mana very quickly and obliterated into dust, and those that have intelligent life, use mana, and are so-called awakened by the system are soon met with the same force that took over the first I witnessed.


    One by one, thes and entire local sr systems are either sucked dry of mana and obliterated, or if their mana signatures are strong enough, thes are taken over with the dark energy. It always starts from a single point, and spreads out in a series of pulses that feel eerily simr to surges and the abyss spreading in the desert of the Dark Continent.


    Hundreds of years pass and I watch the entities run from theses over and over again.


    Some of them change their forms and colors, moving from green to cyan, to dark blue, and eventually purple.


    Some of them leave the group of travelers, while other times new beings join.


    The final memories I see are this being flying far away, further than ever before in any of the past world destructions. Every local sr system she passes, the being drops arge cyan-colored orb down to every.


    Even those infected by the Demonic Energy, every gets an orb. Even those without any mana present on them at all.


    She continues flying out into the endless empty vastness of space, then everything goes ck before I can see what happens next.


    I take a gasp of fresh air as my eyes open and purple tendrils of energy retract from my forehead.


    It feels like I woke up from a very real dream. All of the images shown before me feel as though I witnessed them myself, but are also a bit foggy and foreign.


    I see the purple woman standing before me, now about ? the size she was before she showed me what I can only assume to be glimpses into her memories. Therge floating gem is even darker behind her, and less and less tendrils of energy stream off of it.


    She speaks in the same soothing tone.


    "The process continues, history always repeats itself. They have infected your world, and what''s toe is inevitable. As you now see, no matter how far one runs, if there is mana to devour, the demons will follow. They may spare your world and allow you all to live under their rule, or they may drain your mana and destroy all hopes of bing a powerful race to oppose them."


    She looks up at me.


    "However, I have been asleep for decades. The presence of a Divine Beast, and a powerful human who can challenge the throne may be what creates a change. There have been rare events where worlds fight back in order to battle the Demons. Sometimes other races even challenge the throne to im energy richs as their own when the Arch Demon generations are weaker than usual."


    The woman shrinks again and a rush of a tired aura ripples through me as the gem gets darker again.


    "I don''t have much time left... If you would allow me to search your memories, I can grant you what you need the most with my remaining power. I cannot promise much, but if I can help a human that is bonded with the fallen one; I''ll be directly leaving my mark on history as intended. In myst breath, I will have achieved my final goal."


    Her mouth disappears, and the energy figure looks even more transparent than it was moments ago.


    I nod and begin to reply.


    "Yes, if this is your wish¡ª"


    The second I agree, I feel the purple threads hit my forehead again, and a rush of the woman''s emotions instantly transmit through me. Almost instantly, she removes the strands and steps back with a smile.


    "What a simple world... and what an interesting race... and¡ªwhat a greedy government... I understand now how my rift in this world was monopolized and cut off from the other worlds. You aren''t on good terms with them either, yet you decide to stay so close to your enemies... Again, what an interesting situation."


    A flutter of excitement and curiosity vibrates through the atmosphere as she looks toward me.


    "I''ve decided I will finally copse my realm. I will help you and your familiar Ember to be victorious in your uing battles."


    I raise my hands and reply in a worried tone.


    "Hey¡ªcopsing the realm¡ªwhat do you mean by that? I''m still inside this you know!"


    An amused aura spreads out from her still fading and shrinking form.


    "I know. It won''t be instantaneous. The copse will take enough time for you to use your teleport crystals and leave. I will convert my remaining life force into a powerful artifact that will contain the remains of my living soul. While I won''t be fully conscious, I will still be technically extending my life. It is quite selfish of me to continue on living, but it will help you in both your short-term predicament of concealing your power, and in time your long-term needs, I will help you again once it is time to challenge the throne."


    A final aura of gratefulness mixed with a light bit of joy and sorrow flows through me as her energy form fadespletely away.


    The threads of purple light that were connected to her all fall back into the dark purple gem in the center of the crystal tform, and I''m left all alone in silence.


    The only thing up here to keep mepany is the whistle of the wind.


    A slow and steady flow of purple threads continues toe out of the top of the gem to create the dome-like walls of the construct, but they start to slow down too.


    In less than half a minute, the threads begin to stop flowing entirely.


    The purple stone floats down to touch the reflective surface of the tform and stops spinning too.


    It pulses brightly one time, thenpacts in on itself as if it''spressing its energy and forming into a tight ball.


    Without even realizing it, I''m moved closer to the shrinking crystal and it is also moving closer to me.


    It shes bright, covering my entire vision, and I feel something hot touch one of my fingers.


    In the next moment, the sh ceases, and a new bright purple ring appears on my finger.


    Its purple divine threads start to creep down my arm, and at the same time I look up toward the central point of the construct''s dome top, and it begins to fade away.


    Without the constant stream of purple energy to continue weaving reality, there is nothing at all behind it.


    I stare off into infinite darkness where I see the construct starting to fade away. It spreads quickly, all from the central point, arge circle of darkness begins to descend down on me from above.

 Chapter 576

    Chapter 576


    I pull a teleport crystal from my item storage and crush it in my fist.


    The cloud of divine energy below me is impossible for me to pass through, so this is the fastest and only way down I can foresee.


    A sh of light envelops my whole being seconds before the void of nothingness makes the very tform I stood on a moment ago disappear like it never existed.


    My assumption is if I''m caught up in this too, I''ll dissolve away and return to the real world outside of this construct; however, there are multiple reasons why I don''t want to test this theory out for myself.


    The first is in the case that it may not act the same now that the construct is disappearing for good. Being caught up in the dissolving mass isn''t something I want to test out the end result of. Secondly, I want to leave through the rift itself to meet the association as a normal applicant and not cause any extra unnecessary suspicion. Lastly, I still have many things I want to do inside before it fades awaypletely.


    As my body materializes down by the ocean shore at the top of the mountain where I left my teammates, I immediately locate them with my Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    They''re all less than 50km away farming red cores on the cliffsides like it is just another day.


    I let out an immense wave of telepathy that''s enhanced by the yellow threads of divine energy surging through my body.


    It calls for them all toe back to the tform, and that I have an urgent update for them.At the same time, the purple threads that were creeping up my hand from the ring before now cover my shoulder, and are making their way over my chest.


    They feel warm, but I''m certain they aren''t harmful, and the energy isn''t bonding with me or deteriorating my flesh like the green energy did before.


    After a few seconds, I see my teammates making their way back toward me in my enemy detection skill and their geolocations.


    None of them are in range to respond to me with telepathy, but they definitely heard my message.


    While their points converge on me, the purple threads cover my chest, surround my core, and then start spreading all over my head and down toward the rest of my body too.


    It feels like a warm skin-tight nket is being wrapped around me.


    It seeps into my eyes, covers my arms and legs, then pulses in a light purple hue beforepletely vanishing.


    The bright glowing ring on my finger changes from a blinding attention-catching item to dark purple, simr to the massive crystal''s original dormant color, almost ck and not eye-catching at all on my finger.


    The artifact has bonded with me and activated.


    I feel the same high-pitched ringing sound that I did when Ember''s limiter was ced on me, but instead of having to control my output manually, this limiter feels as if it''spletely intertwined with my being and instincts.


    Purple threads cover my body in a thickyer; however, they''repletely invisible.


    I look down at my chest, and even to me, it looks as if my divine core ispletely gone.


    I raise an eyebrow because it feels like I''m still able to use my yellow threads of energy at full power, and even turn to the ocean while pulling out my sword to test the theory.


    In a single sh, I let out a yellow wave of energy, and my entire being pulses bright yellow, exposing the presence of my core for a split second while I let out the attack.


    The moment I stop and put my sword away, the appearance of me being unawakened and powerlesses back.


    I try the same exact thing for my mana control aura output, as well as soul energy and raw Qi as well.


    I''m extremely d I trained with Ember for days beforeing to this exam to learn what certain mana control levels feel like, because the purple-cored limiter I''m wearing acts in a simr fashion.


    Whatever skills or powers I actively am showing during an active attack are shown in their full glory. However, when I''m standing at rest, the artifact acts as a cloaking device almost. An invisible veil that suppresses all energying off of it to the eyes of an outsider.


    It takes me almost a full minute to get the hang of things before I see Nat, Dane, and Marcie all flying my way after hearing my message.


    The air magic user and spear-wielding tank look and carry themselves almost exactly the same as I left them before.


    Both of their mana controls have far surpassed a billion, making them at the peak of the B-ss hunters. At the rate they''ve been farming these past few weeks, each of them should have hundreds of red fragments.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    They''repletely clean of divine energy, as it''s clear Nat has been healing them and taking the threads that invade their bodies.


    Coming up the rear in their flight path, I see the white-haired healer covered in a bright red aura of threads from cleansing them after theirst kill.


    She activates her healing magic, drinks a regeneration potion, then uses her daggers to channel the excess energy and eject it with a few ming crescents into the sky.


    All three of them drift down to meet me on the shore with a whole new aura of confidence about them.


    I speak up once they hit the ground.


    "To sum things up, I made it to the top and imed this construct''s ultimate prize. It''s about to copse in on itself, and I think it''s best we don''t wait for that to happen."


    All of their eyes open wide while I look up at the sky, then back down at them.


    "So, it''s time to wrap things up. I don''t know if we have seconds, minutes, or hours left; but it''s best not to leave things to chance."


    I turn to the ocean, thinking about the ck orbs that fell from the inds in the sky days ago when the green serpent destroyed the floating obsidian forests.


    Nat speaks up to break my train of thought.


    "What about you? Are youing with us? -And where''s Emrie?"


    I nod, but still look out into the ocean.


    "Yeah- I''ll be following right after you. Emrie... is on his way too. I just need to check onest thing."


    Marcie nods.


    "Very well, don''t have to tell me twice."


    Then, takes a crystal out from her item storage.


    Dane does the same, nodding with a smile and letting the teleport crystal hover above his hand with wind magic.


    "We''ve farmed more than enough to win this thing. We already wiped out our onlypetition."


    I smile, then turn to the teleport tform about 50 meters away and point a hand toward it.


    "Good."


    Without warning, I let a fireball out from my palm wrapped in yellow threads of divine energy and it obliterates every bit of evidence I created one in the first ce, leaving a round crater in its ce.


    All three of their eyes widen as they realize what kind of energy I just used, but none of them say a word about it.


    "I''ll be destroying the one near the rift before I leave too. Just in case this construct spits out any foreign matter, I don''t want any evidence left behind. That means I need your extra teleport crystals too. It''s better if the Apex Region doesn''t find out I have ess to these items when they search you."


    I turn back and each of them gives me any extra teleport crystals they have remaining, leaving only one that leads back to the remaining tform.


    "We''ll speak again after the B-ss awards ceremony. I''m in quite the hurry right now."


    They say a quick goodbye, slightly confused at my sudden words and appearance; but there''s too many things to exin and not enough time to do so. It''s better they just leave and I can give a proper exnation once reality around me isn''t disappearing at an unknown rate.


    The three of them crush their crystals and Iunch myself off deep into the sea.


    My yellow footsteps are left behind in the air, and my yellow core pulses giving off light every time I take a step, but I feel invisible in between strides.


    While covering dozens of kilometers and putting out a wide perception aura, I really get to learn the capabilities of my new limiter to an even deeper level.


    I find that after the initial pulse of my perception aura''s activation, I can still perceive things far away while being under the full stealth of my limiter.


    Using self-regeneration, or any of my stat-boosting buffs that stay inside my body can also be used at their full power without even a drop of mana, qi, or divine threads from leaking through.


    The only downside I face is when I continuously test out my attacks the bright yellow glow of divine energy leaks out. Even if I don''t use my full power, anyone that is knowledgeable enough and has high enough perception can see that there is something suspicious happening here. Not just anyone can awaken a yellow core.


    Every airstep I take pushes me further into the open ocean, hundreds of kilometers fly by, and over an hour of travel time passes before I have another breakthrough.


    After using the limiter so much on autopilot, I begin to feel theyers of purple threads wrapped around and through me ripple and ring ever so slightly every time they allow energy to seep through.


    Over time I begin to dissect the different feelings that allow each energy to pass through and begin to both consciously and subconsciously control the output with far better consistency.


    It gets to the point where I can have the limiterpletely cover the core of my choosing, and dampen that power if I please.


    Instead of throwing a yellow fireball from my fist that''s strengthened by countless yellow threads, making its weight on reality almost ten times as dense; I''m also able to release an unaltered dark red fireball from my fist as well.


    It''s far weaker than my full power, but the yellow divine threads are just held behind the invisible barrier and processed through my body instead of beingbined with the attacks.


    This takes quite a lot of practice, but while continuing my search of the seemingly endless open ocean; it''s the most productive thing to do.


    I practice doing this with my perception aura too, activating my greater form and testing its capabilities with the limiter; using divine energy to search far and wide while also making sure I can still use a pure mana perception aura and also one of Soul Energy too.


    Hours pass, and every airstep I take makes me feel like the danger from above is getting closer and closer.


    At the same time, I feel as if I''vepletely mastered the limiter gifted by the creator of this construct.


    With all this time passing and no change in the environment, it feels as if I''ll never get a reading or find what I''m looking for. I even think about turning back and using a teleport crystal to leave and follow the others.


    However, two equally eerie phenomena hit my senses at exactly the same time. They make me realize I can''t turn back now when I''m so close to getting what I came for.


    The first is a very familiar one, however on a farrger scale.


    The disintegration of reality flows into my senses from above, as a totalck of mass and space is shown to me in my enemy detection and all-seeing eye skill.


    Where there was endless empty sky before, now a ck void descends from above.


    It is massive, gettingrger andrger with every second that passes, like the top of the dome-shaped world I''m living in is melting away.


    What''s remaining is an endless ck void, but that is just what my brain fills in to conceptualize the fact that there is in fact nothing remaining. We''re already in a constructed world outside of space itself, there is only the absence of mass and energy beyond this copsing reality.


    I should crush a crystal right now to leave, but far out in the ocean, I also see a dense ck forest floating on the calm waves. From their newly grown branches, countless red fruits grow and shimmer while scavenger birds fly around them in circles and perch on their slowly growing branches that reach back up toward the sky.

 Chapter 577

    Chapter 577


    I fly closer to the floating forest as the dark void falling down on me expands and descends at a constant rate.


    While it appears at the far edges of my perception, hundreds of kilometers in the air, it''s still rapidly descending, and my assumption is I only have a few more minutes to find a way to transport the trees with me before they''re engulfed in the void of nothingness too and I lose my chance.


    With soul energy and yellow divine threads powering my footsteps through the air, I make my single focus the small clump of obsidian trees.


    Many thoughts race through my mind about how they''ll react to my spatial magic. Ipile multiple tests in an order in which I''ll follow them, just in case the seeds at their cores are harder to capture than I initially anticipated.


    The next few minutes go by in a blur.


    I push myself and make it to the floating forest just in time as the endless void is less than a dozen kilometers overhead.


    With under a minute to perform my tests, I use my heightened senses to open up various spatial magic portals to test things out.


    Some of the trees have grown as high as 100m into the air from where their seeds float in the water, while others have just begun to sprout and haven''t even grown as tall as my greater form.


    I target the smaller trees first.Every time my aura of yellow divine energy or even leftover threads from my footstepses in contact with any of the trees, they immediately pull them in and reach for the sky.


    Surprisingly, not a single purple thread leaves my ring. They all stay tightly intertwined with me.


    I test out a few soul energy-imbued skills, as well as pure Qi and pure mana, and I find something very interesting.


    The dark ck obsidian trees don''t react to these tests at all.


    It''s as if two equally strengthened solid non-magical objects are hitting each other when I try some offensive attacks out of curiosity.


    The mana and Qi bounce off the tree unaltered, and the trees are always left without a dent or even a scratch.


    Following this test, I let one of the smallest saplings fall into my item storage, and it freezes inside in a state of suspended animation just like a normal piece of wood.


    Whatever these organisms are, they only react to divine energy.


    As the ck sky falls closer and closer, I decide I can figure out exactly how they work another time. For now, it''s best I get as many samples as I can for future tests.


    Ipletely suppress all of my divine threads behind my limiter and begin opening up spatial magic portals left and right to allow over a dozen ck obsidian seeds to fall into my item storage.


    By the time thest one within my senses falls into my possession, I don''t waste any more time to wait around. I crush another teleport crystal in my fist to bring me away from the ocean and all the way down the enormous mountain back at the very start of the construct.


    Immediately, I look up to the sky to make sure I traveled far enough away and let out a relieved sigh when I see the sky above me is still blue, so I have a little bit of time left before the construct dissolves down to this point too.


    I re-activate my divine energy-infused aura and allow it to spread throughout the entire forest below the mountain.


    When I first entered this ce, I couldn''t even perceive half of this ck jaguar-infested forest; now I can see every rock and tree inside it with perfect rity all the way to the cliffside.


    Considering the speed at which the void was descending above before, I most likely still have less than half an hour in these woods before this entire construct disappears.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the vition.


    Far off in the center of the forest, I get an enemy detection reading of a lightning mage slowly making his way through the thick trees.


    I smirk while sting off with divine energy-powered airsteps in its direction.


    In the surrounding woods, and up the cliffside, there are a few other stragglers from the Vice and Veridian regions still farming, because technically there are still a few days left in this 28 day long event. However, no one could have foreseen what''s happening to the construct now.


    I ignore them all and blip through the air with a single focus in mind.


    I clear over a hundred kilometers into the center of the forest, and once I finally get within range of my target, the sky above turns dark again.


    I dive down into the trees and don''t even try to keep myself hidden or my intentions subtle as Ie crashing down into the rocky forest to create a massive crater in front of the still badly injured hunter being torn apart by red divine threads from the inside. He''s clearly going through the withdrawal symptoms from eating the red fragments without his body being ready.


    Once the dust clears and I stand before him with my arms crossed, the apex hunter''s eyes widen and he coughs up even more of his blood.


    However, that doesn''t stop him from charging his body with electricity and pulling a handful of red and orange fragments from his item box.


    "It''s- You! I knew I''d find you! The Bedrock Region will pay! All of you will pay! I can finally get my revenge! I''ll show you once and for all the Apex Region is greater than all the other regionsbined." He yells out with sleep-deprived eyes and a battle-crazed stare.


    I let out a sigh as he brings the fragments to his lips.


    My gaze moves to the sky as I still sense the void descending, and shake my head while whispering under my breath. "I gave you more than enough chances to change, this is truly just who you are... It''s time for you to give up, Trax. This is getting sad."


    I activate my mana maniption skill, binding its malleable form with yellow divine energy and telekinesis to perfect the fine movements and shoot out an orb of energy toward the blood-stained hunter to knock the handful of fragments out of his grasp.


    Next, the yellow orb of light expands and turns into many impossibly tough yellow ropes that wrap around the hunter''s neck, arms, and legs. I lift him in the air, unable to move, with an angry and disgusted expression on his face while I push him up against a tree about 5 meters away.


    He starts to yell out again, presumably an insult or degrading other regions for no good reason, but I shut him up by activating intimidation and confusion to st his psyche with an attack that would knock out an enemy ten times his strength.


    The hunter''s eyes turn white, and he falls to the floor of the forest while I use plunderer and lifesteal to bring both his MP and HP below 5%.


    The moment they do, I get the mythic grade absorption notification that allows me to steal skills without killing the enemy, and I allow the red soul energy to wrap around his body without hesitating at all.


    Secondster, a skill orb with extreme grade lightning summoning falls into my storage.


    I think about whether or not I should kill him here and send him back to the association asleep like this, or let the mysterious void envelop him.


    Either way, there''s a risk that he''ll tell this story, and my meticulously crafted hunter identity will be linked to someone who can take skills from people''s status. While it wouldn''t be the end of the world, it would be a waste of time and effort for putting up this facade for so long.


    My mind races while the endless void continues to descend.


    Then, a perfect ideaes to mind.


    I pull out an item from my storage that I crafted by ident when I was first ying with the limits of my mythic grade plunderer skill, then read its description.


    ---


    [Enchanted Lizardman''s w Pendant][+55% Mental Strength][Plunderer Attribute][Cursed]


    [Cursed Item Created!] The holder of this item will lose 1% of their remaining MP every minute. If the item holder hits 10% of their original max MP with this cursed item still on their person, even if MP is restored and the item is removed, the item effects will not leave the user''s status.


    ---


    I rename the pendant to [Unknown Item][Cursed] and in my mythic grade craftsman skills editor interface, Ipletely scramble all of its descriptions with question marks and random jumbled letters.


    Next, I use telekinesis to ce the cursed item around Trax''s neck, and it appears on his status instantly, and the slow MP drain activates automatically.


    Without any indicators of what exactly this item does, it at least covers my tracks and the disappearance of his skill can be attributed to an incurable curse rather than someone''s skill.


    I pull my de from my item storage and shove it through the unconscious hunter''s chest the next moment, and show a satisfying smile as he disappears and leaves the construct. This arrogant hunter will never wield lightning magic again, and will certainly not live up to the standards of being the chosen one of this year''s top Apex Region B-ss applicants.


    "d that''s over..." I murmur to myself while staring up at the sky, putting away my sword and crushing a teleport crystal toe back to the edge of the forest with the cyan blue rift within my sight.


    I walk over, letting out a divine energy-imbued fireball behind me to destroy thest remaining teleport tform, then stop about 20 meters in front of the rift that leads back to the association.


    There''s just one more problem I have to solve... If I walk through this rift without my partner Emrie Carter from the Bedrock Region, there are going to be quite a lot of questions I''m unable to answer.

 Chapter 578

    Chapter 578


    The sky darkens as I sit in front of the rift and close my eyes, reaching into the far corners of my mind to think of possible ideas.


    After a few seconds, I get up and begin testing everything I''ve thought of.


    I open my status and scroll through, trying to activate my body double skill many times, but nothing happens because all three of my doubles are still alive and well back in the real world.


    I even attempt to create lifelike manifestations of Emrie out of earth magic, pure mana, and even try water magic, but none of them portray levels, and it''s very difficult to make a voicee out of an inanimate object.


    The ck sky continues to descend, not caring for myck of time, which only makes me speed up my scrolling and pushes me to think of even more out-of-the-box ideas.


    Then, in a final moment of desperation, scrolling through everything I have, one skill pops out at me, and I open it up to read its description.


    ____________________


    Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    Info: Dark Magic allows the caster to summon darkness. It is the absence of light. Or, the absence of magic itself. If Dark Magic shes with any pure mana-based attack, it will negate the opponent''s attack proportional to the amount of MP the enemy is exerting.An [Advanced Grade] hidden ability: The MP necessary to negate attacks thrown by elemental skills by the opponent only need to exert 25% of the attack''s MP to negate it.


    An [Extreme Grade] hidden ability: Portals of shadows can be created within the caster''s mana control aura and can allow items or portions of the caster''s body to phase through it as long as they stay touching the caster.


    A [Superior Grade] hidden ability: A single opponent killed by the caster may be resurrected in the form of shadows. The remains of this opponent must be sacrificed to the shadows, and only one contract may be created at a time. Once a new contract is created, the old one will disappear. The shadow soldier will be reborn at the level it was killed, but may gain exp to level up and increase its mana control naturally. Its experience points will be split evenly with the caster while it is walking in the world of the living. This resurrected form is capable of expressing free will, but their link to the world of the living can be severed by the caster at any time. If the shadow summon is killed, its level and mana control will decrease by 10% once it is summoned again.


    Grade: Superior


    [Upgrade]


    ____________________


    I haven''t used this skill at all, other than passively the few times I tested out the sword I made out of the Lich King''s Dark Stone and Scythe.


    The Superior Grade hidden ability is the one that catches my attention.


    I recall the Lich King creating a summoned soldier in our battle. It may have been obliterated by me in a single strike, but it did, in fact, have a level, and ording to this, the shadow summon has free will but only at the whims of its master.


    One of the terms of using this perk is that I have to sacrifice the remains of the enemy to create a summon.


    There are only two corpses in my item storage avable to me right now. The first is the corpse of the mountain king, the monster from the Vice Citybyrinth. I don''t know much about it, and if it still has ties or deep-rooted loyalty to the Association. I didn''t even hear it speak out loud at all during our battle.


    Most importantly, I still need to let its body dissolve inside the Labyrinth in order to trigger the transfer magic for the next floor. I can''t risk severing my ess to such a great farming resource, so this isn''t a viable option for me.


    The second corpse I have availible is the bones of the Lich King that I''ve been keeping locked away in my storage.


    It has no ties with the Association and is an intelligent creature that can speak. While it may have resentment toward me personally, I get the feeling there will be a far higher chance of my sess with this monster than trying anything else.


    Divine Beast or not, I defeated this monster when I was far weaker than I am now. This fact,bined with the shadow contract allowing me to make the summon disappear at any moment, makes me feel even more confident in this decision.


    If not this, then I''m going to be jumping through this rift without an exnation for my lost ally.


    While I could make up a lie of Emrie''s demise within the construct,ing back with a copy of him will be far more profitable for me in the long run if I can pull it off.


    With the dark sky descending upon me, I calcte there is less than two minutes remaining before this entire pocket world ispletely gone.


    With a sigh, I open up my item storage and let the massive bone remains of the Lich King that I''ve been holding onto for so long out to form a pile on the floor. The absorption notification to allow me to im the monster''s buff [Curse of The Lich King] is still avable on its remains, but I''ve made up my mind not to ept that ability.


    I ce my open palm on the floor while activating my Dark Magic and concentrating on the shadow summoning ritual.


    A pulse of pure dark energy ejects from my palm and opens a massive ck circle on the ground.


    It looks almost as dark as the sky above, but I don''tpare the two and just concentrate on what''s happening in front of me.


    The bones of the massive skeleton fall into the darkness that I''ve created, and I hear a ding sound in my head and a status screen appears in my consciousness.


    Shadow Summon: Lich King


    [Lv. 3642]


    A list of all of its stats shows up in my mind''s eye too, and I curiously read them all as an enormous ck skeleton rises from the circr shadow I''ve created.


    The only difference between it and the Lich King I faced on the battlefield in the Dark Continent is the fact that it has no Scythe, no Cloak, no Soul Energy, no Demon Cores, and no Dark Magic at all.


    It does still hold two buffs:


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ??[Curse of The Lich King][0/2500]


    [Greater Form of The Dark God]


    It seems as though it has no one under its curse now, and it is still able to stay in this massive Dark Form.


    At the center of its chest, I see a small silver core of threads shimmering and spinning in circles at a fast rate, but a simr mental block hits me to the same extent as when I peered into Ember''s core in the past.


    This time, however, I''m able to stare at it for almost a full tenth of a second and analyze it, realizing it doesn''t have the golden threads that Ember''s does.


    As interesting as it is, my mind is still pushed away from it subconsciously, and I focus on the task at hand, scanning its stats and abilities more.


    Below this, at the bottom of its status, I see another small screenbeled [Modes]


    [Dormant] - Default


    [Command]


    [Battle]


    [Free Reign]


    The Default mode is set on dormant. The massive ck summoning circle beneath the skyscraper-sized skeleton shrinks and disappears leaving the rocky ground un-altered beneath it. The ck skeleton continues staring forward as if it''s still frozen in time.


    It''s in a dormant state right now, and I don''t know what will happen if I change it to the other modes, so I just yell out to it to see if it will follow my orders.


    "Deactivate your Greater Form Buff! I need you to shrink down to my size!"


    The ck skeleton just stares off at attention, unmoving and unthinking as the void above continues to rapidly fall faster.


    It''s less than 50 kilometers away now, and I''m sure there''s under a minute left before it envelops the rift and everything on this cliffside.


    I grit my teeth, and think carefully while scanning over the possibilities.


    The next mode avable is [Command] it will most likely allow me to give it orders, and do exactly as Imand.


    The mode beneath it is [Battle]. My instincts tell me this will put the summon into high alert and fend off or attack anything in its surroundings.


    Just looking at thest option, [Free Reign] makes me shiver for a moment. This one is self exnatory, and I don''t n on allowing this mode to be activated any time soon.


    The massive ck skeletons'' overwhelming aura seeps out of its body even in this dormant state. I can feel its evil nature ring down at me even while its mind and control is locked away behind the shadow summoning ritual. The stench of death still permeates out from it, and its mana control would easily knock out any hunters below the double ranked up status just from being this close to it.


    Aftering to a quick decision, I yell out again.


    "Switch Modes. Command mode!"


    The interface at the bottom of its status shifts.


    [Dormant]


    [Command] - Selected


    [Battle]


    [Free Reign]


    I yell out again for it to deactivate its buff and shrink back down to my size.


    The moment themand leaves my lips, the mindless shadow form of the skeleton does exactly that.


    It stands at attention, and my mind races for even more ideas.


    The sky gets darker and darker, and the endless light source that was lighting up this construct before dims.


    The entire forest turns dark, and it feels like it''s turning to night, simultaneously pressuring me to work faster as the seconds tick by.


    I dig through my storage and pull out an old ck cloak, a minotaur''s horn, item box, and handfuls of mana crystals to get to work.


    I begin imbuing my newly upgraded legendary grade conceal skill into the cloak to specialize it for visual effects, while I make the minotaur horn into a pendant solely worn to alter one''s status. At the same time, I throw a few red divine fragments into an item box for him to wear around his waist.


    At the same time, I create 3D lifelike images of the hunter Emrie Carter that Ember was impersonating before and speak to the paralyzed Lich King before me to give it anothermand.


    "Use this gear, and impersonate the hunter before you. Change your appearance to match his."


    My gaze looks up at the sky, then back to the Lich while I use conceal to change my own form and begin talking in Emrie''s voice to give my nextmand.


    "This is how you must speak. Use this voice, and no others. I need you to be this identity. Your name is Emrie Carter until I tell you otherwise. We''re on an infiltration mission, there will be no room for errors. Do as Imand, read the room, and follow my lead."


    My heart beats more and more while the Lich does as I say, taking the newly created cloak, putting it on to shift the ck shadow-filled skeletal form it has into a lifelike image of the bedrock region''s hunter.


    He ties the item box around his waist, and then wordse out of his lips.


    "Of course, master, this is an easy feat."


    The orange-haired fire wielder looks me straight in the eyes, and I wouldn''t be able to tell the difference if it wasn''t for the overwhelming mana control aura pouring off him, as well as the fact that his status shows all of his original information.


    I send a telepathy message into the Lich King''s psyche next.


    "I''ll be able tomunicate faster this way, can you hear me?"


    "Yes." Is all I get as a response before I begin showing the Divine Beast puppet how to alter his status to match the bedrock Region Hunter''s was.


    I feel a ripple of dark disdain pour off of the summon, but Emrie''s face still keeps its smiling impression.


    With the high pressure of this situation, I can''t tell if I''m hallucinating this, or if the monster''s emotions are really leaking out from behind this skill.


    Less than 15 seconds remain while I try to solve the final problem before me.


    The Lich has unimaginably high mana control, enough to rival the A-ss hunters in strength if he walked in there like this.


    Another order blurts out through our link before I can think of the possible consequences.


    "I need you to make a limiter. You''re a Divine Beast, you can do that right? Something that will hide your mana control... It only needs to be for a small amount of time. Just enough to keep up appearances once we walk through that rift."


    I turn toward the Lich, and it doesn''t respond for a moment while putting its hands in the air in front of its face to focus on something.


    The moment it does, I realize what an absurd request that was. The limiter that Ember made for me took him almost a year inside an istion pod to fully heal from. However, the quick response isn''t one that I fully expected.


    "In this shadow form, my body cannot tire, so it can be done. I can create a limiter that willst one hour, but my Immortal Core will be dormant for quite a while afterward."


    As the sky continues to disappear, a bright silver light forms between the creature''s hands.


    My heart beats faster and faster as reality shrinks around us, and the silver light glows brighter.


    Ten seconds pass before the light finally hits its maximum luminosity, lighting up the darkened world around us far brighter than the cyan rift.


    It disperses in a sh, and I instantly feel the overwhelming dreadful aura of the Lich King vanish.


    Without thinking any longer, I grab the replica of Emrie Carter by the shoulder and start running toward the rift.


    "That will do! Limit your output to that of a level 600 hunter, do this for me, and maybe I''ll reconsider leaving you in suspended animation for eternity once we''re done here."


    Again, I feel a faint aura of envy and darkness pulse out from the Lich while it calibrates its output to a level 600 hunter. However, during the shift, I feel an odd aura that feels like one of minor respect, like the Lich is giving me a mental handshake for myst remark.


    Everything is happening so fast, so I don''t dwell on the minor changes around me and push through. I''m more focused on the feeling of extreme relief that washes through me realizing that with just seconds to spare I really managed to pull it off. I imed everything I could from this construct, and the Association won''t be even suspicious in the slightest.


    I load my own item box up that will be searched by the Association with a single item. It''s one that I believe will simultaneously make it seem like I never made it up the cliffside and up past the ocean at all, but will also score me enough points to keep my number-one ranking.


    We both jump through the rift as reality copses and disappears into the endless void behind us.


    Bright cyan light fills my vision, and the ringing of bells chimes in my ears, then my feet fall onto the hard mana shielding of the Apex Region''s test site, right back in the same square room I started in almost a month ago.


    Over two dozen people fill the room, but my mind is elsewhere as I try to make sense of the hundreds of unexpected system notifications that barrage my psyche.


    ¨C


    [Level Transfer]


    [Level Up] x816


    [MCP Transfer]


    [+19,743,387,910,550 MCP]


    [Skill Transfer]


    [Imbuement][Mythic Grade]


    [Barrier Creation][Mythic Grade]


    [Flight][Mythic Grade]


    [Area Buff][Mythic Grade]


    [Mind Pce][Mythic Grade]


    [Astral Spears][Mythic Grade]


    [sh Step][Mythic Grade]


    [Call of The Void][Mythic Grade]


    [Crystal Creation][Mythic Grade]


    [Heavy Hand][Mythic Grade]


    [Additional Stat Transfer]


    [+6,118 Strength]


    [+4,004 Mental Strength]


    [+1,992 Speed]


    [+1,901 Agility]


    [+1,885 Defense]


    [Additional PP Transfer]


    [+105 PP]


    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [1589/1000 Links of Loyalty Created]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Ruler''s Gaze]

 Chapter 579

    Chapter 579


    The roomes into focus around me, and I can''t help but stare at my status screen in my mind''s eye as all of these notifications go off like ring rms in my head.


    My body doubles have been farming this entire time I''ve been inside the construct, and for whatever reason, all ess to my system has been cut off until now when I''ve returned.


    A massive surge of power flows into me as my base stats nearly double in an instant from all of the extra stat points awarded, and my mana control goes through the roof as I''m awarded trillions of MCP.


    My level skyrockets to 3087, and 10 new mythic-grade skills are added to my status.


    It''s an overwhelming amount of power to receive all at once.


    Even so, my gaze is still steady, and I automatically adjust my mana control output through my limiter to not cause any extra suspicion.


    I take a deep breath and take a mental picture of my surroundings as I walk out from the cyan rift with the Lich King in disguise by my side.


    The first thing I notice is every single one of the hunters that I left behind to be swallowed by the void is in this room now, breathing heavily all in a circle near the walls.


    It seems they were transported back here, so my efforts in creating a copy of Emrie as a cover-up were not in vain.The second thing I notice is Trax still unconscious on the floor while the high-level B-ss healer woman tries to bring him back.


    It''s clear that his health has been restored just from being brought out of the construct, but his MP is falling, and his skill is still missing. He''s unconsciously shaking from the withdrawals of the red fragments even though surprisingly I don''t sense a single red thread inside his body now.


    Being ejected from the realm rather than leaving the normal way must give different results.


    Ie to this conclusion not only because my core and limiter are still in perfect shape, but because I see my three teammates at the opposite side of the room, as they left hours before me.


    The three of them are already treated and healed, but there are faint red threads still lingering in their bodies.


    My gaze lifts up to the ceiling next as I see the live rankings showing only 8 people with points on the board.


    There is Nat, Marcie, and Dane all taking up the top three spots with 284, 261, and 240 stones respectively from their hauls.


    Below them, there are the two water wielders from the Vice Region that I remember making gear for; they have 71 and 66 points.


    Next on the list is the Phantom Region''s single contestant, and he has 50 points.


    Below this, there are 2 unknown applicants from the Veridian Region that were not even in the top 12 before this 5th stage started. Both of them have 1 single point on the board.


    My best guess is they used up all of their energy and resources to defeat 2 red cores and left the construct far before the time was up.


    I know exactly what happened with my teammates, but I don''t see the Vice Region hunters nor the Phantom Region''s lone applicant remaining either.


    They must have also left the construct very early for their own reasons.


    While it may have been perceived as a disadvantage at the time, leaving others to continue farming, it actually worked out in their favor.


    Every other name on the list is greyed out.


    They were all eliminated early on from dying inside the domain, including all of the Apex Region''s applicants. Everyone else that was still farming and trying to get points up until thest minute was eliminated by the descending void, and just like Trax''s red threads, all matter that was farmed inside the construct disappeared.


    After hearing Celia''s story about the time limits put on her pocket world, making greedy humans suffer a loss of their hard work farming her energy now makes perfect sense.


    I smirk inwardly to myself as the entire blue rift starts to disappear behind me.


    By the time I take a second deep breath, the divine portal is gone.


    It shrinks back into the spherical cyan stone on the center table of the room, and before everyone''s eyes, the artifact shatters into pieces then the shards fade from blue to white before quickly disintegrating into dust.


    There are gasps that fill the room, and the two A-Rank guards move to surround myself and the disguised Lich.


    One of them speaks out loud. "Hands up! Make yourself avable for search, we will calcte your points."


    It''s the fire user.


    He steps in front of Emrie, and as he does I notice both of the hunter''s arms are missing. He''s using a simr technique to when I''ve seen monsters lose limbs mid-battle, creating golden soul energy manifestations of his arms so that he can continue his duties. On the cutoff points right below his shoulders, it appears to be glowing with residue from a very familiar royal blue soul energy.


    The wounded areas are covered up well by his gear and a denseyer of the Sun God''s Soul Energy , but my eyes can see far more than the average hunter right now...


    A million theories run through my mind, and my curiosity only grows as the wind user approaches me from the opposite side and he''s missing a hand and a leg. The same technique of golden soul energy is used to allow the man to walk. Near his wounds, there is another familiar energy signature, bright green soul energy residue seeps from his wounds that cannot be healed.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    He speaks up to me too, "Arms up, allow me to search you now, Hunter Ray Anderson."


    I do as he says, and the manifestation of Emrie does the same by my side.


    The two A-Ranked guards pull our item boxes from our waists, and begin to look inside.


    My mind wanders elsewhere, thinking of Maria and Abby, as it''s as clear as day that the soul energy residue on these guards belongs to them.


    Immediately, I check my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface and see that their geolocations are still deep inside the dark continent, however a brand new interface is blinking in front of my eyes next to each of their live status screens.


    [Contact]


    I mentally pause for a moment, then remember thest notification that popped up when the hundreds of notifications hit my psyche moments ago.


    I quickly take a look at the details of my new [Ruler''s Gaze] perk.


    __________


    [New Perk Unlocked: Ruler''s Gaze]


    Info: The caster can create amunication channel with any subordinate under their rule with an active link of loyalty. While amunication link is created, the caster can see through the eyes of their subordinate in real time.


    The caster may borrow 5% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from all subordinates under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor. In addition, 5% of the caster''s Base Stat Points and Mana Control may be temporarily distributed to any subordinate under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk are not required to be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    This additional buff stacks with the [Power Holder] perk if used simultaneously.


    __________


    The fire-wielding guard pours out the contents of the item box Emrie Carter had, and counts out 11 red divine fragments, lighting up his name on the leaderboard right below the Phantom Region''s slot.


    The A-ss hunter ces the fragments in a containment case with the Association''s logo on it.


    It pains me to even see this small amount of energy go to waste and put into the hands of the Association, I could have just given the 1 or 2 stones instead and it would have given the same effect.


    Even so, the activities in this room are pushed to the back of my mind as I press [Contact] on both Abby and Maria''s names.


    Instantly, I feel a 3-waymunication channel form.


    It feels simr to telepathy, but the moment I say "Hello? Maria? Abby? It''s Jay... can you hear me?" I realize the link is far more crisp and directly transferring information into the receivers'' psyche than a delicate telepathy channel.


    Maria''s voice is the first one I hear back. "Yes! Jay- Where are you? I don''t sense your presence-"


    She''s cut off by Abby next "Hello? Yes- I can hear you- what is this?"


    It feels like we''re all standing in a small room and our echoing voices are in each other''s heads as I reply.


    "I''m still at the Hunter''s exams... In the Apex Region. I unlocked a new ability of long-rangemunication... Based on the wounds on these A-ss hunters, it seems you''ve been busy too..."


    Maria''s voice echoes out right after this.


    "You''re with them? You know the Association tried to attack us while you were gone! They were spouting me Emperor this, me Emperor that! You didn''t anger them? Or expose yourself, did you?"


    I pause for a moment, but reply honestly.


    "I didn''t expose myself, no. They have no idea I''m here. My disguise is perfect. However, the me Emperor may have angered some parties here... It seems they really have eyes out in the Dark Continent..."


    I want to ask them about everything that happened, but it would be a lot faster if my body doubles catch me up on the details.


    Next to both of their names, now I see a new buttonbeled [Spectate].


    I speak up again while pondering whether or not to press it.


    "Considering you two are alive and well, I take it you fended them off with ease? How''s the city? I can see it''s grown in poption, but have no idea how it''s doing. I never expected to be away for a whole month..."


    Abby responds.


    "We handled it, but I doubt they''re going to take the losses we gave them lightly. You know A-ss hunters are a sign of military status for a country. If other nations hear of this news, there may be some powers outside of the Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions that will begin to dwell in these matters..."


    I stare down at the [Spectate] button again, bing immensely curious about how this battle between the Crimson City and A-ss hunters unfolded.


    I get to the point while the item box around my waist is picked up by the A-ss wind user.


    "I have another feature unlocked as well, it allows me to see through your eyes while our link here is activated. I''d like to see how the City is doing, and if you could fill in one of my body doubles that would be great. I can see through its memories exactly what happened."


    Maria''s voice rings out next without any hesitation.


    "Use it on me first!"


    Abby''s voice echoes through the channel next.


    "We''re together at the moment, so I don''t know how helpful a double view will be, but you can use it on me if you''d like too."


    Out of curiosity, I press [Spectate] on both of their interfaces, but nothing happens.


    -


    Underground, beneath Valor City, as the two hunters are continuing to cultivate Qi in the mines beneath the center of the city, two blue text boxes pop up in front of their eyes.


    [ept Spectator]


    -


    As both of them click ept, my mind feels as if it''s being split into three pieces.


    All of my senses be scrambled, and I get an incredibly dizzy feeling.


    I feel like I''m living three lives at once.


    In one of my visions, I see the A-ss wind user sifting through my item box with his remaining good hand.


    Then, in the other two, I see Abby and Maria both sitting on the ground in the Qi crystal room, but I see them from the other''s perspective.


    It''s not only sight, I can perceive the Qi floating through the air and walls around them from the mana and Qi senses of both of their auras. Even smell, touch, and fine tuned hearing is transmitted through the spectator link.


    I watch them both stand up and pull teleport crystals out of their item boxes, then Abby speaks up through the link.


    "Did it work?"


    I want to hold my head and shut off the link from how bizarre this is, but I reply instantly.


    "Yes."


    Then both of their visual fields and senses are filled with blinding white transfer magic.


    The hunters walk up out of the basement of the guildhall, through the incredibly crowded but orderly lobby, and out into the streets of the Crimson City. There are so many new faces, I hardly recognize 1 in every 5 people.


    I get two points of views down opposite directions in the streets as they look both ways, then fly into the air to look down on the growing city. The longer I watch their perspectives, the more I get used to the odd sensation of living 3 simultaneous lives in my head at once. I can''t interact with the world from their eyes, but I can sense their actions and talk with them in real-time through a link.


    Once we''re high enough in the air, I notice that there have been many more major construction projects that happened while I was gone.


    The entire center city is finished and thriving with local business and the streets are filled with both normal citizens and groups of hunters. Anotherrge area of apartment buildings and grocery stores has been made near the new shops where one of thest remaining empty lots in the inner city was left unused before.


    Outside of the Crimson dome, the outer city has grown almost 5 times asrge too. It is full of smaller restaurants, hotels, and trading posts avable to travelers who have not sworn their loyalty to gain ess to the inner city.


    Trade routes have been built off in every direction reaching deep into the desert to link to all the nearby towns and linking us to the other major Sectors in the Dark Continent.


    I enjoy the view and think of all the possibilities for a thriving future as Abby and Maria pinpoint my surveince double doing its rounds flying high in the sky.


    They wave each other down, then Maria exins what''s happening in simple and quick terms.


    The double sends out a burst of telepathy to one of the other doubles in the area nearby to take over surveince as it flies into the sky higher away from the two hunters'' eyes to deactivate itself


    The second it does, a month''s worth of memories start shing through my mind and everything starts to make sense.


    At the same time, back in the Apex Region, the A-ss guard pulls a bright red fruit out of my item box and all the attention in the room turns toward me.

 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580


    The memories of the entire month of surveince over the Crimson Citye rushing back to me.


    Just after my main body left for the exams, another order of materials was picked up by my double in Vice City.


    All of the new apartments, grocery stores, businesses, streets, and instations to the outer city that I witnessed through the eyes of Maria and Abby be far clearer to me.


    The trade routes that stretch out of Sector 2 now connect to many viges in Sectors 3 and 1, and the construction is still in progress to wrap all the way around the Dark Continent to reach Sector 4.


    To fill the new grocery stores, the Sector 3 trade deals have progressed nicely. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and livestock are being transported from the various farming towns.


    Now instead of sending body doubles to the 8 Great Regions to import food, over 80% of the produce can be purchased from the source.


    The remaining necessities are still sourced from Sra and Vice City''s bulk supermarkets.


    As the roads are being built off far into the Dark Continent, more and more people are visiting the town, and dozens of people are forming links of loyalty every day to enter the inner city to gain ess to the dungeons as well as find jobs to live a better life than out in the poverty of the smaller viges.


    One of my doubles has been hard at work farming element stones from the 39th floor, imbuing them with mythic-grade plunderer, and copsing rogue dungeons far away from viges all throughout the entire continent.Hundreds more luminite fragments have been farmed and ced into a containment case thanks to Bri, and they''re kept in storage beneath the guildhall.


    Using the farmed mana, the Labyrinth grows at a steady rate.


    With a double working on building up its floors as its sole task 24/7, the number of floors begins to rise very quickly.


    In just a week, my double manages to grow thebyrinth up to 40 floors.


    Instead of only having one monster per floor like the setup in Vice City, mybyrinth is programmed differently. There is only a boss room at the top; all of the other floors spawn monsters regrly like normal dungeons.


    This means once the floors above 40 are created, full training areas with double-ranked-up creatures begin to spawn in one after another.


    The following week brings thebyrinth up to floor 50, and my doubles find a clear difference in patterns on these new floors.


    After the 40th floor, the level of monsters rises at a much faster rate than the floors below.


    The 41st is full of double-ranked-up Elite Ice Golems all between level 1075 and 1110, while in the 42nd, there are massive winged bat-like creatures that fly high above ck mountains ranging from level 1200 to 1240.


    Every floor that follows above this follows the same pattern, rising by roughly 100 levels.


    The 50th floor has monsters that surpass level 2000, and as the memories of all these events rush through my mind, Ie to the logical conclusion that for my own level to reach what it has, the floors must have hit 60 or higher by the end of the month.


    Each time more mana is added to thebyrinth, some floors tend to spawn mutants and the levels fluctuate slightly, but each time the next floor is added they settle down ande back to a stable state.


    The specific body double that I''m watching now takes a different shift, but it doesmunicate with one of my doubles that helps train the army of recruits.


    They all begin training in the Labyrinth under close supervision. No one other than close allies and members of the Crimson Army are permitted to enter the Labyrinth, and a body double must be present at all times.


    While none of them can increase the MCP at rapid rates without my absorption skill, they do have enough prior training and power to face off against some of these high-level monsters. No creatures in thebyrinth have soul energy or Qi; they''re just in mana manifestations.


    By the end of the third week of my leave to go to the exams, everyone in the army has trained up to levels 1300-1500 and have be even more formidable warriors.


    I catch a few glimpses of Fisher, Lydia, Abby, and Maria all training in the Labyrinth as well every time Ie back to check on the town; however, I don''t see exactly how much they''ve progressed just yet in their long months of Qi training. This is because this body double has been out on a very specific alternate mission for a bulk of the memories I receive in the following weeks.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    It heads off, deep into Sector 3 where the dungeon break happened when I made my initial dealings with the head farmer.


    Using this point of ess, my double spreads out to locate every single dungeon in the entire sector, looking for new skills and unique monsters to gain powers from.


    There are a few found here, but the bulk of the 10 new mythic-grade skillse from my next week of explorations in the Talton Region''s jungle.


    Thanks to the leader graciously allowing me to see one of their dungeons, I have an ess point to their region and use stealth to explore their entire dungeonwork out there as well.


    There is one final bit of good news that my double witnesses once I make it back to the Crimson City again after this mission.


    I do my weekly check-in on Lith and Monk in Valor City.


    Over thest three weeks, they have begun their methods of Qi rejuvenation on all of the past Valor City Arena fighters that were inflicted by the curse of the Lich King.


    Just like Monk''s master, every single one of them starts to have small bursts of energy throughout the day that increase in length after every session.


    With my main body''s leave from the city, the extra Qi pills that I was using to build the Soul Energy barrier around the Crimson City are all put to great use; many of the fighters are able to get out of their beds and walk about like normal for almost an hour a day now.


    Even if they''re all full of energy now, their status screens are stillpletely wiped clean.


    My main body is the only one capable of extracting skill orbs because it is a function of mixing my mythic-grade absorption perk with soul energy.


    The n is to give them the option of joining the Crimson Army once they''re healed, and offer them elemental skills once they''re ready.


    However, long-term exposure torge quantities of Qi during their treatments administered by Monk has awakened their pathways to use this energy as well.


    Many of the fighters practice cultivating and channeling their Qi in their limited time while they''re awake. These are elite fighters from all over the Dark Continent after all; it''s not like they''re going to give up their aspirations to be strong warriors just because of a single defeat like this.


    At this point, as my double makes it back to the Crimson City to take another week-long shift of surveince after a sessful mission of skill farming this past week; Ie back to see a sight I wasn''t exactly expecting.


    I watch through the memories of my double as it walks out from the bunker below the guildhall, greeting all of the new staff working to buy, sell, and keep track of resources farmed from the canyon of dungeons.


    The order quantities from the Great Regions and Dark Continent Sectors have skyrocketed, but thankfully, so has the poption of links of loyalty in the city. The poption just recently passed 1000.


    With this in mind, every day is usually a cheerful one in the city, but once I walk outside of the guildhall into the streets beneath the Crimson Dome, I instantly feel an ominous aura ripple through the air.


    It feels as if gravity waves are permeating through the atmosphere from a single point.


    My enemy detection skill does a scan of my surroundings, and my urgency on the matter increases when I sense dozens of skilled fighters above level 900 outside the dome in a very symmetrical battle formation.


    asionally, there are some interesting and strong hunters that stop by, but their readings rarely pass level 500. None have ever been this high, and the fact that they''re all element users with identical armor and weapons can''t be a coincidence either.


    An organization is here, and I need to figure out why...


    I fly up to the top of the dome to near the source of the odd energy, and one of my other doubles waves me down to point out the problem.


    There are two figures also floating in the air outside of the Crimson City''s protection barrier.


    The instant I see them, I scan their stats as well, and can hardly believe the ratings I''m seeing.


    They are definitely the leaders of whatever group has shown up.


    One of them is a level 2759 wind magic user, and the other is even stronger at level 2840 with a fire magic skill on his status.


    Their gear percentage buffs are astronomically high, simr to my own, and they both have a very odd red light rippling out from their eyes and chest.


    Looking back at my memories now, I can tell this is the power of a red divine core glowing in both of their chests, however to my body double; the undetectable red light that glows around their whole being is a total mystery to me.


    The status buff of [The Sun God''s Curse Mark] is present on both of their status screens too, so my assumption in the moment is that it is another soul energy ability I''m incapable of seeing in this lesser form that my body doubles have only being able to sense mana-based skills.


    Whatever the case is, I go into full alert mode and instruct the other double via telepathy to go to Valor City to bring all of our avable fighting power here immediately.


    It disappears in a sh of white light using a transport crystal to bring itself to the Galeheart tower and to go find Abby and Maria cultivating in the Qi mines.


    My perspective stays behind and stares the two men down that float in the sky above the barrier.


    I''m certain in my current form I''d stand no chance, so I just speak up to stall.


    "State your business. Who are you, and why have youe to the Crimson City?"


    As these words leave my lips, my gazends on the logo that rests on both of their shoulders. Even so, the reply out of the fire user still makes my eyes widen and my heart skip a beat.


    "We''re here to take back control of this continent. We knew there was a new force growing after the disappearance of many Sector Leaders, and a new figurehead of the Dark Continent''s underground trade business, but we can only tolerate so much. You should have kept your head down and not stuck your hand in ces it doesn''t belong. Your assistance for certain applicants in the B-ss Exams has tipped the perceived power bnce in an unfavorable manner..."


    Both of the men above me raise a single hand in the air, then point it toward me.


    Waves of red light start to glow in their fists, and what feels like heavy gravity waves starts to flow out of them through the barrier even though they haven''t even sent out an attack.


    At the same moment, two shes of green and blue lighte from far below me in the Crimson City.


    The men that stand above the barrier speak up again as the shes of light approach.


    "We are A-ss hunters representing the 8 Great Region''s branch of the Association. We do not need to do this the hard way. Surrender ownership of your city to us now, and we do not have to kill you all to set a precedent for what happens when a rogue force interferes with Association matters."

 Chapter 581

    Chapter 581


    The waves of gravity grow more intense, and the red aura surrounding the two A-ss hunters glows brighter.


    While the levels of all three of my body doubles are quite simr to these two, the fact that they''re A-ss hunters and more than double Rodrigo''s level makes me certain they have powerful Soul Energy that will likely overpower my body doubles'' pure mana control.


    The wind user speaks up after I remain silent in response to their threat, he pulls a bright white bow out of an item box and holds it by his side.


    "Where is your leader? The me Emperor. Bring them to us now so we can ept ownership peacefully. Refuse, and your barrier will fall."


    The bright green and blue shes of light grow brighter below me. At the same time, the fire wielder pulls arge red glowing axe from his own item box and stares down at me like I''m nothing but a grain of sand.


    I smile inwardly at their overconfidence as I sense another pair of blue and white energiesing from the guildhall, zipping directly toward the canyon of dungeons¡ªlikely Lydia and Fisher retrieving the army from their training.


    With these thoughts bolstering my confidence, I finally respond.


    "You''re looking for the me Emperor? Well, you''re talking to him right now. I assure you, surrendering this city isn''t going to be an option I''ll ept."


    Theories rush through my doubles'' minds as I try to figure out why the Hunter''s Association would show up here of all ces and use that name.They even mentioned the B-ss exams...


    My main body must have a n in motion, and the higher-ups in the Association have already caught on and are trying to stop it.


    This city''s poption has grown to over 1,000, and the number of traveling traders that visit the outer vige has reached as high as 4,000 on some busy days.


    Word has been spreading fast among Dark Continent cities, and the currency I''ve created has been used and epted in Sra and Valor City on many asions already, thanks to Lith and Chester''s help in my expansion.


    Sra is still a veryrge city with business influence rooted in the 8 Great Regions. Chester is only the Sector 4 underground trade leader; he doesn''t have direct influence over the entire city just yet.


    This leads me to believe there must be many Association workers hidden in this city, and it would be extremely easy to investigate further, considering the Crimson City''s outer trade viges are open to the public at any time.


    If my main body revealed itself or forged new alliances during the B-ss exams to gain more powerful allies outside of the Dark Continent, I can see how the Association leaders wouldn''t like this rapid expansion once they put all the scattered clues together.


    They see my City''s exponential growth as a high potential threat to their control over this vast and profitable Dark Continentnd, so they must extinguish my influence before it''s toote.


    The angry yell from the wind user makes far more sense once I realize what exactly is going on here. He creates an arrow of white wind in his bow and points it down at me.


    "Well then, give us your decision! Surrender and submit, or die by the hands of the 8 Great Regions. This is not optional, this is an order. We have been ordered to eliminate any growing threats that endanger our country. Your actions ce you high on our immediate disposal list."


    I think to myself as the gravity waves of red energy increase in strength again, and I feel a mental attack pushing down on my psyche, while the air around me thickens.


    However, I still respond calmly.


    "I am just a threat to you? A weed growing toorge to keep in this tidy garden of a kingdom of yours?"


    The fire user smirks as his axe charges up with dark mes.


    "You''re a smart one, aren''t you? I don''t know what kind of artifact you managed to use to make a barrier this strong, but I can still sense your mana control through it. You don''t have what it takes to challenge us. We''ll kill every strong hunter that stays loyal to you, if you don''t surrender now. We are thew; you can''t ignore it."


    As he says these words, I remember when something simr happened in the past.


    On my first big mission into the Dark Continent, as a brand new honored Elite Hunter of the Association, there were unexpected results.


    My team of hunters managed to clear abyrinth and came in contact with Demonic Energy, something the Dark Continent leaders and the Association were very keen on keeping for themselves.


    So much so, that they worked together, putting bounties on our heads and ensuring that we were all dead. This was just to make sure they got more money in their pockets and their recruits, who were growing too fast, were eliminated from the picture.


    To the higher-ups, this may have been just another day of business as usual.


    Killing off the weak when they discover valuable information or grow faster than expected.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    Eliminating dangerous outliers works well to keep a functioning system in line, but one mistake can be the end of it all.


    They never managed to kill me or my teammates off then, and now they''reing back to try it all again. Even though they likely don''t know our true identities, it feels all the same to me.


    I let out a sigh, looking down below me as the blue and green shes of light grow bright enough to fill my entire vision. Then, I look back at the two men and reply.


    "If it''s a fight you want, I''ll give it to you. Just don''t expect mercy from me when this is all over, because that is not something you granted me."


    As I finish speaking, Maria shes by my right side, covered in visibly dense royal blue Soul Energy.


    She pulls her ice-imbued, blood-bonded sword from her item box and swings it, her eyes locked on the enemies. Her eyes glow bright blue, and I watch her body growrger as she activates her greater form.


    Abby flies by on my left. Her double ranked-up buff is activated, making her entire body glow with a bright green aura.


    From what I gathered thest time I saw her in this form, it was impossible for her to attack, but she was also immune to any physical or magical attacks.


    It seems her new training sessions have caused a shift in her innate abilities, because I see sixrge spears of summoned stone rotate around her body. They are all so densely infused with Soul Energy that the spears almost glow as bright green as Abby herself.


    Both of them leave trails of Soul Energy behind as they phase through the Crimson City''s defenses and face the two A-ss hunters alone in the sky.


    Now that I get a better look at them, both of the women are above level 2,500 after training in the Labyrinth, but there is definitely something different about their Soul Energy auras.


    Looking back on the memories that sh through my mind, I can tell that the two months of cultivating Qi beneath Valor City in the dense-aired mines have paid off.


    The thick plumes of dense Soul Energy surrounding both of their forms are magnitudes higher than they were in thest major battle we had against the Lich King. They''re reached an entirely new level of power, possibly even stronger than my main body was when I left for the B-ss exams.


    As the two A-ss hunters see this happening, they reflexively go into attack mode, and I watch shimmering golden Soul Energy surround their bodies from the cors around their necks.


    Around this golden glow, the same red light I saw before gives their bodies an aura of dense gravity that makes it seem as if their presence is heavier, rooted deeper in reality.


    The fire user yells out loud, letting plumes of golden and red mes erupt from his hands and surround the fiery axe as he lifts it above his head.


    "You have sealed your fate! I hereby dere The me Emperor an enemy of the 8 Great Regions! All threats will be dealt with; there will be no exceptions."


    He swings the axe downward, and a dense wall of meses flooding out.


    At the same time, the wind user''s bow bes flooded with golden light, and the wind arrow pointed down at us is packed with the same energy now covered in a red and golden glow.


    He speaks out loud too, as he makes the arrow grow in size, filling it with golden light and releasing it down toward us.


    "So long, you will not be remembered."


    Looks of disgust cover both of their faces, like they''re stepping on ants that crawled in front of their footsteps on a morning walk.


    However, this quickly changes as Maria''s Goddess-like Ice form,pletely imbued with Soul Energy, sends a massive wave of royal blue ice upward at the iing wall of mes.


    It makes contact with the heavy red and golden mass of heat. Both attacks collide, making the entire desert shake, making the clouds in the sky part.


    An ear-shattering crack ripples outward that can be heard for hundreds of kilometers.


    Less than half a secondter, Abby sends out her charged earth spears to collide with the golden arrow of wind thates her way.


    A series of gravity waves, cracks, and violent explosions ripple through the air as her spears collide with its tip, holding the wind manifestation back from falling down and piercing the dome below.


    It all happens extremely fast.


    Maria continues to activate her full-ranked up buff, letting more and more Soul Energy out from her seemingly endless supply within her core.


    The overwhelming wave of ice envelops the golden fire. The ripples of red light tear through her ice, making the mes hotter and heavier, but the sheer amount of soul energy imbued ice that continuously pours out of the bottomless pit that is Maria''s Qi and Mana stores suppresses the mes.


    The fire user retreats as his attack ispletely nullified. Shock and dread fill his eyes as he can''t believe the sight before him.


    Abby and the wind user stay at a standstill, appearing to be on equal footing at first. However, once Abby deactivates her Immortal Energy Form Buff, seeing that there will be no threat of a sneak attack, she''s able to channel all of her avable bright green Soul Energy into the six sharp spears.


    They looked as if they were about to crack and shatter to pieces moments ago, but now the spears vibrate with energy, mending their own weak points, and pierce right through the arrow of wind, dispersing it into a meaningless energy in the air.


    The spears fly forward, and the wind user is filled with terror as he tries to dodge the deadly iing barrage of attacks.


    Two whiz by his head, while the others just barely missing his vitals as he uses red and golden light imbued wind magic to push his body out of the way with milliseconds to spare.


    He retreats higher into the sky too, utterly baffled by the fact that his ultimate attack was somehow matched in power.


    The shes of green and blue light grow even brighter as they follow the two A-ss hunters high into the sky.


    ¨C


    Down below, surrounding the outer city, I sense the few dozen level 900+ hunters shift their battle formationpletely.


    At the sight of their leaders letting out powerful attacks, they assume the barrier will soon be lifted and now begin their march toward the base of the dome.


    Based on their levels and perceived mana control, I find it very unlikely any of them could possibly force their way inside.


    However, there are 10 members within their ranks that all use the same golden Soul Energy cors around their necks.


    Based on the battle I had with Rodrigo months back, Ie to the assumption that these select few will be extremely strong. Of course, not nearly as skilled as the A-ss Hunters in the sky, but they will not be average B-ss Elites either, I''m sure of that.


    I don''t want any innocent citizens getting caught up in the middle of this crisis, so I n to end things as fast as possible.


    In the same moment that I sense their forces moving in, I sense my own moving out.


    The Crimson Army, consisting of dozens of level 1,300-1,500 hunters, bursts out of the canyon of dungeons with two body doubles as well as Lydia and Fisher guiding their lead.


    I send out a pulse of telepathy to talk to all of them at once as an announcement, exining the situation exactly and assigning their roles based on their power levels.


    Within seconds, the entire dome is surrounded by the Crimson Army as well, split up into small battle formations to take on strong hunters.


    My doubles, Fisher, and Lydia are tasked with holding off all enemies with golden light, while all other army members are ordered to steer clear of special Soul Energy wielding opponents like this and focus on the other Elite B-ss troops.


    On this peaceful sunny morning in Sector 2 of the Dark Continent, an unexpected all-out war with the Association has begun.

 Chapter 582

    Chapter 582


    All three of my doubles fly into formation, surrounding one side of the dome to face off against five golden-cored B-ss Hunters.


    Fisher and Lydia burst with blue and white light, getting into their own battle stances and releasing a wave of energy brighter and more powerful than anything I''ve ever felt from them.


    Both of them surpassed level 2000 while training in the Labyrinth, and when they activate their energy forms, it isn''t just reinforced with Qi like in the battle against the Lich King''s army. Now, the desert shakes beneath the weight of their new Soul Energy awakened forms.


    Instead of their usual battle styles using swords, I watch both of them put their fists out in a fighting stance as if they''re going to take on everyone with their fists.


    The style looks extremely simr to Monk''s technique when I first saw him in the arena, which makes perfect sense because they have been training with him in his monastery on their time off when he is not treating patients.


    The only difference is that instead of pure Qi, they have immacte manifestations of their fully awakened Soul Energy covering their bodies.


    Fisher looks as if a massive blue water serpent stares down the approaching Association Hunters, ready to strike and kill on sight.


    Lydia''s entire body glows white with a unique Ice magic imbued Soul Energy, and her greater form''s White Tiger manifestation lets out a roar as the entire desert floor beneath them turns to white ice.


    Fisher activates his mythic-grade intimidation skill that I gifted to him, and a wave of energy floods through the approaching enemies, stopping them in their tracks as a feeling of fear ripples through them more dreadful than they ever imagined.A snake and a tiger tower over them as dozens of other double-ranked-up hunters speed through them all, activating their various buffs, and showing that all of them have elemental skills too.


    On my side of the dome, my doubles do the same, letting out three waves of intimidation, specifically aimed only at our enemies as half of the Crimson Army spreads out to cover this portion of the outer circumference of the dome.


    The Association''s level 900 hunters are all matched up with level 1300-1500 fighters in an instant.


    My doubles constantly send out bursts of telepathy, giving the exact positions and status callouts of all the enemies that need to be immediately subjugated.


    Their fire users are matched up with our water mages, their wind awakened are matched with our earth types, and those with speed abilities are thwarted by our long-range hunters.


    Not only are the Crimson Army''s troops given these positional advantages, they''re also all double-ranked-up, hundreds of levels higher than their opponents, and have mana control that makes these Elite B-ss Hunters seem like worms being preyed on by birds.


    The entire attack formation of the Association is decimated in seconds. None of them even knew what hit them.


    They may have just been following orders, but that kind of logic doesn''t matter to me at all...


    These hunters should think for themselves, and receive punishment for their own actions no matter what authority told them to do it.


    There are thousands of merchants, vigers, and innocent bystanders nearby, and their activation of high-grade destructive skills is actively endangering everyone here.


    I yell through my group telepathy to immobilize every one of them without hesitating.


    "I want them all unable to harm any weaker citizens in the area. If they resist or try to damage my property or my people, kill them without remorse. Those that survive your initial attacks and surrender; strip their gear, item boxes, and ensure they cannot escape. We will question them after we secure the safety of the area!"


    shes of bright skills light up the ground and air surrounding the crimson dome, creating an immacte light show that is intense but extremely brief.


    Many of the B-ss hunters are frozen in fear from the intimidation waves, and some are even knocked out.


    Those that resist and push through are met with attacks they have no hope of defending against.


    All three of my doubles pull out manifestations of the me Emperor''s sword and channel the densest possible crescents of mes while eyeing the five golden-cored hunters I''m tasked to take out.


    I remember when sparring Rodrigo, even when my mana control was far less strong than it is now, I was able to hold off his Soul Energy with pure brute force.


    The warriors that look at me now don''t even seem like a challengepared to him.


    Soul Energy in nature is far more powerful than just in mana alone; however, when the mana control is tens of times greater in strength, the difference in the energy''s innate ability can be meaningless.


    The five hunters all cover themselves in a golden aura, pulling out Soul Energy swords, hammers, and bows; but when I release my dark fiery crescents at them, their golden aura is broken through with ease.


    Not even a quarter of a second after sending out three fire des, my doubles send another barrage.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Mythic grade Telekinesis ensures my hits never miss their target.


    Their limbs are severed, and their worthless blood-bonded weapons are burned to ash before their eyes.


    No one can believe that the indestructible power of the Sun God is being overthrown by mere mana alone.


    On the other side of the dome, Fisher and Lydia take on their golden warriors in the same manner.


    The two are almost three times the level of their opponents, so their base stats trump theirs by incredibly noticeable amounts.


    shes of blue and white light are all these Elite favorites of the Sun God see before they''re met with punches that pierce through their Soul Energy defenses like they were never even there.


    Once the white and blue fists pierce the yellow golden light, their armors are shattered to pieces, and waves of Soul Energy that isn''t their own circte through their bodies, burning them from the inside and leaving them motionless on the ground after each attack.


    The three remaining don''t even get half a second to think once they see their teammates fall; they too are immobilized before they can even raise their weapons to defend against the monsters they''ve attacked.


    In less than five seconds after sending out my orders, the entire Association''s B-ss Elite army has been subjugated.


    ¡ª


    Above the Crimson dome, even more powerful forces are battling it out.


    After the initial shock of having their Soul Energy imbued, Divine Energy-aided attacks pushed back with ease by unknown forces they were not briefed on, the two A-ss Hunters retreat in fear.


    Even though they''re battle-hardened hunters and have faced many ruthless double-ranked-up monsters in their pasts, neither of them has ever seen Soul Energy so pure and dense other than the Sun God itself.


    The fire wielder is the first to yell out at the violent disy.


    "Who are you? Where did youe from? There''s no way hunters of your strength would follow such a weak leader! There''s no way! L-Let us settle this amicably, please, let''s negotiate here, we want the best for everyone¡ª"


    Maria doesn''t take long to listen to his cries of nonsense and sends another wave of ice, now in her full Ice-goddess form.


    Her deep royal blue Soul Energy expands outward, filling the air with its presence, lowering the temperature above the desert by dozens of degrees every millisecond that passes.


    At the same time, Abby manifests two massive spears of stone in front of her body as she flies forward through the air, following the wind mage that flees with even faster airsteps than the fire user.


    She releases the deadly pointed spear of rock, full to the brim with arge portion of her Soul Energy, and lets it fly forward to surpass the wind mage''s top speed in an instant.


    Abby and Maria follow the mages that flee, and they diverge, following their targets many kilometers away from the dome into the open desert before the attacksnd.


    The fire mage cannot simply dodge the iing wave of ice, so he tries to channel everyst bit of his mes, golden Soul Energy, and use of his red divine core to let an ultimate attack out through his axe.


    Once the unstoppable wave of ice collides with him, he instantly realizes that his hopes will not be a reality.


    The axe shes with the ice, and the golden Soul Energy that surrounds his body begins to be enveloped in the wave of blue.


    The flowing energy begins to act like solid matter, freezing in the air, shattering, and falling off of the fire user''s body uncontrobly.


    He diverts his momentum and tries to fly downward, but the massive attack of ice-imbued Soul Energy is too vast to outrun.


    His axe is the next point of contact that is consumed by the endless power.


    It glowed bright golden red moments ago, but now freezes over, and its mes extinguish.


    Before the hunter can let go, the spreading blue Soul Energy reaches his hands, then crawls down his arms, and the A-ss hunter feels fear unlike anything he''s ever felt in his life.


    An unbeatable goddess towers over him with blue eyes, making his reality turn cold.


    The hunter knows he''s lost...


    A few kilometers away, rocketing through the desert, the wind user desperately airsteps away from the two rotating, glowing green spears that gain distance on him with every passing step.


    He''s always been the fastest hunter in the entire Association.


    There''s never been a monster that could dodge his arrows or counteract them with such strong Soul Energy either.


    The anomaly chasing him down is not something he ever dreamed he would see whening here today.


    The disys of the me Emperor''s power during the B-ss exams were impressive, bringing a barely-ranked-up hunter''s strength up to match some of their lower-ranked B-ss Elites.


    However, the impossibly high power levels, and use of Energy like their boss, the Sun God, is not something he knew was even possible.


    One of the spears tracks the hunter from above while the other follows him right at the rear, making it impossible for the speed-based wind archer to do anything but continuously move toward the desert floor.


    Seconds pass, and as the eruption of Ice collides with his partner in the air, he has nowhere left to run. He''s less than 100 meters from the ground now, and has to face the green spears head-on.


    The archer grits his teeth and makes another arrow, pooling all of his Soul Energy while covering it in as many divine threads as he can, then turns less than a dozen meters before colliding with the sand to let the shot off upward.


    There''s an earth-shaking series of thuds and explosions as the arrow is released from his bow, and the green spears of Soul Energy collide with its tip, piercing through it instantly, shredding the golden manifestation into three parts.


    The spears continue traveling downward, colliding with the archer''s bow hand, shattering the pristine white blood-bonded weapon and pinning his shooting hand to the ground as it pierces through his shieldings and flesh with ease.


    The second spear collides with his opposite leg, pinning him to the desert floor again and spraying blood all over the sand as a crater of the double impact sends shockwaves through all of the dunes for kilometers.


    At that development, the fire user uses hisst spark of Soul Energy to pull a transport crystal and a small silver device from his item box around his waist, bringing it up toward his mouth, and yelling out loud.


    "We''ve lost, we''re being overpowered! I believe the Hunter''s Association has made a grave mistake¡ªR-Retreat!"


    This message is broadcast into the wind user''s ear.


    His scared voice, admitting defeat, echoes throughout every single one of the transmission tablets that haven''t been crushed in the aftermath of battle that are scattered around the Crimson Dome.


    The wind user and the fire user both crush their teleport crystals and vanish from the desert with wounds that cannot be healed.


    A few of the B-ss Elites manage to crush their teleport crystals and retreat as well in sorry states, missing limbs, or vitally wounded on the edge of death; while others have been knocked out cold, killed, or have their gear confiscated already.


    All ten of the golden-cored Elites remain behind and are conscious in custody, while over 35 of their basic B-ss Elites are also captured, unable to retreat in time.


    My doubles give out more orders after the new developments as well, making ns for a secure interrogation base away from the city to get what we can out of these prisoners while I wait for my main body to return.


    The Army is tasked with cleanup and making sure all citizens that were caught up in the battle are safe andpensated for any material losses.


    Thenstly, I send out a wave of telepathy to Abby and Maria to get an update on their battles, and devise ns for a citywide speech to exin what the Association has done, and why there was such a disturbance today.


    This all urs within ten seconds of the message of retreat.


    The Association''s attempt at subjugating the Crimson City ends in their undeniable instantaneous total defeat.

 Chapter 583

    Chapter 583


    Thousands of kilometers to the north, an old man with long white hair and a beard speaks under his breath, just loud enough for his two disciples to hear.


    "This new growing nation is strong. The Association and Demons may not be the only forces we need to keep on our radars. We should watch out for their growing warriors once the throne awakening bes active."


    They sit atop the tallest mountain in the area, covered in snow, surrounded by hundreds of mountains that look exactly the same in every direction.


    The two younger men at his sides, with serious expressions on their faces, watch a rey of the battle of Crimson City on repeat, using bright blue recording crystals.


    One of them, who appears slightly older and taller than the other disciple, replies to the old man.


    "Teacher Sil, I have a question. The fighting style used by the serpent and tiger warriors... It is very simr to our own. How could they have learned it?"


    The old man''s eyes glow with a bright yellow light, and the same energy intensifies in his chest as the air around them grows heavier, as if bending reality.


    "That is none of your concern. However, it seems I''ll need to visit the desert temple soon. There must be a reason for this."


    The two disciples'' eyes glow with orange light, their entire bodies radiating with pure white Qi. It blends in with the high-speed winds and heavy snow atop the mountains as the older man turns off the recording, and the three of them return to meditating and continuing their training.---


    Thousands of kilometers south, a woman floats high in the sky above an active volcanic region.


    Below her, hundreds of C and B-ranked dungeons form and break, as it is an everyday urrence here.


    She rides atop an enormous Earth Dragon, watching the same video on a recording crystal y in her hand.


    Both her eyes and the dragon''s eyes glow bright yellow, shimmering off the metallic Hunter''s Association badge on her shoulder.


    She whispers under her breath with a smile as she zooms in on the two A-ss hunters being defeated in seconds.


    "The 8 Regions Branch has grown soft, hasn''t it...? Our A-ss hunters could have handled that battle... But it''s clear that wasn''t even their true leader... Who and where are you, me Emperor?"


    The woman grins while putting away the recording. An eruption of a volcano goes off in the distance, and she activates a stealth skill, making herself and the dragon she''s riding invisible in the same moment.


    Half a minuteter, she flies over dozens of fortified, castle-like military bases hidden in valleys between active volcanic mountains.


    ---


    Meanwhile, back in Sector 2, my body doublespensate merchants that have damaged goods and clean up the city while giving a speech, showing that the real enemies of this attack are the 8 Great Regions.


    Public sentiment is already heavily anti-Association here in the Dark Continent, so with the small amount of proof I have, showing citizens the confiscated badges and the ear and eyewitness ounts of the surrender message from the transmission tablets is more than enough for word of today''s events to spread.


    So much so, that over the next week, the city''s growth skyrockets, adding over 500 new members to the links of loyalty.


    Word of the new trading hub in Sector 2 offering jobs, mary aid, and the military ability to fend off two A-ss hunters with ease travels far and wide.


    ---


    All of these memoriese rushing into my mind as the same A-ss hunters that attacked my city search me with their battle scars visible.


    The wind user pulls a glowing red fruit from the item box I provided him, and everyone in the room focuses on it with confused and mixed expressions.


    When he looks me in the eyes, I can see they''re far different than they were for the brief second I saw him during the 4th stage tournament.


    Then, he may have looked disinterested in the mundane weaklings fighting for their B-ss badges, but behind those cold eyes was unwavering confidence.


    Now, he stares ahead, and I feel an aura of unease about him.


    The wind user speaks up while holding up therge circr red fruit with his only good remaining hand.


    "You were meant to collect fragments. This is all you''ve managed to bring back? What is this? Exin yourself."


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the vition.


    He''s clearly able to see that this fruit is made out of divine threads, and the questiones out with a genuine tone, even though there is confusion and a hint of anger in it.


    I smile inwardly but shrug and reply to him as if I have no idea what he''s talking about.


    "I don''t know. All I recall before this test started is that in the video, it stated if we found any artifacts that didn''t resemble the red, orange, or yellow stones, we would receive a minimum of 1000 points. Was that a lie?"


    He immediately responds.


    "Well, that video was... um..."


    Then he stops himself from speaking further.


    As a red core himself, he knows that the fruit in his hand is not valuable at allpared to what this 1000-point exception to the rule was supposed to be.


    My guess is that it was reserved for the off chance that someone made it higher than the yellow core zones.


    Seeing his pupils shrink and the head of the fire user turn my way makes me want to smile even more.


    This fruit stores roughly the same amount of energy as one red fragment, but ording to their own rules, it is going to be worth far more.


    I''ll be able to move up the leaderboards while simultaneously keeping all of the extra farmed divine energy in my storage for myself.


    As these thoughts race through my mind, the two A-ss hunters receive a transmission in their ears.


    They look down at the floor and silently listen. Then, after a few seconds, the wind mage responds to me out loud.


    "Yes. It seems, you... are correct, this in fact is a unique item, and our rules did state that all unique artifacts would be graded separately starting at 1000 points... However, we will require an exnation for how you managed to get this fruit."


    I shrug again, even with all eyes on me, it doesn''t feel like there is any pressure on me at all.


    After witnessing multiple higher lifeforms inside that construct that could have killed me by merely breathing their same air makes the threats in this room seem meaningless.


    To top it off, these two cowards tried to take over my city while I was gone and ran from their allies when they were in apromising position without a second thought.


    Making their lives more difficult right now is exactly what I n to do.


    "Oh, well, I was just standing at the bottom of this massive mountain, and it fell from the sky."


    I shrug again, putting my hands in the air.


    My mana control ripples out of my body constantly, as if I''m excited, but the control readings are barely reaching that of a level 700 hunter to keep my facade going.


    The A-ss hunters look even more confused at my statement, so I continue.


    "You two were in that simtion before, right? It was just at the edge of the jaguar forest. I was about to climb the mountain, but the fruit just fell from the sky... Tons of birds covered in red light were chasing after it. It must have fallen pretty far... I just managed to put it in my item box and run away. Once it was out of sight, they seemed to be disinterested, and I-"


    I stop talking once the A-ss hunters hear another noise transmissione through their earpieces, and the room goes silent.


    The name Ray Anderson shows itself on the leaderboard as number 1, holding 1000 points.


    I show a visible smile now, and speak again.


    "That''s about it..."


    I shrug and point to the Lich King by my side.


    "Emrie climbed the mountain afterward, but we didn''t want to push ourselves too hard. Making it out through the rift was more important than risking getting eliminated for more points. It seems this strategy worked out best in the end."


    Emrie crosses his arms and nods along, then the two guards get a transmission in their ears again.


    They finish patting us down quickly and give us back our item boxes without the divine artifacts inside.


    A door opens in the side of the room, and the fire user speaks up as they both walk out.


    "Everyone, stay put. We''re d you''ve all made it out of the simtion safely, but this is an unexpected abrupt end to the exams. Please allow us a moment to talk things over with the Director."


    The door shuts just as he finishes talking, and the room fills with chatter.


    I walk over to Nat, Marcie, and Dane; and tell the manifestation of Emrie to follow with telepathy, filling him in on the fact that we''re inside a testing facility, outlining orders to follow while he''s in hismand mode.


    The three of them greet us while the healer makes their rounds to all of the newly transported applicants, but considering we''re all being watched, they receive a telepathy message to stay quiet too until this is all over.


    After a few minutes pass, the same door that the A-ss hunters left through opens again. To my surprise, Rodrigo steps through it with an amused smile across his face while holding arge silver tablet that resembles a clipboard.


    "If your name is not lit up on the board, I''m going to have to ask you to leave the room... I''m afraid you have not made the cut."


    At the same time, seven hunters walk in through the door that Rodrigo just entered through.


    The first three that enter are hunters that I expect: the two Vice Region applicants, and the Phantom Region''s single applicant.


    However, the next two are the Battle Healer, Mack, and the Water Mage Callum, who were eliminated early in the construct by my teammates.


    The final two are the two applicants from the Veridian Region that managed to get their hands on one red core each during their time in the construct. Bright smiles light up their faces as they realize why they''re being brought into this room.


    The remaining B-ss Elite helpers escort everyone that has failed the exams out of the room.


    They were most likely at the top of the leaderboard before this event, and it seems there have been healers and an appraisal skill user that have already checked on Trax''s condition, even though he''s passed out.


    Forces behind the scenes have already determined that he is a far less valuable asset now, and have adjusted the leaderboard ordingly.


    As thest of them leave, the door closes, leaving only Rodrigo and the 12 of us that have passed in the small mana-shielded cube. The leaderboard screen shown on the ceiling disappearspletely, and a video appears.


    It shows a dark, empty room with a single oval table in the center of it.


    One figure in a dark cloak sits on one of the chairs, while all of the others are empty.


    The video pans closer to the figure as he raises his head, and a pair of golden eyes look through the screen.


    An eerie pressure fills the entire room as they glow bright golden with visible Soul Energy, as well as a clear addition of heavy yellow light aiding his power.


    Shadows cover the rest of his face, and the dark cloak makes the rest of his figure unknown other than the fact that he''s abnormally tall.


    A yellow core is visible glowing in his chest, but the golden eyes are the main spectacle as they stare down at all of us through the screen.


    His low monotone, almost robotic voice echoes throughout the room.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you all, future B-ss Hunters of the Association. I am the Director of the Apex Region, but starting now, you may call me Mr. Freeman."

 Chapter 584

    Chapter 584


    The golden eyes glow brighter, and it feels like pressure is pushing down on us through the screen.


    Yellow threads of divine energy even leak into the room straight through the mana shielding, and I see other applicants start to sweat and shake.


    The gravity in the room increases slightly, and the Director continues to speak.


    "It appears our stage 5 simtion room has been prematurely terminated... This was not within our expectations... There have been many oddities popping uptely...."


    The pressure increases, making the room rise in temperature, the air thickens, and the gravity multiplies again. All applicants fall to their knees, holding their hearts, struggling to breathe.


    I barely would have noticed it if it wasn''t for their reactions.


    After plunging deep into the aura of the green serpent for days on end, allowing its divine energy to tear my body down and saturate every cell in my being repeatedly to farm its energy; the light tendrils of yellow energy that fill the room feel like nothing more than someone turning the temperature up by a few degrees.


    I send a telepathic wave into Emrie''s head, and we both fall to the ground to y the part.


    A ripple of minor amusementes through the yellow energy.It''s doubtful it is noticeable to anyone else, but ever since I met the purple entity at the top of the construct, my ability to feel others'' emotions through their energy output, that would otherwise be hidden, has seemed to have awakened.


    The same monotone, almost static voice echoes through the video again.


    "What you have all witnessed within these exams is the tip of the iceberg when ites to power in this world. Every one of you has been chosen to be a part of the new B-ss Elites."


    There''s a pause, and I feel a ripple of angere through the divine energy that leaks through the walls of this room.


    "In addition to this, I will be choosing four of you to train exclusively with me, and be the new future A-ss hunters in the 8 Great Regions. Due to the increased nature of high-grade dungeon breaks out in the Dark Continent these past months, I''ve decided to double the number of fighters at our highest rank of Military Power. Other nations to our north and south will likely be doing the same, so we must match them in strength."


    I think about his words carefully, and realize he''s lying straight to all of our faces.


    There were some dungeon breaksst month during one of the surges, but my doubles and army members handled all the severe ones personally with ease.


    The real reason he wants to train more A-ss hunters is to strengthen his own military power in order to handle me, the me Emperor, as a growing threat in the Dark Continent.


    While I think this over, three figures walk onto the outer edges of the video screen, and at the same time, the growing pressure of yellow divine energy in the room subsides.


    A few of the applicants cough and gasp for breath. I stay down on the ground for a few seconds before standing and looking back up at the feed, then tell Emrie to do the same.


    I watch the three figures on the screen surrounding the Apex Regions Director activate white light from their hands. I''m nearly certain these are healing skills, most likely the same [Soft Heal] skill as Nat and the battle healer in the room.


    Ember''s words about the Director most likely needing treatment for a sicknesse back to me, and Ie to the conclusion that he''s probably right...


    Using this Divine Energy seems to take a lot out of him.


    While he''s being healed, the mysterious man speaks again.


    "I''ve contacted all of your Regional Directors, as we will be having a congrattory ceremony for all of you. Your future contracts will be negotiated with any region that desires your work. It shouldn''t take more than a few hours to have all of the Directors with us to begin the event."


    My heartbeat speeds up at this statement.


    The ceremony itself isn''t what makes me nervous, it''s the fact that it''s going to take a few hours for all of the Directors to arrive.


    The Lich King mentioned that his limiter, holding in all of his mana control, will onlyst an hour. If this is the case, there may be a major issue in hiding the identity of Emrie Carter.


    If he''s exposed, then my identity of Ray Anderson will be far more suspicious by association.


    It isn''t out of the range of possibilities to just leave right now back to the Crimson City and forget investigating any further. However, the Director''s words of strengthening their forces and creating more A-ss hunters is something I still want to learn more about.


    My mind races for more ideas to get us out of this new situation, but the Director speaks up again to disturb my train of thought.


    "While we wait, I''d like to speak to each of you individually. I will give you all time to rest, but I have a few questions for each of you and would like to hear your personal thoughts on the results of the exam this year."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The three healers leave the Director''s side after this statement, and a very light flow of yellow Divine Energyes back in through the room.


    It isn''t nearly as strong, but a door opens beside Rodrigo, and it''s clear that down the hall that it leads, the intensity of this heavy pressure in the air will get stronger.


    Without warning, the video above the room cuts off, and Rodrigo speaks up, looking down at his silver tablet.


    "Alright, looks like we''re going up the list in order starting with you."


    He points at Mack, the battle healer in 12th ce on the leaderboard.


    He nods and walks through the open door without hesitating.


    We''re all left to stand in silence as the door closes, and the 11 of us are left in the empty mana shielded room with Rodrigo.


    No one wants to speak up, and many of the applicants are still shaken by the immense pressure they were exposed to moments ago.


    I even see Marcie, Nat, and Dane a bit shaken up by the events that just took ce.


    About 3 minutester, the battle healer walks back into the room, and Callum is called by Rodrigo to go through the door for his meeting next.


    My eyes widen when I see a golden cor around the healer''s neck, and a new buff beneath his status called [The Sun God''s Curse Mark] burning with golden yellow soul energy on his status.


    My heart rate speeds up with a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and a hint of fear as well.


    When Callumes back into the room a few minutester, these emotions only grow because he too has the curse.


    Both of the Veridian applicants that passed with a single red fragmente back with bright smiles on their faces, and golden cors to match them.


    No one else in this room can channel Qi, so I don''t even know if they''re capable of seeing that their fellow B-ss applicants have this curse attached to them.


    To be honest, I don''t even know if they themselves are aware they''ve been inflicted by it yet.


    I can''t sense where these meetings are being held without sending out waves of my aura that would reveal my true power.


    All I can do right now is wait.


    Emrie walks through the door next.


    I''ve briefed him on everything he should know about his role as the Bedrock Region hunter, and he knows not to expose anything about his or my true identity.


    Sending him into the room with the Director alone will be the litmus test to see if it is safe for me to do it too...


    As he disappears behind the door, and it closes, the next 3 minutes that pass by seem like an eternity.


    I wait silently in anticipation, and when the doors open again, I''m even more surprised to see him in perfect condition without a golden cor around his neck at all...


    My mind races for answers, but as the Phantom Region''s applicant leaves to go out and meet the Director alone, I open a link with the Lich King and he tells me exactly what happened.


    As he recalls these events, they don''t seem like anything out of the ordinary. It seems this Director really only asked questions about what kind of future Emrie wants for himself, what Region he''s looking to contract with, and asks what it was like using the me Emperor''s power during the fighting tournament of the 4th stage.


    He answers without going off script at all, detailing how he only signed up for this exam to get extra funding for the Bedrock Region and have ess to B-ss dungeons back home.


    He exins that he didn''t know of the me Emperor before the tournament and that he only called out to use its power to have a chance in that matchup against Nat. He exins that as soon as the match was over, he never got that power back at all once he left the ring, and that it showed up on his status screen under buffs as [The me Emperor''s Curse Mark].


    Thisst part is a total fabrication, as even the real power users don''t receive any visual status changes when they use my granted power.


    I want to throw the Director as far off the scent as possible. If he believes that the power only worked while Emrie was in the ring, the possibilities of a traitor messing with the B-ss results could have been anyone that was present that day.


    Hundreds of visitors, ranging from C and B ss hunters were present in the crowds with the other Regional Directors. There were also over 60 other applicants watching the fights as well.


    The final questions are about his time in the construct, and he retells the same story that I told the guards when they questioned me about my red fruit.


    At the end of their meeting, the Lich King exins that the room was filled with an immense amount of yellow divine energy and golden soul energy, but his limiter blocked the effects of an odd mental attack that was meant to hit him.


    The Director grew tired and had to be healed by three people as he left.


    As he finishes up his exnation, the shadowy figure from the Phantom Regiones back. He too has the golden cor on when he walks in the room.


    The two Vice Region water wielders walk out, thene back in with golden cors too.


    After hearing this, I''m less worried about myself. If the Director bought Emrie''s disguise and was unable to overpower him, I believe I''ll be just fine.


    The only issue I''m concerned about is the other three teammates in the room that I''ve formed alliances with.


    I quickly message them all through telepathy to make sure they won''t spill the fact that I helped them in this 5th round.


    They all agree, and I make sure to ensure that Nat''s experience with the me Emperor is the same as Emrie''s, using the extra detail about the status change in her story if she''s asked about it. She agrees without any hesitation.


    The three of them enter the room one by one, and each time about half a minute before theye back, I get the same message pop up in my mind''s eye on my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface.


    [Attempt to Sever Link of Loyalty]


    [Failed]


    [Attempt to Sever Link of Loyalty]


    [Failed]


    [Attempt to Sever Link of Loyalty]


    [Failed]


    Three times in a row this urs.


    I feel an odd pressure on my heart each time it happens, and watch the vitals of my teammates waver during the process. Each time it does, I channel dense Soul Energy within my own body aided by the power of my yellow divine core to flow through my heart and make this external pressure subside.


    Every time I manage to fight off the pressure sessfully, the three of them walk back into the white room unharmed and without golden cors on their necks.


    Each of them recounts their stories of their time in the room, and they all sound very simr to the Lich King''s exnation.


    The only difference is that when the yellow energy entered their body at the end of the meeting, each of them passed out on the floor and was revitalized by a healer.


    None of them are quite sure what happened in the few seconds they were unconscious.


    Rodrigo looks up from his silver tablet to me.


    "Ray Anderson, you''re thest one on the list. Please, walk this way. Good luck."


    As I smile and walk by, we meet eyes, as Rodrigo is the A-ss hunter that managed to get me into these exams.


    His aura emanates worry and is filled with uneasy nerves.


    He''s unable to see pure Qi, or inactive Soul Energy; so he doesn''t know that some of the applicants today have not fallen under the Sun God''s Curse.


    As I walk past down the dark hallway, the door shuts behind me, and I see a single ck door at the end of a long hall at least 30 meters long.


    With every step I take, the aura of the Sun God gets thicker.


    There are too many emotions flowing through it to count.


    It''s furious, impatient, devious, anxious, but also extremely calm and confident in its own overwhelming power. Uncertainty fills the air as I prepare to put on my act and finally meet Mr. Freeman face to face.

 Chapter 585

    Chapter 585


    At first, my confidence that I can handle whatever is behind that door is at an all-time high.


    The dark purple ring around my finger is a reminder that I''ve already witnessed beings far more deadly than any yellow core could possibly aspire to rise to.


    However, with every step closer I take, the feeling of this being''s unwavering confidence and desire to control and destroy everything that stands in its way washes through me.


    The pressure of threads in the air isn''t too intense, as if it were, applicants wouldn''t be able to make it down this hall, but I can feel that I''m getting much closer to the source, and it is being heavily suppressed.


    Small hints of its true power leak out in pockets of the aura that ripples through the mana-shielded walls with no resistance.


    The threads are interwoven with golden Soul Energy, and every time I believe I have a solid gauge on the power output of the being producing these threads, another pocket of energy catches my attention, and the depth of its power grows more profound.


    I make it to the end of the hall, standing right in front of the door, and pause for a few seconds.


    There''s a light clicking sound, and the rectangr cutout of the wall in front of me slides open to reveal the same dark room that I witnessed in the video moments ago.


    Two golden eyes stare through me from behind the oval-shaped table at the back of the room, and the raw essence of the sun god can finally be seen without any boundaries in its way.A far thicker series of waves of yellow and golden light flow through the air, but none of them are hostile or attack my senses in any way.


    They''re more curious, and most likely residual energy that leaks off this man that can''t be held back.


    His voice speaks up again, and I don''t hear any difference in the monotone static sound identical to the oneing through the video before.


    "Wee, Ray Anderson of the Bedrock Region. It is a pleasure to meet you face to face. Congrattions on cing number one of the B-ss applicants this year. It is quite an honor. I believe this is the first year a Bedrock applicant has reached this height."


    As I take a few more steps forward to stand at the other edge of the round table, the door closes behind me with another light click, and I''m left face to face with the man I came to these exams in the first ce to find.


    I respond, looking him straight into his golden eyes.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Freeman."


    The energy that hits my barrier perfectly replicates the sensation and visual of it passing straight through my body to outside watchers. While this happens, I take in the sight before me with awe, struggling hard not to show any reaction to the mind-bending sight.


    It''s still hard to calcte his actual strength just by the energy signature he''s giving off alone.


    Some of the waves of light thate off of him feel as weak as a hunter that just ranked up for the first time, while others feel stronger than ten of the golden lizardsbined that I faced up in the obsidian forests.


    It makes me shiver, as even with my enhanced senses, I can''t figure out his true power.


    My inspect and appraisal skills activate soon after, and they bring back readings that make the gears in my mind turn even faster.


    In bright blue text at front and center in my mind''s eye, [Lv. 9017] burns into my consciousness as its the highest level rating by far I''ve ever scanned.


    He speaks up again while this is the only thing on my mind.


    "Let us start with the basics, please, Ray, do exin to me how you managed to get so strong in the years after your C-ss exams and the Catastrophe in the Bedrock Region a year ago. All of our records say that you were dead, yet you managed to pull yourself out of it and even best some of our best trained Apex Region Applicants."


    His questions register, but my mind is more focused on scanning through all of the other details that my appraisal skill is signaling into my brain.


    This man''s equipped items are full to the brim with 12 one of a kind artifacts, all holding three or more enchantments each, special attributes, element stones, and none of the items equipped have below a 500% buff on any of their readings. Some unique pieces even have buffs that surpass 1000%.


    This means they were all crafted by a Mythic Grade Craftsman, most likely the old Sector 2 leader. They are all powerful enough to be considered national treasures, and most likely couldn''t even be sold on auction because no one in the 8 Great Regions has enough power toprehend their value but the Director himself.


    I don''t want it to seem too suspicious that I''m thinking this long, so I finally respond to the Director''s question with a reply that aligns with what the Lich King''s answer to this question was too.


    "After the catastrophe, I was shaken by the possibility that an event like that could happen at any time. I didn''t have friends or family toe back to in the Bedrock Region, so I decided to get stronger on my own terms."


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    I smile inwardly while exining my next part of the story.


    "I hope you don''t think differently of me for this, but I used many of the Bedrock and Vice Region''s underground dungeonworks to train in private. After seeing some of the raw power of the mutants in the C-ss breaks, I knew there was more to being a strong hunter than just leveling up. I spent most of my time over thest year following what the Association thought of as my death to train my mana control in istion. Every spare mana crystal and potion I could find went into honing my lightning ability in the abandoned mines of the Bedrock Regions and the isted forests of the Vice Region. I may have been missing on record, but I was truly just trying to be strong."


    The aura of Soul energy and Divine Threads that ripple through me feels amused and curious now.


    The golden eyes before me glow a bit brighter as he asks his next questions.


    "You really brought your strength to the level it is alone? You truly had no backers? And in only a year...?"


    He pauses, but adds onto this right after.


    "What are your ns for the future then? Do you wish to join the Apex Region and climb the pinnacle of strength further?"


    As he''s speaking, the words hit my consciousness, but my active mind is elsewhere scanning the rest of his status; taking in the skills and buff sections.


    [Active Skills]


    Combat Magic [Superior Light Summoning]


    Appraisal [Legendary Grade]


    Body Hardening [Legendary Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Legendary Grade]


    Soft Heal [Legendary Grade]


    ________


    [Active Buffs]


    Master of Illusion [Hidden Ability]


    The Sun God''s Curse Mark [82/100]


    At first, the long list of skills looks daunting, but I quickly piece together in my mind that the bottom four skills on his status are most likely not permanent skills.


    Just like the other Directors, they all have simr legendary skills like this, and I know exactly how it''s done thanks to the old books I read from Bri''s old workshop. If enough blood of a skill user is siphoned while using their ability, it can be merged with an item even without a mythic grade skill.


    With the potential help of a mythic grade craftsman, and the number of subjects the Association has in their control to do testing on, the possibilities are endless.


    This brings me to the conclusion that most likely, the superior light magic is the Director''s actual original skill.


    Before thinking too deeply into his buffs or the fact that he himself has a healing skill, I answer his next question not to leave the room in silence for too long.


    "My ns for the future? I''m not quite sure... If you say there are really breaks in the Dark Continent that require more A-ss hunters to handle, then I want to get stronger by any means necessary to protect myself and others from an event like the catastrophe again from happening..."


    The aura around the Director grows in intensity for a moment, and the pressure in the room starts to drastically increase.


    I feel it reach and surpass levels of heat and gravity beyond the example shown in the other room when he first revealed himself.


    To y the part, and not out myself on the spot, I drop to one knee and gasp for air, holding my head to show that I''m in agony to y along.


    It grows to be almost five times as intense as before, likely bringing even some double-ranked-up hunters to their knees.


    He speaks up, seeing that I still haven''t fallen all the way to the floor yet.


    "Fight it, activate that ranked-up buff of yours. I want to see how strong you truly are."


    I grit my teeth, covering my body in lightning and using my conceal skill mixed with my divine energy and limiter to manipte reality around me to show the exact images of what Trax''s ranked-up buff could do back when I saw it up close.


    Just from standing in front of this man now, my urges to get in an instant fight with him have nearly all subsided.


    Not only is he fully equipped with gear that surpasses mine, but he''s almost three times my level, and I can''t even perceive his full power.


    While I can make educated guesses, and predict that the extended training I went through inside the green aura of that divine serpent possibly brought my own yellow core up to a high level; a single line I heard from Celia at the top of the construct echoes in my mind.


    She spoke of a young man with light magic that reached the yellow core height within her construct decades ago.


    There''s a very high chance that exact man is sitting before me right now.


    With decades of fragment farming within this divine rift, and more time to consolidate and master his power than I''ve even been alive; there''s no telling if he''s actually showing me his full power or not.


    The small pockets of energy he''s letting out could all just be a test to see who can perceive his power or not, and the one foolish enough to challenge him will see the real monster he''s holding back.


    All of these suspicions hold me back from doing anything rash right now, but I still want to give a good impression and see how far I can take this persona of Ray Anderson.


    I give off the showing of what a ranked-up buff would look like, and increase my mana control output to that of a 1200-1300 hunter, erupting with static electricity to fill the room.


    The aura of amusement and now a hint of greeding off of Mr. Freeman fills the room as the heat and pressure subsides.


    "Very good. I like what I see... In our induction ceremony, once all of the Regional Directors arrive, I will be putting up a contract offer for you to be part of the next A-ss team within the Apex region. You do not have to decide now, but I believe telling you now is better than to surprise you in front of your peers."


    The man coughs, and hunches over after his words, holding his chest.


    For the first time, his golden eyes leave their straight line of sight, and three doors open up from the side of the room as three workers, all above level 990 with legendary [Soft Heal] skills on their status, rush over to the Director.


    He raises his head while their white light covers his chest.


    "My apologies, I hope you don''t mind if we have somepany while I finish up your interview."


    I wipe sweat from my forehead and get up from my kneeling position to continue my act, but I can''t unsee what I just saw.


    For a split second, the elusive shadowy featureless figure of the Sun God sitting at the back of the oval table wavered.


    My mind tracks back to his buffs list, and I recall seeing one called [Master of Illusion].


    While the person before me is certainly not weak, and the energy readings I feel and see are not a lie, the images before my eyes are what are really not what they seem.


    I haven''t been tricked like this in a while...


    Before me, the image of a sunken-in face of an old man, hooked up to dozens of wires and tubes shes in my mind.


    Some of the tubes are filled with mana, pumping magic-dense blood through the man from floating containment cases. Other wires are attached to his arms, legs, chest, and neck, transmitting vitals into arge blinking metallic device.


    Portions of his skin are cracking and disintegrating away, yellow divine threads constantly eating away at his flesh and bones.


    Thebined effort of the machinery, the three nurses, and his own healing skill activating manages to reverse the effects, mending the deteriorating body back to pristine health. It looks as if the man''s age reverses back in time 30 years in just a few seconds.

 Chapter 586

    Chapter 586


    The waves of energy that flow off him now ripple with newfound strength. After being healed, the aura in the room feels like itsing from a whole new person.


    The Soul Energy feels pure, and the Divine energy permeates through it with precision and strength that makes me begin to understand the Director''s power.


    While he may be sick and seem to be on the brink of death, that does not mean he is weak.


    A desperate man is at his strongest when he is close to victory, yet wavering on the edge of losing it all.


    The man before me has trained for decades, building an Empire around him to suit his needs and extend his power, even while in such a debilitating state.


    All thoughts of trying to end our silent feud here and now leave my mind; this is a meticulous enemy who, on paper, has higher stats, better items, and even possibly more refined energy control than my own.


    Risking a fight on his home turf just because of a minor advantage I believe I have after he''s exhausted his power is a fool''s move. I need to study him more, learn the ways of the Association, and dismantle it from the inside out...


    As these thoughts race through my mind, he speaks up again, continuing our private interview right where we left off.


    "What are your thoughts on the exam this year? As the number one ranked applicant, I would like to know what you think highly of, and what you believe should be changed for next year''s trial."I think for a moment, feeling a bit more focused now that I''ve decided I won''t be getting into a life-or-death battle in the next few minutes, and answer this question truthfully.


    "I think it''s quite a well-designed exam. From the moment we entered the site, those who wanted to rely on luck alone were weeded out pretty quickly. Having a trial to see who could look through the veil and problem-solve their way out of a situation where the odds were clearly against them set a good tone for the entire exam."


    I nod to myself and continue.


    "The physical, written, and simtion trials were an excellent mixture of testing raw talent, creativity, and teamwork. I think the first three stages of the exams were wless; there isn''t anything I would change there... but the fourth stage... the tournament, I believe the interference of an outside party made things quite unfair. Even if it ended in my favor, I don''t think it showed a true disy of what the rankings could have been."


    I feel anger ripple through the man''s aura.


    Now as I look at him, all I see with my actual senses are golden eyes and a shadowy ck cloak, but his past imagery is still fresh in my mind as he responds.


    "I would agree with you, it was not our intention to have an intruder like the me Emperor present. That threat will be dealt with in time. Did you evere in contact or receive any information about that intruder during your time here?"


    I pretend to think for a moment, then shrug and reply.


    "Nothing more than anyone else present. All I know is what Emrie told me. He said he looked into the crowds and called out to that being, in order to have a fair fight against that healer. The me Emperor granted him power, and it felt like extra mana control was surging through his body; then once it left, he couldn''t use the power again. It must be some kind of long-range temporary buff."


    The Director nods, as I''ve said nothing he doesn''t already know.


    After a few seconds of silence pass, I move on.


    "The fifth stage, though, I didn''t really understand it. Considering the proctors had to ask what happened inside, I guess that means the simtion wasn''t being monitored? -And that fruit that I brought back, it damaged my hands to hold it, yet I felt no manaing off it. What kind of special technology was used to make that ce?"


    I pause for a moment, as I don''t expect the Director to answer any of these questions, so I feed him another piece of false information just to turn things in another direction.


    "And what was with that purple wave of light? Emrie and I were both minding our business near the blue portal to leave after we both had enough points to pass, and the sky turned dark purple... It was like the entire simtion turned into these purple threads and was disappearing before my eyes. I assumed I counted the days wrong and you were turning it off early, so we jumped through the portal to leave before the skypletely fell."


    The golden aura permeating through the room ripples with excitement, and Mr. Freeman leans forward in his chair.


    "Purple... Did you say purple?"


    I smile inwardly as I respond.


    "Yeah, the air got hot and heavy, kind of like your own aura, but from hundreds of kilometers away. It made me feel like I was not wee there anymore, like I was stealing something I shouldn''t have. Maybe it was just my mind ying tricks on me, but that''s what I vividly remember it felt like."


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the vition.


    The Director turns his head and whispers in the healer''s ear by his side. She starts tapping on a silver tablet after pulling it from an item box on her waist.


    The excitement in the air increases, and the Director whispers under his breath, "The others said it was ck, but they didn''t leave the rift naturally. Their minds could have been altered... So I was right... There really was a creator..." He murmurs more, not caring if I hear him or not, and the aide to his side continues to type things down on the tablet, most likely recording what he''s saying.


    After a few seconds pass, he turns back to me and responds directly.


    "That is very interesting. That stage five is a work in progress, after all; it was a gift from the Association''s central branch. We didn''t create it."


    The aide by his side nods and puts away the tablet, then the other two stop their healing. They all leave the room through the three doors they came from. One of them stumbles and is caught by the nurse by their side as yellow threads begin to overpower her body.


    It looks exactly like the time Nat absorbed red threads from her teammates inside the construct. If they were not ejected quickly, her body would start to decay from the inside just like this nurse here.


    The nurse is carried out by her coworker, and the doors all close again.


    It reminds me that the man in front of me may speak with a confident tone and offer me power, but everything he does is for himself.


    The Director speaks up.


    "Well, that is all the time I have. Here is your final test. Try to stay awake as long as you can, and I will see you again during our induction ceremony when the rest of the directors arrive."


    As soon as these words leave his mouth, I feel the heat and pressure in the room increase again.


    I activate my version of the lightning buff to increase my mana control as yellow and golden energy expands from his body.


    It feels like dozens of yellow-cored lizards are using their observation aura on me at once.


    I could withstand it if I wanted, but I fall to the floor and use my conceal skill to make it appear as though the shockwave of energy made me pass out.


    Golden tendrils of Soul Energy emerge from the Director, and his body lights up in its aura, making the dark room as bright as day.


    His [Master of Illusion] buff deactivatespletely, and I see the old man''s face still hold onto its strong features, disying thick white eyebrows and a full head of hair. His piercing golden eye''s emit power and light that have been with him through thousands of battles.


    I see now why this man is called the Sun God.


    His cloak that was previously ck glows bright yellow, making him seem like he''s a pure energy being for a moment.


    The Soul Energy erupts from his back and reaches over the table, and I prepare to fend off The Sun God''s Curse Mark.


    All of the stories from Nat, Emrie, Marcie, and Dane all said the same thing, this is the point where the Director tried to put the golden cor around their neck.


    I feel my purple ring vibrate, and it sends out a pulse of calmness and control, letting me know that there is nothing to worry about. The consciousness of the purple lifeform may be dormant, but it still interacts with the outside world in a semi-conscious manner asionally.


    As the golden light mixed with countless yellow threads hits me, the ring pulses, sending a wave through my body that makes me shiver. A surge of additional purple threads flows from the main source through me.


    I feel the barrier grow thicker and ripple as all of the divine energy strengthening the Sun God''s attack is stripped away and devoured by the invisible purple tendrils.


    I''m still struck by the pure and powerful golden Soul Energy, but I cover my vitals with my own Soul Energy and yellow threads within my body.


    It feels like immense heat and pressure attack my cores and consciousness, tightening and trying to break through; but it feels just the same as it did each time my teammates were attacked in the same manner.


    My physical and mental barriers are far too strong to let unaided soul energy alone through.


    I can feel its raw power, but my own Soul Energy is being amplified by divine threads, and all I have to do is focus on brute force defense.


    About twenty seconds pass, and the pressure subsides.


    The room dims, then goes dark again, and the golden tendrils fall back into the Director''s body.


    He coughs a few times, then shakes his head and mutters to himself while pressing a button beneath the table.


    "Another failure... How unexpected... The interference is back. This year''s ss is full of oddities. I''ll have other chances to capture them once I rest. This is fine, he seems loyal and driven to grow. We are still on track to secure the throne..."


    Only two nursese back into the room and heal up the Director again.


    He speaks to one of them, describing the sensation of his divine threads being suppressed, and the buff not activating once they reached my core just like the other four applicants. She notes down what he says in the silver tablet again.


    The pressure in the room ispletely gone, but I don''t stand up to my feet until the other healeres to rejuvenate me.


    I allow her white healing energy to enter my body and climb to my feet after a few seconds.


    The same door I entered through opens behind me, and the Director nods.


    "You did well, I will see you again soon."


    A minor aura of confusion is hidden in between his confident ripple now.


    I give him a single nod, then turn and leave.


    His veil of illusion fell again for a moment while he was being healed, and it seems like this massive disy of power gave the Director the same amount of fatigue and injuries as the lesser disy did earlier.


    As the door closes behind me and I make it back into the waiting room with all of the other applicants, I think over what just happened with a realistic outlook.


    His base level of Soul Energy is far stronger than my own, I would still most likely be unable tobat that raw strength even in my greater form if there was Divine Energy Aiding his attack.


    It makes me wonder if this was even his true power still. If the same amount of damage was done on a weak disy and this stronger one, the odds aren''t zero that he was still holding back.


    The advantage I had was the fact that he was trying to do a very intricate task, and all I had to do was use brute force defense.


    I look down at the dull purple ring on my finger and feel no sign of intelligent life permeating from it now. It used up a lot of its active energy to make that attack easier to defend. Its passive limiter still works as before, but I get the feeling it won''t be able to help me again from an identical attack.


    There is a dying higher lifeform on my finger, a sleeping dragon in my storage, and the Lich King''s limiter is most likely about to decay within the next ten to twenty minutes. I have no idea where I am, walking through windowless mana-shielded hallways into an equally isted mana-shielded waiting room. Once I step through the sliding door to see Emrie and my teammates again, I have one final task on my mind.


    I need to leave the Apex Region the next moment I get.

 Chapter 587

    Chapter 587


    I walk back into the waiting room and sh Rodrigo a small smile.


    His expression doesn''t change, but I can tell he''s both confused and relieved at the same time as he speaks up, and the door behind me closes.


    "Now that all of your personal meetings areplete, please, do take time to rest while the regional directors make their way to the Apex Region."


    A door on the opposite side of the room opens up, revealing a well-lit hallway.


    It has numbered doors on the sides of the hallbeled 1-12, and at the end of the hallway, there is an open door leading to what looks like a wide lounge area with a bar, long couches, and tables.


    "Take your time to rx in private or at the lounge. Congrattions, B-ss Hunters, wee to your next chapter of life here at the Association. I will notify you all once the ceremony is soon to begin."


    At his words, my mind is still elsewhere, thinking about the intense meeting I just had with the Apex Region''s Director.


    My only thoughts are on keeping my head low and getting out of here with my identity intact before the Director has a chance to try that again.


    I send a wave of telepathy to the Lich King andmand him to follow me to the room with therge number [1] on its door.I don''t bother talking with any of the other contestants. Some head straight for the bar at the back of the far room, while others, including Dane, Marcie, and Nat, all go to their private rooms to rest.


    Once we both get inside, it seems like a simr replica of the resting room suites from earlier in the exam.


    There''s food, potions, a couch, a bed, a bathroom, and all the essentials for taking a load off after a long exam.


    I ignore all of it and stare the manifestation of Emrie in the eyes and send him another wave of telepathy.


    "How are we going to stop your limiter from decaying... I''m so close to the finish line. I just need to have you concealed for a little longer..."


    There''s a long pause before he responds.


    "There is no way. I would need months to recoup the energy lost from my core. Using immortal divine energy isn''t as simple as it looks."


    We stand in silence, and many more ideas sh through my head.


    The possibility of de-summoning him and substituting him for a body double crosses my mind, but that wouldn''t solve anything. Their mana control is even higher, as it''s just a one-for-one clone of myself.


    Feeding the Lich King my remaining Qi pills to make a barrier wouldn''t work either. We will surely be in the presence of the Director again.


    His Soul Energy is his own, meaning he cultivated Qi and merged it with his mana to be the source of its power, unlike all of the other guards under his spell. He can see pure Qi, so it would be a useless disguise.


    I begin to pace around the room, thinking of more and more possibilities, but nothing at alles to mind.


    It makes me conceptualize even further how valuable the purple ring on my finger really is.


    One of the main weaknesses an enemy can have in battle is showing their opponent how strong they truly are.


    It is always more beneficial to have your opponent underestimate you than to be fully prepared for everything you have.


    This is one of the major drawbacks of possessing high levels of mana control, Soul Energy, or even a divine core. In this world, there is always someone stronger lurking around every corner. Your enemies can always see the power you hold, and will surely nip your growth at the bud by any means necessary if you grow too fast.


    While I do feel grateful for this ability to deceive my enemies, the time still ticks down as an ally is going to be the thread that unravels all of my hard work.


    On one of myps around the room while I''m deep in thought, my shoulder brushes Emrie''s as he stands motionless, waiting for anothermand at the side of the room.


    Instead of just brushing by, I catch the sensation of thousands of invisible purple tendrils of energy reaching out from my barrier and trying to attach themselves to the Lich King.


    The instant that I take another step away, the reaching threads retract, but it sparks an idea.


    I turn around and ce both my hands on Emrie''s shoulders, and the same sensation of purple threads that make up my barrier start to cover Emrie as well.


    In a matter of seconds, his body ispletely covered, and it looks no different.


    The only reason I can feel it is because I''m connected to the ring. If I wasn''t, it wouldn''t seem like anything has changed.


    I release my grip and all of the purple threads retract in an instant, flooding back around my body.


    I message him through the telepathy link.


    "This could work... As long as we''re making contact, the barrier seems to view you as an extension of myself."


    It makes sense, as the Shadow Summon before me is created out of a manifestation of my own Dark Magic mixed with the skeletal remains of the Lich King.


    Over the next ten minutes, I test out the barrier more and more.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    From the eyes of the surveince system, on the screen of whoever is watching these tests take ce, it just seems like we''re standing in silence and Emrie is making odd hand gestures while I tap him on the shoulder over and over.


    Once the natural barrier created by the Lich King fades away naturally, I''ve mastered the ability to keep a light barrier around him at all times.


    Over the next few hours, I do even more tests.


    While the barrier is made of pure energy, it does in fact have a half-conscious mind subconsciously controlling it.


    Even after it''s expelled power from protecting me from the Sun God''s attack, I still feel faint emotions whenever the barrier wavers.


    The more I manipte it, the more it aligns with my thought process, and I''m able to move the purple threads just slightly by myself.


    It may be slow, but after hundreds of trials, I''m capable of forming what looks to me like a small puddle of invisible divine energy on the floor, connecting my own feet to Emrie.


    We''re able to stand about a full meter apart for a few seconds at a time and the barrier stands.


    I''m confident I could raise this distance further if I had more time, but a loud ding echoes through the room as a familiar face shows up on the ceiling''s video disy.


    Rodrigo speaks and the doors open on all the resting rooms.


    "I hope you all enjoyed your rest. The Regional Directors have all arrived, please enter the hall and follow the white arrows."


    His video shuts off, and we both walk out the door and do as he says.


    There are white arrows on the floor that lead in the opposite direction of the lounge area, leading us back the way we originally came.


    All of the other applicants follow these orders, and we all walk back into the dark shadowy room with the oval table in the middle of it.


    Now, all of the chairs are full.


    All 8 of the Regional Directors sit before us as we line up to face them in a straight line parallel to the back of the room.


    Their faces are simply lit by the golden rings around their fingers and the golden eyes of the director that sits in the middle of them all.


    In a half-crescent behind all of the directors, about a dozen B-ss Elites stand on guard. In front of them, the three A-ss Hunters of the Association stand behind Mr. Freeman.


    The golden-eyed man speaks up in his loud static monotone voice.


    "Congrattions, new B-ss Hunters of the 8 Great Regions'' Association Branch. You have all worked very hard to make it here today..."


    The Apex Region''s Director goes on, talking about strength and honor; growing from an E-ss Hunter, climbing the ranks, and putting our lives on the line fighting life-or-death battles. He then exins one''s need for strength, problem-solving skills, and innate talent as well, showing that we have risen above all of our peers to make it here today.


    The old man tells stories of old B-ss exams and points out excellent hunters in the room today, putting on a show that must be tradition for an event like this.


    All of the present Regional Directors politely sit and listen.


    Finally, he pulls out a stack of cards from beneath the table and calls out my persona''s name.


    "Ray Anderson, of the Bedrock Region, step forward."


    I do so, taking one step while keeping the limiter attached to Emrie.


    Golden light fills the man''s hands and next a cardes floating my way, with a single tendril of energy flowing from behind it.


    I sense no malice in the soul energy strand, so I catch it.


    The moment it touches my fingers the energy fades away, and I see a new Hunter''s ID with Ray Anderson''s face, the Association logo, and arge [B] in the corner of the card.


    "Congrattions, you''re now officially a B-ss Hunter."


    All of the Directors and hunters behind them p slowly, then I take a step back.


    "Natalie Sterling, of the Apex Region, step forward," are the next words out of the Director''s mouth.


    I see the white-haired healer a few people away from me in line step forward and get awarded her license in the same manner.


    One by one, each hunter is given their ID cards and congratted by the most powerful people in all of the 8 Great Nations.


    Emrie receives his card as well. I''m straining to keep the limiter stable while he stands over a meter away from me for almost a full half minute, but I manage it; grabbing his shoulder and congratting him visually to everyone the moment he steps back.


    Everything has gone to n, any minute now, I''ll be able to leave this region and return to the Crimson City.


    While this thought is on my mind, Mr. Freeman pulls small blue mana-filled crystals from the bottom of his desk.


    They look simr to recording crystals, but when mana is channeled into them, they''re each passed to the Directors in the room one by one.


    Most of the Directors pull out papers and scribble down notes when they see the crystals for themselves, and my curiosity only grows the longer they keep passing the gems around.


    After about 3 minutes pass, the gems are finally all passed back to the center of the table and the Apex Region''s Director speaks up while using 12 light tendrils of soul energy to lift them into the air.


    "As new B-ss hunters of the Association, you are all a far more valuable resource than you were just one month ago. Here are the contract offers you''ve been given by each of the Regional Directors."


    The gems all fly toward the hunter they''re meant for, and the Director speaks again.


    "Four of you have been offered a path to be A-ss hunters, directly training under me."


    Then, he looks at Nat.


    "One of you won the 4th stage tournament and may create a contract offer back to any Region you desire."


    His golden eyes then sweep across all of us.


    "The rest of you may counter the offers given by the Regions that see interest in you, but if a Region has not sent you an offer, you''re not authorized to send them a formal offer until one year of service to the Association isplete."


    His words cut off at the same time that his Soul Energy does, and the blue crystals stay floating in front of everyone''s faces, showing countless manifested screens with timed contracts, conditions, and payment details.


    [Apex Region Offer][A-ss Fighter Recruitment][Expand More Details]


    [Apex Region Offer][B-ss Elite Guard][Expand More Details]


    [Vice Region Offer][3-Year Dungeon Exploration Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Vice Region Offer][2-Year Dungeon Farming Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Veridian Region Offer][2-Year Dungeon Farming Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Veridian Region Offer][1-Year Director''s Guard Duty Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Bedrock Region Offer][4-Year Director''s Guard Duty Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Bedrock Region Offer][2-Year Dungeon Control Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Bedrock Region Offer][1-Year Mining Contract][Expand More Details]


    [Phantom Region Offer][2-Month Dungeon Exploration Contract][Expand More Details]


    Ten offers sh in front of my face, and as I press expand on some of the options, I see the detailed conditions that need to be met for all of the offers before me.


    Above the extended details, there are 3 more options: [ept][Decline][Counter].


    The payouts range from 100 gold coins total for a 2-month exploration through the Phantom Region to discover and mark their unknown dungeons in dangerous unexplored areas ofnd, to hefty 15 tinum per year sries from the Vice Region to do basically the same thing.


    Many of the guard duty offers include premium housing, free Region-wide transportation, and 5-10 tinum per year sries.


    Still, above all of them on the list, the Apex Region''s Offer of [A-ss Recruitment] looks to be the most interesting of them all.


    While the sry of 10 tinum per year, free housing, and transportation among all 8 of the Great Regions is just about on par with all of the other contracts, the mention of ess to dungeons andbyrinths to increase the signer''s level to above 1000 within the first month of signing catches my eye the most.


    This means that there are means to train up hunters within the Apex Region to these heights, and the Director wants to train up 4 new A-ss fighters as fast as possible.


    The thought of a potential training ground that is simr to my own back in the canyon of dungeons interests me. The fact that the Director doesn''t seem worried at all about his strongest hunter''s crushing defeat makes me think he''s still hiding incredibly powerful secrets behind the Apex Region''s closed doors.

 Chapter 588

    Chapter 588


    Many of the applicants looking at the manifested contracts in front of them press down on options, pushing a finger into the fragments of blue crystals.


    I watch the holograms of text fold back into the floating devices, and the crystals shift their form slightly intopact cubes with data swirling inside of them before they float back to the oval table at the center of the room.


    A majority of the crystals hover back toward the Apex Region''s Director, while Dane and Nat''s fly toward the Silca Region and Veridian Region''s Directors respectively.


    The only people who still look at their contract options in the line are Marcie, Emrie, and myself.


    Marcie speaks up in the silent room.


    "I''m not interested in signing any of these, am I free to go now?"


    She pushes the floating crystal back toward the table without making any counter offers. In the same motion, she makes the move to put her new hunter''s ID in her item box, but misses it on purpose.


    It falls to the floor next to her feet, making a noticeable sound as it settles onto the hard mana shielding below us, then she just crosses her arms and waits for a response.


    I feel auras of shock and confusione from many of the Region Directors.However, the Talton Region''s Leader emanates pride and a bit of amusement from this disy.


    The other new B-ss hunters in my line are worried about what Mr. Freeman''s reaction will be, but once he speaks up, it''s clear he expected something along these lines to happen.


    "We''re happy to see our longsting agreement with the Talton Region is still producing strong warriors. Of course, it''s not mandatory for you to sign. You may leave with your Director once our conversation here today has finished."


    He pauses, then in the same instance, all of the blue gems are sent flying back from both him and the other two directors to their hunters.


    "For those of you that have sent offers back, or wish to think things over longer; you will have 5 days until the yearly contract terms begin. So, I hope we can settle things by then. You may stay here in the Apex Region; we will happily amodate you while you think about your future."


    I think about his words and continue reading over the terms of many of the deals in front of me as the blue crystals are sent back and forth between hunters and directors.


    Some of the blue crystals stop glowing and stay in their consolidated cube forms once agreements are settled. They all stack in a pile in the center of the table.


    The only two people left in the room who haven''t decided on their future are Emrie and myself.


    The thought of spending time here in the Apex Region is partially appealing because I want to gain ess to whatever facility is used for training A-ss Hunters, but at the same time, there''s no way I want to be alone in a room with Mr. Freeman again before I can return to the Dark Continent and think up a n to secure my victory in overpowering him without any unforeseen risks.


    I send out a telepathy channel between all of my teammates during this exam and talk to them one by one, detailing the fact that I have a long-rangemunication ability and will be reaching out to them in the near future.


    Dane has signed a 4-Year Guard Duty Contract with the Silca Region Director, while Nat has signed a 1-Year Dungeon Exploration Contract in the Veridian Region.


    This story has been uwfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Marcie responds to my telepathy link with a message I expected to receive, but it is still a bit sad to hear ite from her.


    "It was a pleasure working with you, whoever you are, but my loyalties still hold true to my leader. I thank you for the help, and hope to see you again soon."


    She looks forward at her leader in the room, and I feel our link of loyalty slowly disintegrate.


    It feels cold, like I''m losing a small part of myself, but she did tell me this would happen when we first started.


    I smile inwardly, replying to each of them.


    "The pleasure was mine; I''ll see you all very soon."


    Then, both Emrie and I push our crystals back without epting, countering, or declining any deals.


    I speak up to the board of Directors in front of us.


    "None of these contracts seem very appealing to me either."


    Emrie talks next, echoing the words I tell him to speak.


    "We do hope that the presence of two Bedrock applicants passing the B-ss exams this year positively impacts our Region''s funding. I wish toe back to a prospering home Region as a result of all my hard work. I have to agree with Ray, none of these contracts suit my needs."


    Director Mack smiles at these words, dimly lit by the golden light of Mr. Freeman.


    He speaks up while catching the two dormant contract gems with light tendrils of energy.


    "Very well, based on your performance, the Bedrock Region''s funding will increase by 20% thising year. If you''d like to privately negotiate for better terms in your contracts I''m happy to have a meeting set up for us while you rest in our facilities. Making such a life-changing decision deserves some time to think."


    His aura emanates with more pressure now, like a wild animal staring down its prey.


    I don''t react to the instant change in his tone and aura, nodding slowly while replying with a cool and calcted tone.


    "You gifted me a transport crystal back here to the Apex Region during the trial period of the exams. Emrie and I will use that to return here in 5 days if we''ve changed our minds."


    The Director''s aurapletely shifts to one filled with confusion and unease.


    "That is true, but if you could at least give us one meeting to talk things out. What is it that you want more than guaranteed ess to abyrinth that will bring you up to level 1000 within a month?"


    The whole room''s eyes shift toward me, as it seems these terms are one''s they all envy.


    The golden cors around Callum, the battle healer, and the Phantom Region''s B-ss hunter all pulse golden, invisible to everyone in the room that doesn''t wield Qi. They all step forward in unison as the Director speaks again.


    "You have been given the chance to join your fellow applicants here on the path to an A-ss hunter, to join us in an uing war in the Dark Continent. This opportunity is once in a lifetime, what else could you possibly want?"


    I think for a full 3 seconds, looking up at the dark ceiling before responding, then smile.


    "You know what? There is something I want."


    I look over all the seats of Directors before continuing.


    "I want you to appoint me publicly as a Regional Director. If I''m going to be such a valuable A-ss hunter asset in the future, I want the world to know."


    Gasps fill the room, hunters and Directors included, as I continue looking all of the Directors up and down, pretending to make my decision, but I already know exactly what I''m about to say.


    My finger hovers in front of the Bedrock Region''s Director for a moment, but he''s never done me wrong; if anything, he''s been the most helpful and pure-hearted one here.


    At thest moment, before I speak again, my pointer fingernds right in front of Brutus, the Regional Director that ordered me to be killed in the Dark Continent, being the catalyst to my entire unorthodox methods of growth and journey back here.


    "I want to be the Director of the Vice Region. Give me his spot..."


    Inwardly, my smile is stretching ear to ear, but I only let my lips curve upward a crack to make my decision seem less targeted.


    The room goes silent, as this wasn''t expected at all. Requesting a position like this is far out of the realm of reasonable asks for a mere newly appointed B-ss to demand.


    The dimly lit faces of all the Directors, and hunters behind them can''t believe the words that just came out of my mouth.


    After there isn''t a response for a full 5 seconds other than more gasps and whispers, I decide this is more than enough to keep them talking and suit my short-term needs.


    I shrug and speak again while putting a hand behind my back to reach into my fake manifestation of an item box to grab a teleport crystal out of my storage.


    "Think about it. I''ll be back in 5 days to take a private tour of these A-ss facilities you say can bring me up to level 1000 and then we will discuss the sry and contract time frame. If you won''t ept this first simple term, then our negotiations end here."


    Before there is any time for a response, I crush the fragile shimmering gem in my closed fist.


    A sh of bright white light brings The Lich King and me back to the underground bunker beneath the Crimson City.

 Chapter 589

    Chapter 589


    The room is left with just ten new B-ss hunters standing in a line, and the Regional Directors stare at the empty spot where Emrie and I just left.


    Brutus, the Regional Director of the Vice Region, is the first to break the silence.


    "Is this a joke? He may havee in first ce in this year''s ranking, but to be a Regional Director at such a young age? What kind of demand is this?"


    More whispers fill the room.


    "Wouldn''t he just be happy with the opportunity to be an A-ss hunter? That position is given out once a decade at most, and he''s throwing away a priceless position!"


    "A backwater Region brat gets a taste of power and thinks he is owed the world..."


    "Uneptable, that position should have been offered to a Vice or Veridian applicant in the first ce..."


    "What a disgrace..."


    The insults and whispers are silenced by Mr. Freeman''s next words."There is no need to worry, Brutus. It is a preposterous demand, and I will work out a reasonable deal with him once he returns."


    The tension in the room dissipates a little, but there is still an air of mystery as the Regional Directors bring their applicants back to their home regions using teleport crystals one by one. Everyone with a golden cor stays in line, preparing to settle into the Apex Region to soon begin their B-ss Elite and A-ss training.


    ---


    I materialize onto the transport tform beneath the guildhall in the Crimson City with the Lich King by my side and immediately un-summon him.


    Due to the sacrifice of his remains and the contract of the ritual, I feel his presence in my shadow. At any time, I can reactivate my Dark Magic, and he will appear in the same exact condition as before.


    I n on utilizing his knowledge as a Divine Beast in the near future, but I have a few more pressing matters to attend to.


    Once I make my way out of the bunker and into the guildhall, I change my appearance to that of an unrecognizable ordinary citizen.


    The workers who see mee out of the bunker know that only authorized personnel in my close circle have ess to those crystals, and I make sure to alert my nearest body double on duty that I''ve made it back in one piece.


    I do a scan of the city and am happy to see Bri is just one floor above me in a brand-new office inside the guildhall. She''s started doing blood-bonded imbuements and special orders for wealthy clients and Crimson Army members.


    My body doubles power-leveled her far past level 2000 in the Labyrinth while I was gone, upgrading her craftsmanship skill to mythic grade. While her mana control is not up to par with the level she''s grown to, that isn''t necessary in this line of work.


    Instead of checking on her or any of my teammates, I head straight to the canyon of dungeons to catch up on lost time from the month that I''ve been gone.


    While my doubles have been able to farm new dungeons and acquire new skills for me, they don''t have the capabilities to produce skill orbs. Just in case any of these unique dungeons in the Talton Region or Sector 3 break soon, I want to stock up while I can.


    Zipping through dungeon after dungeon, making orb copies of these new skills takes about an hour of my time. In the process, I visit other dungeons with moremon skills like body hardening, swordsmanship, dagger mastery, and all of the elemental skills to make a small stockpile for a new business venture idea that''s been floating around in the back of my mind.


    It is a simple process to use my lifesteal skill and activate my mythic grade absorption perk while channeling soul energy into the activation to create an orb. As the process is rather repetitive, I begin to go down my list of new skills to test them now that I have the time and open space to do so.


    I open my status to look over the ten newly acquired skills.


    [Imbuement][Mythic Grade]


    [Barrier Creation][Mythic Grade]


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    [Flight][Mythic Grade]


    [Area Buff][Mythic Grade]


    [Mind Pce][Mythic Grade]


    [Astral Spears][Mythic Grade]


    [sh Step][Mythic Grade]


    [Call of The Void][Mythic Grade]


    [Crystal Creation][Mythic Grade]


    [Heavy Hand][Mythic Grade]


    A few of them are self-exnatory. [sh Step] is a movement speed buff that works in short bursts, granting up to 255% speed and agility simr to extreme speed.


    [Area Buff] is a team buffing skill, giving a 150% all-stat buff to up to 10 teammates within my mana control''s aura.


    [Barrier Creation] allows me to create far thicker walls of mana shielding, boosting my defensive ability to a high degree. [Crystal Creation] is very simr, allowing me to summon semi-transparent pink gems that increase in hardness depending on how much mana I imbue into them.


    [Heavy Hand] and [Astral Spears] work well together as a more offensivebination. While [Heavy Hand] increases the gravity in a small concentrated area of space dependent on my mana imbued into the skill and the cubic space I exert this pressure on, [Astral Spears] allows me to create invisible spears for long range stealth attacks.


    They have very high potential to be useful tools once I practice strengthening them with Divine Threads.


    [Flight] makes my feet surge with magic, making it far easier to mana-step through the air. While it isn''t necessary when I already use wind magic to fly, it makes the lift-off much faster and mana efficient.


    [Imbuement] is a skill I''ve seen used before in Valor City, when the owner of the Moon Bar I visited after arena nights would craft mana-rich items and increase the potency of mana inside food. I''m excited to see what perks this will add to my [Craftsmanship] skill because it appears to be a very profitable addition.


    [Call of The Void] is a very unique skill I obtained from a dungeon full of slow moving creatures living in a dark cave-like dungeon. Their auras send out waves of energy that appeal to the psyche of lower level creatures in the area.


    I activate it a few times while monsters are nearby, but in these dungeons, regr mobs are already programmed to be attracted to humans that enter their domain. I don''t see any major differences in their behaviors with or without the skill activated.


    It is rather underwhelming, but my curiosity is piqued to see how it will work on other humans.


    Lastly, I activate a skill called [Mind Pce].


    There is a condition on it, showing that it can only be activated one time every 24 hours.


    This only grows my curiosity about it further.


    While in the middle of a dungeon, farming Turtle Monsters in a swamp dungeon to stack up on their legendary body hardening skills, I feel as though half of my mind is transported to another world.


    I''m less than 20 meters from a swamp turtle charging my way as this ability fully consumes my thoughts.


    If I wasn''t already familiar with the feeling of splitting my consciousness with body doubles and long-rangemunication recently, the sensation would be very disturbing.


    One half of my conscious mind feels as though it''s moving at a far quicker rate than reality outside.


    I can picture a version of myself sitting on a pure white throne in my inner mind.


    Around it are empty bookshelves that go on further than I can see, and there are endless rows in every direction.


    The more I focus on it, and the more mana I push from my body to use this skill, the slower reality around me seems to move in rtion to my mind within this construct.


    The image of the swamp turtle getting closer to me is visible like a whisper in the back of my consciousness, but it looks like it is frozen in time. My full conscious mind is here inside my mind pce.


    I stand up from the throne and walk over to one of the empty bookshelves.


    My mind is not very focused on anything at first, but then memories, facts, dungeon data, status sheets, and various snippets of information I haven''t thought of in ages all begin to stream into the center of my thoughts.


    A book materializes on the shelf at eye level, and as I turn to the row behind me, more and more books start to manifest on the shelves in organized patterns the more mana I imbue into this skill and concentrate on past events in my life.


    Everything is scattered and fuzzy at first, but the more I think, the more I can recall in perfect memory.


    From my first day awakening my skill in a goblin dungeon, to joining a guild, and being contracted with the Association, then my adventures through the Dark Continent.


    The most vivid memories are from building up Crimson City these past months and passing the B-ss exams.


    It feels like hours are passing as I think back to all of these events, and the rows and rows of bookshelves around me grow with more books and align themselves in a more organized manner.


    As I walk down the white halls and let my finger tips glide across the new books that act as manifestations of my memories, it makes it far easier to process my thoughts with newfound rity.


    I start to formte a perfect n for what I need to do to expand the city in response to the tant failed attack from the Association. While the public opinion is still negative of them, it''s time to use this to my advantage.


    Next, I create a crystal-clear mental list of countless ways I can gain more power in the next five days in order to bring myself to a level where I''d befortable confronting the Sun God alone, unaided by any external forces.


    Smiling, ready to take on the world with a whole new vision, I walk back through the white bookshelves full of brown and ck books to the throne and sit down.


    Once I do, this pce in my mind dissipates, and all I have left in front of me is a charging swamp turtle just over ten meters away.


    Only a second at most has passed in the outside world, yet what felt like hours passed in my mind.


    I stop the turtle with a single finger against its forehead, draining its HP with lifesteal while it ils around, then take its skill orb.


    Next, I summon a new body double that already knows exactly what to do.


    I give it all of the excessmon and elemental skill orbs that I''ve farmed today, and it uses one of my transport crystals to head back to see Bri in her new 2nd floor workshop at the guildhall.


    Meanwhile, I crush a teleport crystal to Valor City, looking forward to seeing my teammates who saved our growing empire from destruction while I was gone.

 Chapter 590

    Chapter 590


    [Body Double POV]


    I ept the pile of skill orbs from my main body and teleport back into the guildhall.


    While I witnessed the memories of its new renovations, seeing it now with the old version that was partially built just a month ago fresh in my mind makes everything here all the more impressive.


    There are six full-time workers buying loot from hunters who farm in the dungeons, selling potions, standard gear, and necessary monster hunting items.


    There are very organized listings, lines, and the positive atmosphere is creating a thriving business. It''s clear that many employees and customers have settled into quite a nice groove over the past months of this guildhall being open.


    I make my way upstairs to see a workshop about four times the size of the one back in Vice City. Bri has her own sectioned-off office in the back third of therge floor, while the rest of it is full of magic items being crafted and sorted.


    I walk through the rows of basic, special, and legendary grade craftsmen, and knock on the office door that has scheduled times for clients that want special blood-bonded and high percentage stat boosting items created.


    Any of my doubles could do exactly the same thing as Bri, but she has far more experience in the field, knows proper pricing, and even has existing clientele that have carried over from her workshop in Vice City.


    We''ve essentially merged our businesses, and she''s been managing 25% of the gross revenue to pay her employees while using my resources to farm materials.I''m making 75% of the profit now without being as hands-on, but granting her ess to these resources and connections all over the dark continent, manpower to farm loot, and massive orders from across the major powers of tworge continents.


    Bri opens the office door after my knock, and all I can think at first is that a double rank-up has done wonders. She looks curvier, has healthier skin, longer hair, and somehow an even more confident stride as she greets me and gets right down to business.


    "A double, huh? I delivered the second round of orders to all of the sectors and regions earlier this week with Lith. We can go over the exact numbers if that''s what you came here to see. We already structured the new farming quotas with the new down payments¡ª"


    I smile and walk into her new office space, then she closes the door behind me as I respond.


    "Sure, let''s look over the numbers, but that isn''t entirely why I came. I have a new branch of business that I want to start up."


    We both sit in the middle of the office on a veryfortable couch to look at all the numbers together, and I''m pleasantly surprised.


    Her new imbuement and special order crafting business has already brought in an additional 103 tinum this month in profit. While she only took clients pre-approved by my doubles and members of the Crimson Army to ensure that overpowered gear isn''t being sold to our enemies, it''s still a substantial amount of extra ie.


    There was roughly 800 tinum that came in from the payments for goods being delivered on the new order of shipments this month.


    In addition to this, 660 tinum was received as the 25% down payment for next month''s orders, keeping the growing trend line for order volume steady¡ª well over two timesst month''s down payments. That will create over an additional 2,000 tinum in pure profit once the special orders for each region and additional guildhall profit are calcted.


    The cost of basic aid, including food, water, and housing for new residents thate into the city is negligible. The total cost is a few tinum a month at most. The excess funds that have been allocated for construction thising month are 200 tinum to expand the outer city to create room for even more outside trade. Plus, there will be a vertical expansion of towers in the city, both for businesses to rent out office space and for more wealthy citizens to start purchasing and renting luxury housing options if they wish.


    Overall, this is the first time since this entire city''s creation that I''m finally seeing more moneye into it than is leaving it in a single month.


    At first, I funded everything out of the winnings I received in the Valor City fight arena to bet on the future.


    The cost of constant expansion and scaling up the dungeon farming business was not profitable month to month to do at first, but now that the volume of transactions is reaching a level that is beyond what one person can do alone, and the exponential aspect of scaling has slowed, I''m finally seeing the fruits of mybor.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    After all expenses needed for this full month of expansion, there''s going to still be over 1000 tinum in the city''s business vault and my main body''s storagebined.


    Bri smiles as she flips to the final page of all the ounting notes.


    "That''s everything. We still have to expand into Sra in Sector 4, The Silca, Raya, Phantom, Veridian, and Apex Region. There is still room for massive growth once the trade influence grows in these parts of the two nations we''re currently established in."


    I would take longer to think, but I already nned everything out when I had an epiphany using my new skill [Mind Pce].


    "Perfect. I should be able to secure a meeting with over half of those regions soon. I made some new connections while away at the B-ss exams."


    Bri''s eyes widen and she leans in closer to me.


    "You made it back? Did you pass? W-What? I thought this was just an old double... You should have told me earlier!"


    Iugh, then run through the details of the exams quickly, leaving out parts about the divine construct and a few other details that would take far too long to exin, but assure her that Rodrigo is still safe.


    "Basically, to sum things up, I passed and got all of the information I was looking for. I met the Apex Region''s director, and now I have five days to get strong enough to face him again and not fall under his curse. There''s a way to get your brother back, and I have a n to do so while gaining far more than just that."


    I grin while opening up my item storage and pouring hundreds of skill orbs onto the center table.


    "They attacked my city and think I won''t strike back with everything I have? It''s time to dismantle that crooked organization from the inside out and create an Association of my own... These skill orbs right here are where we begin."


    ¨C


    [Main Body POV]


    Meanwhile, I teleport into the lobby of the Galeheart Tower to see two lobbymen greet me from across the room that I haven''t seen in quite a while.


    They wee me back and tell me I can wait for Lith to return to townter tonight, but I politely decline as I''m here for other reasons.


    I leave out into the streets of the Royal Coin district of Valor City.


    It''s still extremely quiet, and only a few of Lith''s guards stand outside a few buildings in the area. Other than that, everyone else still believes the Dark One holds ownership of the entire city.


    Not much has changed at all here.


    Other than the doubleyered mana shielding requested on my tower that leads down to the Qi mines, everything in Valor City has stayed exactly the same.


    I do a scan of the entire city as a whole all throughout the silver, gold, and tinum districts too, and business seems to be running just as usual.


    I send long-range transmissions to Abby and Maria to meet me at the surface, while sending another wave to Lydia and Fisher.


    Just as I finish my leisurely stroll through the empty ck streets toward the massive tower, all four of my teammates are here to greet me.


    My body doubles have been in their presence the whole time I''ve been gone, but meeting them again in my real body feels very different.


    I can feel their powerful auras ripple through the air from far away.


    It''s clear that Fisher and Lydia''s Soul Energy has truly awakened. The colorful disy I saw in my memories hinted at it, but the true rawbination of Qi and Mana seamlessly flowing through their cores proves it to me now.


    Abby''s aura feels sharp and concentrated; like every particle of energy being manipted is focused on with close precision.


    The images of her spears slicing through the limbs of an A-ss hunter with a red core of divine energy sh in my mind as she gives me a smile while crossing her arms.


    Maria''s aura is immensely powerful, giving off the sensation of an endless abyss of dark royal blue energy; ready to absorb everything in the atmosphere but also capable of unleashing the power trapped within.


    Her bubbly smile and wave from a distance give the illusion of a far different hunter. If one doesn''t have their Soul Energy awakened too, it''s impossible to see the true extent of her battle might.


    I can''t help but smile ear to ear as I give each of them a hug and start recalling the events of my time in the Apex Region.


    From the moment I stepped into the exam site, through the trials, meeting new allies, learning about divine energy, and even the demand I left the board of Directors with in the end; I tell them everything.


    I use a divine energy imbued [Hush] barrier to ensure none of this is overheard.


    We walk around the empty streets together to tell the stories of ourst few weeks.


    Fisher seems just like his old self, battle hungry and wanting to prove his new skills to me in a spar. Apparently, Monk has been teaching them a whole new style and array of techniques in their private training sessions.


    Lydia is very focused on her exnations, telling of her experience training with Monk, and even helping with arge number of the patients that need rejuvenation from the Lich King''s Curse during her off hours.


    All four of them give me their renditions of the attack on the city.


    Abby is the first to give her words.


    "Like I said when you contacted me earlier, there are definitely more eyes on this battle than just the 8 Great Regions'' branch. I used to work for the Association far before you were involved with them. After yearly contracts renew, the central branch always did check-ins on the lesser nations. They are definitely keeping track of the A-ss hunters, and if they don''t already know, they''re going to have many questions about the battle scars we left them."


    Maria nods and chimes in.


    "So that red light that both of the A-ss hunters were using with their borrowed soul energy, that was Divine Energy? The stuff that was being farmed in the construct?"


    I nod.


    "Yeah. Your Soul Energy was strong enough to overpower it from raw strength alone. However, the Apex Region''s Director has far more powerful Soul Energy and Divine Energy than me..."


    I pause my sentence and my stride to turn to all of them.


    "If you say there are even more powerful eyes on us now, we''re going to need to get another step ahead; in both gathering information and building our strength."


    I grin while thinking about what we''re about to do next.


    "Let''s head out to the new prison that was created to store the captured B-ss Hunters of the attackst week. We''re going to need to train more, that''s a given. But right now, it will be best to learn more weaknesses and secret information only held by Elites of the Association, why not take it from the source?"

 Chapter 591

    Chapter 591


    We use teleport crystals to return to the Crimson City, and I''m led out into the desert, about 50 kilometers away.


    There are no main trade roads connecting this far out, and the only majorndmark here is the edge of the dark abyss on the horizon.


    Arge rectangr prison made of mana-manifested stonees into view, far out in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a single door on its front and two level 1400+ guards from the Crimson Army standing watch.


    There''s arge man with earth magic and body hardening who has high-grade armor crafted by Bri and an earth-imbued longsword that I made for him before I left.


    The woman by his side uses air magic. Her bow was crafted by me too, and much of her other high-grade gear also appears to be crafted by Bri, making them up to par with her new level gains thesest few weeks.


    I feel the aura of my body double''s surveince, even 50 kilometers away, but we''re greeted very respectfully once we arrive.


    They show us two small bows as they open the front door for us, and the woman speaks.


    "Wee back, it is an honor to see the me Emperor''s Inner Circle all together. "


    At the same time, the man hands me a ring of keys holding over 40 in total.I take them and llead our group of five into the dimly lit structure, finding it funny how she''s given my teammates this name.


    We''re all supposedly deceased after our mission into the Dark Continent and wear items with high-grade concealment attributes, so our appearances are always changing.


    There is an air of mystery around who we are and where we came from that many army members and even citizens of the city have begun to specte on in their freetime.


    It makes me think about my other teammates. Arie and Luna are still off on their venture into the Abyss in search of their old home that was swallowed by the darkness.


    I haven''t heard back from them in months, and out of curiosity, I bring their names up in my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface to see if I can open a long-range transmission; but to my surprise, all of their information is tinted dark purple.


    My gaze tightens even more when I try to make contact, but nothing goes through. Either there is interference, or they''re unable to answer my calls. I can see their location, over a thousand kilometers away, deep in Sector 4; but the color of all their vitals and stats looks exactly the same purple shade as my Demonic Energy Maniption skill''s text when I view it inside my own status.


    I trust them to make it back when they''ve discovered what they need to, so my attention turns to the rows of cells.


    Dozens of high-level Association Hunters are here, locked behind bars.


    The cells are all made of a very interesting pink crystalline structure. There are smooth walls, floors, and ceilings; but as we walk through the center of the building, seeing cells on either side of us, there are only small openings in the semi-transparent pink bars to see the captives behind them.


    The center of the hall is lit by a few orbs of ss with [sh] imbued mana crystals inside them.


    It''s clear one of my body doubles used my new [Crystal Creation] skill, and what looks like millions of MP worth of mana crystals to create indestructible cells inside this temporary prison.


    To ensure safety, it seems all the captured B-ss hunters have handcuffs made of the same pink crystal material,bined with a ck bar of mana-blocking Qi.


    It disrupts the connection to the system and doesn''t allow them to use any mana or skills while in contact.


    Far down at the end of the hall, I can sense the 10 cells with prisoners that have golden cors around their necks. They too have the handcuffs, but their cell reinforcement is multiple times denser than the others.


    There are visible dents and small fractures in the cell from their constant use of borrowed Soul Energy to attempt escape, but after over a full week has passed, they have all given up trying to break out.


    I smirk and whisper under my breath, "I guess I''ll save the best forst."


    Then, I turn back and use one of the pink crystal keys on a ring to open up a cell at random near the entrance of the prison.


    I look at the young man with defeat in his eyes, then send a single divine energy-imbued mana bullet from my finger to shatter the cuffs on his wrists.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    His body is revitalized with energy in an instant, and I see a spark of hope in his gaze; but I quickly suppress it by activating [Heavy Hand] to increase the gravity inside this cell by over 20 times.


    I turn to my teammates and speak up.


    "This is probably going to take a while, so getfortable."


    They all look very interested in my process, and a round of nonchnt replies give me the go ahead to do whatever I want to the criminals that attacked them while I was away.


    I turn back to the man on the floor and activate my lie detector skill and release a wave of intimidation that would make even a double ranked-up hunter shiver.


    "What can you tell me... I want to know everything that happened the day of the attack. Who sent you, and what were your exact orders?"


    One by one, I go to every cell and each and every one of them cracks.


    With my lie detector skill at such close range, using direct questions, and with such a power gap between myself and the prisoners I''m interrogating, it''s basically reading their minds.


    I can hear their intrusive thoughts whenever I dip into a hot topic, and when I repeat their words in their heads, it only makes them think about it more.


    It isn''t perfect, but with the tant ability to tell if these thoughts and the words they do speak out loud are in fact true or not, it''s as close to perfect as I''ll get.


    I thought it would be a lot harder to get these grunts to speak, but after the screaming noises from their teammates and using small doses of regeneration potions to allow me to do what I have to with the more stubborn ones all over again, the information I need is all gathered.


    One by one, I recreate the pink crystal cuffs around their wrists after fully healing them and attach the mana-blocking bricks to their skin.


    I''ve gathered so far that on the day of the attack, the Apex Region was alerted to major dungeon breaks urring in the Dark Continent.


    The higher-ups briefed everyone on the elite attack squad that the source of these breaks was inside the Crimson City.


    They all teleported to the teleport tform in Sector 1 right outside of Valor City. There is a small Association base of operations there and a muchrger one in Sra. They made the flight over and were ordered to take down the barrier and kill the leader of the city named the me Emperor by any means necessary.


    Many of the men I interrogate have been dungeon explorers and personal guards their whole lives in the Association; this is one of their first big missions, while others are veterans and havemitted simr acts in the past.


    Some cry and beg for forgiveness while I torture the information out of them, while others stay quiet, but I use my mind-reading perk to get details out of them too.


    By the time I make it to the final 10 cells with the golden-cored hunters, it''s clear that many of the hunters I''ve questioned were not well informed. They follow orders, keeping their heads down and doing whatever deeds the Association gives them.


    Just because they had no idea this tale of dangerous breaks in the Dark Continent was a fabrication doesn''t mean I won''t punish them for their actions.


    "Keep them all locked up; we''ll assign them proper sentence dates and punishments in five days."


    I grin while opening the lock to the first golden-cored B-ss Hunter''s Cell.


    While activating [Heavy Hand], [Intimidation], and [Lie Detector] again, I break the cuffs of a muscr middle-aged water wielder and start asking questions.


    "You heard your friends break; it''s time to talk."


    Another hour or so passes, and as I make my way through each of these higher-tiered hunters, it''s much harder to get information out of them.


    Their minds don''t wander, and no matter how bad the mental or physical pressure I push down on them, they still don''t talk even when they''re close to death.


    It''s like there is a mental barrier up that wasn''t present in the others. My best guess is it has something to do with the Sun God''s Curse Mark. Even with the system-blocking cuffs on, their soul energy nes still glow brightly around their necks.


    I make my way back to the first golden-cored hunter I started with and murmur to myself.


    "I guess it''s time to take that cor off... I''m not going to get anywhere with you all acting like this. I''ve been wondering if it was even possible for me to do this, so you''ll be my first test subject."


    In the next moment, I concentrate on letting dark red Soul Energy pour out of my hands, covering the man''s entire body that lies on the cell ground before me.


    I vividly remember using my absorption skill''s innate propertiesbined with Soul Energy after defeating the Lich King to cleanse those that were still infected by its curse.


    As the fiery aura covers the man, and I concentrate on the golden energy that surrounds his neck and is bonded with his cells all throughout his brain, heart, blood, bones, and body, I focus and let the same process y out.


    More and more Soul Energy pours out of my body; it feels simr to when I was imbuing the Crimson Barrier with everything in my core.


    Getting rid of the Lich King''s power was far simpler because he was already gone; trying to force this golden energy out is infinitely more difficult.


    I feel my energy shing with the golden light deep within the man''s body, and a microscopic war of Soul Energy particlesmences.


    At first, it is a losing battle. I feel a tremendous power lurking deep inside the golden energy, and my heart feels tight just thinking of the time the Sun God himself attempted to assert pressure on my own core; however, we''re thousands of kilometers away and all I''m doing is trying to overpower the borrowed soul energy within a hunter that hasn''t even double ranked up yet.


    The more Soul Energy I flood into his system, the more the intrinsic strength of the Soul Energy doesn''t matter. I overpower the energy by raw volume alone, and to be on the safe side, I begin enhancing the weight of my own Soul Energy with Divine Threads once the golden light that poisons his flesh starts to be devoured.


    This speeds things up drastically.


    All of the golden light is ripped from his being and locked away in my item storage.


    The process isn''t the hardest thing I''ve ever done, but I am breathing heavily and covered in sweat by the time I''m sure every drop of Qi and Mana has left his body.


    Once I''m sure, I take a step back and retract my Soul Energypletely.


    The man looks almost as exhausted as I do once it''s over, but words leave his lips once I relieve the pressure and watch the golden cor around his neckpletely fade away.


    "Impossible. You¡ª You did it... I''m free... I''ll¡ªtell you everything, sir! Please, just hear me out! I never wanted to harm you or your people¡ª"


    As my body naturally regenerates and my fatigue is gone in seconds, I feel a new link of loyalty form from the B-ss hunter that just had a curse lifted from his status.

 Chapter 592

    Chapter 592


    His eyes are filled with hope, but his body still trembles with fear.


    This man was captured by an unknown rising kingdom in the Dark Continent by a force that easily defeated two of their strongest A-ss hunters and dozens of elite B-ss hunters in seconds.


    Now, he''s face to face with me, a man who tortured information out of his allies for hours without any remorse.


    Even if I freed him from his golden cor, it seems he''s still unsure if he''s now just being shackled to another tyrant.


    All of his thoughts are racing around now, but I can read them as clear as day, like the odd mental block from before is gone.


    Ipletely change my tone, smile, then deactivate my intimidation and gravity magic.


    "Very good. Tell me everything you know about the Apex Region and the reason you attacked me, and I''ll consider letting you live a free life away from me and the Association if you wish."


    His eyes light up, and the words start flowing.


    I stand above him and listen with my arms crossed, and every word thates out of his mouth is followed by plumes of green mist from my lie detector skill telling me it''s true.After about 15 minutes of talking, I send a telepathy wave to Abby, asking her to fully restore him.


    Then, I walk to the next cell and do it all over again.


    One by one, I use Divine Energy enforced Soul Energy to break the bonds of the Sun God''s Curse Mark on every one of the captives.


    Two out of the ten resist my attack and grasp onto the Soul Energy that is connected to their being.


    It feels very simr to the time when I used my Soul Energy for the first time to extract the Lich King''s lingering Orange essence.


    Unfortunately, the two that resist my help are burned to a crisp from the inside out due to the violent nature of my Soul Energy''s me aspect.


    The eight that let the process transpire form links of loyalty the moment their curses are lifted, and one after another they spill every bit of knowledge about the attack and the association that they can.


    Unlike the aftermath of the Lich King''s Curse, these men and women aren''t ina-like states.


    From what I''ve gathered after all of their exnations, the curse mark works as a mental cor, making them follow orders no matter what they are, and their minds don''t understand that these actions are not their own thoughts.


    While they go about the rest of their days and lives normally, once an order is given by the Sun God, they will follow it without question, like it is their own inner thoughts rationalizing them to do so.


    The power makes me shiver every time the next hunter exins the same feeling.


    Some of them are even breaking down crying and praising me, asking for forgiveness because they themselves didn''t understand that it was happening until right now when the veil was lifted.


    Even in their shocked state, each of them pieces together valuable information about the day of the attack.


    I can visibly see it in my mind after all of the vivid exnations. My teammates listen closely and step in to ask questions too as they''re extremely invested in these details.


    The night before the attack, a dozen hunters all met inside the same dark room with the oval-shaped table and only one figure sitting behind it.


    It was the 2 high-level A-ss fighters and the 10 B-ss Elites here with cors on.


    Mr. Freeman gave them all a briefing, describing the actual details of the mission. Telling the best hunters in the Apex Region that there is a rising human threat in the Dark Continent who goes by the name of The me Emperor.


    For the sake of peace and continued control over the Dark Continent''s resources, each and every one of these golden-cored guards was ordered to take over the city, plunder the valuables, and kill anyone that continued staying loyal to this rogue force.


    Themon word amongst all of them is that those hunters without cors were never briefed on the reality of the event, only those who the Director had full control over knew the real dark plot behind this event.


    They were meant to set up a new station here, take over the profitable dungeons, and put their own craftsmen in charge of continuing the trade deals.


    Just like the un-cored hunters said before, most of this information was gathered by low-level spies that live in Sra and the outer cities within Sector 1.


    They must just be intertwined with your everyday traders thate by the city.


    It''s how they knew about the dome, the me Emperor''s name, the plentiful dungeons, and many other details about mynd.


    However, the Inner Circle, my high-powered teammates are not well known at all.


    We don''t show our power to the public, and none of them know our true faces or names.


    Even the defeat of the Dark One that ruled over Valor City is only known in a very tight-knitmunity of original members of the City.


    This attack against us from the Association is the first public disy of the Crimson City''s true power, and with thousands of eyes on the event, word will travel fast of the me Emperor''s strength.


    Satisfied with this description, I now understand the true motive behind the Director''s attack. However, I want more information about the Association itself.


    I continue to interrogate them more, asking questions about their training methods, secret facilities, and any extra information about Mr. Freeman that they know, but the results aren''t exactly what I expected.


    The Apex Region seems to have many different zones, and only certified personnel are allowed in each zone.


    These B-ss Elites are only allowed to train in the B-ss dungeons, and the only way to find them is through a transportation system that is shrouded in mystery.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the vition.


    Just like when I was inside the moving mana shielded rooms during the exams, and it felt as though the cube I was standing in was moving from random location to random location on some kind of rail system; this is all these hunters know too.


    They are as blind to the inner workings of the Association as me...


    None of them have any idea what the yellow energy Mr. Freeman uses is, they just called it cursed energy, so trying to talk to them about Divine or Soul Energy turns out to be useless.


    In the meantime, Abby restores them all to perfect health, I give them food and water from my storage, but after we''re done here; I put their mana blocking cuffs back on and close the cells.


    While I walk out with my teammates I swing the pink crystal ring of keys around my finger.


    "They may have been forced to do what they did, but they still did it.... I need some more time to think about their futures. Their punishments will be decided in 5 days as well."


    We walk out the front door to be greeted again by the man and woman. I toss them the keys back and smile.


    "We''re all done here, treat them nicely until I return. Seems they weren''t as bad as we thought, and were very cooperative today."


    I turn to my teammates once we get far enough away from the prison and feel the presence in my shadow stirring.


    "How about we go spar out in the desert away from the city. I want to see how far you''vee for myself; and there are a few training options I want to talk over with you to get your opinions on."


    We all turn and fly even further away from the city, following the edge of the dark abyss as a guide and making our way another 100km away from any sign of trade routes or civilization.


    Once we settle down in an open clearing, I speak up.


    "Come at me with everything you''ve got. Let''s see what you can do. Don''t hold back, I can handle it."


    Then I put my fists up in the air as the 4 glowing teammates around me pull out their weapons.


    Fisher smirks, putting a simr fighting stance to Monk''s up in the air and letting his manifested blue serpent Soul Energy flow out of him.. "You sure? I''ll give you everything if that''s really what you want!"


    Lydia pulls out her katana, and it''s glowing with white light. Her Soul Energy Tiger surrounds her body and the desert sand below starts to turn pristine white.


    Abby glows green and spears start to circle around her while Maria pulls out her sword and a dense royal blue energy form erupts from her chest to grow ten times her size.


    I allow my own Soul Energy to power my movements and strengthen it with yellow threads of Divine Energy.


    I don''t activate my greater form, and don''t pull out any extra weapons to prove a point as they alle at me with everything they have.


    The first attack I block with a simple open palm is Fisher''s, catching his punch and using a wall of red soul energy covered in yellow threads around it topletely stop his manifestation of a serpent in its tracks, then making contact with his main body using a powerful blow with the same hand to send him flying backward.


    From the other direction, Lydia''s dees straight for my back.


    I gracefully turn while in the motion of blocking Fisher''s move and dodge her strike within millimeters, twisting around her body andnding the same open palm to her back sending her flying in the opposite direction.


    Less than a tenth of a secondter, I jump upward to avoid 6 bright green spears spinning in circlesing my way. Using flight to bounce through the sky with ease, feeling as though I''m as light as a feather while closing my distance between myself and Abby in the next instant.


    Her eyes widen as I use the same simple open palm thrust at her chest while she''s in her immortal form.


    The Soul Energy from my attack shouldn''t be able to harm her at all. In this moment, nothing should be able to.


    However, the yellow threads that make my form heavier, more rooted in reality, are so strong that she''s pushed backward from the st.


    The Soul Energy itself didn''t do a thing, phasing through her and doing no damage at all, however the mass of my body covered in divine matter that is stronger than reality itself makes an impact with where her body should be and does physical damage.


    I turn in mid air the moment my attack hits to see a massive ice goddess'' deing down toward me.


    Full of confidence, I push my hand up to stop it.


    For a moment, I feel a truly bizarre weight pushing down on me, like the longer I wait to push back the heavier it will be.


    My muscles strain for a moment, and I''m stuck standing in ce for a few fractions of a second before I channel all of my soul energy and divine threads away from other portions of my body to push into my palm.


    Now, I push back upward with enough force to push the ice de away. Then, jump upward and plunge through her greater form with nothing but a Soul Energy Barrier strengthened with Divine threads to break through the attack and hit Maria''s real body with the same blow I did to everyone else, easily overpowering her.


    It may have been an error to hold back here at first, I did so not to hurt any of my teammates, but I used enough power to show there was an overwhelming difference.


    I power down, standing in the middle of the four of them defeated on the ground around me.


    While they weren''t life-threatening blows, I still hit them hard enough to shock their systems and give them a taste of what Divine Energy can do.


    I yell out for each of them to hear.


    "Again! I want you toe at me with everything, aim to kill. If you think those A-ss hunters you fended off were strong, you have no idea what kind of monster we''re dealing with. My power is minusculepared to the Director that runs the 8 Great Regions. We have to get stronger."


    I prepare to give them all regeneration potions or share my skill with them, because each of the blows Inded left yellow thread residue in their bodies.


    However, a bright green Restoration Circle spreads out beneath Abby''s feet, and it covers the entire battlefield.


    Green energy surges into all 4 of them at once, and I watch the foreign yellow thread be torn out of their bodies simr to the soft heal technique that Nat used, but much faster and it''s more efficient.


    I smile and put my fists back up while the 4 of theme back at me with their weapons and Soul Energy on full power.


    Colorful Blue, Green, White, Red, and Yellow lights all sh through the desert as thendscape is destroyed everywhere we spar.


    About 30 minutes go by, and the fighting only gets more and more intense.


    They slowly realize that I really meant it when I said they cane at me with everything they have. At first they were all hesitant to actually hurt me, but it soon bes clear that the power gap between us has grown so much that they can really let loose and use everything they have.


    This is the first time I believe any of them have been able to do an exercise like this.


    Every time they break through and learn new techniques while battling all out, I up the intensity little by little to make sure they never win; having to think of new ways to fight back and continuously gain the upper hand.


    In less than half an hour their fighting styles drastically improve, and they be far more confident in situations where decisions need to be made within tenths or even hundredths of a second.


    While their basicbat training goes on, my mind is racing for more ideas on how we can all improve.


    While I was thinking inside the [Mind Pce] everything seemed perfectly aligned and clear.


    I had options to farm in the top floors of thebyrinth, to have us all gain a few trillion more MCP. It would definitely make each of us much stronger, but wouldn''t bring us to levels that are magnitudes higher, which is where we need to be.


    The level of a strength gap that they have below me right now is simr to the power gap I felt between the Director and myself.


    I had thoughts of giving them my red, orange, and even yellow cores that I farmed to try and awaken cores like myself, but there are a few problems with that too.


    The first is that there isn''t enough time. It would take weeks for them to awaken up to the yellow core state in the best-case scenario.


    The second is that even if they made it to a yellow core in time, we would still have the same issue. I''m recreating the battle right now that would happen if we fought against a stronger opponent of such immense strength.


    It''s like the swarms of orange-cored insects fighting against a yellow-cored lizard, no matter how I look at things; the power gap is far too high.


    I can''t tell if the Director''s mana control is just that much higher than mine after decades of training, or if there is a second stage to the yellow core that I''m unaware of.


    All I do know is that there is something that I''m missing, and I need to figure out what it is...


    Another half hour passes, and we finally stop our sparring to take a break.


    The realization that we all have a long way to go has fully washed over us, and even more ideas start toe out from them too as we rest and take a load off sitting in the sand as the sun continues to beat down on us overhead and the hungry abyss swirls in the distance.


    My shadow bes restless again once our spars are over, like it''s trying tomunicate with me.


    I grin and look at each of my teammates while standing up and preparing to activate my dark magic.


    "This may sound crazy at first, but hear me out. I know someone who may have the knowledge we need to get stronger..."

 Chapter 593

    Chapter 593


    Arge ck shadow of dark magic grows around me, and from its depths, the shadowy summon of the Lich King rises.


    His concealment buffs are all dispelled, as there is no reason to hide. He looks like a pitch-ck skeleton wearing the cloak and pendant I gifted him during the exams.


    Without me using my limiter on him, and with his own divine limiter fully decayed, the ominous aura of evil energy permeates off of him.


    All four of my teammates get back into their battle stances, and they look at my summon with hate in their eyes.


    Maria is the first to yell out.


    "It''s the Dark One! ... but... it''s Soul Energy..."


    Abby steps closer and finishes her sentence.


    "It''s gone..."


    All of them were both enraged and on edge at first, but once they watch the shadowy skeleton stare forward without moving for many seconds, they begin to understand that there is something not quite natural about all of this.I speak up next, looking at the Lich King.


    "I take it you have witnessed our sparring and have studied the Sun God''s true power as well. Tell me if there is a way for all of us to get strong enough to face him in just five days..."


    He turns to me and nods, speaking out loud in his original deep and static voice.


    "There is a way to reach his level... but in five days, it may be impossible. It is hard to say if I could teach you as I am now."


    The shadowy figure''s head turns away from me again and stays still like a statue.


    Surprisingly, Lydia speaks up next with an angered tone in her voice.


    "How are you alive? Is there a way to revert all those innocent people that you cursed back from their debilitating state?"


    The Lich King stares forward and doesn''t react, almost like he hasn''t heard anything.


    I speak next, saying, "Answer her." and the ck skeleton moves his head to the ice user and speaks.


    "I have already died. There is currently no one under my curse. Whatever damage has been done cannot be solved by a simple fix."


    Without a drop of emotion, he looks ahead again, and everyone is silent, wondering what is going on.


    They look to me for answers, and I spend the next few minutes fully exining my Dark Magic skill and how the shadow summon works.


    After they all realize they''re safe, they begin to power down their soul energy and put away their weapons, but I grin and shake my head.


    "Don''t power down just yet."


    I then turn to the Lich King.


    "These rigid replies don''t feel very effective. You said it would be hard to teach us as you are now. However, if you were able to speak and act freely, would that increase the chances of our sess?"


    There is a pause, but the Lich King replies.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Yes. The likelihood of your survival in the uing week would increase if you allowed me free reign. My thoughts and actions would be far less limited."


    Inmand mode, he is really only capable of mimicking my words and giving short, generic responses.


    My lie detector skill does not sense any lies, and even though the Lich King''s natural aura is full of dread and an ominous feeling, I don''t feel any direct malice being sent out anymore.


    Along with this, ever since the Lich King''s barrier decayed, the small silver core in his chest hardly shimmers or spins at all. It appears to be a fully dormant core, leading me to believe his earlier words that he won''t be able to use this immortal divine energy again for an extended amount of time, just like Ember after his massive usage inside the construct.


    I nod and cross my arms, pulling up the summoning interface before my eyes and changing the mode from [Command] to [Free Reign].


    "Fine, you may speak without a filter. Give us your thoughts."


    The skeleton moves its body in a far less rigid manner, and it looks as though a breath of life has been granted to the shadowy figure.


    It turns with ease, moving its skeletal hands upward and looks at each of us individually while turning in a circle before speaking in a far clearer, more concise, and intelligent manner.


    "This is quite the interesting situation you''ve found yourself in."


    He looks toward the abyss, then back down toward my ring, then his gaze tracks around everyone again beforeing back to me.


    "-But I''d expect nothing less from a mortal bonded with the Fallen One... Even if you are just a human."


    He steps closer to me, and I reflexively cover my vitals with soul energy and divine threads, putting up my hands in a defensive stance.


    However, the Lich King justughs.


    "My form cannot harm you, as I am your summon. Even if I could try, our power difference is magnitudes apart. It is like an ant trying to kill a tiger. There is no greatparison to our gap. I know you are fighting with this same scenario now..."


    As he takes another step forward, I sense somethinging our way at high speed in the desert. I put out arge wave of enemy detection to see what it is while the Lich King continues to speak, pointing out at the abyss.


    "While your major concerns are most likely what will be challenging you for that throne, I can definitely lead you in the right direction on how to defeat the Sun God you wish to face in just five days."


    The skeleton''s aura gives off a wave of energy that feels excited, and at the same time, I realize the high-speed objecting my way is one of my body doubles. It looks as though it will arrive in a few minutes at this rate.


    I reply.


    "I just want to deal with what''s in front of me. Tell me, is the Sun God just that much more battle experienced than I am after decades of training? Or is there another stage to the yellow core?"


    The skeleton''s face doesn''t move at all when he talks, but I sense what must be a smile permeating from him as he replies.


    "Your senses are very acute. However, to answer your question truthfully, it is abination of both. The Light Magic user we faced does have many years of cultivation experience on you, but that is how he managed topress his core. The strands he produces are almost ten times as dense and strong as yours, only because of long practice with a very difficult technique."


    I nod and listen to the Lich King continue.


    "It is the natural progression of any Divine Lifeform that wishes to be a Divine Beast in their future. Without consolidating your energy, your base of power will not be strong enough topare to the higher life forms that ascended with a sturdy base. While the Sun God has not seeded in finishing the process, he has made significant progress on this path and may very wellplete it given another hundred years. It''s what we call a True Core, rather than just an Awakened One."


    My eyes widen when the timeframe is mentioned, and I reply.


    "A hundred years? -I wanted a way to get to his level in five days..."


    The Lich King doesn''t seem very worried about this, and replies in a nonchnt manner.


    "You managed to move from no core to yellow in a matter of weeks, and have the aid of a Purple Cored artifact."


    He points to my finger.


    "You grew from nothing but an above-average strength ranked-up hunter visiting Valor City to a monster that defeated me, the Dark One, a Divine Beast ruling the Dark Continent, in just a matter of weeks... If any mortal were capable of achieving this new feat, it would be you."


    The Lich King looks toward the sky.


    "It just seems it was not my era to rule. There is more talent on this world than I once believed. I must wait another half-century to pave my legacy on another once I am reincarnated again."


    The Lich King chuckles, but I interject.


    "Hey, I never said I''d let you die and go free, I said I''d consider it."


    A pulse of wild and angry auraes from the Lich King''s body, but he conceals it instantly to bring his emotions in check once I cover my hands in dense Divine Energy again.


    He steps back and bows his head slightly.


    "Very well, let us make a deal then. If I help youpress your divine energy into a True Core and defeat the Sun God, will you in return, let me die?"

 Chapter 594

    Chapter 594


    I think about his offer and see only green misting off his aura from my lie detector skill.


    Even so, the Lich King''s calm demeanor and willingness to help me feels very out of character for a self proimed Dark God. Even if he is my summon, I want confirmation that whatever this True Core progression is, it is a safe direction to move toward.


    The only person I''d trust to ask is Ember.


    Thest time I saw him, he was falling asleep while I opened my item storage beneath him.


    While many days have passed in real time outside, in the depths of my storage, not a single fraction of a second has passed.


    It may be possible to send a single message to him before he goes into full hibernation.


    This seems like the best course of action now, rather than taking the Lich King''s word at face value.


    I stand in silence for a few seconds, thinking up a n, then take a step back from my shadow summon.


    "Possibly. Give me a moment to get a second opinion on the terms of your offer."I walk away to be alone in the desert, then power up all my perception buffs, pulling out my sword and dagger to obtain as many stat boosts as I can, even triggering the activation of my greater form to push myself further.


    I want to make sure my mind is running at the highest capacity possible because I don''t know how much time to converse I''ll really have.


    I take a few deep breaths in and out, sensing the fractions of seconds passing in my improved perception. Then, I open up my item storage to allow Ember''s body, in its human form, to fall out into the real world.


    His eyes are closing, but I send a wave of telepathy into his mind the instant I see his body materialize and get to work.


    In the simplest series of statements possible, I outline the turn of events that have transpired in thest few days.


    Ites out in a jumbled bit of words through our link.


    "Met purple construct creator, helped escape, faced yellow core director, too strong, need help from Lich King resurrected, ispressing core to True Core Safe? Help me confirm."


    I try to exin further, but for every hundredth of a second he stays outside of my suspended animation, I feel him inching closer to a hibernation-like state.


    I instantly share my skill [Mind Pce] with him, and a pulse of white light ripples over his body once it''s activated.


    To me, time is moving normally, but the moment Ember hits the desert floor, his mind has already organized my cryptic message and rationalized a response.


    "True Core is the Optimal Path. Link me with Lich."


    His words are calcted and cryptic too, making sure every millisecond counts. By hisst words, our link is fading fast, but I instantly open up a channel with the Lich King standing close by.


    Ember''s next wordse through with an intensity I''ve never felt from him before. His core pulses golden and silver, pushing out ast bit of power through his body to make his words clear.


    "As a Supreme, I demand you, an Overseer, to teach my soul-bound the path to a True Core. Do not deceive me, or else I will make sure you disappear in the next Council Meeting."


    By his second sentence, Ember''s words start to fade as his mind and body shuts down. By the time he finishes saying ''meeting,'' the three-way link goes silent, and Ember falls into a hibernation-like state on the desert floor.


    I can feel mana being drained from the air as his body starts to glow red, and the golden and silver ore in his body spins slowly, looking simr to the dormant state of the Lich King''s.


    I power down my buffs and greater form, satisfied now that with Ember''s wisdom backing the Lich King''s words, this Dark Entity is not trying to deceive me after all.


    I activate my item storage to allow Ember to fall inside again. The amount of mana he''s absorbing from the atmosphere to heal is unsustainable; I sense even the mana from my body and my teammates being ripped away every second that I leave him out here.


    If this time is anything like thest time he rested in the istion pod beneath the guildhall after creating a divine limiter, it''s going to take far longer than five days to heal him back to full health.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    It''s best I keep him safe within suspended animation until I can find a better ce for him to recover.


    I then walk back to the Lich King with my hand outstretched and a smile across my face.


    "It seems this is the best path to take. Let us make the deal. You help me achieve a True Core and kill the Sun God, and I let you die in peace."


    From my opposite hand, I open a spatial magic portal to let a small amount of the orange leftover Soul Energy that I absorbed from its body after killing it in our major battle.


    After showing that I''m capable of letting its essence back into the universe and am willing to do so, the ck skeleton''s bony hand grasps mine and we both shake on it.


    ¨C


    [Body Double POV ~ A few hours ago]


    Back in the guildhall in the Crimson City, my body double has been working out a new business with Bri that will bring us an exceptional amount of new profit and increase the strength of those loyal to me.


    Many new signs are ced up in the guildhall for new buying and selling offers.


    Bri announces them for everyone to hear.


    "Attention! Hunters, Merchants, and Citizens all around! We have a few new items that are going to be up for sale. As you are all loyal to the me Emperor, and are within the Crimson Dome, these will be sold to you at a discounted rate, and we have a very limited quantity of them..."


    All attention in the guildhall turns to her, as many know her as the craftsman inside the me Emperor''s Inner Circle. Not many people other than very strong fighters from the army ever get to meet her.


    Whispers of what this new product could be start to spread, and in the few seconds that pass, rumors and spection already start to arise.


    Bri smiles while a few of the workers update their signs by their booths.


    "We''re going into the Skill Trading market. There is only a very limited stock, and these prices will notst for long. Ten gold a piece, and you can add a permanent skill to your status. We have Body Hardening, Swordsmanship, Team Buffs, Dagger Arts, and many othermon hunter skills all at the legendary grade status. These could be considered a priceless item, sold off to the leaders of the 8 Great Nations, but after the horrific failed attackst week; the me Emperor has decided to cancel this option and give these treasures to you all at an affordable price."


    Bri distributes about a hundred skill orbs to various booths while hunters surround them with gold in their hands.


    While 10 gold is a lot of money, enough for a family of four to live off for a year or two easily, any knowledgeable hunter or citizen knows that a legendary skill, especiallybat-rted ones, can set up a hunter for life.


    With the farming options avable to everyone in Crimson City, giving out multiple tinum worth in payouts every day; anyone with a good enough skill can make this ten gold investment back in no time.


    The idea of having even a temporary skill added to a status is unheard of; the option to pay a small price and have a legendary one added to their status permanently is a dreame true for those that have lived a life disappointed in their awakening.


    One of these orbs could easily be sold at private auctions for hundreds of gold, but my goal is to grow the power of those loyal to me; not just make endless profit off of them.


    Some merchants and workers are stuck with nonbat skills, and this is the break they finally get to be a monster hunter.


    However, this is exactly the kind of person that is most likely down on their luck, a refugee from a poor surrounding city, that doesn''t have enough gold to buy a skill at such a high price.


    Bri and I talked this over too, and she speaks up again once the lines start to form to buy skills.


    "If you cannot afford to buy a skill, but still are interested in obtaining one. We have a few options for you. The first, is to volunteer to join the Crimson Army. After being put through rigorous training with one of the captains, you will be given an extreme-grade elemental skill of your choosing. That is two levels above normal elemental skills, and you may choose between any you like; ice, water, fire, earth, and air are what we have avable. Form a line here if this is the route you wish to take."


    Bri points to one side of the guildhall and the room erupts into moremotion at these words, but Bri speaks above them all.


    "The second option is if you have a skill unique to humans. Whether that be inspect, appraisal, craftsmanship, conceal, or any other unique abilities that are not found in monsters, we are willing to pay you up to 50 gold to purchase it. Free of charge, we will grant you a legendarybat skill in return as well. This too will be a limited-time offer, and this transaction must be scheduled for another date. So if you wish to sell your skill and obtain another, please form a line here and put your name on the list. You will be appraised and have a meeting scheduledter this week."


    She points to the opposite side of the room, and far fewer people join this line. However, ideas of friends and merchants that wouldn''t normallye to the guildhall pop into a few hunters'' minds, and they run out to fetch them from their businesses or day-to-day life.


    Bri speaks up one more time.


    "You should know, once a skill orb is eaten, this is a permanent change to your status. Only one skill orb per status screen works, so think carefully about which skill you wish to take. This may be a limited-time sale, but there will be many more skills and options to pick from in the future. If you don''t get the skill you wanted today, next week may have what you''re looking for."


    Satisfied with her sales pitch, she leaves back up the stairs to her office, and my double continues the conversation with her


    as more and more people flock toward the center of the guildhall.


    My double nods and smiles.


    "Very good. This is exactly how I wanted people to react. I look forward to finally upgrading many of my human skills to mythic grade without having to kill anyone..."


    Bri chuckles.


    "Yeah, and I think word about this is going to spread further than just the 8 Great Regions. The cat is really out of the bag now, are you sure you want the world to know this secret?"


    I just smirk back and start to walk down the guildhall steps away from Bri.


    "Yeah, I''m ready now. I''ll go check on the Army to make sure they can handle training up some new recruits, then I have to charge up that istion pod for Ember and deliver it to my main body. He''s pretty worn out after helping me during the B-ss Exams."

 Chapter 595

    Chapter 595


    I finish shaking the Lich King''s hand and speak again.


    "So where do we begin?"


    The jet-ck skeletal figure ponders for a moment, staring off into the direction of the ck abyss on the horizon.


    "In my first life, it took me many decades topress my core..."


    He turns back to me.


    "I had a teacher, but on that world, Divine Energy was far more prevalent than it is here..."


    He puts his arms up in the air like he''s feeling it.


    "There is hardly enough red threads in this entire desert to awaken a single core. This is a dry far from the source... However, if there are beings like the sun god in this world, that means there are most likely more who have grown by other means than natural energy in the atmosphere. We left that strange construct, and you seemed to have farmed threads from it. The only way you might awaken a True Core is if you have enough yellow fragments to do so."


    I nod, opening up a spatial magic portal above my hand to let a single yellow gem float out above my hand."I farmed these for quite a while... I have a few hundred."


    The Lich''s gaze tightens, then he responds with a sigh.


    "As I said before, the only technique I know is one that takes decades toplete. Much longer if resources are limited. As you know, with a fully saturated yellow core, every fragment you consume now will give you a temporary surge, but the excess threads will leave your body and expand into the atmosphere afterward."


    He pauses, then puts his hands up in the air to create a bowl shape.


    "What I''m trying to say is, True Cores form over time as tens of thousands of hours training and cultivating energy are stacked on top of each other."


    Inside his hands, I see the [Concealment Attribute] of his cloak and pendant activating, and arge amount of mana being channeled through his arms into his hands.


    With my enhanced perception, I can easily tell this is all a facade, but I watch the illusional recreation of yellow threads forming a core above his head for all to see.


    It is no more than a hologram, but he''s giving me a visual representation of what he''s saying so I can follow along much easier.


    The threads all form together to show a slowly rotating yellow core above his hands.


    "This here is what your core looks like now. Fully saturated with enough yellow divine threads to stay stable and contained; enhancing all of your physical capabilities by rooting yourself in reality to a staggering degree."


    The shade of the core changes from yellow to red.


    "While real Divine Energy is merely the manifestation of the force ourplex minds put out into this universe, our rational thoughts must see it in its most raw and simple state. This is where it all begins: the red core."


    His words make me think very carefully. Ember said something simr to it in the past, stating that this energy is split in a very rudimentary way for mortals toprehend.


    Now, with the Lich King stating the same thing, I can''t tell if it makes more sense to me or even less...


    He continues before it fully sinks in.


    "Awakening your red core allows you to exert dominance on the reality around you with roughly two to five times as much weight. It is mostly manifested to increase the user''s speed, strength, perception, and basic movements. It is the perfect introduction stage into the world of the divine."


    I nod along while the hovering gem in the Lich King''s hand shifts to orange.


    "The second stage, the orange core, is a stage that uses all of the perks of the red core and applies them to the being themselves. During this awakening, the user bes far more in tune with their body and begins toprehend the boundaries between self and the universe around them. It is possible to enhance one''s defenses with this breakthrough an additional five to seven times above the red core stage. Basic movements and physical capacities may be increased two to three times again during this breakthrough."


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    While I watch the Lich King shift the orange core to yellow, I remember back to when I learned to create what felt like an unbreakable barrier around my body while awakening this orange core to take on the flocks of insects within the construct.


    The core in the Lich King''s hands glows yellow.


    "In the state you''ve reached now, the yellow core, what some call the first step toward immortality, is the manifestation of mind, body, and soul all working in unison. Your perception, speed, defense, attack, energy control, and versatility with this awakening have all increased by at least tenfold above the capabilities of an orange core. You see and interact with the world far differently than others; beings that reach the stage of a yellow core are said to be conquerors, rulers of mortals."


    I smile at his words as the yellow core reflects in my eyes.


    Then, the manifestations of countless yellow threads start toe out of the Lich King''s fingers and circle around the core as it speeds up its rotation.


    It looks as if more energy is being pushed into the core, over and over again.


    Every time arge amount is sucked in, the core pulses bright, giving off the illusion of strength, then ejecting the excess yellow threads while spinning even faster.


    Over and over, more threads channel into the core, charging it up, and the excess is ejected.


    It looks exactly like what I was doing while air-stepping high into the green fog of the serpent in the construct.


    I used many yellow fragments to supercharge my core temporarily, but after a few seconds passed, the excess energy that couldn''t stay contained in my fully saturated core was expelled.


    The Lich King speaks again while the energy disy continues.


    "Yellow core awakened are the strongest tier of lifeforms a physical can hold. It''s said that a yellow core''s lifespan can reach up to 300 years if timed out correctly, and their battle scars don''t run too deep."


    He pauses, and we both watch the core spin faster and faster, doing energy cycles in and out many times a second now to show what it looks like in the passing of time.


    "Over this lifetime, the yellow core will fight enemies in high-density divine zones, naturally soaking up the universal energy around them; or even better, consuming the cores of the armies they defeat."


    The core spins faster and faster, making me use my full perception to witness the energy being consumed and ejected every few milliseconds. Small fractions of energy are left behind inside the core each time, even though over 99% of it is ejected back into the atmosphere.


    While it is difficult to see this progress when looking at the energy ripples one by one, the difference bes noticeable after hundreds, even thousands of events go by.


    At first, the core grows in size, bit by bit as energy is left behind.


    Thousands of revolutions go by, and one millimeter at a time, the core grows over three times its original size. This is when the Lich King speaks again.


    "As you can see, after decades, possibly centuries of war and cultivation, a yellow core will retain small amounts of energy from all of the yellow threads that have made their way through it. Every time the yellow core is used, it bes stronger, cementing the user''s presence in the universe with more gravity after every monumental battle."


    The enormous yellow core continues to grow, glowing bright above the Lich King''s head, while I stare at it with wide eyes, and my teammates watch with awe-inspired expressions as well.


    "The peak size of a yellow core like this can increase the weight on reality of the user by up to 20 times that of a newly awakened yellow core. From what I could see, the Sun God''s core is well on its way to a state simr to this. You believe his divine energy is thicker and stronger than your own by ten times, it is because of his decades of experience, and residue from cultivating for so long."


    There''s a pause as the energy glows brighter and brighter, collecting yellow strands from the atmosphere and ejecting the excess faster than I can even perceive until all of a sudden it stops...


    The core reaches what appears to be its critical mass, and it stops taking in new energy.


    In the blink of an eye, I watch all of the manifestations of divine threads tug on each other, seemingly tightening into a circr knot.


    Itpresses, making its size shrink by almost a quarter instantly, then continues spinning slowly again while the threads squeeze and tug on each other more and more.


    Seconds pass, then it happens again, the corepresses in on itself, shrinking to be half its size, creating a much more noticeable visual change than before.


    It shines far brighter, and seeing the separation between threads gets harder and harder to see, like the threads are bing a liquid or possibly even a solid orb; it''s hard to tell.


    However, it doesn''t stop there. The threads squeeze and pull on each other more and more,pressing itself in half again, now leaving a core that shines even brighter but is even smaller than the initial core that we started with.


    My eyes are glued to the orb as it tightens and shrinks down on itself two more times, seemingly crushing itself beneath its own weight until it stops at the size of a small marble glowing so bright I want to cover my eyes.


    It floats above the Lich King''s hands and just looks like a solid yellow ball of light. It is spinning so fast, with no imperfections, so it doesn''t even look like it''s turning in circles at all.


    The Lich King then dismisses the incredible illusions in the air, and the light show fades away, leaving us out in the hot sunny desert as he continues his speech.


    "As you can see, after enough time has passed, the True Core willpress under its our gravity and awaken itself. Once your energy is consolidated and pure, everyone''s progression from this point is vastly different. Even now, I cannot predict the strength or unique properties your True Core will grant you."


    I''m left speechless for a moment, quite blown away by the Lich King''s presentation, but now I see the simplicity of it all.


    While time seems to be the major factor that would streamline this process, the real goal here is to keep as many yellow divine threads in my core as possible.


    The new possibilities and training methods to use all speed through my mind, and I respond with a grin.


    "Perfect. Let''s get to work then."

 Chapter 596

    Chapter 596


    As I turn to the real yellow divine fragment in my hand, the body double that was on its way here as this disy from the Lich King unfolded sends a telepathic message as it arrives nearby.


    "Thest remaining istion pod has been recharged up to a stable 10.5x dtion. Ember can begin his hibernation beneath the guildhall with my supervision right now."


    It touches down, and I think about a response while it pulls therge cylindrical metal contraption out from its item storage.


    As it sets it down, I walk over and open the front, typing into the control panel to give myself a 3-minute session, which would be the equivalent of just over half an hour inside the chamber.


    "I want to test something quickly."


    I take a step inside, then turn to my teammates and nod.


    "Tell me what you see while I''m inside. I''m curious if this will work..."


    Once the door closes and I''m left inside the small mana-shielded room, the air bes thick with pure mana while the pod activates.


    The thought of channeling divine energy inside a pod made only to hold mana seems like it might be too stressful on the structural integrity of this magic machinery. However, if there''s a chance it will speed up the process, I have to give it a shot.I sit down in the center and consume the small yellow gem that I had hovering above my hand while the Lich King gave his presentation. The same sensation as thest hundred times I did this rushes into my body.


    Yellow threads flood out of the concentrated fragments and enter my core.


    They swirl around and give me a surge of power for a few seconds before flowing out through my chest, arms, and legs on their way to leave my body like usual.


    However, this is the first time I''ve consumed a fragment with the purple barrier that wraps around me, skin tight.


    My first instinct naturally allows the excess threads that have already filtered through my core to flow out.


    However, by the time most of the energy has left, I realize that it is only leaving because I allow it to.


    I pull another fragment from my storage with different ns on my mind this time around.


    The moment I swallow the next gem and its built-up energy starts circting in my core, I concentrate hard on making the barrier made of semi-dormant purple threads to keep all of the filtered yellow threads from leaving my body.


    A few secondster, a wide grin creeps onto my face as the yellow threads circte through my body and collide with the outer limits of my skin once they hit the purple barrier, keeping their momentum and pushing back toward my core.


    A few minutes pass, and some of the excess energy does, in fact, filter back through my core, but at the same time, my flesh and body containing so many excess threads is ripped apart at a much faster rate. It is very painful, and pretty exhausting to activate my self-regeneration to maintain while concentrating on keeping it inside.


    Even so, I''ve been through far worse, so I eat another fragment once the flow of the first excess energy starts to slow down.


    There''s another cycle that passes, and the purple barrier holds all of its energy inside my body, slowly circting through my core again and again.


    However, this energy starts to be stagnant too, just like the first.


    I eat one more fragment, and the cycle continues yet again.


    I find that keeping the energy inside my body and using new fragments to stimte the leftover energy increases the efficiency by roughly two to three times at most.


    After about 20 minutes pass, I sit in the center of the istion pod with the excess divine threads of three fragments slowly circting around my body, ever so slowly seeping into my core.


    I don''t have control over the threads that have been expelled from my core; the extra energy in my body now is only harmful, and there seems to be diminishing returns as every minute that passes, the speed of flow back into my core doesn''t continue at the same rate unless I eat another fragment.


    At the same time, the increased density of threads in my body is eating away at my flesh at even faster rates.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Self-regeneration is working as fast as it can, but the rate at which I''m getting fatigued doesn''t seem to be worth it, considering I only have a limited amount of fragments in my storage.


    Only a fraction of the threads even stayed in my saturated core, so even if I ate every single fragment in my storage right now, it may be a total waste of all the divine energy I have left to test with.


    My core would grow slightly, but at this rate I wouldn''t even get close to growing my core to the size of the directors. It would still take decades and tens of thousands of fragments to do so at this efficiency level. My goal is to surpass that by many times, and awaken a True Core. Something needs to change.


    I think things over a little bit longer, considering eating another fragment to speed up the process again, but decide not to and take down my purple barrier to allow the trapped yellow threads to flow through.


    It all slowly seeps out, and from what I can see, it all just flows right through the outer walls of the istion pod.


    While still deep in thought, the istion pod opens up, and I''m met by curious gazes.


    The whole pod is void of any leftover threads, and from what my teammates and the Lich King describe, there was yellow aura flowing through the walls of the pod the entire time I was inside.


    I nod, open up my storage, then let Ember''s sleeping body gently fall into the istion pod where I just sat, and turn to my double.


    "This pod won''t be useful to me at all. Set this pod to 30 days our time, almost a year in isted sleep. He may need more than that, so get ready to recharge the pod once the time is up. I want a double watching him all day and night beneath the guildhall. If I need to use it, I''ll send Bri a message to have you transport it back. We''ll be training out here for a while."


    The double closes the pod after entering a few codes in the control panel, then lets the pod fall into its storage.


    "Understood. Good luck with your training."


    Then, it flies away to leave us in the empty desert.


    I nod and think to myself.


    While the extra time within an istion pod would be helpful, losing pretty much all of the energy that I filter through makes all the time in the world useless.


    I have had one breakthrough, the fact that I can hold the divine threads inside my body, but I need to think of a way topress a higher percent of that energy into my core while not losing all of the excess into the atmosphere.


    While I think about this, I open up my storage and pour out all of my red divine fragments and look to the Lich King and my teammates. Then, I share my self-regeneration skill with Maria and Fisher, as Lydia and Abby already have functioning healing skills.


    "I need time to think. These are no use to me now, so use all of them if you wish. They should be enough to bring all of you to the red core stage."


    My gaze turns to the Lich King.


    "Guide them while I solve this problem on my own."


    Each of them takes the red gems and puts them into item boxes while the Lich King begins to go off on a tangent about his first time awakening his red core, the optimal way to awaken, and the effects it has on the body and mind like an arrogant record yer on repeat.


    Satisfied with the fact that they will be able to achieve this on their own, I turn away and begin walking to a more isted part of the desert.


    I watch a cloud of red mist form around them as I walk further and further away, then sit in the sand until an ideaes to mind.


    "This could work... Or be a disaster... I''m far enough from the city where I think it''s worth a try..." I whisper to myself, then shrug and reach into my inventory to pull out four ck seeds of the trees I managed to pull from the ocean inside the divine construct.


    I ce them in a diamond shape around me, then use my new skill [Barrier Creation] to create an invisible dome around me with a small tunnel that leads deep underground as an escape route.


    Next, I pull out a fragment of yellow divine energy and consume it, letting the same process as before y out.


    Instead of keeping all of the energy inside my barrier, I let it seep out through two artificially manufactured weak points in my purple limiter in the center of my palms. I don''t just let these excess threads flow into the atmosphere and out of sight, I push them toward the ck seeds that sit inside this barrier with me.


    The instant the yellow threads touch the obsidian seeds, they all start to grow upward and create branches that mimic the outer shape of the dome.


    At the end of the branches, four small yellow fruits dangle in front of me containing arge amount of the energy from the fragment I just expelled.


    Some of the energy was lost, but it''s far better than what I was dealing with before when all of the excess threads just dissolved out of the pod and into the empty desert..


    I smirk and use small air des wrapped in yellow threads to cut the four fruits down from their branches and eat them on the spot one after another.


    Every time I eat a fruit, it cycles through my core, leaving trace amounts of its threads behind, and the expelled energy is collected and presented right back to me with a small tax taken from the trees.


    I use my purple barrier to keep the yellow threads circting through my body and back into my core while I consume the fruits one by one. Letting my core take inrger amounts of energy at smaller intervals seems to be even more efficient and less energy taxing on my body too.


    I go through another two dozen cycles, of four fruits each, until its taxed away every bit of energy from the single fragment I started with. Over this half an hour of cycling, the ck trees create a midnight-colored dome above me, catching every fiber of energy that is expelled from me now, no matter where it flows out of me.


    I take down the top portion of the dome barrier and only leave it activated on the desert floor, making sure I have a way out of this obsidian death trap, but allowing the trees to grow high into the sky using the excess energy from me if they wish.


    It is a symbiotic rtionship.


    The trees get to consume the energy I cycle through, and in return, one fragment bes an additional 25 times more efficient.


    I pull another fragment from my storage and stare at it, preparing to repeat the process. It is another step in the right direction, but my core hasn''t even grown a measurable amount yet.


    Thoughts continue racing through my mind as I try to picture new ways to improve the efficiency of this awakening even further. I need to speed up a process that should take decades or even centuries down to just a few days.

 Chapter 597

    Chapter 597


    While I continue to think, I eat another yellow fragment to continue the process.


    Even though it''s not quite perfect yet, it''s still close to 100 times as efficient as just eating a gem in the open desert without the aid of the trees or my limiter.


    Over the next hour or so, I repeat the process, cycling the energy from four more fragments.


    It feels as though I''ve consumed hundreds of yellow cores, and finally, I sense a tiny noticeable difference in the size of my own core. It appears to have grown in size by a fraction of a millimeter in diameter.


    While it''s not much, and it would take tens of thousands of identical sessions to match the size of growth the Lich King''s disy showed me, I feel like I''m moving in the right direction.


    Even so, I have just under 300 total yellow gems left in my storage. At this rate, consuming them all in this manner wouldn''t get me anywhere close to the Sun God''s level.


    This dormant purple barrier and the obsidian trees are what set me apart from that Director in our cultivation processes.


    Even so, I need something that will set us apart even further.


    With the new realization from the construct''s creator, telling me the abyss in the Dark Continent could potentially be the end of the world if I''m not the strongest one to conquer the trials once it awakens really puts things into a far greater perspective. On top of that, a being tens of times stronger than me, The Sun God, is actively sending their army to try and take me out. I need to get stronger by any means and not waste any resources.I reach into my item storage and pull out a bright green fruit.


    The words of the Lich King repeat in my mind, telling me that if I were to ascend to the next tier without awakening my true core, I wouldn''t evenpare to other higher lifeforms that have.


    So, I don''t n on doing so, but there must be a use for all this energy I managed to farm.


    Ie up with an out-of-the-box idea that may only be possible for me, considering the mutation I went through when using absorption while farming this green energy from the serpent''s aura.


    I take a bite out of the massive fruit, then continue to eat the whole thing in a matter of seconds without thinking twice about my decision.


    As the bright green divine strands flow through my body and instantly begin eating away at my flesh and bones, I concentrate fully on holding the purple barrier around my body strong.


    The energy in each one of these green fruits is the amount of green threads I was able to withstand in my body to the point where I was on the edge of death each time I allowed the trees to tear the energy away from me.


    Right now, it doesn''t feel any different, but I have a theory that I want to test, and if it works, all this agony will be well worth it.


    I eat a yellow fragment while my barrier still holds back all of the green threads to slowly flow within my body.


    Portions of my arms, legs, chest, and even face are being burned away, and all that remains is a green holographic energy form while I sit calmly in the lotus position, healing myself as best as I can.


    At the same time, my core starts to cycle through the new yellow energy I''ve introduced, but once it tries to eject the excess energy out, it hits a barrier of greater bright green energy.


    The immense pressure of the green divine threads saturating and tearing apart my physical body is so much heavier and more dominant that it makes it nearly impossible for the excess yellow energy from the fragment I just consumed to leave my core.


    Small ejections of yellow threads are forced out as my core is saturated to its limit, but the threads have nowhere to go and are forced to cycle right back inside from the pressure pushing down toward my core.


    I want to yell out in pain as more and more of my flesh disintegrates away and is reced with a pure green energy form, but I don''t want to break my concentration.


    Instead of just two to three cycles maximum like before, when the yellow threads stayed stagnant in my body; now they''re being forced to cycle through my core hundreds of times.


    After about 10 minutes pass, it gets to the point where I hardly have any physical flesh left on my body, and the pain and fatigue be overwhelming.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    I release the seal on my purple barrier and reach out to touch the trunks of the trees by my sides.


    There''s a violent but satisfying outward rush of energy as the green threads are torn away from my body, and I can finally use self-regeneration to heal my flesh and bones.


    Iy on the desert floor beneath my obsidian dome panting, covered in sweat while fourrge green fruits and a few miniature yellow ones form above my head.


    It takes a few minutes before I canepletely to my senses and see what''s happened.


    Unlike the times before, when the expelled yellow threads were absorbed by the trees, this time nowhere near a full fragment was given back to me.


    This isn''t because the trees were greedy and took more, it''s because in a single cycling process, I was able to increase the efficiency even further; absorbing over half of the yellow fragment''s energy in just 10 minutes.


    Instead of losing part of the divine energy to feeding the trees between every cycling process, I just managed to cut down my energy consumption by a monumental degree.


    Before, over 99.9% of the energy from each fragment was lost into the atmosphere after each time it was expelled from my body. Even with the trees helping me contain the energy to cycle again, not even 1% of each fragment stayed in my core after the dozens of processes over a 2-3 hour period. The majority was still eaten up by the obsidian trees.


    Now, in a single 10 minute period, over 50% of a fragment was cycled into my core and stayed.


    This improvement is sorge, it''s hard to even quantify it.


    "This changes everything..." I whisper under my breath.


    My eyes practically sparkle as I cut down the green and yellow fruits to repeat the cycle again.


    Over two hours, I manage to consume five yellow fragments in total.


    I start each cycling session by saturating my body with as many green threads as I can, then consume as many yellow threads as I can afterward.


    Thousands of cycles go by, recycling almost all of a fragment''s energy in just two rounds. Hardly any of the yellow fragment''s energy is being absorbed by the trees anymore; it''s mostly all being cycled back into my core until it stays.


    There is a satisfying hot burn in my chest, and my divine core has grown by a noticeable amount.


    Its diameter has increased by a few millimeters, giving me confidence that this method of cultivation is exactly the method I need to use to push me far ahead of what should be physically possible for normal lower lifeforms.


    In just mere hours, I managed to replicate the cycles that would take hundreds of training sessions and countless yellow fragments for a normal cultivator.


    Most likely, all of this energy would be released into the atmosphere, not kept inside my core.


    The only problem I fear facing now, is the fact that every time I release from a cycling period, the green threads are being consumed by the trees.


    After just eight cycles, almost half of the green energy has been taken away. However, I''ve managed to incrementally increase the time that I can hold the green energy in my body. It''s moved up from just above 10 minutes to my newest record of 17 minutes t.


    It feels like my control over the yellow threads has grown almost twice as strong since the moment I started this process. I can feel the threads swirling in my chest even now, eager to power my movements, but now isn''t the time to test out my improved strength..


    There''s a long way to go.


    I pull out another green fruit from my storage to make sure the pressure stays dense enough to push the next yellow fragment''s power toward my core, and repeat the process again.


    I''ve found a method that works, so I''m going to exploit it to its maximum potential.


    I take a deep breath and prepare for a long and painful process.


    24 hours pass.


    I cycle through about 60 fragments, and use up all of the energy in 11 of my green fruits.


    Over one hundred thousand cycles have made their way through my core, and the hot sensation in my chest has only grown more intense.


    It feels like my core is burning bright with energy, and it''s grown in size by multiple centimeters in diameter. It''s almost grown by 50% in total size.


    I''m able to withstand the green threads even longer, reaching upward of a full 30 minutes per session now. However, as the core grows in strength, more pressure is necessary to keep the denser yellow threadspressed.


    I begin consuming two green fruits'' worth of divine energy at a time.


    Every single fragment I consume adds thousands of cycles of threads to the reality-bending reactor that is my core.


    Even sitting here, calm and collected, the natural essence that surrounds me makes the air and ground vibrate and bend to the whims of my mind.


    I can only guess what the new strength of my core has be, but there is no time for me to waste ying around until this process isplete.


    Another 48 hours pass.


    Roughly 150 more fragments are fully consumed, and 29 more green fruits are used.


    I have to use the divine energy of three to four fruits at a time to keep the yellow threads contained now.


    The core grows over a full 10 centimeters in diameter further, tripling in size, and giving off gravity waves so intense while just sitting here that the ground below me caves in after every cycle.


    Hundreds of thousands of cycles go by, mimicking the act of passing decades, and I feel my core growrger andrger in real-time just like the Lich King showed me three days ago.


    Another 22 hours and 58 minutes pass...


    71 additional fragments are consumed while 16 green fruits are used up.


    My energy supplies are hitting their limits, leaving me with a few dozen yellow fragments remaining and a single-digit amount of green fruits left in my storage.


    I''ve grown used to the horrible pain that the green threads give me, ripping my body to shreds, to the point where it feels like a natural state. I''m able to sit for over an hour straight with over five fruits'' worth of threads in my body.


    It feels like I''ve mutated even further, allowing me to temporarily stay in a limbo state between flesh and a pure divine energy form.


    The yellow core in my chest circtes energy so fast, with hundreds of fragmentspacted into it, it gives off a reality-crushing aura that makes me feel like I can rip this entire desert in half if I wanted to.


    I feel powerful, but I also feel like this violent energy is not well contained. The core is growing toorge and it needs to take a more stable form soon. It feels like it''s about to reach its critical mass.

 Chapter 598

    Chapter 598


    I can feel the massive yellow core cycling energy in my chest reach a point where, in thest few sessions, it''s been pushing the green threads back despite the immense pressure.


    I''m prepared to go for another run, but my core finally hits its critical mass.


    Not a single thread of divine energy can be pushed into it without an intense burning sensation rippling through my body.


    An eerie sound, like massive metal structures creaking under thousands of tons of pressure, echoes out from my chest.


    I take deep breaths and concentrate on healing my flesh from thest cycling session I just finished up, making sure to sit still and allow the process to unfold naturally.


    The aura around my body affects the air and sand around me with such incredible force, it looks like I''m sitting on another world with gravity dozens of times greater than where I was days ago.


    The hot sensation from my core expands, and I have to keep my entire conscious mind steady on containing this violent energy in my chest.


    It feels like it''s going to explode, but I use my purple barrier to keep the burning hot yellow threads inside my body.


    Everything gets hotter and hotter, and without any extra energy added at all, the core in my chest expands even further.The yellow threads glow so brightly, they make my whole body almost turn white in color.


    The only thing on my mind is containing every bit of energy I have inside my body, and constantly regenerating my bones, blood, and muscles.


    My heartbeat speeds up so fast it feels like it''s matching the incredibly rapid cycling rate of my core as it expands to grow over two times in size once again.


    Then, it happens.


    Thepression begins.


    It feels like a heartbeat that ripples through my entire being, echoing throughout my mind and splitting a massive crack in the sand below me.


    The entire universe feels like it''s stopped in time, and I can''t hear a thing. It''s silent, and I have no frame of reference to the outside because I''m sitting inside an insted dome of obsidian trees.


    A full hour could have passed, or maybe it was just a fraction of a second...


    But once it passes, all of the yellow threads in my body contract inward toward my core, spinning and weaving together to create a knot perfectly tied together by millions of divine strings.


    My chest feels like the life is being squeezed out of me as it twists tighter and tighter,pressing the overinted core.


    All I see is white, and all I can do is stare into this bright void in my mind while allowing the process to continue.


    Another echoing heartbeat ripples through my soul once the core shrinks back down to the size it was before it over inted itself moments ago.


    Then the same process repeats itself.


    The millions of threads pull down on each other, glowing brighter and brighter the more theypress under each other''s weight.


    It''s like they''re copsing under their own gravity, and every second that passes, the pressure they push down on each other only makes them want to tug tighter with more strength.


    I can''t fathom the threads ever stopping this chain reaction. It feels as if they''llpress themselves into a single point and disappear.


    The soul-rattling heartbeat echoes through my psyche again, and anotherpression forces the core to glow brighter and brighter, and the distinction between each thread bes harder to make out.


    My mind goes nk as it happens over and over again.


    Dozens of heartbeats andpressions echo through my mind and body, and the division bes blurred between physical threads manifesting a sphere and what feels like pure liquid divine energy filling a shrinking orb in my chest.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    I remember the visualization of this part of the process when the Lich King showed me, but it didn''t look like it took this long and so manypressions to do it.


    Either my core is different because of the extreme elerated way I''m awakening it, or its manifestation of the event was simplified for teaching purposes.


    All I know is, after what felt like an eternity in my mind passes, I finally feel a final heartbeat, and I''m able to feel my body again and take a deep gasp of air.


    My eyes widen, and shine bright with yellow and white light as a shockwave ripples from my chest.


    I look to the left, then right, then down at my hands, and in the same process get a clean visual of a marble-sized core in my chest.


    The energy inside it cycles so fast it just looks like a clear crystal ball with silky wisps of yellow energy emanating from it.


    I can hear and see my breath in the air, and without thinking much of it, I leave through the escape route below me out of the obsidian dome.


    The sun is beating down on me as I float up through the hundreds of twisting ck branches into the air effortlessly.


    My [Flight] skill is activated, and silky white and yellow wisps of divine energy flow off of my entire body.


    The energy is so dense that it takes hundreds of meters to flow away before it separates enough to appear in thread form and disperse into the atmosphere.


    I float higher and higher into the air, looking down at the obsidian forest that has stretched out for about a full kilometer in diameter and over 5 kilometers high up into the sky.


    It looks beautiful.


    The glossy ck leaves of the trees reflect the desert''s sunlight, and the furthest edge of the obsidian forest reaches close to the edge of the Abyss.


    The dozens of green fruits'' worth of energy they consumed really nourished this forest far more than I initially expected.


    I would be concerned, but we''re over a hundred kilometers away from the Crimson City, and I have much more than just this on my mind.


    I feel so much stronger that it almost doesn''t feel real...


    My enemy detection and natural perception skills activate, pulsing out a bright white and yellow light from my forehead. The overwhelming amount of information that flows into my mind forces a smile onto my face.


    The first thing I notice is my teammates sparring in the desert with the Lich King watching; all four of them have fully awakened red cores.


    The next thing I notice is the Crimson City, and many surrounding smaller viges I can perceive in full rity.


    This is already a major step up in my perception.


    Before this awakening, I could sense the people in my city, but I couldn''t see them with such fine detail and ease.


    However, this is only the start.


    My eyes widen the moment I see all of the Sector 3 farnds down to each individual de of grass and am able to perceive a deep scan of Valor City deep inside Sector 1.


    The edge of my crystal-clear senses reaches into the outer edges of Sector 4. I can''t see into the maind of the 8 Great Regions far west of here just yet, but this massive jump in strength makes me believe that one day it will be possible.


    The outer regions of the Abyss creep into my senses, showing crystal clear depictions of familiar creatures roaming in its darkness and even some new monstrous demonic creatures that make the sand worms seem harmless.


    However, the further I try to scan into it, the more I realize this Abyss is even more mysterious than I thought. There is a dark ck blind spot in its center that ispletely invisible to me despite it being well within my perception''s range.


    Once I realize this, my mind wanders off to ces I''m able to perceive.


    I sense the maind''s borders to the west, and high up north, I sense fuzzy intuitive images of a very cold mountainous region. Below me, far to the south, I sense a dangerous volcanic region as well.


    These unexplored areas never came onto my radar until just now. I make a mental note of it while I continue to admire my new power.


    It''s all baffling.


    Thousands of kilometers of range just opened up to me in my perception, and my Rising Emperor''s Domain has increased to match this upgrade, making the range in which I can share and take power and skills at maximum potential close to 2000 km.


    I want to take out my sword, and even activate my greater form to try out some attacks using my full power, but it feels like doing so may put anyone near me in serious danger.


    I''ll have to travel out to an even more deste area of desert than this; just a hundred or so kilometers away from the city doesn''t feel like it will be enough. Residue from my attacks would surely harm innocent citizens.


    Even now, as I slowly float down toward the desert floor away from the obsidian forest, the sand bends away from my feet, making me feel like I''m living on another ne of existence to the real world around me.


    To make sure touching down on the desert is possible without destroying thendscape, I contract my perception aura and activate my purple limiter.


    By the time my feet touch the ground, all of the divine energy from my new core is contained inside my body, and I make my way toward my teammates, making sure not to let any extra aura slip out.


    My mind wanders back to the violent rejection my body and mind gave me when I tried to get close to the green serpent in the sky within the divine construct.


    The reaction the ground gave me when I tried tond on it before felt simr, so releasing my full power, even if it''s just my natural aura around my teammates, may be unbearable or even deadly.


    Even if they''ve grown stronger, it''s not a risk I''m willing to take right now. So, I airstep using only mana as I make my way over, keeping all of my Divine Energy locked away.


    The Lich King''s words of True Core awakenings all being different, and the possibility of them granting new abilities repeats in my mind as the 5 of theme into view.


    There is only one day remaining until I''m scheduled to meet the Apex Region''s Director to negotiate our contract, however the curiosity of what unique ability my True Core has granted me is all I can think about right now.

 Chapter 599

    Chapter 599


    The echoing cracks of Soul Energy attacks, strengthened by countless red threads of divine energy, ring throughout the desert as I approach my teammates training.


    None of them have their main weapons out, and no ranked-up buffs are activated; they''re all fighting in their base human forms.


    Reality bends beneath the desert ground, and even the air between their fists colliding distorts slightly before they make contact. It makes me momentarily question whether we''re still inside a construct like the one I just left.


    The energy waves from their punches and kicks ripple with even more force than they did when using everything they had against me in our spars just four days ago.


    Once I glide down to the ground, they all stop what they''re doing.


    "What were those trees? I can''t sense any energying off of them..." Fisher asks.


    Abby interjects next. "More importantly, I can''t sense any energying off of you... Are you still wearing that limiter? Was it a sess or not?"


    Lydia and Maria both look at me with sharp gazes, trying to figure out what''s happened, but neither of them speaks up, as the others have asked the most important questions.


    I nod and smile while walking closer."It was a sess... so much so, that I don''t think it''s safe to release my full power in your presence. And yes, those trees absorb Divine Energy, so I wouldn''t get too close to them. I''m actually not sure how to even dispose of them now."


    The second these words leave my mouth, the Lich King chimes in.


    "Four days... you awakened a True Core in four days...."


    There is no change in expression on the empty ck skeletal face, but I feel a ripple of emotionse off of the shadow summon that tells me he''s surprised, scared, and full of genuine disbelief.


    I smirk, then give them all a rundown on how it was done.


    Given the fact that I''m using a purple-cored artifact and that the use of my Soul Energy imbued with my absorption''s natural properties triggered this mutation, allowing me to be more and more resistant to the Green Threads; there''s a low possibility that anyone else in the world is capable of such a feat.


    My teammates are all impressed, but none of them ever doubted I''d be able to pull it off, even though there was no clear method outlined beforehand.


    It''s just another training session for us, but the Lich King can''t seem to grasp this fact.


    The fearful and awe-filled emotions stream out of the shadowy figure as he responds after my story isplete.


    "I... am starting to understand why a Supreme like the Fallen One chose to soul bond with you. Maybe the events of the past, when this was connected to the system, were not so random after all. I never understood why such a weak world so far away from the source was chosen..."


    The Lich King keeps murmuring to himself for a few seconds, but I have other things to ask that have been on my mind since the moment I awakened.


    "How do I find out what my unique True Core''s trait will be? You mentioned everyone''s is different, right? I don''t see any mention of it in my system text, and usually these things feel intuitive... but I don''t feel any different other than the immense jump in pure power."


    The Lich King looks up and shakes himself out of his deep thoughts to respond.


    "If you don''t know yet, it means it isn''t a passive ability. You''ll need to be in the heart of battle to awaken your True Core''s Strength, or possibly it will awaken once the battle is over. Every being is unique; it is simr to a Soul Energy awakening¡ªyou will gain a power that reflects your being. It could be a divine weapon, it could be a new form, it... really could be anything. Given the elerated nature of your awakening, I truly have no guesses as to what your True Core''s hidden ability could be..."


    After his words, we stand in silence. It makes me even more curious to know what kind of power I possibly have locked up inside my new core. I already feel like a demigod walking on a world that can''t handle my power.


    Even my teammates, who are the next four strongest beings on the entire continent right now, feel as though we''re leagues apart.


    I don''t even know what to think. It''s abination of the immense rise in power and the built-up fatigue that has riddled my body and mind from 96 hours straight of tearing apart my body and channeling decades'' worth of divine energy into my core.


    I let out a long sigh, then open up my item storage to let a pile of orange fragments fall to the desert floor.


    "Understood. I have quite a big day tomorrow... I''m heading back to the Crimson City to rest. I need to prepare myself to face the Apex Region''s Director. In the meantime, you all need to get stronger in case other forcese here when I''m gone. I sense strong powers from the north and south. I don''t know if they''re friends or foes, so it''s best we prepare for the worst."


    It''s clear I have a lot on my mind and would exin in detail if I thought it was important, so none of them pry, epting the gems into their item boxes, and the Lich King immediately begins to exin the optimal way to awaken the orange core, not missing a chance to brag about the time he too awakened his orange core in a past life.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    It is a little annoying, but I can''t argue with the results.


    The realistic depiction of the yellow corepression really did help me awaken, and the strength that ripples off of the four of them makes the red cores they faced just two weeks ago seem like ants beneath their feet.


    The dense gravity that emanates from each of them feels strong enough that I believe they could take out the orange insects that jumped from the dangling chains inside the construct if they used their full power. They''re progressing very quickly, I just hope it''s fast enough.


    ¨C


    I make it back to the Crimson City, and once I enter the guildhall, Bri greets me with a long list of names with skills and pricing next to each of them.


    We speak through telepathy while she brings me upstairs to her office.


    "I was wondering when you''d make it back. I hope your training went well. A double told me you would be away for a few days."


    While I respond and look down at the list, she motions for a few of her workers to leave the room and go fetch some citizens whose names are on the bottom of the list in another section.


    "Yes, my training went perfectly. I''m d to see the skill orb debut went as nned."


    We both walk into her office and go over the numbers.


    She shows me that all of the basic legendary swordsmanship, body hardening, buffs, dagger mastery, andmonbat skills all sold out within the hour.


    In addition to this, over 150 citizens applied to join the Crimson army. My double vetted them with the help of some of the squad leaders, and basic training has started for over 100 of the new recruits in the canyon of dungeons.


    If they pass, they''ll all be awarded elemental skills of their choosing.


    "Very good... In that case, I''ll farm another batch of identical skill orbs before heading out on another mission. I shouldn''t be gone long this time," I reply out loud as Bri continues.


    "There is even more good news; our skill acquisition n looks like it has worked as well¡ª"


    A knock at the door interrupts her, but she smiles and gets up from her seat to walk over and open the door.


    "Perfect timing."


    In walks a craftsman leading two young men, a middle-aged man, and a young woman. They each look like normal vigers in non-expensive clothing, most likely working at some of the local shops and living a normal life.


    I do a scan of each of them, and ites back [Lv. 13] [Lv. 22] [Lv. 6][Lv. 42] while the craftsman working for Bri speaks up while walking in front of them.


    "These are the three that have skills on the list you were looking for; we are still searching for the others."


    Bri nods and crosses her arms.


    "Thank you, you''re dismissed."


    He bows, then leaves the room, closing the door behind him as I read the lower portions of their status.


    [Inspect]


    [Appraisal]


    [Conceal]


    [Hush]


    Four skills show up in my mind''s eye, and I crack a smile.


    "So you''re here to trade your skills in for something better? -and there was a 50 gold bonus, wasn''t there?"


    They all nod nervously while I reach into my manifestation of a fake item box, pull out handfuls of gold, and let them float in the air with telekinesis while I count them out.


    Then, I set them all down in front of each of them and ask another question.


    "What skills do you want in return?"


    The first young man with Inspect wants a legendary swordsmanship skill, and the friend beside him with Appraisal wants the same thing. They worked as traveling traders all throughout the dark continent because of their good eyes for items, but they want in on the action and have been dying to go into the canyons of dungeons to farm but haven''t worked up the courage until now to make it happen.


    The middle-aged man with Conceal is in a simr boat as the two younger men. He''s worked as a barhand, physicalbor helper, and bookkeeper all his life, and his skill in its basic form has been useless to him. Changing up your status when you have nothing to hide isn''t the best perk. I make an exception and agree to give him an extreme earth magic skill so he can join a construction crew and earn a stable living.


    Finally, the younger woman with the Hush skill doesn''t have much use for it either. She''s new to the city and just wants the money to livefortably here. The young woman can''t decide on what skill to choose, so I just tell her she cane by anytime and choose one free of charge once she''s made her decision.


    "Perfect. All of you, stand still. This may hurt a bit, but I''ll heal you right after it''s finished."


    I activate lifesteal, making sure my limiter brings my power down to incredibly low levels, and drain their HP until I''m able to use my Soul Energy and Absorption Attribute to cover their bodies with dark red energy and take out a skill orb from each of them.


    In the same moment, I share my mythic-grade Self Regeneration skill with them, as they have links of loyalty with me; and the moment the orbs leave their bodies, they''re brought back up to full health.


    We''re all left standing in the room while the four blue orbs float above my hand.


    I nod with a smile and shake each of their hands, then turn to Bri.


    "Please, make our guestsfortable while I go retrieve the skills they''ve asked for. On the house, I want each of them to receive a blood-bonded weapon, armor, or unique piece in addition to the 50 gold reward. They have helped me much more than they even know."


    I leave the guildhall and head to the canyon of dungeons immediately after Bri agrees to keep thempany, then get to work.


    Once inside the dungeons, I begin dungeon-walking to dozens of C and B grade dungeons, collecting the basic legendary gradebat skill orbs that will be needed for the weekly sale Bri hyped upst time.


    Then once this is done, I stop inside a C-ss volcanic high orc dungeon and hold one by the neck to force a body hardening skill orb into its mouth.


    These monsters usually only have swordsmanship, extreme strength, and asionally advanced fire magic.


    However, the moment it swallows the orb, a new skill, legendary body hardening, appears on its status. I smirk and cut it down while whispering to myself, "It really works..."


    Then dungeon walk a few hundred meters away to the next closest monster and force-feed it the Inspect skill I received from the young man less than an hour ago.


    It appears on its status, and I crush the monster''s head half a secondter.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Inspect


    Upgrade: Mythic


    [YES][NO]


    I choose [YES] and dungeon walk to the next nearest High Orc with a wide grin to repeat the process.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Appraisal


    Upgrade: Mythic


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Conceal


    Upgrade: Mythic


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Hush


    Upgrade: Mythic


    [YES][NO]


    Less than a minuteter, four skills on my status fully upgrade to mythic grade. These are ones I was dreading having to use hard-earned Proficiency Points to raise this high, but I just found a much easier way.


    There are still more human-only skills to find, so as my city grows more, I''ll continue to hunt for them; however, this was a huge sess in my eyes.


    I crush a teleport crystal to make my way back to the guildhall and present the requested skills to the guests who stayed with Bri.


    The three of them that do ept consume the orbs in front of me, and their statuses change before my eyes.


    All four of them leave with item boxes to store their money, and have many words of thanks to say to both of us as they exit the door with scheduled appointments to create blood-bonded itemster this week.


    I pour out about a hundred more orbs on Bri''s desk once they leave, then put up a new and improved hush barrier while I make my way toward the door.


    "That should be enough to keep the hype going for next week''s limited unit sale. I''m off to rx for the rest of the day; I have an important meeting in the morning."

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600


    I spend the night in one of the newest hotels in the Crimson City.


    My doubles helped recreate a small number of luxury rooms simr to the mana dense rejuvenation rooms found at the Moon Bar back in Valor City. With my new imbuement skill, creating building materials and furniture that release controlled amounts of mana throughout these suites is an easy task.


    I take a well-needed rest after my awakening and feelpletely refreshed once the sun rises again.


    ¨C


    I spend a few minutes in the morning staring out the ss window overlooking the city while a single white teleport crystal spins slowly above my hand.


    "It''s time..." I whisper to myself while I adjust my mana control output to match that of a strong ranked-up hunter and shift my appearance to fit the persona I used during the exams, Ray Anderson.


    Next, I crush the white gem in my fist, and a bright sh of light fills the room as I''m teleported back to the Apex Region.


    The endless white mana-shield floor materializes beneath my feet, and I find myself back in the same position I started in when I came to this exam site over a month ago.


    If I sent out a pulse of aura with divine energy intertwined, I could easily mentally map this entire Region in a matter of seconds, but I don''t want to blow my cover just yet.To make things believable in case someone is watching, I just make lightning surround my body and let out a pulse of aura equivalent to a double-ranked-up hunter. I see where I am and find that the castle-like walls of the exam site are about 100 kilometers to the east.


    I begin lightning-stepping in that direction immediately, however, can''t help but noticerge portions of mana shielding are missing. Massive kilometer wide sheets are gone, and only t orange-red colored dirt is visible beneath it.


    Unlikest time when I was here, there aren''t any other living souls on this wide-open white ne, so I fly through the air in silence all the way to the tall gateways where a gold-cored wind user greeted mest time.


    I assumed there would be someone here to wee me back, but the gate is closed, and the air is silent.


    It''s like this whole ce was abandoned.


    I let out a sigh and float down to the smooth white ground, crossing my arms, wondering whether or not I should just go and venture off on my own; however, three figures show up in my enemy detection skill from deep within the fortress. I recognize the skills on their status screens, so I decide to stay in ce.


    Finding their approach fascinating, I wait patiently while they get closer and closer.


    The tall gateway that I was let through to signify the exams startingst month opens up again, and three figures, all above level 1500, walk out.


    It''s the water mage, healer tank, and shadow user from the Phantom Region who stare forward at me with bored, expressionless stares.


    They''ve all gained hundreds of levels in thest few days and made it well past their second rank-up. I''m surprised, but more so curious about how it was done. Their progression is very fast; the Director wasn''t messing around when he said he needs to train up new Elites.


    Callum, the water mage, steps forward and speaks to me first in a monotone voice.


    "Follow us, the Director has been waiting for you to arrive."


    They all turn around and begin walking through the artificial forest region I vividly remember from the exams. The lush green shrubbery and colorful wildlife in this artificial forest seem a lot less cared for thanst time I was here.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Some patches of nts look like they haven''t been watered in weeks, and some portions of the wildlife arepletely gone; likerge sections of it have been taken away.


    It''s simr to the chunks of endless white mana shielding that were missing outside this dying wildlife sanctuary.


    The three of them silently march forward without saying a word as I follow, and the gate behind me closes.


    I have a lot on my mind as we walk through the calming forest. I consider the fact that I have the ability to free them right now, but that would drastically ruin my stealth approach to this matter.


    All there is to do is silently walk behind them until we make it to the entrance to thepound that led into the gambling lounge from the pretrials of the exam before.


    Instead of the colorful lights, happy workers, and energetic music, all that is here now is an empty white room with a single door at the back.


    We walk into the wide open hall that has multiple points of entry from the forest, but only one exit.


    The door opens up once we get close, and inside, it is a small cube-shaped room just like all of the rooms we were in during the exams.


    The three men walk in and turn toward me once they hit the back wall.


    I follow, and the small door closes behind me.


    The familiar moving sensation, like we''re on some kind of magical railway, shakes the entire room as we''re transported at high speeds in a directionpletely unknown to me.


    If I were in this position days ago, I would be incredibly paranoid, looking for an escape route.


    However now, after feeling the Director''s full power up close for myself and knowing that he is the boss that rules over everyone here; I am confident in my own abilities to overpower him and leave this ce whenever I wish.


    I''m here to find these hidden facilities that allowed these newly appointed B-ss hunters to reach level 1500+ in just a few days.


    The amount of mana used to create hundreds of kilometers of mana shielding and high-tech mana-powered infrastructure like this transportation system must be farmed from somewhere, and I''m extremely eager to find out exactly where.


    I keep my smile hidden behind my concealment enchantments, and a few minutester, the cube-shaped room finallyes to a halt, and another door appears on the wall to open.


    There is a huge contrast between the bright white room I''m in now and the darkness lit up by faint yellow and golden light.


    The three men step away from the door and motion for me to enter.


    Without any hesitation, I walk forward and am greeted by a familiar sight of golden eyes behind an oval table being tended to by a pair of nurses with healing abilities.


    The Director''s voice echoes through the room in a static tone.


    "Five days... You really did wait all five days to return. I see Emrie has note back with you. I take it that means you have both made your separate decisions. Your appearance back up here means you''re ready to be an A-ss hunter, am I correct?"


    His eyes glow brighter, and the aura of greed and anticipation floods out of him.


    I respond in a calm voice as the three new A-ss hunters walk into the room behind me and the door shuts.


    "I''m looking forward toing to an agreement, but let''s not forget about what I asked for. You''ll make me the Director of the Vice Region if I agree to this deal, right?"


    A loudugh echoes through the room at my words, but I stare forward with my arms crossed and a serious expression still on my face.


    "So young, with great ambitions. I''m sorry to say for now that is impossible, we''ll need toe up with other terms. Running an entire Region is far more work than just being strong. Brutus is a man who runs the Vice Region with honor and integrity. You cannot merely rise the ranks because of a single victory during the exams. You must prove your loyalty and work ethic. He worked his way up the Association''s chain ofmand, building business connections, loyal friends, and studying the inner workings of a sessful society for decades. It is no small feat to be the face of the Association in the eight great regions."


    While he brings up great points, stating that running an entire region''s Association branch is not an easy job for the average hunter, his talk of upholding honor and integrity makes me want tough as hard as he did moments ago.


    I hold it in and reply with a nod.


    "Very well, we can discuss those termster. For now, I''d like to see the training facilities you''ve promised will bring me to level 1000 so quickly. I''d like to know what exactly I''ll be signing up for, maybe if it impresses me I''ll be able to ept a negotiation for different terms."


    The Director is silent for a few moments but nods and presses a button beneath his desk.


    "That is fine. I will give you a tour of the Apex Region facilities if you wish, maybe you will gain some perspective and see what an honor it is to even be offered this opportunity. When we are done, I will have a word with you alone and we will negotiate a deal once and for all, understood?"


    The pressure in the room momentarily rises as the yellow threads permeate out from his body just slightly.


    He only stops when one of the nurses that tends to his side faints from the intensity.


    As one of the other nurses heals her, the Director nods, and the entire room starts to shake.


    "Let''s leave this temporary exam site, and allow me to be a weing host to a future A-ss Hunter. I''ll bring you back to the Association headquarters in the heart of the Apex Region."

 Chapter 601

    Chapter 601


    The dark room moves just like the smaller cube I was in before.


    I take a few steps forward and pull a ck chair from the opposite side of the table and sit down, doing as the Director asked. The three new A-ss hunters take seats near me as well. Their golden cors glow brightly.


    The feeling of being guided along a magical railway continues as the room speeds up, leading us in a direction unknown to me. It feels like we''re heading north, but it''s hard to tell without exposing my true mana control to break through the high-grade mana shielding we''re surrounded with in this room.


    We all sit in silence for about half a minute before the Director speaks again while pressing a button beneath his table.


    "To save time while we make our way to the headquarters, I might as well begin the tour here."


    A portion of the wall to the right of me begins to shift in color, like a video is about to y.


    However, soon I realize that the shing white light I see is hundreds of panels of mana shielding flying by as we ride on a thin silver rail made of a metallic alloy I can''t identify.


    Square-shaped holes in the ground fly by in the view, revealing orange-red dirt patches just like what I saw when I got here. However, we''re headed off in the opposite direction, leaving the exam site. We also rise higher into the air to follow the silver rail upward. A few other twisting railways are visible far off in the distance as well, with other cubes being transported on them.


    The Director speaks up as my eyes are glued to the transparent side wall disy with genuine awe."As you can see, our testing site is being slowly dismantled. We''ll be reusing these resources for other projects in the future."


    I nod slowly and watch the ground get further away and the patches of dirt grow more abundant.


    Crews of hunters be visible, tearing the mana shielding away, loading them into item boxes, and bringing them back in the same direction we''re headed on other silver railways.


    The new A-ss hunters sit quietly while nurses finish healing up the Director.


    I finally speak up once the room we''re sat in stops rising in elevation, and it feels like we''re just moving in one direction about 2 kilometers above the ground.


    "I''ve never been in a transportation machine quite like this..."


    The abundance of mana shielding on the ground fades more and more, leaving just orange dirt on the horizon. It looks like we''ve made it out of the exam test site, and the trees, colorful flowers, and grass that grow out here tell me that there wasn''t any mana shielding covering thisnd before. We''ve made it to the naturalnd of the Apex Region.


    The Director responds once endless rolling hillse into view.


    "Yes, teleport crystals are usually saved for long-distance travel. We much prefer to rely on the rail system here. There are 28 routes that cover the entirety of the Apex Region. If you wish to take the tour of the entire Regionter, I''m sure this can be arranged, but for now, I''ll just be taking you directly to the heart of the Region."


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I nod as I see the other railways bend off in other directions the further away from the exam testing site we get; some of them even dip down to make stops within the rolling hills.


    I see small settlements that house a few hundred people each. They all have very well-built symmetric homes, shops, and roads.


    It looks like it has a futuristic Apex Region touch to it, built with white and silver high-grade materials in very symmetric patterns. I see a few guards watching from the far edges of the settlements.


    Just like any other region, it seems there are just normal citizens going about their normal lives out here.


    Roads connect these smaller towns to bigger ones that look like they could house thousands as we venture deeper into the Apex Region a few hundred kilometers further over the next few minutes.


    Large apartmentplexes, town squares, andmunities prosper out in these open ins, and they''re well connected to farnd and all of the other cities for trade. It is all incredibly well maintained, with more Elite hunters guarding the cities and keeping watch.


    There is definitely very high surveince in these cities, but they look incredibly orderly and clean.


    I don''t exactly know what I was expecting, but seeing normal life in this Region kind of surprises me.


    We pass about five cities with poptions I''d estimate to all be close to the entirety of the Crimson City.


    The deeper we venture into this Region, the more crowded it bes with roads, buildings, and people. Something odd I didn''t pick up on are small silver boxes that are scattered all throughout the rolling hills.


    There were only a few surrounding the smaller cities, so I didn''t think much of it, but now that there are hundreds of them scattered everywhere; in the cities and out in the open ins, I speak up with a confused expression on my face.


    "What are all those silver boxes?"


    I would do a scan for myself, as they look very familiar to mana shielded cubes I saw long ago in Sector 4; but the Director answers my question while rippling out an aura filled with pride.


    "Those are all dungeon portals. The closer we get to headquarters, the more abundant they will be. A lot of our C and B-ss hunters do training out here. Near therger cities, some of the dungeons get pretty strong."


    He chuckles to himself while the railway zips across the sky and more cities pass by, clumping closer and closer together until the entire ground is covered in homes, shops, and roads filled with people.


    The buildings get taller and more luxurious, and the streets all begin to converge toward a single tall hill in the distance. It rises up almost a full kilometer in the sky, making a perfect backdrop for the cityrge enough to house a hundred thousand citizens.


    The silver railway curves downward, and our descent begins.


    We get closer and closer to the ground, and I see a few other silver rails next to us all falling toward a single point; the massive grassy hill.


    Our speed doesn''t slow as we zip between the taller towers in the city, and the Director doesn''t seem to be too concerned about the fact that we''re about to collide with this massive mound of dirt either.


    So, I sit back and wait for impact.


    The mana shielded box hits the side of the massive grassy hill, but I don''t feel it shake or slow at all.


    We just phase through the mountain into what looks like a hidden fortress.


    The veil of green grass ripples as I look back at the city we''re leaving behind, and we dip down into a base deep within the heart of the Apex Region.


    The side of the grassy mound was all an illusion, hiding the headquarters entrance in in sight.


    Mana shielding far thicker than the box we''re in covers the inner walls of the hill as the railway plummets down deep underground.


    Bright lights sh by as the sheets of mana shielding blink rapidly from the speed; but they start to sh far less once our velocity slows.


    The room shakes quite a bit as it finallyes to a stop, and at the same time, the transparent window turns back to opaque shielding.


    A door at the back of the room opens up, and Mr. Freeman speaks.


    "Wee to the Apex Region''s Association Headquarters."


    Everyone in the room stands up, even the Director while his nurses help him on each arm. So, I do too.


    The golden-eyed man walks all the way around the table, and his shadowy figure shows that just a pair of glowing eyes covered in dark robes are walking through the room. I know that his real appearance looks different, but using his [Master of Illusions] buff, this mysterious form is all anyone can see.


    "Please, follow me and I will give you a tour of the facilities."


    He walks out the open door with his nurses and three new A-ss hunters close behind, and I follow, holding in my grin as my enemy leads me right into the heart of his hidden fortress.

 Chapter 602

    Chapter 602


    A confident woman''s voice echoes from the door as a narrow white entrance hallwayes into view.


    "Wee back, Mr. Freeman. That was a quick trip, as expected."


    A woman with tightly tied back blond hair, d in a ck and green association-brandedbat suit, greets us at the end of the short hall.


    She''s holding a silver tablet, and I watch each of the new A-ss hunters reach into their item boxes to pull out their IDs. I do the same.


    Mr. Freeman gives the woman a nod as he walks by her without saying a word, nked by his two nurses. The three A-ss hunters, however, stop in front of the woman to scan their IDs.


    She taps on her tablet after each of them scans, and they follow the Director out of the narrow hall.


    The woman shes me a bright smile as she scans my ID just like the others.


    "Ray Anderson, uncontracted B-ss Hunter. It looks like this is your first time in the Apex Region. I hope you enjoy your stay at headquarters."


    I put my ID back in my item box and nod as I walk past her."Thanks, I¡ª"


    My words are cut short as the entrance hall opens up into a massive room.


    It isn''t the sheer size of the room, the intense mana shielding, the half dozen 10-meter-wide chandeliers, or the massive exquisite art pieces on disy all over the walls and ceiling. What stops me mid-sentence and halts my steps is the enormous 30-meter-long statue in the center of the hall.


    A white dragon stands on its back legs, wings outstretched as if about to take flight.


    Each of its scales is semi-reflective, giving thousands of small sparkling visuals of all the priceless art that fills the hall.


    Its teeth are sharp, and its eyes look as if the beast is still alive, though there isn''t a drop of energy left in this creature.


    It''s impossible to tell if it''s a petrified monster turned into a trophy or a carefully crafted masterpiece.


    I can''t help but stare, deciding to believe it''s thetter, whispering to myself.


    "What a lifelike piece of art... it looks so real... incredible..."


    The Director overhears me as we walk by the reflective statue''s right leg across the long entrance of mana-shielded flooring and responds.


    "Indeed, it is the prize of my collection here. It''s quite the conversation starter for new guests. You say it is lifelike? Have you ever seen a dragon in the flesh?"


    I think of a reply as we walk around its back, following the curling white tail to the back of the room where two winding staircases lead downward.


    As I reply, a few hunters approach from the left side, but they''re levels are that of low C-ss hunters, so I don''t think much of it.


    "No, no... I haven''t seen a real dragon before, but it is everything I ever thought one would look like."


    We continue walking toward the tip of the dragon''s beautiful tail, met by open doors between the stairs. An elevator with hand-carved designs and more exquisite art on its wallses into view behind the opened doors, along with a number panel from 1 to 20beled inside small white buttons.


    As we all step into the spacious room, the Director replies.


    "Well, that is a good thing. If you said yes, I would have to change my art piece to something different. I can''t have new guests be unimpressed by my prized piece."


    Heughs to himself while the doors close, and he presses the number 5.


    Another group of C-ss hunters walks up the left stairway, and a group of B-ss hunters arrives from another entrance point just as we begin to descend downward. This ce is bustling with workers and hunters. They may all be in Apex Region uniforms, but it doesn''t seem like this base is a well-kept secret; it appears to be open to the public.


    The elevator slides downward, taking us deeper into the base until I hear a ding and watch the doors open again.


    The sound of bells ringing, loud music, incredible-smelling food,ughter, and bright colorful lightses into view.


    An endless hall of restaurants, shops, and table games fills my senses. I think back to the pre-trial room in the exams, and this looks just like it, only tens of times bigger.


    My eyes widen as the Director speaks up.


    "This is floor 5, the entertainment floor. It may look familiar to you, but rest assured, none of these games are rigged like the exams. I thought we might as well start off the tour with something to catch your attention. Floors 1 through 4 are mostly desk work and ounting jobs, keeping track of the citizens and hunters in our Region."


    He chuckles to himself.


    This novel''s true home is a different tform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "Hunters are only allowed here during non-working hours, and only 20% of your sry is permitted to be wagered each month. We make sure everyone is responsible with their funds."


    Mr. Freeman hits the number 10 button on the elevator, and we descend further until it opens again.


    This floor looks much different, more in line with what I was expecting from this facility.


    There are dozens of sectioned-off mana-shielded rooms with timers above each of their doors.


    Some rooms are covered in opaque silver or white shielding material, while others are clear like ss, allowing me to see C and B-ss hunters sparring with weapons and elemental skills.


    Everyone here wears the same green and ckbat suits as the woman upstairs who greeted us.


    The Director speaks up again as I stare forward.


    "This is where many of our C and new B-ss hunters practice training. The sim suits worn are graded up to roughly level 1200 attacks. You wouldn''t be able to go all out, especially with that buff of yours, but this is a very valuable resource for many Apex Region Hunters to go all out without any consequences."


    I nod, remembering back to long ago when I first visited Vice City and tried a simr technology, but the suits were only graded up to B-ss attacks.


    "Very interesting. I''d love to try them out another time."


    The door closes again, and the Director brings us down to the 15th floor.


    It is far more private and looks rather luxurious. All I see is a red carpet and ck doors numbered 1-100 until they go out of sight,beled with golden text.


    The Director exins this floor too.


    "Everything from floor 11 to 16 consists of private suites and private magic gear shops only avable to contracted hunters. You will be given unlimited ess to your own suite upon signing a contract. Of course, the A-ss suites on floor 16 are far more luxurious than the B and C-ss suites you see here. We can tour theseter if you wish."


    The door closes once again, and we''re brought down to floor 17.


    It appears to be some kind of market with booths and shops, but there are no customers at all. It just looks like workers are sorting and crafting all kinds of dungeon loot. There are E and D-grade items, but some of the stalls have C and B-grade loot and gear as well.


    The Director''smentary echoes in my ear as I continue to scan the rows of workers.


    "This is where all of the farmed resources from our thousands of dungeons within the Vice Region are sorted and crafted into usable materials. Many hunters sell them to the association-owned vendors around the capital city, and they''re all brought here 24 hours a day to be processed. Far in the back, we have a few legendary grade craftsmen, if you''d like anything unique crafted with materials you''ve farmed; don''t be afraid to ask. It is a service avable to all B-ss and above hunters."


    He murmurs under his breath as the door closes again. "If it wasn''t for that damn me Emperor screwing up my trade deals, we would be making far more profit..."


    The trip down to the next two floors takes longer than usual, as the next floor seems very tall.


    I smile inwardly at his frustration as the door opens to the 18th floor, revealing what looks like another training facility. The ceilings are easily 50 meters high, making the long wait to get here make more sense.


    This one is only split into two massive rooms. One of them is empty, while the other is in use by four golden-cored figures that I recognize.


    Rodrigo stands at the back of the massive mana-shielded room with a silver clipboard in hand next to the long blond-haired woman healer. They talk to each other while attentively watching the two A-ss hunters with red divine cores spar at what looks like full power, but only using mana and not the aid of their borrowed soul energy or divine cores.


    The three A-ss hunters take a step forward as the door opens, and the Director speaks.


    "This is your stop. Continue your training, and thank you very much for waiting for our guest to arrive and bringing him to me."


    They step out and make their way toward the other massive empty training room as Mr. Freeman continues.


    "This is the A-ss training facility. Soon, I believe this will be more appealing to you. These two rooms were put in ce by a team from the central branch of the Association quite a while back. They''re graded to withstand up to level 5000 attacks, believe it or not."


    An aura of satisfaction and pride ripples off him as the door closes once again, and we descend further.


    It''s just me, the Director, and his two nurses when the bell rings, and we hit the 19th floor.


    This floor isn''t as impressive as thest. It just has a few sectioned-off rooms, public lounges, saunas, restaurants, and bars. There is very slow and calming music ying, and no customers at all, but many attentive employees are on duty.


    It must be a private lounge for the A-ss hunters to use once they''re finished with hard training sessions.


    To my surprise, both of the nurses walk forward once the door fully opens, and Mr. Freeman speaks to them.


    "This will only take a few minutes. I prefer to show our guest the final floor alone."


    They both walk forward, then turn around and give him a small bow as the door closes and the elevator descends onest time.


    I speak up and question him.


    "This is the final floor? What''s so special about it?"


    The Director stands in silence for a moment, and I feel the air pressure in this small elevator ripple with heat and small amounts of yellow divine threads while he restrains himself and replies.


    "This is the heart of not only the Apex Region but the 8 Great Regions'' branch as a whole. The resource I am about to show you is what has granted me the ability to grow my power and is what has kept this nation in line for decades..."


    Silence fills the elevator as it descends further and further, almost triple the time it took to get down to the 18th floor. The Director continues.


    "There is only one other Region that has a simr resource, the Vice Region, but it is not nearly as plentiful as what I''m about to show you."


    The air pressure grows even thicker, and I begin to feel soul energy building up in the Director''s chest.


    Then, the door lets out a ding and slides open.


    Behind it, an underground cave made of dark ck stone with ceilings over 100 meters highes into view.


    I let a weak observation aura out, and immediately I feel the presence of what the Director speaks of.


    A massive green spinning portal rests at the back of the cave. The mana density and pressure it releases are so intense, it makes the Labyrinth in Vice City and even the one back in the canyon of dungeons seem minuscule.


    The air is so thick with mana, it feels like I''m back inside the Titan''s Domain down here. It''s both alluring and suffocating at the same time.


    I start to take a step forward, but another pressure hits my senses from my side as Mr. Freeman pulls a familiar blue cube from his item storage and pushes it my way, floating through the air with a contract open on it, showing the A-ss Hunter recruitment option in bright blue text.


    "If you would like to enter the Labyrinth and begin your training, we need toe to an agreement on our terms. What do you say? Will today be the day you be an A-ss hunter?"


    His eyes glow golden, and more yellow threads begin to seep out of his core.


    I see tendrils of soul energy begin to rise from his back just like the first time he tried to use his buff [The Sun God''s Curse Mark] on me.


    It seems he''s set all of this up in order to get me alone down here and give me no choice. However, he doesn''t know this is exactly what I wanted too.


    I continue my step forward closer to the Labyrinth. In the same movement, I catch the blue contract cube with my left hand, and my heart rate starts to speed up with excitement.

 Chapter 603

    Chapter 603


    I keep walking forward, pretending not to notice a thing.


    The elevator door behind us closes, and I start to show more interest in the massive cave-like room we''re in, while moving toward the back of it, over 100 meters away.


    The golden tendrils emanating from the Director''s back begin to reinforce themselves with countless threads of yellow divine energy as I raise a question.


    "So this is where your Labyrinth is... and you say it''s where you and all the A-ss hunters have managed to grow in power?"


    The Director follows right behind me, emitting a growing pressure in the air that would easily knock out a normal ranked-up hunter by now, while he replies.


    "Yes, yes it is. This is where you''ll find monsters above level 1000 to train with. There''s no dungeon within the whole 8 great Regions with monsters stronger than we have here. The association keeps them on lockdown so no dangerous individuals can reach the rank of A-ss on their own. This 20th floor may look like a natural cave, but it has been reinforced by the higher-ups in the central branch of the Association as well. Even if this entirebyrinth had a violent break right now, no monsters could make it to the surface."


    I do some quick calctions, assuming the Director trained inside this Labyrinth to grow his level above 9000; whatever mana-dense ck material that reinforces these cave walls must be considered S-Grade Shielding. I grin beneath my concealment barrier as I continue to walk forward, and the pressureing off the Director grows so dense that most double-ranked-up hunters would fall to their knees.


    A wave of golden light creeps up behind me as the Director continues to speak.


    "So... what''s it going to be? Will you sign the counter-contract I''ve provided you and make this process go over easy? Or are we going to have to do this the hard way?"More and more threads flood from his core as the Director channels all of his soul energy into thick tendrils of golden light curving up over his head and down toward me, poised to make a move.


    The pressure in the room reaches levels that should make even a normal level 2000 hunter be lightheaded, but I don''t bat an eye.


    I just stare down at the new contract the Director sent me on the blue crystal device and shake my head.


    "These terms still don''t suit me. I guess we will have to do this the hard way."


    I let out a sigh and ce the blue cube into my item box whileing to a halt in the center of the dark room.


    The only light sources are the golden glow from the Director behind me and the bright green light from the Labyrinth portal in front of me.


    As the pressure increases even more, bing equivalent to the yellow-cored lizards I faced inside the construct, it''s clear that no hunter without divine energy should still be standing.


    The Director realizes something is not right... His voice echoes through the room.


    "What is the meaning of this? Are you a Divine Core Holder? Have you tried to deceive me? The Sun God..."


    At his words, I turn to face him with a sharp look in my eyes, showing that his small disy of power doesn''t affect me at all.


    He does what any wild beast caught off guard would do and stops holding back. The Director of the Apex Region fully epts that there is an opponent worth releasing his full power against all at once.


    An aura of fear and anger ripples out from the Director, but it is stillyered with underlying confidence in his abilities from his decades of battle experience.


    The golden tendrils that erupt from him lunge forward, all aimed straight for my heart while more and more yellow threads of divine energy flow out of his core.


    Mr. Freeman yells out while the pressure in the room reaches heights beyond any enemy I''ve ever faced before.


    "Ray¡ªNo¡ªThat is merely a facade... Whoever you are, it doesn''t matter. You will submit to my undeniable power. You will not deceive me and continue to walk free in this world."


    The entire dome-shaped room lights up with yellow divine energy, and my eyes track each of the yellow-gold tendrils of energy that rocket my way.


    It is truly an impressive sight to see and feel.


    The gravity in this room increases by over 100 times, and the concentrated power in all of the soul energy attacks rocketing my way are strong enough to decimate entire urban cities if they were aimed at a target outside of this room.


    I''ve never felt such pent-up rage, concentrated power, and pure selfish conviction from an enemy at any other time in my life. It feels like the Director is using his near century of battle experience and concentrating it all on a single barrage of attacks without holding back.


    Just days ago, if this power was pushed upon me, I''d have no other instinct than to run away, not looking back at all.


    However, it feels like an orb of heat is bursting out of my chest with excitement and anticipation.


    I stare the Director in the eyes while deactivating my concealment skill and divine limiter.


    A bright wave of yellow and white light bursts from my eyes and chest while I pull two des out from my item storage.


    The me Emperor''s Sword erupts into mes, held tight in my right hand, while the Dark Emperor''s de permeates a ck aura, gripped in my left.


    Silky smooth bright yellow divine energy flows from my core in such a dense state it looks like liquid as it tethers itself deep into both of my blood-bonded weapons.


    My full body erupts into Dark Red Soul Energy, and it too bes intertwined with my new bright yellow Divine Power.


    The shockwave from my reveal makes the entire underground cave shake, and the countless tendrils of golden energy piercing through the airing my way are all shattered into dust and devoured by my aura the moment theye in contact.


    The pressure in the room increases multiple times over, but instead of pressing down on me, I concentrate it back on the Director who was so confident just fractions of a second ago.


    The st sends him flying backward instantly, mming against the side wall of the underground cave, and I keep constant pressure pushing him up against the wall as I twirl my swords in the air and slowly walk toward him, looking like a ming demonic entity.


    "Is this really what you wanted? You''ve forced my hand. I was considering bing a member of the association again to keep an eye on you all while maintaining my disguise. If you had just epted my offer of making me a Regional Director, none of this would have had to happen."


    My slow footsteps echo through the brightly lit cave as I walk closer.


    The Director''s [Master of Illusions] buff wears off from the immense pressure I''m pushing on him, and the tall mysterious man with vibrant golden eyes disappears to reveal his true form as bright as day.


    An old, sickly man with deteriorating flesh is pressed up against the ck mana-shielded wall. His overinted core still spins, cycling the decades'' worth of yellow divine energy within it; and his eyes are still stern, focused on me despite his troubled state.


    He whispers out a reply.


    "H-How¡ªA True Core¡ªNo...why? Are you from the Central Branch? What have I done wrong...?"


    He grits his teeth while his flesh continues to fade away, and I reply while walking closer and closer, shaking my head.


    This book''s true home is on another tform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "What have you done wrong? Many things. A man like you has sat atop this world for decades. I''m surprised you haven''t learned your lesson until now. A man that tries to build a kingdom only through fear and being undeniably stronger than his subordinates is destined to fail when a ruler stronger than him challenges the throne."


    With every step I take toward him, my aura gets closer and denser, speeding up his body''s decay as it can''t handle the pure silky threads that constantly circte through me and out into the atmosphere.


    I''m not even in my greater form, and none of my buffs or skills are even activated. I''mpletely overpowering this yellow-cored being with my presence alone.


    I stop about 10 meters away so he can still hear me, and so I don''t obliterate him out of existence by ident. He''s the one that musters a long-winded reply to my words, muttering to himself and coughing between words as his organs begin to dissolve under the pressure of my aura.


    "You must be from Central¡ªa young, naive one they managed to awaken and sent over to rece me¡ªthat''s it... isn''t it? A shame... This was all for the greater good. So what if I used my power to keep everyone in line? That''s what you all do anyways, a bunch of hypocrites you are. So much for preserving honor among the Council. Rule number three was to never kill or order a hit on any of the 10 Powerhouse Nation''s Leaders... This is because of my failed mission into the Dark Continent, isn''t it? This is the exception to the rule? Is this a private attack or a unanimous decision from the other 9? This is all that me Emperor''s fault... I had a n to take him out, I really did!"


    A wave of anger and disgust washes out of him as I try to make sense of his words.


    The Director still doesn''t know who I am. He believes I''m a nt from another nation. He''s spewing words about a Council of leaders, and other true cores, but it''s clear he doesn''t have much time left.


    I let out a sigh and shake my head.


    "The greater good? How can you call your reign of tyranny all for the greater good when you''re not doing good every step along the way? Some citizens in the 8 Great Regions may have a better life because of you, sure, but what about all of the men and women exiled to the Dark Continent? What about the countless hunters silenced and killed by higher-ups'' orders when they grow too fast for your liking? What about the talented hunters you force to wear your golden cors and bend their minds to not even understand their own thoughts inside their heads? What about draining the lifeforce from countless healers just to preserve your own? This is what you call building a kingdom for the greater good?"


    My aura grows in density as I let my Soul Energy mes growrger andrger, flickering and raising the room temperature by hundreds of degrees every second that passes.


    "And no, I''m not from the Central Branch. I''m The me Emperor. So yes, technically I am still the one that has ruined all your ns. You may believe I am evil, and that''s okay. My enemies may hate me for various reasons, but your kingdom is better off in the hands of a leader like myself who has followers that not only benefit from serving me, but choose to fight by my side with their own free will."


    I grow into my greater form as I feel the Director''s will and unbreakable confidence finally begin to dissolve at the same rate as the rest of his flesh.


    The golden eyes that stared down at every single citizen in the 8 Great Regions finally realize that his decades of reign havee to an end. He is unable to even pry himself off the wall, and there is no one capable of saving him.


    The manifestation of my greater form holding two impossiblyrge swords towers over him. One erupts with mes so bright, the room ispletely enveloped in its light, and the other is so dark and ominous as it drains the thick air of all of the remaining mana that leaks out from the Labyrinth and S-Grade shielding.


    I let a final wave of telepathy rush into the depths of this man''s fading psyche.


    "I win, and it was nowhere near the challenge I was seeking. For a self proimed god, you were quite a disappointing fight..."


    Then, I thrust both of my greater form''s swords into his chest and pierce right through his divine core, shattering it into pieces, and plunging both des deep into the ck wall behind him.


    There''s an eruption of mana from the S-Grade shielding breaking apart and a rush of energy streaming into myself as the Director''s body explodes into pieces with his core. I hear hundreds of notifications go off in my inner ear and feel all of the yellow divine threads from the Director''s shattered core seep out of his scattered remains. The yellow energy flows through by aura and is channeled into both of my swords, down my arms, and right into my own true core, capturing 100% of his divine power without missing a single thread.


    Power surges through me as the entire room shakes and ripples with energy, and I feel my own abilities grow by an extremely noticeable amount in mere fractions of a second.


    The notifications keep ringing over and over in my mind.


    [Level Up] x1159


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Mental Strength


    Points: 3955


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 10,394,789,834,001


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Superior Light Summoning]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Buff: Master of Illusion [Hidden Ability]


    [YES][NO]


    I choose [YES] to every notification, then pull both des out of the wall and let the remains of the Director fall onto the ground.


    ____________


    Post Chapter Status Update:


    ____________


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 4246


    Hp: 21235/21235


    Mp: 21235/21235


    Strength: 19011 [+61025] [+85740] [+92013] [+77565] [+61025] [+142963] [+117108 ] [+92203] [+172050] [+9506] [+19011] [+87831] [+47528] [+47528] [+76044]


    Total Strength: 1,208,151


    Speed: 15339 [+52153] [+46170] [+87279] [+62737] [+52459] [+90653] [+76542 ] [+108447] [+61970] [+103078] [+7670] [+15339] [+83751] [+38348] [+38348] [+61356]


    Total Speed: 1,001,639


    Agility: 15453 [+52231] [+50068] [+79892] [+63666] [+50222] [+90400] [+78038] [+127333] [+63666] [+92563] [+7727] [+15453] [+74947] [+38633] [+61812]


    Total Agility: 962,104


    Defense: 12142 [+35819] [+59253] [+46868] [+45775] [+39219] [+61196] [+84265] [+60467] [+71638] [+6071] [+12142] [+55732] [+48568]


    Total Defense: 639,155


    Mental Strength: 22864 [+93285] [+90313] [+91456] [+89170] [+88026] [+146558] [+132383] [+206005] [+106775] [+164164] [+11432] [+22864] [+118893] [+57160] [+57160] [+91456]


    Total Mental Strength: 1,589,964


    ____________


    Skills:


    Absorption [Mythic Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Mythic Grade]


    Enemy Detection [Mythic Grade]


    Body Hardening [Mythic Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Mythic Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Mythic Grade]


    Telekinesis [Mythic Grade]


    Appraisal [Mythic Grade]


    Conceal [Mythic Grade]


    Berserker [Mythic Grade]


    Dungeon Walker [Legendary Grade]


    Intimidation [Mythic Grade]


    Dagger Mastery [Mythic Grade]


    Stealth [Mythic Grade]


    Bloodlust [Mythic Grade]


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Extreme Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye


    Extreme Strength [Mythic Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Mythic Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Mythic Grade]


    Hibernation [Special Grade]


    Combat Magic [Advanced Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Legendary Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Mythic Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Speed [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Water Summoning]


    Screech [Mythic Grade]


    Phantom Step [Mythic Grade]


    re [Mythic Grade]


    Confusion [Mythic Grade]


    st [Mythic Grade]


    Bind [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodweaver [Legendary Grade]


    Poison Mist [Mythic Grade]


    Iron Fist [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Stamina [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Extreme Lightning Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    Blink [Mythic Grade]


    Cocoon [Mythic Grade]


    Imbuement [Mythic Grade]


    Barrier Creation [Mythic Grade]


    Flight [Mythic Grade]


    Area Buff [Mythic Grade]


    Mind Pce [Mythic Grade]


    Astral Spears [Mythic Grade]


    sh Step [Mythic Grade]


    Call of The Void [Mythic Grade]


    Crystal Creation [Mythic Grade]


    Heavy Hand [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Superior Light Summoning]


    ____________


    Items Equipped: [15 Slots Avable Post 2nd Rank Up][Current Items Equipped]


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [Blood Bonded] [+408% Mental Strength][+340% Speed][+338% Agility][+321% Strength][+295% Defense][+137% Perception][Illusion Attribute]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [Blood Bonded] [+488% Defense][+451% Strength][+395% Mental Strength][+324% Agility][+301% Speed][Hardening Attribute]


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [Blood Bonded] [+569% Speed][+517% Agility][+484% Strength][+400% Mental Strength][+386% Defense][Wind Attribute]


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [Blood Bonded] [+412% Agility] [+409% Speed][+408% Strength][+390% Mental Strength][+383% Magic Resistance][+381% Ice Magic Resistance][+377% Defense][Ice Attribute]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [Blood Bonded] [+385% Mental Strength] [+342% Speed][+325% Agility][+323% Defense][+321% Strength]


    The me Emperor''s Sword [Blood Bonded][Advanced Fire Aspect][+752% Strength][+641% Mental Strength][+504% Defense][+591% Speed][+585% Agility]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+694% Defense][+616% Strength][+579% Mental Strength][+505% Agility][+499% Speed][Hardening Attribute][Earth Attribute]


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+901% Mental Strength][+824% Agility][+707% Speed][+360% Perception][Blood Bonded][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute][Dark Attribute]


    Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets [Blood Bonded][+498% Defense][+485% Strength][+467% Mental Strength][+412% Agility][+404% Speed][Hardening Attribute][Earth Attribute][Fire Attribute]


    The Dark Emperor''s de [+905% Strength][+718% Mental Strength][+672% Speed][+599% Agility][+590% Defense][Blood Bonded][Dark Attribute][Hidden Ability]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Ring of the Divine [Hidden Ability]


    Celia''s Purple Core [Living Ring Artifact] [Divine Limiter][Hidden Ability]


    Final Slot[15th]:[Interchangeable]


    [Storm King''s Dagger Set][Blood Bonded][+546% Speed][+520% Mental Strength][+485% Agility][+462% Strength][+459% Defense][Lightning Attribute][Wind Attribute]


    Midnight Dagger


    ____________


    Skill Buffs:


    [Berserker] +250% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +250% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength , +100% Perception


    [Extreme Strength] +250% Strength


    [Extreme Speed] +250% Speed


    [Final Breath] ~ +400% All Stats (Exact % will vary, conditions & circumstances apply)


    Permanent Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability][Passive]


    Rising Emperor''s Greater Form[Hidden Ability][Active]


    Master of Illusion [Hidden Ability]

 Chapter 604

    Chapter 604


    All over the globe, nine silver devices ping simultaneously.


    Some are locked away in item boxes and magical storage vaults, while others are worn around strong hunters'' wrists and necks like ornaments.


    Every one of them sends the same signal: a shing yellow light among nine other lights that glow brightly.


    Some of the lights are a dim yellow, just like the one that is blinking, while others vary in brightness. Some are so bright they almost shimmer white.


    The dull yellow light that blinks flickers and fades away, signifying that one of the ten members of this mysterious group of leaders has perished from this world.


    The first leader to witness this phenomenon is a woman with long ck hair, flying high over a dangerous volcanic region on the back of a monstrous earth dragon.


    She looks down at the small device, rubbing her pointer finger over the dull, clear crystal that once glowed with yellow luminosity, and curses under her breath.


    "That idiot... Picking a fight with an opponent he clearly couldn''t defeat..."


    She presses one of the strongest glowing crystals on the device next. It glows bright yellow-white, matching the color of her core and the dragon she flies on, and she speaks again."It seems the old man, Mr. Freeman, met his end. I take it none of you were ipetent enough to break our ceasefire pact?"


    She clicks her tongue and takes her finger off the glowing crystals as her dragon ps its wings, and they soar further throughout the volcands.


    Everything is silent for a few seconds, other than the flow ofva and eruptions a few kilometers below her.


    However, this moment of silence is broken by a yell back through the device as one of the other strongly lit lights shimmers and projects the clear audio of a grumpy man.


    "Raven? Is that you? Who are you calling old? He was hardly a day past seventy; I''m almost twice his age and have more fight in me than he ever did. He must have died in a desperate attempt to ascend to a True Core before his body failed him."


    The voice stopsing through, and the woman stares down at the device with a grin on her face, amused that the old man took offense to her words.


    She''s about to press her own button to respond, but one of the other strong yellow-white crystals flickers, signifying that its recipient has pressed it on the other end.


    She waits patiently for five seconds, but no voicees out, and the crystal returns to its resting state, implying the person on the other end decided not to say a word.


    Raven presses her button and speaks back to the man who actually answered her call with a snarky tone, ignoring the lurker that didn''t speak.


    "Nice to hear your voice too, Mr. Redgrave. I hope Central Headquarters is treating you well. Your guess on how the Eight Great Regions'' branch leader died would have been my assumption too. However, there is a growing power in the Dark Continent that I presume ended the Director. All my sources tell me he goes by the title of The me Emperor."


    She chuckles to herself while keeping her finger on the crystal for a few extra seconds for all to hear, then changes her direction in the air, slowly starting to turn toward the north, anticipating the angry yell back through the silver device from the man on the other side.


    "Well... Then this changes everything. Mr. Freeman may have been stubborn and suffering from a slower cultivation rate, but he wasn''t weak. Whoever this rogue force is, they must be taken out. While we have no rules stating that a fallen council member of The Order must be avenged, I would hate to let a force like this continue to grow and potentially harm one of our remaining nine members before the fight for the throne."


    He is silent for a few seconds but adds a remark.


    "You are the closest True Core to the Eight Great Regions, so I hope you will get it done. If not, I will make sure this is dealt with myself in due time. After all, if he is not in, many may question my title as the Strongest Fire Wielder in the world."


    His crystal reverts back to its natural state again, and Raven keeps flying through the sky on her dragon in silence, thinking over the man''s words.


    What he says is true. The council members of The Order all signed a pact to never kill or cripple each other until the throne to im this world awakened.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred tform. Support original creators!


    Rogue forces are no one''s responsibility to take care of, but over the decades, they have been silently given the unspoken task to the Nation Leader closest to the threat.


    It isn''t frowned upon to ignore growing powers, but if that power were to attack another member of The Order when they could have been nipped in the bud, beings in this world that seek immortality are not ones to forget and often hold a grudge.


    These thoughts race through the ck-haired woman''s mind as the same crystal that entered the conversation and silently eavesdropped shimmers again, showing that they''re ready to speak.


    The same silencees out for ten full seconds before the faint sound of a heavy breath transmits through.


    Raven soars through the air and activates her stealth ability, making herself and her dragon disappear in the sky as she rockets over ck military base buildings.


    Over a full minute passes with a few more heavy breaths before the person on the other end of the line finally speaks in an entric style. His words are offbeat and go up and down in varying tones, making it hard to understand what the voice is really thinking.


    "Oh please don''t kill him. I want you to capture him alive and bring him to me. He will be the muse I need to finallyplete my collection. -And bring me back my white dragon while you''re in the Apex Region. There''s no reason for a dead man to keep such fine art. Two hundred yellow fragments, that is what I''ll pay for your help."


    The crystal clicks off, and Raven rolls her eyes while pressing her crystal and letting out a sigh for everyone on the line to hear.


    "Don''t get your hopes up. I''m on my way over to survey the area now. Until I find out what really happened, I''m not promising anything to either of you. If anyone else is still listening, don''t bother contacting me, I''m going dark. I''ll only open up this line again if I have something important to share once my survey isplete."


    She lifts her finger from the device and throws it away into an item box on her waist, then her speed to the north increases.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, underground in the Apex Region, I power down my greater form and stop my True Core''s full aura from fully activating and shattering all of the shielding in this base to bits.


    My des have already cut through a portion of the ck walls, releasingrge amounts of mana. If I cut just five meters deeper, there would be a crack that shatters all the way through, and my aura would most likely identally kill everyone in this entire city.


    I power down and let all the remains and shattered gear from the deceased Director''s body fall into my item storage, then put away my swords into the white spatial magic too.


    The heat and pressure in the room cool down as I retract my aura back into my purple limiter, but that doesn''t cancel out the fact that new divine energy is rushing through my core.


    Whenever I killed yellow-cored lizards inside the construct, their energy was never instantly consumed like this. It''s unclear to me if this is normal for True Cores or a unique property of mine alone.


    Either way, everything about this situation excites me and floods my senses with endorphins. I let out a long exhale of satisfaction and happiness as the reality of what just happened rushes through me.


    The fact that really sinks in is that I just killed the strongest man in all of the Eight Great Regions and Dark Continentbined.


    There is no one who can stop me from taking over all of the trade routes and Association-run businesses right now.


    I activate my mythic-grade concealment, new superior light magic, and new buff master of illusion all together to pulse outward with a very strange aura.


    Nothing physically changes, but the light particles in the air are altered and twisted, making for an interesting disy of power.


    It feels and looks very simr to Bri''s ranked-up buff, allowing her to create a small pocket of space that looks and feels like any illusion she desires.


    However, I''m far more powerful than that and have even more skills and buffs at my disposal. I bend the perception of myself to look, sound, and feel just like the man I killed.


    An aura matching his confidence, greed, and selfishness permeates from me, and if I walked up to myself just minutes ago with this same disguise on, I''m unsure if I could tell the difference...


    I smile wide beneath my disguise of golden glowing eyes, unnaturally tall stature, and dark shadowy robes as I walk toward the green spinningbyrinth portal that still emanates mana after this violent exchange.


    The shielding near thebyrinth portal bends under its weight, and my curiosity for how high thisbyrinth''s floors climb simmer in the back of my mind.


    However, once I step through and make sure my dungeon walker skill logs and saves the location of the first floor, I turn back around and leave.


    A body double can do that work once I return with good news, for right in this moment, I still have lots of work to do in the Apex Region before I can leave.


    I sh step across the room and enter the elevator, pressing the 18th floor button to bring myself to the A-ss training rooms next.


    It''s been less than a minute since the Director died, but his ves that have been chained down with golden cors for years must finally be realizing their thoughts have not been their own.


    As the door opens with a ding, and I peer into the two training rooms with my Sun God Disguise fully activated, I see many eyes turn toward me.


    shbacks of the golden-cored prisoners crying and screaming with mixed emotions once I freed them back in the Dark Continent repeat in my mind as I take in the scene before me.


    The newest three A-ss hunters that greeted me today at the Apex Region are very confused, standing in a triangle in the middle of their training room.


    At the opposite side of the floor, the woman healer who always looked uninterested in everything around her, dead tired and bored of the world, is crying with joy on the mana-shielded ground.


    The wind and fire users who are A-ss hunters both stare at me with angry stances, their red cores fully activated, making the high A-Grade mana shielding in the room quiver.


    However, I''m not worried or necessarily interested in any of them.


    My gaze locks onto Rodrigo''s as he feels his neck and looks toward me,ing to the realization that maybe the man behind these golden eyes isn''t the same one that left this room moments ago.

 Chapter 605

    Chapter 605


    Despite locking eyes with Rodrigo, the voices that yell the loudest throughout the room are the fire and wind users who radiate bright red divine energy.


    "What is the meaning of this? My life has been a lie! My mind¡ªI¡ª" The wind user shouts out, now fully missing his hand and leg due to theck of borrowed golden soul energy avable to him.


    "I gave over a decade to this damn Association, and still, you continuously manipted all of us! Why are you even letting us in on your secret now? Why not just kill us?" The fire user, missing both of his arms, shouts out while red divine energy grows around him.


    He looks over to the other side of the 18th floor to the newest recruits from the B-ss exams.


    "Are those our recements? Is this how it ends? Are we just being discarded after losing one battle in the Dark Continent? Is this¡ª"


    I don''t let him speak any further, activating my skill [Heavy Hand] and exerting a force of pure mana alone to easily overpower both of the high-level A-ss hunters'' divine auras.


    In just fractions of a second, both of the men are pressed chest and face-first against the training room floor as I walk forward and let the elevator close behind me.


    All eyes are on me, the manifestation of the unbeatable sun god who has taken over the 8 Great Regions and ruled for decades with no mercy for his enemies or even his own people who served beneath him.


    The sounds of bones cracking under the gravity of my mana from the two strongest A-ss hunters on this continent are more than enough deterrent for anyone else in the room to speak up as I walk up to both of them and stare down at the floor where they''re pressed for a full 10 seconds.I finally speak up in a static monotone voice.


    "There will be some changes made in this branch of the Association soon. You have been loyal hunters, so I wanted to show you the truth."


    I keep the pressure pushing down on them steady, but reach into my item storage and pull out two mythic-grade self-regeneration potions and gently ce them on the floor in front of both of them using telekinesis.


    "Drink these and continue your training."


    I turn to everyone else in the room.


    "That goes for all of you. Just because you know the truth doesn''t mean I can''t track you down to any Region or Continent you try to flee to. Business continues as usual until I say so. If there are anyints, you can talk to me directly and see how that ends for you."


    I let the pressure of my [Heavy Hand] skill fade, and the two A-ss hunters slowly get up and examine the potions while I make a hand motion toward Rodrigo, who still stares at me with confusion in his gaze.


    "You,e with me. I need a meeting with you alone."


    He quickly nods and follows as I leave the awestruck room to get back in the elevator.


    As Rodrigo walks in and the doors begin to close after I press floor 19, the sight of the two A-ss hunters'' limbs growing back is thest thing we see while riding down to the lounge floor below us in silence.


    He doesn''t say a word, for fear of being wrong about his assumptions, and I admire him for staying safe and not jumping to conclusions because it''s what I would do in the same situation.


    Once the door opens again and I walk forward into the lounge area, I''m greeted by the two nurses with glowing white hands approaching me, ready to heal the director, but I shake my head.


    "No, thank you. Please, take the rest of the day off, you two. I have some important meetings to attend to."


    Their eyes widen with surprise as I motion for them to take the elevator upstairs, wondering if this is some kind of test, but once Rodrigo and I walk past them and toward one of the high-grade mana-shielded private rooms, they realize I''m being serious.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    As the private room''s door clicks open and we walk inside, both of the nurses power down their soft healing skills and ride the elevator upstairs with relief written all over their faces.


    I walk into the center of the dimly lit mana shielded lounge room, filled with mana-dense air, a full bar, artwork, and exquisite ck furniture.


    Rodrigo closes the door behind us, and I put up a mythic-grade hush barrier mixed with ayer of my [Master of Illusion] buff to create a veil of audio and visual blockage that no one on this entire continent could break through. It is a necessary precaution just in case there are secret monitoring devices in here.


    Then, I let my appearance revert back to itspletely natural state.


    "Nice to finally meet you face to face without that cor on. I hope this is a good enough thank you for getting me into the B-ss exams."


    I grin, cross my arms, and sit back on thefortable couch behind me while I watch the state of shock, happiness, and utter awe ripple through Rodrigo.


    His eyes are wide, and his thoughts are racing at a thousand beats per second.


    The only thing he manages to muster out is, "Jay? It''s you... You really did it? The Director¡ªhe''s?"


    I nod and cut him off while pointing to a seat across the room.


    "He''s dead. The 8 Great Regions are now under new rule. Please, take a seat. We have a lot to talk about."


    Still, a state of shock and disbelief is stered on the face of the brother of my trade partner.


    Not long ago, he warned me not to even look at Mr. Freeman the wrong way. I could tell he only got us into the exams as a personal favor to Bri.


    The fact that I passed, managed to not fall under the director''s curse, and in the end, killed the Apex Region''s Director. This result is the furthest thing from his initial expectations.


    I continue as he''s frozen with his mouth open and speechless.


    "You are the only one in the Association who knows, and I hope to keep it that way. There is already widespread respect and order held by the Apex Region''s name alone. Even if that is temporarily fear-driven, it''s best to keep it going. Announcing that the leader of all Directors has been killed by a rogue force from the Dark Continent will only spread panic..."


    This n has already been implemented and proven to work once, back in Valor City.


    After defeating the Lich King, the entire city could have been informed that their Dark Guards and mysterious leader is no more, but it is better to keep the citizens happy and in a routine they''re ustomed to.


    Breaking unconventional news to hundreds of thousands of people can result in unpredictable oues. It''s best to exploit a system that is already in ce, slowly changing it to my liking over time rather than attempting anything drastic and rushed.


    This realization creeps into Rodrigo''s mind as I sit back and breathe in the mana-dense air, enjoying the silence and patiently waiting for a response from the baffled A-ss hunter.


    "That... makes sense... I have no idea how you managed this..."


    He touches his neck, pausing for a moment before continuing.


    "But it''s really done... No more mindlessly following orders, filing paperwork for hours every day, answering to the other Directors like a dog, and proctoring exams year after year. I''m finally free..."


    He smiles and looks me in the eyes, epting this reality.


    Then, he taps his finger on his knee nervously, realizing something.


    "Well... not yet. Just because you can fool a few A-ss hunters here doesn''t mean you''re out of the woods yet."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What do you mean?"


    He stands up and pulls a silver tablet from his item box.


    "Mr. Freeman used to do deals with a few other nations asionally, other strong powers that had a simr yellow-golden energy as his own... And not to mention, dealing with the Regional Directors within this Nation. The Director was a busy man, believe it or not, he is the glue that holds these 8 Regions together."


    Rodrigo begins pacing around the room, tapping on his tablet while nodding, smiling, and continuing to speak.


    "Lucky for you, I was his mindless right-hand man for nearly a decade... I don''t think he ever expected I''d be free of his curse, and quite frankly, neither did I. However, if there''s anyone that has the insight to keep this nation running... it would be me."


    My eyes light up with excitement, as Rodrigo says the words I was thinking to myself without even having to say them out loud.


    Over the next 45 minutes, Rodrigo and I talk back and forth, devising a n together to keep the 8 Great Regions running as usual, expanding it even further into the Dark Continent to merge the two nations, and how to properly deal with the ongoing trade agreements, Regional Directors, and Association-run businesses.


    With his knowledge of thend and inner workings of this Nation, and my power to rece the Sun God''s presence while simultaneously backing it with enough power to truly be this nation''s leader; all of the puzzle pieces to my n fall into ce.


    Everything being outlined now is being written down, and I n to have it analyzed by my teammates and close business partners.


    I stand up from my seat and pull two transport crystals out from my item storage, tossing one to Rodrigo.


    "This is a good start. I''m d I came to you first. However, I''m sure there''s a whole lot more on your mind than just my own personal goals of expanding my empire. How about we go for a trip and get a second opinion? When''s thest time you talked to your sister?"

 Chapter 606

    Chapter 606


    Both of the teleport crystals are crushed in our fists, and we''re brought to the Crimson City.


    My double greets us beneath the guildhall, keeping guard over thest remaining istion pod that''s healing Ember.


    "Back so soon?" He locks eyes with Rodrigo, then looks back at me before continuing. "It appears everything went exactly as expected. He didn''t take the deal?"


    I smirk and reply while leading Rodrigo to the stairway upstairs. "No, he didn''t. I''m the one making the deals now."


    Once we reach the ground floor, another normal day in the Crimson City guildhall is ying out. Dozens of hunters are walking in and out, buying, selling, andmissioning gear and magical loot. All of the workers greet us as we make our way to the second floor, and as we walk through the tables of craftsmen leading to Bri''s office, I motion for Rodrigo to knock on the closed door at the back of the room.


    There are three knocks and a moment of silence before the door opens and Bri locks eyes with Rodrigo.


    It feels as if the world has stopped in time as I watch from the back of the room with my arms crossed and a thin grin. Memories of my first time meeting Bri, when she crafted my me Emperor''s sword, feel like a lifetime ago.


    It was right before my C-ss exams, where I met Rodrigo as a proctor and got a taste of what real power in this world of hunters was like.


    Back then, I knew there was an odd tension between a sister being a ck market merchant and a brother working as an A-ss Hunter for one of the strongest nations in the world. However, I never expected the roots of their problems to run so deep or for everything toe full circle and be resolved like this.Both of their eyes widen as Rodrigo''s lips move to say, "I''m free."


    The siblings jump forward to hug each other tight and begin to cry, making a scene that has all heads in the room turning their way. They don''t even notice the eyes on them, and the room doesn''t dare break up this moment.


    I only entered their lives less than a year ago; there must be decades of sour memories dealing with the Association that I have no knowledge of. It makes me happy to see Bri smile with such genuine joy. She''s usually very focused on business; I''ve never seen this side of her before.


    I don''t want to ruin their moment, so I, too, stay silent like all the other workers in the room until they finally release their grip after a full minute passes.


    Still, it doesn''t seem like the right time to go over my own personal goals when this is most likely the first time they''ve had a candid conversation since childhood. The ns I made with Rodrigo beneath the Apex Region can wait.


    I nod and let a weak wave of telepathy hit both of them.


    "I''m happy I could keep my word and bring you two together again. Enjoy each other''s presence. Please, take as much time as you want."


    Then, without waiting for a response, I walk back down the guildhall stairs to the main hall with a smile on my face while they hug again.


    I walk out the front door, doing a full scan of the city and surrounding desert momentster. A wave of telepathy reaches the body double that is keeping watch over the city, and it deactivates itself. I respawn a new one right in front of me that has the updated memories of today''s events, and it flies off in the direction of the canyon of dungeons to explore the Apex Region''sbyrinth and create dungeon walker points for me on every floor.


    While it goes off to do that, I fly outside the Crimson Dome and make my way far out into the desert to meet with the Lich King and my four teammates, who sit in a circle of Abby''s Restoration magic while slowly refining orange divine energy.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    They''re extremely focused on not being torn to shreds by the violent threads. I remember the orange fragments were far more violent and painful than the red ones back when I consumed them in the construct.


    The only one who greets me upon my return is the Lich King.


    "Quite the quick return. Do you bring good news or bad news?"


    I let out a sigh and touch down on the desert ground beside him, taking in the view of four orange-red auras bending reality before us.


    "Well, the bad news is I''ll be losing a very useful shadow summon, but the good news is the Director has been taken care of. Thanks to your help in awakening my True Core, I am now the secret underground leader of the Eight Great Regions."


    These words make the eyes of all four of my teammates open with surprise. Even though they were peacefully cultivating, such a crazy statement broke them out of their trance-like state.


    I smile and raise both of my hands in the air, opening up my item storage and allowing all of the trapped Soul Energy that I absorbed from the Lich King when I killed him to escape from eternal suspended animation and be free into the universe again.


    "I''m a man of my word, so, if it is your wish to die, I''ll grant it now."


    It takes well over half a minute for the copious fumes of Soul Energy to dissolve into the air, and the Lich King responds.


    "It is my wish to die. I will wake up in another 50 years on a far from here, in a growing world once it is newly connected to the system. I will have to try my luck in a new era, so I do wish you sess here on this human world. Maybe we will meet again one day. However, we are even, so don''t expect any more favors. This gxy is at war; in the grand scheme of things, I am still your enemy."


    I let out a chuckle while activating my Dark Magic, creating a jet-ck summoning circle beneath him, and begin deactivating the ritual to let his remains truly disappear.


    As the circle grows and his shadow form ripples, he points to my hand, specifically the silver [Ring of The Divine] on my finger next to Celia''s Purple Ring Artifact.


    "That is part of my being as well. I''m sorry to say, you won''t be able to keep it as a prize. Maybe one day, you''ll receive one to truly call your own."


    I sense a final curious and amused auraing from the Lich King as the ritual continues to reverse. The resentment and ominous feeling he had when I showed no signs of ever letting him go are gone, but I still believe his words that he views me as an enemy.


    If we meet again in 50 years'' time, I have no doubt he''ll try to attack me with just as much killing intent as he did when we first met, his Dark army against my Crimson Troops.


    I can''t help but smile as the shadows cover his being, then disappear into ck fading mist in the light breeze, and his mana control, presence, and status leave my senses.


    At the same time, the silver ring on my finger fades away too.


    I was hoping that it would be useful to me one day, allowing me to be summoned in ce of the Lich King by ident, but it seems I can''t cheat my way to bing a Divine Beast. Like his final words to me said, I''ll have to get one for myself.


    The desert is filled with silence, and I turn to admire my teammates continuing their divine energy cultivation.


    After the initial shock of them overhearing that I killed the Apex Region''s Director, most of them closed their eyes again, but Maria''s eyes remain wide. I open a telepathy channel with all five of us in it, and she sends a message through to me for all to hear.


    "So what does this mean for the Dark Continent? Will the exiles be allowed back into the Eight Great Nations? If you make the rules, this entire abandoned nation could be connected to many more resources and grow faster to help hundreds of thousands here to live in better conditions."


    I nod and respond.


    "Slowly, yes. The nations will merge, but the assimtion needs to be natural. Citizens still have preconceived resentment for Dark Continent exiles; we''ll need to change public perception over time. Growing the me Emperor''s name and disguising the merge as a trade deal with the Crimson City will be the first stage of my n."


    Maria smirks and nods, closing her eyes again to keep her heart rate and breathing steady while the orange threads tear her body apart over and over again.


    Abby''s right eye opens halfway and meets mine as she musters out a short message while maintaining her own regeneration and simultaneously healing everyone here.


    "What about the other nations? I don''t doubt your abilities to conceal yourself and impersonate the Director, but they must have fail-safes in ce in case something like this were to happen. All it takes is one person to notice; what will be the n then? Are you prepared to take on the entire world?"


    As I think of a response to her words, in the far edges of my perception, I feel an oddity far to the south.


    It''s in the direction of the volcanic region that I sensed vaguely when I first awakened my True Core.


    It''s hard to make out exactly what it is¡ªthe distance is too far¡ªbut it feels like tworge masses of gravity are flying through the air at incredible speed. My intuition is telling me the possibility that Abby just pointed out may being true faster than I imagined it would.

 Chapter 607

    I turn my head in the direction of the odd presence that pressures the back of my mind, but I don''t activate my full perception skills and buffs because I''m too close to my teammates and the Crimson City to risk letting out that much power.


    Instead, I calmly look back toward Abby, who posed the question, and nod.


    "You''re right. We''ll have to prepare for that possibility if ites."


    My head turns back toward the south, and a notification hits my inner ear.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Echo][Mythic Grade]


    I raise an eyebrow at the fact that I just received a new skill out of nowhere, but then more notifications hit my inner ear secondster.


    They''re all small MCP transfer notifications for just a few thousand MCP at a time.


    I pull up the new skill description and find that it is simr to a mix between my body double skill and the Sun God''s buff, Master of Illusion.I''m able to create a lifelike image of myself that acts like a body double; however, it is nothing but an illusion. It cannot physically interact with the world around it, but it has far greater range than the [Master of Illusion] buff or my light magic.


    I can''t think of a good use for this skill right now, but a grines onto my face as these notifications tell me my body double has begun climbing thebyrinth in the Apex Region.


    I levitate into the air while speaking up to the four teammates bending the sand with orange threads for hundreds of meters in all directions.


    "We have unknown visitors from the south... but don''t worry, I''ll handle it. Continue your training; we might need to use this new power sooner than I thought."


    Then, I fly away, headed south while small MCP gain notifications ring in my head repeatedly.


    The sand below me zips by as I gain altitude and I focus on the vague pressure pulsing in the back of my perception.


    No readings show up in my status or skills, but the heavy gravity in the back of my mind keeps getting closer. The eerie feeling that two beings with immense power areing my way won''t shake from my psyche.


    I finally get a few dozen kilometers away from my teammates, high in the air, far enough that I''mfortable letting more of my aura leak out from my purple limiter, and even activate my greater form to improve the range of my perception to get a better view of what exactly ising my way at such incredible speed.


    As the wisps of divine energy flow out of my True Core and tether to my buff to create a bright yellow greater form of me as I fly through the air, a ripple of divine perception soars out to the south, and I see the volcanic region that I vaguely felt before in so much more detail.


    With my level rising by over 1000 after defeating the Director, and the steep climb in Divine Threads in my core after consuming everyst drop of his power that he cultivated over the decades, I''m able to feel the difference in power even from just this morning when I awakened my True Core.


    An endlessndscape of ck mountains, flowingva, erupting volcanoes, and thousands of dungeons are scattered around thend.


    In this pulse of surveince, I watch as there are dozens of dungeons breaking, and the air quality in this region is almost two times as dense with mana as the Dark Continent is.


    These are the first things my mind notices, but very quickly after, my aura meets the two gravity fields rocketing my way, and my eyes widen with surprise once I see a clear image of what''s flying toward me.


    An enormous bronze dragon ps its wings, flying through the air high above active volcanoes.


    The sun glistens against its scales, and the monstrous creature''s pointed tail gracefully flows back and forth behind it.


    The creature''s status shows a Superior Earth Summoning skill, and a [Lv. 9722] in bright blue text that burns into the back of my mind.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    The fact that there is a living dragon outside of a Labyrinth isn''t what shocks me most; it''s the fact that in the center of its chest as it ps its wings, a bright white and yellow True Core bends space around it, showing me that this is exactly what I sensed with my intuition a few minutes ago.


    Its level is not much higher than the Apex Region Director''s was, but their Divine Core''s Strength is worlds apart.


    This is a true monster, that old man was a sorry excuse of a Divine Energy Wielder.


    The pulse of aura continues past the point I was trying to examine, and it just reveals to me how vast the volcanic region really is.


    Even using a focused pulse of enemy detection, I still can''t see the edges of this seemingly endless nation of volcanoes, dungeons, and small pockets of military bases tucked away within the mountains.


    Another ring echoes in my inner ear that isn''t a normal MCP addition, and my concentration from the sonar I just sent out is broken.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Metal Creation][Mythic Grade]


    As I continue to fly forward toward the elegant dragoning my way, I read the skill''s description to find it is simr to the barrier and crystal creation skills I obtained while in the exams. It allows me to create a unique metallic material and decide its hardness based on how much mana I imbue while activating the skill.


    While I''m happy about the progress, one odd thing resurfaces in my mind and irks me quite a bit.


    Before I sent out the pulse of surveince, I could have sworn there were two dense masses of gravity.


    While having to confront another True Core may be dangerous enough, the fact that there may be another one that is capable of escaping my senses makes me even more curious and confused about this whole scenario.


    If I don''t confront this mysterious dragon out here, its travel course directly collides with the Crimson City.


    This means if this foreign entity is looking for conflict, meeting them far away from anyone that can get hurt is the smartest thing to do even if it puts me at a slight disadvantage.


    I''m not particrly fond of jumping into the fight blind, without any information on what my opponent is capable of, but I might not have a choice here.


    All these thoughts speed through my mind as I rocket through the air, finally getting up to speeds that match the dragoning my way.


    Every minute or so, another MCP notification rings in my inner ear.


    My double seems to be dungeon walking through entire floors, ignoring normal mobs, and only killing the bosses to make it up to the next.


    The teleportation magic at the end of a boss fight is the only limitation that it is working with; if it wasn''t for this small time dy on each floor, I''m sure my double would be at the top by now.


    My heartbeat speeds up, and all I can focus on is my crystal clear view of the bronze dragon''s True Core still over 2000 kilometers away.


    Its calm eyes stare forward, like it''s watching me fly too.


    There is no killing intenting off of this mythical creature, but the mundane look in its eyes, making this seem like a simple and menial task, gives me chills.


    Each minute that passes, we get closer and closer; the mountain range that splits the endless sandy desert of Sector 2 and the mysterious volcanic nation draws closer to each of us.


    The MCP gains that echo in my mind begin to increase in value. It started at just thousands per notification when I was still on the ground. Then, less than 15 minutes ago, each notification granted me millions, meaning my double definitely made it to floors where the monsters he''s fighting are ranked up. Now, over a billion MCP is being added to my status after every ding.


    Once less than 1000 kilometers remain between myself and the dragon soaring my way, another ding of a skill being added to my status rings in my ear.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Spirit Anchor][Mythic Grade]


    While the name intrigues me, my eyes areser-focused on the bronze behemoth soaring my way.


    Even the hundreds of billions of MCP hitting my mana control pool don''t distract me as I pull out the same two swords I killed the Sun God with just hours ago.


    Minutes pass and my mind bespletely clear and focused as my speed continues to increase, preparing for any scenario to y out.


    My red and ck des be soaked with yellow divine energy as both of use within 500 kilometers of each other.


    The mountain range that separates our nations ispletely visible to my unaided eyes now, and stretches off endlessly to my left and right.


    I''ve soared so far away from civilization that no towns or living beings have even touched my perception in over 1000 kilometers.


    There is no water at all out in this portion of the desert. Where in the outer portions of Sector 2 and 4, some dry patches still have small shrubbery and asional desert wildlife to support small viges, this wastnd has none.


    I''m so far out in the dead zone of the Dark Continent''s Desert, it''s hard to tell if human eyes have ever seen these rolling dunes before.


    My heart begins to beat out of my chest, but the anticipation and excitement only turn into adrenaline as the momentes near.


    There is less than 200 kilometers between myself and the only other True Core I''ve ever known to exist in this world.


    [Level Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Level Up] x11


    The tension in the air is so immense, I hardly register the fact that my double has managed to make it to floors in the Apex Region''sbyrinth that are starting to level me up.


    I can physically feel the weight of the bronze dragon, as it makes the mountains below it bend with gravitational pressure.


    Even though we''re both flying dozens of kilometers above the ground, avnches and minor earthquakes form as I watch a bright yellow silky aura flow out from the Dragon''s core just like mine.


    Its entire body bes covered in the bright divine energy.


    Whether it''s a reaction to me unsheathing my swords and activating my divine energy on full disy, or if this was the creature''s initial decision to challenge me to a fight; there is no backing out now.


    In the next few seconds, it is inevitable that we will sh.

 Chapter 608

    The seconds before the collision are the most intense.


    The entire flight over has been slightly nerve-wracking, but now that I am about to collide with a bronze earth dragon that is 5,000 levels above me, with a True Core of simr strength to my own, the reality of my predicament sinks in.


    The air bes thick as our silky white-yellow auras intertwine from over 20 kilometers away, exerting pressure on each other even before we physically meet.


    I can feel dense gravity waves emanating from this beast.


    They are far more concentrated, refined, and powerful than the malformed yellow core I fought this morning two continents away.


    The scope of the power I''m facing nears that of what I felt when meeting the green divine serpent in the sky.


    This is a monstrous force. It is a being at its prime and has refined its power to create a glistening core so mighty its beauty is awe-inspiring.


    The difference between my interaction with the green serpent and the bronze dragon before me now is that the power that violently cycles within my own chest, waiting to be released, feels as though it can match the incredible force approaching me.


    There may be a god-like entity attacking me now, but as I lift my des above my head, I feel as though we are equals.My entire greater form grows in size and bes far brighter as I allow my purple limiter to let every drop of mana control and divine threads through.


    All of my stat-boosting buffs activate, and I channel the maximum amount of Soul Energy into my des.


    Both myself and the dragon collide at hundreds of kilometers per hour, not holding anything back.


    I swing both des across my body, aiming straight for the creature''s neck while preparing to make an immediate counter or dodge, not counting anything out. I know nothing about my opponent, so I''m leaving nothing up to chance.


    As I swing my des downward, the world around me blurs into darkness, and all I see is the bronze dragon glowing with its yellow light.


    Its eyes stare into mine, and its expression doesn''t change at all from the confident yet bored look it showed when I caught it on my sonar thousands of kilometers away.


    It opens its mouth to show its sharp teeth and readies its talons, coating itself in mana shielding enhanced by its silky yellow divine energy.


    I''m ready to react to whatever attack it throws at me, but the only thing that happens is a single small hexagon of yellow light forms in the path of my des.


    I don''t sense any Mana or Qi interwoven in the thick yellow manifestation that looks like a massive floating dragon scale.


    If it weren''t for my natural senses and looking at the hexagon with my own two eyes, I wouldn''t even believe it was there.


    Nheless, my des make contact with it, just meters away from the monster''s neck, and the loudest, most intense noise I''ve ever heard echoes through the mountains and endless dunes of rolling sand.


    It''s as if two entire worlds collide in the sky.


    Both of my swords halt in mid-air as they sink into the pure manifestation of Divine Energy.


    Out from its sides, a portion of the force put forward from both of us colliding at full speed erupts outward. The gravity waves are so intense, that the mountains over 20 kilometers below us are shattered to dust and gravel just from being in our presence.


    More and more waves of energy ripple off the collision point while we are both stopped in mid-air, pushing forward with all of our strength.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    A deep vibrating sound echoes out from the waves of gravity and gets more and more intense as a ball of yellow and white light forms between us at the collision point.


    It bes more and more saturated as all of my power flows through my des and the hexagon of pure divine threads summoned by the dragon gets denser and denser.


    No matter how much I press into this field of gravity, it feels as though it''s constantly pushing back with exactly the same amount of force.


    There is no actual mass or base energy powering it. The sight of pure divine threads being manipted on their own is fascinating, but I can''t quiteprehend what is giving me so much trouble.


    It''s like a reversed ma; the harder I push down on it, the harder it repels me with equal force.


    However, I''m pushing so hard that I get the feeling that I''m near its breaking point.


    Our Divine Cores are extremely simr in strength. The only edge this dragon really has on me is its natural levels, size, and strength.


    With just a little more power, I feel like the weight of my des could push through, but giving it my all right now, it feels more like they''re sinking into a pad of rubber, and the moment I stop giving this attack everything I have, I''m going to be propelled backward.


    However, I can''t hold on at this maximum intensity much longer.


    The pressure, heat, violent sounds, and light from our sh bes absurd; like a second sun in the sky waiting to burst. The bronze dragon takes advantage of this moment to make its second move.


    From within the depths of its open mouth, another pressure starts to form. There''s dense Soul Energy that begins to form a bronze light, tethering with more and more divine threads from its core, growing very quickly.


    With my swords both locked right in front of its face, the attack it''s about to release will be aimed right at me.


    I can''t push any harder, as I''m using every drop of strength I have to push against this barrier. It feels as if the moment I let go, all of my force will be released back at me, but if I stay here continuing my attempt to break through, I''ll be hit dead-on by its secondary attack.


    The only thing I can do is attempt to get out of the way, so that''s what I do.


    I lock eyes with the dragon one more time, then instead of continuing my follow-through with my swings, I take a deep breath and pull back my des, crossing them in front of my chest in a single movement, and feel exactly what I imagined woulde.


    All of the force that I pressed down on two fine single points is released back on me, creating a blinding st of light so bright and powerful, I''m instantly sent flying backward even faster than the speed I came soaring in.


    cing my swords in front of me, and activating my barrier creation mixed with divine energy-enhanced Soul Energy Shielding, is enough to block the iing energy, and only be pushed back by its pure mass and momentum.


    Instead of being released in a single point, the energy is dispersed outward more evenly making the portion of threads that will collide with me weaker than the focused point of my strike. The massive releasees out in the shape of a half-sphere, erupting forward out from the hexagon.


    Its direct path is aimed toward me, butrge portions of the released energy expand quickly and aim down toward the already crumbled mountain range below us.


    I''m using all of my strength in my new fly skill and air magic to change my flight path because out from the impossiblyrge explosion of divine energy, a beam of bronze-colored Soul Energyes sting out from the dragon''s mouth headed my way.


    As it rockets toward me, yellow threads continue to tether through it and strengthen it.


    After flying backward tens of kilometers in a matter of seconds, I change my trajectory to begin curving out of the way.


    The bronze st turned yellow-white misses me by just a few hundred meters as I finally stop my backward momentum and stay floating.


    With the reality-bending aura that leaks off this beam of energy, this few hundred meters of distance still feels like a near miss.


    My breath is heavy, my adrenaline is pumping, and the dragon that deflected my most powerful strike with ease is now pping its wings and speeding up again,ing my way while another one of its bronze beams charges up in its mouth.


    I take a few fractions of a second to ready my weapons and take in the aftermath of this initial exchange.


    The entire mountain range below me is gone...


    A crater in the desert so deep and so wide was just created by our sh, that all I see below me is darkness.


    Just from the shockwaves and energy released from a single strike, hundreds of kilometers of open desert have beenpressed, evaporated, andpletely destroyed.


    [Level Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Level Up] x49


    My small moment of dead silence while taking in the view is interrupted by another level-up transferred from my body double, showing that it is still climbing thebyrinth''s floors.


    This jolting moment of rity after the notification gives me an idea... but it will only work if I can draw this battle out a little longer while conserving my stamina.


    I grip my swords tighter, and channel the same amount of soul energy, enhanced by my True Core''s bright yellow light, and look at the dragon that approaches me with its same unbothered eyes.


    This monster''s biggest mistake was showing me its abilities and letting me live past the first strike.


    I grin, reactivate all of my buffs, and fly forward to take this dragon on a second time.

 Chapter 609

    Chapter 609


    The second collision goes almost exactly as expected.


    Our speed on impact isn''t as fast, so my strike is less powerful, but I''m more focused on keeping this dragon entertained while I figure out how to gain slightly more power and fully understand what this yellow hexagon ability is.


    The fact that there is no mana or qi inside the manifestation makes me believe this is some kind of unique trait that this being awakened with its True Core.


    The Lich King said all True Cores have unique attributes awakened, and I see no barrier magic or any sign of this yellow creation on the creature''s status, even now with my mythic-grade appraisal and inspect skills.


    I''m able to see every detail of its status, down to the amount of HP remaining, and even its individual stat points.


    It only has one buff on its status: [Earth Dragon''s Roar].


    While I know Ember received the ability to transform into a human after his second rank-up, this ability doesn''t show on his status. The only one that does is the fire ability he awakened in his first rank-up.


    I''m unsure what this monster''s buff is, and if it is activated right now or not... It may very well be the bronze-colored beam that flows from its mouth after every exchange, but this could just be its innate ability. Before I start pulling out some of my own tricks, I want to know more about my opponent first.


    Even though a clear path to victory seems to be ahead, I''m not dropping my guard.Colliding with its Divine deflective barrier a second time is much easier to navigate because I know what to expect.


    I aim for its torso instead of its neck and use the energy sent back from the st strategically to dodge its iing ws and second beam of Energy.


    I''m only sent flying a few kilometers backward this time and hear the ringing of level-up notifications in my ear while I curve out of the way and prepare for another exchange.


    We collide again less than a minuteter, and I attack another random portion of its midsection to confirm this bright yellow hexagon can really materialize anywhere the dragon pleases.


    It doesn''t decrease in power either; the density of the gravity wall and the speed at which it''s summoned stay exactly the same. This is what I expected, as my levels and mana control are slowly increasing, and I believe I can defeat this monster all on my own, even without the help of my stat-sharing perk from my Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    The only thing that bugs me is the fact that its unmoving, bored eyes never change.


    I''m right on the outer edge of the barrier where I can make use of this buff to its full potential. When within range of my aura, I''m capable of taking 10% of all my subordinates'' stats and mana control, plus, after reaching 1,000 citizens and unlocking a new perk, I can obtain an additional 5% of both from anywhere in the world.


    While activating this right now would diminish the power gap instantly, doing so would alert the entire Crimson City that we are under attack by an opponent that needs more power than I, their leader, currently have.


    Coming off the recent events of the Association''s attackst week, I''ll only cross this line if it is necessary and the enemy before me truly has intentions to do us harm.


    As I sh in my fourth exchange, I realize that in the back of my mind, I''m secretly enjoying having to fight an opponent slightly stronger than me.


    Every fight for thest few months since I''ve defeated the Lich King has been somewhat boring. Training in the growingbyrinth has only granted me levels from defeating weak mana manifestations, and even battling divine-cored monsters in the construct during the exams had no real stakes. There was always the thought in the back of my mind that if I lost, I''d be teleported out just like everyone else.


    Even the strongest man in all of the 8 Great Regions fell to my aura alone.


    It wasn''t a challenge, but this dragon that appeared before me is a worthy opponent, one I can take down myself and finally allow me to push the boundaries of what my True Core can do.


    I grin wide, giving in to the rush of true battle while more level-up notifications ring in my ear, and we sh for a fifth time.


    The impossiblyrge shes of yellow and white light fill the sky with residue from our attacks.


    Both of us have mythic-grade plunderer skills enhanced by True Cores that absorb every particle of pure mana in the atmosphere as we zip around the sky.


    The seconds pass, and my grin and excitement for this fight only grow more and more.


    By our tenth exchange, we fall into a rhythm of battle where both of us understand each other''s styles but neither of us want to test anything out that is too risky in case the other is holding back a secret technique. So, the battle rages on. The gravity waves be so immense and the violent rippling down into the earth below us, making the crater deeper and wider with every single sh.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    My level surpassed 5,000 by our twentieth collision, and the stat point gains, and now trillions of MCP gains, are starting to be noticeable.


    My heart is racing, and both my swords glide through the air like they''re dancing.


    This exchange of power is decimating deserts and mountains for hundreds of kilometers beyond repair, but it doesn''t matter to me at all.


    The only thing that does is making sure my next strike is stronger than thest.


    Not only is my strength actually rising, but my body is bing far more ustomed to the immense power.


    When before it felt like I was a dam overflowing with unbelievable foreign strength, now, I''m finally able to contextualize this power and make full use of this core.


    I''m getting sharper and learning how to make the silky energy flow to create denser points of gravity within my own de to push down through the hexagons of light much deeper each time.


    Instead of just activating my Divine Energy, and letting it seep into my normal attacks; I''m beginning to take control of the energy itself, and actually create far more deadly and concentrated strikes.


    The dragon stays stoic, blocking everything I throw at it, and logically maneuvering attacks back to counter.


    Still, there is no malice, and I''m unsure if the only reason it is fighting is because I made the first move and this is pure self defense.


    Whatever the case may be, there''s no turning back now, and I''m still improving my technique with every single strike I send. Whoever, or whatever this being may be, I may not get another chance to battle a force this strong, so I need to make the most of it.


    Another 20 full exchanges go by, and I gain even more levels.


    [Level Up] x451


    The dragon begins to take a more offensive and aggressive stance once it realizes my attacks areing at it faster and harder than before.


    This works for a few minutes, pushing me back about 100 kilometers just by attacking and diving in faster to gain the advantage each exchange we have.


    However, this series of events only fuels me more.


    The fact that I''m getting pushed back, closer to the poption I need to protect, makes me want to improve even faster.


    I''m in total concentration for another 20 exchanges, and my level rises even higher, and a familiar skill gets upgraded mixed in with the strings of notifications.


    [Level Up] x507


    [Hibernation][Mythic Grade]


    It''s a skill I received in another Labyrinth a while back, and couldn''t find any dungeon monsters to upgrade it. It puts a smile on my face, making me wonder if some of the other unique skills I managed to absorb in otherbyrinths will be found in the future, and I continue the battle.


    I''m still being pushed back, but my attacks are even stronger and propel me further, another 200 kilometers closer to the Crimson City; however, there''s a turning point that disys the weight of my newfound power.


    I put my everything into a dual de sh, fully expecting it to be like all the othersing so close to breaking the barrier, then getting sted backward dozens of kilometers by my own energy.


    However, that paper-thin line of the strongest gravity at the center of the hexagon that has been holding me back all this time finally breaks.


    Mid-sh, another rush of levels and MCP flood my body, bringing me to [Lv. 5991], and the satisfaction I gain from watching the yellow manifestation of pure divine threads break and shatter into millions of pieces makes the countless failures well worth it in this fight.


    It is the first time I feel any emotion or see any reaction from the bronze dragon.


    A small ripple of genuine surprisees from the creature''s psyche, as for the first time in this entire battle I''m the one that is on the offensive. However, the unbothered eyes and baseline of uncaring confidence is still the dragon''s overarching emotion.


    It only has fractions of a second to try to react, and it can''t twist out of the way in time.


    Two waves of Dark Red Soul Energy coursing with yellow divine light collide with the dragon''s side.


    Instead of myself being pushed backward after every exchange, finally, my energy attacks make contact with the dragon''s right side, exploding into an immense energy st against its natural defenses and sending the mythical creature rocketing through the air as I follow through with both of my des.


    The bulk of the attack was absorbed by the yellow hexagon, but I did it. My des made it through.


    I fly forward with killing intent in my eyes and a clear path to victory ahead.


    The next 5 exchanges go much differently than thest.


    I''m in total control of this battle now, managing to channel more and more energy into my strikes.


    The unbreakable gravity shield that erupted back on me every time I tried to break it at the start of our battle is now unable to handle my attacks at all.


    Every time we collide, there is still a pause in the air as our auras sh, but my des sink through and release violent energy attacks on this dragon every time.


    I aim directly for the chest and neck now, but every time the hexagon is still there, taking the brunt of the blow.


    The remaining force that actually hits the dragon never makes it past its natural defenses, so I still haven''t drawn blood.


    However, as I push the monster back the full 300 kilometers that it pushed me, I learn something new about this True Core Barrier that I didn''t know before.


    With more confidence after each attack, I begin testing out more abilities. I send telekinesis-powered ice spears, fireballs, stone bullets, and even various mental attacks the dragon''s way before, during, and after the barrier is broken.


    The breakthrough Ie to is during one series of attacks where I send off a very concentrated spear of ice its way right after breaking its barrier.


    While it can handle taking the mental attacks without fear, it attempts to block the physical attacks with its shimmering yellow hexagon, but there is a small amount ofg in between the breaking point of its ability and the time necessary to create another one.


    My concentrated attack of ice magic tethered with divine energy hits the dragon''s right leg, actually making contact with its scales for a fraction of a second before the barrier is able to form again and propel the rest of the attack away.


    The attack itself wasn''t strong enough to actually cause injury, but it''s given me enough insight to call this exchange the dragon''s fatal move.


    While the creation of the barrier itself is too fast for me to outwit this monster in a battle of pure speed and dexterity alone, if I''m capable of letting off a full-force attack just moments after the dragon''s defensive move is shattered, I believe I have a chance at victory.


    The only thing I''m still concerned about is the dragon''s unwavering confidence, and the fact that the second force of gravity I vividly remember sensing on the way over here has not shown their face yet.


    [Level Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Level Up] x84


    Another notification rings in my inner ear, breaking me past level 6000, and I charge up my des while diving back in for another sh.

 Chapter 610

    Chapter 610


    More and more level-up notifications ring in my ear as I push the dragon back even further.


    Every time Ind a full-powered hit with both my swords, I''m able to shatter the barrier and send this beast flying back.


    The only problem is, I don''t have enough time to throw the same powered attack at it right after the barrier is destroyed.


    My Soul Energy needs to be re-channeled into my swords to create another sh, and the telekinesis-powered elemental attacks are nothing but a minor nuisance to the dragon. It doesn''t even try blocking them anymore because they don''t make it through its natural defenses.


    The only attack that can really cause damage is the one that takes its full energy to break down its defenses.


    As the shes go on, we''re both fully aware of this dichotomy.


    It''s not fast or powerful enough to catch me with one of its beams or its talons, and I''m not strong enough to break its barrier and have enough force to do actual damage to it before it can create another one.


    However, we are both aware that I am getting stronger after every collision.


    This sparks a new n, and I begin conducting some new tests.Instead of evenly distributing everything I have into two des, I start to divide my power and test out swinging one sword first. My n is to follow through with a second fully charged de once the barrier gives way and go in for the kill shot with an attack that was not weakened by the impact against this immovable yellow hexagon.


    While my first few attempts fail, sending me flying backward from not having enough power in just one de, I quickly get the hang of it and settle into a routine while my levels and MCP rise after each attempt.


    Attacking with just one de is far more unstable, and I''m sent flying backward in less predictable directions, but it feels just the same as when I was attacking with two.


    Every exchange gets me closer and closer to breaking through.


    An odd unnned phenomenon urs after my level hits [Lv. 6371].


    Instead of the usual timeg in between floors, many notifications hit my ears over the next full minute.


    They rotate on and off with MCP gains of over 10 trillion each, making as noticeable gains as defeating the Director himself each time. The levels, on the other hand, only rise 1-2 after each kill.


    As I sh with the dragon 3 more times, dozens of notifications ring in my ears, and I realize what''s happening.


    My double has decided the floor it is on is worth its time to farm MCP from.


    While it would be pointless farming MCP in the millions, or even billions, the monsters on whatever floor it''s on now are granting close to 1% increases in my mana control every few seconds.


    My levels may not be moving fast, but my overall strength sure is.


    Over the next 10 exchanges, it may look like I''m losing, as I''m getting flung even further away after each attack and tightly gripping a sword full of unused soul energy each time; but the reason for this is because my attacks are getting even stronger.


    My double makes it to the next floor in thebyrinth after a slight pause in level ups, then the constant stream of notificationses back.


    I''m brought up to [Lv. 6495] over an additional 10 exchanges, and I receive dozens of MCP boosts ranging from 15 to 20 Trillion each.


    My mana control surges, and my focus tightens on a single goal.


    After one final boost of energy, I can feel that this strike will finish the battle.


    I soar through the air, trailed by silky Soul energy and yellow Divine light.


    My Dark Emperor''s de collides with the Earth Dragon''s reflective barrier, and we pause in the air once again for multiple seconds, pushing back on each other with immense force.


    This time, however, my dark de finally bursts through.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    My gaze is only locked on one thing, the bright yellow-white core cycling energy in the monster''s chest.


    Following through with the swing with my right as the barrier shatters into millions of threads, I swing my me Emperor''s sword with everything I have, and am certain this battle is over. The kill shot is ying out just as I nned before my eyes.


    Still, the Bronze Dragon''s eyes don''t change. It isn''t even surprised like the first time I broke its defenses.


    The monster before me seemingly epts its fate, with no fear or battle instincts to run away on its mind.


    The only thing I sense is a small amount of sadness... but not for itself.


    The monster is sad for me...


    As my de pierces its natural Soul Energy and Divine shielding defenses and collides with the creature''s bare scales, this is when a ripple of fear surges through my own body.


    In the center of my back, aimed right for my own core, I feel two thin silver des pierce through my Greater Form''s defenses like there is nothing stopping them.


    I didn''t sense anythinging, and even now, as the des tear through my shielding and blood bonded armor, then touch my skin. The only thing I sense is burning hot yellow threads vibrating through glossy silver des belonging to another True Core holder.


    Even now, as the des pierce my flesh, I can only perceive a small amount of them. My senses can''t even detect who is on the other side of this attack.


    They''re either so much more powerful than me, that a simple cloaking spell is enough to hide their presence from me, or it''s a True Core ability that specifically works to hide their appearance.


    My best guess in the moment, is that it''s both...


    I don''t have enough time to dodge this attack, and neither do I have the strength to counter it.


    As my de sinks into the dragon''s chest before me, it feels like I''m in the same exact situation as it is...


    My mind is racing, but I don''t have enough time to get myself out of this, and ast-moment decision to activate my skill [Mind Pce] surges through my subconscious.


    As the silver des dig deeper into my flesh, closing in on my yellow core and the other toward my heart; my entire world splits into two different moving realities.


    One is a fuzzy image of the tips of two silver des materializing out of thin air into my back while I strike a bronze dragon, while the other half of my brain stands up from a white marble throne to walk forward into an organized library of my memories.


    In the moment, I was only thinking in survival mode, but now I''m able to see the entire situation from an outsider''s far more objective lens.


    The fact that the dragon I was facing was so calm the entire battle, even though I was slowly gaining the edge, now makes far more sense.


    If I had been too strong for it at the start, whoever this mysterious sword wielder is would have taken me head-on without giving me a chance to fight its dragon.


    While not going all out from the start, using my subordinate''s stats to take the dragon out in a single blow has put me in this predicament to begin with; it actually may have been a blessing in disguise.


    I wouldn''t have gained the insight necessary to take on this monster, learning how to properly use the full potential of my True Core''s power, and also wouldn''t have gained over 1000 levels and hundreds of trillions of MCP in the process.


    My mind moves faster here...


    As thest time I tested it, less than a second went by in the real world while 3 to 4 hours went by inside my mind pce.


    My body is unable to move to reflect my thoughts here, as it would be impossible for my physical muscles and bones to catch up to my brain''s speed.


    However, the system itself can still processmands from within my mind.


    I pull up my Rising Emperor''s Domain Interface, and scroll through the lists of users while slowly walking up and down the aisles of bookshelves strategically pressing only the names of hunters that are in the Crimson Army, and my teammates that are cultivating orange cores far out in the desert.


    I count out everyone on my list that is currently not at max HP or MP, as I don''t know if they are at the climax of their own battles. Less than a dozen total are in scenarios like this, so I see it as a better choice to leave them out than to regret it and tarnish my reputationter. Draining 15% of their total stats and mana control in an instant could possibly be their demise as well.


    My initial reasoning for not activating the buff was that I didn''t want to spread panic, but as I think longer as I walk down the aisles, Ie to the conclusion that if I don''t make it out of this situation and these two forces get to the city, there will be far more panic than just a city-wide sudden temporary power drain.


    The average level 10-200 citizen may not give me a lot of stats on their own, but in numbers, every bit of strength I can get right now counts. There are over 1500 of them contributing far more stats than my teammates and Army Recruitsbined.


    After just a few minutes of meticulously scrolling through my lists of citizens one by one, counting out about 50 more who look as though they''re in dungeons in the middle of fights too, I scroll over to the main interface and choose ept on everyone that can spare the energy.


    ________________


    [Power Holder: Activated]


    [10% Power Share: Receive]


    ________________


    [Ruler''s Gaze: Long-Range Perk: Activated]


    [5% Power Share: Receive]


    ________________


    [Select Party Members: Group Selected]


    [Select Stat Points: Group Selected]


    [Select Mana Control: Group Selected]


    [Temporary Buffs Added!]


    [+67,937] Strength


    [+65,984] Speed


    [+70,044] Agility


    [+66,350] Defense


    [+75,869] Mental Strength


    [+1,329,220,901,545] Mana Control


    ________________


    I grin while looking at the base stats gains, bringing my own up by over 3-5x. The mana control is negligible, but this rise in base stat power will be an absurd increase that I''m excited to feel.


    The screen disappears, and I watch the stats leave my subordinates and add to my own status.


    Outside, in the real world, an imperceivable amount of time has passed.


    The stats and MCP have transferred, but it will still take time for the other half of my split consciousness to react once this Mind Pce skill is deactivated.


    Now, before this happens, I have to figure out the best way to avoid getting killed by the two silver des about to pierce my chest.

 Chapter 611

    Chapter 611


    I walk up and down the aisles, picturing the two silver des aimed at my core and heart slowly piercing through my flesh.


    The microseconds pass as the rush of new stat points adds to my base power. My speed and agility are what I have to rely on most for the n I''ve devised next. I slowly make my way back to the white marble throne and rey the exact movements my body has to make in my mind a hundred times.


    I want to make them feel more intuitive, like second nature, before turning around and sitting down on the white throne again.


    Once I do, a single deep breath in and out is all it takes for my split consciousness tobine into one and force myself into action.


    Power surges through my body, and I give up on trying tond the perfect shot on the Dragon''s core.


    The only thing I do right now is step off the air with as much force as I can with my right foot and twist my body with the newfound speed, strength, and agility coursing through me.


    The movement I practiced in my mind hundreds of times while walking through the aisles is happening in real-time.


    While the pleasure of receiving tens of thousands of base stat points feels immacte, the sensation of silver des tethered with Divine energy multiple times denser and more potent than my own tearing through my flesh definitely cancels this good feeling out.


    This being may have denser Divine energy than me, but the amount of torque and speed generated by my spinunches me upward while the des are still inside my body.The critical moment passes, and my perception of the world around me speeds back up to let this exchange y out.


    Both silver swords plunge through my torso and chest.


    One slices right through my upper ribcage, missing the upper portion of my divine core by millimeters.


    The other misses my heart and stabs right through the top of my upper pec and out through my left shoulder.


    While this is one of the most painful attacks I''ve ever been hit with, I can''t help but get a rush from the fact that my n worked.


    Some bones have been broken and muscles torn, but none of my vitals were hit directly, and I can still follow through with my right hand''s downward sh against the dragon''s open body.


    It''s not perfectly lined up after my stunt to save my own life, but I manage to release an attack that opens up a deep gash on the bronze dragon''s side and tears its left wing in half.


    As my de digs into the monster''s flesh, I can feel the silver des twisting and attempting to move downward in my own.


    The only thing I can do is take another step off the air with my left foot upward to outpace my invisible attacker and forcefully pull the des out of my upper chest.


    As I do this, soaring forward and pulling my own des away from the dragon''s mutted wing, I feel its mixed emotions ripple through me as it makes contact with the outeryers of my purple barrier.


    The sensation is so odd.


    It isn''t angry, or scared, or even battle-hungry.


    The creature still seems sad for me, even now as I slice off part of its wing.


    As it falls down into the dark crater made from our shes in the desert before, I feel it wishing that Inded the shot.


    The feeling seems very simr to that of the hunters from the Association when they realized they were being forced to do tasks they don''t want to do.


    However, I''ve been fighting this monster for almost half an hour. I''ve done every possible scan on it, and there''s no sign of any buffs or ve artifacts. Even its divine energy is smooth and not tampered with.


    It seems to be a free dragon, but the eerie feeling I get as it falls away into the dark crater below and I airstep upward, ripping the silver des from my back with my speed, is that this elegant monster was wishing for me to put it out of its misery.


    I don''t dwell on the thought for too long, because the moment the des rip out from my back, and blood gushes out, the shimmering silver weapons fade away from my perception.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Just like the rest of this mysterious being''s body, when not in contact with Celia''s purple core, I can''t sense this being at all.


    I do know that my speed and agility outmatch theirs thanks to my subordinate''s borrowed stats, but my Divine energy-enhanced shielding was no match for its strength.


    Even now, the holes in my body are having a hard time healing from the dense residue left over.


    In response, my heartbeat speeds up, and so do my footsteps through the sky in my greater form.


    I try to lead whatever is chasing me far away from the city.


    More MCP transfer notifications ring in my inner ear from my body double farming as the yellow light of the dragon''s core disappears into the darkness below me.


    More and more thoughts run through my mind as I push my speed to the limits.


    When I was inside my mind pce, I used all of my time to figure out how to escape a single strike.


    It worked, but now I have to figure out how to defeat an opponent that is far more powerful than myself without even being able to see theming.


    I continue to fly in a single direction. If I make any turns or change in altitude, this could give the enemy following me a chance to cut me off and close the distance.


    However, only two nse to mind. One I''ll try first, but based on the fact that this invisible force went in for the kill shot just moments ago, I''m already thinking of ways to attempt the second option and risk changing my flight path.


    I grit my teeth and let out a wave of telepathy in all directions.


    "Who are you? Why have youe here? What do you want from me? Maybe we cane to an agreement rather than trying to kill each other!"


    As the pulse goes out, usually I can establish a link with someone if they''re within range, but for some reason, the only link I form is with the dragon falling to the remains of the desert floor.


    The force in the sky is invisible, not a trace is picked up even by my All-Seeing Eye enhanced by my True Core.


    Even so, I try again. Multiple times actually. Sending out requests for this being''s name, where they''re from, and what they want.


    While it''s pointless in one regard, not getting any feedback from my enemy, I''ve also managed to heal up my wounds in this time and have prepared to test my second option.


    I take a deep breath and make dense shielding around my vitals instead of charging my des.


    A counterattack against this opponent feels pointless; their swords would cut through mine like butter. It''s best I focus on dodging getting hit in the vitals because it is inevitable that the silver des will hit me again.


    My mind''s eye locks onto the dragon falling deeper and deeper into the darkness, and I make a sharp turn in the air to head toward it.


    My heart beats even faster, and my breaths get heavier as my adrenaline pumps and fuels my footsteps forward.


    I''m finally starting to understand what other monsters feel when I endlessly ughter them in the dungeons with my stealth skills and limiter activated.


    It is unnerving to face an invisible and superior opponent.


    Nevertheless, I follow through on the only logical n I have in mind.


    If I can''t kill the attacker, I''ll kill their dragon. Odds are, there is some kind of soul bond in ce. I don''t know why else a dragon would be working with a human.


    As my direction changes, I question if whatever I''m fighting is even human in the first ce.


    It wields two swords, so this is my first assumption.


    However, it could be a demon, or another rogue dragon in human form, or an entirely new species of monster.


    As my altitude drops and I do a full turn in the air, these racing questions soon cease as I feel the burning pressure of two silver des cutting deep into my left side.


    One aimed straight for my core again, and the other deep into my gut.


    I wince at the burning pain, but I''ve been here before.


    While the gut shot won''t be pretty, it''s not a fatal hit. I can let it pierce me without shifting my trajectory at all and heal it once I get away..


    A direct hit to the core, on the other hand, will be impossible to recover from.


    The only problem is, I don''t have the near infinite amount of time as I didst time to perfect my movements to escape. I have the speed and agility to do so, I just have one try and can''t mess this up.


    In a state of extreme stress, I activate all of my mental attack skills: Intimidation, Confusion, and even sh and Screech for more area distortion.


    Every element in my arsenal activates, sending waves of fire, ice, water, earth, air, lightning, darkness, and light materializing in the air where the general body of the attacker should be.


    I use sh step along with all of my buffs to move even faster forward, while activating Stealth to make my own appearance disappear from view.


    My intuition tells me that if I can''t see this monster, then there''s a good chance even with my Divine Energy-enhanced stealth skill activated, it can still sense me; so I activate one of the newest skills I obtained while fighting the dragon less than an hour ago, Echo.


    In my ce, it recreates a perfect image of me that hasn''t moved downward with enhanced speed.


    The difference in cement may only be a few centimeters at most, but to avoid a fatal blow, that''s all I need.


    This violent eruption of skills is more of a shbang to distract my enemy rather than do any damage, so I don''t hold back¡ªI have to make it count.


    The immense burst of energy is all enhanced by Divine Energy, and it explodes like a bomb powerful enough to make the same crater I formed with the dragon over again in a single release.


    The silver des stay their course as I shift downward and narrowly escape death one more time.


    The same hot sensation of a denser True Core than my own carving through my body with real killing intent makes a barrage on my psyche as I airstep forward with everything I have to tear the des out from my flesh using my speed advantage once again.


    I plunge downward into the darkness, aimed straight for the falling dragon, and am trailed by the silver de user. Their presence fades from my sensespletely the moment the weapons are torn from my body.


    After a few full-powered air-steps down into the darkness, I can begin to rey the movements in my mind that I just pulled off. I was hoping I''d get to see some kind of outline or silhouette of the monster when my elemental attacks hit it from all sides, but it is stillpletely invisible...


    I''ve tried everything, my mental and physical fatigue is building up, and that stunt I just pulled won''t work for a second time. There''s only onest hope for me now; it''s the injured dragon falling through the darkness below me.

 Chapter 612

    Chapter 612


    It isn''t pping its remaining wing or using any magic to slow or change the direction of its fall.


    The creature seems to have given up and is just permeating sadness as it falls into this artificial abyss.


    My steps through the air are powerful, so the distance between us closes in less than a minute. However, half my mind is still in fear of the dual-wielding silver swordsman right behind me. Anyg in my downward momentum will leave me open for another attack that I can''t defend.


    My breathing slows, and I focus on what I have to do as all three of us plunge into the darkness at speeds exceeding anything I''ve ever flown before.


    Every second that passes, multiple kilometers of downward motion through the crater pass.


    I charge up both my swords with everything I have, pointing them forward at the dragon''s core and making an all-out final push.


    There''s no more thinking involved; I just thrust my des through the monster''s chest.


    A yellow hexagon of light is created still, as an instinctual response to stop my des, but it''s shattered instantly.


    Both my swords pierce its scales and flesh, plunging deep into the bright yellow and white True Core full of Divine Light.It cracks and explodes as my momentum continues downward through the gaping hole I create in the center of the dragon.


    There''s a massive burst of energy as the Earth Dragon is killed, and I feel extremely intense emotions rippling out of the monster''s aura as I''m making direct contact with its flesh.


    I can''t tell if it''s because of my mind reader perk attached to my lie detector skill, or that my telepathy link met this dragon before, or just my purple barrier rying the message; but I''m positive that in death, this Dragon is thanking me, yet still filled with sadness.


    As I burst out the other side of its body, bright trails of yellow divine threads arc and follow me deeper into the abyss, like they''re attracted to my own core like a ma.


    Notifications ring in my ears, and I intuitively select yes to everything popping up in my mind''s eye.


    [Level Up] x517


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 49,327,920,002,556


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Defense


    Points: 4515


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Combat Magic [Earth Summoning]


    Upgrade: Superior


    [YES][NO]


    My level surges to 7012, I upgrade my earth magic, and I get a rush of new defense stats and mana control.


    While it feels good, the far more noticeable thing happening to me is the same feeling I got when I killed the Director back in the Apex Region.


    All of the flowing silky strands of Divine energy in its core follow me downward and tether into my greater form.


    It all flows into me, through my swords, into my arms, through my body, and into my own core.


    My core glows so much brighter, denser, and more potent than before; it feels as if there are two of them ovepping in my chest now.


    Once the energy cycles through, it reestablishes with the rest of my limbs, skills, Soul Energy, and even mind. My next breath makes me feel like a whole new man, on a different level entirely than just seconds ago...


    This book is hosted on another tform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    My perception of the world expands by over two times, allowing me to see all the way back to the Dark Continent, and even further, giving me a crystal-clear view of all eight of the Great Regions in a single shot.


    There''s an incredibly vast icy mountainous region above the dark continent, and not so far away now, I can see the entire volcanic region to the south in full view.


    The imagery that bombards my mind and the immense surge in strength is both exhrating and rming.


    This is only because I still can''t see the silver swordsman chasing me.


    If by killing the dragon, I killed their bonded partner, they would be dead now and falling through the air with me. I assume in this case, their cloaking ability would have deactivated.


    That isn''t the case... meaning they''re still alive, and even with this incredible boost in power, I can''t perceive them at all...


    More thoughts race through my mind, trying toe up with ideas of what to do next as I plunge deeper into the crater, unsure if I''m still being followed by an assassin as their dragon''s remains litter the sky above.


    The bottom of the man-made abyss gets closer and closer, but from deep within my core, I feel a new intuitive feeling, like a new skill, or the silent activation of a passive buff coursing through my mind and body. My subconscious thoughts are being filled with a burning desire to use this new power trapped inside me.


    There isn''t much time left, and any turn to the left or right would open me up to a stealth attack just like the one I narrowly escaped when I made the decision to turn and attack the dragon.


    So, Ie to the conclusion that my only choice is plunging straight down.


    There are a few escape route options on my mind. I could use a teleport crystal and leave the battle safely, or even use the perk of my dungeon walker skill to force teleport to any dungeon I wish, but both of those options would only make this enemy more angry and most likely attack the Crimson City directly if I do.


    It would only be dying the inevitable, so I have toe up with a solution now.


    My breathing slows, and my energy concentrates deeper and deeper in my swords as my True Core glows with hot yellow light.


    My velocity downward continues to increase more and more, and in a matter of seconds, I''ll be colliding with the bottom of this hole in the desert, and right on top of me; this mysterious swordsman wille in for the kill, seeking revenge.


    With this in mind, I give in to the burning intuitive feeling in my core that wants me to activate an unknown power. Then, the corners of my lips slowly turn upward as I see what''s being formed from my own pure divine energy in front of me.


    All of the fear and confusion that filled my subconscious moments ago fade away, and only excitement and the thrill of battle surge through me now.


    Moments before impact with the bottom of the crater, I turn my whole body around.


    Instead of diving head and swords first into the ground, I brace my feet for impact, covered inyers uponyers of soul energy and divine threads.


    My swords and torso twist upward toward the sky, and in the center of them, manifested out of pure silky yellow light, a glowing hexagon fully forms in front of my entire greater form.


    My grin while creating this manifestation only grows more and more into a full smile as the bright yellow light floods the area and I watch two silver des sink into the incredibly thick wall of gravity above my head.


    I was right, this sword wielder isn''t dead.


    It feels as though time stops as my feet destroyyers andyers of bedrock below the desert, unable to hold the pressure being forced upon it.


    However, the barrier above my head between both of my own weapons is holding steady.


    The silver des thate out from seemingly nowhere push down with all their strength, but I push back with over double the Divine Power I had before.


    The des sink deeper and deeper into the hexagon of light, making it over three-quarters of the way through.


    Many times when I was fighting the dragon at the start of our battle, I made it this far through when I was about to shatter its defenses.


    Although, when I wasn''t strong enough to shatter through, the harder I hit, the more severe the blowback was.


    As the des stop sinking through, just before the back edge of the reflective barrier, they finallye to a slow stop.


    A wave of relief and confidence flows through me, and at the same instance, I feel the silver des begin to reverse their direction, slowly being pushed upward.


    The slow reversed motion begins to speed up. Faster and faster, all of the force pushed down in this attack is reflected back, and a sh of yellow light erupts from the sides and front facing portion of the barrier as the silver swords pullpletely out and disappear.


    I can''t sense the enemy, but the fact that they haven''t made another counter attack makes me assume they have been caught up in the st and reflected upward with the eruption of energy high up into the sky.


    After thisst resort move paying off, my mental and physical fatigue grows even worse. I''ve never exerted so much force and power in my entire life; every cell in my body is screaming at me to stop and recover.


    However, the excitement from learning my own True Core''s ability allows me to take the unique talents of other True Cores is fueling my urge to fight.


    I jump upward, destroying dozens of kilometers more desert in a single step, yelling out loud for the entire battlefield to hear.


    "Whoever you are, wherever youe from, show yourself! State your name and tell me why you''vee here. Do this, and maybe I''ll think about letting you live!"


    A bright yellow surge of energy residue is left behind as I fly upward out from the crater in the desert, following the general direction of where I believe this silver sword user was flung.

 Chapter 613

    Chapter 613


    The energy surging through me settles into my muscles and bones, simr to earlier when I was learning how to properly use my true core in the battle against the dragon.


    Every step upward through the air assimtes this new power into my being and makes my movements feel more natural.


    After a short pause, notifications begin ringing in my inner ear again, showing an increase in the average number of MCP being farmed, telling me my double has raised floors once again.


    Hundreds of trillions of MCP rush into me as I fly up through the scattered remains of the bronze earth dragon and out of the crater in the ground.


    My mind reys thest exchange over and over as I scan for my enemy, visualizing the pure hexagon of divine energy I manifested, and thinking of the possibilities that are now in the future for me. The fact that a True Core is unique to everyone that awakens it means the more of them I fight, the more unique True Core abilities I''ll gain.


    No matter how many waves of perception I put out, I still can''t sense the silver sword user.


    Still, I fly higher into the sky, hoping they''ll be the first to attack and show themselves.


    I yell out as I reach the altitude I was fighting at before, into the endless open air where a desert once stood.


    "Now what? I manage to block one of your attacks and you run away?"My yell, powered by my mythic grade screech skill to travel hundreds of kilometers, echoes as my greater form glows yellow.


    Then, my gaze turns in the direction of the Crimson City, considering the possibility that maybe that is exactly what this invisible being did.


    They could have seen my ability to kill their dragon and grow from seemingly powerless in a matter of minutes to a killer capable of blocking their own attack with their dead ally''s ability. From an outsider looking in, there could be a lot of things I''m still hiding or holding back.


    My heart sinks, piecing together a logical path that I would take in the same position.


    If they were ordered by someone to take me out after somehow being notified of the Apex Region Director''s death, they would find my weakness and attack it.


    Based on the three attacks I''ve felt from this invisible assassin, they don''t hold back and aim straight for the kill every time...


    My next echoing yell through the open air is even louder, reaching far out into the dead zone of the desert, in case this invisible sword user has already flown away and devised a n.


    "If you darey a finger on my City, I will level the entire Volcanic Region you came from! Every military base in these mountains will be burned to ash! I won''t stop there, I''ll split this world in tw¡ª"


    Mid-yell, I sense the silver des pierce my purple limiter, and a grin forms on my face as I turn my body and strengthen my Soul Energy shielding, enhanced by divine threads in the area being attacked.


    Even with these, the des still sink through, but the eruption of energy slows the silver weapons enough for me to summon another reflective hexagon of yellow light in its ce.


    If not for this ability, I would have been stabbed deep.


    With my new increase of power in my core, I could have dodged a fatal blow, but it still would have hurt.


    Now, as another st of divine light fills the sky, the silver des disappear and their holder is flung back with it.


    Relief washes over me, but total concentration does too.


    While it''s good news this enemy didn''t head straight for the center of the Dark Continent, I still can only perceive them while they attack, so anything can happen.


    My gaze stays in the same direction as the enemy was flung while the divine threads in the air disperse.


    The longer I''m left in the silent sky, the more possibilities of where the invisible swordsman could be.


    My breathing slows, and I keep all of my buffs constantly activated while sending out pulses of perception.


    My plunderer skill is draining mana from the atmosphere, but needs to be supplemented by copious amounts of mana crystals that I let fall from my item storage from time to time.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    More mana has been used in thest hour than I''ve ever run through in what feels like a lifetime. My physical and mental state is not used to using such absurd power; the fatigue is building up, but I push on far past my limits.


    More MCP transfer notifications ring in my mind, as it''s the only thing other than the faint whistle of wind up in this silent sky.


    The moment the notifications pause, indicating my double has reached another floor, I''m left inplete and total silence again.


    This is when the dese straight for the center of my chest.


    I''m fully prepared this time and perform a perfect replication of the enhanced soul energy shielding to cover my vitals and break the initial impact of the blow, then another yellow hexagon of pure divine gravity to deflect the remaining attack before it even touches my skin.


    Over the next 15 minutes, I''m attacked 11 more times.


    Hundreds of trillions of MCP flood into my system, doubling my mana control again as I endlessly block these iing des and hopelessly track the sky for an attacker I can''t see.


    Eventually, the MCP transfer notificationspletely stop...


    Another 15 minutes pass, and I''m attacked 21 more times.


    In this barrage of kill-shot targeted blows, not a single point of mana control is transferred to me.


    At first, I thought maybe my double was just waiting extra long to get to a higher floor, or possibly it was killed on a floor with unique monsters that a mere mana manifestation couldn''t handle; however, no memoriese flooding back in, so this can''t be the case.


    Once I get a new string of notifications in my mind, I begin to make new theories of what''s happening back in the Apex Region.


    [MCP Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [42,823 MCP]


    [Skill Upgrade Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Blood Weaver] [Mythic Grade]


    It''s a very low amount of mana control, meaning my double isn''t even fighting double ranked-up monsters.


    I doubt it''s inside thebyrinth still; my best guess is it''s left the Apex Region base and began making dungeon walker points in the countless dungeons all around the Region.


    If I had more mental power to spare, I would scan the Apex Region to try and pinpoint my double. If it is hopping out from dungeon to dungeon, even while in stealth mode, I could still pinpoint it.


    It isn''t important enough right now to use such mental strain.


    While mana control would benefit me most right now, the main thing I''m thinking about is why would it leave thebyrinth...?


    The only reason I''d leave is if I made it to the top, or if the floors were too hard and needed my main body''s assistance.


    My train of thought ispletely interrupted as the silver dese flying back toward me, pointed straight toward my spine.


    This enemyes at me with the same bloodthirsty urge to kill each time; they haven''t wavered a bit since the start.


    All I can do is reflect them back each time.


    Whenever I attempt to guess where their main body is, sending a counter back, it just leads to me wasting energy, sending a powerful golden sh out into the open air.


    No matter how good I think my guess is, painting right above where the silver des hit me, they always disappear away from my senses and my attack misses.


    My fatigue grows more and more, and the strategy to wear me out mentally and physically is very clear.


    Another 15 minutes pass, and 32 more attacks are exchanged. I counter on 4 of them, but they''re still hopeless attempts.


    In my inner ear, more and more tiny MCP transfer notifications riddle my consciousness between 500 and 100,000 MCP, confirming to myself that my double is definitely in random dungeons.


    Another upside of this is that more skill transfer notifications add to my status.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Stun] [Mythic Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Meteor] [Mythic Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Mana Storm] [Mythic Grade]


    I would take the time to read them up close, but the barrage of attacks is being sent at a faster and faster pace. Now, the invisible sword wielder ising back from my reflective barriers in less than half a minute and going straight for the kill each time.


    I can''t take my eye off my surroundings for too long, the only snippets I read are that my stun skill is simr to confusion and intimidation; a mental attack that stops the attacker from moving. Meteor creates arge pink stone asrge and dense as the mana imbued into it, simr to my crystal creation skill, but with the sole purpose of creating arge weapon of mass destruction. Mana storm takes control of all the mana particles in a given area of aura and scrambles them, putting them only in control of the caster and making the mana useless to anyone else within the aura of a lower mana control.


    In addition to all of my other skills, I attempt to use these new ones too, possibly gaining some kind of hidden advantage on the invisible attacker, but they all do absolutely nothing, just provoking the silent assassin to speed up their attacks even more.


    Another 15 minutes pass, forcing me to block 77 more attacks, making this explosive exchange in the skyst over an hour now.


    I''m getting more and more fatigued, the natural mana in this desert is nearly gone, and my own personal supply of crystals in my storage is running dry too.


    This needs to stop soon, but the silver sword wielder is only getting faster and their uracy and intent to kill hasn''t wavered one bit. They are still just as sharp as their first shot.


    Explosion after explosion fills the air as I''m blocking attacks every few seconds that hold enough power to obliterate full nations.


    There''s nothing I can do.


    No matter what or where I throw my attacks, they never hit.


    If I run away and save myself, this being will follow me back to the Crimson City. If I''m not there to stop them, anything could happen, and even if I do show up to stop them and we sh too close to the city, a single exchange would kill every mortal in sight from the aura expelled alone.


    The only way Ie out of this exchange with a victory is if I end it now.


    As I contemte how many more hours, or even minutes of this absurd beating I can continue to endure, a notification rings in my inner ear that may finally level the ying field.


    [Skill Upgrade Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [All-Seeing Eye] [Mythic Grade]

 Chapter 614

    Chapter 614


    My All-Seeing Eye is already activated.


    Every bit of my perception has been on full st since this fight began, yet it''s been hopeless.


    Now, as the notification of its upgrade rings in my ear and my Divine Threads tether with the new pulse of aura that radiates out from my eyes, a whole new world bes visible around me.


    I thought my perception abilities were nearly at their peak, but I''ve been deceiving myself all along.


    It''s like my eyes have finally opened once again.


    It feels just like the first time I absorbed this skill during the C-ss exams in thatbyrinth.


    Back then, it was one of the first times I started seeing the dungeons for what they really were, beginning to see individual mana particles in the air and learning how monsters and the system itself truly worked.


    Now, the countless new data points entering my mind feel as if the veil has finally been lifted, and I''m seeing reality around me for what it really is once again.


    Everything looks more vibrant, like golden sparkles of never-before-seen light create and glue reality together between every particle in the atmosphere. Even the oxygen atoms in the air are visible down to the protons and neutrons in their cores, I can see the glue that binds even them together and that''s not even the end. It''s like I''m peering into the building blocks of reality, down to microscopic levels I never knew were even there.The deeper I look into this golden sparkling phenomenon that glues the universe together before my eyes, in any given area, my mind starts to intuitively move away from it. My focused perception instantly zooms out, and a slight brain fog covers my mind on the intricate details of what I''m seeing.


    It''s like my ability is allowing me to see things I shouldn''t be able to perceive; it feels very simr to the times I stared into the center of Ember''s golden core.


    I take a slight gasp of breath at the thought as my vision returns to searching for the invisible assassin I''m currently battling to the death.


    My eyes dart all over the sky, and I airstep forward in the direction that Ist reflected the sword wielder.


    However, everything feels like it''s going in slow motion around me.


    My body still moves at the same rate, but my vision and my mind feel as though they''re moving far faster than they were just moments ago.


    After my fifth step higher into the air, I instinctively make a sharp head turn to my left side when I see a faint ripple.


    I can''t even describe exactly what it looks like, it''s more of a feeling; like a microscopic panel of reality identally flipped the wrong way for a fraction of a second.


    As I charge my des and reflective barrier toward this point, the visual sensation bes more and moremon.


    Groupings of these shimmering clear, almost white, ripples in the air growrger andrger from a single microscopic point into solid metal objects, appearing out of thin air, like a divine pocket dimension just opened up before my eyes.


    The two silver dese into full view once again and collide with my yellow reflective barrier right after they appear.


    I was able to perceive the iing des as they were plunging into reality, but now, as the des make contact with my Divine Threads and begin to interact with my purple divine barrier, a whole new wave of information floods into my consciousness.


    Holding these two silver swords, there is a woman with fair skin, dark ck hair, and covered in countless ck and silver armor and magical blood-bonded items.


    A greater form of bright yellow divine light surrounds her being, just like me, and I turn my head to make eye contact with the bloodthirsty warrior who has relentlessly tried to kill me for thest hour.


    Her vibrant hazel eyes are full of determination, confidence, and behind them all, I feel the genuine thrill of the fight burning in her soul.


    There isn''t even a hint of fear or surprise in the fact that I''m staring right at her.


    The corners of her lips are turned up so minimally, it''s hard to tell if it is just my mind ying tricks on me.


    The deeper her des sink into my reflective barrier, the clearer her features be, and the more panels of reality flip my way to reveal her to all of my senses.


    I''m flooded with 20 individual readings of blood-bonded items on her status first, all of which have 5 stat slots with well over 500% buffs, some of which are even higher than 1000%.


    The fact that she can carry 5 more gear slots than me piques my curiosity, but when I get close enough to read her level, skills, and buffs, it all makes sense...


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences elsewhere.


    [Lv. 15831]


    Skills:


    [Stealth][Divine Grade]


    Buffs:


    [Silent Steps]


    [Cloak of Shadows]


    [Greater Invisible Battle Form]


    The moment these metrics enter my mind, the attacks she''s made into my reflective barrier hit their stopping point, mere millimeters before sinking all the way through to puncture my chest, and the violent exchange of energy explodes to send her reflected back.


    Her silver des cross to block the brunt of the blow as she''s sent flying, but once this silver sword wielder leaves my purple barrier and immediate range of perception about 10 meters away from my greater form, shepletely disappears once again.


    My mind processes everything while I prepare for another exchange.


    This is the first triple-ranked-up being I''ve ever seen before.


    She has a true core, is well over level 10,000, holds 20 gear slots, 3 ranked-up buffs, and most impressive of all things, she has a divine grade skill.


    My heartbeat speeds up, and despite my burning and aching muscles and the fatigue riddling my joints and bones, the excitement to fight someone like this overrides all of my natural senses.


    My Mythic Grade All-Seeing Eye pulses through the desert, enhanced by the burning hot strength of my Divine Threads, overturning every building block of reality in the atmosphere.


    Even so, as I airstep higher into the sky to face off against the mysterious hazel-eyed woman, I''m not able to sense her until shees within a deadly range.


    I''m only able to barely sense her, basically just a vague intuitive outline of her being as shees within 10 meters of me, and can only see her for what she really is and her status information when she''s making contact with my purple barrier.


    Instead of reflecting her away in fear of getting hit like every time before, I want to make a move and go on the offensive.


    I use every bit of divine energy I would have manifested into a yellow hexagon and channel it into both my des.


    I twist my body the moment I see her entire greater form, swinging my swords upward to sh with her silver swords and lock eyes with this assassin again.


    This time, I''m smiling wide as we both stand still shing in the sky, radiating pulses of divine light like a beacon rippling through the air for hundreds and hundreds of kilometers.


    I can even sense the excess radiation and sound of this sh reach some of the smaller towns and viges in the outer bits of the popted areas of Sector 2.


    We''re at nearly identical strength, and the burning divine energy in our True Cores is extremely simr too. My reaction time and speed are faster than hers, and my defensive power is too. However, this sword wielder''s stamina is far greater than my own, and if she wanted to run away, it would be impossible for me to locate her.


    Still, even with this change in my technique, blocking her with my swords instead of the logical reflective barrier move, her emotions and physical state don''t change at all.


    Her gaze is locked on my core, and her conviction to fight doesn''t waver.


    There is no malice in her movements, and unlike the dragon that was battling me before, it doesn''t seem like she''s being forced to do anything.


    The sword wielder is here because she wants to be.


    She wants to fight because she''s enjoying it.


    Nothing more, nothing less.


    This realization is both exciting and also a bit worrying.


    There is nothing more dangerous than an opponent like this. I know so, because I myself have felt the same way many, many times before... My instincts tell me, there is no reasoning with her. The only way this battle ends is if one of us falls to the other''s des.


    We stay locked in the sky with our des colliding. She pushes mine back a few centimeters, and I do the same as more and more pulses of silky Divine Threads seep from our cores through our des and out into thepletely decimated desert.


    There''s nothing at all left below us but an impossibly deep ravine stretching further than mortal eyes can see.


    Despite this, we continue on.


    The scraping of divine energy tethered to greater form''s swords echo through the air, and finally, we both go in for the kill at exactly the same time.


    Both of our right-handed swords break away from the other''s left, aiming for the core, but we both twist our bodies and dodge, only piercing one another''s sides while flying through the air onward in the opposite direction.


    Once again, her yellow divine residue tears a gaping hole in my stomach after it pierces through my armor like butter, but the slow healing process begins while I airstep around, charging my des to get ready for another exchange.


    Another sh ripples through the air, shockwaves traveling over a thousand kilometers, less than a second after ourst exchange.


    A small yellow sh from my own divine energy residue is visible on her side once we meet again. While mine is healing, hers is still burning bright.


    However, instead of being concerned, the hardly noticeable grin on her face grows just slightly as both of us go in for the kill again.


    Over and over, a new style of battle continues in the sky.


    Now that I can see my attacker, we''re on equal footing.


    When she takes me by surprise in awkward angles, I manifest reflective barriers, and when she attacks straight on, our des hit every time.


    On the head-on attacks, both of us always leave those with wounds.


    Although they''re not severe, they do build up over time.


    Mine heal, but not fast enough. I have shes all over my legs, arms, chest, and torso. However, the silver sword user does too.


    The collisions only get more frequent, ramping up to multiple shes per second.


    The waves of divine energy that erupt from our collisions are stacking together and pulsing out further and further into the Dark Continent and Volcanic Region.


    To the south, more and moreva erupts from the active volcanoes, and the mana in the air is being distorted by the constant energy pulses to create and break dungeons.


    My Plunderer skill absorbs so much mana from the air that pockets of dense mana are flooding into drained portions of the atmosphere and odd phenomena are urring down below in the crater where the dead zone of the desert used to be.


    Rogue dungeons are being formed from the excess mana residue trapped in our divine energy pulses.


    While new dungeons forming and breaking within a radius of our fight won''t be difficult to clean up, there is a far more dangerous result of this exchange that is beginning to show itself.


    Far away, in the center of the Dark Continent, weak vibrations of yellow divine light from two True Cores shing begin to ripple into the depths of the demonic energy-filled abyss.


    While one or two waves don''t get much of a result, the continuous and growing pulses of Mana and Divine Threads that are being consumed by the darkness make the entire abyss tremble.


    As I sh with the silver assassin in the sky for the 139th time in the past minute, another ripple of Divine Light filled with Mana collides with the abyss thousands of kilometers away.


    In the center of the abyss, a pulse of ck energy responds back, making a ripple outward, and above it, the clouds in the sky begin to slowly part.

 Chapter 615

    Chapter 615


    Back in the outer desert, just about a hundred kilometers away from the Crimson City, my teammates sit in a circle, absorbing orange divine fragments.


    Weak ripples of yellow radiation from my fight reach their senses, and Maria is the first to speak up.


    "That''s Jay... First, he leaves in a hurry iming that we''ll need to use this power sooner than we think, then he borrows our stats and mana control. Now, these pulses of energy can only be the result of a fight."


    Fisher smirks, looking up while still sitting in the lotus position, and responds.


    "And he didn''t even think to invite us in on the fun. Come on, even though we haven''t consolidated our orange cores yet, we''re still leagues above what we were days ago..."


    Lydia turns to him, opens one eye, then closes it and shakes her head.


    "It''s too dangerous. He isn''t one to draw out a fight... whoever, or whatever, he''s facing, they''re definitely at or above his strength... We wouldn''tst a full second near that battlefield."


    Abby is thest to add to the group''s words.


    "I can''t sense a thing, he''s so far to the south... As far as I know, there is only a dead zone of desert for thousands of kilometers until..."She pauses and thinks for a moment.


    "I might be right... There are more Association-run Nations far to the south, and word of the director''s death must have already traveled to the higher-ups..."


    They all sit in silence, knowing that the only thing they can do is be stronger and wait for good news.


    That is, until the outward ripple from the center of the abyss meets its outer ring.


    A wave of invisible grey energy pulses outward, simr to all of the surges triggered by the abyss in the past, but this one is far stronger than ever before, easily three times as powerful.


    The outer edges of the dark abyss creep outward a few more kilometers into the desert.


    The four of them feel it harmlessly ripple through them but recognize that feeling from past surges that have caused mass dungeon breaks and cmities.


    The grey shockwave that erupts from the abyss begins triggering even more breaks throughout the Dark Continent, and even further into the 8 Great Regions, spreading further out into the world like a massive sonar.


    My doubles back in the Crimson City feel it too and immediately jump into action. One of them heads out to Sector 3 to handle the breaks in the farnd, while the other alerts the Crimson Army to stop their training immediately and begin securing all of the dungeons within the canyon.


    Once they are stabilized and guarded by the proper ranked hunters, farming will be allowed for rare and unique loot for a limited time, just like thest surge.


    Lith and Monk have the proper strength alone to handle Sector 1, and the armed guards led by Chester are high enough level to manage the overflow in Sra and surrounding viges up in Sector 4.


    Far out in the Apex Region, my double that''s farming dungeons feels it too and uses a teleport crystal to head back to the guildhall immediately, breaking up the family reunion of Bri and Rodrigo to learn the proper protocol to handle breaks in the 8 Great Regions.


    A double nationwide dungeon break emergency has been triggered by the battle that has just begun.


    ¡ª


    High above the impossiblyrge crater dividing the Dark Continent and the Volcanic Region, our battle rages on.


    Every sh in the sky we exchange leaves both of us milliseconds away from making a fatal move.


    I don''t even try activating my elemental or extra magic as a distraction; it''s impossible to predict what direction the silver sword wielder wille from, and I only have fractions of a second to make my counter each time.


    The most effective strategy is using my fully charged des, which happen to be my strongest offensive and defensive move.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    True Core-enhanced Soul Energy within these two blood-bonded weapons is the only thing that can possibly block her relentless strikes, and it''s the only weapon that can pierce through her defenses as well.


    Both of us must keep total concentration on solely the fight in front of us, or it will be the finalpse in attention one of us will ever make.


    The fight only bes more intense, colliding up to ten times per second, releasing more nation-destroying shockwaves into the atmosphere, and riddling each other with holes and shes.


    Her excitement and thrill for the fight only grows the longer it goes on, and the worse shape both of us look.


    The woman I''m shing with may be the only human in the world I''ve ever met with a crazed obsession with battle that matches mine, or is possibly more severe than my own.


    I''m enjoying every millisecond of our battle.


    It feels like the most natural, free-flowing dance in the sky.


    We both want exactly the same thing: to kill the other.


    No emotions are being held back, and the other participant in this deadly dance knows exactly what the other wants without a shadow of a doubt.


    It is the most pure exchange of feelings there is, a graceful dance in the sky that can only end with one of the dancers falling to the abyss below, covered in their own blood.


    However, our fighting styles differ.


    I have something I want to protect, a city of loyal citizens, and teammates that have watched me grow and never once betrayed me, waiting for me back in the Dark Continent. The woman I''m fighting seems to fight for a different reason.


    I feel with every strike she sends at me that the essence of battle itself is what she strives to protect. Every one of her strikes feels like she''s continuing to search for the perfect kill, but craves an equal or even superior exchange back to allow her own fighting skills to evolve further.


    The conviction, confidence, and absolute certainty of each one of her strikes make me believe there has never been a single opponent that has ever witnessed this side of her, and lived to tell a soul about it.


    She would rather die on this battlefield right now than let me escape.


    ¡ª


    The shing of our swords drowns out the state of the entire world, blinding us to the fact that deep in the abyss, enough divine energy harboring an uncountable amount of mana has triggered it to pulse again.


    Mere minutes after the first, a second bulge in the pure darkness of the ck and purple demonic energy of the abyss forms.


    It ripples out to meet the edges and sends another powerful surge, twice as strong as thest, throughout the surrounding nations.


    The edges of the abyss crawl out deeper into the Dark Continent once again, bing visible now, from the Crimson city by normal human eyes.


    Above the abyss'' center, the clouds continue to part, creating an opening of bright sunlight to peer down into the endless darkness that swirls within the Abyss.


    As the second surge triggers more and more breaks throughout the Dark Continent, my doubles, teammates, and Crimson Army have secured all of the most vtile breaks. Over 10% of all the dungeons have been triggered to break by the surge, and up to 50% of them are showing signs of elevated mana levels.


    My doubles are able to use element stones imbued with my plunderer skill to settle dungeons back to their resting state, but this process isn''t instant.


    Traveling from dungeon to dungeon still takes time outside in the real world.


    Meanwhile, Rodrigo, Bri, and one of my doubles head back to the Apex Region to give orders to all of the A-ss Hunters and send transmissions out to all of the Regional Directors to begin their usual surge protocols.


    ¡ª


    The battle in the sky rages on, as we''re unaware of the mass destruction being caused all around us.


    Now, over a dozen pulses of energy from our sh radiate out from our des every second.


    We''re both losing blood, mentally and physically fatigued beyond the limits that either of us have ever pushed.


    It looks as though two glowing yellow suns are colliding in the sky over and over, digging a deep crater into the side of the world, and every living being on the is paying for it.


    ¡ª


    As enough shockwaves hit the abyss, a third bulge in its center starts to form.


    It rises higher than the previous two, and the clouds that have begun to part in the sky continue to be pushed away as the abyss looks like it''s being pulled upward, like a swelling wave of Demonic Energy.


    It swells so high, that the center of the abyss can be seen in the sky from the outer ring, even hundreds and hundreds of kilometers away.


    It looks like an impossiblyrge rounded pyramid of dark fog, and only takes its shape more and more as the round bulge in its center looks like it''s pushing upward like a point.


    This all changes when therge circle of parted clouds in the sky turns dark as well, to match the color of the abyss.


    The point at the top of the swell breaks, and out from its center, a cylindrical structure dozens of kilometers wide shoots up, materializing out of it, and quickly continues growing up into the sky.


    From the depths of the abyss, a jet-ck tower grows high into the darkness above.


    A final surge ripples through the entire world as the swell falls down to its natural state, and the clouds roll back in to fill up the circr portion of sky that parted.


    This shockwave is far stronger than both of the first twobined.


    So strong, that it reaches far into other nations while keeping its overwhelming strength.


    While no physical damage is done by it, as the pulse expands outward, an eerie sensation is shared by millions of people nations apart.


    ¡ª


    As I sh with the silver sword wielder in the sky again, the third surge ripples through both of us, and the shiver it sends down my spine is reciprocated in my opponent.


    Despite being mid-sh, both of our attentions waver. We''ve been in a flow state of pure battle for hundreds of exchanges, but this powerful burst of energy is too strange to ignore.


    Our eyes meet, simultaneously realizing there is another threat among us, and both make the decision to use up valuable Divine Energy to send out pulses of perception to see the result of our actions at the center of the Dark Continent.

 Chapter 616

    Chapter 616


    As my pulse of perception creeps into the center of the Dark Continent, the cylindrical pir that grows out from the depths of the abyss bes visible to me.


    The clouds part in the sky to reveal the structure as it seemingly materializes from thin air into existence, climbing higher into the sky.


    My divine energy-enhanced vision can see the obsidian ck outer barrier of this tower crystal clear, but even with my new Mythic Grade All-Seeing Eye activated, I can''t see within it.


    The mysterious ck pir shooting up from the abyss is made from a material unknown to me, but with qualities that seem familiar.


    From this distance, it''s hard to say exactly what it is, but it has very simr characteristics to the ck stone of Monk''s pyramid back in Sector 1.


    The pir materializes higher and higher into the sky, so high that it eventually reaches too far for my senses to reach.


    I watch the abyss swell and flow rapidly like an ocean during a storm, and the eerie sensation that rippled through me from the 3rd surge keeps repeating in my mind.


    The fact that my sh with this other True Core at such scale has triggered this event bes very clear, but what exactly that pir is raises tons of theories to race through my mind.


    Both Ember and the Lich King have stated in the past that the abyss is where the Throne will awaken, but what exactly that means I''m still very much in the dark.The visions of past memories from Celia, the purple-cored being in herst minutes of life, showed me the aftereffects of what happens if a Demon is to im that throne, but that doesn''t exin much about what happens before it''s imed and most importantly how to im it...


    I don''t know if this is normal, or if my interference has changed the trajectory of this world''s future.


    So many questions are left unanswered as I turn my attention away from the ominous ck pir and stare back into the hazel eyes of the silver-sworded assassin whose des I''m still shing with hundreds of kilometers above a crater in the desert.


    However, the sight before me now is almost as shocking.


    For the first time in our entire battle, the woman''s expression changes.


    Instead of continuing to attack me relentlessly without any emotion or sign of letting up, the sword user''s eyes are filled with shock as well.


    The odd sensation of fear, anticipation, confusion, and excitement ripple out of her, and I feel the telepathy link that I''ve been trying to send out to her for the past hour finally connect.


    Her voice echoes through, but it doesn''t sound like she''s aware we''ve even linked; it is more of an inner thought seeping out in a moment of great stress.


    "This is too soon..."


    Her pupils shrink, and her intense battle instincts, overwhelming aura, and urge to kill mepletely disappear.


    For some reason, she''s done fighting me.


    This doesn''t mean I''m taking any chances, so in this moment, I overpower her left arm''s de and aim my right directly toward her core.


    This moment of hesitation has decided the fight.


    I don''t hold back while the tip of my me Emperor''s de pierces the center of her chest, but an unexpected reaction urs.


    Unlike every other time I tried to do this move in our hundreds of past shes, when she would usually spin her body just enough to make my de plunge through her shoulder while her de punctures me; this time, my de meets no resistance and pierces right through her chest.


    I would be satisfied with this result; however, in the area where I''d pierced her, there''s no longer any flesh in its ce.


    There is just a circle of open sky.


    From her core outward, the fair-skinned, well-endowed, long-haired woman disappears before me, dodging my deadly strike in a very unique way.


    My All-Seeing Eye can still vaguely pick up her presence in front of me, and my de is definitely sitting in the center of her chest, but for some reason, I can tell she''s not injured.


    The barely visible shimmering figure of the woman steps back a few dozen meters to fully disappear from my senses as I pull my sword away and get back into a fighting stance.


    I''m sure I hit her... but at the same time, my eyes and all my senses have seemed to deceive me. It''s like she slipped away into a divine pocket dimension, being right where my de struck, but dodging it in a direction that I''m not able to shift my attack into.


    Instead of attacking again, I hear the woman''s voice echo in my head.


    "That was an admirable strike. If I was distracted by the throne''s awakening for even a tenth of a second longer, maybe you would have won this duel."


    Over 100 meters away, the woman materializes into existence, showing herself to me, and there isn''t a gaping hole in her chest as I would have imagined.


    She still has both of her silver swords up in a battle stance as well, but there is no urge to strike at me rippling through her anymore. I wouldn''t have believed her next words if I couldn''t read emotions so perfectly.


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Let us call it a draw. While you were my favorite fighting opponent I''ve ever faced, I''ve lost interest in killing you."


    She powers down her greater form and just reveals her in armored body riddled with yellow divine shes from our battle, then turns her head in the direction of the massive ck pir thousands of kilometers away.


    "Maybe the urge will return when greater stakes are on the line. I think it''s only fair we save a duel like this until the world itself is the prize."


    She shrugs and lets out a sigh, letting the thin smile that I witnessed on her face while mid-battle return to the corners of her upturned lips.


    "One of us killing the other now would be quite the waste. Don''t you agree?"


    Then she turns back to me, pointing her sharp eyes at my greater form without any fear that I''ll take advantage of this moment again and go in for the kill.


    I''m shocked at this turn of events; the ruthless, emotionless warrior only battling for the thrill of the fight seemingly bing uninterested in battling me anymore is thest thing I was expecting to happen.


    She coughs up blood, and the glowing yellow wounds on her body leak the crimson liquid as well as she waits for a response.


    This halt in battle for even just a few seconds has given my own mind and muscles enough time to rest and let the adrenaline begin fading, and waves of fatigue and extreme pain start to enter my psyche.


    I grit my teeth but cough up blood too, as the majority of my injuries will take a long time to heal. Attacks tethered with True Core divine threads are not the same as mere mana alone.


    I respond while pulling out a teleport crystal from my storage to let it float nearby me just in case, and power down my own greater form to conserve energy.


    "A draw it is..."


    As I shrink down to human size, she looks down into the crater below us, then back up to me and locks eyes with me.


    "You killed my dragon. But I don''t really care¡ªit was property of the Central Branch anyway... They will be wondering what happened here today."


    There''s a long pause before she speaks again.


    "It would be in your best interest to act like you''re dead. Unless you want more True Coresing to kill you before the doors to challenge the throne open."


    My eyes widen, as the way she''s describing the throne is a bit different than the cryptic guesses I''ve received from three entities in the past.


    I want to ask her a million questions, but the dripping blood from her wounds and the look in her eyes makes me believe she doesn''t have time to educate her enemies for no reason.


    I pull out a pile of mythic-grade regeneration potions from my storage, and use telekinesis to slowly levitate them toward her, making sure it doesn''te off as a threat.


    "These may aid your healing process... Maybe in exchange, you could tell me more about the throne... what do you mean by the doors to challenge it will open? What exactly did we just trigger?"


    She suspiciously looks at the half dozen green potions in front of her and doesn''t take a hand off her swords until she coughs up blood again and is forced to do something about her wounds.


    The woman drinks one while I watch and hold the other five up next to her with my heart racing in my chest.


    The bleeding from her open wounds slows down a little, and some color in her face returns, but the woman is still extremely injured.


    So am I¡ªeven while using this healing skill during the entire battle and now, my own wounds have only recently stopped gushing blood.


    She dly epts the 5 other potions into an item box and responds.


    "You are not a council member of the Order, unfortunately, I cannot divulge our secrets. The only piece of advice I would share with you is, if another True Core approaches yournd, try a different greeting. I don''t think many other members will take your instinct to kill on sight as lightly as I have."


    She smirks, and turns toward the Northwest. A direction that would send her flying through Sector 3 and up into the 8 Great Nations if she flew straight, so I''m a bit confused when she speaks up again and her body begins to disappear from reality into the divine pocket dimension I can''t sense.


    "Consider us an alliance. I won''t attack your people, and I have faith you will not attack mine. I''m well aware you were the one who defeated Mr. Freeman, so I will leave the 8 Great Regions alone as well. I''m just headed to the Apex Region to pick up a package, no one will know I''m there."


    I raise an eyebrow, and reactivate my greater form as in the back of my mind, the fear of a sneak attack is still a possibility.


    As she disappearspletely from my senses, she says a final message through our telepathy link instead of out loud.


    "I''m Raven. If you would like to speak again before the doors open,e visit me in the heart of my Region with your stealth ability activated. Until then, it''s best you y dead, as if you lost this fight."


    ¡ª


    A red-haired man with a bright matching beard nervously watches a silver device on his white marble table. It pulses with yellow and white light as one of the crystals on it has shown increased activity higher than ever before over thest hour.


    News of one of their high-levelbyrinths linked to the dragon that Raven uses as transportation, mysteriously disappearing, doesn''t sit quite right with the old man either. It means the dragon has been defeated, and the pulsing light means Raven is using her True Core''s full power repeatedly.


    Eventually, the blinking and shing of her crystal begins to settle down and fall back to its resting state. However, right as it does, three major surges ripple through the central world headquarters of the Association, causing massive dungeon breaks all over the capital Region.


    Vice Central Director, Mr. Redgrave, ignores the surges and patiently waits for any news from his receiver.


    There are plenty of higher-ups and A-ss hunters that can handle surge protocol, they don''t need him to directly send the order.


    Minutes after the third surge ripples through his luxury suite, the silver device on his center table finally makes a sound.


    "Raven here, giving an update on the 8 Great Region''s Leader Disappearance. It is true that Mr. Freeman was killed. I battled the source of the problem, but seemed to have created a bigger one..."


    Mr. Redgrave immediately reaches for his transmission device and yells through it.


    "You killed him, right? This me Emperor isn''t the bigger problem you''re talking about, is it?"


    He anxiously looks down at the transmission device while silence fills the room for almost half a minute.


    There are three other True Cores visible on the crystal panel other than Raven and Redgrave. The other 4 crystals all seem to be normal yellow cores that don''t shine as bright; they look simr to Mr. Freeman''s crystal before it went dark.


    Then Raven replies, and her bright stone flickers.


    "No, he isn''t the problem. It''s the fact that the throne''s final stage of awakening was triggered from our sh. We have far less time than we thought. The doors will be opening soon. The originator''s text has led us this far. Many of us have waited decades¡ªour entire lives¡ªfor this moment..."


    There''s silence on the line again.


    Inside Mr. Redgrave''s suite, his eyes widen and an excited yet devious smile shapes onto his face as he presses his crystal down and replies.


    "Excellent, Raven. Excellent. You have done well. I hope we do not have to meet each other once the trials begin."


    He clicks his device off and begins pacing around his room.


    Meanwhile, Raven flies through the skies with her divine stealth skill activated, and the only other voice responding in the transmission is the same heavy breathing man with a bright True Core crystal shining on the device.


    Raven clicks her device to cut off the annoying repetitive noise.


    "I didn''t forget about your offer, get your 200 fragments ready. Your white dragon artifact will be delivered shortly."


    The breathing noise ceases, and the transmission channel goes silent.

 Chapter 617

    Chapter 617


    I''m left floating high above a dark crater in the desert, hundreds of kilometers wide.


    As Ravenpletely disappears from my sight, wisps of green mist are left in my vision as my lie detector skill confirms her words are genuine.


    I power down my greater form again and ce my swords back into storage, letting only the single teleport crystal I took out earlier float in front of me.


    My body is still riddled with hundreds of puncture wounds, and my mind races to make sense of all the information streaming into my brain.


    I use half of my remaining energy to continue the slow and painful healing process, while using the other half to extend my of perception outward to assess the true aftermath of my battle here in the deadzone.


    Hundreds of dungeons are breaking all over the Dark Continent and the 8 Great Regions, and powerful hunters are securing the territories with impressive speed.


    In the Crimson City, the army has already set up makeshift roadblocks in front of each dungeon that has broken, only allowing hunters 100 levels above the normal threshold to farm from them. Meanwhile, my double evacuates and stabilizes the more violent breaks with plunderer-imbued element stones.


    Far off in the Apex Region, my double that was farming in thebyrinth uses all its concealment skills, light magic, duplicated gear, and ranked-up [Master of Illusion] buff to act as the Regional Director, ordering the A-ss hunters to guide the B and C-ss Apex Region workers to handle the usual protocol for the breaks.


    Meanwhile, Rodrigo gives my double and Bri a tour of the Apex Region Headquarters, as soon this will be another home base for all of us.Throughout the entire 8 Great Regions, messages are transmitted with Rodrigo''s help to all of the Regional Directors.


    My divine thread-enhanced gaze skims through all the regions, pinpointing various dense points of mana where the highest-grade breaks are appearing.


    Familiar faces pop into my mind''s eye.


    Deep in the Talton Region, a few B-ss breaks appear in the heavy jungle. Marcie, the newest B-ss warrior in that region, leads the charge, sensing the breaks the moment the first surge rippled through, and taking out full dungeons solo in a matter of minutes.


    Out in the Raya and Silca Regions, a new B-ss wind magic wielder, Dane, is the first to notice dozens of breaks in the partnered regions.


    The two Regional Directors get a transmission at the same time, and the three of them¡ªthe strongest hunters in both regions¡ªbegin instructing hunters and taking on the most difficult breaks alone.


    The Vice Region and Veridian Region receive the signal from headquarters, but have already started sending out extra hunters to handle the surge.


    The fact that no order has been given to send extra troops to the Dark Continent is unusual, as these two regions are usually responsible for keeping it in line. Neither of the old Directorsments on it, however.


    Nat, now contracted to the Veridian Region, is sent out to secure a batch of the deadliest B-ss breaks in the region.


    Many of the other hunters in her party are anxious and scared, as it''s likely many will be severely injured and some could die today.


    This is thergest mass dungeon break to be recorded in decades.


    Fear and unease fill the streets, as many hunters from the association know what''s happening. There seem to be many more on duty, rushing toward the dungeon hubs than usual.


    Even the weakest merchants and non-hunter citizens can feel the eerie atmosphere.


    There''s a protocol for off-duty E and D-ss hunters to ensure there aren''t riots or mass hysteria in the streets.


    As Nat enters the strongest break in the entire region, her demeanor is calm, and her fists ignite with mes.


    The monsters inside the Divine Construct were far more deadly than anything that could possibly spawn in here today.


    ¨C


    In the Dark Continent, myst remaining double speeds through all of Sector 1, 2, 3, and 4 deadzones and unpopted areas.


    This book is hosted on another tform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Months ago, when I was in my exploration phase while farming mana for thebyrinth, and even further back when collecting luminite and mana for the istion pods, I ced dungeon walker points all over the continent.


    Many breaks need to be dealt with quickly, as there are no strong hunters in some of the far-out viges who can handle them.


    The higher-popted cities like Sra and Valor City are easily taken care of as I expected.


    Chester and Lith deploy their guards and hold a temporary lockdown on the public dungeons.


    Best of all, around the Crimson City, there is no panic at all...


    Many hunters and merchants remember thest surge that urred in this city and easily stand in line to enter the unique dungeons and buy loot from hunters who manage to get in early so they can sell to neighboring nations.


    Even the outer city folk, who are usually just passing by, be interested as word of what happenedst time spreads.


    Over 200 new links of loyalty are formed from traveling merchants and hunters in the outer city, just so they can enter the Crimson Dome and get a piece of the pie.


    ¨C


    A wide grin crosses my face as I watch the results of my actions y out in real-time.


    While it may look like a catastrophe on the surface, there are upsides to this mayhem.


    Notifications ring out in my ears as my doubles farm a few unique breaks and secure new skills before stabilizing the dungeons.


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Final Strike] [Mythic Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Dark Mist] [Mythic Grade]


    [Skill Transfer To Main Body: Complete]


    [Enrage] [Mythic Grade]


    About half an hour passes before all of the breaks throughout the 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent are secured.


    I read these 3 skills'' details and continue healing myself with more of my remaining power, allowing my perception to dull. Then, deactivate my stat and mana control sharing perk, to give those I''ve borrowed power from their full strength to battle the mutant monster back in the canyon of dungeons.


    [Final Strike] is simr to my [Final Breath] ability, allowing me to unleash a single final move with increased attack power. It doesn''t show the exact amount of power it adds, nor does it show the downsides afterward. It is pretty much based on how much mana I imbue into it, but if it''s anything like the final breath''s aftereffects, I don''t really want to test it out.


    [Dark Mist] creates an aura of darkness, blinding opponents thate within a certain range. Only the caster can use perception skills within it. This, too, depends on the caster''s mana control.


    Lastly, [Enrage] is a buff simr to [Bloodlust] and [Berserker]. It raises my Strength and Speed by 250% while active, and gives an additional 150% to my base perception as well.


    This is definitely a passive buff I''ll be keeping active during battle.


    As I close my status screen, I finally grasp my floating teleport crystal nearby.


    It''s been long enough now that my wounds have all finally closed up entirely.


    They''re still healing slowly, and even my blood-bonded armor is still regenerating. It feels like this may take many long hours, or even days, to fully recover from. My body is still trying to absorb and break down the divine energy residue from each sh.


    Even though my body is healing, my fatigue from the most intense battle of my life is not fading at all.


    As I contain my entire aura beneath my purple limiter and crush the teleport crystal in my hand to bring me beneath the Crimson City, I''m met with exactly what I was looking for.


    Abby, Maria, Fisher, and Lydia all stand in the bunker below the guildhall, watching over Ember in the istion pod while my double continues to work out in the canyon of dungeons.


    A bright green restoration circle tethered by red and orange divine threads covers the floor, and a rush of healing magic surges through me.


    "Wee back, Jay. I take it my assumption was right?"


    Abby looks at me with a worried face, while my other three members share her sentiment.


    I respond.


    "Yeah... you were right."


    I form a [Hush] barrier around us.


    "It was two more True Cores... One I managed to kill, the other got away... but they consider us an ally, for now."


    I feel a small amount of my fatigue disappear as Abby''s Mythic Grade Restoration magic, fueled by a red core and small traces of leftover orange threads, trickles through me. However, they do nothing tobat the yellow True Core residue that still burns me from the inside out in hundreds of ces.


    These wounds are on another level, and I''m sure the silver sword wielder is feeling the same burns thousands of kilometers away right now...


    I grit my teeth as another wave of fatigue hits me, and Maria speaks up.


    "What do you mean they''re an ally for now? How long is that going tost?"


    My head turns in the direction of the abyss.


    Even though we''re underground, all four of them know exactly where I''m looking, as this is where the source of the three surges came from not long ago.


    I respond and cough up blood mid-sentence.


    "Not long. I need to rest, and you four need to consolidate your orange cores. Soon, we''ll be venturing into the Abyss."


    My gaze turns to the istion pod sitting inside Abby''s restoration circle, and whisper, adding on to my statement.


    "You better wake up soon too, we''re going to need all the help we can get."


    ¡ª


    High atop a snowy mountain, just outside my perception range, the three surges finally ripple through the endless Icy Region to the north.


    An old man with a dense, bright yellow core stands up from his sitting position and ces the half-consumed yellow fragment in his hands into an item box beneath his robes.


    He speaks up to his two orange-cored disciples, cycling orange energy in their cores at his sides.


    "The time hase sooner than I believed it would. However, it looks like this threat in the Dark Continent may be more formidable than the Order."


    A blue video crystal ys a blurry image of an endless pit in the center of the desert, shifting to show another visual thousands of kilometers away in much higher resolution of the ck cylindrical tower.


    He speaks again, as his disciples haven''t stopped cycling their orange fragments.


    "Stand up, we''re going on an outing. Prepare to defend yourselves; where we''re headed doesn''t seem to greet its guests very lightly."

 Chapter 618

    Chapter 618


    I quickly make some upgrades to the shielding in this underground shelter.


    With my remaining few million MP worth of mana crystals and a contribution of additional crystals from my four teammates here there''s more than enough mana to get the job done. I imbue the shielding in this bunker to far surpass A-ss shielding, giving it additional mythic-grade stealth, hush, and barrier creation protection, lightly imbued with trace amounts of my True Core''s divine threads.


    This is not only to keep my teammates safe inside but also to keep everyone outside safe from what I''m about to rmend.


    "Continue your orange divine core consolidation down here..."


    I turn to the istion pod.


    "I want you to keep an eye on Ember and keep his pod within your circle of restoration. I can feel him healing at a much faster rate with it activated."


    My eyes track up to the ceiling next, watching as the small red and orange threads of radiation that leak off their bodies be trapped by the True Core-imbued shielding I''ve created.


    All of them have dense Qi barriers up, to not let their mana control disrupt the natural order of the low-level merchants and hunters above in the city, however, this isn''t necessary.


    I point at the new shielding."This should hold in enough power for you all to safely cultivate indoors. You may get quite the efficiency boost too, as a lot of the leftover threads can be recircted within the bunker."


    As these wordse out of my mouth, I cough up more blood while the wounds all over my body pulse and burn into my flesh.


    An annoying ringing sound in my ears starts too.


    Though, I don''t bring much attention to it as I walk up the spiral stairs to leave.


    "I''m going off to find a ce to heal these wounds. It''s not safe for me to do it here. I thought it would be a good idea to check in before I left."


    There are waves and short messages of goodbye as I activate my stealth skill and leave the bunker to walk out onto the streets and fly above the housing and businesses to make my way over to the canyon of dungeons.


    I would have stayed to talk longer, but my fatigue and pain from my injuries are still rapidly getting worse.


    On my way, I get the ringly noticeable visual of the dark ck abyss on the horizon.


    Just under a thousand kilometers away, the center of the dark continent is visible to me, and the ck pir into the sky is clear as day. However, for most average eyes, all there is to see is the enormous ck abyss.


    It''s a known phenomenon in the dark continent.


    Over the years, the mass of darkness filled with mysterious invisible monsters has been creeping further and further outward every time there is a surge.


    Today, it sits dangerously close to this settlement.


    I have no idea how the darkness would react if it hit my Crimson dome. However, a new phenomenon is showing itself to me now that makes me believe I may not have to ever find out.


    Instead of the abyss staying stagnant as it usually does or creeping closer like it does during each surge, the abyss is actually receding before my eyes.


    It''s incredibly slow, maybe a few centimeters a minute right now, but my eyes are far sharper than the average hunter, so I can see its movement from all sides throughout the entire dark continent.


    shbacks of some of Celia''s memories rush through my mind, as before each was consumed by darkness, they all contracted back on a single point before erupting around the globe.


    This same phenomenon is happening now.


    All of the dark energy from the abyss is being pulled back into this enormous ck pir, like a tsunami pulling back the sea before it crashes onto thend.


    One of my top priorities right now is to enter this abyss and see what''s really happening inside.


    Two of my teammates, Luna and Arie, ventured into this darkness over two full months ago... They are still on my Rising Emperor''s domain interface, but their exact location is still unknown to me, and so are their strength levels and vitals.


    So many mysteries lie within this darkness, but I cough up anotherrge amount of blood and the ringing in my ears gets louder. This makes me shift my mindset back to figuring out a way to heal myself, fast.


    My self-regeneration skill has done its job in healing up the physical wounds as best it can, and Abby''s restoration circle has taken away some of my fatigue to give me a little extra time, but I''m far from healed.


    I could easily close my eyes right now and fall asleep. It feels like it would take weeks to naturally heal all these wounds.


    With the eyes of a True Core, and possibly others from this organization Raven mentioned called the Order watching from afar, I don''t like the idea of leaving myself and my teammates vulnerable for this long...


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    I scroll through my status while I float down into the canyon of dungeons, and one skill pops out at me that was upgraded to mythic grade during my fight against the bronze earth dragon.


    I click on [Hibernation], and far more details pop up.


    Thest time I used this skill at [Special Grade] there were two downsides: the fact that during the hibernation process my defenses will decrease by 99%, and also following hibernation my defenses would stay limited by 50% for 12 hours.


    Now, with the grade pushed up two ranks to [Mythic Grade], there is only a 10% decrease in defenses while hibernating, and no more post-hibernation debuffs. Once the process isplete, the user ispletely healed.


    While this is a great perk, it isn''t the one that catches my eye the most.


    When I choose to activate the skill, four possible options pop up that weren''t avablest time.


    __________


    [Use Hibernation] [Mythic Grade]


    Cure: Mana Fatigue[Jay Soju], Soul Energy Fatigue[Jay Soju], Divine Energy Fatigue[Jay Soju], Divine Energy Poisoning [Jay Soju], Divine Energy Internal Combat Injuries [Jay Soju]


    [Slow Mode]


    Cost: 465.22 Million MP


    Time: 510.8 Days [YES][NO]


    [Basic Mode]


    Cost: 95.09 Billion MP


    Time: 140.1 Days [YES][NO]


    [Express Mode]


    Cost: 212.43 Trillion MP


    Time: 6.0 Days [YES][NO]


    [Emergency Mode]


    Cost: 276.95 Quadrillion MP


    Time:


    __________


    My eyes widen, and my stomach drops as I read out all my injuries and the timeframes at the top of the list of options.


    While the timeframes at the bottom of the list look far more reasonable, especially thest one which is near-instant, the amount of mana necessary to activate this option is more than there is avable in this entire canyon of dungeons.


    Every dungeon in herebined, and even thebyrinth itself with over 60 floors, still only reaches single-digit percentage amounts of what I need to activate the [Emergency Mode] option.


    My fantasy of just going to sleep and waiting this out may have been a bit too optimistic.


    As I touch down in front of a random unattended stable E-ss dungeon, the reality of this situation sinks in.


    It took me months to farm all of that mana and consolidate it into the project I''m working on.


    Thisbyrinth beneath the Crimson dome has monsters inside that reach levels that just peak over 3000.


    Every floor added to thebyrinth needs increasingly more and more mana. The higher floors needed hundreds of trillions of farmed MP to grow higher. Growing it another 10 to 15 more floors would cost about the same amount of MP necessary toplete this emergency hibernation. This massive exponential increase in necessary mana is part of the reason mybyrinth has stalled in its growth.


    However, these thoughts lead me to remember there are two otherbyrinths I''ve been in before that have even more powerful floors than the one I''m building up.


    "Maybe those will be enough..."


    I smirk while my divine energy-imbued wounds burn my insides, and I grit my teeth again as more blood trickles from my mouth, and now my nose.


    Then, I step forward into the E-Grade portal and dungeon walk to the 43rd floor of the Vice Citybyrinth.


    I''m left in an empty boss room and pull out the remains of the boss from my item storage that I''ve been waiting to drop here.


    I stand with my arms crossed and my eyes closed as I concentrate on healing the best I can until white transport magic brings me up to the next boss room.


    The Vice Citybyrinth is designed much differently than my own back in the Crimson City.


    While mine will have wide-open floors full of monsters on each level all the way to the top from 1-99, and an extra boss room at the end of each one until the final guardian floor at the top, the Vice Citybyrinth works differently.


    I remember scrolling through thebyrinth options when I created mine, and thisyout feels like the option that gives normal free-reign monster floors from 1-40, and special guardian floors on floors 20, and 40-59, until the final 60th floor where the demon and dragon should stand.


    This is, after all, if enough mana and luminite are given to thebyrinth to grow.


    My ownbyrinth isn''t fully matured yet, but the fact that this one was owned by Mr. Freeman and has been active in Vice City for decades makes me believe it will have far more mana than my own.


    I don''t wait for the 44th floor to fully spawn in, I just locate the boss and send a single spear of earth magic wrapped in a minimal amount of True Core threads through the monster''s head.


    It falls to the boss room floor before the terrain for this room even fully develops.


    I''m left standing in silence in a small mana-simtion of a thick dark forest boss room for a few minutes before the transport magic shes and I''m teleported to the 45th floor.


    Again, I kill the boss monster before the floor even fully forms while standing with my arms still crossed and my eyes closed tight, continuing to heal my body as more blood streams from the corners of my lips, my nose, and now my eyes.


    It takes a full 19 minutes to reach the 52nd floor.


    The ringing in my ears bes almost unbearable, and my temples begin to pulse with my heartbeat as blood even trickles from my ears too.


    The levels of the monsters I insta-kill rise by 300-700 every floor, rising above level 6000.


    None of the monsters on any of the floors below were notable fighters at all. With only mana as their energy source in their arsenal, I quite literally beat them all with my arms crossed and eyes closed.


    As I make it to this final floor, at first I''m disappointed to feel the presence of a demon core so early.


    I was hoping thisbyrinth would be fully matured up to the 60th floor, and maybe I would even gain some more levels, but the mana required to maintain such high hopes is understandably unattainable...


    Letting out a sigh, I open my bleeding eyes and prepare to have a short chat with the guardians of thisbyrinth, but as the final floor consolidates before me, I''m struck with a sight I wasn''t expecting to see.


    I won''t have to subjugate the guardians of this floor because it looks like someone else already did.


    In the center of a dark,, wide-open circr standard cave-like boss room, an archdemon with long red hornsys in its center motionless, like it''s asleep on a b of ck stone.


    It is made of the same material as both Monk''s temple and the pir in the center of the Dark Continent.


    The even more eerie detail here is that there is no dragon in sight.


    Many questions race through my mind as I take a few steps forward, but the pain from my wounds and the mental fatigue override my curiosity.


    To bepletely safe, I form a dense crystal sphere around the demon, and imbue it with some of my True Core''s threads.


    Then, I sit down in the lotus position about 50 meters away from the sleeping demon and activate my mythic-grade plunderer skill while selecting the [Emergency Mode] hibernation option.


    "My curiosity can wait until I''m healed..." I mutter in a coarse tone as the ringing in my ears vibrates like urgent rms in my head.


    There''s a surge of energy that makes my entire body glow bright white. Then, as it fades, a dark red aura starts to expand from my Soul Energy core.


    I allow my plunderer skill to fully activate with no concern for my surroundings, remembering back to the times Ember drained the Titans'' domain and copsed full dungeons in the past. This same ominous all consuming red glow emanates from me now as I do the same.


    Instead of directly converting this mana in the air into pure usable MP for my own system interface to use, I just allow it to flow through me directly into the mythic-grade hibernation''s activation fee.


    The [0/276.95 Quadrillion MP ] hibernation meter quickly begins to rise, and simultaneously a warm and soothing feeling washes over me as I lose consciousness.

 Chapter 619

    Chapter 619


    During myst hibernation process, when I was cleansing my body of demonic energy poisoning, I was fully unconscious until the process wasplete.


    This time, it''s a little different.


    While my fully alert and conscious decision-making mind is asleep, my passive perception abilities and the absurd rise in power keep the back of my mind semi-aware of my surroundings.


    The dark red plunderer aura grows in size, filling the entire boss room and seeping into the very fabric of thebyrinth itself.


    Trillions of MP flow through my body every few seconds, drained from the entire 52-floor structure, and channeled directly into the activation of my mythic-grade hibernation skill.


    Every few minutes, I feel the odd sensation of an entirebyrinth floor copsing beneath me, its essence disappearing from reality, much like those dungeons out in the desert vanishing into thin air when I was farming them months ago.


    There''s an initial click that vibrates in my mind, like a breaking point, then a woosh as all the stored-up mana is greedily absorbed by my passive plundering.


    While the quadrillions of MP flow through me, I''m not actively using this mana. Only a small percentage is being applied to my mana control. However, even that small percentage is enormous and will more than double the amount of mana control I gained during my entire battle with the true cores out in the desert''s dead zone.


    These calctions are an afterthought, as my mind is running on autopilot while the clicks and whooshes of floors being copsed and absorbed race through my mind one after another.I can''t tell how much time is passing or how close I am to the final hibernation goal, but I know it''s working, and there''s no longer any reason to worry.


    The rhythmic sounds echo in my consciousness as my body fills with a warm light, healing from the inside out with hundreds of quadrillions of MP.


    Everything seems to be working perfectly¡ªuntil the clicking and whooshes stop.


    The final floor of thebyrinth is absorbed, yet the hibernation bar that continues to tick up is only at [238.40/276.95 Quadrillion MP], and the boss room itself begins to fade out of existence as my aura of plundering does not slow down.


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Telepathy


    Upgrade: Mythic


    [YES] [NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Body Double


    Upgrade: Mythic


    [YES] [NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 6,023,954,200,642


    [YES] [NO]


    As thebyrinth fully copses, the demon linked as its guardian dies as a result, leaving behind only an Arch Demon''s core with absorption text floating above it, waiting for me to ept.


    I would instantly press yes on all three of these options if I were fully awake, but the only thing my mind wants to do right now is gather thesest few dozen trillion MP to finish my hibernation process.


    The red aura continues to grow outward, now centered in the dungeon hub of Vice City, and it starts to creep throughout the city, triggering catastrophic events.


    All the mana-powered streetlights, crosswalks, and public transportation are instantly drained of the mana that keeps them running.


    My aura seeps deep into the structure of the dungeon hub itself.


    Countless tunnels of high B and A-grade mana shielding, which form the underground dungeon hub for tens of kilometers in every direction, simultaneously lose their buzzing sounds as mana is forcibly ripped out of them by my aura.


    Therge Vice City Association buildings, made of high-grade shielding, with bunkers and vaults full of mana crystals, are drained instantly as well.


    All around the city, the air pressure drops as everyst particle of ambient mana within a 100-kilometer radius is drained away, leaving everyone''s MP bars, no matter their status, at zero.


    Merchants at low levels and high C and B-ss hunters try to resist the eerie red wave of light tinting the city, but it''s futile.


    All of the hundreds of dungeons scattered throughout the city and the surrounding forest regions are affected too.


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Every single dungeon within my aura drops by roughly 50% of its mana reserves in minutes. New dungeons begin to break from rapid destabilization, while others, previously on the verge of copse, have their excess mana instantly cleansed and stabilize again.


    No one knows what''s happening...


    First, three powerful surges ripple across the entire region. Then, from the epicenter of the dungeon hub, where the Vice City Labyrinth used to sit, a deadly aura drains half of the region''s mana in minutes.


    The ominous, all-consuming red aura finally stops spreading and disappears in an instant, allowing the blue sky to shine overhead once more.


    At the same time, I finally wake up, gasping for air as I try to conceptualize the fractured memories rushing through my mind from when I was asleep.


    [Emergency Mode Hibernation Complete!]


    [276.95/276.95 Quadrillion MP Consumed!]


    [Cured: Mana Fatigue (Jay Soju), Soul Energy Fatigue (Jay Soju), Divine Energy Fatigue (Jay Soju), Divine Energy Poisoning (Jay Soju), Divine Energy Internal Combat Injuries (Jay Soju)]


    These words ring in my mind as I look down at the floor to find I''m standing on the frame of deactivated mana shielding.


    I''m inside a small box, and I deduce that this is where the Vice City Labyrinth used to be...


    I vaguely remember entering this room once. There was arge green spinning portal, locked away behind multiple armed guards and high-security doors.


    Now, all that''s left is arge ck b of rock that gives off no aura at all.


    It was where the demony motionless when I reached the top of thisbyrinth in a severely injured, brain-fogged state.


    I instantly ept the two mythic-grade skill upgrades and the extra mana control, then open a small spatial magic portal to let the Arch Demon core and mysterious b of rock into my storage.


    At the same time, I look down at my body in awe.


    "It worked..."


    I have no idea how much time has passed or the true extent of the destruction my mindless plundering stunt caused in the Vice Region, but my body ispletely healed.


    My True Core is cycling energy perfectly, and not a single thread is out of ce in my body.


    I feel as good as new... If not, better. The hundreds of quadrillions of MP that used me as a vessel to power my hibernation skill may not have all directly added to my mana control, but it feels like my ability to absorb and control immense amounts of energy has risen exponentially.


    I''ve never handled that much energy at once before, but now that my body and mind have experienced it, it feels far more natural. Even at a fraction of that scale, utilizing this power in offensive or defensive maneuvers during battle could elevate me to a whole new level.


    I feel incredible. Like I''ve slept for months, and my muscles and bones have healed and be stronger.


    I''ve only slept a few hours a month for thest few months, training to be strong enough to defeat the Lich King, then preparing for the B-ss exams, and even during the exams themselves, staying on guard and leveling up inside the Divine Construct.


    I had small respites, but never a full reset.


    My mind feelspletely clear, and my body is as light as a feather.


    I instantly take advantage of my two new mythic-grade skills, activating stealth and walking right out of the deactivated mana-shieldedbyrinth room.


    The streets and association workers are in chaos as I activate a telepathic link with all of my doubles simultaneously.


    "I''m going to need arge amount of mana crystals farmed and a team from the Crimson Army to help restore the Vice Region. I''ve left quite the mess here..."


    No further exnation is needed, as with my new mythic-grade body double perk, all memories are instantly shared between my main body and my other three.


    There''s no longer any timeg or mysteries between us. It''s like my consciousness is split into four parts, and I can choose which ones to focus on or put on the backburner.


    My double, currently in the Apex Region with Rodrigo and Bri, replies.


    "On it, we were just finishing up here. I''ll notify the army right now. Plus, it''s been almost two hours since you left. I''ll be happy to notify our teammates of your sessful healing process."


    I then activate the second new perk of my mythic-grade body double upgrade¡ªthe ability to use teleportation magic to instantly swap ces with any of my three linked doubles.


    In an instant, a sh of white light in the Apex and Vice Regions simultaneously blinks, and I find myself in one of the isted A-ss-only resting suites at the Apex Region''s Association Headquarters.


    Bri and Rodrigo stare at me with confused looks as my mana control vanishes from the room.


    I grin and look down at the stacks of papers and ns we''vee up with in thest few hours, letting the memories of my double rush in so we can continue our meeting.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, far off to the west, thousands of kilometers away, Raven flies high in the air. She''s carrying an important package that was picked up from the lobby of the Apex Region''s headquarters amidst all the chaos.


    While my double, Bri, Rodrigo, and all the higher-grade hunters were off subjugating the breaks all throughout the region, the beautiful white statue of a dragon in the main hall was stolen by a woman using a divine stealth ability.


    It rests safely in her item box as she flies through the skies at speeds far exceeding anything someone without a true core could hope to reach.


    Every ten minutes or so, she drinks one of the bright green potions gifted to her as the divine energy-imbued wounds begin burning into her body and soul.


    The mythic-grade potions are enough to temporarily stave off the pain, but even she knows they won''t be enough to heal herpletely. The thought at the back of her mind is that the 200 yellow fragments from delivering this package should be enough to treat her wounds.


    However, after the first cough of blood spreads through the air following her final potion, doubt creeps in.


    She approaches arge white mansion deep inside a jungle, with no other viges or civilization for hundreds of kilometers in any direction.


    The mansion has hundreds of windows and a long, white central walkway cutting through a cleared out portion of the jungle, leading to the entrance of the mysterious mansion.


    As Raven descends into the jungle, she deactivates her stealth ability and begins slowly walking down the white pathway. Along the path, numerous art pieces line the way.


    Massive ogres holding axes, long-tailed serpents with venomous fangs, an army of stone golems, a humongous minotaur, and even smaller creatures like goblins, wolves, and slimes.


    They all share the same lifelike appearance and shimmering white color just like the dragon statue Raven holds in her item box.


    Every hundred meters along the walkway, there''s a statue missing, where it seems the collector is waiting for a new masterpiece to disy.


    Raven''s slow, rhythmic footsteps echo closer and closer to the four massive cylindrical pirs in front of the staircase leading up to the mansion''s entrance.


    She coughs blood again, holding her mouth shut so as not to ruin the pristine disys, and the two massive front doors creak open.

 Chapter 620

    Chapter 620


    My gaze sweeps over all the maps, regional contracts, and Association Hunter names scattered on the work table in front of me.


    Bri and Rodrigo are across the room, and the meeting that''s been going on for about an hour floods back into my mind in full detail.


    We pick up right where we left off, while simultaneously, the double that swapped ces with me activates mind links with my two other doubles, and a mass farming expedition begins.


    I just absorbed arge amount of mana from the densest part of the Vice Region.


    Over time, the natural ambient mana will gradually seep back into the affected area, a lot of the public transport, lighting, and protective shielding of the dungeon hub won''t just be fixed overnight.


    This is why I''ve tasked my doubles, and now every avable member of the Crimson Army, to help me farm pure mana as quickly as possible.


    In a matter of minutes, I''ve organized a well-oiled machine, funneling vast amounts of mana crystals from all the rogue dungeons I have ess to throughout the Dark Continent and the 8 Great Regions, farming millions of MP every minute.


    Though it would take years at this rate to gather enough mana to restore the entire Vice Region to its former state, that isn''t my goal.


    The first thing I restore using my craftsmanship interface and my new imbuement skill is the power to the crosswalks and train systems, returning them to their former working state.This simple fix alleviates the overall panic among the general public, and the Association workers on duty can more easily manage the civilians.


    Next, I imbue the entire dungeon hub''s shielding system with just enough mana to ensure that basic E and D-grade breaches won''t allow monsters to spew into the streets.


    I focus on the most vtile dungeons, reinforcing their shields with C and B-grade mana supplies, but it takes millions of MP just toplete a small section of shielding at this level, so I limit these high-priority areas.


    To ensure I haven''t identally liquidated the assets of all the smaller merchants in town, I discreetly drop off a few hundred thousand MP worth of mana crystals at each stall, using my stealth skill to remain unnoticed.


    Therger institutions, guilds, and the Association itself likely stockpile their wealth in gold and real estate. They can handle the short term minor losses, and they can be reimbursedter by filing ims with the Association headquarters. Since I''m in charge now, it''ll be sorted out after the emergency passes.


    However, some smaller merchants likely hold a significant portion of their wealth in pure mana, and a few days without it could be detrimental to their families or livelihoods. I don''t mind ying it safe and giving them extra now, even if they didn''t lose as much as I''m gifting.


    One of my doubles even heads to smaller neighboring towns and viges caught in the plundered radius and does the same.


    In less than half an hour, the entire affected area of the Vice Region is stabilized, and arger catastrophe has been averted.


    Meanwhile, in my main body, I''ve wrapped up my meeting with Bri and Rodrigo beneath the Apex Region.


    I stand up from the table we''ve been sitting around and nod.


    "Good. You''ll send out a transmissionter tonight once themotion from today''s surges dies down. I want a meeting here with all registered B and A-ss hunters in the 8 Great Regions. Make sure all the Regional Directors attend as well. As the new stand-in for Mr. Freeman, I''ll be announcing our official trade partnership with the me Emperor. The 8 Great Regions and the Dark Continent will soon merge as one."


    Bri finishes calcting the numbers and the estimated profit increase we''ll make by controlling the Apex Region''s funds and power over the other 7 regions.


    Stacks of papers now tally the new demand for gear and items necessary to run this entire branch of the Association.


    While much of the crafting and manufacturing is done in-house here in the Apex Region, we''ll gradually rece every worker with our loyal craftsmen¡ªcitizens of the Crimson City.


    New ess to the thousands of dungeons across the nation will lead to far more gear and potion crafting options, and, of course, thebyrinth one floor below us.


    Rodrigo taps away on his silver tablet, organizing a lot of the information discussed today on a private database. He types up drafts for the transmissions he''ll send to many hunters and higher-upster tonight to begin scheduling a meeting where I''ll officially take over the Apex Region Director''s identity and establish the new rules for this soon-to-be dual nation kingdom.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    While everything seems to being together perfectly, and today''s events have been contained and stabilizedpletely, an odd sensation tickles the back of my mind.


    I don''t mention it as I turn toward the door to leave, sure that neither of the others in the room can sense what I''m feeling.


    It''s that same peculiar well of gravity pulsing in the back of my mind. Two of them, actually...


    The signal is far to the west, and the pulsing is incredibly weak.


    It''s so faint that, if I wasn''t at full health and strength after hibernating in the Vice Region, I don''t think I would''ve noticed it at all.


    One is very familiar¡ªit''s Raven''s. The other is one I''ve never felt before, and it''s incredibly powerful. I''m certain it''s another True Core...


    ¡ª


    Just minutes ago, as my doubles were restoring the city I had drained of mana and my meeting concluded, Raven watches the two white doors of a deste mansion in the dark jungle region swing open.


    She takes a few dozen steps up the pristine white stairs until she finally reaches the entrance, where the 20-meter-high doorse to a halt, leaving therge mansion''s entrance hall exposed.


    Inside, countless art pieces, seemingly crafted from the same glossy white material, line the outer edges of the room.


    Enormous High Orcs, Evolved Yetis, Lizardmen, and various types of golems and humanoid monsters like Berserker Giants and unique species stand along the walls.


    Some hold weapons, others wear armor, and a few are disyed on pedestals and wall mounts.


    Hundreds of lifelike monsters fill this mysterious mansion as Raven steps inside and walks down the ominously quiet hall.


    She calls out confidently, her voice echoing down the long corridor.


    "I''ve got what you asked for¡ªthe Dragon from the Apex Region. Now pay me what''s mine."


    She doesn''t slow her pace, and the mansion remains eerily silent despite its doors having opened just moments ago.


    There''s not a single sound¡ªnot even the buzz of insects or the calls of animals from the dense jungle surrounding this ce.


    It''s as if all the wildlife knows to steer clear of the pristine pce guarded by marble-white statue sentinels.


    As Raven makes her way about 30 meters inside, the faint sound of heavy breathing breaks the silence. It''s the same rhythmic noise she heard over the transmission device long before her battle in the desert.


    She speaks again, pulling out the item box from her waist as she approaches two massive winding staircases that ascend on both sides of the hall.


    "It''s right here. Hand over the payment, and I''ll be on my way¡ª"


    Before she can finish, a piercing ringing echoes in her ears, and she violently coughs up blood onto the pristine white floor of the mansion.


    Gritting her teeth, Raven ignores the pain, holding up the item box and waiting for a response.


    The heavy breathing halts a momentter, and the yellow light of another True Core res up from the back of the second floor above.


    Hundreds of thin white threads, imbued with silky smooth, barely visible yellow divine energy, burst from above and curve down toward Raven.


    She doesn''t flinch, and, as a result, the microscopic threads stop right in front of her, consolidating into a single white strand that snatches the item box from her hand.


    Common sense would dictate that as the threads merge, they''d be thicker, but the single thread remains just as thin as before.


    Without enhanced senses or perception stats of at least a level 5000 hunter, and a True Core''s enhancement, it would appear as if the item box floated out of Raven''s hand on its own and disappeared into the second floor.


    A trickle of blood drips from Raven''s nose, and the hundreds of internal wounds across her body burn with an intensity that makes her wince.


    At the same time, a silver containment case, held up by a nearly invisible white thread, floats down from the balcony above.


    It halts as Raven lifts her hands to ept it, the bright yellow divine fragments clearly visible through the transparent top. She nods and ces the case into another small item box on her waist.


    As the single thread splits into hundreds and spirals back up into the top floor, an entric voice echoes through the mansion.


    "How about the me Emperor? I wanted him alive too¡ªa rogue force that pushed the 8 Great Regions to copse right before the awakening of the throne. Now that would be quite the piece for my new collection."


    His tone wavers unpredictably, mispronouncing words in a way that is deeply unsettling.


    Raven shakes her head, coughing up more blood.


    "It was too risky to try and capture him alive... As you can see, he did a number on me..."


    Another pool of crimson liquid stains the pristine white floor as she walks away, speaking again.


    "You got what you wanted. I''m not here to catch up. I need to heal for the uing battle. Our pact of immunity will soon be over, and I need to be ready."


    She takes a few steps, but the threads from the second floor hover, poised as if to attack.


    The man''s voice echoes once more, and the bright yellow glow of his True Core res from above.


    "You''re right... our alliance will be ending. But even so... You can''t leave so soon... I must know what happened today. Tell me your side of the story¡ªthe one who saved us from the me Emperor''s evil reign."


    He pauses for a few seconds, thinking to himself, then his tone bes even more erratic tinged with madness.


    "The invisible fighter who still bleeds crimson blood like us. Raven, the savior of the Order. The valiant warrior who defended those who sacrificed their entire lives in search of the Originators offering. Yes... this is it. This is even better than having the me Emperor himself. Your scars tell an even more magnificent story. I''ve just found inspiration for my next masterpiece."


    The man''s tone wavers even more, and theugh of an insane artist gets louder and louder while his yellow core illuminates the mansion.


    Lining the walls of the top floor above the entrance hall, dozens of human statues are disyed.


    Hunters holding swords and shields, old and young, in all kinds of styles that look like they''re from recent times and others that look like they''re from decades ago.


    The hundreds of shimmering threads dive toward Raven, and, in response, she draws two silver des. Her own True Core shines brightly, and the hundreds of internal wounds across her body pulse with the same dense yellow light.

 Chapter 621

    Chapter 621


    Raven''s silver des swing upward to block the iing white threads.


    Her greater form activates at the same time, and a reality-bending ripple of divine energy shakes the white mansion.


    All of the statues, walls, floor, and ceiling shake, but somehow they all withstand the intense pressure of two true Cores colliding.


    The thick forest outside, however, is not so resistant to the energy waves.


    Kilometers of forest outside the mansion are vaporized, and even further out, the shockwave uproots trees even more tens of kilometers away.


    Lingering portions of this attack ripple far out to vibrate through the 8 Great Regions to the east.


    The bulk of the shimmering strands are stopped dead in their tracks by the silver des tethered with divine energy, but on contact, they ssh outward, multiplying into hundreds more.


    They''re both graceful and terrifying as they shimmer and bend to flood the room and avoid Raven''s upward sh.


    The movement of the threads is unpredictable, acting as if they''ll shoot down in one direction but spinning and twisting off into multiple separate unexpected angles, while multiplying into more in some directions and consolidating back into single strands in others.Raven twists her body out of the way, lunging toward the open doors at the exit of the mansion, but more and more threads burst out from the strands she just dodged.


    An borate, constantly moving prison of threads fills the room, and she yells out loud while more blood trickles out from her nose and mouth.


    "You can''t do this... It''s against the code. If you kill me here, you will be punished by the others. We cannot fight until the throne has awakened¡ª"


    As she yells out those words, more vtile white threadse shooting her way from all angles.


    There''s no way to block them all, so Raven uses her True Core''s hidden defense ability, and at every contact point that the shimmering threads hit, small portions of her body disappear from reality, allowing the white threads to phase right through.


    She scowls and changes her positioning again, taking a lunge toward the open exit doors, but a violent burning sensation pulses through her body, and the ringing in her ears intensifies.


    The sudden jolt of pain disrupts her movements and makes the portions of her body that are in her divine stealth-empowered pocket dimension phase in and out of reality.


    Even as she lunges out of the way at full force, a few dozen of the white strands still manage to sink into her flesh, nting their roots in her right shoulder and left leg.


    Dense streams of True Core''s divine energy surge through the strands from the source at the back of the mansion, and the distortedugh of insanity echoes through therge open room again.


    "Raven, my dear. You are making my masterpiece even more satisfying. You have yet to see, you are already dead."


    The white strands of energy start to glow with a yellow light as more divine energy is channeled into them, surging into the points that have already taken root in Raven''s body.


    As the divine light builds up, the hundreds of internal wounds all over her body pulse and burn brighter, making the ringing in the silver sword wielder''s ears grow louder and louder.


    Even through the pain, she doesn''t hesitate to reactivate her stealth ability butes to the horrifying realization that it won''t be enough.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the vition.


    As her entire body disappears from reality, the two collections of white strands still stay connected.


    Her entire being is invisible, but the two rooted anchors still show her exact location and grow deeper into her flesh, wriggling and tethering to every cell in her body they touch. White blotches of material, like moving marble, appear in the room in the shape of her left knee and right shoulder.


    Another painful burning surge ripples through her body as the divine energy poisoning and fatigue get far worse, especially while she uses her greater form and full power now.


    She shes back to reality, and more puddles of blood cover the floor as the mad artist''s voice echoes through her mind along with the ringing that sounds like rm bells ring.


    "Your True Core''s signal on our transmission tablets has been fading ever since the surges began. It will be an epic tale. Raven, the invisible savior, who gave her life to battle the me Emperor just days before the throne showed itself. None of the other members of the Order will think any differently of the situation; none of them will doubt my words when I say you came here and died of natural injuries on my front steps. Our mortal bodies cannot withstand this True Core''s power, this is why we seek the throne, after all."


    Raven''s eyes widen as the ringing gets louder and louder, making the end of the man''s speech harder to hear.


    She does know that what he''s saying is true.


    Raven''s battle with the me Emperor was the most exhrating moment of her entire life. In all her decades of cultivating, there was never an opponent that dared to push their body to the limits like that.


    Everyone''s fear of death always held them back.


    Their fear of injury or overburdening their core, not allowing them to properly ascend.


    Everyone in the Order patiently waited and never allowed their true potential to be tested for fear of failure once they reached the final stage.


    It is this careful and calcted strategy that brought them this far, but as Raven reys thest few hours of her life on repeat in her head, she questions if this is truly the way to live. The exponential growth of the fighter she battled in the desert is like nothing she''s ever seen before, it gives her a spark of extra motivation to jumpstart her decaying mind out from the deafening ringing.


    She lets out a yell to match its rhythm and doesn''t hesitate to use her divine energy-imbued des to slice off her own arm from the infected shoulder and arge amount of her right leg, then slips away into a pocket dimension for a few fractions of a second before the next burning pulse electrifies her system.


    She phases out and away from the densest portion of white threads but is still paralyzed with pain, sliding across the entire entrance hall to leave a long crimson trail of blood across the white floor.


    More echoes of madughter fill the room as a tall,nky man walks down one of the curved staircases that leads from the top floor down to the bottom.


    His shiny shoes, long pants, and well-fit suit are all exactly the same shade of white as the pce around him.


    Hundreds of threads vibrate and glisten out of the ends of his sleeves where his hands should be, and where his head would lie, a jumbled vtile rotating ball of thousands of white threads is in its ce.


    Wordse out from the center of the ball of threads as he creeps closer to Raven''s body as her core pulses violently, and the scars inside her body burn bright through her bloody armor and flesh.


    "Fighting even in your final seconds... Maybe a warrior like you should have been the one to im the throne. As the Originators text states, they have left us the key, and one that never stops climbing may one day unlock the door."


    He lets out a sigh.


    "Reality isn''t kind to fairy tales... but don''t worry, I will make sure this art is not forgotten."


    Strands of countless white threads flood all around the room and retrieve Raven''s severed limbs, while the other half plunges deep into herst remaining good leg and arm, pulling her upright and bringing all of the pieces of her body together to stand tall in the entrance of the mansion. She''s now overlooking an endless forest of downed trees and an untouched walkway of statues trailing off into it.


    The ringing in Raven''s ears has grown so loud that the man''s words hardly reach her.


    "You will be the pinnacle piece in my collection, I tell you that is certain. Once I walk through the door to the other side, I promise to bring you and all of my masterpieces with me."


    The pain surging through every cell in her being makes it impossible to move.


    Her limbs are reconnected, and the man made of threads stands right behind her while her arms and legs begin to turn hard and marble white, just like the countless statues littering this mansion.


    Her des are gripped tightly in a fighting stance, and there are bright yellow-pulsing scars shining through the threads as they seep deeper up her legs, down her shoulders, and start to creep up her neck.


    The sound of heavy breathing, identical to the noises heard from the transmission tablet not long ago, is all Raven hears as the ringing takes over her mind.


    Just as she''s about to lose consciousness entirely, a bright yellow sh of light appears from the East.


    Raven can''t tell if this is a hallucination, as just moments ago she was reying her favorite battle of all time in her head. Now, the presence of a True Core that feels just like the me Emperor''s is approaching rapidly, and it''s even stronger than it was when they shed...

 Chapter 622

    Chapter 622


    As I leave the A-ss suites and step into the elevator, another pulse of divine energy ripples into my consciousness.


    Raven''s is even weaker, bing overshadowed by a bright True Core far away.


    If I were in my greater form and released my full perception, I could get a better view of what''s happening.


    Instead of making my way toward the surface, I press the button to head down toward thebyrinth on the 20th floor, believing this will be a faster way to leave this base deep within the ground.


    Many theories race through my mind, but none of them are concrete as the true nature of the silver sword wielder is still a mystery to me.


    In my double''s memories while I was recovering, I caught a glimpse of the empty entrance hall of this fortress and recalled Raven''s words that she would be visiting the Apex Region to pick up a package.


    I piece together that she took the white dragon statue for some reason, and the only other clue she mentioned in our short exchange was that she''s part of an organization called The Order.


    Prior to today, I never knew any other True Cores even existed on this, and now they''re making themselves known left and right...


    The elevator hits the bottom floor, and I waste no time activating my stealth skill and flying forward to dive straight into the glowing green portal at the back of the room.Less than a secondter, I''ve dungeon-walked to the furthest dungeon to the west in all of the 8 Great Regions I have ess to.


    I then exit to find myself in the outside world and soar high up into the sky, away from any civilization, before activating my greater form and letting out a pulse of pure True Core perception.


    To the west, in the direction the pulses came from, a whole new portion of the world I''ve never seen before bes clear.


    Past the furthest western portion of the 8 Great Regions, there are enormous barrennds full ofrgekes, hundreds of kilometers wide, and vast stretches of forest that rise upon mountains and fall deep into valleys.


    Wildlife and dungeons fill thesends, and small self-sufficient civilizations can be seen around a few of thekes. However, the further I let my sense reach out, the fewer humans I sense.


    My mind settles on a portion of dense forest about 500 kilometers in diameter that has no dungeons and not a single wild animal in its vicinity.


    A white marble pcees into my senses, and the imagery of pristine white monster statues lining a walkway to its open front doorses to the forefront of my mind while freshly obliterated trees surround the white mansion atop a small hill.


    Inside, it is hard to sense exactly what is happening, as the entire white structure glows brightly with yellow divine energy, as if it''s alive.


    I make a split-second decision and propel myself forward toward the structure.


    My senses of the woman I just fought are fluctuating and pulsing, and every time they do, her baseline of energy bes weaker.


    This is exactly what I remember my own mind, body, and core experiencing when the wounds ravaging my being were catching up to me.


    She seems to have been far tougher than I was if shested this long, but it seems the divine energy poison is catching up with her.


    Not only that, but there is another True Core present, taking advantage of her weakness.


    If our battle in the desert had gone on any longer, we probably would have continued fighting and died together.


    Or even more probable, she could have used that extension of her ability that makes portions of her body disappear to wear me down, forcing me to retreat or use abilities that would lead to the first possibility.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences elsewhere.


    Instead, she offered me advice, stuck to her words of not harming my people, and indirectly helped me unlock new levels of power in my True Core after defeating her dragon and using my abilities to their full potential.


    If it wasn''t a true fight to the death, I wouldn''t have been able to push myself to such high limits.


    I have no idea who this woman is or what her true intentions are, but I get the gut feeling that saving her will be my only way to learn more about The Order and the awakening of the throne...


    Using every high-speed skill, buff, and special perk in my arsenal, I rocket across the skies toward the white mansion.


    More pulses of yellow lighte out of it, only growing stronger as Raven''s grows weaker.


    I get the blurry visual of her bloody figure sliding across the entrance of the mansion with limbs missing, then a tall,nky figure holding her captive at the front entrance of the white mansion, while white threads continue to tether deep into her body.


    The closer I get, the more insight into this other True Core''s ability I receive. As I watch Raven''s arms and legs reconnect to her body and turn to white stone, the unexpected emotion of anger that washes over me confirms I will do whatever I can to save her.


    A noble fighter doesn''t deserve a fate like this...


    For some reason, I can''t sense the exact position of this True Core to get a read on his status, but his abilities are like thin spider webs that multiply at will. Whatever they touch is susceptible to being assimted into an ever-growing collection of these threads that almost have a mind of their own...


    As they attempt to seep into her pulsing midsection, where her core burns brightly, they face resistance. As the threads creep up her neck, reality and a state of delusion mix in her mind.


    The bright yellow sh of divine light is thest thing she sees.


    This is when I pull out my two des ande rocketing through the front entrance of the mansion without slowing down.


    I soar over Raven''s head, missing her by millimeters while slicing through the hundreds of white threads connected to all four of her limbs.


    There is a hint of resistance, but the amount of divine energy surging through them isn''t close to the same amount I have charged up in my des after fully recovering and not holding back in my strike at all.


    Everyst one of the strings snaps, and I follow through with my swing to slice the thinnky man in half vertically, sending crescents of Soul Energy enhanced by my True Core straight through the mansion''s floor and deep underground.


    The man made of threads breaks into countless pieces, and the entire mansion shudders.


    My speed from the flight over still hasn''t slowed, so I continue flying forward until I hit the base of the staircases at the back of the room, making the mansion rattle again.


    The white marble texture stops moving up Raven''s neck and toward her core, but my senses are still on high alert, as I know this isn''t over.


    There was no presence of a True Core in that manifestation I just cut down.


    It was strong, imbued with about the same strength as the bronze dragon, but I feel the majority of this being''s energy still coursing through the walls and floors of the mansion itself.


    I send out a dense wave of perception, and now I''m able to see inside where I couldn''t before.


    Every fiber of this ce is vibrating with divine threads, and they''re alling from a single point, far at the back of the second floor.


    A dense, hot True Core sits at the back of the mansion, but it is hidden behind thousands ofyers of thin white webbing, like a hardened marble sphere.


    I can''t tell exactly who or what''s inside, or how strong exactly the core is, but I know this is where all of the danger ising from.


    As soon as my head turns up and toward the source, three more tall men jump down from the second floor with jumbles of white string for a face and arms that spew silky divine webs.


    Each one of them has the same amount of divine strength as the single manifestation I cut down before. I''d expect more manifestations to equate to the power being spread thinner, but this isn''t the case.


    Still, with pure force and the overpowering nature of my attacks, I''m able to jump upward and spin my des to cut through all three of the manifestations in a single rotation.


    As soon as they''re sliced through, they too fall to the floor of the mansion like a lifeless jumble of spider''s web. Divine energy doesn''t even stay imbued in these parts; it seeps back into the floor and walls, traveling to the source.


    Following through with my upward sh, I make it to the second floor of the mansion and take in the full view of the dozens of human statues that line the long walkway toward the massive marble ball at its back.


    My greater form isrge, but the high ceilings in this mansion make it so my full energy body doesn''t even reach halfway to the ceiling.


    As the light from my burning hot des illuminates the entire corridor, an even brighter glow pulses from the massive marble at the back of the mansion, and a loud entricugh echoes through my mind, as if direct telepathy is being used.


    Then, a voice enters my head too, but it doesn''t feel like it''s talking to me. It''s more like mad rambling.


    "Yes... This is it.... The hero arrives. A ming manes to save the invisible warrior he knows nothing about, only to burn both of their dreams to ash. In all my years, decades of searching, I''ve wanted to craft the perfect piece. Day after day, night after night, there was truly no perfect moment in time worth capturing... Until now..."


    As his words stop, the two front doors of the mansion swing shut with a bang.


    Simultaneously, every one of the human statues turns its head toward me, and their eyes glow bright yellow beneath the hard white exterior.

 Chapter 623

    Chapter 623


    I feel the outside world bing far less visible to my senses.


    Through the two holes in the mansion floor where I shed with my full-powered attack to free Raven from the threads, I can still send a weaker pulse of perception through it.


    However, the outside world isn''t my main concern right now. It''s the dozens of yellow eyes on me and the pulse of divine energy that floods out of therge marble orb at the back of the room, powering all of these statues.


    The density of True Core''s power circting through the white statues varies a lot, but the two that lunge toward me have the highest amount inside them.


    Their strength is equivalent to the manifestations I cut down entering this mansion, but the difference lies in their battle patterns. These statues aren''t just dancing puppets rambling away and spewing white threads my way.


    The statue to my right is a tall and muscr man wielding arge battle axe, while the hunter to my left carries two short swords.


    My greater form towers over them in stature, speed, and strength, but they charge at me with no hesitation.


    Behind them, the remaining statues quickly shift into a triangr formation with the base holding the majority of marble hunters guarding therge sphere at the back of the corridor.


    All of them move in unison, and the yellow glow in their eyes seems lifeless. However, their intricately detailed armor, weapons, and facial features remind me that these were humans too...The blurry visual of Raven''s body turning to stone as I flew here at my top speed reys in my mind while I swing my two swords in their greater form at the higher-powered statues aiming to attack me.


    They were at one point human too, but with the amount of power streaming through their systems right now, it''s too risky not to go for the instant kill...


    As both my swords sh through the stone hunters, I''m met with minor resistance, but my attacks are ultimately sessful, cleaving both warriors in half in a single strike.


    My decision not to hesitate and go straight for the kill was the correct one, as behind me, seemingly summoned out of thin air, thousands of shimmering threads multiply from a single one, and three clones of the tall,nky man appear, sending waves of white tendrils my way.


    I have enough time to jump out of the way, following through with my attack and dodging the white threads that seek to tether to my greater form.


    At the same time, two more hunters from the defense line step forward, and the sphere pulses, allowing two more full-powered hunters to lunge at me.


    It''s five versus one.


    While they''re not exceptionally strong, the growing web of white threads behind me and the huge army of hunters in front of me isn''t the best position to be in.


    My greater form gives me very noticeable strength benefits, but inside this narrow hall, I feel a bit limited in the maneuverability of my weapons.


    I can''t jump or take long flying motions to build up momentum for my swings.


    To make things even worse, the manifestations of thenky, faceless man behind me are very aware of this fact, using it as an advantage to cut me off and force me into a corner.


    Still, I''m in control of the battle, shing through a swordsman and a tank in front of me, and step off the white wall to my left to narrowly avoid the iing web of countless white strands.


    However, when I attempt to position myself to fly further down the hall, over the army of still guards, three more manifestations of the faceless man materialize and grow out from a single stray strand.


    A web of countless white threads now falls toward me on all sides, and there are only small exit points far too narrow for my greater form to slip through.


    I don''t know if my higher level of True Core''s strength canbat these threads and strongly consider using the reflective unique barrier ability to create a potential opening, but all of these options are risky and the oue isn''t certain.


    A more viable option seems to be deactivating my greater form, but I want to keep all the strength and speed buffs thate with it.


    So, instead of fully deactivating it, I decide to focus on the energy that surrounds my body with much closer attention to detail.


    It is a pure mana manifestation, linked to my lifeforce at its core.


    Arger-than-life version of myself. Whatever happens to my greater form is reflected onto me. This gives a far greater surface area to be attacked, but in turn gives me far more strength.


    Its form isn''t exactly concrete.


    I''ve altered it two times before. The first was when I began flooding it with Soul Energy, turning the dark ck shadowy reflection of myself into a dark red fiery warrior. This significantly strengthened my greater form by allowing it to be fully saturated with a perfect mix of Qi and Mana at all times, fully able to reflect my ultimate attacks in arger sense.


    Stolen story; please report.


    The second alteration was more recent, when I intuitively began imbuing my greater form with divine threads, all the way back in the construct.


    It gave anotheryer of enhancement and has rooted my greater form far deeper into reality, as if this massive version of myself is truly an energy being.


    Now, I get another intuitive feeling as my instincts scream at me to keep my greater form activated while also rxing the necessity to downsize to dodge these webs falling in on me.


    The True Core''s silky energy that permeates through mepresses my Soul Energy as my gaze turns toward a closing gap in the webbing.


    My bright yellow glowing body shrinks in size as I air-step forward, but the amount of pure energying off me stays constant, glowing brighter and brighter the more it''spacted.


    I feel my overall strength slightly decrease, as I don''t have the leverage or ability to generate as much torque in each of my swings and strides, but with all of thispact power, only creating a greater form about 1.5x the size of my actual body, I feel my speed and agility rise to heights far surpassing what they were even when I came crashing into this mansion seconds ago.


    I grin while a streak of yellow light zooms out from the closing webbing, leaving a trailing zig-zag of light all throughout the long corridor.


    I slice through all six of the manifestations before they can even turn to see that I''ve escaped their trap.


    The infinite sphere of threads falls lifelessly to the mansion''s floor, seeping back into the structure, and the maniacalughter starts up again.


    "It wouldn''t be as fun if you let me win that easily¡ª"


    The voicees back, echoing out from the marble pearl as four more stone hunters wake from their stances, and two more bundles of string manifestations appear behind me.


    "It has been decades since another True Core came about. I thought all of the fragments in this world were collected after the Great War, but you''ve certainly made things lively again. I thank you for that."


    I don''t listen to his words, and only zip through the corridor, easily slicing through the two string puppets. But when my swords sh with the knives, axes, and shields of the hunters before me, I face far more resistance than I did in myrger form.


    I shatter three of them to pieces despite the harder time cutting through, but it takes me two shes to break through the shield of one of the tanks.


    Theughs echo through the corridor as Ie to the realization there is a cost to increasing my speed and agility¡ªthat''s a minor loss in my overall pure strength...


    However, I can tell this isn''t the full picture.


    Not only has my strength fallen by a small amount, but that tank''s divine energy density was greater than its partners...


    As more and more guards wake up every time I kill them, and countless thread bodies are created, things be clearer and I start to piece together a few patterns.


    The first is, I was right about that tank being stronger than the others...


    The closer to the sphere I get, the more powerful the hunters be.


    It takes me three to four hits to injure and finally kill each of them, shattering them into fragments of white marble.


    Just taking off an arm or a leg isn''t enough. When I manage to break off small parts, hundreds of tiny white threads seep out from the wounded area and reach for the broken stone, piecing itself back together and hardening like nothing happened. Their chests or heads need to be destroyed in order for them to stop fighting...


    The other thing I notice is the manifestations of pure threads that attack me never change in strength. No matter how close or far away they get to me, they are always identical, and all it takes is one heavy sh to get rid of them.


    Thest pattern I notice is the maximum number of moving statues and thread manifestationsbined I ever face is six...


    The closer I get to the sphere at the back of the room, however, the fewer are summoned at once.


    Only two to three statues are sent toward me at a time, and they''re significantly stronger than when a full six are sent my way.


    I get into quite the rhythm shing through the constant stream of statues and strategically ced webs of threads to try and lead me away. Despite this, I make a few meters of progress every second, spinning and shing my way through the air with my eye on the prize¡ªthe pulsing sphere at the back of the room.


    As I sh through more and more of the stone statues of hunters mindlessly trying to kill me, like they''re monsters in a dungeon, I feel Raven''s lifeforce growing dimmer and dimmer.


    She is frozen, with over 80% of her body turned to the same lifeless stone that I''m slicing away at here, but her core and mind are still intact, barely.


    The answers to everything I want to know lie within her mind.


    The only one stopping me from finding out is this mad, rambling man that finds pleasure in turning great warriors into stone and ying with their bodies like puppets.


    My own core burns brighter, and I start to control the output of my greater form with a far more intricate degree as I''m on a strict clock. I want to be as efficient as I can and destroy the source before it''s toote.


    I begin manipting the amount of energy Ipact, growing in size temporarily by 25¨C50% during a sh of my des to increase their power output, andpact my greater form even tighter, almost pressing up against my real body''s skin when I need to make a split-second escape from the vast arrays of webbing.


    Eventually, as the seconds go by, and I smash through dozens of statues, I gain proficiency in my new technique and the ability to even manipte only certain parts of my greater form bes more natural.


    My legs can bepacted for greater speed, while mid-strike, I allow my swords to expand and extend to gain the maximum amount of power.


    Even as the divine energy of the statues bes over double that of what they were at the front of the line, I''m able to sh through them in a single hit once I''vepletely mastered this new ability.


    The mad rambles and endlessughter don''t stop as I smash through thest statue guarding the orb at the back of the room...


    In fact, they get louder and more incoherent.


    "Yes... Yes... this is it. Another worthy candidate for the throne I can keep for eternity. One who grows with ease and climbs to greater heights, obsessed with the fight even when there is no need to be. Another savior, blind to the fact that it is this instinct that kills them in the end. A moth helplessly flying toward the me..."


    Behind the white orb, lurking in the darkness, there is a final statue that I couldn''t perceive before.


    This is because it was merely just stone.


    Now, as the sphere pulses bright yellow, the brightest it ever has, the entire back of the corridor shows itself, and a glossy white dragon I recognize from the Apex Region''s Association Headquarters stares down at me.


    Its body glows with True Core Energy, and its eyes pulse yellow with its light.


    Five faceless thread manifestationse to life behind me in a semi-circle formation, casting theirs.


    At the same time, the white dragon stretches its wings and lets out a roar as ites to life.


    The entire mansion shakes from its intensity, and an aura of intimidation makes the air pressure and room temperature rise drastically.


    A thick stream of white threads bursts from its mouth, and a dome made of millions of white tendrils forms above me, copsing downward. It stomps its front legs forward, protecting the orb with its entire body. Visible streams of energy pulse from the source it guards, and the density of the True Core''s power flooding into the dragon continues to grow, far surpassing any of the prior statues.

 Chapter 624

    Chapter 624


    In an instant, all paths of escape disappear.


    The dragon''s body grows brighter yellow as pulses of energye off the orb, and the web of threads all around me gets smaller.


    Many options run through my mind.


    I could use a teleport crystal to get out of here right now without another thought, but I''d lose the chance to save Raven. Plus, I''d have shown myself and my abilities to another True Core...pletely neglecting the warriors'' words I''m trying to protect.


    If I leave now, I might be safe in the short term, but it''d put me in an even worse situation, considering there are probably far more members of this organization than just Raven and the thread user...


    I take my chances and lunge forward with an idea in mind, letting my sword in my left hand fall back into my storage while I twist my body and erge the energy form of my free arm, channeling Soul Energy, divine threads, and even activating my reflective barrier True Core trait into the movement.


    Exactly what I expect to happen ys out.


    On collision with the shrinking dome, portions of the threads that hit the center of my reflective barrier are sent erupting back, but all of the countless multiplying threads around its edges start to seep into my energy form, tethering into my cells, mimicking the same marble-like material I saw forming on Raven.


    I don''t flinch and continue my momentum forward, pushing through the raining wall of white webs with an erged left side, then slice off the entire exposed area the instant I make it through.I don''t even take the brain power to quick-heal my lost limb, I just set my sights on the source, zipping through the open air and swinging my de at the marble orb.


    My fiery de shes against the hardyer of countless threads, and an ear-shattering twang makes reality ripple where this True Core''s highest defenses and my most powerful attack meet.


    I pour every bit of power I can into the attack, enhancing its raw strength and size many times with my greater form, but the pure white barrier enhanced by the True Core''s silky yellow energy doesn''t budge.


    Even with my perception on full st, I can''t see through the walls.


    I grit my teeth as, out of the corner of my eye, the bright yellow dragon''s front set of wses sweeping down at me, and I have to twist my body upward to block it with my only good arm. Surprisingly, its strength is the same as the orb''s, as they''re sharing a stream of divine power. Another ripple shakes the floor, walls, and ceiling, then the creature lets out another ear-piercing roar.


    I''m forced to use the momentum to let myself get pushed back and avoid its other set of ws.


    As soon as I touch the ground, and the dragon repositions itself in front of the orb, the man''s voice ripples through my mind again as the white webbing in the air shifts its direction,ing from the five clones and the dragon above me.


    "No hesitation to mutte yourself to win the battle. Just like your invisible friend... In a battle of pure strength, I am sure you could best me, but you stepped into my house. No one has ever left without giving me what I desire."


    The orb pulses again, and the dome of webbing starts to fall down toward me again, but in this instance, as the maniacalughter of the man fades away from my consciousness, I notice something...


    At such close range to the marble sphere, I can get a far more urate reading on it.


    There are stillyers uponyers of threads hiding a True Core deep within it, but during the time it transmitted a message, and while the orb pulsed yellow to feed more power into the dragon above it, theyers loosened, and I could temporarily see a fuzzy image inside.


    The image of a tall, thin man with a sunken face and bright white, wide-open eyes stares ahead with a look of insanity.


    He sits on the hard white ground with his bony knees touching his chin, and his hands up in the air, spewing threads of divine energy to continuously replenish the orb, his clones, and the dragon standing over him.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    It''s an off-putting image, making me remember the real body of the Apex Region''s director. Time has not been kind to this man either, but he has at least managed topress his True Core, and its burning hot power is about 50% greater than my own.


    Despite this gap, my speed, reflexes, and array of skills give me an edge that far surpasses his need to rely on weak clones of himself and the corpses of monsters and hunters...


    Mybat experience and fighting instincts are on a greater level than his. Just from the movement patterns of the clones and statues being controlled, I can tell they are all led by logic and mimicking studied movements. He is not a natural fighter, but is relying on his gap in pure power alone.


    However, once the transmission to speak to me stops, my ability to see within the orb ceases too. It gives me the impression that the defenses during that time are weaker.


    The man inside only talks when I''m further away, or unable to get a hit and harden his shell.


    As the second attempt to encapste me in the falling dome of websmences, I sense Raven''s lifeforce bing weaker and weaker. It flickers rapidly, and I can only imagine the amount of pain and violent ringing that is going on in her mind...


    The still statue of her that stares at the closed doors of the mansion is covered in crimson blood, as it continues to leak from her mouth, nose, eyes, and ears.


    The bright True Core in her chest blinks and desperately holds onto light, as an endless loop of the desert battle she fought hours ago ys in her decaying mind.


    While I could toy with this mad, rambling man, lose a few more limbs and regrow them as he casts hiss down on me to learn more of his weaknesses, I fear I have no more time to waste.


    I stop zipping around the room and stand with my sword grasped in a single hand, staring directly at the closing gap of open air between myself, the dragon''s two front legs, and the white orb beneath it.


    I take a deep breath, grin, then yell out.


    "Let''s finish this!"


    Then shove my fully charged de into the floor, letting out a violent wave of mana enhanced by my True Core''s energy.


    It carries a very specific set of instructions using telepathy, and it takes my full power to make a crack in the top floor of this mansion and get my message to pulse out from the fracture I created while making my entrance.


    As this wave of telepathy ripples throughout the endless foresnd toward the 8 Great Nations, and past them into the Dark Continent, I set up my n for once this transmission hits.


    Three skills and a single ranked-up buff are activated: Dark Mist, Echo, Stealth, and Master of Illusion.


    They''re all enhanced by my True Core with every drop of energy I can produce.


    The entire mansion blinks into darkness for a fraction of a second as my new ability [Dark Mist] creates a moment in time where my enemy is unable to use any source of perception within a contained area.


    I feel the conflicting divine energy, stronger than my own, pushing into this skill, and it overpowers me, but that fraction of a second is all I need.


    I limit all of my divine energy and mana control to stay contained inside my purple barrier, then activate stealth to disappear during this moment where my enemy''s perception is limited.


    [Echo] and [Master of Illusion] fill in the gaps for when the man of threads'' perception returns to normal, needing an exnation for the odd burst.


    This gap is filled in by a fake manifestation of myself attempting to break through the barrier, sacrificing a leg, and sneaking around the left side of the dragon to go in for the kill again, despite knowing that I can''t break through the white shell no matter how hard I strike.


    Meanwhile, in my real body, two things are happening.


    The first is my left arm growing back at a rapid rate to grasp the me Emperor''s sword with both hands and speed toward the closing blind spot.


    The second is the sensation of my telepathy channel with one of my doubles linking up, receiving my memories instantly, killing itself on the spot, and allowing me to summon it here in ce of the mirage imagery created with my skill and buff.


    The dragon guarding the orb takes a step forward, predicting my double''s movements as it bursts through the silky barrier, and another dome instantly forms to guarantee there is nowhere left for it to run.


    My grin only grows more as I squeeze through the small opening and fly right past the dragon''s front legs with a fully charged sword headed toward the orb in full stealth mode.


    As my body double fails to fully slice off the infected portion of its limb, and another wave of white threads falls down on it,ughter echoes through the air.


    "A valiant effort, but I''ve won. You even had more tricks up your sleeve in your final moments, but the ultimate victory is mine. I haven''t had to use my full power in many, many years. Truly an exhrating piece of art, a powerful warrior for my collection. I will immortalize you as a reward."


    The double is quickly flooded with white threads, turning to marble far faster than Raven, as the man clearly doesn''t want to take any more chances. The strength of my [Master of Illusion] buff and its exact match of mana control to my own makes the act just believable enough for me to follow through with my next portion of the n.


    The echoingughs ripple through the room, and the dragon roars with excitement, and I can see the madman inside his protective orb as bright as day.


    I don''t waste a second to thrust my de, crackling with True Core enhanced mes, through the outer shell of the protective sphere.


    The tough white surface splits and fractures just like the floor moments ago, allowing me to thrust my de''s tip through, just barely.


    It''s more than enough...


    I release every bit of True Core-enhanced ming hot Soul Energy into the isted hollowed out sphere.


    The white orb glows bright yellow, but the hardness of the shell keeps it from breaking despite the immense amount of energy being forced inside.


    The cacklingughs of a madman turn to screams.

 Chapter 625

    Chapter 625


    The body double at the side of the hall dies, and the shock from my attack makes the white threads and divine energy streaming out from the dragon and clones go wild.


    The screams from within the dome make the mansion itself shake and rattle.


    My purple barrier transmits all of the offputting emotions and thoughts rippling through the man being burned alive directly into my mind. There is an intense underlying emotion of bliss and genuine pleasureing from the dying man inside the orb being heated up to temperatures nearing the surface of the sun...


    It''s as if his greatest artistic fantasy is ying out as I burn him to ash.


    First he wants more than anything to turn me to stone, and now he enjoys his own death as I''m certain to take the victory.


    I can''t quite wrap my mind around his twisted view of reality, but don''t let the madman''s actions deter my attack and continue to put my all into it.


    With a yell from me as Ipletely drain my soul energy stores, matching the height of the man''s screams, I hear and see notifications roll into my mind''s eye. Then, feel the extremely pure divine energy being pulled out of this man''s true core and flowing directly into mine.


    [Level Up] x328


    [Use Absorption]Skill: Mana Maniption


    Upgrade: Superior


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 191,874,234,929,550


    [YES][NO]


    I instantly press yes on both options, reaching level 7340, but am quite surprised at what I see...


    For small instances as I torched the inside of the marble orb, I could see his status, and his level is far lower than the strength output I felt while facing him suggests.


    Even from the Director of the Apex Region, at just over level 9000, he granted me 10 trillion MCP, and the bronze dragon at a simr level gave me 50 trillion. The man that ran this mansion''s level clocked in at 9620, yet the variance of mana control is so great it feels like he was even stronger than Raven, who is a much higher level.


    There is a pattern here that isn''t quite adding up. It feels like there is someone or something limiting people from surpassing this level 10,000 threshold. It isn''t just pure power, or else Raven wouldn''t have made it passed.


    Many questions continue to race through my mind as every drop of power. The pure silkypressed divine energy, and the instinctual power to activate a new True Core ability, ispletely absorbed.


    The glowing yellow dragon and the lively clones are all drained of their bright True Core''s light.


    Loud roars that once shook the mansion cease, and the set of wsing my way slowly stop andpletely solidify into pure white marble before they can reach me.


    The dragon falls back into a lifeless statue, striking a far different pose, but it looks exactly like the image of the pure white dragon I saw in the lobby of the Apex headquarters when I first walked in.


    The floating thread puppets all fall to the ground and unravel, fracturing into tiny pieces of nothing but stone.


    As I fully pull my de from the small pierced hole in the orb and put it away into my item storage, the mansion falls dark and silent.


    The only light that remains other than mine is the pulsing and flickering dying remainder of Raven''s core on the far side of the mansion.


    I turn around and jump forward, lunging off the balcony down toward her while considering activating many abilities, but with the signal of her lifeforce growing weaker and weaker, there''s only one option I''m positive will work.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I activate my plunderer skill and allow a dark red aura to permeate from my body while pushing a wave of telepathy into the woman''s mind.


    As I touch down on the bottom floor and make my way over, the full sight of her bloodstained figure bes clear, and I press both my palms against the only remaining exposed portions of her body left. One hand is ced on her forehead above her closed eyes, and the other on her chest where her core violently spins.


    There''s no response at all to my telepathy, but at this close proximity, I can hear the extreme ringing in her mind.


    My plunderer''s aura expands, filling the entire white mansion, and begins to seep out from the small cracks in the floor.


    Simultaneously, I let my mind and voice seep into hers and repeat the same words: that the only way she''s going to survive right now is if she trusts the voice that is trying to reach her and swear her loyalty to the me Emperor.


    Even with my extreme rise in power in thest few seconds, the extreme ringing and painful emotions that seep out from Raven''s mind as I try to push a message in take all of my concentration.


    The walls and ceiling of the mansion quiver and creak, as it''s drained of all residual mana left behind.


    Outside the mansion, a red fog creeps out to disperse through the forest, greedily draining all of the mana from thend just as I did before to the Vice Region.


    With the experience under my belt from before, absorbing mana from the atmosphere outside isn''t hard. The real puzzle I''m trying to solve is the one inside Raven''s mind.


    It''s like an endless maze of walls and barriers, doing everything in its power to push out any external noise, a natural defense from the ring ringing of divine energy poisoning. My own brain begins to burn as I try to force my way through her mental walls and overpower the ringing.


    It is an impressive design. Every fraction of a second that passes, the deeper I plunge into this intricate defense, and it astonishes me further. I have to use the entirety of my mental strength, buffs on full st, with my greater form activated before I see a single pathway in.


    A wave of satisfaction washes over me as I feel my message break through to the small amount of consciousness locked away, and the moment my message makes it through, the blood-stained hazel eyes of the warrior flutter open once to look at me, and a pulse of perception follows to verify exactly what''s happened inside the mansion while she was out.


    In the next moment, her eyes close, and I lose the connection to her conscious mind, but a link of loyalty is formed, and her status is added to my rising Emperor''s domain interface.


    My attention shifts to sharing my mythic-grade hibernation skill with her and forcing it to activate through my control panel as her mind is on autopilot.


    Through my palms, millions of MP are drained from the outside world and siphoned into the activation of this skill.


    However, millions are far from enough.


    The necessary amount to cure all of her ailments is over double what mine cost.


    [Use Hibernation] [Mythic Grade]


    Cure: Mana Fatigue [Raven ckwell], Soul Energy Fatigue [Raven ckwell], Divine Energy Fatigue [Raven ckwell], Divine Energy Poisoning [Raven ckwell], Divine Energy Internal Combat Injuries [Raven ckwell], Petrification [Raven ckwell]


    [Slow Mode]


    Cost: 1.26 Billion MP


    Time: 549.9 Days [YES][NO]


    [Basic Mode]


    Cost: 209.33 Billion MP


    Time: 156.1 Days [YES][NO]


    [Express Mode]


    Cost: 400.05 Trillion MP


    Time: 7.0 Days [YES][NO]


    [Emergency Mode]


    Cost: 556.04 Quadrillion MP


    Time:


    As more and more mana is channeled into the skill, Raven''s lifeforce gets weaker and weaker, and I''m more certain that instantly healing her isn''t an option.


    I myself have used hibernation two times in the past. Each time, once the skill is activated, the user is ced into a state of suspended animation, where no harm can be done. Even if I press the lowest option, she''ll be safe.


    However, the questions I have need to be answered a lot faster than 550 days from now...


    I grit my teeth and do some quick calctions in my head about how long it will take to absorb enough mana from the atmosphere out here, and the only possible option I can choose is [Slow Mode].


    As the seconds tick away, it''s clear this is the only option. I reluctantly choose it, and a sh of white light fills the mansion as hibernation is activated. Through the mind link I share with her, the ringing instantly stops.


    Her brain and body function do too.


    The pulsing and flickering core in her chest calms down to a steady low burn.


    All of the mana I siphoned into her circtes through her body as the skill slowly gets to work.


    It''s quite interesting to see the skill at work from the outside. It now makes far more sense why I lost my full cognitive ability while I was healing.


    A new textbox shows up in my interface.


    [Use Hibernation] [Mythic Grade]


    [Slow Mode]


    [Time Remaining] 549.9 Days


    [Add Mana To elerate]


    Bright white light freezes Raven in time as she slowly begins to heal, and simultaneously, my red aura that plunders the abandoned forest outside grows in size upward and outward, sucking away the mana from everything in sight.


    The immense pressure and intensity of this whole situation is finally lifted as I choose the option to elerate, and the mana from outside slowly speeds up the process.


    Raven is safe, and I''ve won the battle.


    Theck of mana in the marble pce we stand in weakens its structure, and the high-powered waves of divine energy from before make the cracks in the mansion slowly growrger.


    The ceiling crumbles and copses, creating small holes, allowing the light of day to stream in from the sun above.

 Chapter 626

    Chapter 626


    The ceiling continues to crumble, and my red aura extends further into the endless forest around us. Past the decimated area of woonds that were disintegrated by the divine energy waves, and deep into the thick trees in all directions.


    It drains the air, ground, trees, rocks, and every living thing thates in contact with this crimson mist.


    The abandoned forest stretches thousands of kilometers in diameter, extending even further to the west.


    Itsndmass is evenrger than the 8 Great Regions, though the pure mana here is slightly less abundant.


    In my previous use of my plunderer skill, there was an extremely high concentration of mana in the hundreds of dungeons, high-grade shielding, city technology, vaults full of mana crystals, and tens of thousands of hunters with full MP bars to pull from.


    That was just 100 kilometers, and I was able to gain roughly 40 quadrillion MP in mere minutes.


    However, that Region won''t be recovering anytime soon.


    While it doesn''t affect the average citizen, and neither does it any hunter below the B-ss rating, there are no dungeons left in the Vice Region that hold monsters above level 500, and thebyrinth has been decimated as well.


    The only other Region with mana that dense is the Apex Region. It has abyrinth with enough mana to instantly heal Raven right now, along with thousands of dungeons and hundreds of thousands of citizens to drain from, but I have other ns for that energy.I''m going to fully rely on the mana from this abandoned Region I''m in and not touch any more of my new Nation''s valuable energy reserves.


    My eyes shut as I put my full conscious effort into expanding my tendrils of pure red plunderer energy out as far into the depths of this region as I can.


    I summon a new body double to fly over my area of red mist, and it details and logs all of the small viges within the Region to reimburse them after the red mist fades.


    In over 2000 kilometers on all sides, reaching over 4000 kilometers in total diameter, I only sense 19,544 total natives to thisnd and 172 dungeons.


    Most of the small viges near thekes seem to be situated near small E-ss dungeons, so I don''t fully drain their only source of mana crystals and loot. I don''t know the culture of the civilizations out here, but if I want to assimte them into my growing kingdom in the near future, it''s best I make a good first impression.


    The only dungeons I drainpletely and fully copse, plundering 100% of their mana, are the ones far from human reach in deep canyons, abandoned forests, and underground caves.


    My aura permeates as far as it can reach, nearing the border of the 8 Great Regions and far off into the west, deeper into the forest until my senses hit the border of a new region.


    Icy mountains meet the forest region,ing down from the north and creating a naturalnd barrier near the edges of my senses. I stop trying to expand my aura when I meet thisndmark, as I don''t know who upies this territory, and I need to inspect it myself in a stealthier manner.


    The red glow sinks into the ground and floats high into the sky, and slowly but surely, nearly 90% of the Region''s ambient mana is channeled through me into Raven''s hibernation skill inside my control panel.


    Over 1 hour passes.


    I watch the mode name change, and the time remaining tick down as trillions of MP are siphoned into the skill.


    The 550 days remaining quickly fall below triple digits, and after a few dozen D grade and a handful of C grade dungeons, the time remaining falls below 5 days, surpassing the time needed for the express mode option.


    Far off in the outer edges of my aura, there are a few more pockets of C grade dungeons, and even two high-strength B grade dungeons.


    ording to my calctions, in this entire Region, there is less than 50 quadrillion MP total to pull from, not enough to trigger the near-instant emergency heal, but it should be enough to bring my wait time down to something I can handle.


    It takes a bit longer than the others to fully drain these, but once it''s done, I finally let my aura begin to retract and stare down at the control panel before me.


    [Use Hibernation] [Mythic Grade]


    [elerated Mode]


    [Time Remaining] 0.4 Days


    [Add Mana To elerate]


    "Just under 10 hours? That''s more manageable." I whisper to myself while grinning, and pull my hands away from Raven''s body, wiping sweat off my forehead.


    The white glow around Raven''s body bes much brighter. I watch the particles of white marble evaporate, and her flesh regrows at a microscopic level in real-time.


    My aura finally fully retracts back into my body, and my double that was hovering above this new forest region flies back to the dark continent to get supplies to reimburse the viges that were just drained of all their resources.


    A long sigh escapes my mouth as my footsteps echo throughout the empty mansion.


    "That was not easy... but I wasn''t expecting it to be, after all..."


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the vition.


    I can''t help butugh to myself in the middle of an abandoned region as I can finally rx and think straight, appreciating the new boost in power I received from killing another True Core.


    Dozens of statues still fill this entrance hall.


    Some of them are broken to pieces from the fallen portions of the ceiling, and others have managed to survive with luck.


    I scan the entire eerie building and float back up to the top floor to see the marble orb now split in two below the petrified dragon angrily frozen in time with its set of ws reaching to defend its master.


    As I touch down on what''s left of the cracked flooring on the upper level, and peer into the ckened, charred inside of the orb, I see the body of the frail,nky old man inside, and an odd intuitive feeling rushes through me.


    At the same time, a blue notification pops up over the pile of ash.


    [Use Superior Mana Maniption]


    Superior Perk: [Eternal Minion]


    Enter Desired Level: 0-9620


    [YES] [NO]


    My hand raises to press yes and enter the maximum level out of curiosity...


    I remember when my mana maniption skill reached the advanced grade a long time ago, when I first ventured out into the dark continent. It granted a perk called [Temporary Minion], but the only monsters it worked on were certain types of golems when they dropped their cores as loot because it was a physical item I could take out of the dungeon.


    All other monsters I tried to turn into my minions would only stay visible and fight for me for a few minutes at most, because they would disappear and be absorbed back into the dungeons.


    While I think about this, the instinctual activation of my new True Core''s ability activates at the same time as my newly upgraded skill.


    Mana, and a silky yellow and white stream of divine energy, leaves my fingertips and revives the pile of ash on the floor of the mansion, bringing the pile of bones to life, into the form he was in before he was killed...


    With shiny white shoes, long pants, and a well-fitted suit. The short-haired, sunken-eyed madman stands before me as nothing but a statue of stone.


    My divine energy flows into him and settles right in the center of his chest, forming a pseudo True Core before my eyes.


    There is no interface formands or modes like my Dark Magic''s summoning technique; all I have is an intuitive feeling to rely on.


    I move all ten of my fingers as if I''m ying with a puppet, and as my mind thinks about thenky man''s movements, it ys out in reality before my eyes.


    If I wasn''t the one moving him to my will, I wouldn''t even know that he was being controlled.


    The fluid movement of mana intertwined with pure divine energy is so smooth; I''ve never been able to move pure divine energy with such uracy before...


    I make the man step out from the cracked orb and dance around the destroyed floor, even floating into the air, mana stepping with ease; but I finally set him back on the ground when a few ideas hit me.


    Once I think about letting him go, every drop of mana and divine energy leaves his body and floods back into mine.


    All that''s left is a lifeless white statue frozen for eternity.


    It gets me thinking about an exnation for this True Core ability. Clearly, the man was not much of a hands-on fighter when he was alive. Before he awakened his True Core, my guess is he used fallen monsters and possibly allies to do his bidding, as one''s True Core ability mimics what they''ve done before in life...


    So it goes hand in hand with his only skill, mana maniption, allowing him to make soldiers at will and imbue them with all of the power at his fingertips. Or, disy them as art in his case.


    However, as I walk further down the hall, toward the various doors at the back wall behind the orb and the dragon, I explore this new ability further.


    Activating it with my superior mana maniption skill, I allow pure mana and divine threads to seep out from my fingertips and form balls of pure energy above my palms.


    It takes a lot of mental power, and the floors and remaining walls and ceiling around me shake as I shape these orbs of energy into sharp daggers, then into arrows, and eventually a sword. It takes 3 full minutes to do so, and my full body and mind fill with fatigue as I try to manipte it away from what the True Core''s ability is meant to be used for.


    I smile as I find there is another use for this ability. It has given me far greater control over divine energy itself... I need to practice, but this is another very intriguing addition to my repertoire.


    While deactivating this test, the back wall of the mansion rumbles, and a series ofrge boxes, crates, containment items, and item boxes all reveal themselves in all of the private rooms at the end of the hall.


    I continue walking forward to explore this eerie mansion, finding more statues in some of the rooms of less-clothed men and women hunters, numerous paintings, and all kinds of magical items locked away in the madman''s private studies.


    There is arge food supply, HP and MP potions tost centuries, and various seemingly random collections of gear ranging from 10% stat boosts up to over 300%, but nothing priceless or usable. The majority of the gear is just unique in other ways, like coloring or shape.


    The longer I look through these storage boxes, the more twisted this man''s tastes in art and hobbies be.


    That is... until I find three item boxes in the lower drawer of a desk that has been buried by the rubble of a fallen ceiling from the escapades earlier.


    I''m not expecting anything significant, after rummaging through junk for over half an hour, but when I plunge my hand into the first box and my hand senses thousands of red divine fragments, my eyes widen and my heart rate spikes.


    "No way... There has to be at least ten thousand in here..."


    I instantly plunge my hand into the second, and there''s about two thousand orange fragments this time.


    I drop both of these into my storage, and shove my hand into the third and final item box to find over 800 pristine yellow divine fragments.


    I pull one out just to look at it, and the reflection of the beautiful glowing stone shimmers in my eyes.


    The final item box drops into my item storage, and I use my new True Core''s ability to cover the one stone that was in my hand in a thickyer of mana and pure silky divine energy.


    In seconds, the stone dissolves, and all of its energy is streamlined directly into my core.


    It doesn''t feel like much, as draining an entire True Core is far more efficient. If I absorbed every single fragment in that box, I would feel slightly stronger, maybe a ten or twenty percent gain, but my teammates back in the Dark Continent would benefit from these fragments far more than me.


    For the next hour as I continue to rummage through all of the containment cases and item boxes in this entire mansion, I''m not upset at the fact that there aren''t any other interesting items to take with me.


    I''ve managed to snag more than enough from this unexpected encounter.


    Smiling, I walk past the old petrified man next to the white dragon, and hop down to the bottom floor.


    Then, I take a seat on the cold hard marble next to Raven.


    Arge portion of the white stone on her body haspletely vanished, and her bare skin and blood-bonded armor have repaired themselves in ce. Her core is growing brighter as well.


    My body double hase back and visited all of the nearby viges and left to continue working with Bri and Rodrigo to schedule a perfect time with the other Regional Directors and higher grade hunters, rying that I won''t be back until my business is done here.


    The sun slowly moves in the sky overhead, falling toward the horizon as I take a short rest and wait for the hibernation clock to tick down before my questions will be answered.


    ¨C


    Far away, at the heart of Sector 1, in Valor City: an old man with a long white beard, and two disciples beside him touch down in front of Monk''s ck pyramid.


    A bright yellow core cycles in his chest, and the two men decades younger than him to his sides both hold orange cores.


    No mana is present in their bodies, only Qi, and dense barriers of the white energy contains their immense divine auras to make sure no weaker humans are hurt by the pressure.

 Chapter 627

    Chapter 627


    As the sun sets overhead, I allow my consciousness to shift between all of my body doubles, like I''m in three nations at once, continuing my work while sitting here with Raven as she heals.


    One double continues to work with Bri and Rodrigo, acting as Mr. Freeman as transmissions are sent out to all of the eight Regional Directors.


    Most still need time and resources to handle the events of today''s surges, but it''s settled that new teleport crystals will be handed out to each of the Regional headquarters today. This will allow all high-level Elite C-ss Hunters, B-ss, and of course, the remaining A-ss here in the Apex Region to be ready to attend.


    The meeting is set for tomorrow morning, bright and early, as I have many announcements to make.


    Meanwhile, in the twobyrinths I have control over, in the Apex Region and Dark Continent, a new project is taking ce.


    Two of my doubles are hard at work siphoning pure mana out of the Apex Region''sbyrinth and funneling it into the one in the Crimson City.


    On the top floor of the Apex Region''sbyrinth, my doubles find the same exact phenomenon as the Vice City one I hibernated in. There''s a demon, fast asleep on a ck block of stone. There''s no dragon in sight...


    With no way ofmunicating with the guardians, despite multiple attempts at telepathy, I decide there''s no use thinking about it now, and I''ll just continue my process.


    Instead of using the old method of farming element stones, waiting for monster respawns, and imbuing them with my Plunderer skill to absorb the dungeon''s pure mana, they''re now using abination of my crystal creation skill and the pure power of my Plunderer skill to naturally absorb mana into its physical form and transport it directly frombyrinth tobyrinth.It''s a tedious process, which takes a lot of mental and physical strain, but it''s far faster than the old method. Instead of managing to absorb tens of billions of MP every hour into containment stones, I''m able to expand my red aura throughout the entire floor and safely copse each one, converting it into a pure crystal form in the same time,ting me hundreds of trillions of MP per minute, speeding up the process by a massive leap.


    I estimate there''s over 500 quadrillion MP in the Apex Region''sbyrinth. While I could destabilize the entirebyrinth in a matter of minutes if I went all out, that would waste a lot of mana, so to be safe I''m taking it slow. At this rate, it should take about 12 to 24 hours toplete the process, but all I have is time.


    The Apex Region''sbyrinth will be drained down to 60 floors, making the strongest monster inside roughly level 3000, while all of the siphoned mana will be ced in the Crimson City''sbyrinth, bringing it up past floor 90. I''m not sure exactly what floor it''ll reach, but it will surpass level 6000 monsters for sure, giving the Crimson Army and my teammates more floors to train in and level up.


    __


    While all this is urring throughout the eight Great Regions and the Dark Continent, the obliterated forest region that has been sucked dry of mana turns a shade of orange as the sun sets and curves over the horizon.


    The white glow around Raven''s body continues to shine brightly, and the portions of pure white marble that imprison her arms, legs, and major portions of her torso ke away into the air as her muscle tissue and bones grow back in their ce.


    The weak dull light of her Divine Core slowly grows brighter and hotter too, sending out a raw, uncontrolled aura of pure True Core light in all directions, easily covering 50 kilometers.


    I''m d I stayed here and didn''t try to bring her back to the Crimson City.


    Even with my own True Core and mental strength, withstanding this pressure is not easy. I''m sure any normal hunter caught up in this aura wouldn''t survive a single second.


    The white mansion continues to crumble away, and by the time the sun setspletely all that''s left is the foundation of the building, a few intact sculptures, the white dragon and the deceased True Core user on the barely held-up remains of the top floor, and the cracked and crumbling walkway of white stone that stretches out into the darkness.


    The only light left once the hibernation''s white glow fades is both of our bright yellow True Cores lighting up the night.


    Once I watch the seconds tick down to zero, I stand up and take a few steps back, preparing to retrieve my weapons and activate my Greater Form if needed.


    However, once the white light disappears, I find that isn''t the case at all.


    There''s a light ding in my head that tells me Raven''s hibernation process isplete, and this echoes through both her and my consciousness, as I''ve been closely monitoring her for so long I hear her system notification too.


    Her fingers move first, then she flips her palms to look at the fronts and backs.


    Next, she takes a step forward, and her head turns slowly in my direction.


    Our True Cores light up the area around us, and both of our perceptions are good enough that even in pitch ck, it might as well be daytime.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the vition.


    However, with no sun in the sky, it still gives the atmosphere quite a dark setting.


    Her hazel eyes meet mine, and she speaks out loud.


    "You saved my life... why?"


    She stares at me without any malice, not even keeping her guard up, epting that if I wanted her dead, I would have finished the job already.


    I pause to think, then reply back into the silence of the night with a shrug.


    "Why not...?"


    We stare at each other for a few seconds longer, then her gaze leaves mine to look at the state of the mansion around us.


    Her echoing footsteps make their way across the rubble-cluttered entrance hall until she''s right below the dragon and the man turned to stone.


    "So, your True Core ability... you can steal power from whoever you kill? Be it pure Divine Energy, skills, or even a True Core ability itself."


    I''m surprised at her words, as she''sid out this fact so bluntly, and with such little data to back her im.


    The link of loyalty created before the healing process is still extremely strong, unwavering, almost like blind trust as she''s putting her life in my hands. It''s odd...


    I don''t bother confirming her suspicions as she already knows it''s true, and ask a question of my own.


    "Who are you people? The Order. I want to know why you told me it would be better to act like I lost our battle... and who exactly you wanted to keep it a secret from."


    The corner of Raven''s lip curves up an unnoticeable amount, and she doesn''t turn her gaze away from the petrified white dragon above her, reflecting back her yellow aura''s glow.


    "Well... it seems after aligning myself with the threat known as the me Emperor, and failing to protect a fellow member of the council, I don''t think there''s any point in keeping secrets."


    She lets out a sigh, and turns back around to walk toward me again.


    "Plus, we''ve triggered the throne''s awakening, the alliance will crumble soon whether I tell you or not."


    She stops in front of me, and my expression shows I want nothing else but a response.


    I can feel lots of mixed emotions churning around in Raven''s head as she tries to organize her thoughts...


    I''ve had many hours to think this over, while she has basically just woken up from aa after our battle and learned of the death of another member of her organization.


    If I were to only read her bodynguage and facial expressions, I''d have no idea of the mental strain she''s juggling right now. So, I patiently wait and give her a moment to formte a response.


    "The Order... is an organization formed long before the dungeons appeared in this world. I, for one, only had the privilege of joining about five decades ago, once the throne was discovered, and the Great War was fought."


    Internally, my interest is piqued. The reason being, she doesn''t look a day over 30, but she''s speaking of witnessing an event that happened half a century ago. However, I don''t make any physical reaction to her words, and she continues.


    "There were ten members, but in thest few days, you''ve managed to dwindle our numbers down to eight."


    She looks back toward the petrified man, then back to me.


    "None of the outer members are truly loyal to the others. We have all just signed a pact in order to conserve our energy over the years. If a fight between two True Cores broke out in this world, well, it would result in both of their early deaths without question."


    We both know she''s pointed out a false idea here, as both of us are still standing, but her next words make me second-guess this.


    "Divine Energy is not meant to be wielded in such high density in this world. Even if you believe you''ve gamed the system, there is a cost for everything. Mr. Freeman is a prime example of this fact¡ªhealing magic only gets you so far. Time always catches up to us..."


    We stand in silence for a few seconds again, as I take in her words, but still have so many more questions that need to be answered. Now that she''s opened this box of previously unknown knowledge, I need to hear it all...


    "What do you mean by outer members? Does this mean there''s some kind of ranking to this Council? And... the Great War... 50 years ago... you said the throne''s appearance is what triggered this war. Why?"


    The corners of Raven''s lips visibly turn up, and it looks like she''s on the verge of letting out augh.


    "You... are truly an interesting one. With an ability like yours, maybe the path of growth is endless... Your reckless nature has granted you great opportunities, yet it could have easily been the root of your downfall as well. I''m impressed you''ve made it this far, sticking your nose in ces it doesn''t belong without getting yourself killed..."


    The tense mood breaks a bit, as this feels like Raven''s attempt at giving me apliment and adding in humor as well, so I smile back, but I still cross my arms and reply in a serious tone.


    "I know. I''m out of the loop. That''s arge reason I decided to help you in the first ce, if you''re still curious as to why I saved your life. I need answers to questions no one in my kingdom knows. It appears to all be trapped away behind the public eye. What happened here 50 years ago? What is the real reason everyone is so obsessed with that damn throne?"


    Her smile stays on her face, and she lets out a chuckle while turning back toward the dragon and petrified man above us.


    "Other than the big three, that man was the closest source to an answer you can get to finding out what really happened back in the Great War. Despite his quirks, he''s quite the history enthusiast. A real originator freak. That''s the reason he left the central branch and isted himself out here 40 years ago, to study some unreadable runes."


    She clicks her tongue and shakes her head, then stares up at the empty ck sky above us.


    "I doubt he ever figured it out. He''d have rubbed it in all of our faces if he did. My best guess over the years to rationalize it has been that whatever civilization perished on this world millennia ago just left artifacts behind to y a cruel joke on us all..."


    She pauses, then turns her head back toward me.


    "Then again, joke or not, the throne was still discovered. The only legible originator text we have left states this throne is the key to understanding the divine. Once the doors open, it''s said a single being will walk through and im this world as their own. If they can climb high enough, their core shall never go out."


    Raven shrugs and walks back over to me in a nonchnt manner, clearly rehearsing something she''s heard before countless times over the years and not thinking much of it, but her words mean a lot more to me hearing them for the first time.


    I don''t even have enough mental space to respond quickly; I just think to myself.


    Memories of Monk talking about these originators in the past flood through my mind. There''s the link between Qi being an energy source that predates mana on this world and the ck material that makes up his temple, and the tower in the center of the Dark Continent.


    Ember''s past mentions of the Great War, and the fact that he somehow died around the same time and was reborn 50 yearster with no additional knowledge of this world; it must be connected as well. After all, his Divine Core is special... he called it an Immortal Core, one that never goes out.


    More and more thoughts race through my mind, making connections, and over half a minute passes before I realize Raven is standing right in front of me still waiting for a response.


    She''s pulling a small silver device from her item box with glowing yellow gems on the face of it.

 Chapter 628

    Chapter 628


    Raven replies as I''m still lost for words.


    "As much as I''d love to specte if our ancestors left us a gift, or if the demons have fed us enough misinformation over the years to make ourselves crazy; it''s best we talk about the more immediate problem at hand."


    She holds up the silver device with eight glowing yellow gems and two stones that are clear and dull on the face of it.


    Still, I don''t give a response as my mind is still racing elsewhere.


    Celia''s old memories of demons taking over worlds, and Ember''s words of the throne on almost every world he''s lived on being captured by demonse to mind after Raven''s statement; however, with so many sources giving simr yet wed exnations for the same phenomena, I don''t know what to think anymore.


    Demons may have their eye on the throne, but clearly, humans have built up a force of strong hunters to fight for it too.


    The fact that this organization, the Order, has supposedly been around even before this world was connected to the system makes me even more curious what Qi is in rtion to the divine... and who these originators are that no one has any clues or solid facts about other than old poorly tranted texts.


    I finally nod, looking at the odd device in her hands and reply.


    "Immediate problem at hand? What are you talking about... What is that device?"She holds it up and points to one of the two crystals that are no longer glowing.


    "These are the two members of the Order you killed... Remember how quickly I came to check things out after the disappearance of Mr. Freeman?"


    She points to the second dull crystal.


    "I''m surprised they haven''te to eliminate the threat already... It''s best I send out a response now before one of the big three from Centrales to see what happened here for themselves."


    My eyes widen slightly as she moves her finger toward one of the bright glowing yellow gems.


    Our link of loyalty is still as strong as it was the moment her eyes opened, but the fact that she has direct calling ess to what seems to be seven other Divine Core holders is still a bit unnerving.


    I speak up as her finger hovers above one of the crystals.


    "Who are the big three? And is everyone in the Order a True Core? Are there others stronger than you?"


    She grins again.


    "You really did just kill Mr. Freeman without asking him a single question, didn''t you? One minute his core was steady, and secondster it went out..."


    Sheughs, then points her gaze toward the device, so I do too and look at it with more detail.


    "See these four? The crystals glowing a bit dimmer than the others? These are other members of the outer members of the Order. They have yellow cores awakened and are far more powerful than anyone in their respective nations, but they haven''t fullypressed their cores. Everyone has their natural limits, not all people are capable of subjecting their bodies to this much pressure over time."


    Her eyes move to the other four crystals, including the one her finger is hovering over.


    "These are the only True Cores left in the Order. Myself, and the big three..."


    She pauses, and the fact that she talks of them like this, and isn''t a part of their close-knit group, tells me all I need to know.


    Clearly, these three are the strongest in the world. The ones that run the Order behind the curtain, and from her earlier remarks, it''s obvious they control the Association at Central headquarters as well.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    If the man that owned the marble mansion, and Raven herself, aren''t strong enough to be among their ranks, I wonder how strong they really are.


    Even now, I sense a tinge of fearing from Raven''s subconscious as she looks at the device, and as she''s about to continue speaking, one of the four True Core Crystals blinks and glows brighter than the rest.


    A man''s voice ripples out.


    "Checking in again on the top of the hour, Redgrave here from Central. Raven, if there isn''t a reply in the next few transmissions, I''m going to have to take care of this issue myself..."


    Raven''s eyes widen, and I raise an eyebrow.


    Her pulse speeds up, but I''m still in the dark on who exactly this is.


    The man''s voice ripples out again in the same monotone pitch with undertones of residual anger and impatience.


    "I repeat, this is the top of the hour check-in, Redgrave from Central. Raven, if you hear this, we need a status update. ra is the closest, so we''ll be sending her out¡ª"


    Raven clicks her yellow gem and responds before the man can finish his words.


    "Mr. Redgrave, reporting in. I''ve been quite busy healing, but the business you wanted taken care of is finished. I just ran into a few roadblocks along the way."


    Immediately, the uninterested-sounding voice of the man animates, and the angry undertonese out full force.


    Raven ces a finger over her lips, making sure I don''t make any noise as his angry yellse over the transmission device.


    "What happened to Sebastian? Did you two get into a fight delivering a package? Injuring any members of the council is strictly against our pact... and it looks like you did a lot more than injure him."


    Raven clicks her gem, but takes a few seconds to think to herself before replying.


    "It was self-defense. I either turn into one of his twisted pieces of art, or I break the pact..."


    She pauses for a few more seconds, and adds another line.


    "I''m sure I don''t have to report this to you, but there are most likely single-digit days remaining before the doors open, and we see what trials the originators have offered. Our pact is as good as ended..."


    There''s silence for a few more seconds, but the man''s voice that replies back is more cool and calcted.


    "It is still vital that we honor it until the end. It would be a waste to kill one another before evenying eyes on what some of us have waited centuries to see. Beckman studied your gem''s fluctuations ever since your battle with that pest in the Dark Continent began. We know you were weakened when you showed up at Sebastian''s mansion... and it appears both of you were in quite the fight when you arrived."


    There''s silence in the air for a few moments, then a long sighes next.


    "I don''t know how you healed... but I''m d you made it out, Raven. You''ve always been one of my favorites."


    Raven''s face doesn''t change, but a mixture of emotionses out of her. Half is pure disgust and resentment, but another half is filled with respect and awe.


    He continues to speak.


    "It''s a shame the old man won''t get to see the trophy our ancestors left us. He truly was a believer... but that''s life, not everyone gets what they deserve."


    Heughs, and his mood changes again in an instant. It makes me wonder if every True Core in this order is as psychotic as the man in this mansion.


    "Well, that is all. I look forward to seeing you again. Most of the Central forces will be moving in to start making temporary bases near the throne in a few days. I''m sure the Eight Great Regions are a mess, and the Dark Continent will be up for grabs as well. But, there''s no point in negotiating rights over it now. Whoever takes the throne will own this entire world anyway."


    Hisughs fade away, and his crystal clicks off.


    Raven leaves a final message.


    "Indeed. I will see you all soon."


    She too takes her finger off the gem and puts the transmission tablet into her item box while shaking her head.


    I want to ask a million more questions, but concern is the only emotion I feel as Raven whispers under her breath.


    "That will buy us some time, but I doubt they bought a single word I said. Beckman is too meticulous to write off today''s events as a simple quarrel..."


    She thinks to herself for a few more seconds, and I finally interject.


    "That was one of them, right...? One of the big three? They''reing to the Dark Continent? And what do you mean they didn''t buy it... he seemed to believe every word you just said."


    Raven shakes her head again and looks at me.


    "Yes, he''s one of the big three, a fire user just like you actually. But him taking anything I say at face value? No... He''s just wasting time. All of this is a big joke to Redgrave. He knows we''re not a threat. He couldn''t care less if I went on a rampage right now and killed every one of the outer members of the council and lied straight to his face about it. He''s just putting on a show for his equals, ra and Beckman. If he really cared, he would havee and leveled these two nations the instant you killed Mr. Freeman."


    I look around the abandoned mansion, thinking about the fight I just had here, and the battle I had with Raven in the desert that morning.


    The fact that there are really three people more powerful than them, not even bothering to take care of a potential rogue force on the loose when so much is on the line, both frightens and excites me.


    Another line she''s said makes me quite curious too, the fact that if all of the outer members of the Order were killed right now, no one would bat an eye...


    I look back up at Raven and reply.


    "Well, I think we shouldy out everything on the table now. Where our loyalties truly stand, and how we can help each other in this impending war. You''re a member of the Order, but an outcast that will be crushed once the big three reallye out to y. I say we work together. I have an idea of how we could get much more powerful in the next few days..."

 Chapter 629

    Chapter 629


    Raven replies as we stand a few meters apart in the crumbling mansion below the night sky.


    "Where does my loyalty stand? That''s a good question..."


    She takes a step forward, and it echoes through the silence.


    "If you were to ask me that question a few days ago, my answer would have been with the Association without a doubt. I''ve been a contracted hunter since the day I awakened, skills like mine aren''tmon. People in power always needed to hire someone to listen in on others while using stealth, and an ability to disappear in dungeons allowed me to level up far faster than my peers, even in dungeons far above my strength..."


    She crosses her arms and looks at the sky.


    "You heard Redgrave. I''ve always been one of their favorites. It''s because I always did what I was told and was rewarded for doing so... I even got to use the Central Labyrinth a few times about a decade back. Other than the big three, I''m the only triple ranked-up hunter in the world."


    She grins and looks back at me.


    "Technically, we''re called S-ss hunters, but that rating in the Association''s system was thrown away long ago to make the public believe level 1000 was the pinnacle of power...."


    Her frown disappears, and her gaze tightens, looking deep into my eyes. I feel her aura get stronger as she speaks again."I thought I knew the pinnacle of power too... A True Core, even among all the members of the Order, this was the strongest anyone in the world had ever achieved. But after our battle..."


    Her eyes change. Instead of a pure calcted, practical gaze, a tinge of crazy aspiration twinkles in them; I feel it ripple out through her aura too as she continues.


    "I''ve never seen anyone fight the way you do, growing stronger with every swing of the de you make... My memories of fighting like that back in the training facilities of the central academy are long gone. It''s like you haven''t lost your childlike view of the world..."


    She pauses, and the sparkle in her eyes grows brighter.


    "No... It isn''t a fantasy to you... You truly believe your potential is limitless... No... it isn''t that either. You don''t even think about suchbels that put you in a box. You see what''s in front of you, and merely find a way to take it..."


    The feeling of pure inspiration pours out of her True Core''s aura as a moment of understanding washes over the hunter who has been stuck in her ways for decades, ying it safe, and biding her time while the leaders of the Order keep power and safety just out of her grasp.


    While assurance through a pact that no one will attack each other for decades toe has given her some security over the years, there has always been the looming anxiety that once that timees, she will never be strong enough to stack up against the true threats.


    I nod and interject.


    "Sure... If that''s how you want to see it. I want to grow with and protect those who helped me, and I don''t want anyone telling me what I can or cannot do. I don''t care for personal profit other than gaining more strength. Power over people and the money it brings me is a side effect of my ventures, and a tool that must be used. Basically, I wanted to have the Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions all to myself so I could train in peace and give the citizens of my growing nation a safe life... But of course, there are always more greedy hands in every pot."


    I look up at the dark night sky, not looking for anything in particr, but the vastness of it helps me organize my thoughts and consolidate a point.


    "I want to take down the Order, everyst one of them. These big three used their power and resources to hold you on a leash, even if it felt like you were free. If you say they''ll being to the Dark Continent to im the throne, that means my people will soon be under threat of their rule."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    I look back down from the sky and stare at Raven with the same intensity she''s giving me. Then, I put out my right hand.


    "You''re either with me or against me. I have a n, but I want your confirmation of full trust first. What do you say?"


    Raven''s heartbeat bes faster, and her aura of inspiration and excitement bes even stronger as she lifts her right hand too.


    "There''s more to life than just waiting to die. You showed me that in our battle, creating a spark of inspiration in my heart, protecting that dull me when you brought me back from the brink of death, and now you''re giving me a chance to fan the fire. Deep down, I''ve always wanted to see the leaders of the Order burn, but there has never been an opportunity to try until now."


    Our hands sp together, and our True Core''s auras intertwine as her thoughts and emotions be crystal clear.


    "Good. This is my new n. We''ll start with the remaining outer four..."


    ¡ª


    Over the next few hours, I outline my n, and we continue to share information back and forth.


    I learn of the inner workings of the Association and the Order in far more detail, but there isn''t much that I couldn''t have guessed.


    Each strong nation around the world that hasrge military forces of above 4 A-ss hunters is run by members of the Order. They report back to central headquarters every few years and pay resource taxes, as well as have their hunters'' talent scouted to be taken into Central.


    Over the years, many artifacts of both originator and divine nature have been found around the globe; so many strong nations have soul energy users as their leaders, but very few are capable of using Divine power.


    Even in some of the weaker nations, without Order members running them, there are a few red and orange cores that pop up every once in a while; but they are usually eliminated by any nearby Order member before they can be a greater threat, as most of the divine energy has been regted with a tight grip.


    Each of the powerhouse nations is only allowed to share divine energy with those approved by Central, but there are hundreds of red cores around the globe, and dozens of orange; however, Raven states that now there are surely single-digit yellows, and only 5 True Cores that she knows of. That includes both of us.


    After learning this, she tells me of the 4 powerhouse nations run by members of the Order all around the globe, and offers to bring me to them.


    "There is a veryrge ind nation off the coast. Two of the outer members reside on it." She points west, even further away past the mountain range that stops my view at the edge of the forest.


    "It''s past the dead zone of the mountains. Believe it or not, there''s a prettyrge ocean on the other side of that mountain range. Across it, the maind takes you to Central if we fly far enough... The other big three havebined their nations to surround the Central Headquarters on all sides. One of the other outer members is on the maind even further west of central, while the final member has been dark for a number of decades... I don''t know how to find him."


    She pauses, and a small ripple of concern leaks out of her.


    "Visiting that maind wouldn''t be wise; you''ll be spotted if we get too close... even visiting the ind nation could be a huge risk. One of the big three will sense you."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "What? And they won''t sense you? Your ability can evade their perception?"


    Raven nods.


    "It can. But the moment I slip out from my stealth domain, it''d be over for me, they''d notice a True Core in an instant. You can''t hide your¡ª"


    Mid-sentence, I decide to retract my aura, hiding it all behind my purple divine barrier. Not a single thread leaks out. It is, after all, an artifact created by a being many cores above a yellow. With the help of a mythic-grade concealment skill and my master of illusion buff, it appears as though I''m nothing but a normal man, without a drop of even mana running through my veins.


    Raven looks me up and down again and continues her sentence.


    "Maybe... you can... still, we should do some tests, and going to central right now would be a death sentence."


    She lets out a pulse of full-strength perception, but the look of confusion still stays on her face.


    I grin.


    "We don''t have to push it too far. There''s no point in going directly to Central. All I want to do is visit the four outer members, the two on this ind you speak of is a good start. I don''t want to kill them today, nor take over their economy. Doing that now without having any knowledge of their local infrastructure would be a waste. Plus, as much as you believe the big three wouldn''t bat an eye, I''m not taking any chances."


    ¡ª


    We continue our talk beneath the stars. Then, once all the logistics are figured out, we both do long-range perception testing on both of our techniques.


    All throughout the forest region, both of us use our full perception to try and sense the other from close up and far away, and at varying flight speeds.


    There is a point when my greater form is activated, and I try to soar at a velocity fast enough that some of my mana control and divine threads leak out, but we nail down a top speed I can soar at beside her and stay concealed. The sound and changes in air pressure I create, even while using my own stealth skill, need to be taken into ount.


    While it would be easy to make ap around the globe in an hour or two, that won''t be possible if I want to stay inconspicuous.


    Eventually, we set off further to the west to begin scouting out newnds.


    Just yesterday, I believed the 8 Great Regions would be the long haul project I''d be focused on for months toe. However, a dayter, a new True Core ally has joined my ranks, and my eyes are set on a muchrger prize.

 Chapter 630

    Chapter 630


    The 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent fade away from my perception, but the real-time memories of my doubles are still being ryed to me, and I can swap ces with one anytime I''d like.


    The progress on harvesting the Apex Region''s mana has moved along quite nicely. By the time I have my meeting with the Regional Directors and powerful hunters in the morning, it should beplete and ready for use.


    Even though I know Raven is near me in the sky, it''s still quite fascinating that I don''t sense a thing.


    She vaguely described how her ability worked, revealing that when she activates her divine-grade stealth skill and tethers it with her true core''s innate ability, she finds herself in a flow state between existing and not.


    Physical contact and extremely close proximity are the only things that negate her power.


    While she can stab an enemy through the heart while fully in stealth mode, it won''t do any damage until shees back to this physical ne.


    While this is more than enough to kill anyone at her strength level or lower without them even knowing they''ve been stabbed, the big three have a power gap sorge, they can feel her presence when she''s within a very close proximity of their auras; a few meters would set off the mental rms.


    If I didn''t have my purple barrier to trigger my perception when her silver des were close to cutting me, I would never have been able to perceive her presence.


    However, now that she is connected to me through a link of loyalty, I am capable of zeroing in on her general location with the geo-points my Rising Emperor''s domain interface grants. Along with that, even while she''s in her stealth mode, the instant long-range telepathy perk I have through the interface grants me an open speaking channel even if my perception can''t pick her up in the physical world around me.As the near endless forest of thick trees below us starts to turn into a more mountainous and rockyndscape, I realize something isn''t quite right and raise a question.


    "These aren''t real mountains... Did someone make them?"


    My perception is dampened, as to not send out any abnormal waves of divine energy into the atmosphere, but even now as we fly over them, I can sense that something is off using just my mana senses.


    It feels like these massive pyramids of stone stretch for hundreds of kilometers in front of us and thousands of kilometers north and south to form a border between the sea and thend that leads to the 8 Great Regions and beyond to the east.


    I know earth summoning well, as it''s a skill I use often, but this massive scale of use seems unbelievable. Manybyrinths'' worth of mana must have been used to create such a mountain range.


    At the outer edges of my radar to the north, I sense these same mountains madepletely of ice, and it feels like they''re mostly made of mana as well.


    To the south, the mountain range curves east and leads down to Raven''s volcanic territory, but those mountains andndmarks are far smaller and more natural. This phenomenon has me stumped until Raven replies.


    "You''re right. These mountains aren''t real. However, they''ve been around for as long as I can remember. Apparently, they were created in the Great War. ra''s kingdom used to be to the north, and Beckman ruled where we''re flying over now... It''s the residual aftermath of a battle fought long ago. Believe it or not, the divide used to be farrger; most of the mana has already dissolved back into the atmosphere."


    I don''t respond for a moment, thinking over her words, imagining therge-scale fight that must have taken ce to create such a massive change in thendscape of the world...


    Raven continues talking through our link as my mind wanders.


    "To the southeast, it''s rumored Redgrave won a battle where my territory and the Dark Continent stand today. Old maps show that the sandy wastnd you''ve built your city in wasn''t always that way. It used to be far more full of life, and the volcanoes in my region that never go out used to be nothing but mountains 50 years ago..."


    My mind wanders more, as pieces of the world puzzle click together.


    Back in school, they never taught us much of anything outside of the 8 Great Regions, andmonfolk never had the means to travel elsewhere. There was always talk of other nations in the world, and other stronger hunters rumored in the news; but I''m seeing it all for real now.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I respond to Raven.


    "So you mentioned before that the throne appearing is what started this war... but what stopped it?"


    She responds.


    "I was too young back then to know what the truth really was. It must have been more than the throne. Powerful nations grew out of nothing after 30 years of profitable dungeon diving. The whole world was on edge, with superpowers rising and falling left and right. A war like that was bound to happen, and the high-ranking members of the Order must have had a falling out when the throne showed itself, and it was a catalyst for it all... Who knows, maybe there were more than just three world leaders back then. History is re-written by the victors."


    My curiosity isn''t yet satiated, as I still have a feeling demons and dragons yed a massive role in this war, and still have a finger on the pulse of this world now.


    The fact that Celia''s memories show world after world being destroyed and taken over by demons before her eyes is still burned into my consciousness. She was a purple-cored entity witnessing these catastrophes, which makes me believe that no matter how strong the powers of a world may be, demons must have dominating mana richs down to a science. There is something I''m still not understanding in all of this.


    Despite this nagging feeling, Raven has given me some valuable information here about the big three.


    "Makes sense... So ra is an ice user, and Beckman uses earth magic... What about the ind nation we''re visiting now? Who are the Order members that stay there, and what are their abilities?"


    Raven takes a moment to respond, but finally does; and at the same time on the horizon through the dead of night, the mountains finally end and a vast sea begins.


    "ra and Beckman are multi-skill users... So is Redgrave... I don''t know the full extent of their power; they never reveal it. For all I know, they aren''t element users at all. This world is their yground, and every time I see them, it''s like they''re living out a long, borate act... You have to remember, they''ve been in power before I was even alive. They are ruthless killers and meticulous nners. We think in days, weeks, months, maybe even years. They think in centuries, and have thought of every possibility many times over..."


    Her response hits my consciousness, and the seriousness in her tone makes me fly in silence for a full minute before we reach the sea and continue to fly deep into the ocean under the night sky.


    She responds to the next half of my question after letting me conceptualize her words.


    "As for the ind nation, its two rulers are husband and wife. They''re both water wielders, yellow cores near the strength of Mr. Freeman. The nation they rule is known as the Kingdom of Palmyra. If we visit in these stealth forms just to survey the main city, there will not be a problem. I don''t rmend we visit any of the finger cities; there aren''t usually any citizens present on those. They''re all Association-run."


    I raise an eyebrow and respond as the mountains disappear behind us.


    "The finger cities? What do you mean...?"


    Raven chuckles through our link.


    "You''ll see."


    Another hour passes as we soar through the air over the endless ocean.


    Finally, a shining bright light appears in my vision through the darkness.


    It appears to be a few kilometers above sea level, and about 70,000 individual systems register on my enemy detection radar as well.


    A good amount of dungeons and a singlebyrinth reach my senses too. I mentally map out therge city, it is near the size of Sra, but far more densely packed with strong hunters.


    There are a few dozen B-ss hunters that touch my perception, and even a handful of A-ss hunters too. One of which, I can feel gravity bending around him, and a red tint in my mind makes me believe this is a red-core holder on the ind.


    My perception seeps deeper into the city the closer we get, and the more of my power I can use without bursting through my stealth disguise.


    I sense five smaller inds in a curved pattern around the back of the ind, however, they are also floating above sea level.


    At this distance, it''s hard to fully make sense of what I''m feeling in my mind''s eye.


    It''s as if onerge ind, about 60 km wide, and five smaller inds ranging from 2¨C3 km wide, are all floating above the sea.


    There''s an empty void below them that appears to be holding them up above the water.


    It isn''t until we arrive, and I get a view of the ind up close with the city lights illuminating the night, that I see it for what it is...


    A massive ck hand, that looks like it was taken off a statue of a giant asrge as the world, sticks up and out of the sea.


    On its palm, a fully functioning city rests, with modern skyscrapers, roadways, shopping centers, apartments, housing, dungeon gates, and trade markets.


    There''s a thickyer of earth that rests above the pitch-ck hand, allowing for parks,wns of bright green grass, and small forests to flourish.


    Atop the five fingers of the ind, smaller cities stand, and these house many of the stronger hunters.


    On thergest of what Raven referred to as the finger cities, the thumb, I can finally sense the presence of two dense yellow wells of gravity within a guarded mansion. It is an estate with nature, walkways, resorts, and many high-grade mana-shielded facilities. One of the most protected facilities on this ind has a densebyrinth portal within it.


    On the other four fingers, there are Association-branded buildings with training centers, high-grade dungeons, and housing for many D, C, and B-ss Association hunters.


    My gaze scans the entire city many times over as we get closer and closer, then eventually float down to touch down on the outer edge of the city together under the darkness of a well-maintained public park.


    As my feet touch the ground, the realization of why the ck stone of the hand ispletely invisible hits me.


    The entire base of this ind is an originator artifact. It''spletely made of the same ck material as the pir reaching up to the sky in the middle of the Dark Continent.

 Chapter 631

    Chapter 631


    I walk down a small curving path within a well-maintained park on the edge of the city.


    It''s dimly lit, leading to a portion of housing that looks like hundreds of people live in, near one of the local markets. Like most cities, the outer edges are less crowded than the center, where massive apartmentplexes, towering association-run businesses, and the main dungeon hub sit.


    I keep my stealth skill fully activated, and Raven does too, walking next to me andmunicating telepathically as we move into the more popted areas of town.


    "Tell me more about this ind... I''ll be the one taking control of it soon, after all."


    As we walk further into therge city, it''s a little eerie how clean and orderly everything is. The housingmunities are identical, and even the level of hunters asleep inside are nearly the exact same, all sectioned off to certain districts.


    There is about one guard awake, slowly surveying every block for every 100 residents, and the average level of these residents increases more and more as we get to the center of the city.


    They all range from level 100 up to roughly 450. Most of the B and A-rank hunters are on the finger inds.


    Raven''s response to my question makes everything on this ind make so much more sense but disgusts me all the same.


    "It''s as close to very as you can get. Over 70,000 residents all trapped on an ind kilometers above sea with the closest bit ofnd nearly a thousand kilometers away. They may get to live somewhat normal lives, but the Kingdom of Palmyra is one of the highest-grossing raw dungeon loot exporters in the world. I''ve visited a few times over the decades; they often use raw luminite and pure mana farmed from central to trigger the creation of unique dungeons. In exchange for free housing and stable pay, long hours of dungeon farming are a mandatory weekly quota for residents."I raise an eyebrow at Raven''s mention of luminite, as I''ve never heard anyone speak of it other than Bri in my past. It appears the fluke of an experiment I tried out in the forest bordering Vice City to identally create dungeons has been replicated by the Association before.


    There''s no reason to pry further, so I raise a different question as we approach the center of the city with the taller skyscrapers, well-lit streets, yet still no one outside other than the asional guard.


    "So what? Like an extended contract with the association? They''re allowed back to the maind with enough money to live off for the rest of their lives once their duties are paid? Or¡ª"


    While the vibes this ce gives off aren''t savory, I want to give it the benefit of the doubt before doing a full investigation. Allies with morals that align with my own never hurt, but Raven''s reply confirms the fact floating around in my subconscious.


    "More like work or die. Sure, there''s many contracts in ce, but the terms are always extended for the most minor infractions. A single missed farming quota, failure to secure breaks in a timely manner. The King and Queen rule this ce to profit, nothing more. Residents are hunted down by the high-ranking guards if they ever try to escape before their terms are up, and those that by a miracle manage to fulfill their contracts often have idents on the way back home..."


    Raven pauses, and I shake my head while replying.


    "I bet it''s quite the lucrative system... but it could be done with a little bit more humanity in mind."


    I roll my eyes and turn my gaze to the thumb of the ind far off in the distance that houses two dense yellow wells of energy and a single red one standing guard on the estate.


    "The ruthless leaders are always the ones that manage to stay in power. At least I won''t have to forcefully take over a kingdom run by saints."


    I smirk while looking back down the empty street we walk on toward a very concentrated area of dungeons.


    There''s a guard out front, and a silver sign above the facility''s entrance that reads [Palmyra Dungeon Gate Entrance E-004].


    I sense quite a few of the entrance gates around the city. When letting my senses seep deep into the facilities with the densest mana shielding, I find the presence of many well-guarded dungeons in very symmetrical lines.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Some are on ground level, while others are stacked inside mana-shielded towers.


    This entire ind is a dungeon farming facility run by tyrants.


    Raven and I both wait nearby the entrance of the gate for about half an hour until a guard from inside the facilityes out and swaps ces with the guard outside the door, allowing us to slip inside unnoticed.


    During the time we waited, my senses seeped deep down and around the ind, trying to figure out what this massive hand we stand on is.


    I''m positive it''s an originator artifact, or at least somewhat connected to the throne. However, the deeper my senses reach down into the depths of the ocean below, the more of a dead end I face.


    With my visual senses, it''s easy for me to see the entire ck statue-like hand. And even with my mana senses, I can tell where the artifact is just by perceiving the dead space where ack of manands.


    However, once I try to perceive down into the''s crust below the ocean, everything melds together, and I can''t tell what is lodged beneath the dirt and rocks below more than a few dozen kilometers. Especially while trying to conceal my power, it''s impossible.


    The only thing of value I find before we make our way into the dungeon hub here is a small reading of raw Qi deep in the ocean floor. It''s growing and forming around the base of the wrist of the ck-hand statue, in proportions magnitudes above any amount farmed below Valor City.


    As we walk inside the facility, we keep close behind the guard swapping shift ces and make it past manyyers of security with ease.


    Automatic doors working with video surveince and keycards open up, and we easily make it through threeyers of security before one of the rows of E-ss Dungeonses into my line of sight behind a thick mana-imbued ss wall.


    The guard that unknowingly caused a major security breach greets a fellow guard on the way by this floor, and his friend opens up the clear ss door to give us direct ess to the rows of dozens of dungeons.


    As theyin about their night shifts almost being over, Raven and I slip into one of the nearest dungeons.


    To my surprise, when we materialize on the other side,nding on the rocky floor of a mountainous forest dungeon, I feel the presence of dozens of hunters inside. While no one is out in the streets, it seems all of these dungeons arepletely filled to the brim with hunters farming them to maximize the spawn rates of every single monster.


    No one in here is above level 150, so they wouldn''t be able to know what they''re sensing even if both of us showed our full presence. I message Raven through our link while walking toward her general direction and putting out a hand, lifting my stealth skill so I''m visible again.


    "Hold on, we''re getting out of here. I''ve gained everything I need to move this portion of the n forward."


    A hand materializes out of thin air and grabs mine, and Raven fully appears in my vision once my purple barrieres in contact with her. I activate my dungeon walker skill and bring us to the first floor of the Apex Region''sbyrinth.


    Within my body doubles instantly transmitted memories; I see that the sun here has already begun to rise, and the meeting with all of the regional directors and hunters is about to begin.


    "Alright, this is going to take me about an hour. You can watch if you''d like; you may find it entertaining. If not, we can meet back up afterward to move onto the next phase."


    I grin while using my concealment skill and master of illusion buff topletely change my appearance from its natural state into the illusion of the Sun God that Mr. Freeman used to show everyone that approached him.


    Raven''s eyes widen, and she grins while replying out loud.


    "I think I''ll stick around. There''s nothing to do back in my territory anyway. Daily training of the hunters beneath me and maintenance of the facilities will be taken care of until I return. Plus, I don''t think announcing our partnership publicly will benefit either of us just yet."


    "Agreed."


    I nod as she disappears from my senses, and I walk forward out of thebyrinth into the 20th floor, making my way over to the elevator.


    On my walk over, I send telepathic transmissions to Bri and Rodrigo to notify them that I''ve arrived and the meeting can begin soon.


    As I board the elevator, I send out three more transmissions to my doubles.


    One of them is with Bri and Rodrigo now, greeting me at the door as I arrive on the 19th floor.


    With nothing but a simple nod, we swap ces. I walk into the 19th floor to prepare for our meeting, and my double heads back to thebyrinth to dungeon walk back to the Kingdom of Palmyra on a very specific mission.


    I want to observe the daily life of all guards, hunters, and higher-ups throughout the main ind. While my double can''t sense Qi or divine energy, that isn''t necessary for evading people''s senses and taking meticulous notes.


    The other two transmissions lead to my doubles that have recently finished the swapping of mana from thebyrinths. The Apex Region''sbyrinth has been brought down to 60 floors, capping out at level 3000 as requested, and thebyrinth in the Crimson City has been brought up to floor 96, capping out at roughly level 6600 monsters.


    The cost for creating new floors at this level is so high that even absorbing the entire 60 floors of thebyrinth wouldn''t even add a single floor to this one at 96.


    I task one of the doubles to head back to the Crimson City and retrieve some of the luminite in storage. I want many new dungeons formed in the dead zones of the dark continent and also to begin filling up the new forest region to the northwest with more dungeons as well.


    These new dungeons will make for great seeds of cities, preparing for new expansion and civilizations to be built in these deste portions of the world.


    I task the second double with venturing out into the artificial mountains even further west. I want to condense as much of that raw mana as I can, bringing it into its physical form, and try to bring mybyrinth up to level 100.


    If I do this favor, maybe the demon that runs it will have some insight on the recent world events that have me questioning how this impending war will carry out.

 Chapter 632

    Chapter 632


    I go over the notes with Bri and Rodrigo one more time, updating them on the new progress of the doubles I just sent out to expand the kingdom further west of the 8 Great Regions and south of the Dark Continent.


    Once transmissions ofrge amounts of hunters arriving in the empty entrance hall begin to reach Rodrigo''s tablet, orders are sent out for E and D ss workers in the Apex base. They are to greet the parties from each region that arrive and escort them to the elevator.


    Five to ten at a time, Regional Directors, B and A ss hunters are all escorted down to the 18th floor of the facility, the A-ss training rooms.


    It''s the only roomrge enough and secure enough to hold this kind of meeting.


    As the sun slowly rises, everyone that was invited arrives, and I decide to make my way toward the elevator with Bri and Rodrigo behind me, with Raven watching from an invisible point of view.


    I take a deep breath in and out, and wait for the elevator to open with a ding on the 18th floor.


    The chatter and small talk in the room gopletely silent as I walk out onto the dense mana-shielded floor to see over 200 hunters waiting for me to speak.


    All three of our footsteps echo through the silent room as we walk forward.


    The crowds of powerful hunters are split into 8 separate groupings. Each region sticks together, and the sizes vary a lot. The Apex, Veridian, and Vice Region groupings are farrger than the others, who have less than 10 in each of them. Smallest of all, the Talton Region''s only two people who showed up are Marcie and their leader I met once before when delivering goods.There are a few other very familiar faces among the groups as I survey the crowd and walk closer until stopping about 10 meters in front of everyone. The old and new A-ss hunters stand in front of the Apex Region''s crowd, while the Regional Directors stand in front of the other groupings. I see Dane beside the woman that runs the Silca Region, and even spot Nat next to the Veridian Region''s leader.


    Then, I release a wave of intimidation in addition to my Heavy Hand skill.


    With very fine-tuned precision, I make sure to alter the gravity at which my Heavy Hand pushes down on people depending on the amount of mana control they''re letting out of their bodies.


    The instant I do, everyone in the room is hit with a wave of energy that frightens them to the core, and I''m the center of their full attention roughly two secondster once I release this wave and allow everyone to breathe.


    "I wee you all to the Apex Region. As some of you know, I''ve been battling a very intense energy poisoning illness for many years. It has made me irritable, unreasonable, and paranoid... for this reason, I have kept the 8 Great Regions constrained to only benefit myself..."


    There are mixed reactions that ripple through the crowds of people, as this is not the opener they expected.


    Some hide their physical reactions very well, but I can sense each and every one of their emotions as clear as day while I continue.


    "I''ve brought you all here today to tell you I''ve found a cure, and moving forward I will have far more energy to build our nation into an even more powerful kingdom. We will be doing a major restructuring of funds, contracts, leadership positions, and most importantly, the closely guarded rank of A-ss is going to be lifted. All of you in this room today have the opportunity to rank up a second time if you wish after our meeting is over."


    The general skepticism and unease from my first statementpletely fades when the final words leave my mouth.


    I can tell there are many hunters that have been held back at level 990-999 among the Apex Region hunters who have many questions but are afraid to speak up and ask because of the surge of energy I let out when I entered the room. So, I continue and exin further.


    "You will no longer be held back from growing stronger due to policy constraints and fear of rogue hunters overpowering regions. I believe we should all grow together, so I will be making the Apex Region''sbyrinth below us on the 20th floor avable to all B-ss and above hunters."


    I smile beneath my disguise, as this forces out whispers among some of the hunters, and confirmation that I''m not scolding them makes for more whispers and conversations to pile up. I allow it to go on for about 20 seconds before I speak again and they all hush instantly.


    "I''m sure you all recognize Rodrigo, an A-ss hunter that has been very helpful in all of your regional hunter exams..."


    He takes a step forward, and almost everyone in the crowd nods as he looks up from his silver tablet and smiles. Then, Bri walks forward too on my other side, and I continue before any additional questions can be shared.


    "This is Ms. Briana. All questions about signing up for time slots in thebyrinth can be issued through them once our meeting is done. These two are the new voices of reason among the 8 Great Regions, the Overseers."


    I pause for a moment so everyone can get a good look at them, then add onto my point.


    "In addition to breaking the level 1000 restriction, we''re going to change the funding structure among the 8 Great Regions. There is no longer a set amount granted depending on your region''s hunter power and results in the B-ss exams. We''ll be allocating resources far more aggressively to build up the infrastructure in every Region equally. This entire nation needs to be a well-oiled machine. We are a collective of businesses, and I want us all to grow..."


    I pause again but wait even longer because I want conversation to spark among the people on this point.


    There is growing hope and curiosity flowing out of all the smaller Region''s Directors, and many of the B-ss hunters that surround them as guards and surely work within the financial departments of these Regions.


    I''ve seen the annual reports briefly when looking over Bri''s calctions, and the Apex Region pretty much neglects every Region''s requests for any funding that isn''t the Veridian or Vice.


    While it is logical in the short-term growth of the Vice Region''s profit, and growth of business rtionships between the Regions that are doing well, it doesn''t spark any new economy or drive for innovation in the less powerful regions.


    The Silca, Raya, Phantom, Talton, and Bedrock regions hardly get any support; and in return, they don''t grow much and stay stagnant. Most of the industry in these regions rely on locals to support each other, or the non-magic world backbone of industry like agriculture, farming, and mining raw materials to keep them afloat.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred tform and support their work!


    It is a cycle that will continue repeating itself unless something is changed. I can easily bring in trillions of MP to makerger dungeon hubs in all of their cities, and with ess to the Apex Region''s treasury, and Dark Continent resources, I don''t mind reinvesting arge amount of my profits for the benefit of millions of citizens'' trust and approvalter down the line for making their lives better.


    This is a fact that is understood among the powerful, and I can see the glint in the eyes of hunters that grinded from nothing to something in backwater regions looking at me with hope.


    However, the angry res of the Vice and Veridian Directors tell a different story.


    They aren''t voicing their opinions yet, but my goal is to rile them up a bit more, so I continue.


    "I want you to all feel safe asking for anything you want. If it will grow your region, and make it a safer and more prosperous ce for all involved, then there is no request too expensive orbor-intensive to ask. We can negotiate terms, and money andbor will be provided for the good of our nation."


    I nod and inwardly smile more as the separation of emotions in the crowd grows to be more extreme. Those that have exploited hunters using the corrupt system for years can''t believe the sight of their house of cards crumbling in front of them, while those that made it here through blood, sweat, and tears are finally getting a chance to rise further.


    "With that being said, if there are individuals with unsavory contracts anyone has been forced or unknowingly signed into, they may all be voided or restructured with no questions asked. The numbers just have to work out for both of us. Please, contact any workers here at headquarters and they will direct you straight to the overseers at any time and things will be sorted quickly. We will be needing more long and short-term contracts for guard duty and dungeon exploration, as we''re expanding the 8 Great Regions to the west and southeast soon."


    Many of the weaker B-ss hunters in the crowds that don''t have a direct say in their region''s business dealings perk up at this fact, and I continue.


    "That''s right. I''ve acquired newnd to the west. A vast forest region full of dungeons. There will be trade routes built, dungeons that need exploring, and Association bases that will need to be manned once settlements are grown out to the western expansion project. This will be avable to all hunters, E grade and above; so when you venture back to your home regions just know that high-paying Nationwide contracts will be avable to anyone that needs work."


    The breaking point is near, as everyone here knows that southeast of the 8 great regions is the Dark Continent.


    "Yes, as many of you have pieced together, we are expanding into the Dark Continent. The walls that separate our nation from those that have been exiled will be broken down. Trade routes will be built, and we will be adding 4 new Regions to our empire. This is the final task that I wanted to bring up today: the fact that I have made a partnership with the ruler of the Dark Continent. The me Emperor will be a major trade partner moving forward. I''ve brokered quite the beneficial deal between us, and without the powers there, none of the extra funding and avability of resources would be possible. My cure, our expansion, and all of the growth moving forward is thanks to them."


    The room spikes with emotions in twopletely opposite directions.


    Bri and Rodrigo keep straight faces as an eruption of conversation breaks out.


    Two of the loudest voicese from the front of the crowd: the old man that runs the Veridian Region and Brutus from the Vice Region.


    The old man from the Veridian Region raises his fist, which still carries the ring that used to glow golden from the Sun God''s light, but no longer does.


    "I knew it! You''ve abandoned us! Our borrowed power was taken away and now you''vepletely forgotten the terms of our agreement! You''re not fit to be our ruler!"


    Brutus'' voice echoes out next.


    "You have certainly changed. This is not the ideal nation we have been running together for years. Bleeding expenses to help failing regions is not a profitable move¡ª"


    Their words are drowned out by the positive conversations of the hunters from other regions, full of hope.


    "We can finally renegotiate our contracts, this is a miracle!"


    "Eleven years I''ve been stuck at level 999, can you believe it? Mr. Freeman is finally letting us grow..."


    "We can finally apply for funding to rebuild Silca''skeside dungeon hub, after the surges this past year it''s in pretty rough shape..."


    "I don''t know what happened between him and the me Emperor after the exams, but I don''t care. This is great! Finally, this nation is going to see some growth in ces that aren''t just the directors'' pockets."


    "The me Emperor is helping us? Maybe the Dark Continent isn''t as bad as the news makes it out to be."


    More and more chains of conversation enter my consciousness, and the general sentiment is positive.


    The only ones still on edge about the proposed ns are the A-ss hunters from the Apex Region. To them, they''ve already paid their dues and climbed the ranks; now I''m just giving out what they worked so hard to do for free.


    This is in line with how I believed the reaction would y out, but they''re smart enough not to cause a scene.


    Rodrigo has already found a solution for this, as I n to make them an elite royal guard with higher prestige than the newer recruits to keep their egos soaring high.


    However, the two angry old men that run the Veridian and Vice Regions yelling negatively through the crowd I have far different ns for.


    "That''s enough." I speak while letting out a wave of targeted intimidation just strong enough to make everyone shiver.


    I turn my golden glowing gaze toward the Veridian Region''s Director, then use telekinesis to lift him off the ground and forward to stand in front of me.


    His face drains to white as I speak up.


    "You''re right. I have abandoned you."


    I turn to everyone else and speak again.


    "I would like to publicly apologize for all the wrongs the Apex Region has done over the years. Moving forward, I hope that we can see ourselves as one nation, not one that is divided through hatred, power, and profits."


    I turn back to the old man and nod.


    "It''s odd how only two Regions have anything bad to say about my new expansion n. The two Regions that exploited and profited off the others for personal gain alone for decades."


    My gaze moves away from his and over to the Vice Region''s director, Brutus.


    I give him an extra strong wave of intimidation that brings him to his knees, then look back at the Veridian Region''s director.


    "How about this? A new Veridian Regional Director Election sounds like a great idea. I say you have an anonymous Association-Wide vote when you return back to the Veridian Region today. I''m sure there are many candidates that would love to fill that position."


    I turn to the crowd of hunters behind him and point.


    "Natalie Sterling. A very strong and honorable fighter and healer from the B-ss exams this year. I want you to run the election and make sure everything is fair and just. I can have associates sent over to help if you wish."


    There''s silence in the room as the director''s face pales even more, then Nat musters out a strong-willed reply with a grin on her face.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    "Good." I reply while using telekinesis to push the old director back to where he started, but now when I set him down he slumps on his knees in a defeated state.


    My gaze turns back to Brutus, and after that treatment, he doesn''t say a word, but resentment and anger swirl around in his aura.


    I lift a finger and motion for him to walk my way. "Follow me."


    He gulps, then doesn''t move for a few seconds, but eventually starts toe toward me.


    At the same moment, I turn around and begin walking toward the exit elevator.


    I use my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface to grant Rodrigo and Bri 5% of my mana control and base stats each, just to make sure they''re the strongest one''s in the room, then speak up.


    "That is all from me. We will have one of these meetings every 2 weeks from now on. Any further questions, scheduling, or contract negotiations, talk with the new 8 Great Region''s Overseers. I have a contract of my own to negotiate."


    I slowly walk back to the elevator as the scared Vice Region''s Director follows. In the back of my mind, I can still sense Raven''s geotag following me as well.


    In silence, the elevator door dings open and the three of us walk inside. About half a dozen E-Grade workers step out to help with the paperwork iing that Rodrigo requested during my speech.


    A flood of questions fills the room for Bri and Rodrigo to answer, and the door closes shut behind us.


    I put one hand on the Director''s shoulder, and feel Raven''s hand materialize out of nothing to touch my side. Then, I pull a teleport crystal out from my storage and crush it to bring us to the Crimson City.


    This meeting with the Vice Region''s Director will be much more productive with a few more familiar faces in the room.

 Chapter 633

    Chapter 633


    As white light envelops all three of us, I create a barrier of pure mana shielding around the Vice Region''s director.


    If not, the pressure of dense orange divine energy filling the underground bunker in the Crimson City would have shredded him to bits in a matter of milliseconds.


    An additional upside to this barrier is that with this man''sck of strong mana control, it will be impossible for him to see or sense through it, essentially bringing him into my fortress blind until I decide he should be able to see.


    When we finally materialize, the sight before me is fascinating.


    To my right, I instantly sense two fully formed orange cores inside Maria and Abby. On the other side, Lydia and Fisher hold two red cores, almost fully saturated and on the verge of transitioning to orange.


    The room is densely packed with swirling divine threads. From my experience in the past, when I was trying topress my own divine energy, once they''re ejected from the cultivator''s body, the threads usually stay stagnant or dissolve into the air. But something different is happening...


    As the orange shimmering threads are consumed by my four teammates, small amounts of energy stay contained in their bodies, and arge portion is ejected. However, at the back of the room, the faint consciousness of Ember lingers inside the istion pod that continues to dte time inside of it by over ten times the normal speed.


    As divine energy seeps in at a slow rate, it is expelled at a far faster rate, though in slightly lesser quantity.


    It''s like Ember is subconsciously processing the divine energy and taking a small tax, but in doing so, allowing the momentum to keep pushing it around the room, creating a whirlpool effect rushing through all four of them and adding additional threads to their bodies.The enhanced shielding I created is doing its job perfectly, allowing for the divine energy cycled out from each of them to stay in the room and forcefully continue to cycle through them,pounding the effects of each fragment consumed.


    Alone, this would be quite detrimental to the advancement process. The body can only handle processing so much divine energy at a time.


    However, with Abby''s constant use of her mythic-grade [Restore] skill, and [Area of Total Restoration] buff everything can be expedited. Now, with all of these unique healing traits enhanced by the power of a fully awakened orange core, everyone in the room is being constantly healed physically, mentally, and held together with extremely strong divine restoration threads.


    What took Ember and me nearly a week to aplish while fighting orange-cored insects in the construct has taken my teammates under two days.


    I assume it would have taken even less time if they''d started inside this bunker, but when the process began, I was more worried about getting strong enough to take on the Apex Region''s Director than anything else.


    Now... I''ve taken over the entire Nation and have quite the special gift to surprise my teammates with.


    The first to sense our presence as we enter is Maria, as she''s not actively trying to awaken her core, nor is she focused on healing the others like Abby.


    Her blue eyes pierce through the plumes of orange divine threads and meet with mine as I power down my illusion magic, but keep a tight oval-shaped bubble of dense mana around the director.


    A telepathy link between us opens as a wave of perception ripples through the group.


    "Wee back, Jay¡ªWait¡ªThat''s... The Vice Region''s... No way..."


    I smirk as Abby''s eyes open, and she does the same scan of the room before speaking through our link as well.


    "It''s him... What¡ªwhat are you nning to do now...?"


    Lydia''s eyes open next as she senses a change in the constant flow of divine threads. Her gaze darts around the room to make sense of everything. She doesn''t say a word and makes her own assumptions, but Fisher yells out loud, breaking the silence once he realizes who I''ve brought back.


    "It''s that damn Regional Director that scre¡ª"


    I send a four-way wave of telepathy to all of them during his outburst, exining the situation briefly and giving them a reason as to why I didn''t kill him the moment I had a chance


    Even Fisher stops his heated statement and can''t hold back a grin, nodding as he agrees with my n.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I mean¡ªMr. Freeman¡ªlong time no see. How can we assist you today?"


    All four of them stand from their seated positions and take a small break from cultivating.


    Abby and Maria deserve a break from cultivating for almost two days straight, and from the looks of it, Fisher and Lydia could use a moment to rest, as their cores are about two-thirds of the waypleted. At this rate, it will still take almost half a day to finish up.


    It is still incredibly fast, but their natural innate talent is making itself known again, just like how it took a little longer for both of them to awaken their soul energy.


    A muffled voice from Brutuses out from beneath the dense mana shielding.


    "Who¡ªWho''s there? Where have you brought me, Director?"


    My smile grows wider as everyone in the room uses a high-grade concealment artifact to change their appearances. I shift mine slightly too, making myself look like a less animated version of Mr. Freeman without the glowing golden eyes to keep the facade alive for Brutus, and we all walk toward the spiral staircase exit.


    My four teammates walk in front of me, and I release a small amount of my True Core''s aura, contained by my superior-grade mana maniption, to push and contain the direction of all the excess divine threads around us back down into the room.


    Every thread thates in contact with me is instantly absorbed into my core, though it is such a minimal amount, at a divine frequency one tier below my core, that I don''t even feel the energy change.


    This is more to protect the citizens that live above us, not to let a catastrophic wave of divine threads flood out of the bunker as the exit hatch is opened.


    Raven''s geopoint slips out into the guildhall in the back of my consciousness as she curiouslyes along for the ride.


    As we walk out and it''s closed again, I''m not worried about keeping Ember guarded while he rests now. No one is making it through that dense cloud of divine threads below us, and there is a faint flicker of his active minding out from the istion pod. My intuition tells me if he really needed to wake up right now, he could.


    The sun is a bit higher over the horizon here, but it is still early in the morning as the five of us walk through the guildhall and I carry the Vice Region''s director using telekinesis.


    He speaks again as the sounds of the crowded guildhall hit his senses.


    "Where are we? I¡ªI didn''t mean to offend you... What I said before was not my true feelings. You know we''ve been great partners for a long time. Wha¡ªWhatever you say, I''ll be behind it 100%, you know this."


    I don''t reply but slowly let his mana barrier dissolve, allowing his feet to touch the ground as we walk out one of the doors of the guildhall onto the main road.


    Once he can finally see, he doesn''t say a word as he takes in the environment of a prospering city, now with over 2,200 citizens and thousands more outside of the crimson dome.


    People line the streets, buying and selling gear that isn''t traded in the guildhall. Restaurants and caf¨¦s are finishing up the morning crowd and transitioning to lunch, while residents make their way to and from the canyon of dungeons on the far edge of town.


    Brutus turns his head all around, trying to figure out what''s happening, even looking at the four unknown strangers surrounding him, and his boss. He speaks again.


    "What¡ªWhere¡ª"


    I speak in the same tone as Mr. Freeman.


    "This is the Crimson City, the home of the me Emperor. Since, as you said, you are my most longsting, trustworthy business partner over the years, I thought it would only be right to give you the first tour of our new partnered nation."


    I feel a rush of relief emanate from the old man as he responds, and watch his posture straightening up.


    "Oh¡ªYes. Of course, so that''s it."


    A smile resurfaces on the old director''s face as we continue through the crowded city streets.


    Despite the Qi barriers in ce around my teammates, and their best attempts at fully concealing their mana control and loose divine threads, some of their immense aura leaks out.


    I''m able to ovep this aura with my own, absorbing enough of it to prevent it from being fatal to others in the streets. Still, there is a constant aura of intensity and power rippling out from us.


    Many here in the city know that the Inner Circle and the me Emperor never reveal their true identities, so those walking the same street as us make way, separating from the crowd as they correctly assume who ising through.


    Brutus notices this reaction as we make our way to an outer edge of the city.


    "Who are our escorts today? And¡ªif I''m here, does this mean we''re going to be meeting with the me Emperor?"


    I nod as wee to the edge of the crimson dome, creating a small opening in the pure soul energy for Brutus to walk through.


    "Yes, indeed, today you will be meeting the me Emperor. Right now, you have the pleasure of meeting the Inner Circle of trusted allies, the four strongest fighters on the dark continent. They are the force that easily defended and mortally injured our A-ss hunters when we wrongfully attacked them after the exams."


    Brutus'' face turns white again as he realizes the strength of the guards around him, but he doesn''t show fear in his voice.


    "So you''vee to an agreement after that scuffle. Very good."


    He nods as we all make it outside the dome, and I close the city''s defense.


    "Yes, and we''ll be having another meeting right away. I don''t want any prying ears to be listening in, so it''s best we make our way to a more private ce."


    We all float into the air, and I bring the director with us, leaving the bustling city behind and now getting an aerial view of the dozens of trade routes that branch away from the Crimson City in all directions to the neighboring towns and sectors.


    Brutus speaks up again as it fades from view, and we start to float far into the desert.


    "Quite the interesting infrastructure here. I recognize a lot of these supplies from the Vice Region... and Sra... and even Valor City. Do you have any idea where this me Emperor came from? I''ve sent plenty of teams out to the Dark Continent over the years to secure personal assets, but never heard of such a force out here until he started making himself known these past few months."


    I smile as we get further and further from the city, then send a wave of telepathy through all of my teammates in the sky. We all simultaneously deactivate our concealment skills and artifacts as I reply.


    "Yes, I do know quite a bit about his origins. It''s a funny story, actually. I''m sure all of us would be happy to fill you in on what you''re missing."

 Chapter 634

    Chapter 634


    The five of us shift our appearances as we float in a circle around the Vice Region''s director.


    It''s a clear morning on the Dark Continent, with barely a cloud in the sky. With my advanced perception, I have a crystal-clear view of the entire Crimson City to my left and the slowly retracting abyss leading to an enormous ck tower to my right.


    The director is held up by my telekinesis, but his face contorts in confusion as we''ve alle to a stop.


    Theplete change in appearance from the man he knew as Mr. Freeman, and the distortion of the four guards sent here to greet him, only adds to his questions about the situation.


    "What''s all this about? Did I say something wrong? Is the me Emperor''s origin a taboo subject? Am I not supposed to know?"


    I shrug, looking the man in the eyes, then slowly spin him around in a circle so that he can get a good look at each of us while I continue to speak.


    "No, of course you haven''t said anything wrong. Out of any of the Regional Directors, I think you actually know more than even Mr. Freeman himself."


    I can feel his heart rate speeding up as he takes in the new appearances of everyone, feeling the increase in pressure, realizing something is wrong here but not understanding what it is just yet. All he manages to reply once a full rotation brings him back to me is one line.


    "You''re... not Mr. Freeman?"His face has returned to its pale state, as he''s now positive something is terribly wrong, but I reply in a slow and calming tone,pletely ignoring hisst question.


    "The me Emperor''s origins? That is quite a long story... One that starts far back in the Vice Region, actually, if you look back far enough..."


    I sigh, then grin and continue.


    "However, I think it''s best we start at a point that we can connect on. Earlier this year, there were some terrible surges that came out from the abyss and struck the Dark Continent pretty hard, especially in Sector 4. In fact, there was abyrinth on the verge of copse in Sra. Are you aware of this event?"


    Brutus'' mind wanders back in time, but as his face grows more pale and his heartbeat pounds out from his chest, all he can muster are a few more words.


    "I¡ªuh¡ªyes, I do remember this..."


    He gulps loudly as I use telekinesis to turn him slowly around in a circle again to get a good look at each of us for a second time.


    "I don''t know if you recall, there was a team of four new elites and a duo of seasoned elites tasked to handle this mission for you, yet betrayed on a whim for nothing more than a little business transaction with the current Sector 4 leader."


    His face pales more, and sweat starts to trickle down his forehead as his eyes meet with each of ours, and he finally begins to recognize who is in front of him.


    After multiple rank-ups, thousands of levels, trillions of mana control gained, and even multiple tiers of divine cores earned, all of us look far older, stronger, and more mature than we did thest time we met face-to-face.


    I add to the point, looking off into the abyss, then back toward the director as he finishes his spin to look at me again, so I can set my point in stone.


    "It''s a shame only five of us could make it to our reunion. I''m sure Arie will meet you in some shape or form one day."


    I let out a chuckle as I turn, unable to hold back my delight in seeing the psyche of this man crack once he hears me say one of my teammate''s names.


    He coughs, trying to murmur something out, but no words escape his lips.


    The man shivers and shakes, while more sweat trickles down his temples, and I enjoy every second of this moment.


    "It''s me, Jay, the me Emperor."


    With one hand, I create a small ball of ck mes, and with the other, open a spatial magic portal to let the burnt remains of Mr. Freeman float out beside me.


    "If it wasn''t for you, I never would have had the extra push to be stronger. Exiled to the Dark Continent, forced to fake my own death, with the only path avable to me being to rise through the ranks of the ck markets rather than follow the simple rules of the Eight Great Regions..."


    His pupils dte, and he looks at my mes, then the charred bones and half-melted, barely recognizable gear that the Apex Region''s director used to wear, and finally back into my eyes.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "This is all thanks to you. I took over each sector one by one and gained control of the trade industry on this continent. It was my only way to make connections with the powers back on the maind, and eventually find my way into the Apex Region and kill your boss when he least expected it. I''ve got to say, without you, the downfall of the Eight Great Regions wouldn''t have been possible."


    I don''t fully mean the words I say, but there is an underlying truth to it.


    If I was never cut off from the association when I was, there''s no telling where I would have ended up.


    Back then, I was still naive to the world and the simple hierarchies of power and control that shape our everyday lives. It really was a blessing in disguise that I was thrown away from the structure that almost chained me to the Eight Great Regions, but it still feels awfully good to get revenge on the one who wronged me.


    I extinguish the mes in my right hand and let Mr. Freeman''s remains fall back into my storage, then rotate Brutus again in his shocked state.


    Fisher is to my left, and he''s the first to speak up next, with a simrly arrogant look on his face.


    "Not so tough now, are ya, Mr. Director? I moved on to better things, but if Jay brings me an old enemy to vent my pent-up stress after a long day of work, who am I to refuse the chance to rub it in your face? Over four years of loyal work, and all you did was throw me away like a worthless tool..."


    He shakes his head in disgust.


    "Jay does have a point. If I wasn''t thrown out to die, I probably wouldn''t even be a B-ss hunter yet. Crazy how life works, isn''t it?"


    The director looks as if his soul has left his body as he stutters out a few words.


    "N-No... You were all dead¡ªthere''s no way¡ª"


    Lydia sends a kick flying into the director''s stomach before he can finish his words.


    He spits up an immense amount of blood and falls into a coughing fit.


    Even though the kick used hardly a hundredth of her full power, just making physical contact with the man leaves divine threads in his blood-bonded armor and flesh that ripple through his body and instantly begin eating away at him.


    The white-haired ice mage curses at the old man with an angry tone I''ve never heard from her before.


    Abby creates a restoration circle beneath the old man to keep him from dying in the next few seconds, and this only gives Lydia more punches and kicks to let out her frustration.


    For almost a full minute, the man is repeatedly beaten within an inch of his life and healed back to normal.


    It''s quite grotesque, but out of all of us, Lydia suffered the worst from the director''s actions. She was captured and tortured for days, yet never gave up any information about us and believed wholeheartedly we woulde to rescue her. She never even brought it up, or med anyone afterward.


    It''s only right I keep the director floating, and we all watch with straight faces as blood stters through the air.


    As all the life in the director''s eyes fades away, and he''s nothing but a husk of his former self from just minutes ago, Lydia finally lets out a sigh, and Fisher summons water magic for her to wash the blood from her fists and boots.


    "That is all... I''m satisfied. It was nice meeting you again, Brutus. This will be ourst encounter."


    I continue turning him in mid-air, straightening his bowed head and slumped shoulders to look Abby in the eyes next.


    She shrugs too and shakes her head.


    "You know... At first I was mad at you, really mad. In my eyes, the Association was honorable, helping new hunters be strong and protecting citizens of the world from the monsters that escaped from dungeons. The day you let us die in the Dark Continent is the day I realized you''re nothing more than a cog in a bigger system. This is all business to you, and every other higher-up in the Association is the same. Humans are just your tools to get tasks done. We''re numbers and nothing more, so that''s how I''ll treat you now. It''s a shame your territory is being taken over, but it''s just business, right?"


    She smirks, then nods to me to continue the rotation.


    Maria''s sharp blue eyes pierce through the director.


    Deep down within her gaze, the carefree, bubbly, oblivious Maria is still present, but it''s clear that countless battles and the betrayal that put her own life and those she cared about on the line has yed a major role in shaping her new reality. It was one of the catalysts that allowed her to begin reaching into this endless pit of power she''s been granted, and be ruthless.


    "I wanted to show up to the Vice Region''s headquarters and freeze that entire building to ice... Many times I considered it, but Jay always has a n so I waited it out... I knew this time woulde. A man who sacrifices his subordinates with no rhyme or reason, not even warning us that our mission was dangerous, selling us out for a partnership with Sector 4 just to make a little extra profit..."


    She shakes her head, and her eyes glow blue while orange divine threads circte around her body, ready for use.


    She looks toward me, and I nod.


    "I have no further questions for this man. All I wanted to do was show him how far we''vee, and how big of a mistake he really made. I think Abby said it best: this is merely business. You decided to kill and rece us on a whim, so I guess we''re just doing the same."


    I smile, and we all activate our elemental magic to summon identical manifestations of handheld spears imbued with our soul energy.


    Mine is dark red, Fisher''s is cyan, Lydia''s is white, Abby''s is green, and Maria''s is royal blue.


    Simultaneously, we throw our spears forward, aimed at the man''s heart. Some fly toward his chest, while others fly toward his back, but they''re all aimed to kill.


    The sky is lit up with colors as the five spears move toward their target.


    Simultaneously, Abby activates her area of restoration and restore skill, and imbues her divine threads deep inside the skill and buff. Maria also activates her ice age buff and uses her royal blue soul energy to create a wave of ice, all imbued with divine threads as well.


    The two waves of magic freeze the entire moment in time.


    The director is hit in the heart by five spears, yelling out in pain as he realizes the world-ending error he''s made. Yet, he''s frozen solid milliseconds before he''s killed. The man''s mind and body are being constantly restored, while in constant pain on the edge of darkness, not allowing him to feel the bliss of death.


    His yells cease as he''s trapped inside the eternal prison of ice glowing with orange, blue, and green light.


    All of us stare ahead at the scene and have a moment of silence, appreciating how far we''vee.

 Chapter 635

    Chapter 635


    The sun continues to rise, and I proudly let my aura gently seep through my growingnds.


    Business as usual goes on all throughout the Dark Continent, and a surprising weight of relief is lifted off my shoulders.


    The Crimson City is growing faster than ever before, forming many new links of loyalty every few minutes during this morning rush hour, and the new connection to the 8 Great Regions will only make this growth skyrocket further.


    The Abyss is retracting at a slow and steady rate, while simultaneously, my doubles are creating new dungeons to make new areas of deadnd viable for new settlements to be built, making expansion more natural and appetizing for citizens.


    Myst remaining double is scouting out the ind of Palmyra, watching a new shift of huntersing out of their identical housing in a structured military fashion while the hunters on duty hand in their night''s worth of loot.


    The patterns and procedures are all being noted down, and after another cycle, my double will begin to look at the Finger Inds.


    ¨C


    I share this moment of aplishment with my teammates only for a matter of minutes before I break the silence.


    "Well, good riddance. I''ll need to extract some information from him in the future, but this is a fitting fate for him now."My attention turns to the direction of the prison far out in the desert that was created to store and interrogate members of the association after the attack on the Crimson Dome , so I speak up again.


    "I know just where to keep him until then."


    I pull the block of ice imbued with soul energy and divine threads closer to me, then reach into my storage to pull out an item box and toss it to Maria on my right.


    "That''s for your next core progression. The yellow core. There should be enough inside there for all of you to make it to the next stage. Compressing them into true cores will be a far different issue..."


    I turn the conversation back to business and exin exactly what''s happened since I left them in an emergency state, and the shockwaves, surges, and Abyss are exined as best I can.


    I let them in on the details of Mr. Freeman being a member of a society that rules this world, and that others like him, even stronger, areing to battle for whatever is making itself known inside the Abyss.


    Many questions are asked back, but I still don''t have much information at all to share. I''m in the dark almost as much as all of them.


    I fill them in on the expansion ns I''ve worked out with Rodrigo and Bri, then bring up the fact that I''ve made an alliance with the nation to our south; however, I leave out the small detail about Raven being close by right now.


    We just had quite the moment, tying up the loose end by defeating the Director that screwed us all over. I feel it''s best to introduce her on better terms; once the tinge of betrayal isn''t fresh in our minds, and once everyone here is a bit stronger as well.


    While my teammates are, in fact, the strongest hunters in all of the Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions, mere red and orange cores aren''t going to be able to stack up against the overwhelming might of a True Core.


    It''s hard to even conceptualize to them right now that if I let down my protective barriers, they wouldn''t be able to survive my aura alone...


    I think to myself about possible tactics to expedite the process of awakening a True Core, like the time I used Green Divine fruits to speed up the process by thousands of times.


    It usually takes decades, or even over a century to grow to the state I managed in a few weeks. Replicating the process with different tools won''t be easy...


    While the cirction of divine threads inside the bunker does expedite the process by 3-4x, it is nowhere near enough efficiency to bring them near my level of power within the mere days we have left until the other members of the order said they would arrive on the Dark Continent.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    My head spins thinking of ideas, while Abby and Mariae up with a creative way to continue training while they wait for Lydia and Fisher to awaken their orange cores.


    I nod once I''m done thinking and their nninges to a close.


    "Good. Get ready for another war... I don''t know when or how strong you''ll have to be, but that never held us back before. Train hard and n for the worst."


    I share my body double skill with Fisher and Lydia while giving my Absorption skill to Abby and Maria.


    Fisher and Lydia will have to use constant Restoration potions made from Abby''s skill, and the healing process will be a bit slower than if she was in the room with them; however, the smallg in progress will be beneficial.


    During this time, they''ll be able to farm levels in thebyrinth with their doubles, and Abby and Maria don''t have to halt their progression either. They will be farming both levels and Mana Control on the highest floors until they''re all ready to begin the Yellow Core awakening process.


    shes of white light leave me floating above the desert alone with the Director trapped in a block of ice before me.


    I turn and bring him back to the prison far from the city.


    ¨C


    Once I touch down in front of the facility and greet the Crimson Army guards I left on duty before, I give them new instructions.


    "We will be releasing the current prisoners, and adding a single one that you will continue to watch. There''s been a change in ownership of the nation they came from."


    Before, the only reason I was keeping them all here was because they followed orders from Mr. Freeman to attack the Crimson City.


    While I resent them for it, and they should be thinking for themselves, some of them were incapable of that fact; under the elusive mind control of that man''s ranked up buff.


    "Line them up all outside the prison once I leave. They will receive new temporary contracts tasked to 15 to 45 days ofbor to help us expand our borders. They will be paid out a standard rate once their contracts areplete and seen as free men if they wish to go separate ways. That is, as long as they don''t act up during this probation time. I''ll have a man sent here soon to pick them up."


    One of my doubles creating dungeons in the Sector 2 deadzone is seeing all of this y out in real-time and knows that I''m talking to it specifically, so ites flying this way while the guards separate and let me walk inside the prison while carrying a massivepacted ball of floating ice containing a single prisoner.


    As I walk through the rows of cells, I use telekinesis and mana maniption to take off their restraints and open the cell doors that hold them. I let the small pieces of ck originator stone fall into my item storage.


    Then, use a [Heavy Hand] to increase the gravity in the room while I speak up.


    "You''re all going to be free soon. I have a single job to be done, then you may all go back to the Apex Region in peace."


    Many of the prisoners wince under the pressure, but as I lift it, many be interested in my words as they''ve been starved of stimtion for a few dayst.


    "I know this attack you all took part in was not the result of a direct choice from all of you. Some didn''t have the correct information, and others were under the influence of subtle mind control. I''d like to give you all a second chance, and I''m only doing so because luckily no one was killed during your stunt. The Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions have made a trade alliance, so you will work together with citizens here and show that we can get along... The process will take a few weeks, maybe a month, and in the end of it, you can all go back to yourfy suites in the Apex Region Headquarters for all I care. Understood?"


    I increase the gravity one more time, then let the pressure go as I make it to the end of the hall with the Vice Region''s director floating before me.


    "You either agree, or you stay in here with him."


    At this, everyone in the prison leaves their cells and walks out to be pushed into a long line at the entrance of the prison, waiting for my double to arrive and get them started on the half-Dark Continent, half-8 Great Regions team of workers that will take down the wall that separates our nations.


    I n to have many news outlets get a hold of this sight to get the word of the merging of nations out in a more natural way than just the Association workers leaking it to their friends and family.


    The doors to the prison shut, and all that''s left is the Director frozen solid, staring straight ahead in constant pain, shock, and dread.


    I let out a sigh while using my soul energy, mana maniption, and small amounts of divine threads to seep into the floors and walls of this prison to reinforce its strength; then let the Director down with a thud.


    "Enjoy your stay, it''s going to be quite a while..."


    I stare forward at him for a few more seconds, then turn around and crush all of the lights on the way out with telekinesis to make the prison go dark, and the only glowes from the back wall where the frozen man rests in eternal solitude.


    While I open the door to leave, three new wells of gravity tickle my senses far away. One seems strong enough to be a yellow core, while the others are a simr strength to Abby and Maria.


    It''sing from Valor City, but this is close enough for me to use my enemy detection.


    Once I take a step out the prison''s front door and send a pulse to get a scan; for some reason, these three beings don''t have any normal stats or levels and don''t appear on my system interface at all.


    The only energy sources within them I sense are Divine Energy and Qi.

 Chapter 636

    Chapter 636


    The signal I''m receiving from the direction of Valor City is weak, but I''m positive there are three divine-cored beings there, just concealed by something...


    Something is blocking me from seeing exactly where they are, and most importantly, blocking me from seeing them as being connected to the system itself.


    My curiosity is piqued, and I walk straight out the door and hover upward as it closes, leaving the man and woman from the Crimson Army to keep the former prisoners in line while my double makes its way over to handle these hunters.


    I get a local telepathy transmission from Raven as we float higher into the sky.


    "You have more divine-cored friends than I thought. They''re strong, and by the looks of it, very loyal because of a long history of growing together."


    I turn my head toward Sector 1 and reply.


    "If you''re talking about the four you just saw, yes, we built this empire together. I thank you for staying concealed while we shared a moment. There are a few others you have yet to meet. However, the three you sense to the north... I''ve never sensed them before."


    My gaze tightens, and I pull a teleport crystal from my storage that leads to the Galeheart Tower.


    As we fly high out of sight from the hunters below, my double arrives, and I crush the white crystal while Raven''s hand materializes to touch my shoulder ande for the ride.The blinding white sh of light fades, and I find myself back in the mana-shielded lobby I''ve been to many times before, with familiar lobby men greeting me the moment I arrive.


    "Wee back Sir, it has been a while. Lith has been waiting for your return to bring you good news!"


    I raise an eyebrow at the greeting as Raven disappears faster than the B-ss-rated guards are capable of seeing, then reply.


    "Is that so...? Lith is here now? What is this good news?"


    Simultaneously, I let out a deeper scan of the city now that I''m here to see what''s really going on, and the readings I get back are quite confusing.


    As I watch dozens of status screens and vitals within my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface light up within the tower I''m standing in, the lobby man continues.


    "I''ll send him down right away. It''s about those arena fighters you brought in after the battle with the Dark One. A visitor came by today and healed them all back to perfect health."


    My curiosity grows as my enemy detection link shows me visuals of all of the members he speaks of, up and active, either training in private facilities within the tower, reading in the libraries, or eating in the dining halls.


    They''re all full of energy and life, when not too long ago, they were barely opening their eyes for an hour a day.


    The methods Monk was using were working slow and steady, and with the increase in avable Qi he was able to farm while I was away at the B-ss exams, I assumed the healing process to get a little bit faster, but a full recovery this quickly was not within my expectations.


    My senses permeate further throughout the city as the lobby man contacts Lith, and the sensor on the elevator lights up to show it''s in use.


    I instantly pinpoint the source of the three divine cores; they''re underground, inside the ckstone pyramid.


    I can''t sense fully inside, as the manyyers of dense Qi and hard ck stone that reject taking in any energy make up the entire fortress, but I''m positive there is divine energying from it.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    It doesn''t feel hostile, and my best guess is that this miraculous recovery of all of the arena fighters is definitely connected to this source of energy and the guest the lobby man mentioned. However, before I can think too much on the fact, the elevator opens and Lith walks out with a smile across his face.


    "Jay! Wee back! What a coincidence you''ve shown up the day everyone was healed."


    I tighten my gaze even more as he approaches and reply.


    "I don''t think this is a coincidence at all... Who healed the injured fighters...? And how? We tried everything. Even Abby''s magic didn''t bring them back."


    Lith motions for me toe closer and join him in the elevator while he responds.


    "It was a friend of Monk. He brought him along for the daily healing procedures. I never would have let anyone in without your permission, but the old man Monk called his master was healed by the visitor too, and¡ª"


    I nod and be even more curious as I enter the elevator.


    This exins a few more things to me. The fact that I only sense Qi and no mana in these beings, and the link to Monk and his master now makes sense as to why Lith wouldply and let this mysterious visitor into the facilities.


    "Good. You did nothing wrong. If they''re a friend of Monk''s, then they''re a friend of mine. I want to meet with them right away."


    I enter the elevator, and Lith presses the button to bring us to the ground floor. I talk again as it dings open.


    "Oh¡ªand nice to see you again. I hope business is booming here in Sector 1? Bri handles the ounting reports. I remember the numbers were rising, but I don''t know exactly by how much."


    Lith pridefully leads me out into the deste streets of the center of Valor City, leading myself and Raven in stealth mode toward the tinum walls.


    "Yes, revenue in Valor City is up by over double this month versusst. The new trade routes built connecting us to Sector 4 and Sector 2, including all the smaller viges in between, have brought an absurd amount of foot traffic."


    He smiles to himself as I send out another pulse of perception now that we''re outside.


    "Even the lower trade cities, where moremon products are sold, are benefiting greatly, as many traders and even tourists areing over from Sra. At this rate, we''ll need to expand the city soon."


    I smile back as we are let into the tinum district by Lith''s Royal Guards.


    "Of course, say the word and I''ll have as many builders here to begin whatever projects are necessary. We''ve just merged with the 8 Great Regions, after all. This traffic is just the start. I think a few dungeon hubs avable to the public would make this ce stand out even more. It''d stimte the economy even further."


    Lith''s eyes widen, surprised at my im that the nations have merged, but he adapts to the new idea quickly and responds with other building and trading possibilities. He is originally from the 8 Great Regions after all and merely moved out here for fewer regtions and more opportunity to grow.


    Over the decades of trading experience, he''s most likely adapted to all kinds of mayhem, so this is no different.


    By the time Monk''s ck pyramides into view, we''ve strategized and decided on a nationwide public auction business that he''d like to make known and travel from region to region, selling rare loot to the elites and businessmen of every new nation I create and expand to.


    He helps me, I help him. I own this entire dual nation, so every bronze spent, no matter where it is, will be taxed. Every business expansion,rge or small, works out in my favor. Whatever Lith wants to do is fine by me.


    I have far bigger things to worry about right now.


    We stop in front of the rectangr opening of the ck stone pyramid that I know so well. However, now, with the small amount of knowledge I have about this odd ck stone material that makes it up, the entire structure is far more eerie to me.


    The fact that an entire booming city and economy was built around it, but the ones that live inside continue in their ways and don''t conform with the ongoing world around them, makes me wonder if it''s a deliberate reflection of the fact that Qi was always here, even before the mana and dungeons transformed this world.


    While my mind wanders, footsteps walk down the dark ck hall. Yet, thanks to my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface, it''s no surprise who shows their face once they walk out.


    It''s Monk, wearing his signature orange robe, and showing me a thin smile matched with a calm white aura.


    He bows before me, and Monk speaks up once his eyes meet mine again.


    "You''vee back, and just in time. I take it this means you''ve sensed his return."


    I don''t exactly know what to say back for a moment but nod and reply.


    "Sure, I don''t know what I''ve sensed... and if they''re a friend of yours, consider them a friend of mine. I just know whoever is in your temple right now is extremely powerful, and I''d like to meet them and learn how exactly they healed all of our allies..."


    Monk turns around and starts to walk into the dark ck entrance hall.


    "Of course, a meeting is already nned. He''s been waiting for you, after all."


    I follow close behind, however, Monk''s next words make my eyes widen, and so many more questions spin through my mind.


    "There was a message he wanted to tell you before you walked in, it''s that Raven is wee to join the meeting as well."

 Chapter 637

    Chapter 637


    I don''t directly reply to Monk''s statement, as I know the strength of the people that are here, and am quite positive there is no way they can sense Raven.


    "Great, I''d like to meet them right away."


    Then, I say goodbye to Lith, sending him a mental wave of telepathy, linking him with another one of my doubles and Bri thousands of kilometers away in a three-way channel to continue discussing the business idea we came up with on my way over.


    He turns away with a smile while I follow Monk into his temple withoutmenting on the fact that whoever is here knows of Raven, and was expecting my arrival as well.


    As we walk into the ck stone hallway, I feel the familiar sensation of my system and ess to mana-based skills waver in and out of use. However, unlike the many times in the past when, once I got far enough inside, my system would gopletely dark, the divine energy tethering to my being sets up a natural barrier between myself and the stone I walk on.


    I can feel it is not purely a sensory manifestation either, as Monk''s attributes are all greyed out in my senses because he''s touching the stone.


    Raven, who walks behind mepletely in stealth mode, is also still connected to the system.


    It is a mystery to me if this is because of my purple barrier, my true core''s strength to overpower the stone, some mutation in my abilities, or somethingpletely different.


    The only thing that is at the forefront of my mind escapes my lips while Monk presses his hand against the closed entrance door at the end of the hall."Who exactly is it that I''m meeting...?"


    As the door opens after it blinks bright white with Qi, and Monk leads us down the stairs into the main entrance hall of the temple, he responds.


    "Our founder has returned. The Saint. The one closest to the truth of the Originators, he who taught us the ancient Qi maniption techniques."


    I raise an eyebrow at his words and reply back as we walk through the mildly crowded dining hall.


    "Yes, I heard your leader was healed by the visitor as well... but who is he?"


    Monk smiles as we turn a corner and begin walking down a familiar hall lined with doorways of training rooms, where he awakened my Qi and where I trained many long hours with him, Abby, and Maria during the time Valor City was still under the control of the Dark One.


    "Yes, he was healed. But my master is not the founder; he is only the local master of this temple. It is quite an honor to see him in the flesh. Today was my first time seeing him. Many thought he was just another myth to keep us hopeful for the future, just like the Originators themselves; but I always had faith, and he is real..."


    Now my curiosity grows even stronger.


    Whoever these divine core individuals are, they are connected to this temple, and their appearance here and now is surely corrted with the appearance of the ck tower and the abyss retracting.


    However, thest key piece of information isn''t quite making sense. It''s the mention of Raven''s name...


    We walk further down the hall, and my perception of the three gravity wells gets closer, yet it''s still incredibly dampened by all of the dead space of the ck walls, ceilings, and floors around me.


    Monk finally stops in front of a door, sends a pulse of Qi into it to let it click open, then steps back and motions for me to walk through.


    I walk inside, and the training room looks exactly like any other.


    Therge portion of open sparring space is empty, and the air is dense with Qi.


    This story has been uwfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    However, to my left, in the area full of weapons, crates of materials, and a table to sit at in the resting area, I see an old man sitting behind it and two younger warriors at opposite ends sitting by his sides.


    Their bodies arepletely covered in extremely dense white barriers of Qi, and from deep within, I sense the faint glow of divine light seeping out from both of them, but not enough to emit a powerful aura on their surroundings.


    The old man''s gaze locks with mine as I enter the room and the door behind me shuts.


    We don''t say any words to each other for a few seconds, and I send out more and more pulses of perception at him to try and figure out what I''m looking at.


    The longer I stare, the less it makes sense.


    If my eyes weren''t looking at the three men before me, I wouldn''t have believed they were here.


    My system interface doesn''t even pick up levels or any greyed-out readings at all, it''s like they''re unawakened... without a drop of mana in their bodies.


    Yet, the deeper I look into their beings, the odder it gets. They don''t even seem to have bodies at all. Every fiber of their flesh and bloodes back to my mental readings as pure Qi, tethered with Divine Energy floating out from their cores.


    It''s simr to the technique that I''ve watched Monk and his master perform before; however, this is no greater form or system ability animating in front of me¡ªit seems to be their actual bodies... or more like,ck of bodies...


    I stop my slow walk toward them once I''m just a few meters in front of the table and nod with my arms crossed.


    "I hear you were already expecting me, so... there''s no need for a subtle introduction. Who are you and why are you here?"


    The old man doesn''t move his gaze from mine. However, the two orange-cored men look me up and down curiously with an air of innocence around them.


    He replies, and his tone is extremely soft, higher-pitched, and calming; not exactly what I expected to hear.


    "My people refer to me as The Saint, but that is merely a title, as your people call you The me Emperor."


    He pauses, and finally takes his gaze away from mine and looks around the room.


    "Is she here? Raven. I watched your battle very closely; it was quite a magnificent exchange."


    My eyes widen, but the old man continues to speak.


    "Even if she hasn''t made it here today, I''m d she was able to fight again. I haven''t seen her be so free-spirited in battle since the day she joined the Order..."


    He smiles and looks up at the ceiling as if he''s remembering something.


    "I left the public eye many years ago, but it seemed like the light of hope was already beaten out of her. I''m d someone relit that me, allowing her to take a new path, and just as the throne showed itself again. Great timing indeed."


    I open my mouth to speak and raise a finger, but no wordse out.


    He''s just confirmed so many of my suspicions in less than a minute that there are hardly any more questions to ask...


    After a pause, I''m finally about to speak, but to my surprise, Raven materializes out of thin air beside me and beats me to it.


    "It''s you... The Order member that went dark just a couple of years after I joined.... How did you know I was here?"


    The moment she appears, an immense wave of yellow threads fills the room, and begins tearing through the thick Qi defenses of the three men before us.


    Raven isn''t even in attack mode, or releasing an exceptional amount of her aura, but I can tell if she''s in such close proximity for many seconds longer they will be in fatal danger.


    I reflexively grab her wrist and mimic the purple barrier-sharing technique I used on the Lich King when I wanted to mask his identity.


    The intensity in the room immediately stops heightening once every spare thread is pushed back into her body by the purple barrier, yet there is already arge amount still contaminating the air.


    It''s making the orange cores lightheaded, and a look of worry mixed with interestes across the yellow-cored old man''s face as I perform my next task.


    Activating the innate properties of my true core''s absorption technique, and the new ability I managed to steal from the man of threads in the dark forest, tendrils of pure divine energy wrapped in dense manae out from my body and fill the room to soak up all of the excess threads in a matter of seconds.


    The room falls silent once the crisis is averted, and the old man smiles as he replies.


    "Incredible... even now, touching the Type-A Originator stone, you''re able to use mana with such ease."


    His wandering eyese back to Raven, then he speaks again.


    "And Raven¡ªit was merely an assumption that you would arrive. You have nothing to fear, I could not sense your presence."


    She takes a deep breath, and I feel her heartbeat slow back down as she gets out of an attack stance and stands up straight.


    "Well... then, good. I guess there wouldn''t be a threat from you anyway. Our pact still stands... However, why have you returned? To take your chance at the throne too? Or have the big three sent you here to spy on us...? Or¡ª"


    He cuts her off with a chuckle.


    "I''m not even connected to the system, it would be impossible for me to walk through the doors. My dreams of iming the throne were lost long ago, and my disdain for the big three has not wavered. I''m not your enemy orpetition, just a helping hand to offer information to an ally in the next great war that is soon to begin."


    I take a step forward, now with all of the pieces of this puzzle starting toe together in my head.


    "What information is so important that you''ve shown yourself now, after many decades of hiding? -And what is it that you want in return?"

 Chapter 638

    Chapter 638


    "What is it that I have to offer?"


    The old man thinks to himself for a moment, then speaks again.


    "I could offer many things. Our ancient techniques, allowing one to let go of their physical body and even separate from the system itself; however, you have awakened your true core and have begun to walk down a far different path. Learning our way would only be a hindrance to your progression."


    He smiles.


    "What I can offer you is new information. I''ve studied this world and awaited this day for over three centuries. My natural end is near, and I feel it is my duty to pass on knowledge to a candidate for the throne I believe will serve this world''s future the best."


    He chuckles to himself while looking back up at the ceiling.


    "And what is it that I want? Nothing is free in this world anymore, isn''t that right...?"


    He sighs, and the two younger men by his sides, who look not much older than myself, still stare at me with eyes of awe.


    "All I want is to make sure this world stays in the hands of the humans. That we do not be merely a number, forgotten in the cosmic scale of the system''s great game. Could I at least have your word that you will never forget your humanity?"I raise an eyebrow, and after a pause, reply.


    "That''s an easy enough request. I''ll ept... What do you mean by the system''s great game...? And before¡ªyou said you couldn''t challenge the throne even if you wanted to because you''re not connected to the system... How is this so?"


    The old man''s eyes tighten their gaze, and the corner of his lips turn upward.


    "Right down to business, that does seem to be your style."


    I nod and await his next words.


    "It is true, I am not connected to the system as some of my disciples, and a majority of this world, are. This is because I started my progression down this path long before this world linked to the source. I tempered my body and mind using a power source that is actively being forgotten by this universe¡ªQi."


    I open my mouth to ask more, but the old man continues his speech before I do.


    "It is the remnant of an old system that has long been forgotten and eroded away into nothing but a pure and strange energy source left behind. Who made it? Who controlled it? Why is it everywhere¡ªin our soil, air, and imbued in undetectable artifacts scattered among this world? There is no definitive answer to these questions..."


    He stares me in the eyes.


    "Just as in a million years, a new race born on a far away may begin their exploration of the stars and find thick mana shielding that has decayed for millennia here. There is no correct trantion for the ancient texts, just as many scientists and craftsmen today debate the correct or most efficient use of mana to create potions and gear."


    He lets out a sigh and looks back up at the ceiling.


    "So know this: what I tell you are my personal predictions and observations. Reality has a way of shifting its gaze when great forces interact with it."


    His words resonate deeply with other conversations I''ve had with Ember, Celia, and many others, but I''ve never heard anyone contextualize it quite like this.


    The old man is saying that Qi wasn''t always in this form, and there''s no way for us to know the true secrets of what it was, as they''re lost in time. An ancient technology, belonging to a long extinct race that most likely spread its power throughout many stars and worlds...


    It is awe-inspiring, but at the same time makes me shiver as an understanding washes over me, and I reply.


    "So mana... the system itself... it is the manifestation of a new powerful entity spreading its power from this so-called source. This is why you''re calling it a game?"


    I think back to my limited conversations with demons at the top ofbyrinths, and their obsession with bringing pure mana from this world back to theirs, and the formation of dungeons, systematically growing and giving gifts of loot to hunters that allow them to grow stronger while draining them of mana when they use their skills within.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    So many more things are starting to make sense, but at the same time, this opens up more and more holes of knowledge and possibilities that make my head spin.


    The old man replies.


    "That is quite a good theory¡ªthat mana is a tool for arger entity to control every it touches. However, it is not the only source of power that is prevalent and spreading. If anything, demonic energy is the prominent energy in the local system. Just like mana, it too can be mixed with Qi to create a powerful Soul Energy. I was not aware of this fact until thirty years after the system connected to this world, and a Demon arrived to nt the throne."


    Celia spoke of a simr thing happening on many other worlds, as demons would find a target, nt a seed, and slowly consume the world''s energy until it was ready to awaken and be imed.


    However, Raven''s eyes widen at this statement, as apparently this is very new knowledge to her.


    She interjects.


    "A Demon nted the throne? And you saw it? Do the other council members know of this fact?"


    The Saint looks at Raven beside me and thinks for a moment before speaking again.


    "I don''t know if they''re aware of this fact, but considering their control over thebyrinths in Central, I can only assume they know far more about the demons than we do. If anything, they may know it is futile for them to face the demons in their current forms and have brokered a deal long ago to sacrifice this world in exchange for survival. It is one of the major reasons I wish to help the me Emperor now. I''ve watched many kingdoms rise and fall. His has been the fastest and most promising, and it is where I wish to make my final bet on humanity."


    I''m the one to interject next.


    "Are you saying there are demons on this world who wield divine energy as well? Stronger than True Cores?"


    He nods and turns to me.


    "On this world? I''m not so sure. But waiting for their time to arrive once the throne awakens? I''m certain of it. The throne itself is a Type-C Originator artifact, it holds divine power, so it would make sense if they too wield this power."


    I reply, remembering at the start of our conversation when he mentioned something simr to this as well...


    "What is a Type-C Originator artifact...? And earlier you mentioned that it was impressive for me to be using mana while in contact with this temple? What does this all mean?"


    Both of the orange-cored men sitting on the opposite ends of the table lean in as they''re incredibly interested once I bring this question up. The Saint smiles at their curiosity and replies.


    "A great question, we''ve been studying this phenomenon very closely thest few years. I''ll give my disciples a chance to speak. Please, tell our guests our recent findings."


    As the old man stops talking, the two men to his sides both perk up, and the one to his right speaks in a clear and confident tone.


    "Type-A originator stone is what we are standing in right now, the most prominent type of ancient material found on this world. It stores Qi, can be used to craft interesting structures and perform simple tasks like the moving doors in this fortress; and most interesting of all, itpletely negates pure mana and shuts off the system itself when physical contact is made."


    The Saint nods and turns to his other disciple, and he speaks in a younger-sounding voice, excited to add to the conversation.


    "Type-B originator artifacts are far more rare. We only found small traces of it while inside a Demonic Rift one time... It works almost the opposite as Type-A, storing pure Qi in the same capacity, but negating the use of demonic energy entirely."


    The old man nods and finishes the exnations.


    "Type-C is what we call any originator artifacts that react with divine energy in any way. Every time we''vee in contact with them, we have never had a single study match results. It is rather unpredictable, no two Type-C artifacts are the same. Some absorb divine threads, others act as a barrier, some are unaffected, while others grow or shrink, some serve a purpose and beplex machines, or even be living entities once exposed. The strength of the divine energy certainly ys a role in the reaction as well¡ªred, orange, yellow, there is always a different result. The only true definition I can give for this is strange."


    As he describes this artifact type, my mind wanders back to the ck seeds I found within Celia''s construct, and the fact that they only reacted to my divine energy. The definition of "strange" is very fitting...


    I don''t reply just yet, and let the old man finish.


    "The throne itself is one of these Type-C artifacts. Over the years, I''ve tried to study it many times, but something always makes me forget what I''ve learned or why I''ve even forgotten it. The closer to the throne I travel each time, the more bewildered I be once I leave. The only notes I''ve ever managed to take down were from the day I watched the demon ce it on this world. It was that despite the throne''s ck appearance, deep within it, the energy it stored was made of a shimmering silver light."


    The room goes silent as everyone is momentarily stumped by this conclusion, but my thoughts race.


    Divine silver light... I''ve only encountered a simr description twice before.


    Once within the silver shimmering core of the Lich King, and also within Ember''s core; though his had a blend of golden and silver threads.


    Divine Beasts are involved in this whole awakening as well...


    I finally speak after a long pause.


    "In that case, I think we should enter the Abyss and conduct a few more tests. I''d like to examine this throne myself before it awakens and more dangerous powers arrive."


    The old man nods, then rises from his seat.


    "As I hoped and expected, this will be a great opportunity. I''d also like to share my unique predictions of the trials you will face when the doors open. You will need every advantage you can get."

 Chapter 639

    Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, deep in the heart of the Association''s Central Headquarters, a muscr man with bright red hair and a matching beard walks in circles in arge golden room.


    His footsteps are light, almost like skips, and the air around him is full of silky yellow-white Divine Energy.


    The room is hundreds of meters wide and dozens of meters high, yet it is extremely in inside.


    There is a single entrance and exit point, and on the other side of the room, there is a golden throne with a staircase leading up to it.


    At its base, many tables and chairs lie empty, as though many speeches for a very important crowd have been spoken here in the past.


    But now, the man walks in circles with a devious smile on his face at the opposite side of the room.


    He mutters to himself as he thinks of grand ns, asionally showing his mental breakthroughs in the form of massive disys of bright yellow mes emanating from his palms, tethered to their core with dense divine energy. Yet, once they hit the room''s golden walls, the mes dissipate in an instant.


    Even when the divine fireballs are thrown in seemingly random directions, headed toward the throne and stairs at the back of the room, they too are absorbed by the golden material, and the mes never disrupt the solid state of the room.


    Deep below this golden coating, dense ck stone lines the entire room and even makes up all of the artifacts within this tyrant''s pce.Not even the strongest mes of a True Core have any effect on the unique S-Grade shielding.


    The man stops his pacing and pulls out an obsidian ck cube with three bright yellow crystals on its face. He presses one of them, which burns the brightest.


    "Shall I send out the scouts and prepare for a base to be built in the Dark Continent? The time is near..."


    He smiles while pulling his finger from the crystal but holds the device in his palm as he continues to walk around the empty golden hall, leaving nothing but the light crackle of bright yellow mes that cover his body and the sound of his footsteps to fill the silence of the great room.


    A few minutes go by, and the red-haired man gets back into a rhythmic disy of walking in circles and thinking before another click sounds on the transmission device.


    ¡ª


    In a room coated in a dazzling silvercquer, of a simr size to thest, there is another throne at its back with an identical staircase leading up to it.


    However, everything below the first few steps is submerged in a super-cooled liquid that flows like water but has the white coloring and temperature of ice. Divine threads surge through the material, and they only manage to stay inside and not radiate out to the outside world because of the same dense ck stone that lines this room.


    Atop the throne, swirling the pool of divine energy beneath her, a woman sits with white hair buzz cut extremely short, and a muscr build that still holds the mystique of feminine curves. She wears nothing but a skin-tight glossy ck material that covers portions of her body. It wriggles and moves to randomly expose areas of her striated muscles, feeding off the True Core''s excess divine power.


    It appears to be alive, made of originator stone, draining her divine core''s essence as it wraps around her chest, legs, and shoulder to cover her vitals like armor.


    The woman''s white eyes stare at the ck device on the arm of her throne that res out the sound of the red-haired man''s question.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    She lets out a sigh and raises a finger in the air, and the immense pool of white liquid ice swirls faster and faster at the base of the room until it all flows back into her finger, disappearing as if it was never there.


    Her eyes pulse bright white a few times, then she answers the call.


    "Redgrave. This world will be ours. There is no reason for us to rush the process now, especially as the Abyss has not yet revealed the number of doors that will open."


    The white-eyed woman stands from her throne and looks at the shut door at the back of her room. Then, stretches her arms and puts on a smile as she realizes Redgrave isn''t serious about his words and ys along.


    "Then again, after Mr. Freeman''s death, the 8 Great Regions must be in chaos by now. Maybe if we showed up now and cleared out those settlers with our presence alone, it would be doing them a favor."


    The ck tendrils of originator artifact that slither around her muscr body pulse with a yellow light, matching the excitement that builds up in her core, but a well-spoken, calm, and collected voice echoes through the transmission device, making her wandering thoughts cease.


    "Both of you must have patience. There is a 9.93% chance that arriving five days early to the throne will result in an unnecessary fight breaking out among us. I advise we wait approximately 126 hours before arriving to limit our chances of fighting below 0.1%."


    ¡ª


    In a in room, less than a quarter the size of the silver or gold, with nothing but a simple table and chair at its back facing the door, a man with pale skin, a jet-ck suit, and thin-framed sses sits.


    The room itself is lined with the same unbreakable ck shielding, yet the man inside doesn''t test its limits. He has refused to coat it with an aesthetic wall covering like the other two as it is not necessary for its efficiency.


    He stares down at aplicated system interface while pressing the small yellow crystal on the transmission device again.


    "In addition to this fact, there are approximately 61.89 million citizens that reside in the 8 Great Regions and Dark Continentbined. If we arrive too early, our workers for the new world will be injured or even killed. We must conceal our presence until the doors reveal themselves."


    He takes his finger off the device and goes back to staring at a fast-moving blue text interface in the dark ck room.


    ¡ª


    Redgrave''s mes fill his room again as he makes his voice sound impatient, but he smiles ear to ear, caring little about waiting a few more days.


    "Come on, Beckman, what''s a few million lives matter if we''ve already brokered half the new world away in your deal with the Demons."


    ra speaks up next, almost instantly after Redgrave''s remark, as she begins walking down the steps of her throne to stretch her legs.


    "It''s been decades since you made that deal anyway, Beckman. I''m in the mood for a good fight. What if we just battle them for control? All three of us have be far stronger since that meeting. What''s the worst that could happen if we broke the contract?"


    She grins too, riling the meticulous man up for a bit of fun.


    He replies after tapping away at his system interface in his darkir for about a full minute before replying.


    "It is our best course of action to honor the deal. Even now, if all three of us in our current forms were to face the Demon we met years ago, there would only be a 21.75% chance of our victory, and that would incur a minimum of one casualty between the three of us. It is not the optimal path to take moving forward. If we¡ª"


    Redgrave yells back through the transmission device, cutting him off from rambling endless numbers.


    "Yeah, yeah¡ªthis again, I know. It was a joke. A joke, Beckman!"


    ra''s chuckle sounds out through the transmission device before she adds to the conversation further.


    "Thank you for your analysis, Beckman. I too was just having a bit of fun. There is no reason to stray from our deal. I won''t leave the shelter until you believe the time is right... Though, one thing still makes me think. What do you make of the incident between Raven and Sebastian? Are we missing anything? Did she really kill the threat that ended Mr. Freeman?"


    There''s a long pause through the whole channel, but the man finally looks up from his dashboard and replies.


    "There is a 95.68% chance that Raven has allowed them to live and aligned herself with the threat she was tasked to eliminate. Her death after the initial sh was certain¡ªcause of death would be divine energy poisoning, without a doubt. Considering the resources avable, she could not have survived without help. There is a 0.04% chance the threat she let survive would be strong enough to injure any of us if that is the disy of their total power."


    The man taps away at his interface, and numbers continue to pile up before his unchanging gaze.


    After another moment of silence, the man speaks again.


    "Redgrave, sending out a few scouts would be a great use of resources. Have a survey of the 8 Great Regions, The Dark Continent, and Raven''s base conducted. If this me Emperor is a bigger threat than we initially anticipated, it would be best to nip things in the bud, even if the chances are minuscule. Anything that changes the odds of our ideal oue must be eliminated."

 Chapter 640

    Chapter 640


    As multiple A-ss scouts are tasked with stealth missions across the world to survey thends of three nations they believe to be in turmoil, the meeting in Monk''s temple beneath Valor City continues.


    While a quick history lesson on the old man''s origins and his thoughts on the global economy shifting from education, natural resources, and real estate to dungeon diving and energy gathering is interesting, I''m more focused on the urgent future.


    "These trials you speak of¡ªtell me more. Why is everyone so certain these doors will open? I''ve done countless scans on the abyss, yet I can never sense anything within. Was there something I missed before it all awakened?"


    I turn to Raven, then back to the old man.


    "And the big three as well. I want to know everything about them. They''ll be our biggest adversaries moving forward, correct?"


    The old man smiles and nces toward the room''s exit.


    "To answer your questions about the trials and the abyss, I think it''s best to exin further once we leave this temple. I can''t use my mana equipment to show you the necessary data in here. As for the big three..."


    He turns to Raven, and she responds to my second question.


    "I know I haven''t told you much, but that''s because it''s all I know. I''ve only met each of them a handful of times in my decades with the Order. I can give you physical descriptions and list the powers I''m aware of, but they stay in their fortresses, in central, to contain their power from the outside world. Even as a True Core, the few minutes I''ve spent in their presence made it feel like my mind and body were about to split in two. They''re on another level..."I mull over her words as we conclude the meeting and leave the underground fortress together.


    Raven provides vague descriptions of the Big Three. She is most detailed about Redgrave''s, as during her early days with the association, once she gained enough trust to be an A-ss hunter, he was the one who gave her private training in the great centralbyrinth, helping her surpass level 10,000.


    Other than Raven herself, the only three hunters on the above that rank are the big three.


    ra is another member she has encountered only a few times, but her aura alone made it impossible for Raven to remain nearby for more than a few seconds at a time.


    Any region ra touches turns to ice.


    The Saint interjects, recalling that back when he was active in the Order, before Raven joined, ra possessed a Type-C originator artifact used during battle. He mentions it was potent for both offense and defense, but he''s only seen crystal footage of this feat, which is now archived after the first great war.


    Neither the Saint nor Raven have much to share on Beckman. They describe him simrly: tall, pale, handsome, and unlike the others, he doesn''t emit a powerful aura. Despite this, both felt in mortal danger every second they spent in his presence, though it was purely instinctual. There were no physical signs to justify the feeling.


    Their insights give me mental images of the enemies at the top, but no clear strategy to face them, other than getting stronger for the inevitable sh.


    My doubles are hard at work across many nations, ensuring my n to rise in strength happens as soon as possible. I see real-time memories of pure mana being farmed from the artificial mountains in the west and brought into the Crimson Citybyrinth.


    In the few hours since it started, quadrillions of MP have been transported, as there are no other humans nearby for my doubles to hold back on, already elevating thebyrinth by a full floor.


    A mental map of the ind of Palmyra also forms in my mind as the day progresses. Even the finger inds are being surveyed, along with the locations of storage houses. By the time night falls, I''m confident a silent assassination of their dual tyrant leaders will be an easy feat, without anyone realizing what has been done.


    I grin as we walk out of the temple as a group of three.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    The two orange-cored disciples remain in one of the training rooms while the three of us depart.


    The Saint is far better than them at creating a thickyer of pure white Qi around his body, preventing any aura from leaking out as we pass by weaker humans.


    Raven, on the other hand, needs to maintain physical contact with me to hold the purple barrier in ce as we leave.


    I share my concealment skill with her as we step out into the tinum district. I send a telepathic message to Lith, assuring him not to worry about the silent rms that are triggered as we float upward and out of Valor City, heading toward the abyss.


    The Saint reaches into an item box, now reactivated in mana-rich air, and pulls out a recording crystal that was previously dormant.


    "To answer your question about how and why we''re certain the doors will open, this is why."


    The crystal shows an old recording of arge ck b of stone in a dark room. Surrounding it are dozens of humans with bright red, orange, and yellow cores in their chests.


    The video rotates around the b, revealing illegible writing carved into it in an unknownnguage. The rotating stops at a diagram depicting arge tower with archways opening at its base.


    More diagrams of oddly shaped creatures standing before the doors are etched into the stone.


    The recording zooms in on a depiction of one of the doors opening, with a creature stepping inside.


    The image freezes for a few seconds, then cuts to a new scene of ancient writing¡ªimpossible to read.


    The Saint allows the video to continue, showing different stone bs and artifacts, with far fewer people in these recordings, as there are only texts, no images.


    He ends the video prematurely and puts the crystal away, speaking again.


    "There was once arge collection of artifacts open to anyone within an alliance with Order members. Their trusted guards could visit, and researchers and recorders were wee to study and contribute to themon knowledge of the originator''s texts."


    He gazes off into the mountainousndscape of Sector 1 as we fly toward the abyss.


    "This too was taken away from the public eye, reserved for the big three to study once the Demons nted the throne, discovered by the central scouting unit not long after. All I have left to study are my personal artifacts, asional outings to the demonic realm when rift keys are found, and the limited recordings from earlier explorations."


    I respond.


    "So this is how you know of the doors, but what of the trials?"


    The Saint nods as the endless darkness of the abysses into view, even as I suppress all my senses and aura to avoid disrupting life in the nearby viges.


    "One of the oldest tranted texts, above these visual depictions, states that for the throne of a world to be imed, its strongest champions must pass through the doors together. A trial of the body, a trial of the mind, and a trial of the soul must be passed before one can challenge the other champions..."


    He pauses, thinking, then continues.


    "There''s another well-studied text, it was discovered in another region of the world. It roughly trantes to: ''The one who walks through the final door will be the champion that never stops climbing. The steps to the other side do not end. Only one who does not wish to pass through shall never die...'' or something like that."


    The old man pulls out his recording crystal again, scrolling through the tapes before showing a piece of stone with incoherent carvings. He flips it toward me, and the three of us look down at it as he continues.


    "My theory is that these texts speak of different events, but they''re all connected. Over the years, I''vee to believe that the Demons have replicated originator technology, imbuing it with their power source, and spread their reign from world to world by creating events for their Arch Demons topete and upgrade their cores in a final trial for a world."


    I raise an eyebrow at the Saint''s words. Everything he says makes sense, but it all connects from different angles.


    The first new piece of information I''ve gathered today is that the pir I see in the distance will be opening to ept challengers. This aligns with what Ember, The Lich King, Celia, and even Raven have told me so far.


    However, the second line in the Saint''s description sounds odd. The talk of immortality in these ancient texts doesn''t quite fit with the facts I''ve heard from the true immortals or those closer to the source.


    Celia described reaching immortality as a universe-bending event, one she spent her 800 years trying to master. Simply iming a world doesn''t seem like such an event if her own creation of the divine construct wasn''t enough to satisfy this metric.


    Ember''s old descriptions of this feat to an immortal core also seem far off. His only mention of the throne awakening was that it was a challenge for Arch Demons to be lords.


    So, I fixate on this fact, thinking the Saint''s knowledge will be the most urate here.


    "I believe it''s a challenge for the Arch Demons as well... I''ve spoken to a few, and they''re all keen on climbing the ranks, bringing mana back to their realm, and I''ve heard the throne is their opportunity to rank up and be Demon Lords."


    The old man''s eyes gleam with understanding, and I follow up with a question.


    "How strong was the Demon who came to nt the throne? You said even the big three in central likely made a deal with them, as they weren''t fit to face them in their current forms. What did you mean by that? Were they stronger than us? Was it a green core?"


    The Saint''s eyes widen even further as we reach the edge of the Abyss in Sector 1, far from any viges or trade routes. I allow more of my perception and aura to leak out.


    As soon as he begins to answer, morend falls under my perception, and I sense multiple gravity wells far in the distance closing in on my territory. They don''t seem strong, but they''re certainly divine core holders, and I''ve never encountered these individuals before.

 Chapter 641

    Chapter 641


    The Saint replies while my divine perception continues to seep out and locate 16 individual gravity wells of red and orange core hunters approaching.


    "A demon with a green core? No... no. The one I witnessed nt the throne was a True Core Yellow, yet his aura was overwhelming even thousands of kilometers away... It was like witnessing a being that was not meant to be on this mortal ne. You do have quite the interesting theory, though. A green core is definitely something I''ve considered in my studies before. I too at one time believed there was a clear-cut way to rise above the True Yellow, but over the years I''vee to have my doubts."


    My gaze shifts back to him with a confused look, as I assumed with all of his knowledge of the Originators, Demons, and the system itself, my question about this green core would be nothing but amon-sense assumption.


    He continues and makes me think about the rarity of the purple ring on my finger further.


    "Just because I do not believe a green core exists, doesn''t mean there is no other way to ascend."


    He pulls out another recording crystal and shows me more tablets of writing I cannotprehend. These particr recordings look far crisper and more recent; however, the tablets of stone themselves look much older and more ancient than the first set of recordings he showed.


    "This is a piece from my personal collection, a tablet I found myself long before the system arrived on this world. It roughly trantes: ''Those who aremon, but wish to one day walk amongst the gods must let go of the body and walk between your world and the fabric of reality.''"


    He shuts off the recording, and my mind is split between a few things.


    The first thing is that it seems this man and his cult-like following of studying this ancient text have found their own way of preserving the mind, energy cores, and soul while substituting Qi in ce of the physical body, tethering it all together with divine energy, as his interpretation of the text.However, I have eyewitness proof that Qi is not necessary to achieve this feat. I''ve seen the green serpent, cyan and dark blue knights, and even Celia herself within her construct in pure energy forms.


    Though, the interpretation of walking between this world and the fabric of reality does make me wonder if this has some reason as to why there are no physical beings above this rank in this world. The Divine Construct was in fact a separate space in a pocket dimension of its own...


    Lastly, the age of the stonepared to the others makes me specte the legitimacy of the writing even further. It was made here when mana was not rich on this world.


    Yes, the Saint and other order members have had ess to Qi and divine energy before the system arrived; but I still wonder if the Originators themselves used divine energy in its current form to reach this feat. Or, if they had solely Qi and the Saint''s interpretation is correct and all of the newfound knowledge of divine threads today is misconstrued...


    With many shing thoughts racing through my mind, I choose not to jump to conclusions.


    Thest time I checked on my teammates beneath the Crimson City, Ember''s consciousness was stirring. Once he wakes, all of my unanswered theories will have a truly knowledgeable source tobat them.


    For now, I set these theories aside and reply with the most important news.


    "We''re being surrounded. Eleven red cores, and five orange. Half are approaching from the west to arrive in the 8 Great Regions, while the otherse from the south, soon to be intercepting your Region, Raven."


    I turn to both of them, and by the shocked looks on their faces, neither of them sensed these faraway sources or expected my response to be this at all.


    Raven is the first to respond.


    "They''ve sent scouts. This is definitely a spying expedition from Central."


    Her tone is serious, but I don''t feel any fluctuations in her energy levels or eagerness to fight.


    The Saint, on the other hand, bes rather startled once he hears Raven''s words.


    "We must leave..."


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    His gaze meets the ck tower in the distance, then he looks back toward Valor City where we came from.


    I take a moment to think, then nod, and look back at Raven, understanding her cool and calm reaction now.


    "You believe they''re already well aware of our alliance?"


    She nods.


    "Yes, in their eyes, I should be dead right now. They likely know your strength already from the energy fluctuations broadcast to them during our fight through our transmission link. Them sending scouts is just a standard procedure most likely. They''re going to check on the progress of the throne''s awakening, the state of the nations nearby, and will most likely want a report on both of us to confirm their beliefs of our alliance. If we hide, it may do worse than just allowing them to see us working together."


    I reply,ing up with a new n.


    "Then they aren''t aware of my growth afterward, killing Sebastian, the string user..."


    She shakes her head.


    "Most likely not, but the scouts that arrive will have ways of urately detecting divine energy fluctuations. They oftene to my region to spy on my progress. This means they will get an urate scan of your teammates as well."


    The Saint interjects.


    "We can conceal them all within the temple if we move fast enough."


    I grin.


    "No. That will not be necessary... Don''t worry, this is very good. Raven, return to your region and conduct business as usual until they leave. I will not halt progress on expansion of the trade routes into the Dead Zone toward your region. If they already know we''re working together, we must hide in in sight. Make sure they get an urate reading of your current unchanged strength level. Saint, stay concealed in the temple. I will be staying here, in the Dark Continent, out in the open for them to see. I don''t want a single one of them injured or killed."


    Raven replies.


    "Understood."


    Then sends another message through our telepathy link.


    "I''ll stay in contact with you here."


    She takes her hand off my shoulder and disappears while I feel her geolocation rocketing off to the south to make it to her home volcanic region before the scouts arrive.


    The Saint gives me a smile and reaches into his item box to pull out a handful of recording crystals.


    "These are copies of the most influential texts. You may find hidden meaning in them that I do not. If you wish to talk more, please do visit the temple. I''m sorry our meeting was cut so short, and that I did not approach you earlier."


    I smile back.


    "You''ve arrived at the perfect time. I thank you for your insight and perspective on the awakening of the throne. I have a far greater understanding now than I did just yesterday. I''ll continue my exploration alone, this silver light you speak of interests me. I want to see it for myself."


    Then, I ept the blue recording crystals as the Saint bows in midair, then hurries off back toward Valor City in a sh of white and yellow light.


    I turn back toward the abyss now, and once both of them are out of range, allow my true core''s aura of divine thread to finally seep out from the purple barrier that holds it back.


    However, instead of showing my full power, I hold back over two-thirds of it. Since my battle with Raven, I''ve recovered greatly while using hibernation, gained an immense amount of mana control, and most importantly, drained the True Core energy from Sebastian.


    I want to give these spies a good taste of my power, but not the full amount.


    As this version of my aura seeps outward, I hover forward, following the slow contraction of the dark demonic energy that creates a massive zone of ck mist in the center of the Dark Continent.


    Still, even with my aura of perception reaching out over 2,500 kilometers in all directions, it can hardly reach even a few meters into the darkness of the abyss.


    Many months ago when I first saw this mass of darkness, and fought the weaker monsters that dwelled in its outer borders, I never imagined the scale of what truly lurks in its depths.


    Even now, there is an air of mystery about what it will reveal once all of the darkness drains away to reveal the doors.


    I open up my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface while I hover above the darkness, moving closer to the center, and scroll down to Arie and Luna''s names.


    Their geopoints are still disconnected,st seen at the entrance point near Sector 4, outside of Sra.


    However, some of their vitals do update every once in a while when I check back in.


    They are all dark purple, unlike the light blue text that everyone else has.


    It is just another routine check, however, at the bottom of both Luna and Arie''s status today, a new buff is present on both of them. I can''t help but plunge my full focus into it while the 16 scouts from Central all arrive in the 8 Great Regions, and Raven''s Nation.


    Luna''s is the first to catch my attention, as it reads [Demonic Essence of The Ascended Chimera]. I click in to read more details, but nothing shows.


    At the bottom of Arie''s status, a new item reads [Demonic Essence of The Ascended Scorpion].


    There are no stat boosts or interesting detailed reports on his item either, however both of these additions to their status'' glow much brighter than the other items, skills, or buffs. I don''t know what exactly they do, but I can feel the power surging through my interface.


    It''s an intensity that makes me believe they have walked down a different path than me, but have managed to grow on their own terms these past few months. I can''t help but smile as I look down into the depths of the abyss.


    The feeling this bright purple glow gives off feels simr to that of the Saint traveling with me, yet also shares many simrities to that of an Arch Demon.


    It makes me happy to know they''ve been progressing, but far more curious to know what secrets Arie and Luna have uncovered in their months within the Abyss in search of their home.


    I think back to all of the old stories Arie told me about his vige, and Qi exposure, meditating on originator stone at a young age before he even awakened a skill. They now hold far more weight in my mind knowing that this too must be connected to the massive ck tower I drift closer to in the center of the abyss.

 Chapter 642

    Chapter 642


    [~3 Hours Later]


    Sixteen Divine Cored Hunters arrive back at the central headquarters of the Association.


    One of the orange cores is a young man who wields wind magic, dressed in green metallic association-branded armor.


    He uses a transmission tablet and a spatial magic-imbued item box linked to all 15 of the other scouts to collect their findings from the extensive scan of the 8 Great Regions, Dark Continent, and Raven''s volcanic base they''ve conducted.


    Once all of the information is collected, he makes his way into a private S-Grade shielded room with many simrities to the Big Three''s, though there are no special decorations and the thick outeryers are not as densely fortified, as it is made specifically for meetings between the red and orange cored guards.


    After sifting through the information and noting down the key points of today''s mission, he opens up a private line with his employer.


    "Redgrave, I have the survey report ready for you as requested."


    A click is heard on the other end, and the fire user''s voice channels through.


    "Send over the haul to Beckman, and provide me a summary. The others are on this line."The wind user nods, activating the spatial magic enchantment on his item box, sending it directly to its creator in the dark confines of his bunker.


    Once there''s a click back, the orange core speaks up again.


    "Done. Now, for a summary; you were correct in believing two True Cores have created a partnership. It appears Raven is in excellent condition, with a core capacity 10.22% greater than ourst assessment of her three months ago. The reasoning behind this rapid jump seems to be the use of a unique healing magic used by her new allies. We have not pinpointed exactly what skill or item was used just yet."


    There''s a pause between both of them, and once the orange core assesses that Redgrave has nothing to add, he continues.


    "In addition to this, it seems the assumption that the 8 Great Regions would fall into chaos with their leader being assassinated is not entirely correct. It seems the assistant of Mr. Freeman, an A-ss hunter named Rodrigo, and his biological sister, a former ck Market trader, have taken control of the region and kept the nation under control, sending out orders and fulfilling necessary protocol during the surges after the throne''s awakening."


    There''s another pause, but the red-haired True Core responds with a question back.


    "How is that possible? I remember permitting two other divine core awakenings in that nation; they are far more powerful than that assistant. Were the top A-ss hunters all assassinated by the me Emperor as well?"


    "No, Sir. They are alive and well, following orders from the two new overseers of the 8 Great Regions for reasons we couldn''t assess in a simple area scan. There is reason to believe the me Emperor has ties with them, asrge-scale construction projects are taking ce with Association workers, 8 Great Region citizens, and Dark Continent citizens all together. They are tearing down the wall that separates the Dark Continent from the outside world and making a trade route to connect the nations. We have surveince of expansion to the west and south as well; they are moving into Sebastian''s old territory and filling the dead zone of Sector 2 in the direction of Raven''s territory."


    Another long pause urs before Redgrave replies.


    "This is all within expectations. Once the world is ours, it''s better we already have functioning societies and a well-connected grouping of nations to inherit rather than nations at war and chaos among citizens... Let the ants y."


    Augh echoes through the channel before Redgrave speaks again.


    "What of the me Emperor himself, what is this man like? And his divine power level? I want an urate reading of him and those close to him. What are we truly dealing with?"


    There''s another silent moment of anticipation as the orange-cored guard sifts through his notes and replies.


    "Yes, we did in fact get an urate scan of him. He was hovering above the abyss when we did so, using his full power to attempt to move closer to the throne..."


    Redgrave''s full attention is captured now, and even ra''s voice reaches the secure line.


    "He was trying to approach the throne? Now? Is he crazy?... I''m starting to like this guy..."


    Instead of mindlessly swirling the pool of white energy in her room, ra smiles and her eyes lock on the transmission tablet as the orange core responds.


    "Yes, it''s true. The me Emperor''s True Core strength looks to be about even with Raven''s. It was approximately 5% higher when we conducted the scan, so the prediction of Beckman''s battle calctions was spot on. He barely won their fight and decided to save Raven''s life afterward. During our time there, the man sensed our approach within the Dark Continent, but did not retaliate and let us conduct a thorough survey without any questions or resistance."


    There''s a pause, and no one speaks on the line, wanting to hear more, so the scout continues.


    "He managed to make it deep into the abyss. Hundreds of kilometers even. Our highest-level orange core scouts tried to follow, but the pressure became far too immense. Many who had to return reported the sensation of a silver sh of light in their vision, and no recollection of the events that led them to retreat from approaching the tower. It seems the me Emperor himself witnessed this too, as at one point he stopped his flight closer to the tower and turned around a few minutester. We''re unsure if he faced the same mental effects, but we do have reports of him flying back toward his primary base, the Crimson City. We have detailed readings of five other divine cores in the vicinity: four orange and one yellow."


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Beckman''s yellow crystal glows bright next, and all thates through the receiver is the sound of tapping as he sifts through the recording crystals andplex data from unique spatial magic readings within his room. He finally replies after a few seconds.


    "The four orange cores are nothing to worry about. Two of them are far stronger than average, but they are not much stronger than a newly awakened yellow core... The current yellow core within that city, however... all of the readings we''ve received are corrupted. I cannot analyze the data properly... The pressure it emits on the environment is not nearly as extreme as the me Emperor''s, so it is unlikely they are a True Core... but..."


    More tapping and sifting soundse through the receiver for a few more seconds.


    "This is fine. Redgrave put it nicely, the ants may build in their sandbox if they wish. The tsunami that approaches will wipe them out no matter how tall the castles they build be."


    raughs and responds.


    "How poetic of you, maybe there is some emotion under that tough outer shell after all."


    His tapping continues for another few seconds, and he replies in a stale response.


    "You know I have emotions, I merely find them limiting while using my analysis perk."


    The tapping continues for another few seconds before he speaks again.


    "With all of their forcesbined, the odds they injure even one of us is still below 0.1%. However, I must know all of the data before we make our own approach to the Dark Continent. This unregistered yellow core with corrupted data is troubling. We shall send out another group of scouts to survey the area in 60 hours and 24 minutes. We do not want to spook the residents too much, but I want an urate reading of this anomaly in your next outing."


    A sighes out of ra''s crystal, then it clicks off.


    The orange core immediately responds afterward.


    "Yes, Sir, I''ll ry the message and schedule another outing. Is there anything else you need from me?"


    Beckman''s line clicks off, as he feels there''s no need to answer.


    Redgrave speaksst.


    "n, that is all that we needed. The me Emperor is no match for us, thank you for confirming what we already knew."


    Heughs to himself, then the final line on the private link between the big three is cutpletely.


    The scout then leaves the S-Grade shielded room and goes on with his duties for the day, preparing the other divine guards for their next mission.


    ¨C


    Back in the Dark Continent, I sit on top of the guildhall with all of my divine aura retracted within my purple barrier.


    The sun is showing signs of setting in the next few hours, and I continue to rey the events of today in my head while hundreds of citizens walk through the inner city going about their days without a care in the world.


    My memories are fairly blurry, as thest crystal clear image I have is sensing the presence of new powerful buffs on Luna and Arie''s status, then I set off to do an analysis on the throne. However, the sensations I felt were ryed to my doubles in real time... So I can look back on a perfect depiction of what''s urred as many times as I wish.


    ¨C


    [A Stitch Body Double of Memories, ~3 Hours Ago]


    As I hover above the darkness, I think about diving in to see what lurks below. However, logically Ie to the conclusion that there was no reason to dive into the dark depths of the abyss, as training with demonic monsters right now would only set me on a path that is not congruent with my goal.


    What I decided to do was attempt to examine the ck tower at a much closer proximity to see if what The Saint said about the throne containing silver divine energy was true.


    The upgrade of my All-Seeing Eye skill has given me a peek into the very fabric of the universe when I imbue my True Core''s full power into it, however, I''m unable to get an in-depth look at the tower from hundreds of kilometers away.


    As I approach the tower, however, an eerie pressure fills the air.


    If I were to rte it to anything, it would be simr to the pressure I felt whening face to face with the green serpent for the first time within the divine construct.


    However, there is no physical change in the atmosphere. I just feel the gravity itself getting heavier the closer I fly, and to an exponential degree.


    Once I''m less than 100 kilometers from the tower, it''s hard to breathe, and every airstep forward is moderately painful; it feels like the air is a heavy liquid. Though, visually it doesn''t change at all.


    I power through, getting about 30 km deeper into the odd gravity-rich air, but the intensity bes hundreds of times greater.


    I''m positive no one below the status of a True Core could survive this close to the tower, yet there are still about 70 kilometers of distance to travel...


    Even so, I use the ? of my power that I''ve decided to allow the central government''s scouts to witness, and send a pulse of perception into the throne using all of my buffs and my All-Seeing Eye to attempt to peer into the tower.


    However, all I see in return is a glimpse of what''s beyond the outer ckyer, and that is an infinite wall of pure silver divine threads...


    It''s as if the material that made up the Lich King''s core isyering the entire tower.


    I perceive the entire outeryer, but it is impossible to see through.


    Every millisecond I leave my perception activated, my mind screams at me to look away.


    The longer I try to peer within, the brighter the silver threads be in my vision.


    Less than a full second passes before I have to deactivate all of my perception buffs, and I reflexively turn around and fly away back to a less dense and dangerous area of the abyss with a pounding headache.


    The further I get away from the tower, the more my mind tries to forget what it saw, but I keep the fragmented memories intact by sharing them with my doubles. It is no different of a feeling than staring into Ember''s or the Lich King''s core... just far more intense and menacing, like it has a mind of its own.


    I feel the presence of the scouts as I make my way back to the city and think about what I''ve seen while monitoring the real-time memories of my doubles for the next 3 hours or so.


    ¨C


    While I continue to ponder the events of examining the tower, memories of the double that is farming mana from the artificial mountains and siphoning them into the Crimson Citybyrinth is one I''m very focused on.


    I grin and turn my sights toward the canyon of dungeons, then begin to float toward it.


    Thebyrinth has reached 99 floors.


    There''s only one more before it has reached its max, and the demon inside will want to bring the mana back to its realm.


    This is not what I want to happen right now... As I still need thisbyrinth to train. I have my suspicions it can grow further, as mention of argerbyrinth in Central was brought up by Raven many times before.


    I''d like to see if I can broker a deal with this demon, and in the process, get more information from an outside source like itself on this mysterious throne that allows its race to rank up From Arch Demons to Demon Lords.

 Chapter 643

    Chapter 643


    I enter the canyon of dungeons and make my way down to thebyrinth.


    There are hundreds of hunters farming in the dungeons all around, and dozens of Crimson Army hunters training on the mid-level floors of thebyrinth.


    I dungeon walk all the way to the top, to the 99th floor, materializing with all of my mana and divine energy suppressed when I arrive in the final boss room.


    I see a [Lv. 6908] Arch Demon, and a dark maroon-colored earth dragon sharing the same level, guarding this final floor.


    Before they can even sense my presence, I send a wave of telepathy into the demon''s psyche.


    "Pluto, that was your name, wasn''t it...? I''ve returned to renegotiate our deal, as the outside world is changing far faster than expected."


    The three-meter-tall demon with red skin, curving ck horns, and sharp white eyes turns its head to meet mine.


    "The me Emperor, you''ve returned... I must admit, I didn''t believe thisbyrinth would grow so quickly. It usually takes decades, sometimes even centuries, for abyrinth to mature."


    Its eyes sharpen."But don''t think your swiftness has changed the terms of our deal. I have a higher power I must obey in the Demonic Realm. Even if you are a peak-tier Arch Demon, I cannot swear my loyalty to you."


    I step forward and take a look toward the earth dragon as Pluto jumps on top of it, and they both fly over to stand right before me.


    I think back to our meeting long before I knew the true powers of this world. I, too, had no reason to believe I''d be reaching the upper floors of thisbyrinth so fast when I first made a deal with this demon.


    My eyes trail upward to read the system text in the boss room.


    [Floors Avable: 99/100]


    [Mana Necessary to create next Floor: [0.0 Quintillion / 14.9 Quintillion]]


    When I first made the deal, it took days for my doubles to farm just a few trillion MP. Now, the staggering amount necessary to level up the final floor from 99 to 100 could bepleted by my double in just a few hours, considering all of the excess mana avable in the artificial mountains.


    I respond to the demon as he jumps off his dragon and meets me eye to eye less than five meters away.


    "Our deal... It was that I''d let you return to the Demonic Realm to deliver the mana I''ve worked so hard to farm... and in return, once you have your freedom, you''d make a link of loyalty with me... and also, I''d give you a skill of your choosing. Was that it?"


    I look up at the ceiling, rolling my eyes, not seeing much upside in this deal anymore.


    The Arch Demon replies.


    "You also assured me I would one day meet a Demon Lord in person, one that ims the throne of this world years down the line when that timees."


    I smirk.


    "Well, as I said, times have changed. That throne is awakening in the next few days... and in order for this world to not be imed by my adversaries, I''m going to need to change the terms of our deal."


    I look up at the system text, then back down at the demon.


    "There''s a way to continue growing the floors, correct? Capping at level 7000 isn''t going to cut it. I''m going to need a far stronger army than that. And..."


    The demon''s eyes widen as he responds.


    "Already? The throne is awakening now? How is this possible? And¡ªno¡ªwe cannot risk creating an extendedbyrinth. We would have to grow it another 100 floors before I''d have the chance to return to my¡ª"


    I cut him off, letting some of my aura leak out from my purple barrier, instantly making him choke on his words and fall to his knees behind his dragon.


    "Maybe I phrased things poorly. This isn''t an offer, it is a demand. We''ll be upgrading thisbyrinth, or I''ll drain everyst drop of mana and create a new one with a demon that wants to cooperate."


    Every few milliseconds that pass, I let the pressure from my aura rise by an increasing amount, making the floor crack and the entire boss room shake, while a small amount of my true core''s essence leaks out from my barrier.


    All of the bones of the demon and dragon are shattered, and their skin is melted and peeled off, pushing them both deep into the ground of the dungeon floor until I see their HP bars drop below 1%.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Once they do, I retract all of the pressure back into my barrier and put on an obviously fake smile while levitating, opening, and pouring regeneration potions into their mouths.


    A few seconds pass while green glowing light brings them back from the brink of death, and the demon crawls out from the hole in the boss room floor, now with a face showing far more fear and understanding.


    "Y-You... You''re an Ascended Arch Demon... That yellow power... How¡ª"


    I cut him off again, not knowing what he''s rambling on about, but satisfied that he''s understood my point.


    "The reason I cannot let this mana be siphoned back to the Demonic Realm is because I will be the one who ims the throne."


    The Arch Demon''s eyes widen at my words, and I can feel many emotions conflicting in the creature''s mind.


    Its odd attraction of loyalty to another being far away starts to fade, and more admiration and awe toward me begins to grow. However, far more fear, unease, and distrust also permeate from the demon too.


    I nod and speak again before these negative emotions grow further.


    "I''ll honor every part of ourst deal. I will grant you a skill right now, anything of your choosing. Whether that''s a human-only ability, an elemental power, or one of dungeon monsters, I will find it. Once thisbyrinth reaches 200 floors, if you still wish to leave, I will honor it. And if you give me the chance, the demon lord you meet will be me."


    I inwardly grin to myself while the admiration grows and the fear and distrust fade away, and the demon responds.


    "You can truly grant elemental skills...? This is impossible, no demons can wield the elements of natural mana-born beings."


    I activate all of my elemental skills, making shimmering balls of light of each of them rotate around in circles.


    "Of course, anything you wish, and at the superior grade."


    As these words leave my mouth, an idea hits me, and I have one of my body doubles leave their job creating dungeons toe fulfill a task of mine.


    Instantly, one dungeon walks in to meet me here, and I share skill orbs that contain every elemental skill that I own that is stuck at [Extreme Grade].


    It disappears in a blip, tasked to force-feed them to monsters that have enough proficiency points in thisbyrinth on the high floors to use upgrade crystals, then kill them on the spot. Notifications of all of my extreme elemental skills upgrading to superior grade fill my inner ear.


    The demon looks back at his dragon, then to me, and replies while these notifications fill my ears.


    "An earth element, like my bonded dragon. This is what I want."


    I nod, sending a telepathy wave to my double, who is farming on all of the higher-grade floors in thisbyrinth, collecting rare loot while it continues to upgrade my elemental skills.


    "Very well. I''ll need some of your blood, and the dragon''s too."


    I can tell the demon is hesitant but is more so scared to say no after all that''s happened in thest few minutes.


    My double returns after waiting for the dead monsters to drop their loot, I collect a few liters of each of their blood.


    Once my double returns and drops piles of high A-Grade loot, and a Superior Grade Earth element skill orb, I thank it, and it blips away, back to creating dungeons far out in the dead zone of Sector 2.


    With a thin grin and in a nonchnt manner, I toss the skill orb to the demon and begin bonding the high-grade loot with millions of MP worth of mana crystals in my storage, along with high B and low A-Grade earth element stones to create blood-bonded armor, weapons, and enchanted gear for both the demon and the dragon.


    They both stare in awe, as it looks as though I''m merely touching each of the raw loot materials, surrounding them in a sh of white light, and secondster they give off intense auras of power, stacked with full stat buffs and percentages ranging from 300-500%+, with the ability to grow far more once the user goes through battle.


    Once done, I look up at the demon and cross my arms.


    "Swallow that skill orb, and the skill you desire will add onto your status. Plus, all of this gear will make you tens of times stronger in an instant. Do this, and we have a deal¡ªthebyrinth shall surpass 100 floors today."


    The Arch Demon is still in a state of shock and stares down at the blue orb with earth magic swirling in its center.


    It takes a deep breath, then swallows the newly crafted item. Its body is enveloped in a bright white and blue glow.


    Momentster, the superior earth summoning skill appears on its status, and if what it said is true, this is the first Arch Demon to wield elemental magic.


    The demon ces its hands out and summonsrge balls of dense and pure earth in its palms, then begins tough out loud.


    "Incredible... The legends were true. There really are Ascended ones capable of manipting the system itself..."


    It equips the blood-bonded gear I''ve given to it, and the earth dragon equips the items I''ve crafted for it too, momentarily shrinking down into the human form of a demonic figure with dark brown skin and jet-ck horns.


    It makes me wonder if the ranked-up form of a dragon is dependent on the race of the being it''s bonded with, but I don''t pry, because I want to take advantage of this moment to ask something else.


    "Now that you''ve epted my gifts, our deal is set in stone. Though, I do have onest question for you. You called me an Ascended demon, because of my divine core... and now believe I''m strong enough to challenge the throne. Please, do exin what you mean by this..."


    The dragon expands back into its dragon form, and the blood-bonded armor expands with it. The demon stops floating about testing his new powers and raises an eyebrow, then looks as if he''s remembering something.


    "Oh¡ªthat''s right, you''re a rogue... This makes me even more curious about your background. I thought only Arch Demon descendants and loyal contracted Beasts from the 5 Kingdoms were capable of bing Ascended ones."


    He pauses, waiting to see if I react to his words, then continues to exin while floating back down to the boss room floor.


    "The path to bing an ascended is a well kept secret. I am not high enough rank to know it. The only way for a demon to ever dream of walking this path is to bring back an offering to one of the 5 great families¡ªthat being the collected mana from abyrinth on a mana-based world. This of course doesn''t mean you will be chosen, but it is the mostmon way to be epted into their ranks. It is a lifelong mission for all fledgling demons and greater demons to make it this far. Even the outer Ascended ranks, the Red Core Demonic Knights¡ªthese Arch Demon''s would normally be powerful enough to rule most mana-based worlds. However, I was not aware a True Yellow Ascended like yourself was already here to im it."


    I''m at a loss for words at the demon''s exnation, as he says it all with a straight face like it ismon knowledge.


    I slowly nod and respond while reaching into my item storage to pull out one of the red divine fragments I managed to steal from Sebastian.


    "These Red Core Demonic Knights you speak of, and the power structure of demons within these 5 great families... Tell me more..."

 Chapter 644

    The Arch Demon looks at me, filled with curiosity once again.


    "You really know nothing of the inner workings of the Demonic Realm? How far away from the capital were you born?"


    I don''t react to the question, and lift the red shimmering fragment of divine energy in front of the demon''s face.


    It stares into the beautiful glowing crystal full of vibrating divine threads, but judging by its expression, it has no idea what it is.


    Eventually, the Demon responds.


    "What... is that?"


    My gaze tightens, and I let the fragment fall back into my item storage, but I notice the silent earth dragon behind the demon, its eyes widening, and a spike of surprise and quickened heartbeat make me believe it knows exactly what I just showed.


    "Never mind. Just tell me about these Red Core Demonic Knights."


    After a moment of silence, as I don''t feel the need to respond, the demon continues to speak."Well... if you don''t know about the knights, then you''re truly a demon lost from society. You must have been raised far out in the Rift Lands..."


    The Demon scratches his head in confusion, then looks up at the ceiling, as if trying to structure his thoughts.


    "Well... I guess we can just start at the beginning. If you''re a demon born in the capital, the only way to survive, grow, and earn your keep is by joining the army, diving into rifts that lead to mana-rich worlds. Sure, you could challenge the native demonic monsters of the realm to grow stronger, but they won''t level up your mana-based system, which is more valuable for demons that want to apply for Labyrinth contracts."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Labyrinth contracts?"


    The Demon smiles.


    "Yes, just like the contract we made when you summoned me here. I had to train and level up for quite a long time beforeing to this world. If I''d epted a contract as a level one demon, the first human to challenge this construct would have killed me before I had a chance to fight back... It''s an unspokenw that demons should at least rise from Fledgling to Greater before even considering applying for Labyrinth contracts. Many wait until they be Arch Demons even..."


    A word sticks out to me, so I ask another question.


    "You said construct... The Labyrinth is a construct?"


    "Of course. It''s merely another function of the system. They cost mana and activation stones to create, in the same proportions as a dungeon would. They are mana-based pocket worlds created for energy collection. All of the monsters inside are nothing more than rented avatars. Demons and dragons are the only ones truly putting their lives on the line here. Though, we get the highest potential reward at the end of it."


    I open my mouth, but no wordse out while I process his words.


    The Demon continues.


    "Like I said before, once a demon manages to pass the first test, growing abyrinth to its mature state, they''re able to bring the siphoned mana back to the demonic realm and offer it to one of the five great families of their choosing. That, or they can roam the world they''vepleted their contract in as a free and powerful Arch Demon..."


    He pauses, then smiles.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    "There is no greater height an Arch Demon can climb than joining the personal army of one of the five Great Families... This is why I''m continuously confused by your im that you''re not a part of any of them... The prestige thates with even joining the outer ranks as subordinates of the Red Core Demonic Knights is enough to live like a king and set up your family with generational wealth and power."


    I nod, as the Demonic Realms hierarchy is beginning to make sense in my mind.


    "How many Red Core Knights are there, and what do they do exactly? Are the families at war? Are there forces in the demonic realm that attack often? Or...?"


    Pluto thinks to himself.


    "In the capital, there hasn''t been conflict for thousands of years. The demonic beasts that roam our realm are no match for the Red Core Demonic Knights. Ascended Arch Demons are truly on another level than all other demons and beasts... I¡ª"


    He looks at me timidly for a moment.


    "¡ªI''m sure you already knew this, being one yourself... I''ve never actually met one in person, other than a few nces at the Vermillion Family''s public ceremonies when I was a Fledgling. I did get a glimpse of their 116th Red Core squad. It was led by a single Orange Core Commander, truly a magnificent sight. I could feel the demonic realm bending to their will with every step they took, even dozens of kilometers away."


    These words seal the deal in my mind. The ''Ascended Demons'' he speaks of are definitely divine core holders. By the sound of it, considering a single family has squads of these red cores that are numbered into the hundreds, there are truly an unfathomable amount of them in the demonic realm.


    It makes me both uneasy and excited in the same breath.


    Pluto continues to speak.


    "Above the Orange Core Commanders, there are Yellow Generals, but I''ve never seen one with my own eyes. My family is not well-connected to any of the five Great Families, so this is really the true extent of my knowledge..."


    I reply with another question.


    "What about the family leaders? Who leads these Yellow Generals? You said there are other Demon Lords once when we first met... Where are they? Will they being to im this throne too?"


    The Demon shakes his head.


    "I already told you I don''t know much more... The families keep many things secret other than sprinkling hints among the public on how to join their ranks, giving us the tools to farm mana for the family of our choosing. More will be exined the higher we climb."


    I be rather disappointed by his response, but it does make sense. Considering the day I met him, he only had a few hundred levels and was a very newly awakened Arch Demon. It''s rather absurd for me to believe he knows everything about his home kingdom''s inner workings.


    It would be like asking a random new dungeon farmer in the Crimson City about the powers of the inner circle or how The me Emperor got so strong. Many of them don''t even know I exist; they''re merely linked through a small thread of loyalty they subconsciously gave into, allowing them to enter through the Crimson Dome.


    I click my tongue and nod.


    "Understandable... What you''ve provided is already a great help¡ª"


    To my surprise, the earth dragon speaks up through a three-way telepathy link, allowing me to hear its slow, deep voice for the first time.


    "You will not have to worry about other Demon Lords challenging the throne. Once an Ascended Arch Demon ims a world of their own, they never return to this realm. Many call them Green Core Lords. They are able to give orders through the five noble houses'' thrones, but not even the Yellow Generals have seen the other Lords in the flesh."


    My eyes widen at the dragon''s words, as even more pieces of this massive puzzle fit together. I reply with another question.


    "Where do dragons fit into all of this...? How do you know this knowledge? Last time I visited, you were still in your egg."


    My gaze tightens as I search for a divine core hiding within this creature to make sense of its knowledge, but there is nothing¡ªit is made purely of mana.


    The slow reply through the telepathy link reaches my ears a few momentster.


    "It is aplicated exnation. For context you must understand that Demons and dragons have always been intertwined within the system; dragons being the transcendent force of nature that is a catalyst for events to ur. Think of us as the final building block that holds the very fabric of theserge system-based structures together. Without mana, we would not exist. Without bonding with a dragon, demons could not createbyrinths. The same goes for iming the throne. One could have all of the building blocks to create a masterpiece, but without the glue, it is merely worthless material."


    I try to understand his words, but it is a bit too abstract. I reply with a questioning gaze.


    "How does that give you the knowledge of the past, if you were born here and never left this boss room...?"


    I see the earth dragon grin for the first time as he responds.


    "Dragons are all born with innate knowledge and shared memories of their ancestors... We are a collective, forever bonded with our Demonic Energy wielding counterparts. The amount of knowledge from other dragon''s past lives that is shared is unlocked and sent into our conscious minds more as we grow and be strong enough to add to the pool. We all share and grow the knowledge of the system together. That is, except for the Fallen One..."

 Chapter 645

    I immediately reply, as I''ve heard many monsters in the past refer to Ember using this name, but none have given me a clear answer.


    "The Fallen One... Who are they..?¡ªor what¡ªhave they done?"


    The earth dragon''s dark ck eyes stare into mine, holding many secrets behind them, yet full of curiosity still.


    "It sounds like you have heard of the legend too. There are only fractured memories from the pool of this being. A dragon that came before us all... Or at least far enough back before the collective was created. It is said that this one reached the heights above every dragon that has ever lived. Beyond the status of a mere green-cored lord, even beyond what some call the immortal core. The Fallen One made it to the source... Or at least, that is the only reasonable exnation."


    The dragon pauses for a moment, and I feel its heartbeat speed up again, even faster.


    "Well¡ªWe do not know this for sure. I am specting from old legends traveling by word of mouth through generations of dragons. Maybe those of a higher rank than myself have personal experiences with the Fallen One. All collective memories of that being have been eroded from our minds. I can feel the presence of where they used to be, but if I try to look too deep, all that is in its ce is a blinding golden light."


    I let out a sigh, as yet again, I''ve learned a bit more but still hit another dead end right before learning of this secret that is dangled before me time and time again.


    However, the knowledge they have shared has been more than satisfying.


    I now know how demons are linked to this world, as a means of siphoning mana back to their home realm.The fact that no one in the Order, or humans that study Originator relics, have heard of or seen any green core beings now makes far more sense as well.


    These thrones must be part of the process in which a True Core ascends... which is why Demon Lords never return back to this world. As I''ve found in all of the beings in Celia''s construct, the physical body fades away once one ascends.


    Then again, it makes me wonder... What if my experiences with green divine energy twice before, mutating my cells, makes me different?


    I mentally sift through my storage, finding the minuscule single-digit amount of green fruits left, and decide now is not the time to test anything dangerous. If I really want to do so, I need far more time and more green divine energy.


    Right now, Ie up with a different n, as memories of the outside world from my body doubles tell me the sun is starting to set on the horizon.


    I can''t help but grin while I look the demon and dragon in the eyes.


    "Would both of you like to be Red Core Demonic Knights in my army?"


    Pluto''s eyes widen as he replies.


    "W-What do you mean? You have the ability to conduct an ascension ceremony?"


    The earth dragon grins, and I just nod.


    "Yes, I have the means to turn you both into red-cored ascended. I just want a few things in return."


    Pluto takes a step forward and nods.


    "What is it?"


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    I let a small amount of my divine essence out from my barrier again, enough to make them know I''m serious, but not enough to actually injure them this time.


    "I want you both to swear loyalty to me, The me Emperor. Once you''ve ascended yourselves, I want you to bring me to the capital of the Demonic Realm."


    My eyes glimmer, and the pure emotion of excitement and anticipation permeates off me while both the Demon and Dragon bow their heads.


    The Dragon speaks first.


    "A fair trade. If my second half agrees, I will be happy to serve you until the day I die. It would be an honor to follow the will of a True Core Ascended."


    The Demon follows up.


    "This was my dream all along, to even join an ascended rank. I cannot pass up the offer to be one. I, Pluto, swear my undying loyalty to the me Emperor. Your will is mine."


    Two new links of loyalty form in my rising emperor''s domain interface, and in return, I pull out arge pile of red divine fragments from my storage, and let them fall in front of both of their heads as they slowly raise them.


    I share my self-regeneration skill with both of them and spend the next few minutes exining the process of awakening their divine cores.


    With my arms crossed, standing a good distance away, I watch both of them consume their first fragment and erupt with red threads of reality-bending divine power.


    It takes a few minutes to die down to a manageable level, and for their bodies to begin the healing process. But once they do, both realize that with my assistance, this path is not a figment of their imaginations anymore; it is an inevitable oue if they follow my instructions.


    At the same time, one of my body doubles drops off arge amount of mana in the form of pure pink concentrated crystals on the floor below us, and the system counter on the ceiling of the boss room moves up by about 5%, signifying a few hundred quadrillion MP have been added.


    I speak up proudly through our strengthened telepathy link now.


    "Very good. We shall be in contact through this link from now on. Continue your awakening process; I have more business to attend to."


    Both of them reply with nods as they''re deep in concentration while gathering red threads at the back of the boss room.


    I dungeon-walk away to join the Crimson Army members training on floors 50¨C55 of thebyrinth, facing monsters between levels 2000 and 2500, and share my absorption skill with each of them.


    While they are all making great progress on their own, using my skill to gain much-needed MCP after every kill will strengthen them even faster.


    ¨C


    A few hours pass as I help the army climb the floors of thebyrinth with a small percentage of my own mana control to boost their strength, surpassing floor 70, making months'' worth of progress in a single afternoon.


    The dozens of brave hunters that fought by my side in the battle against the Lich King months ago, and just recently protected the Crimson Dome and citizens from the Association''s attacks, have multiplied their strength once again. Each and every one of them surpasses level 5000, and gain hundreds of billions of MCP.


    Both making the power of my allies far stronger, but also creating an evenrger pool of stats and mana control I can pull from using my rising emperor''s domain in the future.


    ¨C


    While watching them train, the live memories of my body doubles pass by and I periodically check on the demon and dragon at the top of thebyrinth. Eventually, two very impactful events ur.


    The first being that the double collecting the mana from the artificial mountains finally farms enough mana toplete the final 100th floor. I sacrifice another 100 fragments of luminite, and there is a three-way agreement forged within the inner workings of thebyrinth''s interface to not copse it and make room for 100 more floors.


    Now when I stare up at the ceiling, a new text box appears.


    [Floors Avable: 100/200]


    [Mana Necessary to create next Floor: [0.0 Quintillion / 30.2 Quintillion]]


    My double goes back to work siphoning mana from the immense supply in the mountains to the west.


    At the current rate it''s working, it will still take many hours per floor to grow it further, and the process will only get longer, but the second event that is fresh in my mind takes precedence over my immediate brainpower and main body''s attention.


    I activate my stealth skill, and use my mythic-grade body double''s perk to switch ces with the double many thousands of kilometers away.


    It is the dead of night on the ind of Palmyra, and I find myself standing in the center of thergest of the Finger Inds.


    My double has finished its surveince duties and now knows exactly how this society runs. Their facilities and working cycles have all been logged, and the daily routines of the divine cores and higher ups are noted as well.


    There is no reason to hold back anymore.


    I slowly walk toward the mansion that houses two Yellow Cored Order members. It is time to begin the next stage of the n I devised with Raven. There is not much time left, and I must be strong enough to face the Big Three.

 Chapter 646

    The entire ind of Palmyra is quiet.


    Contracted hunters are deep within the mana-shielded structures down below me on the palm, farming away to fulfill their quotas.


    A few high-level guards line the streets near the center of the cities, and on the finger inds, there are quite a few C and B-ss hunters awake, spending their leisure time inside the facilities.


    However, on thergest finger ind, the thumb, where I currently stand, there are only three other individuals present.


    There are two strong yellow-cored individuals inside therge mansion at the back of the estate, and behind me,nding just as I arrive here, the red-cored A-ss hunter arrives carrying multiple containment cases full of item boxes from the long period of farming collected from the main ind below.


    He walks straight past me without noticing a thing, as I''m using stealth, and the doors of therge mansion open wide.


    As he walks in, I slip in right behind as the high A-Grade shielded doors close behind him.


    ---


    The young A-ss hunter''s voice echoes through the entrance hall."Mr. Alfred and Ms. Fiona, the daily quotas have been met. We are scheduled to have a meeting with the District of Ashmore in 15 minutes."


    There is some pain in his words, and as he walks further in, I watch his steps be slower.


    Two figures stand at the back of therge entrance room, in front of an enormous curved bookcase that fills the entire back wall of the entrance hall.


    There are art pieces on the walls and a few interesting statues, but it is rather nd.


    The doors near the back of the room that lead to elevators and walkways to the main estate make me believe this is just the front hall they show to visitors. I can sense secret rooms and corridors behind this artificial main hall.


    Though, my mind doesn''t harp on that fact for long, it is more focused on the dense yellow divine threads permeating from their bodies.


    The pressure is strong, and it seems to be suppressed a bit by their mana shielding, not to kill their A-ss red-cored guest; however, with my own eyes and advanced perception, I find that they''re roughly the same strength as Mr. Freeman was.


    Their cores aren''t as damaged as the old Apex Region''s director. They look slightly younger, but trying to guess a person''s age when divine energy is involved is nearly impossible based on looks alone.


    The man, presumably Mr. Alfred, is slightly stronger, standing with a well-groomed mustache, slicked-back hair, and sharp ck-and-white professional attire. He is [Lv. 9901] and holds a superior wind magic skill.


    He speaks up first and motions for the young man toe closer.


    "Very good. We shall leave soon..."


    He pauses and twists the ends of his mustache before asking another question.


    "Do we have any updates on that new shipment? There were a few idents this week with the surges, and we need to rece a few faulty units."


    The red core stops after taking a few steps forward and bows his head before answering.


    "Yes, sir, we had new contracts processed from central. There will be 400 new workers- I mean units... with 10-year contracts soon to rece the defects."


    He nods a few times.


    "I only ordered 350, but extra will do... Very good, thank you."


    He turns to the woman beside him, who is slightly overweight, wearing a deep purple-colored dress and bright red lipstick. She is [Lv. 9785] and holds a superior water magic skill.


    Ms. Fiona speaks up in a condescending and arrogant tone.


    "Those 50 were for me. Have them shipped straight to the outer quarters on the estate. Myst order died far too quickly."


    She grins and looks at the young red core, and I feel his heartbeat rise far higher than before.


    Alfred seems used to these antics, rolling his eyes and shrugging it off while speaking up again.


    "Let me see the progress report and teleport crystals. Tensions are getting high in central ever since the incident with Raven and that rogue nation to the east. I want to make sure everything is in line not to get on Redgrave''s bad side..."


    The red-cored hunter ces the two silver containment cases full of item boxes and a pair of teleport crystals down on the floor in front of them. Then, takes a few steps back while they approach, their aura spreading through the room, making the red core sweat.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Alfred uses a small amount of wind magic to lift the delivered goods up to eye level, while the woman in the bright purple dress begins to fantasize about what kind of experiments she''s going to do to the innocent hunters that will be shipped in soon.


    The frightened red core just stands at the back of the room with a wide-eyed expression, and I decide there is no better time than now to finish what I came here to do.


    Without any warning, I move forward in full stealth mode. I use my new True Core''s abilitybined with my mana maniption skill to create an ultra-thin thread of pure divine energy and send it straight toward both of their necks.


    Alfred holds a silver tablet filled with detailed check in logs and loot collection numbers up to eye level. My cut is so clean and finely executed that once it makes it all the way through, he doesn''t even notice and continues to read through today''s farming notes.


    Fiona continues to b on about how she hates going to the District of Ashmore, as its way too close to Central Headquarters, and how she''s looking forward to taking a long hot bath when they get back. My thin thread of death slicing through her vocal cords doesn''t even affect the wordsing out of her mouth.


    In the next moment, I deactivate my stealth skill but still hide my presence beneath my purple barrier, standing right behind the two of them.


    The only person who can see me is the red-cored hunter, and his eyes widen even more as they lock with mine, and crimson liquid starts to drip from both of the Order Members'' necks.


    Two loud thuds echo through the entrance hall as their heads slide off their bodies and stain the floor beneath them with blood.


    [Level Up] x313


    [Level Up] x298


    Notifications ring in my ears as my level reaches 7951. I absorb a few dozen trillion MCP and thrust my hands into the lifeless bodies of the man and woman to crush their yellow cores and absorb everyst yellow thread in this room.


    It adds to my total True Core''s base by a little over 10%. Theirbined essence is simr to about a third of what I absorbed after killing the bronze Earth Dragon Raven was riding in our battle.


    As their bodies hit the floor, I use telekinesis to lift the containment cases full of teleport crystals and item boxes up in the air tond right into my hands so they don''t get bloodied.


    A few secondster, the room falls silent, devoid of any energy other than the red aura permeating off of the now-shaking A-ss hunter.


    "W-Who... How... No... What are you...? What- what just happened?"


    He stammers out while I shift through the item boxes out of curiosity and activate the perk of my Superior-grade mana maniption skill and True Core''s ability.


    Shimmering white and yellow threadse off my body and into the decapitated King and Queen of this ind, turning their bodies into stone and pulling them upright while reattaching their heads.


    I ce concealment cloaks and amulets onto both of them, just as I did with the Lich King during the B-ss exams, while imbuing just enough divine energy into both of them to make it seem like they''re still alive and well.


    I reply to the pale A-ss hunter with a smile.


    "Who am I? If the next hour goes the way I want it to, you will have the luxury of finding out. And what happened? Nothing at all."


    I shrug and turn to therge bookshelf behind me.


    While taking a step forward, I drop the containment cases on a clean portion of floor, then tap on my wrist while speaking up again.


    "Wipe that startled look off your face. We have an important meeting in the District of Ashmore in less than 15 minutes."


    While his eyes continue to widen, trying to process what''s happening, I charge up a ball of pure mana and divine energy andunch it at the back wall filled with books, aiming for the near S-Grade shielding behind it.


    There''s a moment of slight resistance, but my attack breaks through, revealing exactly what I was looking for.


    Large chests and advanced containment capsules, just like Sebastian had in the private rooms of his mansion.


    These are far better guarded, as I don''t believe anyone but a True Core could have broken through the walls of this hidden room with such ease, but that only spikes my curiosity more. There has to be something of immense value in here, none of the other secret rooms are so well protected.


    I walk in and begin looking through every nook and cranny of this room I can ess while the red core behind me copses onto the floor in shock, unable to believe what just happened.


    It''s hard to tell if he''s happy about it or not; all I feeling off him is pure shock and fear.


    Nheless, my search through the treasure and junk continues.


    All kinds of rare loot from unique dungeons are kept here, as well as high-grade armor ranging from B-Grade up to even some gear that pushes 300-400% stat buffs.


    I let it all fall into my item storage, as I''m sure it will be of value, but this isn''t what I''m looking for...


    "Where''s the stash... I know you have it." I whisper under my breath while clearing out every single chest, item box, and containment case I can find.


    Over two full minutes pass before I finally find a small ck box inside an average-looking containment case.


    Inside, a single spatial magic pouch rests.


    "Jackpot..." I can''t help but say as just under 3000 yellow divine fragments are found inside.


    I take another full minute to double-check the whole room, and even do another scan of the mansion to look for other secret hiding chambers, but no other divine fragments are found.


    At first, it surprises me that no red or orange fragments are here like in Sebastian''s house, but as I think about it, what could they even use them for?


    The insane madman most likely hoarded them for sentimental and nostalgic value, while this King and Queen most likely used these fragments to be stronger over the years and try to reach higher heights.


    While it only took me a few hundred yellow fragments to condense my True Core, that isn''t the normal case for others. I used many unorthodox means to increase the absorption efficiency and speed of the process.


    For others, they won''t even absorb single-digit percents of a fragment''s full potential per consumption. Their healing capabilities are nowhere near as advanced as mine either.


    I grin and sit down in the center of the trashed room, pouring out the contents of the entire 2981 yellow fragment stash.


    Then, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and plunge both hands into the glowing yellow pile while activating my innate True Core''s talent.


    My body glows bright yellow, and I feel the familiar heat surging through me while every singlest fragment''s energy flows through my bloodstream and condenses inside my True Core.


    I let out a satisfying sigh while I stand back up a few minutester, feeling over 50% stronger yet again. These fragments alone raise my True Core''s base by over four times as much as absorbing the King and Queen''s essencebined.


    Then, I walk back into the main entrance hall of the mansion. The containment cases and red cored hunter are both lying on the ground with the deceased King and Queen standing over him.


    "Get up, we have a meeting to attend."

 Chapter 647

    The A-ss hunter is still shaking with wide eyes, but over thest few minutes, he''se to terms with the reality in front of him.


    He pushes himself up off the floor and stays as outwardly calm as possible while the dead king and queen stand on either side of me.


    I speak up again while doing a quick scan of his status.


    "How much time do we have...? And what can I call you?"


    The [Lv. 2944] mage with two skills, Mythic Grade Dagger mastery and Extreme Grade Lightning Summoning, responds while pulling a silver tablet from his item box.


    "Roughly two minutes...-and M-Marcus. You can call me Marcus."


    I nod slowly.


    "Good... Marcus. This is just enough time for you to tell me everything I need to know about the District of Ashmore. I''ll be attending the meeting with you all. Is it another order member we''ll be meeting there?"


    The red-cored hunter responds in a shaky tone."The District of Ashmore is one of the main trading checkpoints in the outer ring of central headquarters. It''s well secured... With emergency protocols much more dangerous than what we have here. Even the True Core''s do business in Ashmore."


    I cross my arms and listen to his lengthy descriptions of how the fortress works and what you can and cannot do. My curiosity grows, but he ends his description quickly as we don''t have much more time to waste, and I''ll be able to understand most of it when I arrive at first nce.


    "We won''t be there for long, it''s just a simple drop-off of goods and pickup for new quotas, -And yes, of course, there will be another Order member present, Angelica runs the ce- but how would you know of the Order... if... You''re not one..."


    He gulps mid-sentence as a wave of fresh terror washes over him.


    "Wait... Have I said something I shouldn''t have? This- isn''t a test, is it...?"


    He looks at the truly lifelike puppets of the king and queen, questioning if what he saw was all an act.


    "Y- You''re not one of the big three in disguise- Are you? -there''s no one else that could have-"


    I let out a small amount of pure mana control without any divine threads, and it''s enough to stop him from talking further as I shake my head.


    "No, this is no test. They''re really dead. I am not allied with the Order..."


    The hunter is pale, silent, and still questioning everything around him.


    I just let out a sigh, as it doesn''t look like I''ll be getting any more information out of him in this state.


    Then, I throw him the two teleport crystals and containment cases.


    "Act as naturally as you can, we''re going for a trip. You can ask all the questions you want when we''re back."


    The moment he catches the shimmering white crystal, I activate stealth and move to make contact with the young man''s shoulder while bringing the king and queen in closer as well.


    Marcus takes a deep breath in and out, silently praying to himself while closing his eyes and crushing the gem. A bright white light shes, and thergest of the finger inds is left devoid of any divine cores momentster.


    ¡ª


    Thousands of kilometers away, a sh of white light appears on a teleport tform in the center of an empty circr room.


    Marcus, the two lifelike statues, and I materialize onto the bright white floor, and I take in a very confusing sight and barrage of readings to my senses.


    Everything around me seems to be made of very pure yellow divine energy...


    The bright white floor below the teleport crystal is tethered with it, and the clear dome overhead that is about 10 meters high shimmers with yellow threads as well.


    The room we stand in has two silver doors on each side, and they lead to thin hallways, though even the halls are made of the same white flooring and clear ss-like transparent material overhead to make them look like miniature tunnels. In both directions, more of these white and clear domes are connected, making a structure of connected and isted rooms all over this fortress.


    There are hundreds of them in all directions.


    It feels immensely strong, far stronger than the near S-Grade shielding I broke through minutes ago, however, my main attention is more focused on what''s outside the odd bubble structures.


    The ground they rest on outside looks to be made of dark grey ash, anding up from the grounds are endless yellow flickering mes.


    The fires roar for dozens of kilometers in all directions, enveloping the countless domes, and roaring without any sign of going out.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    They flicker and roar kilometers up into the sky.


    I''m unable to sense anything through the thick divine energy imbued mes. With my stealth mode activated and my greater form not turned on, my perception may be limited, but I can clearly sense that whatever or whoever created these mes is far stronger than myself...


    On the outer edges of the domes, where the white and yellow divine energy meets the mes, steam rises up through the air like fire and ice are meeting and canceling each other out.


    While I examine the structure in awe, Marcus stands upright and still, with sweat trickling down his temples.


    Next to him, the dead animated statue of Alfred carries both of the containment cases, and I have Fiona give an uninterested and disgusted look as she stares ahead.


    The silver door they all face clicks open, and two women walk through into the dome.


    One is an orange core and the other is a yellow. They look almost identical, with dark brown hair cut short at the shoulders, and bright white eyes.


    The only difference is the yellow core is a few centimeters taller, and is [Lv.8519], while the shorter orange core is [Lv. 4405]. They both have superior wind magic skills.


    I wonder if this is even the Order member in front of me, as I was expecting a fire or ice user, and the yellow core doesn''t even have half as many divine threads in her core as the king or queen I killed.


    Marcus bows toward the taller woman and speaks up, answering my suspicions.


    "Angelica, we''vepleted our quotas, I hope all is well for you here in Ashmore."


    He grits his teeth at the end of his words, as the intense yellow divine core pressure in the room is getting to him, but he side-eyes toward the containment cases despite the pain.


    I channel wind magic through my invisible divine threads and into the statue holding the cases.


    It appears as if Alfred is letting them levitate over to the two women.


    When his hands are free, I use my [Master of Illusion] buff and Mana Maniption to control his body to twist his mustache and respond.


    "It is all ounted for."


    Then, I make Fiona scoff and add to the act.


    "This ce makes my skin crawl... Can we get this over with quickly?"


    The orange-colored woman catches the containment cases and looks through the logs quickly while tapping on a silver tablet of her own, making notes of all the new inventory and making sure the new quotas are updated.


    In the meantime, Angelica responds with a professional smile.


    "You''ll be on your way shortly, don''t you worry Ms. Fiona..."


    There''s a pause as her assistant continues to shuffle through the item boxes, and she speaks again to fill in the silence while looking up toward the ceiling''s dome in an oddly specific direction.


    "I do hope this shipment makes Redgrave happy. With all of the Order members being picked off, and that announcement earlier today about the me Emperor in the Dark Continent, I''m almost d I''m stuck here under the abyss of mes..."


    Marcus reflexively gulps, as another rush of understanding hits him, and I believe he''s connected the dots to understand who I am.


    The woman catches onto his nerves as well, but I have Alfred speak up to keep the mood in the room constant.


    "Yes, yes. Being so far out in the ocean, we''re away from all the trouble as well. Stronger members than us were taken down just before the throne showed itself, what a shame."


    Alfred''s head shakes, and he twists his mustache again while the orange-cored girl finishes up her task with the containment cases and sends them flying back our way.


    Alfred epts them, but a phenomenon urs that makes my heart skip a beat...


    The yellow core, Angelica, nods a few times to be professional, then speaks up while reaching into her item box to pull out a silver transmission tablet.


    "Very good, I''ll be sending a message to central that your quotas have been met. The shipment for your contracted hunters should be processed very soon as well."


    As she puts on her fake professional smile, I see yellow crystals glowing on the front side of her tablet that she''s pulling out, and realize there will be quite the issue if I don''t do anything in the next few milliseconds.


    I''ve seen a tablet like this before, it was the one Raven used to talk to the other Order members, and I vividly remember each lit crystal representing the Order members that were alive and well, able to respond on the other line.


    There were two crystals that were dull when I saw Raven''s, signifying Sebastian and Mr. Freeman''s demise. However, those should be the only ones...


    If she pulls it out right now, she''ll see that the two she''s talking with are no longer alive.


    This also means... all of the other Order members will be notified of the king and queen''s death the next time they check these tablets.


    This was all within the outline of my n, but I didn''t realize it would start so soon...


    I make the split-second decision to cause a scene right here to expedite things.


    If the King and Queen are meant to be dead, there''s more than one way this can ur. The first being a rogue force from the dark continent, but the other would be another Order member that made contact with them within the timeframe that their lights went out.


    I grin beneath my stealth veil, and have Alfred push the silver containment cases and teleport crystal toward Marcus in a quick, fluid motion.


    In the same instance, I use water magic to make it seem as if Fiona is sending out two high-pressure jets of divine energy imbued water from both of her index fingers.


    One flies straight toward the silver device in Angelica''s hand, and the other toward the teleport crystal that flies at Marcus.


    In a sh of white and yellow light, the A-ss hunter is transported away back to the ind of Palmyra; and the silver tablet that is about to be exposed is destroyed and fractured into hundreds of metal and crystal pieces.


    The Order member''s eyes widen in surprise, and I have Fiona blurt out a believable line in the same arrogant, condescending tone that she was using back in the mansion.


    "You know what? You''re right, this world is changing hands, and who cares if a few Order members go missing! I always hated this ce!"


    I make her yell out in a loud, annoyingugh while filling the room with more yellow threads of divine light.


    In the same moment, the orange-cored hunter that has been silent this whole time turns and presses a tablet of her own, opening up the door they came from with impressive reaction speed.


    The yellow core doesn''t even question what is going on and makes a wall of wind in front of them with divine threads and wind magic strong enough to make me believe she''s going all out.


    I have Alfred and Fiona send attacks of wind and water at the wall she''s made to pierce through her defenses and hit the wind mage in non-vital areas, hoping that she''ll attack back, but no attackse, she just yells out loud while jumping backward.


    "Activate the emergency systems! Call central and have Redgrave notified of this betrayal at once! All fatal attacks between Order members are not permitted! The rulers of Palmyra are well aware of emergency procedure here, they have just failed their assassination attempt... This is well within my pact rights to activate protocol."


    My smile grows as the silver door is shut, and from behind it, the outline of the slightly injured wind mage pulling arge red lever is clear to see.


    I contort the King and Queen''s expressions to be scared and confused. While, in reality they are already dead, and this woman''s actions are helping me stage the perfect cover up.


    In the same moment, the center of the clear dome cracks open evenly and begins toe apart slowly and mechanically. The bright yellow mes outside start to flood in.

 Chapter 648

    Just a few dozen meters away, the orange and yellow-cored hunters watch the scene before them unfold.


    They''re secured behind the heavy silver door in the transparent hallway.


    I have a few fractions of a second where I can easily pull out a teleport crystal and make my escape; however, the instant the top of the dome cracks open, my perception is able to seep out much further than before.


    I''m able to see past the endless abyss of mes around us.


    Every moment that passes, and the dome above opens more, my gaze is able to surge further.


    This is exactly what Marcus told me would happen when he described themon protocol for violent deals gone bad, and said even True Cores cannot survive the mes.


    My initial hopes were that I would be able to stage an attack and that the wind mage would strike back, allowing me to stage them being struck in vital points and use another teleport crystal to run away and make it seem as if they died from this.


    In the confusion of it all, I could have even killed thisst yellow core and absorbed even more essence.


    However, the order member here was a bit weaker than I predicted.Not only would there be no witness to report this staged betrayal, killing her now would barely grant me a 1-2% gain of my Core''s base.


    This far more extreme option makes for a more convincing story, and with it, I''m able to leave this dome. Crushing a crystal to leave right now would be a waste of this opportunity.


    The fact that we''re near Central Headquarters makes me want to take a bit of a risk just to get a glimpse at what Central is really like.


    The yellow mes rush into the dome, and simultaneously my perception does, in fact, spread out far enough to get a fuzzy picture in my mind of where Central Headquarters is.


    The city is enormous, made of hundreds of skyscrapers at sizes that look like they can house entire cities like Sra or even Vice City itself in a single structure.


    I can''t get a clear view, only the outlines, as the thick divine mes all around me make for an imprable veil.


    I can feel that this abyss of mes is a few kilometers high, and a few dozen kilometers wide. However, its length goes on for hundreds of kilometers in both directions, curving to make a massive moat around a mountain that reaches up into the sky.


    There are huge cliffs burned with mes all around this Central City, and atop it mana control waves of millions of individual status screens re through my senses. This isn''t even counting the massive buildings that I''m unable to sense through in my current position. I estimate there are tens of millions of people in this massive central headquarters Civilization alone.


    ¨C


    My focus shifts back to the scene in front of me instead of wandering away to the outside world as the dome fully opens and the divine mes rush in.


    I brace myself, activating all of my buffs, and creating a defensiveyer of divine energy-infused Soul Energy shielding all around my body while activating my greater form andpacting its energy topress around me.


    My stealth skill is still active, but the immense energy I''m letting off can''t be fully contained. The only reason the order member behind the clear protective barrier can''t see me is because of the [Master of Illusion] buff I''m keeping on to manipte the perception of reality around me.


    I jump upward headfirst into the fire while itpletely floods the dome.


    My connection with the King and Queen''s corpses is severed, and their bodies are burned to ash and dust in milliseconds.


    The teleportation tform in the ground shatters from the thrust of my jump, yet the white divine energy-imbued floor below it is untouched...


    Simultaneously, I feel a hot pressure envelop my entire body.


    Less than a second passes before I feel the true intensity of the mes begin to tear through my defenses with ease.


    When I first arrived here and tried to feel the icy dome''s strength, and the average strength of these mes, I knew they were strong, but now that I''m plunging into them, I realize they''re much more powerful than I expected...


    As soon as I leave the dome and am covered in yellow fire, I deactivate my stealth skill so I can go all out...


    I pull out my fire and dark magic des to take full advantage of their stat buffs, but as another half a second passes, and my defense aura grows even stronger, I feel the walls of mes pressing in on me even further.


    The heat waves rush through me, and the gravity pushing me down as I try to fly upward feels very reminiscent of the time I was trying to push through the skies within the divine construct toward the green divine serpent.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Whoever made these mes is a True Core user... and the gap between our level of divine power is only bing clear to me now.


    This isn''t even a concentrated attack. It is a security system spread out thin, and constantly consuming energy. Yet, a small concentrated portion of it is giving me this much trouble.


    I grit my teeth and push upward, as the further I go up, the more the towers within the city atop the mountaine into my mental view.


    I can teleport away any time I wish, but this may be my only instant teleportation ticket into Central Headquarters at such close proximity I can get.


    Another half a second passes, and I''m just over a third of the way through the mes.


    However, the dense hot mes tear all the way through my Soul Energy shielding tethered with the full strength of my True Core.


    I pull up a mental interface of my Rising Emperor''s Domain, yet I''m too far away from the Dark Continent to get the full stat boosts I want. My aura is being suppressed by these mes, so no one falls within the radius allowing me to take 10%. However, after reaching 1000 links of loyalty, I unlocked a perk that allows me to receive 5% extra no matter how far away I am.


    I activate it and pull tens of thousands of stat points and a few dozen trillion MCP from the Crimson Army, my teammates, and many of the normal citizens I have ess to.


    The mana control does not add much to me at all, but the rise in stats is simr to the full amount I received during my battle with Raven and the Bronze Earth Dragon, filling my body with newfound speed, strength, and endurance.


    The additional training I put the Crimson Army through has made quite the difference, but it is still nowhere near enough to make these divine mes'' damage negligible.


    My rise through the mes bes much faster, but the pressure of the divine energy all around me is hardly suppressed at all.


    It feels as if the breath is being squeezed out of me every moment I stay beneath these yellow mes, and the reality of the Big Three''s true strength creeps into my mind.


    My blood-bonded armor begins to burn and melt while even my skin starts to be charred by the mes that roar around me.


    It feels like if I let up for even a moment, they''ll all seep into my body and mind, turning me to ash just like the King and Queen I left behind.


    My purple ring glows bright, and I''ve only seen it do this one time before.


    It was when I faced Mr. Freeman before I had my True Core awakened when he attempted to use a mental attack on me tens of times stronger than I was able to handle, but my purple divine barrier managed to suppress the brunt of the blow.


    The same thing is happening now, and it only makes me push off the air harder with every step, using all my strength to finally escape through the top of the roaring fiery abyss with heavy breaths and far more fatigue than I expected.


    "I''m still not strong enough!" I yell to myself as the pressure starts to go away, and the extreme heat dies down, while the abyss of endless yellow fire gets further away and I continue my upward momentum into the night sky.


    The moment the hot burns and immense pressure cease, I reactivate my stealth skill and the purple ring around my finger stops glowing as well.


    While taking a deep breath, I deactivate my Rising Emperor''s Domain''s stat and mana control borrowing perk and stare up at the massive city that I approach.


    The mountain is truly massive.


    I could tell it was over 200 km wide and over 30 km tall while using my perception from below the mes, but seeing it with my own two eyes is a different experience.


    Paired with the realization that the being that created those mes below me makes my True Core look like a dimly lit candle, the futuristic skyscrapers that pierce the clouds above look magnificent.


    This is where the rulers of the world have created their city.


    They have been in control for centuries, growing in power before the system even existed here for humans.


    My eyes widen with awe and respect, granting me a new perspective on why Raven, the Saint, and all of the other Order members fear the Big Three so much.


    The massive yellow ring of fire below the mountain sends off so much heat and light, that it almost looks like it''s daytime below the mountain.


    Then, even above, the city lightsing off the tens of thousands of windows on each tower, bright street lights that line the roads that are busy with cars and people even now in the dead of night, it looks as if this is a bright shining light of day that never goes out.


    With my enhanced perception, I hear and see millions of conversations taking ce. Food, products, and services are being bought and sold. Some of the magical nature, selling gear for new hunters and buying loot from the hundreds of dungeon hubs all over the city. Others are unawakened businessmen and women with normal families going about their daily lives.


    There''s music ring at every street corner, and every citizen has their own transmission tablet blinking and giving off sounds of their own.


    There are massive parks full of wildlife that are asrge as entire cities back in the 8 Great Regions, and dungeon hubs full of E,D,C, and B-ss portals that make the canyon of dungeons back in the Crimson City look very average.


    Huge warehouses, factories, and office buildings are scattered throughout the massive civilization, sustaining many pockets of culture that stretch hundreds of kilometers.


    It''s like a world of its own.


    The vast amount of information to take in right now after such a brutal event is extremely overstimting. I just stop and stare, floating over the sea of mes for almost a full minute to take it all in.


    My head slowly rises into the sky, looking up into the clouds to watch the skyscrapers fade away as they rise so tall.


    Though, my all-seeing eye does see further and catches something very odd slowly spinning around the city in a circle about 100 kilometers above even the highest tower.


    There are threerge rectangr boxes, about the size of sports fields.


    No matter how hard I look at them, no readingse back.


    Even the energy that keeps them suspended above the massive city, endlessly rotating, is a mystery to me.


    Though, I doe to the conclusion that they are definitely made of the same ck originator stone that the ind of Palmyra is made of, and the tower in the center of the Dark Continent.


    The moment I realize this, my stealth-imbued aura of perception retracts, as it is probably best not to tamper with things I don''t understand in the presence of forces greater than my own.


    As I float upward, close to the burnt walls of the mountain, leading to the outskirts of the massive civilization, I send a mental message to one of my body doubles. It is tasked to go back to the ind of palmyra to make sure Marcus doesn''t leak anything that has happened today, and begin taking control of the kingdom with Bri and Rodrigo''s help.


    In the meantime, I use self regeneration tethered with divine energy to slowly heal my burns and the damaged armor while changing my mana control output and physical appearance to look like an unsuspecting citizen of this massive city.


    I need to learn more about my enemies. Although I haven''t even met them, I''m now certain The Big Three are more powerful than I ever imagined.

 Chapter 649

    Chapter 649


    A tens of timesrger than the human world rotates around a massive red star. It is the only with life within this sr system, however it houses enough life to count for hundreds ofs.


    Endless varyingndscapes rise and fall from natural disasters, civilizations are born, and cultures thrive to grow and go to war on every corner of this world.


    Some regions are devoid of life for tens of thousands of kilometers, while others are full of monsters wielding dark ck and purple energy.


    Some form intelligent societies that grow and prosper, taking advantage of the rifts that appear leading to mana-dense worlds; while others endlessly roam to kill each other and eat their next meal, relying solely on animalistic instincts.


    The soil and nts of this world are tinted ck and red from the energy given off by the wildlife and stars in the system.


    There aren''t many creatures that ever travel far enough around this globe to meet other civilizations.


    Even the most powerful beings on this world can travel for a lifetime and not make it back to where they''ve started.


    This is why it is known not as a world, but for its inhabitants that are intelligent enough to speak anguage; it is known as the Demonic Realm.


    In one of the northernmost regions of this Realm, five enormous ck towers stand looking down at the most powerful known Demon Society. The Demons are the Superior Race on this massive and have been for hundreds of thousands of years.Far below these towers, which are known to be owned by the five great families, the massive ck castles and training facilities for the families'' armies look down at the city below as well.


    They are all made of the same dark ck material that the towers are made of, making it impossible for even the strongest Arch Demons who have returned from mana-rich worlds to see inside.


    The only way they will even get a shot at glory is to make an offering during one of the ceremonies when a great family decides to have recruitment rituals.


    For a normal citizen, this is merely a dream that rests above their great city for tens of thousands of Demonic Generations.


    Surrounding the five pirs that watch over the realm, millions of Fledgling and Greater Demons are being brought up from their youths.


    Expeditions into the surrounding rifnds to farm resources from Demonic Beasts, collect Originator artifacts, and take the leap into newfound rifts to mana-based worlds happen every day.


    ¨C


    However, a very unique event is happening at the base of one of the towers owned by the Vermillion Family.


    Within arge ck hall,pletely isted from the rest of the realm, a single Ascended Arch Demon with a True Core burning bright yellow-white in its chest approaches the base of the tower slowly with its hand outreached.


    Its heart rate rises with every slow step it takes forward, and a line of six yellow-cored Demon Generals line the back wall at attention, staring straight ahead as their leader ces his hand on what appears to be a closed arching doorway.


    The room is silent for a few moments, but the True Core''s energy from the demon that touches the tower is being siphoned out at an rming rate.


    It stands tall, with a confident expression on its face, while the arching outer crack of the door slowly begins to light up with a bright yellow light.


    It bes brighter and brighter, then shifts in color, turning light green as the intensity of the divine energy makes a major shift.


    The True Core releases his hand from the door and takes a step back, grinning ear to ear while the green light glows brighter within him, without having to sacrifice any more of his own power.


    A pulse of green energyes out from the cracks of the door, and the gravity in the room increases tenfold, forcing all of the yellow generals to fall to one knee in an instant.


    It pulses again, even stronger, releasing even more pressure, and even the True Core bows his head and falls to a knee as well.


    He speaks in a tone as if he''s addressing a god.


    "Lord Vermillion. Ie to give you a report on our family''s weekly progress. There have been seventeen new offerings, totaling 329 Quintillion Mana Points worth of new resources farmed. After our screening process, nine of these new arch demons have been appointed to the 216th and 217th Red Core squads to begin their training beneath the Demonic Knights."


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    The True Cored Demon goes into great detail about the promotion ceremony of two of the Red Cored Demonic Knights still being in process, as new Orange Cored Commanders are needed for the growing numbers of squads.


    Then he gives a rundown on all of the Originator Stone mining operations being conducted out in the rifnds, and the off missions being conducted by a few private Yellow General Squads.


    However, there is no reply or reaction from the green outline of the glowing doors until the Demon reports an unexpected piece of news.


    "There is a that you''ve told us to keep tabs on. It is a human-based world, specifically M3-99051. A rare world that had an abnormally high amount of Originator Artifacts present, but its mana avability was not very impressive. I was tasked to nt a throne here as per your request, and it appears to have been awakened a few years early."


    The Demon bows his head as another pulse of green threads erupts out from the edges of the door, followed by a deep voice so loud and powerful that everyone''s minds focus solely on its words. The separation of the telepathic channel being tethered with divine energy, and true sound around them, is blurred.


    "It is early indeed... That world was the one with three humans holding near-saturated True Cores..."


    The Demon''s bowed head is pushed down even further by the intense gravity, so much so that it touches the dark ck floor.


    "Yes, that is correct, Lord."


    There''s a pause as the pressure in the room grows even greater, and the older guards in the back of the room begin to pass out and fallpletely limp.


    "Very well. The contract made with that world fifty years ago in their time is still active. They shall yield 100% of their Originator Artifacts, 95% of their mana resources and over 75% of their poption to the Demon that ims the throne. In return, they won''t attempt to fatally injure you in the final battle. Though, I have found humans not to be very long-term focused creatures. They will most likely breach the pact, and I advise you to not hold back and exterminate anyone you must to im this world."


    The Demon''s eyes widen as he realizes what the Demon Lord''s words mean.


    "Ascended Drako Vermillion, True Core Royal Descendant of the Vermillion Family; you now have the right to im this throne in our family name, to add to the collection growing our empire. Take the necessary resources required to build a thriving civilization on this world. Your 337 years of service have been appreciated greatly; you may now be a Demon Lord."


    The moment the words finish, the intensity in the room vanishes, and the green light around the arching doorway ceases.


    Drako keeps his head against the floor for a few more seconds before raising it with a proud and determined look on his face, then turning to face the yellow-cored generals at the back of the room.


    "You heard the Lord. I need each of you to round up your orange-coredmanders and have them bring their red-cored demonic knights to meet me here in seventy-two hours, ready to venture to a new world. That will be about eighteen full squads. More than enough to take over a human world with 3rd Tier mana avability."


    With a smile across the Demon''s face, he opens the back door of the ck contact room they all stand in and makes their way back to the main pce.


    One of the yellow generals walks closer to him, and the other five follow at a distance.


    The True Core gives him an order while they walk back to his private quarters.


    "This honorable day has finallye. I''m off to notify the other eleven Royal Descendants of my Lord Ascension; they will need to have a new Royal fill my spot. There hasn''t been a ceremony like this in over a hundred years."


    The yellow-cored general bows as they split paths and replies.


    "Indeed it is, Captain. Or¡ªsoon to be Lord. I look forward to serving you in your new world. I shall make sure all of the necessary troops are ready within three days as requested."


    The yellow general walks off down a long hall, while the True Core opens a new door and uses a ck tablet powered by dark purple demonic energy, linking all of the Vermillion Family''s True Core Royal Descendants together to notify them of the news.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, back on the human world, within three floating originator artifacts high above a mountain that holds almost 25% of the world''s poption, three True Cores speak to each other with mixed emotions.


    Redgraveughs loudly to himself as he hears the news of two more Order Membersshing out at Angelica in a trade deal gone wrong, bragging to the other two members through their closed circuit.


    "Looks like my mes still work! I set them up over two decades ago, and they''re still burning with enough heat to fry that sorry excuse for a King and Queen to a crisp before they could even react."


    Heughs loudly and energetically throws more yellow mes around the room as he dances to pass the time.


    ra replies.


    "Hey, I set up those domes years before your mes were even there. This only means your mes are weaker than my ice if there haven''t been anyints about them breaking since the start."


    Redgrave knows ra is just poking him to fight back, but he''s itching for some fun considering the throne awakening is so close.


    "Ahh! You know I could go down there right now and re-light them! I''ve grown almost twice as strong since I lit those mes, I bet I could melt your domes in a minute if I¡ª"


    Beckman cuts off their antics.


    "Enough, you two!"


    Over thest few minutes, he has been studying the instant deaths of the King and Queen, making calctions in his system interface while listening to the recording of the call from Angelica on repeat.


    "Something is not right... There is a few minuteg between their death and this call... and quite frankly, Redgrave, I believe your mes should have killed them much faster than the time it took for them to die. It took approximately 0.21 seconds too long..."


    More taps and clickse from Beckman''s tablet, and ra and Redgrave seem interested for a moment but go back to mindlessly bickering to pass the time while Beckman continues to tap away and look for more inconsistencies.


    ¡ª


    While all of this urs, I float all the way up the scorched mountain cliffs of central headquarters and finally glide down into the bustling streets.


    I feel a heavy mana-based surveince system activate in the city, simr to that of Valor City''s tech, but I hop into a dark alley and reverse my stealth skill to now reveal my identical appearance to any other average citizen roaming the streets in the dead of night.


    I''ll most likely leave before anyone double-checks the footage and sees a random middle-aged drunken man walk out from a dark alley where no other people were previously.


    For now, I walk into a local bar district filled with people, shing lights, dancing, and loud ring music to see if I can eavesdrop and talk to some people, getting a feel for how this city operates from the locals.

 Chapter 650

    The streets are lit with neon lights, and different songs are ying on every corner.


    Bars, restaurants, andte-night entertainment of anything one desires line the streets, with towering skyscrapers high above stacking hundreds of floors into the air.


    I follow the flow of people to fit in, making my way into one of thergest nightclubs in this small portion of the city.


    Rhythmic beatspete with the loud noises ofughter, cheers, pping, and dancing, while I''m hit with a heavy air pressure shift of pure mana as I walk through the doors.


    It''s easily five times as dense with mana in here, making for an exhrating rush for the average citizen once they''re inside.


    Tables filled with bright-colored drinks, bottles on fire, and private dancers fill my vision as I walk through the crowds of people, using my inspect skill to follow the trail of money and power as best I can.


    Most of the people in this club are over level 100, meaning they most likely earn far more than the average citizen dungeon diving. However, the main floor is filled with level 100-250 hunters and some well-dressed unawakened businessmen. All of the C-Grade and above migrate toward the back of the club, where the private rooms are.


    I approach and see a woman in tight clothing with shots of drinks and bright neon-glowing pills walking around, offering samples to all the parties entering the private lounge area.


    Many hunters take them down in a single gulp, as well as the ubeled pills, and their eyes dte, their smiles growing as they move through the privately sectioned-off portion of the club.A few slots in line ahead of me, a man refuses the offering, shing a silver card in front of the woman, but she shakes her head, refusing him entry unless he takes the drink and drugs.


    They get into an argument, and two B-ss guardse out from the private room a few secondster to escort the man out with ease.


    When it''s my turn in line, I just smile politely, taking the drink and pill, activating my master of illusions buff to make it appear as if I''ve followed her orders. In reality, they simply vanish into my storage, untouched.


    She allows me to walk through once my grin grows, and I head straight into the private lounges, where the music is far less loud, and the guests are more well-dressed and influential.


    I walk to the private bar, keeping a permanent smile on my face and a slight sway to my steps to y the part.


    There are still shing neon lights back here, and the room is pumped with even denser mana than the main floor. The young women serving drinks walk slowly, taking time to chat with each client, and no one is swiping their silver cards after each order¡ªthey only pay when they decide to leave or enter the private rooms at the far back of this exclusive lounge.


    I take a seat between two parties. One is a man just over level 400, on the beginning stages of awakening his mana control. He''s buying drinks for the many women around him, some awakened, others not.


    The party to my right is a group of three men. Two are just over level 250, while the one in the middle is unawakened but clearly a businessman. They''re all around the same age, mid-30s, most likely grew up together and chose different career paths.


    As I sit down, a young woman with piercing green eyes asks what I''d like the moment I settle in.


    Pausing with a wide smile, I order a few shots of their most expensive liquor and a mixed drink to go with it.


    The blonde-haired woman pours my drinks, and I feel the gaze of an old man on the other side of the bar. I brush it off, surveying the room and eavesdropping on nearby conversations.


    The elite hunter with the women around him talks about other clubs in the area and where they should goter tonight, while the group to my right discusses theirtest dungeon farming expeditions. The man in a suit between them talks about arge trade deal of mana crystals he secured at a bank run by the Association on the other side of the city.


    Everyone else at the bar talks about their day-to-day life; it doesn''t seem like they''re in secret vebor or are forced into anything sinister, contrary to what I''d imagined about this city at first nce.


    Some people swipe their silver cards as they leave, and I notice there''s a 19% Central City tax. But for luxury living like this, such a steep tax on goods and services isn''t too surprising.


    This book is hosted on another tform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    I expand my area of perception further, listening to everyone in the more packed areas of the club. Oddly, they all seem to be here to have a good time¡ªit''s surprisingly normal.


    My next thoughts are to check out the dungeon hubs or risk looking into those three ck boxes in the sky again.


    The woman finishes pouring my drinks, and I happily ept them, pulling the same trick with my master of illusion buff, pretending to down the shots and slowly sip the mixed drink. I reach into an item box at my waist, pulling out a gold coin.


    "That will be all for me tonight. I might as well close my tab¡ª"


    As I ce the coin on the counter, I feel the gaze of the old man across the bar on me once more.


    He''s sitting alone, not speaking to anyone, but as his eyes meet the gold coin, they widen, and he briskly gets up, heading over to me.


    I think nothing of it, addressing the woman with a polite tone.


    "I don''t have my card on me today; this should more than cover my drinks."


    The young woman picks up the gold coin with a puzzled look, examining it closely before smiling and setting it back in front of me.


    "It''s an interesting artifact, sir, but you and I both know Central Credits are the only epted payment here."


    I open my mouth to object, but the old man steps in, shing his silver card, speaking in a tense, worried voice.


    "My grandson sure is a jokester, isn''t he? Here, drinks on me tonight. I think it''s time we head home, don''t you?"


    His gaze is locked on the gold coin, and he whispers in my ear.


    "You''re a real outsider, aren''t you? I didn''t know it was possible to leave or enter this city anymore...e with me if you want to live."


    I pull the coin from the counter, epting that my gut instincts were right, this ce is too good to be true.


    The womanughs, ying along with the old man''s excuse, and scans his card. We leave the lounge in a hurry, with him leading the way.


    As we make our way through the loud noise and dancing of the main club room, he yells in my ear through the ring music.


    "There''s a manual surveince check done every hour on the hour. Either you know exactly what you''re getting yourself into, or this is the first ce you''vee, and you have no idea how much danger you''re in."


    We step out onto the street, and he takes a sharp left turn away from the crowded main road. Reflexively, I put up a hush barrier around us, strong enough to keep out the ears of even the strongest A-ss hunters with awakened divine cores. Its aura is masked by my stealth skill.


    The world around us fades into muffled sounds, and the old man realizes what I''ve done as I reply.


    "I am a foreigner, yes. But what''s the issue with that? Outsiders can''t pay with gold?"


    His eyes widen further, and he takes a few more steps down a quieter street lined with shops that only operate in the daytime before he answers.


    "How did you survive¡ªand what''s it like out there? Is it true? Did the world really burn when the Demons took over after the war?"


    My mouth opens, but I''m at a loss, attempting to process his questions.


    He doesn''t wait for me to answer, continuing down the street.


    "No one leaves Central because... well, there''s no other ce in the world to go..."


    He nces at my item box, where I pulled my coin from earlier.


    "I haven''t seen a currency like that since the Great War, and it''s been... well, I don''t even know how long. But please, tell me¡ªhow did you survive in a world gued with eternal mes?"


    I stop, widening my aura of perception. I listen to the surface level conversations of everyone nearby, even in neighboring districts and distant cities.


    At first nce, he seems crazy, but as I sift through millions of conversations, not one mentions traveling outside Central City.


    To everyone here, this is the entire world. It''s cut off from any other civilization.


    Now, as I gaze at the ming moat surrounding the elevated mountain in my mind''s eye, it does seem as if the world beyond has been scorched, and this is thest remaining sanctuary.


    Mass maniption, endless propaganda, strict regtion, and growth of a society built entirely for the Association''s control. The possibilities here for those in power seem almost limitless when every citizen believes they are the chosen survivors of a world-ending disaster.


    I slowly respond, "Do you really want to know? The truth may be worse than you think."


    The old man stops, a wide smile on his face. I sense only anticipation and the long-held curiosity of someone who has waited decades for answers.


    "Yes. I must know the truth. I lived a life before the war, and another after. I have no family or friends left, and not many years remain. Whatever reality lies outside of Central, knowing it would finally bring me peace."


    His eyes sparkle as I reply.


    "Well then, of course there''s a vast world beyond the mes..."


    We continue down the street as I describe the world I''ve explored. He listens intently, growing more nostalgic with every detail.


    Whether it''s the drinks and drugs he consumed earlier, his steps grow slower, and his mental state weakens the further we move from the bar. It''s as if he''s longed for this moment his entire life, savoring a sense of bliss.


    But our conversation is abruptly interrupted by a shing light on his wristwatch, soon mirrored by blinking signals on every street corner.


    I sense a ripple through the mana surveincework, and the old man stops, turning to bow before me.


    "Well, this is the end for me, I fear. Please, don''t feel guilty. I have finally found peace thanks to you. The world I once knew really does live on."


    I''m puzzled, but his words begin to make sense as he raises his head.


    The man''s eyes, nose, and mouth are bleeding; but he keeps a wide smile and gives out the emotions of nothing but happiness.


    Simultaneously, out of nowhere, intense gravity wells manifest throughout the city. Numerous red corese into my senses and dart through the city in various directions, followed by B and A-ss guards with strong mana control.


    This is the manual surveince check the old man warned about, and it''s more serious than I anticipated.


    Heading straight toward us is a familiar orange-cored guard¡ªthe same one who led the scouting expedition through the Dark Continent and Crimson City not long ago.


    He approaches at high speed, with two red cores behind him.


    I weigh my options, calcting how I want to handle this situation in the few seconds I have before potential chaos breaks loose.

 Chapter 651

    All of my perception around the city focuses solely on the scouts that seemingly appeared out of thin air.


    Some of them touch down in random areas of the city while others fly far away to the other side of the massive mountaintop to other districts.


    There are even some nearby that fly to the top of tall towers, but the only three guards I focus on are the onesing straight my way.


    A faint noise emanates from the orange core, and I channel all of my perception toward him as he flies.


    The image of him holding a silver transmission device in his right hand is clear, and his voice rings out in a steady, monotone manner.


    "Yes, Redgrave, I''m checking in on the unidentified subject now. Based on the recordings, he appears to be an intruder from outside of central. But there is no IDing back on our facial recognition. I''ll be arriving in a few seconds."


    There''s a click, and a familiar angry voice responds.


    "It doesn''t matter. Your focus should be elsewhere. Kill the intruder and anyone he is with. Don''t spend a moment more on it. If they''re from outside, then good riddance; if they''re a rogue that got rid of their tracker to make a statement, then kill him and make an example of it. Destroy the bodies and leave no witnesses. No loose ends."


    There''s another click, and the orange core puts the tablet away.He''s getting extremely close now, and a n begins to form while I watch the old man who pulled me out from the bar fall to his knees. His heartbeat slows to a stop by the time his forehead hits the pavement.


    I don''t know exactly how he was killed, but from the name I heard on that transmission tablet moments ago, I know a convincing disy will be necessary to satisfy their wishes.


    Instead of using stealth and slipping away from the orange core''s sight, I do the opposite and raise my mana control to that of a low B-Grade hunter.


    Once they''re within range, a few blocks away, I turn in their direction and activate my master of illusion buff, mixed with my echo skill.


    As I step to the side of the empty street and activate stealth with my main body, a perfect lifelike afterimage of myself is left behind.


    The three divine core holders don''t slow down at all.


    The orange core activates wind magic tethered with divine threads, and less than a secondter, releases an attack as they dip down into the street even closer.


    The sh slices through my mirage, and the two red cores following close behind drop divine energy-imbued balls of fire to incinerate the corpse of the old man and the illusion.


    The three of them hover mid-air after gliding upward for a few seconds, overlooking the city, and the orange core pulls out his transmission tablet again with a straight unbothered face.


    "The job is done. I will continue preparing for the reassessment of the Dark Continent in less than two days. We will not return without data on that corrupted information of the yellow core beneath the Crimson City this time. If you need anything else before your arrival in just over four days, please do ry the message."


    There''s a pause, and no response for a moment, but finally, the same man responds.


    "Thank you. There actually is one more thing I''d like to ask of you: report back to the supply base. I need you and a team to help Angelica investigate a trade deal gone wrong down in Ashmore. There was quite the incident that took ce less than an hour ago, and Beckman wants a second opinion from an outside source."


    "Certainly, I''m on my way," the orange core replies and begins to fly away back in the direction he came from, with the two red cores following.


    I lean up against the side wall of a building for a few seconds, staring at the ck ash left behind, with a small amount of red and orange divine threads disintegrating into the atmosphere as they leave.


    All of the red and orange cores throughout the city and neighboring central regions finish up their missions around the same time, and simultaneously, I feel all of the wells of gravity throughout the city migrate back to the center of the mountain, in the densest part of the central headquarters, about 40 kilometers north of where I am.


    Dozens of citizens disappear just as the old man did, being deleted from this world above the mes for various infractions without any warning or chance to refute them.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Momentster, they all fade away from my senses, disappearing into various ck buildings with shielding made from the same material as the floating rectangles above the city.


    My mind wanders as I walk the streets alone, with my stealth skillpletely activated this time, watching the shing lights and people all around me go by.


    Many streets pass as I recount the words spoken over the transmission tablet andpare them to what I know of the big three, and the new information graciously given by the old man that was killed and burned to ash before my eyes.


    The reality of the true strength of the leaders of this city finally dawns on me... or, to put it more honestly, the leaders of this entire world. The power they possess is far beyond my wildest expectations.


    The fact that the mes below the city have been burning for decades, long enough for the old man and most of the poption to believe the world outside was no longer livable, means the man who put them there has far more power than merely this small fiery barrier.


    That being said, there are two others... ra and Beckman. I can imagine what the fire user is like from his tone of voice, and get a vague understanding of the massive scale of Redgrave''s power, but the other two are supposedly just as strong, and their abilities are even more mysterious.


    As I walk many blocks through the city, passing tens of thousands of people, and looking up at the hundreds of skyscrapers with endless floors, it makes the big three seem like gods.


    It''s like Raven said; they''ve been in power for centuries, yellow cores even before the system existed on this world... They have truly thought of every possibility and have even scoped out the entire Eight Great Regions and the Dark Continent, and believe we are no threat at all.


    Based on my findings here, it''s true.


    In most circumstances in the past, I have my power hidden, or at least the gap is not so massive... So, the confidence of my enemies to not take me out early is usually working against them.


    However, seeing the result of their power and influence for myself, they may be right not to bother crushing the ants when they''re not even strong enough to bite back.


    The society they created atop this mountain decades ago has been a longsting metaphor for the end of the world they seek to create.


    The orange core said he''d be back to survey the Crimson City in under two days... and that the big three wereing to challenge the throne in four...


    I have just enough vision to watch the entire world burn, yet nowhere near enough power to stop it from happening.


    As I let out a long sigh and look up into the starry night sky, more of Raven''s wordse to mind.


    It was what she said about the fact that when I battled her, I didn''t hold back at all. I had no fear of losing despite being at a disadvantage the entire time. All I wanted to do was continue the fight, and find an edge for the fun of it.


    The thrill of the fight itself, and the prize of getting stronger at the end of it, was all that mattered.


    Like following the thread of my swordsmanship skill, without knowing where it''s leading, but understanding and knowing that it will lead to a fatal blow.


    Now, I am at a critical point. The very world as I know it is at stake. My new regions, freedom to grow and live as I please, and to put it bluntly; my control over my own life is on the line.


    Though, it isn''t just my life on the line. To get what I want, I''ll be aiming to save the entire human race from living in a society entrapped by the fear of the world around them burning.


    It is a nearly impossible feat with the resources avable to me now... but, this just means I have to look deeper, think more tactically, and train harder than ever before. I just have to find the hint of a thread to victory and follow it.


    There are two immediate ways I can think of to be stronger.


    The first is to absorb more yellow divine threads. Most, if not all, of the yellow fragments in the world have been consumed, and the ones that aren''t are in the hands of the very enemies I need to be stronger to defeat.


    The only source I can think of now is the endless roaring fire around the city. They could be harvested for their pure divine energy; however, attempting this so close would be the riskiest n of all.


    The second option I have is bringing more links of loyalty into my rising emperor''s domain.


    Pulling the stats and mana control from the crimson army to push myself out from the divine mes faster did make a noticeable difference.


    While I have a steady growth rate of a few hundred new links per daying into the crimson dome, I''m going to need to up that by a magnitude of thousands in order topare to the power pure divine energy grants.


    However, with the new connection I''ve made with the Eight Great Regions, and my control over every sector in the Dark Continent, my ess to potential links of loyalty does reach the necessary threshold to pull something like this off.


    Ember may have valuable input on this matter, but until he awakens, I need to do everything I can to gain an edge myself.


    As these thoughts race through my mind, one of the many dungeon hubs in Central Cityes into view, with hunters forming a line in front of it and a single guard on duty.


    The temporary feeling of absolute authority looming above me starts to weaken in my mind, and I can''t help but grin as I''ve just found the beginning of my thread that will lead to the necks of the big three.


    In full stealth mode, I walk between all of thete-night hunters in line, and slip through the automated doors and silver ID scanners to walk into the closest dungeon portal I can find.


    Momentster, I dungeon walk right back to the ind of Palmyra, not bothering to keep my stealth ability activated.


    I walk through the secured hallways right past security, and out the front door to float up and above this massive palm jutting out from the sea, full of citizens.


    My perception fills the entire ind and down deep into the sea below, where massive Qi reserves rest all around the wrist of this Originator Artifact.


    On the finger ind where I assassinated the king and queen, I sense my double, Marcus, Bri, and Rodrigo all talking to each other as I instructed.


    However, as I look down at this ind, I decide this will be a great start for my expansion.


    I open a link between the four of them and myself.


    "I have new urgent information. There''s been a change of ns."

 Chapter 652

    I airstep over to the meeting taking ce in the mansion that still bears the rubble and blood of the king and queen on the main hall''s floor.


    My double has already received a detailed update from Bri and Rodrigo about the progress in the 8 Great Regions and their restructuring of the contracts and trade routes.


    However, as I arrive, I have fresh news to share.


    "We''re going to be creating many more crimson domes... This is how we''re going to do it, and this is what I need from you."


    Marcus, the Red Core A-ss hunter, trembles in silence throughout my entire exnation to Bri and Rodrigo. As they nod and take out teleport crystals, I speak onest time to the overseers of the 8 Great Regions.


    "Very good. The n here on Palmyra stays exactly the same. I''ll have it ready for you with tens of thousands of loyal citizens once you return. There are roughly 70,000 on this ind; my guess is more than half will submit. The ones that don''t will be free to go wherever they wish once this is all over, but for now they''re staying here. I know this is a lot all at once, but we have four days left to prepare for what could potentially be the Second Great War."


    They disappear in a sh of white light, back to the Apex Region, to prepare the citizens in each major city to hear the me Emperor speak on a nationwide tour as the trade routes are established.


    It wasn''t my initial n to personally show up to each site, but this will be the most organic and efficient way to group many citizens together and give an opportunity to form links of loyalty with me in exchange for varying trade benefits.


    Meanwhile, I turn to the Red Core and pull out the drinks I bought at the bar, levitating them over to his trembling hands."I know I could have done things more subtly, but this is just the way things are now. Take a drink, calm down, and decide if you want to follow me or not... It would be helpful to have an inside man here on the ind."


    He stands in silence, still wide-eyed and confused about what exactly is going on, but he takes a deep breath and downs the three shots I levitate in front of him.


    I speak up again as he looks me in the eyes.


    "So, now for you to follow through on your part. I need everyone on this ind to meet outside in the streets, looking up at the sky, in approximately one hour. I''ll be notifying them that their contracts are all voided. The entire ind of Palmyra will be free, and I have a new employment opportunity for them"


    The Red Core''s rapid heartbeat slows back to normal, and his hands stop shaking as I begin to exin what I''m about to do.


    He nods and replies in a rxed manner, while I feel a link of loyalty form between us.


    "I''ll do it. I''ll help you free this ind. I''d rather serve you, even if the odds are stacked against us."


    I grin while sharing self regeneration with him to rid the alcohol from his system as it''s already done its job, then reply through our newly formed telepathy link, "Good. Have transmissions sent out to each of the dungeon hubs and hunters'' housing, and have them ready to meet their new leader. Notify me through this link when it''s done"


    He replies with a gaze full ofmitment, awe, and newfound confidence as even his fatigue is healed by the new skills passive perks.


    "Yes, Sir. I''m on it."


    After this, I leave the mansion and float down toward the sea.


    As the Red Core sends pings to all the contracted hunters that he usually controls and sends orders to for the king and queen, I plunge into the depths of the sea.


    A dense barrier of mana shields my body, keeping the saltwater from touching my skin. I''m not going to be down here for long, so a single deep breath of air is enough tost the full hour if I need it.


    My creation of the shielding around me is more so for the intense pressures of the sea, which copse around me as I dive kilometers underwater.


    It''s simr in pressure to the massive shifts in gravity that divine energy exerts on me, creating hundreds of times more pressure at the bottom of the ocean than above sea level in the open air.


    It is pitch ck down here, but my Qi senses are all I need, as I''m taking this opportunity to collect valuable resources surrounding the palm.


    Monk''s words repeat in my mind from the first time I ever came in contact with these naturally growing Qi crystals beneath Valor City.


    If I absorb their essence too fast, draining the crystalspletely dry, they will never recharge to their current state. The same goes for detaching them from the ck stone base they grow from.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    The massive haul I''ve found here is thousands of times more crystals than I have back in the Dark Continent.


    The conditions down here would make it quite literally impossible for anyone below the rank of a Yellow Core to survive the pressure.


    Monk''s process of collecting trace amounts of Qi from living crystals is also a delicate one, requiring long amounts of time and equipment in stable environments.


    With the pressure, currents, and total darkness down here, I see no practical manner in which he''d be able to safely and efficiently farm this material.


    The crystals jut out from the bases of this originator artifact, and when I approach, two thoughtse to mind.


    Harvesting everything here could give thousands of citizens back in the Dark Continent a one-time boost, allowing them to awaken Qi, elevating them above many of their mana-wielding peers.


    However, I could also use it all for myself.


    Increasing the strength of my Soul Energy in general does make me far stronger, but it''s not as significant a jump as strengthening my Divine Core.


    Taking advantage of the Qi at my disposal and adding as many people as possible to my Rising Emperor''s domain at once would begin to make a noticeable difference.


    No one thing will magically bring me to the overwhelming strength level of the big three, but many small things do add up and bring me closer. Until I find the final missing clue to this puzzle, I need to grow in every avenue possible and continue searching while following the faint outline of a thread.


    Still, with a small hope for a potential future Qi farm in mind, I pull out my me Emperor''s de, tether it with divine energy, and slice a square around the crystal cluster in front of me.


    I can''t sense anythinging off the massive ck stone artifact.


    Other than the small areas surrounding the Qi clusters, saturated with white flowing Qi, the rest of the massive hand is only visible to me through my eyes.


    If I didn''t sense the mana, Qi, and tiny trace amounts of divine energy in the air, I wouldn''t even know this enormous structure was in the sea.


    It only fills a negative space in my mind, devoid of all energy.


    So, as the energy from my de slices through the stone to carve out a chunk, hoping to preserve the natural regeneration process of the Qi crystals, I feel another phenomenon take ce.


    Trace amounts of divine energy that make contact with my sword are sucked into the massive artifact, disappearing from my senses momentster.


    It feels just like the growing seeds I picked up from the Divine Construct.


    While this massive palm reaching into the sky is not as violent or hungry as the greedy ck seeds, I definitely felt it tug at my True Core, taking a few small threads from the remnants of my attack.


    The cluster of Qi falls to the ocean floor beside the wall and pulses, while the seemingly fluid-like aura of Qi within the attached section of the artifact contracts back into the bright white gem.


    Without any external pressure or movement from me, once the Qi floods back into the crystal cluster and bes fully saturated, it simply falls off the ck fragment of the artifact, showing that it will no longer grow.


    ''Well... there''s no way to save them, it looks like I have no choice,'' I think to myself while letting the white crystal cluster of Qi fall into my item storage, keeping one small gem behind to fall into my open palm.


    I allow the pure, dense Qi to flood into my body, restoring and even oversaturating my soul energy core, yet the crystal isn''t even halfway drained.


    The process I used to create the crimson dome, draining all my soul energy into it and using a limited amount of Qi pills to restore it over weeks,es to mind. It not only strengthened the defenses of the crimson city but also increased my Qi control significantly each time. I could fully drain my soul energy and restore it multiple times with a single crystal.


    This appears to be the equivalent of hundreds of Qi pills, and as I let my perception do a count, I note over a thousand clusters around the palm, each holding dozens of gems.


    Once my attentiones back to the next cluster, I witness the small portion of originator stone I''ve carves out begin to heal before my eyes.


    The dim light of my aura is all that illuminates the phenomena of the ck stone regenerating very quickly, without any energy output or readingsing off of it.


    In less than a minute, the surface of the artifact looks untouched, as if I never sliced through it, and as if there was never Qi attached to it at all.


    The portion of stone that was carved away loses its dark ck coloring, turning grey, then white, then dissolving away into the sea. It reminds me of the time the green divine serpent crashed into the forest of ck trees, and they too dissolved away, only leaving behind their cores.


    I''m curious, but there is nothing more for me to process, as no energy readings were present during this odd event. So, I move onto the next cluster and repeat the process.


    Over the next hour, I swim from cluster to cluster, slowly carving out dense pockets of crystals, and watching the ck rock regenerate as if it''s living, while above me there is a lot of movement on the ind of Palmyra.


    Tens of thousands of workers are being called in early from their shifts in the dungeons, and those sleeping are being woken up and told their quotas for the new day are not yet processed and that there''s an announcement they all must hear.


    Every sh through the water adds dozens of white crystals to my storage, but simultaneously drains tiny trace amounts of divine energy from my core.


    By the time I''m halfway around the base of the wrist, I''ve lost about one yellow fragment''s worth of divine threads.


    It isn''t much in the grand scheme of things, as from this ind alone I''veted thousands of fragments to my core, but it is odd.


    I begin trying to observe the flow of divine energy closer and closer with every sh, trying to figure out how its healing, or get some hint of where the lost energy is going. It''s not until I hear a telepathic voice in my head from the Red Core kilometers above me that I finally discover something.


    "Sir, me Emperor. The Kingdom of Palmyra is almost ready for your speech. It should not take more than ten minutes to retrieve the final stragglers that are finishing up their boss room battles in the dungeon farms."


    While Marcus speaks in my inner ear, I slice through another portion of the massive ck artifact to separate an abnormallyrge cluster of Qi, and in return, a massive shift in water pressure changes all around me.


    My eyes widen, despite being in pitch-ck darkness kilometers under the sea, as my senses finally pick up on something while massive amounts of seawater start flooding into the hole I''ve opened up.


    The sensation of a very strange divine energy source bes visible in my mind''s eye, and the threads that escape my de from thisst strike flow toward it, following the inside wall of this massive structure, deep underground, many kilometers below the ocean floor.


    The inside of this massive stone sculpture is hollow... and I''ve just created a temporary entrance.

 Chapter 653

    I don''t even take the time to watch the portion of the artifact I sliced off dissolve; I just let the cluster of crystals fall into my item storage and swim forward with the extremely fast-flowing water under enormous pressure.


    The jet of water floods inside the artifact, dispersing down into the hollow shell of the statue plunging into total darkness below the ocean floor.


    It is hot and humid, but I airstep away from the water stream and hover in mid-air, deciding to take a breath while sending out a pulse of perception to get a reading on my surroundings.


    The inside of this structure is filled with stale air.


    I send a message through my telepathy link to Marcus through the small hole in the side of the artifact''s wrist just as itpletely heals itself.


    "Understood, I''ve run into a small detour... this may take a moment."


    The hole letting in massive amounts of ocean water seals itself, and the raining salt water all falls into the darkness below.


    I can''t see anything at all, but instead of sensing nothing as I did from the outside, now I can sense the energy particles in the air trapped within this massive structure and feel its exact shape.


    I''m floating within the wrist, which leads upward to create the enormous hand that stretches up and out of the ocean, with the infrastructure of an enormous city built atop it.However, down below, the rest of the arm is here.


    It even leads to a shoulder, and that shoulder connects to a neck, torso, and three other limbs.


    The impossiblyrge artifact appears to be lodged hundreds of kilometers below the''s crust, and the deeper down I sense, the denser the air bes filled with Qi.


    There is no mana present within this structure other than the small amount that radiates off my body.


    However, the further I push my senses into the depths of the artifact''s darkness, I do feel the sh of divine energy again.


    Ites and goes, giving off extremely strange readings.


    One moment it''s invisible, and another, it''s creating a gravity well with the intensity of a True Core; other times, it''s hardly the strength of a newly awakened red.


    I don''t sense any intelligent life, but every time my perception touches the odd divine energy reading down below, I get the intuitive feeling that it is looking back at me.


    Ovee with curiosity, I float further down into the darkness, following the flow of denser Qi and divine energy.


    I slowly make my way down the entire arm, deep below the ocean floor, and find that arge amount of water that fell in through the hole I made has pooled in the lower tricep of the bent right arm that reaches out of the sea.


    As I pass it and move through the shoulder joint, steam rises up, adding to the humidity as the water down here instantly boils from the heat and pressure.


    I''m flying many kilometers in a matter of a few minutes, but in this state of total darkness, it almost feels like I''m not moving at all, just pushing myself through endless hot air while following a mental map.


    Despite this, I eventually end up right below the head, staring down at the void that leads to the statue''s midsection and legs below.


    This is where the heat, pressure, and Qi density are the strongest. However, my attention now shifts upward because beneath the statue''s head, where its neck would be, there is a narrow hole, roughly 100 meters wide at its entrance, but as it goes further up to meet the head of the structure, it gets far more narrow.


    This is where the strange, inurate divine energy readingse from.


    I airstep upward into the narrowing passageway. Qi is abundant, but strange divine artifacts are much harder toe by.


    Touching this structure on the outside doesn''t drain any divine threads, and there was definitely no way for me to perceive it from just putting out a scan.


    While cutting through the ck stone is very difficult, I''m sure it would be possible for almost any order member with a True Core to do the same.


    Either this artifact ispletely new and was only activated by the small amount of divine energy it took from me, or it''s been collecting energy from the atmosphere for millennia, overlooked, with no one ever caring to examine it closely or attempt to look inside.


    As I float upward and the narrow passage through the neck bes smaller, I hope for thetter, and I believe it may be true. The dim glow of my True Core''s aura lights up the walls around me, and the illegible Originator text I''ve seen before in the Saint''s recordings appears all over this ce.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    I have no way of interpreting it, so I simply follow the source of the odd blinking and changing gravity well readings until the narrow passage squeezes so tight that it''s barely 3 meters wide.


    Ites to a halt near the base where the jaw is on this massive statue, and instead of going straight up, there is a rectangr hallway with ascending stairs at the top of the upward funnel to the head.


    I float down onto it and begin to walk up the path, illuminating more and more Originator text on the walls.


    The passage is dark, hot, and cramped, with thousands and thousands of etchings all over the walls.


    My echoing footsteps are heard only by me as I continue upward, the cramped stairway spiraling higher, creating a circr spiral leading into the skull of the statue.


    I activate my All Seeing Eye, not holding my True Core''s power back at all, trying to see everything there is to see in these halls, but nothinges back.


    All I get in return is the same dull fluctuating signal at the top of the statue''s skull and the minor tugging at my core that siphons small, negligible amounts of divine threads from my aura as I continue upward.


    The yellow lighting off of me is so bright that it seeps into the walls, making each of the bold etchings in the ck stone vibrant and reflective, searing every ancient letter into my mind with each step. There is nowhere else for my perception to go, so all of it concentrates on these unreadable words.


    As the minutes pass and I walk higher up, many of the letters be recognizable, as they''re repeating over and over in my head.


    It''s basic pattern recognition, but with millions of characters being scanned and imprinted on my mind, I can begin to guess which characters wille next without even understanding what they mean.


    By the time I reach the top of the enormous spiraling staircase, my mind is split between wondering what I''ll find at the top and whether I''ll be able to understand Originator text if I stay here long enough...


    Just like when I entered this rising hallway, there is a single rectangr door to walk through when I exit it.


    I find myself in another massive, wide-open dark room, hundreds of meters tall and wide, with even more Originator text printed all over the walls.


    As my True Core''s aura hits it, millions of letters shimmer yellow and white while I walk into the center of the room, gazing in awe at the main attraction here.


    A floating yellow disk is visible in the center of the room, norger than my palm.


    It''s a few centimeters thick at most, giving off a gravity well almost identical to my own.


    The moment I blink, the disk shifts its form, shimmering white, then turningpletely ck and forming into a perfect cube.


    No divine lightes off of it, and the gravity well present moments ago is no more. There is a faint amount of Qi still inside the ck artifact.


    I take another step forward, and it shifts again, growing in size and turning red, transforming into an elongated sphere.


    As it turns, the coloring shifts to orange, then yellow, bending and stretching to be a long cylinder until its edges meet to create a spinning donut shape in the air.


    Its gravity grows stronger as it bes brighter yellow, and the hole in its center shrinks until it disappears and bes a disk again.


    It copses into a small pyramid,pletely ck devoid of energy, then shifts to red, repeating a seemingly random yet simr cycle again and again.


    I''m mesmerized by the phenomena and get extremely close to the floating object in the center of the room.


    So close that the edges of my purple barrier begin to interact with the aura it creates when it''s at its peak.


    This,bined with my own perception reading millions of now-recognizable ancient Originator texts, causes a strange shift to ur in my mind.


    For a moment, at the peak of the artifact''s cycle when it reaches the strength of a True Core, I feel as if its emotions are rippling through my barrier, and a moment of rity washes over me.


    My eyes widen as I step closer again, and as the cycle repeats, the rity hits me even harder this time.


    "It... makes sense..." I whisper to myself as the words in my mind start to shift ande together in fractured, barely readable states.


    Every time the cycle resets, the understanding I grasp fades from me as well, but I''m able to mutter out words each time it happens and look back on my memories.


    "They have left..."


    "Not enough light on this world for all to ascend..."


    "I will die here, but one day, I believe another wave wille."


    I take steps closer to the osciting artifact, and each time, I feel the tug on my core grow stronger.


    "Left behind treasures for future generations..."


    "The race will begin again, whether it is for light, or for ruling of the physical world."


    "If you have found my tomb, please hear my words. I wish to follow you through the doors."


    At thesest words, I can''t tell if I''m reading them off the walls anymore or hearing the words of the artifact itself.


    I''m so close to it now that if I were to put out a hand, I could touch it.


    It doesn''t feel alive at all, but the afterimage, like an echo of desire, still emanates from it.


    The moment I stop repeating its words and allow my aura to retract to ponder them more carefully, the artifact changes its movement patterns again.


    Almost as if it is tired or scared I''ll leave, the object stops mid-cycle while it''s bright orange, shifts back into a ck cube, but continues to slowly rotate a few meters off the floor.


    No more divine energy radiates through the room, and it bes eerily silent.


    I stare at the palm-sized ck cube. Curiosity is flowing through every cell of my body and bing stronger with every rotation.


    Almost a full minute passes, and nothing changes. No more divine light permeates from the artifact, and my knowledge of the runes and text all around me is cut off. However, the artifacts message is clear, and I know what I have to do if I want to learn more.


    I take a deep breath, and slowly reach out my right hand until my index finger makes contact with the cube.


    It stops rotating and again, a gentle soft pull on my core activates, and small amounts of divine threads are siphoned out.


    A ripple of yellow light bes visible over the cube, and it disperses all over the room, lighting up all of the text with a bright divine glow.


    Simultaneously, a voice echoes in my head. It doesn''t sound human, more like a wild animal mixed with metal scraping against metal, but in a gentle rhythmic pattern. I''m certain it''s some kind of ancient dialect, or means ofmunicating, because my telepathy skill and purple barrier trante its meaning.


    "Another wave hase; my hypothesis was true. This world is rich with light once again."

 Chapter 654

    The text covering the walls, floor, and ceiling continues to glow bright yellow even after the room falls back into silence while the ancient voice echoes through my mind.


    I think carefully about the voice''s words. It speaks in vague terms, but with its emotions streaming through me and a rough trantion coursing through my mind with the full power of my true core backing it, many connections with past conversations¡ªwith Pluto the demon, the saint, Raven, Celia, and even Ember¡ªall surface in my mind.


    This wave it speaks of must be referring to the phenomena of the system connecting to this world.


    Its repetition of the word *light* must mean some kind of power source, but I''m unsure if it''s referring to divine energy, or mana, or something entirely different.


    Though, the fact that it talks of there not being enough light for everyone to leave the physical world sounds extremely simr to the ascension of a demon lord.


    Not wanting to ask too many questions at once, I respond out loud with a simple, open-ended question to see what kind of being I''m dealing with right now.


    "Who¡ªor... what... are you...?"


    My index finger stays touching the artifact, and small amounts of threads continue to drain out of me, but in return, my mind perceives exactly where the threads are going.


    They ripple through the walls of this room, spreading through the statue''s skull, and moving throughout the enormous being lodged into the ocean''s floor.Its voice echoes back into my mind, this time sounding more coherent and natural rather than the animalistic metallic rhythmic noise from before.


    "I am Atom."


    This name echoes through my mind as I feel my own memories being sifted through, while I, too, see a fast-moving slideshow of this same statue,pletely white, standing atop an ancient world, watching beams of light all over the globe sh and disappear.


    I watch clouds fly by, and the yellow sun rotate above the sky hundreds, then thousands, and millions of times before I lose count.


    The only thing I can see is the white statue''s color fading, turning slightly darker, and the worlds around it shifting and changing.


    As millennia pass, trees and wildlife build up sediment, and the feet of the statue are slowly covered in dirt. The nts and beings that grow around the statue often show stronger-than-average abilities, identally absorbing the trace amounts of white energy that seeped off the massive artifact.


    On many other points around the globe, simr artifacts give off the same energy, and religions are born praising therger-than-life giant that watched over them all.


    As years pass, powers grow and fall, but no intelligent life ever matches the heights of what the Originators built.


    The shifting of continents, volcanic activity, and heavy rainfall create an age of massive oceans on this world, covering the statue up to its knees.


    The oceans freeze over, melt, evaporate, and more life grows in the dry ins around a dormant statue that watched an ancient race leave this for the stars millions of years ago.


    The coloring of the statue begins to turn even darker¡ªgray, in fact¡ªand the speed at which the sun rises and falls moves too fast toprehend and the memories be fuzzier.


    Countless ice ages, floods, species, and world-ruling races rise and fall, and each time the statue grows darker, and the devours it slowly in more ways than one.


    All that remains is the jet-ck hand reaching out of the sea, with yet again, a society of the''s ruling race congregating around it while the statue watches time sweep by.


    The ancient voice echoes in my head again, this time, sounding not ancient at all. I can''t even tell the difference between it and the basenguage I speak...


    "Atom... At least, that is what I was called before I died. You are the first to visit my tomb; it seems your people call us Originators."


    My eyes widen at its words, and the voice continues to answer the second half of my question.


    "What am I...? I don''t know. I am the echo of what is left behind from a civilization that has moved on long ago..."


    My eyes look around at all of the glowing runes and texts all over the walls. It feels as if they''re vibrating and trying toe off the stone. I reply, my heartbeat quickening, filled with excitement.


    "So the Originators are real... Who were those that left this world through the beacons of light in those memories you showed? What do the words around us referring to light mean? And the doors... Everyone keeps talking about these doors. What do you know...?"


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    I feel more threads leave my finger, and the words all over the room pulse and vibrate even more as the voice responds.


    "I am dead. I have been dead for so long, I do not even know how I died. What you are asking of me is like asking if you can remember what food your mother ate on a specific date while you were still inside the womb. You have seen all I know, this is the first time I''ve opened my eyes in centuries. I know more about you than I do of myself..."


    Its reply is not what I wanted to hear, but as I sift through the memories it shared with me, they sh by in spurts and have no true depth to them at all.


    In truth, the white statue was already dead as it says, reaching up toward the sky as these memories began.


    It continues speaking to me, and at the same time, the room shakes and vibrates more intensely than ever before, and I feel as though I can see through the being''s eyes... but all I see is darkness.


    "I do understand the texts my ancestors left me, and your memories of this world have led me to create meaning for many things previously unknown. These beacons in the depths of my mind were in fact the chosen ones, many texts here speak of their attempts at leaving this mortal realm to continue their journeys..."


    The room tilts to the side, and I can feel the ocean crust cracking beneath and above me. However, it is not through my own senses; ites from the statue''s.


    It continues, and I don''t dare take my finger off the ck cube. I need to know more, and I fear that if my connection is lost, I may never get it back again.


    "This light and the wave printed all over these walls refer to the dominant energy source on the world we stand on. What your people know of as Qi was a far different power long ago; it was as abundant in this world as mana is now. The fact that you were even strong enough to ess my tomb means another source was created, and the divine ones'' game is being yed again..."


    Another violent tilt of the room follows its words, and the yellow words on the walls be so bright, it feels as though they''re tearing off and falling toward me.


    I reply with a question.


    "So divine energy was here long ago too? It was an energy source before Qi? Or... whatever it was called when the wave came in your time?"


    The yellow text of millions of characters beginsing off the walls, floor, and ceiling entirely, all closing in on the center of the room.


    Simultaneously, the gravity in the room rises, and I feel as if I''m moving upward.


    Momentster, as if two eyes are opening on the statue''s face, I''m able to see the outside world, and what is happening begins to be clear.


    The hand holding Palmyra above the ocean rises even higher, and an enormous bulge in the ocean''s surface grows beneath the ck palm.


    It continues to bulge while the arm reaches out from the sea, pushing the ind high into the clouds until a ck head with enormous yellow glowing eyes emerges from the dark surface of the sea.


    I hear a reply while watching the impossiblyrge statue push itself out of the''s hard rock crust as if it''s malleable sand.


    "The power of the divine has always existed. It is the fabric of reality, but lesser energy sources are necessary for mortals to begin their journey and climb. These lesser sources are not as absolute in the grand scheme of time, but they are necessary to reset the mortals'' worlds and allow for motion to continue taking ce. Even gods die, they too must be reced."


    The entire ck statue ripples yellow as it rises from the sea, creating massive tsunamis that head toward the coasts thousands of kilometers away.


    At the same time, far away, the sun begins to rise, shedding a sliver of light upon the magnificent event taking ce far out in the middle of the ocean.


    The yellow ripples cover the entire ck statue, then bounce back after covering its entire body to make their way back toward the head.


    Once they do, all of the yellow energy settles in its skull, adding to the bright runes surrounding me, and making them all copse in faster.


    Its words echo through my mind again.


    "Finally, the great wave hase again, and those who pass the trials shall walk through the doors. I have rested long enough; this world has finally awakened, and I shall fulfill my duty to make sure it is not forgotten as it was before. Promise me, if you ascend, you will not leave this world behind."


    As its words echo in my head, a phrase of text copsing in jumps out at me, reading, *This will be another forgotten world once we leave. Atom, I have trust in you to not make the same mistakes we have.*


    Then, again, I remember The Saint saying something simr too, telling me he would help me if I don''t forget my humanity.


    I give the same response back, as the only reason I''m here, fighting, searching, building, and growing, is to make sure everything I have here is protected.


    "Of course. I will always do everything in my power to protect what is mine."


    The cube changes colors, turning red and morphing its shape to begin that repetitive cycle, and my finger sinks into the moving liquid.


    It replies while shifting to orange.


    "Good. All my years after death have not been in vain. The right one has finally found me."


    The yellow runes copse in and collide with my finger at the same time the artifact reaches the end of its cycle, and they all copse into a single point, shining the brightest yellow-white I''ve ever seen.


    All of the yellow divine light vibrates through me, then bounces back, emting the same pattern that rippled through the massive statue when this whole process started.


    Once it hits the ck cube again, it disappears into it, and it pops off its invisible pir where it was floating in ce before, and even floats away from my finger.


    It glows red and starts to shift to start its cycle again, but this time it rotates around me like I''m its center of gravity.


    I try to reach out to touch it again, and once I do, it reacts by bouncing off my finger and orbiting in theplete opposite direction while continuing its cycle.


    Instead of going for it again, my gaze is focused elsewhere.


    First, on the smooth nk walls and floor all around me, as all of the text was consumed by the artifact. Second, I try to put out a perception pulse because my vision through the eyes of this massive statue ceased the second the runes and text copsed.


    Once I get readings back from my energy pulse, and get a feel for how things are in the outside world, the situation bes more clear.


    Previously, I wasn''t able to sense a thing outside the statue''s inner walls.


    However, now, I can easily send pulses through thousands of cracks all over its surface.


    The ck outer shell bes brittle, and shows the same signs as the pieces of ck stone that were cut off from it earlier; turning gray, then white, then disintegrating into thin air.


    The entire statue begins to dissolve away beneath my feet, and in a matter of seconds, I begin to smell the ocean air again.


    The feeling of weightlessness takes over.


    Above, I see a scene that reminds me of the time Ember and I had to dodge a falling ind full of trees within the divine construct.


    This time, it happens to be a massive city filled with over 70,000 residents, and below, is the dark depths of the violent crashing endless ocean.

 Chapter 655

    Everything that''s urred in thest few minutes rushes through my mind as I watch the stone statue disappear and the massive cluster of housing and residents fall toward me.


    The words of the artifact, and the memories it shared, are eye-opening, but after leaving its tomb, I''m even more confused about its origins and cryptic texts than when I entered. Even after viewing the millions of millennia of fuzzy memories it showed me, they allcked detail, and none were from before the artifact''s death.


    For all I know, this object was never alive... or it could be falsely calling itself an originator after seeing my memories and telling me exactly what I want to hear.


    While I sense no malice, as I fall toward the sea and watch the ck cube rotate around me in a lifeless state after putting me in this mess, I can''t help but wonder what exactly this odd, sentient artifact really is.


    Despite these questions, there is a real voice that echoes in my head, full of fear and worry.


    "S-Sir me Emperor¡ªwhat has happened? We''ve been waiting for you¡ªIs this all part of your n? Is the ind of Palmyra destined to sink into the sea... Have you asked everyone to stare into the sky only to show them their deaths are near... Is¡ª"


    I roll my eyes and allow my true core''s aura to leak out while forming a n and replying.


    "No, Marcus. I just ran into some unforeseen trouble... Hold onto something, I''ll fix this."


    I stare up at the enormous size of the falling city housing 70 thousand residents and believe it might be possible to use mana maniption tethered with my divine energy to carry them all and fly somewhere to safety. But I''m sure being at such close range with such immense power would kill many and destroy most, if not all, of their personal possessions on the ind.First impressions are everything, and I''m unsure how well destroying everything they own and killing most of them will work in my favor when asking them to swear loyalty to me.


    So, instead of airstepping up to catch the ind, I plunge downward, activating my plunderer skill to begin draining the atmosphere of any and all ambient mana while flying headfirst back toward the massive hole in the ocean where the ck statue used to stand.


    Enormous waves crash in, and city-sized whirlpools form as the empty space is filled by the vast endless sea.


    While violent waves crash against each other, kilometers high, as the water discement equalizes, I plunge headfirst into the sea and head down to take advantage of the enormous hole in the ocean floor.


    If there was once an ind here, I can make it again.


    Once I''m deep enough underwater, I let the true power of my divine core loose and activate ice magic with it, while expanding my greater form to berger than it ever has before.


    A shockwave of light blue ice, mixed with yellow divine threads, pulses through the ocean, and everywhere within a 50-kilometer radius below the sea freezes in a matter of seconds.


    All of the water that filled the space deep below the''s crust freezes solid, tethered with divine threads so strong, even the overwhelming heat that boiled seawater before can''t melt this ice.


    I propel myself upward while the ocean above the floor freezes, and as I leave the surface, all that''s left behind is light blue waves and whirlpools frozen in ce as I set my sights on the ind that still falls my way.


    I activate telekinesis from a long distance away and create dozens of sports-field-sized mana barriers below the bottoms of thergest chunks of floating inds andrge buildings.


    At first, I use as much of my aura as I can, and the entire collection of falling structures lurches and cracks, making it seem like massive earthquakes are taking ce for the citizens that watch as the sun continues to rise, and the clouds move upward while they fall down.


    There are screams, panic, and some hunters with higher mana control levels attempting to jump off the ind, but Marcus keeps a majority of them in line and orders the other B-ss hunters on the ind to make sure everyone holds on and trusts that it is under control.


    Meanwhile, I use every drop of mana in the atmosphere for dozens of kilometers, and in turn, the ind above me starts to slow its fall.


    It definitely doesn''te to a halt, as there are hundreds of buildings, and a mind-boggling amount of imported dirt and stone. However, instead of a catastrophe where everyone dies and the infrastructure hits the violent waves at terminal velocity, I''ve created a far safer result.


    As the ind slows, I''m able to use less divine energy, and more pure mana control and soul energy to keep the ind''s slow rate of descent, and this in turn allows me to be much closer to it as it meets the icy ocean surface.


    Being closer means far less mana has to be used, by the time it makes contact with the artificial icy ind I''ve created, it''s falling at less than 1 kmph.


    Even so, there''s a city-wide thud that makes an echo ripple throughout the ocean topete with the endless waves.


    While most of the residents are still confused, shocked, angered, and scared, the fact that there''s miraculously been a safending leads to a citywide cheer and ps as they''re all just happy to be alive.


    The sun finally rises all the way above the horizon as well.


    High up in the sky above the ind, light debris continues to fall, reflecting light. Even the light blue dungeon portals glow in the sky above, as they are geo-locked to a position in space and do not fall with gravity like normal matter.


    I take advantage of the positive moment and fly to the center of the city where many still stand, with Marcus floating above the densest part of them.


    Without any warning, I increase my mana control output and appearance, to look just like the me Emperor I''ve used many times before back in the Crimson City, and activate my screech skill to project my voice for all on the ind to hear.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Your rulers are dead, and I am here to set you free. You may call me the me Emperor."


    I burst into a vibrant and beautiful red, orange, and yellow disy of mes while projecting my appearance to be massive in the sky using my master of illusion buff.


    As I feel all eyes on the ind turn toward me, I speak up again.


    "Some of you are here by choice to pay off debts, some of you are here because you were tricked into bad contracts, and others are here entirely against their wills. I do not know the nature of all your circumstances, but I am here to give you an offer to void all of your contracts and grant you a second chance at life."


    Myrger-than-life imagery looks down on the ind, flickering with mes sorge and realistic, while the events that just took ce can''t be exined with the rational mind to many on this ind other than as the work of a god.


    Many fall to their knees and pray, while others are frozen in shock. A small few still run for their lives, attempting to leave the ind, but only find that the outer ring where the dirt and rock ends only leads to frozen waves.


    I speak again after everyone here hase to believe what they are seeing is truly reality.


    "There is a nation to the east under my rule. It is far away from Central. I promise you all a life free of the shackles that the king and queen have put on you here. If there are loved ones back in Central, I vow to bring them to you all with no strings attached. The only thing I ask of you is your trust. A second great war ising, and the world is going to have to choose sides. You do not have to fight for me, nor work for me, or anything like your past leaders have asked. I just want your loyalty, and goodwill."


    After this line, I feel a few links start to form between myself and random citizens all over the ind atop the iceberg.


    Conversation in the city begins to spark up, so I keep quiet while sentiment spreads naturally among them.


    "I think we should do it. We''re finally saved!"


    "Can we really trust this man of mes? What if he works for Central too and he just bought the ind and this is his shy way of taking ownership?"


    "Even if that''s the case... what choice do we have... wouldn''t it be best to ept his terms and hope for the best? The worst case is we''re just back where we started..."


    "True, I guess there''s a reason to have hope again."


    "I believe him! I swear my loyalty to you, me Emperor!"


    Some are skeptical, but the longer I let them talk amongst themselves, the more many on this ind realize there is no reason for them to say no at all. It is a win-win scenario, and this thought process spreads like wildfire.


    While a few hundred trickle in at first just out of fear that I''ll punish those that don''t instantly submit, and a few thousand after a few seconds as they see me as a real god, the more rational and skeptical hunters on this ind take their time to think over my words.


    However, as the minutes pass, thousands and thousands more link with me, and I feel my option to borrow and grant power grow more every second that passes.


    Once over 10 thousand links are visible on my interface, I expect a notification to ring in my ear, just as it did when I hit 5, 100, and 1000 members in my rising emperor''s domain, but it neveres.


    I think to myself that maybe I''ve hit the end of the line for upgrades to this buff, but I was really hoping for another one...


    My gaze bes filled with status screens and geo-points as the number rises more and more, past 20 thousand links, then 30 thousand, and it continues to rise.


    As residents get down on one knee, following the actions of others all around, my aura continues to permeate through them and show intensity. The entire kingdom of Palmyra acknowledges me as their savior and new ruler.


    I speak again as the links begin to slow after 40 thousand, as over half of the ind has sworn their loyalty.


    "Very good. I will have helpers from the maind sent over here very soon. Transport to new cities to the east will be given, and care packages with money, food, and unlimited dungeon ess in a whole new region will be provided to those of you that have sworn your loyalty."


    I pause, and the links pick up again, as even more people are intrigued that were previously on edge.


    "Those of you who do not wish to believe my words will have to stay here for 4 days or longer. Extra food, water, and resources will be provided, but rogues of unknown origin or loyalty will not be permitted in my nation. Those of you that wish to return to Central, or wish for me to reunite you with loved ones, you will also need to wait until the results of the war are settled."


    Even more links form, and more talk erupts through the citizens all over the city.


    A familiar sounding ding echoes through my inner ear while I say a final statement.


    "Marcus will keep you allpany until my subordinates return. I know you all have many questions; they will be answered in time. I thank you all for putting your trust in me, and guarantee it will not be in vain. Continue your farming if you wish, or head back to your quarters to rest. There are no longer quotas, deadlines, or higher-ups to fear your life from disappointing... If you wish to fight with me in this uing war, tell a Crimson Army soldier that you wish to join when they stop by."


    I smile and make my massive face in the sky disappear, then share my screech skill with the red core I''ve left in charge so his voice can project through the entire city as well.


    I send him a telepathy message while pulling a teleport crystal from my storage.


    "Bri and Rodrigo will be on their way back soon with my double and more of my stronger recruits to make transportation easier and bring the supplies I''ve promised. I know I''ve tossed you into this position, but I''ll make it worth it in the end for you."


    A few seconds pass, and I get a response.


    "It is already worth it. You''re doing a good thing here, I''ve always wanted to be free of that king and queen too, I just never believed it was possible. I won''t let you down."


    I crush the teleport crystal in my hand and blip back to the bunker beneath the Crimson City.


    With four orange cores collectingrge amounts of yellow divine threads all around me, I finally open up my status interface once I''m here to see what the notifications said before.


    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [60822/50000 Links of Loyalty Created]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Rising Emperor''s Authority]


    __________


    Info:


    The caster may appoint 5 generals to share the Rising Emperor''s power.


    Combined, the generals may borrow 5% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from all subordinates under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor. In addition, 5% of the generals'' Base Stat Points and Mana Control may be temporarily distributed to any subordinate under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The maximum amount borrowed or shared per general is 1%. All generals acting together may control 5%.


    When not in use, the Rising Emperor may use all 5% of this untapped power. The Rising Emperor has total authority and can override the generals'' power sharing even if they are activated.


    The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk are not required to be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    This additional buff stacks with the [Power Holder] perk and [Ruler''s Gaze] perk if used simultaneously.


    __________


    Ie to the conclusion that not only did the number of subordinates in my interface rise by 20 times, now the total amount of stats and mana control I can borrow or grant has risen from 15% to 20%.


    Five percent of which can be controlled by five generals of my choosing. This means to gain additional power, it doesn''t have toe directly from me; they too can benefit from the Rising Emperor''s domain as well as grant their own power to whoever they''re fighting with.


    As the possibilities of what this new perk can do rush through my mind, another phenomenon hits my senses.


    Ember''s mind is far more active than it was just yesterday within the istion pod, and I can sense his core through the mana-imbued metal casing with ease.


    It''s muchrger than it was before, as it''s cycling the yellow divine threads through the room just as it did for the orange threads previously.


    Instead of just making the cirction in the room faster and more efficient for my teammates, this time, Ember''s core is retaining arge amount of the yellow threads with every rotation.


    It is clear his healing and rest process from overusing his immortal core hase to an end. Now, he is using this perfect environment to train; it appears as though he is attempting to awaken his True Core.

 Chapter 656

    As my gaze remains fixed on the silver contraption at the back of the room, where Ember is contained, I feel the mind inside the pod shift. In response, the link within my rising Emperor''s Domain activates, bypassing the need for direct contact through my aura to enable telepathic messages.


    "You''ve been quite busy since the B-ss exams. Our power has grown a substantial amount... While our stats and mana control are linked through our system pact, divine energy cannot be created nor destroyed. I must awaken my True Core alone, using an old technique I created."


    There''s a brief pause¡ªless than half a second¡ªbefore a pulse of weak divine energy ripples through the room. Ember''s voice then vibrates through my mind at a rapid pace.


    "You found yourself an amplifier too... how interesting."


    I raise an eyebrow, replying through the link while my peripheral vision tracks the ck cube slowly rotating around me.


    "What is an amplifier?"


    There''s a much longer pause before Ember replies again.


    "It is difficult to exin in these circumstances. I must keep my mind and body focused onpressing my core without harming your teammates or crippling my own core with too many movements before it''splete..."


    Another pause, even longer than the first, follows before Ember continues."I have a few hundred yellow fragments of my own from the construct. I will add them to the room''s cycle; it should be enough for me to finish in less than a month within this pod, which will be three days on the outside."


    Our link grows silent for a moment before he speaks again.


    "An amplifier is the result of an originator''s failed ascension. This was before the era of demons and the system, and the ascension process was different. It is the echo of a dead soul that holds onto the mortal realm with a desire too strong to be broken by death alone. They cannot think, lie, act, or grow more than they already know, but often share incredible powers with those who share amon desire."


    Ember''s cryptic description doesn''t tell me much more than I could have guessed, but the fact that he says they cannot lie makes me less hesitant to leave the cube floating around me. The mention of a different process of ascension raises an eyebrow.


    I remember, in the statue''s memories, beams of light all over the world, and its description of those beings ascending, though it didn''t know how it died or have any memories before its death.


    I reply quickly, "How do I use it? Or activate its powers?"


    After no reply for a few more seconds, I assume Ember has fallen into his final state of concentration. I leave him with a final message.


    "Well... the faster you awaken your core the better. The throne is opening its doors in four days."


    As I turn around and pull out a teleport crystal, a final reply echoes through our link, slower this time.


    "One day for us to train together will be more than enough. Focus on what you can do in the present. All amplifiers are unique. It will most likely take an absurd amount of divine energy to activate; it was a True Core holder in its past life, after all. I must focus now. See you soon."


    Our link goes quiet, and I look around the room at my teammates, still cycling the divine energy in the air around them. They, too, are in total concentration.


    I peer into their cores to see how far along they''vee and notice that Maria has the most saturated core of all. At this rate, she''llplete her breakthrough even before Ember wakes up. Abby appears to be in a simr state,gging by about 30%, but she maintains a constant ring of restoration below everyone in the bunker. Fisher and Lydia are absorbing far fewer yellow threads than I expected. At this rate, they won''t awaken their yellow cores within four days. The natural talent barrier shows itself again.


    At this thought, my perception expands through the city, across the dark continent, and further to Raven''s nation and the eight great regions. They are the most powerful beings in all thesends, aside from a few exceptional order members who have been training since before we were even born. The only reason they seemcking is that they''re in a room full of true monsters.


    I smirk, whispering to myself while crushing my teleport crystal, "Good work, you four. Stay at it. I''ll return soon."


    Disappearing in a sh of light, I think about how, once they awaken, I''ll appoint them as my generals within my rising Emperor''s Domain. The purple name tag of Arie floats in the back of my mind, as he is still deep within the abyss. I''d like to appoint him too.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    However, these thoughts soon fade as more important workes to mind. I materialize in the lobby of the Apex Region''s Association headquarters and sift through my memories of my doubles, I realize Bri and Rodrigo have already begun mapping out the best locations to start my tour to strengthen the numbers within my rising Emperor''s Domain.


    I smile, connecting with them and my nearby double, and get to work.


    ¡ª


    Over the next two days, everything goes exactly as nned.


    ¡ª


    Many residents of Palmyra migrate to a new settlement actively being built in the mountainous region where Sebastian, the True Core Order member, once stayed. With the help of mass teleportation crystal travel, this is done quickly. Some stay behind to wait the war out, but the majority wants toe to the maind. With over sixty thousand people flooding into the area, the poption quadruples. My doubles bring inrge amounts of raw mana from the artificial mountains, seeding the air with enough ambient mana for faster natural MP recovery.


    With this influx, trade routes connect many smaller native viges along thekes'' outer edges. Upon contact, I distribute resources, give a unifying speech, and project arger-than-life illusion of the me Emperor to every vige, gaining another 7,441 links of loyalty.


    This is just the start.


    As new roads connecting the Dark Continent and the eight great regions are built, I map out and n to visit every vige along these paths. I convey that the eight great regions and the Dark Continent will soon face a great war and need their support.


    Knowledgeable merchants and hand selected Crimson Army members apany me on my tours. When I move to the next scheduled location, they stay behind to exin details to those wanting more information about theing events.


    During the two days that pass, I visit 143 small viges throughout the Dark Continent and the eight great regions. Settlements with 1,000-20,000 citizens receive gifts of magic items and fresh food not avable in certain regions, drawing crowds. I offer better housing, unlimited dungeon ess, and free training from high-level hunters. I promise to connect them with trade routes that will boost local economies, even if they don''t join me. In return, I only ask for their trust and loyalty; over 50% form links of loyalty with me on average, and my influence spreads.


    Rumors begin circting in nearby viges that I''ll visit them next.


    With merchants and army members apanying me, I need a quick way back to the Crimson City. I create two public teleport tforms outside the Crimson Dome. Groups of trusted guides escort those curious to see this Crimson City I speak of.


    Large-scale housing projects within the Crimson Dome are paying off, with thousands more entering, seeking opportunities.


    At night, with no more cities to visit as most citizens sleep, I take time to train. I assist my double in transferring pure mana from the artificial mountains into mybyrinth. The higher floors have slow respawn rates, with 5 to 10 monsters per floor and up to 30 minute reset counters. Even so, each monster up here grants hundreds of billions to even trillions of MCP. So, I dungeon walk to all floors above the 80th to constantly farmrge amounts of mana control.


    After two nights of this, thebyrinth reaches 106 floors. The highest level monster I face is level 7599.


    During my off time while waiting for monsters to respawn in the dead of night, I do a few side projects.


    The first is siphoning a massive amount of the collected Qi from the sea floor into the Crimson Dome.


    I find there isn''t enough to make itrger, nor is there enough to create more. My initial ns of surrounding every major city in domes of their own seems a little too far fetched. I decide to make my home base stronger instead.


    The Crimson Dome''s Soul energy density increases by over 20x. I do not imbue any divine energy into it, as the aura would be very harmful to normal hunters. However, with this increased strength I''m confident most yellow cores would have trouble breaking through it even if they worked all day.


    While resting and healing from the fatigue of draining my entire Soul energy Core multiple times, I do attempt to talk to the jet-ck cube that now constantly rotates around me.


    It never responds like it did before...


    I even fly out in the dead zone areas of the desert and attempt to unleash the full power of my True Core to trigger some kind of activation.


    All it does is continue to spin around me, and rotate in the opposite direction every time I touch it.


    When my stealth skill is activated, it disappears too, and when I try to scan it, its as if the artifact isnt even there.


    It is constantly on the back of my mind while I continue my tours, fulfilling the first stage of my n. I have no more leads to new sources of divine power on this world, so as the sun rises, I prepare for the next major boost in potential strength I can get, mentally mapping therge-scale events scheduled in Sra, Valor City, and every capital city in the eight great regions today.


    The first citywide event I have scheduled is in Vice City. It will have a dual purpose, notifying all of the contracted hunters of their leader''s recement, and being the first major city in the world that the me Emperor chooses to spread dominance through.


    A few of the smaller surrounding cities were visited yesterday, so I''m positive whispers have spread already.


    I stare down at my Rising Emperor''s domain interface while hovering over the crimson city watching the links of loyalty rise slowly past half a million as word continues to spread and people prepare for their days.


    The awakened I''ve formed links with in the smaller viges is low, under [Lv. 30] on average. So, the amount of stats I''ve gained ess to in thest few days from over half a million links is about equal to the amount I gained from 60 thousand strong hunters on palmyra.


    Still, it is a massive amount. My total stats that I can pull from has grown by over 40x since I began this venture on Palmyra, and this isn''t even the final stage of my n.


    Today, I''m going mainstream with my goals.


    The entirety of the Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions will soon hear my name.


    As I close my status, preparing to check on Ember and my teammates'' progress before I set off on my biggest tour yet, I feel a familiar sixteen wells of gravity hit my senses. The scouts from Central have returned, and from what I gathered while eavesdropping, they won''t leave until they urately assess Ember''s core and return the data to the big three.

 Chapter 657

    Chapter 657


    As the 16 scouts close in on my location, I think about how easy it would be to kill them all before they even take their next breaths. With only two days left until the abysspletely recedes and I have to face their leaders anyway, expediting the process and antagonizing them toe to the Dark Continent early would be the worst move I can make right now.


    I crush a teleport crystal and find myself back inside the shielded bunker below the city, letting out a unique aura once I''m inside.


    I imbue strong true core divine threads into my mana while activating my master of illusion buff, creating an identical image of what they scanned thest time they were here.


    It now appears like there is nothing more powerful than newly awakened orange cores among us¡ªother than Ember. I make my own presence nonexistent, concealing my core behind my purple barrier and using stealth to disappear. However, I change the perceived image of Ember''s core to be identical to the bronze dragon I faced when I first met Raven.


    It''s an easy feat, as the pure yellow divine energy inside it now is equivalent in thread contents to that bronze dragon; the only oddity is that it''s still expanding in size and hasn''t copsed yet. Ember''s yellow core is twice the size mine was when I copsed it. His has golden and silver strands of divine energy that keep it stable while simultaneously forcing it from copsing while he stacks more yellow threads inside.


    I believe if the scouts get a proper reading on whatever is taking ce here now, it will be even more suspicious than if I simply changed the scene to portray Ember as an already awakened True Core.


    After seeing Redgrave''s divine mes for myself, I''m confident that even this high level of power will not make them bat an eye. At the same time, it will quell their suspicions from the faulty reading before.


    ¡ª


    I stay still, holding my breath while the scouts perform their scans.It takes less than ten minutes once they arrive, and momentster they fly off to the west as if nothing happened, satisfied with the new data.


    Once they''repletely out of my senses, I release my buffs and skills, letting out a sigh.


    Then, as if waiting for my experiment to finish, I feel a light pulse of energying from Maria''s core to my right side. Her eyes open, glowing bright yellow yet still piercing blue underneath.


    She looks around the room, meets my gaze, and stands up with a grin. I can''t help but point out the obvious with a smile of my own.


    "You''ve consolidated your yellow core... congrats."


    She looks down at her hands, then around the room, observing the others.


    Abby is on the verge of awakening her yellow core, well past halfway there, while Fisher and Lydia have about ten percent of the necessary threads cycling through their bright orange cores.


    She looks up at me again and replies, "I have. But this power... it''s too much. If even this isn''t enough, then whatever battle we''re preparing for will split this world in two..."


    The corners of my lips turn up, but behind my smile, I agree with her. Whatever happens in the next few days will permanently change this entire world. I reply with a nod.


    "Indeed."


    Over the next few minutes, I give Maria a brief exnation of everything that has transpired since she began consolidating her red core days ago¡ªfrom my initial fight with Raven to my new knowledge of the throne and the originators from both The Saint and my encounter with the unique artifact on Palmyra.


    This all leads to the description of the strength of Redgrave''s divine mes around Central and what little I know of the Big Three, other than them being powerful rulers of this world who know of us, yet still believe we are mere ants.


    I tell her of my own efforts to grow stronger, first with divine energy from the true cores I defeat, and now by creating links of loyalty throughout thends I control.


    Everyone else in the room overhears our conversation, but their minds are focused on healing and consolidating divine threads.


    Maria''s eyes widen the more I talk, not with fear, but with awe.


    My story of the pasting to an end is perfectly timed with a voice in my head from Bri, telling me it''s time to visit the Vice Region. I let Maria in on the link the moment I hear it.


    "Your double created a teleport tform to the capitalst night. I believe you have the crystal necessary toe. Rodrigo has gathered all contracted hunters in the region, and many citizens in the capital have gathered in Vice City expecting an urgent emergency announcement. Are you ready?"


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    I pull out a white teleport gem and reply, shifting my appearance to the ming masked man gaining influence through smaller cities, now about to make a grand public appearance.


    Maria grabs onto my arm, and reflexively, my purple barrier morphs around her to contain her yellow aura.


    She speaks up, "I''ming too. I want to watch... There isn''t much energy left here. The others only have so much to consolidate their yellows, and Ember needs enough excess to establish his true core. It would be best for me to get used to my new power in the outside world with the time we have left."


    I crush my teleport crystal, sharing my conceal skill with Maria.


    ¡ª


    Many Crimson Army members, merchants, and extra help to control the crowds now and inform those who have questions once my speech here today is done. They have been handpicked by Bri, and a small group of Crimson Army Elites along with Bri and Rodrigo wait for me in Vice City Association''s headquarters, now taken over from the inside by loyal followers.


    When the sh of white light within the top floor''s penthouse suite that was once the Regional Director''s subsides, two figures emerge.


    One is a familiar face, myself as the me Emperor. However, the second wears a glowing bright blue mask that appears to freeze the air around it.


    The illusion of ice freezing even the ground she walks on frightens those who look too long, and her flowing blue and white dresspliments my red and ck ming suit perfectly.


    We walk forward toward the full ss window overlooking all of Vice City as the sun rises, and I see hundreds of thousands of people standing in the streets below. Millions more surround the outer districts connected to the main city, but they''re not in my direct line of sight.


    Bri''s voice echoes behind me.


    "The stage is yours."


    I raise a hand, using mana maniption, earth magic, and telekinesis to pull off the windowpane before me.


    As it falls into my item storage, I walk to the edge of the building with Maria by my side. She lets go of my hand while I take a step and float upward.


    "Good luck, Jay."


    In the same moment, I activate my master of illusion buff, screech, and release an aura of intimidation that ripples through the entire city.


    My presence today is hundreds of timesrger than it was above Palmyra, and it does its job perfectly; before I even say a word, it feels as if the entire region has gone silent, and all eyes are on me.


    "Good morning, citizens of the Vice Region. You may call me The me Emperor. Your Regional Director has stepped down, and as I now rule the Dark Continent and the Eight Great Regions, it''s safe to say, I am your leader."


    I send a small ping of telepathy to Maria, and she jumps from the penthouse floor to float beside me in the air.


    I update the massive illusion in the sky to show her next to me before speaking again.


    "A second great war ising, and I need your support to save this world."


    I let my aura grow stronger, shaking the entire city, keeping meticulous track of the hunters I''m pressuring to ensure none pass out but understand I''m serious and unfathomably strong.


    Simultaneously, I fill the sky behind the image of Maria and myself with images of strong beings.


    First, I show images of all my teammates, including Fisher, Lydia, Abby, Ember, Arie and Luna, each wearing masks that mirror their magic abilities.


    Among them, I ce Rodrigo''s face and other popr B-ss hunters in the Vice Region, strategically chosen by Bri, who are local stars in the news to build trust with the public.


    Behind them, I mentally map the figures of everyone in the Crimson Army, and behind them, everyone residing in the Crimson City.


    Bri sends many messages through a transmission tablet, notifying hunter''s below to release pure mana throughout the streets, increasing the density in the air to give everyone a rush. Simultaneously, item boxes filled with magic gear and gifts rain down on the streets.


    I speak again, raising my aura''s pressure further.


    "Just like 50 years ago, there will be another struggle for power on this world, as dungeons, magic, and power divide us all. I will not lie like your past leaders and pretend to tell you the full story, but there are powers far greater than the monsters you fight in dungeons. I am one of those powers, and wish to be a symbol of hope and absolute strength for those of you that will not be on the front lines in theing days."


    I let my aura out even more, making it clear that my power is beyond anyone''sprehension here before I speak again.


    "I''m sure many of you have heard the rumors from surrounding towns. Others may have visited my growing empire in the Dark Continent. There are many knowledgeable hunters here that will answer all your questions once I leave. For now, know that our walls have been broken, and we are a single nation, only strong if we are one. Swear your loyalty to me, and I vow that not a single innocent citizen throughout the Crimson Empire will be killed in this second Great War."


    More pure mana fills the air, and I feel links of loyalty beginning to form.


    I make my massive illusion fill the sky, projecting the image of every link of loyalty I''ve created so far, showing over half a million individuals above.


    With each new link that forms, a new face appears in the sky before the Crimson Army.


    I align the illusions with the locations of new links, so those in the crowd can see when their fellow hunters, merchants, and citizens form bonds.


    "Fight beside me if you wish, take advantage of our powerful hunters to train, meet our influential craftsmen for unique items, and even gain new skills. Swearing your loyalty to me today will change history."


    For those who form links, I share temporary skills on their status screens, all at the mythic rank, while easing my immense, domineering aura, allowing the crowd to think more clearly.


    While I haven''t shared enough information for the average citizen to fully understand what is going on, there is enough mob mentality in ce with pure mana to soothe the senses, and the depiction of a fiery god in the sky to sway enough minds to get the ball rolling.


    As I go silent, the streets erupt with noise.


    With hundreds of thousands looking up at me from the city below, and over a million able to see my illusion and hear my words throughout Vice City and its surrounding districts, someone quickly realizes they have a new skill, and word spreads fast.


    Status screens open all around the capital, and the number of loyalty links grows faster and faster.


    Cheers and roars of excitement fill the streets, and to top it all off, I temporarily share a portion of my mana control with every newly joined link to amplify their reactions and spread my influence faster while the initial hype is still effective.


    Floating beside Maria in the sky, I watch as the links of loyalty in my Rising Emperor''s Domain skyrocket.


    It takes less than two minutes before my total links surpass one million.


    A notification rings in my ears as another perk unlocks. My eyes widen as I begin to read what the [Rising Emperor''s Dominance] perk grants me while the links of loyalty continue to rise.

 Chapter 658

    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [1002098/1000000 Links of Loyalty Created]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Rising Emperor''s Dominance]


    __________


    Info:


    All links of loyalty under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor will now be granted permanent Daily Use Tiered buffs, and a custom interface with the Rising Emperor as its admin. [i](Expand for more info)


    The caster may borrow 10% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from Party Members under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor. In addition, 10% of the caster''s Base Stat Points and Mana Control may be temporarily distributed to any Party Members under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk are not required to be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.This additional buff stacks with the [Authority] perk, [Power Holder] perk, and [Ruler''s Gaze] perk if used simultaneously.


    __________


    The first thing my eyes lock onto is the fact that I''ve received another 10% stats and mana control to share and borrow.


    This brings the total amount I control up to 30% and makes me wonder if there is even a limit to how high this will go in the future...


    The average links being created in the city today aren''t much higher than the surrounding viges, as most people in this world never make it past the E-ss rating.


    However, this is the second strongest city in both the 8 great regions and the Dark Continent by pure volume of hunters alone. There are thousands of D and C grade hunters, along with dozens of B grade hunters that greatly skew the numbers, even with the hundreds of thousands of newly awakened.


    On average, the links here are around [Lv. 60].


    This half a million hunters have granted me ess to a simr amount of stats as the entire ind of Palmyra and surrounding vigesbined.


    Raising the amount of stats I have avable to me up by 80x of what I had less than 3 days ago.


    This is only the first of many cities I have on my tour list today, but it is one of the biggest.


    My smile grows as my eyes track to another feature in this new milestone unlock.


    It is a description of the daily tiered buffs now avable to all loyal hunters.


    __________


    [Buff Timer: 1 hour]


    [Cooldown: 24 hours]


    Level 1-100: +100 All Base Stats


    Level 101-500: +250 All Base Stats


    Level 501-1000: +500 All Base Stats


    Level 1001-10000: +1000 All Base Stats


    [i](Expand for more Tiers)


    *This stat buff affects the user''s base stats, allowing all percentage-based gear worn to significantly raise in efficiency for a limited time. These increased stats cannot be borrowed through the Rising Emperor''s Domain Interface; only the user''s original base stats are avable.


    __________


    Considering my Absorption skill is the only skill I have that allows me to permanently upgrade my base stats by stealing from strong opponents, this is an enormous buff for the average hunter.


    Most gain 1.5-2.5 stat points per level up, making this boost in base stats near 50% for most tiers. That''s the equivalent of giving every single link of loyalty a Greater Demon''s Core that directly affects base stats that they can use for an hour a day.


    My attention shifts to the custom interface feature next, and I''m equally shocked by the 5 empty skill slots avable for each and every link within my interface.


    I can select all, or edit them individually, and I''m able to add 5 skills to share with each and every link of loyalty, but above these 5 slots, there is a single greyed-out slot where the active skill can be moved up into.


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Quickly, I add swordsmanship, body hardening, extreme strength, extreme speed, and self-regeneration¡ªall at the mythic grade level¡ªinto these slots.


    Now, without me actively granting individuals skills, they can select one of these 5 at any time to add to their status without directlymunicating with me.


    While there are surely better options suited for individual members, on a broad scale for millions to instantly have avable to them, simple is better.


    By the time I look back up from my interface at the active crowd down below, my links of loyalty have already hit 1,042,877. They''re still rising extremely quickly, and after this region-wide notification and avability of a new permanent timed buff for people to activate, and the option to add a temporary skill at the [Mythic Grade] level, excitement only roars more.


    I whisper under my breath, more so talking to myself, but for Maria to hear as well while we bask in the glory of the capital city of the region our journey started in.


    "This was far more sessful than I thought it''d be. Jumping from a few thousand links up to over a million in a short few days has definitely given us some more options... but I''m not convinced it''s enough yet. It''s time to wrap this up and do it again for all the other great regions and Dark Continent Sectors."


    I smile under my mask, and project my voice out to the crowd onest time.


    "Again, thank you all. The time is near where I shall fight for your freedom in this new world. I hope my words, and the gifts of power I grant, are enough to earn your loyalty. Everythinges with a price. There will be times that you feel me borrowing your power, and other times where I grant additional power to you all. You are always free to sever the link, and to those that have not created one yet, all you must do is think of the face you see in the sky, and allow your body and mind to trust in the me Emperor."


    There is a final rush of pure mana expelled into the atmosphere, and in turn, another surge of tens of thousands of links being formed.


    I nod and take Maria''s hand, and we both float back into the open window of the Vice City''s Association headquarters.


    Bri stands there to greet us, pping, and her assistant holds up a containment case with more teleport crystals leading to the other cities scattered across this dual nation.


    "Fabulous speech, are you ready to do it all over again?"


    As we touch down and walk over, I take a deep breath and take the crystal to crush it in my hand.


    ¡ª


    Over the next 5 hours, we put on many more performances all throughout this side of the world.


    The next great speech takes ce in the Apex Region, bringing another 1,287,090 links of loyalty in less than an hour into my interface. Their average level distribution is slightly higher than the Vice Region, around [Lv. 83], as the bulk of contracted hunters here are C and B ss elites, skewing the data.


    The Veridian Region, now run by Nat, the new Regional Director, adds 828,324 more links,ing in third, but the average here is lower, but not weak,ing in at [Lv. 56], slightly below the Vice Region.


    My visit to the Bedrock Region is one of the most exciting events, as Regional Director Mack sent out transmissions all over the region to many of the mining towns who stopped their work from all of the surrounding mountains ande to listen to my speech,ting another 735,260 links at an average of [Lv. 48].


    The Silca and Raya Regions congregate together with Dane''s help, bringing in 404,889 links at an average [Lv. 39].


    The Talton and Phantom regions are not popted enough for my time and effort for a grand speech in their regions.


    Once Ie back to the Dark Continent, Lith and Chester work together with therge businesses and Rodrigo uses his old connects within the Association to notify and get all of Sra''s surrounding towns in Sector 4 to hear my speech, bringing in another 504,072 links at an average [Lv. 61].


    Lastly, I visit Valor City and hold another performance above the mountain for those within the walls, but also for all of the many surrounding trade towns that are full of merchants, forming 233,199 more links at an average [Lv. 28]. Even the elite fighters don''t skew the stats up enough from the massive amount of low levels that make their living from trade and not hunting.


    However, every little bit counts.


    In every city I leave, more and more loyal followers from the past speeches and Crimson City are brought along, hand-picked by Bri to answer questions, and control the crowds.


    The more tours I do, the more word spreads.


    Every new city I fly to, there are already more and more people linked to my domain even before the speeches begin.


    Word is being spread of the stat buff and avability of mythic grade skills through trade channels, local news, and personal transmission tablets.


    Widespread excitement floods through the nation that once held uncertainty of why the walls were being torn down.


    This too, is paired with the undertones of fear, as this message is being shared with themon knowledge that another great war is near...


    ¡ª


    Once I finish my final speech in Valor City, Bri deploys thest of her recruited workers, and I thank her, telling her to go rest back in the Crimson City.


    "Your efforts have been immense. I couldn''t have done this so smoothly and efficiently today without you."


    She heads back to Sector 2 in a sh of light, and this leaves Maria and myself alone in Sector 1 as the crowds begin to disperse and go on with the rest of their day.


    I check my Rising Emperor''s Domain interface to see my links surpass 5,000,000.


    However, even now, I feel more and more links forming all over the 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent as word of mouth spreads.


    I managed to giverge-scale talks in the major cities, but this hardly reached more than 10% of everyone in this nation. It would be physically impossible to reach everyone and give the same grand disy; however, I''ve made my mark in the epicenter of each region.


    This is clear as thousands of links continue to be created every minute all over this side of the globe.


    I turn to Maria and open my [Authority] perk that I received once I hit 50,000 Links just 2 days ago, then speak up while appointing her as the first General.


    "Check your status. I''ve granted you a new power..."


    I look around, then mentally map the dead zone of Sector 2 where I had my fight with Ravenst week, then speak again.


    "I want you to take the full 1% of stats and mana control from every one of my links so we can go to a ce far away from here and spar. This will be important data to see the difference in strength between divine energy and pure mana based stats. It will be a good chance for you to get used to your new power as well... Maybe you''ll be strong enough to face a True Core even before youpress yours."

 Chapter 659

    We fly away from Valor City, finding the nearest rogue dungeon, and I dungeon walk us to another rogue dungeon near the border of Sector 2 and Raven''s territory.


    The massive crater in the desert, stretching hundreds of kilometers wide and deep,es into view as we fly over.


    My aura is controlled behind my barrier, but Maria''s radiates out around her for a few hundred meters even in her resting state as we continue to fly away from all civilization.


    Once we''re far enough away, in the center of the crater, I speak up.


    "This is far enough. Let''s see what you can do."


    Maria nods, allowing her shared conceal skill to dissipate while pulling out her silver blood-bonded sword.


    As she activates her Superior Ice Summoning and releases her aura by going into attack mode, she points her sword forward at me and replies.


    "I''m testing my raw power first, to see what my natural strength has grown to. Then we can increase from there."


    I nod and put my hands up in a defensive stance."Good idea. Don''t hold back."


    The instant these words leave my mouth, a pulse of cold yellow energy fills the air, and she ice-walks forward faster than I''ve ever witnessed her move before.


    In response, I grin and raise a hand to block the iing sword vibrating with dense yellow threads and royal blue soul energy.


    The air around her body bends, and I feel gravity be stronger as shees near, but I''m able to defend against her strike with ease.


    I catch the sword without changing my expression, but the shockwave it produces sends ripples of energy off into the open desert, making an echoing cracking noise in the silence.


    Maria expected this result and uses her free hand to power up a close-range attack while simultaneously activating her greater form.


    Her aura increases in intensity multiple times, while the yellow threads of divine light surging from her core tether with the Royal Blue Ice Goddess form that expands, sending a growing icy fist toward me.


    With ease again, I block this iing strike with my other hand while releasing the growing greater form of her sword.


    Another echoing crack reverberates throughout the endless crater below, and our sparring match begins.


    ¨C


    I don''t fight back, only blocking her blows at thest moment before impact so she can get used to this immense increase in power.


    At first, her attacks are rather slow, but with a power increase like this, I don''t me her cautious style.


    While she was able to farm in thebyrinth for a few hours with Abby as an orange core, those mana manifestations are nowhere near powerful enough for her to go all out.


    Thest real battle Maria has been in was when the A-ss hunters attacked the Crimson City, and even then, her opponent hardly put up a fight.


    She''s grown hundreds of times stronger since then, and with every strike I block, I can feel her confidence growing and her endless base of power and battle instincts getting used to the divine threads tethering with her movements and Soul Energy.


    Dozens of exchanges, echoing and sending out blue and yellow waves of light, turn into hundreds.


    Down below in the dark crater, the floor bes coated with ice as herrger-than-life greater form goes all out.


    Every few minutes, I release consolidated mana from the artificial mountains into the air, so she can continue to absorb it all to battle at full strength. My past battle with Raven stripped this air dry of natural mana. Doing so reminds me how rigid and unnatural my own movements were before facing the bronze dragon and her when I first awakened my True Core.


    The jump from never fighting with divine energy to now going all out with a yellow core must feel the same.


    I had a full month to practice and get used to it in the divine construct. Plus, an intense battle with Raven to get used to my power at full throttle. So now that I am here with Maria in a simr situation, I want to give her the same opportunity to grow.


    "I think you''re warmed up enough. Get ready, I''m going on the offensive."


    Maria''s greater form holds its de with both hands now, preparing for whatever I have to throw at her.


    I grin and activate my mana maniption skill along with one of my True Core''s traits to create the manifestation of three monsters thate to mind. The first is a replica of a dragon, while another looks like a simr-sized serpent, and thest is an enormous cyclops holding a club the size of her greater form''s sword.


    "The dragon for battle iq and a well rounded opponent, the serpent to test your agility and speed, and the cyclops will have absurdly high defenses and raw strength. I want you to kill each one five times."


    In the next moment, I imbue yellow divine threads into each of the mana manifestations, each at the strength of a yellow-cored lizard that I faced inside the divine construct.


    They all pulse with yellow light, creating gravity fields of their own, and move forward as I fly back, and Maria jumps into the mock fight.


    In less than a second, each of my manifestations is easily sliced through.


    I grin, "That''s one." Then, I increase the threads I imbue into each manifestation to double that of the strongest yellow-cored lizard I faced.


    Another two seconds pass, and the dragon''s fake divine mes are easily deflected and sliced in two, while the serpent attacking her from behind is shattered to pieces with the follow-through strike.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    As Maria turns to block the iing club of the massive cyclops manifestation, finally, there is a moment of resistance when their weapons meet.


    An echoing ng ripples through the empty desert, but once Maria''s concentration of divine threads from the other two previous attackers floods back into her sword, the club cracks and is overpowered by her as well.


    The cyclops is frozen and shattered in a single strike.


    "That''s two..." I yell out while regenerating the manifestations and upping their thread count again by an even more exponential degree, now simr to the core density of Angelica, the weakest member of the Order I managed to see for a few minutes in central headquarters.


    The aura in the air shifts as three wells of gravity far stronger than before make dents in reality around us, and I can feel Maria''s mood shift as well.


    Her eyes focus on the serpent first, as it is the fastest and ising straight her way.


    Another echoing crack ripples through the air as Maria''s de collides with the serpent''s fangs.


    I watch her core pulse multiple times as they''re locked in ce in the air, digging deep to push out more and more blue soul energy, and her yellow thread squeezes it tighter and tighter to create a stronger reality-bending attack.


    The serpent is cut clean through as her greater form twists its body in the air to dodge the iing mes of the dragon.


    Then, an ice-step through the sky leads to their sh, strategically soaring further away from the cyclops.


    A few exchanges take ce this time, as it isn''t an instant kill, but with every collision of sword and divine mes, I see the same phenomena taking ce where Maria''s divine core and Soul Energy core pulse in unison.


    At first, it looks like she''s consciously doing so, but as she kills the dragon and faces the cyclops, doing it all over again with dozens of exchanges, I watch it be more of a second nature instinctive move.


    For split seconds, at the apex of her attacks, it''s like she''s amplifying her attack power and divine thread count by multiple times out of thin air.


    If I wasn''t seeing it with my own eyes, I wouldn''t believe it...


    I activate my all-seeing eye to look at it closer, but before I do, she makes her final strike on the cyclops, finishing this round and yelling out loud to me in a focused, battle-hungry tone.


    "That''s three. Bring on the next one!"


    This time, when I regenerate the mana manifestations, I pool enough divine energy into each of them to make them of equal strength as Mr. Freeman. This is a strength that, when I first awakened my yellow, even after training in the construct, I wasn''t able to defeat.


    As the gravity wells form, and the aura in thisrge battlefield in the air shifts again, it seems clear that Maria most likely won''t be able to handle them either.


    Even so, I want to see how far she gets, so I send the serpent her way with the strength of a mid-tier yellow core.


    The same phenomena ur milliseconds before they collide, and it feels as though raw strength is summoned from seemingly nowhere, rippling through her sword and colliding with the snake''s fangs.


    It sends shockwaves throughout the desert that may actually ripple far enough into the Dark Continent that some small viges feel it if their perception is high enough.


    I hold the dragon and cyclops back as Maria goes all out, sending dozens of attacks per second at the snake, despite me not holding back at all.


    I made this manifestation to have the weakest attacks, however, I did give it the fastest reflexes and attack speed; yet the ice goddess'' eyes track it with exact precision, and every time it appears as though I''ll have to end the fight early, the pulse from her cores allows her just enough time to swing her sword to block or strike back.


    It takes over five minutes for her to slowly chip away at the serpent''s artificial defenses and freeze the mana within the manifestation solid, but to my amazement, it shatters, and she''s the victor in the end.


    To simte a real battle, I don''t give her any time to rest, and send in the dragon next.


    Its pure speed isn''t as quick, but its attack power is much stronger and more violent, while its defenses are almost twice as strong as the serpent.


    More and more pulses of light ripple through the air, but after ten whole minutes and 200 exchanges, the dragon manifestation doesn''t break, and I can tell Maria is starting to be fatigued as well.


    I was half expecting this mysterious pulsing phenomena in Maria''s cores to continue to grow in power, allowing her to grow at an infinite rate; however, it has seemed to find its match.


    The Ice Goddess is in a flow state of sorts, miraculously fighting a being tens of times stronger than herself, but it is clear this is her maximum output.


    There are cracks in its armored dragon scales, and if this fight went on for another 20 minutes, I believe she coulde out on top, but she would definitely not be unscathed by the end of it.


    This is a spar, not a war. I want to save going all out for when it is absolutely necessary, and we have a lot more training to do today as well.


    I freeze the dragon in mid-air, halting it from attacking while sending a message through her telepathy link with me.


    She shatters the dragon into icy shards while it goes through.


    "That''s enough. We found your max... You can handle fighting multiple low-level yellow cores with ease, and mid-level yellow cores one-on-one if you go all out, but that isn''t going to be enough. Activate the [Authority] Perk on my Rising Emperor''s Domain, it''s time you use all of the resources avable to you."


    Maria looks straight at me in her Ice Goddess form, a little disappointed that she couldn''t finish that battle naturally since I cut it short, but she understands that it was building up unnecessary fatigue when we''re just testing her abilities.


    Plus, ripples of excitementing off her body can''t be hidden when she opens up her status to select the new option I''ve granted her.


    I watch her select 1% of all stats and mana control on 5,224,890 links of loyalty, and witness the base stats in her status screen all grow by millions in a matter of seconds.


    Her full set of blood-bonded gear multiplies these new base stats by thousands, and her stats read numbers far higher than anything mine ever did, even while taking 15%, because back then, I only had a few thousand links to pull from.


    Still, with my experience inside Redgrave''s divine mes, despite using this borrowed power, I''m unsure how much it will really help.


    Divine energy is far more powerful than pure mana-based stats alone, however I believe without a strong base of stats and mana control divine energy in a weak hunter would be rather pointless.


    For example, multiplying the raw power of an unawakened human by any amount wouldn''t be very effective. Then again, this is still just a theory, I haven''t tried it yet.


    The only divine energy holders I''ve seen have high stats and mana or qi controls already.


    It tethers to the user''s system and bes stronger the more threads one obtains, but I''m unsure how much of this absurd poweres from stats and how muches from the Divine Energy.


    Just like when I first awakened Qi and Soul Energy, I learned that enough pure mana can overpower this greater energy form.


    Another example would be when Maria and Abby defeated red cores when they weren''t awakened, but that feels like far less of a jump than a newly awakened yellowpared to the full power of a True Core.


    I''m about to see what difference an immense boost in stats really has.


    ---


    A bright blue explosion of light erupts from Maria''s greater form the instant her stats increase by an absurd degree.


    With my all-seeing eye active, I watch the yellow threads in her core chase the newly granted energy output, tethering to this increased mana control and aura, while she flies forward to attack the cyclops on standby.


    I smirk and get it ready for battle, holding up its club to take the attack head-on.


    This manifestation''s threads are far denser and based on defense than the other two. Slowly whittling away at this beast is what would work best, as its speed and agility arecking.


    However, when Maria''s sword collides with the club, there is no resistance at all...


    It phases through like air, freezing the mana present instantly and slicing the mid-level yellow core in half with no effort at all.


    As it dissolves, she turns toward me with yellow threads still catching up to turn her Blue Ice Goddess'' greater form yellow, and I can feel immense power, excitement, and eagerness to have a real fight exploding from her aura.


    Then, I send a message through her telepathy link again.


    "Alright, one more round..."


    I summon the serpent back into existence and give it the True Core Strength of the bronze dragon I faced above this very crater.


    Then, I imbue the True Core Strength of Raven herself into the dragon''s form.


    Lastly, instead of summoning the cyclops again, I stand behind the two manifestations I send toward Maria and let out the full power of my own core, taking down the purple barrier''s suppression, and pulling out my me Emperor''s Sword.

 Chapter 660

    Chapter 660


    My aura makes the air for dozens of kilometers heavy, causing all the ice from Maria''s previous attacks to shatter, melt, and boil into steam at the bottom of the crater.


    I''m still hovering at the same height above this destend as thest time I was here, but since then, I''ve absorbed a True Core, two Mid-Level Yellow Cores, and roughly three thousand additional raw yellow fragments.


    Also, I''ve leveled up, fully healed my body through hibernation, and increased my base energy control multiple times by siphoning raw mana into thebyrinth, as well as farming trillions of MCP from mobs on floors 80-106. To top it off, I recently filled and drained my soul energy core countless times to strengthen the Crimson Dome.


    The crater''s floor shatters and deepens multiple kilometers under the sheer pressure of my aura''s presence.


    As I lift my sword andmand the manifestations in front of me to charge forward, my curiosity grows with every moment that passes.


    Despite the overwhelming pressure, Maria''s movements remain steady, and her Ice Goddess'' de collides with the serpent clone I created, its divine thread density equal to the bronze earth dragon I faced as my first True Core opponent.


    When her sword shes with the serpent''s fangs, they are locked in ce for a matter of seconds.


    An overwhelming wave of pure royal blue soul energy explodes from Maria''s form, while the serpent bends gravity and tightens its threads to hold on, pushing back against the strike.


    Neither side is backing down. My eyes widen as, at first nce, their powers appear equal, showing that it really is possible to overpower a True Core with high stats alone. However, my All-Seeing Eye tells a different story once I fullyprehend the situation.There is a ring difference between the two forces that collide.


    The serpent''s power is far denser and purer, making its yellow energy silky and nearly white. The separation between the mana present in its form is almost indiscernible from the energy itself.


    Maria, on the other hand, is now far brighter blue than she was moments ago. A surging wave of mana control and raw power ripples out of her, but the yellow threads reinforcing her form remain just that¡ªthreads. The separation between mana and divine energy is clear.


    The two forces are working together to strengthen her attacks, but her Soul Energy is the dominant force behind them.


    Her Soul Energy core pulses, just like I saw in her previous battle, but it is far denser with pure mana than before. The yellow divine core pulses at the same time, but it is being overpowered by the mana in her Ice Goddess Form. She bes an even deeper blue, tearing through the serpent in a single strike.


    An eerie aura follows, making my real body reflexively shiver as if she''s using an intimidation skill.


    Looking into her core with my full perception during that attack was no different from staring into an endless abyss with greedy invisible hands trying to pull me in.


    The crescent of soul energy that follows her strike heads toward me, but I snap out of my daze before it hits, airstepping to the side while yelling through our link.


    "Good. Again, this one''s much stronger!"


    Then, Imand the manifestation of a dragon to p its wings and dive toward her, its divine energy density matching the power of Raven, what I''d consider a mid-level True Core.


    Divine mes burst from its mouth, and a replicated dragon''s roar echoes through the air as the Ice Goddess dodges the attack to get a better angle for a counterstrike.


    This time, she doesn''t hold back, swinging with her full strength and allowing her Soul Energy core to pulse again mid-swing as it collides with the dragon''s front ws.


    The eerie ripple attacks my psyche, even though I''m on the sidelines, as I can''t help but stare into the royal blue darkness in her chest.


    The gravitational waves that erupted from their sh feel just as strong as the ones that awakened the throne just days ago.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    This is the first of many.


    They appear evenly matched, bouncing off each other dozens of times as their exchanges grow faster and faster.


    My mind quickly adjusts to the intimidating soul energy aura, allowing me to manipte my manifestation with greater speed and precision, while at the same time, Maria grows even more in tune with this new level of power¡ªtens of times greater than she was just moments ago.


    After five minutes, and hundreds of exchanges, I feel her intuition and movement surpass the baseline I set for the dragon, and I can''t help but smile as she slowly chips away at its manifested armor.


    I can tell she''s bing fatigued, and the amount of mana being drained from the air is absurd¡ªmillions of MP per second¡ªbut I don''t want to cut this fight short when she''s in such a perfect flow state.


    I remain silent, watching as her Soul Energy Core and Divine Core pulse in unison, her strikes bing more lethal.


    Another ten minutes pass, and over a thousand exchanges, a final sh to the side defeats the dragon manifestation, and her fierce icy blue eyes lock onto me next.


    During her battle, I''ve been doing some rough mental calctions. Her base stats have risen by almost 350x, and in turn, her overall power has jumped from handling a mid-level yellow core to matching a mid-level True Core.


    The leap may be even greater, as she''s still adjusting to her enhanced movements.


    As I sever ties with the dragon''s remains and erupt with divine mes myself, I wonder if using 30x the stats she has gained will be enough for me to face the big three.


    The possibilities of this discovery seem limitless.


    I fly forward and sh with the Ice Goddess'' form, blocking the 20-meter-long de of Soul Energy with my sword without activating my greater form.


    The strongest pulse from her cores ripples through her entire body, and I don''t hold back either.


    This is by far the most powerful exchange of pure strength I''ve ever experienced, the gravity waves from this strike can be felt even to some strong C-ss and above citizens in the Crimson City, and back in Raven''s territory.


    For a few seconds, I can''t push my de forward any further; there''s an unbreakable wall of massive mana based power before me.


    The energy readings from her greater form continue to rise, pushing to overpower me with every drop of energy she can absorb from the Royal Blue Abyss.


    Maria''s mana consumption spikes from millions to billions per second, draining all the MP in the vicinity, fueling the dark blue wall of light.


    However, just like during her fight with the mid-level yellow core, she hits a natural limit.


    I sense it¡ªthe point where she needs time and more energy to build up for another pulse, and the raw strength of her attack wavers for a moment.


    I grin and send her a message through our link.


    "Not bad... but it looks like we''ve found your limit."


    Then I follow through with my swing, unleashing the full power of my True Core, enhanced by all my active buffs, and overpower her strike in this exchange.


    The Ice Goddess'' form is sent flying backward, her overwhelming aura of intimidation wavering for a split second as she regains her bnce in the air. She sends her own message through the link.


    "For now... I think I can break through further, though. Let''s go again, I just need another round to¡ª"


    Before she finishes, we sh once more, but everything she wanted to say has already beenmunicated through her strike.


    Hundreds of world-shaking ripples shatter the desert below even more as our battle dance in the skymences.


    The waves from my de are hot and filled with silky True Core threads, while Maria''s are icy cold, overwhelmingly dense with pure Soul Energy.


    I avoid going for any vital shots, don''t activate my greater form, and limit my movement speed and True Core usage to about 80-90% of its full power as we continue sparring.


    Maria goes all out, testing the true limits of her new strength, growing more attuned to the power at her fingertips.


    ¡ª


    To the south, in the Volcanic Region, Raven sits in a ck room made of originator stone simr to the central headquarters buildings, deep within a dormant volcano where she can train and cultivate in peace.


    The quality of shielding isn''t as high as the world capital''s resources, as some divine threads seep through, and she can still vaguely sense the outside world, but as long as weak hunters stay at least a kilometer away, it''s safe enough and sufficient for her needs.


    Now, as she quietly consumes the yellow divine fragments she earned from bringing the white dragon back to the deceased True Core Sebastian, odd gravity waves reach her senses.


    At first, it feels like nothing¡ªjust low-level yellow cores sparring out in the desert, likely the Saint and other newly awakened yellows from the me Emperor''s team, preparing for war.


    But a few minutester, the ripples seeping through the walls of her private room grow far stronger, reaching levels simr to her own True Core''s power.


    To her knowledge, only one person besides herself and the big three could possibly wield this kind of power.


    Without hesitation, Raven''s hazel eyes open, glowing bright yellow, and she activates her divine stealth skill, leaving her quarters to see what''s going on for herself...


    ¡ª


    To the north, beneath the Crimson City, Ember feels the faint gravity wavesing from the desert as well.


    Inside his istion pod, his human form sits in the lotus position with his eyes closed and a serious expression, while his long red hair sways from the pressureing off his core, now over 2.5 times the size a normal yellow core on the verge of copse should be.


    The corner of the dragon''s lips curls up, mimicking the toothy grin of his battle form, and he whispers to himself.


    "It''s about time I get out of here. You''re going to need a lot more power than that."


    Then, the golden and silver threads in Ember''s core stop holding back the energy from copsing. They begin tightening and squeezing the dense yellow ball of light, as his final stage of corepression begins.

 Chapter 661

    Maria tests out the full capabilities of her power while I continue to attempt peering into her Soul Energy core to figure out what this pulsing sensation really is.


    In between our exchanges, she feels multiple times weaker than the moment before our attacks collide.


    I even test out using my other elements with telekinesis to throw multiple projectiles her way from varying angles while our main focus of a sword sh continues on.


    The pulses in her aura allow for ice walls to form even separated from her body, mimicking the same increase in strength for a split second upon impact.


    While it feels like matching a mid-level True Core is her maximum, every minute that passes during this sh adds small amounts of power to her base.


    Thousands of new links are being formed all over the Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions, and the rate at which word spreads increases more and more about the extravagant perks granted to those that create links.


    This allows an increasing amount of stats to be borrowed, slowly amping up the battle more with every collision.


    I can feel her movements be fluid and instinctual, however, I can sense small amounts of the beginning stages of early divine energy poisoning along with mental and physical fatigue building up. The rate that it does increases drastically after each of the unexinable core pulses.


    I''m not too concerned, as with a few hours in hibernation using my skill, paired with Abby''s restoration skill and a passive use of my self-regeneration skill, I''m sure she''ll be fine. However, that takes time and brings us out of the flow state of training, so I want to hold it off for as long as possible and soak up as much experience as we can right now.To make sure we don''tpletely overdo it, after about half an hour passes, we both stop and take a break, floating above the desert, but neither of us powers down our auras just yet.


    The sun is beginning to set, and the mental clock in my head ticks away.


    Once it rises again, there is only going to be one day left before the big threee to the Dark Continent.


    Abby will be breaking through to her yellow core soon, and Ember should beginpressing his True Core by the time the sun rises too.


    While it feels like I have limitless power at my fingertips, gaining 30x more stats than Maria has right now, I want to make sure I''ve done everything in my power to be stronger while there''s still time left.


    As these thoughts race through my mind, I feel a familiar True Core''s aura approaching from the southern volcanic region while Maria speaks up and points her greater form''s sword my way.


    "Ready to go again? I can feel it, I''m on the verge of unlocking this odd sensation in my core... I just need a little more battle experience at this level."


    I think to myself for a moment, picturing the pulses that only activate for fractions of a second at a time, then reply.


    "I think you need someone closer to your strength to fight you. You''re still subconsciously holding back and know I won''t actually injure you. This was enough to get you used to this new power, but we''re going to need to bring it up a notch if you want to have a breakthrough."


    Maria raises a question back.


    "Your greater form? There''s no way¡ª not yet¡ª"


    I smile and shake my head.


    "No, something different. Get ready for a real fight. There''s someone I want you to meet."


    As Maria''s gaze sharpens, I form a telepathy link with the True Core flying my way, and before I can even say a word, Raven''s voicees through.


    "What''s going on? Do we have trouble? This pressure is like nothing I''ve ever felt before. I can''t tell¡ª it doesn''t feel like a True Core, but this is overwhelming mana control... Who¡ª or what¡ª"


    I can''t help but grin while I respond through our link.


    "Come here and find out. It''s about time you meet the people you''ll be fighting beside."


    With my perception covering almost a full third of the globe, I watch Raven''s expression shift to one of confusion.


    "This is one of your teammates? They weren''t even orange cores thest I saw them. You''re telling me this is a newly awakened''s aura...?"


    I reply as I feel her getting within visual range, now I''m positive Raven can see both of us.


    "Yes, it is a littleplicated. She''s using a very unique buff to borrow power. But, there''s no better first meeting for you two to get to know each other than a spar, am I right?"


    Maria''s aura grows in power as it appears I''m just standing in midair before her after telling her I''m going to step it up a notch. Simultaneously, Raven is silent through our link for a few seconds.


    I reply back when I see her activating her own greater form and pulling out her silver des with a look of determination.


    "I guess I''ll take that as a yes..."


    Then, I open up a link between the three of us, and I float upward while a new True Core''s pressure fills the air and the royal blue aura of the Ice Goddess bes far more ominous.


    "Maria, this is Raven, the True Core I told you about that has been helping me learn about the Order. Raven, this is Maria, the hunter I started my journey with. We were E-ss hunters together, and now we''ll be challenging the entire world. I believe an all-out spar would be a much more productive greeting than a simple conversation."


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    As Maria''s blue aura shes with Raven''s white-yellow aura, I can feel a barrage of emotions rippling through it that I did not expect to feel at all at first.


    On the surface, both are extremely curious to see what the other looks like and how they fight, but I feel undertones of jealousy and desire with hints of killing intent from each of them.


    I raise an eyebrow and decide to make the most of this situation. One of the reasons Maria wasn''t able to fully awaken whatever her cores were trying to do was that we were not in a real battle.


    I activate my own greater form and pull out my second sword, flooding the battlefield in a new aura tens of times heavier than before, making both of the women below me reflexively shiver. Their greater forms'' eyes lock with each other while I send them another message.


    "Neither of you should be holding back. Maria, I want you to give in to the intuition and raw urges that power your Soul Energy core. Raven, consider this another chance to go all out like our battle and be even more skilled with your des. Aim to kill, and trust that I will stop the fight before any real fatal moves."


    To make things fair, the instant their des collide, I share my mythic grade All-Seeing Eye with both of them. An explosion of energy ripples off their sh that feels far more extreme than the prior shes.


    They don''t stay interlocked for more than a tenth of a second, as both of their forms twist around to create a counterstrike and dodge the others, leading to another sh right after.


    Blue and yellow explosions light up the sky, and I can feel the essence of true battle in the air.


    After about a minute of even shes, Raven activates her divine stealth skill and catches Maria off guard,nding the first true hit, piercing through her greater form''s side; however, it doesn''t sink deep at all.


    I''m watching this fight take ce withser focus, and the moment Raven''s invisible des pierce through Maria''s defenses, her Soul Energy core vibrates faster than I can even perceive.


    It shrinks and constricts unlike any other time before, then pulses, sending the same eerie intimidation wave through the desert, just like earlier in our training session. However, somehow, it just jumped in power again, even briefly slipping through my greater form''s mental barriers.


    The shiver I get makes me smile wide as Raven feels this aura and momentarily freezes to be struck by the Ice Goddess'' des.


    Both of their greater forms fly backward and each of them coughs up blood, but the emotions and smell of battle in the air only heighten.


    Raven yells through the link.


    "There''s another one of you? A battle maniac that grows after every hit. You sure do know how to pick ''em!"


    Maria yells back.


    "You''re not too bad yourself! I couldn''t sense you at all for a second there, that kind of hurt."


    Then the line goes silent as the sky fills with blue and yellow explosions.


    Every few minutes, a deadly aura ripples from Maria when she finds herself in a tricky spot, and as my eyes watch the battle go on, I can''t help but believe Raven''s sword style is shifting and getting better.


    It looks like she''s surpassed the skill level she showed during the height of our battle and somehow is keeping up with Maria despite her small increases in stats every minute or so as the battle goes on.


    "Is that all you got?"


    "Too slow! Gotcha again!"


    "I''ll make you tap first!"


    "No way, Jay is going to have to save you before me!"


    Every dozen or so strikes, I hear them yell something new through our telepathy channel, and I watch both of their bodies be riddled with near-fatal injuries.


    Blue and yellow shes glow all over Raven''s greater form, while Maria''s bes riddled with True Core yellow threads as well.


    I send telepathy transmissions to all my doubles and have them all stop what they''re doing and go farm pure mana from the artificial mountains to bring it to me fast. No matter who wins this battle, the aftermath isn''t going to be pretty for either one of them.


    However, I''m mesmerized by the sight before me as the sun setspletely, and the sky overhead bes dark.


    The massive light show in the sky here makes it basically as bright as day.


    While earlier, I didn''t want to push Maria too far with our training, as we may have to give everything we have in a war in just one day; now I don''t dare stop the sight before my eyes.


    Both the women before me are improving at a rapid rate, while the emotional auras rippling out of them shift as well.


    Before it was unease, skeptical, jealous, and borderline hateful emotions in the air, but now there is great respect for each other being shared through every collision.


    There''s only so much I can extrapte from just watching; their des connecting tell a deeper story between the two of them. They''vee to some kind of understanding.


    This shift has also led to far more frequent pulses in Maria''s core, and instead of raw, eerie, mysterious power, they feel far more controlled, and the power being used each time is just enough to block or counterattack rather than wasting it in a pulse of intimidation through her surroundings.


    I''m still not quite sure what she''s tapping into, as there is no description for it in the system, but whatever it is, she''s beginning to figure it out; so I''ll learn in time too, and maybe I''ll be able to do the same with my Soul Energy Core.


    Another twenty minutes pass, and the final rays of sunlight disappear from the horizon, while there are so many injuries covering the two women''s bodies the residue is enough to light up the sky.


    It''s been a few minutes since either of them has improved any further, but they''re still going at it, matching each other''s attacks, and always finding a way to avoid a fatal blow, so I never have to step in.


    Their movements even seem to be slowing, and at the same time, I feel my doublesing near but stopping about 100 kilometers away because the divine aura is too strong for pure mana manifestations to survive in.


    As the dayes to a close, even the links of loyalty have slowed down their rising as there is far less socializing at this time of night.


    The atmosphere changes as everyone knows this battle ising to an end, and simultaneously, Raven and Maria both charge their greater forms'' des for what looks like a final attack.


    The eerie auraes back while Ravenpletely disappears, and the jet ck night sky above, paired with the endless abyss of a crater below, adds to the ambiance.


    As they both charge at each other, ready to kill, my instincts tell me this is where I need to step in, and attempting to get in the center of this sh might actually be quite deadly if I just use the form I''m in now.


    While I am a few times stronger than them, these two attacks that are about to collide are the culmination of a life-or-death battle where they''ve both used up theirst bits of power and desperation for a final strike. Neither wants to lose.


    I fly forward and pull up my rising emperor''s domain interface and select just 1% of all stats and all mana control for over 5.5 million links of loyalty, matching the boost that Maria has right now


    Maria''s densest blue sword strike is swung toward Raven''s neck and Raven''s most precise and deadly swing of her silver des is thrust through the divine stealth pocket dimension using her True Core''s perk to aim right for Maria''s heart.


    At the same time, I feel over 5 million stat points per stat rush into my status. My eyes widen as it feels like time is slowing down around me, and my vision somehow bes far more clear, making me thankful I didn''t decide to pull more than 1%, because that might actually have been more dangerous than helpful at such close range.


    It feels easier than breathing to create mana barriers that surround both of them, blocking these strikes like a twig hitting a metal wall.


    At the same time, I let out a light pulse of intimidation to stop them from hurting themselves on the barriers I''ve created.


    The final attacks that would have ended this battle in a draw are stopped moments before they can be fatal.


    Both women pass out instantly, and their greater forms fade away to show faint smiles on both their faces.

 Chapter 662

    Even though I hardly used half of my power to release that intimidation pulse, it was enough to break both of their adrenaline-fueled concentration and stop them from fighting instantly.


    Using my intimidation at full st without these borrowed stats would most likely just scare them, an instant knockout with this much ease would not have been possible.


    Even my doubles, who weren''t the focus of the attack and were 100 kilometers away, were greatly affected by the increase in my aura.


    If not for our instantaneous memory sharing, I would have had to forcefully deactivate all three of them standing by if I left my new mana control active for too long.


    While Maria and Raven both fall into the crater, covered in divine residue and countless near-fatal wounds, I deactivate my power-stealing perk andpletely conceal my aura behind my purple barrier, swooping down to catch them both.


    My body doubles air-step over now that the absurd auras have faded away, delivering about an hour''s worth of plundered materials from the artificial mountains in the form of dozens of bright pink, dense mana crystals created with my crystal creation skill.


    I ept them and share hibernation with both Maria and Raven, feeding the skill hundreds of quadrillions of MP each to activate the highest setting, emergency mode, to speed up the process.


    It may dy the progress on thebyrinth''s growth by a few hours, but at this point, it isn''t a massive priority. I won''t be making it to 200 floors in the next 36 hours, even if I use my main body to help plunder and speed things up.


    A white sh of light surrounds each of them, and the divine energy poisoning, along with the hundreds of injuries all over their bodies, begins healing before my eyes."I think that went well..." I whisper to myself as my doubles return to their tasks, and I float in midair, lost in thought for a few seconds.


    They''ve definitely be better fighters. I''m curious to hear what they''ll say once they wake up.


    Whatever it may be, I''m far more confident in their fighting abilities now, and I''m even considering giving Raven the option to be a General.


    I mentally open my interface to review the details again and even look at Maria''s settings. It appears these general slots are permanent positions that cannot be taken away unless the link of loyalty is forcefully severed by both sides.


    If there are really only going to be five slots avable to wield this power, I''ll need to think carefully and strategically about the remaining four and not pick them too quickly.


    With this on my mind, I pull a transport crystal from my storage and crush it with telekinesis, transporting the three of us back beneath the Crimson City.


    ¨C


    The yellow divine threads down here are circting much slower than before, but with the insted true core-imbued shielding on the walls, all the threads stay inside, making the air far denser with energy.


    I rest Maria and Raven against a wall as they continue to glow bright white in a state of suspended animation, and my eyes turn to Abby first.


    Her core is even closer to breaking through than it was this morning, and my presence, along with an unknown entity in the room, breaks her concentration slightly. I feel a pull on my telepathy channel as it opens.


    "Who is that? And what happened to Maria? I can''t sense either of their presences."


    I reply, "That is Raven. The True Core from the Southern Volcanic Region I mentioned earlier that was helping me learn more about central headquarters. I''ve protected both of their auras behind my divine barrier, as the residue and pressure they give off may be harmful to you here. We had a sparring session out in the desert to test the yellow core''s power. I look forward to doing the same for yours."


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    There''s a slight pause, and I feel a ripple of emotion from Abby, simr to what I sensed from Maria before their battle. But she quickly suppresses it and responds.


    "Good. At this rate, I should awaken by morning. I just need a bit more time."


    She consumes another yellow fragment, and her body surges with yellow threads as she continues.


    "A few hours ago, Ember stopped circting the room, so we''ve been relying on the pure power of the fragments you left behind. Our absorption rate is the same; we just need to consume more since the residue remains stagnant."


    I look around the room, and my eyes fall on the istion pod next.


    Peering inside, the sight I see is far more extreme than expected.


    An incredibly dense yellow core is beingpressed as we speak. Golden and silver threads cover the inside of Ember''s body, containing every single yellow thread within, creating an extremely controlled and calcted process that doesn''t affect the outside world with his aura at all.


    If my perception wasn''t so sharp, it would seem like nothing but an unawakened sat inside that silver pod, simr to the capabilities of my purple barrier.


    I reply to Abby once I understand what''s happening, not daring to contact Ember or push my aura near him, not wanting to disrupt the delicatepression process taking ce.


    "Let me help with your energy cycling problem. Just focus on healing and absorbing threads."


    Next, I activate the True Core perk I stole from Sebastian and feel for all the stagnant yellow threads in the room.


    Without letting any mana seep from my body, I attempt to move this stagnant yellow energy in circles around the room to simte what Ember was doing before.


    The entire room shakes slightly when I activate this power, and the threads begin to dance and wiggle as I form mental links with each of them individually. I sit down and close my eyes to pour my full concentration into this task.


    At first, it''s quite hard to move this energy without using mana as its base, as even the True Core''s ability is paired with superior mana maniption.


    If I were to inject even a few thousand MP into the air, this would be simple. But I want the divine energy circting into my teammates'' cores to remain as pure as it is in the yellow fragments. Secondly, I want to train this unique ability while I have the perfect ce to do so.


    Minutes pass, and the dancing threads begin rotating around the room extremely slowly, making just one revolution in all the time I''ve been at it.


    However, there''s momentum now, and the second revolution only takes a full minute.


    After another 15 minutes, I start to sweat, and the mental strain from pushing each individual thread with precision begins to build up.


    I avoid hitting Ember''s istion pod, as well as the two women in hibernation.


    However, now my understanding of the ability grows even higher, and a single revolution takes less than 20 seconds.


    I have to strategically let go of the threads that collide with Abby, Lydia, and Fisher. If I hold on too long, I''ll identally tear divine energy from their cores that could have been absorbed.


    A smile grows on my face as the minutes pass and my precision improves.


    Once a single revolution around the room takes less than 5 seconds, I start shaping the threads'' flight paths much differently.


    There''s no one sitting in the center of the room, so I move the threads to the outer flight path, concentrating the energy more densely where we''re sitting.


    A few minutester, once I''m morefortable, the revolution timests less than a second.


    Abby increases the strength of the bright green and yellow restoration circle on the floor, as far more threads are now circting through everyone''s bodies.


    I could go faster, as myprehension of the technique is improving rapidly, and I even recall the time when I waspressing my True Core, with cycles of energy coursing through me at magnitudes of hundreds or even thousands per second. However, the mental and physical limits of everyone in the room are a bit lower than my own.


    I can tell Abby could handle more, but Fisher and Lydia are nearing their max.


    I make onest adjustment,pacting the threads'' density a little more bybining the portion near the ceiling with the threads circling the floor.


    Before my eyes, their thread-gathering speed enhances a few times over without them needing to consume more fragments, just using the leftover residue in the room.


    We sit here for another hour as I continue cycling the energy, and my progress with the True Core''s ability grows even more.


    I manage to control portions of the threads to weave around Fisher and Lydia each cycle, allowing Abby to absorb more without pushing anyone too hard or holding anyone back.


    Each revolution delivers the maximum number of threads everyone can handle. In just two hours from the time I returned, I witness Abby''s yellow core fully saturate, and all signs of orange threads in her body disappear.


    A pulse of energy surges through the room as a result, and her eyes open wide, glowing yellow, while her green eyes and hair shine brightly beneath.


    She speaks aloud.


    "That was faster than I expected."


    She grins but keeps the restoration circle active, as the threads circting the room are still in motion.


    I open my eyes and smile back.


    "Congrats. You''re a yellow core now. I have another powerful stat buff I want to share with you. Let''s see how far you can push that second ranked-up buff of yours, the [Form of the Immortal Healer], now that you can wield this much divine energy. I wonder if I can stillnd a hit on you."


    While I reply, the white glow around Maria and Raven begins to fade as their hibernation processes to an end. At the same time, there''s a click from the istion pod at the back of the room, and the silver door slowly opens.

 Chapter 663

    Chapter 663


    As Abby looks down at her hands, still in awe of the power surging through her now that her yellow core is fully saturated, footsteps echo through the room.


    Ember steps out from the istion pod, and not a single thread of divine energy seeps from his body.


    However, there''s a new aura about him, one that exudes pride and excitement, sending ripples through my purple barrier.


    The silver and golden threads have vanished back into the center of his core, now impossible to see unless I focus my perception closely. Instead, a brilliant white and yellow ball of light burns in his chest.


    Ember halts in the center of the room, his crimson eyes glowing fiercely to match his flowing hair. They gleam golden as he stretches his arms and surveys the room, making eye contact with me first before ncing at Raven and Maria, who are beginning to stir as their hibernation ends. He turns his gaze back to me and speaks.


    "I''m impressed. This isn''t resource-rich at all, yet you''ve improved a lot while I was resting. There must not be many True Cores left..."


    He chuckles and his aura sweeps through me, assessing my core''s progress, before shifting his gaze to Abby.


    He stares at her for a moment.


    "I overheard your conversation earlier. The Form of The Immortal Healer¡ªthat''s a buff you really have?"Abby raises an eyebrow but nods.


    Ember crosses his arms, grinning.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve heard that name..."


    As he speaks, both Maria and Raven''s white hibernation light fadespletely, and their eyes open, taking in their surroundings.


    Raven looks startled at first, but I hold back the reflexive pulse of my true core''s energy, keeping it behind my purple barrier to ensure everyone remains safe.


    Maria turns to Raven, and the two exchange smiles, as if they''ve already be friends.


    They stand and extend hands to shake.


    Raven speaks first.


    "So it was a draw."


    Maria nods as they release their grip.


    "It seems so. I like your fighting style. We should go again."


    Raven smirks before responding.


    "You know, I have a few artifacts back in my region you could use... I''ve never met anyone with such a strong ice affinity. They were meant for one of the big three named ra, but I think they''d suit you better."


    Ember''s eyes shift from Abby to Maria for a moment, looking deep into her Soul Energy Core, grinning and nodding once, before settling his gaze on Raven.


    "You''re a new one... what an odd aura you have."


    He steps forward, extending a hand, and they shake as well.


    I speak up as they do, debating whether or not to tell Raven that Ember is a dragon.


    "Ember, this is Raven, another True Core on our side. Raven, this is Ember, he''s a¡ªWell, let''s just say he''s a powerful addition to the team. A fellow True Core."


    I decide not to reveal more, and from the amused aura radiating from Ember, I can tell it was the right choice. Once we fight together, she''ll figure it out on her own.


    Over the next few minutes, we catch up. I brief everyone on what I learned during my journey to Central, recounting the events after the B-ss exams that led me to meet Raven and take over the 8 Great Regions for expansion. Finally, I outline my ns for the next 36 hours before the big three return.


    Maria and Raven n to head back to the volcanic region to retrieve unique artifacts Raven hasn''t touched in decades, which might prove useful. Plus, she still has over 180 yellow fragments, which she''s more than happy to share with her new sparring partner.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    By the end of our conversation, they''re acting bubbly and friendly with each other, their bond clearly strengthened.


    Fisher and Lydia, their cores about one-third saturated, listen in too, though they''re primarily focused on amassing more power.


    Ember breaks the silence.


    "Well, in that case, I''d like to spar with Abby. That buff intrigues me; I think I can push it to its limit."


    I raise an eyebrow.


    "Hey, there''s still a lot I want to ask you."


    He points to the bunker''s ceiling.


    "Well, we can fly to a sparring ground the long way. I''d like some fresh air."


    Before I can point out the issue in the room, I watch Ember''s right hand glow with bright white and yellow light.


    "Stand back. This will fix the cirction problem while we''re gone."


    Pure divine energy flows from his fingertip, forming a string of dense, silky yellow light. The tips connect, creating a circle.


    Then, A faint silver light shes in his eyes, and miniature silver threads form within the floating energy construct. He expands it, allowing it to rotate around the room at the same rate I control the excess yellow threads, then releases it. Yet, it continues to spin.


    I can feel it tugging at all the threads in the room, so I release my true core''s ability, and the spinning threads keep moving on their own.


    My eyes widen, but for some reason, no one else in the room seems impressed¡ªthey''re either dazed or uninterested.


    This strange sensation, paired with the feeling I had near the tower in the center of the dark continent and the dragon''s words about memories of the Fallen One being fuzzy or non-existent, only adds to the list of questions swirling in my mind.


    I decide not to bring it up and open the hatch above us to leave the bunker, as nned.


    -


    Maria and Raven use teleport crystals to return to the Volcanic base to check out her artifacts, while Abby, Ember, and I head off in the same direction, though taking the long way.


    Once we''re far from the Crimson City, I start a new conversation.


    "So why are you so interested in Abby''s buff?"


    While Ember thinks, and the three of us airstep through the sky, I add Abby to my Rising Emperor''s domain as my second general.


    He responds.


    "It''s a rare one. Usually paired with the Restore skill."


    He turns to Abby.


    "I''m sure you know by now, but that''s no ordinary healing ability. It''s a unique skill, like Jay''s Absorption. Only one entity can possess it in the system at a time."


    I raise an eyebrow, but Ember continues.


    "I remember thest holder of this skill. It brings back memories, so I want to see if you have what it takes to wield it this time."


    Abby nods.


    "I assumed it was unique. But don''tpare me to whoever had itst¡ªI want to learn to use it my own way."


    Emberughs, murmuring under his breath.


    "That''s exactly what she would''ve said."


    Then, he speaks up louder.


    "Fine, fine. We''ll spar until you figure it out. I have a new ability I need to get used to as well. I''ll limit myself to yellow core usage for now."


    Abby shrugs, as she''s clearly heard his first snarky remark back, and replies with a simr tone.


    "Good."


    She turns to me, asking about the new notification she heard. I briefly exin how the general perk works, but Abby decides to test her yellow core''s base power first.


    Ember speaks again.


    "The system calls them generals? Interesting. Demons have the same ranking system."


    My head snaps his way. I hadn''t filled anyone in on the conversation I had with the demon and dragon in thebyrinth, but Ember''s words pique my interest.


    "What do you know about the demonic realm? And the dragons being intertwined with the system? And this throne created by a divine beast? -And... well- there''s a lot of questions I have actually, but I''m more curious why you never told me the full truth about this world."


    The three of us stop mid-air, hovering over therge crater training grounds where Maria and Raven sparred earlier.


    Ember grins, and the golden light shimmers in his eyes again.


    "It seems you''ve learned a lot while I was healing. It''s not that I''ve kept information from you, but certain knowledge cannot be brought into this universe by me. Just as I was reborn as a fragile baby dragon, there''s many more limits to my abilities in this life, that only scratches the surface. There''s only so much I can share at certain levels."


    I stare, trying to process his words.


    "Here, I''ll show you what I mean. The source is¡ª"


    The moment the words leave his lips, a blinding golden light engulfs my vision, and a loud white noise fills my ears.


    I quickly sift through my body doubles'' memories to see if they registered anything, but all three are nk, distorted like my own.


    As seconds pass, even the memory of what just happened fades, leaving only the recollection of trying to understand.


    Abby is floating nearby in a daze as well, equally if not more stumped at what just happened.


    I look at Ember, shocked, and feel a faint aura of sadness from him.


    "See, it''s not that I''m keeping things from you. It''s that there are things I cannot share yet until you are more powerful or have learned them on your own. These aren''t my rules. Well, actually¡ª"


    Another sh of blinding golden light hits me. This time, I don''t bother checking my doubles'' memories. The golden image fades away again.


    Ember sighs and speaks.


    "Believe it or not, this isn''t the first time I''ve told you about thebyrinths, demonic realm, the system''s true purpose, and the intricacies of divine beasts. It''s just the first time you''re strong enough or knowledgeable enough to remember us talking about this much of the truth. Your first steps in controlling divine energy have definitely helped, but for us to talk this openly about demons and the system, you must have met another dragon with exceptional knowledge...."


    He thinks to himself, and whispers again. "At least level 5000 to know this much."


    I pause, considering his words.


    "It''s true. A dragon did tell me about the system. And a demon spoke of the five great families within the Demonic Realm. I can see the silver divine light that the throne is made of. But there are still too many things that don''t add up. Who are you really? What did you do to earn the title of The Fallen One?"

 Chapter 664

    "So, they still know that name this far out? Interesting..."


    Ember looks at me with a pondering gaze, then continues.


    "I''ve already told you who I am in this conversation. Myments about the source should have exined everything. So, it seems all I can say is what you know up to this point. Yes, the throne is an artifact created by one of the divine beasts, used mostly for the ascension of demons to bring them to the next realm, the green core state."


    Ember waits, and I nod in reply.


    "Yes, I''m aware of this fact."


    He grins.


    "Good. And I''m sure you''re aware there''s a disparity between the simple silver threads in the throne and the golden light in my core. All I can say is there''s a step above, and I wouldn''t be down here if I hadn''t¡ª"


    The golden light blinds my senses again, but I''m satisfied that my thoughts about the throne have been confirmed as true. I won''t be able to ask him more about this name, but I can still learn more.


    "So, the divine beast, are they on this world? Or in the demonic realm? It''s one of those overseers like the Lich King, right?"Ember nods, and a ripple of sadnesses from him again as he realizes I don''t remember the second half of his statement. But he replies.


    "They are definitely not on this world, nor are they in the demonic realm. I don''t know the creator''s identity for certain; they might be affiliated with the 5 great families you speak of. But an artifact of this magnitude cannot be crafted by a mere reincarnation of a divine beast. It is certainly one that is still alive and at the peak of its power."


    He turns in the direction of the ck tower, thousands of kilometers away, then looks back at me, his gaze deep.


    "That is a problem for another day. This is an artifact crafted for descendants to easily conquer many worlds. You have to focus on the one world we''re trying to save right now."


    I stay silent and nod,ing back down to reality and looking at the situation at hand.


    "Alright, speaking of artifacts, onest question then..."


    I point to the ck cube that slowly rotates around me as its center of gravity.


    "You called this an amplifier. How can I make use of it? Ever since I walked into its tomb, it hasn''t said a word to me..."


    Ember chuckles.


    "Really? An amplifier that can hold a conversation? It must be a strong one. What was its desire?"


    I think for a moment.


    "It watched many of its people leave this world behind. I believe its desire was to save humanity."


    Ember nods, staring off toward the throne again, then back to me.


    "That''s a pretty good one. But I''m as in the dark as you are on what powers it might grant. It will activate once it''s necessary¡ªor maybe not at all. What you witnessed while meeting it may have been thest of its power. Again, amplifiers are all unique, especially ones from the originators era, there''s nothing you can do now but wait and see."


    I touch the cube as ites my way, and it bounces back, changing its orbital direction without making a sound. Then, I turn to Abby and float backward.


    "Well, I guess that''s that. Ember is right. It''s time you two practice and get used to your new levels of power. We don''t have much time left."


    I back up, and both of them hover in the air, exchanging words for a few seconds before Abby pulls out her two blood-bonded daggers. A bright green aura glows around her, while the yellow threads from her core tether around it, and space begins to bend as she prepares to fight.


    Ember stands still with his arms crossed while she powers up, then gets into a fighting stance, releasing a small amount of divine energy from his invisible barrier.


    He matches her output, feeling and looking like a newly awakened yellow core from here.


    They both fly forward, and their spar begins.


    Ember calmly blocks her attacks with his bare hands, and they fly all over the sky, giving off shes of yellow and green light.


    Every few dozen exchanges make Abby''s control over her new power much more concentrated and deadly.


    Just like Maria, she hasn''t had the chance to have a good fight going all out since long before she even started wielding divine energy.


    After over a hundred exchanges, she begins sending spears of earth magic imbued with divine threads Ember''s way, and the fight reaches the next level.


    Instead of just blocking with his palms, Ember shoots dark mes shimmering with yellow threads at each of the speared attacks, disintegrating them on the spot and dodging others while still shing fist to dagger with Abby''s main attacks.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    A full ten minutes at this basic level pass, and I watch Abby''s speed and precision of strikes increase more and more.


    Ember keeps a cool and unchanging expression the whole time but yells out loud after one of their exchanges.


    "Come on, let''s bring this up a notch. What do you say?"


    He lets more of his aura leak out, bringing him to the level of a mid- to high-level yellow core, simr to that of the old Apex Region Director. Even from a distance, it''s clear Abby is affected by the overwhelming aura.


    That is, until she activates her ranked-up buff, and her entire body turns green, while the yellow core in her chest continues to glow and spread throughout her body.


    Instantly, she seems fine and flies forward, unaffected by the pressure tens of times greater than her own.


    Ember grins, raising an eyebrow while preparing to block her iing attack.


    At thest moment, centimeters before they collide, I watch portions of her body return to their natural state, and she''s able tond hits on Ember''s fists; but they''re nowhere near strong enough to do damage.


    Ember strikes back, but his fist pushes right through her body like it''s not even there, despite the clear difference in strength.


    Abby uses this moment of surprise to spin around to Ember''s back and release another earth-imbued crescent, but millimeters before impact, Ember spins around and blocks this too. He counters again, but when his fist makes contact with her stomach, it phases through like nothing is there.


    Both lunge back, and Emberughs, releasing the full aura of his True Core.


    "It''s really the same power! The Immortal Form while still holding a Yellow core, quite impressive. Use that new buff Jay granted you. I want to see everything you''ve got!"


    As his True Core''s aura ripples out, and they''re only a hundred or so meters apart in the sky, Abby can feel that if she''s too close, she''ll be knocked out from the pressure, and any exposed limbs or body parts would be shredded by the pressure alone. Releasing her buff to attack would not be a good idea.


    Momentster, Abby replies to this challenge by opening up her status interface and pulling the full 1% of stats from over 6.1 million links of loyalty.


    Her entire body glows bright green, and her aura grows, giving off an immense amount of mana control and stat-based power.


    However, I don''t feel the same eerie sensation I did when Maria essed these stats.


    Instead of staring into the abyss of a Soul Energy Core, Abby feels inviting and warm. However, the raw strengthing off her is definitely intense.


    They both fly toward each other again without exchanging another word, and bright green and yellow light ripples through the entire Dark Continent, just like the spar between Maria and Raven hours ago.


    Right before each hit, Abby is able to deactivate small portions of her body and blood-bonded weapons to attack with; and Ember goes purely on the defensive.


    Her exposed areas easily fend off Ember''s domineering True Core''s aura, and I smile as her attacks be faster and faster, aiming for fatal blows, while Ember keeps upping the pace to help her learn.


    Another ten minutes pass as the exchanges be so fast, they near the speed and gravity waves I felt while facing off against the low-level True Core Bronze Dragon.


    Abby''s mana-rich aura ripples through the air, and I feel the same warm, calming sensation pass through me as she pulls mana from the surroundings and forms massive spears of stone to surround Ember, changing up her fighting style.


    Some of the immense pirs reach hundreds of meters long, and they fly forward at varying speeds while she severs her links with them to focus on flying forward with daggers in hand, using the vige-sized stones as distractions.


    Ember replies to this barrage with ease, sendingrger andrger waves of divine mes her way, disintegrating some of the spears and punching through others while simultaneously blocking her close-up attacks.


    He yells out loud again.


    "Not bad, a newly awakened yellow core fighting a True Core. No matter how many buffs are active, it''s a feat that''s basically impossible. Let''s see if that physique still holds up now."


    As he spins out of the way of one of her close-range attacks, he sends a kick flying toward her side. But to both Ember''s and my surprise, his leg phases right through her like a hologram, and she counters, sending him flying backward with an aura of surprise and excitement bursting from him.


    Red and ck scales form all over his body, and his feet and hands turn to ws. A long, pointed tail emerges from his back, and the pressure from his True Core grows even higher, nearly matching Raven''s. Then, he flies forward with an excited look on his face.


    His movement speed is slightly faster than Abby''s now, and his pressure is overwhelming. However, once he makes contact with Abby''s body again, and it phases through with no resistance at all, his excitement only grows more.


    Abby tries to counter, and Ember allows it to hit his right arm.


    Her dagger bounces off without leaving a single scratch, but when Ember strikes back again, his left set of ws fall deep into her green body and don''t leave a mark either.


    Another five minutes of back-and-forth exchanges follow.


    Ember''s hybrid form and Abby''s full power pulling 1% of stats are nearly equal when ites to speed and technique uracy; however, the raw strength differs.


    While I''m not sure Maria could keep up with these fast-paced exchanges, I am sure the full power of her Ice Goddess'' blue sword could have left a mark on Ember.


    That being said, the more yellow and green shes of light that go by, the more intrigued I be with Abby''s near-invincible defenses.


    I watch with a proud look across my face from about a kilometer away, high above them, while they continue to spar, bing faster and stronger with every strike that passes.


    Now, not even counting myself, I have four teammates I am positive can hold their own against True Cores. With the rate at which my links of loyalty are growing, we''ll at least double the amount of stats to pull from sometime tomorrow.


    However, the scorching heat of those divine mes surrounding central keep resurfacing in the back of my mind, making me wonder if all of this is enough.


    ¨C


    As another half an hour passes, and the two of them continue practicing at Abby''s full power, my senses wander outward, routinely surveying the Dark Continent and eight Great Regions. Suddenly, I see something very odd emerging from the receding abyss.


    In the center of the Dark Continent, over thest few days as the ck mist flows back toward the tower, many abandoned viges and ruined cities have been revealed.


    Some were piged by rogue hunters and bandits, while others were destroyed by the demonic beasts that roamed within the demonic energy of the abyss.


    None of these beasts dared to step outside the darkness, as the air in this mana-rich world is harmful to pure demonic energy-born creatures.


    But now, for the first time, I see a sliver of space giving off odd readings right on the edge of the abyss near Sector 1, about 700 kilometers from Valor City.


    I wouldn''t have noticed it at all, except for the fact that my senses picked up arge number of gravity wells emerging from seemingly nowhere. Their numbers continue to grow at a rapid rate.


    So, I focus all of my perception in that direction now to see what the disturbance might be. My eyes widen as arge demonic rift, over 10 meters high, floating above the desertes into view.


    Many demons with bright red divine cores glowing in their chests step out onto the sand, lighting up the night with their crimson divine light. They''re dressed in full ck armor, long swords and shields in hand, and emit a dangerous and unique aura of killing intent.

 Chapter 665

    I watch dozens of red-cored demons, dressed head to toe in metallic ck armor, step out from the rift. Some carry longswords, others shields, and a few wield axes and hammers.


    Their horns vary in height and length, with colors ranging from ck to brown to red. The exposed skin on some demons shares these color tones. Even their heights and builds differ¡ªsome standing near human height at 2 meters, while others tower up to 5 or even 6 meters tall.


    These are all arch demons, ranging from level 5000 to 9000, and their sharp eyes scan the darkness of night with ease, spreading out in multiple directions.


    The constant flow of red cores halts after about four dozen demons emerge, and then an orange-cored demon steps through.


    It moves forward, raising its arms to begin giving orders to the surrounding demons.


    At such a distance, with the interference of the abyss, the True Core-level fight happening in front of me, and the thousands of kilometers between us, I can only make out a few words.


    "Survey thends, and report back the throne''s approximate opening time!"


    "I want threat levels calcted! This world is located in a 3rd ss Natural Mana Zone. There shouldn''t even be enough mana here to create a fully matured Stage 2byrinth."


    "Scope out potential nearby threats and secure thisnd to begin the base builds!""Lord Vermillion will be expecting your scouting results back in 15 minutes!"


    The demons split into two groups.


    Some spread out to begin surveying the outside of the abyss as it slowly seeps inward toward the tower, while others get into formation and start glowing white and purple.


    At first, my eyes widen as I mistake this purple glow for something simr to the ring I''m wearing, but the longer I look, the more intriguing it bes.


    Their Demon Cores all glow and vibrate with this light purple sensation, and a material emanates from their bodies, giving off the radiation of Qi in the back of my mind, while also simting the sensation I feel when someone uses Soul Energy.


    No mana is being used in these movements, and it clicks in my head what they''re using once the base of a structure begins to form on the desert floor.


    "Demonic Soul Energy..." I whisper to myself.


    It appears that just as mana and Qi canbine to create a far more powerful base, Demonic Energy and Qi can do the same. Demons on this world are usually too weak when they formbyrinth contracts to obtain such a substance, so they''re all mana-based creatures here. Only a small portion are capable of wielding demonic energy through their cores, and even less have ever even seen Qi.


    However, every single one of these demons is using both of thembined, to an exceptional degree. They are the elite force Pluto spoke of seeing when he was young, an army of Demons lead by the Vermillion family called the Red Cored Demonic Knights...


    ¡ª


    As this unfolds in my mind''s eye, the spar between Ember and Abby continues.


    In Ember''s hybrid form, their speed and battle IQ are simr, but it''s clear Ember has far more raw power.


    Even the attacks Abbynds only scratch his natural scaled armor, while Ember''s attacks can''tnd either, as Abby''s body allows them to seep through like nothing.


    Every time her Immortal body is tested, I feel a faint warm ripple of energying from her, hitting me and everything in our surroundings. I''m over a kilometer away, and it is very faint, but I zero in on it with my All-Seeing Eye as the battle goes on and discover that energy is being expended and ejected each time. The exnation for how it works is almost as strange as the pulses from Maria''s core.


    Ember yells again as they both fly back after a rapid series of exchanges.


    "Alright, if I can''tnd a hit on you with this, I''ll be thoroughly impressed!"


    His body glows with a yellow and golden radiance, growing in size.


    The scales multiply, covering the remaining exposed skin, while his wed hands and feet growrger.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    His tail extends and thickens, while above it, two obsidian-ck wings sprout with crimson red undersides.


    His True Core''s silky divine light pulses outward, imbuing his entire form as it grows tens of meters long, giving it a shimmering mythical glow.


    He lets out a roar, emitting the full power of his aura, dominating the battlefield with multiple times the pressure from moments ago.


    Abby remains unaffected, using her second ranked up buff.


    She yells back, "Come at me with everything you''ve got!"


    She deactivates her earth magic and puts away her daggers, focusing purely on defense.


    There were no marks on Ember''s hybrid form, so attempting to attack this form seems pointless. Right now, they''re testing the effectiveness of her Immortal form.


    The two forces move forward, and I watch Ember''s ws move first as he releases a wave of bright divine mes.


    On contact, Abby''s green body ripples, and an even hotter wave of pure mana pulses out. Yet again, she''spletely unscathed from Ember''s full-force direct attack.


    The ck and red dragon''sugh echoes throughout the air as their exchanges continue, with him releasing mes and deadly strikes her way.


    Over two minutes pass with dozens of attacks. Every time Abby tanks the hits, I feel hotter and hotter waves of energy radiating from her body.


    ¡ª


    In my mind''s eye, I continue to watch the demons build their square shaped structure from Demonic Soul Energy, while others circle the abyss.


    I could intervene, but they''re about to hit the apex of their battle, and Abby''s physique is finally reacting to Ember''s blows in a way that''s pushing it to its limit.


    The demons present could be taken out in seconds if I flew over, but I don''t see them as a threat. It''s best not to disturb the flow state of the battle before me.


    The heat waves from their fight grow so intense that I back up another kilometer.


    Meanwhile, some of the red-cored demon scouts report back to their orange-cored leader. I can only make out two of their responses, as the divine radiation interference here grows more intense.


    "Commander! The perimeter is secure¡ªno ascended demonic beasts or humans within 100 kilometers on either side."


    "31 hours¡ªthis is the approximate time of the awakening!"


    The orange-coredmander nods, then turns to walk back through the open rift.


    Less than a minuteter, multiple orange cores emerge from the rift.


    My heart rate speeds up as I see the sheer number of demons with bright orange cores walking out into the desert of the Dark Continent. I count over a dozen, and the hundreds of red-cored demons following them are even more absurd sight.


    Over a dozenmanders begin giving the hundreds of red-cored demons orders, repeating the process of surveying the abyss and building symmetrical bases a few kilometers apart¡ªone for each orange core.


    ¡ª


    I consider breaking the news to the fighters before me, but the heat wavesing off them continue to rise as Abby''s energy form glows brighter with every second.


    Her speed is increasing exponentially, and it feels like she''s converting stagnant energy in her body into a boost for her movement speed.


    As my All-Seeing Eye enhanced vision tracks her, it looks like she''s experiencing a breakthrough, simr to the one I had when fighting Sebastian the True Core. I had strategically selected areas of my greater form to alter its density, erging for higher attack power orpacting for greater speed.


    It seems Abby is doing the same, making portions of her body less immune to attacks where she isn''t being hit, using that energy to propel herself through the air faster.


    ¡ª


    Once the hordes of orange and red cores stop flowing from the rift, six yellow-cored demons walk out next.


    This finally gets my attention, and I open a telepathic link with both Ember and Abby, no longer caring if I break their flow state.


    "We havepany... Demons are emerging from a rift near the abyss-"


    These demons are all level 9000 to 9900, and every single one of them possess enough divine energy to surpass the apex region''s director. Two of them are newly awakened True Cores, while the other four have suchrge yellow cores that it looks like they''re about to copse into True Cores at any moment...


    Instinctively, I activate my greater form, and begin to send a warning through the open telepathy channel to my other teammates, but a seventh demon walks out, and the rift closes behind it.


    I stop before I fully get the message out, as for the first time in a long time, I''m unable to get a reading on a being''s status.


    All thates back are question marks and purple text that makes no sense.


    Another heavy True Core demon emerges from the rift, its gravity signature many timesrger than any True Core I''ve ever seen. The only simr reading I''ve ever felt is the divine mes in central. Its eyes pulsing white and yellow, sending a wave of perception throughout the entire Dark Continent.


    With ites a domineering pressure, and I don''t need to say a word to Abby or Ember¡ªthey feel it too.


    The pulse travels far beyond us, deep into the 8 Great Regions, Raven''s territory, and even further, beyond my senses.


    The demon stands tall, inspecting the structures being built, then orders the yellow cores to construct one of their own.


    This demon stands over 10 meters tall, with bright shimmering red horns jutting from its forehead, jet-ck skin, and obsidian armor that shimmers to match. Its face bears a noble, all-knowing expression.


    Once its subordinates get to work, it stares west, shifting its gaze slightly three times before moving its sight toward the south to look directly at me and send a wave of perceptionced with a nasty aura of intimidation.


    From over 3000 kilometers away, the psychic attack hits me, rattling my entire being.


    My vision blurs for a split second, severing my long range perception and telepathy channels while an intense pain like pins and needles ripples through my body. I feel I''ve just looked into the soul of an evil god of war filled with nothing but bloodlust and ruthless killing intent.


    The cool outer image of the noble demon is very deceiving.


    About 2 secondster, I manage to recover by instantly activating all my buffs, and concentrating on my self regeneration skill to cleanse the dreadful aura from my mind and body.


    However, once my long range vision returns all I see is the demon lose interest and turn away from me to look at the towering throne within the abyss.

 Chapter 666

    "Beckman, you felt that too, didn''t you?"


    Floating above central headquarters, the three strongest True Cored humans on the feel real fear for the first time in decades.


    "I did, Redgrave. The Vermillion Family has returned..."


    Beckman scrolls and taps through his system interface while sweat trickles down his temples.


    ra speaks through the link next.


    "It feels like that True Core has grown stronger since the first visit... That Demon''s Aura made it through the S-Grade Originator Stone Defenses. It''s like he could see right through, as if we''re in a ss room."


    Beckman looks up from his status screen full of numbers.


    "Yes, that wave that hit me was approximately 129% stronger than the strongest attack I felt thest time we met. That is certainly the same Demon, I don''t forget faces."


    There''s silence on the three-way line for a few seconds before augh echoes through from Redgrave''s crystal."We''ve grown stronger too, you know! Three on one should get the job done, don''t you think?"


    His transmission device clicks off, but hisughter continues in private as he begins to dance around and send shimmering yellow divine mes at the inner walls of his room. Voicese out of the transmission tablet left behind on the arm of his throne, the first is from Beckman.


    "That is not part of the n. We shall stay on target and wait one more day. The probability of unnecessary fighting is too high if we approach now."


    ra returns a message.


    "He won''t go unless you give the order, he''s just getting overly excited..."


    A few dozen messages are sent back and forth between the two of them while Redgrave finally begins to calm himself down and walks back to his transmission tablet to hear Beckman''s next words.


    "Yes, that would be best. Awaken the emergency squads. I want bases built as close to the abyss as possible, far away from the Vermillion Family''s forts, and preferably far from the me Emperor''s strongest settlement in Sector 2. Have the yellow cores bring the offering package to their leader, for now; we''re holding true to the pact."


    A satisfied sighes through the channel from Redgrave next.


    "Fine, fine. ra, take care of activating my squad. I don''t want to talk to either of you until we''re actually heading toward the throne."


    There''s an annoyed click of the tongue from ra before she speaks.


    "You know I can''t do that, you need to activate your squad through the designated channel. This is a safety protocol for all of us."


    He grumbles back.


    "Then at least let me take out that pest calling himself the me Emperor on our way over. I want a clear mind before I enter the doors."


    There''s silence on the channel again, but finally Beckman speaks.


    "That shouldn''t be a problem. If the Vermillion Leader hasn''t killed him first, you''re permitted to do as you wish once we make our move. But please, keep the civilian casualties below 1,000,000 if possible this time. We cannot risk losing a portion of central''s poption if there aren''t enough workers left to satisfy the Demons."


    Redgrave grins.


    "Deal."


    Three clicks follow as the transmission tablets all go dark, and many hidden bases deep beneath the divine mes surrounding the city turn their lights on for the first time in decades.


    Hundreds of red-cored elite A-ss hunters open their eyes. Dozens of orange cores and a few yellow cores do the same in silver pods lining the walls of mana and divine energy-rich underground fortresses. They all receive voicemands with specific instructions, preparing them for an event they''ve been waiting for since the Association was founded.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, after shaking off the shock of the Demon''s gaze, I continue sending my distress message to all loyal teammates and high-ranking followers.


    "Be on guard, prepare for war. The Demons have arrived."


    Deep in the heart of a volcano, Raven and Maria open their eyes while cultivating in a solid ck room surrounded by containment cases full of unique looking treasures.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    I send a message directly to them next.


    "Their leader knows we''re here, and they don''t appear to be aggressive, but whatever you''re doing, don''t get too absorbed; I could need backup."


    In the Apex Region, both Rodrigo and Bri get another unique message from me.


    "Our campaign thest two days was a great sess, but I want double¡ªno¡ªquadruple the merchants and hunters in the streets of every major city tomorrow morning spreading the word. Empty the Association''s treasury, promise to power-level hunters to whatever strength they desire, use every trick in the book you can for a final push. I need every link of loyalty I can get."


    Simr messages go out to Chester in Sector 4, and both Monk and Lith in Sector 1. I give an additional warning to Monk to ry to The Saint who is hidden away in the temple, telling him that the final moments are among us, and that the Demons are closest to Sector 1, so be warned.


    The final message is sent straight to Abby and Ember, who pause their battle and return to their base forms.


    Abby uses her restore skill to soothe both of their minor battle fatigue, and Ember returns to his human state while replying to my words of worry.


    "If he wanted you dead, you would be fighting him right now. A warning is good to get everyone ready, but just know an Arch Demon of that caliber can listen in on any telepathy channel they wish. Even now, there is no stopping him from hearing my words."


    My mind''s eye still watches the unbothered Arch Demon stare off at the slowly receding abyss as his workers continue to build their bases.


    Ember speaks again.


    "Worlds like this are resources after all, killing the strongest beings on it would only be a waste for their long-term profits."


    As these words enter my mind, another oddity tickles my senses in one of the furthest points of my mind within the Dark Continent. It is about 800 kilometers from Sra in Sector 4, on the edge of the receding abyss where some of the red-cored demonic knights are beginning to make their way out to.


    My first thought is that it must be another Demonic Rift, as more signatures of Demonic Qi have emerged from seemingly nowhere; however, these thoughts are pushed aside once I see for myself whates out from the ck wall of Demonic Energy.


    Two figures emerge shrouded in darkness, moving quickly toward four red-cored knights that survey thends.


    One of the figures carries a bow, and he blips in and out of sight while sending light purple arrows at the demons'' arms and legs. The obsidian armor is shot through with ease, immobilizing two demons and forcing them to drop their weapons and shields as they lose ess to their limbs.


    A woman follows close behind, sending crescents of what looks to be wind magic imbued with dense purple Demonic Soul Energy.


    These des of wind slice through the armor of the demonic knights that approach, doing the same as the archer, forcing them to the ground in a split second, immobilizing them before they were even spotted.


    The man and woman have bright purple Soul Energy cores in their chests. The archer has an Arch Demon Core that oveps with his Demonic Energy core, but I''m certain they''re not Demons.


    The two of them ce a single hand on the fallen demons and drain their bodies of Demonic Energy in seconds, not killing them, but leaving them powerless in the desert as they creep further along the abyss in the dead of night.


    The corner of my mouth turns upward as Arie and Luna''s name tags within my Rising Emperor''s Domain interfacee back online, shining brightly as the only purple-colored text in my interface.


    I curiously watch as they easily take down five more red-cored demonic knights that followed the scouting squad, and repeat the same process, draining Demonic energy from the immobilized Demons.


    As Arie drains thest drop of Demonic Soul Energy from his prey, he notices an orange-cored knighting their way and whispers to Luna.


    "There''s a far stronger oneing now. We''ll have to fight it together, don''t hold back. It''s using the same odd gravity magic... I think we can take it. This will be our final test, then we''re headed back to the Crimson City to show the others what we found."


    Luna nods, not saying a word, and closes her eyes.


    Secondster, a massive purple eye forms high in the sky above them, and a dozen smaller eyes form all around it, looking as though they''ve been summoned from all kinds of demonic monsters; some resembling snakes, others cats, and some birds.


    They all emit their own purple aura, and cover the distance between them and the approaching Orange-Cored Demon while Arie''s energy form grows in size and six arms emerge from his back to draw back and load three massive bows.


    The Arch Demon that approaches wields a heavy shield and a longsword, and stares at Arie while activating amunication link to his superior.


    "General, we''ve encountered the first threat. They seem to be humanoid Demonic Beasts. Strong ones, they took out seven of our knights. No divine energy is present, but the scent of ascended beasts is all over these two. I''m going to engage, but I''ll need backup."


    There''s a click, and one of the yellow cores sends orders for the requested reinforcements, then turns to their leader and reports the news.


    He replies in an unbothered tone. "Intelligent Ascended Beasts? No¡ªit''s most likely humans that used the throne''s excess radiation as a training ground. Take care of them yourself, I don''t want a single orange core injured."


    "Yes, Sir!"


    The high-level yellow core floats in the air, then heads off in the direction of the disturbance.


    ¨C


    All 13 of Luna''s Eyes simultaneously blink, and at the same time, Arie sends three arrows toward the Orange Core running their way.


    The first white arrow bounces off the tough obsidian armor chestte tethered with orange threads without leaving a mark.


    The second light purple arrow hits the demon in the leg as it curves around its massive shield, and a small fragment of armor is broken off, making the demon misstep.


    Arie grins as he sends his final dark ck and purple arrow toward themander.


    Its core is filled with dense mana, while its outeryer is charged with all of the Demonic Soul Energy that he siphoned out of the Red Cores on his way here. There are leftover red thread residues in this attack, identally strengthening it even further.


    Arie lets go of the arrow, and it twists around the demon''s sword like it has a mind of its own and hits themander right in the arm, shattering its orange-thread-imbued armor and forcing it to drop its sword.


    The 13 eyes above blink three more times, and each time they do, Arie sends out another three shots, hitting the demon''s other three limbs, and immobilizing him on the ground.


    As Luna and Arie move toward their target, a transmission goes off in themander''s helmet.


    "Support is on the way!"


    As the poisonous [Demonic Essence of The Ascended Scorpion]ced within Aries arrows flows through the demon''s body, its eyes are wide open. It can''t speak, move, or even think of the words to reply.


    There is only silence as the 13 eyes above stare down and Arie drains themander''s body dry of Demonic Soul Energy.

 Chapter 667

    Chapter 667


    Four more orange-coredmanders nearby leave their posts, flying through the air just above the desert''s rising and falling dunes toward thest known point of the downed knights and the source of the distress transmission from minutes ago.


    The thirteen monstrous purple eyes floating above the edge of the abyss blink simultaneously again as Luna speaks to Arie, while they run past their previous prey.


    "More of those Orange Demons are on the way, and dozens of reds areing into view. They''re building structures in Sector 1..."


    "Keep sending me their exact locations and weak points. I can handle a few more of them." Arie responds, drawing back more arrows nowced with small threads of orange from thestmander''s core.


    Dozens of rapid-fire shots go off in the dead of night with pinpoint uracy, thanks to the eyes of the chimera above.


    Paralyzing poison spreads through the Demonic Commanders before they even realize they''ve been hit, as Arie uses his Mythic Grade Stealth skill to disappear from their senses and attack from their blind spots.


    "I''m hit¡ª"


    "Need more backup, send¡ªmo¡ª"


    "I can''t see... I can''t move¡ª""General¡ª"


    Bleak messages echo through the transmission device in the general''s helmet on the way as onemander after another is taken out by a mysterious demonic force from the abyss.


    ¡ª


    From afar, I watch as the high-level yellow core bends space around him as he rockets through the air.


    Luna''s eyes in the sky sense it as it approaches, and I watch Arie charge up another set of arrows and let them fly as a long-range attack to test this approaching opponent''s strength.


    The first two bounce off, as expected; however, the third and most powerful arrow, imbued with orange threads from fourmanders, does the same, heading toward the general''s chestte and disintegrating the instant it makes impact.


    Clear shock and awe ripple through the two of them.


    Taking on Demons that are naturally stronger than any humans of the same level is a feat in its own right.


    They''ve even faced Demons with Divine Energy of the second rank, the orange core, without forming their own divine cores.


    They''ve grown incredibly strong, but taking on a Demon on the verge of transitioning to a True Core without any divine energy would be absurd.


    My gaze tracks the surrounding desert area to pinpoint dungeons I could teleport to in order to intervene, but the General has its sights set on them, and their impact time will be well before I can get between them.


    The closest dungeon point I could ess is still hundreds of kilometers away.


    My gaze shifts to the Vermillion family head, but he still just stares at the throne, uninterested in the battle.


    Then, I take a deep breath and open up a telepathy channel between myself, Arie, and Luna while pressing a few buttons on my system interface.


    "Wee back, you two. Don''t go getting yourselves killed on the day you finally decide to return."


    I add Arie as the third General and send a message to him as he pulls back three more arrows, and the yellow-glowing Demon draws its sword back, preparing a long-range attack to take the two of them out in a single strike.


    "Open up your status before you take the shot. I got you aing-home present."


    Arie''s eyes widen at the long-range telepathy channel from me, one of thest things he expected in the moment, but he mentally checks his status, struck with even more surprise.


    His expression turns focused and calcted momentster, and the Demon that approaches sends a crescent of dense Demonic Soul Energy tethered with yellow divine threads their way.


    It carves out the desert on all sides, leaving a hole hundreds of meters deep from its aura alone as it gets too close to the ground.


    Luna''s eyes blink, then disappear, but Arie grins and speaks out loud.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Stand behind me; don''t worry, I''ve got this..."


    His base stats rise as 1% of over 6.2 million links of loyalty flood into his system, and his greater archer form naturally growsrger.


    The General sends a transmission back to his leader right after he swings.


    "They''re taken care of, as requested. We''ve lost fourmanders, though, it will¡ª"


    But he stops mid-sentence as Arie''s aura expands and erupts with a deadly pressure hundreds of times stronger than it was seconds ago.


    He releases all three of his arrows in a single shot, the two weaker white and purple ones spinning in front of the darker shot as they collide with the Demon''s sh.


    The night sky lights up in a purple and yellow sh as massive amounts of desert are decimated, and the two front arrows explode, splitting and weakening the demonic sh.


    Two halves of the attack separate to opposite sides of the Archer and the Wind Mage, carving out the desert and leaving them on a small elevated level of sand while Arie''s final arrow, shrouded in darkness and concealed by his stealth skill, rips through the open air.


    There''s a second explosion of light and divine radiation as it hits the Demon''s chestte right where hisst attack did, but this time shattering it to pieces and piercing through, spreading the strongest dose of an Ascended Demon Scorpion''s Poisonous Essence through its bloodstream in an instant.


    ¡ª


    While in any other circumstance, I would be happy about this oue, there is arge looming fear that makes me yell through our link.


    "Now fall back! You have no idea what you''re dealing with here... That Demon is child''s ypared to what you''re walking into right now. Do not even stop to drain its Soul Energy. Run!"


    As these words enter their minds, the air pressure through the entire Dark Continent shifts, and a dreadful demonic voice replies, forcefully adding itself to our link.


    "Don''t think you can kill my men and leave so easily..."


    The Vermillion Family head disappears into thin air, traveling hundreds of kilometers before I can even blink, reappearing above the fallen general right in front of Arie.


    I instantly reply.


    "They''re not dead... Let''s settle this before we do something impossible to take back. "


    The Demon shifts its gaze toward me, still thousands of kilometers away, and sends another wave of intimidation just like before.


    "You have no right to negotiate. Die, human."


    This time, I''m prepared to receive it, activating my power-borrowing perk from my rising emperor''s domain, and pull 5% without thinking twice, drawing tens of millions of stat points per stat in an instant, taking the mental attack on without batting an eye.


    Ember''s stats and mana control rocket upward as well, thanks to our link, and Abby reactivates her Immortal form to withstand the new mana control aura sting out of me, making the air and desert below vibrate for hundreds of kilometers without even sending out an attack.


    The Demon''s gaze tightens, and I feel it send another burst my way, this one even stronger than before.


    My initial instincts are surprise mixed with fear, as the realization dawns that this Demon was still holding back.


    I pull another 5% of stats, increasing the total amount borrowed to 10%, and when this second wave hits me, I''m d I did so.


    My head rings and pounds as pins and needles fill all my senses, but I stare forward without moving a muscle.


    I get ready to steal every single stat avable, but the Demon grins, showing me his sharp white teeth¡ªthe first bit of emotion I''ve seen out of this noble entity that isn''t dread or anger.


    He looks toward Arie and Luna, then back to me, sending a message in the same dreadful tone.


    "Five minutes. I want all my men in the same condition you met them, back up and working, and we''re even. You''re not as weak as I thought. You will be useful once this world is mine. It would be a shame to kill a powerful soldier."


    As these words enter my mind, I''m temporarily put at ease, allowing me to use my full perception to focus only on the situation at hand, and I realize that the 10% of stats and mana control I''ve taken has led to catastrophic events.


    For over 500 km in every direction from me, a domineering aura radiates, that would easily knock out any yellow core.


    Even in the Crimson City, over 2,000 kilometers away, and in the 8 Great Regions, over 5,000 kilometers away, a heavy pressure is felt, and many weaker hunters feel light-headed, while others are woken up in the dead of night by the eerie sensation of killing intent. Everyone on this side of the world holds their breath, realizing something big is happening.


    It''s mostly directed forward at the Demon, but others are caught in the crossfire without me even realizing it.


    Ember suppresses his aura, shielding Abby, as even in her Immortal form, it''s quite dangerous to be this close to me right now.


    My eyes widen, and I force my aura to retreat behind my purple barrier, allowing everyone to breathe.


    Then I send a message back.


    "We''ll get it done."


    The Demon disappears, then reappears back in his original spot in front of the other yellow cores, crosses his arms, and looks at the throne with an unbothered gaze, but sends me a private word of warning.


    "You and I both know if we fought here, no one would survive. This small world cannot handle it. As much as I want to put you in your ce, it would cost me 60 million humans in the process. Let us save this dispute for inside the throne¡ªassuming that Redgrave fellow doesn''t kill you first. Thirty hours remain."


    He forcefully severs the link and stares ahead.


    I want to ask him what he meant by thatst statement about one of the big three, but his mind is an unbreakable fortress that I can''t breach to ask.


    So my attention shifts elsewhere, thinking about the area my aura just reached, affecting millions of people, and the fact that I could still increase it by taking 20% more stats if I wanted. Then, I picture what an attack using that kind of power would produce...


    It leads me to think about whether or not that Demon was even using its full power, and I lean toward no because of the fact that I still couldn''t get a single reading on its status while borrowing 10%.


    Before I can think any further, messages from alliese streaming into my head from all over the nations as they felt that wave.


    I block them all out and send messages to Arie, Luna, Abby, and Ember.


    "This isn''t the wee back party I expected to host for you two, but at least it''s interesting. Five minutes to heal them, here''s the n¡ª"


    I exin the n while airstepping over to Ember, powering down to my base form but keeping all my borrowed stats, and hopping on his back.


    Abby gets on behind me and holds on tight while the purple barrier envelops us both.


    With a p of Ember''s wings, we fly toward the Abyss.

 Chapter 668

    With 10% of borrowed stats coursing through Ember, we fly through the desert faster than I''ve ever traveled, making it to the center of the dark continent in under a minute;ing to a halt right above the crater made by Arie and the Demon General''s sh.


    Ember reverts to his human form, and we float down to begin restoring the immobilized demons scattered across the desert.


    Green restoration circles powered by 1% borrowed stats and Abby''s yellow divine threads form beneath the paralyzed and dying demonic soldiers, neutralizing the poison and healing the lost limbs of some of the knights Luna sliced through.


    I follow behind Abby, pulling out Qi crystals that I farmed from the desert floor below Palmyra, using my True Core''s divine energy maniption ability to crush the white energy into a digestible microscopic mist, and streamlining pure Qi into their cores.


    For the orange-coredmanders, I pull a few orange divine fragments out, careful not to identally inject any of my own yellow thread into their bodies, and use red fragments to do the same with the knights.


    All of the demons stand to their feet once we''re done, and I hear a telepathy channel open for all of them; their leader is letting me in to hear their orders.


    "Stand down, men. You may do what you wish with them once I enter the throne. For now, we do not engage."


    The link is severed, and all of the demons leave without saying a word.


    The yellow-core General gives Arie a re as he leaves, but the others are shaken and keep their heads down.I float over to Arie and Luna next, a smile across my face, and Arie speaks aloud.


    "Sorry to put you in this position. I didn''t know there would be¡ª"


    I shake my head and extend a hand.


    "Don''t worry about it; your stunt actually gave me the perfect moment to talk to their leader. It might have been much worse if I was the one to make the first move."


    We shake hands, and I speak again, ncing over at Luna standing behind him.


    "d to have you back, and I''m also d I got the chance to see you two in real action. You''ve grown strong."


    Ember and Abby float down to greet them next, and we have a brief reunion, interrupted by more telepathic messages from across the 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent¡ªas people still worried about the aura I released moments ago.


    I quickly respond now that their lives aren''t in danger of the head Demon''s wrath.


    "Meet me above the Crimson Dome. It''s not an emergency; don''t be frightened by the aura I just released. This will be quick but necessary. There''s someone I want to wee back and an update to the iing battle n."


    ---


    As requested, all notable figurese to the Crimson City.


    Bri, Rodrigo, Maria, Raven, Monk, The Saint, Lith, Chester, Abby, Ember, Luna, and Arie all float before me in the air above the red dome in the dark desert.


    Lydia and Fisher even emerge from the bunker for a few minutes to listen in, and I invite the dozens of high-level members of the Crimson Army to partake in this briefing as well.


    We start by gettingfortable with the familiar faces here. Many reunite with Luna and Arie, while others like Bri, Chester, and Lith reconnect after years apart in the trade scene, even before they met me.


    I quietly wait for everyone to getfortable, scanning the crowd repeatedly, checking my status to see links of loyalty rise, using my all-seeing eye to monitor everything within a 5,000 km radius. Part of my mind keeps examining the interesting new gear Maria is wearing, from which I can''t get a status reading, all while thinking carefully about the next words out of my mouth.


    "Less than 30 hours remain... The first threat has shown its face, but we''re at a stalemate until the Abysspletely recedes..."


    I tell everyone here everything I know about the Big Three and the Demons, leaving out one small detail about my arrangement with the Demon in the Crimson City Labyrinth.


    Many eyes widen, hearing for the first time about Divine Energy, a Demonic Realm, or even the Association being run by pseudo-gods who believe they can take over the world because they''ve been in control for hundreds of years.


    Many of my closer teammates are already aware of this, but they patiently wait for the crowd to calm down and let this information sink in.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I speak up next with a grin.


    "Many of you here were fighting right by my side when this city was founded, in the battle against the Dark One. You all trusted me and fought with your lives on the line, and now I''m asking you to do it again."


    As these words leave my lips, I sense hundreds more forces gravitating toward the Abyss.


    It seems to be a simrly sized force as the demons: hundreds of red cores, dozens of oranges, and a handful of yellow cores, all wearing Central Association logos.


    Their trajectory isn''t aimed at us; it''s directed toward the opennd in Sectors 3 and 4.


    The only others who can detect this are Ember and Raven, so I send a private message to them to check it out and not engage unless necessary while I continue my briefing.


    "There will be two other elite forces, possiblyrger than our own, in this fight. One will consist of demons, and the other of humans just like us. Our goal isn''t to kill everyone who shows up, as no sides have attacked anyone yet. But they are on ournd... and while I sort things out with their leaders, there''s a very good chance a battlerger than any one fought before in history will break loose. There is a high chance this will go down as the Second Great War."


    I let out a sigh while continuing to watch the troops of Association soldiers in my mind''s eye peacefully float across the sky over the 8 Great Regions.


    "If they attack you, or a single citizen, do not hold back and have no mercy. It might be in an hour, 12 hours, 30 hours, or more... but get ready for war. This time, it isn''t just to save a city; the entire world is on the line."


    There''s tension in the air as thesest words hang, and many people in the Crimson Army begin asking questions one by one. I answer them without holding anything back over the next few hours.


    ---


    The sun rises, and we''ve made no contact with the Association''s troops.


    They establish two separate bases near the Abyss, mimicking the demons'' setup, avoiding Sector 2 as if ordered to steer clear of us.


    Everyone in my inner circle, the Dark Continent leaders who will be up close on this matter, and the strongest Crimson Army fighters now know everything about the impending war and are ready to put their lives on the line the second I say the word.


    Everyone returns to their posts to continue their day, but I stay floating above the Crimson Dome, staring toward the Abyss, anticipation filling my mind.


    It''s the calm before the storm, eating away at me from the inside out.


    The only thing I want to do right now is start the fight, or at the very least; know who exactly I''ll be fighting.


    Or, if I''ll be fighting anyone at all...


    Arie and Luna talk with Monk and The Saint, led by Lith to teleport them back to Sector 1 to inspect some Originator Artifacts Arie had in his item box from their hometown.


    He took them out after my speech to show us, and I recognized letters simr to those in the Tomb of Atom, seeing phrases like "A Realm Beyond" and "Energy of the Gods," but there''s nothing new I don''t already know.


    Raven and Maria return to cultivating inside her volcano fortress, while Abby, Lydia, and Fisher head back to the bunker to use as much of the remaining yellow threads as possible in the time we have left.


    Chester looks around the Crimson City, Bri and Rodrigo return to the Apex Region, emptying all the gold and mana from the treasuries to spread word of the me Emperor''s loyalty link and its benefits.


    By midday, I hear a notification as I hit 10 million links, but I hardly look at the status message for more than a minute all day as my mind is elsewhere.


    ---


    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [10,014,679/10,000,000 Links of Loyalty Created]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Rising Emperor''s Expansion]


    Info:


    All 5 Generals may select 2manders and share 50% of their total (Currently 1%) borrowed stats. Each Commander may take up to 25% max.


    The caster may borrow 5% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from Party Members under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor. Additionally, 5% of the caster''s Base Stat Points and Mana Control may be temporarily distributed to any Party Members under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk are not required to be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    This buff stacks with the [Dominance] perk, [Authority] perk, [Power Holder] perk, and [Ruler''s Gaze] perk if used simultaneously.


    ---


    Now, I have up to 35% of stats avable to me, and the Generals are able to share half of the 1% they''re borrowing with any two people they appoint asmanders.


    I beam this information to Maria, Arie, and Abby, but continue to stare off into the open desert, my heart pounding.


    Two slots remain, but something in the back of my mind intuitively makes me hold off and not fill them just yet.


    The hot sun makes the air bend on the horizon, but my All-Seeing Eye still sees everything crystal clear.


    Ember floats beside me in silence, and the citizens of the Crimson City go on with their daily lives as though nothing is happening.


    Across the world, everything seems normal.


    Even after my announcements in capital cities, asking for support and basically telling the nation a war is near, there are smiles everywhere¡ªgroceries and toys being bought, friends going out for drinks, even local newspapers still running their routes.


    One in every five people has given a loyalty link to me, and the word keeps spreading. Some even mention a strange feeling that they felt in the night during a family walk in the park or as others eat ate breakfast together after a long night out partying.


    The world is about to end or be saved within the next 24 hours, but only those with the power to grasp the enormity of this threat seem to care.


    People are especially carefree in the Dark Continent, where new rulers, lords, and ck market dealers constantly shift control, people just follow the continuously changing rules to support themselves or their families.


    No one understands that this time is different.


    I continue listening to my heartbeat as I watch the nation''s day unfold, the Abyss receding faster toward the ck tower at its center.


    The Vermillion Family head watches silently too.


    Even the Association''s team remains in their structures, unmoving at their stations.


    The world goes on, even as the sun sets and the final hours draw near. Everyone who will soon fight for control stand still in their bases, waiting for the throne to awaken or for someone to make the first move.


    The Crimson Army, Luna, Arie, and all fighters in the Inner Circle who wield Divine Energy regroup above the Crimson Dome onest time to make ns to head toward the center of the continent.


    While I make up my mind on the next order I''ll make, the Demon''sst words to me still linger in the back of my mind. It was a warning that he''ll deal with our dispute inside the throne, as long as Redgrave doesn''t get to me first.

 Chapter 669

    Everyone stands before me in newly upgraded gear.


    Many spent yesterday farming for MCP using my absorption skill in the higher floors of thebyrinth, crafting the highest-grade blood-bonded armor they could with A-Grade loot, while others rested and waited for these final hours to draw near.


    While there are thousands of C and B-grade hunters around the 8 Great Regions and the Dark Continent who would happily put their lives on the line if I had their regional directors give the order, it is best that an elite squad fights on the front lines.


    The weakest troops from the Central Association and the demonic army have red divine cores; only the Crimson Army and the Inner Circle can handle forces like these. Even Bri and Rodrigo stay behind in the Apex Capital with the A-ss hunters for now, continuing to spread the word.


    Having semi-powerful, well-known figures in the public eye bringing me more stats to draw from is a battle of its own.


    "The war shall begin when the sun rises. Be ready for anything... Anyst questions?"


    No one speaks, all wearing serious expressions, as the details of our mission were made clear yesterday.


    "Good, let''s move out."


    With myself and Ember leading our army; Abby, Maria, Raven, and Arie follow close behind.Luna follows Arie, while Fisher and Lydia walk beside her.


    Monk and the Saint, along with his two orange-cored disciples, follow behind them.


    Finally, the Elemental Captains lead three squads of Crimson Army troops.


    Our aura lights up the night.


    Everyone here has been power-leveled above level 7000 and have mana control far beyond their level. All their skills are fully upgraded and they''re stacked head to toe with high quality A-grade gear.


    We have 3 True Cores, 3 Yellow Cores, 2 Orange Cores halfway to Yellow, 2 Newly Awakened Orange Cores, 2 Demonic Soul energy wielders, and 3 dozen elite soldiers wielding elemental energy with mana control far stronger than the perks a mere red-core Demonic Knight has.


    Above and below, two of my body doubles float with us in stealth mode, and one trails behind us a few kilometers as well.


    Our force is less than 25% the size of either of the other two forces we''re going against, but with over 15.6 million links of loyalty at my disposal, the number ticking upward every second, I feel both nerves, confidence, and excitement flowing through my body.


    We all stop and float down to the desert floor at the edge of the Abyss, now less than 50 kilometers from the base of the tower.


    To our north in Sector 1, the Demon''s troops have begun moving into their own formation, following their Commanders and Generals as they move toward the Abyss just like us.


    To the west in Sector 3, and to the northwest in Sector 4, forces of about 100 troops each move inward toward the Abyss as well.


    The Vermillion Family Demon still stays behind a few hundred kilometers away, silently watching the tower, but I vividly remember the speed at which he traveled over to Arie not too long ago and know he could be with his troops in the blink of an eye if he wished.


    With his words of wanting to settle our dispute within the throne, all I do now is size up the armies left behind and feel confident my teammates can handle it.


    The only thing that irks me as we wait in the silence of night is the fact that the Big Three are nowhere to be seen.


    Not even a word of them is mentioned by the troops left behind, and I don''t get a single reading of them anywhere within thousands of kilometers.


    Again, as the world sleeps calmly as if this is nothing but another day, three armies stand at a stalemate, waiting for the darkness topletely recede back into the ck tower that reaches high into the sky.


    ¨C


    I constantly scan the surrounding desert, and we slowly move our formation forward, spreading out to cover a few kilometers while following the Abyss as it moves closer to the ck tower.


    My All-Seeing Eye even scans the tower from time to time, but all I get back is a blinding silver light, simr to the golden glow I felt during my conversations with Ember.


    Even the Abyss itself is filled with dense radiation, like intense, invisible gravity waves simr to the time I flew in the sky above the abyss attempting to see the throne up close for the first time.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    It recedes at the same rate as the ck fog, allowing us to get closer, and the sounds of demonic beasts within the Abyss fighting and dying can be heard with my enhanced senses, but their bodies and energy are absorbed by the dense fog as it continues to retract.


    ¨C


    The sun begins to rise, and all of the forces surrounding the tower are less than a kilometer away from its base.


    Now the pressureing off the tower does not retract any further, but the ck fog continues to do so.


    "Halt... We shall wait here until the throne awakens or another army makes their move..."


    So much about this massive divine artifact is still a mystery to me.


    I know there are trials within, it is a device used to help Demons ascend to be Lords or green cores, and it can be used to take control of a world. But my mind races, wondering what exactly will happen once this fog disappears and the throne awakens.


    The only ones who truly know seem to be the Vermillion Family Demon and Ember standing by my side. I won''t be getting answers out of either of them, so all I can do is wait and prepare for the worst.


    ¨C


    It feels like hours pass when in reality it''s just minutes, and the morning sun slowly heats up the desert while the final bits of dark demonic energy disappear into the bottom of the tower, making a clear view of the open desert sand from where we stand to the base of the smooth ck curved wall.


    All I can hear is my heartbeat and everyone''s breaths around me as we wait for something to happen.


    The tower is tens of kilometers wide, and each army stands on opposite sides a kilometer away from the base, no more than a dozen kilometers away from each other, but no one moving a muscle.


    I feel the ground vibrate first, but still no one moves.


    Then the vibrations cease, and the tower before us vibrates, sending out a low hum that grows louder and louder until the entire structure starts to glow with silver divine light.


    It shes, and a pulse of energy moves outward like a wave, flying through all of us; eerily simr to the surges I''ve felt before, but hundreds of times stronger.


    It doesn''t hurt or do any physical damage to the surroundings, but I''m certain dungeons will be breaking all over the globe as this wave travels further.


    The visible silver light of the tower fades back to ck, and in my vision, I watch the Vermillion Demon disappear, reappearing in front of his troops with the corners of his lips curling upward.


    I send a telepathic message to everyone on the battlefield while pulling out my fire and dark swords.


    "Get ready for anything... It''s happening now..."


    At the same time, from the west, three wells of gravity, hundreds of times stronger than any True Core I''ve ever felt,e rocketing our way from Central Headquarters at hundreds of kilometers per second.


    The ground vibrates again, and the tower lights up with its silver glow a second time, sending another surge throughout the entire world, then fading back to ck.


    This time, the smooth tower walls aren''t the same as they were moments ago...


    In front of me, there is an outline of an archway many kilometers high and wide, and the sliver of space that leads to the inside of the tower glows with the same silver light.


    My All-Seeing Eye finds three more archways that look exactly the same in front of each of the armies that seek to enter.


    I watch the Demon''s Leader take a step forward, then point a finger and open a Demonic Rift right beside himself.


    An enormous ck dragon with a dark purple underside steps out onto the sand, its True Core visible in its chest, but its pressure and presence are concealed just like the demon it stands beside blocking me from reading its true strength or status.


    The approaching forces from Central veer off in three different directions.


    Two head toward their armies waiting to greet them, while one of the wells of massive divine energy turns toe right toward me.


    The ground vibrates more than it ever has before, and the entire tower shes with silver light, blinding the entire Dark Continent and sending out a catastrophic surge.


    When the silver light fades, the entire tower returns to ck, save for the four arched doorways left behind.


    Now there is no ck door blocking the entry; it is an open silver divine portal leading into the tower.


    The Vermillion Demon disappears, and his dragon does too, but the sand is disrupted beneath his flight path as they st forward, flying straight into the silver light without hesitation.


    Half of the Demons turn to their right, and half turn to their left, holding up their weapons and letting out an immense aura ready for war.


    I take a deep breath, turn to Ember, and activate my greater form while he fully transforms into his dragon form.


    Then, send a final wave of telepathy to everyone behind me.


    "I''ll do my job inside the tower, and you do yours out here. Let''s save the world."


    We st forward through the dense gravity surrounding the throne, and I borrow 5% of stats from everyone that isn''t on the battlefield now, boosting our speed to travel faster than I''ve ever moved before.


    At the same time, I watch a blue, yellow, and white blur of light fall from the sky and enter the Central Headquarters doorway in Sector 3. My perception picks up the image of a muscr woman riding a 30-meter-long white serpent, but there is so much divine radiation in the air, it''s hard to see it clearly.


    Then, in the doorway facing Sector 4, a ck, yellow, and white light rockets toward that door. I can see a slim man in nothing but a ck suit riding an armored ck horse, but the aura I receive when peering at him for too long is eerie, like a bad dream.


    Finally, a yellow and red ball of divine energyes down from the sky, aiming right for the doorway that Ember and I are flying toward.


    It is a tall, muscr man with red hair and a matching beard, riding a massive hound with vicious eyes and a glowing cor matching the intensity of his True Core.


    ra and Beckman enter the doors in Sectors 3 and 4 at the exact same moment that Ember and I touch the silver door just above the desert floor.


    However, the ming man in the sky makes contact with the silver portal about a kilometer overhead, yelling aloud for all to hear.


    "The time hase! The world is truly at my fingertips!"


    He pulls a long ming yellow sword from a sheath by his side and points it downward, making eye contact with me and yelling again while both of us phase through the silver portal.


    "me Emperor, I''ve been waiting for you too. You''ll be my first battle to celebrateing out of retirement. I''ll warm up by killing you before the first trial even begins!"


    We all disappear into the throne and a fourth and final surge of silver light shes from the entire tower before the portal-like doors fade and it returns to ck.

 Chapter 670

    Chapter 670


    My vision and senses are filled with a pure silver light and a high-pitched ringing once my full greater form phases through the throne''s open door.


    It feels warm and hot at the same time, simr to a far superior aura of perception moving through me, and it easily bypasses the purple barrier surrounding me like it''s not even there.


    Once the sh of silver ceases, my vision goes ck.


    I expect my senses to go dark as well, but instead, they feel heightened.


    The outside world is stillpletely visible to me, in crystal clear rity...


    In fact, it''s even better than it was before. My perception is being effortlessly boosted without me having to even use any additional mana.


    The Dark Continent and the 8 Great Regions aren''t the only things I can see and feel. The vast ocean separating this Nation from Central to the west bes visible to my senses with ease, and I can see every single human in Central Headquarters above the ming mountain.


    Not only that, I can see even further than I''ve ever traveled before, to the east, north, and south as well.


    Hundreds of Nations housing tens of millions of citizens each all over the world show up in my senses.Not many of them even have A-ss hunters, and even fewer have any divine core holders, as they are not the main powerhouses of the world; but it opens my eyes to the vastness of the world beyond what I''ve traveled, and the lives of innocent, unaware citizens that I''ll be fighting for today.


    Not only can I feel everywhere the throne''s surges have touched, but my senses inside the tower have heightened as well. Ember by my side shows up in my senses in pristine detail, and I can feel the presence of two True Core Monsters above me, entering the tower as well.


    I feel the walls of the room I''ve been transported into, over 10 kilometers high and nearly 30 kilometers wide and long; however, I can''t sense ra, Beckman, or the Demon that entered the tower at all...


    Redgrave and the ming hound he rides one into full view about a kilometer overhead, and their levels and status beam into my mind, burning with yellow divine light.


    A bright [Lv. 19440] hits my senses from both of them, telling me they must be soul-bonded entities. Over a dozen armor and gear pieces stack all over his body with maxed-out 5-category stat buffs ranging from +1000-2000% each.


    He still points his ming yellow de down at me, and I see [Fire Summoning][Supreme Grade] on both his and his beast''s status while he fully releases his aura to light up the dark room we''ve been transported into.


    "Time to die, me Emperor! I am the strongest Divine Fire User on this! There can only be one!"


    The man''s golden armor amplifies his mes, and the hound''s color glows bright while it too explodes with a murderous aura even stronger than the intimidation attacks I felt from the Demon that engaged with me in the desert.


    His whole body pulses and expands, creating a massive yellow-white ming greater form that amplifies his aura by multiple times yet again.


    My eyes widen, and I don''t hesitate to pull a full 32% of stats from 17.7 million Links of loyalty to boost both mine and Ember''s strength to withstand the wave of mesing our way.


    I don''t pull from anyone on the battlefield and leave the 3% avable for Maria, Arie, and Abby to pull from as I assume they will be having battles of their own.


    While they are all strong, the amount of usable stats I would gain from them is minusculepared to the ringing notifications in my head from the massive stat gains I get from my links all over the Nation.


    [+509,760,277 Strength]


    [+551,023,950 Mental Strength]


    [+496,654,239 Defense]


    [+510,020,524 Speed]


    [+499,160,400 Agility]


    The borrowed MCP surges into the hundreds of trillions as well. It helps, but the power of massive stat boosts, raising my base stats by thousands of times their natural limit, is what really makes up the difference.


    When the immense wall of yellow ming aura ripples off my enemies, it isbated with a strong aura of my own, making an ear-piercing static crashing sound that makes it feel like reality itself is bending and breaking between the auras that sh.


    My aura mimics that of Maria''s when we were testing out her powers for the first time, skewing dark crimson in color as there is more mana and soul energy flooding out from me than my True Core''s threads can even handle tethering to.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    The dark red and yellow mes colliding light up the entire ck room, and at the back of it, a 5-kilometer-tall statue of a silver demon with 3 eyes and 9 arms guards the archway of a door that looks very simr to the one we just entered.


    As our auras collide, a voice rings out in my inner ear that sounds very simr to a system notification but with a more ancient and echoing tone.


    Silver letters appear in my mind as it speaks, and from the widened eyes and change in heart rate of Redgrave, Ember, and the ming hound; it''s clear they can see the message as well.


    [One Soul-Bonded Pair Per Door Is Permitted. The Trials Will Begin Once One Challenger Remains.]


    All three eyes on the Demonic Statue at the back of the massive room glow bright silver, and my vision and senses are blinded again.


    Once the light and ringing fade, I witness the entire room start to shift and morph before my eyes.


    The jet ck ceiling turns into a red sky, and the floor below us morphs and shifts into a dark ck rocky terrain where spikes and pirs of stone shoot upward, ranging from a few hundred meters up to kilometers high and thick.


    [Sudden Death Match Has Begun.] Echoes throughout our minds again as the room turns into a massive battlefield with open areas and strategically ced mazes and underground hiding spots, making this look like a natural canyon or dungeon I''d find in the outside world.


    All of the terrain is made of silver divine threads; it feels very simr to when I looked into the inner makeup of Celia''s purple divine construct.


    The only thing that doesn''t change from the original room is the 9-armed silver demonic statue at the back in front of the doorway watching it all.


    No other sound or ancient system notification follows, all that I hear is the maniacalughter of Redgrave, who now floats on the opposite side of the room.


    He sends two massive crescents of yellow fire straight at the ceiling and yells out loud again.


    "This is great! You''re actually not that weak! This will be fun! Yes, very fun indeed!"


    He twists his body around in circles, like he''s dancing, and sends another wave of yellow mes in a seemingly random direction, while his fiery hound locks eyes with us and opens its mouth to send a pir of mes our way.


    The fire escaping these two is easily three times as strong as the fire that circled the central capital.


    I grip my ming sword and dark magic de and yell as the pir of divine firees toward us while Redgrave''sst attacks m against the red sky above and spread all throughout the outer walls of the room.


    "I expected this level of strength at least, but this guy is crazy! An absolute lunatic..."


    I propel myself upward to dodge the iing mes, while Ember ps his wings to stay eye level with the hound, sending me a telepathy message.


    "This is a good warmup for us too. I''ll take the pup; you handle the old man."


    Ember bursts into a massive ball of fire while I fly upward and begin weaving through the ck pirs of artificial rocky terrain to hover in front of the red-haired madman thatughs and throws more and more yellow fire at the ceiling above.


    However, the instant I get to eye level with him, his aura and demeanorpletely shift, and he kicks off with a cold and callous stare, charging his de with an immense amount of Divine Energy that seems to endlessly pour out from his True Core, which trumps mine in size by over 5x the diameter.


    I tighten my gaze as well, channeling every drop of Soul Energy and spare divine threads into my weapons, kicking off the air and activating the hexagonal shielding True Core Trait to add even more protection and power into my dual sword strike.


    At the top of the room, my dense crimson mes collide with his sharp yellow fire.


    Our auras sh again, but this time with far more intensity as we''re both sending out our most powerful attacks.


    His yellow de collides with the hexagon in front of both of my des at the same time that Ember sends a glistening clear soul-energy fire that flows like liquid from his mouth, tethered with True Core strands and an absurd amount of Mana.


    Our attacks collide at the same time, sending two shockwaves through the top and bottom of the battlefield on impact.


    A collision like this would have easily decimated the entire Dark Continent in seconds, but nothing within the tower changes at all.


    The Silver Demonic Statue watches without moving, and the pirs of stone at varying sizes and heights all around withstand the st and don''t budge at all.


    The two streams of mes below stay pushing against each other at seemingly equal strength, while my hexagon of pure divine energy blocks Redgrave''s iing divine sword.


    I can see his face, bright white smile, and crazy wide eyes close up and personal now.


    His de is stopped in mid-air, just meters away from me, but it is still moving forward at a slow rate.


    His bellowingugh echoes through the room again while his mes burn brighter and brighter yellow as energy surges out from his core to power his de.


    In the next moment, his de breaks through the defensive barrier, shattering it and letting the full power of his initial attack be released against my two swords.


    I''m pushed back the instant they''re hit, and I feel his sun-hot de piercing into the two blood-bonded weapons in my greater form''s grasp like they''re butter.


    It''s like he''s wielding his True Core in his hands and swinging it toward me. Despite all the power at my fingertips, he still follows through and sends me flying backward 15 kilometers in the blink of an eye to m against the back wall of the room.


    I cough up blood while my vision blurs for a moment. His echoingughter rings throughout the room, and he goes back to sending seemingly random ming crescents of divine fire all over the ceiling.


    "That was everything I had... I need to somehow step it up another notch..." I mutter to myself while shaking myself out of the brutal impact with the solid wall and bringing my des up in front of me again to focus my blurry vision.


    As soon as my full perceptiones back to reality to look at the de marks in my damaged swords, I concentrate my full power into self-regeneration to slowly heal them.


    The ringing in my ears finally stops as I grit my teeth and watch Ember fend off the hound below. Their initial attacks looked equal, but the overwhelming raw power of the fiery animal''s yellow divine mes is beginning to push the Soul Energy burst from Ember back.


    I have confidence that Ember can use his trump card to get out of this situation whenever he wishes, there is only one enemy I need to keep my eye on.


    My gaze tightens on the maniac dancing in the air, and the ck originator cube that rotates around mees into my peripherals making its usual rounds. However, this time it blinks with divine energy for the first time since I found it in its tomb.

 Chapter 671

    Chapter 671


    I watch the ck cube that Ember called an amplifier pulse with yellow and white light, moving for the first time since I found it underground in its tomb.


    The static noise of a telepathy channel between myself and the cube flickers in my mind, but the glow fades, and the channel severs less than a secondter.


    I yell at it as the temperature in the room rises, and the ming attacks Redgrave throws at the ceiling wrap around the room''s outside ande my way at the outer wall.


    "Atom? What was that? Now would be the time to show yourself!"


    I tap the cube with my outstretched sword, but it just bounces off and rotates in the opposite direction like before.


    I grit my teeth and fly forward before the wall of iing mes from above hits me, charging up my restored blood-bonded weapons again, wracking my brain for new ideas because whatever just happened with the amplifier isn''t within my control.


    My sudden movements snap Redgrave out of his manic dances, and his expression turns cold and focused once again.


    A streak of divine mes rockets my way, so I do the only thing I can and form my hexagonal defenses again, swinging both my swords at full power to block his strike.


    My only option is to block. His speed and raw True Core power are far stronger than my own.My perception and agility are my only advantage, and all that''s good for is finding the optimal path to avoid a fatal blow.


    Another shockwave of dark red and bright yellow mes erupts through the room''s top as my defensive barrier shatters like ss, and both my swords are dug into by his sun-hot de.


    It''s overwhelmingly powerful, like another True Core is grasped in his hands. I can''t even use my appraisal skill to understand what the weapon is; it just looks and feels like another entity. If I didn''t have to worry about it slicing me in half, I could probably counter andnd a hit...


    These thoughts race through my mind as the st from our exchange sends me rocketing back again, mming against the ck wall just a few kilometers to the left of where I hit before.


    It isn''t any less painful when my vision blurs as I take the impact and hear Redgrave''s echoingughter in my mind again while he dances around the room, now weaving between the tallest pir of artificial stone.


    "Two hits and you''re still alive? Now this is good!"


    He yells,ing my way before I can fully heal my des.


    I jump off the wall, and in a sh of yellow light, he''s curved around a ck pir to appear right beside me again.


    The sun-hot de rockets my way faster than I can even raise my des to block. The half-formed hexagon of divine energy shatters, and I''m hit across the chest by a ming crescent of fire.


    I synchronize my air steps and convert the energy I would have used to imbue my swords into a defensive shield in front of my vitals, but I still can''t move out of the way in time.


    I''m sent flying across the entire 30-kilometer-long room again, mming against multiple immovable pirs of stone, ping-ponging across the battlefield until I hit the other back wall.


    My body feels numb and hot, as a massive yellow gash rips through my chest te and opens a divine energy wound deep into my chest, torso, and left leg.


    However, I''m still conscious enough to finish healing my des and shake the ringing in my ears away.


    Redgrave''sughter fills my ears again, and at the same time, I watch the originator cube pulse and blink even brighter thanst time. The static telepathy link that almost formed before now opens, and I yell through it.


    "Are you there?"


    My perception watches the entire outside world go about their normal morning, and all the forces outside the tower have powered up and moved into battle formation, waiting for orders or for another force to make their move.


    I take a deep breath and think, as there is still no response from the amplifier.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    There isn''t even an intuitive feeling or pulse of a response back. The bright white and yellow glow from the cube just fades away to ck again.


    Redgrave''s voice echoes through my ears, and I feel the divine injury on my chest burn with hot mes, as it isn''t something that''s going to be healed by simple self-regeneration.


    "You survived that one too? I think Beckman was wrong about you! You''re not weak at all! If we''d met decades earlier, maybe you could have joined the council."


    Heughs even harder, weaving through the pirs of stone again, his yellow sword glowing bright, ready to attack.


    My des have healed, and I have time to position myself for a defensive move this time.


    His words, paired with the images of hundreds of millions of innocent lives outside the tower, make an idea click in my head.


    I lock eyes with the ming man as his focused gaze returns, and I manage to receive his next attack with my hexagonal defense and my des this time, but he still sends me flying to the far side of the room again.


    While it hurts more than any injury I''ve ever taken before, my mind is partially elsewhere, opening up my Rising Emperor''s Domain, using the instantmunication perk to forcefully send a message to every single link of loyalty at my fingertips.


    "If you feel your power has been borrowed, this is why. The battle has begun. I, The me Emperor, have started the fight to save this world. You may not believe me yet, or may not even want to, but I''m sending this message out so that all that I''ve done isn''t in vain."


    The throne''s trials haven''t even begun, and I''m already being thrown around and toyed with by an enemy who isn''t even the main threat.


    While I''m healing my des and attempting not to draw any attention to myself until I''m ready to take another hit, Redgrave''s manicughter echoes through the room as he sends waves of fire at the ceiling again.


    Next, I forcefully activate the [Spectate] perk on my Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    Usually, it would be used for surveince or for me to give direct orders to subordinates, as using this skill gives me ess to their visual and sensory feeds. I used it once before to see through Abby and Maria''s eyes after the B-ss exams. Smells and even feelings are transmitted through this link.


    Instead of viewing through my link''s eyes, I allow ess for every single one of my links to watch through my own, creating a live pop-up feed of my every thought and move in the minds of over 17.7 million humans all over the 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent.


    I yell aloud for all to hear through the link.


    "If I die here, this world is in the hands of whoever kills me. I''m going to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn''t happen. I still need your support!"


    I lift my greater form''s hands to form a defensive barrier and swing my des while Redgrave turns my way and bellows out a yell.


    "What are you babbling on about? This world was never yours! It''s been mine! All mine! For centuries!"


    His de collides with mine again, carving chunks out of the blood-bonded weapons and sending me flying tens of kilometers with a st of divine light.


    As I m against the wall, I see the amplifier glow again, but I ignore it, as the feeling of millions of eyes watching me takes precedence, and I want to take advantage of that attention while I have it.


    I yell for all to hear.


    "That''s right! The Association has used us all! To put it simply, all the strongest nations in the world right now are fighting over an artifact that either means the end or salvation of the human race as we know it. I¡ª"


    My words are cut off again before I can heal my swords, so I have to take this attack head-on again, leaving another massive gash across my chest while Redgraveughs and yells back.


    "Oh, you must be talking to that dragon! What a shame, you''re already delusional. I was getting excited that I would have even more time to y. It looks like your time is up, and you''re right; the Hunter''s Association is mine. The citizens of your 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent are nothing more than sacrifices for my ideal world."


    Heughs again, sending divine mes at the ceiling while flying my way and yelling again.


    "You know what? They''re even more insignificant than that. When I control the throne, I will make yournds and everyone in them burn to ash just to celebrate! You think you can protect them? They are all my people; their lives are mine. Today, The me Emperor dies, and I, Redgrave, shall conquer the throne and be this world''s god!"


    He weaves between pirs of stone faster than ever before, and I don''t have the time to heal my des while simultaneously dealing with the second near-fatal gash on my chest.


    The wide, crazy eyes of the red-haired mane into full view as his greater form swings at me with the bright de shining hot with a True Core''s light.


    I kick myself off the wall anyway and swing both my damaged des at therger-than-life divine me usering at me.


    I have no way of dodging, and my swords can''t handle another hit.


    Still, I block, twisting my body to make the odds of my survival as high as possible.


    Redgrave''s sword swings across his body at me, and I feel the millions of eyes peering through mine.


    Many still don''t grasp the enormity of this situation at all, but every moment that passes, more begin to understand that today is not just like any other day.


    As the yellow de shatters my hexagonal barrier, instead of making contact with my des, it collides with the bright yellow cube that rotates around me; and the eruption of gravity waves and static noise that follows makes all past collisions pale inparison.


    Even the mes of the hound and Ember down below us are extinguished and blown away by the st of energy. I''m sent flying backward from the absurdity of the shockwave''s force.


    As my back ms against the wall like many times before, I grin this time while coughing up blood because across the room, Redgrave''s eyes are wide open as he too makes impact with a pir of rock, unable to control the momentum that pushed him back.


    I feel both my des finally heal back up to their natural state, but the amplifier that usually rotates around my body now stands still between the tips of both swords.


    My craftsmanship skill instinctively pulls at my consciousness, and my True Core pours threads into the two des as I see a yellow system message hover over all three items.


    [Craft Soul Weapon]


    [YES][NO]

 Chapter 672

    17,742,991 people simultaneously receive a notification on their status and a gentle pull at the back of their consciousness, connecting them to a live video and sensory feed of what is happening inside the ck tower at the center of the Dark Continent.


    Some wake up with a lifelike movie ying in the back of their mind, unaware of what the link of loyalty they made on a whim for an extra stat boost was, but now they''re beginning to see the whole picture.


    Others are at a family breakfast table, or out and about in the streets on their way to work, and now almost 1 in every 3 people see this live feed pop up in their mind''s eye.


    The major cities in the 8 great regions and Dark Continent all stand still for a moment in time as the raw emotions and 360 degree view of the battle scene before them is shared.


    Those that do not share the link begin asking questions and wonder what they''re missing out on, as it seems mass hysteria has captured the nation.


    ---


    Even surrounding the ck tower, all of the Crimson Army and Inner Circle receive this link as they all stand on guard with bated breath, waiting for their enemies to make a move.


    Now, they too see what is happening within the tower.


    The sudden jolt in aura and movement from the Crimson Army prompts the Demonic Forces to act.The two strongest True Core Generals stand beside each other. One stands 7m tall with a long ck spear in hand that matches the obsidian gloss of his horns.


    The other, with shimmering bronze horns, standing an identical height of 7m with daggers all over his waist, speaks up to his fellow True Core.


    "The New Lord has entered the throne. The Vermillion Empire has grown its reach by another world. Today will be a great day; our reputation in the 5 Great Families shall rise."


    The ck-horned True Core nods, staring at the Crimson Army and focusing on Raven.


    "Yes, but we must do our job on the outside while our Lord secures the throne. That force has a very strong True Core of their own."


    The bronze-horned dagger wielder stares at the massive forces of the Central Association, as they have about half a dozen mid-level yellow cores.


    "Call me if your squad needs backup. The two groups that came from a foreignnd won''t take long. Remember, our orders were to keep the strong in line and only kill them if they''re going to be a threat in the future or uncooperative."


    The ck-horned spear wielder grins.


    "It won''t be a problem. I can always unseal the Vermillion Bloodline if I''m in a bind."


    Both Head Demon Generals erupt with the full power of their True Core''s aura and give orders to the remaining 4 High-Level Yellow Cored Generals, who yell out orders to their lower ranks one by one.


    The forces split into two groups and move out to subjugate the human race.


    ---


    Meanwhile, inside the throne, yellow text hovers before my eyes in front of my two swords and the bright glowing originator artifact that just blocked Redgrave''s sword.


    [Craft Soul Weapon]


    [YES][NO]


    Past my des, I see Redgrave shaking himself out of the impact he''s made with the rock about 15 kilometers away, and hear an angry, rage-filled yelle out of him that sends ripples of divine energy pulsing through the entire room.


    I know I have to act fast, but I''ve never heard of this term ''Soul Weapon'' before.


    Both of my des are selected as the base material within my Mythic Grade craftsmanship interface, but there are no external popups exining what this craft will do.


    The Amplifier is selected as the power source, simr to if I were to use an element stone with a normal craft.


    However, I can feel my True Core pouring energy into this entire process, simr to using mana crystals as a catalyst for a craft.


    It all seems far above the capabilities a simple skill like craftsmanship should be able to do, but just like the time I exposed myself torge amounts of Green Divine threads and my body and the system itself began to mutate as a result of it; this feels just the same.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    I need something to bring my abilities to the next level, and my current weapons can''t handle the abuse they''ve been taking much longer. Any more of this and they could take on divine energy wounds that need far longer to heal or, in the worst case scenario, permanently break.


    As Redgrave''s angry yells cease and his gaze turns to me again, I press [YES] without dying any longer.


    The red and ck des begin to fill with energy from my True Core, saturating them far more than they ever have in battle, beyond their limits, while the yellow cube floats closer to the center between the des.


    I feel the swords begin to pull toward the cube between them with a force of gravity of their own, and I instinctively let go while divine threads continue to flood out from my fingertips to power the process taking ce.


    The two des begin to spin around the cube and shine brighter and brighter, giving off the shine and gravity signature of a newly forming True Core.


    I watch in awe as they spin faster, getting closer together, while Redgrave kicks off the stone structure at the back of the room to stop whatever I''m doing and attempt to end this fight.


    Shockwaves erupt from the bottom of the room as well, as Ember fends off the bloodhound relentlessly, sending mes his way.


    The two rotating swords spin so fast and shine so bright, it''s hard to see where each one is, and I can''t even see the exact location of the originator artifact. I can only make a guess based on the dense center of gravity pulling this craft together.


    Redgrave yells at the top of his lungs while swinging his sword across his body my way.


    "This is it! You''re finished! Not only am I going to obliterate the Eight Great Regions and Dark Continent, I''ll ughter every one of those divine-cored allies you''ve been nurturing below the Crimson City. Beckman wanted to keep them as farming ves, but I''ll give them a fate worse than that because you scratched my new armor against that rock!"


    Hisugh and crazed stare return as he gets up close again, and at the same time, a pulse of incredibly dense divine energy and dark red energy explodes out from the center of the three objects that I set out to merge.


    My reflexes take over, as there''s only a fraction of a second to spare.


    I jump off the wall and grab the object from within the aura of divine energy, and swing it across my body while positioning myself to receive the least lethal strike if all still fails.


    However, my safety measures aren''t necessary.


    Both of my hands grasp around a glossy dark red longsword. Its color changes like it''s alive, shifting from ck to red to yellow to even white as my True Core instantly synchronizes with the de in my hand as if it''s an extension of my own body.


    My system interface picks up a glimpse of its new status reading, stored in my subconscious.


    -


    Divine Emperor''s Soul Sword [Soul Bonded][Evolution Attribute: Lv. 0][Fire Affinity][Dark Affinity][+2769% Strength][+2518% Mental Strength][+2502% Speed][+2240% Agility][+2149% Defense]


    -


    It collides with the hot yellow de that Redgrave wields, and we''re both trapped in mid-air with equal force.


    The eruption of raw red and yellow mes intertwined with gravity waves thates off it is even more brutal than ourst exchange.


    The old man''s crazed gaze locks with mine, and when my sword withstands the blow of the attack, and a surge of hundreds of thousands of new links of loyalty''s statse flooding into my body, I have just the extra push I need to deflect the iing strike.


    I twist my body out of the way to swing again and counter with a sh thatnds a gash across the massive greater form''s chest.


    We''re both sent flying back again by the shockwave, but this time, I''m not injured at all.


    It''s myugh that echoes through the room now, sending ripples of fear through the self-proimed strongest divine fire magic user in the world.


    While the counter I sent his way hardly made it through his armor and only left a small scratch on his real skin, it is the first injury this man has felt in decades.


    I yell back while jumping off the wall, amplifying my me''s heat, and letting more and more True Core''s threads flood into the upgraded weapon in my grasp.


    "I''m going to do a lot more than scratch that armor of yours! If you''re one of the newest links that just joined the show, I thank you for the push. Today''s series of battles have just begun."


    Redgrave grits his teeth and holds his sword tight again, but doesn''t build up enough momentum to properly block my iing strike.


    As our swords sh again, he''s sent flying to the opposite corner of the room, as he''s blocked my attack at an awkward angle, and his mind is shaken from the absurdity of my upgrade mid-fight.


    Without having to waste time healing myself after every exchange, I immediately kick myself off the nearest rock structure and follow his flight path to send another strike his way with no mercy; going straight for the vitals as fast as I can.


    There''s another explosion of mes as he blocks me, still with superior overall strength on his side, but I position my strike to send him flying into the nearest rock structure. Then, spin around it tond another hit on one of his exposed legs, melting through his blood-bonded armor again, and leaving another small divine wound on his flesh.


    Every few seconds, I feel more links of loyalty forming as a great surge of people not wanting to miss out on the odd shared phenomena spreads like wildfire.


    Even so, in the pace that this battle is taking ce, I still won''t be stronger than my enemy before it''s over.


    I have to rely on the momentum I have now, and my superior agility and perception.


    With a grin across my face, with eyes wide mimicking the crazed state of the man that threatened my life and everything I hold dear, I yell out again while sizing up my next strike.


    "What was that? You said you''d do what to my inner circle? And what was it that you were going to do to the nations of people I''ve vowed to protect today?"


    Redgrave is thrown back again as I hit him at an awkward angle, and I manage a secondary swing that rips through his chestte again, leaving another gash.


    There''s no response from my taunt, as the old man''s fiery, crazed, yful attitude ispletely gone.


    Ind 7 more hits over the next half a minute, but this is over 20 exchanges, as it gets harder and harder tond the perfect shot.


    His eyes show hints of fear and despair, but this emotion fades too. His aura grows more callous and his mind bes more focused after each of our exchanges.


    My instincts tell me I need to finish this fast, as the longer I put offnding a fatal hit, the more time this multi-century-old battle master will have to remember his prime and trulye out of retirement as he said he would...

 Chapter 673

    Another dozen exchanges pass, and neither of usnds a single hit on the other.


    Redgrave''s advantage at the start, as I had a weaker set of weapons, has been nullified; and now, the element of surprise is no longer to my advantage as the divine me user is fully focused and waiting for me to slip up.


    Two massive divine energy wounds burn in my chest, while ten smaller shes glow all over Redgrave.


    All over this side of the world, more and more people are stopped in ce, pausing their usual morning tasks to watch the movie ying in the back of their minds.


    My understanding of the scenes ying out is transmitted to their subconscious minds, allowing them to receive a high level of perception of my surroundings.


    Even if this wasn''t an extreme life-or-death battle, the rity with which I''m looking into my surroundings would already be jaw-dropping. Even the speed at which I''m processing changing variables is transferred to the viewers minds in a digestible manner.


    The looks of awe and amazement on family members and friends prompt tens of thousands more links to rush in every few seconds, not wanting to miss out on the world-shaking event happening¡ªor at the very least to be entertained.


    The pairs of eyes watching me surpass 18 million, and rise with every exchange, adding more base stats to every strike I throw.


    Not only this, but I be far more proficient with my new de. It is longer, heavier, and sharper than any sword I''ve ever used before, but with every hit, I feel more confident throwing more deadly strikes.Redgrave also falls into his own rhythm, digging deep into the depths of his mind to remember the old days when he was fighting to the top to be one of the three strongest figures in this world, even before it was connected to the system.


    His calcted gaze grows sharper, and the energy pouring out of his core grows hotter and more precise.


    Our rate of improvement feels equal, as both of us are raising the stakes after every exchange.


    The old man''s anger deep down grows, as he feels he should be the superior fighter by a long shot. It''s masked well, but after another dozen shes without either of us evennding a single hit on one another, his ragees out, and he yells again... but not at me.


    "Hey Mut! Ignore that overgrown lizard and help me take this imposter down. I have trials toplete, I can''t be wasting my energy on this warmup."


    A ripple of feares out in his yell as he looks down at the battle below, and I take advantage of his plea for help tond another light sh on his midsection.


    I grin and kick off the air to follow the old man.


    Down below, Ember shows off a toothy grin as well, realizing I''ve turned the battle around and put all of the odds in my favor.


    The fiery hound that Ember has been trading equal blows with turns its gaze toward me, and its cor burns bright yellow, mimicking the True Core glow that Redgrave''s sword gives off.


    The mes that erupt from the monstrous hound''s mouth are many times hotter and stronger than its past ones, and a yellow aura surrounds its body, showing off a greater energy form manifesting around it.


    The massive wall of mes sent Ember''s way is meant as a distraction as the bloodhound jumps upward toward me, attempting to keep me upied while Redgrave gets a hold of himself to send a fatal blow my way.


    However, Ember''s words before the match began give me confidence that I can focus on my own fight.


    He would take care of the pup, and I handle the old man.


    I airstep forward without caring to defend against the approaching fiery dog at all.


    My gaze and de arepletely focused on Redgrave as Ind another hit on his side as he''s off-guard again.


    The reaction to my hit isn''t the same, as his confident fiery attitude returns even while he''s sent flying backward into the ck wall.


    Hisughter and mocking tone echo throughout the room while I lunge toward him again, with the bloodhound approaching from my back at a fast rate.


    "This is it, you can''t dodge both of us! Your measly hits will be a reminder for me to keep my guard up when I climb the tower. I''ll still feel these fresh scars when I watch your people burn."


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    His eyes widen with his excited crazed stare as I swing my sword across my body, and the hound''s open maw is aimed for my exposed back.


    Right before its jaws mp down on me to stop me from swinging at Redgrave, the yellow wall of mes from below that covered Ember pulses and ripples, then parts entirely.


    A sh of light beams upward, and a massive dragon''s set of ws covered in silver divine light makes contact with the throat of the fiery hound''s greater form.


    It''s sliced through like butter, leaving bone-deep w marks in its flesh and shattering the yellow cor around its neck.


    Crimson blood explodes from the wound, and the greater form of the hound is broken while it''s sent flying upward from the impact to smash against the red artificial sky above.


    I continue my forward sh while Redgrave''s excited gaze turns to fear, and he uses thest few milliseconds to move his sword in front of mine to try and block.


    "Too Late."


    I yell into his consciousness while twisting my body andpletely avoiding his de tond a direct hit on his right leg.


    Without any proper preparation to block, other than thest-ditch effort with his sword, my attack slices cleanly through, crippling him on the spot.


    The intensity of the shing divine mes in the room incinerates the severed flesh before it even falls to the ground.


    His murderous roar is horrific, but that doesn''t deter me from kicking off the air again tond a counter and leave a deeper gash across his chest before we''re both sent flying back.


    His greater form allows him to create a phantom limb, so our battle isn''t over just yet, but both of us know that was the deciding factor, and the rage-filled mes and incoherent yells he lets out like a kid throwing a tantrum say it all.


    Ember soars upward with a single set of ws glowing silver with a calm expression on his face, while I rocket myself forward with the same precision and patience as any other attack and the slow grind continues.


    Redgrave''s excess energy is now allocated to forming an extra leg, while his mental state is broken again.


    Ind light hits almost every exchange,nding 34 more divine shes all over his torso, back, and arms over the next 40 collisions.


    Confusion, stress, and fear ripple out of the man that was on top of the world just minutes ago as my strength continues to rise, and his fatigue and blood loss be worse.


    The fiery hound''s amplifier of a cor has been shattered, and it has to rely on its True Core''s strength alone.


    Ember doesn''t miss a single shot, toying with the pup, leaving w marks all over its body while sending it flying into pirs and walls with no mercy for its pain-filled howls.


    Redgrave''s anger takes over, and he loses all focus while yelling out loud as he realizes his end is truly near.


    "Beckman! You were wrong! You''re never wrong! This isn''t right! I''m the strongest!"


    He sends waves of fire at the ceiling while his greater form grows and his tantrum gets louder.


    Ind an easy hit on his left shoulder, as he''s not even blocking properly anymore, and slice it clean off, sending it to spiral downward and burn to nothingness in the mes while he yells even more.


    "I''m the Strongest Divine Fire User! I can''t die, it''s impossible! I''ll burn this entire world to ash to prove it! The prophecy, the man of mes will be the one to walk through the final door... It''s me! This is a dream! This isn''t happening¡ª"


    His yells are cut short again as I push myself off another nearby pir and cleanly slice off hisst remaining leg, then bounce off the closest wall and slice off the final defending sword-wielding arm without taking another breath.


    My mind''s eye watches Ember pin the ming hound to the floor on the opposite side of the room and swipe his ws across its neck to decapitate it, finishing the final blow.


    At the same time, while the glowing yellow sword falls to the floor with the defenseless man''s burning limbs, I airstep off the air to look the delusional angry man in the eyes while plunging my sword forward into his chest.


    Once I feel the Soul Sword pierce his True Core, I finally speak again.


    "You were right, this was a good warm up. One down, three to go."


    There''s a final burst of yellow mes that erupts from Redgrave''s greater form, but his mind has be too fractured, and his decades of prophecy driven fantasies of bing a god have made him far too delusional to even ept the reality in front of him.


    I shove my de deeper into his core, shattering it, and thrusting upward to finish the kill.


    His screams vibrate through my body, but I don''t feel sorry even for a fraction of a second, as this quick death is a blessingpared to what he taunted he would do to my Empire.


    Level-Up Notifications ring in my ears from both Ember''s kill and mine. Plus, absorption pop-ups show in my mind''s eye as an absurd amount of True Core threads is siphoned out of the greater energy form I''ve killed and enter my own.


    I feel my core grow in size by over five times, and the amount of divine threads coursing through my body multiplies enough to finally fill out my entire greater form to handle the hundreds of millions of borrowed stats coursing through my veins.


    [Level Up] x4638


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Fire Summoning


    Upgrade: Supreme


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 5,988,728,288,427,550


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Strength


    Points: 9,941


    [YES][NO]


    I reach [Lv. 12,589] and press [YES] to ept an upgraded version of my fire magic, almost ten thousand strength stats, as well as a massive amount of mana control while the innate understanding of a new True Core ability flows into my mind.


    Without even trying to activate it, the mes that surround my body be hotter and they''re tethered with True Core threads with such ease it feels like the fire is made of divine energy, and mana isn''t even their base anymore.


    The room fills with mes as both my power and Ember''s power instantly skyrocket, and all the remaining flesh and weak gear from our enemies is burned away.


    The three eyes of the silver statue at the back of the room pulse with silver light again, and the massive pirs of stone and red sky of a battlefield start to shift and revert back to their ck natural state.


    The only thing left is the yellow de Redgrave was wielding, fractured pieces of a cor, and a massive red burning firestone in ce where the corpse of the hound was under Ember''s ws.


    I can feel my de drawn toward all three of these items in an odd way, tugging at the back of my consciousness, wanting to consume them.


    However, onest notification that I haven''t touched yet still lingers at the back of my mind and keeps my attention.


    [Rank Up]


    [YES][NO]

 Chapter 674

    Chapter 674


    I hover down to the ground as the artificial sky turns dark, and the pirs of stone mold back into the floor.


    A bright Rank Up notification glows in my mind''s eye, waiting to be epted, while my Soul Sword feels the presence of three items drawing me closer to them.


    One feeling is far morepelling, so I fly down to hover above Redgrave''s still-bright yellow glowing sword, which gives off the heat of a True Core even when its wielder is dead.


    A new system panel hovers between my de and the glowing one on the ground as I descend.


    [Consume]


    [YES][NO]


    When I press [YES] and the two artifacts touch, the yellow de on the floor glows bright white, turning to silky yellow liquid before my eyes, then siphoning into the tip of my own sword.


    I expected a dramatic light show and process like when the weapon was crafted, but it all happens extremely fast. The de in my grasp gives off the feeling that it is still hungry, and a food source like that hardly quelled its appetite.


    My Sword feels stronger already, but the ease with which it consumed another living weapon, and the fact that it is still sitting at [Lv. 0], makes me realize I''ve yet toprehend the potential of the new weapon in my grasp.This feeling of awe and wonder only grows as I walk over to the Supreme Grade Firestone densely packed with divine threads and immense power; it, too, is consumed in less than a second.


    Even the pile of glowing yellow shards from the fiery hound''s cor turns to liquid and is pulled into my de without any light show or sense of satisfaction.


    It''s as if the de was expecting to finally quench its thirst after days in the desert, but all it got was a single drop of water.


    Power surges through the now vibrant red sword, but it''s desperately craving another battle. The de''s status still reads [Lv. 0] even now, but I can feel that its strength has grown a considerable amount in thest few minutes.


    Once thest drop from the cor disappears, the de goes dormant, falling back to a solid ck state; yet I sense the presence of a static connection through my body and mind as it continues watching through my eyes.


    I let out a sigh and power down my greater form as the heat in the room dissipates, and Ember flies over, powering down his greater form as well.


    We both stand in the center of the massive ck room with nothing but the silver demon statue looking down at us.


    The same ancient voice reverberates in my mind while silver text shes before me.


    [All Conditions Met. One Soul-Bonded Pair Remaining.]


    [Would You Like To Start The Trials?]


    [YES][NO]


    It shimmers in a metallic silver font, wavering in the air.


    When I look away, the text is locked above the statue''s head, right in front of its array of nine arms.


    Ember reads it too, then grins and looks over to me.


    "We can wait as long as we need to before beginning the first trial. The third rank-up isn''t always instant. It may take a few minutes if it''s a big one. It''s best we take the time to rank up now while we still have that luxury."


    I nod and sit down on the empty floor, letting go of my soul sword, and it rotates around me in a dormant state without me having to exert any effort whatsoever.


    Ember sits down in an identical position about 100 meters away, and I speak up, feeling over 18 million pairs of eyes still watching in shock after the massacre they just witnessed.


    "As I said before, this is just the start of today''s fight. The opponent I just defeated is likely to be my easiest win. I''m not going to be able to do this without your help. You can hear me, see my actions, even peer into my system notifications, and feel everything I''m feeling. I''m going to take a moment to rest and rank up; the only thing I ask of you is to spread the word. Whether it''s for entertainment while watching the show, or you feel obligated to save this world together, tell a family member, send a transmission to a friend outside of the 8 Great Regions or Dark Continent. We''ll need every link we can get."


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Then, I press [YES] to rank up. Instantly, a familiar white light washes over me.


    Mana and divine energy cycle through my body, creating a warm and satisfying sensation all over.


    It takes a few minutes, just as Ember said it would.


    My calm resting state is broken by the sound of notifications in my mind.


    [+10,000 Strength]


    [+10,000 Mental Strength]


    [+10,000 Speed]


    [+10,000 Agility]


    [+10,000 Defense]


    [New Buff!] [Divine Elemental''s Astral Form]


    Once I open my eyes again, all of my fatigue is gone, and even the two divine energy wounds on my chest have almostpletely healed.


    I take a deep breath in and out while standing to my feet and opening my status to see a brand new buff.


    My eyes shift over to Ember and I see he''s received a new buff as well.


    [Divine Dragon''s Astral Form]


    My eyebrows raise as my voice echoes through the empty room.


    "What''s an Astral form...? It looks like we both received one..."


    He replies while staring up at the silver demonic statue.


    "It''s far rarer than a Greater Energy Form. I believe you met one while we were inside that purple construct. Rarely does more than one entity per receive a form like this. I''ve had one before... This room will be too confined to show off its full power, but it will certainly help us during these trials if we run into a problem. It will be very straining to use this while we''re yellow cores, it won''t be worth the fatigue and strain to even test it out..."


    I grin, remembering the green serpent, cyan knights, and enormous Dark Blue Giant that I witnessed within that construct, and think of how strong I''d be with a form like that.


    Then, my eyes track back down to the skill section of my status, and I see I have enough [PP] to upgrade a mythic-grade skill to the next rank.


    I upgrade [Absorption] without much extra thought, and the [Mythic Grade] tag beside it turns to [Divine Grade].


    My eyes skim over the section that shows my ability to now upgrade every single one of my current mythic-grade skills to Divine Grade after killing an entity with the same skill. Even my Superior Grade Elemental Skills can all be upgraded to Supreme Grade if I kill anything sharing that skill, no matter the grade.


    Another textbox hovers at the bottom of the skill info, right above the [Upgrade] Option.


    [Pair Skill For Additional Perks]


    It shimmers in white and yellow divine light, while the rest of my status remains blue.


    I press it, and the entire info sheet ripples with yellow threads, spreading throughout my status interface and turning the Absorption skillpletely yellow.


    A new text box where the pairing option sat before now shows up.


    ¡ª


    All new skills upgraded to [Divine Grade] or higher using Absorption will now create unique True Core abilities for the caster.


    ¡ª


    My eyes widen again. In thest few minutes since defeating Redgrave, my strength and abilities have grown an astronomical amount.


    The overwhelming power that Demon from the Vermillion Family showed before I entered the tower is far less intimidating, and instead of uncertainty, the only emotion flowing through me as I look up at the silver statue is excitement to begin the trials ahead.


    I smirk and grab my sword out from its rotation around me and press [YES] on the silver message in the sky.


    The text above ripples and disappears, then new silver lettering forms and the ancient voice speaks again.


    [Enter the trial area.]


    A portion of the floor glows with silver light, right in front of the demonic statue at the back of the room.


    The text fades, and both Ember and I fly forward, activating our Greater Forms with caution to enter the multi-kilometer wide circle before the massive silver Demon.


    The circle stops glowing once we stand in the center of it, but a faint silver outline still shimmers, showing the borders as we stand in the middle, looking directly up at the towering silver masterpiece.


    It speaks again.


    [Rules of the Trials]


    [Rule 1. You may leave any time you wish.]


    As these words enter my consciousness, a floating silver textbox hovers in front of my eyes, tracking my vision.


    [Leave the Trials]


    [YES][NO]


    I press [NO] and it fades away, but afterward I''m left in silence. The thought of the textbox wanders into my mind again, and it reappears. I press [NO] and it fades just like before, proving its point.


    The voice returns.


    [Rule 2. Death within the trials is final. Your body, energy, and property are forfeited to the Tower Master.]


    This could have been assumed, but my mind wanders back to the time I was in Celia''s construct again. Death within that pocket world was not final; entities that died were simply transported out. It seems this construct is different.


    [Rule 3. The third and Final Trial will only begin once all participants have cleared the two below, have left the tower, or have died trying.]


    This message conveys quite a lot of information, indicating there are three trials in total, and confirming that this third and final trial likely requires all remaining members within the tower present.


    The Demon''s confidence that we would settle things within the Tower makes far more sense now.


    The room falls silent again as the silver textpletely dissipates, but the silver energy quickly returns as the three eyes of the demon statue at the back of the room shine bright; though it doesn''tpletely blind me this time.


    The silver light just pulses outward and ripples through both mine and Ember''s bodies as if it''s performing an appraisal.


    The text paired with the voice returns.


    [Trial 1: Body]


    [Calcting Necessary Difficulty...]


    The bright silver text that reads [Body] stays hovering over the Demon''s head while all other text fades away.


    Then, in the grasp of each of the Demon''s hands, silver longswords start to form from left to right.


    One by one all nine hands of the Demon form massive silver swords in their grasps.


    [Difficulty Calcted: Trial 1: Round 1 of 9 Shall Commence.]


    [Objective: Block The Iing Strike.]


    As this text fades, eight of the nine silver des disappear, but one remains.


    The Demon''s head doesn''t move, but I can feel its three silver glowing eyes staring deep within me.


    Then, the kilometer-long arm holding the single massive silver dees swinging down toward us.

 Chapter 675

    Chapter 675


    Ember''s voice echoes through my mind as the silver dees down toward us.


    "Block it. This first round shouldn''t be difficult with the new power we''ve gained."


    Despite these words, I can''t sense the de''s true power. It is tens of times longer than my greater form''s rendition of my soul weapon, yet I still act as if this is a deadly strike, putting almost everything I have into a block, even activating the hexagonal defensive array in front of my de while swinging upward.


    Ember grins and flies up to block with a wed hand as well, but he doesn''t even use the silver energy he did while attacking the fiery hound in ourst fight.


    When the city-sized de crashes down to m against my barrier and Ember''s w, I feel its immense pressure, but it stops with ease, not even making it a quarter of the way through my defenses.


    A massive silver [3]... [2]... [1]... [0]... floats in the sky, and as the [0] dissipates, so does the entire sword pushing down on us.


    The Demon''s arm moves back upward into its dormant position, and new text appears.


    [Round 2 of 9 Shall Commence.]


    The same Demon''s arm grows a new silver de, and on the opposite side of the statue, a second silver de forms right after.The first sword that formed instantly flies downward, and Ember''s voice sounds in my mind again, his tone a bit more serious than thest transmission.


    "Brace for impact..."


    My defenses from thest round haven''t even dissipated, so I just imbue more divine energy to restore the hexagon and stare upward, ready for another strike.


    That hit was strong, but really nothing I can''t handle. Even if I didn''t block it and took it straight on my chest, I doubt it would have left a markrger than the first blow I took from Redgrave.


    That being said, with my True Core being over five times stronger now, multiplying my absurd boost in stats even higher, it may have given me a new skewed perspective on what is really powerful or not.


    Just minutes ago, I probably wouldn''t have been able to block that sword without using my full power.


    Still, in the back of my mind now, I question whether or not I''m overestimating these trials...


    Maybe Redgrave really was the strongest of the big three, and I already fought the toughest battle today...


    These brief thoughts are instantly discarded as the de from above slices through over three-quarters of my hexagonal barrier, proving to be far more lethal than the first round.


    Before I even piece this thought together, the second arm swings downward too, following a mirrored flight path anding down on the exact pressure point to fuse with the first sword.


    Together, they press downward and shatter my hexagonal barrier with ease, now shing de on de with my Soul Weapon''s greater form and Ember''s set of ws.


    [3]... [2]... [1]... [0]...


    The two swords disappear once the countdown stops, and I immediately restore my energy as quickly as possible to prepare for the next attack while turning to Ember.


    "What was that...? The sword got stronger... and there were two... Is it going to get exponentially harder each time?"


    Ember finally readies his ws with silver divine threads while replying.


    "I''ve never faced this exact trial before, so your guess is as good as mine. There may be one problem, though. It calibrated the strength difficulty based on both of our potentials, not just yours. So, prepare to push yourself to a new limit. That fight we just had really was a light warm-up."


    The next round''s text glows in the air as soon as Ember''s words cease. Three des on the Demon statue manifest in its grasp, and the firstes swinging down mere seconds after thest round.


    My gaze bes fully focused on the statue overhead, and instead of just blocking, I jump upward, matching Ember''s technique, and my Soul Sword pulses red for the first time since it consumed the leftover artifacts, as now it senses this will be a real challenge and it is intrigued.


    The only thing on my mind is stopping the silver deing my way as I swing my sword upward and activate my hexagonal defenses, paired with releasing a wave of divine mes using my True Core''s new Divine Fire ability.


    This narrative has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Even so, my barrier is shattered by the first silver sword like it''s ss.


    Ember makes contact with the de with two sets of ws covered in identical silver light, but it doesn''t slow it down.


    We''re both pushed down to the ck floor in the center of the testing circle.


    I can feel the weight of the de, tens of times stronger than in the first round.


    The second sword moves the instant we getfortable, and when it ms downward tobine with the first, I feel shockwaves vibrating through my bones.


    My telekinesis skill activates, as well as my mana maniption, wind magic, and all of my gravity control abilities turn on as well, pushing upward on the de with every trick I have to keep it from moving downward any further.


    Ember lets out a roar and sends a pir of dense mes from his mouth to push the de upward as well.


    It pushes against the sharp side where we block at the same time that the third and final swordes crashing down.


    The imagery of Palmyra falling from the sky shes back into my mind, but this is so many times heavier, as if the stone was made of pure iron, and a giant demonic god is above applying telekinesis tobat my own to crush us, the bugs below.


    Numbers count down in the sky, but I don''t even pay attention to them. I just use every bit of strength and energy to hold the three silver des back.


    They dissipate once the numbers hit 0, and the massive red and yellow crescent of mes that had been held back in my de rockets upward, and so does Ember''s fiery beam of light.


    As the three arms move back to their start position, and the message for round four blinks in the sky, I turn to Ember while breathing heavily.


    "If we have six more of these rounds... You''re going to need to use that golden light¡ª"


    He cuts me off as the swords begin to form in the demon''s hands, two on each side.


    "My power is sealed for good reason. I can only use so much before we leave this realm. Small bits of silver threads can be used now that I''m a True Core, but any more and I''d be out ofmission for quite a while likest time."


    The first sword of the fourth round begins to move down, and his eyes be extremely serious, while a bright yellow glow starts to expand around him.


    "Activate your Astral Form. This one won''t be pretty if we take it on like this."


    I stare upward at the iing de and do as he says.


    ¡ª


    Outside the tower, the moment I began the trials, the throne shes silver and everyone, demons and humans surrounding it, received an identical message in their vision.


    [All Challengers Have Entered: The Trials Have Begun.]


    Simultaneously, a massive transparent dome of silver light, hundreds of kilometers high and thousands of kilometers wide, erupts from the midpoint of the tower up in the sky and creates a forcefield of strange energy around the deste desert where the Abyss used to cover thends.


    The bronze-horned Demon takes this cue to bring half of the Demon forces, containing two high-level yellow cores, half a dozen orange cores, and over a hundred red cores, to challenge the Central Association''s forces that don''t even have a single fighter above a mid-level yellow core.


    The ck-horned Demon, wielding a mysterious long spear, eyes Raven up and down for a few seconds while the other head general leaves, then gives the orders to his identical battle squad to move out toward the Crimson Army and Inner Circle.


    Everyone''s auras are semi-concealed, as the Generals on the battlefield know if they were to push their pressure on their subordinates, they would all be knocked unconscious before the battle even began.


    This is evident as many yellow shes of light simultaneously burst upward into the sky, away from the tower at a 45-degree angle in varying directions.


    Half a dozen yellow cores from the Association''s squad collide with the three generals from the demon squad deep into the dead zone of Sector 3, and the bronze-horned Demon Dagger wielder watches his two underling generals toy with the Association''s remaining strongest troops like mice.


    The Commanders and Demonic Knights charge toward the two groups of central association workers and wield foreign Demonic Soul Energy strengthened by divine energy that overpowers every single one of the humans in less than 15 seconds.


    They don''t go for the kill, mostly immobilizing or knocking out the humans as per their orders, because once the world is conquered, strong humans will be necessary forbor.


    Meanwhile, the ck-horned spear user and Raven fly the furthest away, toward the silver barrier''s edge in Sector 2, almost a thousand kilometers away, before they release their True Cores'' Auras.


    The Demon doesn''t immediately attack, but still cautiously looks at her with his arms crossed, and the spear spinning around his body slowly.


    He speaks while grinning to show his sharp white teeth.


    "You''re the strongest one left on this, it seems. All of your leaders that could have taken us out will be killed inside the throne. Our Lord Vermillion is destined for unfathomable greatness. The humans of this world are doomed; it would be in your best interest to give up now before I make you wish you died with your leader."


    Raven pulls out her two silver des, pointing them forward with sharp eyes.


    "I could say the same to you... Put down your spear now and I''ll make your death quick and painless."


    At the same time, two massive mana-dominated divine Auras ripple outward from Sector 1, as Abby and Maria both pull from the 1% borrowed stats avable to them from over 18 million Links of loyalty tobat the two high-level yellow cores that follow them.


    Two more strong purple auras ripple out from near the tower, as Arie promotes Luna to a Commander and she gains 0.25% borrowed stats, while 13 enormous demonic eyes appear in the sky.


    Arie uses the remaining 0.75% borrowed stats to power up his greater archer form and use the link through Luna''s eyes to watch the Association''s troops being decimated. Simultaneously, he keeps an eye on the second squad of approaching orange and red demonic forces. His strongest arrow is pulled back, ready to kill with pinpoint uracy within milliseconds.


    Fisher and Lydia lead the Crimson Army into battle to take on the Demonic forces four times their size.


    Monk, The Saint, and the two orange cored disciples glow white, growing and activating unique Qi powered greater forms to follow close behind the Crimson Army''s troops. My three doubles hover above them all, ready to take on red-cored Demonic Knights and sacrifice these mana manifestations if necessary to save my allies.


    Raven and the ck-horned Demon are the first to collide, silver des against a long ck spear; sending an ominous divine energy ripple throughout the entire silver dome, signifying that the battle outside the throne has begun.

 Chapter 676

    I activate my new ranked-up buff, the [Divine Elemental''s Astral Form], and feel a very strange energy vibrate out from my True Core.


    At first, it feels like pure mana, as if I''m just activating a normal system skill, but the artificial feeling of a True Core''s ability triggers in my mind.


    By the time a yellow aura begins to grow outward, making another figure expandrger than my Greater Form, it feels extremely natural, like my divine energy is tethering with the mana manifestation and recing it entirely.


    If I wasn''tpletely focused on the silver sword above me, I wouldn''t be able to tell the difference between the mana particles being activated and the divine energy that is melting together with it.


    Ember growsrger as well, both of us expanding many times our original size before making contact with the silver de that falls down on us. My energy form grows to over 150 meters tall, making my sword alone near the size of a sports field.


    I brace for a mind-bending pressure to vibrate through my bones again, pouring every drop of power into this buff, feeling as though there is no end to the expansion it''s allowing. I would have grown evenrger if there wasn''t a time constraint of having to block the falling sword.


    However, on impact, it doesn''t even feel heavy at all...


    Before I know it, the second dees crashing down, then the third, and the fourth as well.


    My intense concentration is broken out of shock at how easy this block was, but it doesn''t even matter; all four desbined don''t even stack up to the pressure I felt in the first round.I didn''t even form the hexagonal defensive array to slow the des, and it feels like I was blocking a wooden sword in a practice room without even activating magic.


    The numbers count down to zero, and the swords dissipate.


    This massive Astral Form feels so real....


    Unlike my Greater Energy Form, where it is clear I''m controlling a mana manifestation, this incredibly massive Divine ming Perfect Energy Depiction of myself feels as though I''m standing in my normal body.


    I see clearly out of the multiple-meter-wide eyes, and grasping my sword feels eerily natural.


    Ember''s voice echoes in my mind as I watch his form continue to grow.


    "Don''t hold back. The moment you deactivate this form, we''re going to be in trouble. Give it your all until the Trial is over."


    As silver text for the 5th round and an ancient voice ring in my ears with far more rity than before, I shake myself out of the awe of the new form and continue pouring every drop of mana and divine threads I have into it.


    The five silver dese crashing down on us one by one, and my ming Yellow Astral Form reaches over 200 meters in height.


    The des that collide with my crimson-glowing Astral Soul Sword definitely hold weight this time, but it still feels like something I''d receive in a friendly spar.


    Ember''s eyes are as serious as they were in the third round when we were almost crushed to death, and when this round finishes and the 6th begins, his bright yellow Astral ws start to shimmer with silver light.


    My body bes over 250 meters tall, and at this point, I can feel the growth begin to slow.


    The excess divine aura radiating off of me feels as if it''s constrained within this small room, as none of my yellow threads can seep out of the ck walls. It reminds me of the green serpent I saw in the sky of celia''s construct, as its aura stretched thousands of kilometers.


    Ember even said it would be limited in a room like this.


    With the amount of power surging through me now, it''s hard to believe this is still somehow an iplete version of this Astral Form.


    That, coupled with the fact that the mere avability of my True Core''s threads is also holding me back. I feel as though I could grow this form to an astronomical size, with no natural limit at all given enough divine energy and space to push my aura outward.


    As the three silver des on each side of the demon fall down on us, I activate my hexagonal barrier this time around, as Ember isn''t taking any chances either.


    It withstands the first four des but is shattered by the fifth, and once I take the full impact of the sixth de, with Ember even sending a wave of mes from his Astral mouth, the true weight of the Demonic Statue is felt throughout my body.


    I''ve reached an absurd amount of power, and am certain I''m at my limit.


    The des pushing down on me are manageable, and I don''t feel as though I won''t block this attack, but I do have to use my full focus and push upward with considerable strength. If I didn''t block the blow with a defensive array beforehand, I would be sweating.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The countdownmences, and the six silver des disappear. This is when the true gravity of the situation kicks in, as there are three rounds to go...


    The 7th roundes and goes, and it is even worse than I expected.


    While pushing upward with everything I have, the second of seven swords breaks through my defense array, and myself and the 250-meter-long glowing silver and yellow dragon take a beating from seven massive des.


    I feel my links of loyalty surpass 19 million while the countdown begins. My mind is elsewhere, but a new surge in power is noticeable as an abnormally high amount of linkse rushing in from somewhere. All new and old eyes stare through mine, looking past the seven silver swords at the two remaining dormant and the three silver eyes staring down at me.


    The timer hits zero, and the des disappear, but the enormity of the five-kilometer-high Demon exudes its True Aura while eight des light up with silver glowing energy.


    The Demon''s silver text and ancient voice ripple into my consciousness while I already prepare to use every trick I have to block this next strike.


    Amplified Gravity magic using my heavy-hand skill, telekinesis with the upward momentum that would hold up the entirety of Sra, a fully charged 120-meter-long Astral Soul Sword swinging upward fortified by Divine Fire Magic, and a defensive barrier holding as many divine threads as my form can spare.


    My Soul Sword burns hotter and hotter in my grasp, as it is far more excited to receive the first iing silver sword than I am.


    Before the demon''s de has even made its way halfway to us, it''s hit with Ember''s beam of fire, with trace amounts of silver threads within, and my aura is focused upward on a small area to slow the fall, but it hardly does a thing.


    My barrier is shattered like ss, and we both take the blow head-on.


    I feel d¨¦j¨¤ vu, like we''re back in round 3, as with each passing sword strike, my vision bes more tunneled, and my bones vibrate with sharp pain. The only thing on my mind is pushing upward. I don''t even pay attention to the countdown, as every bit of my mental and physical power is going into blocking these eight fused des.


    I almost ck out, but the pressure is lifted once the counter hits zero, and fatigue and pain ripple through every part of me. My bones feel as though they''ve been fractured and partially healed hundreds of times over in just a matter of seconds, and a familiar mind numbing ringing now sounds in my ears.


    It feels as though I just fought an exhausting battle, far worse than the shape I was in after defeating Redgrave, almostparable to my mental state after meeting Raven for the first time.


    Abby''s restoration magic, or a full hibernation period is necessary right now, but there''s no time to rest.


    I somehow have to face an attack magnitudes stronger than that while in far worse mental and physical shape...


    [Round 9 of 9 Shall Commence.]


    This echoes through my mind before I can even regroup my thoughts, and all nine of the silver des light up while the demon''s three eyes sh and look down on me.


    Fear runs through my mind, and it can be felt throughout all 20,119,524 links that watch through my eyes. It has only been a few seconds, but over a million fresh links of loyalty flow into my system.


    While I could look throughout the Eight Great Regions and Dark Continent to pinpoint where this new surge of power ising from. My mind is fully upied on the Demonic Statue above me, as for the first time in this entire trial, its head moves to look down, and the first ded arm moves to strike right after.


    Every single link felt and conceptualized the strength of thatst barrage of eight attacks and the extent of my power I just used.


    My mind races for ideas, and I reach into my item storage to grab a handful of unique green fruits leftover from my True Core''s awakening. If anything would, these could give me a boost, but I''m not sure if they will really do much.


    Even Ember contemtes activating his golden divine threads, but we both know if he does that, I would be all alone to finish the trials and face everyone else inside. It is a hidden trump card, but not one we can afford to use right now...


    What ising next might be impossible to stop.


    ¡ª


    Before these trials even began, during my fight with Redgrave, two people deep within the Apex Region make a decision that may change the result of this final round.


    Bri and Rodrigo hear the words being spoken about Central Headquarters and tear the Apex Region''s headquarters apart top to bottom, looking through every spare vault and even small Association headquarters all over the Region looking for a single object.


    A message is sent out to all of the Regional Directors, A-ss hunters, B-ss hunters, and even Regional Elites all over the Nation, linked to the Rising Emperor or not, and there is only one transmission back after a nerve-wracking wait.


    "Yes? Regional Overseer Ms. Briana, this is a transmission from the off-site Apex Region Vault. There are old transport Crystals to Central stored here from right after the war. Will those do?"


    "Send your location," is all that is heard back, and soon after, two shes of white light blink through the sky to a base 200 kilometers away from the capital.


    While my fight with Redgrave battled on and the Trials began, Rodrigo and Bri find themselves teleporting into an old underground headquarters in the middle of the Central Headquarters mountain built far before the divine mes were made around the mountain.


    Neither of them wastes time and breaks through the ceiling upward many floors before they find themselves in one of the many Central Association branches full of C- and B-Grade hunters.


    Normal intruder protocol is followed, but there are barely any elite forces present in Central at the moment.


    Almost every single divine core holder, minus a small select few red and orange cores to man widespread security, has left the world capital to fight in the Dark Continent.


    The duo, wielding light magic and mana control that far surpasses anyone on this entire mountain, subjugates everyone in their way until they reach the control rooms and people in charge ofrge-scale public transmissions.


    On the far side of the world, it is nearing nighttime, while in the Dark Continent, the sun is still rising.


    A broad message in a woman''s voice echoes over many local news stations and public channels for many millions of people walking through the streets to hear.


    "This is not a normal message! I repeat, this is not a normal message! There is a vast world beyond this city. The leaders of the Central Association have been lying to you all for decades. Many listening may not believe a word I say at first, or may be too young to even understand. The Great War never ended, it carries on beyond those yellow mes. If you do as I say, I can prove it to all of you right now! If you wish to leave thisnd, or save the world, listen to my words!"


    Mass confusion ripples throughout the city, as one of the ten Local Sectors seems to have had their transmission cables breached and a message sent out to millions of civilians in a popted area.


    Then 9 other branches that keep the Central Headquarters in line send troops toward this headquarters, flying through the skies the instant this message is sounded; and the few remaining divine cores in the city that actually know what is going on today instantly move out to stop this security breach from spreading further.

 Chapter 677

    Bri''s voice echoes throughout a local sector of the massive mountain above the divine mes.


    Rodrigo questions all of the top officers within the headquarters they''ve taken over in mere seconds and finds city maps pinpointing the other control centers that manage security and a link to wire into the transmission coverage across the other nine districts.


    Bri''s words of the big three that lived in the floating ck boxes high in the sky and the fact that the creator of those yellow mes surrounding the tower is being defeated right now is heard by tens of millions of system awakened men and women.


    Her words about the Great War get many of the older crowd interested, especially when Bri gives instructions on how to help in the Second Great War, to help finish it once and for all.


    Even if they don''t know or care what she''s talking about, the permanent stat buff bonus that she mentions next brings in the younger crowd''s attention.


    As her voice echoes through all ten districts of the Central Association''s Mountain Civilization, Bri repeats this message over and over again, and small amounts of people begin to give it a try, reciting their sworn loyalty to a mysterious me Emperor figure to get a few extra stat points or give in to the fleeting hope that this woman''s words of the Great War are true.


    It starts off as a slow trickle, but with the expansive scene that is instantly transmitted into their minds of a demonic statue swinging silver swords at a 250m tall ming figure that can only be called the me Emperor, the word spreads like wildfire that it''s real...


    Echoing transmissions fill every major city, but at the same time, over a dozen red cores and an orange core circle the building that Bri and Rodrigo have infiltrated with angry looks on their faces.


    The orange core gives the order for all of the red core Central Association scouts to eliminate the threat.¨C


    Meanwhile, a battle begins in the center of the Dark Continent.


    Raven''s des shing against the ck-horned demon''s spear sends a shockwave through the entire silver dome, notifying everyone that the strongest forces here have begun their battle.


    The hazel-eyed sword wielder doesn''t want to reveal her divine stealth trump card, as an eerie auraes off this demon that makes her feel extremely on edge about getting too close.


    While the 7-meter-tall demon''s appearance is menacing enough, it has a True Core strength slightly less powerful than Raven.


    Even its level is just below ten thousand, but the monster has incredible natural strength and Demonic Soul Energy that can easily rival Raven''s pure mana.


    Their speed and reflexes are very simr as well; there is just a confidence behind the demonic white eyes and an invisible aura that makes her hesitant at first to use all of her tricks.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" the demonughs while their exchanges begin, and Raven''s mind shes back to the battle she had not too far away from here with the me Emperor; going all out with no fear of dying at all, and enjoying the fight itself.


    She doesn''t yell back, only grins an unnoticeable amount, and disappears before the demon''s eyes.


    ¨C


    Closer to the tower, the front lines of the Crimson Army''s forces collide with one of the demonic forces.


    Fisher and Lydia send waves that look like an icy tiger and a water serpent into their main forces, imbued with orange and yellow divine light, killing a dozen red demonic knights instantly, and a single orange-cored general, while the Crimson Army''s elemental elites team up to face the red cores left behind injured from the initial strike.


    Waves of dense divine energy and soul energye out of the two leading the battle while my doubles hold the rear with the pure Qi manifestation wielders.


    After Fisher and Lydia send off a few more attacks, and the Crimson Army''s forces get deeper into full battle, dense ck arrowse flying into the mix from Arie watching from far behind with Luna''s eyes above.


    In moments, right before disaster, the lives of Crimson Army members are saved so they can battle on with full force without the fear of death.


    ¨C


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the tform they originally published on.


    Abby and Maria erupt with power from their general''s 1% buffs, and the high-level yellow cores thate their way with killing intent in their eyes meet an unexpected early end.


    Two women that looked like overconfident, easy, low-level yellow core prey moments ago turn into an indestructible green sh of light and an enormous blue ice goddess.


    Abby decapitates and shatters the core of the demon that follows her in mere seconds, and Maria''s icy blue de doesn''t even need the extra pulse from her soul energy core toe crashing down on the archdemon below her in the sky.


    Its de moving upward to block is broken into pieces on impact, and the demon''s body freezes to pure ice, shattering to icy bits while Maria finishes the entirety of the swing.


    Both of them stand in the sky, without any change in their breathing, with sharp eyes waiting for a real opponent while level-up notifications ring in their ears.


    ¨C


    The bronze-horned demon subjugating the Central Association''s troops turns his gaze to Sector 1, the direction in which two high-level generals just went dark out of nowhere.


    His eyes widen and he yells out orders while pushing himself off the desert floor with a massive amount of Demonic Soul Energy.


    The dagger-wielding demon lets out an angry yell while rocketing through the air, traveling hundreds of kilometers in seconds, releasing his True Core''s real aura, and waves of killing intent, while nning to kill the two women before him.


    The remaining two high-level yellow generals, and forces of red and orange cores, n to do exactly as their captain said, setting out to ughter the entire Crimson Army as they are clearly unfit to take orders from the proper demonic authority.


    ¨C


    While this battle begins, on the inside of the tower, the first of nine silver deses down toward me.


    An abnormal amount of links of loyalty are rushing into my body, but I don''t believe it will be enough...


    I eat a handful of all the remaining green fruits I have leftover from the divine construct, and at the same time, clear my mind, focusing solely on doing everything I did in the eighth round, but with extreme and total precision like the fate of the world truly depends on it.


    Unbeknownst to me, as I swing upward with all of my offensive skills activated, a defensive array forming in front of my de, ripples of green light pulse out from my Astral Form''s chest; strengthening my body like strong green veins or an exoskeleton of aura.


    As the first de shatters through the hexagonal barrier like it isn''t even there, the dees crashing down against my Red Soul Sword, and against Ember''s fire pir from his mouth, and silver ws, now fortified with twice as many silver threads as they were for any of thest rounds.


    This first de feels heavier than all eight of the desbined on thest round.


    I feel my bones and cells within my body vibrate with sharp pain, and my Astral Form desperately wants to dissipate on the spot.


    However, the green lines of energy that wrap around my form hold everything together, as the entire room lights up with a bright yellow and silver glow.


    The ringing in my ears of divine energy poisoning from staying erged in this form and exerting myself grows over ten times louder in a single strike, so loud in fact I don''t even feel or see the next deing.


    It ms down, and the ringing gets worse, and the pressure on my body bes unfathomable.


    I ck out.


    Or, to better put things, I white out.


    My body and mind continue to push upward with instincts alone, and the silver swords keep mming downward one by one while my mind escapes elsewhere.


    I hallucinate, seeing images of the first day I awakened my system, farming goblins just to pay rent.


    My life shes before my consciousness.


    The smile of an old merchant who bought my mana crystals even before I had a hunter''s license, showing up to Maria''s awakening ceremony, meeting Abby at the Association, and traveling to the capital of the Vice Region for the first time with a small guild.


    Images of working for the Association, good and bad, farming dungeons, going to the C-ss exams where I met both Arie and Ember, meeting new teammates, and eventually being betrayed by the Association but continuing on with all the cards I''ve been dealt.


    My adventures through the Dark Continent, learning of Qi, Divine Beasts, Demons, and expanding my empire back to where I started, the 8 Great Regions, eventually all show up in stunning detail.


    Awakening a Divine Core, and learning who really controls this world, touring city to city to get support before a battle that will decide the fate of all humans.


    Even the battle against Redgrave reys in my mind as the silver swords continue to fall down on me...


    The green energy that gave me a boost, holding my Astral Form together, all fades away, as energy of higher tiers does not stay in one''s body until the core is fully formed.


    However, the mental trip I''ve experienced shes through everyone''s minds that shares my link, showing now over 22 million people the equally beautiful and dreadful world I''ve seen in such a short time.


    Unknown to me, still in a fugue state, almost 4 million people in the Central Association have just seen the outside world for the first time in many decades.


    My links skyrocket, hitting 24 million by the seventh sword, and 27 million by the time the ninth and final sword in the center of the demon''s graspes down.


    My massive fiery Astral Form shows cracks all over its surface as I hold the nine des back, with Ember''s mes still bursting outward at full force, filling the room with fiery heat.


    As the timer counts down from three, more links flow in, and more cracks form all over my greater form''s surface.


    By the time the counter hits zero, over 30 million pairs of eyes watch through mine while the nine swords disappear, and my Astral Form shatters as I stop giving it any extra energy because my job is done.


    ¨C


    All of the demon''s arms move back to their starting point.


    Silver text hovers in the air.


    [Round 9 of 9 Complete.]


    [Trial 1: Body: Complete.]


    [Calcting prize based on trial difficulty...]


    [Prize Calcted.]


    All of the text disappears, and the entire silver demon statue fades away shimmering with the same silver light.


    Two small ck boxes fall from the ceiling and hit the floor in front of the massive arching doorway that now glowspletely silver just like the door I entered to begin these trials.

 Chapter 678

    Chapter 678


    The ringing in my ears is extremely loud, but my vision has returned, as my full power isn''t fully concentrated on keeping my astral form at max capacity anymore.


    Now, arge portion of my mind is upied with using my self-regeneration to its maximum output while walking forward to the ck box that''s fallen from the ceiling. Each step is painful, as my entire body is fatigued and filled with pins and needles that be sharp with every movement.


    Ember, walking forward in his human form, doesn''t look like he''s in much better shape than me.


    His face still exudes a confident and curious expression, but his bodynguage shows that the ordeal took a lot out of him too.


    While I have an enormous amount of pure mana farmed from the artificial mountains still locked away in my storage in pure crystal form, ready to use for emergency hibernation if necessary, the boxes in front of me hold my full leftover attention.


    They glow with a dim white light that feels simr to divine energy, creating subtle gravity waves as it seeps out of the ck boxes that don''t show any openings.


    As soon as Ember and I get up close enough to the prizes, the tops of the small boxes dissolve away, shining with a far stronger white glow inside.


    The box in front of me holds three items.


    The first that catches my eye is a jagged piece of ck metallic stone, but as it floats upward, pushed up by the white mist inside the box, it begins shimmering deep yellow and gives off the gravity signature of a true core.The red soul sword in my hand mentally tugs toward this object, but my gaze shifts to the other two that float upward in the white mist.


    One is barely visible, a small white orb, not bigger than amon marble, but it shines with the same odd divine light that this white box''s inside does.


    Thest item I see is about four timesrger than the white marble, but it is simrly shaped; its color glows bright green, and I can see an immense amount of shimmering divine threads inside of it.


    As the green orbes out of the white mist, the pressure it begins to exert on the room bes greater and greater, and I even see green threads start to violently spin out from the orb as it begins to unravel itself.


    Without hesitating, I open an item storage portal and let the dangerous item fall inside.


    The two items that remain float upwardpletely out of the box, and the hunger from my sword grows as the chunk of ck and yellow metales closer.


    I move my de forward to tap it against the raw material, and a [Consume] window shows up for me to ept on the spot.


    The originator rock melts to a yellow pure divine energy mixture instantly and is consumed by my de.


    My gaze switches between the red sword, rippling with yellow light as it takes longer than usual to digest the mass it''s eating, and the one remaining item in front of me.


    Ember''s voice echoes in my ears.


    "That pill is made of Low-quality Divine Ether, and it''s in a very pure form. I guess the difficulty of that trial worked out in our favor in the end. Eat it; it''ll do much more than just heal you."


    I raise an eyebrow and turn my head to see Ember''s box open as well, and in front of him, there''s only a single item: a small white dragon''s scale, glowing with the same odd white divine glow.


    His finger makes contact with the white, nearly translucent scale, and at the same time, he transforms his body into his hybrid dragon form. The scale starts to glow brighter white, and the excess energy around it starts to flow into Ember''s body, making his ck scales, crimson eyes, and tail glow with a bright white light.


    The scale disappears once it looks as though it''s been absorbed entirely, and all of the white light around Ember dissipates as well. I can''t even tell if anything has changed, other than the pleasant expression on his face now and his apparentck of fatigue.


    As he begins reverting back to his full human form, I notice a slight golden shimmer beneath some of Ember''s scales, like their true color is peeking through for the first time.


    However, a headache pulls my vision away before I can observe any further, and I do as Ember instructed and drop the Low-quality Divine Ether pill into my mouth.


    It dissolves instantly, and tastes sweet like candy.


    The white glow spreads throughout my body quickly, feeling simr to when Abby uses her Restoration skill, but with a strange divine twist to it. It feels as though I''m just being healed back up to full health, but at the same time, an innate potential deep inside feels like it''s being brought up to the surface, where I would usually have to dig far deeper to grasp.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Just as soon as the warm feeling washespletely over me, it leaves just as fast, and the white glowpletely disappears with the two ck boxes with it.


    All of my fatigue, ringing in my ears, and even the pins and needles all over my body havepletely left me. Yet, I don''t feel especially refreshed; I just feel normal...


    Two lines of text hover in front of my eyes, the first in yellow, and I feel my Soul Sword vibrate in my hands as the system text rings in my inner ear.


    [The Divine Emperor''s Soul Sword Evolution Attribute has reached Lv. 1!]


    The second is in shimmering silver, above the arching doorway, in the ancient tower''s voice that rings in my mind with even more rity than ever before.


    [Proceed to Trial 2: Mind]


    ¡ª


    Around the outside of the tower, the surges of links of loyalty surpassing 30 million increase the general''s stats by an immense degree.


    It is much needed, as two new high-level yellow-cored generalse rocketing toward the crimson army from their rear. The only forces waiting strong enough to stop them are The Saint in hisrge white pure Qi-infused Greater Form, and Arie now releasing one of his poisoned arrows toward one of them as they approach.


    However, the greatest boost is noticed in Abby and Maria, as a fuming mad bronze-horned Demon with a True Core burning in its chest collides with both of them at extreme speeds.


    One of its shimmering bronze daggers phases right through Abby''s Immortal Form, while the other is stopped by a massive blue Soul Energy Sword.


    There are two massive eruptions of energy that ripple through the desert, the first being the nearly equal exchange of the Demon''s dagger and Maria''s energy des, while the second is Abby flying around to the demon''s back and stabbing through its armor with two daggers of her own.


    All three parties involved in the exchange are blown backward, and two gashes are visible on the Demon''s side, but both the ck obsidian-colored armor and the Demon''s flesh be covered in purple Demonic Soul Energy and heal back to perfect condition almost instantly.


    No one wastes any time getting back into the sh, but the Demon is now wary that Abby is hard to hit, and the Ice Goddess can match his overwhelming physical strength even with Demonic Soul Energy imbued in his strikes.


    Even though this Demon is at the lower tier range of a True Core''s size, its seven-meter-tall natural stature and Demonic Strength are simr to a middle-level true core human, surpassing that of almost all order members other than the big three.


    Despite this, the absurd amount of mana and stats coursing through the two women''s veins creates a sight unbelievable to the pride-filled Arch Demon''s eyes.


    After ten exchanges pass, the two women keep getting slightly stronger somehow, and every time the demon thinks it''s about tond a hit, Maria''s core pulses dark blue to let out an ominous pulse of energy to overpower it.


    Abby zips around the battlefield with superior speed and invulnerability,nding shot after shot on the Demon''s unguarded blind spots while it''s mid-sh with Maria.


    While after every collision the Demon heals, mental and physical fatigue will kick in eventually. With the links of loyalty only growing, the longer this battle rages on, the more of an advantage they''ll have.


    The Demon figures this out very quickly as well, but its overallposure doesn''t change. It evenughs, mocking the two of them even after being sent backward from Abbynding another two hits.


    "For humans, I have to give it to you, you really are strong. Especially on such a world with low-quality resources like this..."


    It heals its wounds back up and grips both its bronze daggers while its body bes covered in Demonic Soul Energy.


    "I''ll give you onest chance to submit. Lord Vermillion is a reasonable leader; he will spare your lives in exchange forbor. Not just on this world either; once we''ve taken over this, the expansion will only continue."


    Maria''s massive energy dees crashing down while Abby zips through the sky around it to send a dual attack.


    As they all sh again, and the Demon is pushed back with two dagger marks in its chest te, Abby replies to its words.


    "Onest chance? I don''t think you know who you''re up against here... you''re not walking away from this battle alive, and neither is your Lord."


    Abby nces toward the tower, but the Demon only bursts out into a monstrous demonicugh.


    "You believe any mere human could kill a Demon with a noble bloodline flowing through their veins...?"


    Itughs louder and louder while all of its wounds and armor heal.


    "You truly believe our leader could be killed on this puny world? Allow me to demonstrate; as one of the Lord''s underlings with just a fraction of its power. I''ll unseal my bloodline to give you a taste of what fate this race is in for..."


    Itsughs cease, and the demon closes its eyes.


    There isn''t even a fraction of a second of activation time before its eyes open again, and a pulse of grey energy erupts from its core.


    An eerie pressure fills the silver dome, and the gravity of the bronze-horned Demon''s True Core increases many times over.


    It jumps off the air to move forward, and its speed is iparable to what it was just seconds ago.


    It collides with Maria''s de that would push it back before and keep it upied while Abby went in for the kill, but this time Maria can''t follow through with her strike at all.


    She has to use her Soul Energy core to pulse with dark blue light multiple times in a row to keep her positioning while Abby goes in to attack.


    The sound of Abby''s daggers nging against the Demon''s now imprable obsidian armor is matched with both Abby and Maria flung backward in a shockwave that erupts from the Demon as its core continues to grow stronger as its bloodline is fully unsealed.


    Its yell echoes out again in a confident, arrogantugh while its physical body grows in size.


    "This is the power of a 2nd ss Demonic Bloodline. I could kill everyone in this desert before you take 10 breaths...And you still believe there is someone from this world that can stack up to our lord?"


    Itughs again while locking eyes with both of them, grinning, as its body growsrger and plumes of dark purple Demonic Soul Energy cover its massive form. The Demon''s aura makes the air hot and heavy while it creates the manifestation of a massive dark ck and purple Demon the same size as Maria''s Ice Goddess.


    It speeds forward with its erged energy daggers ready to kill, now truly on the offensive.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 679

    My Crimson Soul sword levels up and burns hot in my hands, ready for war after digesting that jagged piece of originator stone. However, it slowly fades back to ck as it feels my calm heartbeat and senses no worthy opponents nearby.


    There''s no additional information shown on my status about it, other than the hundreds of percent increases in stat buffs and the [Lv. 0] turning to [Lv. 1]. I''m certain I''ll find out more once it''s in the mood to fight again...


    I walk forward into the massive silver portal at the back of the room, and the same warm and cold teleportation magic envelops me and Ember, bringing us into what feels like an identical room.


    My foot hits the hard ck ground, and I look around to see the same high ceilings and smooth walls.


    I can still feel the outside world with perfect rity and see the battle between the demons and my army beginning; however, after stepping through this portal, I feel tens of kilometers above the ground. My vantage point of the world has risen, as this portal has brought me higher in the tower.


    At the back of the room, I see the outline of another door, and a massive silver statue sits in front of it. Instead of a demon, it seems this second trial has a three-headed serpent guarding the closed door.


    Its body coils into arge base, and its three necks stretch upward over seven kilometers, even higher than the nine-armed demon below us.


    Ember walks out by my side, and we both look at the shimmering silver text floating between our gaze and the six eyes that shine with a silver glint, frozen in time and looking down at us.


    [All Conditions In Completing Trial 1 Met.][Would You Like To Start The Second Trial?]


    [YES] [NO]


    I take a deep breath, walk forward, and press [YES] as I feel more than ready to take on whatever it has to throw at me next.


    [Enter the trial area.]


    The message rings in my inner ear, and a nearly identical silver testing circle lights up in front of the silver serpent.


    Both of us walk forward without a word, and once we stand in its center, more text appears.


    [Trial 2: Mind]


    [Calcting Necessary Difficulty...]


    [Difficulty Calcted: Trial 2: Round 1 of 3 Shall Commence.]


    [Round 1 of 3 Title: Istion]


    [Objective: Endure.]


    The far left head of the serpent moves, baring its fangs and long tongue while moving down to eye level. The entire statue glows with a faint silver light, but I can''t sense it at all... just like the silver des in thest round, this energy is undetectable to me. Even when making contact with it, I could only quantify the pure force it exerted, not its full potential.


    With this knowledge, I want to be ready for anything, so I point my de forward and activate my greater form, even preparing to activate my astral form if needed.


    Ember grows into his dragon form as well, but he''s not nearly as on edge as I am.


    Before I can ask why, the serpent''s head halts, and its eyes sh silver, blinding me entirely. My audio, visual, and even physical senses arepletely overwhelmed before I can even think to try to stay conscious.


    All 33,921,800 links of loyalty looking through my eyes lose vision of what I''m seeing, and I lose my view of the outside world.


    The silver light fades as fast as it came, but when the darkness returns, my senses do not.


    All I see is darkness, and I can''t feel my body either...


    A twisted thought races through my mind, wondering if I failed and this is what death feels like... but feeling death dozens of times already from the perspective of my body doubles makes me quickly believe that hasn''t happened.


    There was no notification, and a very interesting sensation lingers in my consciousness.


    I''m unsure if it is part of this trial or an aftereffect of the prize from thest one.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    I feel a very faint, indescribable pull that feels extremely simr to that white energy Ember called Divine Ether.


    I can''t see it, and have no frame of reference to say I physically feel it, but for some reason, it is present within this endless expanse of darkness around me.


    The trial is one testing the mind, and the round''s descriptor was istion...


    I have no breath to take, nor any heartbeat to measure the time. I can''t even mentally pull up my status window for external stimtion.


    Whatever this trial has in store for me, all I can do now is as it instructed: Endure.


    ---


    Just a few moments ago, as Abby and Maria are attacked again by the unsealed bronze-horned demon, its power seems to grow more and more with every second that passes.


    Maria''s dark blue de can deflect its dual daggers, now coated in a denseyer of Demonic Soul Energy, creating a Greater Demonic Form.


    However, she''s using her full concentration and entire strength to even contend with the bloodlust-fueled demon. She''s been moved entirely to the defensive, even being overpowered on some of the recent hits.


    The Ice Goddess Form is sent flying backward after every exchange, closer and closer to the silver dome''s back wall; and now, with the thick Demonic Soul Energy defenses, Abby''s close-range attacks aren''t even able to make it through without dealing with that overwhelming aura with her unguarded body.


    The tone of their battle haspletely turned on its head.


    One moment, they''re the onesnding consistent hits to tire the demon out, and now, both of them are being overpowered.


    Its chaotic yell erupts through their battle as it only grows more powerful with every swing, settling into its unsealed form.


    "It sure feels good to let out my real full power! Not so confident now, are you?"


    He blocks Maria''s iing attack with just one dagger, then throws the other to his left side while a stream of purple soul energy shoots it forward with unbelievable speed and force.


    While the two are locked together, the demon''s flying dagger aims straight for her vitals.


    Maria epts that she won''t win this exchange, twists her body out of the way, and is shot backward from the force, but the demon''s flying attack grazes her midsection while it curves back to the demon''s open grasp.


    A massive gash opens in her side as it tears through her blood-bonded armor like paper, and a Demonic Soul Energy wound imbued with True Core''s threads burns bright as she''s mmed against the back wall of the silver dome.


    Abby attempts a long-range attack while the demon is focused on Maria, but the demon twists its body and sends its other dagger flying through the air, obliterating the barrage of earth pirs sent toward its back.


    While in its flight path, it aims to take out Abby too, but it phases through her Immortal form like a hologram.


    She grins, but the demon doesn''t seem concerned.


    The daggeres flying back to it like a boomerang, and the demon points both des together to create a dense ball of Demonic Soul Energy floating between them.


    Its strength and True Core''s density only be more intense and deadly with every moment that passes, and the ball of matter it''s creating is densely packed with True Core''s threads and violent dark purple energy.


    As soon as Abby darts to find another angle tounch an attack, the demon releases the strange ball of matter, and it shoots forward even faster than the flying daggers did.


    The instant it makes contact with Abby''s Immortal Form, her eyes widen, and the ball of energy explodes in a violent disy of power.


    She''s sent flying backward from the st, as the initial impact had enough strange energy inside it to somehow overpower her ranked up buff for a split second at the instance of the explosion.


    The green woman coughs up blood as she shoots tens of kilometers back at a downward angle, hitting the desert floor and creating a crater from the impact.


    Its loud thud is followed by the demon''sughter, and at the same time, the live video feed inside the tower goes dark as the second trial begins with a mysterious severing of the visual feed...


    ---


    Thousands of kilometers away in Sector 1, Ravennds her first hit on the ck spear user''s stomach; perfectly evading its senses in her invisible stealth form until the moment of contact.


    Her attack would have pierced right through the demon''s core, but it was fast enough to shift its body and counter with its spear.


    Before the demon and Raven collide a second time, its shattered ck armor and bleeding stomach regenerate in a plume of Demonic Soul Energy.


    In their next exchange, Raven manages to slice through the demon''s shoulder, but it counters with its spear, milliseconds away fromnding a vital shot on Raven during the moment she''s visible upon contact.


    The demon smirks, keeping a calm expression while waves of grey and demonic energy ripple out from where its true core partner is fighting.


    "Looks like you humans are pretty strong, after all... if my partner had to unseal his bloodline, your teammates are certainly not ordinary."


    His eyes sharpen, and his grip on his spear shifts slightly as purple soul energy surges through his hands into the weapon.


    There''s no response from Raven, but the demon predicts Raven''s exact positioning on her next strike, and they sh de to spear on equal footing.


    "That is an interesting skill¡ªa divine-grade stealth integration. I don''t think I''ve ever seen one before..."


    They push each other back, and more purple demonic soul energy pours out of the demon''s body, covering its spear and even its entire seven-meter-tall frame, leaving only its white eyes piercing through the veil.


    In response, Raven sends over half a dozen more attacks its way, but she''s blocked right before impact each time. Every counter the Arch Demon makes is dodged just in time too.


    However, even now it appears the Demon is holding back and just watching Raven attack for fun. It speaks again with a confident smile and calm tone.


    "It''s a shame I''ll have to kill such a budding talent like you. If this was truly my full strength, you might have a chance, but there''s no point in toying with you longer than necessary. I will teach the elite of your human world true despair. Behold, a 1st ss Demonic Bloodline."


    The white glowing eyes behind the purple veil close, and when they open, an eerie pressure reaches every being in this dome. Its initial gravity wave at such close range is enough to seep deep into Raven''s psyche and forcefully deactivate her divine stealth mode.


    It makes heads turn hundreds of kilometers away, and the waves of gravity and killing intent only be stronger while the Demon''s Greater Energy Form begins to grow in size.

 Chapter 680

    Chapter 680


    Cut off from the outside, alone in a ck void of darkness with no way to feel my body or know when time will pass, all I can do is wait.


    The round''s name was Istion, so my best guess is that I must endure and not crack under the pressure of endless time without stimtion.


    On its surface, this seems like a quite simple and straightforward first round for the trial.


    All I have to do is sit and wait, but the daunting underside of this is that there is no timer signifying how long exactly I have to wait.


    The worry that the outside world is moving on without me doesn''t seem like an issue, as the tower''s rules stated the third and final trial won''t start until all challengers are present; and I trust my Inner Circle to stand their ground outside.


    If Ember is in a simr situation as me, I trust that he will be just fine as well. As he''s most likely lived more lifetimes than I canprehend, waiting in an endless void may not be very difficult for his psyche.


    I''ve been through something like this before, inside the Titan''s Domain the first time I fell inside by ident, not knowing when I''d ever make it out of that solid white box.


    Even returning to train, the istion definitely changed me, but it was possible...


    However, as these thoughts race through my consciousness, the fact that the difficulty of this trial was calcted beforehand just like the first one does give me a tinge of unease. My definition of long istion may be far different from my battle partner''s.Even so, I can''t move, speak, smell, or see; all I can do is endure. So that''s what I do...


    ¡ª


    What I can only believe to be the first few hours go by extremely slowly, as this is the time when the reality of this situation truly sinks in.


    I want to move around or hear some noise; it''s like a gut impulse that craves patterns and wants there to be some kind of movement within the infinite darkness that hits my senses.


    I try to count in my head, but after reaching 100,000, even this begins to seem trivial.


    Then again, the moment I stop and decide to just sit in my own silence again, my mind forces me to restart the count.


    I can think about potential scenarios in the outside world, like a fantasy ying in my mind, but they all fall short of the reality before me. This is not my normal mind; I cannot just picture crystal-clear images as if they were reality. All I can do is savor the fading memory of what it used to look like to see.


    It''s not like I''m closing my eyes to see this darkness; I don''t have any eyes to close. This abyss of nothingness is everything I have.


    Colors and sounds be nothing but a fading memory as I recalibrate to what''s before me.


    I don''t feel hunger, pain, or pleasure whatsoever. My count reaches 100,000 again, and it doesn''t feel like I''m counting fast or slow at all.


    Both concepts begin to split away.


    Maybe in the first few hours, I could have guessed that I''d say one or two numbers in my head every second, but now I can''t tell if seconds, minutes, or even hours are going by between each number.


    I begin to have mental slips in between each number I count, spacing off into the endless void, not remembering whether or not I was imagining what it was like in the outside world or still counting, and having to reset my numbers again and again.


    From this point forward, I never make it back anywhere close to 100,000 again.


    I consciously realize this, but there is nothing else to keep my mind upied. I can only think about using my system, or the faces of my teammates, or the impending battles in this tower for so long.


    The daunting feeling of being trapped in true endless darkness because of my soul pact with an immortal being that keeps me partially sane. Slipping away for too long now could be catastrophic if this is just the beginning.


    Fleeting memories of Ember''s calm eyes and unfazed demeanor in every situation we''re in begin to make far more sense. When looking into the void of eternity, what is there truly to fear...


    There''s a point where this notion is all I really think about, and an eerie calm washes through what''s left of my mind.


    I sit in the darkness, with only darkness on my mind.


    I know I have a goal: it is to endure, but at a certain point, I don''t know why or what I''m enduring for.


    There isn''t anything else to do though, so endure is what I do...


    ¡ª


    Darkness envelops reality and bes it.


    Days could have passed, maybe years, decades, centuries, millennia; I don''t know.


    My mind has put its walls up. The moment I lost the ability to count any further and epted this reality, a mechanism in my mind decided to save its conscious thoughts, tucking them away into the depths of my consciousness; only to let my subconscious y with the endless darkness andck of stimtion in my surroundings.


    If anything happens in the void around me, it is impossible to tell, as I''ve mentally cut off my conscious mind from its surroundings as an automatic defense mechanism.


    ¡ª


    In reality, my subconscious wanders, and it finds what I sensed slightly the moment I started this trial.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    It is an invisible, unsensible, undetectable energy floating around in my mind.


    When my active thoughts attempted to pursue it, it could never be found, but now, my subconscious ys with the invisible energy left within my mind that is Divine Ether.


    It acts as though it has a mind of its own but moves extremely slowly, onlymunicating with my subconscious on a scale of years rather than seconds as a usual conversation would.


    My mind epts this conversation as a slow-moving white mist in a sea of darkness, and it creates a barrier between the nothingness and my true mind deep within, shielding it from the passage of time while having a conversation with my subconscious.


    ¡ª


    903,881 Years, 7 Months, 2 Weeks, 4 Days, 11 Hours, 30 Minutes, and 16 seconds pass...


    ¡ª


    Silver light and an ancient-sounding voice echo through my mind, waking me up from the longest nap I''ve ever taken.


    [Round 2 of 3 Shall Commence]


    [Round 2 of 3 Title: Perception]


    [Objective: Find the finish.]


    As I see these words sh through my mind, the feeling of my body returns to me, my tight grasp around my soul sword is evident, and my divine core burning bright in my chest is powerful and ready to take on the world.


    Ember looks at me with an expression of concern, and the second head of the serpent moves toward us.


    It is all extremely overstimting, as it feels as though I just stared into darkness for a few months, or maybe even a full year.


    It feels longer than any time I ever spent in the Titans Domain.


    I remember counting, and waiting, then counting more... then just darkness... and now I''m awake.


    It really didn''t feel like much of a challenge now that I look back on it.


    There is an overwhelming feeling thates over me as though I''m definitely missing something, but too many things attack my mind at once.


    Even if this first round was easier than expected, the instant connection to 35,947,021 links of loyalty is quite overwhelming.


    I can''t remember the exact number of links from before, but as my perception seeps back to the battlefield outside the tower, my eyes widen, and I realize it was all an illusion...


    Even so, I do remember being extremely confident about the odds of the battle outside going into this, and what I can see around me, the battles aren''t going quite as nned.


    Some time has certainly passed.


    With the silver serpent''s heading closer, I make the split-second decision to open my Rising Emperor''s domain to make some changes in order to help those on the outside before I won''t be able to anymore.


    The same instant I do, the silver serpent''s eyes sh silver again, and my vision is blurred.


    ¡ª


    Just a few moments ago, my whereabouts inside the tower were cut off from everyone on the outside world.


    Maria has been injured by a strange demonic energyced dagger, while Abby was knocked backward by a ball of darkness, stronger than any attacks Ember threw at her during their training.


    On the other side of the desert, Raven is having a rude awakening of her own; as the aura alone from this demon unleashing its bloodline made it through her divine stealth True Core''s ability, rendering her trump card useless.


    Both the Demon''s body, spear, and purple-glowing Demonic Greater Form grow in size, bing farrger than Raven''s battle form, and suppressing her movements entirely with its aura alone.


    Not even sending a concentrated attack Raven''s way, she winces, having trouble even looking up at the massive Demonic Form. It speaks loud enough for the entire Dark Continent battlefield to hear.


    "You have all been doomed from the start. We can suppress the strongest in this world with ease. Our Lord shall reign supreme, and you shall obey..."


    It releases a real wave of intimidation, and Raven is sent flying backward from the shockwave alone.


    It grins and lets out a lowugh.


    Its fellow True Core on the other side of the desert matches its tone, as they have both shown their dominance, and no one in this world is anywhere close to strong enough to stand in their way.


    The link from within the tower is severed, and even the Crimson Army has its hands full, fending off eight times the number of troops attacking them from both sides.


    Arie has managed to keep the casualties at zero so far, as his full concentration has been saving soldiers in danger from afar while the Crimson Army fights with everything they have.


    However, that too looks like it''s soon to change, as two high-level yellow cores areing their way, one of which is dead set on Arie, as it''s the one that he almost killed and humiliated in front of its Lord.


    Even as all hope of salvaging this fight seems lost, no one backs down.


    The Saint and Arie turn their focus to the Generals while Fisher and Lydia pull back to stop being hyper-aggressive and make sure to watch the backs of their fellow troops now while the full yellow cores handle the front lines.


    Maria tanks the purple wound that won''t go away no matter how much self-regeneration she does at the moment. It only slowly heals, and would take minutes that she doesn''t have to fully recover on her own, so she recharges her soul energy sword to face the superior demon that threw that hit.


    Abby, forming half a dozen spears of rock around herself, shakes off the hit she received and zips around the back side of the demon to support Maria as ites her way.


    Maria pulls out a small white knife from her item box, one of the unique items Raven gifted her when they cultivated together in her volcanic base.


    She lets go of it, and it begins to spin around her Ice Goddess form, leaving a trail of white ice behind it. There is a faint divine energying off of it, and Maria''s expression tells this won''t be enough of a boost to turn the tide of the battle, but it will give her enough time to wait for support or think of another idea that will.


    This is proven true as she and the demon collide again.


    Maria is overpowered just slightly by their collision and has to twist out of the way again, but as the second daggeres hurtling toward her midsection, the white icy de hits it, and it''s thrown just off course enough to avoid hitting her.


    Abby sends a massive raining attack of earth pirs down on the demon, and it has to use up another attack to destroy them; giving her just enough time to curve around to Maria and use her restoration magic to heal the demonic wound on her side.


    ¡ª


    While Maria and Abby have just enough power and gear to fend off their Second-ss Bloodline Demon, the First-ss Monstrosity staring down at Raven is in a league of its own.


    "You still dare to look at me like you have a chance at winning?" it arrogantly yells while pointing its ck and purple Greater Form''s spear down at Raven, making her look like an ant inparison.


    The ripple in space the spear makes as ites closer sends Raven flying backward just from the radiation; but her grip on her des stays tight and her eyes stare up at the Demon without fear.


    Itughs, retrieving its weapon and flying forward while yelling again, "Very well, I understand, the strongest warrior of humans wanting to be killed while holding onto hope for their world..."


    Then, it throws its spear forward, faster than the eye can see.


    It almost looks like the spear disappears in the demon''s grasp, and only reappears when it makes contact with Raven''s chestte.


    It shatters, and the shockwaves it creates crack through the entire dome, sending her flying downward toward the desert floor, coughing blood.


    The Demon yells as she plummets downward.


    "While I understand, I do not respect your wishes. You are a human, and we are your gods. You shall submit, and I will make an example of you to the world as my personal ve. Go against the Demons that rule you, and this is the result. Even your strongest cannot resist."


    Another massive boom echoes throughout the dome as a crater is formed on impact and the purple spear pins Raven to the rocky desert floor.


    It missed her vitals by mere millimeters; this was clearly done on purpose as the Demon floats downward with a twisted grin on its Greater Demonic Form.


    However, Raven''s hands still grip the silver des, and her eyes are as sharp as they were when the battle started.


    That''s because, on the way down, the sensation of the view inside the tower returned.


    Now, after impact as the Demones closer, a notification rings in her inner ear. A new unique buff is granted within her system interface.


    Raven has be the fourth General of The Rising Emperor, and now watches her unsuspecting prey float down toward her from above.

 Chapter 681

    Chapter 681


    The silver sh of light fades, and a light blue background covers my surroundings.


    I prepare to endure the bodiless, sensory-deprived reality or something equivalent this time as well, but soon a body materializes below my eyes.


    ess to my links of loyalty is severed again, and my system skills are too, so I believe this is just another illusion.


    However, that odd feeling I sensed when starting myst round is far stronger.


    The Divine Ether left in my mind feels far morefortable melding with my consciousness. It feels warm, flowing, and far less foreign than it did before; but I can''t quite figure out why...


    Other than this feeling, the body below me is certainly not real. It is like a mirage controlled by my mind, with no organs, cores, or ess to mana or divine energy.


    Before I can inspect it any further, my vision is filled with squares of shimmering glossy ss that appear like mirrors, but when I look into them, nothing at all is reflected. They just show more endless light blue sky.


    More and more squares appear, easily thousands of them, forming a curved wall shape before me.


    They finally stop multiplying, and then a silver text box shimmers in my vision reading [0/50] [0/50].No voicees with it, but simultaneously, the thousands of clear ss mirrors begin to shift in color and reveal a familiar face.


    Every single one of them reveals Ember in his human form.


    His eyes move back and forth identically on all the mirrors, and when he speaks, his mouth opens on all of them as well.


    "I can only guess you see the same as me...? But... a better question would be, are you still sane?"


    I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms and looking at the wall of mirrors reflecting the long red-haired dragon, and reply.


    "Am I sane? Even if I wasn''t, that would not be an easy question to answer... Why?"


    Ember''s eyes don''t stop darting around, as if he''s looking at all of the mirrors on his end. Then they sharpen, and he moves forward with a palm in front of him.


    I hear the crashing of ss, and the silver text before me changes to [0/50][1/50].


    Ember nods, then his eyes go back to darting around while speaking.


    "I was left to withstand over 900,000 years of darkness. I have both the experience to endure this passage of time and a mental technique that speeds it up for my conscious mind. I am curious to know how you are still understanding my words and not driven to insanity with merely two decades of life experience."


    My eyes begin darting around the wall of mirrors, understanding what I have to do now from the change in notifications. The objective was to make it to the finish, and as Ember destroyed a mirror to move forward, we both need to pick the correct mirror 50 times to reach a middle ground.


    I reply while the warm feeling in my mind subconsciously guides my eyes.


    "Maybe we had different tests? I only remember a few months, or maybe a year of darkness at most. I just remember everything going dark after a while and waking up like nothing happened..."


    As these wordse out of my mouth, one of the mirrors in the top left corner of my vision feels warm in my mind. There is no visual feedback, but something tells me that this one is alive while the others are just mirages.


    Without thinking any further, I jump upward and effortlessly crash through the pane of ss with Ember''s confused face on it.


    [1/50][1/50] appears in my vision in front of a whole new curved wall of mirrors.


    I raise an eyebrow, grin, and try to jump high enough to fly over the wall, but I''m pushed down by an invisible, immovable force. The same thing happens when I try to fly under it or to either of its sides.


    "The only way is through..." I whisper under my breath, but Ember responds with a pondering gaze not paying attention to my odd actions.


    "I don''t believe it... the Trials are meant to be fair. A challenger must face the burdens their bonded partner brings. Your trial must have been just as hard as mine, because ourbined skill has been equalized to create a challenge of the mind. While anything learned during the trial doesn''t affect the difficultyter on, our mental and physical strength was tested before. If I were alone, it would have been hundreds of millions of years longer... for sure..."


    While Ember tries to figure this problem out, his eyes continue to dart around his side of the wall, and he jumps through more mirrors, bringing his counter up to [17/50] in under a minute.


    I have to take quite a bit longer, but the warm feeling rushes through my mind every time Iy eyes on the correct mirror, and in the same time, I reach [4/50].


    This book''s true home is on another tform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Ember doesn''te up with a reasonable exnation for this phenomenon, and since I can''t remember a thing, I decide not to prod any further.


    Maybe my mind is just that strong. Even this challenge seems to be moving by really quickly. It could just be that this throne was created for unintelligent monsters and demons.


    I smirk and crash through the fifth mirror while Ember passes his twentieth.


    Then, his voicees through with an rmed tone.


    "Wait! How are you able toplete this round of the trial? It shouldn''t be possible to do this without¡ª"


    He stops himself mid-sentence as he ponders further, but an idea dawns on him as I reply in a nonchnt manner.


    "I don''t know, I can just see which mirrors contain life. It''s like I''m sensing your mind through each mirror. I don''t know how to exin it other than you feel warm."


    Ember grins, finishing his statement with understanding in his eyes.


    "Divine Ether. It seems even a drop of low-quality ether in this realm is enough to do such a thing. That prize from thest trial was quite valuable..."


    He looks upward as if he''s looking at nothing and mutters to himself.


    "Almost a million years... Let''s say your subconscious shielded you from the passage of time and used this as a pseudo-closed cultivation room. It would be slower than the real thing, but the conscious mind couldn''t have done such a thing... Genius... But¡ª"


    He looks back at me, clearly understanding something I don''t.


    "What? What happened? You''re telling me that white pill has something to do with why my brain didn''t melt in thest round and why I feel this warm pressure now?"


    "It does... You''ve managed to awaken the beginning stages of what is called an Ether Sense. Though in a very unorthodox fashion, it has still urred... Knowing your past aplishments, I don''t know what else I would have expected..."


    We continue breaking through the ss as Ember exins the process that took ce in my mind while time passed in that endless ck void.


    Apparently, this is just scraping the outer surface of what this foreign energy can do, but I need more time, a better environment to train, and more ether itself to actually progress.


    [50/50][50/50]


    In less than half an hour of perceived time, I break through the final mirror, and our conversationes to an abrupt end once we both see each other''s fake bodies, followed by a sh of silver light.


    My mind is still wandering with a sense of awe at the reality that I, too, really managed to survive almost a million years of istion.


    Even now, this second round waspleted with such ease... it feels like I cheated.


    Both of us turn to each other back inside the throne, and my links of loyalty all return to me along with the perception of the outside world.


    It seems not even a second of time has passed, as everyone in the battlefield outside is in the exact same position I left them in. Raven hasn''t even activated the new power I granted her yet.


    These thoughts of the outside world fade when my eyes meet Ember''s. They focus with far more discernment as I''ve been searching for a very specific energy for the past few minutes and find exactly what I''m looking for.


    His entire dragon''s body burns hot with the same Divine Ether Energy, in far more rity now that I know what I''m looking for. But, it is still very strange, giving off invisible readings that I can''t quite understand. His voice echoes through my mind.


    "Focus on the trials ahead. This next round may be easy as well, but don''t lose focus. Just because you lucked out here doesn''t negate the fact that there will be a new calibration on the next Trial above us. So, prepare for the worst."


    His words sink in, and I nod, looking up at the next silver snake heading down as more shimmering silver text covers my vision.


    [Round 3 of 3 Shall Commence]


    [Round 3 of 3 Title: Fortitude]


    [Objective: Withstand the Pressure.]


    As soon as I ready myself, a silver sh of light blinds me, and my vision turns red once it''s done.


    The sound of bubbles boiling enters my mind, and the sensation of burning surges through my body.


    It feels like I''ve been dunked in a red-hot pool of magma, and the sensation of my skin, organs, and even bones burning away begins to repeat over and over. In addition to the burning, it feels like the heavy molten material is pushing in on me, simultaneously crushing my muscles and bones.


    At the same time, a wave of pressure hits my psyche, that can only be described as a brutal wave of intimidation, making me want to pass out the second it hits me.


    Just like thest two rounds, this is an illusion. I can''t move my body, so I have to just allow this horrible pain to massacre my senses.


    Every second that passes, the pressure seems to get stronger, and the burning sensation also gets hotter.


    However, this is paired with the fact that the warm feeling in my mind is still present. It may be an illusion that I can''t defend my body, but I can easily defend my mind now even without my system present.


    In the first few seconds of this round, a smooth invisible mental barrier is put up, forcing the intimidation waves away; however, the physical attacks can''t be stopped.


    This pressure, I have to endure.


    However, again, as most beings would be in excruciating pain like nothing they''ve ever felt before, this isn''t much worse than most of my life-and-death battles.


    With my mythic-grade self-regeneration skill, I''ve had my limbs torn off, body parts burned to ash, and blood boiled; constantly regenerating many times in the past.


    The odd mental bliss about what is happening now is that I know for sure this isn''t my real body.


    It''s just pain. I can withstand it.


    If I could move this body submerged in molten rock, I''d be smiling throughout this entirest round.


    A few days pass, but it is nothingpared to the perceived months that went by in the darkness.


    I almost feel as though this throne is going too easy on me when the silver light returns me to the trial room, and notifications re in my vision paired with an ancient voice.


    [Round 3 of 3 Complete.]


    [Trial 2: Mind: Complete.]


    [Calcting prize based on trial difficulty...]


    [Prize Calcted.]


    The three headed serpent dissolves in a sh of silver light, just like the demon did on the floor below, and two identical ck boxes fall from the ceiling.


    As they hit the ground with a thud, I almost want tough out loud at the difference in difficulty from Trial 1 to 2, but I remember what Ember said before this one and silently approach the boxes.


    The third will have another calibration to ount for this new mental shield, but also, I''ll be meeting the two remaining members of the big three if they''ve managed to survive.


    If they are the same strength as Redgrave, I don''t fear their presence at all...


    The only being I''m concerned about is the Arch Demon that was so confident in its ability to be this world''s lord.


    While these thoughts race through my mind the two boxes in front of Ember and myself open on their own.


    Simultaneously, the sensation of Raven pulling 1% of the power from the 36,004,922 links pops up in my status. It is paired with the imagery of her pulling a ck spear from her chest and jumping upward off the desert floor.

 Chapter 682

    Raven''s sharp gaze locked with the approaching Demon doesn''t waver, even as itughs and mocks her while she seems pinned to the desert floor at the center of a crater.


    "Anyst words before I make your life worse than death, and you realize it is toote to submit?!"


    Raven activates the buff that has entered her consciousness and feels tens of millions of stat points rushing into her body, bing reinforced by her True Core''s threads and pushing her limits far beyond what they were just moments ago...


    Even the dense ck and purple aura flowing out from the spear in her chest was deadly enough to suppress her movements, thoughts, and make it difficult to breathe or move when it was close by.


    Now, as she grins and tears the ck spear from her chest with ease, jumping upward off the desert floor to match the massive Demonic Greater Form''s unfathomable speed, the Arch Demon floating downward doesn''tprehend the scene in front of it.


    Mid-jump, Raven reactivates her Divine Stealth skill and True Core''s ability, disappearing entirely from the unsealed Demon''s vision, only to be sensed again when her energy form''s silver des tear into the Demon''s chest.


    Her attack breaks through its defenses without even being noticed, and without its weapon on hand, all the demon can do is tank the hit just like she did for itsst attack, twisting its body as best it can to have both her des miss its Arch Demon''s core by millimeters.


    Dark red blood gushes out from its chest as Raven pulls out her swords and dodges its iing wed hands, but the instant she moves out of its immediate aura, she bes invisible again, and the demon lets out a murderous roar.


    It is filled with both rage and excitement, as the ck and purple energy creating its greater form grows and the ck spear on the desert floor floats back to its outstretched hand."Incredible! No one but the Noble Bloodlines has evernded a hit like that on my unsealed form... You must truly be the strongest human left to guard this world."


    It grins, showing an ominous smile of rows of sharp white teeth and bright eyes burning through its 40-meter-tall Demonic Greater Form.


    There''s no response, as Raven is stillpletely invisible, but its body twists when it feels sharp swords in its side, letting out another monstrousugh while countering with its spear.


    This time, not receiving such a deadly strike, but still having chunks of flesh and armor torn away before its spear blocks the swords.


    In the next moment, Raven is gone again, and the process continues.


    Over and over, Raven tears through the Demon''s flesh and armor, going back on the offensive as this battle esctes even further, forcing the Demon to block and be on guard for its life.


    ---


    Meanwhile, all throughout the silver dome, the insidious aura of a 1st ss Bloodline awakening was enough to turn all heads to the battle in Sector 1 taking ce. However, Raven''s new surge in power gives off a sharp and murderous aura of its own every time her des collide with the Demon''s spear.


    The shockwaves of aura, even hundreds of kilometers away, are making many of the Crimson Army''s troops, and even the red and orange cores of the demon''s army, fall to their knees and have momentarypses in their ability to fight.


    Two True Cores, enhanced far above their natural capabilities, destroy the desert below them, showing off powers too vast for a small world like this to handle.


    If not for the dome around them, the entire Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions would be subject to this pressure, simr to the time the Vermillion Lord and me Emperor had a brief mental sh.


    The ones most thrown off by this dispute are the bronze-horned Demon, Abby, and Maria.


    The Demonughs with a hysterical tone, blocking Maria''s de again and going in for a counter with its flying dagger.


    Maria may have just enough strength to block the hit momentarily, but her speed isn''t up to par with the Demon''s, and she has to concede ground to dodge a fatal blow from the flying dagger, even with the white dagger she uses to block.


    Abby''s speed is fast enough to dodge when the demon turns on her, and even if she is hit by the dagger, it just phases through. However, her offensive strength isn''t nearly powerful enough to make an attack that would actually injure the Demon. ??????¦¥?


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    The three of them are locked into a perpetual cycle waiting for one to slip up, but the constant barrages of enhanced True Cores battling it out on the far side of the desert make the demon the most excited.


    "I''ve never seen him have to go all out other than in training with the nobles! It is quite impressive someone on this world can contend with a 1st ss bloodline. If my fellow general is going this far, I might as well go all out too."


    The bronze-horned demon grins, then disappears from both Abby and Maria''s sight, reappearing in a blip of darkness; stabbing Maria in the stomach, then disappearing again to release a strange ball of energy from its daggers to collide directly with Abby a second time.


    Both of the women are sent flying backward, coughing blood with their eyes wide open, as this Demon just used some kind of dark movement technique that was faster than both of their perceptions could see.


    Darkness erupts from the wound in Maria''s midsection, spreading quickly, unable to be slowed down by her self-regeneration alone. The only one capable of healing her is flying in the opposite direction, coughing blood while caught off guard by the instant high-powered attack that broke through her Immortal Form a second time.


    ---


    Two loud crashes make the desert shake as both of them hit the ground, but that doesn''t break the concentration of the 1st ss Demon and Raven locked in a battle of their own.


    The Demon is putpletely on the defensive now, but its expression hasn''t changed.


    The hits it''s receiving aren''t lethal, and it heals its wounds with Demonic Soul Energy before receiving the next hit every time.


    Its eyes just take in Raven''s fighting style, trying to guess where she''ll strike next before she does, and it seems as though the Demon is getting better at predicting her moves each time.


    They are of simr strength, but the Demon''s perception skills and reflexes are exceptional.


    Even the countless regenerations don''t seem to be putting a dent in its stamina; if anything, it''s getting more fluid and warmed up more after the long barrage of hits.


    Even so, as it getsfortable, there is nowhere for the demon to attack; it has to bepletely reactive and only counter when hit.


    This all changes when the demon finally speaks after over 30 exchanges, yelling in Raven''s general direction.


    "I think it''s time I show you my skill as well. You have shown me the peak of human potential. To be honest, you have opened my eyes. I always believed you were all weaklings, but it seems there can be oddities among you. Even so, you shall never stack up to the true natural power of the demon race."


    It grins while Raven ignores its words andes to attack its back while it speaks to her.


    The Demon doesn''t even try to block, dodge, or counter.


    It is sliced clean in half.


    Then, dissolves into a mirage of ck and purple mist.


    Raven is temporarily confused at the sight, but in the moment her attacknded, three ck spearse rocketing her way as the 1st ss Arch Demon shows off its Body Double skill for the first time during their fight.


    ---


    While all of this urs outside the tower, the two prize boxes open before Ember and myself in front of the silver arching doorway leading to the 3rd Trial.


    Out of my box, a single item floats upward.


    It is a palm-sized leaf, but it is glowing white, almost translucent, and it doesn''t give off any energy. It only feels warm and gives an inkling of divine power.


    I remember back to the first Trial''s prizes, and this leaf looks very simr to the white scale Ember received. He reached out to touch it, and it was all absorbed into his body; then his scales momentarily shimmered golden.


    While I cautiously examine the odd leaf, three items float up out from Ember''s box.


    Two of the items look very familiar, as one is the small white Low Quality Divine Ether pill that I received in thest box.


    Without much thought, Ember takes it and swallows it whole.


    In the same instant, the second familiar item is a small green orb, full of divine threads.


    It begins to unravel just like mine did, but Ember opens up a storage rift in front of his finger to let the item fall inside before exploding.


    My eyes open wide at this sight, as it''s the first time I''ve actually been able to see the inner workings of the rift he''s opened. Most of it gives off strange readings I can''tprehend, but I can sense the hot feel around its edges, meaning this power he''s been using has something to do with this Divine Ether as well.


    He looks down at thest item, which is a pair of ck gauntlets that shimmer with yellow divine light, but he makes a dissatisfied look on his face when he examines them and turns to me.


    "What? Are you going to receive your prize? It''s another good one, a low-quality Ether cleansing herb. Just touch it; you won''t feel anything now, but with your current mana-based storage setup, you can''t take it with you."


    I want to ask a ton of questions, but decide to just do as he says and reach out a finger to touch the translucent white glowing leaf.


    Upon contact, it dissolves into invisible hot mist and is siphoned into my finger, flowing throughout my whole body, then disappearing from my senses like nothing happened at all.


    I turn to Ember again, but he grabs the ck gauntlets and throws them my way without warning.


    "Your sword can eat these if it wants; I''m not a fan of Soul Weapons. Fighting with my body alone is more my style..."


    At these words, the de that circles around me perks up, rippling with a dark crimson glow, and I reflexively grab it while colliding its tip with the iing gauntlets.


    They''re turned to yellow liquid and consumed the second they make contact.


    There is about a second worth of digesting, but the hungry de goes back to its ck dormant state momentster as it hasn''t leveled up again, but it''s had its fill.


    Ember speaks to himself but knows I''m listening.


    "These prizes seem to all max out at the lower green divine energy realm. The Vermillion Family''s Lord must still be a green core at most if this is the type of items the throne was seeded with. That would make sense for going after such a manacking world. Not even a Cyan Lord would send their challengers here."


    Ember smirks as the prize boxes disappear, then starts to walk forward.


    "Ready to face the final trial?"


    I nod and take a step forward.


    "Yeah, I''m ready."


    With 36,127,889 pairs of eyes looking through mine, both Ember and I step through the silver portal to be transported up to the 3rd and final Trial Room.

 Chapter 683

    [All Conditions In Completing Trial 2 Met.]


    [All Challengers Have Arrived.]


    [Would You Like To Start The Third Trial?]


    [YES] [NO]


    This text immediately appears in my vision, but I seem to be in an empty ck room.


    However, it is shaped in a triangr fashion, with Ember and myself standing at its furthest side, facing the pointed end.


    I press the [YES] option, and the room around me begins to mutate and change, just as it did before the first Trial.


    The ceiling rises, and the walls expand, revealing three more triangr rooms, connecting them to form a circr outline of the actual outer walls of the ck tower.


    In its center, a shimmering silver pir of light shoots up from the floor, no more than 500 meters wide, stretching high into the endless darkness above, where the ceiling seems to have no end.Six dense True Cores reach my senses over the next few seconds, tens of kilometers away on separate sides of the massive room.


    ra, Beckman, and the Vermillion Family Demon are waiting at the back of their triangr sectors, with their soul bonded partners, all looking at the silver pir in the center of the room.


    More text, and the tower''s ancient voice echoes in my inner ear.


    [Trial 3: Soul]


    [Calcting Necessary Difficulty...]


    [Difficulty Calcted: Trial 3: Round 1 of 2 Shall Commence.]


    [Round 1 of 2 Title: Negotiation.]


    [Objective: Only One Bonded Pair Can Walk Through The Final Door, Be the Last One Standing.]


    The silver pir in the center of the room pulses, its barrier bing more translucent, revealing a massive spiral staircase twisting upward high into the sky.


    However, there is no entrance into the silver barrier, suggesting it is not part of this first round. It must be a result of the difficulty calction...


    My attention on the massive staircase is ripped away as a woman''s angry voice echoes through the empty room toward me.


    "What happened?! This is impossible! You''re the brat Redgrave was meant to kill! I was waiting to have a good fight with that old man! Where''s he hiding?" ?


    My gaze shifts to her as her body erupts in white icy energy, growing to over 50 meters high, her serpent''s sharp eyes fixed on me.


    If this were before I entered the tower, I would be on full alert, immediately activating my greater form; but her True Core''s strength is roughly equal to Redgrave''s...


    My own True Core is far more powerful than hers, and with the absurd amount of stats flowing through me, multiplying my strength even further, not even my Soul Sword reacts to her rage.


    Her level jumps out at me at [Lv. 19,112], simr to the fire user, and her only skill is supreme-grade ice summoning.


    By the way the ground is bing covered in white ice as her greater form grows, I could have guessed as much.


    Beckman, the man in nothing but a suit and sses, riding on an armored horse, opens his system interface and replies to ra''s yells while ncing over at me.


    "Impossible... Maybe Redgrave waste entering the tower. He must be¡ªno¡ªI cannot sense him in the outside world. This doesn''t make sense...."


    The man on his horse looks down at his status, trying to decipher this, while the 10-meter-tall Vermillion Family Demon watches us with an amused expression, and the ck and purple dragon beside him gazes at the silver pir, uninterested in human affairs.


    Ember stares at the Demon, ready to fight, but recognizes that the Demon is not yet in battle mode.


    Ember''s using an advanced concealment technique, and my aura is hidden behind my purple barrier. Only the bare minimum of my True Core''s aura leaks out, making us appear rather weak. Our true level of strength ispletely unknown to all parties involved, but that doesn''t stop ra from yelling out loud and making assumptions.


    "Redgrave must have enteredte! The Tower either killed him for unrightfulte entry, or he''ll be spit out once the world is imed. That must have been it¡ªthere''s no way a weakling duo like them could have killed him!"


    Beckman looks up from his status and makes ament.


    "They aren''t much stronger than the day we scanned their city. It must be an error. We could kill both of them right now, with less than 0.1% odds of even getting a scratch on us. Redgrave wouldn''t just disappear into thin air; the ancient text stated two parties could enter the same door and fight to the death inside if there was ack of doors... something isn''t adding up¡ª"


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ra jumps forward, ice-stepping through the air with rising anger.


    "What did you do? Our whole n is ruined now! Hundreds of years of waiting, and some rogue child messes everything up! I''ll kill you!"


    Her icy serpent slithers along the floor behind her, creating jagged spears around its mouth, then releases them toward us as ra raises her hand and summons a massive ball of white ice, tethered with extremely strong True Core threads.


    She releases the ball of Icy Divine Energy, and it shoots toward us faster than the two are moving.


    I nce at Ember, sigh, then point my de at the attack that could obliterate an entire continent.


    My Soul Sword res up, sensing a challenge.


    I activate my greater form as well, but keep itpacted, not growing very much in size, to only utilize its increased speed stats. This does send out a pulse of my actual power, and at the same time, my sword heats up with an intensity I''ve never felt before.


    It has grown from [Lv. 0] to [Lv. 1] since the first Trial, and I haven''t had the chance to use it yet.


    The red de morphs and bends as if alive, and I jump forward at the iing ball of ice, swinging with everything I have, activating all of my buffs, along with my True Core''s full strength.


    The actual material of the red de flickers on its edges, as though it''s made of mes.


    Beckman''s eyes widen, as new informationes streaming into his consciousness when my de fully activates and my greater form gives off more of my aura.


    He yells out to ra.


    "Dodge! It''s a trap- You cannot win this fight!"


    When I swing it across my body, releasing a crescent of fire, it feels as though a part of my de is unleashed in the attack.


    A dense red crescent, as sharp as my sword and as strong as my True Core, shes through the ball of ice with ease, sending its two halves outward toward ra''s advancing greater form.


    At Beckman''s word''s she panics, and attempts to twist her body out of the way, but it''s toote.


    Her eyes widen as the living crescent of mes collides with her chest, tearing through the living Soul Armor that shields her body and effortlessly slicing through her flesh.


    The Vermillion Family Demon''s lips curl upward, and Beckman''s eyes turn to horror as the fiery red sh shatters ra''s True Core, cleaving her body in half in a single motion.


    The red fiery sh curves downward, slicing through the icy serpent''s head and shattering its True Core, triggering mutual death.


    As notifications ring in my ears, the red crescent of mes bursts into hundreds of tiny red droplets, curving back through the icy fog created in the explosion and rejoining my de as though drawn by its own center of gravity, restoring its full form.


    It feels like I could send out at least two or three of these high-powered strikes, and no matter where they hit, the mass of the Divine Soul Sword would always return.


    As Ind, the ice spears from the serpent whiz by me on all sides, and Ember doesn''t even flinch as they explode against the wall behind us.


    [Level Up] x1752


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Ice Summoning


    Upgrade: Supreme


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 8,521,426,902,388,295


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Speed


    Points: 10,240


    [YES][NO]


    My level surges to [Lv. 14,341] as I absorb all the MCP, stats, and skill upgrades I can from both the woman and the serpent in less than a second, continuing my forward momentum to stand over their corpses, letting all of the two True Core''s power and abilities flood into mine.


    The fragments of the ck armor ra was wearing all turn to yellow liquid as I press [Consume], and my sword digests it before the white mist clears.


    I point my sword at the man on the horse, staring at me as he takes in the new numbers in front of his eyes.


    "You said 0.1% chance I''d leave a scratch? I guess I''m pretty lucky, aren''t I?"


    The man doesn''t get hot-headed like his two deceased partners, the fire and ice users. He simply pushes his sses up and meets my gaze.


    "This must mean you killed Redgrave too..."


    I feel emotions of horror, anger, and even fear being heavily suppressed. The man can''t believe the sight before his eyes, but acts as if it never even happened.


    He pauses, thinking to himself, ncing down at his status, and then back up at me.


    "You may have hidden your power and concealed that weapon of yours until now, but I assure you, this was not the correct decision to make. You have stripped us of all bargaining power; I am not your main concern. We are now at the whims of this Demon."


    His gaze shifts to the far side of the room, and my eyes follow to the Demon, who has yet to move or speak. It watches us with an amused expression for a few seconds, then establishes a telepathic link with everyone in the room. Its gaze turns to Beckman first.


    "I remember you, the only sensible human on this world... We made a pact when I first arrived, allowing you a small kingdom with 25% of the poption if all humans conceded in the final trial."


    Beckman stares forward.


    "That is correct, and I intend to honor our pact. Will you?"


    The Demon nods.


    "Of course. I am of Noble Blood. A Demon of my standing always keeps its word. However, there is another challenger here; it seems your perfect foresight isn''t what you imed it to be."


    The Demon and the remaining member of the big three both look my way.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, I yell back.


    "Deal''s off."


    The Demon''s grin grows even more, and it turns back to Beckman.


    "I won''t break my noble oath. I will only fight back if one of you makes the first move. If not, I shall wait for you to surrender this world and honor the pact."


    The link is severed, and the Demon watches as I ready my de, while the man frantically sifts through data on his status.


    He shouts at me.


    "Be reasonable. Let us talk this out. I can give you half of the resources at central, you have proven yourself strong enough to take the ce of the other council members. We can rule what is left of humans together."


    I narrow my gaze on him, raising my de as it begins to flicker red again, yelling back.


    "You send me an offer now? After both of your partners tried to kill me? After offering my kingdom of people to the Demons, and so many morends all over the world; just so you can keep your power?"


    Beckman continues scrolling through his status, and responds.


    "You do not understand. You haven''t seen what this Demon is capable of."


    I shake my head.


    "I don''t care what he''s capable of. Is this what hundreds of years at the pinnacle of our world''s power turns a human into, or have you always been this way? I would die before letting 75% of the human race fall to a Demon intent on using us as ves. Don''t try to offer me any part of your deal. I haven''t given up hope like you. Even if the chance is low, it''s worth trying."


    My inspect and appraisal skills scan his status, revealing a far higher level than both ra and Redgrave, plus unique skills and buffs I''ve never seen before...


    This only makes me more intrigued as he responds.


    "Then I must kill you. My odds of survival are far higher challenging you than they are breaking the pact I made with this Demon."

 Chapter 684

    Not wanting to reveal the full extent of my abilities, after draining the Divine threads from ra and her familiar, I still only let out the exact strength that I peaked at during our short exchange.


    I sent a ripple of perception at the two remaining teams in the room.


    The Demon''s status is still blocked entirely, filled with purple question marks and unreadable characters.


    However, thest remaining member of the big three has a status that shines bright in my mind''s eye.


    Beckman''s level reads [Lv. 23,985], and his single skill is [Foresight][Divine Grade]. His three buffs include [Mental Fortitude], [Perfect Calction], and [Divine irvoyance], making it clear his abilities are very mental strength focused.


    The horse he rides on has an identical level but somehow has no skills. It just has one buff called [Mind Devourer].


    The eerie feeling I got before when looking at the duo actually came from this horse, as its strength alone is not the most frightening thing about it. Its True Core hasbined with its singr buff, and this aura it gives off makes me both excited and hesitant to move forward.


    My instincts are immediately confirmed by a private telepathy message from Ember.


    "You''ll be fine if you keep your guard up; just don''t stare that horse in the eyes for too long."I nod, grinning and stepping forward while yelling out loud at Beckman.


    "Kill me? That''s a little extreme, don''t you think? I thought you were the sensible one. Swear your loyalty to me, and you won''t have to die a meaningless death."


    My de flickers red as it senses me walking closer to another potential enemy.


    The man on horseback, at the back of his sector, continues sifting through data, taking in the consistent readings of my greater form and power output of my sword.


    "No... It''s impossible. I cannot take the gamble; the odds are not in my favor... Given your current strength, I can defeat you 71.88% of the time, while even if we worked together to challenge this demon, we would not be able to breach a 9% probability of victory. It is simply not logical¡ª"


    I cut him off.


    "Maybe you don''t have the full picture. Is this all the world is to you? Numbers, probability, a winnable game of chance to preserve yourself above all else?"


    Beckman looks up from his screen and tightens his gaze.


    "You would be a fool to believe this world is anything but that. To make it this far, you must understand there is always a time and ce for battles to be fought and other times to retreat with what you can carry. We only have one chance at life; through our own eyes, we are the most important thing. Hundreds of millions of lives are worth the trade-off for my own, even the whole world if it was necessary. What would be the point of all of this if I gave up now?"


    I continue to walk forward, increasing my speed, then respond.


    "So this was your n from the start? Ever since you made contact with the Demons? Stage a Great War, lie to your people in Central, and sacrifice the rest of the world just so you can live on?"


    Beckman responds while motioning for his horse to move forward, the rhythmic echoing footsteps coinciding with his response.


    "It wasn''t my n before the system linked to this world. I was rather content overseeing humans as the centuries went by. However, the system gave me new insight on the rules of reality. I am meant to live forever; I have the ability to choose the right path every time. You are far too young andcking sight to understand my choice is the correct one. If you put your sword down now, there is a certainty you will live like royalty in a kingdom surrounded by mes. The humans left behind have no idea the world around them has moved on, and when the demons use the humans we''ve sacrificed to farm this world dry of mana and leave, we can be the saviors that put out the mes and open the walls to show the deste world to the humans we''ve saved. It is a win-win."


    His face remains serious, unmoving, and calm while his horse begins to gallop faster.


    I reply with a simple answer.


    "I disagree. This is not why I challenged the throne."


    Links of loyalty surge faster and faster in my mind, as the reality of the situation in Central is being exposed by theirst remaining leader in real time.


    Many cities around the world that were contacted by long range transmissions from hunters, friends, and family members from the 8 Great Regions and Dark Continent see this too, and word that their nations are being used as bargaining tools between humans and demons right now spreads even faster.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    It is all linked to the surges that were felt when the throne awakened. The me Emperor''s name begins to grow in poprity in nations I''ve never even traveled to before.


    My links surpass 40 million as I speak again.


    "I made a promise that I wouldn''t let a single innocent human die in this war. It is a burden I will carry alone with the army that follows me."


    Unknown to everyone in the room, I open my rising emperor''s interface and link the visual feeds of the 4 Generals outside the tower, all battling Demons of their own right now, so the world can sift through feeds and see the full story ying out. Then I continue to speak while raising my de.


    "I made another promise that I wouldn''t leave humans behind. Onest chance, if you swear your loyalty to me, I can still save us all. However, if you insist on sacrificing hundreds of millions of lives just to save your own, then you are an enemy equal, if not worse, than the Demons in my eyes."


    The gallops be faster, and a dense grey and yellow aura erupts out from the duo, increasing their size by about 50% with a pseudo energy form.


    "Nothing can change my mind. I must choose the predestined path. No other oues are suitable."


    I sigh, thenpress half of my greater form into my lower body to kick off the floor with immense speed and erge the top half of my body to create a monstrous sword strike.


    "Very well. You''ve made your choice."


    We both fly into the center of ra''s old sector, and I swing my de to release a red sh of energy toward the approaching duo.


    Beckman changes his direction the instant he sees my attack, but this was expected, so I send two more identical shes his way.


    Each of these shes is just as strong as the ones that easily killed ra, but the expression on the man''s face doesn''t change.


    He shifts his direction multiple times a second, staring forward, and somehow avoiding each of the flying attacks by millimeters.


    It looks like a natural fluid motion, his directions shifting to counteract my flying attacks even before I''ve thrown them.


    As the red shes collide with the floor and back wall, they turn into thousands of droplets of pure divine soul fire, then disperse in beautiful disys while pulling back toward me to reconnect with my Soul Sword.


    In the center of the massive collection of returning fiery particles, the ominous horse rider stares me down, and its horse''s eyes pulse with dark grey and yellow light.


    I look away and concentrate all of my greater form''s energy into my legs to jump out of the enemy''s path, but before I even move, it''s turned to follow in the same direction.


    My mind shes back to Beckman''s one and only skill, Divine Grade Foresight.


    It makes me momentarily question if he can truly see the future, but I''m simultaneously reminded of the fact that he couldn''t tell ra to dodge until I released my full power.


    To predict my moves, it must be a simr ability as my swordsmanship skill''s perfect thread, just to an absurd degree, and with far more possibilities. Taking in his surroundings and understanding the best possible move to carry through with.


    I whisper under my breath while changing my flight path again, upward, "I guess I''ll just have to force your hand..."


    His movements mimic mine, seemingly before I even do them, moving upward at the same time to close our gap even further.


    All of the fragments of my sword return to my de now that we''re so close, but this has other issues thate with it.


    The armored horse''s eyes shine brighter, and the ominous auraing out of it gets so close that it''s impossible not to feel its presence.


    It feels like I''ve been caught in a web of intimidation, with a cold sensation washing over me, seeping straight into my mind.


    It makes me momentarily feel as though thest few seconds are all a blur, like the fight hasn''t even started yet, and there is no reason to attack again because we''re so far away.


    However, as Beckman pulls a single ck de from an inside pocket of his suit, the familiar warm sensation of Divine Ether floods into my mind, negating all foreign buffs instantly; and my memoriese rushing back, allowing me to swing my ming sword again in the direction I''m meant to.


    This prompts Beckman to move out of the way, but his speed isn''t great enough, and he has to block with the knife he''s pulled out to deflect the iing strike.


    My upward momentum continues once we collide, and Beckman on his armored steed goes rocketing downward.


    However, the ck originator de he pulled out is shattered upon collision, and his full right arm is melted off from the intensity of the ming strike he failed to predict.


    There''s a loud thud as they hit the floor and a horse''s cry, while I hover above them with my sword pointed straight down.


    "That was your one lucky shot, and you blew it. I''m not taking any more chances."


    I release my True Core''s full aura, and it shines over 3 times brighter and denser than the man below me, giving off all of the radiation from ra and Redgrave''s coresbined.


    I let go of my de and put both of my hands to their sides, releasing bright shimmering white divine light that makes the temperature in the room drop by arge amount.


    "Seeing the future can''t help you much if all paths of escape are physically impossible!"


    The attack I create is far too fast to outrun, and far too deadly to touch.


    Both the white serpent and ra had ice attribute True Core abilities, and with the new perk of my Divine Absorption skill, receiving a supreme-grade ice summoning skill has granted me a far superiorbination of all of these ice abilitiesbined.


    In a sh, before Beckman can even predict my movements, a dome of ice is created, spanning over a kilometer wide.


    The only hole that is left remaining is right at the top where I look down into it, and this is the optimal path for Beckman to leave through.


    He moves upward toward me, expanding his horse''s aura with a calm expression still on his face.


    "Hiding your true strength again? If this is it, it''s still not enough... It is probable that you will kill me, but you have doomed yourself and the entire human race¡ª"


    His words cease as I stop using my True Core''s Ice and grab my sword again to fully activate the Divine mes I stole from Redgrave''s True Core; then point my de forward to push out a red and yellow pir of monstrous fire into the only small hole in the dome.


    The man on the horse stops moving upward even before the mes collide with his body, as he sees the future and knows that there is no escaping this fatal blow...

 Chapter 685

    Chapter 685


    The yellow and red mes fill the dome, and thest remaining member of the big three is consumed by fire.


    There isn''t a single yell, curse, or attempt to escape the mes.


    The man who lived his life consumed by numbers, certain he would live forever, merely disappears the moment the odds turn against him, epting his fate.


    I float downward as notifications ring in my inner ear.


    [Level Up] x2365


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: [Foresight][Divine Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]MCP: 14,289,200,896,345,001


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Mental Strength


    Points: 18,909


    [YES][NO]


    My level hits [Lv. 16,706], and I press yes to ept every skill and stat point avable to me, while draining the ice and fire around me back into my True Core.


    The Divine Energy trapped within the Man and the Horse also flows directly into me, increasing my strength even further, and I feel two unique True Core abilities enter my body.


    Both of which are instinctivelyprehended in an instant; but I can''t fathom the true extent of their power until I use them in battle...


    In the same moment, the result of this match pushes my links of loyalty over 45 million, surging upward faster and faster at an exponential rate.


    These new True Core abilities and additional hundreds of millions of stat points fill me with confidence as the ck dagger''s fragments and the horse''s armor turn into yellow Divine liquid, consumed by my de.


    I let out a satisfied sigh, but my moment of victory is quickly interrupted by a slow pping sound from one far corner of the room.


    My head turns to the noise, and a telepathy channel opens with the Demon.


    "Very impressive. It seems you have a decision to make: honor the pact in ce and leave this tower at once to allow me to im the throne; or fight me for the chance to make this world your own.."


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, outside the tower, Raven sees three ck spearsing at her from separate directions, with body doubles of the Demon she was fighting spawning out of nowhere.


    Raven''s senses are keen, but every time she locks onto the true body of the Demon, it instantaneously swaps to one of the other doubles.


    She disappears using her Divine stealth, not even attempting to attack, but the body she sliced in two moments ago spawns back into reality, right underneath her. Four perfect copies of the Demon block all possible escape routes.


    Even with her stealth skill activated, she is too close to fully dodge all four attacks.


    The lucky spear that manages to hit her is a body double, but the mythic grade perk given to the Demon allows it to swap ces instantly and use its true spear tond a devastating blow on Raven''s side.


    Blood leaks into the air, and a portion of Raven''s body bes visible as the density of Divine energy and demonic soul energy shocks her system, sending her flying backward.


    All four body doubles follow like machines, as the Demon is no longer ying around, aiming to go in for the kill.


    Despite Raven''s invisibility, the gushing blood and residue from her wound give off a faint energy signature, making it easy for the Demon and its doubles to surround her again,nding another attack that sends her flying down to the ground with another horrific wound, this time in her leg.


    Even though a full 1% of stats now rushes through her, putting her strength on par with the unsealed 1st ss Demon, the instantaneous, ruthless attacks from all sides put her on the defensive again just as the battle was starting to turn her way.


    Even as the millions of links pour in, gradually increasing her strength, it doesn''t do much against the third and fourth heavy hits she receives in the arm and thigh from unbreakable spears.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The attacks she chooses to block or intentionally dodge turn into nothing but Demonic Energy manifestations, and the Demon''s real body attacks from where she least expects it.


    Each new injury that can''t be fully healed by the shared mythic grade self-regeneration skill on her status just makes her invisibility less and less useful.


    Dark blotches of Demonic Soul energy left behind in the spear''s wounds make it easy for the Demon to triangte her exact location each time.


    While the individual hits aren''t fatal, if enough build up, she will slow down more and more, bing a massive target in the sky.


    ¨C


    Maria and Abby face a simr problem, as the 2nd ss Demon''s unsealed form is simply too overpowered for them to stand a chance.


    Even as the links of loyalty surpass 40 million, then 45 million, pushing millions of new stat points into their beings, Maria''s de is continuously pushed back by the unsealed Demon''s raw strength, and Abby doesn''t have enough power to break through its Greater Form armor despite her superior speed.


    They''re able to hold it off, but with every second that passes, the Demon gets another chance tond devastating attacks.


    Even after using Abby''s Restoration magic, Maria''sst wound in her stomach from a direct hit by the Demon''s dagger isn''t fully healed.


    They only have fractions of seconds to heal before theughing, psychotic monstrous forcees down to the desert floor where they are.


    "You do not understand how bleak your future truly is! Even if you manage to fend us off for a few more minutes, you''re only pushing off your inevitable end. Just from the fact that you haven''t powered up again tells me this is truly your peak."


    It sends its two des right for Maria, as it knows its weaker attacks are pointless against Abby.


    Maria jumps out from Abby''s restoration circle to block both iing daggers with her massive blue soul energy sword. It pulses deep within her core, pushing her newly awakened yellow core to its limits, able to go toe-to-toe with this True Core Demon with a bloodline ascending beyond anything humans should be capable of fighting.


    Her Greater Form wavers, but she doesn''t give up. The pulsing grows stronger, deeper, and faster as she''s pushed backward, gritting her teeth. Tens of millions of eyes look through hers now, as the spectator feature expands for the world to witness the generals fight.


    Her feet flow with Superior Ice magic powered by a borrowed plunderer skill, draining the area of all avable mana, digging into the desert floor, while the wound in her stomach starts to reopen and expand with ck demonic energy far faster than when it was first inflicted.


    For the first time in a while, she actually holds back the Demon''s attacks. Not just one, but both daggers.


    There will be no dodging now, but the rising stats are starting to catch up.


    Even Abby leaps over the exchange taking ce, but the Demon was ready for a move like this, disappearing before their eyes and meeting Abby in the sky to press its palm into her chest, covering it with a thickyer of the same strange demonic energy used to create the balls of darkness from earlier.


    Before she can even send off her attack, Abby is sent flying in the opposite direction, coughing blood, powerless to block it. She''s sent hurtling toward the desert floor again, far away from Maria as she still attempts to block the two daggers pushing against her massive sword.


    The Demon pushes its palms together, forming another ball ofpacted demonic energy between them, then blips forward a few hundred meters to release this toward Maria''s unguarded back.


    It grins wide, disappearing into thin air again, and reappearing on the desert floor right where Abby''s injured form is projected tond.


    ¨C


    Simultaneously, a massive well of gravity makes everyone beneath the silver dome shiver as the arrow Arie sends at the Yellow Core generaling their way is blocked by the Demon''s chest te alone.


    Before this War broke out, his arrow at half this power shattered its armor with ease and nearly killed it on the spot.


    Blocking this should be impossible, but violent energy erupts from one of the two remaining demon generals as he yells at Arie.


    "Do not underestimate the strength of the Demon Race. Even if I die, I will make sure to take you with me, the one who disgraced me in front of the Vermillion Lord. A 3rd ss Bloodline is enough to wipe everyst one of you off the face of the."


    These words echo from the Demon''s furious Greater Form as it grows to over 15 meters tall.


    The Demonic Energy vibrates, giving off strange readings. Each step closer makes the Demon''s form waver, its energy levels rising and falling unpredictably.


    ¨C


    This strange reading prompts the ck-horned spear user to pause its relentless attacks and turn back to the base of the tower.


    "He wasn''t ready... Pushing himself further than his bloodline limits. A 3rd ss Commoner trying to pull this much power will surely be corrupted..."


    The Demon considers putting its fight on hold to fly over to this other Demon, as if left alive for too long, it will surely detonate, taking out many valuable Commanders and Knights; but sees the second Yellow General send out extramands to its surroundings to evacuate the immediate area.


    The Demon grins and turns back to Raven''s beaten form, now not even attempting to use her invisibility and merely blocking attacks to buy time.


    Sevenrge Demonic Energy wounds drain her lifeforce slowly, but the Demon doesn''t relent, multiplying three fresh body doubles and going in for the kill again.


    ¨C


    Fear washes over Arie as Luna''s words echo in his mind.


    "It''s going to be corrupted. Like those ascended beasts we faced in the abyss... If you don''t kill it now¡ª"


    "I know." He replies, while my doubles catch on to the situation and yell out orders to take cover as something very chaotic and strange is emerging from the twisted demonic greater form...


    Arie pulls back another single arrow with every drop of Demonic Soul Energy and borrowed mana he has.


    Raven has four more spears closing in on her from all sides, with only two des to block, impossible to know which one will be the fatal strike.


    Abby rockets down toward theughing 2nd ss Greater Form of the Demon as it charges up another ck ball of Divine Demonic Matter.


    Maria barely holds back the two ck flying daggers, and an even stronger energy attack is headed toward her unguarded back.


    The state of the battlefield outside the tower seems quite dire, but the world is watching.


    The links of loyalty surge past 50 million, and a notification rings in all of the Generals'' ears, giving them new hope to turn this battle around.

 Chapter 686

    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [50,260,997/50,000,000 Links of Loyalty Created]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Rising Emperor''s Imperial Reach]


    Info:


    All Commanders can appoint 10 Knights and share 50% of their total borrowed stats. Each Knight may take up to 5% max of the Commanders'' borrowed power.


    All Generals, Commanders, and Knights can now borrow up to 2 Skills simultaneously from the Rising Emperor.


    The generals may now borrow an additional 5% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from all subordinates under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor. In addition, 5% of the generals'' Base Stat Points and Mana Control may be temporarily distributed to any subordinate under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The maximum amount borrowed or shared per general is now 2%. All generals acting together may control 10%.


    When not in use, the Rising Emperor may use all 10% of this untapped power. The Rising Emperor has total authority and can override the generals'' power sharing even if they are activated.The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk are not required to be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    This buff stacks with the [Expansion] perk, [Dominance] perk, [Authority] perk, [Power Holder] perk, and [Ruler''s Gaze] perk if used simultaneously.


    ¡ª


    As I''m about to reply to the demon''s words, new status screens in my Rising Emperor''s domain pop up, and I do a quick mental math of what this new power grants me.


    This brings the total stats now avable to me up to 40%.


    With this new General-to-Commander-to-Knight hierarchy in ce, each general can now use up to 2% of stats, Commanders can be appointed and have ess to 0.5% each, and Knights can use up to 0.025%.


    While it doesn''t seem like much on the surface, even a knight at such a low percentage can still borrow upward of 1.25 million stat points per category.


    At 0.5%, themanders can each borrow roughly 25 million at full capacity, and the generals using their full 2% borrowed power can now take just over 100 million each.


    These numbers for my subordinates are approaching the 500 million stats I borrowed during my battle with Redgrave.


    In addition to this rise in stats, two skills can now be shared at once with my Inner Circle.


    The scene before my eyes outside the tower takes a drastic turn, and tens of millions of sighs of relief are had in unison, looking through our eyes.


    ¨C


    My immediate attention shifts back to the situation in front of me, as I grip my de tight while it digests the remaining Divine Energy within the Soul Weapons it devoured moments ago.


    I take a deep breath and lift my de as it shimmers red and yellow, then reply.


    "I think my decision is obvious. I will fight for this world. Maybe I should be the one giving you the option to back out now. Head on back to the Demonic Realm, and we can forget this ever happened; what do you say?"


    The Arch Demon in dense ck armor grins, but still stands unmoving with a straight back, staring at me with unworried eyes.


    Its purple and ck dragon yawns, stretching its wings, still staring up at the silver pir, not even seeing the human before it as a threat.


    I can''t help but look at the demon''s shimmering blood-red horns, each the size of my entire Soul Sword, as it responds.


    "The Vermillion Family has invested too much time and resources into this newly connected world. I''m afraid I cannot take your offer seriously."


    Its eyes pierce into mine, and I reply.


    "What about the generals that follow you? You''re not concerned that if I leave this tower, I could take them out?"


    "That would not be a problem. The one who ims the throne will haveplete control of this world. As a noble bloodline, the warriors created from a 3rd ss Mana World like this will not be a problem. The man you just killed was right. Taking out this world''s top warriors that have been looking after it for centuries will be the beginning of your downfall..."


    I raise an eyebrow at his words, as this mention of a 3rd ss Mana World makes me wonder if there is a link between this and the Demonic Bloodline ssifications that are being unsealed outside.


    The demon reads my expression and expands on his point.


    "It seems you''re trulycking sight if you do not even understand the difference between us. This is the lowest mana density world that fits onto the Standard Grading Scale. The beings of this can only progress so far and are born with an innate talent based on their surroundings. Second, First, and Noble-graded worlds are far superior from birth. You may have a few strong warriors, but the rest of your world is weak."


    Its eyes shift to my de, then to my right hand, focusing on the dark purple ring around my finger.


    "That artifact is what must have brought you this far. Its creatores from a 1st ss World much closer to the source... I''ve always wondered where that pocket realm went."


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    It grins as my eyes widen, taking in all this information. This demon is not ordinary at all; its knowledge and nonchnt attitude about my purple divine artifact and tant confidence make me feel unease again.


    Even with the massive increase in power from both the True Cores of the big three, and 32% of the stats from over 50 million links, I can''t see through the demon''s mental or physical defenses to gauge its stats.


    The demon''s attention shifts away from me and toward Ember, who stands in his human form at the back of the sector we entered this room in.


    "Are you a dragon? I can''t sense any energy readingsing off of you... Other than that scent... I didn''t know it was possible for your race to soul bond with a human."


    Ember grins back but shrugs.


    Thisck of response prompts the purple and ck dragon to turn its head away from the silver pir of light and enter the conversation with a deep and slow voice.


    "If a human clears abyrinth before its actualization phase, it is theoretically possible. One would need to steal the dragon''s egg, absorb the Demon Core meant for thatbyrinth contract, and feed it an absurd amount of Mana or Demonic Energy to sync the Soul-Bonded Pairs levels before the contract start timer ran out..."


    It stares at Ember, then shakes its head and turns back to the silver staircase.


    "So, it''s possible, but to limit a dragon''s growth potential by bonding with a human is worse than dying before your contract even begins. That form is disgusting..."


    Ember turns to me and nods.


    "Ready when you are. This small talk is only wasting time. You take the demon, and I''ll teach this dragon a lesson in underestimating the humans of this world."


    I smirk and lift a finger to light a small fireball above it.


    Then, I send it slowly flying across the massive room, right past the silver pir, straight into the demon''s chestte.


    It doesn''t bother to block, and I take the few slow seconds of tension and silence to power up my greater form and activate all my buffs and new abilities to make the room fill with my maximized True Core''s Aura and perception.


    I send a message through the link as the small fireball collides with the demon and dissipates.


    "There, I''ve made the first move. Your past agreement with the former rulers of this world is broken. Whoever wins this fight will im the throne."


    The demon reaches into a dark ck and purple demonic rift by its side, pulling out a 7-meter-long demonic longsword with a True Core energy signature equal to its own, and doesn''t waste any time, using that odd movement technique to blip forward.


    Its eyes widen, and its grin grows.


    While swinging its de across its body, a horrific aura of intimidation pours out of this monster as it finally can let loose and not break some sacred pact made 50 years ago.


    If it had released this aura outside the tower, I''m certain the entire world would feel it...


    If I were within a few kilometers, it probably would have killed me instantly without me even being able to resist or know what happened.


    Now, as it hits me, the violent energy is strong and insidious, but with a True Core almost 10 times stronger than when I entered this tower, far more borrowed stats, and a warm white barrier of mental Divine Ether protection blocking the dark waves that hit my consciousness, I''m able to withstand its aura and stay upright.


    However, its absurd speed is impossible for my eyes to track, even with my all-seeing eye on full st.


    When it appears in front of me, already going in for the kill, an incredibly odd sensation materializes in my vision.


    Powered by one of the new abilities of my True Core and the Divine Grade Foresight skill I''ve instinctively activated, it appears as though thousands of demons are in front of me.


    All of the demon''s images take different paths, and the exact strength and power necessary to block, dodge, or run away bes clear in my mind.


    It''s distracting and mind-bending at first, but as the milliseconds pass and the demon''s massive sword swings down toward my Soul Sword, swinging upward to block, fewer and fewer demons appear in my mind''s eye.


    It''s as though all possible futures arepressing, and the best options for me are bing crystal clear while worse options fade.


    I''m able to see which movements I need to make to get a desired oue within the next few milliseconds.


    Trying to think further into the future spawns hundreds of thousands, then even millions of demons in my mind, as there are too many possible oues and variables the further I look.


    It distracts me from the task at hand, even bringing on a faint headache. So, I focus on one crystal-clear option that leads to a desirable oue.


    I smirk, twisting my body and changing the direction of my sword to follow the exact holographic foresight images in my mind.


    My de scrapes against the demon''s ck sword, only adding to my momentum to the side while I airstep aside and spin to gain enough torque to swing my de again at the demon as it follows through with its strike.


    My second swing is directed at the demon''s neck, but not to kill.


    Too many future variants show going in for the kill ending in the demon''s counterattack being too fast and powerful to block. Even activating my hexagonal defensive barrier right now would be too advanced, putting the demon on the full offensive before I can even prepare with my Astral Form.


    The only option I have that gives me something to work with is grazing its flesh and tanking the counter hit while focusing 100% of my greater form''s power into defense on a single point.


    It happens just as I see it in my mind''s eye, channeling all of my perception and attack into my de with swordsmanship, and all of my defense into the demon''s second sword swing as it pivots its body and even head toward me.


    Its eyes lock with mine as I make a tiny scratch on its skin and receive a monstrous blow to the chest from its de.


    The impact force alone makes every bone in my body rattle, tearing through my full greater form, blood-bonded armor, anding within millimeters of my divine core.


    Stats rush through my mind as I break through its energy barrier just slightly, drawing its blood and finally seeing the true extent of this demon''s abilities.


    As I cough up blood and am sent flying back to the curved back wall of the room, Iugh out loud at the [Lv. 39,805] in bright purple text burning into my mind.


    It even has three skills: [Body Double][Divine Grade], [Shadow Step][Divine Grade], and [Demonic Energy Maniption][Supreme Grade].


    The single ranked-up buff [Noble Bloodline Transformation] is thest status information I see before its wounds are healed and its protective barrier repaired. At the same time, I m into the back wall with overwhelming force, reminding me of the bone-breaking battle I fought with Redgrave at the bottom of this tower.


    My Self-Regeneration skill begins to heal the Demonic Energy wound and the hole in my armor, but before I can even pry myself off the wall, the demon disappears and reappears right in front of me, swinging its de aiming to kill again.


    -


    On the other side of the room, the exchange between Ember and the purple and ck dragon proceeds much slower.


    The demonic beast looks down from the stairs, and back to Ember.


    "Shall we fight? My master will kill your human in a matter of seconds. That Soul Bond of yours will kill you anyway. I might as well not waste the energy."


    Ember grins and begins taking steps closer to the dragon, shifting his form to Hybrid, then into his full Dragon Form.


    The crimson underbelly scales momentarily glimmer with a faint golden glow.


    He speaks up while pping his wings and flying into the air.


    "Oh,e on, you''re not even the slightest bit curious why a dragon bonded with a human? You''ve hit enough level thresholds to know this is not only theoretically possible but has happened before in the past. Your im that I am stunting my potential is contradictory. I would say that bonding with a Demon limits your growth if you''re truly aiming for the top."


    The ck and purple dragon''s eyes widen, and its attention is actually captured for the first time at this remark, pping its wings to lift off into the air and reply.


    "A 3rd ss World knowing of this history? You must have read some false ancient text."


    Ember''s front ws be covered in a denseyer of silver threads.


    "Oh, I assure you, these are real memories, not ancient texts."

 Chapter 687

    Chapter 687


    The ck and purple dragon pulses with murderous Demonic Soul Energy, making the room twice as heavy as when the demon released its aura of intimidation, and its eyes lock onto Ember with genuine rage.


    "You''re an Overseer... We were wrong... The Divine Beasts that reincarnated to this new world for their cycle were not all killed off..."


    Ember grins, showing his sharp teeth while responding.


    "Yes... I stayed on myst world longer than expected. I wasn''t able to ascend in myst life. I managed to make it to this world just in time. But¡ªan Overseer? Don''t group me in with those underachievers."


    Ember''s True Core pulses, sending waves of yellow divine light all over his body. Its unique ability is being manifested for the first time, and a bright yellow fire moves up from his chest into his throat and out his mouth in a blinding disy of light before the purple dragon can even process the words he just spoke.


    A pir of bright yellow light, crackling with trace amounts of silver threads, hits the Demonic Dragon''s left wing, searing right through with almost no resistance at all.


    There have only been a few other instances when an ability like this was used in the past, one of them being when Ember disyed his Soul Energy''s unique properties, dissolving a mountain within a dungeon.


    His True Core''s Divine mes seem to have a simr property, dissolving through the Dragon''s flesh like it''s water dripping away.


    The pir of mes hits the back wall of the room, and a wretched dragon''s pain-filled roar erupts from the demonic monster.A moment of terror and realization courses through this beast as it was caught off guard, and the monster turns its head to see the edges of the hole where it was hit expand, dissolving its wing even more.


    It lets out a wave of dense purple and yellow divine demonic soul energy from its mouth straight at the wound nonstop, surging high up in the air away from Ember while relentlessly attacking its own wing.


    ---


    This collision makes the room fill with even more heavy aura, alerting both myself and the Demon that the battle between our bonded pairs has begun.


    The Arch Demon before me doesn''t even change its expression as the yellow and purple energy explodes above us; it still swings its sword to kill with no hesitation.


    Now, with no incentive to find the Demon''s stats, all I have to use my Foresight ability for now is to dodge and get a feel for my opponent''s battle style.


    I swing my de upward and jump out of the way to do exactly that.


    Red and purple aura collide as our swords meet, and we''re both pushed back.


    I follow the optimal path, and we collide five more times, blipping all over the room''s floor, circling the silver pir in the center of the room.


    Two massive dragons sh in the sky a second time; however, an ominous dark purple Greater Form expands out from the Demonic Dragon in order to block the second pir of Divine Fire without losing more flesh.


    The circr wound in its wing hasn''t been healed, but after excessive Demonic Soul Energy regeneration, the spreading dissolving properties finally stop once it doubled in size.


    The activation of its Greater Demonic Form makes the Dragon over 150 meters long and creates a new heavy aura in the air.


    Another seven exchanges go by between myself and the Demon, circling the pir of silver light again.


    I manage to get a far better feel for my foresight ability, as each dodge and block I act on leads to the next exchange, allowing me to pair up possibilities and dance around the battlefield, missing deadly blows by millimeters over and over again.


    Both myself and the Demon know neither of us is using our full power.


    However, the third collision in the sky above shifts the tune of this battle from warmup to death match immediately. A wave of Demonic Energy collides with Ember but ispletely negated once he begins to expand with a yellow aura to match the purple dragon''s size; I know this has to be his Astral Form.


    The divine energy density in the room changes again as Ember doesn''t stop growing once he''srger than his opponent.


    Two monstrous dragon roars fill the air as the Demon before my eyes multiplies, and six of him surround me with swords swinging my way.


    All of them feel extremely strong, filled to the brim with mana, demonic energy, and divine threads.


    However, I can tell them apart by the sword they carry.


    The Demon swaps between its body doubles as my eyes track it; but the Soul Sword in its hand can''t be perfectly replicated.


    My foresight still sees a path out, but it would result in losing a limb at the very least.


    I''m going to activate my Astral Form, but I know it will trigger the Demon to unseal his bloodline on the spot, amping up this battle to its maximum intensity.


    I close my eyes for a fraction of a second to prepare, but at the same time, I get a barrage of new notifications from my Rising Emperor''s domaining from outside...


    ---


    Half a minute ago, all of the generals received notifications that they are now capable of pulling up to 2% of linked stats.


    The bleak situation they were in moments ago has been flipped around once again.


    Raven is the first to act on this opportunity, adding an additional 50 million stats to all of her base stats, doubling the power that her True Core can enhance in milliseconds, making the four iing ck spears far less intimidating.


    She grins, as the world around her feels like it''s moving in slow motion.


    With ess to two borrowed skills, she lets self-regeneration continue keeping her wounds at bay and pulls Supreme Fire Summoning from the bank of usable skills that just popped up in her interface.


    An overwhelming aura bursts out of her, and there is no need to run or attempt to turn invisible at all.


    The iing spears are so slow in her eyes that dodging all of them is a simple task.


    Her entire greater battle form erupts in yellow mes, and she twists her body, sending waves of fire out from her silver swords to instantly take out two of the Demon''s body doubles.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    While kicking off the air again, she sends another two unfathomably fast and powerful waves of fire at the remaining two.


    One of the doubles disappears in a poof of ck smoke, but the remaining demon is hit across the chest, armor shattered, and a ming divine energy gash rips into its chest, almost slicing through its divine core.


    The first-ss Demon coughs up blood, its eyes wide in shock, as it''s sent hurtling down toward the desert floor fractions of a second after an attack it thought was going to be the deciding exchange¡ªin its favor.


    As Raven deactivates the fire summoning skill and focuses all of her remaining power on self-regeneration topletely heal the demonic wounds that were guing her body, she activates her divine stealth ability and disappears from the demon''s senses.


    She lunges forward in silence, aiming to end its life in the next exchange.


    ---


    On the other side of the desert, Maria holds back two Demonic Flying daggers while a ball of dark matteres flying toward her unguarded back.


    The notifications that ring in her ears prompt a surge in power that lowers the temperature of the area of the battlefield by an absurd degree.


    Her longsword is powered by a pulse from her core that turns the ck daggers pushing against it to pure blue ice instantly, shattering to thousands of pieces in a single swing.


    In the same movement, she twists her Ice Goddess form around and collides head-on with the energy ball, creating an explosion of ice and demonic energy that shakes her very being.


    The vibrations travel through her de, but her Soul Energy Core pulses again, and the excess energy channels the explosion upward to create a massive blue and purple pir into the sky.


    As her quick actions destroy the Demon''s attacks and save her from injuries, Abby pulls a full 2% of stats as well.


    She''s headed straight toward the arrogant demon that believes this battle is already won.


    The massive explosions in its peripherals already notify it that Maria is done for, and now the injured green-haired woman is plummeting toward her doom.


    This is far from the truth, and it is only made known to the Demon once it releases another dark energy ball at Abby, and instead of finishing her off, the attack phases right through her Immortal Form.


    The Demon''s eyes widen at the odd phenomenon, but it doesn''t have long at all to think as Abby creates six massive sharpened pirs of stone the Demon''s way. They all collide with its chest, shattering its obsidian armor, sinking into its flesh, and sending it flying backward while Abbynds right where it was standing moments ago.


    She turns to her side with a smirk when she sees a bright blue blur of light sh by and follows right beside Maria to end this battle as they truly have the upper hand.


    Scared yellse from the Demon as it hits the desert floor a few hundred meters away.


    "H-How? What is this? You were still holding back? But why? A third-ss world has humans stronger than me, it shouldn''t be possible¡ª"


    Its words trail off as it jumps into the air, trying to run away from the blue and green light following it.


    However, a wave of royal blue ice magic catches up behind the Demon, colliding with its back and instantly making it harder to move its legs and arms, slowing its speed away from the duo.


    Another barrage of spearses flying toward its back, and the Demon doesn''t even feel the impact as its body is being frozen and all of its nerve endings are destroyed.


    The Demon''s arms and legs are shattered off, and thest thing it feels is a sharp pain in its neck as it watches its own body be destroyed by a massive blue sword and its True Core shattered by a green-haired woman''s daggers.


    This is all the second-ss Demon sees from a lower point of view while its head topples to the ground and shatters like ss; then everything goes dark.


    Blue and green streaks continue upward into the sky after their kill, and the moment both of them realize their job is done, they deactivate their power-sharing buff to allow 4% more to be used by the me Emperor.


    ---


    Simultaneously, Raven''s invisible dese back into reality, shimmering silver, to slice through the falling first-ss Demon''s body.


    One de goes straight through the open fiery wound in its chest, shattering its True Core, while the other de slices through its neck.


    This Demon is decapitated, and its body explodes from the released pressure of its core just a few hundred meters above the ground, creating an enormous crater, leveling the desert down to its bedrock for hundreds of kilometers in all directions.


    Raven reappears into reality but doesn''t give back her stats just yet.


    She swaps out the fire magic skill on her status for telepathy and stares toward the tower, zeroing in on the battle taking ce and the third-ss Demon that is about to explode.


    As the strongest General outside the tower, she yells out orders through their links, appointing Lydia and Fisher as hermanders, and even giving Arie battle ns on how to best take care of this situation.


    ---


    A chain reaction of orders is given and followed out, as Arie does exactly as told, appointing Monk as his second Commander.


    All fourmanders on the battlefield appoint every single member of the Crimson Army as Knights, giving the entire human race a massive boost in power that makes all of the Demons fighting shiver with fear.


    Lydia and Fisher leave their formation at the front lines of the Crimson Army, as they aren''t needed for protection anymore. They sh over to assist Arie by creating a massive mana and Divine Energy shield in front of him right after he releases an arrow at the monstrositying his way.


    The corrupted third-ss Demon is growing and shrinking in size, spewing Demonic and Divine Energy everywhere it looks, even killing over a dozen Demonic Knights and even a Demonic Commander that is too close by.


    It screeches, moving in random directions, and seems as though it''s lost all intelligence. The General has turned itself into a brainless Demonic Bomb to get its revenge by any means necessary.


    Arie uses the maximum power he has avable to him in a single shot, zeroing in on the center of the corrupted Demon''s Core. On impact, the violent tendrils of dark ck energy cease for a fraction of a second, as instead, they pour into the crack that Arie managed to make in its Divine Core.


    Before anyone can blink, the detonation of this angered Demon kills another two dozen of the demonic Knights and three demonicmanders nearby.


    It decimates the desert for over 20 kilometers in all directions. The only thing protecting the Crimson Army, the Saint, and even the demonic troops fighting the humans is the unbreakable barrier that Fisher and Lydia created using their enhanced orange cores with trace amounts of yellow threads.


    The shock of this st and massive increase in power from a majority of the troops on the battlefield now using the Rising Emperor''s stats has put the Demonic army into chaos.


    One of their generals just killed itself. The Saint shes with the only remaining general left, holding it off using a massive white pure Qi form powered by a high-level Yellow Core.


    Arie turns his attention to thisst general, pulling back an arrow while Fisher and Lydia unsummon their defensive wall.


    The three dozen elite troops in the Crimson Army all go on a rampage, borrowing supreme fire summoning as the most destructive skill at their fingertips. The result of this boost in stats and morale is horrendous for the Demonic forces.


    The Red Core Demons needed to be handled by multiple army members before, and they were constantly being saved by Arie in the background.


    Now, each of the elemental Elites with over a million base stats in each attribute slices through the Demonic Knights with ease, burning them to ash, killing with no remorse and even challenging some of the orange-cored demonicmanders that scramble to give orders to their knights.


    Monk and the two orange cored followers of The Saint join in, targeting the few Demonic Commanders that remain.


    From outnumbering the Crimson Army eight to one moments ago, the Demonic forces are cut in half in seconds, and it looks like their full extermination is near.


    This all-out ughter allows Arie to focus on aiming for the perfect shot, pulling back his Greater Form''s bow many kilometers away with Luna''s eyes guiding his shot.


    The Saint also assists in moving thest remaining general into the perfect position, and Arie releases his ck arrow to soar over the battlefield.


    Fisher and Lydia speed through the masses, shing through the final remaining Demonicmanders with ease while traveling beneath Arie''s shot.


    They yell out right before its collision with the general.


    "Brace for another impact, this is it!" Putting up massive mana and divine energy defenses while the Saint jumps backward and the final arrow pierces the General''s Divine Core.


    A massive st of purple, ck, and yellow energy makes a seven-kilometer-wide crater in the desert floor again as this general is killed.


    The entire Crimson Army takes this sound and vibration through the desert floor as a final war horn to tear through the remaining enemy troops, not leaving a single Demonic Knight behind.


    --


    Just secondster, the entire desert below the Silver Dome goes quiet.


    Every single Demon under the Vermillion Lord''s control has been killed by the humans under the me Emperor''smand.


    Thest remaining 4% of stats is relinquished by Raven, Arie, and their underlings, as their job is done, and this power is needed much more elsewhere...


    All of the Generals'' spectator feeds are cut off as well, and the 51,972,081 pairs of eyes from the growing links of loyalty around the world look at one remaining live feed.


    ¨C


    It shows me pulling an additional 8% of stats while activating my Astral Form.

 Chapter 688

    Hundreds of millions of additional stats rush into my system as I make full use of the 40% of borrowed power essible to me, and simultaneously my Astral Form pulses outward.


    The future possibilities using my foresight skill shift, and far more options that don''t end in my demise or losing limbs be crystal clear.


    While I grow in size, I shift my body and swing my soul sword to release a crescent of red fiery soul matter that flies in a circle, slicing through five of the Demonic Body doublesing my way.


    They are destroyed, leaving only the Demon''s main body for the final collision.


    Its ck Soul Sword blocks mine, pulsing with purple energy, holding us at a standstill momentarily.


    However, as my Astral Form continues to expand, bing reinforced by more and more Divine Power, the Demon loses its upper hand in strength. Its de is pushed aside, allowing a direct hit across its chest.


    A deep red and yellow gash tears through its armor, and the force of the blow sends it flying across the room, tens of kilometers away.


    Power surges through me as I lunge forward to follow the Demon, expanding in size past 100 meters tall, feeling as though there is an endless pool of power to pull from. With the ceiling towering high into the sky, unlike the 1st Trial, I feel as though I''ll get to use the full extent of this Astral Form''s power.


    The Vermillion Family''s Demon coughs up dark blood as it''s overpowered, but there is no fear on the monster''s face.Even with the total extermination of its entire army outside the tower seconds ago, pure confidence and superiority are the only emotions I feel from the Demon as it grins and closes its eyes.


    Less than half a kilometer away from the far wall of the room, its glowing white eyes open to release an aura that makes my skin feel like pins and needles are poking me all over.


    Absurd amounts of Demonic Soul Energy tethered with Divine threads pour out from its core, covering its body andpletely healing the fiery wound on its chest and armor.


    Its momentum backward halts instantly, and it floats in the air, growing in size at the same rate as me, filling the air with murderous intent while the two dragons above sh for the fourth time.


    Ember''s form has grown to over 400 meters long, dwarfing the purple and ck dragon''s greater form. However, the moment this Noble Demon''s Bloodline began to unseal, the same sharp insidious pressure awakened within the Dragon, and its form starts to grow again, reaching for a second peak simr to my own ovepping energy forms.


    The Demon kicks itself off the air while both its body and greater demonic form grow.


    The shimmering red horns expand from its forehead, and a third crimson horn grows from the center.


    Huge muscle mass grows from its body, and the blood-bonded obsidian armor around it expands with the monster''s growth.


    In fractions of a second, the 10-meter-tall Demon grows its true body to over 40 meters tall, and the Demonic Energy Form around it breaches 200 meters almost instantly upon unsealing its bloodline.


    This pulse of energy collides with my own expanding yellow and red aura, and we both continue to grow in size, continuously pulsing with power. It speaks up,ughing out loud for the first time while projecting its voice throughout the entire tower.


    "You, a human, have an Astral Form? It is a well-known fact that these abilities do not manifest in worlds below 1st ss. Are you an outsider,e to im this world for a human settlement closer to the source?"


    I hear its words, but am far more concentrated on unleashing my full power tobat what happens next.


    In addition to this, my perception and understanding of the matter around me skyrocket, and I see into the Demon''s body, taking a good look at its cores.


    There is a massive yellow Divine True Core glowing in its center, and rotating around it, I see three dark ck Orbs filled with an even mix of Demonic Energy and Qi. They vary in size, and from small torge their status readings in bright purple text read [Greater Demon''s Core] [Arch Demon''s Core] [Ascended Demon''s Core].


    Even looking deep into the bodies of all the demons outside the tower before this battle, none of them had more than one core. On top of that, I''ve never seen an Ascended Core... I always assumed the next rank was just a Lord.


    While these questions race through my mind, I''m more focused on the fact that my Astral Form is surpassing its former limits, breaching 300 meters in height.


    There is still more room to grow, but the Vermillion Demon lunges my way, its greater form growing to be a simr size.


    Gravity bends space itself around the edges of our bodies and des as I, too, jump forward and sh sword to sword.


    The entire room fills with scorching Divine Astral mes and insidious dark purple energy that pours out from its three cores.


    If not for the Divine Energy and Qi holding this Mana and Demonic Energy together, if our basic power were to sh, a destructive explosion of golden sparks would fill this tower and destroy us all.


    Thankfully, this isn''t the case, and as we collide with equal force, the Demon yells out again.


    "Come on! Answer me! I am at the top of my ss in the Noble Bloodlines. No mere human from a world like this could ever dream to even withstand the pressure of my final form!"


    Its excitement and bloodlust pour out, as for the first time since touching down on this world, the Demon feels as though there is a real worthy challenger.


    Beckman''s words of how he believed even he had a chance against this Demon now sound like a child''s fantasy, as there is no way he ever took into ount the absurd amount of powering out from this unsealed Demonic Form right now.


    Being in contact, Soul Weapon to Soul Weapon, allows me to feel that this Demon is nowhere near unleashing its full power either...


    We both bounce back from our sh, and my foresight ability shows thousands of massive Demonic Forms growing andunching attacks in the future.


    Fractions of a secondter, we sh again, and everything ys out just as I see it.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Sword strikes collide with so much force and gravity waves radiating off them that if this tower wasn''t here, I''m certain we would split this world in two.


    It creates more body doubles as distractions, but they pale inparison to the Demon''s True Form. I''m able to easily distinguish which is which, and a single crescent of my Soul Swords Red fire is enough to send flying around the room to kill its doubles with ease.


    Once all 5 are destroyed each time, the crescent of Astral Soul mes explodes into thousands of droplets of fire and reconnect with my de.


    The massive tower that seemed to have endless room inside it now begins to feel cramped as our auras spread out, and both of our energy bodies surpass 500 meters.


    At this point, it stops using its doubles and focuses its full power into its Soul Sword for maximum damage and power.


    We circle the silver pir in the center of the battlefield, sharing over a dozen shes, and the two dragons above us grow in size as well, both surpassing a full kilometer from nose to tail.


    As Ember releases another wave of bright yellow mes, and the Demonic Dragon releases a beam of purple energy from its mouth, their energy sts collide while two murderous, reality-bending Dragon''s Roars echo through the tower.


    The Demon yells out while raising its sword again.


    "Tell me your name. I want to use your story as a reminder that even the weakest race can raise strong warriors. A human shing with a Noble Demon with a fully saturated True Core? They won''t believe me once I tell them in the Upper Realm!"


    The Demon lets out augh, as its energy body surpasses 600 meters tall, and at the base of its Soul Sword, a massive ck and purple eye opens up to release another aura that nearly doubles its power in an instant.


    I yell back while lunging forward, "Call me Jay, The me Emperor. Though, maybe you should tell me yours. I''ll remember it as the final fight I had on my home world."


    The Demon lets out a deepugh as its shimmering purple de collides with my massive Red Astral Soul Sword, and another devastating gravity pressure ripples through the tower.


    This time, however, even standing at over 650 meters tall myself, I''m overpowered...


    Its Soul Weapon is too strong.


    Every single possible future timeline I see with my foresight ends in that purple eye tracking my every movement and my Soul Sword being overpowered.


    *It was still holding back...* is all I think while choosing the path with the least downsides.


    I twist my body and don''t fully block thisst iing strike.


    Doing so would result in a sword lock that I would not be able to free myself from without a severe wound and my Astral Form cracking all over, just like it did when I blocked that final sword from the first Trial.


    Instead, I conserve my power, redirecting arge portion of the energy from its attack, andpromise by allowing some of the Demonic Energy to hit me head-on while pushing myself backward to negate its full force.


    The Demon''s victory yell echoes through the tower as a deep demonic wound opens up across my side.


    It hurts, and can''t be healed with a simple self-regeneration on the spot, but this is far better than the alternatives.


    The Demon takes advantage of this moment to follow up with a counter, yelling while all three of its Demonic cores and the purple eye on its sword pulse in unison.


    "I am Drako Vermillion. For such an incredible disy, I shall award you by letting you know my name as you die!"


    He swings his de with even greater force than hisst strike, matching my height at 700 meters now.


    However, I push off the back wall, activating my hexagonal defensive array in front of my sword as I counter.


    As we collide again, the Demon''s iing strike is slowed by the massive shield of dense Divine Energy.


    While it does shatter and the purple-eyed sword breaks through, the fractions of a second dy add up, and I''m able to dodge just in time.


    The explosion of power that follows blows both of us to opposite sides of the room, and I have a moment to breathe and explore my options.


    I can feel my Astral Form''s growth beginning to slow down as the air density in this room is finally starting to fill, and even the full power of my True Core is reaching its limit.


    The three-horned Demon, grinning ear to ear at the other side of the room, still feels like he''s pulling from endless power, and it seems that soon our power gap will deviate far too much to hold off with my foresight and Astral Form alone.


    Just as I prepare for another sh, my foresight shows countless gruesome scenes, and reality catches up very quickly as the Demon''s immense 800-meter-tall Greater Form disappears and reappears right in front of me using its Divine Shadow Step technique.


    I block as best I can, positioning my body for the least amount of damage possible, but I receive another Dark Demonic sh through my Greater Form, twice asrge as thest one.


    It sends me flying, and portions of my Astral Form waver and fracture as I receive a devastating blow, simultaneously reaching its full size potential.


    It reappears in front of me again in an instant, traveling faster than even my foresight can predict as its strength continues to grow while mine has stalled. Another deep sh across my chest cracks my Astral Form even more, sending me flying to the back of the room.


    Above us, the Demonic Dragon from nose to tail grows to almost 2 kilometers long, while Ember stalls out just shy of 1,500 meters.


    Instead of evaporating each of its Demonic attacks and forcing the purple dragon to dodge and be on the defensive, now, they are nearly equal in strength, and the Demonic Dragon is still growing.


    ---


    Before this battle began, Rodrigo and Bri used teleport crystals to leave Central Headquarters to avoid the iing Divine Cored Scouts. When they return to the Apex Region, they call every single Association Branch within the 8 Great Regions to get more ess to long-range transmission devices to spread the word to smaller, isted nations all over the globe.


    They discovered that while they were away notifying Central, many independent parties had created their ownworks of association hunters that shared links of loyalty and felt it was their duty to do exactly the same.


    Before this final battle began, there were 20 million links within the Dark Continent and 8 Great Regions, 25 million in the Central Cities, and over 5 million scattered across the world in nations that didn''t even know of these foreign countries until today.


    However, with word spreading that the battle around the tower has been won and the final fight to save the world is underway, new links surge upward even faster.


    ---


    During this fight, the links have surpassed 70 million, with arge number of these new linksing from the foreign nations.


    Before the system connected to this world, the human poption peaked at nearly 9 billion.


    This was 80 years ago.


    After the initial surges and breaks in the first few years¡ªwhen humans had not yet leveled up and were unable to defend themselves¡ªthe poption was massacred and fell below 3 billion.


    Over the next 30 years, as the world adapted to these changes and hardships, focusing solely on survival and protection of the well-popted cities, humanity''s monster hunter strength grew. However, despite the average hunter growing stronger, far less families settled down in this stressful time. The poption dwindled again, down to just over 1 billion.


    When the first Noble Demon arrived 50 years ago, a great war was staged, and a silent agreement between the world''s leaders was made.


    Since then, the poption has remained stagnant, and themon people have enjoyed the luxury of not having to awaken their systems to survive daily life.


    Large amounts of the poption are below 18 years old and unable to awaken their systems just yet, and others choose to stay unawakened, hanging on to the remnants of the old world.


    The total amount of potential links of loyalty connected to the system on this is just over 500 million.


    ---


    I can sense this, easily able to see every single person in the world with my advanced perception. My power is growing at millions of links per second now, but as the Demon Shadow Steps my way tond a fourth sh I realize I''ll need to find another source of power. It sends me flying across the room again, and I''m certain that even gaining every single link of loyalty in this world isn''t going to make up for this growing gap.


    Ember is hit in the side by the first wave of pure Demonic Energy from the dragon above, and his Astral Form takes damage, leaving a dark stain just like the shes across mine.


    The Demon''s voice rings through the tower as 73,401,995 pairs of eyes stare through mine.


    "It was a valiant effort! If this is truly your home world, then you have made your race proud. This may be the strongest human in the entire System. It has been an honor fighting you, me Emperor. I will remember you well when I ascend!"


    Its noble demonic voice spreads throughout the entire world as its Soul Sword glows bright purple.


    The Demon is farrger than me now, surpassing a full kilometer in height.


    If this next sh hits me, my Astral Form is going to shatter.


    The Demon disappears into the shadows, and I reach into my storage to grab a smallpact green Divine Orb that I received as a prize on the first floor of this tower.

 Chapter 689

    The instant the green divine orb hits the open air, thepact threads within continue their violent unraveling.


    With the Demon nowhere to be seen, shadow stepping my way in the darkness, I don''t waste any time and swallow the strange prize from the first floor.


    The Vermillion Family Demon materializes in a ck and purple mist, towering over me as he swings his de.


    All possible paths I can take using my foresight skill show the next few milliseconds ending in the fall of the human world...


    I still attempt to block and twist out of the way, but the moment my Soul Sword shes with his, I feel myself being overpowered by an astounding degree. A dangerous pulsees from my chest.


    Instead of the green orb unraveling in the open air, it''s been swallowed, now sitting at the center of my chest, unraveling inside me.


    An absurd amount of pressure squeezes my core, like I''m having a heart attack; but at the same time, sharp energy explodes throughout my arms, legs, and even shoots into my brain.


    It''s both the most pleasurable and most painful feeling I''ve ever experienced.


    It feels like the times I tried to absorb green threads in the past, eating the divine fruits, and absorbing the green serpent''s aura¡ªbut as if I''m doing thousands at once.It''s impossible to tell how much divine energy was in that orb. Now, as it tears my real body to shreds but simultaneously empowers my Astral Form, I let out a blood-curdling scream and swing my de back at the Demon.


    From the center of my Astral Form, an eruption of green light spreads outward like dye dropped into pure water.


    My strength skyrockets as my Astral Form expands, instantly matching the Demon''s height at just over 1,100 meters tall.


    His strike, meant to kill me, is instantly negated, and the Demon is hit across the chest with a fiery green sh, blown back to the opposite side of the room.


    Just because I''ve managed to fend off this strike doesn''t mean the battle is won.


    As the green light in my core continues to expand, not even my Astral Form isrge enough to contain it.


    My physical body is being torn away faster than I can heal it, and the small green orb keeps unraveling more and more, with a seemingly endless amount of divine threads.


    The pleasure I felt at the start of this process is quickly overwhelmed by far more pain and a sharp ringing in my ears.


    Cracks in my Astral Form explode outward with dense waves of green divine threads, and I continue growing in size, struggling to stay upright and conscious.


    All I hear over the ringing is the Demon yelling in a rage-filled tone.


    "Disgusting. That much green divine energy in a True Core that isn''t fully saturated will only lead to your demise! It takes years to assimte with the throne¡ªyou have taken the coward''s way out!"


    This is all I hear through hisughter as my Divine Core struggles to process all the green threads being forced through it.


    Large portions of the threads aren''t even processed and are just shot out into the atmosphere. But enough stay within my core to change its tint from bright yellow to pale green.


    I feel my links of loyalty skyrocket, breaching 80 million after this stunt. Through the pain, ringing, and hazy mind, I rely on my foresight ability to guide my next movements.


    More cracks in my Astral Form break open as it grows, but I need to take advantage of this strength while it''s at my fingertips.


    Lunging forward, I sh with the Demon again, bouncing off his sword and countering to leave another green fiery sh across his flesh, sending him flying to the back of the room.


    He tanks the hit, growing in size with me, holding his de with both hands. Letting out a yell, he jumps back toward me.


    "Still holding on? You know what? Maybe this is the proper way to go out. Imend you for giving everything you had until the very end!"


    The eye on his purple de pulses, and a bright Demonic Aura makes his Soul Sword grow in size, matching the 1,500 meters in height his wielder now stands at.


    The Demon''s roar surrounds his entire body with strange Demonic Soul Energy, and he swings his de forward to collide with my red de, now tethered with green divine threads.


    The gravity wave of this Demon''s fully unsealed form, and my chaotic green Astral Soul Sword, make all other moves we''ve thrown so far in this battle pale inparison.


    We''re on equal footing again, but the green orb in my chest is far from finished.


    My mind is shutting down, and the small percentage of flesh left on my physical body is hanging on using divine energy-tethered self-regeneration to stay in the physical world deep within my Astral Form.


    All I can do is rely on my instincts and fight back, because the world depends on it.


    Above us, as my links surpass 85 million, two dragons continue to spew energy waves at each other, while a wave of green divine threads rises up from below.


    Ember thinks to himself, ''It was a necessary move... However, I cannot do the same. I believe you will attempt to save your physical body, so I will follow suit and save that item for when this life''s body can handle it.''


    The Demonic Dragon sends another wave of dark matter at Ember, and with less size and speed, it is impossible to dodge.


    He takes another injury to his Astral Form, leaving a second massive ck stain.


    The Demonic Dragonughs and taunts Ember.


    "Your human has chosen to blow himself up. Even if you use your sealed power, it is over. We have won! Good luck on the next that connects to the system!"


    Ember smirks, unsealing a farrger portion of the silver threads locked within his Immortal Core.


    Before, just a thinyer around his ws was enough toplete all the trials and fend off his enemies. Ever since his True Core awakened, using this small amount of power has been enough to wield continuously without needing to rest from fatigue.


    The golden threads could end this battle in an instant, but using arge amount inbat of this magnitude would do far more damage than thest time he used just a small amount as a sonar in Celia''s construct.


    As silver light erupts from the center of Ember''s Astral Form, he yells back at the Dragon, who believes it has imed its first world.


    "Don''t underestimate that human. A little green divine energy won''t be enough to kill him. Honestly, I doubt it''ll even leave a scratch on his physical body once we''re done here."


    Ember''s entire Astral Form starts to shimmer silver, as the density of divine threads shifts. Almost a full tenth of the energy making up this yellow dragon in the sky is filled with a weakened form of the energy this very tower is made of.


    His speed skyrockets, and in the blink of an eye, deep silver w marks open up in the Demonic Dragon''s underbelly, sending it flying upward with a screech filled with fear and unease.


    Ember releases a strong wave of disintegrating mes from his mouth, filled with yellow and silver threads, following his prey upward as the wave of green threads from below fills the tower.


    ---


    Links of loyalty surge past 100 million as my mindpletely shuts off. I rely solely on my foresight ability and battle instincts, while my conscious mind focuses on withstanding the horrible ringing in my ears and maintaining even a single drop of blood in my physical body to avoid losing touch with this world.


    shes of gravity waves that could destroy worlds twice the size of ours continuously echo through the tower.


    Tens of shes go by on equal footing, but the green threads from the green orb I consumed just keep making me growrger andrger.


    More and more of my Astral Form cracks away, allowing plumes of green energy to pour out. However, my True Core transforms from a pale random mixture of yellow and green; to a much brighter green outeryer and a yellow center settling into its natural state.


    I surpass two kilometers in height, and a single sword strike that overpowers the Demon snaps my conscious mind back into reality.


    This is not only because I''vended a third hit¡ªone so powerful into the Demon''s stomach that it hesitates to attack for a moment¡ªbut the best thing about this exchange is that I feel the green energy expanding within me begin to slow.


    The violent orb loses its spherical form, and momentster, the source of all this energy finally stops producing more.


    I can finally breathe.


    With my conscious mind aware, as if I''ve just opened my eyes, I lunge forward and strike the hesitating Demon with ruthless speed in the exact same spot.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    My green ming sword shoves all the way through the massive Demonic Form, and it coughs up blood, its eyes wide.


    "H-How... You''ve fully absorbed this many green threads in mere seconds..."


    It tries to counter, but I throw the Demon to the side. Deep within my Astral Form, from the small drops of blood and bits of flesh remaining of my real body, I begin to regenerate my body.


    It''s still extremely painful, as the green threads coursing through me are still tearing the newly grown flesh to bits the moment it returns to reality.


    However, there is no new energy attacking me at the source.


    My True Core has processed all of the pure green threads avable to it. Now my body is just dealing with the aftermath.


    The excess threads that I can''t even use are seeping out of my Astral Form. Even the cracks all over me start to heal now that I don''t have to use every spare bit of power merely to stay alive.


    My True Core is still yellow, but in an instant, it''s pushed over halfway to breaking through to green. Now I can take advantage of this power that is all mine.


    Iugh and swing my de across my body with unfathomable speed and fluidity, colliding with the Demon''s purple sword and deflecting it aside tond another hit across his torso. I immediately counter again, leaving an additional gash in his leg.


    We''re both blown back from the force. In this moment, the Demon sees my green-and-yellow Astral Formpletely heal.


    "You''re a monster... you can''t be a human. Even a Noble ss world can''t produce talent like this¡ªhow¡ª"


    I don''t waste any time, sending another flurry of attacks his way, leaving three fiery green wounds on his side, back, and left arm.


    My gaze is focused, my mind is clear, and my physical body haspletely reformed, now adapted to the constant stream of green threads ravaging through it.


    The mutation that started within that divine construct has just been pushed to a whole new level. I''m not giving up on the physical world.


    We circle the small pir in the center of the room as my links of loyalty surge higher and higher, surpassing 120 million, then even 130 million. Each surge adds to my base stats, which are further elevated by the green threads coursing through my veins, widening the power gap between us with every second that passes.


    The Demon is fully on the defensive, and the entire world watches as I leave countless near-death fiery shes all over his dark Demonic Form.


    I yell for the world to hear, as every nation, day or night, watches and feels the magnificent battle that will decide the fate of the world.


    "Without every single one of you, this wouldn''t have been possible. I, the me Emperor, have vowed to protect humanity. I will not let you down for as long as I live!"


    The Demon''s unwavering confidence and noble presence shatter in his mind as he hears these words. Simultaneously, a massive sh of silver light erupts tens of kilometers above us.


    His Demonic Dragon''s pain-filled roar, and the massive green Astral Soul Swording its way, do not seem real.


    This result was an impossibility.


    Raised on a Noble ss world, brought to the Demonic Realm as a chosen General to serve the Vermillion Family and be one of its Lords in the Upper Realms for hundreds of years.


    It was always a well-known fact that no monster could ever rival a demon of this caliber in pure strength alone.


    Especially not a human of a Third-ss world.


    This was supposed to be a simple stepping stone to a long life of nobility and luxury.


    Now, he watches two halves of his Soul-Bonded Demonic Dragon fall from the sky, covered in w marks and silver wounds.


    Thest thing he feels is a two-kilometer-long fiery Soul Sword slicing through his head and shattering his Divine Core.


    ---


    The explosion of Demonic matter and the threads of his True Core surge through the tower, filling it with thick, hot, and violent light.


    My yell as I throw this final strike is paired with over 140 million gasps and cheers all over the globe.


    Before I can even see again, notifications echo through my inner ear. I realize¡ªI really did it.


    I won.


    ---


    [Level Up] x8396


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Body Double


    Upgrade: Divine Grade


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Demonic Energy Maniption


    Upgrade: Supreme Grade


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Skill: Shadow Step [Divine Grade]


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    MCP: 189,299,458,901,262,190


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Stat: Strength


    Points: 144,230


    [YES][NO]


    [Use Absorption]


    Buff: Noble Bloodline Transformation


    [YES][NO]


    ---


    My level reaches 25,102, but I have far more than just the stat upgrades on my mind. I ept them all and try to look upward to see Ember, as it seems he has finished his fight with a victory as well.


    But my vision is filled with ck, purple, yellow, and green energy. The pure yellow threads that pour into my Divine Core strengthen my Astral Form even further, unintentionally growing me a few hundred meters taller.


    There is so much divine energy pouring into my body that it is taking far longer than usual.


    Simultaneously, an odd phenomenon urs, as I feel the True Core ability I gained from defeating Beckman''s ck horse activate.


    It''s unclear exactly what it''s doing, but it feels like it''s absorbing far more than just pure divine threads, like my absorption skill.


    I ponder this phenomenon while, in the same instance, I feel my Astral Soul Sword hunger for the falling purple de with an eye on its handle.


    Before the Demon''s entire body or Greater Form''s Excess Energypletely falls, I push my de closer. It turns the Purple Sword to glowing liquid and consumes it whole with ravenous hunger.


    ---


    [The Divine Emperor''s Soul Sword Evolution Attribute has reached Lv. 2!]


    ---


    The de pulses red, then shifts to its ck dormant state the moment it senses there are no more enemies and no more powerful Soul Weapons to consume.


    As Ember flies downward from the ceiling, deactivating his Astral Form, I set my sights on therge ck Ascended Demon''s Core in the center of the falling Demonic remains.


    ____________


    Post Chapter Status Update:


    ____________


    Current Links of Loyalty: 146,921,008


    Additional Base Stats Added:


    Strength: 5,759,303,513


    Speed: 5,622,910,040


    Agility: 5,999,016,284


    Defense: 5,809,312,595


    Mental Strength: 5,700,945,818


    +14,398,258,784 Additional Hp


    +14,398,258,784 Additional Mp


    [Status Open]


    ____________


    Name: Jay Soju


    Level: 25,102


    Hp: (125,515/125,515 + 14,398,258,784/14,398,258,784) = 14,398,384,299 Max Hp


    Mp: (125,515/125,515 + 14,398,258,784/14,398,258,784) = 14,398,384,299 Max Mp


    Strength: (229,065 + 5,759,303,513)= 5,759,532,578 Base Strength


    [+82649292494] [+131778105385] [+147904796603] [+127746432580] [+87544895186] [+173073953969] [+138919925781] [+115478628189] [+2879766289] [+5759532578] [+57595325780] [+416932563321] [+14398831445] [+14398831445] [+23038130312]


    = 1,545,858,543,935 Total Strength


    Speed: (93,976 + 5,622,910,040)= 5,623,004,016 Base Speed


    [+90361674537] [+91317585220] [+156431971725] [+124774459115] [+105656245461] [+136638997589] [+179879898472] [+110098418633] [+167565519677] [+2811502008] [+5623004016] [+56230040160] [+390348938791] [+14057510040] [+14057510040] [+22492016064]


    = 1,673,968,295,564 Total Speed


    Agility: (85,953 + 5,999,016,284)= 5,999,102,237 Base Agility


    [+93226048763] [+113922951481] [+162395697556] [+146618058672] [+105284244259] [+152737142954] [+211168398742] [+122681640747] [+131500321035] [+2999551119] [+5999102237] [+59991022370] [+393541106747] [+14997755593] [+23996408948]


    = 1,747,058,553,460 Total Agility


    Defense: (62,112 + 5,809,312,595)= 5,809,374,707 Base Defense


    [+81389339645] [+139076430486] [+127922431048] [+108461025780] [+89812932970] [+200016771162] [+141167805380] [+115316087934] [+2904687354] [+5809374707] [+58093747070] [+362446887970] [+23237498828]


    = 1,461,464,395,041 Total Defense


    Mental Strength: (97,060 + 5,700,945,818)= 5,701,042,878 Base Mental Strength


    [+113564774130] [+115731170423] [+142526071950] [+118980764864] [+119778910867] [+158603012866] [+212420857634] [+131694090482] [+146288760249] [+2850521439] [+5701042878] [+57010428780] [+405344148626] [+14252607195] [+14252607195] [+22804171512]


    = 1,787,504,983,968 Total Mental Strength


    ____________


    Skills:


    Absorption [Divine Grade]


    Swordsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Supreme Fire Summoning]


    Inspect [Mythic Grade]


    Enemy Detection [Mythic Grade]


    Body Hardening [Mythic Grade]


    Self Regeneration [Mythic Grade]


    Spatial Magic [Item Storage]


    Plunderer [Mythic Grade]


    Telekinesis [Mythic Grade]


    Appraisal [Mythic Grade]


    Conceal [Mythic Grade]


    Berserker [Mythic Grade]


    Dungeon Walker [Legendary Grade]


    Intimidation [Mythic Grade]


    Dagger Mastery [Mythic Grade]


    Stealth [Mythic Grade]


    Bloodlust [Mythic Grade]


    Equivalent Exchange


    Combat Magic [Superior Wind Summoning]


    All-Seeing Eye [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Strength [Mythic Grade]


    Dual Wielding [Mythic Grade]


    Telepathy [Legendary Grade]


    Final Breath [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Superior Earth Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Superior Mana Maniption]


    Life Steal [Mythic Grade]


    Hibernation [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Supreme Demonic Energy Maniption]


    Combat Magic [Supreme Ice Summoning]


    Body Double [Divine Grade]


    Lie Detector [Legendary Grade]


    Hush [Mythic Grade]


    Craftsmanship [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Speed [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Superior Water Summoning]


    Screech [Mythic Grade]


    Phantom Step [Mythic Grade]


    re [Mythic Grade]


    Confusion [Mythic Grade]


    st [Mythic Grade]


    Bind [Legendary Grade]


    Bloodweaver [Legendary Grade]


    Poison Mist [Mythic Grade]


    Iron Fist [Mythic Grade]


    Extreme Stamina [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Superior Lightning Summoning]


    Combat Magic [Superior Dark Summoning]


    Blink [Mythic Grade]


    Cocoon [Mythic Grade]


    Imbuement [Mythic Grade]


    Barrier Creation [Mythic Grade]


    Flight [Mythic Grade]


    Area Buff [Mythic Grade]


    Mind Pce [Mythic Grade]


    Astral Spears [Mythic Grade]


    sh Step [Mythic Grade]


    Call of The Void [Mythic Grade]


    Crystal Creation [Mythic Grade]


    Heavy Hand [Mythic Grade]


    Combat Magic [Superior Light Summoning]


    Spirit Anchor [Mythic Grade]


    Echo [Mythic Grade]


    Metal Creation [Mythic Grade]


    Final Strike [Mythic Grade]


    Dark Mist [Mythic Grade]


    Enrage [Mythic Grade]


    Foresight [Divine Grade]


    Shadow Step [Divine Grade]


    ____________


    Items Equipped: [20 Slots Avable Post 3rd Rank Up][Currently Items 14/20 Equipped]


    tinum Ring of Visual Maniption [Blood Bonded] [+1992% Mental Strength][+1607% Speed][+1554% Agility][+1435% Strength][+1401% Defense][+750% Perception][Illusion Attribute]


    The Behemoth''s tinum Amulet [Blood Bonded] [+2394% Defense][+2288% Strength][+2030% Mental Strength][+1899% Agility][+1624% Speed][Hardening Attribute]


    Enchanted Boots of Extreme Speed [Blood Bonded] [+2782% Speed][+2707% Agility][+2568% Strength][+2500% Mental Strength][+2202% Defense][Wind Attribute]


    Enchanted Ice Serpent''s Pendant [Blood Bonded] [+2444% Agility] [+2219% Speed][+2218% Strength][+2087% Mental Strength][+1908% Magic Resistance][+1901% Ice Magic Resistance][+1867% Defense][Ice Attribute]


    tinum Ring of The Blue Ogre King [Blood Bonded] [+2101% Mental Strength] [+1879% Speed][+1755% Agility][+1546% Defense][+1520% Strength]


    Berserker King''s Armor Set [Blood Bonded] [+3443% Defense][+3005% Strength][+2782% Mental Strength][+2546% Agility][+2430% Speed][Hardening Attribute][Earth Attribute]


    Cloak of Total Darkness[+3726% Mental Strength][+3520% Agility][+3199% Speed][+500% Perception][Blood Bonded][Hidden Passive Ability][Concealment Attribute][Dark Attribute]


    Enchanted Lightweight Gauntlets [Blood Bonded][+2430% Defense][+2412% Strength][+2310% Mental Strength][+2045% Agility][+1958% Speed][Hardening Attribute][Earth Attribute][Fire Attribute]


    Storm King''s Dagger Set[Blood Bonded][+2980% Speed][+2566% Mental Strength][+2192% Agility][+2005% Strength][+1985% Defense][Lightning Attribute][Wind Attribute]


    Greater Demon''s Core [+50% All Stats]


    Arch Demon''s Core [+100% All Stats]


    Ascended Demon''s Core [+1000% All Stats]


    Celia''s Purple Core [Living Ring Artifact] [Divine Limiter][Hidden Ability]


    Divine Emperor''s Soul Sword [Soul Bonded][Evolution Attribute: Lv. 2][Fire Affinity][Dark Affinity][Demonic Affinity][+7239% Strength][+7110% Mental Strength][+6942% Speed][+6560% Agility][+6239% Defense]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    [EMPTY SLOT]


    ____________


    Skill Buffs:


    [Berserker] +250% Strength + Mental Strength


    [BloodLust] +250% Speed + Agility + Mental Strength , +100% Perception


    [Extreme Strength] +250% Strength


    [Extreme Speed] +250% Speed


    [Final Breath] ~ +400% All Stats (Exact % will vary, conditions & circumstances apply)


    Permanent Buffs:


    Rising Emperor''s Domain[Hidden Ability][Passive]


    Rising Emperor''s Greater Form[Hidden Ability][Active]


    Master of Illusion [Hidden Ability]


    [Divine Elemental''s Astral Form]


    [Noble Bloodline Transformation]


    *Stat Increases shown do not ount for Greater Form, Astral Form, Noble Bloodline, Qi, Demonic Energy, Mana Control, or Divine Core Power Increases.

 Chapter 690

    [Ascended Demon''s Core] [+1000% All Stats] is what my appraisal skill shows hovering over thergest ck orb.


    My curiosity grows at the sight of this, as pretty much all of the gear I''m wearing far surpasses this buff. However, a greater and Arch Demon''s core both fall with it, surrounded by shattered blood-bonded gear from the demon that surpassed 5000% buffs.


    There must be a reason that it had all three, it definitely wasn''t for the stat increases.


    I follow the falling gear downward by deactivating my Astral Form.


    From a staggering 2600 meters in height, the pure mana and divine energy formpacts and shrinks back down into my Greater Form, then back into nothing more than my physical body.


    Green and yellow threads spin in my core, and they fight for dominance inside my body, causing violent microscopic tears all over my flesh every second.


    My entire being feels hot and unnatural, but I can tell that if I let up on regenerating for even a second, the energy inside will tear away every bit of physical matter holding on.


    It''s a very odd sensation, as every second I continue to hold on, my True Core attempts to adapt to the changes taking ce. My Divine Absorption ability continues to morph my genes, making it slightly easier to stay standing with these many green threads ravaging through me.


    This doesn''t stop me from reaching forward and touching the Ascended Demon''s Core, watching it fall into my open palm.The moment it disappears, a third Core appears inside my chest.


    There are five cores in total: one soul energy core with qi and mana, one dense divine core with green and yellow threads, and now three Demon Cores of varying sizes. None of them have any active demonic energy inside.


    I feel the instant stat buff add to my status, but nothing extra or special happens. I look around while opening up my storage to let the two smaller cores fall inside as well as the three crimson horns that remain from the Noble Demon''s True Form.


    Other than that, all of its flesh and blood-bonded armor was burned away by my mes the moment it died.


    I take a deep breath, feeling my links of loyalty continue to surge upward, and take in the silence of the aftermath of the battle.


    At the same time, the absorption of all of the Demon''s True Core''s threads finally finishes; there is even some yellow energy leftover that I cannot fully absorb.


    Its words at the start of our battle, iming that I don''t even have a saturated True Core, make sense to me. I can feel there is a soft limit to the amount of yellow threads I''m able to gather¡ªmy core doesn''t want to take in any more.


    It is far more eager to process even the ambient green divine threads that float in the atmosphere around me.


    Paired with this feeling, another odd sensation washes over me, as now I can fully understand what Beckman''s horse with the [Mind Devourer] buff had as a True Core ability...


    Memoriese rushing into my mind like a tidal wave. I gasp for air as my vision goes ck and I lose touch with my links of loyalty and the outside world while my mind is swept away to look through the eyes of this Demon''s Past.


    ¨C


    I view its earliest memory: being born as a fledgling Demon in a sea of Darkness.


    It''s as if the memories are my own.


    I can feel the high density of Demonic Energy in the air, and it''s like nothing I''ve ever felt before.


    Almost like it''s swimming in an ocean of pure power to absorb at its fingertips.


    The first few days of its life, it did exactly that¡ªwandering around in the darkness with no knowledge at all of what it was or why it was brought into existence.


    The only thing it knew was that it felt good to be stronger, so it absorbed the thick plumes of Demonic Energy all around it and wandered aimlessly while growing its fledgling body.


    However, on a Noble Grade world with so much energy to consume, there are plenty of other beings that seek to grow stronger than the rest.


    Its only ability was a shadow movement technique that masked its presence from danger, as well as the innate knowledge of how to absorb and manipte Demonic Energy. ?


    This not only allowed it to hide from Demonic Beasts and other ravenous Demons far stronger than itself but also gave it the power to lurk in the shadows and be a silent killer, only attacking those it was sure to defeat.


    Colossal Beasts lurk in the depths of this Noble Grade Demonic realm, shaping its worldview. To survive, it must be unfathomably strong.


    Years pass, and this Demon never makes a wrong move, killing anything weaker than itself with ease and never challenging a monster out of its league.


    The darkness is where it hides, and anything that moves is danger.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Never seeing the light of day, this is what life is, and harnessing the darkness is all it knows.


    That is, until one day when red, orange, and yellow beings lit up the darkness and ughtered mountain-sized Demonic Beasts with ease.


    Whatever these colorful beings were, the Demon knew they were strong, and it knew it for sure when one of them appeared before it, pointing a long sword at the young Demon''s neck and exuding an ominous pressure that made it want to fall to its knees.


    However, It didn''t submit despite the overwhelming strength gap. It tried to fight back and survive by any means necessary, but it was impossible to run; the yellow figure that looked very simr to it blipped in front of it everywhere it ran, repeating the same words over and over:


    "You have been chosen."


    All over this small Noble Grade Demonic world, Knights, Commanders, and Generals from the Vermillion Family seek out fledgling Demons that have made it through the incubation process on a world owned by the collective Five Great Families.


    This Demon and thirty-four others were chosen and brought back to the Demonic Realm.


    ¨C


    Memories rush through my mind of the vast world filled with Demons, Demonic Beasts, civilizations, and most awe-inspiring, the five massive ck towers that resemble the throne here on the human world.


    40 years of Demonicbat training go by, teaching these new recruits how to awaken their bloodlines, and many missions to far regions in the Demonic Realm are ordered by the current Generals in charge.


    Even outings to other worlds are required to build knowledge and experience.


    Other new groupings of first and second ss Demons are brought to this realm as well, but their training is done separately, as everyone knows that the hierarchy must be followed and those above are worth far more than those below.


    ¨C


    The Demonic Realm itself is only a Third-ss world, as the energy density is extremely spread thin from its massive size. However, it is such a vastnd that it is a perfect base for the Demons, with room to bring resources from other worlds and expand.


    Even Third-ss Commoner Natives from this have the ability to give offerings to the Five Great Families and join their ranks if they train hard enough and show their loyalty.


    However, while possible, Commoners usually don''t move up the ranks past the Demonic Knight or Commander Positions. No Commoner has ever been permitted topress their True Core and be granted a chance to be a Lord.


    Only those already within the ranks know that the families like control and would rather raise their underlings from birth as mindless killers with morals and ideals guided by their Lord.


    All of this training is done for the purpose of getting ready forbyrinth contracts. It is the final test and vetting process before these recruits are epted into the Vermillion Family''s ranks.


    It is known that the other families have their own processes, but it is very secretive, and only the Lords of each family in a ce called the Upper Realm ever discuss business between them.


    For those in this lower realm, the only necessary work that must be done is bing strong and following the orders of those who are stronger.


    The vetting process usually takes decades, sometimes centuries. This batch of thirty-four Noble Demons has already been trimmed down to less than ten before the final test even started.


    Many died fighting Demonic Beasts far above their levels in the outer regions of this realm or on other worlds, while others died in death matches between Demons to settle disputes.


    More groupings from incubation worlds are brought back to the Demonic Realm every few years, so losing many fighters is not a problem. Only the strong are meant to survive.


    ¨C


    I watch more memories sh by, of this Demon being sent off to a foreign world, creating a contract with a dragon, and defending abyrinth for over 130 years.


    It is granted the Body Double skill for epting the Labyrinth contract, and set out on its journey to rise the ranks from a Greater Demon to an Arch Demon, to an Ascended.


    It managed to fend off every challenger that made it to the top floor, even some with levels three times higher than its own.


    In solitude on the top floor of thebyrinth, as the beings of the world continued to bring pure mana into this construct, the Demon and the Dragon sparred, talked, and became stronger every day.


    It didn''t only rank thebyrinth up once, but twice, passing the Noble Bloodline test in order for the Vermillion Family to ept it into their ranks.


    ¨C


    The Demon epts red divine energy in exchange for the farmed mana of this world, as a prize for being the first in its ss of Noble Demons to return.


    Another 110 years pass as the Demon rises from a Knight to a Commander to a General in the Vermillion Family.


    It trains in the Demonic Realm, partakes in Demonic Beast extermination on incubation worlds, and even brings back new groups of Demons to begin their training the same way it did.


    Everything changes the day Drako Vermillion finallypresses his True Core and is granted permission to speak with the Green Cored Lord.


    It gives him a mission to nt an artifact on a small Third-ss world filled with humans extremely far from the source.


    Images continue rushing through my mind faster and faster.


    I see this Demon''s agreement with the Big Three, its 50-year wait inside a special Demonic Cultivation Chamber to fully saturate its True Core, then bonding with two more demon cores in preparation to be a Lord, and finally itsst battle against me¡ªthe me Emperor...


    ¨C


    No real time at all has passed when I see the room around me again, and all of my links of loyalty reconnect to my vision. Ember floats down from the ceiling, transforming back into his human form.


    However, I just experienced over three centuries of memories in crystal clear quality...


    Some of the finer details are lost, and others are still sinking in, trapped in my subconscious and needing a nudge. But the passage of time feels quite real.


    These were in far greater quality than the little light show of the past Celia once gave me inside her construct.


    It''s apparent that I''m in a bit of shock as Ember touches down on the floor beside me, but from his tone, it sounds like he just thinks I''m still recovering from the fight.


    "Congrats, you just killed a Noble Demon." He grins and takes a step closer.


    "Oh yeah, and saved the entire human world."


    As he lets out a chuckle and I''m still wide-eyeding back to reality, a familiar ancient voice rings in my ears while I see silver text fill my vision.


    [Round 2 of 2 Shall Commence]


    [Round 2 of 2 Title: Soul Stairs]


    [Objective: Climb to the Top, and Assimte with the Throne.]


    There''s a shift in the air, and the entire silver pir in the center of the room vibrates.


    I see it shifting in color near the top, to a dark green, and my gaze follows it down until it hits the floor with a far lighter green that is almost clear.


    The moment it hits the floor, a small archway opening in the silver pir appears, showing the entrance to the staircase.


    Very minimal amounts of green divine threads pour out, then Ember speaks again.


    "Well¡ªI guess you haven''t saved the world just yet. Come on, let''s go beat the final trial. Thisst round is going to be a lot easier than the ordeal we just went through."


    As the wave of fresh green threads begins toe near, I feel the dormant purple ring on my finger ripple with emotions ranging from relief, to excitement, to nostalgia.


    I reply, feeling the 160 million pairs of eyes all around the world stare through mine.


    "Let''s do it. Let''s im the Throne."

 Chapter 691

    I walk forward into the silver tower, taking a step up the spiral stairs. There is no railing, as the silver barrier hugs the left side of the stairs all the way up.


    They''re extremely wide¡ªseveral hundred meters¡ªenough to fit a full dragon, even in its normal form.


    However, Ember stays in his human base form.


    The moment we both step onto the first stair, the archway that connected these stairs to the outer room shuts, and the only way we can go is up.


    The green threads in the air are very thin, slowly moving in circles. It feels like an energizing breeze as small amounts of them collect in my body and seep toward my core.


    I take another step upward. It looks like the higher I climb, the denser the air gets with green threads. It reminds me of when I tried getting close to the green serpent in Celia''s construct. However, the density of divine energy at the very top is far too strong for my senses to even perceive.


    It is on a whole new level¡ªextremely dark green¡ªand feels like a bottomless well of gravity pressing against my senses.


    My curiosity grows as I take more steps, but Ember doesn''t move just yet.


    He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, then opens them again to release arge amount of silver threads from his core.The threads tether throughout his entire body, making him appear as a shimmering silver energy being.


    Then, he takes a step forward, and the space where he was standing is now devoid of divine energy.


    While the green threads flow through me, and only a small amount sticks within my core after processing, one hundred percent of the threads Ember touches disappear within him.


    I turn around with wide eyes, and he grins.


    "It isn''t as effective as it looks. My core still has to process the threads inside my body. It may be faster to convert my core to green, but it''s going to take me a while to save my physical body from fading away... Believe it or not, this is the first time I''ve attempted to reach the Upper Realm with my physical form intact. I wonder if it''s even possible..."


    He looks up with a pondering gaze, then meets mine with a face covered in shimmering silver light.


    I reply while turning back to the stairs and continuing my slow walk upward.


    "What is the Upper Realm? The demons talk about it a lot... Their family lords are all there. Does that mean they''ve all given up their bodies as well?"


    My slow steps turn faster, skipping a few at a time, as the low density of green threads down here isn''t affecting me much since I already consumed that orb from the first floor.


    Ember follows far behind, not wanting to affect my absorption, and instead sucks up the excess threads below.


    "Yes, it''s true. The leaders of the Five Great Families live on the higher ne. It''s the only way to continue growing stronger. The energy density in the Upper Realm is far higher¡ªno mere Yellow Core could even survive standing under its pressure. The same goes for if a higher lifeform were to descend to this realm. They could cause destruction and overpower those around them, but there are no useful resources to gather. It isn''t worth the cost to descend."


    We continue upward, and I ponder his words while taking in more and more green threads.


    After traveling above five kilometers into the air, the green thread density has tripled, but the rate at which I absorb them is nowhere near what it was when I consumed that orb during our battle. It is still a leisurely activity.


    However, I feel the odd sensation of the purple ring around my finger pulling trace amounts of green threads into it, too. Every once in a while, it glows, and the thin barrier around me feels slightly stronger. It raises a few questions, so I turn around and point to my ring.


    "Then howe I have this purple ring? Why or how would ite down here? And the beings that were in that construct¡ªthe artifact itself that opened up a portal to the construct was cyan. That''s above green, isn''t it?"


    Ember nods, looking at the ring and then back to me.


    "While it may look, sound, and feel like a being, that artifact is a dying echo of whatever creator sent it down here into the Lower Realm. Just like the silver threads I use now, it is a minuscule, sealed portion of its true power. If unaltered purple threads were near us right now, they would easily split this world in two¡ªno¡ªthis entire sr system would be demolished by the pressure of its existence alone. I bet it would break through this tower with ease."


    He grins, but my eyes widen as I stare at the ring with newfound awe.


    "It would break through the tower? But how? Isn''t it made from the silver energy of an immortal? An Overseer, right?"


    Ember nods as we rise even higher, surpassing ten kilometers, where the green thread density doubles again.


    "Even this tower is a sealed artifact from the Upper Realm. Just like I use a thin, lesser version of my silver threads, this isn''t the true power of an Overseer. It is merely a tool crafted by one to help its underlings ascend while simultaneously building wealth in the Lower Realm to continue their expansion. There are other ways to ascend¡ªthis just happens to be the easiest."


    We climb the stairs in silence for a while, as more pieces of this puzzle fall into ce.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    While my mind races, my links of loyalty surpass 200 million.


    ---


    Outside the tower, the Crimson Army, the Commanders, and the Generals all regroup to celebrate their victory.


    Bri and Rodrigo celebrate at the Apex Region''s headquarters with all the high-level hunters, while word spreads through Central Headquarters that their maniptive leaders have been killed. Soon, they will be free to venture off of the ming mountain and out into the real world if they wish.


    More and more people in the outer nations who have never heard of the me Emperor before today begin creating links of loyalty, eager not to miss out on the stat bonuses and the mind-bending reality of the world they now understand is unfolding before them.


    The Four Generals¡ªRaven, Abby, Maria, and Arie¡ªreconnect their live feeds to show the state of the battlefield. Raven takes charge of the narrative, exining the true state of the world before the system connected and the gravity of the situation that was just resolved. Plus, expands on their ns moving forward.


    As time passes and more links of loyalty pile in, each of the Generals speaks to the world, filling new links in on what happened today.


    Celebrations erupt all over the Dark Continent, the Eight Great Regions, the Central Capital, and the newly formed nations.


    Many were here from the start, while many are only watching now. But it is clear: a new era in this world''s history is about to begin.


    The tensions and uncertainties of the Great War have finally been dispelled. The entire world is now connected through this mysterious me Emperor, who they all see walking up an endless flight of stairs in silence.


    ---


    I feel the threads'' density multiply many times over as I reach a height of over fifty kilometers.


    This is when I start to slow down, taking each step one by one while pulling in as much of the ambient green energy around me as I can.


    I feel more and more green threads pouring into my True Core, pushing the dense yellow energy in its center down into an increasinglypact ball of bright yellow-white light.


    At first, it was still semi-painful to process all of this green energy through my constantly regenerating flesh. But the morepact my True Core gets, the more natural it feels for the green energy tobine with my blood, flesh, and bones.


    It all melds together, turning my entire being a shade of green.


    My Soul Sword remains dormant¡ªjet-ck¡ªfloating slowly around me in circles. The ratio of yellow to green threads inside it shifts in perfect sync with my core, as they are linked.


    In addition to this, the purple ring around my finger pulses more and more, drawing inrge amounts of the green threads now that the air is denser. The barrier around me seems to strengthen, but for some reason, it remains made of purple threads. I can''t tell where the excess green energy is going¡ªit''s as if it''s disappearing inside the ring, like it''s being devoured.


    I raise the question to Ember in my confusion.


    "Celia¡ªI mean, my ring¡ªit''s pulling in green threads, but somehow the purple energy it uses is getting slightly stronger. How exactly does that work?"


    Ember chuckles.


    "That is something you''ll learn in the Upper Realm. Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue¡ªeven purple¡ªthey''re all the same. It''s just Divine Energy."


    I raise an eyebrow as he continues, and at the same time, I feel the green divine threads in my core crushing my True Core into an even denser form, forcing the brightly glowing yellow ball to shrink to the size of a marble.


    "In this Lower Realm, that ring of yours was a tool made for a third-ss world like this. The creator framed it as a pocket dimension for free trade of mana, demonic energy, and resources, right?"


    I nod, and Ember continues.


    "Some of those resources just happened to be Divine Fragments¡ªconvenientlypact and digestible in small sizes. It allows lower lifeforms to begin the process of wielding divine power. All of this energy is siphoned from the Upper Realm. If not for the push of that helpful artifact, I doubt there would be enough ambient Divine Energy on this entire for even one red core to form."


    My eyes widen, and at the same time, I feel the tiny ball ofpact yellow energy in my chest begin to shift, showing a pale greenish tint.


    Everything clicks.


    "That''s why you called it such a rudimentary form when you first saw it... Divine threads can bepacted into denser and denser forms. They just appear as different shades of color when they stabilize into a new usable density..."


    Ember nods slowly.


    "Yes, exactly. While it may look like your ring is making the threads in the air disappear, it is merely recharging its fading existence that has withered away in this Lower Realm. It would be the same as if you absorbed a red fragment right now. The energy would disappear into your core, empowering you a tiny fractional amount¡ªseemingly vanishing¡ªbut in reality, it''s just Divine Energy making its home in your core."


    I turn back around, satisfied with his answer, as I walk up the steps even further, another twenty kilometers into the sky.


    The center of my True Corepacts more and more, shifting to an extremely light green with traces of yellow still holding on.


    Then, I turn around as another odd question hits me.


    "Then, if you were to release divine threads into the atmosphere and spread them out over a massive open area, wouldn''t they all revert back to red?"


    Ember shakes his head.


    "Good assumption, but once a new stable density is reached, it takes immense power to separate Divine Energy from its settled form. I can only assume this purple core you hold is in its current state not only from its age but from the energy exerted in separating parts of its core into digestible smaller fragments. Once you break through to higher stages, it bes far easier to convert lower energy into the already cycling core within you."


    It makes sense. Just as when absorbing fragments, one doesn''t remain at the same core color until fully breaking through. However, there are still many unanswered questions.


    As I walk deeper and deeper into the green fog of divine energy above, I push these thoughts to the back of my mind.


    Once I reach this Upper Realm, I''m sure much more will be clear.


    The pressure and gravity up here are intense. Now that I''ve climbed another thirty kilometers, my body begins to be attacked mercilessly by the threads again. It has to re-adapt as my bones rattle, and my skin feels as though it''s peeling from burns and thousands of knife shes.


    Even my eyes, brain, and organs are torn to shreds and rebuilt over and over until I store enough green threads in my core to withstand it naturally.


    My body morphs and adapts.


    I''m absorbing the same amount of energy I did from that green orb every minute, and the feeling of absolute power surging through me is incredible.


    Thest remnants of the yellow threads in my chestpress until they are no longer visible.


    The entire core in my chest turns bright green, and a pulse of overwhelming gravity ripples out from my eyes, mouth, and green core, setting my new energy standard in stone.


    I take deep breaths. Even now, with a dense green Divine Core cycling threads in my chest, my body doesn''t want to stay.


    Every part of my being bes super-saturated with green threads, but it still feels unnatural. Half of me is holding on, and my Divine Core continuously adapts, pushing to new limits.


    Now that I have a green core, the threads surrounding me are far easier to pull in and process. However, in such a chaotic environment, it''s difficult to conceptualize how much stronger I''ve really be.


    The gravity, heat, and pressure rises the higher I climb, but I stay focused and continue upward another fifty kilometers. My core absorbs far more green threads, and the top of this tower begins to feel like it''s really within reach. The stairs only stretch another hundred kilometers at most.


    However, even now with my upgraded perception, the extremely concentrated well of strange gravity at the top of these stairs feels exactly the same as it did when I was looking at it from the bottom.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 692

    My steps upward are far slower now. While it took less than a single minute to climb multiple kilometers with ease before, it takes me over an hour to climb the next 50.


    I''m halfway through the final stretch, but I can feel thesest 50 are not going to be easy at all...


    The amount of green energy pouring through my core makes the entire orb I consumed earlier seem like a tiny drop in the ocean of power around me.


    My core still feels the same, like a True Core cycling in my chest, but the amount of power it can control feels as though it''s multiplied by thousands of times...


    The jump between green and yellow feels as though they''re worlds apart, and it''s very apparent as my body continues to reject climbing higher every time the density in the air shifts.


    It takes two full hours to climb the next 25 kilometers upward.


    The links of loyalty avable to me start to slow down, evening out at around 280 million. A few hundred thousand links still roll in every minute, but it''s nowhere near the millions per second I felt at the peak of my battle with the demon.


    From what I can sense, over half of the system-connected poption has signed the mental contract. While I''m not in desperate need of power now, it is still nice to feel new links form.


    During the time I''ve climbed, the Crimson Army and the Inner Circle have made their way back to the Crimson City to be weed by tens of thousands of people from neighboring cities all over Sector 2 of the Dark Continent.Many other nearby and faraway hunters make ns to move to the Dark Continent in hopes of meeting their saviors and searching for a better life.


    Bri has already begun sending out calls and orders for expansion and materials to prepare for the massive influx of visitors and new citizens.


    However, no work is being done yet anywhere in the world.


    Everyone still watches the visual feed of their mysterious leader climbing higher and higher up the silver stairs through the dense green fog.


    Another three hours pass as I climb another 15 kilometers, but the heat and pressure are bing unbearable, even as my body adapts.


    The purple ring around my finger doesn''t pulse anymore; it glows with a consistent light purple glow, and the barrier around my body bes extremely strong...


    It''s hard to track, but the ring feels like it''s absorbed as much or even more green threads than me.


    It acts like an instor, simr to the technique Ember is using below me.


    Green threads pour in, but it is impossible for them to flow out unless I mentally force them to.


    I take advantage of this odd phenomenon, speeding up my gathering process even more, but at the same time, it definitely makes it far more difficult and painful.


    My blood, flesh, muscle, and bones have been oversaturated and tethered with these threads for so long and under so much pressure that my entire body starts to feel like it''s a Divine Core itself.


    When I take steps upward, the propulsion of my feet uses divine energy; however, I don''t even have to stimte my True Core. It''s as if the nerves in my muscles have tethered so densely with the threads flowing through me that portions of my body can act as their own power sources.


    Ember watches with curious eyes, replicating what I do using silver threads to iste his flesh from the violent green threads when it bes too much to bear.


    My mind ispletely focused on reaching the top....


    The final 10 kilometers take six full hours. The thread density has increased many times over again, but at this point, it all feels the same. Even with over 290 million links of loyalty powering my footsteps and a green core and divine body pushing me upward, my legs still feel extremely heavy with each new step.


    This novel is published on a different tform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    I have to focus carefully not to sumb to the pressure.


    The sun is setting in the Dark Continent as I make the final curving flight of stairs upward to finally see what is creating such an overwhelming well of gravity.


    As I walk off the final step, I can see the top of the silver barrier around us.


    However, above it, there is still an endless sea of darkness stretching upward in the tower.


    That isn''t my main focus. The fact that I''m standing on a small circr tform is.


    At the far side, a green divine rift hovers before me at eye level.


    It looks simr to the blue rift I saw formed from the artifact at the B-ss exams, but the overwhelming pressure that it exudes makes that tiny echo of a dying artifact seem leagues below what I''m staring at now.


    Slow plumes of green divine energy float out of the rift, and my gaze gets lost in the endless power within.


    Ember''s voice shakes me out of my trance as he steps onto the final tform a few secondster.


    "That is certainly the pressure of the Upper Realm. It looks like we made it¡ª"


    The moment his words cease, there''s a shift that shakes the floor; and all of a sudden, the silver barrier around us begins to vibrate.


    It shatters into a silver sparkling disy, and at the same time, the stairs that led us all the way up here dissolve into silver energy and reform with the floor below.


    We''re left floating on a thin sheet of ck tower material hundreds of kilometers up in the air.


    An ancient echoing voice rings in my ears while silver text tells me that the final round is over.


    [Round 2 of 2 Complete.]


    [Trial 3: Soul: Complete.]


    [Calcting prize based on trial difficulty...]


    [Prize Calcted. Congrattions, 19th Vermillion Lord. We shall see you soon in the Upper Realm.]


    As the text fades, I raise an eyebrow and turn my head to see Ember let out augh.


    "Well, considering that demon''s strength, the chances of a human on this world actually ascending were basically zero."


    I smirk as I understand this artifact was programmed as a training ground and wee ceremony for their new Lord to enter their ranks.


    "Well, it looks like they''re in for quite the surprise..."


    Tworge ck boxes fall from the darkness above andnd with a thud in front of the green divine rift.


    They both open the moment theynd, with the same soft white divine ether inside pushing up two items each from within.


    In my box, I see arge ck orb with dense purple and ck energy swirling inside it; while the other item is a circr green object radiating a dense divine glow. It looks like an oversized coin.


    I use appraisal on both items, and one reads [Demon Lord''s Core] while the other reads [World Token].


    My eyes track over to Ember''s box, and he already reaches out to store a vial of ck liquid into his Ether storage. For some reason, he looks disgusted at the substance, not interested in using it.


    However, the other item in his box is the samerge green coin as mine, reading [World Token] when I stare at it.


    I look back to my prizes and slowly reach out a hand to touch therge ck orb.


    It sinks into my palm just like the Ascended Core at the bottom of this floor; however, when it reforms in my chest, there are two distinct differences.


    The first is that this core is full to the brim with demonic energy ready to be used.


    I haven''t attempted using this power in quite a long time, but it feels incredibly insidious and strong.


    The second difference between this and any of the other cores I''ve collected before is that it is pulling on the other empty demonic cores in my chest.


    Green divine threads tether through them all, but soon the Greater, Arch, and Ascended cores begin falling toward thergest ck core.


    Once they all collide, the Demon Lord''s Core doesn''t change in size, but a ripple of strange darkness pulses through my body and a new reading shows up on my status.


    [Demon Lord''s Core][Hidden Ability] +2510% All Stats


    The stat increase rises to a very odd number, and other than increased understanding and efficiency of wielding demonic energy, I''m unsure what this hidden ability is...


    Though, my attention turns to the green token floating in front of me before I can ponder too hard about my consolidated cores.


    The white divine ether mist dissipates, and as I catch the green token, the ck boxes that gave us these prizes disappear too.


    It feels warm to the touch, and just like my Soul Sword, the instant I make contact with it, it feels as though our core strength has linked.


    On both the front and back of the nk-faced coin, a number [1] erupts from its surface by a few millimeters.


    I curiously look at it, letting go and feeling the coin hover above my palm and slowly spin.


    Then, before my eyes, the coin sinks into my palm just like the Demon''s Core did moments ago.


    Ember is doing the same exact thing right next to me, and we both watch the coins fall into our bodies.


    A faint number [1] in dark green text shes right where it sank in, then I hear a ringing in my inner ear while the links of loyalty attached to me surge upward from just under 295 million past 500 million in less than a second.


    [Congrattions! Rising Emperor''s Domain Milestone Reached!]


    [1/1 World imed]


    [New Perk Unlocked: Rising Emperor''s World Domination]


    Info:


    All beings connected to the system will now automatically be a link of loyalty to their ruler.


    All Links of loyalty may now ess the [World Wide Connectivity System Interface][i].


    The Rising Emperor may now borrow an additional 10% of all Base Stat Points and Mana Control efficiency from all subordinates under the allegiance of the Rising Emperor.


    The caster may only borrow or share exclusively; both actions cannot be performed simultaneously.


    Members affected by this perk are not required to be within range of the Rising Emperor''s Domain.


    This buff stacks with the [Imperial Reach] perk, [Expansion] perk, [Dominance] perk, [Authority] perk, [Power Holder] perk, and [Ruler''s Gaze] perk if used simultaneously.

 Chapter 693

    Chapter 693


    My gaze sweeps over my new buff, and I feel my stats automatically increase by a massive amount. Not only have I gained over 200 million new links of loyalty in an instant, but the amount of stats I can borrow in total has risen to 50%.


    At the same time, I feel a new wave of perception explode out from the tower and wrap around the entire globe.


    Not only can I feel and see every single human connected to the system on the, but now I feel connected to all 21,480 dungeons covering the globe. There are fivebyrinths that hit my senses as well... three of which are not ranked up, all below the threshold that the one in the Crimson City achieved.


    However, there is onergebyrinth in Central City that is on the same rank as the one I''ve been building from the leftover mana in the artificial mountain range.


    This sudden rush of information sends hundreds of thousands of notifications into my consciousness.


    My personal certificates of ownership for all of these mana constructs are the first things I see, but the vast majority of the notifications I receive are contracts that are linked to these dungeons. The individuals'' names sh through my mind, but I don''t recognize anyone on the list to match the over 500 million human names I have ess to on this world.


    I wonder if they''re old contracts from before the great war, or if these names are from beings on other worlds...


    It''s quite the information overload, but the notifications in my ears don''t stop there.


    For some reason, the voice that reads them aloud is different, more proper and elegant. The text before me shimmers with dense green threads.[Analyzing New Lord of World M3-99051...]


    [Prepayment For 1 Set of Premium Avatars Detected, No Further Resources Required...]


    [Mana-Qi Soul Energy Core Detected...]


    [Pure Demon Lord''s Core Detected...]


    [Fully Formed Green True Core Detected...]


    [1.20001 Low Quality Ether Detected...]


    I feel green divine energy ripple through my body. At first, Celia''s barrier blocks it, but I witness Ember allowing the light to probe him, so I rx and do the same.


    Once it finishes and disappears a few secondster, a perfect body double of myself forms a few meters in front of me; however, it is madepletely of mana, and there are three empty cores in its chest.


    The same cloning design is being made in front of Ember''s body too, and when they finish, a final text option appears before me.


    [Assimte With Avatar]


    [Re-Synchronize]


    Ember grins and walks right past the lifelike designs in front of us.


    "We''re not going to need these."


    He allows the silver light that''s been shimmering around him to retract back into his chest, and I see a bright green True Core cycling the threads he absorbed on the walk up emit a dense pressure on our surroundings.


    Trace amounts of silver threads vibrate in his flesh in microscopic areas that haven''t yet fully adapted, but secondster a wave of white energy washes over his whole body topletely mask all of the silver threads from my gaze.


    He turns back and raises a hand to motion for me.


    "Come on, those avatars were for that Vermillion Family Demon. There''s no point in iming a fake body if we have our own real ones."


    I look at him, then back at the floating image of myself. Then, I grin and walk past it too.


    "I guess you''re right."


    We cross the disk of ck material floating in the tower, and the whole world watches.


    I speak up to the 517,230,991 Links of Loyalty still watching.


    "We did it. This world belongs to the humans, and it will remain that way."


    I simultaneously feel the [World Wide Connectivity System Interface] activate in my mind, showing panels to share live videos through anyone''s eyes peer to peer, text broadcasts to the whole world, and even information and item trading marketce interfaces rushing through my mind.


    Users have already begun using this, as the moment I epted the [World Token], everyone gained ess.


    Private groups can be created, instant transmissions enabled, protected sales initiated, and even quest creation features activated where a random link of loyalty anywhere in the world can ask for anything they need, and anyone connected to thework can ept.


    My mind rushes through hundreds of other features, even virtualbat training showing all of the Rising Emperor''s skills and imagery of me using them inbat scenarios in the past. Plus, request options to borrow those skills, all handled and moderated by generals,manders, and knights in real time.


    The resources that are now instantly avable to this are quite impressive. I can think of thousands of ways new hunters have far more opportunity to seed in this new world, but I push this to the back of my mind while continuing to walk forward and speak.


    "I will be leaving for the Upper Realm. I suspect my victory against the demon that sought to im this world won''t go over well with their leaders. It will be my job to protect the world above, and your job to be stronger and work together below for when I return. We are humans, rulers of our own world, and soon, many more. Be strong, enjoy your lives, and make me proud."


    I smirk, turning off my spectate mode while turning to Ember, then stopping a few meters in front of the dense green Divine Rift.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "This is safe to jump through? We''re not falling right into the demon''s territory full of their Green-Cored Lords, are we?"


    Heughs.


    "No. All these green rifts lead to highly regted zones. We will be in no danger for quite a while once we arrive. Well¡ªthen again¡ªI''ve never attempted entering the Upper Realm without an avatar. It should be fine... as long as you can handle the pressure..."


    I raise an eyebrow, but he just shrugs and continues.


    "It''s all new territory for me, but I say it''s worth a try. Your body has adapted so far, it''ll do it again. You certainly don''t like doing things the easy way, but that ring of yours should help."


    My heartbeat starts to rise as I look back at the rift. I can''t see through it at all.


    The slow clouds of green threadsing out are incredibly dense, to the point where I''m still struggling to stand properly without using arge amount of strength and concentration.


    Right on cue, like my ring was listening in this whole time, I feel a warm ripple of happinesse out from the purple artifact, and feel the sensation of the thin barrier around my body hardening like an unbreakable shell.


    No more green threads in the atmosphere hit me at all, and I hear a soft woman''s voice echo in my inner ears.


    "You made it. I didn''t think I''d ever reach this ce again. I''ve regained enough strength to help you like I promised. An ascended human keeping his body in the Upper Realm. You are quite odd..."


    She chuckles in my inner ear until her voice fades, and I lose connection with her conscious mind. All I''m left with is her strengthened barrier around me that simultaneously blocks all threads from hitting me, but also limits me from growing and adapting.


    However, Ember seems to agree with Celia''s decision.


    "Good. You won''t die the second we walk through the rift."


    He steps forward and disappears before my eyes without another word.


    I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and look at the whole world, then send a private message to all of my generals,manders, knights, Bri, and Rodrigo.


    "See you soon. We''ll stay in touch."


    Then, I step through myself, feeling the strong, invisible purple barrier that covers my body heat up with intense energy, like I''m walking into the sun.


    My vision turnspletely green, but I feel my feet hit a hard surface below, so I continue walking forward.


    I can still sense the human world, but I''m positive I''m no longer on it.


    It feels as though it''s floating in a dark ck void in my mind, and wherever I''m headed right now is on a whole different ne of existence.


    My slow steps continue forward until I see an archway with white Divine Ether Mist pouring out of it.


    I''m standing on a nonexistent floor in a sea of green Divine Energy.


    I can''t sense Ember or much of anything in my surroundings, but thements of the Order members speaking of a final door rey in my mind as I continue taking steps forward, then eventually walk right through.


    My vision goespletely white, then green text appears in front of me, as the same voice from within the tower speaks to me.


    [Wee, New Lord!]


    [Check In At A Citadel Required!]


    [Nearest Citadel: Ellipsia]


    [High-Speed Travel Time: 0.5 Hours]


    [ept] [YES]


    I choose [YES], but there is no other option to click.


    The text fades, and so does the white light all around me.


    It feels as though I''m not moving, but when I turn my head back, I watch a bright cloud of white Divine Ether disappear into the distance. When I turn my head back, I''m sent flying into a dense dark green cloud of divine threads.


    All around me, I see the clouds pass at extremely fast speeds.


    I''m standing inside a small white orb, made of the same translucent glowing Ether material as the cloud I left.


    However, the reason I can''t sense anything isn''t because of this protective orb; it''s because of Celia''s barrier.


    Plumes of green threads move right through the orb I''m being transported in at extremely fast speeds, but my body isn''t making contact with them. The thick green clouds just move around me, and trace amounts are absorbed by the purple ring.


    Ember''s voice rings in my ears.


    "You''re headed to the Ellipsia Citadel, right?"


    Still confused about pretty much every single thing that''s going on, I reply through our Rising Emperor link, not needing to physically sense him tomunicate.


    "Yes, I am, but..."


    I''m captivated by the endless sea of green clouds all around me, and my words fade off.


    "Good. See you soon. Enjoy the ride," he replies in an amused tone.


    Minutes pass, and I press my hands up against the side of the transparent orb with wide eyes to see the vastness of the realm I''m being rocketed through.


    If I could sense anything, I can only imagine it''d be even more amazing...


    Far off in the distance, the imagery of thousands of tall green towers floating above the cloudses into my sight.


    It looks like an enormous city, hundreds of kilometers wide if the buildings were the same size as normal skyscrapers on the human world...


    However, as the minutes continue to pass, the buildings I approach getrger andrger; but I feel as though I''m not getting any closer to the city.


    I start to see millions of windows and floor markers far off in the distance, and the true enormity of these structures be clear.


    The impossiblyrge towers are actually hundreds of kilometers wide each, and tens of thousands of kilometers high. The city itself begins to stretch past the distance my peripherals can keep up with as I continue to get closer and closer.


    The towering structures look like pces created for gods...


    Then again, when I think about what kind of beings live here, this statement might not be far from the truth.


    A new textbox rings in my ears.


    [Level 1 Surveince Zone Reached: Stated Cargo: World M3-99051 Lord]


    [Analyzing Cargo...]


    Green light from high up in the skyes raining down on me, scanning every inch of my body, but not making it through Celia''s barrier at all.


    It stops a few secondster, and another textbox with the same voice appears.


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    The green light covers me again, but the same result urs.


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    It happens a few more times, and my heart speeds up each time it does.


    I re-open my link with Ember and tell him exactly what''s happening while the process continues.


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    "Not good... Try to open up your barrier and let it scan your body. I managed to make it through, but I have an Ether Cloak on my silver threads. This zone is too well-surveilled for me toe over and help."


    I do as he''s instructed and lighten the airtight seal that Celia has created, as our minds and emotions are linked.


    However, the instant I even make the barrier waver, I gasp for air and reflexively fall to my knees.


    My senses are overwhelmed by a divine pressure that makes the tower we just climbed feel like childsy.


    Not only is the thread count in the air mind bending, the gravity that pushes down on me is far too strong to withstand when Celia isn''t supporting my body like an exo-skeleton.


    The incredibly dense green clouds of threads tear through my saturated body and almost evaporate everyst physical cell I have left in mere fractions of a second.


    The remaining flesh is forced to press against the bottom of the Ether Orb.


    I seal the barrier back up and begin writhing in pain on the bottom of this clear orb, continuously regenerating my flesh while processing the new green threads in my core for over a full minute.


    The green light from above catches this momentary glimpse of my being.


    [Hold Still: World Token Detected]


    [Detection Lost]


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    As I stand to my feet and try again, the same process repeats, and I fall again, unable to even withstand a drop of the pressure outside this protective orb.


    [Hold Still: World Token Detected]


    [Detection Lost]


    [No Cargo Found: Re-Analyzing...]


    It''s impossible for me to even use any normal mana or skills, as doing so opens up a small portion of the purple barrier and exposes me to the outside world.


    I''m stuck in quite the odd scenario...


    When I stand up again, a new notification hits my ears.


    [Level 2 Surveince Zone Reached: No Valid Cargo Detected]


    [Following Safety Protocol: Eject Unauthorized Load]


    The white orb sending me flying through the sky toward this massive floating city stops moving.


    Then, itpletely disappears into thin air.


    The sensation of falling takes over as my vision turns green again while I plunge into the depths of the endless clouds below.

 Chapter 694

    Chapter 694


    At the top of a tower in the heart of the Ellipsia Citadel, three green-cored demons sit around arge table, overlooking the city below.


    Glowing green transmission blocks project holograms of fifteen other demons based in other citadels across the Upper Realm.


    One of the holograms of a Lord is farrger than the rest, leading their meeting. He happens to be the Vermillion Family Head.


    His voice echoes for all his subordinates to hear.


    "That wraps up our monthly profits meeting. Up 7% on mana, up 1% on demonic energy, and an 11% increase in low-quality ether stores. And congrats, Andras, on your expected Duel Victory. Acquiring that 1-ss world and four 2nd-ss worlds will certainly increase profits in next month''s report."


    Andras Vermillion stands up from his seat and bows his head, with the Ellipsia Citadel in all its glory behind him, showing off a beautiful view from therge penthouse estate of the tallest building in the center of the grand city.


    "Of course, as requested, taking a fews from one of the 1st-ss Blue Ogres was not a problem. Their influence was growing again too fast. We own this Citadel now. Those creatures are stuck in the past. We must continue to remind them that we are in charge. That will set them back a few centuries."


    The Family Head grins.


    "Yes, very good work. Now, moving on to more interesting business... A 19th Lord shall be joining us soon. The Vermillion Family grows stronger yet again."One of the holograms ripples from a foreign Citadel, projecting a voice in response.


    "I was reading over the future n reports, but they weren''t fully updated. It was a third-ss world, right? We have more of those than we know what to do with... Using resources for a throne barely gives us a doubled return over a few decades. Wouldn''t it have been far more worthwhile to use a throne on a 1st or at least a 2nd-ss world? We only get ess to new throne artifacts from the Overseer every few hundred years. What was so special about this world?"


    A few voices murmur in discussion, but the Family Head dispels their concern with a wave of his hand.


    "Quiet. Have I led us wrong yet? In thest 12,000 years, we''ve grown from aughingstock in the Demonic Realm to an official family in the council of rulers. This new member of our Family Lords is from a Noble Grade World. We could have waited a few hundred years for a new first-ss world to connect to the system in our sector, but a perfect mana-rich world came onto the radar just as this specimen awakened his True Core. It''s better we bring him up here now than risk missing the mortal window of those yellow cores in the lower realm."


    More discussion continues among the holograms, and the demon who objected earlier speaks again.


    "Understood, Family Head. If you would like me to greet him when he arrives, I would be honored to meet a Noble you''ve handpicked. We only have two other Nobles in our family branch in this realm."


    The Family Head stands up from his throne and walks over to the window, gazing out across the city toward the endless sky.


    "Yes, the selection test for Nobles is strict on purpose. We do not want untalented warriors sullying our brand in this Upper Realm. The other four families have far stronger footings even here in the green zone. Quality is far more important than quantity now that we have their respect and a foothold... I believe being greeted by a fellow Noble will only be fair to our future powerhouse. The closest Citadel registration point to that ascension sector should be Ellipsia."


    The Family Head''s hologram pauses, then speaks again.


    "Andras, you''re the stationed Lord of Ellipsia. Please personally bring him into our ranks once he is gged by the surveince system. With his raw talent, it shouldn''t take more than another month to assimte with the throne. Show him around and transfer him a few hundred 3rd ss worlds to get moved up into the Citadel Rankings. I''ll have two pure Low-Quality Ether packages shipped to your residence¡ªone to give to Drako Vermillion once he arrives, and another as a reward for your exceptional work in your duel. We''ll have a new face here during our next monthly profit meeting."


    "I thank you, Royal Vermillion Family Head." Andras replies.


    Discussions peak again, while the Vermillion Family Head turns off his holographic transmission.


    Andras turns his hologram off as well, then turns to stare out the window with his arms crossed.


    Three dragons sleep at the far back of the room, undisturbed as their demonic pairs carry on with business as usual.


    ---


    Down below, two ether orbs rocket toward the Ellipsia Citadel from a lower-realm transport point.


    The first orb easily passes through the two securityyers and halts at one of the city''s ess points, designed for visitors to sign in and for newly ascended beings to register.


    Ember steps off his ether orb onto arge green tform in front of the city.


    The ess point is positioned between two massive towers, with a smaller archway¡ªonly 10 kilometers high¡ªleading into a street that runs to the center of the citadel, nked by countless other towers.


    Notifications ring in Ember''s inner ear as he walks forward, but a more rming telepathic message captures his attention.


    "It ejected me! This orb really just dropped me into the clouds..."


    Ember can''t help but grin at the absurdity of the im ringing through his inner ear but replies in a semi-serious manner.


    "Never a dull moment with you, is it? It probably couldn''t get a full scan on your world token. You tried opening up that ring''s barrier, right?"


    "Yes! Twice. The pressure and gravity are way too strong. It''s going to take me longer than just a few minutes to get used to this."


    Ember considers some options for a few seconds, but another messagees ring into his mind.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    "Still falling, by the way..."


    "It must be a result of keeping your physical body instead of a weightless energy form. It''s going to be much harder to adapt."


    A long sighes before the next reply.


    "That makes sense. I''ll just have to be strong enough to withstand the pressure with my real body. Where do these clouds even lead? Is it safe down here to train?"


    "I''m not sure what''s below the citadels anymore, to be honest. However, it should be fine, it''s not like you''ll fall out of the Upper Realm. If you''re truly in a bind, I can follow you down there. But if I release too much power, we''ll gain attention from the Overseer¡ªor, at the very least, the local Citadel Lord."


    There''s no response for a few seconds, but a voice from below the clouds hits Ember''s inner ear again.


    "Alright... That wouldn''t be good. I''ll figure this out myself and message you with updates. Don''t have too much fun while I''m away."


    Ember grins while walking up to the green archway, raising both hands to be analyzed by rays of green light.


    "Oh, don''t worry. I''ll scout the ce out and keep a low profile until you arrive. I have a few errands to run anyway."


    The wireless transmission ceases, and Ember raises the World Token from his palm.


    However, instead of showing the surveince arrays his un-altered body and World Token details, silver threads and waves of Ether manipte everything these high-tech arrays see. Notifications echo through his mind as he walks right through the archway into the city.


    [Wee, New Lord!]


    [Race: Human]


    [Worlds imed: 1]


    [ssification: 5th ss]


    [Fast Travel to nearest Human Embassy][Free]


    [Fast Travel to Your Selected Location]


    Ember smirks and thinks to himself, ''A human from a world not even up to the standards of the Demon ssification system. This should be low-profile enough.''


    He clicks the bottom option on the green floating text before him.


    Arge holographic map of the city materializes, and he zooms into an intersection between four streets just a few blocks from the center of the city.


    A few blocks in this massive city is still over a thousand kilometers, and from the ess point he''s standing at now, tens of thousands of kilometers away.


    [Ashen Blue District Selected!]


    [Fast Travel Time:


    [Cost: 0.005 Low-Quality Ether] [Pay Now]


    Ember raises his finger, and it begins to glow white as he''s about to send his payment, but more notifications ring in his ears.


    [Danger! Area not Rmended for Lords Below 2nd ss!]


    [Danger! Area not Rmended for Human Lords!]


    Ember brushes these alerts out of his consciousness and taps the text to pay.


    The instant the transaction goes through, an orb of translucent white light wraps around him. He rises about a kilometer above the street''s surface and zips through the streets in an instant.


    Tens of thousands of kilometers go by in minutes, and the streets below be far more packed and lively as the orb brings him closer to the center of the Citadel.


    Thousands of other fast-travel transport orbs zip by above, below, and beside Ember''s orb.


    Outlines of all kinds of riders sh past. Some appear to be humanoid, while others have long wings, wed arms and legs, feathers, multiple heads, or forms that defy recognition entirely.


    Ember doesn''t care to look around, crossing his arms while the orb speeds up, the buildings blurring past.


    Eventually, it stops with an abrupt halt and descends to street level in an instant.


    [Arrived! Ashen Blue District!]


    Ember steps onto the green city sidewalk in front of a shop built into the side of a building.


    Looking left and right, he sees thousands of shops lining every building down here on the street level. They all fork off from this fourne intersection.


    Monsters of all kinds roam the streets¡ªwalking, flying with their wings, floating through the air, or disappearing from the square while activating fast travel.


    He walks right into a shop whose name has faded from its old solid metal sign. Below it are far newer ads, some even digitized with moving green divine energy text, reading:


    [Buy/Sell Dungeon Contracts]


    [Ether - Mana - Item Trade]


    [Un-Bonded Soul Weapons]


    It''s clear whoever owns the shop leaves their name faded on purpose.


    As Ember walks through therge 20-meter-tall front doors, a single head at the back of the shop looks down at him with an angry expression.


    Ember, appearing as the long red-haired human walks forward, letting the massive door swing closed behind him, his eyes scanning the walls. Green divine force fields disy chunks of mana, white crystals, and even un-bonded Soul Weapon frames. Everything for sale floats and slowly spins like paintings neatly fitted on the walls.


    Staring at one for over a second reveals detailed descriptions of what kinds of contracts are necessary for the dungeon being programmed, how much mana and ether is being sold, and the special abilities of the Soul Weapon frames.


    Ember nods slowly, not stopping despite the ominous pressure radiating off the 15-meter-tall Blue Ogre at the back of the shop.


    It finally speaks in an echoing, resounding tone.


    "Your kind isn''t wee here. I don''t do business with 5th-ss Lords, and certainly not human Lords. None of you ever make it past a thousand years old. I don''t deal with short-term clients."


    Ember grins and keeps walking forward, unfazed by the green pressure the ogre emits.


    "Oh,e on, Torvak. You''ve grown soft, haven''t you? I''d expect you to kill a weakling like me the moment I walked through the front door."


    The ogre has three short ck horns pointing out of its forehead and a pale blue skin tone barely containing the enormous muscles and veins bulging all over its avatar.


    Its True Green Core burns far brighter than Ember''s, but that isn''t what sends the majority of the pressure his way. Most of the auraes from the glowing green [826] on its palm.


    It speaks again, quite confused how this weak human hasn''t fallen to its knees yet.


    "Who are you? State your name."


    The ogre presses a security protocol on its status feed, creating an additionalyer of green divine shielding around all the merchandise in the shop, even sealing the exit doors.


    Ember reaches into his Ether storage and pulls out a marble-sized white gem glowing brighter than everything else in the shop. He tosses it across the room toward the Blue Ogre.


    Its eyes widen the moment it sees the quality of the Ether being thrown its way. The moment it catches the gem, Ember speaks again.


    "I''m not sure how long you''ve been keeping my goods in storage. Time moves by quite differently hopping between Realms, but that should be enough to cover it."


    The Blue Ogre stops exuding such a domineering pressure and stares down at the Ether Crystal, then back at Ember.


    "That''s far more than necessary. You''re definitely not actually a human... Wait... The only being who would throw around items like this back in the day was¡ª"


    His words are cut short as Ember waves his hand to show a ripple of silver light masked by a thick cloud of white Ether.


    Then, he speaks as the Ogre''s face is frozen in shock.


    "Ember. My new name is Ember in this life. I need toy low for a while, and yes, the cover I''ve chosen is a human skin. I''m in need of some 3rd-ss bodyguards and simple employment to y the part before surveince catches any inconsistencies. I want to be in the middle of the action. The more I can listen in and understand the new culture of the Citadel, the better."


    The Ogre shows a smile, revealing two sharp white tusks from its lower jaw.


    "Of course, sir... Ember. To answer your question, I believe it has been over 15,000 years since west met. I have a property six blocks over you can take charge of for as long as you''d like¡ªit''s even more lively than even this part of town. While humans aren''t well-liked in the Volterra District either, with two of my men as guards, there won''t be trouble. Even though we lost control of the Citadel, our influence in the streets hasn''t dwindled to zero."


    Ember''s eyes track down to the Blue Ogre''s world count glowing on its palm.


    "That exins your severe drop in imeds..." He pauses after thisment but looks back at the ogre.


    "Very well. I''m d you survived. Do me this favor, and I''ll see what I can do about your demon problem."


    Ember grins as Torvak looks shocked again.


    "It is the demons, isn''t it?"


    Torvak nods quickly, opening his status feed to deactivate the security system.


    "Yes... Yes, it is. As you wish, I''ll have my mene to pick you up and get you situated right away. As for those goods that you left with me, I''ll retrieve them and have them hand delivered to your residence in less than 2 days."


    Ember crosses his arms and nods.


    "Good. Have the guards you send believe I''m just a human too. So far, you''re the only soul in the Upper Realm that knows I''ve returned. For now, I''d like to keep it that way."

 Chapter 695

    A transmission is sent to a district six blocks away while Ember and Torvak continue to speak for a few minutes, catching up on current events in the lower and upper realms.


    "Yes, even in the Lower Realm, the Demon''s influence is spreading. Their newest fifth royal family branch popped up about a dozen lifetimes ago. I managed to bond with the Vermillion''s Demons a few times, and in one life I bonded with the Morvale Family, but their selection process is even tougher¡ªand information is airtight. No one speaks of the Upper Realm down there anymore."


    Torvak nods, staring straight ahead at the door.


    "Makes sense. They''ve taken control of all of the Citadels in the Green Zone. It all started about 12,000 years back; mine was thest to fall just 4,000 years ago. The Wyverns, High Orcs, a Berserker King Race, and, of course, the Ogre Conglomeration still hold enough higher-grade worlds to hold on, but the Demon Families continue chipping away at us, keeping us just out of reach from fighting back."


    Ember nods slowly, thinking to himself with his eyes closed.


    "If it''s that bad even here, the Grand Citadel and higher Zones must be far worse..."


    Silence fills the room before Torvak replies.


    "One can only assume. We rarely get updates from our higher reps; you know how much it costs to even send transmissions down."


    Before Ember thinks of a reply, the doors of the shop shimmer green, and a light chiming sound echoes through the shop to notify those inside that there are visitors.Ember smiles and turns his attention to this. "Very well, that is more than enough of a broad update. I''d like to see things for myself to get a true feel of the action."


    The doors then open, and two eight-meter-tall Red Ogres walk in. One has two silver horns, while the other has one ck horn. Both have a bright green [50] on their palms.


    The ck-horned Red Ogre, with a bit more muscle on his avatar, speaks up as the doors shut.


    "Randel and Syl, at your service, Lord Torvak. You put up a job offer for a bodyguard gig needed for an indefinite time frame in the Volterra District? Fifty Low Quality Ether upfront and ten Ether per month is too great an offer to even try negotiating higher."


    Torvak smiles.


    "Indeed. Good to see you, Randel."


    He turns to the silver-horned slimmer, more feminine looking Red Ogre.


    "Good to see you too, Syl. I''d like to introduce you to the new manager and consultant at our Dungeon Trade Pce. I want you two to show him around and guard him if he''s ever talking with customers. Humans aren''t well respected in our territories, but make sure people know he is off-limits for duels or exploitation."


    Both of the Red Ogres look down toward the overly confident human between them and want to burst outughing on instinct, but don''t. If Torvak is being this respectful with a human, it must mean he is really someone they don''t want to mess with.


    There must be something in it for him that far outweighs the stigma and short timeframe of this deal.


    The human puts out a hand to shake.


    "The name is Ember. I look forward to working with you."


    Both of the Ogres shake Ember''s hand, confused even further that, even while making contact with them and the clear glowing [1] on his palm, he hasn''t fallen from the pressure of Second-ss beings like themselves.


    This only makes them more respectful while sharing niceties.


    Ember casually walks to the side of the room afterward while Torvak and the two guards sign contracts and transfer pure Low Quality Ether through their system interfaces.


    All three of them leave the shop soon after, and the Blue Ogre walks back behind the counter with a serious stare, though the corners of his lips are turned up as this kind of good luck couldn''t havee at a better time. ''Maybe we''re not destined to die out after all,'' he thinks to himself while Syl purchases a three-person fast travel Orb, and they zip off further away from the heart of the Citadel. ??


    ---


    [Danger! Area Not Rmended for Lords Below Third ss!]


    [Danger! Area Not Rmended for Human Lords!]


    Ember brushes away these notifications and stares forward as the scenery around them changes again.


    The smaller, more private shops at ground level and corporate buildings not open to the public in the district they just left begin to fade from prominence as the Orb travels farther out.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    More and morerge shops be visible on higher and higher floors of the massive building. Green energy bridges connecting the buildings across streets make the massive shopping centers easier to ess.


    Evenrger varieties of monsters are visible shopping and interacting in this district.


    The Orb halts in the center of the massive bustling district, about ten kilometers above ground level, at the entrance of an enormous open shop with lettering over a kilometer wide reading [World Dungeon Trade Pce] sts of fresh, cool air pour into the streets, and ess points to all of the stores left, right, above, and below all lead to this incredible storefront.


    Its ceilings are over 200 meters high per floor to amodate all monster races, and the walls are lined with items just like those inside Torvak''s small store. Although, they are of a bit lower quality with many duplicates to sell to the masses.


    There is at least one Red Ogre present on every floor, and many High Ogres and regr Ogres wander about with a pce logo on their avatars, helping customers of all kinds as they read status notifications for Ether, Mana, Soul Weapon, and Dungeon Contract prices.


    In any given hour, over a million Citadel citizens whiz through, fast-traveling or window shopping.


    As Ember and the two Red Ogres touch down on the top floor of the trade pce and begin walking toward the back, many employees recognize the bodyguards and greet them with respectful bows and professional smiles.


    Randel speaks up again as they walk past some of the glowing disys.


    "Torvak said you may need a rundown on the facilities, which, for a new manager and consultant, I find quite odd..."


    Ember grins as his gaze falls on a row of bright green glowing doors numbered 1-20 on the back wall of the room.


    "Yes, I''m quite a fast learner."


    The ck-horned Ogre follows his gaze and replies.


    "These are our new dungeon contract facilities. As you must know, we don''t only sellpleted and fully programmed dungeons but also buy Lords'' fighting data to use on new Luminite Blocks. Maybe you can take a crack at it, humans don''te around here much."


    Syl grins and adds to his statement.


    "Humanbat data sells best in the level 1-10 range. They''re a great starter mob for the Fourth and Fifth ss worlds. Most of those world bids never have enough energy on them to reach past the level 100 range, lots of lost potential profits for the other 900 levels on standard luminite blocks. So we mainly deal in Third-ss worlds and above."


    Just as she says that, one of the doors swings open, and a High Orces walking out with a satisfied smile on his face as Ether is credited to his ount.


    Ember gets close enough to see some of the pop-ups above the doors.


    [Cyclops Combat Data Needed!] [Lv. 110-120][i]


    [Griffin Combat Data Needed!] [Lv. 330-340][i]


    [Wyvern Combat Data Needed!] [Lv. 740-750][i]


    Various payout options detail how many virtualbat sessions are needed to gain enough data for each race. It also outlines whether participants would like to sell their training to the Lord who made the contract bid directly or receive no payment now and be paid in dividends once it is deployed on a world.


    Syl adds in toment again once Ember loses interest in the stats.


    "The level of the monster doesn''t matter. You could be over level ten thousand for all we care. It would just take far less time to run the machine learning trial¡ªmaybe only a few minutes. An identical monster race running simtions inside at level 100 might take a few days to gather the same data."


    Ember nods and turns around to look at the entire shop.


    "Yes, yes. Not much has changed. You all work in the world exchange business too, don''t you? What is the exchange rate for worlds these days?"


    His gaze falls down to the [50]s on their palms, and Randel replies.


    "Yes, of course, we trade worlds. It''s mostly Fifth to Third ss in this building. One to three Low Quality Ether for a Fifth ss, and up to 100 for a Third ss; it really depends on how much of the world''s resources have already been farmed. While higher grade dungeon contracts are processed here, selling full Second ss or higher Worlds is handled with the bosses in the Ashen Blue District directly. This is more of our shy consumer front."


    "Understood. Well, I won''t be a tough client to protect. If there''s a back room with a view of the marketce, that will be perfect. Plus, the sales figures for as far back as you can get them. I''d like to get a deep dive into how this trade business has been running thest few millennia."


    Both of the Ogres look at each other, then turn to the other side of the back room with a few other doors, some unmarked while others have [Duel Area] marked above them.


    Sylments.


    "Are you sure you wouldn''t like a Tour of our dueling rooms, or the Mana, Ether, and open air World exchanges on the lower floors?"


    He shakes his head. "No, I think this is self exnatory enough. I''ll request ess to more area''s if I have any additional questions after looking at your sales figures."


    On this note, Ember is led back into one of the unmarked office rooms that brings him to a floor above, where he overlooks the entire shopping district as requested.


    The two Second-ss Red Ogres stand outside his door and guard it, awaiting new requests as the day goes on.


    ---


    Meanwhile, at the top of the Vermillion Tower in the center of the Citadel, Andras turns to his two subordinates with a smile.


    "Looks like I won''t be the only Noble Demon in town starting this month. Maybe we''ll have enough power to finally push those pesky gangs out of the center of the city for good."


    One of the other green-cored Demons nods, looking out the window as well.


    "Yes, but we still need confirmation from the upper families that we''re in the clear to take them out. Angering the wrong race that still has power in even a Cyan Zone could set us back millennia if we''re not careful."


    Andras sighs.


    "Yes, yes, I know. I''m just looking forward to the inevitable future. We might as well give them a scare and kick them while they''re down. Go sell off that stockpile of trash Fourth and Fifth ss worlds at the pce run by those Ogres ten blocks over. Even throw in some nearly drained Third-ss worlds if you have some. I want to use the profits to buy a few Second-ss worlds as a personal wee present for our newest Lord."


    He lets out a chuckle while his rows of sharp teeth show, and the bright white horns jutting out of his forehead match their Ether imbued glow.


    "There isn''t enough mana on them for us to triggerbyrinth contracts, but we can still use them as leverage. I want double the price for all of them just to rub in my duel victory against their Leader. Don''t leave that mall until you get what you''re asking for."


    The Noble Demon''s subordinate stands from his seat and bows.


    "Of course. I''ll have it done by the end of the day."

 Chapter 696

    Far below the thriving businesses in the Ellipsia Citadel, dense green clouds made of divine threads fly by while I continue to plummet downward.


    Every few minutes, I try opening up my purple barrier to let as few threads inside as possible.


    However, each time, no matter how little the opening is, I''m struck by the same unfathomably painful and instant attack on my physical form.


    These passing minutes turn into hours, and it feels as though I''m making no progress at all.


    Even with 50% of my world''s stats still surging through me, I still feel as weak as an unawakened human in this high pressure environment.


    I feelrge amounts of green threads assimte with my body and core each time, growing my True Core''s power, but it doesn''t change the fact that my physical form is just far too heavy for this realm.


    My speed moving downward gets faster and faster, and the thickness of the clouds only increases.


    It makes me need to wait longer between each barrier opening, to the point where, between every single exposure, I need almost half an hour to fully process the new threads.


    On a positive note, the purple ring around my finger is having a field day devouring as many green threads as it can. Its absorption rate is almost ten times as fast as mine, and it can stay constantly absorbing, effortlessly converting them to its sealed version of purple threads.This makes the exoskeleton barrier around me far stronger as I fall, but it doesn''t make me feel any better, as the difficulty of the work ahead of me only gets tougher and tougher with every minute that passes.


    By the time it takes over an hour to process all of the threads, the density of green clouds around me hits their peak.


    I''m unable to send a wave of perception out, even in the tiny fractions of a second I get while opening my barrier, as my total concentration is locked on not being devoured by my environment.


    However, the fact that the threads aren''t getting denser is almost equally as concerning as if they were...


    Very soon after this realizationes over me, I see the air below me turn darker green, then fade to ck.


    I know very well what an abyss looks like; and this isn''t it. Even without my maxed-out perception or aura to probe my surroundings, my eyesight is still far better than average.


    There must be a ground below.


    With no way to eject mana, demonic energy, or even divine power without my certain demise, I just brace for impact.


    ---


    A heavy thud echoes throughout the deste area, and intense vibrations rattle through my body.


    While they aren''t nearly as painful as being torn apart by divine threads, the pain is quite unexpected.


    I thought my barrier would take the entirety of the force, but the immense amount of weight my body has paired with the speed of impact somehow pushes pressure through the barrier on the impact zone.


    Even Celia''s emotions ripple through our emotional link, showing confusion at this turn of events, as her skin-tight exo-suit should have absorbed the entire impact.


    Nevertheless, all around me, shards of dark ck rock fly upward as my body makes a crater in the floor beneath the green clouds.


    Surprisingly, not many rocks at all are upset by my impact either; I''ve only created a hole ten meters deep and double the distance wide at most.


    Most of the jet-ck shards are extremely heavy, and most aren''trger than the size of my palm.


    They appear to be devoid of all energy; even the divine threads around just flow by and not through the odd ck stones.


    As I let out a groan, sit up, then get to my feet to walk out of the crater I''ve made, in all directions as far as I can see, thendscape is made of these dark ck rocks.


    With the dense green clouds moving by even down here, and the rising and falling rock piles making hills and small valleys, I can hardly see more than 200 meters in any given direction.


    From having entires in my sights just hours ago to now being thrust into such a strange and limiting environment, I''m immediately put on edge.


    My gaze stays sharp as I slowly turn around in circles surveying the area and weighing my options, then start walking in the direction of the Citadel where I was travelingst.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Every footstep I take crunches through these dark rocks, some of them as small as a marble, while others are as finely ground as dust.


    These crunches are the only bit of sound that echoes through these obsidian wastnds.


    While falling through the air, I felt safe enough to absorb threads; down here, it feels like I''m being watched. So I trust my instincts and put off training any further until I figure out what this ce really is...


    ---


    While I walk between tworge piles of ck stones, about a kilometer away, two small green creatures with pointed ears and poorly made stone weapons crafted from the ck stones we''re standing on hide behind a small pile of rocks, watching me wander through the barrennds.


    They both watched me fall from the sky and have been whispering to each other for minutes as I unknowingly walk in their direction.


    "Troy, it''s a human..." whispers the small creature with roughly fitted brass knuckles made of ck rock around both his clenched fists.


    The other, with a short sword about half a meter long, replies, "Yeah, Rain, and look at his palm. He''s still a Lord..."


    Rain looks down at his own palm to see a lightly glowing [0], then gazes over to Troy, seeing the same marking, before staring up into the endless green sky of clouds above.


    A third, even smaller creature pokes his head in between the two with an innocent, curious look.


    "Where did hee from...? -And what a weird avatar..."


    As I walk forward, unaware of where or what eyes are truly watching me, Rain whispers to the little one between them.


    "We''ll hold him off. Go run and get the leader from the mines, fast."


    The tiny green creature nods, still wide-eyed with innocence, and skips away into the green fog.


    ---


    I hear other footsteps trailing away in front of me and think about retrieving my Soul Weapon, but upon visualizing what opening my storage and taking the time exposed to this pressure would do to me, preparing without it is the better option right now.


    I pause my steps and put up my hands to fight, still scanning the endless ck wastnd, unsure what that sound was or if it was even an enemy.


    Whatever it was, it was running away. Even if this is a trap, whatever was lurking in the fog has certainly already seen me. Giving it any more information won''t hurt...


    "Hello...? Ie in peace, as long as you do..."


    My footsteps forward continue, but I hold my breath in order to use my other senses to the best of their ability, even without using excess energy outside my barrier.


    No more footsteps can be heard, and I walk forward for another few minutes, right past another massive mound of ck rocks. However, this one catches my attention.


    For some reason, in the back of my mind, a warm pressure leans toward a small isted area on the mound.


    I give in to the feeling, simr to when I felt that small white pill of low-quality Ether rush into my body during the trials.


    I shove my hands into the pile of rocks and begin throwing dozens of them behind me until I find the one that drew my senses in.


    It feels warm in my hands, and there are small fractures on its surface that glow with a faint white light.


    My eyes widen at the discovery, but simultaneously, I feel two more of these warm pressures moving toward me from the opposite direction, from behind anotherrge rockpile stacking tens of meters high.


    I don''t bother trying to keep the glowing stone; whatever ising my way is more of a threat. So I get back into a fighting stance and turn their way just as they jump out from behind the adjacent rock structure.


    My eyes fall on two goblins no more than half my height, gripping ck stone weapons like their lives depend on it.


    One, with obsidian colored brass knuckles, matches my stance, grits his teeth, and yells out in a scratchy high-pitched tone.


    "We''ll both die before we let you take our mine!"


    The other, with a jagged self-made short sword, points it my way.


    "Surrender now, or¡ªor¡ª"


    I can see his hands shaking as he stutters, but the goblin stays staring me in the eyes while finishing.


    "Or I''ll stab you! So¡ªleave before we have to!"


    My mouth is left wide open, and all of my worries of having to fight mysterious powerful green cored beings leave.


    I want to let out augh, but I decide to just y along and take a step back, putting my hands up.


    "Fine, fine. I''ll go the other way. My bad."


    Then I grin while leaning down to pick up the interesting rock I dropped before.


    Both of the goblins look equally relieved at my decision not to be hostile, but their eyes widen at the rock I grab from the ground.


    I hear gulps from each of them and watch their eyes track the stone, but as I take a few steps back, it''s clear they''re not going to risk their lives for it.


    However, an extremely loud and angry woman''s voicees echoing out from the endless green mist behind them.


    "Not so fast! Just because you can intimidate my underlings doesn''t mean I''ll let you rob us blind!"


    Out from the fog, apanied by heavy and fast footsteps, I see the figure of a creature about the same size as myself.


    There''s a faint warm pull from the Ether Sense in my mind that signals the approaching monster''s direction, but I can''t fully make it out until it jumps off a raised area of rocks over 30 meters away. Then I see a Hobgoblin gripping a massive ck hammer in both of her palms.


    She has a feminine figure but is covered in muscles, striations, veins, and a skin tight glossy ck armor near vital areas. With a bright green True Core glowing in her chest, this is clearly a dangerous monster.


    So much down here makes no sense at all...


    Her speeding down toward me is far faster than my unenhanced eyes can track, and without the mana skill boosts, I can''t dodge or jump away fast enough.


    The only thing to do is block, so that''s what I do, raising both my arms into a cross in front of my head. I feel the massive hammer smash down on me.


    The initial physical impact feels like nothing at all, as Celia''s barrier absorbs the force just like the gravity and pressure around me with no issue.


    However, when a warm white light flows through the Hobgoblin woman, into her hammer, and pulses into me, I feel it send me flying backward with a strange force that I have no idea how to block.


    The white energy ripples through me ignoring Celia''s barrier entirely. I''m sent flying back over 100 meters until hitting a pile of ck rocks, then the faint white light disperses out as quickly as it came.


    I could feel it even attack my mind as it washed through me, but the same warm pressure that was thoroughly trained inside the first round of the Mind trial in the tower easily protected me from its pressure.


    The only damage I''m feeling now is a little tingling all over, but it doesn''t hurt. I''m more so shocked at what I just witnessed.


    However, excitement fills my eyes as the enemyes running my way with her massive glowing hammer, as I''ll get to see that strange attack in action again.

 Chapter 697

    The hobgoblines my way again with even more speed than before, and the hot radiationing off her hammer ms against my right arm as I block just in time.


    The exact same sensation washes over me.


    Upon impact, Celia''s barrier blocks the entirety of the blow''s force, but once the wave of white energy washes into me, an immense pressure sends me flying backward again.


    I''m sent skidding across the rocks and don''t stop flying backward for another 200 meters until I hit another pile that halts my momentum.


    As it washes through my mind, the same subconscious, experienced defenses kick in, and the entirety of the blow escapes my body like wind passing through.


    It hardly leaves a trace, other than the same tingling sensation vibrating all over my flesh.


    It fades within a few seconds, except in the center of my forearms, where I was hit. The tingling lingers.


    I raise that same arm again to block the third iing hammer strike and am thrown flying in another direction, helpless to stop myself until I hit more piles of ck stone capable of halting my momentum.


    As the warm white energy fades again, my forearm tingles and stays warm even longer than before.I''m too slow to block the next exchange, and I''m hit directly in the stomach.


    There is no difference, other than the tingling, warm feeling staying in the ce of contact even longer.


    The feminine hobgoblin''s voice rings out as I get up from the ground after this hit.


    "Who are you? A new tax collector from the Lord?"


    Before I can even answer, I''m hit again, but I block it with both of my crossed arms this time.


    Her voice echoes through the green fog before I evennd.


    "We still have three days before our payment is due, and he doesn''t make deals with humans, so I''m inclined to believe you''re from another faction!"


    I''m struck again, and my momentum shifts straight down into the ground.


    Extremely dense pressure pushes down on my chest, and I''m unable to stand as I see the green-skinned woman standing over me with her hammer pressed against my chest.


    A stream of hot white Etheres out from the weapon and holds me down.


    The energy disperses out the sides of my body, but my chest bes hotter and hotter while the hobgoblin''s sharp amber-colored eyes stare into mine.


    "You should be dead by now... what kind of Avatar is this...?"


    All it feels like to me is a hot pressure pushing me down. My mind ispletely protected, not even registering this as an attack.


    My constant self regeneration, and pure density of my actual body in this upper realm makes the thin pulses of ether radiating through my actual flesh negligible as well. ??


    While the force she''s exerting is too intense for me to move freely, I could lie here all day if needed...


    I finally reply in a calm tone.


    "I have no idea what you''re talking about... I was on my way to the Citadel, and I fell down here. Whatever you''re using me of, I''m sure we can talk this out and clear it up."


    In the back of my mind, I prepare to open up my telepathy link with Ember, as if this monster on top of me has any other ns. And if there is a Lord stronger than her they say they''re following, I may actually need help...


    The constant flow of hot white pressure stopsing from her hammer, and my body is instantly able to move again.


    I reflexively sit up when she pulls the hammer from my chest, and the warmth flowing through me dissipates, leaving only a tingling rectangle where her hammer wasst.


    This time, it takes far longer for the tingling to leave...


    I feel an odd pulling sensation from my subconscious to hyper-focus on the area, and the sensation of warm energy in my body pooling up from seemingly nowhere covers the area full of residue.


    A thin wave of white energy washes over my chest beneath my barrier, then flows back into seemingly nowhere.


    All of the tingling stops, and I question whether I just imagined that or not.


    A ring voice rings in my ears while a hammer is pointed at my face.


    "Don''t y with me! State your name, faction affiliation, and your business here before I make you wish you never tried to steal from our mines."


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    My mind is still upied by the internal energy I just summoned and the simrities of it to the times Ember has created undetectable pockets of space to pull random items out. Also, he has used healing magic that doesn''t give off any mana or divine aura.


    Before I can connect the dots any further, I''m hit in the chest by another hammer blow.


    "Are you even listening to me? I''ve got a quota to meet, I don''t have all day. I don''t care if you''re a Lord¡ªif you don''t state your faction affiliation, I have every right to kill you right here."


    As I''m sent flying back again, I replicate the same feeling I used to heal right after I was hit by this hammer, and before I even smash into a rock pile 70 meters away, I''mpletely healed and my body is totally rid of the foreign white energy.


    It triggers an idea in my mind while I see the hammering for me again.


    As I turn to block, I let the warm flowing feeling cover my arm as if I were trying to heal a nonexistent tingling sensation.


    The faint white glow summons in a raw form, washing over my forearm at the moment the hobgoblin''s hammer makes contact.


    While I was expecting something interesting to happen, the heavy hammer ms against my purple barrier all the same, and an intense wave of white energy overpowers the white glow I produced with ease.


    I''m sent flying back just like any other strike but have a wide smile across my face, as I''ve instantly healed the contact point, and it feels as though the warm energy I summoned is still present in my arm.


    With even more time before the next attackes, I take a deep breath and focus, trying to summon even more using the same subconscious, instinctive feeling.


    When I''m struck, an even denseryer of white energy covers my arm, but it still isn''t enough to do much.


    Despite this, I''m positive I''m onto something here.


    She yells at me while raising her hammer.


    "Last chance! You can surrender and leave us alone, or die with your stubborn silence!"


    While I could easily do as she says and leave, I''m on the brink of a breakthrough and can''t pass up being hit by this hammer just a few more times.


    I don''t say a word and focus on summoning even more wisps of faint, warm Ether from the depths of my consciousness to cover my right forearm and block her next strike with over three times what I did before.


    On impact, I feel the dense warmth in my arm pulse, and a tight pressure allows me to consciously brace for impact.


    Even so, the intensity of the hobgoblin''s hit is too strong.


    I''m sent flying back again and again, over half a dozen more times, over a full kilometer back from where our fight started.


    "This was your doing! It''s a shame to kill a Lord with a of their own. Your people will be without a ruler, but I must protect my own..."


    She yells while colliding with me again.


    Now, when her hammer hits my arm, with almost tenyers of my Ether covering it, a dense white vibration of colliding pressures ripples through me on contact.


    The Ether doesn''t even make it to my mind, nor the rest of my body. It is solely concentrated on the single point I''ve spent time protecting.


    Yet, I''m still overpowered and flung back into the endless green fog.


    I expect to collide with another rock pile, but instead, I feel the sensation of weightlessness again.


    She really meant it when she said this was herst warning.


    I''m sent flying over a deep circr pit.


    I couldn''t see or sense it before, as it was too far away, but now that I''ve been pushed into it, I can''t sense the floor and realize it''s a long way down...


    Not only that, but I see the angry green woman following me with a faint streak of white lighting off her hammer, chasing me down.


    Images of her pinning me to the floor earliere to mind, and if she gets me in that position again, it will most likely be far tougher to get out.


    Plus, the fact that she jumped in after me makes me believe the bottom isn''t too far away.


    I grit my teeth and concentrate on the only defense I have, allowing as many wisps of warm white energy in my consciousness to cover my armored arm as I can.


    By the time I hit the ground with an echoing thud, my mind has gonepletely into a focused state, trying to channel and remember everything I''ve felt of this strange divine Ether substance.


    I think about the times during this battle I''ve used it, and also the mental pressure I''ve employed back on the human world to subconsciously block intimidation attacks.


    The warm sensation that flows like a wave out from an invisible space in my mind flows out to cover my arm in a silky white energy far denser than it was when I started to fall.


    I have fractions of a second to brace myself on the floor of this pit, another 500 meters below the surface, but raise my arm to block. When I do, the ck rocks beneath my feet rattle as a crater is formed, simr to when I fell from the sky.


    I feel the impact ripple throughout my whole body, but also feel the Ether defenses I''ve created pulse and ripple back.


    My eyes widen with excitement as I see the hobgoblin stuck in midair above me, mming down with both hands grasping her hammer tightly.


    Her expression turns from anger to surprise extremely quickly too, as I''m not the only one sent flying back from this attack.


    Both of us receive equal blowback after this collision.


    I''m forced deeper into the impact crater below, and she''s pushed back, flying across the rocky ground.


    I can''t help but let out augh while watching her fly back. Simultaneously, the raw, unstable white energy barrier around my arm disperses outward off my body and into the atmosphere.


    Now, with a moment to breathe, my Ether senses pick up over a dozen more hot energy signatures in my general vicinity, deep under the ck rock we''re standing on. One of them is less than 10 meters in front of me.


    Breathing heavily, I climb out of the small crater and walk forward toward the hobgoblin who is equally out of breath but still looking at me with eyes ready to kill.


    While I could continue to fight, my initial curiosity is satiated. Now, if I want any friendly rtions with this clearly intelligent monster, it''s time for damage control.


    I raise both my hands.


    "Hey, hey. I give up. Let''s call it a draw, alright."


    She doesn''t look convinced, as thest time I said something simr, we started fighting again secondster.


    However, I stop walking after a few steps and begin digging through the heavy piles of ck rocks on the floor, throwing the useless ones behind me.


    "This is what you''re so angry about, right? I didn''t mean to steal anything; I didn''t know anyone even lived down here..."


    I let out a sigh as I grab another one of those ck stones, about half the size of my palm, with tiny white cracks in it, leaking trace amounts of Ether.


    Then, I raise it in front of myself, showing the monster that is still charging up her hammer for another attack.


    "There are tons of these things down here. I don''t know why you''d even be so pissed off about me taking one in the first ce. Here, all yours."


    I toss her the rock I just pulled from about a full meter below ground level, and it falls right in front of her.


    The eyes of anger, confusion, and battle-ready focus turn to shock when she takes them off me and looks down at the stone I''ve thrown her way.


    There is silence between us for a full five seconds before she looks back up at me.


    "How...? How did you find that Ether Stone so easily...?"


    I raise an eyebrow, as right now, I''m positive there are many more all around us.


    "What do you mean...? You can''t sense them?"

 Chapter 698

    "What do you mean, sense them?" the hobgoblin replies, picking up the ck stone glowing with a faint white light.


    As I open my mouth to reply, I witness the entire rock she holds be enveloped in a portion of her green aura. Then, all the Ether within it pulses and is sucked out, disappearing into her hand and settling evenly throughout her being.


    The instinctual sensor in the back of my mind registers her body as slightly warmer than before, and the rock she''s holding bes undetectable.


    It is lifeless and ck when she drops it back onto the ground and speaks again, holding her hammer up, ready to fight.


    "Come on, answer me. You''re telling me you can see where Ether Stones are? Is that some kind of new feature? Not even the Lords with High-Grade Avatars can do that... Do you have a Premium Avatar or something?"


    I don''t speak again. Clearly, I''m even more out of my element than I thought.


    With my hands raised, I shrug and turn to my left, slowly walking 20 meters from where I started in silence as the hobgoblin''s eyes track my every movement.


    I''m unable to detect the exact positioning of each Ether Stone, but a strange pull in my mind gets hotter the closer I get to ones nearby. The rough direction of about a dozen stones in a hundred-meter radius floats in my subconscious, directing my footsteps.


    I stop in ce and dig through the loose ck stones again, burrowing about two meters beneath the surface until I grab another ck rock glowing with a faint white mist.Then, I jump out of the pit I''ve dug and hold it up.


    "Like this... they''re everywhere. It''s not like I tried to rob you of a rare resource."


    She looks even more suspicious now, yelling from a distance.


    "I don''t trust you! That could be a fake so you have time to run away. Throw it here so I can scan it."


    I let out a sigh and toss it her way. The stone is clearly glowing bright white, unlike all the others around here. I''m unsure how I''d fake it, but I just do as she says.


    Once it tumbles to her feet, she bends down and looks at the stone for a few seconds. Her eyes widen as she picks it up.


    The same green divine aura expands around the stone, and in the exact machine-like process, the stone is drained of its Ether, which evenly distributes throughout her body.


    She looks up at me with excitement.


    "What kind of Premium feature is that? Are theremand contracts avable to acquire sonar skills now? All my avatar grants me is that high-speed shielding technique¡ªsame as yours¡ªand, of course, the Soul Weapon Assimtion to use Ether in my hammer attacks..."


    Again, her words make no sense to me, but I begin to piece things together based on what I''ve seen so far.


    Clearly, my ability to sense where Ether Stones are is special.


    However, she believes it must be a Premium Avatar feature. I remember, back inside the throne, I was scanned, and it showed my avable mana core, demon core, divine core, and Ether Stores. ??


    It makes sense that a demon with a Noble Bloodline would get a Premium Avatar, which appears to be top of the line in this realm. But the thing is, I don''t even have an Avatar... This is my real body, so all her logical guesses only confuse me more.


    I decide to go along with what she already believes. Telling her this is my real body would be even harder to exin.


    "Yeah, it''s something like that... a Premium Avatar. Like I told you before, I fell down here on my way to the Ellipsia Citadel. I''m not here to steal from your mines. If anything, I''d dly pay you to help me get back above the clouds to meet back up with my soul-bonded pair, if you know a way."


    Her confusion, unease, and shock turn to a smile, and augh erupts from her as she puts her hammer down, dropping the offensive stance.


    "No way... You''re a bonded Co-Lord? That means you must have used one of those ascension thrones..."


    Her gaze tightens, but the smile across her face doesn''t leave.


    "But you''re a human... That means you killed a demon to get up here. What ss World are you from?"


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    I hesitate, as from the few words I''ve spoken, she''s already siphoned even more information out of me. But I decide to tell the truth.


    "A 3rd ss."


    She reflexively looks down at her right hand, and my eyes follow to see a [0] glowing faintly in green light.


    Then, she looks back up and responds in a saddened tone.


    "I was a 3rd ss too..."


    We stand in awkward silence for a few seconds. Neither of us knows if the other is telling the full truth or if we''re about to attack once we fully let our guards down.


    So, I speak my mind.


    "If you don''t know how to get back up to the Citadel, I''ll leave, and you''ll never see me again. Promise. However, if you can help me, I definitely have a skill that can help you. You mentioned before that you have quotas to meet, and I''m quitepetent at finding the stones you need to mine, right?"


    Her eyes flicker with excitement again, but soon after, they dull as she thinks about something and responds, stepping closer to me.


    "I know a way back... but if the strength you showed me right now was everything you have, you can''t even make it out of the Hollow District. The Lord that owns these mines will kill you before you blink twice. You''re his property now"


    All of her motivation fades as she considers things more logically.


    "Even if falling down here was an ident, you''re in the same boat as us exiles. There is no surveince down here. It''s awlessnd. The strong make the rules, and the weak follow them."


    She lets out a sigh and stops a few meters in front of me.


    "So, it would be pointless to even try. We''d need to make another deal if you want to create a soul contract. I can''t fulfill that request."


    I raise an eyebrow at her honesty but assume this soul contract must be customary when using Avatars¡ªmaybe some kind of foolproof agreement. She knows my current strength better than anyone, and if she believes this so-called Lord of the Hollow District can kill me this easily, I''m even more intrigued... This just means I need to get stronger before meeting them.


    "Well, then how about we make another deal? I find you Ether Stones, and in return... let''s say every ten stones I find, you spar with me for an hour."


    I pause, thinking about my own offer, then add another point before she can respond.


    "Oh¡ªand let me keep one for every ten I find. I want to try and absorb a few."


    The hobgoblin looks perplexed at my nonchnt attitude of the situation I''m in, and the horrible deal I''ve just offered; but after a few seconds, she shakes herself out of it and nods quickly.


    "Yes, deal. If that''s really all you want, I''ll make up the soul contract right now."


    I shake my head and smile, putting out a hand to shake.


    "No contract is needed. Let''s just shake on it. I''m Jay, by the way."


    The hobgoblin looks down at my hand in confusion for a few seconds, then the light of recollection shines in her eyes.


    "Right... a human ritual, signifying trust."


    Her eyes go back to being suspicious and ready to battle, but I speak up, my hand still outstretched.


    "I''ll find your stones first. You can help me practice fighting after. I''m just old-fashioned¡ªfirst day with an Avatar and all."


    She sighs, then hesitantly puts her hand out and shakes mine while gripping her hammer tight with the other.


    "I''m Ava. I guess we have a deal..."


    ¨C


    Over the next half hour, I walk around the entire bottom of the massive pit we''re in, picking out Ether Stones one by one with pinpoint uracy.


    Some are right near ground level, while others are up to five meters deep.


    Ava helps me dig through the loose ck rock to find each one, and every time I hand them over, she absorbs them in the exact same mechanical way through her palm.


    I notice that every time I hand her a stone, it takes her a moment to register that the rock is an Ether Stone. It''s as if she''s scanning it to confirm it''s real.


    Considering this, and the fact that the stones are tens of meters apart at varying depths, I can see how it would take someone without Ether Sense a long time to find them.


    By the time we hit the tenth stone, Ava is still equally surprised every time I pull one from the ground. She speaks up with an excited tone while pulling the Ether out of it.


    "That would have taken my mining squad and me a few days toplete... no, maybe even more. We could catch up to this month''s remaining quotas in just a few hours at this rate."


    She stares up into the endless green fog above and whispers to herself, "We won''t have to keep digging these pointless pits either... surface-spot mining will be even more efficient."


    While she murmurs, I find another stone lodged just half a meter into one of the sloped walls of the pit and dig it out with ease.


    The glowing stone rests in my hands as she looks my way.


    "Go for it. This is an old pit mine anyway. We never would have found any of the stones you just pulled up. This is all undocumented profit."


    I nod and close my eyes, feeling the small warmth emanating from the stone.


    The imagery of Ava draining the other stones reys in my mind as I try to replicate the process.


    An instinctual flow pulls in the silky Ether that permeates through my purple barrier, but it''s extremely slow and weak.


    Just like when I tried to form a barrier around my arm, this isn''t going to be simple.


    I feel small warm flows seep into me, dispersing and disappearing into the invisible Ether Stores within my consciousness. However, arge amount of Ether remains, glowing almost as brightly as when I started.


    I move the stone around in my hands, trying to cover it with as much physical contact as possible, but the absorption rate remains slow...


    It is certainly working, but it''s not seamless or machine-like, as Ava''s process is. Plus, I can''t just eat this rock like I ate that pure Low-Quality Ether pill inside the throne''s trials.


    I let out a sigh and look up at the confused hobgoblin. "One moment. This is going to take a while..."


    I sit down, take a deep breath, and fully concentrate on the stone, allowing slow-moving white energy to trickle out from the rock in my palms.


    It doesn''t get easier; in fact, it only gets harder as less Ether remains in the stone. The flow slows the longer I work at it.


    After 30 minutes, I manage to pull out over two-thirds of the Ether, but the final amount glows so faintly and flows so slowly that it feels like it''ll take hours to empty the rest.


    On top of that, I don''t feel any different. The tiny amount of Ether I managed to absorb is minusculepared to what''s already in my body.


    I stand up, toss the used stone to Ava, and speak.


    "The rest is yours if you want it. Let''s just get to sparring. That''s much more important to me than a little extra Ether anyway. I only have three days to master this before the Lord of this mine arrives, right?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 699

    Ava raises her massive hammer, and it glows with a faint white light; nowhere near as bright as it was when she was trying to kill me.


    "Alright, let''s spar. I''ll be activating the lowest setting for my attacks; otherwise, an hour of fighting will use up more Ether than I can extract from ten stones."


    She picks up thest stone from which I had absorbed the majority of its Ether, inspects it, and her expression changes to confusion while extracting the rest of it and throwing it to the floor.


    I can tell she wants to ask more questions but instead grips her hammer with both hands and readies herself.


    While I''d love to face her at full power, going easy at first is probably better for me too. I can''t argue with her logic either; if sparring would cost more Ether than we mine, it wouldn''t be worth her time.


    "Sure," I reply while raising my hands to fight, taking deep breaths to summon Ether from the depths of my consciousness.


    ¨C


    Over the next hour, we spar at the bottom of the abandoned mining pit.


    I use the same technique to summon waves of translucent white energy over portions of my body to block Ava''s iing strikes.She''s far faster than me, both in reflexes and attack speed.


    Every time her hammer swings, I watch an identical machine-like rush of Ethere out of her avatar and pool inside the hammer''s base.


    Instead of the manyyers I needed to block her attacks before, just one small wisp of Ether from my consciousness is enough tobat the attack''s Ether force.


    However, even though it''s enough to block, Ava doesn''t hold back and uses her superior speed to hit me all over,nding blows that aren''t covered by Ether at all.


    For the first half of our spar, I''m thrown around like a rag doll, simr to our real duel before.


    No physical damage is dealt. My purple barrierpletely blocks all blunt force and even the mana and divine energy force produced from Ava''s avatar. The only energy that makes it through to hit my flesh is the Ether itself.


    Now, these small hits just make my skin tingle a bit; it''s nowhere near as intense of a reaction as the full-powered blows from before.


    This constant stream of non-lethal attacks allows me to concentrate on what really matters: my own Ether summoning speed.


    Over thest half hour of our spar, I get hit in unguarded areas more often.


    Not only am I getting ustomed to Ava''s attack patterns, but also the instinctual feeling of summoning my Ether out of thin air bes much more natural.


    I don''t have to close my eyes and focus on my breathing for almost a full second each time; I''m able to start summoning wisps of hot white energy at a moment''s notice.


    By thest few minutes of our session, every three exchanges, equal force blocks echo out as her hammer hits my arms, legs, and even torso, covered in dense areas of white energy.


    Each time Ether is used, both in my defensive shields and in Ava''s hammer, it dissipates from both of our bodies out into the air.


    It''s still hard to conceptualize exactly how much Ether is being used each time because it feels like I have an unlimited pool to drain from. However, I do have the knowledge topare; the total amount used in our spar is less than the ten Ether stones we mined before.


    We finish our spar when Ava speaks up and puts her warhammer down by her side.


    "That''s it. One hour paid. Now let''s gather more stones."


    I smile, breathing a little heavy, and put down my fists to agree.


    "Alright, there are a few left in this pit, but I think we''ll have to go back up to the surface to find more... unless you want to start digging way deeper."


    "That makes sense," she replies, and we get right back to work, following through with my side of the deal.


    ¨C


    One by one, I sense the stones remaining in the pit and pull them from the ground to let Ava absorb them.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    One of the pit''s walls is more nted than the rest, and there is a poorly dug-out stairway in its side that looks as though it was built for the small goblins I ran into when I first made contact down here. ?


    We walk up this path to the surface, giving ourselves a wider search area rather than a narrow pit, and continue walking through the thick green divine fog for another twenty minutes to find and dig out four more Ether stones.


    A questiones to mind as we make our way to the eleventh one, and I sit down to give another shot at absorbing the Ether inside.


    "Why are the stones so much more spread out up here? They were far more abundant below the surface."


    Ava watches me with confusion as I sit on the ground, gripping the faintly glowing stone just like I did before, but replies with a shrug.


    "These mines have been active for long before I became an exile, and no one ever finds every stone. The deeper down you dig, the more likely generations of exiles haven''t searched thatyer of the ckrock."


    She looks away from me, up to the green sky again with a sad gaze; so I decide not to pry any further and absorb two-thirds of the stone.


    While I drain the white energy into my being, a familiar feeling of being watched washes over me, and I''m brought out of my concentration by Ava''s voice, but not directed at me.


    "Come out, you two!"


    My eyes open, and I stand to my feet, tossing Ava the leftover stone,menting, "All yours," while I try to make out who she''s talking to.


    Once she catches the stone and drains its remaining Ether, I see two small goblins emerge from the green fog from behind one of therge mounds of ck rocks.


    "Ms. Ava... Is this human one of the Lord''s new collectors?"


    A goblin with crudely made ck brass knuckles that I recognize is the first to speak.


    The hobgoblin smiles and shakes her head.


    "No, Rain. He''s a new exile, just like us. Don''t worry, we''re not in trouble. Far from it, actually."


    The other smaller goblin gripping his short sword still looks up at me with fear, but Ava looks down at him next while he stutters out more words.


    "B-But, I heard you two fighting... for a long time... how do we know he doesn''t have you under mind control¡ªor something¡ª"


    Avaughs, walking over to the smaller goblin and patting him on the head with a heavy hand.


    "Troy, put away that de and stop imagining the worst out of everything. He''s our ally and is going to help us meet our quota that we were on track to miss this month."


    The smaller goblin''s eyes widen. "R-Really?"


    As Ava nods, he puts his sword down, and both goblins look at me with wide eyes of admiration.


    They''re acting like little kids, addressing this hobgoblin as their leader, even a motherly figure, it seems.


    Before I can say another word, both of them bow in front of me and apologize for their hostile attitude before turning around and running away into the green fog, out of sight.


    Ava chuckles and waves them off. "Tell the others to take the rest of the day off. I''ll meet you all back at base camp once I''m finished up here."


    "Yes, Ms. Ava!" echoes out of the fog, then their Ether presence disappears from my mind once they''re out of range.


    Ava moves her gaze toward me and smirks.


    "They''re all from fifth-ss worlds, almost two dozen back at camp. Barely any of them reached level 100 before they ascended with exile agreements already confirmed. Either they work for Ether, or theirs are drainedpletely dry of resources."


    She sighs and looks down at her [0].


    "Same for me, kind of... At least I managed a major rank up to get this hobgoblin form... and I did have some freedom in the sky above for a few years."


    Then she tightens her grip on her hammer and points it up toward me.


    "Anyway, sorry. Not like you should care. It doesn''t matter. Let us spar and continue our agreement."


    My gaze locks with hers, and I wonder what her words mean.


    The mining squad she spoke of earlier was referring to a group of goblins, and apparently, they all ascended from different worlds.


    However, the fact that she says some are just level 100 doesn''t make much sense. It''s unlikely a weak being like that could go through the same process I did to get to the upper realm, and with my knowledge from the Vermillion family, I''m certain a demon''s throne would never touch down on a fifth-ss world.


    It seems goblins and hobgoblins are the same race but different ranked-up forms.


    From what I''m seeing, it''s clear she''s helping them at her own expense.


    Even the fact that there are more than just human and demons is still a bit mind-blowing to me, but I reply with a nod, wanting to focus on the important task at hand here.


    "Admirable. I hope our deal helps you all."


    I raise both hands and summon Ether into my fists.


    "Let''s spar. I want to try going on the offensive this round."


    ¨C


    I start my next round of sparring, concentrating on holding Ether in my fists while punching, and even pushing wisps of Ether beneath my feet to power my steps, moving faster to keep up with Ava''s naturally fast movements.


    The consideration of how this would affect my speed and power without the purple barrier and real body''s weight limiting me crosses my mind, but every time I consider the implications of opening it up and facing the horrific pressure down here, I forget about it.


    With less than three days until the owner of these mines is supposed toe, I''m going to focus all of my efforts on honing the skill that actually may give me a chance of fighting back. Once I''m safe and back with Ember, I''ll consider resuming my divine energy limation.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, in the Citadel high up above the green clouds and deste ck rock mines below, Ember watches over the Volterra District with his feet up on a desk while swiping through data provided to him by Torvak. It shows all of the sales and purchases of the Ogre conglomeration over thest 15,000 years.


    Many more holograms cover all of the walls in this room, showing surveince systems of the shopping center he''s been silently monitoring all day.


    Not much out of the ordinary has happened, and Ember has grasped a basic understanding of how the Ogre''s decline and power struggle in this citadel has gotten to the point it''s in now thanks to the sales numbers. However, there are still a few key pieces of informationcking.


    The dragon''s crimson eyes turn away from the sales data once two figures walk into the bottom floor of the open-air world trading market.


    The presence of two first-ss demons walking through the front doors makes all of the other guests nearby scatter, not wanting to get involved. Even the Red Ogre sales reps look nervous as the Demons approach and ask to get arge bundle of 5th, 4th, and 3rd ss worlds appraised.

 Chapter 700

    Ember gets up from his seat and walks out of the private room''s massive doors to be greeted by Randel and Syl.


    "You''vepleted your assessment of the documents we had transferred over already?" Sylments.


    Ember shakes his head and begins walking down the narrow hall to make his way back to the main shopping center.


    "No, not yet. There seem to be some unique guests selling worlds down on the first floor. I believe they''re going to cause some trouble. I''d like to be there when it happens."


    The two Red Ogres look at each other with confused expressions but follow the long-haired human they''ve been tasked to protect into the main hall and down into the transport elevator to bring them to ground level.


    Once the door clicks open and the three walk out, with the Ogres ahead first, the tense atmosphere in the room is very apparent. Theck of active shoppers points the two bodyguards'' heads to the left.


    Two 9-meter-tall 1st ss Demon Lords exude an ominous pressure, standing with their arms crossed and white eyes locked on a moving status screen, while one of the 2nd ss Red Ogres below them diligently scrolls through the worlds they''ve provided, giving quotes for how much Ether they can purchase them for outright, one by one.


    The sweating Red Ogre looks up from his status and stutters to the Demon before him with a single purple horn jutting from his forehead.


    "Myron Vermillion, your excellence. I... I can''t agree with this pricing. It''s double the market''s price."Myron lets out a domineering pressure, rippling with Demonic Energy, a Green True Core, and waves of Ether radiating off his entire Premium Avatar. He turns to the Demon beside him, who has two jet-ck horns curving out from his head.


    "Leonard. Shall I teach them a lesson?"


    The more wellposed Demon stood behind him smirks, looking to another sales rep and waving him over.


    "I have a simr-sized bundle of worlds to sell in bulk too. 1,410 5th ss, 434 4th ss, and another 21 3rd ss."


    Ember spots the [19,882] on his palm as he turns back to the purple-horned hothead and whispers under his breath, "Don''t worry, they''ll submit before we have to make a mess..."


    Then, turning back to the Red Ogre salesman, he epts the worlds into an escrow status device to be appraised of their total energy as a spectator only.


    The Demon looks down on the worker and speaks up for the entire lobby to hear.


    "I want 5 Low Quality Ether apiece for the 5th ss, 25 for the 4th, and a minimum of 200 each for the 3rds. We''re not epting no for an answer..."


    Ember and his bodyguards stop about 30 meters from themotion, standing out like a sore thumb as no other passersby dare to intervene.


    Even the bodyguards whisper to Ember as they halt.


    "Are you sure about this, Sir? If they decide to be hostile, we cannot defend against the Vermillion Lords..."


    "Yes, it''s fine. I''m the new manager, after all. I can''t watch us be ripped off this badly on my first day on the job," he replies, walking through the two guards and making his way over right behind the Demons who tower over the salesmen, continuing to plead that these prices are unreasonable.


    The newest salesman who just epted Leonard''s worlds replies to his words in a cowardly manner.


    "Impossible. The best I can do is 1.5 Ether average cost for these 5th ss worlds. And... maybe 9 Ether apiece for the 4th ss you''ve brought. These 3rd ss... they''repletely drained of their mana, and poptions are declining rapidly on all of them. Dungeon contracts would be impossible to form on these. They''re... worthless... This price is impossible." ?


    The Demonughs and takes a step closer to the worker.


    "I wasn''t asking. It''s an order..."


    The hotheaded purple-horned Demon steps in, finishing his ck-horned partner''s words after letting out a degradingugh.


    "You should be happy I''m even giving you any worlds in return. We have a new Noble joining our ranks this month. This entire conglomeration will finally be crushed. This zone of the Upper Realm is already property of the Vermillion family, and everyone knows it."


    Many customers look down at the floor, and some even run out of the center, not wanting to be dragged into this mess. However, a human''s voice echoes through the room, shocking all of the remaining customers and salesworkers left.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    "What seems to be the problem here? I would be happy to be of assistance."


    The purple-horned Demon''s sharp teeth grind as he turns around and lets out an anger-filled aura. Its [20,062] worlds glowing bright on its palm are visible for the lobby to see while it res down at the human with a [1] dimly glowing on his palm.


    "How dare you address me while I take care of important family business? A mere human shouldn''t eveny eyes on a 1st ss Demon like me..."


    As the Lord takes a full step forward, Ember''s indifferent expression while he replies makes it even more mad.


    "Unfortunately for you, the Ogre Conglomeration still holds some prestige and connections with the Wyverns, High Orcs, and Berserker Kings in neighboring districts of this Citadel. I am the general manager and sales consultant of this World Trade branch. If you are trying to force new market prices upon us, I will have to decline your offer and begin spreading the word."


    The sharp grinding of the Demon''s teeth makes the entire room shiver, but the more level-headed Demon behind him turns and takes a step in Ember''s direction to speak up.


    "Is that a threat? Our family is backed by far more than just this Citadel. It is not wise for a human to be poking their nose into the business of higher-ss beings."


    The ck-horned Demon sifts through his status, scanning the confident red-haired human before him, then rolls his eyes.


    "A 5th ss at that... Just because you''ve managed to make a few connections and have an eye for the market does not mean you know the history of the Upper Realm. You could live your full life and die in the time a single cultivation session of mine passes... Do you wish to make an enemy of us?"


    Ember shrugs.


    "You already extorted a 1st ss world and a handful of 2nd ss from our conglomeration head earlier this week. If this continues and we allow it, we''ve already died. You''re the ones who have made an enemy of us."


    The Demon''s eyes narrow, as its simple tactic of intimidation on a mere 5th ss human should have been more than enough for them to scatter or bow down.


    While it is true that the Vermillion Family has the greatest influence in the City right now, if they made an enemy of all the major trading hubs and gangs that have long-standing loyalty to the prior Citadel Lord, a dispute could very well set them back thousands of years.


    Waiting until their new Noble arrives would be the safest move, but saving their honor is almost as equally important.


    Both of the 1st ss Demons know this, but the purple-horned hothead interjects, making it clear they''re not taking no for an answer.


    "That''s right, we''re being merciful Lords by allowing you all to live on under our rule. You will pay us what we ask and be thankful your head still stays connected to your shoulders."


    The Red Ogre guards that brought Ember down are wide-eyed in fear, their stomachs twisting and their hearts dropping to the floor once they hear the red-haired human''s reply.


    "No. We will pay 30% below the market price for bulk orders like this so there is still room to resell to individuals. Your ask for 200% of the average market price is absurd and clearly an abuse of power."


    The Red Ogres now understand very well why their bodyguard contract price paid out the equivalent of a 4th ss world in profits each per month now... Their client is insane.


    Myron steps closer, less than 3 meters in front of Ember, towering over him.


    "You''ll pay the price we set and beg for your life."


    Ember looks up with his arms crossed.


    "No."


    Leonard watches them with confusion racing through his mind, as in the 18,000 years he''s been following his Lord, even before they were established as one of the 5 Great Families, he''s never seen a human even look a Demon in the eyes.


    This was meant to be a simple task. Overcharging for a few thousand 5th and 4th ss worlds, plus getting rid of some junk 3rd ss worlds, might only set the trade center back a few months'' worth of profit.


    It''s a simple hit any logical owner would take not to anger the Citadel Lord.


    However, this new human in charge is willing to set the entire city on fire just to prove a point...


    He whispers under his breath, "So short-sighted... then again, what else would I expect from a human..."


    As Myron is about to burst with anger and cause an even bigger scene, Leonard believes this is exactly what the Ogre Conglomeration wants.


    He steps forward and pushes a hand in front of his hotheaded partner to save some dignity.


    "It is a negotiation, after all. This is thergest public trading center in the district. It''s only right to challenge the market prices and see if we can get a good deal, isn''t it?"


    Ember grins and walks right in between the two Demons, ignoring their domineering presence.


    Standing in front of the salesman who initially took theirs to trade, he peers into the holograms floating above the escrow status devices to look at the worlds in question for himself.


    Ember swipes through the worlds, replying to the Demons, forcing them to turn around to be spoken to.


    "The prices my salesmen gave were already at the market. If anything, I''d offer even lower. They were already being courteous."


    Myron yells out, equally mad at his partner for holding him back and at this human disrespecting him.


    "You do not understand who you are dealing with. I should crush your avatar right now, shatter your soul to pieces, and wipe this shopping center off the face of the Citadel for your insolence!"


    Ember raises an eyebrow, and speaks with a sarcastic undertone.


    "Oh? Was that a deration of war? Against me? Or the Ogre Conglomeration? Or this entire district? Or all of our trade allies? I''m just a human. It''s hard to understand the hidden meaning behind your words..."


    The ck-horned Demon, unable to stop his counterpart, wishes he came to this shopping center alone today, dreading telling Andras of this blunder and being outwitted by a human.


    However, Ember''s next words make both of the Demons'' eyes widen in shock.


    "How about we settle things with a duel? This is a simple dispute of prices, isn''t it? No reason to set the Realm on fire over a few thousand Low Quality Ether, right?"


    The hotheaded Demon lets out a murderousugh, taking a step forward and yelling back.


    "Humans are even more stupid than I ever believed they''d be! Duel epted! Come on, let''s go right now!"


    Hisugh continues to echo throughout the floor, while Leonard is hit with both a wave of relief and worry mixing together.


    This human had them right where he wanted them, then gave up any chance of leverage without batting an eye.


    The ck-horned Demon scans Ember over and over with his system, but nothing out of the ordinaryes back.


    He is merely a 5th ss human lord... It should be impossible for a being like him to even stay conscious while standing in their presence.


    Something isn''t quite right about all of this. However, Myron already publicly epted their duel, so there is no backing out now.

 Chapter 701

    Ember speaks up in the silence of the lobby, still crossing his arms and looking up at the arrogant purple-horned demon that just epted his duel without knowing the terms.


    "How about we go all or nothing? You put up all thes you''vee to sell..."


    Ember''s gaze shifts to the ck-horned demon, then he holds up both of their escrow ounts.


    "That means yours too."


    He flips the holograms around for the demons and all spectators to see:


    [2914 5th ss Worlds] - [4371.0 Low Quality Ether Offer][1.5 Average Per World]


    [821 4th ss Worlds] - [7389.0 Low Quality Ether Offer][9.0 Average Per World]


    [49 3rd ss Worlds] - [0.0 Low Quality Ether Offer][0.0 Average Per World]


    These are the offers made by the sales clerks earlier, already at market price. If purchased, the Ogre Conglomeration wouldn''t even be making a profit. It would be a break-even deal to appease the demons.He continues to speak.


    "In exchange, I have the Ogre Conglomeration put up the Ether you''ve imed yours are worth. 5 Ether each for the 5th ss, 25 each for the 4th, and 200 each for the 3rd ss worlds... A total of..."


    He pauses as he mentally calctes the price, and the room sees how absurd their price difference is.


    "44,895 Low Quality Ether. That''s a solid yearly quarter''s worth of profits for this entire trade center. If you win our duel, this is the price we''ll pay to purchase your worthless worlds."


    He looks Myron in the eyes, pulling a third escrow status device from the sales clerk''s counter and drainingpany funds on hand to fill it up to the desired amount.


    "Is this the kind of duel you''re willing to ept? We have plenty of open rooms on our top floor to have the match right now."


    Myronughs so loud that some of the nearby 3rd ss clients fall to their knees, and even a few 2nd ss Ogres be lightheaded at the scene ying out.


    Randel and Syle briskly walking over to stand behind Ember, and Syl whispers in his ear.


    "We cannot protect you in a duel... and ourpany funds..."


    All of the sales reps look even more nervous than the customers in the lobby, but Ember murmurs back with a confident undertone.


    "You trust in Torvak, don''t you? I was delegated to this position to bring you all out of the hole you''re in. Don''t worry. If I''m injured, you''re not to me."


    Myron finally looks down and speaks back after his arrogantughs have finished.


    "Deal. Let''s head up to the duel rooms right now. You stupid human, now I can shatter that avatar of yours with no repercussions from the overseer, and profit while doing so. You decided this fate for yourself."


    ¨C


    Hisughs continue all the way up to the top floor, and crowds of people hear it echoing through the levels.


    Many customers nervously spread the word, some even leaving the shopping center, which only makes more people interested all over the Volterra District.


    "A human challenged a demon to a duel..."


    "They''re betting with the Ogre Conglomeration''s funds!"


    "A 5th ss dares to step foot in this district?"


    "It''s real, at the trade pce!"


    "It''s an open market; their duels are visible to the public."


    "Do you think this is rted to the Citadel Lord''s duel against the Blue Ogre leaderst week?"


    "No... it''s probably just a delusional human that ascended and believes they''re an invincible god."


    "Who cares, this is going to be a good one to watch!"


    These whispers spread like wildfire all over the shopping district, prompting hundreds of thousands of interested Lords to gather, packing the building.


    Security has to begin limiting the number of Lords allowed on the top floor by the time the two demons, Ember, and four Red Ogres stand in front of one of the dueling rooms Ember passed by when he first entered the building.


    The two sales workers from the bottom floor hold the worlds and Ether, typing on a control panel at the front of the dueling room.


    Ember stands between his bodyguards while the two demons stare down at them.


    Myron can''t help but continueughing and spewing insults, while his more logical counterpart quietly assesses the situation.


    Over ten thousand spectators are watching them on this massive floor alone, and hundreds of thousands await the duel''s live feed to update on the lower floors so they can see what''s going on.


    As it is, none of this makes any sense; and despite Myron''sck of critical thinking, he is more adept in every way than this small, feeble human before him.


    Ember speaks up again in a confident voice directed at Myron, but Leonard inwardly flinches at the possible implications.


    "Shall we set some ground rules? Fighting a basic avatar like mine with your Premium skin would be unfair, don''t you think?"


    Myron smirks and looks down, crossing his arms to mimic Ember''s stance.


    "What? You trying to back out now? We already have half the district watching. Are you saying the Ogre Conglomeration hires managers who go back on their word once the stakes are high?"


    Heughs, while Leonard lets out a sigh, beginning to believe he might just be overly cautious.


    Ember shakes his head and smirks back.


    "No, of course not. If anything, this shows that even the 1st ss Vermillion Demons are willing to pick on 5th ss basic avatar prey because that''s all they''re good for. Even their Noble Citadel Lord picks on the 2nd and 1st ss Lords below him. Surely the other four Great Families don''t stoop this low to build their fortunes..."


    He pauses while the crowd gasps at his words but continues as Myron begins to boil with rage.


    "Then again, you''re right. I''m just a human. I couldn''t have been there when your family was established in this Realm. You must have all fought with nobility and pride back then, and now you just pick on the weak for fun. That must be it."


    Myron erupts with a demonic presence filled with white wisps of Ether.


    This book is hosted on another tform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Do not drag our family name with false allegations just because you want to save your own life andpany''s fortune!"


    Ember shrugs, even as 2nd ss Lords fall to their knees around them, and replies while the demon gets close to his face.


    "I never said I wanted to drop out of the duel. I just believe we should fight on more equal footing. It would be a proper duel and prove to all watching that you''re not just picking on a weak human with a lower-grade avatar."


    There are loud dings that echo through the room as the sales workers link the escrow ounts to the dueling room, showing the pool of thousands of worlds and Ether floating together. All that''s left is for the twopetitors to scan their status in and choose the duel settings.


    Ember points to therge holographic censor in front of the 50-meter-tall dueling room doors.


    "Let''s forget about our physical forms. We can just buy new avatars if they''re crushed. Reaction speed and physical power are all a matter of how much you can purchase. A true Lord''s strength is shown through their mind, right?"


    Both demons'' eyes widen as they realize what this human is proposing.


    Myron replies, "You want to do a mental pressure duel? No avatar damage allowed? Just when I thought a human couldn''t be any dumber... You¡ª"


    Heughs so loudly, the room feels like it''s shaking as he walks over to the scanning panel and continues, "Deal. Bring it on. Easiest Ether I''ll ever make, and you''ll be lucky if you can recover from this in your entire measly lifetime!"


    The doors open with another ding as Myron selects his challenge details and walks through.


    Not another word is said in the entire room as Ember walks in after him, standing still while the scanner ripples through him with an intense green divine light. Questions ring in his ears that he mentally answers to confirm all his challenge settings match what his opponent has chosen.


    Another loud chime echoes through the room as Ember walks forward into the open doors.


    "Duel Initiated. Full Pce Visual ess Avable," echoes through the shopping center''s systems, and a crystal-clear holographic disy of the massive white room the two stand in is now transmitted to the center of every floor of the building.


    Duels are initiated here a few times a day, usually to settle small price disputes. The option to open up the spectator view is avable on every floor, but it usually doesn''t draw such a crowd.


    Avatars in the Upper Realm are costly, but for wealthy Lords, especially those who spend their time in world trade centers like this one, even a Premium Avatar could be just a fraction of the cost of an entire trade deal.


    They only cost a few dozen Low Quality Ether. Even some 3rd ss Lords can afford Premium Avatars if they work for a few decades, or drain enough of their home''s resources.


    So, a battle to the death over a few hundred Ether ismon; after the duel, any damage dealt can be fixed by purchasing another Premium Avatar.


    However, mental duels are a taboo that have aged out of style long ago. It is known that this is just a cruel way to torture a weaker opponent and might as well be akin to fighting in the Lower Realm with such crude tactics.


    Unlike physical avatar recements, one can''t simply rece a mind that is bound to a soul.


    ¨C


    Ember stands at the back of his side of the room, still keeping his arms crossed and looking up at the demon about 200 meters away while it speaks to the crowd watching them.


    "This is what you get when you go against the Vermillion Family. This human challenged us on behalf of the Ogre Conglomeration. I''ve been gracious enough to offer an avatar duel, but he insists on a battle of the mind. Misinformation is not tolerated, and the stupidity of humans will be shown again today. Please, everyone, enjoy the show."


    While all the Lords piling into the shopping center would love to see their oppressors get crushed, they know that won''t happen. It is clear as day that the odds are well-stacked against this human. Even the distribution of prizes floating above the hologram is clearly unbnced.


    Everyone can sift through thes up for bid and see that anything of value has already been drained from these worlds.


    It''s clear this is a public humiliation, just to rub it in the district''s face after their Blue Ogre leader was beaten badlyst week.


    Yet, no one can look away.


    The red-haired human watches the demon with indifferent eyes, withstanding its pressure while it rants and flings insults his way.


    A system''s voice rings through thepetitors'' ears, audible to the entire World Trading Center as well.


    [60-Second Duel - Unlimited Rounds - Mental Battle]


    "Round 1 will begin in 10... 9... 8..."


    The room erupts into even more conversation, and the demon continues yelling insults, ignoring the human below him and speaking directly to the crowd.


    "You will all witness what life will be like under our new rule. All of you lower lifeforms believe you''re special... outliers in our society of Lords... you are merely inferior beings. Just a single digit number of demons is powerful enough to control billions on this Citadel!"


    Itughs louder as Ember stares forward with a bored look, and the counter keeps dropping.


    Outside the dueling area''s doors, Leonard stares at the hologram with a clenched jaw but an outwardly indifferent expression.


    All his logical senses tell him this will be a blowout. There''s no way this human can win. This is just another day in the life¡ªgaining resources and controlling the masses. There is still a fraction of doubt that lingers in his mind, but Myron is a battle hungry 1st ss Demon. His mental resilience can even stand up against Noble Demons for a few minutes in practice spars.


    No matter how strong this human''s trump card may be, it won''t matter.


    Even the sales workers know this much Ether lost will be a big hit to theirpany branch. An even bigger hit will be psychological once the public sees their defiance against the Citadel Lords'' men.


    All the workers are sweating, trying to keep the public from going too crazy. The two taking it the worst stand less than 20 meters away from Leonard.


    Randel and Syl both look so pale, they''re almost pink.


    Despite Ember''s words about trusting in Torvak''s choices, they can''t bear to watch the client they''ve been tasked to protect be mentally tortured in front of their entirepany. It will surely damage their reputation as bodyguards, but challenging the demons to stop this is out of the realm of possibilities.


    "3... 2... 1... 0..."


    At the end of the countdown, the entire shopping center goes quiet, waiting to see how fast this human will fall on his face with a mutted mind.


    "Round 1 of the Duel Now Begins. You have 60 seconds..."


    This is all the system says before Myron lets out a murderous roar, taking the opportunity to show off by unsealing his 1st ss Bloodline and growing his avatar to over 100 meters in height.


    His eyes burst with white light, and all the stored Ether within his body begins to ripple out in waves.


    Any physical use of mana, demonic energy, qi, or even divine threads are physical forces that can damage an avatar.


    Pure Ether, however, can be limited by using the Avatar''s system to only target a user''s mind and soul. The first to give up or be unable to select "Yes" to move on to the next round will be dered the loser.


    Waves of Ether st through the room, their physical manifestations disyed holographically so the crowds can visualize what is happening before them.


    Ember doesn''t move. Arms crossed, breathing steady, and eyes locked on the massive demon, he takes the attack head-on.


    From the depths of his mind, he summons Ether that has been lying stagnant, unused for millennia, and not even properly filtered to be used in this body and era of reincarnation.


    Even so, just trace amounts are more than enough to open storage portals, heal incurable wounds, and brace for mental attacks in the Lower Realm that shouldn''t be possible to block. Sometent essence is summoned to shield his conscious mind from the barrage of pure filtered Upper Realm Ether attacking his psyche.


    The dense, warm pressure covers his mind and holds his soul tight, while his indifferent expression to the outside world causes the crowds to break their silence and begin erupting with cheers and yells throughout the entire shopping center.


    After just a few seconds, the fact that the human''s eyes haven''t glossed over or his avatar fallen to the floor infuriates the demon even more.


    "Not possible! This must be a rigged dueling room!"


    It yells and continues letting out immense amounts of mental pressure, while Leonard watches the hologram show the building pressure inside Ember''s head, visualizing for the outside world how much force he is withstanding.


    Once the pressure readings shift from defense to offense, Leonard''s eyes widen further as he realizes his intuition was correct all along. He shouts words, "Forfeit! Leave the duel now!" but they go unheard within the chamber. By the time it''s toote, the pressure within Ember erupts in a single, focused beam.


    The instant it collides with the unsealed demon''s forehead, it''s as if his mind is ced on pause.


    A mental sh of blinding white light and overwhelming ringing washes over his conscious mind.


    There isn''t even time to react or brace for impact.


    The demon''s mind simply stops processing thoughts, and its avatar falls backward, mming rigidly against the back wall of the dueling room before tumbling to the floor.


    As visuals of the demon''s aura of mental pressure cease, and Ember''s attack proves far too fast for many to track, Ember still doesn''t budge.


    He watches the demon fall to the floor while the timer for the round continues to count down.

 Chapter 702

    Less than ten seconds have passed since the first round''s timer began counting down, but an unsealed 1st ss Demon now lies unconscious on the dueling room floor while a human stares forward with an unchanged expression.


    The entirety of the trading center''s uproar and cheers that started when the match began ceases.


    Just like the tension before this duel began, the unease has returned...


    It doesn''t make any sense.


    A 5th ss human defeating a 1st ss demon in one attack¡ªand it being a mental duel.


    It ismon knowledge that demons are the most resilient, both in physical strength and mental fortitude, in the Upper Realm.


    Unlike other races, who allow anyone capable of ascending to im their worlds ande to the Upper Realm, demons are far different.


    The only way to ascend is to join one of the 5 Great Families and use their thrones.


    Demons notoriously hoard high-grade worlds and discard low-grade and drained worlds to everyone else.The same goes for their kin¡ªonly the strongest, the top of their era in the Lower Realm, are allowed to ascend. With this being said, all demons that ascend are capable of controlling the masses with no equals in their World sses.


    What has urred in front of everyone today is an impossible feat, and only a select few scattered among the crowd in the trading pce truly witnessed what happened.


    The 1st ss Demon, Leonard, is one of these few, as he whispers under his breath, "That technique, I''ve only seen the family head''s avatar use it. How could a human be granted ess to amand like that... and with a basic-grade avatar..."


    This demon is shocked, as even their Premium-Grade Avatars don''t allow them to concentrate their Ether so finely, with such speed and uracy, as he just witnessed.


    A few very skilled 2nd ss beings in the crowd understand the significance of what just urred but keep their mouths shut as they haven''t seen attacks like that used in tens of thousands of years.


    The rest of the lords who fill the building are oblivious, and after a few seconds of silence, they start cheering and roaring with excitement again.


    "No way... the human won!"


    "It must have been rigged. The Ogre Conglomeration wanted payback and set a trap!"


    "These dueling rooms are inspected and maintained by the Citadel Lord¡ªthere''s no way it would be rigged!"


    "Then how... you don''t think this demon betrayed the Citadel Lord?"


    "Maybe this human is just a hidden master in a counterfeit avatar."


    "Yeah, maybe that''s it!"


    "No way, look at the dueling room statistics¡ªall of the visual data is here for anyone to scan. He''s really a 5th ss human."


    "Then what happened? Are demons not as strong as we thought?"


    "Who cares? That was awesome!"


    "True... to be honest, humans nevere around this district. I haven''t seen one in decades. Maybe they''re the ones we''re underestimating..."


    "This might be the only time we can publicly root against the demons. Let''s make the best of it..."


    "Humans! Humans! Humans!"


    Everyone begins spewing their theories and showing their anger or excitement in all kinds of ways.


    The entire shopping center vibrates with the sheer amount of beings hopping about while the timer on the dueling chamber continues counting down.


    The demon''s unsealed greater form shrinks in size back to its base Avatar form. All that is left to be seen are the demon''s nk eyes and open mouth staring up at the ceiling as the time passes.


    Randel and Syl are most shocked, as they thought they would have to lie low for a few hundred years before getting any solid employment again¡ªbut now things seem to be very different.


    More lords are still flying in Ether Orbs from around the district as they hear the news from friends or business partners, but the security outside won''t let any more in¡ªthey''re at maximum capacity.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the vition.


    Even if they were let in, all of the action is already over...


    The timer ticks all the way down to 0, and notifications ring in both duelers'' inner ears.


    Ember doesn''t budge but mentally epts to continue on to the next round, while his opponent is in no state to do so.


    Another 10-second timer counts down to 0, and a loud ding chimes throughout all the floors of the shopping center.


    [Duel Complete. Winner Takes All.]


    Visuals of the 3,784s and 44,895 Low-Quality Ether are disyed in all their glory, transferred to the Ogre Conglomeration''s business ount where the Ether was originally taken.


    Both of the demon''s palms now show their count dip below 19,000, and Ember finally grins while speaking to the crowd watching as he still has their attention.


    "The Ogre Conglomeration is having a sh sale. Alls won in this duel are going for 50% off market price. Threes max per lord. Talk to your nearest sales associate to get them before they run out!"


    The crowd''s perception of this duel shifts again...


    While theses are not of the highest quality, even getting a single 5th ss world at half price can be sold to any neighboring shop for a sizable profit that couldst any individual a few years...


    Not to mention the opportunity to buy 3rd ss worlds.


    For a business, thes the demons offered are quite worthless. With over 95% of their mana drained, most of the poptions on theses have dwindled so much that they don''t even bother delving into dungeons anymore.


    It would be near impossible to profit from long term dungeon contracts, andbyrinths are unable to be formed because of theck of mana remaining on the. To bring a dungeon to the level 1000 breakthrough threshold, mana would need to be brought from off world.


    All of the demons in the Lower Realm that ruled them have left to the next, following their lord''s orders and leaving the worthlesss to rot or be scavenged by 4th or 5th ss lords trying their hands at picking up the breadcrumbs of profit.


    However, there is another reason some lower-ss lords buy drained 3rd sss¡ªand that is for status.


    Even if the is drained, owning a 3rd ss world unlocks greater benefits in the Avatar Ability Shops and also gets you ess to sections of the city or business meetings that you wouldn''t normally have.


    Even 3rd ss lords sometimes buy up a few extra drained 3rd ss worlds as a status symbol to show they aren''t ordinary 3rd ss Single lords.


    The 2nd ss and above in the crowd aren''t interested in these deads, as having even one 2nd ss world under your control is enough to pass down generational wealth. However, there is never an excuse to pass up a great business opportunity when it''s in front of their eyes. Scooping up a few 4th ss worlds to resell for a quick doubling of their Ether would be illogical to pass up.


    ¨C


    As the doors of the dueling room open, Leonard runs forward while Ember calmly walks out.


    The demon yells in a controlled tone as he passes.


    "You may believe you''ve won today, but a single lost lord in a demon family will do far more than set a single citadel on fire. You''ve doomed all of the humans in the Upper Realm¡ªnot only this Ogre''s Conglomeration."


    Ember shrugs.


    "Oh, calm down. I went easy on him. Your partner should be awake in a few days..."


    Relief washes over the confused demon, but the internal conflict of emotions is overwhelming.


    All of his life experiences and learned knowledge with humans conflict with the reality in front of him.


    Even now, the human says it held back, and there is no doubt in his mind this human is far more dangerous than any opponent he''s ever faced before.


    His unwavering confidence and nonchnt attitude throughout all of their interactions now make crystal-clear sense in hindsight. Even the fact that he is the new head of the organization that the Citadel Lord challengedst week didn''t make any sense, but the fact that an ancient Blue Ogre outsmarted him this easily without even being in the building makes him believe there must be even more to this ruse.


    If he was so wrong initially about one thing, this demon must think things through very carefully and avoid making any more wrong moves.


    To save his integrity, the demon yells out inside the dueling chamber for all to hear in the center.


    "I shall honor the duel. However, the Citadel Lord will be hearing of this. You''ve won a single petty battle, but the Demon''s do not lose wars. This is what you''ve dered, so prepare yourselves."


    He grits his teeth and picks up his partner, then turns around to leave the dueling area and find the nearest fast-travel port to get out of here before anything else goes wrong.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, thousands of worlds that were just won in the duel are added to the World Trade Pce bank, made avable for transfer on any floor by sales reps; and lords nearby flock to them faster than Ember can even make his way out of the dueling room.


    Thousands of pure profit Low-Quality Ether are deposited into thepany ount, and with tens of thousands of lords on every floor with nothing else to do but talk with those around them about the disy they just saw, business talks and unrted transactions begin taking ce with arge increase in sales volume.


    All of this simultaneously makes the trading center almost a month''s worth of profit in a matter of minutes, while also stering a massive ad across arge portion of the Volterra District. It silently shouts to all that the Ogre Conglomeration still has strong allies, and they''re willing to fight back against the demons and do business with anyone¡ªeven humans¡ªas long as they have something to offer.


    ¡ª


    While thismotion spreads throughout the district, Ember quietly makes his way through the crowds. He ignores all the random lords asking questions, and both Randel and Syl do their job walking beside him to fend off interested parties.


    However, Ember doesn''t even speak back to the two Red Ogres when they ask him questions.


    He calmly walks through the empty hall, into the room overlooking the district he was given, and closes the doors behind him.


    Once alone, a drop of crimson blood leaks from his nose.


    Instantly, he pulls up his status and sends a voice transmission to Torvak, a few blocks away.


    "I''ve begun my n to bring the Ogre Conglomeration back to its former glory. However, it could end faster than it even started. I need that package taken out from long-term storage in the Grand Citadel as fast as possible... I''ve grown weaker than I thought. A Two days'' wait might be cutting things close."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 703

    Beneath the Citadel, my training and mining sessions with Ava carry on.


    I begin using the same instinctual ether summoning I did to block her attacks, but this time, I cover my fists in the warm white glow.


    My footwork and movements are slow, and I can''tnd a single attack on the hobgoblin''s body. However, she lets me practice my punches, slowing her movement speed to block with her hammer instead of going fully on offense during our sparring sessions.


    After three hours pass, and 30 more ether stones are collected from two other mining pits, it''s clear I''ve improved a lot.


    I''m able to block all of her attacks, summoning ether extremely quickly to cover the areas on my body where she makes contact.


    Before, I was lucky to stop one out of ten attacks, but now I can block every single one.


    I''m even able to imbue my footsteps with warm streams of ether to dodge and counter; however, Ava is able to do the same with much greater efficiency.


    Using this lower ether setting, our attack power is identical, but every time I have a breakthrough with my speed, she manages to outmaneuver me.


    She speaks up, breathing heavily after we finish ourtest session. "Not bad... Looks like you''re getting used to your Ether Commands. Your natural fighting instincts are extremely sharp, maybe even sharper than mine. It''s just that Premium Avatar of yours. Your level threshold when you ascended must not have been very high. Your speed and strength are simr to the non-ranked-up goblins."I think to myself that this is only because I''m being held back by my weight and the constraints of the purple exo-suit I''m wearing.


    "Yeah... hopefully, I can ovee this soon..."


    We climb out of the mining pit we''re in, as all the surface stones have been taken out, and head further into the green divine fog in the direction of the Citadel.


    After about a kilometer of walking, stopping sporadically to dig out ether stones from the surface, we pick up nine more in no time. However, as we continue walking forward, I feel an extremely warm sensation pulling at my consciousness, urging me further in the direction we''re already heading.


    It''s far hotter than any of the stones we''ve found so far, but Ava calls out from my side before I even get the time to point it out.


    "We''re approaching the outer limit of our mining territory. My exile contract won''t let me pass this point. We''ll have to turn back and check out some of the other old pits. There are quite a few left."


    I raise an eyebrow and point in the direction we''re heading.


    "Let me check this out first. I can sense a few stones just up ahead, no more than 100 meters."


    Ava stops in ce, looking down at the ground in front of her, then up at me while I keep walking forward. Her eyes widen.


    "You can pass through the borders...? But how? Your avatar should have automatically created an exile contract the moment you entered our zone..."


    Her confusion mirrors my own, as I have no idea what border she speaks of or what these exile contracts really are. The burning sensation in my mind only gets hotter the more steps I take, so I reply while continuing forward.


    "Right, I don''t know. I''ll be back in a minute."


    I run off toward the ether stones, leaving Ava behind to disappear into the green mist.


    As I move forward, fewer mounds of ck rocks pile up around me, and the surface bespletely t.


    It''s as if no stones have been moved here by living hands. Everything looks like it has naturally settled, and the bright white glows all around hit my senses.


    Within 20 meters, I feel over a dozen identical stones to the ones that previously required kilometers of area to sense.


    However, I don''t stop to grab any of them. The burning hot sensation is still ahead, growing stronger.


    I walk past the dimly glowing white stones littering the area and approach a single, extremely bright glowing white rock.


    When I bend down to grab it, it feels almost hot. Just from the physical contact, I feel more ether pouring into my body in seconds than I''ve ever managed in thirty minutes of concentrating on draining the dimmer stones.


    My head turns slightly to the right as another burning hot sensation floods into my mind. I run toward it without a second thought.


    Just 100 meterster, I find another extremely saturated stone identical to the one I''m holding. Then, another pops into my senses.


    "They''re everywhere..." I whisper to myself, running deeper into the fog, closer to the Citadel and farther away from Ava. I pass hundreds of dim stones, eventually holding seven brightly glowing white stones bundled in my arms before turning back.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "This should be good for now..."


    I head straight back in the direction I came. If I wander too far, I might get lost.


    When I return and see Ava''s curvy silhouette in the fog, a wave of relief washes over me, and the worried look on her face vanishes too.


    "You''re an odd one..."


    I shrug and walk through the zone border, invisible to my senses, then drop the bright white glowing stones on the floor between us.


    "These are surely rare. I can tell each one is worth more than ten of those dimmer stones."


    Ava questions my words, picks one up to scan, and her expression turns to shock as she looks back at me.


    "Are these all 4th ss Stones...?"


    She uses the same instant absorption technique to drain the white ether into her avatar, then speaks again.


    "They are... A tenth of a low-quality ether in a single stone. That''s a full month''s quota for our entire mining squad..."


    My eyebrows raise, not only because of the amount of ether she''s stated they contain, but also because of the terminology she''s using.


    "A 4th ss stone? What do you mean by that¡ªor¡ªactually, what exactly are ether stones?"


    Ava looks at me with a dazed expression, unable to believe what''sing out of my mouth. Then, she smiles and looks up at the sky with a glint of hope in her eyes.


    "Maybe it will be possible to leave this ce someday after all..."


    She looks back at me.


    "Ether stones are the remnants of old worlds, of course. Once a world is drained of its resources and no more Lords care to im it in the Upper Realm, their connection tokens are processed in the Citadel Power nts, that''s why they all take a simr physical shape here. This is basic knowledge... You are truly oblivious to how things work..."


    She turns around and tosses the now-drained ck stone onto the ground, pointing at the endless piles and pits of ck rocks with open palms.


    "These were all once world tokens. You can try to scan each one, only the ones with trace amounts of resources remaining will show anything on your status. From billions of years ago until now, it''s impossible to know how long some of the severed and drained tokens have been resting here. Worlds aren''t usually processed until all life on them has left or ceased, and their original Lord has been long forgotten. Ether is interwoven with the very essence of life. Alls that once thrived have some. Even after their deaths, they can be farmed onest time. However, a Lord can never im the worlds again once they''re discarded down here."


    We both stand in silence as I try to grasp the reality of her words.


    My senses can barely move past a few hundred meters, but I saw how far those endless clouds stretched and visualized the enormous Citadel for myself. These mines must be at least thatrge...


    Then again, they must be more massive than I can even imagine. The depth these ck stones go down ispletely unknown to me as well.


    Ava speaks up again.


    "The Citadels are built around divine artifacts gifted to this realm by the Overseer. It acts as a power nt, epting discarded worlds. High amounts of their Mana and Demonic Energy can be siphoned out, and a majority of the Ether too; but there are always flickers of life remaining that slip between the cracks. Where there is profit to be made, business will spawn. Many powerful families and organizations help lower-ss worlds ascend from the lower realm. In return, the Lord''s keep their world hostage until they fulfill a nearly unattainable mining quota down here in the exile zones."


    I stare down at the six remaining Ether Stones with newfound awe as Ava''s words sink in. Then, I bend down and grab one. Its excess ether seeps into my skin through the purple barrier as I reply.


    "So the Lord that controls this zone has your and all of your mining squad''s as well... That''s why your world tokens show zeros?"


    Ava nods as the gears in my mind spin.


    "So, if I can go outside the border and find enough of these stones, your exile contract will be voided, right? And we could make it back to the Citadel?"


    Her eyes widen again.


    "It''s... well... I don''t know... Theoretically, it''s possible, but¡ª"


    I cut her off. "Then that''s the new n."


    I sit down with the white stone in my hand and begin absorbing as much Ether as I can from it while murmuring a new offer.


    "We split these and spar again, this time at a higher setting than that minimum you''ve been holding back with. I need to get stronger, and you want to be free. What do you say? We split what I find until you meet your final quota''s needs."


    She reaches down to grab another 4th ss Ether stone, scanning it and then staring down at me in awe for a few seconds before activating the automatic ether drain and replying.


    "There is no reason to say no... Deal."


    ¨C


    Over the next hour, I work on draining pure ether from four of the stones, bringing them down to about two-thirds of the way drained before it gets harder to pull the remaining amount out.


    With such an abundant supply of stones within my reach, I feel the most time-efficient approach is to let Ava drain the rest for herself.


    With a farrger amount of Ether being absorbed each time, I can visualize and feel the energy flowing into the stores within my consciousness.


    An odd filtering sensation washes over me, as though the raw Ether being drained from these stones is being altered the instant it falls into my stores. I get the instinctual feeling this isn''t normal, and my mind shes back to a white leaf I touched within the Demon''s Throne. Ember called it a low-quality Ether cleansing herb.


    I have no direct evidence of this, but the Ether entering my system feels as though it''s being filtered or cleansed in some way before making its way into my mind.


    When I stand to my feet again, taking a deep breath in and out, I try to summon more energy from my Ether stores to cover my fists. It still feels as though I have an endless pool to draw from, but the speed at which my mind gains ess to the Ether is slightly faster.


    I look over to Ava, who drained thest remains of my fourth stone. She speaks up.


    "Even your Ether draining technique is weird... Is that a Premium Avatar trait too?"


    I shrug.


    "Something like that... It''s slower, but I believe it''s a superior technique."


    Then I smirk and put my fists up.


    "Come on, let''s spar. You have more than enough excess Ether now to use the power level in our battle when you were trying to kill me, right?"


    She raises her hammer and chuckles.


    "Fine, I''ll stop prying. And yeah, one of these stones is more than enough."


    Then, I watch her hammer glow ten times brighter than before, just as it did in our first battle. I concentrate and try toyer the Ether like I did before in order to block.


    However, I''m nowhere near fast enough yet.


    Even with the small increase in reaction and summoning speed I believed I had, before I can even register what''s happened, I''m helplessly sent flying backward tens of meters before hitting a pile of ck rocks, tingling all over.


    Ava flies my way, grinning, and Ether-stepping with every stride. She''s begun nning another attack before I can even heal the tingling in my chest from her first hit.


    "You want to get stronger, right? Now that I don''t have to limit my Ether usage, I''ll go all out!"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 704

    Chapter 704


    A burning hot white hammer ms into me, sending me flying into another pile of rocks before I can even heal from our first collision.


    My body feels as though it''s covered with pins and needles, and the third attack ising my way faster than I can react.


    Ava''s voice rings out as she ms me across the ck stonendscape again.


    "Say the word and I''ll take it down a notch, but I can keep this up all day!"


    Half my mind is concentrated on summoning wisps of Ether to flood into the impact zones, but I yell back, "Don''t hold back. Fight as if you''re trying to kill me... we only have two and a half days until that District Lordes back, right? I want to be prepared for the worst."


    Before my words finish, I''m hit with her hammer again. "As you wish!"


    There is no direct physical pain or damage to my body. The divine barrier around me absorbs all of the pressure, but massive amounts of Ether seep into my being after every hit.


    Ava''s hammer is glowing just as white-hot as in our first battle, but so are her feet. I watch white Ether strengthen her hamstrings, quads, and even arms when she swings.


    Her entire body is glowing hot with Ether, and every single time I try to predict her movements and addyers to certain areas of my body, it''s far toote.The next hour results in me being bashed around the abandoned mines like a ragdoll.


    While that''s what it looks like from the outside, I am gathering very valuable data and actively trying to improve after every single exchange we have.


    Over three hundred exchanges pass, and all of them end with me being hit in a new ce on my body.


    It''s a familiar sensation; in ourst spars, I was hit hundreds of times as well, but these hits permeate deep into my being.


    On the lower setting, these lingering tingles didn''tst as long, and I didn''t have to summon as much Ether to heal myself.


    Now, I''m using just as much Ether to heal as I am to block and throw attacks. While throwing more attacks makes it easier to summon Ether faster, healing tingling areas of my body bes second nature the more I do it.


    My entire body glows bright white as tens of impact points are being simultaneously healed by the time Ava speaks up after mming me into another rock structure.


    "All right, that''s time. Let''s load up on more Ether. I''ve already burned through 20% of what I just absorbed. I think that''s the most Ether I''ve ever used in a single session in my entire life. I''d say you''re crazy, but you managed to improve before... so I guess premium avatars just have a learning curve to them..."


    Ava is breathing as heavily as I am, and she''s smiling ear to ear.


    If the 20% number she mentioned is true, and I used the same amount of Ether as she did, that''s roughly 0.1 gone, maybe more.


    I remember the throne stating I had about 1.2 Ether in my body. Whether that was all from the pill, or some from the herb, I''m not entirely sure.


    My guess is I managed to pull around 0.3 from the four Ether stones earlier, but it still feels like I''m pulling from an endless pool. There''s no status reading that tells me how much Ether I have.


    I reply, still glowing white all over in my perception. "Good idea. If we keep this up, I''ll definitely get the hang of it soon..."


    Sheughs as I fall on my back, smiling and breathing heavily while I finish healing the remaining tingling wounds all over my body.


    It takes almost a full minute to rid myself of all the foreign Ether damage, but once my body ispletely back to its natural state, I feel as though my senses are sharper.


    We make our way back to the mining zone''s border and travel along its edge until another hot sensation hits my senses about 200 meters away from the point where I crossed this invisible border before.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I venture out into the untouchednd of ck rocks, just like before, powering my footsteps with Ether while running this time.


    My movements feel crisp and exhrating.


    I still have to physically think and summon each wisp beneath my feet, but it''s beginning to feel more instinctual.


    While I collect 12 more fourth-ss Ether stones, I y through the long sparring session I just had in my head, visualizing each of Ava''s movements over and over.


    They were all machine-like, exactly like her Ether-draining technique.


    Clearly, these avatars have functions that help newly ascended individuals use this new power source in the Upper Realm. While this means activation time is faster and there''s no room for failure, it feels quite limiting.


    If there are maximum settings and specificmands that need to be selected, there is no freedom to reach higher heights or create unique techniques. Not to mention, being physically limited to select locations.


    The instinctual need I acted on to keep my body when moving up Realms may have farrger implications than I ever imagined.


    Whether it will end up making things easier or harder for me in the long run is still a mystery...


    ¨C


    When I make it back to Ava and drop the Ether stones on the ground between us, the bright childlike joy on her face when she scans one is just the same as with the first rock from myst hunt.


    I take seven and drain the majority of their Ether, giving Ava the rest to drain after she pulls all the energy from five.


    It roughly evens out, and this time, when I cover my fists with ayer of white energy to signify I''m ready to spar, I feel a bit of a difference in my Ether stores.


    I can''t visualize the full pool, but with more to pull from, I can summon the same amount of Ether much faster than before, as it''s a smaller percent of the total avable to me.


    ¨C


    My theory is tested for the next 24 hours as we spar over and over while we move along the zone''s border. I collect an average of 10 fourth-ss Ether stones each time for us to increase our Ether stores.


    My absorption speed of the stones increases at a simr rate to my summoning speed.


    Getting battered by Ava''s Soul Hammer for hours on end improves my healing and blocking speed to an immense degree. I''ve taken thousands of hits, and there''s no spot on my body that hasn''t been attacked.


    The instinctual patterns of healing be easy to perform in the background while I focus on powering my footsteps and covering my fists in a hot white glow.


    It isn''t until our eighth sparring session that I finally manage to get the hang of things and block one of her hammer strikes with a coated arm, just like I did in our first battle.


    Another four intense sparring sessions pass after this instance, with sporadic blocks and even a few dodges bing moremon, until I finally outmaneuver Ava. I block her iing hammer with a single arm while Ether-stepping to the side and punching her in the stomach.


    I watch ayer of white energy ripple all over the contact point in her avatar. There is an instant shielding summoned, but it isn''t fast enough, as her full attention is on the hammer. For once, she''s the one sent flying backward, leaving me standing with two fists covered in hot Ether and a smile across my face.


    "I did it..." I whisper as a thud hits a nearby pile of stones.


    I stare down at my hands, as they continue to burn bright white, allowing even more Ether to pour into them, making them brighter and brighter.


    From the constant Ether draining we''ve been doing between sparring matches, I''ve been keeping rough track and assume my stores have risen to around 5.0 low-quality Ether.


    However, my punches, movement speed, and healing speed feel like they''ve increased in strength far more than just 5x.


    I can feel that this is just the start. Every time I use Ether, it''s like old knowledge and experience areing back to me from my subconscious. Memories of Ember exining how I was processing Ether in the depths of my mind for over 900 thousand years during the second triale to mind.


    I''m unsure if this is the reason for my rapid growth or the fact that I''m not held back by the constraints of an avatar. Ie to the conclusion that it''s a mixture of both.


    All my theories are pushed to the back of my mind, and the Ether around my fists dissipates into the atmosphere once I hear Ava''s voice call out from the distance.


    "Let''s stop there for today..." Her words sound like she''s in pain.


    When I walk over and see the wound on her side still radiating with dense white energy and the hobgoblin holding the side of her head with her free hand, my eyes widen.


    "Are you okay?"


    She pushes herself up from the ground with her hammer and replies after a light chuckle.


    "I''m fine. Your punch sure packs a force..." She grits her teeth and holds her head again. "I don''t know if you meant to activate a mental attack in that blow, but when we spar again, you should turn it off. My basic avatar doesn''t have advanced mental defensemands. If I didn''t block the majority of that hit, I could have been knocked out cold..."


    My eyes widen, but I don''t reply just yet.


    I certainly didn''t try to send a mental attack, but I pushed as much Ether as I could into the force of the blow. This is yet another mystery I''m at a dead end with.


    She speaks up once she sees my worried face.


    "Don''t worry, I can heal the physical hit with amand in a matter of minutes. The ringing in my head will go away on its own in a few hours. I''ve been hit much harder than that by the Lord before, trust me. I''d know if it was bad."


    I raise an eyebrow to reply.


    "In that case, no more sparring... There isn''t much time left before the Lord in question arrives. If you''re up to walking, I''d like to continue moving along the borders to absorb as much Ether as possible."

 Chapter 705

    We walk the border for hours, stopping to absorb piles of 4th ss Ether Stones that litter thendscape outside the border of this mining zone.


    We cover tens of kilometers of ground, curving around the outside of the zone, and with every stone I absorb, the process of pulling in ether gets faster and easier.


    While collecting stones, I practice activating my footsteps, and asionally, between absorption sessions, I ask Ava to hit me with her hammer.


    However, my healing speed and summoning proficiency have grown so drastically over thesest 24 hours that her highest power attack just leaves a tingling sensation for fractions of a second.


    While I estimate my ether stores have grown to about 15.0 Low Quality Ether, the growth I''ve shown since we stopped sparring is far more than just 3x.


    Even though Ava has drained a simr amount of Ether as me, her Avatar''s settings seem to be holding her back from progressing like I am. They''re naturally hard-capped.


    I have no good way to practice further, so I focus on just collecting as much Ether as possible.


    She speaks up after a while.


    "This is about the time the Lordes back every month. We should head back to base camp. I have enough to satisfy our squad''s mining quota and can pay off 150 years'' worth of exile contract time with the Ether we''ve managed to gather. In just a few weeks, my entire lifetime quota could be filled."I do some quick calctions after her statement but see a smile on her face as she looks up to the sky while I reply.


    "You were exiled down here to work for over a thousand years...?"


    She sighs and looks back at me.


    "Yes. My contract has roughly 1200 years remaining. Even for an Ascended, that''s basically a full life. But in the end, my world will be safe and free. That is our duty as Lords, isn''t it?"


    I look down at my palm with a glowing [1], feel the floating in a ck void in the depths of my mind, and reply.


    "Yes, that is our duty."


    Then, we leave the border and head back into the center of the mining zone, passing abandoned pits left and right.


    My senses of our surroundings have increased drastically. While my visibility through the green divine fog is the same¡ª100-200 meters at most¡ªmy Ether senses have increased over tenfold. I can sense the dimly glowing 5th ss Ether Stones all around us for about a kilometer on all sides.


    I can feel a grouping of beings with very low ether stores clustered together as we walk for about 20 minutes, paired with Ava speaking up.


    "All right, we''re almost here. I doubt any of them have ever seen a human before, other than in dungeons on their old worlds... So, just don''t frighten them. I''ll approach first."


    I chuckle under my breath, trying to imagine what a dungeon with humans as the monsters would look like, but nod and reply while taking a step back.


    "Sure, take the lead."


    We walk forward into the mist, and I let Ava move farther and farther ahead until she disappears. All I can hear are her footsteps, and I use my ether sense to tell where she is.


    Her voice calls out.


    "I''m back, and there''s no need to worry about your contracts expiring. We''ve met this month''s quota just in time!"


    The warm blobs of ether clumped together move toward the Hobgoblin holding her hammer over her shoulder. High-pitched and coarse voices, much like the two goblins I met by chance before, reply to her. ?


    "Ms. Ava! We were worried! Troy said you fought a human!"


    "Ms. Ava! You''re back!"


    "Really? The quota is really met? We won''t be punished again?"


    "Ms. Ava! Ms. Ava!"


    More and more voices ring out from roughly two dozen goblins less than half Ava''s size. I lose track of them all as Ava bends down and greets each one personally.


    Her reassuring words calm the goblins, but she doesn''t mention me at all. So I stop moving forward, standing behind a pile of ck rocks less than 300 meters away.


    As I concentrate, I can vaguely make out green dome-like structures in rows in the fog. There are over 50 of them, all symmetrical, and they resemble the coloring and texture of the Citadel''s buildings I glimpsed before falling down here.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    My guess is they are some kind of shelter for the mining workers, but there are far more domes than miners.


    The group of goblins backs up from Ava, and she turns around in the direction we came.


    "Now, there''s a reason we managed to meet our quota this month, and that''s because we got some help from¡ª"


    Her words cut off mid-sentence, and at the same time, I feel the ground start to vibrate.


    Slow crashing sounds echo from the distance, and Ava''s tone changespletely. She looks in my direction, her eyes widening. I take it to mean me meeting the goblins is no longer part of the n.


    Ava looks back down and speaks firmly.


    "The Lord ising... Get in position. I''ll do the talking, like usual."


    The goblins stiffen with fear, but in seconds they scatter, standing in front of various domes with arms at their sides and eyes staring at the ground.


    Ava swings her hammer down from her shoulder, letting it thud to the ground by her side. She waits in the center of the base camp as the footsteps grow louder.


    A burning-hot ether source sets off rms in my psyche as the approaching Lord enters my ether senses. However, I cannot see its makeup; the dense green clouds block any mana perception skills.


    Coming forward now would only make things worse. I watch from the shadows behind a pile of mined Ether Stones as the figure gets closer.


    While the goblins tremble with fear, I am not scared. Instead, I feel curious and excited to see what makes these pounding footsteps and to learn more about these exile mines.


    Ava stands tall, staring forward as a massive shadow emerges from the fog.


    I see a wide humanoid silhouette with a rounded head, broad shoulders, and thick, muscr arms and legs, standing at least 6 meters tall. The outline of a massive battle axe is visible through the fog, resting on its shoulder. Arge, spiked essory stands out around the Lord''s neck.


    Even when it stops in front of Ava, towering over her at three times her height and width, she doesn''t budge. But from this distance, it''s still tough to make out the Lord''s exact appearance.


    The only additional detail I catch next is the low, resounding voice of the Lord.


    "Monthly quotas are due. Pay up, or you''ll be punished again."


    The massive figure charges its axe with white energy, blindingly bright in my mind''s eye, and swings it down to cleave through the rocks beside Ava. She doesn''t flinch, simply extending her right hand with the [0] on her palm.


    "It''s all there. We found enough stones this month to hit the 0.1 Ether zone quota."


    A grunt emanates from the massive creature as it puts out its palm to touch Ava''s. I watch Ether transfer between their Avatars.


    Then, the shadowy Lord speaks again in a low, echoing tone.


    "Good. To hit that quota in this zone, you must have been working non-stop. As you should. You''ve learned from your mistakes..."


    It reaches for its axe, but Ava speaks again before it grabs hold.


    "I''d like to make some extra progress toward my exile contract. There was additional Ether mined this month."


    The towering Lord halts, grunting again.


    "How much extra?" it says, resentfully.


    Ava doesn''t reply for a few seconds but finally musters her words. "Fifteen Low Quality Ether..."


    The Lord''s hand, initially meant for the axe, moves toward Ava instead. It tightly grips her neck, lifting her into the air.


    "Fifteen Low Quality Ether? I must not have heard you correctly... Please say that number again."


    "Fif...teen..." Ava chokes out as the massive figureughs in a menacing, low tone that echoes through the entire zone.


    A crushing pressure radiates from its being, and while I assume it''s mana or divine energy, all I see are wisps of Ether flowing out. Many of the goblins copse, passing out from the oppressive force.


    The Lord yells again, "Impossible. In a single month? I could rent this whole zone out for 3 centuries with that much Ether. You must have found a secret ether vein to keep for yourself, and have been hoarding resources for years..."


    Its grip around her neck tightens further, choking off any reply.


    The Lordughs again. "I can find a new struggling world like yours on the unascended market whenever I want. These contractsst your entire lifespan because you''re meant to work until you die."


    Its grip tightens more as it turns to address the terrified goblins.


    "You hear that? Your leader has been hoarding Ether from you this whole time. Those I killedst month didn''t have to die if you just paid the full month''s quota... What do you say? Should I kill her right here and now for not paying out everything she mines, as outlined in our contracts?"


    My eyes widen as the warrior I trained with for days is being strangled before me with such ease.


    Anger ripples through me as this hobgoblin''s kind actions are twisted against her, trapping her in a contract designed to be unfulfible. If she mines too little, she''s punished; if she mines extra, these Lords must return the worlds they''ve stolen early.


    I make the decision. Charging out from behind the rock pile, I summon Ether to coat my fists and feet in burning energy, sprinting toward the mining zone''s center.


    While I could leave the zone and head to the Citadel, without Ava, I wouldn''t have progressed so quickly in such a short time.


    Thinking of the way the goblins looked up to her moments ago and recalling the countless sparring sessions andughs we shared over thest few days, I leap into the air,nding a searing fist into the back of the massive Lord as it disys Ava''s struggling body to its underlings, spreading lies.


    The impact triggers an instant defensive shield, but as with my sparring matches with Ava, it isn''t fast enough, and some of the blow connects.


    A loud grunt turns into a roar as the massive creature''s body is sent flying forward about ten meters. Its grip on Ava loosens, and she drops to the rocky ground between two of the green domes, where goblins lie trembling in fear.


    The monster spins around, yelling, "Who dares strike the Goblin King?!"


    As it turns, I see features unlike any creature I''ve encountered in dungeons orbyrinths. With a face resembling a goblin''s, the muscles of a cyclops, and the stature of an enormous berserker king, I witness what the goblin race can evolve into.


    Its bulky muscles, veins, and green skin pop with bright vitality as it yells again.


    "A human? In a zone this close to the Citadel? How did you infiltrate this ce? Speak now and I''ll make your death painless!"


    Its voice rumbles through the zone, knocking out all the remaining conscious goblins with its overwhelming aura.


    One of its fists instantly bes covered in bright white light and rockets toward me, but my Ether-powered footsteps allow me to dodge just in time.


    However, as I pivot to counter, I see it lunging for its axe rather than trying to grab me.


    The Goblin King moves with speed and agility faster than my own. Bright white Ether glows throughout its entire avatar, making me believe it definitely could have hit me if I was its intended target.


    It reveals a [166] glowing bright green on its palm as it flies by and tightly grips the massive Soul Weapon.

 Chapter 706

    [~1 hour ago. Just before the Goblin King arrived in the Hollow District Exile Zone.]


    Ember watches the World Trading Pce from his top-floor office, just as he has for days, taking in the view of the nearby streets, awaiting a guest after receiving a transmission from Torvak that he finally picked up the package he requested.


    Randel and Syl''s surprised greeting to their employer can be heard as the door automatically opens, and Ember turns from his desk.


    He finished reading all of the sales reports just over two days ago, the night after his victory against the Demon. Since then, he has been collecting intel and healing the mental damage he took after sending out an attack far too advanced for his current state.


    A massive Blue Ogre walks through the door to greet Ember. The moment it slides closed and they''re out of view of the surveince systems, he opens up an Ether storage portal and takes out a ck crate with wisps of Ether slowly seeping out of it.


    "They still have that ce locked down.


    He walks over and sets the crate down next to Ember. Ember replies, "The Demons haven''t retaliated yet. It seems even though you''rete, the timing has worked out."


    "Hey, it''s the best I could do. It can take over a year to get long term storage contracts broken early. I had to use over half of that Average Grade Ether stone just in bribes to gain ess in the time I did."


    Ember chuckles at the thought, then taps the box with a glowing white finger and its top opens up to reveal eight corked sks with a clear substance inside.Torvak continues speaking, "-And news of what you did basically spread across the entire Citadel. Some don''t believe it, but the fact that almost four thousand worlds were sold for half off definitely made an impact regardless. Queries from old partners came in for second-ss worlds. We don''t move much of those anymore, but I managed to sell six of them¡ªall over market price."


    Ember smirks while pulling three of the ss sks from the ck box.


    "Profits in the center here are up over 50% the normal daily turnout. The bulk of the profit is mostly dungeon contracts, but the volume of lower-ss worlds from fourth- and fifth-ss Lords that would normally steer clear of this district has skyrocketed."


    Ember seals the top of the ck crate with its original cover, then throws one of the sses to Torvak while opening one of the two remaining on the table and lifting it to his mouth.


    As the Blue Ogre sees the priceless sk flying his way, his eyes widen, but Ember continues speaking.


    "Bute on, this small spike in profits isn''t what this meeting is about. This low-quality restoration elixir has been aging in the Grand Citadel for almost twenty thousand years. I bet it''s got quite the kick to it."


    Ember drinks the whole bottle of clear elixir, and Torvak catches the one thrown to him.


    A translucent wave of light ripples through Ember, seeping deep into the depths of his consciousness that hasn''t been altered in dozens of reincarnations, activating and cleansingyers of low-quality Ether that have been lying stagnant since thest time he was in the Upper Realm.


    Ember lets out a satisfying sigh as his entire body ripples with dense waves of energy, and all of the fatigue and built-up stress from his battle with Myron vanishes.


    Torvak replies in a surprised tone, "Really...? Wouldn''t it be a waste for me to drink one of these...?"


    Emberughs, stretching his arms and feeling the rejuvenated dormant power finally flowing through his body, spreading euphoria through his senses.


    "It''s a gift. Drink up. I''m sure after all these years, some of your Ether stores that aren''t confined by that Avatar have grown stagnant. Plus, even the raw Ether in this zone can be refined much further. If all goes as nned, I''l never have to use one of those elixirs again; so don''t worry about wasting it. It''s better if you''re in good shape to face a demon if needed, you can''t afford to lose to another one now that I''ve angered them."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    Ember pauses.


    "And neither can I... I''m lucky I only ran into a first-ss."


    His eyes track down to thest sk still on the desk, and he picks it up and tosses it into his Ether stores.


    Torvak looks curious but has been in business long enough to know not to ask questions.


    Ember turns to sit back down at his desk and overlook the city, then replies, "If you''re curious, it''s for a visitor that should be making his way up here soon. Don''t worry about it."


    Torvak pops off the cork in his sk and replies, "Understood. Thank you."


    Then, he drinks the whole bottle of clear liquid, and his body ripples with the same translucent light seeping into his consciousness and even vibrating through the Ether stores in his Avatar.


    He stares out the wide-open window, and the two watch the Volterra District go on as if it is any other day.


    ¨C


    Ten blocks away, in the center of the Citadel, a purple-horned Demon finally wakes up from its unconscious state.


    Leonard has been overseeing a few servants of varying races from 4th and 5th-ss worlds thate and go from his room, giving him pure Ether injections and soaking him in unrefined Demonic Energy to speed up his natural healing process.


    The Demon wakes up in a daze but slowlyes to realize he''s been defeated by a human¡ªand publicly humiliated at that.


    It takes the destruction of eleven servant Avatars and a full hour of angry yelling before the Demon cane out of his room to follow Leonard to meet their Citadel Lord.


    The Noble Demon paces back and forth, looking deep into the city, staring right at the Volterra District where all of this took ce, cursing under his breath.


    "We should have just forfeited those worlds and sent them off to the Exiles... It would have drained enough Ether and Mana to buy a decent quality second-grade world..."


    Andras Vermillion turns to the back of the room to see Leonard standing at attention with Myron a few steps behind him.


    "Speak."


    He nods at the Citadel Lord''s words and does so. "Myron is awake, and there seems to be no long-term damage to the Avatar or his mind. He can give you his side of the report if you wish."


    Andras shakes his head and uncrosses his arms to make a waving motion. "There is no need for a report. I watched the footage and studied the dueling room''s data. We still control and maintain those rooms... I do not fault you for your actions. It was within reason of what I ordered."


    He looks back out the window, sighs, and turns back to the two 1st ss Demons.


    "While sentiment in the streets for the Ogre Conglomeration is growing, this is not aplete loss. It''s an opportunity to show those who think they can fight back that they are sorely mistaken."


    The ck-horned Demon still has that red-haired human''s confident grin stuck in his mind, and the eerie feeling that he was always a step ahead can''t be shaken away.


    However, if a Noble Demon says he reviewed the fight data and has a n to deal with this, there is no reason to question his wisdom and power.


    "I have new orders for both of you. I want that human dead, and that Blue Ogre, Torvak. I want him publicly defeated, and drain all of hispanies down to nothing over the next few weeks before Drako arrives."


    He pauses for a few seconds, thinking to himself, then continues.


    "I don''t need to show my face to the public again, that is now above us Vermillions. We must send the message that a Noble Demon does not have to stoop down to bother with public affairs anymore. This is because our 1st ss Lords are strong enough to crush anyone who defies us. I''ve purchased Avatar upgrades for both of you; your mental defenses can now both defend against that ancient mental technique. It used to be avable on old avatars before our family was even founded. An arrogant human must have gotten their hands on an illegal copy."


    Leonard''s eyes widen and relief washes over him, as this human''s actions finally make sense. He was bluffing all along, and managed to manipte his hot headed partner into challenging him in the one duel-type he had the advantage in.


    Andras Vermillion Continues.


    "I want you to challenge both of them to an all-out duel, no limitations. The Citadel-Wide public surveince systems just showed the Ogre Conglomeration''s head taking a fast travel Orb to the Volterra District. ept these new Avatar upgrades and go down there to spread a final message before this gets out of hand. Do not bother thinking about the negative consequences or foreign gang retaliation; that will be handled. I want them dealt with publicly and brutally before the family head catches wind of this disgrace. It is better that we are perceived as unreasonable rather than weak."


    ¨C


    Ember and Torvak continue watching the city outside.


    The rejuvenation process in Torvak''s Avatar takes far longer than the simple process inside his mind, but Ember patiently waits for it to be over.


    Once the process ends, Ember speaks up again while peering at the nearest wall of the room that has status screens of surveince systems all over it. A familiar image of two first ss demons walking into their lobby and customers scattering is shown.


    "Looks like they saw youe to meet me, and that Demon I knocked out recovered just fine."


    Ember''s eyes narrow, and the corners of his lips turn up. However, Torvak shivers.


    "They''re going to want revenge."


    Ember gets up and starts walking toward the door.


    "They sure will. Come on, it''s time to put on another show. The Ogre Conglomeration''s profits aren''t going to stop going up, and maybe if we beat them badly enough I''ll manage to get myself a meeting with the Citadel Lord."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 707

    The two Demons walk into the center of the lobby with their arms crossed, ncing up at the ceiling while frightened sales workers and customers scatter.


    Neither says a word as they enter the elevator to ascend to the trade center''s top floor.


    A flurry of transmissions ripple throughout the Volterra district, even reaching neighboring lower-ss districts. Those on the bottom floor who witnessed their arrival recall the events of days past and understand that whatever is happening now will be even bigger.


    As the elevator dings, opening to the top floor, a red-haired human and a massive blue Ogre stand in front of the dueling rooms at the back of the hall, awaiting their guests.


    The employees and customers on this floor, however, are not as prepared. The domineering pressure spreading through the room makes even the 2nd ss Red Ogres queasy from hundreds of meters away. Visiting 4th and 3rd ss Lords copse under the crushing presence of these newly upgraded Avatars.


    The tension esctes when a familiarugh from a purple-horned Demon echoes through the room.


    Leonard, the ck-horned Demon, speaks as his partner''s cackles continue.


    "So you have realized your fate. It was nothing but a petty attempt at making the Demons look bad before your very existence was inevitably erased..."


    The two walk slowly through the massive hall, and everyone holds their breath, unwilling to shift the focus of this confrontation.Torvak and Ember stand with indifferent expressions, watching the pair approach.


    Myron yells over his cool-headed partner''s words.


    "That''s right! You cheated! Anyone could pull off a cheap shot with an illegal Avatar!"


    The two stop directly in front of the human and the Ogre. Leonard grins, shifting his gaze toward Ember.


    "You pulled off quite the impressive bluff for a mere human. But I''m sorry to deliver this news personally¡ªtoday is the day you die..."


    Red Ogres shuffle behind them, preparing two of the dueling rooms. Ember responds in a calm tone.


    "Is that so? I''m bluffing?"


    He cracks a faint smile, just enough for both Demons to see, and then shrugs.


    "Go ahead, give us the rundown. I know you have orders to follow."


    Ember makes a provoking motion with his hand, then nces toward the ceiling where general surveince systems capture all video and audio in public areas.


    Leonard maintains hisposure despite the tant disrespect, but Myron isn''t so level-headed. He yells down at the human.


    "These aren''t mere orders! What I''m doing today is my duty! The public must know the truth¡ªand fear the Demons in this Citadel once and for all! I challenge you to an all-out duel! Mental, physical, no rules, real deaths, and soul damage allowed!"


    His teeth grind as an eerie aura emanates from him, his eyes locked on Ember, who keeps a straight face but inwardly grins.


    Leonard steps up to the silent blue Ogre, meeting the 1st ss monster eye-to-eye.


    "Your Ogre Conglomeration will no longer be a thorn in our side. The Citadel Lord has dered you an enemy worthy of subjugation. You will not leave this trade center until you ept a duel on my terms."


    Without hesitation, the human and Ogre nod, replying in unison.


    "Pick your terms. I ept your duel. Let us settle this."


    Shaking Red Ogres with escrow ount devices approach.


    All parties involved press their hands onto the devices, inputting 1.0 Low-Quality Ether. Mentalmands and terms for the fight rush through the participants'' minds, and they agree on no-limitation terms before stepping through the dueling room doors.


    This is clearly not a fight for profit; it''s about honor, dominance, and public perception.


    The doors close, and the two dueling rooms are disyed in crystal-clear holograms across all floors of the trading center.


    The Red Ogres outside the dueling rooms begin tapping away at the trading center''s data disys. Outside the building, enormous 3D models light up, visible from across the street and as far as a block away.


    The magnitude of the event, paired with the system''s voice announcing the duels, triggers far moremotion than the initial transmissions from the bottom floor.


    Fast Travel Ether Orbs multiply exponentially as tens of thousands of Lords arrive per second from all over the Volterra District, determined not to miss out likest time.


    Many watchers of the first event return, and word spreads rapidly. Half the Citadel is soon aware that a second duel between the human and Vermillion''s Demon is underway.


    High above in the Citadel''s central tower, Andras calmly observes the public surveince systems, which broadcast the duels in perfect rity.


    ---


    Leonard faces off against the Blue Ogre in a massive white room. He speaks to everyone watching.


    "I''m sure you''ve all heard rumors of a human besting one of the Vermillion Family Demons. However, today, you''ll understand the consequences of such actions."


    This book is hosted on another tform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    The ck-horned Demon reaches into a green-and-white system storage portal, pulling out a massive longsword, almost asrge as his entire body.


    He spins it around, Ether flowing from his hands, illuminating the 3D holograms for all to see as the weapon glows brighter and brighter. He spins it above his head once more and points the de''s sharp end at Torvak.


    "This here is the mastermind behind that simple ruse: the Ogre Conglomeration''s head. It was nothing but a petty retaliation after our Citadel Lord fairly challenged him to a duelst week¡ªand won a prized 1st ss World."


    The Demon paces back and forth, shaking his head.


    "Our Lord is above such menial tasks now. A Noble Demon shall never walk the same grounds as you lower life forms again. Your puny minds cannot fathom their power, so you''ve resorted to such lows."


    Torvak nods in a professional manner and replies.


    "Your words are not fact, but in the Upper Realm, those who are strong decide reality. I shall face you on your terms. As the Ogre Conglomeration head, I must uphold my honor."


    His hand disappears into a pure white Ether storage, and a six-meter-long spiked club emerges¡ªobsidian ck with glimmers of blue matching his skin tone deep within it.


    He pours Ether into the soul weapon, using his Premium Avatar''smands, mixed with excess Ether refined out of its dormant state mere minutes ago.


    Simultaneously, a sight to behold is taking ce in the dueling area next door. Myron, brimming with anger at the sight of the human who humiliated him, yells out for all to see in holographic form.


    "That''s right! A 5th ss human used an illegal Avatar smuggled into our Citadel by the Ogres. Such deeds will not go unpunished. Today, you will witness what happens when you fail to respect those who hold undeniable power. Today, you die for your stupidity."


    The Demon reaches into green-and-white storage portals himself and pulls out two curved des, about the length of short swords.


    His eyes pulse with Ether at the same intensity as it courses out of his Avatar into the soul weapons.


    Ember replies, keeping his hands by his sides.


    "All right. If you truly wish to kill me, be prepared to face equal consequences."


    The Demon''sugh echoes throughout the chamber as he sees no proper stance or soul weapons drawn to face him.


    All his anger and embarrassment fade, reced by excitement, as the system notice rings outside, showing a 60-second countdown for the first rounds of both matches.


    The floors of the Trading Center fill again, and the streets outside be increasingly crowded.


    Three eruptions of divine energy and Ether burst from the two Demons and Torvak as they waste no time entering their highest forms.


    The two Demons'' Avatars grow, nearing 100 meters in height, as they unseal their bloodlines.


    Torvak''s body vibrates, and a green divine energy-tethered, mana-based Greater Form rises to match the Demons'' stature in his dueling room.


    Ember, however, stands with his arms crossed, still in his base human form, taking the waves of Ether-infused intimidation head-on.


    In response, he tests the waters, sending out an identical highly focused mental attack at the Demon''s psyche.


    However, when it strikes, the attack surrounds the Demon''s head as though the Ether is being dispersed like water. It flows down its shoulders and around the outside of his Avatar, ejected through the Demon''s feet.


    The Demonughs, pointing his two enormous curved soul weapons at Ember.


    "That trick of yours isn''t going to cut it anymore! All your schemes wille to light, and my reputation will be restored!"


    Ember whispers under his breath, "A Full Guard Avatar... I haven''t seen one of those before. I thought they went extinct too... This might not be as simple as I thought."


    He moves his hands into a fighting position, watching as one of the massive curved des swings down toward him.


    Hundreds of possible fightingbinations rush through Ember''s mind. However, taking action on any of them would draw too much attention to the possibility of his true identity.


    While it is better than dying, exposing himself would make navigating the Upper Realm increasingly difficult if the Overseer caught wind of this so soon.


    Ember takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and summons massive amounts of newly refined Ether into his right palm¡ªso much that it shines as brightly as the massive de in the holograms disyed to the crowds outside.


    When the two collide, a simr sh urs between the enormous demonic longsword and Blue Ogre''s club in the room beside them.


    Over a million Lords are watching this live¡ªsome inside the trade center, but most outside, filling the streets in the heart of the Volterra district, with more shing Fast Travel Orbs zipping in from all over the Citadel.


    Leonard''s eyes widen at the fact that the Blue Ogre he''s challenged has somehow blocked his attack.


    They stand at a stalemate, waves of natural intimidation radiating from both their Avatars.


    However, even though Blue Ogres are one of the dominant 1st ss races, a 1st ss Demon should still be leagues above in natural strength.


    Torvak''s buffs are well-documented over the millennia, and his overall strength does not increase with additionals any more than other Lords with the standard stat multiplier applied through Avatars.


    This Demon has upward of twenty times thes, with a mix of 3rd and 2nd grade worlds as his base, and a handful of 1st ss worlds simr to Torvak''s.


    Their strength shouldn''t be equal, the Demon is meant to have the advantage in every way. Yet, the Blue Ogre''s stoic face stares back at him, bulging blue veins visible beneath his green Greater Form.


    The soul weapon in his grasp glows brighter and brighter white, holding off the overwhelming natural strength of the superior Demon Lord who challenged him. Their evenly matched sh elicits gasps that ripple through blocks of the Citadel.


    Even the Noble Lord in his tower is surprised by this turn of events. However, the sight in the second dueling room sets his mind at ease.


    Ember blocks the iing Demon''s sword with his palm, but the energy difference is overwhelming.


    It doesn''t break through his flesh, but the rippling impact of the Ether pushes Ember back, sending him flying into the back wall of the dueling room.


    Landing on the center of the wall feet first, he mimics the Full Guard technique the Demon used moments ago, letting the offensive attack ripple through him and dissipate into the wall.


    The Demon wastes no time and lunges forward, swinging his second curved sword at Ember. The red-haired human remains calm.


    Mental simtions of the battle''s oues rey in Ember''s mind. While he could block these hits endlessly, it would wasterge amounts of cleansed and refined Low Quality Ether.


    His body, held together by microscopic silver threads, moves simrly to the purple barrier. Most of his energy is consumed by merely existing. Releasing more power into a dragon form or unleashing his astral form would surelyplicate matters further. These are not techniques even an illegal avatar can recreate.


    As Ember blocks the second sword swing with his left palm, he isn''t just sent flying; he''s pinned against the back wall of the room, a 20-meter-long curved sword imbued with the Demon''s Ether crashing into him.


    The Demon spams his soul weapon''s attackmand, sending wave after wave of Ether at Ember repeatedly without having to swing again. Ember holds him back with nothing more than his palm and Ether-filled feet pressed against the wall.


    The Demon shouts with a crazed smile. "You''re dead now! No matter what illegalmands you''ve managed to buy! No matter how strong you think you are! The Demons are always stronger! Ellipsia Citadel, I know you''re watching! This is what happens when you challenge the Vermillions. You are utterly defeated! Always!"


    Ember lets his arm bend under the immense pressure of the Demon''s attack.


    It truly is on a tier of its own among the 1st ss Demon Lords.


    Ember is using his full strength. Even using the 50% shared links of loyalty stat gains from half a billion beings on the human world, he and this Demon are nearly equal in power.


    If this exact duel had taken ce three days prior, his unrefined dormant Ether alone would not have been anywhere near enough to block the attacks.


    Even now, it seems this unrelenting targeted attack may be hard to fend off or dodge eloquently if itsts much longer. Ember contemtes ways to win without exposing his silver threads. However, mid-thought, his question is answered by a surprising status messageing from below the Citadel in the Exile Zones.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!